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LIW New Year's Knockout - 1/6/06

Critic of the DawnPosted on 03/02/05 at 20:57:37

After simming this card, I got the feeling that this is likely to become something of an underrated show - there was a whole lot of solid action, but because there were no title matches or even top contenders matches, it doesn't feel like it was hugely eventful.  The main event was very solid, however, and nothing else was really bad, so... yeah.  Enjoy it.

*****

Aviv Maayan vs. LIW's Newest Signee

And... it's Perry Saturn!

They lock up.
Perry Saturn goes for a facerake, but Aviv Maayan blocks it.
Aviv Maayan whips Perry Saturn into the ropes, but Perry Saturn reverses it.
Perry Saturn hits Aviv Maayan with a shoulderblock.
Perry Saturn leaves the ring.
He brings a keyboard into the ring.
Perry Saturn hits him with the keyboard.
The crowd is starting to get behind Perry Saturn.
Perry Saturn nails Aviv Maayan with a headbutt.
Perry Saturn takes Aviv Maayan down with a superkick.
A small "Perry Saturn" chant is being started.
Perry Saturn executes the Death Valley Driver on Aviv Maayan.
A small "Perry Saturn" chant is being started.
Perry Saturn goes for the pin.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Perry Saturn takes Aviv Maayan down with a flying legdrop.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, shoulder up.

Perry Saturn punches Aviv Maayan.
The crowd is cheering on Perry Saturn.
Perry Saturn punches Aviv Maayan.
Perry Saturn is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Aviv Maayan punches Perry Saturn.
Aviv Maayan kicks Perry Saturn.
Perry Saturn hits Aviv Maayan.
The crowd is cheering on Perry Saturn.
Perry Saturn nails Aviv Maayan with a bodyslam.
Perry Saturn hits him with brass knuckles.
Perry Saturn executes an elbowsmash on Aviv Maayan.
Perry Saturn hits him with the knuckles.
Timothy Greer throws the knuckles through the ropes.
Perry Saturn runs into the ropes.
Aviv Maayan misses with an elbow.
Aviv Maayan nails Perry Saturn with an armdrag takedown.
Aviv Maayan catches Perry Saturn in a side headlock.
Perry Saturn is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Perry Saturn breaks the hold after 13 seconds.
Perry Saturn nails Aviv Maayan with a facerake.
Perry Saturn throws Aviv Maayan out of the ring.
Perry Saturn jumps onto him with a flying cross body press.
Perry Saturn is handed brass knuckles.
Perry Saturn hits him with the knuckles.
Perry Saturn shoves Aviv Maayan into the guardrail.
Perry Saturn throws Aviv Maayan back into the ring.
Perry Saturn takes Aviv Maayan down with the Frog Splash.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, three.
The crowd breaks into a "Saturn, Saturn" chant.

The winner is Perry Saturn. Time of match: 0:02:56

Perry Saturn pinned Aviv Maayan after the Frog Splash in 0:02:56.
Rating: ** 1/2

What a debut by LIW's newest signee Perry Saturn!  Saturn has held title belts in ECW, WCW, and the then WWF, and as a former Navy SEAL is legitimately one of the toughest men in the wrestling business.  Poor Aviv Maayan is a skilled high flier, but just didn't have the experience to handle Saturn, who bum-rushed him from the start of the match, scoring his Death Valley Driver only a minute in, then proceeding to beat on him with anything at ringside that wasn't nailed down before finally sailing across the ring with a Frog Splash for the elementary pin.  With a debut like that, it looks like Saturn is going to go far in LIW.

(We go backstage now, where the International Thug Syndicate - minus Booker T -
is hanging around the catering area.)

Too Cold Scorpio: All right my man, what is the plan for tonight?

Simon Diamond: Here's how it is... ever since I won the top contendership, the
booking committee is looking for a way to push us back down the card.  They
know that if we get the chance, we will be running this place.  That's why I
joined you.  I respect Booker's vision.  With Booker out for a while, though,
and this guy...

(Diamond gestures to Stevie Ray, who is still dressed like Mario and is
stuffing his face with a huge plate of pasta.)

Stevie Ray: Mama mia, the princess, she's in'a another castle!  YIPPEE!

Simon Diamond: ...messed up in the head, that leaves me in charge.

Atlantis: Fair enough, homes...  You're the top contender.  What's best for you
is best for the Syndicate.  For now.

Simon Diamond: For now?

Atlantis: You heard me, homes.  For now.  Once you get your shot, if you don't
win, you're still under me.

Simon Diamond: Whatever.  We're gonna keep it simple tonight.  You and I do
what we do best and defeat the tag teams that are being thrown at us.  Scorpio,
you and plumber boy here lay low.  The heat is on us, so we have to make play
it safe until it dies down.

Too Cold Scorpio: Hey my man, maybe I'm not hearin' you right, but are you
sayin' you *don't want* a confrontation tonight?  That ain't how Booker man
plays, my man.

Simon Diamond: No.  It isn't.  But tonight, I run things.  And I say we lay
low.  That way, when we do strike... they won't see it coming.

(Fade out.)

International Thug Syndicate (Atlantis & Simon Diamond) vs. Lance Storm & Kid Kash vs. Michael Shane & Frankie Kazarian

Michael Shane enters the ring and throws Simon Diamond out of the ring.
Michael Shane leaves the ring.
Frankie Kazarian nails Atlantis with a jumping front kick.
Frankie Kazarian goes for an inverted atomic drop, but Atlantis blocks it.
Atlantis tags out to Simon Diamond.
Michael Shane enters the ring, but gets cut off.
Simon Diamond and Atlantis whip Frankie Kazarian into the ropes.
They attempt to hit Frankie Kazarian with a double kick to the midsection, but
he counters it with a double clothesline.
Atlantis leaves the ring.
Frankie Kazarian nails Simon Diamond with a springboard back elbow.
Frankie Kazarian has the crowd going wild.
Frankie Kazarian takes Simon Diamond down with a superkick.
Frankie Kazarian has the crowd going wild.
Frankie Kazarian goes for a bodyslam, but Simon Diamond counters it with
a facerake.
Simon Diamond executes a Russian legsweep on Frankie Kazarian.
Simon Diamond locks Frankie Kazarian in an armbar submission.
Frankie Kazarian gets ahold of the ropes after being locked up for 5 seconds.
Simon Diamond executes a powerslam on Frankie Kazarian.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
Simon Diamond takes Frankie Kazarian down with a kick to the midsection.
Simon Diamond executes the Simonizer on Frankie Kazarian.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.
Simon Diamond goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, three.
The ring is quickly filling up with debris.

The winners are International Thug Syndicate. Time of match: 0:19:29

Triangle Match:
International Thug Syndicate (Atlantis and Simon Diamond) defeated
Lance Storm and Kid Kash and Michael Shane and Frankie Kazarian when Diamond
pinned F. Kazarian with the Simonizer in 0:19:29.
Rating: *** 1/2

Simon Diamond's plan for tonight was simple.  Go out there and kick the asses of the other two teams facing them, and that was exactly what he and Atlantis ended up doing here.  From the beginning of the match the International Thug Syndicate dominated, and neither Storm & Kash or Shane & Kazarian really got a significant advantage.  After wearing down both opposing teams for twenty minutes, Simon Diamond dropped Frankie Kazarian on his head with the Simonizer to pick up a victory for his team, and a little bit of momentum going in to his title shot which will occur some time in the future.

Edward Chastain vs. Mikey Whipwreck

They lock up.
Edward Chastain takes Mikey Whipwreck down with a spinebuster slam.
Ted Blandford counts: One, kickout.
Edward Chastain goes to the outside.
He brings a fire extinguisher into the ring.
Edward Chastain hits him with the fire extinguisher.
Ted Blandford throws the fire extinguisher through the ropes.
Edward Chastain takes Mikey Whipwreck down with a back suplex.
Edward Chastain is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Edward Chastain suddenly goes to the outside.
He retrieves a baseball bat.
Edward Chastain hits him with the baseball bat.
Edward Chastain is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Edward Chastain nails Mikey Whipwreck with a spinebuster slam.
Edward Chastain uses the ropes for leverage.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Edward Chastain executes a chop on Mikey Whipwreck.

Edward Chastain nails Mikey Whipwreck with a facerake.
Edward Chastain hits him with a keyboard.
Edward Chastain uses an uppercut on Mikey Whipwreck.
Edward Chastain goes for a back suplex, but Mikey Whipwreck blocks it.
Mikey Whipwreck runs into the ropes.
Mikey Whipwreck hits Edward Chastain with a kick.
Mikey Whipwreck takes Edward Chastain down with an eye gouge.
Mikey Whipwreck goes for an avalanche, but Edward Chastain side-steps and
Mikey Whipwreck only hits air.
Edward Chastain takes a swing at Mikey Whipwreck with the keyboard, but he
gets out of the way.
Mikey Whipwreck snatches the keyboard from him.
Mikey Whipwreck takes a swing at Edward Chastain with the keyboard, but he
gets out of the way.
Edward Chastain snatches the keyboard from him.
Edward Chastain hits him with the keyboard.
Edward Chastain is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Edward Chastain hits him with a keyboard.
Edward Chastain goes for a waistlock takedown, but Mikey Whipwreck blocks it.
Mikey Whipwreck uses an eye gouge on Edward Chastain.
Mikey Whipwreck hits a kick to the groin on Edward Chastain.
Mikey Whipwreck hits Edward Chastain with a kick to the groin.
Mikey Whipwreck runs into the ropes.
Mikey Whipwreck hits Edward Chastain with a kick.
Mikey Whipwreck uses a Western lariat on Edward Chastain.
Mikey Whipwreck whips Edward Chastain into the ropes.
Edward Chastain misses with a shoulderblock.
Edward Chastain executes the Ground Zero Splash on Mikey Whipwreck.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
Edward Chastain is eliciting a sizable round of boos.

The winner is Edward Chastain. Time of match: 0:04:37

Edward Chastain pinned Mikey Whipwreck with the Ground Zero Splash in 0:04:37.
Rating: ** 3/4

Mikey Whipwreck had to be "escourted" to ringside and "helped" into the ring by a pair of security guards, so terrified was he of facing the 500 pound monster Edward Chastain.  Once in the ring, Mikey immediately tried to beg off, but Chastain showed no mercy, laying him out with a huge spinebuster, then going for several completely unnecessary weapons.  After only four minutes and change, the monster dove out of the ropes with the huge senton he calls the Ground Zero Splash, knocking a bloodied Mikey Whipwreck down and crushing him under his monstrous girth.  Slayer's Angel of Death hits, and the big man makes his way to the back after jawing with several angry fans.  After a performance like that, someone is sure to take notice...

The Oldschool Express vs. Don Juan & Octagon in a Bunkhouse Brawl

Arn Anderson leaves the ring.
Jimmy Snuka hits Octagon with a headbutt.
Jimmy Snuka works the crowd.
Jimmy Snuka is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Jimmy Snuka whips Octagon into the ropes.
Octagon and Jimmy Snuka get hit with a double clothesline.
Octagon tags out to Don Juan.
Don Juan hits Jimmy Snuka with a forearm smash.
Don Juan hits a kick to the midsection on Jimmy Snuka.
Don Juan runs into the ropes.
Don Juan hits Jimmy Snuka with a kick.
Don Juan executes spinning headscissors on Jimmy Snuka.
Don Juan runs into the ropes.
Paul London hits Don Juan in the back with a chair.
Jimmy Snuka goes for the Superfly Splash, but Don Juan counters it with
a roll away.
Don Juan throws Jimmy Snuka out of the ring.

Jimmy Snuka uses a flying headbutt on Don Juan.
Jimmy Snuka goes for the Superfly Splash, but Don Juan counters it with
a roll away.
Don Juan has the crowd going wild.
Octagon comes over to make it two-on-one.
Arn Anderson comes over, but gets cut off.
Octagon hits a dropkick on Jimmy Snuka.
Don Juan takes Jimmy Snuka down with a crucifix.
Octagon hits Jimmy Snuka with a clothesline.
Don Juan hits a crucifix on Jimmy Snuka.
Don Juan throws Jimmy Snuka into the ringsteps.
Don Juan runs Jimmy Snuka into the ringsteps.
The crowd is going crazy.
Octagon comes over to make it two-on-one.
Octagon hits a savate kick on Jimmy Snuka.
Don Juan goes for a crucifix, but Jimmy Snuka counters it with a Samoan Drop.
The crowd is cheering on Jimmy Snuka.

Octagon goes for a backspin armdrag, but Arn Anderson counters it with a lariat.
In turn, Octagon counters it with a Fujiwara armbar.
Arn Anderson makes it to the ropes after holding out for 5 seconds.
Octagon hits a backspin armdrag on Arn Anderson.
Octagon nails Arn Anderson with a dropkick.
Octagon sends Arn Anderson into the turnbuckle.
Octagon goes for a flying cross body press, but Arn Anderson
rolls through with the move.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, kickout.
Arn Anderson has the crowd going wild.
Arn Anderson nails Octagon with a piledriver.
Arn Anderson puts Octagon in a Boston crab.
Octagon breaks the hold after 6 seconds.
Octagon hits a Russian legsweep on Arn Anderson.
Octagon goes for the Octaclutch, but Arn Anderson blocks it.
Octagon whips Arn Anderson into the ropes, but Arn Anderson reverses it.

Octagon uses a chop on Jimmy Snuka.
Octagon nails Jimmy Snuka with a flying cross body press.
There is no referee to count.
Jeffrey Brace shakes off the pain.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Jimmy Snuka uses a gutwrench suplex on Octagon.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, kickout.
Jimmy Snuka hits Octagon with a hiptoss.
Jimmy Snuka nails Octagon with a splash.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, kickout.
Jimmy Snuka goes for a vertical suplex, but Octagon blocks it.
Octagon punches Jimmy Snuka.
The crowd is going crazy.
Jimmy Snuka kicks Octagon.
There are lots of chants for Jimmy Snuka.
Octagon kicks Jimmy Snuka.
Jimmy Snuka hits Octagon.
The crowd is really behind Jimmy Snuka.
Jimmy Snuka hits Octagon.
There are lots of chants for Jimmy Snuka.
Jimmy Snuka punches Octagon.
The crowd is really behind Jimmy Snuka.
Jimmy Snuka goes for a vertical suplex, but Octagon counters it with a jab.
Octagon nails Jimmy Snuka with spinning headscissors.
Don Juan enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Don Juan gives him an inverted DDT, but Jimmy Snuka only stares at him.
Octagon hits Jimmy Snuka with a flying cross body press.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, Arn Anderson doesn't make it in time... three.
The chants for Octagon are deafening.

The winners are Don Juan and Octagon. Time of match: 0:19:18

[Bunkhouse Brawl]: No-Countout-No-DQ-Match:
Don Juan and Octagon defeated
The Oldschool Express (Arn Anderson and Jimmy Snuka) when Octagon pinned
J. Snuka after a flying cross body press in 0:19:25.
Rating: ** 1/4
[Paul London interfered against Don Juan.]

This was every bit the wild and crazy brawl that the name of the match would indicate, and Anderson and Snuka were in rare form on the outside of the ring, doing a great job of keeping up with the hardcore style popular among younger wrestlers.  The real story of this match, however, was WWE's PAUL LONDON, who once again purchased a ringside ticket, jumping the rail and hitting Don Juan with his own folding chair!  This led to Don Juan and London brawling on the outside, while The Oldschool Express double teamed Octagon inside the ring.  After several minutes of this, security was able to catch London and eject him from the building, but the damage had been done.  It was a testament to the skills of Octagon that he was able to survive the beating to pick up a flash pin over Snuka, but The Oldschool Express really came out looking the strongest in this match.

(We go backstage once again, where Ron Harris sits, fuming.)

Ron Harris: That bastard... I should have won last month, then he has the...
NERVE... to retire before I can get a rematch!  Someone is going to pay dearly
for this...

(Around the corner comes Cactus Jack, who stares at Ron Harris.)

Cactus Jack: You and I... we're wrestling in the next match.  So I want you
to listen to me...  That anger you feel inside of you, welling up deep in your
belly and taking your breath away?  That anger... has feuled my career.  Every
insane risk I've taken is because the rage demands no less.  Hatred is a cruel
mistress, Harris, but if you channel it, you can accomplish incredible things.

(Ron Harris nods slightly.)

Cactus Jack: Like in November... you channelled your resentment that the
Syndicate was causing such a problem into slapping those little bastards down!
And you even impressed The Undertaker doing it.  The Undertaker, Ron!  I know
there is anger inside of you, Ron, but what you do with it... that's what's
important.  You can become an angry, paranoid man convinced that the world is
out to get you like so many others...  Or you can channel that hate, feel it so
powerful inside of you that your whole body trembles, and use it to do what
needs to be done.  I've made my choice, Ron... and it's brought me huge success.
One day, you're going to need to choose.  When you do... choose wisely.

(Cactus Jack walks off, heading toward the ring, and Ron Harris nods slowly,
considering his words.)

Cactus Jack vs. TBA vs. "Violent R" Ron Harris vs. "Big Sexy" Kevin Nash

Johnny B. Badd whips Ron Harris into the ropes.
Johnny B. Badd hits Ron Harris with a shoulderblock.
Johnny B. Badd goes for a side suplex, but Ron Harris blocks it.
Ron Harris kicks Johnny B. Badd.
The crowd breaks into a "Which One's Which" chant.
Ron Harris hits Johnny B. Badd.
Ron Harris chops Johnny B. Badd.
Ron Harris tags out to Kevin Nash.
Kevin Nash hits Johnny B. Badd with a backbreaker.
Kevin Nash is met with a mixture of cheers and boos.
Kevin Nash goes for a forearm smash, but Johnny B. Badd blocks it.
Johnny B. Badd goes for spinning headscissors, but Kevin Nash throws him off.
Kevin Nash uses a vertical suplex on Johnny B. Badd.
Kevin Nash throws Johnny B. Badd out of the ring.
Ted Blandford counts: one, two, three, four, five, six, Johnny B. Badd
reenters the ring.
Kevin Nash nails Johnny B. Badd with a lariat.

Kevin Nash rolls back in under the bottom rope.
Kevin Nash brings the table into the ring.
Kevin Nash punches Johnny B. Badd.
Kevin Nash punches Johnny B. Badd.
Johnny B. Badd punches Kevin Nash.
Kevin Nash chops Johnny B. Badd.
Kevin Nash runs into the ropes.
Johnny B. Badd hits Kevin Nash with an elbow.
Johnny B. Badd goes for a slap, but Kevin Nash blocks it.
Kevin Nash tags out to Cactus Jack.
Cactus Jack takes Johnny B. Badd down with a double underhook suplex.
Cactus Jack hits Johnny B. Badd with a series of forearm smashes.
Cactus Jack hits an eye gouge on Johnny B. Badd.
Johnny B. Badd begs off.
Cactus Jack sets up Johnny B. Badd on the table.
Cactus Jack tries to drive Johnny B. Badd through the table with the
Double Arm DDT but he blocks it.
Johnny B. Badd uses a forearm to the back on Cactus Jack.
Johnny B. Badd hits Cactus Jack with a dropkick.
Johnny B. Badd goes for a kneelift, but Cactus Jack side-steps and
Johnny B. Badd only hits air.
Cactus Jack throws Johnny B. Badd out of the ring.
Cactus Jack jumps onto him with a running elbowdrop.
Cactus Jack sets up Johnny B. Badd on the table.
Cactus Jack tries to drive Johnny B. Badd through the table with an elbowdrop,
but he moves out of the way.
The table is broken in half.
Johnny B. Badd uses a clothesline on Cactus Jack.
Johnny B. Badd hits a kneelift on Cactus Jack.
Johnny B. Badd throws Cactus Jack into the guardrail.
Johnny B. Badd goes for a clothesline, but Cactus Jack ducks out of the way.
Cactus Jack takes Johnny B. Badd down with a bodyslam.
Ted Blandford counts:  1.
Cactus Jack knocks Johnny B. Badd into the ringsteps.
Ted Blandford counts:  2.
Cactus Jack shoves Johnny B. Badd into the guardrail.
Cactus Jack goes for an eye gouge, but Johnny B. Badd blocks it.
Johnny B. Badd goes for the Badd Mood, but he can't do it.
Cactus Jack counters it with a top-rope power bomb.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Cactus Jack.
Ted Blandford counts:  3.
Cactus Jack clears the announcers' table.
Cactus Jack throws Johnny B. Badd back into the ring.
Cactus Jack tags out to Ron Harris.
Ron Harris whips Johnny B. Badd into the ropes, but Johnny B. Badd reverses it.
Ron Harris misses with a kick.
Johnny B. Badd executes a side suplex on Ron Harris.
Johnny B. Badd is going for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Johnny B. Badd nails Ron Harris with a kneelift.
Johnny B. Badd hits Ron Harris with a jab.

Ron Harris sends Cactus Jack into the turnbuckle, but Cactus Jack reverses it.
Cactus Jack runs shoulder-first into the corner.
Cactus Jack whips Ron Harris into the ropes, but Ron Harris reverses it.
Cactus Jack nails Ron Harris with a Cactus Clothesline.
Cactus Jack gets a chokehold on Ron Harris.
Ted Blandford warns Cactus Jack to let go.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three, four.
Cactus Jack gives the sign for the Stump-Pulling Piledriver.
Cactus Jack goes for a Stump-Pulling Piledriver, but Ron Harris blocks it.
Ron Harris runs into the ropes.
Ron Harris catches Cactus Jack totally by surprise.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Ron Harris executes the Big Boot on Cactus Jack.
Ron Harris goes for the pin.
Ron Harris uses the ropes for leverage.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... he sees it.
Ted Blandford threatens Ron Harris with disqualification.
Ron Harris goes for a spinebuster slam, but Cactus Jack counters it with
a kneelift.
Cactus Jack tags out to Johnny B. Badd.
Johnny B. Badd hits a dropkick on Ron Harris.
Johnny B. Badd works the crowd.
Johnny B. Badd is starting to get more cheers than boos.
Johnny B. Badd whips Ron Harris into the ropes, but Ron Harris reverses it.
Johnny B. Badd goes for a clothesline, but Ron Harris ducks out of the way.
Ron Harris goes for a Hotshot, but Johnny B. Badd counters it with a Thesz press.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Johnny B. Badd goes for a clothesline, but Ron Harris ducks out of the way.
Ron Harris locks Johnny B. Badd in a chokehold.
Ted Blandford warns Ron Harris to let go.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three, four, five.
Ted Blandford disqualifies Ron Harris.
Johnny B. Badd is getting a pissed look amidst all the boos.

The winner is Johnny B. Badd. Time of match: 0:13:48

Four Corners Match:
Johnny B. Badd defeated Cactus Jack, Ron Harris and Kevin Nash when Badd
defeated R. Harris by disqualification in 0:13:48.
Rating: 1/2*

And the mystery wrestler turns out to be... none other than Johnny B. Badd!  Badd was a non-factor for most of this match, while the real star was Ron Harris.  Harris seemed to be on fire after Cactus Jack's little pep talk, and he very nearly got the victory with a Big Boot out of nowhere to Cactus Jack.  Jack kicked out, however, which frustrated Harris.  Losing his temper, Harris locked a chokehold onto Badd and refused to release it, thus prompting the referee to disqualify him and declare Badd the winner of this match via DQ!

(The monstrous Edward Chastain makes his way through the backstage area when
suddenly Frank Shamrock and Chris Sabin block his path.)

Edward Chastain: Get.  Out.  Of.  My.  Way.

Frank Shamrock: Easy, big man!  I've got a little proposition for you.  Your
match tonight was VERY impressive.  Sabin and I were watching you from the
back.  So Sabin says to me, "Hey Frank, that was beyond impressive.  And the
Usurpers could use a good enforcer."  And ya know what?  He's right.

Chris Sabin: We're trying to take the top spot here in LIW, Edward.  And with
a guy like you on our side... well... it's gonna be cake.

(Chastain perks up at that word.)

Edward Chastain: Cake?  What kind of cake?

Frank Shamrock: Um...  Chocolate cake?

Edward Chastain: With strawberries on it?

Chris Sabin: Suuuuuure...

Edward Chastain: I'm in.

(Fade out.)

The Usurpers (Frank Shamrock & Chris Sabin) & a partner vs. Edge, Vampiro & a partner

The Usurpers have brought in... Shannon Moore.  And Edge & Vampiro have... none other than former NWA Champion Ron "The Truth" Killings!

Vampiro hits Chris Sabin.
The crowd is starting to get behind Vampiro.
Vampiro hits an elbowsmash on Chris Sabin.
Vampiro goes for a vertical suplex, but Chris Sabin counters it with
a small package.
Chris Sabin pulls the tights.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, he sees it.
Phillip McAlpine threatens Chris Sabin with disqualification.
Chris Sabin punches Vampiro.
Chris Sabin kicks Vampiro.
The crowd is booing Chris Sabin.
Chris Sabin chops Vampiro.
Vampiro kicks Chris Sabin.
Vampiro tags out to Ron Killings.
Ron Killings and Vampiro whip Chris Sabin into the ropes.
They hit Chris Sabin with a double clothesline.
Frank Shamrock enters the ring and throws Vampiro out of the ring.
The crowd breaks into a "Shamrock!  Shamrock!" chant.

Shannon Moore climbs to the top turnbuckle, but Edge nails him in the stomach.
Shannon Moore falls onto the top turnbuckle.
Edge goes for a top-rope Frankensteiner, but Shannon Moore counters it with
a power bomb.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, kickout.
Shannon Moore complains about a slow count.
The crowd is cheering on Shannon Moore.
Shannon Moore uses a flying huracanrana on Edge.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, kickout.
Shannon Moore runs into the ropes.
Shannon Moore misses with a kick.
Edge executes a clothesline on Shannon Moore.
Edge works the crowd.
The crowd breaks into a "Edgeucate Him" chant.
Edge nails Shannon Moore with a slingshot.
Edge goes for a Hotshot, but Shannon Moore counters it with a Thesz press.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, shoulder up.

Shannon Moore hits Edge with a shoulderblock.
Shannon Moore goes for a spinning heel kick, but Edge ducks out of the way.
Edge tags out to Ron Killings.
Edge leaves the ring.
Ron Killings nails Shannon Moore with a spinning leg lariat.
Ron Killings goes for a vertical suplex, but Shannon Moore reverses it.
Shannon Moore uses a fallaway slam on Ron Killings.
Shannon Moore hits a fist to the midsection on Ron Killings.
Shannon Moore is going for the pin.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Shannon Moore hits Ron Killings with a moonsault.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, kickout.
Shannon Moore goes for a hiptoss, but Ron Killings blocks it.
Ron Killings nails Shannon Moore with a jumping side kick.
Ron Killings goes for the Truth Or Consequences, but Shannon Moore blocks it.
Ron Killings hits a forearm smash on Shannon Moore.
Ron Killings nails Shannon Moore with a back elbow.

Ron Killings takes Shannon Moore down with a headsmash into the turnbuckle.
Ron Killings kicks Shannon Moore.
Ron Killings hits Shannon Moore.
Ron Killings is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Ron Killings takes Shannon Moore down with a legsweep.
Edge enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Edge leaves the ring.
Ron Killings goes for a jumping side kick, but Shannon Moore
ducks out of the way.
Shannon Moore tags out to Chris Sabin.
Shannon Moore leaves the ring.
Chris Sabin goes for a fireman's carry to knee neckbreaker, but Ron Killings
slides down his back.
Ron Killings nails Chris Sabin with a dropkick.
Ron Killings nails Chris Sabin with a vertical facebuster.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Ron Killings hits a forearm to the back on Chris Sabin.
Ron Killings is going for the cover.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, kickout.
Ron Killings nails Chris Sabin with a Hotshot.
Ron Killings poses and flexes his muscles.
The crowd is really behind Ron Killings.
Ron Killings executes the Truth Or Consequences on Chris Sabin.
Ron Killings goes for the pin.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, Shannon Moore doesn't make it in time...
three.
The crowd is going crazy.

The winners are Vampiro, Edge and Ron Killings. Time of match: 0:22:17

Vampiro, Edge and Ron Killings defeated
The Usurpers (Chris Sabin and Frank Shamrock) and Shannon Moore when Killings
pinned C. Sabin with the Truth Or Consequences in 0:22:17.
Rating: ** 3/4

Frank Shamrock and Chris Sabin managed to bring in the high flying Shannon Moore to be their partner in this match, but Edge and Vampiro had a lot more luck, scoring a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion in Ron "The Truth" Killings.  Killings demonstrated just why he had held such a prestigious title in this match, totally dominating Shannon Moore and even scoring the victory for his team with the Truth or Consequences to Sabin.  He apparently wasn't prepared for the consequences, however, because moments after the closing bell, the massive Edward Chastain hit the ring and laid him out with a huge spinebuster!  Shamrock is in, and... takeover suplex to Vampiro!  Ankle Lock!  Future Shock to Edge!

The Usurpers may not have won this match, but they have sent a signal plain as day to the rest of LIW.  They have arrived.

"The Ironman" Mark Jindrak vs. El Mephisto

Mark Jindrak hits El Mephisto.
Mark Jindrak kicks El Mephisto.
Mark Jindrak runs into the ropes.
Jonny Storm pulls down the top rope.
Jeffrey Brace threatens El Mephisto with disqualification.
El Mephisto jumps onto him with a tope suicida.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
El Mephisto executes a kick to the midsection on Mark Jindrak.
Jeffrey Brace counts:  1.
El Mephisto nails Mark Jindrak with an elbowsmash.
El Mephisto gets back into the ring.
Mark Jindrak follows him back in.
Mark Jindrak gets a choke against the ropes on El Mephisto.
Jeffrey Brace warns Mark Jindrak to let go.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, three, four.
Mark Jindrak whips El Mephisto into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak hits El Mephisto with a clothesline.
El Mephisto falls out of the ring.
Jeffrey Brace counts: one, two, three, four, five, El Mephisto
reenters the ring.

El Mephisto executes a clothesline on Mark Jindrak.
El Mephisto runs into the ropes.
El Mephisto goes for a back heel kick, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Alex Wright throws El Mephisto a fire extinguisher.
El Mephisto hits Mark Jindrak with it and goes for the pin.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
El Mephisto executes spinning headscissors on Mark Jindrak.
El Mephisto is being booed like there is no tomorrow.
El Mephisto runs into the ropes.
El Mephisto misses with a clothesline.
El Mephisto executes a clothesline on Mark Jindrak.
El Mephisto puts Mark Jindrak in a bow-and-arrow submission.
Mark Jindrak gets ahold of the ropes after being trapped for 6 seconds.
El Mephisto goes for a dropkick, but Mark Jindrak side-steps and El Mephisto
only hits air.
Mark Jindrak executes an inverted atomic drop on El Mephisto.
Mark Jindrak runs into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak goes for a lariat, but El Mephisto blocks it.
El Mephisto hits Mark Jindrak.
El Mephisto punches Mark Jindrak.
A fan at ringside badmouths El Mephisto.
El Mephisto kicks Mark Jindrak.
A fan at ringside badmouths El Mephisto.
El Mephisto goes for a Fujiwara armbar, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Alex Wright throws El Mephisto a baseball bat.
El Mephisto hits Mark Jindrak with it and goes for the pin.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, in the ropes...
El Mephisto goes for a Swastika, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Mark Jindrak hits El Mephisto with a lariat.
Mark Jindrak goes for a kick to the midsection, but El Mephisto blocks it.
El Mephisto uses a chop on Mark Jindrak.
El Mephisto uses a chop on Mark Jindrak.
El Mephisto whips Mark Jindrak into the turnbuckle.
El Mephisto runs shoulder-first into the corner, but Mark Jindrak lifts his
knee.
Mark Jindrak executes a powerslam on El Mephisto.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, kickout.
Mark Jindrak goes for a bearhug, but El Mephisto counters it with a punch.
Mark Jindrak re-reverses it.
Mark Jindrak executes a springboard clothesline on El Mephisto.
Mark Jindrak catches El Mephisto in a choke lift.
Jeffrey Brace warns Mark Jindrak to let go.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, three, four.
Mark Jindrak nails El Mephisto with a flying axhandle.
Mark Jindrak whips El Mephisto into the ropes.
El Mephisto hits a clothesline on Mark Jindrak.
El Mephisto executes the Forward Rolling Prawn Hold on Mark Jindrak.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, in the ropes...
El Mephisto goes for a back heel kick, but Mark Jindrak ducks out of the way.
Mark Jindrak chops El Mephisto.
Mark Jindrak has the crowd going wild.
Mark Jindrak chops El Mephisto.

Mark Jindrak goes for an exploder suplex, but El Mephisto counters it with
an elbowsmash.
El Mephisto nails Mark Jindrak with a slap.
El Mephisto kicks Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak hits El Mephisto.
The crowd is behind Mark Jindrak all the way.
Mark Jindrak hits El Mephisto.
The crowd is giving Mark Jindrak a standing ovation.
El Mephisto kicks Mark Jindrak.
The crowd breaks into a "You Suck!" chant.
El Mephisto executes a hiptoss on Mark Jindrak.
El Mephisto executes the Forward Rolling Prawn Hold on Mark Jindrak.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
El Mephisto hits Mark Jindrak with a Northern Lights suplex.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
El Mephisto goes for a dropkick, but Mark Jindrak side-steps and El Mephisto
only hits air.

Mark Jindrak climbs back into the ring.
El Mephisto nails Mark Jindrak with a series of slaps.
El Mephisto nails Mark Jindrak with a Northern Lights suplex.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, kickout.
Mark Jindrak springs to his feet.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on El Mephisto.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Mark Jindrak takes El Mephisto down with an inside cradle.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Mark Jindrak executes a bodyslam on El Mephisto.
Mark Jindrak runs into the ropes.
El Mephisto uses a spinning leg lariat on Mark Jindrak.
El Mephisto takes Mark Jindrak down with a flying dropkick.
El Mephisto is being booed like there is no tomorrow.
El Mephisto catches Mark Jindrak in a Fujiwara armbar.
Mark Jindrak is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Mark Jindrak inches his way towards the ropes after 5 seconds.
El Mephisto goes for a series of stomps, but Mark Jindrak rolls out of the way.
Mark Jindrak hits a powerslam on El Mephisto.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, Alex Wright distracts Jeffrey Brace.
Jeffrey Brace calls for the DQ.
The crowd is giving Mark Jindrak a standing ovation.

The winner is Mark Jindrak. Time of match: 0:16:39

Mark Jindrak defeated El Mephisto by disqualification in 0:16:39.
Rating: ** 3/4
[MsChif, Jonny Storm and Alex Wright interfered against Mark Jindrak.]

Mark Jindrak was expecting an easy victory here, but New Europe interfered so heavily against him that it was all he could manage to earn a DQ victory.  Over the course of the match, The Ironman was hit by several foreign objects, dumped to the outside, distracted, and put in the Forward Rolling Prawn Hold several times, but he just kept on coming.  As the bell rings, Storm and Wright rush the ring, to lay the boots to Jindrak, but... what's this... here come the Tag Team Champions along with The Harris Twins for the save!  New Europe scatters like the flock of vultures they are!

Your Main Event:
Dangan vs. New Europe (Jonny Storm & Alex Wright) in a Non-Title Match

Alex Wright uses a jumping elbow thrust on Wataru Sakata.
Alex Wright covers Wataru Sakata.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Alex Wright executes the Bavarian Neckbreaker on Wataru Sakata.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Alex Wright goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Alex Wright goes for a dragon suplex, but Wataru Sakata counters it with
a go-behind.
In turn, Alex Wright counters it with an elbowsmash.
Alex Wright punches Wataru Sakata.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Wataru Sakata kicks Alex Wright.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Wataru Sakata whips Alex Wright into the ropes.
Alex Wright nails Wataru Sakata with a jumping elbow thrust.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.

Wataru Sakata throws Alex Wright into the ringsteps.
Wataru Sakata throws Alex Wright into the guardrail.
Wataru Sakata hits Alex Wright with a piledriver.
Wataru Sakata knocks Alex Wright into the ringpost.
Masato Tanaka comes over to make it two-on-one.
Masato Tanaka nails Alex Wright with the Running Forearm Smash.
Wataru Sakata gets a sleeperhold on Alex Wright.
Wataru Sakata and Masato Tanaka hit Alex Wright with a double kneedrop.
MsChif comes from behind, but Wataru Sakata nails MsChif.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Wataru Sakata uses a series of slaps on Alex Wright.
Wataru Sakata takes Alex Wright down with an inside cradle.
Wataru Sakata climbs back into the ring.
Alex Wright rolls back in under the bottom rope.
Wataru Sakata executes the Single-Leg Crab Hold on Alex Wright.
Alex Wright tries to escape the hold.
Alex Wright tries to fight the pain.
Alex Wright submits after 8 seconds.
The crowd erupts.

The winners are Dangan. Time of match: 0:22:06

Dangan (Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata) defeated
New Europe (Alex Wright and Jonny Storm) when Sakata made A. Wright submit to
the Single-Leg Crab Hold in 0:22:06.
Rating: **** 1/4
[MsChif interfered against Wataru Sakata.]

What a match!  These days, it seems like anything Tanaka and Sakata touch turns to gold, and this match was no exception.  Our main event featured Jonny Storm and Alex Wright of New Europe facing off against Dangan, who had humiliated them with the assistance of The Harris Twins just moments before.  From the start Wright and Storm tried to get revenge, but the unorthodox Japanese styles of Tanaka and Sakata proved to be too much for them to deal with in the end.  Intense brawling by Tanaka and stiff kicks and submissions from Sakata set up Wright for the victory, which came after an extended brawl on the outside.  Moments after rolling back into the ring, Wright found himself locked in the Single Leg Crab Hold, and since his arms had been worked so effectively he could not drag himself to the ropes.  With nowhere to go, he tapped quickly to save himself from injury.

This is quite a defeat for New Europe, as the New York State Heavyweight Champion himself was forced to tap out in this match.  Could this be a sign that Wright is getting worn down by his long title reign?  Who can say?  We'll see you at our next show!

Card rating: ** 3/4

Match of the Evening: Dangan vs. New Europe

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
americamamushiPosted on 03/02/05 at 21:14:23

lol, loved the bit with Chastain about cake.

It's funny cause he's fat. And if theres one thing fat people love, it's cake ;D
Snabbit888Posted on 03/02/05 at 22:47:18

Dominant debut for Saturn, though I thought he was a former Army Ranger, not Navy SEAL. :)  He's a good fit with LIW.

Simon Diamond trying to take the leadership role in TITS with Booker out... interesting.  Scorpio and Atlantis didn't seem to take that too well.

Diamond backs up his word and TITS win the tag triangle match.  Can't argue much there, though I'd like to see Storm/Kash and the WCTT get more of a push than hey are.  I guess you can't push everyone at once though.

Dominating performance by the former Iceberg.  Poor Mikey...

Old School Express lost to Octagon, and they came out looking strongest in that match?  No, I think the only thing that came out looking strong was booking your matches. ;)

Good Cactus/Harris promo.  Nobody can light a fire under an ass better than Foley.  Let's see if his words made a difference though.

The four corners match certainly worked out well for you.  Johnny B. Badd gets a nice debut match, Harris shows his meanstreak by getting disqualified, Cactus Jack shows his toughness by not be defeated by the Big Boot.  Only one to get lost in the mix was Nash, and meh, whatever.

Chastain bribed with delicious cake!  Woo!  Another quality promo mixing serious and comedic elements.  You're a poet, sir.

Yay Shannon Moore and Ron Killings!  A couple of good mystery guys there.  Killings with a dominant performance tonight, but the Usurpers get the last laugh.  I will only truly enjoy when Frank Shamrock is disposed of.

The thought of having to defend against Mark Jindrak is really weighing on Alex Wright's mind as he causes Mephisto to get DQ'ed.  I always forget Mephisto is still around.  You should fire him... out of a cannon... into the sun.

The champ taps out!  Is Sakata going to lay claim to a title shot now?

Good stuff, buster brown.
Critic of the DawnPosted on 03/03/05 at 01:09:39

You are correct, Saturn was indeed a former Ranger and not a SEAL.  I thought that SEAL didn't sound right, but I couldn't find anything mentioning it for sure and I didn't think of the Rangers, so... yeah.  My bad.  I was quite frankly shocked at how easily he rolled over Maayan, as I just gave Maayan a push.

Atlantis and Scorpio might be more inclined to buy into Simon Diamond's leadership if Booker T weren't coming back on the next show.  Since he is going to be back soon, they figure there's no sense in rocking the boat.  Diamond, on the other hand, is looking out for number one, just like always.  It's a shame that Kash & Storm and Shane & Kazarian are stuck doing jobber duty.  Both of them are probably more capable of having good matches than many teams ranked higher.

Mikey got splatted, Uncle Scooby.

The Oldschool Express looked strong because they literally controlled most of the match.  Octagon's victory came virtually out of nowhere.  Thus, The Oldschool Express looked strong, and Don Juan & Octagon looked lucky.

Foley really inspired Ron Harris, as evidenced by his performance in the four corners match and his making the save for Jindrak later on.  Unfortunately, it looks like Ron's spectacular 40 charisma is finally failing him, as his heat FINALLY dropped below 5 after this card.  I may increase it, as that's just a tad absurd.

Chastain likes cake.  It's funny, that actually came to me halfway through writing the promo, and I ended up changing the entire direction of it in search of a quick laugh.  Glad to hear it worked well - I see more Chastain fatty jokes as likely in the future.

Killings and Moore were actually from my "list" of random guys.  Their appearance was planned.  I did like how dominant Killings looked in the match, though.  Very fitting of a former World Champion, and very realistic since this is supposed to be an indy fed.  I've been lucky with that so far.

Jindrak has been on such a roll that none of the major heels want anything to do with him.  As you saw, Alex Wright and New Europe did their best to ensure that he would not endanger them by interfering, but ultimately it backfired and cost them the victory.  As for El Mephisto... his position as New Europe's jobber is very important, as is his responsibility for bringing fresh strudel, tea and crumpets to the New Europe locker room on demand!

The main event was predictably solid.  I didn't expect Sakata to force Wright to tap, though.  After that, he could defiantely make a strong argument for deserving a title shot.  I expect that something like that might show up in the Newsline in the coming days...

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 03/04/05 at 16:03:41

LIW Newsline - 1/14/06

New Year's Knockout is in the books, and it proved to be a fairly eventful night despite a lack of title matches in the card.  The crowd in Utica wasn't the largest in LIW's history, but they were hot for the entire night, and they left feeling like they definately got their money's worth.  Not only was this a good night of wrestling action, but the New York State Heavyweight Champion tapped out to a submission hold by one of the tag team champions!  Our next show is intended to celebrate our first anniversery as a promotion, and will be held on January 28.  One Year Down, as the show is already being referred to in the office, promises to reveal the ramifications of this as we enter yet another new market, this time the fine city of Rochester.

After jumping the rail to attack LIW's own Don Juan, Paul London was removed from the building by security, and was arrested by the Utica City Police on charges of assault and disturbing the peace.  While Don Juan told the police he did not want to press charges the next morning, there have been other ramifications to this.  WWE, who cooperated with LIW in discipligning Paul London after his bar fight with Don Juan several months ago, has had just about enough of London giving them a bad name with his out of control temper.  Thus, we have learned that London has been released from his WWE contract as a direct result of his actions.

Of course, the big news at New Year's Knockout was the New York State Heavyweight Champion tapping out to Wataru Sakata's Single Leg Crab Hold.  The booking committee has ruled that due to this clean defeat in the center of the ring, the New York State Heavyweight Title MUST be defended at One Year Down, and that it will NOT be defended against the current Top Contender Simon Diamond.  The booking committee has been hinting at what they meant for several days now, and we finally managed to drag it out of them.

At One Year Down, a Triangle Match will be held to determine who will compete for the New York State Heavyweight Title.  This match will feature the newly debuted Johnny B. Badd, who earned the shot due to his victory against Cactus Jack, Ron Harris & Kevin Nash, three of the biggest and strongest men in LIW.  His victory might have been via DQ, but a win is a win.  Wataru Sakata will be the second man contending for a title shot - by making the champion tap out in the center of the ring he has more than earned this opportunity.  Finally, "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm will round out the trio.  Storm has always been impressive here in LIW, and proved to be a major headache for Dangan in the main event at New Year's Knockout.

The winner of that match will go on to face Alex Wright later in the show.  When asked if he was worried about any of the possible contenders, Wright stated that he has faced and defeated the best here in LIW, and that he would continue to do so at One Year Down.  He went on to say that he hoped Sakata won, because he was looking forward to a chance to make the Tag Team Title holder pay for his actions.  We then asked if he was worried after being forced to tap out, but Wright denied that, claiming that in singles action he was nearly unstoppable, and that he would easily roll over any of the challengers even if they had not had to qualify on the same evening.  Strong words by the Champion.  We shall see if he can back them up.

Despite all that has been done to him, Don Juan is apparently pressing the booking committee hard to bring Paul London in for another match against him.  Don Juan claims that he wants another shot at London, and that he has something he needs to say to him.  After some consideration, the booking committee has granted this request, so at One Year Down we will see Don Juan vs. Paul London one more time.

LIW Top Five:
Champion: Alex Wright

1) Simon Diamond - Despite the ruling of the booking committee, Simon Diamond remains the official Top Contender to the New York State Heavyweight Title, and with his dominant win in tag team action at New Year's Knockout, he definately deserves the spot he has.  Diamond is sure to be pissed off that he has once again been overlooked in favor of other contenders.  We have to wonder just what he and the International Thug Syndicate will do about it?

2) "The Ironman" Mark Jindrak - Jindrak picks up a DQ win over El Mephisto as he continues his quest to take the New York State Heavyweight Title from New Europe.  New Europe came out in force to try to ward off this challenger, but their efforts succeeded only in giving him another win.  Jindrak is somewhat dissappointed that he isn't in consideration for a title shot at One Year Down, but will continue to prove himself worthy each and every show until he gets what he wants.

3) Perry Saturn - LIW's newest signee debuts with a HUGE victory over Aviv Maayan.  Maayan may not have the greatest record in LIW, but Saturn absolutely DESTROYED him, putting him away with a Death Valley Driver and a Frog Splash in less than three minutes.  At One Year Down we will see if he can maintain that sort of momentum, but for the moment, he earned this spot with his impressive performance.

4) "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson - The Oldschool Express puts on an impressive match against Don Juan & Octagon, but in the end they fall victim to a flash pin by Octagon, who seems to be exceptionally skilled with such moves.  Due to this loss, and due to his inactivity in singles competition, Arn Anderson drops a spot after New Years Knockout.

5) "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm - Storm holds on to the number 5 spot with a death grip despite losing in the main event at New Year's Knockout.  Storm was not the man to tap out, and he came off as quite impressive, especially against a tag team as dangerous as Dangan.  This, combined with his strong record and his leadership of New Europe, allows him to maintain his position on the Top 5.

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 03/07/05 at 05:46:18

LIW Newsline - 1/18/06

We are ten days removed from our first anniversery show, One Year Down, which will be held in Rochester next Saturday.  There is quite a bit of excitement about the upcoming show there, because our last show in that part of New York was back in October.  It is our hope that was can put on one hell of a night of wrestling, and we hope that the matches announced in this Newsline will deliver as so many previous matches have.

One Year Down will kick off with a bang as "Violent R" Ron Harris continues his quest to make it in singles competition with a match against The Usurpers' Monster Edward Chastain.  Harris and Chastain are two incredibly powerful superheavyweights, so while this match probably won't be pretty, it will be extremely brutal.  The Usurpers have already invested hundreds of dollars worth of cake in Chastain, while Ron Harris has been praised by none other than The Undertaker himself.  Therefore, this should be something worth seeing, as people have high expectations for both men.

Michael Shane & Frankie Kazarian and Lance Storm & Kid Kash are two of the most talented tag teams in LIW, however neither has been able to achieve much success thus far.  Both are hoping to eventually climb the tag team ladder towards an eventual title shot, but neither have been able to rack up any noteworthy victories.  Therefore, these teams will face each other, with the idea that they can't BOTH lose if they're the only two teams involved.  One of these popular pairings will see their cold streak end at One Year Down.

When Cactus Jack faced off against the debuting Chris Sabin, they put on what is still regarded as the best singles match in LIW history.  Because of this, and because the deck is beginning to seem unfairly stacked against New Europe, the booking committee has announced that Cactus Jack will once again face Chris Sabin.  Both of these men will be fresh this time, and with Jack trying to make a statement to New Europe it seems unlikely that he will care that Sabin is no longer a member of that group.

Booker T has returned to his position at the head of the International Thug Syndicate, and as predicted he was not fond of Simon Diamond's nonconfrontational policy.  Taking the booking committee's decision to award a title shot to another contender instead of Simon Diamond at One Year Down as evidence that the booking committee is biased against them (something which may very well be true, if only because Stevie Ray keeps having Italian food charged to the office somehow).  Accordingly, they have announced that they will be gathering their entire group (and again hiring Kevin Nash as additional muscle) to take on any team that the booking committee can put together to face them.  Three of LIW's top tag teams have stepped forward to accept this challenge.  So at One Year Down, it will be The Oldschool Express, The Harris Twins and Octagon & Mikey Whipwreck vs. the International Thug Syndicate and Kevin Nash.

Matches confirmed for One Year Down:
* Ron Harris vs. Edward Chastain
* Johnny B. Badd vs. Wataru Sakata vs. Jonny Storm (Winner gets a title shot)
* Michael Shane & Frankie Kazarian vs. Lance Storm & Kid Kash
* Cactus Jack vs. Chris Sabin
* Don Juan vs. Paul London
* The International Thug Syndicate vs. The Oldschool Express, The Harris Twins & Octagon & Mikey Whipwreck
* New Contender vs. Alex Wright for the New York State Heavyweight Title

Also confirmed are Scott Steiner, El Mephisto, Mark Jindrak, Masato Tanaka, Aviv Maayan, Vampiro, Frank Shamrock, Perry Saturn & Edge.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"