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[GCW] Monday Night Explosion - 10/11/04

Snabbit888Posted on 01/03/05 at 04:23:34

We're only 13 days away from Trick or Trouble, and we were a mile in the air as we were at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado for Monday Night Explosion! A bunch of great matches were signed for tonight, including the final two North American Title quarterfinal matches. Chris Hero would take on former Television champion AJ Styles and Chris Jericho would take on his former lackey Justin Credible! Also, a huge tag team match has been signed. The Prophecy is quite upset with Sean O'Haire's loss to Monty Brown and as a result, O'Haire and Christopher Daniels will take on Brown and Rey Mysterio Jr.! And in a match with a lot of potential to boil over, Randy Orton would take on his former stablemate, Steve Bradley! We also knew World Heavyweight champion Kurt Angle was in the building and he was not happy about having to defend his title against Randy Orton at Trick or Trouble. As a matter of fact, we kicked off Explosion with a visit from the champ!

* * * * *

[After the opening to Monday Night Explosion concludes, we cut straight to the ring where World Heavyweight champion Kurt Angle is already standing. Behind him is his enforcer, Steve Bradley, holding the ever dangerous Mofo in his hands. Angle has the World Heavyweight Title around his waist, but despite being draped in gold, he is in a foul mood.]

KA: Last week, I had a plan. It was a perfect plan. I mean, think about it. Who beats freakin' Abyss? Well, apparently Randy Orton beats Abyss!

[Huge crowd pop at the mention of Orton.]

KA: So now I have to wrestle Randy Orton, a man known for being a loser, and worse yet, I have to put my World Heavyweight Title on the line. Now I'm not at all scared of Randy Orton. [Chuckles to himself] Let's not be ridiculous. I can beat Randy Orton. But it's a known fact that there is a lot of ill will from the locker room directed at me. Who knows who might come out and try to cost me my World Heavyweight Title! But the more I've thought about it, the more I can't help but think that if things went a little differently last week, this wouldn't even be a problem. Perhaps if someone could have kept his emotions under control...

[Angle shoots a glare at Steve Bradley. Bradley's demeanor doesn't change.]

KA: ...Abyss would have done what he was supposed to and took Orton out! So I have to ask you, Steve, you saw what happened to Randy Orton when he didn't follow procedure and know his place. The way I see it, there's only two options: you're either with me or you're against me. Which is...

[Bradley interrupts Angle.]

SB: Kurt, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. You don't have to question my loyalty. I have your back, Kurt. [An evil smile grows across Bradley's face as he looks at his black baseball bat.] And Mofo does too... And mark my words, Kurt, Abyss WILL suffer for what he did last week.

KA: Good. You make sure that big, oversized, mentally challenged freak show gets exactly what he deserves! Abyss disappointed me, and nobody disappoints me, it's true! But what's done is...

[Kurt Angle is cut off by Shaniqua coming out from the back.]

S: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Let's get something straight here. Abyss didn't disappoint nobody! Abyss is the most ruthless uncaged animal on the damn planet! Abyss doesn't feel pain. And you are trying to tell me that he disappointed you?

KA: That's exactly what I'm telling you, Shaniqua.

S: That is one of the biggest loads of crap I've ever heard in my life!

KA: Is it? The last time I checked, I have to face Randy Orton with my title on line at Trick or Trouble!

S: Don't blame Abyss for that. Why don't you blame your coat tail-riding, kiss ass bitch [points at Steve Bradley] for it?

[Loud crowd pop. Both Angle and Bradley are none too happy with those comments from Shaniqua.]

S: You got a beef? Take it up with him. I'm just out here to get my money.

KA: Your money? Your money? Have you been drinking? You're obviously missing one of Kurt Angle's three I's, and that's intelligence, because if you think you're going to get paid anything, you're out of your freakin' mind!

S: Listen, bitch...

KA: Such a potty mouth! Where are your manners, missy? That's another one of Kurt Angle's three I's that you're lacking. No integrity.

S: Shut your mouth, bitch! I'm not out here to listen to you try to be my moral compass. I'm here for my money. We can do this peacefully with you handing me my money, or I can bring my boys out here and I'll TAKE my money. Either way, Kurt, I'm not leaving the damn arena without my damn money!

KA: You've got a lot of nerve to talk to me like that. I'm the World Heavyweight champion. I'm an Olympic gold medalist! Nobody threatens me!

S: Well I just did... BITCH. [Crowd pop] So I'm going to ask you one more time... my money... NOW.

KA: No.

S: Then I'm going to take it.

[With that, the World Tag Team champions, the Basham Brothers, and the massive Abyss come out from the back. They stop behind Shaniqua. Shaniqua nods at all three men, and they start toward the ring. Angle looks obviously nervous as he gets behind Steve Bradley. Bradley licks his lips and slams Mofo into his hand, ready for a fight. Before Shaniqua's troops get to the ring, Angle speaks.]

KA: WAIT! Okay, okay! I'll get you your money.

S: I knew you'd see it my way.

KA: But not tonight. I don't have it with me. You have my word though.

S: Boys?

[Shaniqua snaps her fingers and her troops march toward the ring again.]

KA: Okay! Hold on! Just hold on!

S: Boys? Hold on a second.

[The Bashams and Abyss stop.]

KA: I don't have the cash on me. No pockets in a wrestling singlet. But I'll tell you what I'll do. Instead of the money, I'll give you an opportunity.

S: I'm listening...

KA: This opportunity is even better than cash. I'm going to give you a match. One of your boys; it could be Doug Basham, Danny Basham, or Abyss. I'll give them a match... against Steve Bradley! What do you say?

[Although Bradley seems to like this idea, the crowd boos as they thought Angle was going to offer himself up. Shaniqua looks equally unimpressed.]

S: Boys, kick his bitch ass!

KA: WAIT! All right... it'll be a match against me, the World Heavyweight champion! How's that sound?

S: Now we're talkin'...

KA: Non-title, of course...

S: Oh hell no! Kick his ass!

[The Bashams and Abyss are to the ring now about to climb in as Angle looks petrified. Bradley readies himself for a fight when GCW President Ryan Niemiller appears on the GCW VideoTron.]

RN: Shaniqua, I advise you to call off the dogs.

S: [After a brief hesitation.] Boys?

[The Bashams and Abyss once again halt.]

RN: I'm not going to have my show start off with a pier six brawl like this. There's obviously a huge issue here, and I'm going to remedy it. There's differences that need to be settled here, and in Global championship Wrestling, they're going to be settled in the ring, in a match. That's why I'm making the decision right now that tonight, right here in Denver, Colorado... [Hometown pop] ... there is a match that I have signed that should settle all of this. In tonight's main event, it will be Kurt Angle taking on Abyss!

[Big crowd pop for this match. Angle is about to blow a gasket in the ring.]

KA: What!? You can't do that, Niemiller! This is ridiculous!

RN: And it will be for the World Heavyweight Title!

[The roof is about to blow off the Pepsi Center, and it looks like steam is about to come out of the champion's ears.]

KA: No way! This is bogus, Niemiller! I didn't come here to defend my title! The air in Denver is too thin! I have respiratory problems!

RN: Well, you have a couple of hours to find head trainer Barry Tarver to get that looked at, because you WILL be defending the World Heavyweight Title against Abyss!

[The VideoTron shuts off with Angle looking scared out of his mind in the ring. This is not the night that Kurt Angle envisioned. Angle might not even have to worry about Randy Orton at Trick or Trouble. He might not even be champion after tonight! Shaniqua has a huge smile on her face as her largest charge, Abyss, has a huge opportunity tonight. Cut to commercial.]

* * * * *


Match #1
North American Title Tournament - Quarterfinals
Chris Hero vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles
As we came back from commercial, we had our first of two quarterfinal matches in the North American Title Tournament tonight as Chris Hero took on AJ Styles. The winner of this match would go on to face The Hurricane in the semi-finals next week on Monday Night Explosion. We don't know a lot about Chris Hero as of yet, but what we do know is that he is an impressive young athlete, and he further showcased his talents against one of the brightest young stars in wrestling in the form of the Phenomenal One. This match was a tremendous display of how to counter-wrestle. From bell to bell, both Hero and Styles couldn't seem to get a solid advantage as they just kept countering each other, not slowing down at all. This match could have gone either way, but tonight, it went Styles' way as he ducked a huge lariat attempt from Hero, and caught him with a Northern Lights suplex. Hero kicked out, but unfortunately for him, it was a split second too late.

[North American Title Tournament - Quarterfinals]:
AJ Styles pinned Chris Hero after a Northern Lights suplex in 0:07:26.
Rating: ****

After a pure wrestling clinic between two young lions, AJ Styles has advanced one step closer to the North American Title. Styles will take on The Hurricane next week for a spot in the finals of the North American Title Tournament. Though Chris Hero came out on the losing end of the stick, he received a nice round of applause, earning the respect of many more people in a losing effort. This kid has a lot of success in his future.

* * * * *

[We cut to the backstage area where Mario Riviera is standing backstage with Cruiserweight champion Paul London.]

MR: I'm here with Cruiserweight champion Paul London. Paul, you asked for some time here tonight. What's on your mind?

PL: Thanks Mario. It's been a rough couple of weeks here, but this is something that needs to be done. Billy Kidman and I are best friends. Well, I guess we WERE best friends. I tried to talk to Billy for weeks to figure out what was going on in his head. And what kind of answer did I get? I got the Shooting Star Press! Fine. If Billy doesn't want to tell me what's wrong with him, I'll BEAT it out of him! I'm issuing a challenge right now to my former partner Billy Kidman. Billy, you and me, one-on-one for the Cruiserweight Title at Trick or Trouble. I didn't want it to come to this, Mario, but I have no other choice. I'm going to get my answers one way or another.

MR: Thank you for your time, Paul.

PL: No problem, Mario.

MR: Paul London has challenged Billy Kidman for Trick or Trouble. Will Billy Kidman accept? Only time will tell. Back to ringside with Joey O'Donnell and Brian Wagner. Gentlemen?

[Cut back to the ring.]

* * * * *


Match #2
On Commentary: Chris Benoit
Charlie Haas vs. Brock Lesnar
This next match had the chance to combust as Chris Benoit was down at ringside to do color commentary as the Monster From Minnesota, Brock Lesnar, went head-to-head against Charlie Haas. Lesnar is not an easy guy to like, and he doesn't care. All Brock Lesnar wants to do is make people suffer, and quite frankly, he's really good at it. Haas knows this, and he did his best to keep Lesnar off his feet as it's hard for somebody to throw you around if he's on his back. Haas tried to keep Lesnar's legs locked up, working them over to set up the Haas of Pain. Lesnar worked himself up to his feet though. Haas went for a dropkick to the knee, but Lesnar showed great athleticism by leapfrogging over it and then almost taking Haas' head off with a clothesline right ever. Benoit commented how impressed he is by Lesnar and knows exactly what he can bring to the table. For the rest of the match, except for a small flurry here and there, Lesnar dominated with his size and strength, carrying himself in a way that seemed like he was trying to show Benoit that he was better than him. Lesnar hit the F-5 and finished off Haas.

Brock Lesnar pinned Charlie Haas with the F-5 in 0:06:13.
Rating: ** 1/2

Lesnar immediately started jawing at Benoit, causing the Rabid Wolverine to stand up and take his headset off. The crowd started buzzing, wanting to see these two go at it, but nothing more came of it. These two don't like each other, but they have a tremendous amount of respect for one another. This is a match that I cannot wait for.

* * * * *

[Booker T is seen walking down a corridor backstage with intent. He gets to a door that reads "GCW PRESIDENT RYAN NIEMILLER" on it. He pushes the door open and storms in.]

BT: Yo Niemiller! We gotta...

[Before Booker can go on, a huge man of about 7' and 330 pounds grabs him and shoves him against the door, pinning him against it.]

BT: What the...!? You bettah get your hands off me, sucka, before...

RN: Let him go. It's okay.

[The huge man releases Booker T.]

BT: What was that about?

RN: Sorry about that Booker. After getting my office destroyed last week, I decided I needed a little extra protection to make sure that nothing like that happens again. So I hired a bodyguard. Meet Matt Morgan.

[Morgan nods toward Booker.]

BT: Yeah, whatever.

RN: What can I do for you, Booker?

BT: It's really simple, playa. I want a match with that golden freak at Trick or Trouble. He's making my life a damn hell!

RN: I can understand your frustrations, Booker. You challenged him last week, and he declined. I approached him with a contract to wrestle you and he declined that as well. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll have a talk with Goldust and see if I can get him to agree to the match.

BT: I don't care what it takes, sucka. Any kind of match, any stipulations, it don't matter! I want his ass!

RN: I wouldn't let him hear you say that.

BT: What was that?

RN: Nothing.

BT: Get me that match with Goldust. If I can't kick his ass in the ring, I'll kick his ass somewhere else. Now can you dig that... sucka?

[Cut back to the ring for our next match.]

* * * * *


Match #3
"The Alpha Male" Monty Brown/Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. The Prophecy (w/ Daffney)
Sean O'Haire and the Prophecy were said to be irate about losing to Monty Brown last week in the quarterfinals of the North American Title Tournament and thus wanted him in a tag team match tonight. Brown, being the type of competitor he is, agreed to wrestle this tag team match, despite having his semi-final match in just 7 days. Rey Mysterio Jr. desperately wants a piece of Television champion Christopher Daniels, so he agreed to be Brown's partner. The way this match went down was a bit different than one might expect. Not too take anything away from Rey Mysterio Jr., but you would think he would be the one that the Prophecy would try to single out based on his size, but Daniels is a master of mind games and knows how desperately Mysterio wants to get his hands on him. Thus, Daniels made sure not to ever be in the ring at the same time as Mysterio, instead trying to keep Monty Brown is. The problem with that is, Brown is one of the strongest men in wrestling, and it's not an easy task to have your way with the Alpha Male.

It took a bit of work, but Daniels and O'Haire were able to start wearing Brown down, cutting him off from his partner. O'Haire was even able to hit the Prophecy on Brown, but Mysterio made the save to keep this match alive. O'Haire kept on the attack, picking Brown up and whipping him into the ropes. O'Haire has great athleticism and showed it by going for a leapfrog, but Brown had the wherewithal to catch O'Haire in a powerslam. Both men crawled to make a tag to their partners. O'Haire made it first, and Daniels frantically ran in the ring to cut Brown off, but it wasn't in time as Brown got the tag to Mysterio! The crowd exploded as Mysterio came into the ring and uncharacteristically brawled with Daniels, taking him down with a flurry of straight right hands. Mysterio brought Daniels to his feet, shot him into the ropes, and caught him in the chops with a spinning leg lariat. Daniels was shaken up as he got back to his feet. Mysterio popped him with a dropkick in the back, causing the Fallen Angel to fall throat first onto the middle rope. Mysterio called for the 6-1-9, but as he started, O'Haire hit him with a clothesline. Monty Brown took O'Haire out though, coming out of nowhere and clotheslining O'Haire out of the ring. Rey was a bit out of it, but he regained his bearings enough to nail Daniels with the 6-1-9, which was followed up by the Pounce from Brown, putting this one in the books.

Monty Brown and Rey Mysterio Jr. defeated The Prophecy (Christopher Daniels and Sean O'Haire) when M. Brown pinned Daniels with the Pounce in 0:09:11.
Rating: *** 1/2

A tremendous win for Monty Brown and Rey Mysterio Jr. who withstood the Prophecy's onslaught and still managed to pull out the victory. Christopher Daniels had a plan tonight that didn't go how he wanted it to. Knowing Daniels though, I'm sure he and this infamous "He" will have something in store for Mysterio at Trick or Trouble.


Match #4
Randy Orton vs. Steve "Who's Your Daddy?" Bradley
In Kurt Angle's eyes, Randy Orton wasn't loyal to the cause of the Sensationals and was booted out violently as a result. Steve Bradley isn't exactly on Angle's good side right now either, after inadvertently allowing Orton to beat Abyss last week, giving Orton a World Heavyweight Title shot at Trick or Trouble. Bradley had a chance at redemption in a match against Randy Orton tonight. Bradley had a specific mission in this one and that was to make Orton suffer. Bradley didn't go for a cover in this match once. Getting a pinfall victory wasn't what was on his agenda; it was taking Orton out of commission.

Orton endured a lot of punishment in this match. Bradley is a sadistic man and will go out of his way to inflict pain, and that's what he did here, taking Orton to the floor on more than one occasion and using his surroundings to wear Orton down. The downside as far as Bradley was concerned about not going for any pinfalls was that Orton was eventually going to find an opening to mount his comeback, and that happened when Bradley came off the top rope, but Orton caught him with a fist to the midsection. Orton got his second wind and fired Bradley up with punches before taking him down with a huge dropkick. Orton set up for the R.K.O., which was when World Heavyweight champion KURT ANGLE ran to the ring and jumped on the apron. Orton saw Angle and flattened him with a right hand, sending the champion crashing to the floor. Orton went back to Bradley, but Bradley had a hold of his black baseball bat Mofo and waffled Orton between the eyes with it.

Randy Orton defeated Steve Bradley by disqualification in 0:10:51.
Rating: *** 3/4

Angle got back in the ring as well and stomped away at Orton as blood trickled from the forehead of the number-one contender for the third time in recent weeks. Luckily for Orton, the beating didn't last long as ABYSS was on his way to the ring, looking to get a head start on tonight's main event. Angle didn't stick around long, jumping out of the ring and running through the crowd, getting as far away from Abyss as possible. Steve Bradley wasn't nearly as scared though, prepping himself for a fight with Abyss. However, the GCW Official Brigade got down to the ring and kept the two men separated, much to the chagrin of the Denver fans who wanted to see these two hook it up. Both men left without incident as the medical staff checked on Randy Orton, who was still knocked out in the ring.

* * * * *

[As we return from commercial, Goldust is already in the ring, preparing for his match coming up in a few moments against "Latino Heat" Eddie Guerrero. His music is still playing and he still has his robe on when he grabs the microphone from William Buck.]

G: Oh Booker T, I promised myself that I would never fight you again. You are my one and only... I never want to hurt you. But when President Niemiller told me that I could have any kind of match I wanted, with any stipulations I wanted? Ooh... it just made my mouth water. So I thought about it, and I'm gonna give you what you want, Booker. You get your match with the Golden One at Trick or Trouble.

[Big crowd pop]

G: You've got what you want, Booker T. My life's mission is to make sure you have whatever you want. But sometimes you have to be a little selfish, and now is one of those times. So you get your match, Booker, but the catch is, if I win... and I really hope I do... Booker T, you have to be my partner. And you can take that anyway you want, my little chocolate treat. Ooh, I hope I win. Imagine the fun we could have, Booker! Romantic candlelight dinners... long walks on the beach... Booker T, at Trick or Trouble... it's a DATE!

[Goldust hands the microphone back to William Buck as the crowd audibly groans.]

* * * * *


Match #5
"Latino Heat" Eddie Guerrero vs. Goldust
Goldust may be all excited about the concept of Booker T being his partner, but he couldn't be excited about wrestling an unstable Eddie Guerrero tonight. Guerrero's emotions got the best of him last week, resulting in a huge beating from the Revolution and a loss to Tommy Dreamer in record time. Eddie did a much better job of controlling his emotions this week, but was still as aggressive as ever in beating Goldust from pillar to post. Goldust might not seem like the toughest guy in the world based on his philosophies and flamboyant nature, but you can't judge this book by his cover: he's a tough guy. This toughness is what made it all the more impressive that Latino Heat dominated him in the fashion that he did. Goldust tried to keep fighting back, but Eddie was going to have none of it, putting the Bizarre one away with the Frog Splash.

Eddie Guerrero pinned Goldust with the Frog Splash in 0:06:01.
Rating: *** 1/2

You have to be impressed not only by Eddie Guerrero's win, but with the fashion in which he put Goldust away. We might not find out the identity of Black Tiger at Trick or Trouble, but I don't think it's a stretch to say that Black Tiger is going to suffer quite the beating at the hands of Latino Heat.

* * * * *

[We are in the locker room of the Italian Stallions, Chuck Palumbo and Mark Jindrak. Jindrak is pacing around the room, looking mighty upset. Palumbo, on the other hand, is much calmer, sitting down and enjoying a sandwich. He is also wearing a "Kiss me! I'm Italian!" t-shirt.]

MJ: Man, we're going nowhere fast! We've been in GCW for 3 months now, and we're floundering! We're two young studs! We're...

CP: ...Stallions.

MJ: What?

CP: Stallions. We're the Italian Stallions, not the Italian Studs. Ha... "Italian Studs." That sounds ridiculous!

MJ: What's the difference? I'm not Italian anyway...

CP: WHAT!? You take that back!

MJ: ... Fine. Whatever. And what the hell are you eating?

CP: It's a meatball sandwich, made with Mama Palumbo's world famous marinara sauce! I figured that just because we're not on Explosion wrestling, that's no reason not to have a hearty, full-blooded Italian meal! You want some?

MJ: No I don't want some! See, this is exactly what I'm talking about, Chuck! It's ridiculous crap like this that is keeping us from breaking through! I know you're proud of your Italian heritage, but if we want to be successful and make a run for the World Tag Team Titles, we need to focus! I'm focusing here. I got rid of the Cape of Conceit, and the mirror is no more. I need you to focus too! Cut this Italian stuff back a bit. I mean, take a look at the shirt you're wearing.

CP: What's wrong with my shirt?

MJ: "Kiss me! I'm Italian!" That doesn't even make sense!

CP: It works so well for the Irish! Why not a goomba like me?

MJ: Because you're not a goomba! You're a guy who happens to be Italian!

CP: Hey, the shirt's funny! I'm just bustin' beans here.

MJ: Busting beans? What does that even mean?

CP: Um... er... it means... it means I'm just bustin' beans!

[Palumbo takes a bite the meatball sandwich. A big glob of marinara sauce falls onto Palumbo's shirt.]

CP: Ah! My shirt!

MJ: Serves you right. That's what you get.

CP: This shirt is going to stain! And marinara stains aren't easy to get out!

[Palumbo stands up, takes off his shirt, and heads to the door.]

MJ: Where are you going?

CP: I gotta find a washing machine quick!

MJ: Oh, just forget about it.

[Palumbo is caught off-guard by this comment.]

CP: Fuhget about it?

MJ: Yes, forget about it. It's just a shirt.

[Palumbo looks at the shirt, and then looks back up at Jindrak.]

CP: FUHGET ABOUT IT! [Throws the shirt over his shoulder.]

MJ: [Shaking his head] ...Simply stunning.

[Palumbo gives Jindrak a goofy smile before we cut back to the ring for our next match.]

* * * * *


Match #6
On Commentary: Brock Lesnar
"The Crippler" Chris Benoit vs. Doug Basham (1/2 World Tag Team champions) (w/ Shaniqua)
Although he was wearing a headset, Brock Lesnar didn't give much in terms of insightful commentary as Chris Benoit took on one half of the World Tag Team champions, Doug Basham. Lesnar's presence didn't cause Benoit any discomfort, as Benoit is nearly impossible to phase. Now Doug Basham is a great athlete and a tremendous tag team wrestler, but at this point in his career, he's not on the level of the Rabid Wolverine in singles competition. Basham held his own against the former World Heavyweight champion, but in the end, Benoit got Basham in the Crippler Crossface right in front of Lesnar, causing him to tap out.

Chris Benoit made Doug Basham submit to the Crippler Crossface in 0:06:16.
Rating: **** 1/4

As Chris Benoit released the hold and "Whatever" by Our Lady Peace played, Brock Lesnar stood up at the announce table and took his headset off. The Pepsi Center started to buzz as Benoit readied himself for Lesnar, but all Lesnar did was clap for Benoit's victory in a smug fashion. Benoit and Lesnar both looked good in their respective wins tonight, and right now, this match seems to close to call. When these two lockup, whoever gets the victory, all of us who get to watch it are the real winners.

* * * * *

["Y2J" Chris Jericho is heading toward the entrance way, his North American Title Tournament quarterfinal match against Justin Credible being next. As he gets closer to the entrance, he is stopped by World Heavyweight champion Kurt Angle.]

KA: Hey Chris.

CJ: Hey Kirk.

KA: Well, it's Kurt, but that's not important. What is important is where you've been for the past few weeks.

CJ: In case you didn't notice, Kirk, I'm trying to become the next North American champion.

KA: That's all well and good, Chris, but in case you didn't notice, I am the World Heavyweight champion right now, and in one of the most unfair acts of the century, I have to defend my title against Abyss tonight! How can we all discuss strategy, conduct official Sensationals business if one member of the Sensationals is nowhere to be found?

CJ: Can we talk about this later, Kirk? I have a match to win.

KA: No we can't talk about this later! My match is right after your match!

CJ: Well, good luck then.

[Jericho walks past Angle and is out of sight before the World champion can even react.]

KA: ... What just happened here?

[We cut away from Angle and the confused look on his face to the ring.]

* * * * *


Match #7
North American Title Tournament - Quarterfinals
Justin Credible vs. "Y2J" Chris Jericho
As the match started, we cut to the back where we saw Monty Brown looking on, as he will face the winner of this match next week on Explosion in the semi-finals. Justin Credible was once again the underdog in this match as he was in his first round match with John Bradshaw Layfield. Chris Jericho is one of the best wrestlers in the world, so Credible had his work cut out for him. These two also have a bit of history together, as for a few weeks, Credible was desperate to get in the Sensationals, going as far as being Jericho's lackey. Jericho strung Credible along before letting Credible know he would never be a Sensational with a beatdown, and you know that Credible would love to gain some measure of revenge by eliminating Jericho from the tournament.

If Chris Jericho is concerned about the recent troubles of the Sensationals, he didn't show it against Justin Credible. Y2J obviously wants the North American Title, and he was doing everything he could to ensure a trip to the semi-finals. Eye gouges, chokeholds, and any other shortcut he could think of, Jericho used. Credible worked hard and had his moments, but it's pretty obvious that he is still tentative about re-injuring his knee. Jericho knew that and worked over Credible's leg accordingly, wearing Credible down and putting him out of the tournament with the Lionsault.

[North American Title Tournament - Quarterfinals]:
Chris Jericho pinned Justin Credible after the Lionsault in 0:10:41.
Rating: ** 3/4

The semi-finals are now set for next week. Chris Jericho moves on to face Monty Brown, while the surprising Hurricane will meet AJ Styles.


Match #8
MAIN EVENT
World Heavyweight Title Match
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Abyss (w/ Shaniqua)
Kurt Angle has a lot on his plate in the next couple of weeks. He is obviously under a lot of pressure because of his impending title defense against Randy Orton at Trick or Trouble, but if he was too concerned with Orton, he wasn't going to escape Denver with his World Heavyweight Title in tow as he had to put his gold on the line against Abyss. Before the match started, we saw highlights from earlier in the show with Shaniqua demanding the money she felt Angle owed him. Angle declined, and almost suffered a beating at the hands of Shaniqua's troops. But GCW President Ryan Niemiller stepped in, signing this match for tonight's main event.

Kurt Angle is a tough individual, no bones about it. You don't win an Olympic gold medal by being a wuss. However, Abyss can make even the toughest man cower, Kurt Angle included. For the early part of this match, Angle refused to lock up with Abyss, continually taking trips to the outside in moves Angle was calling "time outs." After about 3 minutes of this, GCW President Ryan Niemiller appeared on the GCW VideoTron and stated that if Angle didn't get in the match and wrestle Abyss, he would be stripped of the World Heavyweight Title! Angle was furious, and in the time that Angle was yelling in the direction of the VideoTron, Abyss caught him with a huge clothesline from behind. Angle isn't used to being in defense mode as he is a very aggressive champion, but Abyss beat on him and beat on him throughout the duration of this match. Angle did manage to hit the Angle Slam late in the match, but Angle decided to head for the hills instead of trying to win the match. Abyss wasn't down long though and chased after Angle as Appleseed counted out both men.

Abyss and Kurt Angle battled to a double countout in 0:12:07.
Rating: *** 3/4
(Kurt Angle retained the GCW World Heavyweight Title.)

Angle turned around and saw Abyss coming up the ramp for him and went into a sprint to get away. When Abyss got to the top of the ramp, he was rocked by a chairshot from STEVE BRADLEY who was waiting just behind the curtain! Abyss stumbled backward after that sick chairshot. Bradley went right at Abyss with a spear tackle, showing a great amount of strength to bring Abyss down! Bradley and Abyss fought their way back down toward the ring, with Kurt Angle close behind offering his enforcer words of encouragement but not stepping in to help. Bradley and Abyss kept brawling on the floor around the ring when THE HURRICANE was down to the ring. The Hurricane quickly climbed to the top turnbuckle and flew through the air, nailing both Bradley and Abyss with a flying crossbody block! Kurt Angle rolled into the ring to get away from the chaos, but what he didn't see was a bandaged RANDY ORTON standing behind him! Orton tapped Angle on the shoulder and when Angle spun around, planted him with the R.K.O. to a thunderous ovation! We closed the show with Randy Orton grabbing the World Heavyweight Title and holding it high in the air as the fans cheered him on.

The card for Trick or Trouble is almost set in stone as we're only 13 days away! Here are the matches that are signed for the October 24th event in Calgary's Saddledome:

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

North American Title Match - Winner of Monty Brown/Chris Jericho vs. Winner of The Hurricane/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

Be sure to join us next week for Monday Night Explosion in Omaha, Nebraska, our last stop before Trick or Trouble!
Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/03/05 at 18:06:48

Hehe.  I love cowardly Kurt Angle!  Good opening promo.  As I've said before, you seem to capture the voices of the wrestlers very well.  Shaniqua teasing a face turn against Angle is interesting...

Styles over Hero.  Not a big surprise there.  I was actually surprised that Hero got to the quarterfinals.  Still, Hero has gotten a bit of a rub from getting this far which should help him to transition into a feud soon.

London is so pissed off that he offers to give Kidman a title shot.  Interesting.  Normally it works the other way.  Still, a title shot is something that Kidman likely won't want to walk away from.  I predict London going over in the PPV match.

Nice build for the Benoit/Lesnar battle.  Poor Charlie Haas gets squashed by Lesnar, but really, it's hard to feel bad because nobody seems to stand a chance against Lesnar in GCW.  When Lesnar finally gets a title shot after all this build, it's going to be huge.

Matt Morgan is your new bodyguard.  Fair enough.  Here's hoping the Prophecy can transition from feuding with your onscreen character to your bodyguard.  Oh, and Booker T wants Goldust!

...

In a match, I mean!

Monty Brown Pounces the hell out of Christopher Daniels, which surprised me.  I was expecting a Prophecy victory in the tag team match by some nefarious underhanded means.

Angle fears Abyss!  And Orton fears Mofo!  Many more shots like that, and Orton is going to have a hard time competing with Angle at Trick or Trouble!

Goldust!  Woo!

Speaking of Goldust, an angry Guerrero beats the snot out of him in a preview of what he's going to do to Black Tiger at Trick or Trouble.  All things considered, I don't like Goldust's chances at the PPV... of course, the promos would be so funny if he won that he'll probably take it anyway.  But.  We'll see.

Excellent Italian Stallions promo!  Bravo!  FUHGETABOUTIT!

Jericho over Credible in the Tournament.  Not surprising.  What was surprising was that Credible made it this far.  Poor JBL can't seem to find a winner anywhere, even over Justin Credible!

Main event ended the way it probably should have.  Abyss isn't ready for a main event slot, but putting Angle over decisively would have hurt his momentum.  This way, both men keep their heat, and with Orton's attack to close the show, the fans go home happy.

Good work.  Where were Eric Angle and JBL, though?  In my opinion, both of these guys need to be on Explosion, even if they are jerking the curtain.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
91Posted on 01/03/05 at 19:20:10

Woah, I'd forgotten about the Italian Stallions. About time they got a bit of airtime again.

That Goldust has to be some of the creepiest stuff ever, and not just in wrestling simulation. He just HAS to win at the PPV now, the comedy potential is enormous.

The whole Abyss vs Bradley feud is a really good one, both men are supposed to be heels but everyone seems ready to watch these two guys explode on one another. The opening segment was really well done though, and the last segment with everyone brawling was pretty cool too. Mind you, thinking about that first segment, how long must the aisleway be, what with the number of times the Bashams and Abyss started and stopped moving towards Angle without ever reaching the ring?

Yeah, why no JBL? I was expecting him to show up during the Justin Credible match, but no dice. Oh well, I'm still calling Monty Brown to take this one.

SURELY the Black Tiger has to be unmasked now. Howsabout a clue (woah, I sound like Palumbo) or something?

Lesnar and Benoit was the one dream match the WWE didn't put on during the last few years (well, they might have on an episode of Smackdown or something, but not on PPV) so it's nice to see it now. Still, Lesnar really needs the momentum so I suspect he'll take it.

Speaking of which, I'm really torn on Angle/Orton. I know at first I was saying Orton would take it, but doubts have started creeping in. If they do more than one big match, Orton will take it second time around, but I'm second guessing myself now.
Snabbit888Posted on 01/03/05 at 22:46:01

No JBL was more of an oversight on my part.  I started writing the Jericho/Credible match, had to go do something, and when I came back to it, forgot to write JBL in.  Ah well.  It happens.

And I knew you'd be pleased by the Stallions, Eric. :)