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LIW The Japanese are Coming! - 11/10/06

Critic of the DawnPosted on 09/21/05 at 04:18:35

Very strong card this time.  So strong that I'm almost a little annoyed.  After running LIW for almost 2 years worth of cards without a single ***** match, I bring in some guys from NOAH and they deliver two of them in one night.  I guess Long Island Wrestling really needs to bring in some better workers if they ever want to equal this show.

*****

Cactus Jack vs. Justin Credible in a Falls Count Anywhere Match

Cactus Jack runs into the ropes.
Shane Douglas hits Cactus Jack in the back with a chair.
Justin Credible executes the That's Incredible on Cactus Jack.
The crowd is booing Justin Credible.
Justin Credible goes for the pin.
Justin Credible uses the ropes for leverage.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, kickout.
Justin Credible hits a facerake on Cactus Jack.
Justin Credible hits Cactus Jack with a spinning leg lariat.
Justin Credible covers Cactus Jack.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Justin Credible taunts the crowd.
The crowd is booing Justin Credible.
Justin Credible hits Cactus Jack with a pumphandle slam.
Justin Credible runs into the ropes.
Justin Credible misses with an elbow.
Cactus Jack hits Justin Credible with an elbow.

Justin Credible whips Cactus Jack into the ropes, but Cactus Jack reverses it.
Justin Credible hits a swinging neckbreaker on Cactus Jack.
Justin Credible executes a spinning DDT on Cactus Jack.
A fan at ringside badmouths Justin Credible.
Justin Credible is going for the cover.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Justin Credible executes the That's Incredible on Cactus Jack.
Justin Credible goes for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, kickout.
Justin Credible takes Cactus Jack down with a vertical suplex.
Justin Credible takes Cactus Jack down with a kick to the midsection.
Justin Credible executes the That's Incredible on Cactus Jack.
Justin Credible is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Justin Credible goes for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Justin Credible rams him into the ring bell.
Justin Credible hits Cactus Jack with a pumphandle slam.
A fan at ringside badmouths Justin Credible.

Justin Credible whips Cactus Jack into the ropes.
Cactus Jack hits Justin Credible with a clothesline.
Cactus Jack hits Justin Credible with a low blow.
Cactus Jack whips Justin Credible into the ropes, but Justin Credible
reverses it.
Sean Waltman pulls down the top rope.
Justin Credible rolls out under the bottom rope.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Justin Credible throws Cactus Jack over the guardrail.
Justin Credible throws Cactus Jack into the guardrail.
They're brawling up the aisle.
Justin Credible executes an armdrag takedown on Cactus Jack.
Justin Credible is handed the ring bell.
Justin Credible hits him with the ring bell.
Justin Credible is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Justin Credible is going for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Justin Credible throws Cactus Jack over the guardrail.
They're brawling up the aisle.
Justin Credible executes a dropkick on Cactus Jack.
Justin Credible uses a bodyslam on Cactus Jack.
Justin Credible throws Cactus Jack back into the ring.
Justin Credible gives the sign for the That's Incredible.
Justin Credible executes the That's Incredible on Cactus Jack.
Justin Credible goes for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, kickout.
Justin Credible uses a forearm to the back on Cactus Jack.
Justin Credible executes an inside cradle on Cactus Jack.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Justin Credible executes a swinging neckbreaker on Cactus Jack.
Justin Credible hits Cactus Jack with a fisherman suplex.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Justin Credible goes for a vertical suplex, but Cactus Jack reverses it.
The chants for Cactus Jack are deafening.

They're brawling inside the ring area.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Justin Credible takes Cactus Jack down with a Hotshot.
Justin Credible runs Cactus Jack into the ringpost.
A fan at ringside badmouths Justin Credible.
Justin Credible is handed the ring bell.
Justin Credible hits him with the ring bell.
A fan at ringside badmouths Justin Credible.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Justin Credible hits him with the ring bell.
Justin Credible is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Justin Credible throws Cactus Jack over the guardrail.
Justin Credible goes for a Northern Lights suplex, but he can't do it.
Cactus Jack whips Justin Credible into the ropes.
Cactus Jack executes the Double Arm DDT on Justin Credible
on the concrete floor.
The chants for Cactus Jack are deafening.
The chants for Cactus Jack are deafening.
Cactus Jack goes for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, three.
The chants for Cactus Jack are deafening.

The winner is Cactus Jack. Time of match: 0:15:28

Falls-Count-Anywhere Match:
Cactus Jack pinned Justin Credible with the Double Arm DDT in 0:15:28.
Rating: **** 1/4
[Shane Douglas and Sean Waltman interfered against Cactus Jack.]

What a brutal match to start off the card!  As skilled as Justin Credible is in the Hardcore style, Cactus Jack appeared to have an easy victory ahead of him.  This quickly changed when the International Thug Syndicate interjected themselves into the match, smacking Cactus Jack in the back with a chair and allowing Justin Credible to drive his head into the ground with That's Incredible.  From that point on, Cactus Jack was on the defensive, absorbing huge amounts of punishment as Credible wailed on him with everything in the arena that wasn't held down, including his promised Singapore Cane!  However Credible tried to hurt Cactus Jack, however, it just made him angrier... and angrier... until he finally snapped, scoring with a HUGE Double Arm DDT right on the concrete, leaving Credible stunned and lifeless on the floor.  The International Thug Syndicate didn't take too kindly to their man losing, however, and as Cactus Jack turned to head for the back, a vicious chairshot from Shane Douglas laid him out, leaving him bleeding and unconscious as the Syndicate helped Credible to the back.

When Cactus Jack recovers from this indignity, he will NOT be happy with the Syndicate!

Ernest "The Cat" Miller vs. "The Animal" Batista

Batista whips Ernest Miller into the ropes, but Ernest Miller reverses it.
Batista executes a clothesline on Ernest Miller.
Batista goes for a sidewalk slam, but Ernest Miller counters it with a DDT.
In turn, Batista counters it with a backdrop.
Batista whips Ernest Miller into the ropes.
Ernest Miller uses an enzuilariato on Batista.
Ernest Miller runs into the ropes.
Batista and Ernest Miller get hit with a double clothesline.
Batista runs into the ropes.
Ernest Miller puts Batista in an abdominal stretch.
Batista is struggling to reach the ropes.
Batista tries to escape the hold.
Batista inches his way towards the ropes after holding out for 32 seconds.
Ernest Miller uses a jumping side kick on Batista.
The crowd is vociferously booing Ernest Miller.
Ernest Miller goes for the Thrust Kick, but Batista counters it with
a duck-down move.

Ernest Miller goes for the Thrust Kick, but Batista counters it with
a duck-down move.
Batista goes for a bodyslam, but Ernest Miller counters it with a small package.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, kickout.
Ernest Miller hits Batista with a bulldog.
Ernest Miller throws Batista out of the ring.
Ernest Miller rolls out under the bottom rope.
Ernest Miller throws Batista back into the ring.
Ernest Miller uses a side suplex on Batista.
Ernest Miller runs into the ropes.
Ernest Miller goes for an enzuilariato, but Batista counters it with
a backward kick.
The crowd is cheering on Batista.
Batista runs into the ropes.
Ernest Miller hits Batista with an elbow.
Ernest Miller uses a DDT on Batista.
Numerous fans are using Ernest Miller for target practice.

Batista throws Ernest Miller into the guardrail.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Keith Bancroft counts:  1.
Batista goes for a double-arm choke slam, but Ernest Miller blocks it.
Keith Bancroft counts:  2.
Ernest Miller nails Batista with a snap suplex.
Keith Bancroft counts:  3.
Ernest Miller gets back into the ring.
Batista rolls back in under the bottom rope.
Ernest Miller hits a backbreaker on Batista.
Ernest Miller covers Batista.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Ernest Miller nails Batista with a falling splash.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Ernest Miller executes the Thrust Kick on Batista.
Ernest Miller goes for the pin.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, kickout.

Batista takes Ernest Miller down with a kneelift.
Batista executes a sidewalk slam on Ernest Miller.
Batista is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Batista whips Ernest Miller into the ropes, but Ernest Miller reverses it.
Ernest Miller gives him a savate kick, but Batista doesn't even care.
Ernest Miller whips Batista into the ropes.
Batista hits Ernest Miller with a shoulderblock.
Batista hits Ernest Miller with a headsmash into the turnbuckle.
Batista uses a vertical suplex on Ernest Miller.
Ernest Miller begs off.
Batista goes for a bearhug, but Ernest Miller counters it with a punch.
Ernest Miller hits Batista with a bodyslam.
Ernest Miller executes a bodyslam on Batista.
Ernest Miller hits a chop on Batista.
Ernest Miller executes a double underhook suplex on Batista.
Ernest Miller hits a backbreaker on Batista.
Numerous fans are using Ernest Miller for target practice.
Ernest Miller is going for the pin.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, three.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.

The winner is Ernest Miller. Time of match: 0:15:37

Ernest Miller pinned Batista after a backbreaker in 0:15:37.
Rating: *

From the looks of Batista, who had bandages wrapped around one arm and his midsection as well as a few faint marks remaining from last month's Barbed Wire match against Jonny Storm, he should not have been in the ring here tonight.  Batista is a big, strong, angry man however, and against our better judgement this match was signed.  Ernest Miller was only too happy to take advantage, and spent the match targeting Batista's bandaged back.  Approvimately 7 minutes into the match, blood became visible on those bandages as old, incompletely healed wounds were re-opened.  Miller continued his targeted attack, hitting his devestating Thrust Kick to Batista's injured back and, as Batista became increasingly woozy and unsteady, connected with one final backbreaker to score his latest cheap victory over one more opponent at less than 100%!  The crowd is going crazy booing Miller as James Brown's "Paid the Cost to be the Boss" hits and he dances the night away.

(We go backstage now, where Erik Watts and Paul London are awaiting the Best
of the Best Finals, which are up next.)

Paul London: Tonight is the night I've been waiting for.  I've been wrestling
here in Long Island Wrestling on and off since the company started in early
2005, and that entire time I've been doing all I can to prove something.  I
want... I NEED to prove to myself, and to all of you, that I truly am the Best
of the Best.  And that's why the Best of the Best series was a goal for me ever
since it started.  It's been a bigger goal than winning titles, it's been a
bigger goal than revenge against Perry Saturn.  Make no mistake.  I eat, breath,
sweat and bleed professional wrestling, and tonight I WILL prove that I truly
am... the Best of the Best.

(The camera moves over to Erik Watts, who begins to speak.)

Erik Watts: Everyone here knows how good I am, even-

(Suddenly MsChif steps into the camera's view and shushes her client.)

MsChif: What Erik Watts... what MY client is saying, is that he has all the
tools to be the biggest name in this industry.  He has the size.  The strength.
The athleticism.  And the charisma.  But none of you are willing to admit that
you see it.  None of you can see what I see!  I'm called the Manager of
Champions for a reason, and I picked Erik Watts because he WILL be New York
State Heavyweight Champion again some day.  But first, he will CRUSH that
pathetic loser Paul London, and in doing so take the name that will make this
industry tremble.  Best.  Of the Best.

(Fade out)

Erik Watts (w/ MsChif) vs. Paul London in the Best of the Best Finals

Paul London hits spinning headscissors on Erik Watts.
Paul London uses a forearm to the back on Erik Watts.
Paul London takes Erik Watts down with a drop toe hold.
Paul London whips Erik Watts into the ropes.
Paul London hits Erik Watts with a kick.
Paul London runs into the ropes.
MsChif pulls down the top rope.
Keith Bancroft threatens Erik Watts with disqualification.
Keith Bancroft counts: one, Paul London reenters the ring.
Paul London goes for a side headlock, but Erik Watts counters it with
a back suplex.
Erik Watts hits a flying clothesline on Paul London.
Erik Watts is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Erik Watts runs into the ropes.
Erik Watts hits Paul London with a lariat.
Erik Watts whips Paul London into the turnbuckle.
Erik Watts charges in with a power bomb.
Erik Watts nails Paul London with a clothesline.
Erik Watts works the crowd.
Erik Watts is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Erik Watts uses a dropkick on Paul London.
Erik Watts uses a flying cross body press on Paul London.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Erik Watts nails Paul London with a flying cross body press.
Erik Watts uses the ropes for leverage.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, he sees it.
Keith Bancroft threatens Erik Watts with disqualification.
Erik Watts executes the Uranage on Paul London.
Quite a few boos are audible.
Erik Watts goes for the pin.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, shoulder up.
Erik Watts locks Paul London in the STF.
Erik Watts lets go after 11 seconds.
Erik Watts goes for a half Boston, but Paul London blocks it.

Erik Watts goes for a lariat, but Paul London ducks out of the way.
Paul London executes a vertical facebuster on Erik Watts.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, kickout.
Paul London hits a kick to the head on Erik Watts.
Paul London takes Erik Watts down with an inside cradle.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, kickout.
Paul London uses a rana on Erik Watts.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, kickout.
Paul London nails Erik Watts with a double-leg takedown.
Paul London executes a drop toe hold on Erik Watts.
Paul London whips Erik Watts into the ropes, but Erik Watts reverses it.
Paul London hits Erik Watts with a kick.
Paul London hits Erik Watts with a power bomb.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, kickout.
Paul London whips Erik Watts into the ropes.
Paul London hits Erik Watts with an elbow.
Paul London works the crowd.
The crowd is cheering on Paul London.
Paul London throws Erik Watts into the turnbuckle, but Erik Watts reverses it.
Paul London comes back, but is met with a kick to the midsection.
Erik Watts goes for a fisherman suplex, but Paul London blocks it.
Paul London hits a drop toe hold on Erik Watts.
Paul London hits Erik Watts with a springboard enzuigiri.
Paul London goes for a gutwrench suplex, but Erik Watts blocks it.
Erik Watts takes Paul London down with a lariat.
Erik Watts is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Erik Watts locks Paul London in an abdominal stretch.
Paul London is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Paul London reaches the ropes after 8 seconds.
Erik Watts executes the Uranage on Paul London.
Erik Watts is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Erik Watts goes for the pin.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, three.
Numerous fans are using Erik Watts for target practice.

The winner is Erik Watts. Time of match: 0:14:06

[Best of the Best Finals]:
Erik Watts pinned Paul London with the Uranage in 0:14:06.
Rating: *** 1/2
[MsChif interfered against Paul London.]

This was quite a match, with the crowd decidedly behind Paul London and firmly against Erik Watts.  Watts displayed his dangerous strength well, however, and quickly began to wear down his much smaller opponent with a series of abdominal stretches.  London tried his damndest to come back, but just when he seemed to be getting some momentum behind him, MsChif tripped him up.  In short order, Watts scored with his dangerous Uranage, but London kicked out!  With the crowd solidly behind him, London got fired up, taking Watts down with a springboard enzuigiri and several other high-risk moves.  These risks ultimately did not pay off, however, as Watts was able to catch London as he got back to his feet to delivier a SECOND Uranage.  This time, the exhausted and battered London could not manage to kick out, and Erik Watts was crowned Best of the Best.  MsChif celebrates on the outside, shrieking that the Title was the next thing on her agenda... but that PERRY SATURN could feel free to pick whatever meat was left from London's bones!  This brought out Saturn, who is also one of MsChif's charges.  Saturn stomped away at the fallen London for a moment before lifting him up and driving him down once again with the Death Valley Driver!  What carnage!

"The Monster" Edward Chastain vs. "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson for the New York State Heavyweight Title

Arn Anderson uses a flying clothesline on Edward Chastain.
The crowd is giving Arn Anderson a standing ovation.
Arn Anderson whips Edward Chastain into the ropes.
Arn Anderson goes for the Spinebuster, but he can't do it.
Edward Chastain locks Arn Anderson in a bearhug.
Ted Blandford checks Arn Anderson's arm.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Arn Anderson fights his way out of the hold after 16 seconds.
Arn Anderson hits a chop on Edward Chastain.
Lady Victoria enters the ring and hits Arn Anderson with the Chair.
Arn Anderson is out cold.
Edward Chastain goes for the Ground Zero Splash, but Arn Anderson
counters it with a roll away.
The crowd erupts.
Arn Anderson kicks Edward Chastain.
The crowd is giving Arn Anderson a standing ovation.
Arn Anderson kicks Edward Chastain.
The crowd is behind Arn Anderson all the way.

Arn Anderson executes a legsweep on Edward Chastain.
Arn Anderson gives the IV Horsemen sign.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Arn Anderson.
Arn Anderson goes for a short clothesline, but Edward Chastain
ducks out of the way.
Edward Chastain executes a brain buster on Arn Anderson.
The ring is quickly filling up with debris.
Edward Chastain whips Arn Anderson into the ropes, but Arn Anderson reverses it.
Arn Anderson hits Edward Chastain with a shoulderblock.
Arn Anderson whips Edward Chastain into the ropes.
Arn Anderson goes for the Spinebuster, but he can't do it.
Edward Chastain takes Arn Anderson down with a chop.
Edward Chastain goes for a back suplex, but Arn Anderson blocks it.
Arn Anderson runs into the ropes.
Edward Chastain gets a chokehold on Arn Anderson.
Ted Blandford warns Edward Chastain to let go.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three, four.
Edward Chastain catches Arn Anderson in a choke against the ropes.
Ted Blandford warns Edward Chastain to let go.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three, four.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three, four.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
Edward Chastain nails Arn Anderson with a clothesline.
Edward Chastain gives the sign for the Ground Zero Splash.
Edward Chastain executes the Ground Zero Splash on Arn Anderson.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Edward Chastain executes a back suplex on Arn Anderson.
Edward Chastain hits a sidewalk slam on Arn Anderson.
Edward Chastain executes a waistlock takedown on Arn Anderson.
Edward Chastain goes for a chokehold, but Arn Anderson counters it with
a facerake.
Arn Anderson whips Edward Chastain into the ropes.

Edward Chastain uses an elbowdrop on Arn Anderson.
Edward Chastain nails Arn Anderson with a chop.
Edward Chastain hits an inside cradle on Arn Anderson.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Edward Chastain runs into the ropes.
Edward Chastain hits a clothesline on Arn Anderson.
Edward Chastain takes Arn Anderson down with a waistlock takedown.
Edward Chastain whips Arn Anderson into the ropes.
Edward Chastain misses with a clothesline.
Arn Anderson hits Edward Chastain with an elbow.
Arn Anderson nails Edward Chastain with a lariat.
The crowd is behind Arn Anderson all the way.
Arn Anderson hits Edward Chastain with a legsweep.
Arn Anderson whips Edward Chastain into the ropes.
Arn Anderson goes for the Spinebuster, but he can't do it.
Edward Chastain throws Arn Anderson into the turnbuckle, but Arn Anderson
reverses it.
Arn Anderson goes for a short clothesline, but Edward Chastain
ducks out of the way.
Edward Chastain executes a spinebuster slam on Arn Anderson.
Edward Chastain pulls the tights.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, he sees it.
Ted Blandford threatens Edward Chastain with disqualification.
Edward Chastain nails Arn Anderson with a powerslam.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Edward Chastain throws Arn Anderson out of the ring.
Edward Chastain goes outside.
Ted Blandford counts:  1.
Edward Chastain knocks Arn Anderson into the ringpost.
Edward Chastain hits Arn Anderson with a chop.
Ted Blandford counts:  2.
Ted Blandford counts:  3.
Edward Chastain reenters the ring.
Arn Anderson follows him back in.
Edward Chastain kicks Arn Anderson.
Edward Chastain kicks Arn Anderson.
Numerous fans are using Edward Chastain for target practice.
Edward Chastain takes Arn Anderson down with a waistlock takedown.
Edward Chastain runs into the ropes.
Edward Chastain executes the Ground Zero Splash on Arn Anderson.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Edward Chastain hits a chop on Arn Anderson.
Edward Chastain executes a back suplex on Arn Anderson.
Edward Chastain takes Arn Anderson down with a senton.
Ted Blandford counts: One, shoulder up.
Edward Chastain hits an uppercut on Arn Anderson.
Edward Chastain is going for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Edward Chastain takes Arn Anderson down with a back suplex.
Edward Chastain goes for a bearhug, but Arn Anderson counters it with a punch.
In turn, Edward Chastain counters it with a roundhouse right.
Edward Chastain runs into the ropes.
Edward Chastain hits Arn Anderson with an elbow.
Edward Chastain goes for a vertical suplex, but Arn Anderson counters it with
a small package.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
The chants for Arn Anderson are deafening.

The winner is Arn Anderson. Time of match: 0:21:09

Arn Anderson pinned Edward Chastain after a small package in 0:21:09.
Rating: *** 3/4
(Arn Anderson retained the New York State Heavyweight Title.)

Once again Arn Anderson defies the odds, taking on a far more powerful oppoent and besting him.  Edward Chastain was as big of a challenge as Anderson has ever faced, but The Enforcer didn't panic.  When Chastain proved to be too massive to use the Spinebuster against, he stayed calm.  Anderson simply did his best to conserve his strength, allowing Chastain to punch himself out before finally scoring with a flash roll up out of nowhere to retain the title.

(Frank Shamrock's music hits and The Usurpers hit the ring as Anderson exits.)

Frank Shamrock: Once again, Arn Anderson gets lucky and evades us.  But it's
only a matter of time, Enforcer.  The Usurpers have set their sights on you and
your title, and we will not be denied.  And what's even more delightful is that
Randy Orton, Cactus Jack, MsChif and her cronies, and Ron Harris are all still
after you as well.  Face it, Arn.  You're in trouble.  You can't hold up
forever.  Sooner or later, we WILL defeat you, and we WILL add to our
collection of gold.

(Chris Sabin smugly holds up his New York State Tag Team Title as Edward
Chastain steals a smoothy from some guy in the front row.)

Frank Shamrock: So Long Island Wrestling... consider yourself put on notice.
If you interfere with us and try to keep us from taking what is RIGHTFULLY ours,
you will be destroyed.  If, on the other hand, you stay out of our way, we will
allow you to contend for OUR Titles.  When the time is right.

(The Usurpers turn and exit)

Luther Reigns & Tony Stradlin vs. Yuji Nagata & Hiroshi Tanahashi

Randy Orton throws Luther Reigns the ring bell.
Luther Reigns hits Yuji Nagata with it and goes for the pin.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Luther Reigns nails Yuji Nagata with a double-axhandle to the back.
Luther Reigns hits Yuji Nagata with a kick to the midsection.
Luther Reigns goes for a kick to the head, but Yuji Nagata blocks it.
Yuji Nagata hits Luther Reigns with a dragon screw.
Hiroshi Tanahashi enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Yuji Nagata and Hiroshi Tanahashi whip Luther Reigns into the ropes.
Yuji Nagata and Hiroshi Tanahashi hit Luther Reigns with a double bodyslam.
Yuji Nagata and Hiroshi Tanahashi whip Luther Reigns into the ropes.
They hit Luther Reigns with a double elbowsmash.
Yuji Nagata and Hiroshi Tanahashi whip Luther Reigns into the ropes.
They hit Luther Reigns with a double elbowsmash.
Tony Stradlin enters the ring, but gets cut off.
Yuji Nagata and Hiroshi Tanahashi hit Luther Reigns with a double elbowsmash.
Hiroshi Tanahashi leaves the ring.
Yuji Nagata hits a thrust kick to the head on Luther Reigns.
Yuji Nagata is starting to get more cheers than boos.

Tony Stradlin punches Yuji Nagata.
A portion of the crowd is cheering Tony Stradlin.
Yuji Nagata punches Tony Stradlin.
All of a sudden, the boos are turning into almost unanimous cheers.
Yuji Nagata nails Tony Stradlin with a dragon screw.
Yuji Nagata hits Tony Stradlin with a punch.
Tony Stradlin begs off.
Yuji Nagata takes Tony Stradlin down with a single-leg takedown.
Yuji Nagata whips Tony Stradlin into the turnbuckle.
Yuji Nagata runs shoulder-first into the corner, but Tony Stradlin lifts his
knee.
Tony Stradlin tags out to Luther Reigns.
Hiroshi Tanahashi enters the ring, but gets cut off.
Tony Stradlin goes for a superkick, but Yuji Nagata ducks out of the way.
Tony Stradlin leaves the ring.
Yuji Nagata nails Luther Reigns with a dragon screw.
Yuji Nagata uses a savate kick on Luther Reigns.
Yuji Nagata nails Luther Reigns with a stomp.
Yuji Nagata runs into the ropes.
Luther Reigns executes a Gorilla Press on Yuji Nagata.
Luther Reigns executes the Inverted Swinging Neckbreaker on Yuji Nagata.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, three.
The audience doesn't quite know how to react to Luther Reigns.

The winners are Luther Reigns and Tony Stradlin. Time of match: 0:14:19

Luther Reigns and Tony Stradlin defeated Yuji Nagata and Hiroshi Tanahashi when
L. Reigns pinned Nagata with the Inverted Swinging Neckbreaker in 0:14:19.
Rating: ** 1/4
[Randy Orton interfered against Yuji Nagata.]

Quite a hard hitting match!  The NOAH vs. LIW portion of the show started off with a stiff, strongstyle tag team match between the recently debuted team of Luther Reigns & Tony Stradlin and Yuji Nagata & Hiroshi Tanahashi from Pro-Wrestling NOAH.  The Japanese stars looked to have a decided advantage here, but Randy Orton intervened, passing the ring bell to Reigns and allowing him to almost take the head off of Nagata with it.  Shortly thereafter, a Gorilla Press and a Modified Swinging Neckbreaker ended the match, leaving LIW victorious, albeit by less than honorable means.

Laughing as the crowd booed Reigns and Stradlin, Orton introduced them as his Entourage, claiming that Luther Reigns was an ex-con willing to do whatever it took to make it back to the WWE, and that Tony Stradlin was the nephew of Guns N' Roses star Izzy Stradlin who was as passionate about wrestling as his uncle was about music.  Orton finished by announcing that his entourage would be helping him reach the New York State Heavyweight Title... and that once they did, he would help THEM to reach the WWE.

Jushin "Thunder" Liger vs. "The Ironman" Mark Jindrak

Jushin Liger hits a koppo kick on Mark Jindrak.
Jushin Liger goes for a palm blow, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Mark Jindrak goes for a bodyslam, but Jushin Liger blocks it.
Jushin Liger nails Mark Jindrak with a clothesline.
Jushin Liger uses a palm blow on Mark Jindrak.
Jushin Liger goes for the Running Liger Bomb, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Jushin Liger goes for a flying dropkick, but Mark Jindrak counters it with
a dropkick.
Mark Jindrak is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Mark Jindrak hits Jushin Liger with a gutbuster.
Mark Jindrak runs into the ropes.
Jushin Liger hits Mark Jindrak with a shoulderblock.
Jushin Liger goes for a slap, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Mark Jindrak whips Jushin Liger into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on Jushin Liger.
Mark Jindrak is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is behind Mark Jindrak all the way.

The winner is Mark Jindrak. Time of match: 0:09:36

Mark Jindrak pinned Jushin Liger with the Mark Of Excellence in 0:09:36.
Rating: ***

The crowd was evenly split between Liger and Jindrak in this match, with both of these men looking absolutely fantastic.  The strongstyle cruiserweight wrestling of Liger proved to be very effective against Jindrak, who had never faced anything quite like it, but at the same time Jindrak's rare combination of speed and power left Liger stunned quite frequently as well.  In the end, Jindrak narrowly avoided a Running Liger Bomb to hit the Mark of Excellence for the victory, bringing LIW up 2-0 against NOAH!

Kenta Kobashi vs. "Violent R" Ron Harris

Ron Harris throws Kenta Kobashi into the guardrail.
Russell Durand counts:  1.
Russell Durand counts:  2.
Ron Harris reenters the ring.
Kenta Kobashi follows him back in.
Ron Harris hits a headsmash into the turnbuckle on Kenta Kobashi.
Ron Harris gives him a forearm smash, but Kenta Kobashi doesn't even care.
Ron Harris uses a belly-to-belly suplex on Kenta Kobashi.
The chants for Ron Harris are deafening.
Ron Harris hits Kenta Kobashi with a headbutt.
Ron Harris takes Kenta Kobashi down with a forearm smash.
Ron Harris runs into the ropes.
Kenta Kobashi hits Ron Harris with a shoulderblock.
Kenta Kobashi hits Ron Harris with a power bomb.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
Kenta Kobashi whips Ron Harris into the ropes, but Ron Harris reverses it.
Ron Harris goes for the Cobra Clutch Slam, but Kenta Kobashi blocks it.

Kenta Kobashi takes Ron Harris down with a tiger suplex.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
Kenta Kobashi hits a half nelson suplex on Ron Harris.
The crowd is behind Kenta Kobashi all the way.
Kenta Kobashi gives the sign for the Burning Lariat.
Kenta Kobashi executes the Burning Lariat on Ron Harris.
The chants for Kenta Kobashi are deafening.
Kenta Kobashi goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Kenta Kobashi uses a flying shoulderblock on Ron Harris.
Kenta Kobashi goes for a lariat, but Ron Harris ducks out of the way.
Ron Harris catches Kenta Kobashi in a Canadian backbreaker.
Kenta Kobashi inches his way towards the ropes after holding out for 5 seconds.
Ron Harris chops Kenta Kobashi.
The crowd breaks into a "Which One's Which" chant.
Kenta Kobashi hits Ron Harris.
The crowd is behind Kenta Kobashi all the way.

Russell Durand warns Ron Harris to let go.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, three, four.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, three.
Ron Harris gives him a bodyslam, but Kenta Kobashi doesn't even care.
Kenta Kobashi uses a running clothesline on Ron Harris.
Kenta Kobashi is going for the cover.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Kenta Kobashi runs into the ropes.
Kenta Kobashi hits Ron Harris with a clothesline.
Kenta Kobashi takes Ron Harris down with a chop.
Kenta Kobashi takes Ron Harris down with a flying shoulderblock.
Kenta Kobashi nails Ron Harris with a spinning chop.
Kenta Kobashi executes the Burning Lariat on Ron Harris.
The chants for Kenta Kobashi are deafening.
Kenta Kobashi goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
Kenta Kobashi uses a running clothesline on Ron Harris.

Ron Harris covers Kenta Kobashi.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
Ron Harris hits a sidewalk slam on Kenta Kobashi.
Ron Harris executes a stomp on Kenta Kobashi.
Ron Harris hits a backbreaker on Kenta Kobashi.
Ron Harris hits a headsmash into the turnbuckle on Kenta Kobashi.
Ron Harris gives him a backbreaker, but Kenta Kobashi only stares at him.
Kenta Kobashi kicks Ron Harris.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Kenta Kobashi.
Kenta Kobashi punches Ron Harris.
Kenta Kobashi executes the Burning Lariat on Ron Harris.
The crowd is giving Kenta Kobashi a standing ovation.
Kenta Kobashi goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
Kenta Kobashi goes for a sleeperhold, but Ron Harris blocks it.
Ron Harris goes for a choke slam, but Kenta Kobashi counters it with
an elbowsmash.
Kenta Kobashi goes for a backdrop driver, but Ron Harris counters it with
a backward kick.
Ron Harris chops Kenta Kobashi.
Ron Harris hits Kenta Kobashi.
Ron Harris chops Kenta Kobashi.
The crowd is behind Ron Harris all the way.
Ron Harris executes the Cobra Clutch Slam on Kenta Kobashi.
The crowd is behind Ron Harris all the way.
Ron Harris goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Ron Harris runs into the ropes.
Ron Harris hits Kenta Kobashi with a shoulderblock.
Ron Harris gets a Canadian backbreaker on Kenta Kobashi.
Kenta Kobashi tries to escape the hold.
Ron Harris lets go after 17 seconds.
Ron Harris goes for a bearhug, but Kenta Kobashi counters it with a punch.
Kenta Kobashi uses a backdrop driver on Ron Harris.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, shoulder up.

Kenta Kobashi punches Ron Harris.
Kenta Kobashi uses a flying shoulderblock on Ron Harris.
Kenta Kobashi is going for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Kenta Kobashi gives the sign for the Burning Lariat.
Kenta Kobashi executes the Burning Lariat on Ron Harris.
Kenta Kobashi goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Kenta Kobashi goes for a legdrop, but Ron Harris rolls out of the way.
Ron Harris goes for a kneelift, but Kenta Kobashi side-steps and Ron Harris
only hits air.
Kenta Kobashi locks Ron Harris in a Boston crab.
Ron Harris gets ahold of the ropes after being locked up for 5 seconds.
Kenta Kobashi hits Ron Harris with a flying shoulderblock.
The crowd erupts.
Kenta Kobashi goes for a running clothesline, but Ron Harris counters it with
a bearhug.
Kenta Kobashi inches his way towards the ropes after 5 seconds.
Ron Harris executes the Cobra Clutch Slam on Kenta Kobashi.
The crowd erupts.
Ron Harris goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Ron Harris goes for a tilt-a-whirl side slam, but Kenta Kobashi blocks it.
Kenta Kobashi executes a chop on Ron Harris.
Kenta Kobashi runs into the ropes.
Kenta Kobashi goes for a running clothesline, but Ron Harris counters it with
a spinebuster slam.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
The crowd erupts.
Ron Harris hits a powerslam on Kenta Kobashi.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
Ron Harris takes Kenta Kobashi down with a roundhouse right.
Ron Harris goes for a ropeburn, but Kenta Kobashi blocks it.
Kenta Kobashi executes a spinning chop on Ron Harris.
Kenta Kobashi runs into the ropes.
Kenta Kobashi hits Ron Harris with a clothesline.
Ron Harris falls out of the ring.
Russell Durand counts: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine,
Ron Harris reenters the ring.
Kenta Kobashi uses a running clothesline on Ron Harris.
Kenta Kobashi goes for a cross armbreaker, but Ron Harris blocks it.
Ron Harris nails Kenta Kobashi with a facerake.
Ron Harris executes a power bomb on Kenta Kobashi.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
Ron Harris sends Kenta Kobashi into the turnbuckle.
Ron Harris charges in with a clothesline.
Ron Harris whips Kenta Kobashi into the ropes, but Kenta Kobashi reverses it.
Ron Harris goes for a clothesline, but Kenta Kobashi counters it with a hiptoss.
Kenta Kobashi gives the sign for the Burning Lariat.
Kenta Kobashi executes the Burning Lariat on Ron Harris.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Kenta Kobashi.
Kenta Kobashi goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Kenta Kobashi.

The winner is Kenta Kobashi. Time of match: 0:23:40

Kenta Kobashi pinned Ron Harris with the Burning Lariat in 0:23:40.
Rating: *****

Amazing match!  This match had fans on their feet from the very beginning, eager to see Kenta Kobashi, a man with a reputation as the greatest wrestler in Japan today.  Against him was the formidable Ron Harris.  From the beginning, each man unloaded everything they had on the other, scoring with power bombs, Big Boots, submission holds, and more.  Anything that might put their opponent down.  Harris stubbornly weathered a storm of Burning Lariats, and Kobashi kicked out of two Cobra Clutch Slams and avoided two more.  Finally, after over 20 minutes, one final Burning Lariat sent Harris stumbling to the ground, allowing Kenta Kobashi to get the pinfall victory.  The fans went apeshit, cheering, shouting, and jumping up and down.  A loud "Match of the Year!" chant broke out as Kobashi helped Harris to his feet... and shook his hand in the middle of the ring!  

LIW is now 2-1 against NOAH, and the Global Honored Crown Tag Team Titles will be on the line against The Usurpers next in our main event!

(We go backstage now, where Frank Shamrock and Chris Sabin are warming up for
the main event.)

Chris Sabin: We've got this one in the bag, Frank.  Misawa and Ogawa?  They
have to deal with the pressure of ensuring that NOAH doesn't lose out to LIW.
We, on the other hand... have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Frank Shamrock: Of course.  What have Misawa and Ogawa accomplished lately
anyway?  They're nothing more than relics of the past!  We'll show them that
while they might once have been great, every man's position is usurped
eventually!  Honestly, those old farts don't stand a chan-

(Shamrock stops abruptly as Misawa and Ogawa, both looking very impressive,
step into the lockerroom.  They stare Sabin and Shamrock down, leaving them
looking decidedly uneasy.)

Mitsuharu Misawa: We will... see you in the ring.

(Without another word, the GHC Tag Team Champions turn and head out to the ring.
Talking smack may not be that common in Japanese professional wrestling, but
kicking ass and taking names transcends all language barriers.  From the looks
on Sabin and Shamrock's faces, they only just realized this.)

Your Main Event:
Chris Sabin & Frank Shamrock vs. Mitsuharu Misawa & Yoshinari Ogawa for the NOAH GHC Tag Team Titles

Yoshinari Ogawa enters the ring, but gets cut off.
Chris Sabin and Frank Shamrock hit Mitsuharu Misawa with a double forearm smash.
Frank Shamrock leaves the ring.
Chris Sabin takes Mitsuharu Misawa down with an enzuigiri.
Chris Sabin is being booed out of the building.
Chris Sabin executes the Cradle Shock on Mitsuharu Misawa.
Ted Blandford counts: One, shoulder up.
Chris Sabin hits an Aztecan suplex on Mitsuharu Misawa.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Frank Shamrock enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Chris Sabin and Frank Shamrock hit Mitsuharu Misawa with a double
fist to the midsection.
Frank Shamrock leaves the ring.
Chris Sabin uses spinning headscissors on Mitsuharu Misawa.
Chris Sabin uses a fist to the midsection on Mitsuharu Misawa.
Chris Sabin runs into the ropes.

Mitsuharu Misawa leaves the ring.
Chris Sabin takes Yoshinari Ogawa down with an enzuigiri.
Chris Sabin goes for a springboard dropkick, but Yoshinari Ogawa side-steps and
Chris Sabin only hits air.
Yoshinari Ogawa has the crowd going wild.
Yoshinari Ogawa uses a swinging neckbreaker on Chris Sabin.
Mitsuharu Misawa enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Frank Shamrock enters the ring, but gets cut off.
Mitsuharu Misawa uses a flying elbowsmash on Chris Sabin.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Mitsuharu Misawa.
Yoshinari Ogawa executes a schoolboy cradle on Chris Sabin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Mitsuharu Misawa leaves the ring.
Lady Victoria throws Chris Sabin the Chair, but Yoshinari Ogawa intercepts it.
Yoshinari Ogawa hits Chris Sabin with it and goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford threatens Yoshinari Ogawa with disqualification.
Yoshinari Ogawa goes for an eye poke, but Chris Sabin blocks it.

Yoshinari Ogawa hits Frank Shamrock with a swinging neckbreaker.
Yoshinari Ogawa has the crowd going wild.
Yoshinari Ogawa executes the Backdrop Suplex Hold on Frank Shamrock.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Yoshinari Ogawa tags out to Mitsuharu Misawa.
Yoshinari Ogawa hits a dropkick on Frank Shamrock.
Mitsuharu Misawa hits a German suplex on Frank Shamrock.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Mitsuharu Misawa and Yoshinari Ogawa whip Frank Shamrock into the ropes.
They hit Frank Shamrock with a double backdrop.
Yoshinari Ogawa leaves the ring.
Mitsuharu Misawa executes a tiger driver on Frank Shamrock.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Mitsuharu Misawa runs into the ropes.
Mitsuharu Misawa hits Frank Shamrock with an elbow.
Mitsuharu Misawa nails Frank Shamrock with a spinning back suplex.
The crowd is giving Mitsuharu Misawa a standing ovation.
Yoshinari Ogawa enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Mitsuharu Misawa and Yoshinari Ogawa hit Frank Shamrock with a double bodyslam.
Yoshinari Ogawa leaves the ring.
Mitsuharu Misawa hits Frank Shamrock with a flying dropkick.
The crowd erupts.
Mitsuharu Misawa takes Frank Shamrock down with a bodyslam.
Mitsuharu Misawa runs into the ropes.
Mitsuharu Misawa misses with a kick.
Mitsuharu Misawa goes for a rolling elbow smash, but Frank Shamrock
side-steps and Mitsuharu Misawa only hits air.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.
Frank Shamrock executes the Ankle Lock Submission on Mitsuharu Misawa.
Mitsuharu Misawa is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Mitsuharu Misawa is struggling to reach the ropes.
Mitsuharu Misawa is inching his way towards the ropes.
Mitsuharu Misawa tries to fight the pain.
Mitsuharu Misawa tries to escape the hold.
Mitsuharu Misawa is writhing in pain.
Mitsuharu Misawa reaches the ropes after 47 seconds.
Frank Shamrock catches Mitsuharu Misawa in a single-leg takedown into a leglock.
Mitsuharu Misawa grabs the ropes after being trapped for 5 seconds.
Frank Shamrock nails Mitsuharu Misawa with a slap.
Frank Shamrock goes for a roundhouse right, but Mitsuharu Misawa
counters it with an armbreaker.
Mitsuharu Misawa goes for a rolling elbow smash, but Frank Shamrock blocks it.
Frank Shamrock goes for a kick to the thigh, but Mitsuharu Misawa blocks it.
Mitsuharu Misawa goes for a tiger driver, but Frank Shamrock blocks it.
Frank Shamrock hits a single-leg takedown on Mitsuharu Misawa.
Chris Sabin enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Frank Shamrock and Chris Sabin whip Mitsuharu Misawa into the ropes.
They attempt to hit Mitsuharu Misawa with a double fist to the midsection, but
he counters it with a double clothesline.
Chris Sabin leaves the ring.
Mitsuharu Misawa hits Frank Shamrock with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.

They hit Mitsuharu Misawa with a double clothesline.
Frank Shamrock and Chris Sabin whip Mitsuharu Misawa into the ropes.
Frank Shamrock and Chris Sabin hit Mitsuharu Misawa with a double
fist to the midsection.
Chris Sabin leaves the ring.
Frank Shamrock gets a single-leg takedown into a leglock on Mitsuharu Misawa.
Mitsuharu Misawa manages to grab the ropes after being trapped for 15 seconds.
Frank Shamrock puts Mitsuharu Misawa in a guillotine choke.
Mitsuharu Misawa breaks the hold after 8 seconds.
Lady Victoria enters the ring and hits Mitsuharu Misawa with the Chair.
Frank Shamrock goes for a kick to the thigh, but Mitsuharu Misawa blocks it.
Mitsuharu Misawa executes the Running Elbowsmash on Frank Shamrock.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Mitsuharu Misawa kicks Frank Shamrock.
The crowd is giving Mitsuharu Misawa a standing ovation.
Mitsuharu Misawa hits Frank Shamrock.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Mitsuharu Misawa chops Frank Shamrock.
Mitsuharu Misawa whips Frank Shamrock into the ropes.
Mitsuharu Misawa hits a bodyslam on Frank Shamrock.
Mitsuharu Misawa runs into the ropes.
Frank Shamrock misses with a clothesline.
Frank Shamrock misses with a clothesline.
Frank Shamrock gives him a slap, but Mitsuharu Misawa doesn't budge.
Frank Shamrock runs into the ropes.
Frank Shamrock misses with a kick.
Frank Shamrock hits Mitsuharu Misawa with a kick.
Frank Shamrock executes the Ankle Lock Submission on Mitsuharu Misawa.
Mitsuharu Misawa is struggling to reach the ropes.
Mitsuharu Misawa is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Mitsuharu Misawa tries to fight the pain.
Mitsuharu Misawa tries to escape the hold.
Mitsuharu Misawa is writhing in pain.
Ted Blandford checks Mitsuharu Misawa's arm.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Mitsuharu Misawa fights his way out of the hold after 34 seconds.
Mitsuharu Misawa executes the Running Elbowsmash on Frank Shamrock.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

The winners are Mitsuharu Misawa and Yoshinari Ogawa. Time of match: 0:29:35

[NOAH GHC Tag Team Title Match]:
Mitsuharu Misawa and Yoshinari Ogawa defeated
The Usurpers (Chris Sabin and Frank Shamrock) when M. Misawa pinned
Frank Shamrock with the Running Elbowsmash in 0:29:35.
Rating: *****
[Lady Victoria interfered against Yoshinari Ogawa.]

Another incredible match!  The Japanese are Coming will be remembered for a long, long time as perhaps the most incredible card in the history of Long Island Wrestling, and this main event will be a large part of the reason why.  Sabin and Shamrock are two extremely arrogant but extremely competent wrestlers, but Misawa and Ogawa are two of the biggest names in Japanese Professional Wrestling, and they showed us exactly why here tonight.  Everyone in the arena could feel the fighting spirit as Misawa and Ogawa triumphed against the duplicitous tactics of The Usurpers, fighting out of Shamrock's lethal submissions and surviving brutal maneuvers like the Cradle Shock from Sabin.  In the end, Misawa managed to escape Shamrock's lethal Ankle Lock Submission, and then immediately K.O.'d him by throwing himself off the ground with a shout to score a last, desperate Running Elbowsmash.  Once again the fans were on their feet, with "L-I-Dub!" "Match of the Year!" and "Thank you NOAH!" chants.

In the face of such overwhelming ovations, Misawa and Ogawa could only bow and wave, acknowledging the screaming fans as perhaps the greatest night of wrestling in LIW history came to an end.  In the end, LIW and NOAH go 2-2, but after a couple matches like that, the real winners are the fans!

Card rating: *** 3/4

Match of the Evening: Chris Sabin & Frank Shamrock vs. Mitsuharu Misawa & Yoshinari Ogawa


*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 09/22/05 at 17:36:01

LIW Newsline - 11/16/06

The Japanese are Coming! was a huge success for LIW, drawing well over 1000 screaming fans from across the Northeast to our home in Long Island.  We would like to thank Pro-Wrestling NOAH for their assistence in promoting the show, and want to assure them that if they ever want a rematch, our wrestlers were born ready!  We are doing everything we can to get the DVD edited and printed as quickly as possible, because we know that the level of fan demand out there is truly astronomical.  In the mean time, however, plans are moving along for our next show, which will be held in Trenton, NJ on Sunday November 26.  For reasons which should quickly become clear, this show will be called The Battle is Joined.

Before we begin announcing matches, however, we must note that interesting news has reached our ears.  It seems that the tag team of Chance Beckett and Xavier, collectively known as The Future, have been embroiled in something of a rivalry as of late.  Several fans watching Born to be Wired have noted this from the way that they spent a lot of time seemingly trying to one-up each other.  While this is by all accounts a friendly rivalry, word has it that both men are going to be seeking singles matches for a time in an attempt to find which among them is the better wrestler.  For two men as competitive as "Mr. Showtime" and "The All Around Best," this promises to make for entertaining matches.

Accordingly, the first match to be signed for The Battle is Joined was Xavier vs. Lance Storm.  Both of these men are accomplished high-flying technicians, and both have some very vocal supporters online.  In an attempt to prove that he can live up to his NDW legacy, Xavier will try to outwrestle Storm - certainly no mean feat if it can be accomplished!  When asked for comment on the nature of this match, Lance Storm simply shrugged and said that it didn't matter.  Whatever reason Xavier has for wanting to wrestle him, he will do whatever it takes to gain a victory.  Xavier has responded that he would expect nothing less of a man of Lance Storm's skill, and that he looks forward to facing him.

Too Cold Scorpio is reportedly very upset that the International Thug Syndicate has been on the losing end of a number of contests lately, and has vowed to show Long Island Wrestling that they remain a potent force to be reckoned with.  To this end, he has issued an open challenge.  All four members of the International Thug Syndicate will face off against any two tag teams in a huge Eight Man Tag Team Match at The Battle is Joined!  Two tag teams that many consider the future of the Tag Team Division have stepped forward, and those are the pairings of Vampiro & Edge and Frankie Kazarian & Scott Hall!  Therefore!  At The Battle is Joined it will be Edge, Vampiro, Frankie Kazarian & Scott Hall vs. Too Cold Scorpio, Sean Waltman, Shane Douglas & Justin Credible.

Finally, the main event of the show, and the match for which the show is named will pit Frank Shamrock's Usurpers against Randy Orton's Entourage in a huge Six Man Tag Team Match.  The reason for this match is quite simple.  The Usurpers laid down an ultimatum at The Japanese are Coming! stating that any other wrestlers who got in their way in their quest for the New York State Heavyweight Title would be summarily destroyed.  Randy Orton, who has promised to focus on that title now that his feud with Mark Jindrak is over, has taken exception to this demand.  Orton feels that, along with his Entourage of Luther Reigns and Tony Stradlin, he is strong enough that The Usurpers cannot push him around.  Lady Victoria, manager of The Usurpers, has assured us that Orton is mistaken, and that The Usurpers will outright EMBARRASS Orton's Entourage at The Battle is Joined when Sabin, Chastain and Shamrock brutally crush Orton, Reigns and Stradlin.

LIW Top Five:
Champion: "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson

1) vacant - Long Island Wrestling is still without a Top Contender at this point.  A new Top Contender will be crowned on December 9th.  Word has it that the New York State Athletic Commission is urging LIW to streamline the Top Contender selection process, but no details are available as to how.

2) "The Legend Killer" Randy Orton - Orton is on a massive roll here in Long Island Wrestling.  In the past month he's defeated longtime nemesis "The Ironman" Mark Jindrak in a memorable Steel Cage Match and formed an Entourage to help him reach his goal of holding the New York State Heavyweight Title.

3) Frank Shamrock - Despite a defeat at the hands of Miwawa and Ogawa at The Japanese are Coming!, Frank Shamrock is still considered by many as THE man to beat in Long Island Wrestling.  With The Usurpers at his command, Shamrock is embroiled in a major feud against New York State Heavyweight Champion "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson.

4) Erik Watts - What more can we say about Erik Watts?  Like him or hate him (and there are many that hate him), he DID win the Best of the Best Series, going over fan favorite Paul London with the help of "The Manager of Champions" MsChif.  Watts has also amassed an impressive winning streak which, along with the prestige of being known as Best of the Best, is propelling him up through the rankings.

5) "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm - Jonny Storm was not in action at The Japanese are Coming, but word has it that he's planning a major comeback in upcoming months using the momentum of his victory over Batista in the Barbed Wire match as a launching point.


*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
CarlzillaPosted on 09/24/05 at 00:15:26

I hate to be nit-picky...and I'm not sure you are following a real world universe...but Tanahashi, Nagata, and Liger are all from NJPW. Ogawa, Kobashi, and Misawa are from NOAH.

I was really excited to see some guys that I recognized on the card.
Critic of the DawnPosted on 09/24/05 at 04:44:34

You are correct, this is not the real world universe.  Or, more accurately, this is taking place in November of 2006.  So the NOAH wrestlers present were basically cherrypicked by me from past title holders with the understanding that the roster in late 2006 will likely not be identical to the roster today.

Glad you enjoyed the card, though, all nitpicking aside.  ;D

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 09/25/05 at 06:29:55

LIW Newsline - 11/20/06

We are only three days from The Battle is Joined which marks LIW's return to Trenton New Jersey! Apparently the prospect of the two huge multi-man tag team matches booked for the show holds a lot of appeal to many of our fans, because tickets are selling like hotcakes! If you've been holding out and waiting to see what other matches would be booked, we have three more big ones to announce tonight, plus all the news and rumors that you've come to expect from the LIW Newsline.

Our first major news item is an injury update. The injury list has really grown over the past month, but thankfully things are beginning to look up once again. Simon Diamond, a wrestler who has been with Long Island Wrestling since day one, is reportedly feeling much better, and his shoulder is in great shape. He is not scheduled to work The Battle is Joined, however, because he needs a week to get back into fighting shape. Even better news is the return of Wataru Sakata to active competition. Sakata claims that his knee is now at 100%, and that he plans to continue making an impact. Unfortunately, Masato Tanaka recently suffered a similar knee injury, and therefore the long awaited reformation of the most dangerous tag team in LIW history, Dangan, will have to wait. Doctors claim that Tanaka's injury will not threaten his career, but that it is unlikely that he will be able to return before April of 2007. Sakata claims that he will be waiting until Tanaka returns and will not seek another partner, however just like Tanaka he will spend the time until Tanaka's return by competing in singles matches. Wataru Sakata is scheduled to return to competition in LIW at The Battle is Joined.

Rumors have begun to reach us that the booking committee and the New York State Athletic Commission have begun to consider the benefits of a second singles title of somesuch. We cannot confirm whether these rumors have any base in fact as of yet, but if talk around the office is to be believed, the booking committee is watching tapes of numerous different style-based divisions, from ECW-style Hardcore matches to WCW Cruiserweight Division to ROH's Pure Wrestling Title and TNA's X-Division. Additionally there is said to be interest in WWE's historic handling of the Intercontinental Title and the NWA's old United States Title. This is a very exciting story if the rumors are true, and we will be sure to bring you the latest as soon as we hear more.

Best of the Best winner Erik Watts is said to be extremely proud of his win over Paul London - and with good reason! Watts has proven himself to be one of the most formidable up and coming stars in Long Island Wrestling, and looks like a potential candidate to claim the New York State Heavyweight Title again at some time in the future. To a point, this also makes him the current man to beat in Long Island Wrestling. Accordingly, "Mr. Showtime" Chance Beckett has requested a tag team match against Watts in hopes of showing up his tag team partner "The All Around Best" Xavier, who will be facing Lance Storm in singles competition. Speaking for Erik Watts, MsChif claimed that Beckett would simply end up as the latest victim of her client's unstoppable rise to the top.

With the Best of the Best Series over, Paul London has demanded a match against his former partner Perry Saturn. Saturn and London briefly tagged together earlier this year, but London's brash personality bothered Saturn enough to betray his partner. Saturn has been trying to goad London into a match for months now, but London has made a point of keeping the Best of the Best series as his top priority. This paid off well, allowing London to become the runner up in the contest. With that out of the way, he has a lot of anger waiting to be taken out on Saturn. He had better be careful, however, as Saturn is not a man to be taken lightly. Perry Saturn recently defeated Cactus Jack, and is managed by MsChif - the same woman who manages Best of the Best winner Erik Watts.

Finally, the booking committee has booked a title match for The Battle is Joined. Because the New York State Athletic commission insisted on granting a title shot to Edward Chastain, a man who had not officially "earned" his title shot, the booking committee is returning the favor by allowing New York State Heavyweight Champion Arn Anderson to pick a partner with whom to compete against Edward Chastain and Chris Sabin for the New York State Tag Team Titles. Frank Shamrock has already lodged a complaint that his partners will have to wrestle twice in one evening through Usurper manager Lady Victoria, but it is far far too late to change the match at this hour. Arn Anderson is reportedly looking forward to another opportunity to hurt The Usurpers, and claims that he's found a perfect partner to help him do so. Who is this partner? The Enforcer refuses to offer any more details than that, but has confirmed that he IS a wrestler under LIW contract.

Matches confirmed for The Battle is Joined:
* "Best of the Best" Erik Watts vs. "Mr. Showtime" Chance Beckett
* Paul London vs. Perry Saturn
* Arn Anderson and a partner of his choice vs. The Usurpers for the New York State Tag Team Titles
* "The All Around Best" Xavier vs. Lance Storm
* Edge & Vampiro and Frankie Kazarian & Scott Hall vs. International Thug Syndicate in an Eight-Man Tag Team Match
* Orton's Entourage vs. The Usurpers in a Six-Man Tag Team Match

Also confirmed for The Battle is Joined are "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm, Ernest "The Cat" Miller, Aviv Maayan, "The Ironman" Mark Jindrak, "Violent R" Ron Harris, "Heavy D" Don Harris, "The Notorious KID" Kid Kash, the returning Wataru Sakata, and Cactus Jack.


*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
americamamushiPosted on 09/25/05 at 07:26:26

definitely curious to find out what LIW's new title will end up being.  Oh the possibilities :)