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CP Running The Gauntlet - 1.6.06

VertigoPosted on 04/22/05 at 02:23:34

Cincinnati Pro presents Running The Gauntlet
Friday, January 6, 2006
Bell Time: 8:00 p.m.
Place: Boone County Fairgrounds in Wilmington, Ohio

(Welcome to Running The Gauntlet! Tonight six men will compete in a Gauntlet Series. At random, we drew the order. El Dandy and Dean Malenko drew the unlucky position of being in the first match. The winner of that match will go on to face Ahmed Johnson, the winner will then take on Jinsei Shinzaki, the winner of that will face Hayabusa, and in the finals, whoever survives those four matches will face Josh Abercrombie in the finals of the Gauntlet Series to become the Top Contendor for the Tri-State Heavyweight Championship. We're about to get underway... but wait... I'm getting word from the back... we've got a camera back there... let's see what's happening...)

...In the locker rooms...
(Buff Bagwell, Scott Norton, & Ahmed Johnson were sitting in their dressing room preparing for tonight's matches and trying to come up with a gameplan. Ahmed Johnson is in the Gauntlet Series, while Buff & Norton are defending their Tag Team Championship in a six-man tag team match. The only problem is, they don't have a third partner. But someone has busted into their door and is in a fit of rage... it's VOLK HAN!)

Volk Han: (yells something in Russian... obviously pissed...)

Buff Bagwell: What did you just say?! You wanna fight about it?!

Volk Han: (again, screaming in Russian...)

Scott Norton: Back up, Buff! This freak is mine!

(Ahmed Johnson steps in between them, holding Norton and Buff back.)

Ahmed Johnson: Relax, fellas. What he is saying is he wants revenge against The Elite?

Buff Bagwell: What? Are you serious? You know Russian?

Ahmed Johnson: I know a... WHAT? Jus' cuz a brotha's from Mississippi means he can't know a lil' Russian?

Volk Han: (a little calmer, talking in Russian)

Ahmed Johnson: (replies to Volk in Russian, then turns to Buff & Norton) Volk wants to be ya'll's partna, tonight.

Scott Norton: You're kidding! He can't be trusted... he... he's from the OTHER locker room.

Buff Bagwell: Look, Scott... we need a partner. Alright, Volk... you're in... tell him he's in, Ahmed.

Ahmed Johnson: (tells Volk Han he's on the team, in Russian of course)

1. "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry vs. "Awesome" Mike Awesome

Mark Henry goes for a bodyslam, but Mike Awesome counters it with a small package.
Larry Crotch counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Mike Awesome hits a snap suplex on Mark Henry.
Mike Awesome takes Mark Henry down with a lariat.
Mike Awesome runs into the ropes.
Mike Awesome hits Mark Henry with an elbow.
Mike Awesome executes a legdrop on Mark Henry.
Mike Awesome sends Mark Henry into the turnbuckle, but Mark Henry reverses it.
Mark Henry runs shoulder-first into the corner.
Mark Henry goes for a bodyslam, but Mike Awesome blocks it.
Mike Awesome whips Mark Henry into the ropes.
Mike Awesome hits Mark Henry with an elbow.
Mike Awesome hits an elbowdrop on Mark Henry.
Mike Awesome executes a German suplex on Mark Henry.
Larry Crotch counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Mike Awesome goes for a short lariat, but Mark Henry blocks it.
Mark Henry executes a side suplex on Mike Awesome.
Mark Henry executes a belly-to-back suplex on Mike Awesome.
Mark Henry hits a splash on Mike Awesome.
Larry Crotch counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Mark Henry uses a Gorilla Press on Mike Awesome.
Mark Henry executes the Running Powerslam on Mike Awesome.
Larry Crotch counts: One, two, three.
Quite a few boos are audible.

The winner is Mark Henry. Time of match: 0:10:38

Mark Henry pinned Mike Awesome with the Running Powerslam in 0:10:38.
Rating: ** 1/4

Last month, the 32 minute Four Corners Match came down to these two guys with Mark Henry securing the win for himself and Christopher Nowinski that night. Tonight, it would just be one-on-one, though. Christopher Nowinski accompanied Henry to ringside, but Henry told him not to worry and to go back to the back and prepare for his match with Vader. This was a battle of two VERY strong, VERY agile, VERY LARGE wrestlers. It's hard to believe, but Henry outweighed Awesome by nearly 80 lbs. At first, neither man could get the other to budge, but as the match progressed, both were showing signs of fatigue. Awesome finally got the upper hand and we had ourselves a few near falls, but Henry was able to hang in there. Henry got a boost of energy from somewhere and unleashed three high impact moves before planting Awesome with the Running Powerslam for the win. Mark Henry looks more and more impressive every week!

2. Gauntlet Series Match 1 of 5 - El Dandy vs. "The Man of 1000 Holds" Dean Malenko

Dean Malenko misses with a shoulderblock.
Dean Malenko takes El Dandy down with a leg lariat.
Dean Malenko takes El Dandy down with a Northern Lights suplex.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Dean Malenko complains about a slow count.
Dean Malenko's attention is averted to Tazz who is standing in aisle.
Dean Malenko goes for a power bomb, but El Dandy blocks it.
El Dandy hits Dean Malenko with a slap.
El Dandy hits an armdrag takedown on Dean Malenko.
El Dandy hits Dean Malenko with a monkey flip.
El Dandy puts Dean Malenko in an abdominal stretch.
Dean Malenko is struggling to reach the ropes.
Dean Malenko grabs the ropes after being locked up for 5 seconds.
El Dandy executes a single-leg takedown on Dean Malenko.
El Dandy executes the Dandina Cradle on Dean Malenko.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, two, three.
Dean Malenko complains about a fast count.
The crowd is vociferously booing El Dandy.

The winner is El Dandy. Time of match: 0:02:03

[Gauntlet Series Match 1 of 5]
El Dandy pinned Dean Malenko with the Dandina Cradle in 0:02:03.
Rating: **

The people have been waiting for this day for a long time! The day that Dean Malenko makes his in-ring return! Today was that day! And in the Gauntlet Series everyone wanted him to go all the way... to go to the finals and become the Number One Contendor! But it wasn't to be... not at all. Instead, it was cut short... incredibly short. What we thought had the potential of being a classic turned into a two minute disappointment. Dean was getting back into the swing of things hitting some offensive maneuvers, but then Tazz came out from the back. At first the fans cheered because Tazz was here. Dean noticed Tazz and forgot about El Dandy who hit a combination of moves and then the Dandina Cradle to get the pinfall win in just 2 minutes! The fans booed wanting to riot! Then the fans got all over Tazz's case as Tazz walked back through the curtain smiling! At first Dean argued with the referee, but then he hopped outside and ran up the aisle after Tazz. We suspect Dean never got his hands on Tazz because we would have known about it. But one day he'll get his chance. El Dandy continued celebrating in the ring. He'll move on to Match 2 against Ahmed Johnson.

3. Four Corners Match - The Insane Clown Posse vs. The Headbangers vs. The Jung Dragons vs. Strike Force

Tito Santana throws Kaz Hayashi out of the ring.
Tito Santana rolls out under the bottom rope.
Tito Santana is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Rick Martel comes over to make it two-on-one.
Rick Martel takes Kaz Hayashi down with a dropkick.
Steve Ulmer counts: 1.
Tito Santana takes Kaz Hayashi down with a dropkick.
Tito Santana goes for the Flying Forearm, but Kaz Hayashi counters it with a duck-down move.
Kaz Hayashi hits Tito Santana with a rana.
Steve Ulmer counts: 2.
Steve Ulmer counts: 3.
Steve Ulmer counts: 4.
Kaz Hayashi throws Tito Santana into the ringsteps.
There are lots of chants for Kaz Hayashi.
Steve Ulmer counts: 5.
Kaz Hayashi executes a fisherman suplex on Tito Santana.
Steve Ulmer counts: 6.
Steve Ulmer counts: 7.
Kaz Hayashi shoves Tito Santana into the guardrail.
Kaz Hayashi takes Tito Santana down with a dragon suplex.
Steve Ulmer counts: 8.
Kaz Hayashi climbs back into the ring.
Tito Santana rolls back in under the bottom rope.
Kaz Hayashi runs into the ropes.
Tito Santana hits Kaz Hayashi with a clothesline.
Tito Santana hits a German suplex on Kaz Hayashi.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is cheering on Tito Santana.

The winners are Strike Force. Time of match: 0:18:06

[Four Corners Match]
Strike Force (Tito Santana and Rick Martel) defeated The Insane Clown Posse (Shaggy 2 Dope and Violent J), The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher) and The Jung Dragons (Jimmy Yang and Kaz Hayashi) when T. Santana pinned Hayashi after a German suplex in 0:18:06.
Rating: *** 1/2

We knew this one would be wild and it was. Things started off fast and furious with Jimmy Yang and Thrasher and they never slowed downfrom there! The Jung Dragons were in the ring more than the rest of the teams and this proved fatal for them in the end. They came close to winning on a few occassions, but with so many people in the match, it's hard to get a three count or a submission. Towards the end, Santana took Kaz to the floor with the intentions of doing some damage, but Kaz was able to get the better of him. But as soon as they got back in the ring, Kaz took a little too long to capitalize on the injured Santana and it cost him big time. Santana hit a clothesline and then a German suplex to get the win for Strike Force! Hell of a match! Afterwards, Tito Santana grabs the microphone...

Tito Santana: I left this business quite some time ago while I was still relatively young. I had a family that I needed to take care of and wrestling was no longer my number one priority. I had made some good investments and I was still healthy and I retired on top. When approached to come back and reunite with a former tag team partner and best friend, Rick Martel, I agreed to do so but only on a short term basis. So here I am, 9 months into Cincinnati Pro's life. Any more than 9 months and I'd have to call that a long-term investment. Tonight was Tito Santana's final match. I did not tell anyone because I didn't want a farewell party or a going away show or anything spectacular like that. What Cincinnati Pro has is too great to be overlooked by an old-timer's retirement. I want to thank you all very much, gracias, and ARRIBA!!

(Tito sets the microphone down and gives another "ARRIBA" to the fans. Rick Martel shakes his hand and they embrace in the center of the ring. Chants of "Tito, Tito, Tito" ring out throughout the building. A true legend has just left the squared circle for the final time.)

4. Gauntlet Series Match 2 of 5 - El Dandy vs. Ahmed Johnson

El Dandy gets a Fujiwara armbar on Ahmed Johnson.
Ahmed Johnson is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Ahmed Johnson manages to grab the ropes after holding out for 7 seconds.
El Dandy uses a senton on Ahmed Johnson.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, two, shoulder up.
El Dandy takes Ahmed Johnson down with a forearm to the back.
El Dandy goes for the Cavernaria, but Ahmed Johnson blocks it.
Ahmed Johnson takes El Dandy down with a lariat.
Ahmed Johnson whips El Dandy into the ropes.
Ahmed Johnson misses with a kick.
El Dandy hits Ahmed Johnson with a kick.
El Dandy covers Ahmed Johnson.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, two, in the ropes...
El Dandy runs into the ropes.
El Dandy misses with a clothesline.
El Dandy hits Ahmed Johnson with a shoulderblock.
El Dandy executes a single-leg takedown on Ahmed Johnson.
El Dandy executes the Dandina Cradle on Ahmed Johnson.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, two, three.
The boos are resurfacing again.

The winner is El Dandy. Time of match: 0:09:04

[Gauntlet Series Match 2 of 5]
El Dandy pinned Ahmed Johnson with the Dandina Cradle in 0:09:04.
Rating: -1/2*

Ahmed Johnson was looking for revenge from last month's loss to El Dandy. Dandy still looked pretty fresh when he came to the ring... after all, he only wrestled for 2 minutes in the first match of the Gauntlet Series. He's pretty lucky he was still feeling pretty good because Ahmed put a beating on him in this match. A severe beating! Ahmed has been pretty cocky since joining Cincinnati Pro... it must be from hanging out with Buff Bagwell all the time... but this cockiness didn't help him very much in this match. He could have had the win, probably, at any moment but he took his time and didn't go for covers when he should have. Wouldn't you know it... El Dandy locks in that Dandina Cradle and pins Ahmed's shoulders to the mat. El Dandy, now hurt, tries celebrating but is clutching his back. El Dandy has survived two matches in this Gauntlet Series and his next opponent is Jinsei Shinzaki... he's in for a world of trouble.

5. "The Harvard Graduate" Christopher Nowinski w/Mark Henry vs. Vader

Christopher Nowinski goes for the Full Nelson Bomb, but he can't do it.
Vader executes the Choke Slam on Christopher Nowinski.
The crowd is cheering on Vader.
Vader goes for the pin.
Tommy Schalk counts: One, two, ** Mark Henry distracts Tommy Schalk.
Vader takes Christopher Nowinski down with a series of roundhouse rights.
Vader executes a series of roundhouse rights on Christopher Nowinski.
The crowd is cheering on Vader.
Vader uses a running clothesline on Christopher Nowinski.
Vader is going for the pin.
There is no referee to count.
** Mark Henry enters the ring and breaks the pin with a choke slam.
Mark Henry puts Christopher Nowinski on top of Vader.
Tommy Schalk is back on the job.
Tommy Schalk counts: One, two, kickout.
Christopher Nowinski nails Vader with a fist to the midsection.
Christopher Nowinski nails Vader with an elbowsmash.
Christopher Nowinski takes Vader down with a dropkick.
Christopher Nowinski goes for a stomp, but Vader rolls out of the way.
Vader hits Christopher Nowinski with Vader Bomb.
There are lots of chants for Vader.
Vader is going for the cover.
Tommy Schalk counts: One, two, three.
Vader has the crowd going wild.

The winner is Vader. Time of match: 0:19:03

Vader pinned Christopher Nowinski after Vader Bomb in 0:19:03.
Rating: * 3/4
[Mark Henry interfered against Vader.]

We knew this one wouldn't be pretty. Nowinski started things off just hitting and running, but Vader eventually caught him and the beating is what followed. Nowinski spent most of this match begging off, but Vader had no remorse. The match spilled to the floor where Nowinksi was busted wide open, bleeding everywhere. The Harvard Graduate was in over his head in this one. Mark Henry was at ringside and did everything he could to keep Nowinski from being pinned from tripping Vader to distracting the referee. At one point, Henry even got in the ring and chokeslammed Vader. It was so huge we thought it would be all for Vader, but Vader kicked out of Nowinski's pinfall attempt. When Vader got back to his feet, he hit a Vader Bomb for the win. Henry reached into the ring and pulled Nowinski out and threw him over his shoulder. Vader stared at Henry the whole time, and Henry stared back. If these two ever meet in the ring, we better make sure it has been reinforced!

(Up next is the CP Tag Team Championship Match... which will be decided in a Six-Man-Tag Team Match! Out first are the challengers led to the ring by Becky Bayless... they are A-Train, Alexander Otsuka, and Josh Abercrombe... THE ELITE! Their opponents, coming out first, the CP Tag Team Champions... Buff Bagwell and Scott Norton... they are Vicious & Delicious! And their partner in this match... former CP Tri-State Heavyweight Champion... Volk Han! Volk Han comes out waving the Russian flag proudly. Otsuka stomps angrily in the ring while Bayless tries to calm him down. This is going to be an unorthodox match... )

6. CP Tag Team Championship Match - A-Train, Alexander Otsuka, & Josh Abercrombie w/Becky Bayless vs. Vicious & Delicious (c) & Volk Han

Alexander Otsuka is getting a pissed look amidst all the boos.
Buff Bagwell chops Alexander Otsuka.
Buff Bagwell chops Alexander Otsuka.
Buff Bagwell is met with a mixture of cheers and boos.
Alexander Otsuka punches Buff Bagwell.
Buff Bagwell kicks Alexander Otsuka.
A portion of the crowd is cheering Buff Bagwell.
Buff Bagwell punches Alexander Otsuka.
Buff Bagwell acknowledges the portion of the crowd which is cheering him.
Buff Bagwell tags out to Volk Han.
Volk Han and Buff Bagwell whip Alexander Otsuka into the ropes.
They hit Alexander Otsuka with a double fist to the midsection.
Volk Han and Buff Bagwell whip Alexander Otsuka into the ropes.
They attempt to hit Alexander Otsuka with a double kick to the midsection, but he counters it with a double clothesline.
Buff Bagwell leaves the ring.
Alexander Otsuka hits a fisherman buster on Volk Han.
Alexander Otsuka uses a single-leg takedown on Volk Han.
Alexander Otsuka tags out to A-Train.
A-Train and Alexander Otsuka whip Volk Han into the ropes.
They hit Volk Han with a double backdrop.
Alexander Otsuka leaves the ring.
A-Train hits a back elbow on Volk Han.
A-Train executes the Train Wreck on Volk Han.
Quite a few boos are audible.
A-Train goes for the pin.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, two, three.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.

The winners are The Elite. Time of match: 0:24:12

[CP Tag Team Championship Match]
The Elite (A-Train, Alexander Otsuka and Josh Abercrombie) defeated Vicious & Delicious (Buff Bagwell and Scott Norton) and Volk Han when A-Train pinned Volk Han with the Train Wreck in 0:24:12.
Rating: ** 1/2
(The Elite won the CP Tag Team Championship)
[Becky Bayless interfered against Scott Norton.]

Going into this match, Vicious & Delicious weren't sure if they could trust Volk Han. To them, Volk Han was more concerned on revenge than the Tag Team Championship... but they had no other choice. If they didn't take Volk Han, they would have to fight a handicapped match... and in a handicapped match with The Elite, there was no way they could win. In this match, the fans weren't really sure which team to get behind... the only guy they like is Volk Han... which they seem to have taken a liking to him for his strong personality and his fighting spirit. So for that reason, they tended to cheer for Buff Bagwell and Scott Norton at times. The Elite has grown to be the most hated group of people in Cincinnati Pro... and sooner or later, the entire wrestling world is going to hate them. After about ten minutes of action, V&D realized that Volk Han was cooperating as a team player and they put a little bit of trust in him in this match. Maybe they shouldn't have, though, because when this was all said and done, Volk Han was the one getting his shoulders pinned to the mat LOSING V&D's Tag Team Championship to The Elite!! Buff & Norton just stood on the ring apron in disbelief as Becky Bayless climbed in the ring with the microphone...

Becky Bayless: Let me introduce you to the NEW CP Tag Team Champions, THE ELITE!! With this victory, The Elite now holds every championship in Cincinnati Pro. Therefore, we have all the power... and NO ONE can EVER take it from us!

(As The Elite celebrated their victory, Buff & Norton climbed in the ring and stood over the slowly rising Volk Han. Even Ahmed Johnson came out from the back. Buff was yelling at Ahmed saying "You said he could be trusted!" Ahmed climbed in the ring and was the first to kick Volk while he was down. Then Buff and Norton joined in on the beating while the fans booed them. The Elite members smiled at what they were witnessing as they left the ringside area as the NEW Tag Team Champions.)

7. Gauntlet Series Match 3 of 5 - El Dandy vs. Jinsei Shinzaki

El Dandy goes for an armdrag takedown, but Jinsei Shinzaki counters it with spinning headscissors.
Jinsei Shinzaki nails El Dandy with a flying dropkick.
The crowd is behind Jinsei Shinzaki all the way.
Jinsei Shinzaki uses a vertical suplex on El Dandy.
Jinsei Shinzaki hits a flying cross body press on El Dandy.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, two, kickout.
Jinsei Shinzaki hits El Dandy with a forearm smash.
Jinsei Shinzaki takes El Dandy down with a bodyslam.
Jinsei Shinzaki is going for the pin.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, two, kickout.
Jinsei Shinzaki runs into the ropes.
El Dandy misses with a clothesline.
El Dandy takes Jinsei Shinzaki down with a monkey flip.
El Dandy executes the Dandina Cradle on Jinsei Shinzaki.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, two, three.
Jinsei Shinzaki complains about a fast count.
Numerous fans are using El Dandy for target practice.

The winner is El Dandy. Time of match: 0:08:27

[Gauntlet Series Match 3 of 5]
El Dandy pinned Jinsei Shinzaki with the Dandina Cradle in 0:08:27.
Rating: *** 1/2

In this third match of the Gauntlet Series, El Dandy came out still feeling the effects from his match with Ahmed Johnson. Shinzaki started the match strong using various martial arts strikes to ware down his opponent. How did El Dandy respond to this? With low blows and blind fouls galore. It was his only defense and his strength and stamina have already been worn down throughout the night. El Dandy used the abdominal stretch as his main offense in this one and Shinzaki appeared pretty vulnerable to it. Shinzaki started retaliating though and unleashed a series of attacks nearly pinning El Dandy, but Dandy responded with a monkey flip and surprised Shinzaki with the Dandina Cradle out of no where for the win! El Dandy wins AGAIN!?! THREE MATCHES IN A ROW!! El Dandy truely is "running the gauntlet!"

8. Four Corners Elimination Match - John Kronus vs. Jimmy Jacobs vs. Bull Pain vs. Marty Jannetty

John Kronus hits Marty Jannetty with a clothesline.
Marty Jannetty falls out of the ring.
John Kronus rolls out under the bottom rope.
John Kronus is handed garbage can.
John Kronus hits him with the can.
Steve Ulmer counts: 1.
John Kronus gets back into the ring.
Marty Jannetty rolls back in under the bottom rope.
Marty Jannetty brings the the can into the ring.
John Kronus hits Marty Jannetty with a frog splash.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, two, kickout.
John Kronus throws Marty Jannetty out of the ring.
Steve Ulmer counts: one, two, three, four, Marty Jannetty reenters the ring.
John Kronus goes for a standing wristlock, but Marty Jannetty blocks it.
Marty Jannetty hits John Kronus with a superkick.
Marty Jannetty takes John Kronus down with a dropkick.
Marty Jannetty uses a dropkick on John Kronus.
Marty Jannetty goes for a superkick, but John Kronus ducks out of the way.
John Kronus hits a jumping side kick on Marty Jannetty.
John Kronus is being booed out of the building.
John Kronus executes the 450 Splash on Marty Jannetty.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, two, three.
Marty Jannetty complains about a fast count.
Marty Jannetty has been eliminated.
The crowd is vociferously booing John Kronus.

The winner is John Kronus. Time of match: 0:28:45

It's nearly 29 minutes before anyone in this match was eliminated! John Kronus was in there to prove a point as he spent the majority of the time in the ring taking on all three wrestlers. Jimmy Jacobs looked a little lost in the shuffle without his IWA Mid-South friends by his side, but we have a feeling he's going to come around at some point. Bull Pain took things pretty lightly as he would be tagged in, hit a few moves, and get out of there obviously preserving his energy. Finally, after 28 minutes of wrestling, Kronus was able to eliminate Jannetty with the 450 Splash. Jannetty had been taking a beating by all three wrestlers throughout the match and Kronus just put the exclamation point on it.

They lock up.
John Kronus whips Jimmy Jacobs into the ropes, but Jimmy Jacobs reverses it.
Jimmy Jacobs nails John Kronus with spinning headscissors.
Jimmy Jacobs goes for a clothesline, but John Kronus ducks out of the way.
John Kronus kicks Jimmy Jacobs.
The boos are resurfacing again.
Jimmy Jacobs kicks John Kronus.
The crowd seems to be rallying behind Jimmy Jacobs.
Jimmy Jacobs punches John Kronus.
The crowd seems to be rallying behind Jimmy Jacobs.
Jimmy Jacobs throws John Kronus into the turnbuckle, but John Kronus reverses it.
John Kronus executes a punch on Jimmy Jacobs.
John Kronus chops Jimmy Jacobs.
John Kronus doesn't quite know what to do with the mixed reaction he's getting.
John Kronus kicks Jimmy Jacobs.
The crowd is wildly cheering John Kronus with only a few scattered boos audible.
John Kronus takes Jimmy Jacobs down with a thrust kick to the head.
John Kronus executes a frog splash on Jimmy Jacobs.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, kickout.
The bell rings. The time limit has expired.

[Four Corners Match Elimination Match]
John Kronus drew Bull Pain, Marty Jannetty and Jimmy Jacobs:
x Kronus beat Jannetty via the 450 Splash in 0:28:45
x time limit expired (Kronus and J. Jacobs) in 0:30:00
Rating: ***

Unfortunately, there was only 1 minute left after Jannetty was elimnated and the time limit expired. So Jannetty is eliminated, but we still have three guys who want this win. All three still wanted to go at it, but the 30 minutes had elapsed and there was no way they were going to be given any more time with this stacked card only about halfway through.

9. Tazz vs. "Dangerous" Devon Storm

Tazz hits a head and arm suplex on Devon Storm.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Tazz gives the sign for the Tazmission.
Tazz executes the Tazzmission on Devon Storm.
Devon Storm is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Devon Storm is inching his way towards the ropes.
Devon Storm tries to fight the pain.
Devon Storm submits after 25 seconds.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.

The winner is Tazz. Time of match: 0:09:39

Tazz made Devon Storm submit to the Tazzmission in 0:09:39.
Rating: ** 1/2

When Tazz came to the ring, the crowd was all over him. They were still pissed about what happened earlier with Dean Malenko and Tazz costing him his return match after only 2 minutes of in-ring action! This bought got underway and Storm was able to get some offense in early on Tazz. Tazz was showing some signs of some slight ring rust, but he worked that off and then began breaking down Storm eventually leading to the Tazzmission for the win. We recieved word that during the match, Dean Malenko was struggling with wrestlers in the back to go out to ringside, but they were holding him back and eventually had to lock him in one of the rooms to keep from running out to the ring. When Tazz found out about this, he just laughed. He knows he is winning the psychological battle with Malenko, but when this fued comes to blows, will he be able to win that battle?

(In the locker room of The Elite where they are still celebrating their Tag Team Championship victory!)

Josh Abercrombie: We knew it would only be a matter of time until we controlled this promotion...

Matt Stryker: Seriously... A-Train... I've gotta give it to ya... you were the exclamation point we needed on this stable... bringing you in was the best investment we could have been made...

A-Train: You're going to make me blush...

Becky Bayless: Okay, guys... we still have to concentrate. Stryker... you still have to defend the Tri-State Heavyweight Championship against Pablo Marquez. There will be no reason to celebrate if you don't leave with that title...

Matt Stryker: Are you kidding me!? Pablo Marquez has the worst record in the history of the world! Not to mention, I outweigh him by like 80 lbs. and I'm lightyears beyond him in wrestling ability!! There is not a *chance* of me losing tonight...

Becky Bayless: There better not be! We could lose a LOT of credibility if you drop that title.. especially to Pablo. And Josh... you still have the Gauntlet Series tonight. We need you to win that Gauntlet to be the Top Contendor... that way, we can be sure the Tri-State Heavyweight Championship stays with us...

Josh Abercrombie: Not a problem. I drew the luckiest number in the Gauntlet... I've only gotta beat one guy to secure that Top Contendor's spot...

10. Gauntlet Series Match 4 of 5 - El Dandy vs. Hayabusa

El Dandy attacks Hayabusa before the bell.
El Dandy nails Hayabusa with a blind foul.
El Dandy is being booed like there is no tomorrow.
El Dandy goes for a dropkick, but Hayabusa side-steps and El Dandy only hits air.
Hayabusa works the crowd.
The chants for Hayabusa are deafening.
Hayabusa nails El Dandy with a springboard moonsault.
Tommy Schalk counts: One, shoulder up.
Hayabusa goes for a springboard spinning leg lariat, but El Dandy ducks out of the way.
El Dandy executes a hiptoss on Hayabusa.
El Dandy whips Hayabusa into the ropes, but Hayabusa reverses it.
Hayabusa goes for a Frankensteiner, but El Dandy counters it with a tiger driver.
Tommy Schalk counts: One, two, kickout.
El Dandy is being booed like there is no tomorrow.
El Dandy hits a flying legdrop on Hayabusa.
Tommy Schalk counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
El Dandy puts Hayabusa in a figure-four leglock.
Hayabusa's shoulders are on the mat.
Tommy Schalk counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is vociferously booing El Dandy.

The winner is El Dandy. Time of match: 0:01:10

[Gauntlet Series Match 4 of 5]
El Dandy pinned Hayabusa after a figure-four leglock in 0:01:10.
Rating: ** 1/4

El Dandy's FOURTH match of the night and he was looking exhausted! No one thought he would last this long. Hayabusa was still a little patched up from his Barbed Wire Match last month with Ian Rotten. Dandy jumped on Hayabusa before the match could officially get started looking for any advantage he could get. Hayabusa retaliated with a springboard moonsault, but Dandy was able to get the advantage back shortly after. Hayabusa went for a Frankensteiner, but Dandy dropped him head and neck first with a tiger driver! Hayabusa looked almost unconscious. Then after a flying legdrop and a near fall, Hayabusa could barely get up. That tiger driver really did some damage. He was dazing in and out of consciousness when Dandy locked on the figure-four leglock. Hayabusa's shoulders were on the mat and he was counted down. Unbelievable!! Dandy wins AGAIN, this time beating Hayabusa in only 1 minute!! Wait, Josh Abercrombie comes charging to the ring... we're not supposed to have this match until later tonight!! But the referee is calling for the bell... it's Gauntlet Series Finals time!!

11. Gauntlet Series FINALS - El Dandy vs. Josh Abercrombie

Josh Abercrombie goes for a dropkick, but El Dandy side-steps and Josh Abercrombie only hits air.
Josh Abercrombie bumps into Tommy Schalk.
The cheers for El Dandy are drowning out the boos.
El Dandy puts Josh Abercrombie in a figure-four leglock.
There is no referee there to ask Josh Abercrombie.
Josh Abercrombie tries to fight the pain.
Tommy Schalk crawls over to the ropes and uses them to get up.
El Dandy lets go after 34 seconds.
El Dandy uses a slingshot elbowdrop on Josh Abercrombie.
El Dandy is going for the cover.
Tommy Schalk counts: One, two, shoulder up.
El Dandy uses a forearm to the back on Josh Abercrombie.
El Dandy covers Josh Abercrombie.
Tommy Schalk counts: One, two, kickout.
El Dandy uses a single-leg takedown on Josh Abercrombie.
El Dandy takes Josh Abercrombie down with a hiptoss.
El Dandy hits a series of stomps on Josh Abercrombie.
El Dandy yells out to the crowd.
The crowd is wildly cheering El Dandy with only a few scattered boos audible.
El Dandy hits a forearm to the back on Josh Abercrombie.
El Dandy hits a series of punches on Josh Abercrombie.
El Dandy executes the Dandina Cradle on Josh Abercrombie.
Tommy Schalk counts: One, two, shoulder up.
El Dandy goes for a punch, but Josh Abercrombie counters it with an armbreaker.
Josh Abercrombie executes a series of forearm smashes on El Dandy.
Josh Abercrombie seemingly enjoys the boos.
Josh Abercrombie goes for a European uppercut, but El Dandy counters it with a backslide.
Tommy Schalk counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is wildly cheering El Dandy with only a few scattered boos audible.

The winner is El Dandy. Time of match: 0:02:20

[Gauntlet Series FINALS]
El Dandy pinned Josh Abercrombie after a backslide in 0:02:20.
Rating: ***

Josh Abercrombie already wrestled in that big six man tag team match earlier, but El Dandy has wrestled four times tonight so the advantage was still in Abercrombie's favor. Abercrombie charged the ring looking to get a hard start against his opponent with a dropkick, but Dandy saw him coming in and moved... the referee took the dropkick. El Dandy managed to lock in the figure-four leglock and Abercrombie was in severe pain! He managed to get to the ropes, but Dandy kept putting on the pressure. The action was fast... Dandy locked on the Dandina Cradle that put away 3 of his opponents earlier tonight, but Abercrombie kicked out. Abercrombie fought back with an armbreaker and some forearms. Dandy countered a European uppercut with a backslide and GOT THE PIN!! EL DANDY WINS THE GAUNTLET!! HE LITERALLY RAN THE GAUNTLET, OUTLASTING FIVE COMPETITORS!! Even the crowd was cheering his achievement!! He was on the verge of tears as he celebrated in the ring... the fans clapping and chanting his name. Abercrombie could not believe it as he argued with the referee! The rest of The Elite came running down the ring to protest to call! El Dandy wins!!

12. CP Tri-State Heavyweight Championship Match - Matt Stryker (c) w/Becky Bayless vs. Pablo Marquez

Matt Stryker whips Pablo Marquez into the turnbuckle.
Matt Stryker runs shoulder-first into the corner.
Matt Stryker takes Pablo Marquez down with a dropkick.
Matt Stryker gets the STF on Pablo Marquez.
Pablo Marquez is struggling to reach the ropes.
Pablo Marquez tries to escape the hold.
Pablo Marquez is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Pablo Marquez tries to escape the hold.
Pablo Marquez grabs the ropes after 22 seconds.
Matt Stryker goes for a belly-to-belly suplex, but Pablo Marquez counters it with a punch.
In turn, Matt Stryker counters it with an armbreaker.
Matt Stryker hits a Northern Lights suplex on Pablo Marquez.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, two, in the ropes...** A-Train knocks Pablo Marquez's
foot off the rope... Steve Ulmer sees it.
Steve Ulmer threatens Matt Stryker with disqualification.
Matt Stryker nails Pablo Marquez with a flapjack.
Matt Stryker runs into the ropes.
Matt Stryker nails Pablo Marquez with a leg lariat.
Matt Stryker uses a waistlock takedown on Pablo Marquez.
Matt Stryker uses a fireman's carry on Pablo Marquez.
Matt Stryker gives the sign for the Stryker Driver.
Matt Stryker executes the Stryker Driver on Pablo Marquez.
The ring is quickly filling up with debris.
Matt Stryker goes for the pin.
Steve Ulmer counts: One, two, three.
Matt Stryker is being booed out of the building.

The winner is Matt Stryker. Time of match: 0:08:08

Matt Stryker pinned Pablo Marquez with the Stryker Driver in 0:08:08.
Rating: *** 1/2
(Matt Stryker retained the CP Tri-State Heavyweight Championship)
[A-Train interfered against Pablo Marquez.]

Last month when these two met in the ring, Marquez surprised Stryker with his quickness and came so close to beating Stryker in the non-title match. Stryker prevailed, but Marquez had impressed so many people that night that a rematch was signed for the Tri-State Heavyweight Championship. Tonight, Stryker stayed on top of Marquez barely giving him any room to break out his speed and luchardore-like tactics. A-Train was at ringside apparently just to make sure things stayed in Stryker's favor. It clearly was unnecessary as Stryker really had no problem defeating Marquez. A few times Marquez would come up with a rana or some other pinning combination, but he never really hurt Stryker and the championship was never really in any danger. Stryker put him away with the Stryker to retain the title.

13. Main Event - La Resistance vs. Chris Hero & The Patriot

Sylvan Grenier whips Chris Hero into the ropes.
Chris Hero hits a clothesline on Sylvan Grenier.
Chris Hero covers Sylvan Grenier.
Larry Crotch counts: One, two, kickout.
Sylvan Grenier begs off.
Chris Hero hits Sylvan Grenier with a double underhook suplex.
Chris Hero takes Sylvan Grenier down with a belly-to-back suplex.
Chris Hero works the crowd.
The crowd is going crazy.
Chris Hero goes for a bodyslam, but Sylvan Grenier counters it with a facerake.
Sylvan Grenier tags out to Rob Conway.
Rob Conway and Sylvan Grenier hit Chris Hero with a double dropkick.
Rob Conway and Sylvan Grenier whip Chris Hero into the ropes.
They hit Chris Hero with a double fist to the midsection.
Sylvan Grenier leaves the ring.
-----
The Patriot goes for a full nelson, but Sylvan Grenier counters it with a backward kick.
Sylvan Grenier nails The Patriot with a hiptoss.
Sylvan Grenier covers The Patriot.
Larry Crotch counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Sylvan Grenier uses a stomp on The Patriot.
Sylvan Grenier works the crowd.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Sylvan Grenier goes for a headsmash into the turnbuckle, but The Patriot blocks it.
The Patriot uses a snap mare on Sylvan Grenier.
Sylvan Grenier begs off.
The Patriot executes a vertical suplex on Sylvan Grenier.
Sylvan Grenier begs off.
The Patriot uses a monkey flip on Sylvan Grenier.
The Patriot uses a hiptoss on Sylvan Grenier.
The Patriot goes for a monkey flip, but Sylvan Grenier blocks it.
Sylvan Grenier runs into the ropes.
The Patriot misses with a clothesline.
The Patriot goes for a spinebuster slam, but Sylvan Grenier counters it with a DDT.
In turn, The Patriot counters it with a Northern Lights suplex.
Larry Crotch counts: One, kickout.
The Patriot executes a flying clothesline on Sylvan Grenier.
There are lots of chants for The Patriot.
The Patriot goes for a dropkick, but Sylvan Grenier side-steps and The Patriot only hits air.
Sylvan Grenier works the crowd.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Sylvan Grenier tags out to Rob Conway.
Chris Hero enters the ring and lays out Sylvan Grenier.
Chris Hero goes for a clothesline, but Rob Conway counters it with a belly-to-belly suplex.
Chris Hero leaves the ring.
Rob Conway uses a vertical suplex on The Patriot.
Rob Conway grabs a hold of The Patriot's mask.
Larry Crotch teases disqualifying Rob Conway.
Rob Conway tears away on the mask.
The Patriot stops Rob Conway.
Rob Conway goes for a swinging neckbreaker, but The Patriot counters it with a side suplex.
There are lots of chants for The Patriot.
The Patriot goes for an enzuigiri, but Rob Conway ducks out of the way.
Rob Conway goes for a headlock takedown, but The Patriot counters it with a back suplex.
The Patriot goes for a Samoan Drop, but Rob Conway counters it with a sunset flip.
Larry Crotch counts: One, shoulder up.
Rob Conway goes for a hiptoss, but The Patriot counters it with a cradle suplex.
The Patriot executes a belly-to-belly suplex on Rob Conway.
The crowd is really behind The Patriot.
-----
Chris Hero goes for a swinging Soviet suplex into a backbreaker, but Sylvan Grenier counters it with a small package.
Larry Crotch counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Sylvan Grenier tags out to Rob Conway.
Rob Conway and Sylvan Grenier whip Chris Hero into the ropes.
They attempt to hit Chris Hero with a double backdrop, but he counters it with a double headsmash.
Sylvan Grenier leaves the ring.
Chris Hero executes a Russian legsweep on Rob Conway.
Chris Hero hits Rob Conway with a swinging Soviet suplex into a backbreaker.
Chris Hero gives the sign for the Hero's Welcome.
Chris Hero executes the Hero's Welcome on Rob Conway.
The crowd erupts.
Chris Hero goes for the pin.
Larry Crotch counts: One, two, Sylvan Grenier makes the save.
-----
Chris Hero goes for a clothesline, but Rob Conway counters it with a belly-to-belly suplex.
A fan at ringside badmouths Rob Conway.
Rob Conway nails Chris Hero with a dropkick.
Sylvan Grenier enters the ring.
Rob Conway and Sylvan Grenier hit Chris Hero with the Au Revoir.
Rob Conway goes for the pin.
A fan at ringside badmouths Rob Conway.
Larry Crotch counts: One, two, three.
Rob Conway is eliciting a sizable round of boos.

The winners are La Resistance. Time of match: 0:19:01

[One-Night-Only Match For La Resistance]
La Resistance (Sylvan Grenier and Rob Conway) defeated The Patriot and Chris Hero when Conway pinned Hero after the Au Revoir in 0:19:01.
Rating: ** 1/2

La Resistance came to the ring very cocky. They thought they wouldn't have a problem defeating two "indy chumps" as they stated in their pre-match in-ring promo. Were they ever given a reality check!? Hero & The Patriot took the fight to them working as a very good cohesive unit! If Hero & Patriot had had any experience tag teaming with each other in the past, they might have won this thing. It was this reason that La Resistance was able to win... they've been a tag team for a long time and they knew what was going on a lot more often than the team of Hero & Patriot did. There were some points where Hero & Patriot came so close to winning, but La Resistance was able to respond and get back on top of things. In the end it was the deadly tag team move, the Au Revoir, that put Hero down for the three count. The fans gave La Resistance boos as they left. Hero & The Patriot were applauded for their efforts.

Overall: ** 3/4

Match of the Night: Four Corners Match - Strike Force vs. The Insane Clown Posse vs. The Headbangers vs. The Jung Dragons
rey619Posted on 04/22/05 at 08:37:14

Mark Henry is really on fire in CP! Really agile.. dunno about that though  ;D

Wow, how embarrassing for Malenko.. only 2 minutes against El Dandy? I'm looking forward to an I Quit match between the master of the submission holds.

Tito Santana puts his boots on the shelf for good? Will Rick Martel follow suit, or continue his CP career? Good thing they ended their team with a win.

El Dandy wins again, the Dandina Cradle is the finishing move of death! Ahmed Johnson must stop taking lessons in Russian and work out some more.

Abercrombie does double duty tonight.. if he is smart he won't wear himself out in this 6-man match. And it looked like he left things to A-Train. New tag-champs!
And here comes the interpreter, and he's stomping away on Volk Han... the Russian has been mistreated lately, I think it's time to call Amnesty.

El Dandy wins again?? wtf... El Dandy is CP's Mark Jindrak. Hayabusa will definetely defeat him though... nooooo.. Hayabusa falls to the figure-four-leglock bug of doom! And he takes down Abercrombie as well... ???

Mark Jindrak is no Iron Man. THe only one who can call himself that is El Dandy!! This must've done wonders for his heat.
VertigoPosted on 04/22/05 at 13:32:50

When I saw Mark Henry last in OVW he was quite agile doing up and unders and stuff...

I couldn't believe El Dandy ran through EVERYONE. I thought for sure he wouldn't get past Hayabusa, but he did. El Dandy just might be my franchise after the way he's been going lately.
Shaun SindelmanPosted on 04/23/05 at 18:55:36

You're trying to tell me that the only person who can understand Volk Han's Russian is...Ahmed Johnson? WTF!

1. "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry vs. "Awesome" Mike Awesome

Nice win by Mark Henry - he definitely looks to be on an upward climb. Let's hope he stays on course and doesn't like Nowinski get him side tracked with his big mouth.

2. Gauntlet Series Match 1 of 5 - El Dandy vs. "The Man of 1000 Holds" Dean Malenko

Well I already know El Dandy made it all the way through and i'm pretty amazed by that since Dean Malenko is no pushover opponent. Obviously Tazz's presence near the ring threw Malenko's gameplan WAY off.

3. Four Corners Match - The Insane Clown Posse vs. The Headbangers vs. The Jung Dragons vs. Strike Force

NOOOO ICP!!!! Here's hoping for anybody but them to win.

Sorry to see Strike Force go their seperate ways but El Matador obviously needs to go back to the farm.

4. Gauntlet Series Match 2 of 5 - El Dandy vs. Ahmed Johnson

Once again, El Dandy wins and this time, i'd TOTALLY be predicting it. Now that i've seen how punished he was against Ahmed, i'm really amazed at Dandy's skills to succeed the whole night.

5. "The Harvard Graduate" Christopher Nowinski w/Mark Henry vs. Vader

VADER!!!

I'd like to see Henry vs Vader....hook em up, booker man!

6. CP Tag Team Championship Match - A-Train, Alexander Otsuka, & Josh Abercrombie w/Becky Bayless vs. Vicious & Delicious (c) & Volk Han

Hmm - i'm gonna go with The Elite since Volk is a pretty impressive 3rd man and it should be interesting to see how it goes down if he gets in against Otsuka.

Shame that it was Volk who cost the champs their titles.

7. Gauntlet Series Match 3 of 5 - El Dandy vs. Jinsei Shinzaki

WOW - Dandy got the win over Shinzaki, even after the beatdown by Ahmed earlier...amazing. Sux that Shinzaki claims it was a `fast count' even though i didnt see anything fast about it.

8. Four Corners Elimination Match - John Kronus vs. Jimmy Jacobs vs. Bull Pain vs. Marty Jannetty

Hmm...I'm shooting for Jacobs to get the win.

Wow...second fast count in a row. Poor Janetty.

I think the match shouldve been continued til a decisive finish but oh well...

9. Tazz vs. "Dangerous" Devon Storm

Tazz definitely has Malenko on his a** and i'm sure that will come to a head during this match.

Obviously IWA officials and members of the locker room know enough to not let those two go at it unless it's a sanctioned bout.

10. Gauntlet Series Match 4 of 5 - El Dandy vs. Hayabusa

El Dandy got past Hayabusa? TOUCHE!

11. Gauntlet Series FINALS - El Dandy vs. Josh Abercrombie

Dandy has no way of getting this win but we all know he did and THAT is amazing.

The fact that Abercrombie was able to kick out of the Dandina Cradle does say alot for him though.

12. CP Tri-State Heavyweight Championship Match - Matt Stryker (c) w/Becky Bayless vs. Pablo Marquez

Stryker with the win...most definitely.

13. Main Event - La Resistance vs. Chris Hero & The Patriot

Hmm...i'll go with Hero/Patriot.

Wow...the french men win. I'm sure Hero and Patriot won't let this loss get them down.
VertigoPosted on 04/25/05 at 19:38:09

Cincinnati Pro Hotline
Last Updated February 3, 2006

Cincinnati Pro returns to the Hamilton High School Gymnasium in Hamilton, Ohio next Friday night, February 10 to present Respect Rules The Ring. Lots of news to report today so let's just get right into it. First things first, Chris Leben, who left Cincinnati Pro just a few months ago has expressed interest in coming back for a rematch against Ken Shamrock. Alexander Otsuka stuck his nose into this business and talked Shamrock into coming back for the match... but it's now a tag team match! Alexander Otsuka & Ken Shamrock against Chris Leben... and the partner he has chosen... Chris Hero! That is going to be one hell of a fight!

But that won't be the only match of the night for Otsuka. He will also try to wrestle the Top Contendor's spot away from El Dandy next Friday night! But El Dandy is also scheduled to do double duty. His fued with Marty Jannetty is still burning and Jannetty wanted a piece of him next Friday. The only way El Dandy would accept that challenge was in the form of a tag team match... so Jannetty's partner of choice was Hardcore Holly. El Dandy has chosen to bring someone up from Mexico... that someone... Damian 666!!

Apparently a couple of the less successful guys in Cincinnati Pro are a bit upset by the way they have been being treated by The Elite in the locker rooms. A-Train called out Devon Storm & Pablo Marquez and it looks like it will be a two-on-one affair next Friday night as A-Train will face both Strom & Marquez in a handicapped match!

Matt Stryker will be there against an unnamed opponent, but he will not be defending his Tri-State Heavyweight Championship.

In a big 5-on-5 match, Vicious & Delcious & Ahmed Johnson will team up with the duo of Christopher Nowinski & Mark Henry to face The Headbangers, The Jung Dragons, & Volk Han. We know how much Volk Han wants to get ahold of Vicious & Delicious & Ahmed... things will be interesting in this one.

In a match that was scheduled especially for the fans, Hayabusa and Jinsei Shinzaki will go one-on-one in what is sure to be a classic bout.

The three remaining superstars from last weeks Singles Four Corners match will have at it again... Jimmy Jacobs against John Kronus against Bull Pain in a Three-Way-Dance! Dean Malenko will try to make up for his disappointing loss last month in a match against Mike Awesome and Rick Martel, in his first singles match in a very long time, takes on TAZZ!! These matches and much more next Friday night at 8:00 p.m. in the Hamilton High School Gymnasium in Hamilton, Ohio!!
rey619Posted on 04/25/05 at 20:49:13

Who is Bull Pain? I'm not familiar with him.