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SCHOOL OF HARD KNOX - MAY 28 2005

Shaun SindelmanPosted on 02/21/05 at 03:59:12

SCHOOL OF HARD KNOX - FIRST ANNUAL HEAD OF THE CLASS COMPETITION
DATE: MAY 28 2005
LOCATION: AMAZURA BALLROOM - JAMAICA, QUEENS, NY

Tonight was the first part of our annual Head of the Class competition. 16 men would do battle in two rounds of action and by the end of the night, 4 lucky participants will have advanced to next month's finals.

Also tonight we will see a cage match that will hopefully settle things between Real Xtreme and the team of Starring & Van Wild.

But first, we go to ringside for our first of 8 first round matches in the tournament. Chris Benoit was set to face a mystery opponent who turned out to be Kevin J. Ridge.

KJR is an up and coming superstar in the indy scene and hoped to do as well in Hard Knox as he has done in previous promotions.

**KJR is a fantasy wrestler**


Kevin J. Ridge goes for a kick to the groin, but Chris Benoit counters it with a dragon screw.
Chris Benoit takes Kevin J. Ridge down with a back elbow.
Chris Benoit covers Kevin J. Ridge.
Brian Hebner counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Chris Benoit gives the sign for the flying headbutt.
Chris Benoit takes Kevin J. Ridge down with a flying headbutt.
Brian Hebner counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Chris Benoit runs into the ropes.
Chris Benoit hits Kevin J. Ridge with a clothesline.
Chris Benoit goes for a German suplex, but Kevin J. Ridge blocks it.
Kevin J. Ridge kicks Chris Benoit.
Kevin J. Ridge is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Kevin J. Ridge chops Chris Benoit.
Kevin J. Ridge punches Chris Benoit.
Kevin J. Ridge is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Chris Benoit punches Kevin J. Ridge.
The crowd is really behind Chris Benoit.
Chris Benoit whips Kevin J. Ridge into the ropes.
Chris Benoit hits an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on Kevin J. Ridge.
Chris Benoit nails Kevin J. Ridge with a Northern Lights suplex.
Brian Hebner counts: One, two, three.
There are lots of chants for Chris Benoit.
Chris Benoit pinned Kevin J. Ridge after a Northern Lights suplex in 0:20:53.
Rating: *** 1/4


Chris Benoit had a hard fought match against Kevin Ridge. Despite being knocked out cold by a high risk dive to the outside and then constant blood loss, Benoit was able to move on to the next round.

Next - Johnny Ace meets Chuck Palumbo.


Both men are on the outside.
Johnny Ace hits Chuck Palumbo with a vertical suplex.
Johnny Ace throws Chuck Palumbo into the guardrail.
Johnny Ace hits the Rocker Dropper on Chuck Palumbo.
Johnny Ace hits an elbowdrop on Chuck Palumbo.
Johnny Ace executes a gutwrench suplex on Chuck Palumbo.
Johnny Ace shoves Chuck Palumbo into the guardrail.
Johnny Ace hits a back suplex on Chuck Palumbo.
Johnny Ace throws Chuck Palumbo into the guardrail.
Johnny Ace uses the Rocker Dropper on Chuck Palumbo.
Johnny Ace takes Chuck Palumbo down with a power bomb.
Johnny Ace runs Chuck Palumbo into the ringpost.
Johnny Ace whips Chuck Palumbo into the guardrail but Palumbo reverses it.
Chuck Palumbo nails Johnny Ace with a short clothesline.
Chuck Palumbo runs Johnny Ace into the ringpost.
Chuck Palumbo executes the Jungle Kick on Johnny Ace on the concrete floor.
The crowd is cheering on Chuck Palumbo.
Chuck Palumbo takes Johnny Ace down with a forearm to the back.
Chuck Palumbo throws Johnny Ace into the ringsteps.
The crowd is cheering on Chuck Palumbo.
Chuck Palumbo goes for a roundhouse right, but Johnny Ace counters it with an armbreaker.
Johnny Ace executes a kick to the head on Chuck Palumbo.
Johnny Ace nails Chuck Palumbo with a fisherman suplex.
Johnny Ace throws Chuck Palumbo back into the ring.
Johnny Ace executes the Implant DDT on Chuck Palumbo.
Rudy Charles counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is starting to get behind Johnny Ace.
Johnny Ace pinned Chuck Palumbo with the Implant DDT in 0:11:22.
Rating: ***


Johnny Ace and Palumbo fought on the outside and tossed each other around like rag dolls before Ace handed Chuck Palumbo a loss in HARD KNOX and moved on to the next round in the process.

Next - Chris Sabin faces a mystery opponent. That opponent was a familiar face to Sabin from NWA:TNA in the form of the big man, Abyss.


Abyss hits Chris Sabin with a splash from the second rope.
Rudy Charles counts: One, two, kickout.
Abyss goes for a headbutt, but Chris Sabin blocks it.
Chris Sabin punches Abyss.
There are chants of 'boring, boring'.
Abyss kicks Chris Sabin.
Abyss punches Chris Sabin.
You can hear a few scattered fans cheering for Abyss.
Abyss takes Chris Sabin down with a power bomb.
Rudy Charles counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Abyss takes Chris Sabin down with a kneelift.
Abyss hits Chris Sabin with a back elbow.
Abyss whips Chris Sabin into the ropes, but Chris Sabin reverses it.
Abyss goes for a spear, but Chris Sabin counters it with a kneelift.
In turn, Abyss counters it with a side step.
Abyss executes the Black Hole Slam on Chris Sabin.
You can hear a few scattered fans cheering for Abyss.
Abyss goes for the pin.
Rudy Charles counts: One, two, three.
Abyss pinned Chris Sabin with the Black Hole Slam in 0:14:15.
Rating: * 1/2


Chris Sabin was obviously being punished by being put in the ring with the big man they call ABYSS. Sabin tried to outmaneuver and outrun Abyss but in the end, Sabin was left flat with the Black Hole Slam. The fans were not too pleased with this match and expressed themselves with chants of `boring' throughout the match.

Abyss moves on to the next round.

During the match, Chris Sabin noticed the guy in the cowboy hat from last month was sitting in the front row and he kept pointing at him. The man in the cowboy hat was yelling back at Sabin "You're chasing the wrong guys when you chase the Kings."

We're not sure what that meant but we hope to get to the bottom of it soon enough.

Next - Lucha Libre action between Juventud Guerrera and LA Parka.


Juventud Guerrera calls for the Juvy Driver.
The chants for Juventud Guerrera are deafening.
Juventud Guerrera whips LA Parka into the ropes.
LA Parka hits Juventud Guerrera with a kick.
LA Parka goes for the Liger Bomb, but Juventud Guerrera counters it with a backdrop.
Juventud Guerrera whips LA Parka into the ropes, but LA Parka reverses it.
LA Parka hits Juventud Guerrera with a kick.
LA Park goes for a senton, but Juventud Guerrera rolls out of the way.
Juventud Guerrera goes for a DDT, but LA Parka counters it with a backdrop.
LA Parka runs into the ropes.
LA Parka hits Juventud Guerrera with a clothesline.
LA Parka hits Juventud Guerrera with a slap.
LA Parka whips Juventud Guerrera into the ropes, but Juventud Guerrera reverses it.
Juventud Guerrera uses a chop on LA Parka.
Juventud Guerrera executes a DDT on LA Parka.
The crowd is going crazy.
Juventud Guerrera executes the Juvy Driver on LA Parka.
Charles Robinson counts: One, two, three.
Juventud Guerrera has the crowd going wild.
Juventud Guerrera pinned LA Parka with the Juvi Driver in 0:11:19.
Rating: ****


A little Lucha Libre action for the fans as LA Parka and Juventud Guerra did battle.

Juvy moves on to the next round. As an incentive, HARD KNOX officials have offered to sign Guerrera to a 1 year contract, provided he advances to next month's finals.

Next -  Shane Dougla vs Shannon Moore


Shane Douglas puts Shannon Moore in a sleeperhold.
Shannon Moore tries to escape the hold.
Shannon Moore is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Shannon Moore makes it to the ropes after holding out for 22 seconds.
Shane Douglas nails Shannon Moore with a forearm to the back.
Shane Douglas uses a monkey flip on Shannon Moore.
Shane Douglas goes for a faceslam, but Shannon Moore blocks it.
Shannon Moore goes for a spinning heel kick, but Shane Douglas blocks it.
Shane Douglas uses a forearm to the back on Shannon Moore.
Shane Douglas runs into the ropes.
Shane Douglas hits Shannon Moore with a kick.
Shane Douglas puts Shannon Moore in a sleeperhold.
Shannon Moore gets ahold of the ropes after 7 seconds.
Shane Douglas punches Shannon Moore.
The crowd erupts.
Shane Douglas chops Shannon Moore.
Shane Douglas executes the Franchiser on Shannon Moore.
The crowd erupts.
Shane Douglas goes for the pin.
Charles Robinson counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Shane Douglas pinned Shannon Moore with the Franchiser in 0:12:30.
Rating: ** 1/2


Shane Douglas moves on to the next round and proves his loss to Funk last month was a fluke. As for Shannon Moore, he is not on the best run in HARD KNOX and this match didn't improve his situation.

Next - Spikyjim vs Chris Hamrick


Chris Hamrick throws Spikyjim out of the ring.
Chris Hamrick goes through the ropes.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Spikyjim throws Chris Hamrick into the guardrail.
Spikyjim goes for an inverted DDT, but Chris Hamrick blocks it.
Chris Hamrick hits a kick to the midsection on Spikyjim.
Chris Hamrick climbs back into the ring.
Spikyjim follows him back in.
Spikyjim brings a table into the ring.
Chris Hamrick places Spikyjim on the turnbuckle.
Chris Hamrick nails Spikyjim with a superplex.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Chris Hamrick punches Spikyjim.
The crowd erupts.
Chris Hamrick chops Spikyjim.
Spikyjim chops Chris Hamrick.
Spikyjim punches Chris Hamrick.
The crowd is behind Spikyjim all the way.
Spikyjim sets up Chris Hamrick on the table.
Spikyjim executes a 450 splash through the table.
The table is broken in half.
The chants for Spikyjim are deafening.
Spikyjim sets up Chris Hamrick on the turnbuckle.
Spikyjim executes the The Living End on Chris Hamrick.
The crowd is behind Spikyjim all the way.
Spikyjim goes for the pin.
Andrew Thomas counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is behind Spikyjim all the way.
Spikyjim pinned Chris Hamrick with the The Living End in 0:07:01.
Rating: *** 1/2


Spikyjim ended Hamrick's chances at being the top guy in HARD KNOX. Chris Sabin stood on the stage at the top of the entranceway and was visibily upset when Spikyjim gained this win.

Next - Terry Funk was to meet a rival of his own in this first round match. The lights went out and when they came back on, there was SABU!!!

Funk laid into Sabu immediately and Sabu fought right back.


Sabu nails Terry Funk with a spinning leg lariat.
Sabu goes for the Swinging DDT, but Terry Funk counters it with a low blow.
Terry Funk executes a ropeburn on Sabu.
Terry Funk kicks Sabu.
The crowd is cheering on Terry Funk.
Terry Funk hits Sabu.
Terry Funk is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Terry Funk punches Sabu.
Sabu kicks Terry Funk.
The crowd is cheering on Sabu.
Sabu kicks Terry Funk.
The crowd is really behind Sabu.
Terry Funk hits Sabu.
Terry Funk is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Terry Funk runs into the ropes.
Terry Funk hits Sabu with an elbow.
Terry Funk is going for the cover.
Andrew Thomas counts: One, two, kickout.
Terry Funk goes for a back suplex, but Sabu turns in mid-air and lands on him.
Andrew Thomas counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Sabu complains about a slow count.
Sabu executes a backbreaker on Terry Funk.
Sabu gets a camel clutch on Terry Funk.
Terry Funk reaches the ropes after 5 seconds.
Sabu hits Terry Funk with a flying cross body press.
Andrew Thomas counts: One, two, kickout.
Sabu hits Terry Funk with a springboard legdrop.
There are lots of chants for Sabu.
Sabu sends Terry Funk into the turnbuckle.
Sabu charges in with Air Sabu, but Terry Funk moves out of the way.
Terry Funk goes for a vertical suplex, but Sabu slides down his back.
Sabu leaves the ring.
He returns with a chair.
Sabu runs into the ropes and springs off the chair.
Sabu hits Terry Funk with a spinning leg lariat.
Andrew Thomas removes the chair from the ring.
Sabu goes for a roundhouse right, but Terry Funk reverses it.
Sabu re-reverses it.
Sabu goes for a back suplex, but Terry Funk counters it with a bulldog.
Terry Funk uses a snap mare on Sabu.
Terry Funk uses a vertical suplex on Sabu.
Terry Funk whips Sabu into the ropes.
Sabu hits Terry Funk with a kick.
Sabu runs into the ropes.
Terry Funk goes for a bodyslam, but Sabu blocks it.
Sabu sets up Terry Funk on the turnbuckle.
Sabu hits Terry Funk with a top-rope Frankensteiner.
Andrew Thomas counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Sabu nails Terry Funk with a backbreaker.
Sabu nails Terry Funk with a legdrop.
Sabu points to the ceiling.
There are lots of chants for Sabu.
Sabu leaves the ring.
He returns with a chair.
Sabu runs into the ropes and springs off the chair.
Sabu gives him an Arabian Facebuster, but Terry Funk doesn't budge.
The crowd is cheering on Terry Funk.
Terry Funk punches Sabu.
Terry Funk chops Sabu.
There are lots of chants for Terry Funk.
Sabu kicks Terry Funk.
Terry Funk kicks Sabu.
Terry Funk has the crowd going wild.
Sabu punches Terry Funk.
The crowd is really behind Sabu.
Sabu nails Terry Funk with a back suplex.
Sabu takes Terry Funk down with a dropkick to the knee.
Sabu whips Terry Funk into the ropes.
Sabu misses with a clothesline.
Terry Funk hits Sabu with a kick.
Andrew Thomas removes the chair from the ring.
Terry Funk goes for a ropeburn, but Sabu blocks it.
Sabu chops Terry Funk.
Sabu punches Terry Funk.
Sabu has the crowd going wild.
Sabu hits Terry Funk with a dropkick.
Sabu goes for a slingshot facebuster, but Terry Funk counters it with a vertical suplex.
Terry Funk goes for a chokehold, but Sabu counters it with
a kick to the midsection.
Sabu runs into the ropes.
Sabu goes for a clothesline, but Terry Funk ducks out of the way.
Terry Funk sends Sabu into the turnbuckle, but Sabu reverses it.
Sabu takes Terry Funk down with the Swinging DDT.
Sabu hits a legdrop on Terry Funk.
Sabu leaves the ring.
He returns with a chair.
Sabu runs into the ropes and springs off the chair.
Sabu hits an Arabian Facebuster on Terry Funk.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Sabu suddenly goes to the outside.
He retrieves a beer bottle.
Sabu takes a swing at Terry Funk with the beer bottle, but Funk gets out of the way.
Terry Funk snatches the beer bottle from Sabu.
Terry Funk hits Sabu with the beer bottle.
The crowd is behind Terry Funk all the way.
Sabu has been cut open.
Andrew Thomas throws the beer bottle to the outside.
Terry Funk hits Sabu with a vertical suplex.
Terry Funk punches Sabu.
Andrew Thomas removes the chair from the ring.
Terry Funk chops Sabu.
Sabu chops Terry Funk.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Terry Funk chops Sabu.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Terry Funk.
Terry Funk goes for a chokehold, but Sabu counters it with
a kick to the midsection.
In turn, Terry Funk counters it with a legwhip.
Terry Funk throws Sabu out of the ring.
Terry Funk goes outside.
Terry Funk whips Sabu into the guardrail.
Terry Funk executes a punch on Sabu.
Terry Funk goes for a facerake, but Sabu blocks it.
Sabu shoves Terry Funk into the guardrail.
Sabu reenters the ring.
Terry Funk climbs back into the ring.
Sabu nails Terry Funk with a dropkick.
Sabu whips Terry Funk into the ropes.
Sabu uses a flying clothesline on Terry Funk.
The crowd erupts.
Sabu throws Terry Funk into the turnbuckle.
Sabu hits a punch on Terry Funk.
Sabu whips Terry Funk into the ropes.
Terry Funk hits Sabu with an elbow.
Terry Funk whips Sabu into the turnbuckle.
Terry Funk takes Sabu down with a punch.
Terry Funk goes for a short clothesline, but Sabu ducks out of the way.
Sabu leaves the ring.
He returns with a chair.
Sabu runs into the ropes and springs off the chair.
Sabu hits Terry Funk with a spinning leg lariat.
Sabu whips Terry Funk into the ropes.
Terry Funk hits Sabu with a shoulderblock.
Terry Funk takes Sabu down with a kick to the midsection.
Terry Funk goes for a ropeburn, but Sabu blocks it.
Sabu gives him a headlock takedown, but Terry Funk doesn't even care.
Sabu kicks Terry Funk.
The crowd is behind Sabu all the way.
Sabu whips Terry Funk into the ropes.
Terry Funk hits Sabu with an elbow.
Terry Funk executes a snap mare on Sabu.
Terry Funk goes for a bulldog, but Sabu counters it with a back suplex.
The chants for Sabu are deafening.
Sabu takes Terry Funk down with an Asai leg lariat.
Terry Funk collides with Andrew Thomas.
Sabu whips Terry Funk into the ropes.
Terry Funk hits Sabu with a shoulderblock.
Terry Funk goes for a chokehold, but Sabu counters it with a facerake.
Sabu goes for an Asai leg lariat, but Terry Funk side-steps and Sabu only hits air.
Terry Funk suddenly exits the ring.
He brings a trash can into the ring.
Terry Funk hits Sabu with the trash can.
The crowd is giving Terry Funk a standing ovation.
Terry Funk nails Sabu with a short clothesline.
Terry Funk hits Sabu with the trash can.
Terry Funk goes for a snap mare, but Sabu blocks it.
Sabu takes Terry Funk down with a dropkick.
Sabu sets up the chair.
Sabu goes for the Swinging DDT, but Terry Funk counters it with a Northern Lights suplex.
There is no referee to count.
Terry Funk runs into the ropes.
Sabu hits a clothesline on Terry Funk.
Sabu uses an Asai leg lariat on Terry Funk.
Andrew Thomas is sporting a dazed look but is back on the job.
Sabu executes the Triple Jump Moonsault on Terry Funk.
Andrew Thomas counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Sabu.
Sabu pinned Terry Funk with the Triple Jump Moonsault in 0:12:23.
Rating: *** 1/4


All Terry Funk knew going into this match was that someone from his past would be making a one night appearance to fight him in the tournament's first round.

I'm sure he never expected it to be SABU!!!

Sabu and Funk went for twelve minutes before Sabu got the win and moves on to the next round.

Next - Raven has his open challenge answered by BJ Whitmer.


They're brawling inside the ring area.
BJ Whitmer goes for a swinging neckbreaker, but Raven counters it with a side suplex.
Raven grabs a table.
Raven hits BJ Whitmer with the table.
Raven has the crowd going wild.
Raven whips BJ Whitmer into the guardrail.
Raven hits BJ Whitmer with a drop toe hold.
Raven hits him with the table.
Raven takes BJ Whitmer down with a powerslam.
Raven whips BJ Whitmer into the guardrail.
Raven spreads his arms apart.
The crowd is behind Raven all the way.
Raven nails BJ Whitmer with a back suplex.
Raven throws BJ Whitmer back into the ring.
Raven brings the the table into the ring.
BJ Whitmer goes for a kneelift, but Raven side-steps and BJ Whitmer only hits air.
Raven locks BJ Whitmer in a chokehold.
BJ Whitmer breaks the hold after 5 seconds.
BJ Whitmer gets a Fujiwara armbar on Raven.
Raven grabs the ropes after 5 seconds.
BJ Whitmer hits Raven with an elbowsmash.
BJ Whitmer runs into the ropes.
Raven takes BJ Whitmer down with a bodyslam.
Raven hits him with the table.
The crowd is giving Raven a standing ovation.
Earl Hebner throws the table out of the ring.
Raven gives the sign for the Raven Effect.
Raven executes the Raven Effect on BJ Whitmer.
Raven goes for the pin.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Raven pinned BJ Whitmer with the Raven Effect in 0:09:42.
Rating: ***


BJ Whitmer tried his hand at singles action and accepted Raven's challenge in this first round match.

This didn't seem to bother Raven who got his win and will move on to the next round.

Next - we break from the tournament to have our tag team cage match between Real Xtreme and Van Wild & Scott Starring.


Van Wild takes James Robinson down with a Samoan Drop.
Van Wild hits James Robinson with a power bomb.
Chad Patton counts: One, two, kickout.
Van Wild uses a tilt-a-whirl powerslam on James Robinson.
The crowd is really behind Van Wild.
Van Wild catches James Robinson in a surfboard.
James Robinson inches his way towards the ropes after being locked up for 5 seconds.
Van Wild executes a powerslam on James Robinson.
There are lots of chants for Van Wild.
Van Wild goes for the Wild Ride, but James Robinson blocks it.
Van Wild takes James Robinson down with a Samoan Drop.
There are lots of chants for Van Wild.
Van Wild uses a vertical suplex on James Robinson.
Scott Starring enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Van Wild and Scott Starring hit James Robinson with a double jumping DDT.
Scott Starring uses a spinebuster slam on James Robinson.
The chants for Scott Starring are deafening.
Van Wild and Scott Starring whip James Robinson into the ropes.
They hit James Robinson with a double fist to the midsection.
Van Wild and Scott Starring hit James Robinson with a double jumping DDT.
Scott Starring leaves the ring.
Van Wild uses a powerslam on James Robinson.
The crowd is really behind Van Wild.
Van Wild executes the Wild Ride on James Robinson.
There are lots of chants for Van Wild.
Van Wild goes for the pin.
Chad Patton counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Van Wild gives him a flying bulldog, but James Robinson doesn't budge.
The crowd is really behind James Robinson.
Van Wild goes for a running power bomb, but James Robinson counters it with a backdrop.
James Robinson hits an armbar takedown on Van Wild.
There are lots of chants for James Robinson.
James Robinson goes for a kick to the head, but Van Wild blocks it.
Van Wild runs into the ropes.
James Robinson hits Van Wild with a clothesline.
Van Wild bumps into the cage.
Van Wild is out cold.
James Robinson executes the Manhattan Bridge on Van Wild.
Chad Patton counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going crazy.
Cage Match:
Real Xtreme (James Robinson and Lance Williams) defeated Scott Starring and Van Wild when Robinson pinned Van Wild with the Manhattan Bridge in 0:18:38.
Rating: **** 1/4


Real Xtreme and Wild & Starring both used the cage as a weapon. In the end, it was the cage that got Real Xtreme the victory as Van Wild had been knocked out cold from a bump into the steel structure and James Robinson covered him for the easy win.

Next up - second round action as Juventud Guerrera meets  Johnny Ace. If Guerrera wins this match, he will get a 1 year contract with HARD KNOX as a bonus.


Johnny Ace gets a scorpion deathlock on Juventud Guerrera.
Earl Hebner asks Juventud Guerrera if he's still there.
Juventud Guerrera nods.
Juventud Guerrera tries to escape the hold.
Juventud Guerrera inches his way towards the ropes after 20 seconds.
Johnny Ace executes a bodyslam on Juventud Guerrera.
Johnny Ace goes for a vertical suplex, but Juventud Guerrera counters it with a small package.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, kickout.
Juventud Guerrera nails Johnny Ace with a chop.
Juventud Guerrera uses a Frankensteiner on Johnny Ace.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Juventud Guerrera hits a springboard somersault dropkick on Johnny Ace.
Juventud Guerrera calls for the Juvi Driver.
The chants for Juventud Guerrera are deafening.
Juventud Guerrera executes the Juvy Driver on Johnny Ace.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is behind Juventud Guerrera all the way.
Juventud Guerrera pinned Johnny Ace with the Juvy Driver in 0:05:05.
Rating: *** 3/4


That 1 year contract was definitely enough motivation to get Juvy fired up to win this match and move on to next month's Final Four for the title.

Next - Chris Benoit goes up against the big man from TNA, Abyss.


Chris Benoit executes the Crippler Crossface on Abyss.
Abyss is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Abyss is writhing in pain.
Chad Patton tells Abyss to respond or he'll stop the fight.
Abyss nods.
Chad Patton asks Abyss if he should stop the fight.
Abyss shakes his head.
Chad Patton asks Abyss if he's had enough.
Abyss shakes his head.
Abyss breaks the hold after 30 seconds.
Abyss hits a kick to the head on Chris Benoit.
Abyss hits Chris Benoit with a Gorilla Press.
The crowd is behind Abyss all the way.
Abyss runs into the ropes.
Abyss hits Chris Benoit with a clothesline.
Abyss goes for a back suplex, but Chris Benoit flips over.
Chris Benoit goes for a rolling reverse cradle, but Abyss counters it with an elbowsmash.
Abyss goes for a choke slam, but Chris Benoit blocks it.
Chris Benoit nails Abyss with a dropkick.
Chris Benoit runs into the ropes.
Abyss and Chris Benoit get hit with a double clothesline.
Abyss hits Chris Benoit with a backbreaker.
The crowd is behind Abyss all the way.
Abyss whips Chris Benoit into the ropes, but Chris Benoit reverses it.
Chris Benoit hits Abyss with a kick.
Chris Benoit gives the sign for the Crippler Crossface.
Chris Benoit executes the Crippler Crossface on Abyss.
Abyss summons one last burst of energy.
Abyss submits after 13 seconds.
The crowd is giving Chris Benoit a standing ovation.
Chris Benoit made Abyss submit to the Crippler Crossface in 0:23:15.
Rating: ****


Chris Benoit did everything in his power to bring the big man down and in the end, he was able to make the big Abyss submit to the Crossface.

Benoit will now be in the Final Four as well.

Next up - Shane Douglas meets Spikyjim


Spikyjim hits Shane Douglas with a Cradle DDT.
Brian Hebner counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Spikyjim hits Shane Douglas with a DDT.
Spikyjim goes for a baseball slide, but Shane Douglas rolls away.
Shane Douglas hits Spikyjim with an elbowdrop.
Shane Douglas uses a dropkick on Spikyjim.
Shane Douglas takes Spikyjim down with a swinging neckbreaker.
The chants for Shane Douglas are deafening.
Shane Douglas executes a legsweep on Spikyjim.
Shane Douglas is going for the pin.
Brian Hebner counts: One, two, kickout.
Shane Douglas whips Spikyjim into the ropes.
Spikyjim goes for a sunset flip power bomb, but Shane Douglas blocks it.
Shane Douglas takes Spikyjim down with a neck snap.
The crowd is behind Shane Douglas all the way.
Shane Douglas kicks Spikyjim.
Shane Douglas gets a sleeperhold on Spikyjim.
Spikyjim makes it to the ropes after being locked up for 11 seconds.
Shane Douglas goes for a bodyslam, but Spikyjim counters it with a facerake.
Spikyjim places Shane Douglas on the turnbuckle.
Spikyjim executes the The Living End on Shane Douglas.
Spikyjim goes for the pin.
Brian Hebner counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Spikyjim pinned Shane Douglas with the The Living End in 0:09:33.
Rating: **** 1/4


Once again, Chris Sabin made his presence felt during Spikyjim's match. This time, he stood in the middle of the entranceway and watched this match unfold. He was grinning every time Shane Douglas was close to beating Spikyjim and frowned when Spiky was on top.

In the end, Sabin was furious as Spikyjim won the match and especially when Jim laughed at Sabin who had NOT made it passed the first round.

Next - our final second round match as former ECW stars collide. Raven vs Sabu!


Raven runs into the ropes.
Raven goes for a clothesline, but Sabu ducks out of the way.
Sabu whips Raven into the ropes.
Sabu hits Raven with a kick.
Sabu executes the Triple Jump Moonsault on Raven.
Mike Chioda counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Sabu climbs to the top turnbuckle, but Raven nails him in the stomach.
Sabu falls onto the top turnbuckle.
Raven hits Sabu with a superplex.
Raven puts Sabu in a sleeperhold.
Sabu reaches the ropes after holding out for 5 seconds.
Raven goes for a vertical suplex, but Sabu blocks it.
Sabu hits a dropkick on Raven.
Sabu whips Raven into the ropes.
Sabu misses with an elbow.
Raven hits Sabu with a clothesline.
Raven is going for the cover.
Mike Chioda counts: One, two, kickout.
Raven goes for a clothesline, but Sabu ducks out of the way.
Sabu whips Raven into the ropes.
Sabu hits Raven with a backdrop.
Sabu executes a dropkick to the knee on Raven.
Sabu uses a slingshot legdrop on Raven.
The chants for Sabu are deafening.
Sabu whips Raven into the ropes.
Sabu gets an armbar submission on Raven.
Raven is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Raven is inching his way towards the ropes.
Raven makes it to the ropes after holding out for 22 seconds.
Sabu goes for a slingshot facebuster, but Raven counters it with a vertical suplex.
Raven gives the sign for the Raven Effect.
Raven executes the Raven Effect on Sabu.
The crowd is behind Raven all the way.
Raven goes for the pin.
Mike Chioda counts: One, two, three.
The crowd erupts.
Raven pinned Sabu with the Raven Effect in 0:10:08.
Rating: **** 1/4


Raven beat Sabu and moved on to the finals.

The crowd was loving Sabu tonight and were disappointed that he would not be back next month.

As for Raven, he was ecstatic to know that he is one match away from being the first champion of HARD KNOX and all he has to do is get through Chris Benoit, Juventud Guerrera and Spikyjim. I'm sure he was equally happy knowing that Shane Douglas did not even make it to the finals.

Card rating: *** 3/4

Next month:

* Final Four Way Elimination for the title
Juventud Guerra vs Chris Benoit vs SpikyJim vs Raven

* Chris Hamrick will do battle with a potential new signee

* Shannon Moore & Steve Rizzonno will team up to face Van Wild & Scott Starring

* Terry Funk and Shane Douglas will do battle in tag team action with partners of their choosing. Shane Douglas has already chosen his partner in Johnny Ace. Is this a Dynamic Dudes reunion or is The Franchise just noticing the great run Ace has had in HARD KNOX thus far?

* Chris Sabin will face Johnny Stamboli. Will Sabin be able to concentrate and win this match or will he still be caught up with Spikyjim wrestling in the finals and not him?

* Dean Malenko & Perry Saturn have asked for another match against The Christopher St. Connection - this one will be a BARBED WIRE match.

* Our main event will be a four way elimination match to determine the first HEAD OF THE CLASS. The participants once again are:
Chris Benoit
Spikyjim
Raven
Juventud Guerrera

All this and much more next month.
americamamushiPosted on 02/21/05 at 05:57:45

Benoit moves on.  Since he's more established in Hard Knox than the newcomer KJR, it was good that he went over.

Ace is on fire!  He's beatin' up a storm in Hard Knox.

And I thought Sabin had it hard before, now he has to face Abyss.  Given the nature of Abyss' character, going over Sabin makes a great deal of sense.  I like Sabin, but coming in and losing to Sabin doesn't really give him a monsterous build.  Wasn't a stellar match, but what are you gonna do, right?  :)  Interesting deal with the cowboy man again.  You've definently peaked my curiosity

Good match.  Even though both are regulars in American wrestler (or at least were, not sure exactly how much north of the border work they do now) putting two Mexican wrestlers in a match against eachother and calling it "Lucha Libre" action catches some attention that just saying "L.A. Park vs.  Juvi" doesn't.  It's funny how sometimes something as simple as they way you present the match with a few extra words can make it seem a whole lot more exciting on paper than it otherwise would.:)  Good thinking.  Also, I'm confused as to which Parka is being used.  Is it the original La Parka (now wrestling as L.A. Park? or is it the Triple A knock off that still wrestlers as La Parka?)

Another instance of the right person going over with the Moore/Douglas match.  With what has happened in the previous monthes, the name "Douglas" carries more clout with the fans.

Sabin watching SpikyJim's match?  His actions in Hard Knox are blowing my mind.  It's like he's just not thinking.  He just keeps getting involved in everything and even though things haven't been gonig real great for him, he just keeps on doing it.  I think you've probably got a couple really great choices of what you could do with Sabin character here.  With I little more developement of his character and some more reasoning to his actions he could become quite the solid character

The turning-off-the-lights-bit again.  I do love me some of that bit. ;)  Not really surprised that Sabu went over for some reason.  Either one would have been ok though.

Obviously Whitmer isn't near as lethal in singles action as he is with Rhyno.  Of course, he was facing Raven too.

Good cage match.  I don't feel like anything has really been solved between the teams yet though, which is good.:)  Even if you don't persue the feud further now, it leaves things open for rekindling the feud down the road.

Whoa!  Big upset!  I'm shocked that Juvi beat Ace.  I think Ace may have lost a little face with this particular loss, but it's not a crushing blow.  It deifinitely builds Juvi up.  With the win coming from motivation for a contract, it makes me wonder what he can do when he's motivated by other things, or if he's not motivated by something specific, if it'll put a kink in his ability to win.

Benoit vs. Abyss.  Not too shabby of a second round match up.  I don't think losing to Benoit really hurt Abyss all that much.  I mean, Benoit took him 23 minutes after both had wrestled previous matches and Benoit did have momentum from his feud with Douglas & Raven.  I don't feel that Benoit gained a lot from making Abyss tap to the Crippler Crossface and like a said, Abyss' loss puts a little chink in the "Monster Gimmick" armor, but it's better Abyss' loss came from Benoit I think.  I would say the right man went over.

Surprised that SpikyJim beat Douglas.  I figured Douglas for sure.  Though SJ's win adds something to the Sabin situation.

Raven vs. Sabu.  Another ECW, hardcore wrestler classic.  Much better rating than I expected too.  I'm kind of dissapointed to see Sabu go as well, but Raven makes a whole lot more sense going into the finals.

lol, it's funny "ecstatic" is not a mood I can picture coming from Raven. :D

The 4-way elimination next month should be good.  

predictions

* Juventud Guerra vs Chris Benoit vs SpikyJim vs Raven: Benoit I think.  I think Juvi will be the first to go.  SpikyJim will be the second, probably at the hands of Chris Sabin.  Leaving Raven & Benoit

* Chris Hamrick will do battle with a potential new signee: Il'l go with the underdog and say the newb will do it.

* Shannon Moore & Steve Rizzonno will team up to face Van Wild & Scott Starring: Van Wild & Starring have the momentum.

* Terry Funk and Shane Douglas & Ace: I think Douglas and Ace will go over Funk and whoever his partner is (Dory Jr. maybe?)  I think Ace will be able to pick things back up after his loss to Juvi.  

* Chris Sabin will face Johnny Stamboli: Hmmm... toughie.  I think Sabin will win, but he'll definitely have this mind else where, which will allow Stamboli a lot of near falls

* Dean Malenko & Perry Saturn vs. The Christopher St. Connection: Malenko and Saturn will beat the CsC again

Oh, and do you think somewhere, either on the boards or a website or something you can let us know what the finishers of your fantasy wrestlers are?  Out of curiosity.:)
Shaun SindelmanPosted on 02/21/05 at 14:18:39

On 02/21/05 at 05:57:45, americamamushi wrote:Benoit moves on.  Since he's more established in Hard Knox than the newcomer KJR, it was good that he went over.
Yep - i must admit that in some cases (this was not one of them but since you mentioned putting people over), i did continue a match in order to make sure a certain person went over to the next round.

And I thought Sabin had it hard before, now he has to face Abyss.  Given the nature of Abyss' character, going over Sabin makes a great deal of sense.  I like Sabin, but coming in and losing to Sabin doesn't really give him a monsterous build.  Wasn't a stellar match, but what are you gonna do, right?  :)  Interesting deal with the cowboy man again.  You've definently peaked my curiosity
i couldn't think of a big man to punish Sabin and then i thought of Abyss and it worked well since they are both TNA guys.  Glad you are liking the cowboy man - it should be obvious to what his intentions are by now.

Good match.  Even though both are regulars in American wrestler (or at least were, not sure exactly how much north of the border work they do now) putting two Mexican wrestlers in a match against eachother and calling it "Lucha Libre" action catches some attention that just saying "L.A. Park vs.  Juvi" doesn't.  It's funny how sometimes something as simple as they way you present the match with a few extra words can make it seem a whole lot more exciting on paper than it otherwise would.:)  Good thinking.  Also, I'm confused as to which Parka is being used.  Is it the original La Parka (now wrestling as L.A. Park? or is it the Triple A knock off that still wrestlers as La Parka?)
Actually it is indeed L.A. Park - i had no idea there were two ones out there. My TNM has L.A. Park and i simply just kept changing the name in the PBP to LA Parka.

Another instance of the right person going over with the Moore/Douglas match.  With what has happened in the previous monthes, the name "Douglas" carries more clout with the fans.
absolutely and i think Moore upsetting Shane would've been great but it wouldve killed Shane's momentum even more (especially after losing to The Funker last month)

Sabin watching SpikyJim's match?  His actions in Hard Knox are blowing my mind.  It's like he's just not thinking.  He just keeps getting involved in everything and even though things haven't been gonig real great for him, he just keeps on doing it.  I think you've probably got a couple really great choices of what you could do with Sabin character here.  With I little more developement of his character and some more reasoning to his actions he could become quite the solid character
thanks - i'm thinking the obsessed character is a good way to go. maybe develop his obsession some more in new ways.

The turning-off-the-lights-bit again.  I do love me some of that bit. ;)  Not really surprised that Sabu went over for some reason.  Either one would have been ok though.
well the turning off the lights is synonomous with Sabu so it had to happen.

Obviously Whitmer isn't near as lethal in singles action as he is with Rhyno.  Of course, he was facing Raven too.
yep - which is why i put Whitmer back into tag action for next month.

Good cage match.  I don't feel like anything has really been solved between the teams yet though, which is good.:)  Even if you don't persue the feud further now, it leaves things open for rekindling the feud down the road.
Absolutely and with the tag titles still vacant, there's definitely a big openin to get those 2 teams back into the swing of things.

Whoa!  Big upset!  I'm shocked that Juvi beat Ace.  I think Ace may have lost a little face with this particular loss, but it's not a crushing blow.  It deifinitely builds Juvi up.  With the win coming from motivation for a contract, it makes me wonder what he can do when he's motivated by other things, or if he's not motivated by something specific, if it'll put a kink in his ability to win.
I gotta agree that Ace getting his first big loss was a crushing blow but the contract incentive definitely put some rationale behind the decision.

Benoit vs. Abyss.  Not too shabby of a second round match up.  I don't think losing to Benoit really hurt Abyss all that much.  I mean, Benoit took him 23 minutes after both had wrestled previous matches and Benoit did have momentum from his feud with Douglas & Raven.  I don't feel that Benoit gained a lot from making Abyss tap to the Crippler Crossface and like a said, Abyss' loss puts a little chink in the "Monster Gimmick" armor, but it's better Abyss' loss came from Benoit I think.  I would say the right man went over.
i brought Abyss in to punish Sabin and that was all so i couldn't allow Abyss to win the match, especially over someone with more staying power like Benoit.

Surprised that SpikyJim beat Douglas.  I figured Douglas for sure.  Though SJ's win adds something to the Sabin situation.
yep - the win simply drove Sabin to a whole new level of insane, ya might say. *you'll see come next month*

Raven vs. Sabu.  Another ECW, hardcore wrestler classic.  Much better rating than I expected too.  I'm kind of dissapointed to see Sabu go as well, but Raven makes a whole lot more sense going into the finals.

lol, it's funny "ecstatic" is not a mood I can picture coming from Raven. :D

The 4-way elimination next month should be good.
yea - once again, it all goes back to the first month. Raven didn't get the proper win then but now he's in a position to throw everything from the last few months right back in the faces of Benoit and Shane Douglas.  

Oh, and do you think somewhere, either on the boards or a website or something you can let us know what the finishers of your fantasy wrestlers are?  Out of curiosity.:)
According to my TNM database, here are the finishers for the fantasy guys and since you also asked bout Rizzonno:

Steve Rizzonno - Corporate Takeover (Rocker Dropper)

Kevin J Ridge -  Ridged Rapture (pumphandle tombstone)

Spikyjim - The Living End (inverted ddt)

Despair - Despair Driver (Michinoku Driver)

Real Xtreme - singles both men use a German Suplex that James calls The Manhattan Bridge and Lance calls The Brooklyn Bridge. For tag action, they use Pain NY Style which is a camel clutch-leg drop combo. sometimes Lance will use the camel clutch as a singles finisher.

Van Wild & Scott Starring - Van (Wild Ride - airplane spin into a Diamond Cutter), Scott (Rookie Mistake - shooting star press)
rey619Posted on 02/21/05 at 18:32:25

I think it is quite innovative and creative to come up with something completely different than "world title".. i.e. head of class competition. Nice one  ;)
Shaun SindelmanPosted on 02/21/05 at 19:12:35

thanks - i figured it worked well with the whole SCHOOL of HARD KNOX persona to go with something related to school.