FORUM HOME > TNM Circuits > NDW
LIW A Midwinter Night's Dream - 2/4/06

Critic of the DawnPosted on 03/16/05 at 05:54:34

The main angle in this card did not turn out ANYTHING like I had expected it would, but really, if what happened HAD TO happen, it picked a really good way of happening.  I think you'll see what I mean in just a minute.

*****

Aviv Maayan vs. Perry Saturn

Aviv Maayan uses the Coup De Grace on Perry Saturn.
A few fans are cheering on Aviv Maayan.
Aviv Maayan gets a leg hammerlock on Perry Saturn.
Perry Saturn reaches the ropes after 5 seconds.
Aviv Maayan runs into the ropes.
Perry Saturn hits Aviv Maayan with an elbow.
Perry Saturn hits a series of stomps on Aviv Maayan.
The crowd is cheering on Perry Saturn.
Perry Saturn uses a stomp on Aviv Maayan.
Perry Saturn hits a superkick on Aviv Maayan.
Perry Saturn works the crowd.
Perry Saturn is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Perry Saturn goes for the Death Valley Driver, but Aviv Maayan blocks it.
Perry Saturn whips Aviv Maayan into the ropes.
Aviv Maayan uses a clothesline on Perry Saturn.
Aviv Maayan is going for the cover.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, kickout.

Perry Saturn hits Aviv Maayan with a spin kick.
Perry Saturn executes a superkick on Aviv Maayan.
Perry Saturn gives the sign for the Death Valley Driver.
Perry Saturn executes the Death Valley Driver on Aviv Maayan.
There are lots of chants for Perry Saturn.
Perry Saturn goes for the pin.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Perry Saturn nails Aviv Maayan with a T-Bone Suplex.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Perry Saturn goes for a DDT, but Aviv Maayan blocks it.
Aviv Maayan goes for a flying huracanrana, but Perry Saturn side-steps and
Aviv Maayan only hits air.
Perry Saturn hits Aviv Maayan with an Asai moonsault.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, kickout.
Perry Saturn uses a flying bodypress on Aviv Maayan.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Perry Saturn takes Aviv Maayan down with a series of stomps.

Aviv Maayan chops Perry Saturn.
Aviv Maayan is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Aviv Maayan kicks Perry Saturn.
Aviv Maayan is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Aviv Maayan runs into the ropes.
Perry Saturn hits Aviv Maayan with an elbow.
Perry Saturn uses a kick to the midsection on Aviv Maayan.
Perry Saturn hits Aviv Maayan with a headbutt.
Perry Saturn goes for a DDT, but Aviv Maayan counters it with a small package.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, kickout.
Aviv Maayan hits Perry Saturn with a European uppercut.
Aviv Maayan goes for a monkey flip, but Perry Saturn blocks it.
Perry Saturn takes Aviv Maayan down with a facerake.
Perry Saturn executes the Death Valley Driver on Aviv Maayan.
There are lots of chants for Perry Saturn.
Perry Saturn goes for the pin.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is really behind Perry Saturn.

The winner is Perry Saturn. Time of match: 0:11:56

Perry Saturn pinned Aviv Maayan with the Death Valley Driver in 0:11:56.
Rating: *** 1/4

A Midwinter Night's Dream started off with a bang as Aviv Maayan once again faced Perry Saturn.  It's quite obvious that Maayan has been studying Saturn's matches since the last time these two locked up, because he was able to avoid Saturn's early Death Valley Driver attempt, then began to wear down the former Army Ranger with a variety of high flying maneuvers, suplexes, and submissions.  This very nearly gave Maayan an upset victory, but Saturn toughed it out until Maayan tired from his fast pace, then planted him with a series of suplexes of his own before hitting the Death Valley Driver for the win!

("Burn in my Light" by Mercy Drive hits, and WWE's Randy Orton makes his way to
the ring to a decidedly mixed reaction.)

Randy Orton: It seems like these days, everyone in the WWE locker room is
talking about one thing.  The little promotion that could in Long Island.  So
I thought to myself, we're having a show in Boston tomorrow, why don't I drop
by and see what all the hype is about?  I gotta tell you, I was expecting good
things.  But I get here, and what do I see?  A washed up WWE reject beating the
snot out of a 90 pound weakling!  And that's basically all there is here.  Old
farts who never had the talent to make it in the big leagues, and midgets.  And
Mick Foley trying to recapture his lost youth by playing Cactus Jack again.

(The crowd is booing Orton like crazy at this point.)

Randy Orton: Hey, look, I'm just saying what I see!  But it makes me wonder...
what kind of Kool-Aid do you have to be drinking to think that THIS is
professional wrestling?  Can you honestly tell me that you'd rather see this
than my epic feud with John Cena?  There's going to be a freestyle contest
Monday night, people!  That right there is 10 times the entertainment you're
going to get at this entire show!  And you can see that for free!  So why don't
you-

(Randy Orton is interupted as Gavin Rossdale's "Adrenaline" hits, and The
Ironman Mark Jindrak makes his way to the ring.)

Mark Jindrak: ...so why don't you leave if you don't like it, Randy?  Go back
home and (CENSORED) Hunter's (CENSORED) for your spot!  Because these people
here... they aren't interested in hearing you babble about how great you are.
They've got a future legend in the business right here to get behind!

(Orton is fuming at this, and grabs the microphone back.)

Randy Orton: I like you, Mark.  I still remember how much fun we had teaming
together back in OVW.  But don't push it, Mark.  You never had what it takes
to make it big in the business.  That's why you're selling out the Jack Foley
Highschool Gymnasium, and I'm selling out Madison Square Garden!

Mark Jindrak: Keep talking, Randy.  Selling out is about all you know about!
Because really, if *I* had been as willing to play Patty Cake with Pat
Patterson as you were, our positions might be reversed.

Randy Orton: Not likely...  but we're missing something...  You said
something... about being a future Legend?

Mark Jindrak: You better believe-

(Orton cuts Jindrak off by leaping up and going for the R.K.O.  Jindrak shoves
him off, and goes for the Mark of Excellence as Orton bounces off the ropes,
but Orton kicks him in the groin and bails to the outside.)

Randy Orton: I'm the Legend Killer, Jindrak.  So tonight, I'm going to pull a
Snitsky and kill YOUR legend before it's even born!

(Fade out)

"The Deutschland Destroyer" Alex Wright vs. Mikey Whipwreck in a Non-Title match

Alex Wright nails Mikey Whipwreck with a bulldog.
Alex Wright is going for the pin.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, kickout.
Alex Wright goes for an armdrag takedown, but Mikey Whipwreck counters it with
a lariat.
The chants for Mikey Whipwreck are deafening.
In turn, Alex Wright counters it with a crucifix.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, kickout.
Alex Wright executes a back heel kick on Mikey Whipwreck.
Alex Wright runs into the ropes.
Alex Wright hits Mikey Whipwreck with a kick.
Alex Wright whips Mikey Whipwreck into the ropes.
MsChif pulls down the top rope.
Keith Bancroft threatens Alex Wright with disqualification.
Alex Wright rolls out under the bottom rope.
Alex Wright shoves Mikey Whipwreck into the guardrail.
Alex Wright uses spinning headscissors on Mikey Whipwreck.

Keith Bancroft warns Mikey Whipwreck to let go.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, three, four.
Mikey Whipwreck hits a dropkick to the face on Alex Wright.
Mikey Whipwreck hits a kick to the groin on Alex Wright.
Mikey Whipwreck nails Alex Wright with a kick to the thigh.
Mikey Whipwreck goes for a kick to the thigh, but Alex Wright counters it with
a dragon screw.
In turn, Mikey Whipwreck counters it with an enzuigiri to the face.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Mikey Whipwreck.
Alex Wright begs off.
Mikey Whipwreck runs into the ropes.
Jonny Storm hits Mikey Whipwreck in the back with a chair.
Keith Bancroft threatens Alex Wright with disqualification.
Alex Wright goes for the Bavarian Neckbreaker, but Mikey Whipwreck blocks it.
Alex Wright hits Mikey Whipwreck with a moonsault bodyblock.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, kickout.
Alex Wright hits a double underhook piledriver on Mikey Whipwreck.
Alex Wright puts Mikey Whipwreck in a chinlock deathlock submission.
Mikey Whipwreck tries to escape the hold.
Mikey Whipwreck reaches the ropes after holding out for 13 seconds.
Mikey Whipwreck begs off.
Alex Wright executes the Bavarian Neckbreaker on Mikey Whipwreck.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Alex Wright goes for the pin.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, three.
Mikey Whipwreck complains about a fast count.
Numerous fans are using Alex Wright for target practice.

The winner is Alex Wright. Time of match: 0:04:22

Alex Wright pinned Mikey Whipwreck with the Bavarian Neckbreaker in 0:04:22.
Rating: ***
[MsChif,  and Jonny Storm interfered against Mikey Whipwreck.]

New York State Heavyweight Champion Alex Wright was in non-title competition here tonight against Buffalo's own Mikey Whipwreck.  Mikey came out to a huge ovation and did his best, but he was simply outclassed here.  Wright beat him from pillar to post, and things only got worse for poor Mikey when New Europe interfered, allowing Wright to lock in a chinlock deathlock submission which he quickly transitioned into the Bavarian Neckbreaker for an easy pin in just over 4 minutes.

"Heavy D" Don Harris vs. TBA

And... it's Britain's Stevie Knight!

Don Harris whips Stevie Knight into the ropes, but Stevie Knight reverses it.
Stevie Knight misses with a shoulderblock.
Stevie Knight misses with an elbow.
Don Harris hits Stevie Knight with a kick.
Don Harris hits an elbowsmash on Stevie Knight.
Don Harris whips Stevie Knight into the ropes, but Stevie Knight reverses it.
Stevie Knight misses with an elbow.
Stevie Knight hits a facerake on Don Harris.
Stevie Knight whips Don Harris into the ropes.
Stevie Knight misses with an elbow.
Stevie Knight misses with a clothesline.
Stevie Knight goes for a clothesline, but Don Harris ducks out of the way.
Don Harris nails Stevie Knight with a power bomb.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Stevie Knight gives him a chop, but Don Harris doesn't budge.
Stevie Knight gives him a snap mare, but Don Harris doesn't even care.
Stevie Knight whips Don Harris into the ropes, but Don Harris reverses it.

Don Harris kicks Stevie Knight.
Don Harris is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Stevie Knight hits Don Harris.
A fan at ringside badmouths Stevie Knight.
Don Harris chops Stevie Knight.
Stevie Knight kicks Don Harris.
A fan at ringside badmouths Stevie Knight.
Stevie Knight nails Don Harris with a bodyslam.
Stevie Knight goes for a chokehold, but Don Harris counters it with a facerake.
Don Harris runs into the ropes.
Don Harris executes the Big Boot on Stevie Knight.
The crowd is cheering on Don Harris.
Don Harris goes for the pin.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Don Harris executes a bodyslam on Stevie Knight.
Don Harris goes for a kneedrop, but Stevie Knight rolls out of the way.
A fan at ringside badmouths Stevie Knight.

Don Harris hits Stevie Knight with a power bomb.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Don Harris gets a chokehold on Stevie Knight.
Todd Booher warns Don Harris to let go.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, three, four, five.
Don Harris runs into the ropes.
Don Harris misses with an elbow.
Don Harris misses with an elbow.
Don Harris misses with a kick.
Don Harris goes for the Big Boot, but Stevie Knight counters it with
an inside cradle.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Stevie Knight gives him a backbreaker, but Don Harris only stares at him.
Stevie Knight goes for a belly-to-back suplex, but Don Harris blocks it.
Don Harris throws Stevie Knight out of the ring.
Don Harris goes outside.
Don Harris runs Stevie Knight into the ringsteps.

Don Harris throws Stevie Knight into the guardrail.
Todd Booher counts:  1.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Todd Booher counts:  2.
Todd Booher counts:  3.
Don Harris shoves Stevie Knight into the guardrail.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Don Harris uses a forearm to the back on Stevie Knight.
Todd Booher counts:  4.
Todd Booher counts:  5.
Todd Booher counts:  6.
Don Harris throws Stevie Knight into the ringpost.
Don Harris hits Stevie Knight with a vertical suplex.
Todd Booher counts:  7.
Todd Booher counts:  8.
Don Harris whips Stevie Knight into the guardrail.
Don Harris hits a vertical suplex on Stevie Knight.
Don Harris shoves Stevie Knight into the guardrail.
Don Harris takes Stevie Knight down with a back suplex.
Todd Booher counts:  9.
Don Harris nails Stevie Knight with a backbreaker.
Todd Booher counts: 10.
The verdict: A DOUBLE COUNTOUT !

Don Harris and Stevie Knight battled to a double countout in 0:16:58.
Rating: *

Don Harris' opponent turns out to be another British import in Stevie Knight!  Knight and Harris brawled all over the ringside area, with neither man being able to get a clear advantage for most of the night.  Harris dished out tremendous amounts of punishment, but Knight just kept coming back for more.  Finally, their wild brawl went out of control outside of the ring, and both men were counted out.

Simon Diamond vs. "Violent R" Ron Harris vs. Chris "HAIL!" Sabin vs. "The Ironman" Mark Jindrak in a Top Contender's Match

Mark Jindrak has pulled out of this match to face Randy Orton tonight.  His replacement... Johnny B. Badd!

Chris Sabin runs into the ropes.
Ron Harris goes for the Big Boot, but Chris Sabin counters it with a lariat.
Numerous fans are using Chris Sabin for target practice.
Chris Sabin takes Ron Harris down with a kick to the midsection.
Chris Sabin nails Ron Harris with a forearm to the back.
Chris Sabin nails Ron Harris with a dropkick.
Chris Sabin goes for a double kneelift, but Ron Harris blocks it.
Harry Alston regains conciousness.
Ron Harris goes for a backbreaker, but Chris Sabin blocks it.
Chris Sabin locks Ron Harris in a side headlock.
Ron Harris is struggling to reach the ropes.
Ron Harris is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Simon Diamond makes the save.
Chris Sabin hits a dropkick on Ron Harris.
Chris Sabin whips Ron Harris into the ropes.
Ron Harris misses with a shoulderblock.
Chris Sabin misses with an elbow.

Johnny B. Badd runs into the ropes.
Johnny B. Badd misses with an elbow.
Chris Sabin executes a fist to the midsection on Johnny B. Badd.
Chris Sabin runs into the ropes.
Chris Sabin hits Johnny B. Badd with an elbow.
Chris Sabin uses a swinging Soviet suplex into a backbreaker on Johnny B. Badd.
Chris Sabin is going for the cover.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Chris Sabin runs into the ropes.
Johnny B. Badd hits Chris Sabin with a backdrop.
Johnny B. Badd hits a forearm to the back on Chris Sabin.
Johnny B. Badd nails Chris Sabin with a forearm to the back.
Johnny B. Badd hits a forearm to the back on Chris Sabin.
Johnny B. Badd uses a bodyslam on Chris Sabin.
Johnny B. Badd throws Chris Sabin out of the ring.
Harry Alston counts: one, Chris Sabin reenters the ring.
Johnny B. Badd hits a headlock takedown on Chris Sabin.

Chris Sabin hits a dropkick on Johnny B. Badd.
Chris Sabin hits Johnny B. Badd with a double kneelift.
Chris Sabin goes for an armbar submission, but Johnny B. Badd blocks it.
Johnny B. Badd goes for a side suplex, but Chris Sabin blocks it.
Chris Sabin executes a Japanese armdrag takedown on Johnny B. Badd.
Chris Sabin nails Johnny B. Badd with a flying dropkick.
The boos are resurfacing again.
Chris Sabin uses a power bomb on Johnny B. Badd.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Chris Sabin tags out to Ron Harris.
Ron Harris whips Johnny B. Badd into the ropes.
Ron Harris executes a fist to the midsection on Johnny B. Badd.
Ron Harris takes Johnny B. Badd down with a waistlock suplex.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Johnny B. Badd begs off.
Ron Harris executes the Big Boot on Johnny B. Badd.
The crowd is cheering on Ron Harris.
Ron Harris goes for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, Chris Sabin doesn't make it in time... three.
The crowd is really behind Ron Harris.

The winner is Ron Harris. Time of match: 0:21:29

Number-One-Contenders-Four Corners Match:
Ron Harris defeated Simon Diamond, Johnny B. Badd and Chris Sabin when R. Harris
pinned Badd with the Big Boot in 0:21:29.
Rating: ** 3/4

Because Mark Jindrak was challenged by Randy Orton, he was replaced in this Top Contender's match by Johnny B. Badd.  No respect to Badd, but he simply wasn't in the same league as the other athletes in this contest, let alone the man he replaced.  Simon Diamond, Ron Harris and Chris Sabin all seemed to realize this, and so this match consisted largely of Johnny B. Badd being targeted by all of his opponents.  In the end, Badd walked right into a Big Boot from Ron Harris that nearly took his head off, giving Violent R a victory and making him the new Top Contender, much to the dismay of Simon Diamond!  Will Alex Wright be able to stop a challenger that is as massive and overpowering as Ron Harris?

El Mephisto vs. Edge

Edge executes an armdrag takedown on El Mephisto.
Edge goes for a headsmash into the turnbuckle, but El Mephisto blocks it.
El Mephisto hits Edge with a flapjack.
El Mephisto gets a Fujiwara armbar on Edge.
Edge manages to grab the ropes after being trapped for 13 seconds.
El Mephisto throws Edge into the turnbuckle.
Edge comes back, but is met with an elbow.
El Mephisto hits Edge with a chop.
El Mephisto nails Edge with an elbowsmash.
El Mephisto takes Edge down with a chop.
El Mephisto punches Edge.
El Mephisto hits Edge.
Edge punches El Mephisto.
El Mephisto kicks Edge.
The crowd breaks into a "You Suck!" chant.
Edge hits El Mephisto.
The crowd is starting to get behind Edge.
El Mephisto punches Edge.
You can hear a few scattered fans booing El Mephisto.
El Mephisto whips Edge into the ropes.
Jonny Storm pulls down the top rope.
Jeffrey Brace threatens El Mephisto with disqualification.
El Mephisto goes outside.
Edge is busted wide open.
Jonny Storm comes from behind, but Edge nails Jonny Storm.
El Mephisto shoves Edge into the guardrail.
El Mephisto uses a kick to the midsection on Edge.
Jeffrey Brace counts:  1.
El Mephisto whips Edge into the guardrail.
El Mephisto goes for a Northern Lights suplex, but Edge counters it with
a swinging neckbreaker.
Jeffrey Brace counts:  2.
Edge climbs back into the ring.
El Mephisto follows him back in.

Edge runs into the ropes.
El Mephisto nails Edge with a flapjack.
El Mephisto covers Edge.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, kickout.
El Mephisto nails Edge with a slap.
El Mephisto nails Edge with a kick to the midsection.
El Mephisto hits a Northern Lights suplex on Edge.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, kickout.
El Mephisto executes the Forward Rolling Prawn Hold on Edge.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, in the ropes...
El Mephisto takes Edge down with a dropkick.
El Mephisto hits a forearm smash on Edge.
El Mephisto uses a Northern Lights suplex on Edge.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, in the ropes...
El Mephisto uses an elbowsmash on Edge.
El Mephisto uses a Northern Lights suplex on Edge.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, three.
El Mephisto is starting to get under the crowd's skin.

The winner is El Mephisto. Time of match: 0:11:09

El Mephisto pinned Edge after a Northern Lights suplex in 0:11:09.
Rating: **
[Jonny Storm interfered against Edge.]

El Mephisto of New Europe took on Edge here in this match, which made it quite obvious of the pressure that New Europe feels from The Usurpers and the various wrestlers who have made it their goal to take them down.  Once again the interference came quickly and in force, with MsChif and Jonny Storm working with El Mephisto to bust Edge open early in the match.  Edge never really recovered, and although he kicked out of the Prawn Hold, several Northern Lights suplexes in quick succession by El Mephisto finally put him down and earned a rare victory for El Mephisto.

(We go backstage now, where Ron and Don Harris are celebrating Ron's victory in
the Top Contender's match with beers.)

Don Harris: Great job, brother!  That's one down... now all ya need to do is to
hit that Big Boot again on Alex Wright when you face him, and The Harris Twins
will be golden!

Ron Harris: Don't you worry, man!  That title is as good as ours!

Don Harris: Hey, once you win, you know I'm gonna be wantin' a shot, right?

Ron Harris: Hey, it don't work that way, bro.  I'll put in a good word for ya,
but I can't just grant you a shot...

(Cactus Jack passes by, then stops and heads back over.)

Cactus Jack: Hey, Ron.  Congrats.  That was exactly the sort of thing I was
telling you about the other day.  If you can channel your anger, nothing can
stop you...  Say, you know, this little gathering gives me an idea.  Don, you
know I still need a partner for tonight's Top Tag Team Contender's match,
right?  How would YOU like to be my partner?

Don Harris: Wait... you mean if... no, WHEN we win, both of the Harris Twins
will be getting a shot at the gold?  Count me in!

Cactus Jack: I knew I could count on you, Don.  I'll see you later tonight
for our match.  BANG BANG!

(Fade out)

Lance Storm & Kid Kash vs. Paul London & Don Juan

Paul London and Don Juan hit Kid Kash with a double dropkick.
Paul London takes Kid Kash down with a dropkick.
Paul London nails Kid Kash with an ax kick.
Paul London hits a chop on Kid Kash.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Paul London executes spinning headscissors on Kid Kash.
Alan Tso counts:  1.
Paul London climbs back into the ring.
Kid Kash climbs back into the ring.
Paul London gives the sign for the London Calling.
Paul London executes the London Calling on Kid Kash.
Alan Tso counts: One, two, Lance Storm makes the save.
Kid Kash nails Paul London with a spinning heel kick.
Kid Kash goes for a belly-to-back suplex, but Paul London counters it with
a go-behind.
Kid Kash re-reverses it.
Kid Kash hits a belly-to-back suplex on Paul London.

Kid Kash executes a belly-to-back superplex on Paul London.
Kid Kash is being booed out of the building.
Lance Storm takes Paul London down with a flying dropkick.
Numerous fans are using Lance Storm for target practice.
Kid Kash leaves the ring.
Lance Storm hits Paul London with a springboard dropkick.
Lance Storm works the crowd.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Lance Storm executes the Straightshooter on Paul London.
Paul London breaks the hold after 10 seconds.
Paul London nails Lance Storm with a fallaway slam.
Don Juan enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Paul London and Don Juan whip Lance Storm into the ropes.
They hit Lance Storm with a double kick to the midsection.
Don Juan leaves the ring.
Paul London nails Lance Storm with a moonsault from the second turnbuckle.
Alan Tso counts: One, two, kickout.
Paul London throws Lance Storm out of the ring.
Alan Tso counts: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, Lance Storm
reenters the ring.
Paul London goes for a DDT, but Lance Storm counters it with
a Northern Lights suplex.
Alan Tso counts: One, two, three.
Numerous fans are using Lance Storm for target practice.

The winners are Lance Storm and Kid Kash. Time of match: 0:15:33

Lance Storm and Kid Kash defeated Paul London and Don Juan when L. Storm pinned
London after a Northern Lights suplex in 0:15:33.
Rating: *** 3/4

Paul London and Don Juan made their debut as a tag team here against Lance Storm and Kid Kash, a pair that has had some trouble in the tag team scene up until this point due to their lack of experience tagging together.  Against a duo with even less experience, however, Storm and Kash worked extremely well together, and while London looked to have the match finished several times after hitting the London Calling on Kid Kash, Lance Storm managed to save his partner, then to isolate Paul London long enough to lock in the Straightshooter.  London crawled to the ropes, but he had been positioned so that he was actually crawling away from his own corner by the clever Storm.  London desperately tried to make the hot tag to Don Juan, but Kid Kash dumped Don Juan to the outside, leaving Lance Storm to score the pinfall with a Northern Lights suplex.

"Master of the Eight Angles" Octagon vs. "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm

Octagon no-shows, and is replaced by Vampiro

They lock up.
The Usurpers come to ringside.
Vampiro executes a roundhouse kick on Jonny Storm.
The crowd is really behind Vampiro.
Vampiro goes for a side suplex, but Jonny Storm counters it with
spinning headscissors.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.
Jonny Storm takes Vampiro down with a T-Bone Suplex.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Vampiro whips Jonny Storm into the turnbuckle.
Vampiro goes for a lariat, but Jonny Storm blocks it.
Jonny Storm goes for the Sky High, but Vampiro blocks it.
Vampiro hits Jonny Storm with a roundhouse kick.
The crowd is going crazy.
Vampiro kicks Jonny Storm.
Vampiro punches Jonny Storm.
The crowd is going crazy.

Jonny Storm punches Vampiro.
The crowd is vociferously booing Jonny Storm.
Jonny Storm punches Vampiro.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.
Jonny Storm chops Vampiro.
Jonny Storm executes a power bomb on Vampiro.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, kickout.
Jonny Storm nails Vampiro with a side suplex.
Jonny Storm is going for the pin.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Jonny Storm uses a Buff blockbuster on Vampiro.
The crowd is vociferously booing Jonny Storm.
Jonny Storm uses a T-Bone Suplex on Vampiro.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Jonny Storm runs into the ropes.
Chris Sabin hits Jonny Storm in the back with a chair.
Keith Bancroft calls for the DQ.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.

The winner is Jonny Storm. Time of match: 0:04:33

Jonny Storm defeated Vampiro by disqualification in 0:04:33.
Rating: ** 1/2
[Chris Sabin interfered against Jonny Storm.]
(Octagon no-showed.)

Octagon was originally scheduled to be here, however a major delay at the airport in Mexico City prompted LIW officials to call in Vampiro from Toronto.  Vampiro quickly drove down to fill in for Octagon in this match.  Before things could really even begin, however, Frank Shamrock, Chris Sabin and Edward Chastain charged the ring.  Sabin smacked Storm in the back with a chair, and Chastain crushed him flat with the Ground Zero Splash.  Alex Wright and El Mephisto charged out to try to make the save, but didn't seem too thrilled with the prospects of a three on two fight, and so allowed New Europe's leader to be savaged in the center of the ring until LIW's referee brigade broke things up and cleared the ring area for our next contest.

"The Legend Killer" Randy Orton vs. "The Ironman" Mark Jindrak

They lock up.
Randy Orton whips Mark Jindrak into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak misses with a clothesline.
Randy Orton misses with a clothesline.
Randy Orton hits Mark Jindrak with a kick.
Randy Orton nails Mark Jindrak with a dropkick.
Randy Orton hits a headsmash into the turnbuckle on Mark Jindrak.
Randy Orton runs into the ropes.
Randy Orton executes a flying forearm on Mark Jindrak.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Randy Orton takes Mark Jindrak down with a flying bulldog.
Mark Jindrak springs to his feet.
Mark Jindrak goes for an inverted atomic drop, but Randy Orton blocks it.
Randy Orton nails Mark Jindrak with a chop.
Randy Orton whips Mark Jindrak into the ropes.
Randy Orton executes a kick to the midsection on Mark Jindrak.
Something is wrong with Mark Jindrak.
Randy Orton goes for a headsmash into the turnbuckle, but Mark Jindrak
blocks it.
Mark Jindrak hits a springboard clothesline on Randy Orton.
Mark Jindrak takes Randy Orton down with a kick to the midsection.
Mark Jindrak goes for a bodyslam, but Randy Orton counters it with a facerake.
Randy Orton goes for a back suplex, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Mark Jindrak nails Randy Orton with a dropkick.
The crowd is giving Mark Jindrak a standing ovation.
Mark Jindrak kicks Randy Orton.
The crowd is giving Mark Jindrak a standing ovation.
Mark Jindrak kicks Randy Orton.
Randy Orton hits Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak kicks Randy Orton.
Randy Orton hits Mark Jindrak.
Randy Orton punches Mark Jindrak.
Randy Orton nails Mark Jindrak with a back suplex.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
Randy Orton further incites the crowd.

The winner is Randy Orton. Time of match: 0:02:13

Randy Orton pinned Mark Jindrak after a back suplex in 0:02:13.
Mark Jindrak suffered a neck injury.
Rating: ** 1/4

This match scarcely began when Mark Jindrak fell to his knees clutching his neck in obvious pain.  Though he tried to go on, Randy Orton quickly dispatched him with ease via a back suplex.  Jindrak was quite obviously not moving by this point, prompting EMT's to dash out, strap him to a stretcher, and roll him to a waiting ambulence.  Orton looked confused and a trifle worried for a moment, then he sneered, threw out his arms in his smug gesture, and shouted that yet another Legend had fallen at his hands.  This is quite frankly vile behavior from Orton, and claiming responsibility for what appears to have been a terrible fluke injury just to put himself over is disgusting.

Watch the Newsline for an update on Jindrak's condition.

(Randy Orton moves through the backstage area towards the parking lot, gloating
all the way.)

Randy Orton: So much for the Legend on the Rise.  I did just what I said and
crushed Jindrak like a bug right in the center of the ring!

(Most of the LIW roster seems to be avoiding Orton, and many seem to be trying
to come to grips with what happened.)

Randy Orton: But somehow nobody believed me!  They thought some two bit indy
star had a shot against a legit superstar like myself!  Shows what they know...
he didn't even last three minutes in the ring against me!  I-

(Cactus Jack suddenly turns the corner and shoves Orton into a wall.  HARD.)

Cactus Jack: Now you look here, you little bastard!  A few years ago, you spat
in my face!  You goaded me into humiliating myself in trying to do what I had
long since given up against you... And even then I beat you half to death.  And
that was for something small and personal.  But THIS!?!  Do you understand what
you're doing, Orton?  You're gloating over the legitimate injury  you've caused
just to make people hate you?  That is NOT acceptable!  I'm only going to tell
you this once, Orton.  Get out of here now.  You saw what I can do to you when
you humiliate me in public.  But I'm not humiliated now.  I'm just a little bit
SOUL SCORCHINGLY ANGRY!  So you are going to get your ass out of here RIGHT
NOW, or so help me God, I will RIP IT OFF AND SHOVE IT UP YOUR ASS!

Randy Orton: You're going to shove my ass up my ass?  Is that even possible?

Cactus Jack: CLEAR OUT NOW, OR YOU'RE GOING TO FIND OUT THE HARD WAY!  BANG
BANG!

(Orton pales, looks around, then makes a dash for the exit.)

Harlem Heat vs. The Oldschool Express vs. Michael Shane & Frankie Kazarian vs. Cactus Jack & Don Harris in a Top Contender's Tag Team Match

Arn Anderson goes for a vertical suplex, but Booker T reverses it.
Booker T hits a DDT on Arn Anderson.
Booker T takes Arn Anderson down with an elbowdrop.
Booker T runs into the ropes.
Booker T executes a flying forearm on Arn Anderson.
Booker T uses the ropes for leverage.
Todd Booher counts: One, shoulder up.
Booker T looks at his hand.
Booker T further incites the crowd.
Booker T executes a kick to the midsection on Arn Anderson.
Booker T goes for the Axe Kick, but Arn Anderson counters it with a side step.
Arn Anderson tags out to Jimmy Snuka.
Jimmy Snuka runs into the ropes.
Jimmy Snuka hits Booker T with an elbow.
Jimmy Snuka goes for a bodyslam, but Booker T counters it with a small package.
Booker T pulls the tights.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Booker T runs into the ropes.
Jimmy Snuka uses a chop on Booker T.
Jimmy Snuka takes Booker T down with a headbutt.
Jimmy Snuka runs into the ropes.
Jimmy Snuka misses with a shoulderblock.
Booker T misses with a kick.
Jimmy Snuka hits Booker T with a kick.
Jimmy Snuka whips Booker T into the ropes.
Booker T misses with a kick.
Booker T catches Jimmy Snuka totally by surprise.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Booker T executes the Axe Kick on Jimmy Snuka.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Booker T goes for the pin.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Jimmy Snuka tags out to Cactus Jack.
Cactus Jack whips Booker T into the ropes, but Booker T reverses it.

Frankie Kazarian hits a swinging neckbreaker on Arn Anderson.
Frankie Kazarian works the crowd.
The crowd is going crazy.
Frankie Kazarian whips Arn Anderson into the ropes, but Arn Anderson
reverses it.
Frankie Kazarian misses with a kick.
Arn Anderson hits Frankie Kazarian with a backdrop.
Arn Anderson nails Frankie Kazarian with a swinging neckbreaker.
Arn Anderson uses a lariat on Frankie Kazarian.
Arn Anderson hits a kneedrop on Frankie Kazarian.
Arn Anderson whips Frankie Kazarian into the ropes.
Frankie Kazarian uses a swinging neckbreaker on Arn Anderson.
Frankie Kazarian goes for an overhead belly-to-belly suplex, but Arn Anderson
blocks it.
Arn Anderson hits Frankie Kazarian with a legsweep.
Arn Anderson whips Frankie Kazarian into the ropes.
Frankie Kazarian goes for a clothesline, but Arn Anderson counters it with
a crucifix.
Todd Booher counts: One, kickout.
Arn Anderson goes for a flying clothesline, but Frankie Kazarian
ducks out of the way.
Frankie Kazarian whips Arn Anderson into the ropes.
Frankie Kazarian uses a clothesline on Arn Anderson.
Frankie Kazarian uses a flying forearm on Arn Anderson.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, kickout.
Frankie Kazarian hits Arn Anderson with an electric chair drop.
The crowd erupts.
Frankie Kazarian is going for the pin.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Frankie Kazarian.

The winners are Michael Shane and Frankie Kazarian. Time of match: 0:14:01

Number-One-Contenders-Four Corners Match:
Michael Shane and Frankie Kazarian defeated
Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray),
The Oldschool Express (Arn Anderson and Jimmy Snuka) and
Cactus Jack and Don Harris when F. Kazarian pinned Anderson after
an electric chair drop in 0:14:01.
Rating: *** 1/4

Everyone involved in this match naturally seemed a bit distracted after the injury to Mark Jindrak that happened only moments ago.  Still, a shot at the New York State Tag Team Titles was on the line, and all four teams wanted it badly.  Things went back and forth for quite some time, with nobody seemingly able to gain any real advantage, until finally Frankie Kazarian scored with an electric chair drop to Arn Anderson out of nowhere, getting a quick pin and allowing The World's Coolest Tag Team to face Dangan for the New York State Tag Team Titles NEXT!

Your Main Event:
Michael Shane & Frankie Kazarian vs. Dangan for the New York State Tag Team Titles

Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Michael Shane.
The crowd is giving Masato Tanaka a standing ovation.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Michael Shane begs off.
Masato Tanaka goes for a forearm to the back, but Michael Shane side-steps and
Masato Tanaka only hits air.
Michael Shane is going for the cover.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Michael Shane nails Masato Tanaka with a slap.
Michael Shane whips Masato Tanaka into the ropes, but Masato Tanaka reverses it.
Masato Tanaka misses with a shoulderblock.
Masato Tanaka hits Michael Shane with a kick.
Michael Shane begs off.
Masato Tanaka goes for a spear, but Michael Shane counters it with a kneelift.
Michael Shane takes Masato Tanaka down with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex.

Wataru Sakata puts Michael Shane in a sleeperhold.
Michael Shane is struggling to reach the ropes.
Michael Shane reaches the ropes after holding out for 5 seconds.
Wataru Sakata hits Michael Shane.
Michael Shane kicks Wataru Sakata.
The crowd is going crazy.
Michael Shane chops Wataru Sakata.
Michael Shane chops Wataru Sakata.
The crowd breaks into a "Showstopper!" chant.
Michael Shane hits Wataru Sakata with a swinging neckbreaker.
Michael Shane goes for a short lariat, but Wataru Sakata ducks out of the way.
Wataru Sakata goes for a palm blow, but Michael Shane blocks it.
Michael Shane goes for a slap, but Wataru Sakata blocks it.
Wataru Sakata nails Michael Shane with a kick to the midsection.
Wataru Sakata goes for an achilles tendon hold, but Michael Shane blocks it.
Michael Shane runs into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata and Michael Shane get hit with a double clothesline.
Wataru Sakata hits a chop on Michael Shane.
Wataru Sakata goes for a kick to the head, but Michael Shane blocks it.
Michael Shane whips Wataru Sakata into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata hits Michael Shane with a kick.
Wataru Sakata executes the Single-Leg Crab Hold on Michael Shane.
Michael Shane breaks the hold with a jawbreaker after 5 seconds.
Michael Shane chops Wataru Sakata.
Wataru Sakata chops Michael Shane.
Wataru Sakata kicks Michael Shane.
Michael Shane punches Wataru Sakata.
The crowd is going crazy.
Michael Shane punches Wataru Sakata.
Michael Shane punches Wataru Sakata.
Michael Shane goes for a short lariat, but Wataru Sakata blocks it.
Wataru Sakata takes Michael Shane down with a kneelift.
Wataru Sakata hits a waistlock takedown on Michael Shane.
Wataru Sakata runs into the ropes.

Wataru Sakata takes Michael Shane down with a palm blow.
Wataru Sakata punches Michael Shane.
The crowd breaks into a "Sakata!  Sakata!" chant.
Wataru Sakata hits Michael Shane.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Wataru Sakata.
Michael Shane chops Wataru Sakata.
The chants for Michael Shane are deafening.
Wataru Sakata hits Michael Shane.
The crowd erupts.
Michael Shane hits Wataru Sakata.
Michael Shane runs into the ropes.
Michael Shane hits Wataru Sakata with a shoulderblock.
Michael Shane hits Wataru Sakata with a drop toe hold.
Frankie Kazarian enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Frankie Kazarian executes a clothesline on Wataru Sakata.
Michael Shane uses a rolling reverse cradle on Wataru Sakata.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.

They hit Michael Shane with a double backdrop.
Wataru Sakata takes Michael Shane down with a palm blow.
Masato Tanaka uses a back suplex on Michael Shane.
The crowd breaks into a "Dangan!  Dangan!" chant.
Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata whip Michael Shane into the ropes.
They hit Michael Shane with a double fist to the midsection.
Wataru Sakata leaves the ring.
Masato Tanaka takes Michael Shane down with a kick to the midsection.
Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Michael Shane.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Masato Tanaka.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Masato Tanaka executes the Diamond Dust on Michael Shane.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Masato Tanaka.
Masato Tanaka goes for a power bomb, but Michael Shane counters it with a rana.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
The crowd is behind Michael Shane all the way.

Masato Tanaka covers Frankie Kazarian.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Masato Tanaka tags out to Wataru Sakata.
Wataru Sakata hits Frankie Kazarian with a roundhouse kick.
Wataru Sakata runs into the ropes.
Frankie Kazarian misses with an elbow.
Frankie Kazarian misses with an elbow.
Wataru Sakata goes for a high knee, but Frankie Kazarian ducks out of the way.
Frankie Kazarian runs into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata hits Frankie Kazarian with an elbow.
Wataru Sakata runs into the ropes.
Frankie Kazarian executes an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on Wataru Sakata.
Frankie Kazarian hits Wataru Sakata with an electric chair drop.
Michael Shane enters the ring.
Michael Shane and Frankie Kazarian hit Wataru Sakata with the Modern Art.
Frankie Kazarian goes for the pin.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, Masato Tanaka makes the save.
Frankie Kazarian hits Wataru Sakata with a vertical suplex.
Frankie Kazarian goes for a jumping front kick, but Wataru Sakata blocks it.
Wataru Sakata nails Frankie Kazarian with a palm blow.
Wataru Sakata goes for a Fujiwara armbar, but Frankie Kazarian blocks it.
Frankie Kazarian goes for a kneelift, but Wataru Sakata side-steps and
Frankie Kazarian only hits air.
Wataru Sakata hits a kneelift on Frankie Kazarian.
Wataru Sakata runs into the ropes.
Frankie Kazarian uses a spinning heel kick on Wataru Sakata.
The crowd is giving Frankie Kazarian a standing ovation.
Frankie Kazarian goes for a facerake, but Wataru Sakata blocks it.
Wataru Sakata gets an achilles tendon hold on Frankie Kazarian.
Frankie Kazarian is struggling to reach the ropes.
Frankie Kazarian gets ahold of the ropes after holding out for 6 seconds.
Wataru Sakata chops Frankie Kazarian.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Wataru Sakata kicks Frankie Kazarian.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Wataru Sakata.
Wataru Sakata goes for a Tombstone, but Frankie Kazarian slides down his back.
Frankie Kazarian executes a head and arm suplex on Wataru Sakata.
Frankie Kazarian goes for an inverted atomic drop, but Wataru Sakata blocks it.
Wataru Sakata uses a palm blow on Frankie Kazarian.
Wataru Sakata executes a backdrop driver on Frankie Kazarian.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, Michael Shane makes the save.
Frankie Kazarian hits Wataru Sakata with a kneelift.
Frankie Kazarian nails Wataru Sakata with a slingshot into a DDT.
Frankie Kazarian works the crowd.
The crowd breaks into a "Frankie, Frankie" chant.
Frankie Kazarian goes for a superkick, but Wataru Sakata counters it with
a legsweep.
Wataru Sakata covers Frankie Kazarian.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

The winners are Dangan. Time of match: 0:27:19

Dangan (Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata) defeated
Michael Shane and Frankie Kazarian when Sakata pinned F. Kazarian after
a legsweep in 0:27:19.
Rating: **** 1/2
(Dangan retained the New York State Tag Team Titles.)

Once again, Dangan delivers another fantastic match as they defend their New York State Tag Team Titles against The World's Coolest Tag Team of Michael Shane and Frankie Kazarian.  Shane and Kazarian were both visibly tired coming into this bout, but Sakata and Tanaka did not have the benefit of knowing who they would be facing here, so both teams had something of a disadvantage.  In the end, this match proved to be very close, as Shane and Kazarian are noticably quicker than their opponents and used that to keep them on their toes.  Dangan are no slouches in the quickness department either, though, and they were even able to break up the pinfall after Shane and Kazarian hit the Modern Art.  What followed was a short series of reversals and chain wrestling which ended when Wataru Sakata took down an exhausted Frankie Kazarian with a legsweep and got the pinfall victory.  After the match, Dangan offer their hands to The World's Coolest Tag Team as a gesture of respect, because they were able to take them to their limits once again.

Thanks for watching, everyone!

Card rating: ***

Match of the Evening: Michael Shane & Frankie Kazarian vs. Dangan


*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
americamamushiPosted on 03/16/05 at 07:14:08

"pull a Snitsky" hee hee, that amuses me more than it should at the moment ;)

I'm big on Jindrak in your promotion.  I'm considering bringing him into DCW sometime just because of what you're doing with him here.  I like the confontation between he and Orton, i'm really psyched up to see the match now.

Good thing Jindrak pulled out of the top contender's match.  While winning the #1 contender's match would mean a title shot, defeating Orton, a WWE superstar should solidify him as the ultimate threat to dethrone Wright.

Hmmm, will Don be jealous of his brother's title shot?  Violent R seems like the kinda guy that Wright should be worried about, but for Alex back-up isn't a problem. ;)

Well, looks like all is well in the Harris camp... for now *orchestral stab*

Ack!  Orton KILLED Jindrak!  Say it ain't so Eric, say it ain't so.

Cactus vs. Orton part 2?  *in Mr. Burn's-esque voice* Excellent

Kinda surprised Jack & Harris didn't win the title shot.  Two matches in a row was just too much for Shane & Kazarian.  Dangan offers the handshake of respect.  Gotta have da' respect.

Good card Eric... lol, like I need to tell you that. :)
Critic of the DawnPosted on 03/16/05 at 15:35:53

I think that "Pull a Snitsky" should enter the common lexicon as a euphamism for abortion!  Spread the word!  Only you can prevent forest fires!

Jindrak has just really been "on" in LIW.  His matches aren't consistently great or anything, and he's not the most charismatic guy, but he's just somehow got everyone behind him.  He didn't quite get a Goldberg push, but I suppose it was pretty close.  Go ahead and bring in Jindrak - I'd be interested to see how well he does in your circuit.

That was exactly my justification for pulling Jindrak from the Top Contender's match... well, that and the fact that he was never supposed to be in it according to the rules in the first place!  Claiming he was and then having him pull out was a tactic to put even more heat on the match between him and Orton, and I think it worked.

Ron Harris is definately the sort of opponent that Alex Wright hasn't faced before - Cactus Jack came the closest, but he's much more a hardcore brawler than a power guy like Ron Harris.  A detailed analysis of the match should show up in the Newsline soon.

Orton did indeed kill Jindrak.  THAT is what I was talking about in the opening blurb.  Orton vs. Jindrak was the main storyline which ran through the show, and having the actual match only last 2 minutes due to Jindrak hurting his neck... well, really, it does work.  Because it puts heat on Orton for KILLING the Ironman.  After that, I think it's safe to say that we'll be seeing more of him, with Cactus Jack as the likely protagonist.

In a perfect world, Cactus Jack and Don Harris would have won the title shot, but LIW is not a perfect world, and besides, TWCTT has definately paid their dues here and deserves a shot as a reward.  True, Dangan came out on top in the match, but it was very close.

Thankya.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 03/16/05 at 16:38:55

LIW Newsline - 2/12/06

LIW returns home to Long Island for our next show, which the booking committee is promising to make extra special for our hometown fans.  For the first time since Final Battle 2005, both the New York State Tag Team Titles and the New York State Heavyweight Title will be defended on one show.  As if that wasn't enough, a new Top Contender will be crowned as well!  We've been in upstate New York for long enough, and we're looking forward to coming home and seeing all of you there, so spread the word!  Wrestling is coming home!

Trainers have confirmed that Mark Jindrak's neck injury is serious, but thankfully it does not appear to be life threatening or career ending.  X-Rays show that Jindrak has suffered a minor slipped disc which could become much more serious if left untreated.  While it appears that he will not need major surgery, he is going to have to lay off heavy physical activity for quite a while, visit a chiropracter regularly, and undertake an intensive physical therapy program.  Doctors are estimating that it will be around 7 months before Jindrak is ready to return to the ring.

In slightly lighter news, you may have noticed that Stevie Ray changed his look last week, going unshaven while wearing red tights and a funny red hat.  Word has it that Stevie Ray has been calling his fellow Syndicate members "My little smurfs," and he was recently questioned by police after reportedly offering strange berries to children from his car.  We really aren't sure what to say about this, but it's definately getting pretty odd.

Arn Anderson is finally going to have a chance to cash in his past singles victories for a shot at the New York State Heavyweight Title, as he is scheduled to compete in the Top Contender's match at The Night of Champions.  His opponent?  None other than New Europe leader "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm.  Storm and Anderson have very different styles of wrestling, so it should be interesting to see who comes out on top in this contest.

Finally, The Usurpers have requested an opportunity to prove that they are as dangerous as they say.  Thus, they have been granted a six-man tag team match against Don Harris, Edge & Vampiro.  Can Frank Shamrock, Chris Sabin and Edward Chastain make the impact they have been striving for in this match?  Or will they continue to come across as an afterthought compared with ITS and New Europe?

The next Newsline will announce who will be facing Dangan for the New York State Tag Team Titles, plus a detailed look at the Ron Harris vs. Alex Wright Heavyweight Title match.

LIW Top Five:
Champion: "The Deutschland Destroyer" Alex Wright

1) "Violent R" Ron Harris - Ron Harris has had a run of poor luck in recent months, but for virtually the entire run of LIW's history he has been a truly dominant force, especially when teaming with his twin Don.  Ron Harris was able to use his considerable strength at A Midwinter Night's Dream to win a Top Contender's Match, and thus he has earned the right to face Alex Wright.  As Wright's largest challenger to date, you have to figure he has a fairly good shot.

2) Edward Chastain - Mark Jindrak drops off the list due to injury, leaving The Usurpers' Monster Edward Chastain to rise to spot number 2 in the rankings.  Chastain is scary big, and has thus far shown no hesitation to use his size and various weapons to his advantage.  Though he was not in action at the last show, we expect him to attempt to impress enough to earn a title shot in the Six Man Tag Team Match in Long Island.

3) Paul London - Paul London makes his debut on the Top Five all the way at number three.  While he was only recently signed to a longterm contract, London competed in several singles matches beforehand, and is actually undefeated in singles competition.  Is a title shot in London's future?  Perhaps!  Keep watching the Newsline to see if this talented young high flier has what it takes.

4) "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson - Arn Anderson has been a fixture on this list for months, and finally it looks like it is going to pay off.  Anderson will meet #5 ranked Jonny Storm in a Top Contender's match at The Night of Champions, and will likely either be #1 or off the list as a result, depending on the votes of the booking committee.

5) "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm - Jonny Storm picks up a DQ victory against Vampiro after The Usurpers ran in against him and beat him down in the middle of the ring.  Storm is reportedly upset that Wright and Mephisto did not try to save him, but Wright claims that doing so would have put the Title in jeapordy, and besides that they probably would have been overwhelmed in a three on two fight anyway.  A victory is a victory, however, and it was easily enough to maintain Jonny Storm's customary #5 spot.

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
VertigoPosted on 03/17/05 at 13:43:49

I expected Saturn to win against Maayan. It was predictable.

I don't think Mikey is even close to being as good as Alex Wright and to be beaten under 5 minutes in your hometown has to suck.

It kind of sucks that Jindrak pulled out of the Top Contendors Match, but he did for good reason... but it didn't turn out so well. Now the guy I've been pushing for since joining the TNM boards is on the shelf because of Randy Orton of all people! Jindrak! You could have been a contendor!!

Violent R would have been my next pick, though. I like Simon Diamond, but he's just not to that level yet. However, I don't really want Violent R to take the title from Wright. It's kind of like how I don't want JBL to lose the WWE Title.. EVER... Wright has built so much credibility to the title... I don't want him to lose... and I don't think Violent R could be the kind of champion that Wright has been.

I had a legit LOL moment at the "You're going to shove my ass up my ass?  Is that even possible?" Good stuff right there.
rey619Posted on 03/17/05 at 14:01:39

*believes that Critic was throwing things around the room when Jindrak was injured*

This was a serious blow man.. Orton makes for a great heel though.. and his feud with Cena will most certainly be a fact in or about this time in the future.
Critic of the DawnPosted on 03/17/05 at 15:36:01

Aviv Maayan is turning into quite the jobber in LIW.  Makes me sorry I signed him for as long as I did.  Perhaps at contract time I will re-evaluate his usefulness if he can't get a few wins...

Mikey Whipwreck was actually pretty pumped to learn that he was getting a shot at the Champion in his hometown, but I think by now he wishes he had run away.  It certainly couldn't have been worse than the huge beating Alex Wright gave to him.

I was obviously shocked and dismayed when the "Something is wrong with Mark Jindrak" line of text appeared, and through the remainder of the match I was basically going "Please be a 1 month injury, Pleasepleasepleaseplease!"  No such luck.  I was as peeved as you can imagine, because there was an extended Orton vs. Jindrak feud in the works.  For the moment, at least, it looks like Cactus Jack will be taking over that feud.

I think I would have chosen Chris Sabin over Ron Harris, because I really feel like Alex Wright can hold onto the title for a while longer without getting stale, and at least Sabin could have a decent match with him.  Ron Harris is probably a more credible opponent, though, and a victory over him will put a hell of a feather in Alex Wright's (and by extention, New Europe's) cap.

Glad you liked the requisite comedy moment of the show.  I try to put something random and amusing into each show, and I think it helps to keep my circuit accessable to new readers.

As for Orton and Cena in the future... that's defianately going to be a big one.  Setting it up for Wrestlemania XXII would certainly make sense... but we'll have to see how things work out.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 03/18/05 at 16:01:43

LIW Newsline - 2/16/06

We are a week and a half from our return to Long Island, and the hype for The Night of Champions is growning.  At this rate, and with the card that we are promoting, we believe we may be able to best our top attendence record set back at Final Battle 2005.  We've got quite a bit of exciting action coming up, so let's get right into the meat of today's Newsline!

The show next week will be starting off with a Four Corners match featuring relative newcomers to LIW Perry Saturn and Stevie Knight.  They will be facing former Top Contender Simon Diamond, who is reportedly in an extremely foul mood after losing the Top Contendership to Ron Harris at A Midwinter Night's Dream in Buffalo.  Also included will be another debuting wrestler.  If Simon Diamond thinks he's going to have an easy fight here, though, he's got another think coming - Perry Saturn has been on an incredible roll since joining LIW, and Stevie Knight managed to fight the twin brother of the current Top Contender to a draw.  Add the uncertainty of the mystery opponent, and this could be a VERY interesting matchup!

The booking committee has revealed to us who will be facing Dangan for the New York State Tag Team Titles.  The title shot has apparently been awarded to Paul London & Don Juan.  Though they lost in their first match tagging together, the Long Island crowd is really anxious to see what they are capable of.  When approached for comment, Don Juan said that being selected to contend for the Tag Team Titles like this is a great honor, and that he and Paul London will definately be walking out of the arena as the new Tag Team Champions.  Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata disagreed, stating that even though Lonond and Don Juan were two phenomenal talents, they would once again prove that they are the greatest tag team competing in the state of New York today.  This match could be a real classic, so don't miss it!

The majority of the International Thug Syndicate will not be in action at The Night of Champions, because apparently Stevie Ray has gotten them extremely sick after feeding them some kind of berries that he found somewhere.  Booker T, Stevie Ray, and Atlantis are all sick as hell, and apparently Booker has even needed to have his stomach pumped after enjoying so many of the toxic berries.  Too Cold Scorpio refused to try the berries, however, and consequently he has been ordered to compete at The Night of Champions to make sure the Syndicate is represented.  He will be taking on relative newcomer Johnny B. Badd in what could be an exciting match.

Finally, here is the rundown of the New York State Heavyweight Title match as promised:

The Challenger:
"Violent R" Ron Harris
6'7" 320 lbs
Signiture Move: Big Boot

Ron Harris's main advantage is his size.  Harris is a mountain of a man, easily one of the biggest two or three men on the roster.  His size is an incredible asset to him in the ring, because his opponents frequently have difficulty in taking him off his feet, and the natural strength he has gives him the ability to toss opponents around like rag dolls.  Because of this, however, Harris has never really learned much technical wrestling - he believes that if it's hard to get him down to the mat, he doesn't need to be an expert there.  Instead, he relies heavily on brawling with a power move tossed in here and there as an exclamation point.  This seems to be fairly effective, but against a man like Alex Wright, he's going to need to up his game.  If Wright takes things to the mat or wears Harris down with high speed offense, Harris could be in serious trouble.  Thus he needs to play to his strengths, getting on Alex Wright right at the start of the match and not letting up for a moment.  Ron's Big Boot, which he can hit almost out of anywhere, should be attempted early and often.

The Champion:
"The Deutschland Destroyer" Alex Wright
6'2" 222 lbs
Signiture Move: Bavarian Neckbreaker

Alex Wright has not yet faced a challenge anything like Ron Harris.  Harris has a huge size and strength advantage, and can easily shrug off the offense of smaller adversaries.  At the same time, though, Ron Harris is absolutely sluggish in the ring when compared to many of Wright's other opponents.  For this match, Wright should take advantage of that fact.  If he can gain an early advantage with his high flying ability (and while that may not be his specialty, he is at least competent in that area), he can eventually take Harris down to the mat.  Once he's on the mat, if Alex Wright works the legs of his opponent, Harris should have even more difficulty keeping up.  One thing Wright needs to avoid, however, is running the ropes.  Harris has demonstrated that he can easily hit his Big Boot almost out of nowhere on a charging opponent, so it's best if Wright doesn't give him that chance.  Additionally, Wright has to be prepared for the very real possibility that Harris will be too large to hit the Bavarian Neckbreaker on.  With his most brutal move possibly removed from his arsenal, Wright will need to constantly be aware of other ways to finish the match.

Matches confirmed for The Night of Champions:
* Perry Saturn vs. Stevie Knight vs. Simon Diamond vs. TBA
* Paul London & Don Juan vs. Dangan for the New York State Tag Team Titles
* Jonny Storm vs. Arn Anderson in a Top Contender's Match
* Too Cold Scorpio vs. Johnny B. Badd
* Don Harris, Edge & Vampiro vs. The Usurpers
* Ron Harris vs. Alex Wright for the New York State Heavyweight Title

Also confirmed for the show are Lance Storm, Cactus Jack, Jimmy Snuka, Randy Orton, Kevin Nash & Aviv Maayan.

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
UnrightPosted on 04/02/05 at 02:48:55

Hey, just read through both NDW and LIW in the past few couple of weeks. Lot of writing, great job on both feds..

A few thoughts...

Bad luck with Jindrak's injury, it's certainly a monkey wrench of a problem. You could probably keep him "on camera" by having him as Cactus Jack's manager...

Watch out with the multiple heel stables quasi-feuding. It might end up like the WWE's Gang Wars feud. You should probably turn one of them (Usurpers?) face or maybe neutral.

Will Stevie Knight be joining New Europe?

I'm kinda glad the Don Juan and Octagon partnership ended. The rhyming meter just kinda creeped me out.

I hope you give Perry Saturn a push. He ruled in ECW, I liked him in WCW... WWE kinda dropped the ball on him because he wasn't ultra-charismatic, but he can be a damn good addition to any TNM circuit. A tag team with him and someone like Frank Shamrock could give Dangan a run for their money.