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[GCW] Monday Night Explosion - 8/2/04

Snabbit888Posted on 10/08/04 at 02:43:13

Austin, Texas was the site, Monday Night Explosion was the event! It is now August, which means we are less than two weeks away from Summer Sizzler! We had a big night of action ahead of us tonight. We would find out who would be facing Rey Mysterio Jr. at Summer Sizzler for the Cruiserweight Title as Low-Ki and Paul London locked horns, number-one contender on the line! Also, Television champion AJ Styles and Monty Brown would team up to face Steve Bradley and Sean O'Haire! That, and more announcements regarding Summer Sizzler. But we were all treated with the arrival of World Heavyweight champion Kurt Angle and North American champion Randy Orton of the Sensationals to start the night off.

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[After the opening of Monday Night Explosion is done, "Medal" blares over the speaker system, causing the crowd in Austin, Texas to stir. As the music hits stride, he crowd chants "YOU SUCK!" in time with the music. Kurt Angle comes out with the World Heavyweight Title around his waist. Just behind him is Angle's Sensational teammate and reigning North American champion Randy Orton. As Angle's pyro goes off, Angle throws his hands straight up and Orton strikes his patented pose. They then make their way down to the ring. As the music dies down, Kurt Angle has a microphone in hand.]

KA: This is the second week in a row we've had to be in Texas. I figured GCW would have learned its lesson after last week's debacle in the Lonestar State, but apparently I was wrong. You see, last week, everybody had a misconception; everybody thought they saw me tap out to Lance Storm's Maple Leaf. That wasn't the case at all. I was only trying to wave off the smell from all you bumbling stinky rednecks! It's true!

[The fans, as expected, boo loudly at Angle's cheap heat efforts.]

KA: So now we're here in Austin. Goodie. I can hardly contain myself. Just when I think the cities GCW travels to couldn't get any worse, we make a stop in Austin. And all myself and Randy have heard from all you idiots all day is about how we both tapped out last week. How Chris Benoit and Lance Storm made us tap.

[A big crowd pop for this, followed by a chant of "YOU TAPPED OUT!"]

KA: Well, don't get used to it folks, because it's never going to happen again! Benoit thinks he's getting the better of me. Benoit thinks that just because he's gotten lucky a couple times by putting me in a submission hold at the exact same time I was having a muscle spasm that he's got my number. Benoit thinks that he has the advantage going into our Submission Match at Summer Sizzler. Nothing could be further from the truth, Benoit, because I have something that you don't, and that you will NEVER have again, and that's the World Heavyweight Title, oh it's true!

[Angle hands the microphone to Randy Orton to a chorus of boos.]

RO: And you, Lance Storm. What makes you think you're even in Randy Orton's league, huh? You think that because you have some cheap little skank in your corner that you can compete with a legend in the making? Look at me, Lance. I am 24 years old. I am already a two-time North American champion. I defeated the "legendary" Shawn Michaels for this title in his own match, the ladder match. I am the future of this business. What notable things have you done, Lance? Put entire arenas to sleep with your drab personality? Well you know something, Lance? You can have as many cheap whores in your corner as you want, and you can put millions of people to sleep, but one thing you can't do is beat Randy Orton. You've never been able to beat Randy Orton, and you never will!

[Orton hands the mic back to Angle.]

KA: But Randy and I can't wait until Summer Sizzler. All week and all day here in Texas, people have tried to defame our good names, claiming that we're quitters and how Benoit and Storm made us tap. Nothing could be further from the truth. That's why tonight, myself and Randy are challenging Chris Benoit and Lance Storm to a tag team match. We're going to show everybody that what happened last week didn't count!

[Just then, "Whatever" by Our Lady Peace plays to a huge ovation. Out from the back steps "The Crippler" Chris Benoit and Lance Storm to which gets a louder ovation. Benoit has a microphone in hand.]

CB: Last week doesn't count? Doesn't count!? If I remember correctly Kurt, both you and Randy Orton were screaming in pain, asking for help as I had Orton in the Crippler Crossface and Lance Storm had you in the Maple Leaf. Whining, screaming, begging for mercy as you both TAPPED OUT!

[Huge crowd pop as Angle and Orton are livid in the ring.]

CB: And you're telling me that wasn't enough? You want to scream again? I think I can safely speak for Lance Storm here when I say, you have yourself a match! And when it's all said and done, you both will be tapping again. And if you don't like it, PROVE US WRONG!

["Whatever" starts again to a huge pop. Angle and Orton do not look at all happy, as despite their bravado, Benoit and Storm are obviously in their heads. We cut to commercial as Benoit and Storm file to the back.]

* * * * *


Match #1
The Hardy Boyz vs. The Italian Stallions
The wrestling for the evening started with tag team action as the two newest teams in Global Championship Wrestling, the Hardy Boyz and the Italian Stallions went at it. Both teams have looked quite impressive thus far, the Hardy Boyz even holding a countout victory over the World Tag Team champions, the Basham Brothers, earning them a title shot at Summer Sizzler. Chuck Palumbo and Mark Jindrak knew that a win over the number-one contenders would put them in position for title shots themselves.

Both teams looked sharped in this one as they used their respective strengths to their benefit. In the early stages of the contest, Matt and Jeff Hardy used the speed advantage they possessed to hit and run against the much larger Palumbo and Jindrak. Once Palumbo and Jindrak grabbed a hold of the Hardyz, they made them pay for it, drilling them with their power-based offense. Jeff Hardy got stuck in the ring and became the face-in-peril, as Palumbo and Jindrak showed great tag team strategy in cutting off the ring.

The Stallions had this match well in hand until Mark Jindrak came in the ring and held Jeff Hardy open for Palumbo. Palumbo went for the Jungle Kick, but Hardy ducked out of the way and Palumbo nailed his own partner! Jeff Hardy hit a dropkick on Palumbo, which bought him enough time to tag in his brother Matt! Matt Hardy came in and took it straight to the Stallions, rocking them both with repeated clotheslines before tossing Palumbo to the outside. Matt Hardy then hit the Twist of Fate on Mark Jindrak as Jeff Hardy climbed to the top for the Swanton Bomb. Before Jeff could jump though, the BASHAM BROTHERS were down at ringside. Jeff Hardy saw them and jumped on them with a somersault plancha to a huge pop! Matt Hardy slid outside the ring and the Hardyz began to brawl with the Bashams. However, they didn't realize that referee Petey Pluck was making the count, and before they knew it, the Hardy Boyz were counted out!

The Italian Stallions (Chuck Palumbo and Mark Jindrak) defeated The Hardy Boyz (Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy) when Jindrak defeated M. Hardy by countout in 0:07:17.
Rating: ** 1/4

The Italian Stallions had won the match, albeit it in very controversial fashion. Matt and Jeff Hardy slid back in the ring as the Stallions bailed. The Basham Brothers and Shaniqua, who had joined them at ringside, smiled and laughed before heading to the back. If the Hardy Boyz want to win the World Tag Team Titles, they're going to have to keep their cool.

* * * * *

[Daffney is walking backstage in the halls. When she rounds a corner, she runs into Low-Ki, former member of Triple X, which imploded last week. After a brief awkward silence, Low-Ki speaks.]

LK: I'll keep this short, Daffney. Whose side are you on? Daniels and that big oaf O'Haire sealed their fates last week. Daniels and O'Haire will get theirs, mark my words, but you have a chance to save yourself. If you make the right decision. Will you make the right decision?

D: Low-Ki, you know I'm put in a tough spot here. I'm not sure what is going through Chris' mind these days. You, him, and Elix all gave me new life in wrestling, so I'm torn here. I don't know what to do.

LK: If you were smart, you'd stay as far away from Christopher Daniels as you possibly can. It's safer that way.

[Before giving Daffney a chance to respond, Low-Ki is gone. Daffney stands with a worried look on her face as we cut to the locker room of Eric Angle.]

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[Eric Angle is lacing up his boots as we join him in his locker room. when he finishes the boot, he stands up, only to be standing face-to-face with The Hurricane, who came in accompanied by flying sound effect. The Hurricane is in a Hurri-pose as Eric Angle gives him a bewildered look.]

H: Holy cowards, Citizen Angle! Last week on Explosion, you committed the greatest sin against the Superhero Code: you ran away when truth and justice needed you to stand up against the evil of Brock Lesnar. WASSUPWITDAT!?

[A crowd pop as Hurricane goes back into his pose. Angle looks even more bewildered than before.]

EA: What are you talking about?

H: Because of you and your cowardly ways, Good Samaritan Shannon Moore is sitting at home right now with a hurt larynx. Did you have trouble sleeping this week, knowing that you ran away in the face of danger?

EA: Did you see how pissed off Brock Lesnar was last week? I'm not about to risk my undefeated streak against a man who is obviously mentally unstable.

H: Well how about you risk your undefeated streak against The Hurricane tonight?

EA: Did you not just here what I said? I'm not about to risk my undefeated streak against a man who is obviously mentally unstable!

H: Is it because you're... chicken?

EA: WHAT!?

H: You heard me! You're a chicken!

[The Hurricane starts clucking and acting like a chicken. The crowd can't help but laugh at The Hurricane's 5th grade style of taunting Eric Angle.]

EA: I am NOT a chicken!

H: Bawk, bawk bawk!

EA: STOP IT!

H: Or what? You'll lay an egg?

EA: Fine! You want to fight? I'll be more than happy to kick your ass right here tonight!

H: Prepare to be defeated, evildoer! For I come equipped with Hurri-powers... BEEOTCH!

[And just like that, The Hurricane "flies" away. Eric Angle, out of frustration, slaps a locker. Cut to the ring.]

* * * * *


Match #2
Winner gets Cruiserweight Title shot at Summer Sizzler
Paul London vs. Low-Ki
Two of the finest young cruiserweights in the world met next in hopes of earning the opportunity to wrestle for the Cruiserweight Title at Summer Sizzler against current champion Rey Mysterio Jr. Paul London is just finally making his name on a national stage. Low-Ki had that coming out party in April when he became the first Cruiserweight champion. Low-Ki lost that title to Mysterio, and he would love the opportunity to get it back. But he would have to beat Paul London in front of London's hometown fans, which would be no easy task, as they were excited and ready to support the hometown boy.

This match had the potential to be great, but it was marred by interference of all kinds. We knew that once Daffney made her way to the ring right after the bell rang, this match was doomed to have a dirty finish, and we were right. After some great exciting chain wrestling from the two, Daffney helped Low-Ki get the advantage over London by tripping him up when he hit the ropes. London turned his attention toward Daffney and caught a vicious kick to the head from Low-Ki. It appeared as though Daffney made the "right decision" as Low-Ki put it and sided with him... or so we thought.

Later in the match, Low-Ki had London in the corner set up for a Tidal Wave. As Low-Ki made his way to the corner, London ducked out of the way and Low-Ki inadvertently nailed referee Antonio Santangelo. With the referee down, Christopher Daniels made his way down to the ring, obviously looking to cause some trouble, tossing London over the top rope to the floor. He also had the powerhouse Sean O'Haire in tow, which wasn't a good sign for Low-Ki. As Daniels got in the ring and faced off with Low-Ki, O'Haire went straight for Daffney, grabbing her by the hair and throwing her into the ring! As O'Haire got in the ring, Low-Ki immediately nailed him with a huge kick to the head. Daniels ran at Low-Ki, but Ki caught him with a straight kick to the face as well. Low-Ki turned around to check on the condition of Daffney, but when he did, Daffney sprayed Low-Ki in the face with mace! Low-Ki dropped to the mat and screamed in pain, trying to clear up his eyes. Daffney laughed her sick laugh as she rolled out of the ring. Paul London rolled back in, completely unaware of what just happened. All he saw was Low-Ki on the mat, so he went to the top and hit the London Calling. Paul London is the number-one contender for the Cruiserweight Title.

Paul London pinned Low-Ki with the London Calling in 0:04:51.
Rating: *** 3/4

Paul London's hometown crowd went nuts at his victory, but London couldn't relish the win as Sean O'Haire was back in the ring, hitting London from behind with a huge forearm blow. Christopher Daniels directed traffic as London was stomped by O'Haire, until REY MYSTERIO JR. ran in to make the save. Mysterio entered the ring by hitting O'Haire with a springboard dropkick, which caused O'Haire to fall onto the second rope. Mysterio then hit O'Haire with the 6-1-9 to a huge pop. Mysterio tried to get at Daniels, but the Fallen Angel was out of the ring in a hurry. We cut to a commercial with Rey Mysterio Jr. and Paul London calling Christopher Daniels and Sean O'Haire back in the ring.


Match #3
"The Anarchist" Doug Williams vs. "The Big Shot" Hardcore Holly
Doug Williams has come to Global Championship Wrestling vowing to bring pure wrestling back to the United States and the wrestling world in general. He has targeted the hardcore style wrestlers first, and there are very few more hardcore than Williams' opponent tonight, Hardcore Holly. Holly is a bitter, grumpy man and he wrestles accordingly, but quite frankly, he was out classed and out shined by Doug Williams. Williams claims to be the best pure wrestler in the world, and he has done his best to prove it the past two weeks, getting an easy win over Hardcore Holly with the Chaos Theory.

Doug Williams pinned Hardcore Holly with the Chaos Theory in 0:05:13.
Rating: ** 1/4

Hardcore Holly, when he came to, did not look at all happy (even for him) as he quickly scuffled to the back. Doug Williams, in the mean time, grabbed a microphone from ringside.

* * * * *

["The Anarchist" Doug Williams is a bit winded from his victory over Hardcore Holly, but it doesn't stop him from grabbing the house mic from ringside.]

DW: And once again, the pure wrestling style makes short work of the bloodthirsty hardcore style. The only people who would wrestle a hardcore style are barbaric animals, but none are more barbaric than Tommy Dreamer! Dreamer, you proved just what kind of unkempt animal you are last week when you laid your filthy hands on me, unprovoked might I add. That's not how a true gentleman does things. That's not how a pure wrestler carries himself. You are a disgrace, Tommy Dreamer, and it's going to be my personal pleasure to out wrestle you and out class you. You're going to be the first of many to suffer the Chaos Theory.

[Williams puts the microphone down before heading to the back.]

* * * * *


Match #4
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles (Television champion)/"The Alpha Male" Monty Brown vs. Steve "Who's Your Daddy?" Bradley/Sean O'Haire (W/ Daffney)
AJ Styles isn't a likable guy, but Monty Brown has come to Styles' aid against Steve Bradley and Sean O'Haire. It is probably more to hurt O'Haire than help Styles, but I'm sure deep down Styles is glad that he has the help. This wasn't exactly a smooth tag team match, considering the two opposing sides are not regular tag teams. Both teams had some trouble working together, not wanting to tag out to their respective partners. It would be a miscue from AJ Styles and Monty Brown that would cause them to lose this match. Styles had been caught in the ring for awhile, but when he got his opportunity to tag out, he refused, not wanting Brown to get the glory. As Styles and Brown jawed at each other, Steve Bradley hit Styles from behind and dropped him with an inverted DDT. Bradley showed his athleticism by going to the top and hitting a beautiful frog splash, something we hadn't seen out of him before. This was enough for Bradley to do something that hasn't been done very often in GCW, and that's pin AJ Styles.

Steve Bradley and Sean O'Haire defeated AJ Styles and Monty Brown when S. Bradley pinned AJ Styles after a frog splash in 0:05:50.
Rating: ** 3/4

Bradley and O'Haire were looking to do more than just win though, as they continued the onslaught on Styles and Brown after the match. Brown came in and tried to fight the two men off, but he was overpowered by the numbers. As O'Haire hit Monty Brown with a power bomb, Bradley was pulling not one, but two tables out from under the ring. He slid them in the ring where both he and O'Haire set them up in opposite corners. Bradley grabbed Styles as O'Haire grabbed Brown, both with the intention of irish whipping them through the tables. But when they went for it, Styles and Brown both reversed and Bradley and O'Haire went through the tables instead! AJ Styles and Monty Brown both got a measure of revenge for what happened to them last week at the hands of Steve Bradley and Sean O'Haire. As a result of the past two weeks of carnage, we have found out that at Summer Sizzler, these two makeshift teams will face each other in an Elimination Tables Match! For a team to win, both members of the opposing team will have to be put through a table. With the four men involved, this one promises to be violent.


Match #5
The Hurricane vs. Eric Angle
The Hurricane accused Eric Angle of being a chicken earlier, blaming Angle for the larynx injury Shannon Moore suffered last week at the hands of Brock Lesnar. Moore's injuries were relatively minor, but The Hurricane still believes that Eric Angle is a villain and wanted to teach him a lesson. Eric Angle just wants to keep his undefeated streak alive. A highly competitive match between these two differing wrestlers. With each week that passes and Angle successfully extends his undefeated streak, his opponents seem to come alive more, wanting to be the first man pin the elder Angle brother's shoulders to the mat. To Angle's credit, he may be a jerk, but he has been awfully impressive, and hasn't resorted to cheap tactics to win his matches. It's almost as if his want to step out of his brother's shadow is pushing him, making him want to win these matches decisively. A decisive win is what Angle would get here tonight, ducking a Shining Wizard attempt from the Man In Green and hitting the Angle Slam.

Eric Angle pinned The Hurricane with the Angle Slam in 0:08:05.
Rating: *** 3/4

Eric Angle's streak lives on for at least another week. You have to give props to The Hurricane though. His heart was in the right place, but he just didn't have enough to beat Angle on this night.

* * * * *

[When we return from break, head announcer Joey O'Donnell is standing in the ring with a microphone.]

JO: Please welcome my guest at this time... GOLDUST!

[Goldust's music starts to a plethora of boos. A gold light fills the arena and golden glitter falls from the ceiling. Goldust comes out wearing a long flowing golden robe. Goldust blows a couple kisses to random fans as he makes his way into the ring. Goldust stands uncomfortably close to Joey O'Donnell as the music fades out, but the gold light remains.]

JO: Welcome Goldust.

G: The pleasure is all mine, Joseph.

JO: Let's cut right to the chase. Last week, you turned your back on not only Booker T, but on each and every one of your fans as well. I think that you owe everyone an explanation.

G: An explanation? I owe everyone an explanation? I think everyone owes me an explanation. Especially Booker T. I came to Global Championship Wrestling to defend Booker T's honor. I fought Brock Lesnar in Booker T's name. Brock hurt my beloved Booker, so I came to his aid, knowing full well that Brock was going to kick my ass. And Brock did kick my ass, on more than one occasion! And what to I hear from Booker when he came back from his knee injury? Nothing! Not even a damn "Thank you!" Booker T claims that me and him aren't even friends. Why must you lie to the people, Booker? Why are you ashamed of me? Why won't you tell them about all the great times we had? Tell them about Hawaii, Paris, Cancun... our rendezvous in Las Vegas. Don't run away from your feelings, Booker! I only hurt you last week because I love. You're only going to hurt yourself if you keep running away from what we have, Booker, and that is a special kind of love.

[Goldust is interrupted by "CAN YOU DIG IT.. SUCKA!?" to a big pop. An enraged Booker T comes out, taking no time to play to the crowd like he usually does. As Booker T enters the ring, Goldust hides behind Joey O'Donnell.]

BT: What the hell is wrong with you, man!? All the great times we've had? A special kinda love? What kinda sick freak are you!? I didn't need no gold freak fighting my battles against Brock Lesnar. You didn't get no thank you because I didn't want yo' help! I don't like you. I have never liked you, and I will never like you! All you did last week is guarantee an ass-whoopin' courtesy of Booker T!

G: Oh, you can do whatever you want to me, big boy.

BT: You bettah shut yo' damn mouth! Or I'll...

G: Give me a spanking for being a bad little boy? Oh, please tell me it's a spanking!

[The crowd gives a disgusted reaction, but nobody is more disgusted than Booker T. While speaking of the spanking, Goldust turns around and bends over in front of Booker T. Booker absolutely loses it and nails Goldust in the back with a forearm. However, while Goldust had his back turned, he slipped on a pair of brass knuckles. Goldust spins around and clocks Booker T with the knux, knocking him unconscious. Joey O'Donnell wisely scurries out of the ring. Goldust drops to his knees and begins running his fingers up and down Booker T's chest. Luckily this doesn't last long as the GCW Official Brigade runs in and breaks this up. Goldust has absolutely lost it. Officials escort Goldust to the back as Booker T is checked on by the medical staff. Cut to commercial.]

* * * * *

* * * * *

[We return from commercial in time to see the Y2J Countdown Clock on the GCW VideoTron. As it reaches zero, pyro goes off and out from the back comes "Y2J" Chris Jericho. Along with him is this mysterious Black Tiger, dressed in all black except for the tiger mask. Jericho and Black Tiger enter the ring, Jericho doing his traditional praying mantis strut before grabbing the microphone.]

CJ: What I need right now is for two ass clowns in the back to come on out here for a little tag match hokey pokey. If myself and the ever mysterious Black Tiger are going to properly lambaste Eduardo Guerrdo and Shane Mitchell at Summer Sizzler, we're going to need a little tune-up. So c'mon, ass hats! Get on down here, babay!

[After a brief pause, "Sun Rises Down" by Acroma plays and out comes Nick Dinsmore and Rob Conway to a decent reaction, but nothing monumental. Dinsmore and Conway enter the ring as referee Jimmy Appleseed calls for the bell.]

* * * * *


Match #6
Nick Dinsmore/Rob Conway vs. "Y2J" Chris Jericho/Black Tiger
This was our first real look at Black Tiger in a match, so we were anxious to see him wrestle to maybe pinpoint his wrestling style to give us some clues as to who it may be. Well, Black Tiger did a good job of wrestling an effective but generic style, not giving us any clear signs one way or the other. We hadn't seen Nick Dinsmore and Rob Conway on Explosion for awhile, but they're still a world-class team, almost becoming the first World Tag Team champions back in April, which makes the performance of Jericho and Black Tiger all the more impressive.

Chris Jericho and Black Tiger showed early on that they weren't shy about using any means necessary to get the advantage, using constant illegal double teams and other devious moves to wear the straight-laced Dinsmore and Conway down. In the end, it would be an underhanded tactic that would end this match. Late in the contest, Dinsmore went to hit Black Tiger with a suplex, but Black Tiger reversed it with a small package. Three seconds and a handful of tights later, and Black Tiger and Chris Jericho had stolen a victory.

Black Tiger and Chris Jericho defeated Rob Conway and Nick Dinsmore when Tiger pinned N. Dinsmore after a small package in 0:09:37.
Rating: ***

It wasn't a dominating victory, but you have to be impressed with how Chris Jericho and Black Tiger looked against an experienced team like Nick Dinsmore and Rob Conway. Will they be able to cancel out the emotion that Eddie Guerrero and Shawn Michaels are sure to have with them at Summer Sizzler?


Match #7
Shelton Benjamin vs. Brock Lesnar
Two men from the University of Minnesota went toe-to-toe as Shelton Benjamin went up against Brock Lesnar. These two have quite the history going back before their time in Global Championship Wrestling. For an extended period of time, Benjamin and Lesnar trained together in amateur wrestling, and eventually formed a tag team together while they were in the early stages of their pro-wrestling training. But things have changed since then. Brock Lesnar doesn't like anybody, and past or not, Lesnar was looking to smash Benjamin in Austin.

The past month and a half have not been kind to Shelton Benjamin. Between being tricked by Shaniqua, losing the World Tag Team Titles, and a very messy breakup with former tag team partner Charlie Haas, it's been a rough time. As a result, Benjamin's in ring performances has suffered as he has been noticeably unfocused. It's hard enough to face Brock Lesnar when you have been training for the match for weeks, let alone when your mind isn't completely in the game. Benjamin held his own though, because he is that sort of athlete. Lesnar is in a category all his own though. He is an absolute animal, and he wrestled as such tonight, showing no mercy as he wore Benjamin down with slam after slam after slam. Benjamin got a flurry of offense in here and there, but Lesnar's killer instinct kicked in as he hit the F-5 out of nowhere to put Benjamin down for the count.

Brock Lesnar pinned Shelton Benjamin with the F-5 in 0:11:00.
Rating: ** 3/4

We thought Lesnar would be happy with picking up the victory, but that wasn't the case. The Monster has vowed to show no mercy on anybody who gets in his way until he gets another shot at the World Heavyweight Title. Lesnar lifted Benjamin up onto his shoulders and hit him with a second F-5. As Lesnar lifted Benjamin up for a third one, CHARLIE HAAS ran down to ringside, presumably ready to make the save. As Haas started to climb into the ring though, he reconsidered and headed back up the ramp, while Lesnar destroyed Benjamin with a third F-5! Lesnar finally let Benjamin alone, but the damage had been done. We thought that Charlie Haas was going to do the right thing, but this resentment he has for Shelton Benjamin runs deeper than we thought. These two will settle their differences at Summer Sizzler.


Match #8
MAIN EVENT
"The Crippler" Chris Benoit/Lance Storm (w/ Dawn Marie) vs. Kurt Angle (World Heavyweight champion)/Randy Orton (North American champion)
This is exactly what a main event should be. When you put four of the top wrestlers in the world into one match, you're bound to get good results. Tonight, we got great results as Chris Benoit and Lance Storm teamed up to face World Heavyweight champion Kurt Angle and North American champion Randy Orton of the Sensationals in a legitimate Match of the Year candidate. This match was one of the finest displays of technical wrestling I have ever seen. Four men at the top of their game going at it for nothing more than respect.

I would show this match to anyone who wants to study submission wrestling, because this was an absolute clinic. All four of these men have become so obsessed with making their respective opponent submit that they pulled out some wonderfully innovative submission holds. After about 12 minutes or so, you could see the frustration building in both teams, as the submission attempts became few and far between and instead the four guys just beat the crap out of each other. Chops were flying everyone as things began to degenerate into a hard-hitting brawl, and the fans were eating up every second of it. Things looked to be going in the favor of Chris Benoit and Lance Storm as they caught Randy Orton in a pinning predicament as Storm superkicked Orton right into a German suplex from Benoit, but Kurt Angle was able to break it up just in time. Lance Storm then caught Kurt Angle with a superkick as well, knocking him to the floor.

Benoit and Storm were wanting to finish Orton off, and they had they're chance now. Storm locked Orton in the Maple Leaf and pulled back on it, but Angle made it back in the ring just in time to make the save. Angle brought Storm down with the Angle Slam to even things up, but he was hit from behind by Benoit. Benoit hit a couple forearms to the back on Angle before going for a German suplex, but Angle dropped down, sending Benoit's body forward right into referee Jimmy Appleseed! Things weren't looking good with the referee unconscious. As Benoit stumbled back, Angle grabbed him in a rear waistlock for a German suplex of his own, but Benoit countered it with a go-behind and brought Angle down with the German suplex instead! Benoit hit a second German on Angle, but he hadn't noticed that Randy Orton had left the ring and grabbed a chair. As Benoit went for a third German suplex, Orton smacked Benoit hard in the spine with the chair! Orton took Benoit and tossed him to the floor, going out after him. This left Kurt Angle and Lance Storm in the ring, both stirring to their feet.

Lance Storm tried to catch Angle by surprise with a kick to the midsection, but Angle had the presence of mind to catch the foot and turn Storm down into the Ankle Lock. Angle torqued on Storm's ankle, but the problem was, Jimmy Appleseed was still down! Storm mustered up the last bit of his strength and started to pull himself up by using the ropes, but what he didn't expect was Randy Orton to smash him in the head with that steel chair as he was crawling up! Storm dropped in a heap on the mat as Angle continued to twist his ankle. Referee Jimmy Appleseed came back to and saw an unconscious Lance Storm in the Ankle Lock. Appleseed called for the bell, and this classic was over.

The Sensationals (Kurt Angle and Randy Orton) defeated Lance Storm and Chris Benoit when K. Angle defeated L. Storm when L. Storm passed out in the Ankle Lock in 0:17:46.
Rating: **** 1/2

It might not have been clean, but winning a fantastic match like this in any fashion certainly gives Kurt Angle and Randy Orton all kinds of momentum going into Summer Sizzler. Will Chris Benoit and Lance Storm be able to recover from this set back? Join us at Summer Sizzler to find out!

Speaking of Summer Sizzler, it is only 13 days away! Phoenix, Arizona will be the host on August 15th as GCW continues to prove why they are the new standard in professional wrestling! The card looks like this so far:

World Heavyweight Title Submission Match
Kurt Angle (c) vs. "The Crippler" Chris Benoit

North American Title Match
Randy Orton (c) vs. Lance Storm

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

Cruiserweight Title Match
Rey Mysterio Jr. (c) vs. Paul London

Grudge Match
"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels/"Latino Heat" Eddie Guerrero vs. "Y2J" Chris Jericho/Black Tiger

The World's Greatest Tag Team Explodes
Shelton Benjamin vs. Charlie Haas

And just added tonight...

Elimination Tables Match
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles (Television champion)/"The Alpha Male" Monty Brown vs. Steve "Who's Your Daddy?" Bradley/Sean O'Haire

Grudge Match
Booker T vs. Goldust

We will see you next week on Monday Night Explosion where we have been told one more match will be added to the Summer Sizzler card!
91Posted on 10/12/04 at 21:05:18

Give me a hint here - what sort of build can we see that the Black Tiger has? I've got several ideas still, but anyways...

Main event wise, it seems any permutation of those four is bringing results. A chance in the outcome this time, but it sets up Storm/Orton very nicely.

I'm also liking Goldusts bunny boiler character, there's a LOT of potential directions to take with that. That's produced some damn funny shit.
Snabbit888Posted on 10/12/04 at 21:56:22

I don't think this is too much of a spoiler, but the build is similar to RVD's, considering, well, RVD was originally Black Tiger, but because of the neck injury, that obviously can't happen.  I'm still devising a plan (I have a couple possible scenarios), but somewhere in the RVD size range.
91Posted on 10/12/04 at 22:26:03

Ahhh, he wasn't one of the people I'd thought of (though it would have made for some decent stuff). Life's a bitch like that, eh? ;D
Snabbit888Posted on 10/12/04 at 22:32:05

Yes, yes it is.  It made sense because the original faction against the Sensationals was HBK, Eddie, and RVD.  Well, after RVD unsuccessfully tried to get the North American Title from Orton at Mayhem, he was kind of phased out.  So I had the whole jealousy/joining the enemy thing working, and then he needs neck fusion surgery.  Huzzah.
Critic of the DawnPosted on 10/13/04 at 18:47:38

Great card as always.  I've said it before, but you do an excellent job with your promos, and capture the manner of speaking of your guys almost spot on.  I can almost hear them delivering their lines as I read, and that's damn impressive.

I particularly enjoyed the Goldust/Booker and Hurricane/Eric Angle promos.  Both of them felt very authentic, and both had me chuckling because they were really very clever.

I think the Hardyz could have used a victory over the Stallions since their title shot is coming up soon, but to be fair you built the feud by having interference by the Bashams.  I think I would have preferred the Hardyz getting the win via DQ, but it doesn't matter much.  I'm still looking forward to some interview time for the Stallions, as they have a ton of potential and I'd like to see what you do with them.

Paul London over Low Ki gets almost **** despite being less than 5 minutes long.  What you've got there is a couple of workhorses.  London feels to me like he should be a perennial threat to the Cruiserweight Title, while Low Ki and Elix Skipper should remain a threat in the tag team division.  It ensures good matches, after all.

Doug Williams squashes Hardcore Holly and sends him crying as he leaves GCW.  Interesting thing you're doing with his character there - it feels like you're trying to portray him as an upper class brit in the style of Regal, except a bit less overblown.  Am I right here, or am I just seeing things?

Steve Bradley continues to be pushed up the card, gaining a pinfall victory over TV Champ AJ Styles.  Given the amount he's being pushed and the fact that he's a relative unknown, Steve Bradley seems to me like something of a pet project for you.  So when Styles does lose the title, I think he'll take it.  Incidentally, why is he the Television Champion if the belt isn't defended at every TV taping?  I thought that was the point of a TV title.

Angle over the Hurricane, but really, that was never in doubt.  Eric Angle's winning streak is going to stay alive for quite some time, I think, at least until he makes it to the upper midcard.  I like the fact that he's ducking challengers who could potentially break it, though.  Very heelish.

Black Tiger gets a match!  The fact that he's teaming with Jericho against Dinsmore and Conway means it can't be any of them.  Interesting to see Jericho aligned with him, though.  This could make for an interesting tag team down the lines when the mask comes off...

Ouch.  Lesnar destroys Shelton Benjamin as Charlie Haas looks on.  Very appropriate for all involved.  Lesnar needs victims to stay a threat, Benjamin has to look like the underdog going into his Summer Sizzler match against Haas, and Hass's refusal to rescue his former partner shows that this is very personal indeed.  Good stuff.

And an excellent main event to cap it all off.  Orton and Angle reclaim their win, albeit in a slightly less clean manner.  That's okay, though, since they're heels.  They're supposed to piss the fans off with underhanded tactics, and that's just what they did.  I predict Angle retaining while Orton drops the North American Title to Lance Storm.

Great effort as always.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Snabbit888Posted on 10/13/04 at 19:51:15

Great card as always.  I've said it before, but you do an excellent job with your promos, and capture the manner of speaking of your guys almost spot on.  I can almost hear them delivering their lines as I read, and that's damn impressive.
It really is pretty weird, because it just sort of happens.  I honestly think I can capture characters like I do because of my acting training.  As an actor, I've had to do tons of character study, so I think it's becoming more and more natural.

I particularly enjoyed the Goldust/Booker and Hurricane/Eric Angle promos.  Both of them felt very authentic, and both had me chuckling because they were really very clever.
I was really worried about the Goldust heel turn, fearing that he was going to be lost in the shuffle and that he was going to slip into obscurity.  I'm glad I've found stuff for him to do so that doesn't happen.

I think the Hardyz could have used a victory over the Stallions since their title shot is coming up soon, but to be fair you built the feud by having interference by the Bashams.  I think I would have preferred the Hardyz getting the win via DQ, but it doesn't matter much.  I'm still looking forward to some interview time for the Stallions, as they have a ton of potential and I'd like to see what you do with them.
You're right about the Hardyz... probably should have made it a DQ, but either way, I don't think they're perceived as any less of a threat to the Bashams and the tag titles.  And the Italian Stallions get their first bit of interview time on the next card.

Paul London over Low Ki gets almost **** despite being less than 5 minutes long.  What you've got there is a couple of workhorses.  London feels to me like he should be a perennial threat to the Cruiserweight Title, while Low Ki and Elix Skipper should remain a threat in the tag team division.  It ensures good matches, after all.
I do have plans for Paul London to be a major factor in the Cruiserweight division.  Low-Ki and Elix Skipper I'm having a little more trouble finding them a place I feel comfortable with.  I like both of them a lot, but I haven't been able to find their niche quite yet.

Doug Williams squashes Hardcore Holly and sends him crying as he leaves GCW.  Interesting thing you're doing with his character there - it feels like you're trying to portray him as an upper class brit in the style of Regal, except a bit less overblown.  Am I right here, or am I just seeing things?
I want Doug Williams to be one of the cockiest British snobs possible, but not so much because he's British, rather because he feels he's such a better pure wrestler than everybody else.

Steve Bradley continues to be pushed up the card, gaining a pinfall victory over TV Champ AJ Styles.  Given the amount he's being pushed and the fact that he's a relative unknown, Steve Bradley seems to me like something of a pet project for you.  So when Styles does lose the title, I think he'll take it.  Incidentally, why is he the Television Champion if the belt isn't defended at every TV taping?  I thought that was the point of a TV title.
Anyone who ever has followed any of my circuits knows I will have 1 or 2 pet projects.  In the old GLW, it was Gran Hamada as a 10-month World champion.  Here in GCW, it's Steve Bradley and Eric Angle.  I like to have a couple characters be major players that aren't so much mainstream guys as I want that extra little bit to distinguish GCW from other circuits.  I want people to ay, "Oh, that's the circuit with so-and-so."  And I've been a little unconsistent with the TV Title rule, but such is wrestling. :)  I have it more that it's defended ONLY on TV, not necessarily ALWAYS on TV.

Angle over the Hurricane, but really, that was never in doubt.  Eric Angle's winning streak is going to stay alive for quite some time, I think, at least until he makes it to the upper midcard.  I like the fact that he's ducking challengers who could potentially break it, though.  Very heelish.
I thought this one a fun little angle for the night.  It played up Angle's challenger ducking while really starting The Hurricane's "defender of the innocent" stuff.

Black Tiger gets a match!  The fact that he's teaming with Jericho against Dinsmore and Conway means it can't be any of them.  Interesting to see Jericho aligned with him, though.  This could make for an interesting tag team down the lines when the mask comes off...
Well, you have a bit of an inside track on who it may be, so shhh. :)

Ouch.  Lesnar destroys Shelton Benjamin as Charlie Haas looks on.  Very appropriate for all involved.  Lesnar needs victims to stay a threat, Benjamin has to look like the underdog going into his Summer Sizzler match against Haas, and Hass's refusal to rescue his former partner shows that this is very personal indeed.  Good stuff.
*bows* Thank you.

And an excellent main event to cap it all off.  Orton and Angle reclaim their win, albeit in a slightly less clean manner.  That's okay, though, since they're heels.  They're supposed to piss the fans off with underhanded tactics, and that's just what they did.  I predict Angle retaining while Orton drops the North American Title to Lance Storm.

A **** 1/2 main event I will take any time. :)

Great effort as always.
Thank you much.