FORUM HOME > TNM Circuits > TNM Circuits
[GCW] Monday Night Explosion - 10/18/04

Snabbit888Posted on 01/13/05 at 07:40:44

We had just one stop left on our way to Trick or Trouble, our first pay-per-view to ever emanate from Canada. That stop was the Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebraska for Monday Night Explosion! We had a stacked lineup tonight as our roster tried to make their final impression before this Sunday's pay-per-view extravaganza. We would find out who would be wrestling for the vacant North American Title this Sunday as Monty Brown took on "Y2J" Chris Jericho and The Hurricane took on AJ Styles! Because of his great showing in the North American Title Tournament, newcomer Chris Hero has been granted a Television Title shot against Christopher Daniels! The World's Greatest Tag Team and Team Canada would have at it, and the Basham Brothers, at the request of Shaniqua, would be defending their World Tag Team Titles against a team to be named. Let's not waste any more time and get right to it!

* * * * *

[As the opening to Monday Night Explosion finishes, we see that Randy Orton is already standing in the ring. He has a bandage on his forehead and more importantly, he has a steel chair. He is also armed with the microphone and a very sour attitude.]

RO: Consider this show STOPPED! [Crowd pop] Week in and week out, Kurt Angle and Steve Bradley have been making my life an absolute hell! I have been attacked, jumped from behind, and busted open more times than I'd like to remember. But the tables are turning, and they start turning TONIGHT. Now I get a piece of Kurt Angle in six days at Trick or Trouble, and I'm salivating. I'll be able to cause Kurt Angle more pain than I ever could physically when I beat him in the center of the ring and take the World Heavyweight Title. [Crowd pop] So I'm not concerned with Angle tonight. Oh no... tonight my target is Steve Bradley! You see this, Bradley?

[Orton rips the bandage off his head, revealing a nasty wound.]

RO: That right there is four stitches courtesy of you and your baseball bat. All week I have had to look at this wound, look at these stitches... and it's pissed me off. That's why I'm not leaving this ring until Steve Bradley and his little friend Mofo get down here so I can kick his ass!

[A huge crowd pop as the fans appreciate Orton's intensity.]

RO: Now Bradley's a sick guy. He has his little buddy Mofo that he carries around with him. Hell, I've watched him talk to that baseball bat. Well I brought a little friend of my own. [Indicates the chair he is holding] They call me the Legend Killer? Well, meet the Lackey Killer! [Crowd pop] That's all you are, Bradley. Nothing more than Kurt Angle's BITCH!

[Another huge pop for Orton. The fans start chanting, "RANDY! RANDY!"]

RO: [Unfolding the chair] So me and my little buddy here are going to make ourselves comfortable until Steve Bradley grows the BALLS to come down here to the ring to bust me open again! [Crowd pop] C'mon Steve! I dare you!

[Orton sits on the chair and crosses his legs, tapping his foot impatiently. After a few moments, instead of Steve Bradley, GCW President Ryan Niemiller appears on the VideoTron.]

RN: Randy, what are you doing?

RO: You might as well shut that screen off, Niemiller, because this show is on pause until Bradley is left in a pool of his own blood! This doesn't concern you.

RN: Actually, this does concern me, because you're holding up my show!

RO: That's not my problem.

RN: Randy, Steve Bradley isn't coming out to the ring... not yet anyway.

RO: What do you mean?

RN: Well had you come and talked to me like I asked you to, you wouldn't be out here holding up the show!

RO: And what would you have told me had I come to talk to you?

RN: First, I'd tell you to look above you. Go ahead. What do you see?

[Orton slowly looks up, as does everyone in attendance. Hanging above the ring is a steel cage! Orton doesn't say anything, but a huge smile grows across his face.]

RN: You want Steve Bradley, Steve Bradley wants you, and it's going to happen tonight in Omaha, Nebraska!

[Obligatory hometown mention pop.]

RN: Steve Bradley and yourself seem to be magnets for outside interference these days, so the only way for this match to go down and for you two to settle your differences is in the confines of a 15-foot high steel cage!

[Huge crowd pop for this match. Randy Orton smiles and calmly folds up the chair.]

RO: I guess I can go now.

["Burn In My Light" by Mercy Drive plays as Orton works the crowd. The VideoTron shuts off and Orton takes his leave, playing to the crowd the entire way. For the first time in GCW's short history, we are going to see a steel cage match on Explosion. You have to admire Randy Orton's desire to fight, but how wise is it for him to take on a steel cage match with someone has malicious as Steve Bradley, a mere six days away from his shot at the World Heavyweight Title?]

* * * * *


Match #1
The World's Greatest Tag Team vs. Team Canada
Team Canada cost Shelton Benjamin a match last night on High Voltage against Eric Angle, which led to this tag team match being signed being Team Canada and the World's Greatest Tag Team. Teddy Hart and Petey Williams want to face the elite and want to be a serious force in the tag team division. They had to put up or shut up tonight, and in the early going, it definitely looked like they were going to have to shut up. Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin work so flawlessly together that it's difficult for opposing teams to keep the advantage because they know all the ins and outs of tag team wrestling. Hart and Williams are very opportunistic though, and they showed that in this one. Haas seemed to be well on his way to finishing Petey Williams off, but he got a little sloppy, which is a rarity for him. Haas is one of the most technically sound wrestlers in the world, but he got careless when he went for what looked to be a power bomb, but Williams reversed it with a roll up. Williams reached out his hand which Teddy Hart grabbed for added leverage, and Team Canada pulled off a huge upset!

Team Canada (Teddy Hart and Petey Williams) defeated The World's Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin) when P. Williams pinned C. Haas after a roll up in 0:04:34.
Rating: ***

Team Canada ran from the ring like they committed a robbery, and in essence, they did, as they cheated their way to a victory over the former World Tag Team champions! Haas and Benjamin were understandably upset, and pleaded their case to referee Antonio Santangelo. But a referee can only call what he sees, and he didn't see the assist from the outside. This is that signature win that Team Canada needed to cement their status as a force to be reckoned with. The World's Greatest Tag Team will recover from this loss, but this is an absolutely huge victory for Team Canada. Could a title shot be in the future of Teddy Hart and Petey Williams?


Match #2
"Primetime" Elix Skipper vs. Billy Kidman
Billy Kidman has accepted Paul London's challenge for Trick or Trouble. He hasn't been too anxious to give London any explanations as to why he walked out of him at Retribution, nor why he viciously assaulted him a few weeks ago. However, you would be hard pressed to find anyone who would turn down a title shot that was offered to him by the champion, and Kidman's no fool. Kidman will go for the Cruiserweight Title at Trick or Trouble, but tonight he had to deal with "Primetime" Elix Skipper, which is no easy task. Kidman didn't want to risk an injury going into this Sunday, and he devised a plan to make short work of Skipper.

Kidman insisted that Skipper might have a foreign object on him, and demanded that referee Petey Pluck check him to make sure. While Pluck checked Skipper, Kidman caught Skipper with a sucker punch. Kidman aggressively went on the attack with hard punches before catching Skipper with the BK Bomb. Skipper couldn't even get himself out of the blocks before Kidman floored him with a flying forearm. The sudden nature of this attack was enough to allow Kidman to pick up the victory.

Billy Kidman pinned Elix Skipper after a flying forearm in 0:01:09.
Rating: **

Elix Skipper never stood a chance in this match as Billy Kidman finished him off early. Kidman didn't have to worry about answering to Paul London tonight as the Cruiserweight champion wasn't in the building, but Kidman will have no choice but to face up to London this Sunday.


Match #3
North American Title Tournament - Semi-Finals
The Hurricane vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles
Both The Hurricane and AJ Styles were one step away from earning the right to wrestle for the vacant North American Title at Trick or Trouble. The Hurricane's path to the semi-finals hasn't been pretty, earning disqualification victories over Abyss and Steve Bradley. Styles defeated Eddie Guerrero in the first round on a countout, and then was able to pin impressive newcomer Chris Hero in the quarterfinals. AJ Styles honestly believes that he is the best young wrestler in the world today, and he could very well be if he keeps at the pace he's going, that could prove true. The Hurricane wasn't about to let Styles waltz all over him though, having already beaten the odds to make it this far in the tournament.

The crowd absolutely ate this match up as both competitors are two of the most innovative wrestlers in North America. Some of the counters these two pulled out were enough to make enough the most cynical wrestling fan's jaw drop. After a eight minutes of action, we thought that The Hurricane might sneak his way into the finals the same way he advanced this far when ABYSS and SHANIQUA started their way to the ring. Referee Jimmy Appleseed jumped out of the ring to cut them off, but when he did so, he took his eyes off the action allowing Styles to catch The Hurricane with a low blow. Styles followed with the Styles Clash and Appleseed saw the cover out of he corner of his eye, rushed into the ring, and counted the three.

[North American Title Tournament - Semi-Finals]:
AJ Styles pinned The Hurricane with the Styles Clash in 0:08:40.
Rating: ****

AJ Styles has earned himself a spot in the finals and will compete for the North American Title at Trick or Trouble. Styles didn't get much time to celebrate his victory though as he quickly exited the ring when Abyss and Shaniqua entered the ring. Abyss wasted no time in grabbing The Hurricane by the head and lifting him high into the air. The Hurricane kicked his arms frantically but Abyss had a good hold of him. Abyss tossed The Hurricane into the turnbuckle, causing the Man In Green's head to snap back. Shaniqua told Abyss to finish The Hurricane off, but Abyss was stopped when STEVE BRADLEY was out, Mofo in hand! Abyss turned his attention to Bradley in the aisle, but the GCW Official Brigade came down and stood between the two ill-tempered combatants. The crowd started chanting "LET THEM GO!" but the GCW Official Brigade would not oblige. With Shaniqua and Abyss distracted by Bradley, they failed to notice that The Hurricane was getting back to his feet. The crowd may have been upset that the officials wouldn't let Abyss and Bradley go at it, but they exploded when The Hurricane nailed Abyss with a low blow, bringing the big man to his knees! The Man In Green didn't wait around for Abyss to regain his composure as he took off through the crowd. We would find out later that with The Hurricane now out of the tournament, a triple threat match has been signed for Trick or Trouble between the aforementioned superhero, Abyss, and Steve Bradley!

* * * * *

[We cut to the backstage area where we see Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero.]

CB: Now you know you need to calm down a bit when *I* am telling you to relax. I've known you for a long time, Eddie, and I've never seen you like this. You wrestle with a lot of emotion, but if you're careless, if you wrestle all with your heart and none with your head, you're going to be in for a long night this Sunday.

EG: This is coming from the guy who nearly went loco when Kurt Angle hurt his old lady...

[Benoit gets in Eddie's face.]

CB: You'd be wise to watch what you say...

EG: Listen mang, take it easy. Nothing to get all upset about, holmes!

CB: I'm trying to help you out here, Eddie.

EG: I don't need your help. If anyone's going to need help, it's gonna be Black Tiger, essa!

CB: Well good luck to you.

EG: Luck, holmes? I don't need no luck! I'm gonna kick his ass all over your homeland! I'm not the one who needs luck... it's not like I'm wrestling Brock Lesnar or anything...

CB: What's that supposed to mean?

EG: Oh, nothing...

CB: What the hell is that supposed to mean!?

EG: I'm just saying, holmes, that Brock Lesnar is a big tough guy, and he did almost beat you back in May, and...

CB: Almost beat me? ALMOST BEAT ME!

EG: It's nothing to be ashamed of, essa. Brock has beat a lot of guys! Not me, of course, but still...

CB: At Trick or Trouble, I am going to make Brock Lesnar tap! And if you're not careful, Eddie, maybe I'll make you tap next.

[Benoit gives Guerrero a cold stare before walking away a little less than happy.]

EG: Geez... and he says I need to relax...

[Commercial break.]

* * * * *

* * * * *

[The Prophecy - Television champion "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels, Sean O'Haire, and Daffney - is backstage making their way to the ring. Daniels is in his full priest gear, with large book in hand and cross around his neck. Daffney is clutching the Television Title like it's her firstborn child. They are stopped in the hallway by a large man wearing a suit. This 7', 330 pound man is GCW President Ryan Niemiller's bodyguard, Matt Morgan.]

MM: Sean O'Haire, I've been sent by the President of Global Championship Wrestling to inform you that you are barred from ringside for this following match, whether it be before, during, or after. If you decide to ignore this, I have been instructed to remove you from the ringside area by any means available at my disposal.

[O'Haire is not happy about this, and begins walking at Morgan, but Daniels puts a hand in front of him.]

CD: No, it's okay, Sean. I can handle this.

[O'Haire stops, but doesn't take his eyes off of Morgan. Daniels and Daffney continue on, leaving O'Haire behind. Morgan remains as well, with his arms crossed, making sure that O'Haire stays put. Cut to the ring.]

* * * * *


Match #4
Television Title Match
"Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels (c) (w/ Daffney) vs. Chris Hero
Chris Hero hasn't been in GCW for long, but he had a golden opportunity tonight as he was granted a Television Title shot against "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels. Hero's chances were even better since Sean O'Haire was banned from ringside, meaning that Hero could better focus on beating his opponent without having to worry about watching his back so closely. Hero did everything he could to win the Television Title, but he may have been a bit too aggressive. Daniels is a veteran of the sport, having wrestled for over 11 years before finding his way to Global Championship Wrestling, and he used his years of experience to ride the wave of Hero's enthusiasm, biding his time for the opportunity and putting Hero away with the Angel's Wings.

Christopher Daniels pinned Chris Hero after the Angel's Wings in 0:06:43.
Rating: ** 3/4
(Christopher Daniels retained the GCW Television Title.)

Daniels wasn't satisfied with just successfully retaining his title, wanting to send a message. Daffney jumped into the ring holding the Television Title, obviously happy that her "baby" wouldn't be leaving tonight. Daniels picked Hero up and hit him with his usual finisher, the Last Rites. Daniels directed Daffney to hand him his large cross necklace as he stood over the prone Hero. Daniels bowed his head for a moment and then screamed, "HIS BLOOD IS ON YOUR HANDS, NIEMILLER!" Daniels brought the cross high into the air with intentions to bring it point first down on Hero's forehead! Luckily for Hero, REY MYSTERIO JR. saw what was taking place and took it upon himself to help Hero out. Daffney screeched loudly and ran from the ring, which broke Daniels out of his trance long enough to spot Mysterio and get out of the ring as well. In the chaos, Daffney had dropped the Television Title. Mysterio picked up the title, much to the dismay of Daffney, who went into a screaming fit as Mysterio held the title over his head. After this Sunday, that title could once again officially belong to Rey Mysterio Jr. We went to commercial as Mysterio helped Hero to his feet.

* * * * *

[When we return from break, we are greeted by the music of the World Tag Team champions, the Basham Brothers. Shaniqua leads the champs out, riding crop in hand. As the trio get into the ring, Doug and Danny Basham intimidate William Buck into handing them the house microphone, which he wisely does. Danny Basham hands the microphone to Shaniqua, but not before Shaniqua slaps Danny across the face. Danny Basham smiles, seemingly enjoying being smacked. The music dies down as Shaniqua speaks.]

S: In six days, the baddest, sickest, most ruthless tag team in the world, the Bashams, are going to make the Hardy Boyz wish that they were never born! [Crowd boos] But to make sure that my boys are in peak condition, I've arranged for them to have a match tonight against the two biggest, baddest, hardcore bastards I could find. I think I found those two guys. Doug, Danny, you're gonna feel PAIN! You're gonna get hurt! But to make sure you're ready for the Hardyz, to make sure you're at the top of your game, I've made this match tonight for the World Tag Team Titles! You boys are gonna have to fight your asses off if you don't want to become this team's bitch! So without further ado, bring out the challengers!

[With that, "We're Not Gonna Take It" by Twisted Sister plays and out come... the Ring Crew Express. These are the two biggest, baddest, hardcore bastards? Marcos and Dunn hardly weight 300 pounds... combined! The crowd groans as Shaniqua and the Bashams pretend to be scared out of their boots. But let's be reasonable here: who on Earth could possibly be scared of the RCE? Marcos and Dunn come to the ring, trying to look as menacing as possible and failing miserably at it. As the two posers get in the ring, Marcos snatches the mic from Shaniqua.]

M: I'm Marcos...

[Marcos holds the microphone in front of Dunn.]

D: And I'm Dunn...

M: And we're gonna rock you like a hurricane!

[And that's all Marcos and Dunn get to say as the Basham Brothers jump them. The bell rings, and I guess we have ourselves a World Tag Team Title match under way.]

* * * * *


Match #5
World Tag Team Title Match
The Basham Brothers (c) (w/ Shaniqua) vs. The Ring Crew Express
We should have known better than to believe a single word that Shaniqua said. We thought that Shaniqua had brought in a couple of real tough guys to test the Bashams before their match this Sunday with the Hardy Boyz this Sunday, but instead we got Marcos and Dunn. I admire the RCE for trying, but they had about as much chance of winning the titles tonight as their beloved 80's hair bands have of making a comeback. This match went on about two minutes longer than the Bashams needed to win, but at Shaniqua's request, Doug and Danny continued the massacre before Doug finished Marcos off with his new finisher, the Jumping Tombstone Piledriver.

The Basham Brothers (Doug Basham and Danny Basham) defeated The Ring Crew Express (Dunn and Marcos) when Doug Basham pinned Marcos with the Jumping Tombstone Piledriver in 0:04:41.
Rating: *** 1/4
(The Basham Brothers retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.)

Well, at least it was short and painless (for the Bashams anyway). Shaniqua told the Bashams to continue the assault, which they gladly did, hitting both members of the Ring Crew Express with the Ball And Gag Bomb. This brought out THE HARDY BOYZ and the fight was on! The brawl ended with the Hardyz cleaning house and the Bashams and Shaniqua retreating to the back. The Bashams may have gotten away tonight, but it might be their World Tag Team Titles that get away at Trick or Trouble.


Match #6
North American Title Tournament - Semi-Finals
"The Alpha Male" Monty Brown vs. "Y2J" Chris Jericho
As the match began, we saw that AJ Styles was watching intently on a monitor backstage, knowing that he would either have to face Monty Brown or Chris Jericho in the finals. We haven't heard a lot from Chris Jericho in recent weeks, which is odd because the self-proclaimed King of Canada loves the sound of his own voice. But with the recent fallout of Randy Orton from the Sensationals, Jericho has taken a vow of silence on the matter, instead focusing his efforts on winning the North American Title. He had one more man to beat to earn a shot to the finals, and unfortunately for him, that man was the ever tough Monty Brown.

Brown tried to exert his will early with some basic big man offense. A couple of clotheslines, a shoulderblock, and some big hiptosses had Jericho on his heels early. But Y2J knows all the tricks, and has shown time and time again that he will do whatever it takes to secure a victory. Jericho wasn't going to beat Brown by taking a beating, and he knew he wasn't going to overpower the Alpha Male. Jericho hit and ran through a lot of this match, keeping Brown off his feet as often as he possibly could. Jericho brought Brown down with a bulldog and then went for the Lionsault, but Brown rolled out of the way. Jericho had the presence of mind to land on his feet and duck a clothesline attempt from Brown, followed by catching Brown with a step-up enziguiri. Jericho tossed Brown to the floor and tried to follow him out, but referee Antonio Santangelo cut him off. During this time, STEVE BRADLEY came to the ringside area and flattened Brown with a clothesline! Santangelo didn't see this, but Jericho did. Y2J surprised everyone by getting angry, yelling at Bradley and telling him to "get the hell" out of there. Bradley was as shocked as anyone, wondering what had gotten into Jericho as Y2J was livid. Jericho was so livid in fact that he forgot about Monty Brown, which is a huge mistake. The former New England Patriot rolled back in the ring, hit Jericho from behind, and folded him in half with a power bomb. The powerful shot was enough to knock the wind out of Y2J and earn Brown a place in the finals.

[North American Title Tournament - Semi-Finals]:
Monty Brown pinned Chris Jericho after a power bomb in 0:05:36.
Rating: *** 3/4

Our finals for Trick or Trouble are now set as it will be Monty Brown facing AJ Styles, the winner walking away with the North American Title! As Jericho came to, he was still upset, yelling at Steve Bradley and blaming him for the loss! Bradley was not happy with being yelled at, but still seemed to be in a bit of shock that Jericho didn't want his help. Jericho stomped to the back, not at all happy about what transpired tonight.

* * * * *

[World Heavyweight champion Kurt Angle is in the Sensationals' locker room. The door swings open violently and in comes an angry Chris Jericho.]

CJ: What the hell was that!? Did you send him out there!?

KA: Chris, calm down.

CJ: No! I'm not going to calm down! Because of that ass clown, I'm out of the tournament!

KA: Listen, Chris. It's no different than what we've been doing for months. You didn't follow the plan. You messed up, not Bradley.

CJ: Plan? What plan? I wasn't told about any damn plan!

KA: That's because you've been AWOL the last few weeks! How are we supposed to conduct business if you're gone? I'm starting to think that you're not committed to the Sensationals' cause, and you might want to ask Randy Orton what happens to people who aren't committed to the cause.

CJ: Is that a threat, Kirk?

KA: KURT! And you can take it how ever you want. And after this Sunday when I defend my World Heavyweight Title against Randy Orton, there should be no doubt in your mind that you should follow anything but the Sensationals' cause. It's true... it's damn true.

[Surprisingly, the usually quick to respond Jericho stays quiet, opting instead to simply leave. Angle smiles, seemingly pleased at "laying down the law." Cut back to the ring.]

* * * * *

* * * * *

["Longhorn" plays and out from the back comes John Bradshaw Layfield in the big white limo with the bullhorns on it. The driver opens JBL's door and out comes one of the newest superstars in GCW. He is in his wrestling gear, complete with black windbreaker and cowboy hat. He shakes a few hands, kisses a baby, and gets in the ring. He shakes William Buck's hand and takes the microphone from him. The music dies down as JBL waves at the crowd a bit more.]

JBL: Thank you, Omaha! Even though none of you has the intelligence to ever become as successful as me, it's nice to see all you lowly farmers and low-class workers come out here to support me! Thank you!

[Huge crowd boos.]

JBL: But I'm not out here just to be praised, though I do appreciate it greatly. I'm out here to clear my name. There's already rumors flying around that I am nothing more than a product of my own hype. That I come out here and talk a big game, but that I can't back it up. That is simply not the case. It's true that I haven't won a match yet. Numbers don't lie. Hell, if they did, that would mean that high number in my bank account doesn't make me a success! But my two losses thus far are quite obviously flukes. Let's look at the facts. Justin Credible? He's a cheater! When he beat me, he had a hold of my tights AND was pulling my hair, not to mention his feet on the ropes! And Chris Benoit? I didn't tap out to the Crippler Crossface. I tapped out to an illegal choke!

[Huge chorus of boos. For someone who's supposed to be a "big success," he sure is making a lot of excuses.]

JBL: But I'm not one to dwell on things. I remember one time I had an absolutely horrible day on the stock market. All of my stocks were going down, and I lost thousands of dollars. But did I let that stop me? No sir! I came back stronger than ever! And that's what I'm going to do tonight, come back stronger than ever, which is why I'm once again challenging anyone in the back to come out here and let me give these fine poor saps in Omaha an excuse to chant, "J-B-L! J-B-L! J-B-L!"

[JBL's chants for himself are cut off by the sound of, "CAN YOU DIG IT, SUCKA!?" which pops the crowd. BOOKER T is out in a hurry, wasting no time getting to the ring.]

JBL: Now hold on just a second! When I said I'd face anybody, I didn't mean... OOF!

[JBL is stopped short by a kick to the midsection by Booker T. Booker peppers JBL with punches as referee Petey Pluck slides in the ring and rings the bell.]

* * * * *


Match #7
Booker T vs. John Bradshaw Layfield
John Bradshaw Layfield needs to learn to stop making these open challenges. The last time he made one, he got Chris Benoit. This time, he got Booker T, who has been on a warpath ever since his unfortunate run-in with the medical treatment skills of Goldust. It took JBL a couple minutes to get through the initial flurry of Booker T, who came out on fire and didn't give JBL any time to breathe. JBL got lucky that Booker was overly aggressive, as it gave him his opportunity when Booker tried to ram his shoulder into JBL's midsection in the corner, but JBL sidestepped, causing Booker to go shoulder first into the ringpost instead. JBL showed no mercy, exploiting Booker's injured condition by working over that arm. Nothing pretty on JBL's part; just a whole lot of kicks and throwing his opponent as hard as he could into things. Booker would get some desperation shots in, but his arm was in a lot of pain and there was only so much he could do.

JBL looked to be on his way to his first GCW victory, but as the match wore on and JBL was in control, he became exceedingly cocky. JBL would knock Booker down, but rather than go for the cover, he would play to the crowd. After catching Booker T with the fallaway slam, JBL spent a long time jawjacking with the fans. When he finally called for the Stock Market Crash, Booker had successfully recovered enough to counter it with the Book End. Booker T gave the fans what they wanted in the form of the Spinaroonie, and nailed JBL with the Axe Kick, and just like that, JBL had lost another one!

Booker T pinned John Bradshaw Layfield with the Axe Kick in 0:09:30.
Rating: *** 1/4

Booker T hands John Bradshaw Layfield another loss, and gets himself ready for his showdown with Goldust at Trick or Trouble. Booker T looked good in this match, despite taking quite a bit of damage to his shoulder. Will that play a part in this Sunday's match with Goldust? Remember if Booker T loses that match, he'll have to be Goldust's partner, so this could be a big deal. JBL, on the other hand, was throwing a fit when he came to, throwing things all over the ringside area, including ring announcer William Buck! JBL is sure to be fined for that, but if he's as rich as he claims, then it shouldn't hurt his pocketbook too much. But his pride is definitely hurting. One loss is just a loss, two losses in a row is a slide, but three in a row could signal the start of a streak.

* * * * *

[We see Brock Lesnar standing in a dark weight room.]

BL: Chris Benoit, do you have any idea what you've gotten yourself into? Any idea at all? You're coming into our match at Trick or Trouble with a great deal of confidence. But you and I are no strangers to each other, Benoit. You know how close I was to taking the World Heavyweight Title from you last May. You know the kind of destruction I can leave. I have left body after body after body bruised, broken, and beaten. What makes you think that you will be any different? What makes you think you're special? Oh, you're the so-called "best technical wrestler in the world today." Give me a break, Benoit. I'm bigger than you, I'm faster than you, and I'm much more of a man than you.

[Lesnar indicates behind him as he speaks.]

BL: Look around me, Benoit. I have spent countless hours in weight rooms just like this. I have poured my blood, my sweat, and my tears, dedicating myself to be the absolute best in the world. I dominated the amateur ranks. I'm a former NCAA wrestling champion. And I'm going to dominate the professional ranks. Just competing isn't enough for me. Just trying my best won't do. I CANNOT rest until I am the World Heavyweight champion, and Benoit, you're the next stepping stone to that goal. I wouldn't be upset though, because after I pin you Benoit, continue my path to glory, and have become the greatest World Heavyweight champion in wrestling history, you will be a very important part of history. You will get the RIGHT to be called a footnote in Brock Lesnar's rise to dominance.

[The camera pulls in tight on Lesnar's face.]

BL: Prepare to die, Benoit.

[Fade to black.]

* * * * *


Match #8
MAIN EVENT
Steel Cage Match
Randy Orton vs. Steve "Who's Your Daddy?" Bradley
A huge main event capped off the night as Randy Orton and Steve Bradley locked up in a steel cage match. Orton has perhaps the biggest match of his career this Sunday at Trick or Trouble when he challenges Kurt angle for the World Heavyweight Title, but he had to contend with Bradley and 15 feet of solid steel. He was also going to have to deal with the aggressive nature of Bradley, who we all knew was looking to do nothing more in this match than to inflict pain on Kurt Angle's biggest threat. The match started off as we expected with both wrestlers coming out aggressively. Though Orton and Bradley are both very capable of mat wrestling, you wouldn't have known it early on in this one, as they were just waylaying each other with kicks and punches. Orton seemed to be hitting just a little bit harder and had the advantage for the early stages of the contest.

Though Orton had several opportunities to do so, he didn't make any serious attempts to escape the cage. Orton wanted to inflict punishment on Bradley, not escape from him, and he took it right to the Baddest Mofo on the Show, busting him open with the aide of the cage. Bradley can take quite a bit of punishment and keep coming back for more though, and he showed that against Orton, taking whatever the Legend In The Making had to give and sending it right back. About halfway through the match, World Heavyweight champion Kurt Angle came out to watch the match, but because of the cage, he didn't get involved in the match directly. But his mere presence was enough to light the ire of Orton, who would stop to hurl insults in Angle's direction throughout the match, allowing Bradley to get the better of him on more than one occasion.

The match wasn't pretty. Both men were battered and bruised by the end of it, as they both let it all hang out. The end of this extremely brutal contest came as Bradley had Orton down and went to escape the cage via the door. As the referee opened the door for him, Kurt Angle interjected and closed the door! Bradley looked confused as Angle was yelling at him to go finish Orton off. Bradley reluctantly turned around to go back to work, but Orton was up and he caught him with the R.K.O.! Angle was livid and throwing a fit at ringside as Bradley was completely laid out. Angle was so upset, that he didn't even notice Orton escape through the door right behind him and drop to the floor, winning the match!

No-Countout-No-DQ-Cage Match:
Randy Orton defeated Steve Bradley by escaping the cage in 0:18:08.
Rating: *** 1/2

Randy Orton had won, but he wasn't finished. He stood behind the ranting and raving Kurt Angle with a smile on his face, just begging Angle to turn around. Angle eventually backed into Orton, and a look of concern came across his face. Angle slowly turned around, hoping it wasn't who he thought it was. Unfortunately for him, it was, as Orton dropped him with an R.K.O. on the concrete! Orton grabbed the World Heavyweight Title from Angle's unconscious body and lifted it high into the air as we went off the air.

The card for Trick or Trouble is set for this Sunday as we invade the Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada! Here is what the card looks like:

World Heavyweight Title Match - Kurt Angle (c) vs. Randy Orton

North American Title Match - "The Alpha Male" Monty Brown vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles

World Tag Team Title Match - The Basham Brothers (c) vs. The Hardy Boyz

Television Title Match - "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels (c) vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.

Cruiserweight Title Match - Paul London vs. Billy Kidman

"The Crippler" Chris Benoit vs. Brock Lesnar

"Latino Heat" Eddie Guerrero vs. Black Tiger

If Goldust wins, Booker T must become his partner - Booker T vs. Goldust

The Hurricane vs. Abyss vs. Steve "Who's Your Daddy?" Bradley

With nine big matches on the card, this one has a little bit for everyone! Join us live, this Sunday, only on pay-per-view!
91Posted on 01/13/05 at 20:29:28

I guess the card is set in stone, so I'll predict and comment in one go.

World Heavyweight Title Match - Kurt Angle (c) vs. Randy Orton

The one thing that makes me suspicious is the speed of Ortons assertion to this match. After the turn, I expected a build of several months leading to an Orton win. Probably because of this, I'd expect Orton to lose this one, for now.

Angle, of course, is a jerk who is the main cause of the dissension in the Sensationals, but I wouldn't expect anything less.

North American Title Match - "The Alpha Male" Monty Brown vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles

Yeah, figured they'd win their semis. Monty takes it, I suspect. Both men have had decent builds, but Monty probably has a little more character momentum going into this one. That, and you have a tendancy to book the "obvious". That is to say anyone reading your circuit knows of Monty Brown and Steven Bradley as big stars, but if you showed the average wrestling fan this match, they'd be all "Duh, A.J.'ll wipe the floor with him". Am I making sense?

World Tag Team Title Match - The Basham Brothers (c) vs. The Hardy Boyz

Hardyz (the extra 'z' is hardcore) will probably take it. Despite the squash today, the Bashams time may have come. I'd be interested to see where the Hardys go from here - they've certainly got that natural succesorship about them and did so the moment they joined the GCW but it's future character enhancement that intrigues me.

Television Title Match - "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels (c) vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.

Daniels'll win and I see big things for him. If this show demonstrated anything, it's that he's a freak.

Cruiserweight Title Match - Paul London vs. Billy Kidman

Kidman, since he's the one who just turned.

"The Crippler" Chris Benoit vs. Brock Lesnar

Hey, I'm the master of the darkened room interviews. Still, a nice little insight into Lesnars character and motivation. He'll win too.

"Latino Heat" Eddie Guerrero vs. Black Tiger

Oh God, it's not Benoit is it? That one would take a LOT of explaining as on paper it'd make no sense. I've got a few other names swimming aroundm, Dean Malenko being the one that keeps popping up. I'm also wondering whether there's more than one Black Tiger now (if so, that brings Chavo back into the mix - going from him being too obvious to him being the big swerve). Anyway, Black Tiger wins.

If Goldust wins, Booker T must become his partner - Booker T vs. Goldust

GOLDUST! There's too much comic potential there to blow on a Booker win. JBL could be a factor too - I'm just wondering how his first win is going to come about as this losing streak is definitely set in peoples minds now. He'll need a few wins once he does get his first as well, unless deep down you're another JBL hater, having a giggle.

The Hurricane vs. Abyss vs. Steve "Who's Your Daddy?" Bradley

This is one of the ones I'm really interested in. Hurricane would be a nice story, but I'm thinking that his "big happy upset" came and went after he beat Bradley. Bradley wins since he's NOT the centre of this match (Abyss is, having issues with both men). Besides, if Orton does win, I'd invisage Bradley or Lesnar being his first challenger.

By the way, I would say "good show" but I can't. Not because of the content, but because I only read it through on the third attempt - the first two caused fuses in my plugs to blow halfway through. So thanks for nothing. >:(
Snabbit888Posted on 01/13/05 at 20:57:27

"Book the obvious?" :(  I'm not that predictable, am I?

Jerk.  I'm glad your computer went to pot!  Woo!

*hugs*

I'm sorry, baby.  Let's never fight again. :)
91Posted on 01/13/05 at 21:01:00

Honest to God, that was supposed to say "not book the obvious" (else my talking about you making Brown and Bradley big stars would make no sense). It's been a long day...
91Posted on 01/13/05 at 21:44:02

By the way, what music do you use for Steve Bradley? For some reason, I'm sorta curious.
Snabbit888Posted on 01/13/05 at 22:02:06

I use "Forfeit" by Chevelle.
Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/14/05 at 04:32:42

Randy Orton holds the show hostage.  Silly Randy!  Didn't anyone ever tell you that that never works?  You appear again and make things better.  In my view, the on-camera authority figure is overplayed, so... eh.

Team Canada upset the former Tag Team Champions!?!  That's definately big!  If they can do that again, they may be in line for a title shot.

Kidman squashes Skipper.  Poor ex-Triple X guys.  They just can't seem to catch a break.  Still, this builds nicely towards the match at Trick or Trouble, so I can't complain.

Styles takes out The Hurricane, but needs a low blow while Abyss distracts the ref to do it.  Wait a second... did Styles turn heel!?!  If so, I'm going to predict him going over at Trick Or Trouble and joining Angle's stable.

Guerrero and Benoit bicker.  It's amazing somehow how clueless friends can be about how much they're getting on each other's nerves.  Silly Benoit!  Silly Guererro!  Can't we all just get along?

Matt Morgan is laying down the law.  Nothing like a 7' 300 pounder to make the heels think twice before cheating.

Daniels goes over Chris Hero with relatively little trouble even without O'Haire's help.  Both of these guys are great workers, and I'd love to see them get 15-20 minutes for a rematch sometime.  Mysterio vs. Daniels should be excellent as well.

RING CREW EXPRESS!  I bet they're gonna win this time!

...Nope.  Bashams pull out the upset and go over Dunn and Marcos.

Brown over Jericho... and it looks like Jericho is turning face.  I don't think he's going to leave the Sensationals just yet... you need to build to it a bit more since Orton just left.  Tease the dissent!  TEASE IT!  And add Styles to the mix, because he needs a major angle like that.

JBL isn't on a losing streak... he's just... um... getting his defeats out of the way right away so he can go on a long winning streak and contend for the title!  Yeah!  That's it!  He let Booker win!  Speaking of Booker, Goldust is SO going over at Trick or Trouble.

LESNAR IS GOING TO KILL BENOIT!  Benoit must have leaked information to the internet!  Incidentally, hearing Lesnar going on about dedication makes me LAWL.

Angle isn't doing too well.  He causes Bradley to lose to Jericho.  Poor Angle.  He needs to take a week off to calm down or something, because he's not holding up well.  That said, Orton is not winning the title.

Predictions:
Angle over Orton
Styles over Brown, Styles joins the Sensationals
Bashams over Hardyz
Daniels over Misterio
London over Kidman
Lesnar over Benoit
No comment on the Black Tiger match
Goldust over Booker T
Abyss over Hurricane and Bradley

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
AllPowerfulGARTHPosted on 01/15/05 at 20:34:28

Look at me!  I'm actually commenting on someone else's circuit!  Sort of!  I'm mostly just offering PPV predictions!  I like exclamation points!

World Heavyweight Title Match - Kurt Angle (c) vs. Randy Orton

Orton isn't far enough into his face turn to win the title here, and I get the impression that Ryan (unlike WWE) isn't going to go all out and give him the strap right away.  Angle wins, probably with the help of his decaying Sensationals faction.

North American Title Match - "The Alpha Male" Monty Brown vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles

POWWWWWWW-NCE!  Monty Brown wins.  After he put over Brock Lesnar at the last PPV, it's clear that he has a push in the works but no real feud to back it up.  In lieu of that feud, I present to you the North American Title.  This will be an epic match featuring superstars from a promotion I don't watch but I hear is quite good.

World Tag Team Title Match - The Basham Brothers (c) vs. The Hardy Boyz

The Bashams have been all over TV, thanks mainly to their association with Shaniqua and Abyss.  The Hardy Boyz...uh...haven't.  Plus the Bashams have to go over here to offset Abyss losing (more on that later).  Bald Brothers over Silly Hair Brothers.

Television Title Match - "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels (c) vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.

Rey will win, further infuriating the Prophecy to the point where we get to see the in-ring phenomenon that is Matt Morgan (oh, I kid, I kid, I actually kinda like Mr. Morgan).  Rey goes over, and Daniels is sad.

Cruiserweight Title Match - Paul London (c) vs. Billy Kidman

This feud looks oddly familiar.  Kidman wins because he is TEH HEEL~ and the feud would go kind of stale if London retained, unless it were by DQ or something.  But it won't be.

"The Crippler" Chris Benoit vs. Brock Lesnar

This will be a great match, at least in a sense of "if I were actually going to see it and not read about it."  But that's not anyone's fault.  Lesnar will win because he has the Power of the Push and Benoit can easily bounce back if he loses.

"Latino Heat" Eddie Guerrero vs. Black Tiger

It's not really going to be important who wins here, but I'll give this one to Black Tiger, probably by DQ.  I have no idea who Black Tiger could be, but I'll go out on a limb and say it's another Guerrero...Chavo Sr., maybe?  Eh, I have no freakin' idea.

If Goldust wins, Booker T must become his partner - Booker T vs. Goldust

Oh, Goldust HAS to go over here.  I don't care how.  This stipulation would not need to exist were a Goldust victory not in the works.  And as soon as that victory is his, Booker will have to be very, very careful about how he uses the word "sucka."

The Hurricane vs. Abyss vs. Steve "Who's Your Daddy?" Bradley

STAND BACK!  THERE'S A HURRICANE VICTORY COMING THROUGH!  Abyss is a big hoss.  Steve Bradley is a vicious fella and a member of the Sensationals.  But the Hurricane is a mighty, mighty underdog.  Abyss will kill Bradley, and then somehow Hurricane will end up pinning Bradley to get the win.

Yar, these be me predictions.  Should be a good show.
HugeRockStar760Posted on 01/15/05 at 21:41:00

When you say partner, do you mean "life partner"?  If so, that's hilarious.
Snabbit888Posted on 01/16/05 at 06:09:47

That's the best part.  Goldust might mean that when everyone else thinks it means tag team partner.  Muhahaha!