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LIW Lady's Choice - 6/24/06

Critic of the DawnPosted on 05/19/05 at 02:36:26

Looking back on this card, I probably should have put another tag team match or two on the card to balance things out.  That said, I think it turned out pretty well.  I definately like the main angle which worked over the course of the show, because I think it gives a bit more credibility to those involved - of course, the matches they've been competing in are helping as well.  Also, roster cuts.  Ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch.

*****

Paul London & Don Juan vs. Too Cold Scorpio & Ricky Reyes vs. Octagon & Mikey Whipwreck vs. Frankie Kazarian & His New Partner

And... Kazarian's partner is SCOTT HALL!

Frankie Kazarian executes a fallaway slam on Ricky Reyes.
Phillip McAlpine counts:  3.
Frankie Kazarian throws Ricky Reyes into the ringsteps.
Phillip McAlpine counts:  4.
Frankie Kazarian hits a dropkick on Ricky Reyes.
Phillip McAlpine counts:  5.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Phillip McAlpine counts:  6.
Frankie Kazarian runs Ricky Reyes into the ringsteps.
Frankie Kazarian uses a kneedrop on Ricky Reyes.
Phillip McAlpine counts:  7.
Frankie Kazarian gets back into the ring.
Ricky Reyes follows him back in.
Frankie Kazarian executes the Wave Of The Future on Ricky Reyes.
Frankie Kazarian has the crowd going wild.
Frankie Kazarian goes for the pin.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, shoulder up.

Phillip McAlpine is out cold.
Phillip McAlpine shakes off the pain.
Too Cold Scorpio enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Scott Hall enters the ring and throws Too Cold Scorpio out of the ring.
Scott Hall leaves the ring.
Frankie Kazarian hits Ricky Reyes with a forearm to the back.
Frankie Kazarian tags out to Scott Hall.
Scott Hall and Frankie Kazarian whip Ricky Reyes into the ropes.
They hit Ricky Reyes with a double backdrop.
Frankie Kazarian leaves the ring.
Scott Hall whips Ricky Reyes into the ropes.
Scott Hall misses with a kick.
Ricky Reyes hits Scott Hall with a kick.
Ricky Reyes goes for a clothesline, but Scott Hall ducks out of the way.
Frankie Kazarian enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Scott Hall and Frankie Kazarian whip Ricky Reyes into the ropes.
They hit Ricky Reyes with a double kick to the midsection.
Frankie Kazarian leaves the ring.
Scott Hall places Ricky Reyes on the turnbuckle.
Scott Hall goes for a double underhook superplex, but Ricky Reyes blocks it.
Ricky Reyes throws Scott Hall off the turnbuckle.
Ricky Reyes goes for a chokehold, but Scott Hall blocks it.
Scott Hall tags out to Mikey Whipwreck.
Mikey Whipwreck uses a forearm smash on Ricky Reyes.
Mikey Whipwreck executes the Whippersnapper on Ricky Reyes.
Mikey Whipwreck goes for the pin.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is giving Mikey Whipwreck a standing ovation.

The winners are Octagon and Mikey Whipwreck. Time of match: 0:11:54

Four Corners Match:
Octagon and Mikey Whipwreck defeated Paul London and Don Juan,
International Thug Syndicate (Ricky Reyes and Too Cold Scorpio) and
Frankie Kazarian and Scott Hall when Mikey pinned R. Reyes with the
Whippersnapper in 0:11:54.
Scott Hall suffered a neck injury.
Rating: ***

It's Scott Hall!  Frankie Kazarian has handpicked Scott Hall as his new tag team partner...

Something seems to be wrong with Hall, however...  He seems kind of out of things...

This proved to be an entertaining starting match between some of the most athletic and exciting wrestlers in Long Island Wrestling.  Ricky Reyes was quickly isolated by the various babyfaces in the ring, who proceeded to lay into him with quite a beating.  If Reyes wasn't as tough as he is, he'd likely have fallen quickly.  Due to his resilience, however, he was able to kick out of the Wave of the Future from Frankie Kazarian.  Kazarian tagged in a noticably drunk Scott Hall, who awkwardly went for a superplex variant on Reyes before being pushed off the turnbuckle and landing badly.  Hall had just enough strength to tag in Mikey Whipwreck, roll out, and collapse in the ring area.  Mikey, noticably concerned, hit the Whippersnapper out of nowhere for the victory, and went to check on Hall along with the other wrestlers.  Quickly, EMTs were on the scene, and Hall had to be stretchered out of the arena.  This is not what most would consider a promising start to an event...

"Dangan" Masato Tanaka vs. "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm

Masato Tanaka uses a power bomb on Jonny Storm.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Masato Tanaka goes for a punch, but Jonny Storm blocks it.
Jonny Storm goes for a side headlock, but Masato Tanaka throws him off.
Masato Tanaka hits Jonny Storm.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Masato Tanaka chops Jonny Storm.
The crowd is giving Masato Tanaka a standing ovation.
Masato Tanaka throws Jonny Storm into the turnbuckle.
Masato Tanaka uses a forearm smash on Jonny Storm.
Masato Tanaka hits a forearm smash on Jonny Storm.
Masato Tanaka uses a forearm smash on Jonny Storm.
Masato Tanaka goes for the Roaring Elbow, but Jonny Storm counters it with
a duck-down move.
Jonny Storm executes a Buff blockbuster on Masato Tanaka.
The ring is quickly filling up with debris.
Jonny Storm takes Masato Tanaka down with a T-Bone Suplex.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Jonny Storm takes Masato Tanaka down with a bodyslam.
Jonny Storm gives him a kick to the head, but Masato Tanaka doesn't even care.
Jonny Storm whips Masato Tanaka into the ropes, but Masato Tanaka reverses it.
Masato Tanaka executes a slap on Jonny Storm.
Masato Tanaka punches Jonny Storm.
Masato Tanaka punches Jonny Storm.
The crowd erupts.
Masato Tanaka punches Jonny Storm.
The crowd is giving Masato Tanaka a standing ovation.
Masato Tanaka throws Jonny Storm out of the ring.
Phillip McAlpine counts: one, two, three, Jonny Storm reenters the ring.
Masato Tanaka hits a back suplex on Jonny Storm.
Masato Tanaka takes Jonny Storm down with a piledriver.
The crowd is giving Masato Tanaka a standing ovation.
Masato Tanaka throws Jonny Storm out of the ring.
Phillip McAlpine counts: one, two, Jonny Storm reenters the ring.
Masato Tanaka goes for a power bomb, but Jonny Storm counters it with a rana.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is vociferously booing Jonny Storm.

The winner is Jonny Storm. Time of match: 0:12:58

Jonny Storm pinned Masato Tanaka after a rana in 0:12:58.
Rating: *** 3/4

Well, that certainly woke the crowd back up!  Immediately after the ring was cleared from the last match, Jonny Storm's music hit and he made his way out with a microphone.  Once again he spouted nonsense about "Redeeming the Dream," and claimed that his next target was Masato Tanaka.  Storm claims that he blames Tanaka for New Europe's plan to hold both the Heavyweight and Tag Team Titles failing.  This brought out "Dangan" Masato Tanaka, and an impromptu match began between these two popular wrestlers.  In the end, Jonny Storm's speed allowed him to survive Masato Tanaka's brutality, and after narrowly ducking a Roaring Elbow, Storm reversed one of Tanaka's high impact moves into a huricanrana for a quick pinfall victory!

Ernest "The Cat" Miller hits the ring with Lamont to debut his new dance, but then "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath hits, and...

"Violent R" Ron Harris vs. Ernest "The Cat" Miller

Ron Harris takes Ernest Miller down with a back suplex.
Ron Harris takes Ernest Miller down with an elbowdrop.
Ron Harris executes a belly-to-belly suplex on Ernest Miller.
Ron Harris goes for a backbreaker, but Ernest Miller counters it with a facerake.
Ernest Miller hits an earringer on Ron Harris.
Ernest Miller chops Ron Harris.
Ron Harris punches Ernest Miller.
The crowd is behind Ron Harris all the way.
Ron Harris hits Ernest Miller.
The crowd is behind Ron Harris all the way.
Ron Harris chops Ernest Miller.
Ernest Miller chops Ron Harris.
Ernest Miller further incites the crowd.
Ron Harris kicks Ernest Miller.
The crowd is going crazy.
Ron Harris uses a facerake on Ernest Miller.
Ron Harris runs into the ropes.
Ron Harris hits a clothesline on Ernest Miller.
Ron Harris takes Ernest Miller down with a headsmash into the turnbuckle.
Ron Harris whips Ernest Miller into the ropes.
Ron Harris misses with a clothesline.
Ron Harris executes the Cobra Clutch Slam on Ernest Miller.
Ron Harris goes for the pin.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is behind Ron Harris all the way.

The winner is Ron Harris. Time of match: 0:05:06

Ron Harris pinned Ernest Miller with the Cobra Clutch Slam in 0:05:06.
Rating: 3/4*

Ernest Miller immediately tried to kill the crowd once more by introducing his new dance, but instead they simply seemed pissed, with several even going so far as to throw trash towards the ring!  Suddenly, "War Pigs" hit and "Violent R" Ron Harris dashed out to the ring, laying into Miller with a savage beating that culminated with a HUGE Cobra Clutch Slam and a pinfall victory only 5 minutes into this impromptu match!

Justin Credible vs. "Y2J" Chris Jericho in a Best of the Best Qualifier

Chris Jericho hits Justin Credible with a fireman's carry.
Chris Jericho executes the Walls Of Jericho on Justin Credible.
Alan Tso checks Justin Credible's arm.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Justin Credible fights his way out of the hold after 17 seconds.
Justin Credible hits an eye gouge on Chris Jericho.
Justin Credible takes Chris Jericho down with a Hotshot.
A fan at ringside badmouths Justin Credible.
Justin Credible goes for a punch, but Chris Jericho blocks it.
Chris Jericho nails Justin Credible with a vertical suplex.
Chris Jericho gets an abdominal stretch on Justin Credible.
Justin Credible is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Justin Credible makes it to the ropes after being locked up for 17 seconds.
Chris Jericho hits Justin Credible with a Flatliner.
Chris Jericho works the crowd.
The crowd is giving Chris Jericho a standing ovation.

Justin Credible inches his way towards the ropes after being trapped for 5
seconds.
Chris Jericho nails Justin Credible with a hiptoss.
Justin Credible begs off.
Chris Jericho goes for an abdominal stretch, but Justin Credible reverses it.
Chris Jericho makes it to the ropes after being trapped for 9 seconds.
Justin Credible runs into the ropes.
Justin Credible hits Chris Jericho with a kick.
Justin Credible whips Chris Jericho into the ropes.
Chris Jericho and Justin Credible get hit with a double clothesline.
Chris Jericho punches Justin Credible.
The crowd erupts.
Chris Jericho punches Justin Credible.
Justin Credible hits Chris Jericho.
A fan at ringside badmouths Justin Credible.
Chris Jericho kicks Justin Credible.
The crowd breaks into a "Y2J, Y2J" chant.

Chris Jericho executes the Walls Of Jericho on Justin Credible
on the concrete floor.
The crowd erupts.
Alan Tso counts:  7.
Chris Jericho hits a kick to the midsection on Justin Credible.
Alan Tso counts:  8.
Chris Jericho throws Justin Credible into the guardrail.
Alan Tso counts:  9.
Chris Jericho nails Justin Credible with a flying forearm.
Chris Jericho reenters the ring.
Justin Credible follows him back in.
Chris Jericho runs into the ropes.
Chris Jericho goes for a spinning heel kick, but Justin Credible
ducks out of the way.
Justin Credible takes Chris Jericho down with a swinging neckbreaker.
Justin Credible is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Justin Credible uses a spinning leg lariat on Chris Jericho.

Chris Jericho goes for a hiptoss, but Justin Credible counters it with a lariat.
Justin Credible executes a forearm to the back on Chris Jericho.
Justin Credible places Chris Jericho on the turnbuckle.
Justin Credible uses a superplex on Chris Jericho.
A fan at ringside badmouths Justin Credible.
Justin Credible hits a Hotshot on Chris Jericho.
Justin Credible gives the sign for the That's Incredible.
Justin Credible executes the That's Incredible on Chris Jericho.
A fan at ringside badmouths Justin Credible.
Justin Credible goes for the pin.
Alan Tso counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Justin Credible goes for a swinging neckbreaker, but Chris Jericho
counters it with a side suplex.
Chris Jericho sets up Justin Credible on the turnbuckle.
Chris Jericho nails Justin Credible with a superplex.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Chris Jericho.

Justin Credible goes for a bodyslam, but Chris Jericho blocks it.
Chris Jericho whips Justin Credible into the ropes, but Justin Credible
reverses it.
Justin Credible misses with a kick.
Justin Credible misses with a clothesline.
Justin Credible goes for a punch, but Chris Jericho counters it with
a roundhouse right.
In turn, Justin Credible counters it with a punch.
Justin Credible goes for a Hotshot, but Chris Jericho counters it with
a Thesz press.
Alan Tso counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Chris Jericho executes the Walls Of Jericho on Justin Credible.
Justin Credible is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Justin Credible summons one last burst of energy.
Justin Credible submits after 12 seconds.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Chris Jericho.

The winner is Chris Jericho. Time of match: 0:21:09

[Best of the Best Qualifier]:
Chris Jericho made Justin Credible submit to the Walls Of Jericho in 0:21:09.
Rating: **** 3/4

Whoa!  What an incredible match!  This one was back and forth for over 20 minutes with a shot in the Best of the Best tournament on the line!  From the beginning, Jericho seemed to have an advantage, but somehow Justin Credible managed to break free of the Walls not once but twice, scoring with That's Incredible shortly thereafter for a very close nearfall!  The two then proceeded to exchange high impact moves and pin attempts in a sequence that had the crowd on the edge of their seats for almost half of the match before Jericho finally locked in the Walls once again and forced his opponent to tap out!

Following his victory, LIW Senior Referee Ted Blandford appeared with a microphone and officially announced the Best of the Best Tournament.  The essential concept behind this series is that eight of the top prospects here in LIW will be divided into two Round Robin brackets which will hold matches over the next few months.  The winners of the two brackets will then face off against each other to determine who truly IS the Best of the Best.  Greater opportunities for title shots and the like will be made available for the winner in the future.  Chris Jericho is officially the first entrant in Bracket A, and the rest of the brackets will be announced soon in the LIW Newsline.

(We move backstage now, where Jonny Storm is being confronted by Usurper leader
Frank Shamrock.)

Jonny Storm: See that?  I'm one step closer now to Redeeming the Dream... and
once I succeed, it will be the end for you.  The Usurpers will fall before me,
and I shall transcend this sport as the biggest crossover star not only in the
history of the business, but in the history of Europe itself!

Frank Shamrock: Is that so?  I seem to recall you having a bit of a problem
with us a couple weeks back...  Oh yes.  "The Monster" Edward Chastain
practically tore you apart.  So I suggest you back the hell off...  Or else
you won't be long for this business.

(Jonny Storm takes a step back, scowling.)

Jonny Storm: You may have the advantage today, Shamrock.  But it will be short
lived.  New Europe is dead, but *I* remain!  And that is all that matters!
Watch your back, Shamrock!  Watch your back!

(Jonny Storm turns... and walks right into the massive torso of Edward
Chastain.  Chastain smiles... then lariats the hell out of Jonny Storm!  As
Chastain stomps away at Storm, Frank Shamrock directs traffic, setting up a
table.  Chris Sabin joins in the beating, then hoists Jonny Storm up and
delivers the Future Shock directly through the table!  Jonny Storm is laid out
and bloody at the feet of The Usurpers!)

Simon Diamond vs. "Son of 1,000 Bones" La Parka Jr. vs. Sean Waltman vs. Perry Saturn

They lock up.
La Parka Jr. goes for a monkey flip, but Perry Saturn blocks it.
Perry Saturn whips La Parka Jr. into the ropes, but La Parka Jr. reverses it.
La Parka Jr. executes a slap on Perry Saturn.
La Parka Jr. goes for a monkey flip, but Perry Saturn blocks it.
Perry Saturn goes for a takeover suplex, but La Parka Jr. blocks it.
La Parka Jr. runs into the ropes.
Perry Saturn uses a spin kick on La Parka Jr..
Perry Saturn runs into the ropes.
La Parka Jr. hits Perry Saturn with a backdrop.
Perry Saturn falls out of the ring.
La Parka Jr. goes for a Running Tope, but Perry Saturn moves out of the way.
La Parka Jr. is out cold.
Perry Saturn throws La Parka Jr. back into the ring.
Perry Saturn executes the Death Valley Driver on La Parka Jr..
Perry Saturn goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.

La Parka Jr. nails Perry Saturn with a flying spinning leg lariat.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for La Parka Jr..
La Parka Jr. whips Perry Saturn into the ropes, but Perry Saturn reverses it.
Perry Saturn misses with a shoulderblock.
La Parka Jr. goes for a clothesline, but Perry Saturn ducks out of the way.
Perry Saturn hits a tiger suplex on La Parka Jr..
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Perry Saturn hits a back suplex on La Parka Jr..
Perry Saturn runs into the ropes.
La Parka Jr. uses a spinning backbreaker on Perry Saturn.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
La Parka Jr. hits Perry Saturn with a spinning backbreaker.
La Parka Jr. hits Perry Saturn with a slap.
La Parka Jr. does the Parka dance.
The crowd erupts.
La Parka Jr. uses a slap on Perry Saturn.
La Parka Jr. takes Perry Saturn down with a flying spinning leg lariat.
The crowd breaks into a "Chairman, Chairman!" chant.

Perry Saturn uses an elbowsmash on Sean Waltman.
Perry Saturn uses a punch on Sean Waltman.
Perry Saturn goes for a front-layout suplex, but Sean Waltman blocks it.
Sean Waltman throws Perry Saturn out of the ring.
Ted Blandford counts: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,
Perry Saturn reenters the ring.
Sean Waltman nails Perry Saturn with a fist to the midsection.
Sean Waltman goes for a savate kick, but Perry Saturn ducks out of the way.
Perry Saturn goes for a kick to the midsection, but Sean Waltman
counters it with a legsweep.
Sean Waltman goes for a kick to the head, but Perry Saturn ducks out of the way.
Perry Saturn runs into the ropes.
Sean Waltman goes for a thrust kick to the head, but Perry Saturn
ducks out of the way.
Perry Saturn hits a DDT on Sean Waltman.
The crowd breaks into a "Saturn, Saturn" chant.

Perry Saturn nails Sean Waltman with a tiger suplex.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Perry Saturn goes for a punch, but Sean Waltman blocks it.
Sean Waltman punches Perry Saturn.
Sean Waltman is being booed like there is no tomorrow.
Sean Waltman hits Perry Saturn.
Sean Waltman executes a vertical suplex on Perry Saturn.
Sean Waltman runs into the ropes.
Sean Waltman takes Perry Saturn down with a clothesline.
Sean Waltman uses a headbutt on Perry Saturn.
Sean Waltman uses a headbutt on Perry Saturn.
Sean Waltman nails Perry Saturn with a fist to the midsection.
Sean Waltman covers Perry Saturn.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Sean Waltman executes a flying clothesline on Perry Saturn.
Numerous fans are using Sean Waltman for target practice.
Sean Waltman hits Perry Saturn with a flying clothesline.
Sean Waltman uses a spinning heel kick on Perry Saturn.
Sean Waltman executes the X-Factor on Perry Saturn.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Sean Waltman goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, Simon Diamond doesn't make it in time... three.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.

The winner is Sean Waltman. Time of match: 0:23:48

Four Corners Match:
Sean Waltman defeated Simon Diamond, La Parka Jr. and Perry Saturn when Waltman
pinned Saturn with the X-Factor in 0:23:48.
Rating: *** 3/4

Another exciting multi-man melee match between four extremely athletic men!  La Parka Jr. looked thrilled to be back here in LIW again, even if it was only for one night.  Simon Diamond, on the other hand, looked desperate, taking every shortcut he could to try to gain a victory in this match to shore up his eroding power base in the International Thug Syndicate.  Perry Saturn and Sean Waltman simply threw everything that they had against the other participants in the match, and in the end Sean Waltman came out on top, scoring the X-Factor on Perry Saturn for a pinfall victory.  Simon Diamond tried desperately to break it up, but he was simply too late.

("Disciple" by Slayer hits, and Chris "HAIL!" Sabin walks to the ring with a
smug grin.)

Chris Sabin: Ladies and gentlemen... or, since this is Jersey, perhaps 'Whores
and Queers' would be more accurate... If you've been following the news and
rumors on the 'net, you know that a new manager is going to debut tonight and
announce who her client is.  Well...  I can tell you that we've already run
into her.  And she was very VERY impressed by what she saw!  So without any
further adieu, let me introduce you all to our new manager!  Please welcome
Lady Victoria!

(Frank Shamrock's music hits, and Frank Shamrock and Edward Chastain walk out
arm in arm with a muscular, statuesque woman with blonde hair.  Think Chyna or
Nicole Bass, just without having had their faces beaten bloody with the ugly
stick every day as a child.  The crowd mostly hasn't heard of her - with the
exception of a few perverts in General Admission.)

Lady Victoria: A lot of you are probably wondering who I am.  Why such a savage
beauty as myself would take such an interest in this second rate promotion.
Well, I'll tell you.  I'm a graduate of Al Snow's wrestling school and a life-
long bodybuilder... but I'm sick and tired of hearing the same thing from every
person I meet.  "Wow.  You're huge!"  "You're kind of cute... come here often?"
And then there's always, "Hurt me again, Mistress!"

(The crowd doesn't seem to know how to react, again with the exception of the
perverts in General Admission, who hoot and hollar at the last one.)

Lady Victoria: Shut up, Steve!

(Said hooting and hollering suddenly stops)

Lady Victoria: All my life, people have been amazed and infatuated by my
strength, but at the end of the day there just isn't much of a market for
women's wrestling in North America.  What people don't realize, though, is that
I'm a very intelligent woman!  I know how a business works, I understand the
bureaucracy of booking committees - hell, I've been struggling with them for
years!  But that gave me an idea.  As a manager, I can use my understanding
of the business to help my clients out... and they get one of the strongest
managers in the world as part of the bargain.  So I'm officially putting the
locker room here on notice.  The Usurpers have proven to me that they're just
the kind of group that is going to rise to the top of this business, and soon.
So if you mess with them, you mess with ME!  I WILL ensure that nobody can stop
their... OUR rise!  And once we stand astride this promotion like the
Collosus... we will own this business.  Count on it!

(Fade out)

"The Animal" Batista vs. Reckless Youth in a WWE Intercontinental Title Top Contender's Match

Batista whips Reckless Youth into the ropes.
Batista misses with a shoulderblock.
Reckless Youth hits Batista with a flying clothesline.
Reckless Youth is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Reckless Youth whips Batista into the ropes.
Batista hits Reckless Youth with a shoulderblock.
Batista yells.
Batista is starting to get under the crowd's skin.
Batista nails Reckless Youth with a fist to the midsection.
Batista catches Reckless Youth in a bearhug.
Reckless Youth is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Batista lets go after 11 seconds.
Batista hits a power bomb on Reckless Youth.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, kickout.
Batista goes for a bearhug, but Reckless Youth counters it with a punch.
Reckless Youth goes for a monkey flip, but Batista blocks it.
Batista runs into the ropes.
Reckless Youth hits Batista with a kick.
Reckless Youth is going for the cover.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, kickout.
Reckless Youth executes spinning headscissors on Batista.
A small "Reckless Youth" chant is being started.
Reckless Youth claps his hands together.
The crowd is starting to get behind Reckless Youth.
Reckless Youth goes for a punch, but Batista blocks it.
Batista goes for a short clothesline, but Reckless Youth ducks out of the way.
Reckless Youth goes for a punch, but Batista blocks it.
Batista hits a spinebuster slam on Reckless Youth.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Batista takes Reckless Youth down with a spinebuster slam.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, three.
Batista further incites the crowd.

The winner is Batista. Time of match: 0:05:28

[WWE Intercontinental Title Top Contender's Match]:
Batista pinned Reckless Youth after a spinebuster slam in 0:05:28.
Rating: ** 3/4

Batista and Reckless Youth squared off here in a match sanctioned by WWE to determine the new Top Contender for their Intercontinental Title.  As talented as Reckless Youth is, this proved to be a major mismatch.  Reckless Youth moved with blistering speed and hit quite a few impressive maneuvers, but Batista simply shrugged them off and hit not one but two brutal Spinebuster Slams in a row for the victory here!  With this victory, Batista has not only earned a shot at the Intercontinental Title, he has secured a 12 month LIW contract for himself!  The Animal is coming to LIW!

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson for the New York State Heavyweight Title

Scott Steiner hits Arn Anderson with an elbow.
Scott Steiner runs into the ropes.
Arn Anderson hits Scott Steiner with a kick.
Arn Anderson executes a forearm smash on Scott Steiner.
Arn Anderson uses a vertical suplex on Scott Steiner.
Arn Anderson whips Scott Steiner into the ropes.
Arn Anderson executes the Spinebuster on Scott Steiner.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Arn Anderson executes a lariat on Scott Steiner.
The crowd erupts.
Arn Anderson takes Scott Steiner down with a swinging neckbreaker.
Arn Anderson is going for the cover.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Arn Anderson runs into the ropes.
Arn Anderson hits Scott Steiner with a clothesline.
Arn Anderson executes a swinging neckbreaker on Scott Steiner.
Arn Anderson is going for the cover.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...

Arn Anderson whips Scott Steiner into the ropes, but Scott Steiner reverses it.
Scott Steiner goes for a bearhug, but Arn Anderson counters it with a punch.
Arn Anderson goes for a DDT, but Scott Steiner blocks it.
Scott Steiner hits Arn Anderson with a kick to the midsection.
Scott Steiner takes Arn Anderson down with a forearm to the back.
Scott Steiner goes for a forearm to the back, but Arn Anderson side-steps and
Scott Steiner only hits air.
Arn Anderson goes for a kneedrop, but Scott Steiner rolls out of the way.
Scott Steiner goes for a vertical suplex, but Arn Anderson blocks it.
Arn Anderson locks Scott Steiner in an abdominal stretch.
Scott Steiner manages to grab the ropes after 5 seconds.
Arn Anderson punches Scott Steiner.
The crowd is giving Arn Anderson a standing ovation.
Arn Anderson punches Scott Steiner.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Arn Anderson.
Arn Anderson whips Scott Steiner into the ropes.
Arn Anderson executes the Spinebuster on Scott Steiner.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.

Arn Anderson uses a legsweep on Scott Steiner.
Arn Anderson runs into the ropes.
Scott Steiner hits Arn Anderson with an elbow.
Scott Steiner shows off his muscles.
The crowd is vociferously booing Scott Steiner.
Scott Steiner executes a vertical suplex on Arn Anderson.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.
Scott Steiner hits Arn Anderson.
Arn Anderson kicks Scott Steiner.
Arn Anderson chops Scott Steiner.
Scott Steiner chops Arn Anderson.
The crowd is vociferously booing Scott Steiner.
Scott Steiner chops Arn Anderson.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.
Scott Steiner nails Arn Anderson with a power bomb.
Scott Steiner uses the ropes for leverage.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... he sees it.
Scott Steiner nails Arn Anderson with a clothesline.
Scott Steiner goes for an elbowdrop, but Arn Anderson rolls out of the way.
Arn Anderson is going for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Arn Anderson executes an inside cradle on Scott Steiner.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Arn Anderson takes Scott Steiner down with a short clothesline.
Arn Anderson is going for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Arn Anderson.

The winner is Arn Anderson. Time of match: 0:18:20

Arn Anderson pinned Scott Steiner after a short clothesline in 0:18:20.
Rating: ** 3/4
(Arn Anderson retained the New York State Heavyweight Title.)

Arn Anderson did exactly what he had to in this match, staying one step ahead of the overconfident Scott Steiner and using Steiner's sluggishness against him.  A series of takedowns and short submission holds early on did a lot to wear down Big Poppa Pump, who grew increasingly frustrated that he could not bring his dangerous strength to bear.  Finally, after surviving two Spinebusters, Steiner managed to gain an advantage long enough to plant The Enforcer with a HUGE Power Bomb, but Anderson kicked out at absolutely the last possible moment.  The two jockeyed for advantage, and sensing victory Steiner pulled Anderson in, only to be hit right in the kisser by a short arm clothesline and sent reeling to the canvas.  Anderson quickly covered the exhausted Steiner, and one quick threecount later and he had retained his title once again.

(Lady Victoria and her cronies are backstage watching Arn Anderson defeat Scott
Steiner on the monitor when the door bursts open and "The Manager of Champions"
MsChif storms in.)

MsChif: Just WHAT is the big idea Lady Victoria?!?  You flounce your way in
here, and just out of nowhere sign with The Usurpers?  Excuse me, but I don't
recall hearing about you paying your dues here in LIW!  What the hell do you
think you're doing taking on high profile clients like that?  Wouldn't someone
like... say... Aviv Maayan or Kid Kash and Lance Storm be more the speed of
a rookie like you?

(Lady Victoria just smirks and shoves MsChif, who stews.)

Lady Victoria: What's the matter, MsChif?  Has the reality of your managing one
of the least gifted wrestlers in history made you bitter?  Are you wishing you
hadn't settled for Watts when you could have aligned yourself with someone who
can actually *win*?

MsChif: How DARE you!?!  Erik Watts is a tremendous talent!  I'll have you know
that I've already signed him up for Best of the Best!  Once he wins, he'll go
on to win back his New York State Heavyweight Title... even if your second-rate
group of misfits has SOMEHOW captured it.

Lady Victoria: Please.  Don't make me laugh!

MsChif: You need a demonstration?  FINE!  Watts is up next!  You'll see!

(MsChif storms off as Lady Victoria laughs to herself)

Erik Watts vs. "Heavy D" Don Harris vs. El Mephisto

Don Harris nails Erik Watts with a facerake.
Don Harris throws Erik Watts into the guardrail.
Harry Alston counts:  1.
Harry Alston counts:  2.
Don Harris hits a roundhouse right on Erik Watts.
Don Harris throws Erik Watts back into the ring.
Don Harris hits a headbutt on Erik Watts.
Don Harris takes Erik Watts down with a forearm smash.
Don Harris gets a bearhug on Erik Watts.
Erik Watts reaches the ropes after being locked up for 8 seconds.
Don Harris executes the Big Boot on Erik Watts.
Don Harris is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Don Harris goes for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, MsChif puts Erik Watts's foot on the rope.
Don Harris gets a Canadian backbreaker on Erik Watts.
El Mephisto makes the save.
Erik Watts hits Don Harris with a double underhook suplex.

Don Harris uses a forearm smash on Erik Watts.
Don Harris goes for a backbreaker, but Erik Watts blocks it.
Erik Watts goes for a fisherman suplex, but Don Harris blocks it.
Don Harris runs into the ropes.
Don Harris hits Erik Watts with a clothesline.
Erik Watts falls out of the ring.
Don Harris goes outside.
MsChif comes from behind and distracts Don Harris.
Erik Watts gives him a flying clothesline, but Don Harris doesn't budge.
Harry Alston counts:  1.
Erik Watts throws Don Harris back into the ring.
Erik Watts hits Don Harris with a fisherman suplex.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, kickout.
Erik Watts gives him a powerslam, but Don Harris only stares at him.
Erik Watts hits Don Harris.
The crowd breaks into a "Die Watts, Die!" chant.
Erik Watts hits Don Harris.
There are chants of 'boring, boring'.
Erik Watts kicks Don Harris.
Erik Watts takes Don Harris down with a powerslam.
Erik Watts uses the ropes for leverage.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Erik Watts complains about a slow count.
Erik Watts runs into the ropes.
Don Harris hits Erik Watts with a clothesline.
Erik Watts falls out of the ring.
Harry Alston counts: one, Erik Watts reenters the ring.
Don Harris executes the Big Boot on Erik Watts.
Don Harris goes for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, El Mephisto makes the save.
Don Harris tags out to El Mephisto.
El Mephisto throws Erik Watts out of the ring.
El Mephisto goes for a running somersault plancha, but Erik Watts
moves out of the way.
Erik Watts shoves El Mephisto into the guardrail.
Harry Alston counts:  1.
Erik Watts hits El Mephisto with a vertical suplex.
Harry Alston counts:  2.
The bell rings. The time limit has expired.

Triangle Match:
Erik Watts drew Don Harris and El Mephisto in 0:20:00.
Rating: *
[MsChif interfered against Don Harris.]

Wow.  Just.  Wow.  20 minutes of plodding action with literally nothing accomplished.  The less said about this match the better.  At least MsChif can claim that Erik Watts survived being targeted by both Don Harris and El Mephisto, but a draw isn't going to do much for his momentum going into Best of the Best.

Your Main Event:
The Usurpers (Chris Sabin & Edward Chastain) vs. Cactus Jack

Here comes Ron Harris to team up with Cactus Jack in this match!

Cactus Jack is handed a road sign.
Cactus Jack hits him with the road sign.
Cactus Jack climbs back into the ring.
Chris Sabin climbs back into the ring.
Chris Sabin brings the the road sign into the ring.
Chris Sabin tags out to Edward Chastain.
Ron Harris enters the ring and lays out Chris Sabin.
Cactus Jack and Ron Harris hit Edward Chastain with a double stomp.
Ron Harris leaves the ring.
Cactus Jack takes Edward Chastain down with a Cactus Clothesline.
Cactus Jack hits a DDT on Edward Chastain.
The crowd breaks into a "Bang, Bang" chant.
Cactus Jack executes a facerake on Edward Chastain.
Cactus Jack shouts "BANG BANG!".
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Cactus Jack.
Cactus Jack hits him with the road sign.
Cactus Jack nails Edward Chastain with an elbowsmash.

Edward Chastain tags out to Chris Sabin.
Edward Chastain uses a clothesline on Cactus Jack.
Chris Sabin hits a flying dropkick on Cactus Jack.
Edward Chastain leaves the ring.
Chris Sabin takes Cactus Jack down with a dropkick.
Edward Chastain enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Edward Chastain takes Cactus Jack down with a short lariat.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Chris Sabin goes for a rolling reverse cradle, but Cactus Jack blocks it.
Cactus Jack throws Chris Sabin off the turnbuckle.
Edward Chastain leaves the ring.
Cactus Jack takes Chris Sabin down with a fist to the midsection.
Cactus Jack runs into the ropes.
Lady Victoria pulls down the top rope.
Chris Sabin goes outside.
Edward Chastain comes over to make it two-on-one.
Edward Chastain goes for a clothesline, but Cactus Jack ducks out of the way.

Edward Chastain goes for a headbutt, but Cactus Jack blocks it.
Cactus Jack tags out to Ron Harris.
Ron Harris and Cactus Jack whip Edward Chastain into the ropes.
They hit Edward Chastain with a double fist to the midsection.
Chris Sabin enters the ring and lays out Cactus Jack.
Edward Chastain and Chris Sabin whip Ron Harris into the ropes.
They hit Ron Harris with a double clothesline.
Chris Sabin leaves the ring.
Edward Chastain whips Ron Harris into the ropes.
Lady Victoria trips Ron Harris.
Ted Blandford threatens The Usurpers with disqualification.
Ted Blandford warns Lady Victoria.
Ted Blandford is back on the job.
Edward Chastain whips Ron Harris into the ropes.
Ron Harris goes for a clothesline, but Edward Chastain ducks out of the way.
Edward Chastain tags out to Chris Sabin.
Edward Chastain hits a back suplex on Ron Harris.

Cactus Jack hits a DDT on Chris Sabin.
The crowd is giving Cactus Jack a standing ovation.
Cactus Jack locks Chris Sabin in the Mandible Claw.
Chris Sabin inches his way towards the ropes after 5 seconds.
Cactus Jack executes a Cactus Clothesline on Chris Sabin.
The crowd erupts.
Cactus Jack uses a bodyslam on Chris Sabin.
Cactus Jack hits Chris Sabin with a faceslam.
Cactus Jack hits a Cactus Clothesline on Chris Sabin.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Cactus Jack.
Cactus Jack executes the Double Arm DDT on Chris Sabin.
The crowd erupts.
Cactus Jack goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Cactus Jack hits a clothesline on Chris Sabin.
Cactus Jack covers Chris Sabin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.

Chris Sabin hits Cactus Jack with a clothesline.
Cactus Jack falls out of the ring.
Ted Blandford counts: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine,
Cactus Jack reenters the ring.
Chris Sabin hits a backbreaker on Cactus Jack.
Chris Sabin executes a kneelift on Cactus Jack.
Chris Sabin executes a Yakuza kick on Cactus Jack.
Chris Sabin goes for the Future Shock, but he can't do it.
Cactus Jack counters it with a small package.
Ted Blandford counts: One, kickout.
Cactus Jack goes for a facerake, but Chris Sabin blocks it.
Edward Chastain enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Chris Sabin and Edward Chastain whip Cactus Jack into the ropes.
They hit Cactus Jack with a double fist to the midsection.
Edward Chastain takes Cactus Jack down with a short lariat.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Chris Sabin goes for a tiger suplex, but Cactus Jack counters it with
a backward kick.

Cactus Jack and Ron Harris whip Chris Sabin into the ropes.
Cactus Jack and Ron Harris hit Chris Sabin with a double facerake.
Ron Harris leaves the ring.
Cactus Jack hits Chris Sabin with a faceslam.
Cactus Jack gives the sign for the Double Arm DDT.
Cactus Jack executes the Double Arm DDT on Chris Sabin.
The crowd is giving Cactus Jack a standing ovation.
Cactus Jack goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Cactus Jack runs into the ropes.
Chris Sabin hits Cactus Jack with a shoulderblock.
Chris Sabin runs into the ropes.
Chris Sabin hits Cactus Jack with a shoulderblock.
Chris Sabin works the crowd.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Chris Sabin goes for a flying dropkick, but Cactus Jack ducks out of the way.
Cactus Jack whips Chris Sabin into the ropes.
Chris Sabin hits Cactus Jack with an elbow.
Chris Sabin hits him with a baseball bat.
Chris Sabin hits an inside cradle on Cactus Jack.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Chris Sabin runs into the ropes.
Chris Sabin hits Cactus Jack with a kick.
Chris Sabin is going for the cover.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Edward Chastain enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Edward Chastain uses a clothesline on Cactus Jack.
Chris Sabin uses a tiger suplex on Cactus Jack.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.

The winners are The Usurpers. Time of match: 0:17:42

The Usurpers (Chris Sabin and Edward Chastain) defeated
Ron Harris and Cactus Jack when C. Sabin pinned Jack after a tiger suplex in
          0:17:45.
Rating: ***
[Lady Victoria interfered against Cactus Jack.]
[Lady Victoria interfered against Ron Harris.]

Cactus Jack appeared to be in trouble when both Chris "HAIL!" Sabin and "The Monster" Edward Chastain came out with Lady Victoria to face him, but as they backed him towards the corner, "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath hit and "Violent R" Ron Harris made his way to the ring to form an impromptu tag team with Cactus Jack.  While this match wasn't pretty in the least, it was most certainly brutal, and were it not for Lady Victoria's timely interference and distractions it could have gone either way.  Unfortunately, as Lady Victoria distracted the referee, Edward Chastain hit a huge clothesline on Cactus Jack, who staggered back right into a Tiger Suplex by Chris Sabin for the pinfall loss.  The Usurpers are once again standing tall after yet another significant victory!  And we are out of time!

Card rating: ** 3/4

Match of the Evening: Justin Credible vs. Chris Jericho

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 05/21/05 at 04:52:42

LIW Newsline - 7/4/06

LIW would like to thank HKW for scheduling their Morristown event around our own Trenton event the same day.  If they had not been willing to compromise in this way, chances are that both shows wouldn't have come anywhere near the crowds they were expected to draw.  LIW is pleased to announce that with the success of our show in New Jersey, we will be holding our next event in New Haven, CT!  For reasons that should quickly become clear, we are holding off for nearly a month before holding this show which will be held on July 23.  And since we know that none of you will want to wait another second for the big news, we'll break it right now.  The July 23 show is already being referred to as "The Return of the Ironman!"

Before we get into the details of that, however, we regret to announce that the swollen LIW roster along with the high booking fees of many of the bigger names has made recent contract renegotiations interesting to say the least.  Unfortunately, after much work we have been unable to come to acceptable terms with Kevin Nash, Scott Steiner, Octagon, Don Juan, Mikey Whipwreck and Stevie Knight.  Additionally, due to his recent World Heavyweight Title victory in WWE, Chris Jericho has regretfully informed us that he will not be able to appear in LIW again any time soon.  We wish Chris Jericho the best for his run with the WWE World Heavyweight Title, and have found someone we believe will be a suitable replacement for his spot in the Best of the Best tournament.

Mark Jindrak's doctors have informed the LIW office that, barring any unforseen complications, he will be ready to return to the ring by the second half of July.  In order to involve him in things once again as quickly as possible, our first July show has been given a spot that's fairly late in the month.  Rest assured that a second July show IS planned, and that this push-back is simply to give Jindrak the earliest possible chance to jump back into action.  Unfortunately, the newly debuting Scott Hall is in decidedly worse condition after a battle with his personal demons resulted in a minor neck injury.  Doctors are already claiming that his injury is actually very similar to that of Jindrak, but a bit less serious.  Preliminary estimates indicate that Hall will be back by January of 2007 if he can get his personal demons under control.  Hall claims that this has been a wake up call for him, and that he will be doing his best to stay sober from now on.

As promised, here are the brackets for the Best of the Best Tournament.  As a reminder, Best of the Best consists of 2 four man Round Robin Tournaments taking place over several months, with the winners of each bracket going on to face each other.  The overall winner will be granted the opportunity to compete in higher profile matches in the future.

Bracket A: Batista (replacing Chris Jericho), Paul London, Ernest Miller and Edward Chastain.

Bracket B: Erik Watts, Lance Storm, Vampiro and Solo Snuka.

Word has reached us that Johnny B. Badd and Ernest "The Cat" Miller have been seen together backstage, and just yesterday we discovered that they had submitted an application to form a permanant tag team.  Going by the name of "The Grandmasters of Funk," it seems likely that this team won't have many fans among LIW viewers - both of these men are absolutely hated!  Once again, there has been a number of wrestlers in the back that are disgusted by this, and after what happened to Ernest Miller, it might not be implausible that Johnny B. Badd would be the next target.

As should be abundantly clear by now, "The Ironman" Mark Jindrak will finally be making his return to Long Island Wrestling on July 23.  What will he have to say to his fans?  Will he have words with Randy Orton, the man who put him on the shelf back in February?  One thing is for sure: he WILL be in action!  His return is generating such excitement in the industry that he has been given a match against Chris "HAIL!" Sabin of The Usurpers in the main event slot!  Sabin is an extremely dangerous wrestler, but will he be able to stand up to Jindrak?  How rusty will Jindrak be?  Will The Ironman pick right back up on his roll towards the New York State Heavyweight Title?  Find out July 23!

LIW Top Five:
Champion: "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson

1) None - At present, there is no top contender for the New York State Heavyweight Title.  A new Top Contender will be determined on July 23 in a match to be announced soon!

2) Frank Shamrock - The leader of The Usurpers still holds onto the #2 spot with an impressive run of four straight victories!  Between that and the fact that his allies seemingly can't fail as of late, many are pegging Shamrock as the man most likely to become the next New York State Heavyweight Champion.

3) "The Ironman" Mark Jindrak - Mark Jindrak's return has created a huge stir, and tickets are already selling fast in anticipation of seeing him do what he does best - rule the ring!  Before his injury, most people suspected that Jindrak would be the man to end Alex Wright's title reign.  Things have changed a lot since then, and Jindrak will need to work hard to earn himself a title shot... but once again, for a man of Jindrak's formidable talents, it seems like just a matter of time.

4) Solo Snuka - Young and full of promise, Solo Snuka has had some success in his attempt to compete in singles action.  Though he hasn't earned any real decisive victories, he remains undefeated to this day.  With the recent roster cuts, this is sufficient to put him in a strong 4th place.

5) "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka - Jimmy Snuka may be the oldest man on the LIW roster, but that doesn't mean he's forgotten how to fly.  Snuka prefers to teach his son by example, and he's truly set an amazing example for him.  With excellent performances despite his limitations under his belt, and with only one or two defeats in his entire LIW stay, Jimmy Snuka finally dislodges Jonny Storm from number five!

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 05/25/05 at 03:33:21

LIW Newsline - 7/11/06

Preperations are already underway for our debut in New Haven CT, but we are still two weeks out from Return of the Ironman.  Word has reached us that Mark Jindrak has been working out in the ring with Cactus Jack, a man who he claims impressed him a great deal by sticking up for him while he was too badly injured to defend himself.  With a man as skilled as Cactus Jack helping him to get back into ring shape, "The Ironman" Mark Jindrak should be pumped and ready for his return match against The Usurpers' Chris Sabin.  Other cities we have run shows at in the past have been contacting our office nearly nonstop since the announcement of Jindrak's return - apparently most of our partners want a piece of the big return tour!  We'll have an announcement about our next show shortly after Return of the Ironman.

Also at Return of the Ironman, we will witness the debut of "The Franchise" Shane Douglas.  Douglas has had major roles in ECW, WCW, and most independent wrestling promotions ever since the early 1990s, and after seeing how much Foley and Anderson have been able to revitalize their careers here in LIW, he has requested a position as well.  Accordingly, he has been signed to a short term contract.  Douglas will make his debut in a four corners match also featuring "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka and Ricky Reyes.  Who will fill the last spot?  None other than Lash LeRoux, who wrestled for LIW in many of its early shows!  LeRoux is hoping to impress LIW officials enough to earn a second chance at the promotion, and a victory here could very well lead him to a new contract!

The booking committee has met to determine who will compete in the top contender's match at Return of the Ironman, and after several hours of discussion and voting, it has been determined that The Usurpers' leader Frank Shamrock will be taking on former New York State Heavyweight Champion Erik Watts.  Lady Victoria has issued a statement for her clients claiming that Watts is nothing but a joke, and that MsChif simply hasn't gotten to the punchline yet.  MsChif countered with a promise that Watts would make short work of "that midget Shamrock" and go on to fulfil his destiny by reclaiming the New York State Heavyweight Title from Arn Anderson.  Even though the crowd dislikes both men, there is quite clearly no love lost between them.  This should be a brutal fight!

Speaking of Arn Anderson, due to the lack of a top contender, he has requested a Non-Title match to keep himself in ring shape.  Who will his opponent be?  None other than Cactus Jack!  Clearly Anderson takes his position as Champion very seriously, and is making it a point to face all of LIW's top talent in hopes of proving just how good he is, even if the New York State Heavyweight Title is not on the line.  Cactus Jack claims that it will be an honor to step into the ring with Anderson, and that it will be a relief to compete in a friendly match with someone he respects and admires for a change.  One thing is for certain: this should be an incredible bout between two excellent veterans.

Too Cold Scorpio claims that Simon Diamond's continuing losing streak is a disgrace to the International Thug Syndicate.  In an attempt to prove that he deserves the leadership far more than Simon Diamond, Scorpio has issued a challenge to one of the most imposing athletes in LIW today... "Violent R" Ron Harris!  Will this bid to impress pay off, or will Scorpio end up as the latest victim of the Cobra Clutch Slam?  And will the International Thug Syndicate back up Scorpio in his attempts to lead by example?  What will SImon Diamond have to say about this?  This match has the potential to be extremely interesting!

Matches Confirmed for Return of the Ironman:
* Johnny B. Badd and Ernest Miller will celebrate their new tag team with a dance party.
* Jimmy Snuka vs. Ricky Reyes vs. Lash LeRoux vs. Shane Douglas
* Erik Watts vs. Frank Shamrock in a Top Contender's Match
* Cactus Jack vs. Arn Anderson in a Non-Title Match
* Too Cold Scorpio vs. Ron Harris
* Mark Jindrak vs. Chris Sabin

Also confirmed for the show are Lance Storm, the team of El Mephisto & Sean Waltman, "The Notorious K-I-D" Kid Kash, the team of Edge & Vampiro, a newly debuting team of Perry Saturn & Paul London, "The Legend Killer" Randy Orton, "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm, "The Animal" Batista, Wataru Sakata, Ernest "The Cat" Miller, "Heavy D" Don Harris, "Dangan" Masato Tanaka, and "The Monster" Edward Chastain.

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"