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LIW Final Battle 2005 - 12/9/05

Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/25/05 at 02:57:45

And LIW's first year ends with a bang as another eventful show sends the fans home happy.  There were a few things about this card that I would have changed if this were a booked circuit, but all in all I'm fairly happy with the way things went down.  Oh, and for those using them, rules for shows 10-12 are now posted in the Discussion forum.

*****

"The Ironman" Mark Jindrak vs. "Big Sexy" Kevin Nash

Kevin Nash summons one last burst of energy.
Jeffrey Brace checks Kevin Nash's arm.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Kevin Nash fights his way out of the hold after 30 seconds.
Kevin Nash nails Mark Jindrak with a fist to the midsection.
Kevin Nash goes for a kick to the head, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on Kevin Nash.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, kickout.
Mark Jindrak puts Kevin Nash in a chokehold.
Jeffrey Brace warns Mark Jindrak to let go.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, three, four.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, three, four.
Mark Jindrak hits Kevin Nash with a roundhouse right.
Mark Jindrak punches Kevin Nash.
Mark Jindrak hits Kevin Nash.
The crowd is behind Mark Jindrak all the way.

Kevin Nash sends Mark Jindrak into the turnbuckle.
Kevin Nash runs shoulder-first into the corner, but Mark Jindrak lifts his knee.
Mark Jindrak whips Kevin Nash into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on Kevin Nash.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Mark Jindrak takes Kevin Nash down with a roundhouse right.
Mark Jindrak nails Kevin Nash with a kick to the midsection.
Mark Jindrak goes for a sleeperhold, but Kevin Nash counters it with
a back suplex.
Kevin Nash runs into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak misses with a clothesline.
Kevin Nash hits Mark Jindrak with a lariat.
Kevin Nash executes a backbreaker on Mark Jindrak.
Kevin Nash sends Mark Jindrak into the turnbuckle.
Kevin Nash goes for a lariat, but Mark Jindrak counters it with a Gorilla Press.

Kevin Nash hits Mark Jindrak.
Kevin Nash is being booed like there is no tomorrow.
Kevin Nash chops Mark Jindrak.
Kevin Nash further incites the crowd.
Kevin Nash hits Mark Jindrak.
Kevin Nash uses a fist to the midsection on Mark Jindrak.
Kevin Nash runs into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak hits Kevin Nash with a kick.
Mark Jindrak takes Kevin Nash down with a bodyslam.
Mark Jindrak hits a kick to the midsection on Kevin Nash.
Mark Jindrak throws Kevin Nash out of the ring.
Jeffrey Brace counts: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, Kevin Nash
reenters the ring.
Mark Jindrak whips Kevin Nash into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on Kevin Nash.
The chants for Mark Jindrak are deafening.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Mark Jindrak hits Kevin Nash with a Gorilla Press.
Mark Jindrak hits Kevin Nash with an inside cradle.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Mark Jindrak executes a vertical suplex on Kevin Nash.
The crowd erupts.
Mark Jindrak takes Kevin Nash down with a vertical suplex.
Mark Jindrak nails Kevin Nash with a vertical suplex.
Mark Jindrak nails Kevin Nash with a powerslam.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Mark Jindrak throws Kevin Nash into the turnbuckle.
Mark Jindrak executes a roundhouse right on Kevin Nash.
Mark Jindrak uses an inverted atomic drop on Kevin Nash.
Mark Jindrak whips Kevin Nash into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak misses with a shoulderblock.
Mark Jindrak misses with an elbow.
Kevin Nash hits Mark Jindrak with a kick.
Kevin Nash works the crowd.
The crowd is vociferously booing Kevin Nash.
Kevin Nash goes for a kneelift, but Mark Jindrak side-steps and Kevin Nash
only hits air.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Mark Jindrak hits a flying axhandle on Kevin Nash.
Mark Jindrak goes for a kick to the midsection, but Kevin Nash blocks it.
Kevin Nash hits a chop on Mark Jindrak.
Kevin Nash hits the snake eyes on Mark Jindrak.
Kevin Nash locks Mark Jindrak in a choke lift.
Jeffrey Brace warns Kevin Nash to let go.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, three.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, three, four.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, three.
Jeffrey Brace disqualifies Kevin Nash.
The crowd is giving Mark Jindrak a standing ovation.

The winner is Mark Jindrak. Time of match: 0:20:48

Mark Jindrak defeated Kevin Nash by disqualification in 0:20:48.
Rating: 1/2*

Mark Jindrak entered this match well rested and focused on gaining a victory on the man who has shown him so much disrespect.  Last month, Nash was able to take advantage of Jindrak's fatigue to hit the Jackknife Power Bomb for a victory, but this month Jindrak would have none of it.  Jindrak beat Nash from pillar to post, hitting the Mark of Excellence no less than three times on Nash.  The first time he hit it, he actually pulled Nash's shoulder up at one to get in some more beating.  Nash's attempts to gain control of the match became increasingly desperate as the match wore on, and after numerous attempts at pinning Jindrak had failed, Nash locked in an illegal chokehold.  Though he did not actually hold it for more than five seconds, the referee disqualified him because he kept going back to it.  Nash looks disgusted at his inability to defeat a fresh Mark Jindrak, and Jindrak simply looks happy to be able to breath again.

This is a victory for Jindrak, but perhaps a less decisive one than he might have wished for.

(As an angry Kevin Nash makes his way backstage, Mark Jindrak grabs a
microphone and speaks with a weak and raspy voice.)

Mark Jindrak: I told you...  Nash, I told you...  You tried every trick you
had... and you still couldn't beat me.  I am the Ironman, Nash.  And neither
you nor anyone else can stop me... stop me from achieving my goal.  Your
power bomb last week only delayed the inevitable.  I am the most dangerous
athlete in LIW today... and whether Cactus Jack takes the title, or Alex Wright
retains it... it doesn't matter.  It's only a matter of time before it's mine!

Harlem Heat vs. Lance Storm & Kid Kash

Lance Storm leaves the ring.
Kid Kash gives him a chop, but Stevie Ray doesn't even care.
Kid Kash tags out to Lance Storm.
Lance Storm executes a jumping side kick on Stevie Ray.
Lance Storm is getting a pissed look amidst all the boos.
Lance Storm hits Stevie Ray with an enzuigiri.
Lance Storm tags out to Kid Kash.
Kid Kash and Lance Storm whip Stevie Ray into the ropes.
Kid Kash and Lance Storm hit Stevie Ray with a double hiptoss.
Lance Storm leaves the ring.
Kid Kash goes for the Doctor Bomb, but Stevie Ray counters it with a backdrop.
Stevie Ray covers Kid Kash.
Timothy Greer counts: One, shoulder up.
Stevie Ray tags out to Booker T.
Stevie Ray goes for a kick to the head, but Kid Kash ducks out of the way.
Stevie Ray hits Booker T.
Lance Storm tangles up Stevie Ray.
Kid Kash executes a rana on Booker T.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Kid Kash complains about a slow count.
Stevie Ray leaves the ring.
Booker T uses an inside cradle on Kid Kash.
Booker T is going for the cover.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, kickout.
Booker T runs into the ropes.
Booker T goes for a clothesline, but Kid Kash ducks out of the way.
Kid Kash runs into the ropes.
Booker T misses with a shoulderblock.
Booker T uses a powerslam on Kid Kash.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Booker T whips Kid Kash into the ropes.
Booker T hits Kid Kash with a clothesline.
Booker T hits a Hotshot on Kid Kash.
The cheers for Booker T are drowning out the boos.

Kid Kash sends Stevie Ray into the turnbuckle, but Stevie Ray reverses it.
Stevie Ray runs shoulder-first into the corner.
Stevie Ray whips Kid Kash into the ropes.
Stevie Ray goes for a punch, but Kid Kash blocks it.
Kid Kash uses the Swinging DDT on Stevie Ray.
Kid Kash seemingly enjoys the boos.
Kid Kash goes for an enzuigiri to the face, but Stevie Ray ducks out of the way.
Stevie Ray executes a facerake on Kid Kash.
Stevie Ray runs into the ropes.
Stevie Ray hits Kid Kash with a shoulderblock.
Stevie Ray goes for a forearm to the back, but Kid Kash side-steps and
Stevie Ray only hits air.
The cheers for Kid Kash are drowning out the boos.
Kid Kash works the crowd.
The crowd breaks into a "Kash!  Kash!" chant.
Lance Storm enters the ring to make it two-on-one.

Stevie Ray kicks Kid Kash.
Kid Kash kicks Stevie Ray.
Kid Kash kicks Stevie Ray.
Kid Kash seemingly enjoys the boos.
Stevie Ray chops Kid Kash.
Kid Kash kicks Stevie Ray.
Kid Kash seemingly enjoys the boos.
Kid Kash kicks Stevie Ray.
Kid Kash is getting a pissed look amidst all the boos.
Stevie Ray hits Kid Kash.
Stevie Ray is starting to get more cheers than boos.
Kid Kash chops Stevie Ray.
Kid Kash is getting a pissed look amidst all the boos.
Stevie Ray kicks Kid Kash.
Stevie Ray acknowledges the portion of the crowd which is cheering him.
Stevie Ray takes Kid Kash down with a kick to the head.
Stevie Ray seemingly enjoys the boos.
Stevie Ray is going for the pin.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, Lance Storm doesn't make it in time... three.
Stevie Ray is starting to get more cheers than boos.

The winners are Harlem Heat. Time of match: 0:13:42

Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) defeated Lance Storm and Kid Kash when
S. Ray pinned Kash after a kick to the head in 0:13:42.
Booker T suffered a neck injury.
Rating: ** 1/2

What a competitive match!  Harlem Heat are a legendary tag team, and as the core of the International Thug Syndicate are one of the most dangerous duos in the industry today.  Lance Storm and Kid Kash are frequently overlooked, however, and their abilities are not to be discounted.  This one was back and forth until the end, when Booker T suddenly tagged out to Stevie Ray, who brawled for a few minutes before pinning Kid Kash with a big boot.  By this point, Booker T appeared to be having trouble, and was only able to make it to the back with help from Stevie Ray.  Trainers quickly diagnosed the problem as some kind of neck injury, but were unable to ascertain how serious it was.  Watch the Newsline for an update on Booker T's condition.

Sgt. Slaugher vs. "Violent R" Ron Harris

Timothy Greer counts:  1.
Ron Harris goes for a slap, but Sgt. Slaughter blocks it.
Timothy Greer counts:  2.
Timothy Greer counts:  3.
Timothy Greer counts:  4.
Sgt. Slaughter takes Ron Harris down with a facerake.
Timothy Greer counts:  5.
Sgt. Slaughter shoves Ron Harris into the guardrail.
Timothy Greer counts:  6.
Timothy Greer counts:  7.
Sgt. Slaughter reenters the ring.
Ron Harris rolls back in under the bottom rope.
Sgt. Slaughter runs into the ropes.
Sgt. Slaughter goes for an enzuilariato, but Ron Harris counters it with
a backward kick.
Ron Harris uses a reverse neckbreaker on Sgt. Slaughter.
Ron Harris goes for a spinebuster slam, but Sgt. Slaughter counters it with
a lariat.
Sgt. Slaughter hits a diving shoulderblock on Ron Harris.
Sgt. Slaughter has the crowd going wild.
Sgt. Slaughter uses a jawbreaker on Ron Harris.
Sgt. Slaughter does the militar salute to the crowd.
The crowd is going crazy.
Sgt. Slaughter uses a headbutt on Ron Harris.
Sgt. Slaughter gets a bearhug on Ron Harris.
Ron Harris is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Ron Harris tries to escape the hold.
Ron Harris tries to fight the pain.
Ron Harris is writhing in pain.
Timothy Greer tells Ron Harris to respond or he'll stop the fight.
Ron Harris doesn't respond.
Timothy Greer stops the fight after 26 seconds.
The crowd is giving Sgt. Slaughter a standing ovation.

The winner is Sgt. Slaughter. Time of match: 0:09:18

Sgt. Slaughter defeated Ron Harris when Ron Harris passed out in a bearhug in
          0:09:18.
Rating: -* 3/4

Team USA has been one of the few teams that has been able to defeat The Harris Twins with some consistanty, so when Ron Harris announced that he was going to focus on the singles division, Sgt. Slaughter seemed like a natural opponent for him.  Slaugher, a former WWF Champion, proved to be too wily for Harris, however, focusing his attacks on the midsection of Harris with a series of bearhugs to squeeze the breath out of him.  Eventually this tactic worked and Ron Harris faded for just long enough for the referee to turn and call for the bell just as Harris began to elbow his way out of the hold.  Harris is stunned when it is announced that he has lost the match, and the referee has to dash away to keep from being laid out by the angry big man.  

Slaughter spins Harris around and tells him to pick on someone his own size... only to be laid out by a Big Boot from Ron Harris!  Ron Harris is furious, and you have to believe that there will be hell to pay for this!

(There is a knock at the door of the New Europe lockerroom, and MsChif goes to
see who it is.  On the other side of the door stands none other than Frank
Shamrock.)

MsChif: Oh, Frank... look, that offer we gave you is no longer good.  We gave
you a chance to prove that you were with us by lying down in the middle of the
ring, and you didn't do it... and still lost.  So, the way I see it, you have
no business here.

Frank Shamrock: Oh really?

(Frank Shamrock pushes his way past MsChif and into the room.  Jonny Storm and
El Mephisto quickly rush towards him to keep him away from the New York State
Heavyweight Champion Alex Wright, who will defend his title later tonight.)

Jonny Storm: Hey!  You can't come in here!

El Mephisto: This is our locker room!

Frank Shamrock: Relax guys...  I'm not here to hurt you... not this time,
anyway.  I'm here to give you notice.  New Europe has held a top spot in LIW
for quite a few months...  well, it's occurred to me that it doesn't have to
be that way.  With the talent I have, the spot should belong to me.  So... I
just thought I should tell you now.  It's nothing personal, but I'm going to be
putting together a group of usurpers to take that spot away from you.  Consider
yourself warned.  After this, the next time we meet, it's going to be a war.

(Shamrock turns and walks out of the room, right past the arriving Chris Sabin.)

Chris Sabin: Oh, hey Frank.  How's it going?

(Sabin walks into the locker room, and seems puzzled when everyone present is
staring at him.)

Chris Sabin: ...what?

Jonny Storm: You idiot!  Frank Shamrock was trying to threaten us!  Nobody
pushes New Europe around, Sabin!  You know that...  Now... tonight you'll
be facing Frank Shamrock in the top contender's match.  Take him down.  
Humiliate him.  Make him suffer!

Chris Sabin: Humiliation costs extra.

Jonny Storm: Whatever!  Just... you know what to do.

Chris Sabin: Yeah, I know exactly what I have to do...

(Fade out)

Cactus Jack vs. "The Deutschland Destroyer" Alex Wright in a match for the New York State Heavyweight Title

Cactus Jack hits Alex Wright with a kick to the midsection.
Cactus Jack gives the sign for the Stump-Pulling Piledriver.
Cactus Jack takes Alex Wright down with a Stump-Pulling Piledriver.
Cactus Jack covers Alex Wright.
Ted Blandford counts: One, kickout.
Cactus Jack complains about a slow count.
Alex Wright uses an inside cradle on Cactus Jack.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Alex Wright goes for an armdrag takedown, but Cactus Jack counters it with
a Cactus Clothesline.
Cactus Jack uses a bodyslam on Alex Wright.
Cactus Jack hits a kneedrop on Alex Wright.
Cactus Jack goes for a faceslam, but Alex Wright blocks it.
Alex Wright executes a back heel kick on Cactus Jack.
Alex Wright executes a back suplex on Cactus Jack.
Alex Wright hits Cactus Jack with a back suplex.
Alex Wright executes an enzuigiri to the face on Cactus Jack.
Alex Wright dances for the crowd.
A fan at ringside badmouths Alex Wright.
Alex Wright locks Cactus Jack in a front facelock.
Alex Wright lets go after 12 seconds.
Alex Wright hits a spinning leg lariat on Cactus Jack.
Alex Wright whips Cactus Jack into the ropes.
Jonny Storm trips Cactus Jack.
Ted Blandford threatens Alex Wright with disqualification.
Ted Blandford warns Jonny Storm.
Ted Blandford is back on the job.
Alex Wright uses an enzuigiri to the face on Cactus Jack.
Alex Wright is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Alex Wright executes the Bavarian Neckbreaker on Cactus Jack.
Alex Wright goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Alex Wright goes for a double underhook piledriver, but Cactus Jack blocks it.
Cactus Jack gives the sign for the Stump-Pulling Piledriver.

Cactus Jack hits Alex Wright with an elbow.
Cactus Jack goes for a series of forearm smashes, but Alex Wright
ducks out of the way.
Alex Wright hits Cactus Jack with a moonsault bodyblock.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Alex Wright hits Cactus Jack with a flying bodypress.
Alex Wright uses the ropes for leverage.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, he sees it.
Alex Wright nails Cactus Jack with a flying bodypress.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Alex Wright hits a back suplex on Cactus Jack.
Alex Wright covers Cactus Jack.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Alex Wright whips Cactus Jack into the ropes.
Alex Wright hits Cactus Jack with a clothesline.
Alex Wright covers Cactus Jack.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Alex Wright executes an inside cradle on Cactus Jack.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Alex Wright goes for a chinlock deathlock submission, but Cactus Jack blocks it.
Cactus Jack hits Alex Wright with a vertical suplex.
Cactus Jack goes for a double underhook suplex, but Alex Wright
counters it with a backdrop.
In turn, Cactus Jack counters it with a sunset flip.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Cactus Jack whips Alex Wright into the ropes.
Alex Wright hits Cactus Jack with a shoulderblock.
Alex Wright hits Cactus Jack with a slingshot bodyblock.
Alex Wright pulls the tights.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
A fan at ringside badmouths Alex Wright.

The winner is Alex Wright. Time of match: 0:14:20

Alex Wright pinned Cactus Jack after a slingshot bodyblock in 0:14:20.
Rating: *** 1/4
(Alex Wright retained the New York State Heavyweight Title.)
[Jonny Storm interfered against Cactus Jack.]

Cactus Jack has been feuding with New Europe right since its founding, and this was his big opportunity to really hurt them by taking the gold away from them.  From the opening bell Cactus Jack beat the snot out of Alex Wright, who was only just barely able to keep out of reach of the demented Cactus Jack.  This changed, however, when Jonny Storm dashed down to ringside and tripped Cactus Jack, who turned to curse him out... only to fall victim to the Bavarian Neckbreaker from behind!  From that point on, Alex Wright controlled the match, taking Cactus Jack down time after time, trying to make a move stick, until finally a slingshot bodyblock put him down for a quick three.  As Cactus Jack staggers to his feet, Alex Wright and Jonny Storm dash to the back and out of the arena, laughing all the way at having stolen a victory from perhaps the biggest name in LIW today.

(Cactus Jack grabs a microphone as his opponents retreat.)

Cactus Jack: Storm!  Wright!  Dammit, tonight was supposed to be my night!  But
you... you had to take that from me!  You had to steal the victory that I had
RIGHT WITHIN MY GRASP, to take it RIGHT OUT FROM UNDER MY NOSE!  Let me tell
you right now, I am SICK AND TIRED of your bullshit!  You think you can hurt
me?

(Cactus Jack tears out a handful of his own hair and tosses it to the ground.)

Cactus Jack: Well, you're right!  Everyone thinks I don't feel pain, but I
do...  The difference between you and I is that you flee from the pain which
threatens to consume you... and I exhult in it!  I seek it out!  I am a sick
enough son of a bitch that I actually enjoy it when blood runs down my face!  I
enjoy getting up in the morning and barely being able to walk!  So Storm,
Wright... causing me pain, I can forgive!  What I can't forgive is you trying
to humiliate me time after time!  I can't forgive you goading me into lashing
out like some kind of animal!  All I can do... is GIVE YOU EXACTLY WHAT YOU
WANT!  Storm, Wright... YOU WANT TO SEE CACTUS JACK WHEN HE'S *TRULY* MAD?  
Next time I see you... and believe me, there WILL be a next time... I am going
to beat you into such a bloody pulp that your little children are going to
fear for your lives!  And I... will enjoy... EVERY SECOND OF IT!  EVERY SCREAM!  
EVERY TIME YOU BEG FOR MERCY!  STORM, WRIGHT... your time... draws near!  BANG
BANG!

The Oldschool Express vs. Masato Tanaka & Wataru Sakata in a match for the New York State Tag Team Titles

Masato Tanaka uses a lariat on Jimmy Snuka.
Wataru Sakata hits a backdrop driver on Jimmy Snuka.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Arn Anderson enters the ring and lays out Masato Tanaka.
Arn Anderson hits Wataru Sakata with a swinging neckbreaker.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Arn Anderson.
Jimmy Snuka takes Wataru Sakata down with a flying headbutt.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Arn Anderson leaves the ring.
Jimmy Snuka runs into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata hits Jimmy Snuka with a kick.
Wataru Sakata catches Jimmy Snuka in an achilles tendon hold.
Wataru Sakata lets go after 13 seconds.
Wataru Sakata executes the Single-Leg Crab Hold on Jimmy Snuka.
Jimmy Snuka tries to escape the hold.
Jimmy Snuka is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Jimmy Snuka summons one last burst of energy.
Ted Blandford asks Jimmy Snuka if he's had enough.
Jimmy Snuka shakes his head.
Ted Blandford asks Jimmy Snuka if he's still there.
Jimmy Snuka nods.
Ted Blandford asks Jimmy Snuka if he's had enough.
Jimmy Snuka shakes his head.
Ted Blandford asks Jimmy Snuka if he's had enough.
Jimmy Snuka shakes his head.
Jimmy Snuka breaks the hold with a jawbreaker after 52 seconds.
Jimmy Snuka nails Wataru Sakata with a gutwrench suplex.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Jimmy Snuka hits Ted Blandford with a gutwrench suplex.
Ted Blandford is out cold.
Ted Blandford slowly gets up.
Jimmy Snuka throws Wataru Sakata out of the ring.
Ted Blandford counts: one, two, three, four, five, Wataru Sakata
reenters the ring.

Wataru Sakata punches Jimmy Snuka.
The crowd erupts.
Jimmy Snuka kicks Wataru Sakata.
Jimmy Snuka has the crowd going wild.
Wataru Sakata punches Jimmy Snuka.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Wataru Sakata punches Jimmy Snuka.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Wataru Sakata.
Wataru Sakata locks Jimmy Snuka in a Fujiwara armbar.
Jimmy Snuka makes it to the ropes after being trapped for 8 seconds.
Wataru Sakata gets a Fujiwara armbar on Jimmy Snuka.
Jimmy Snuka is struggling to reach the ropes.
Jimmy Snuka is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Jimmy Snuka gets ahold of the ropes after 14 seconds.
Wataru Sakata gives him a roundhouse kick, but Jimmy Snuka doesn't budge.
Wataru Sakata hits a kick to the head on Jimmy Snuka.
Wataru Sakata executes the Single-Leg Crab Hold on Jimmy Snuka.
Jimmy Snuka is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Jimmy Snuka breaks the hold with a jawbreaker after 18 seconds.
Jimmy Snuka hits Wataru Sakata.
Jimmy Snuka hits Wataru Sakata.
The chants for Jimmy Snuka are deafening.
Jimmy Snuka goes for a backbreaker, but Wataru Sakata blocks it.
Wataru Sakata uses a spinning heel kick on Jimmy Snuka.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Wataru Sakata.
Wataru Sakata goes for a Fujiwara armbar, but Jimmy Snuka blocks it.
Jimmy Snuka goes for an atomic drop, but Wataru Sakata counters it with
a facerake.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Wataru Sakata.
Wataru Sakata uses a single-leg takedown on Jimmy Snuka.
Wataru Sakata catches Jimmy Snuka in a Fujiwara armbar.
Jimmy Snuka reaches the ropes after being locked up for 5 seconds.
Wataru Sakata punches Jimmy Snuka.
Wataru Sakata punches Jimmy Snuka.

Jimmy Snuka executes a reverse neckbreaker on Wataru Sakata.
Arn Anderson enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Jimmy Snuka and Arn Anderson whip Wataru Sakata into the ropes.
Jimmy Snuka and Arn Anderson hit Wataru Sakata with a double bodyslam.
Arn Anderson leaves the ring.
Jimmy Snuka hits an atomic drop on Wataru Sakata.
Jimmy Snuka uses a reverse neckbreaker on Wataru Sakata.
Jimmy Snuka hits Wataru Sakata with a gutwrench suplex.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Jimmy Snuka hits a reverse neckbreaker on Wataru Sakata.
The crowd is giving Jimmy Snuka a standing ovation.
Jimmy Snuka executes the Superfly Splash on Wataru Sakata.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Jimmy Snuka throws Wataru Sakata out of the ring.
Jimmy Snuka jumps onto him with a flying cross body press.
Jimmy Snuka whips Wataru Sakata into the guardrail.
Jimmy Snuka uses a bodyslam on Wataru Sakata.

Masato Tanaka leaves the ring.
Jimmy Snuka nails Wataru Sakata with an armdrag takedown.
Jimmy Snuka takes Wataru Sakata down with a vertical suplex.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Jimmy Snuka runs into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata hits Jimmy Snuka with a palm blow.
Wataru Sakata runs into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata misses with a kick.
Jimmy Snuka hits Wataru Sakata with a shoulderblock.
Jimmy Snuka goes for a reverse neckbreaker, but Wataru Sakata blocks it.
Wataru Sakata tags out to Masato Tanaka.
Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata whip Jimmy Snuka into the ropes.
They hit Jimmy Snuka with a double fist to the midsection.
Wataru Sakata leaves the ring.
Masato Tanaka uses the Running Forearm Smash on Jimmy Snuka.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Jimmy Snuka.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.

Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Jimmy Snuka.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, Arn Anderson makes the save.
Jimmy Snuka tags out to Arn Anderson.
Jimmy Snuka uses a reverse neckbreaker on Masato Tanaka.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Jimmy Snuka.
Wataru Sakata enters the ring and throws Jimmy Snuka out of the ring.
The crowd is giving Wataru Sakata a standing ovation.
Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata hit Arn Anderson with a double kneedrop.
Wataru Sakata leaves the ring.
Masato Tanaka nails Arn Anderson with a kick to the midsection.
Masato Tanaka hits Arn Anderson.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Masato Tanaka.
Masato Tanaka chops Arn Anderson.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Masato Tanaka executes a power bomb on Arn Anderson.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.

Arn Anderson punches Wataru Sakata.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Wataru Sakata hits Arn Anderson.
Wataru Sakata goes for a spinning heel kick, but Arn Anderson
ducks out of the way.
Arn Anderson executes the Spinebuster on Wataru Sakata.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, Masato Tanaka makes the save.
Wataru Sakata kicks Arn Anderson.
The crowd erupts.
Wataru Sakata punches Arn Anderson.
The crowd is giving Wataru Sakata a standing ovation.
Arn Anderson chops Wataru Sakata.
Arn Anderson kicks Wataru Sakata.
The crowd erupts.
Wataru Sakata punches Arn Anderson.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Wataru Sakata.
Wataru Sakata hits Arn Anderson.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Wataru Sakata.

Arn Anderson punches Wataru Sakata.
Arn Anderson hits Wataru Sakata with a flying clothesline.
The crowd is giving Arn Anderson a standing ovation.
Arn Anderson hits Wataru Sakata with a kneedrop.
Arn Anderson is going for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Arn Anderson executes a swinging neckbreaker on Wataru Sakata.
Arn Anderson runs into the ropes.
Arn Anderson nails Wataru Sakata with a swinging neckbreaker.
Arn Anderson whips Wataru Sakata into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata goes for a palm blow, but Arn Anderson blocks it.
Arn Anderson takes Wataru Sakata down with a forearm smash.
Arn Anderson locks Wataru Sakata in an abdominal stretch.
Wataru Sakata summons one last burst of energy.
Ted Blandford asks Wataru Sakata if he's had enough.
Wataru Sakata shakes his head.
Ted Blandford asks Wataru Sakata if he's still there.
Wataru Sakata nods.
Wataru Sakata makes it to the ropes after 22 seconds.
Arn Anderson goes for a forearm smash, but Wataru Sakata blocks it.
Wataru Sakata whips Arn Anderson into the ropes, but Arn Anderson reverses it.
Arn Anderson takes Wataru Sakata down with a faceslam.
Arn Anderson executes a swinging neckbreaker on Wataru Sakata.
Jimmy Snuka enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Masato Tanaka enters the ring and throws Jimmy Snuka out of the ring.
Masato Tanaka hits Arn Anderson with the Running Forearm Smash.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Masato Tanaka.

The winners are Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata. Time of match: 0:33:42

Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata defeated
The Oldschool Express (Arn Anderson and Jimmy Snuka) when M. Tanaka pinned
Anderson after the Running Forearm Smash in 0:33:43.
Rating: **** 3/4
(Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata retained the New York State Tag Team Titles.)

What a match!  The Oldschool Express and Tanaka & Sakata really took each other to their limits and beyond in this 30+ minute epic battle.  The crowd was solidly behind both teams from the start as everyone involved let it all hang out in hopes of taking the most coveted titles in tag team wrestling today.  Things started off simply enough, but quickly the lightning fast Japanese duo isolated Jimmy Snuka and kept him from tagging out for nearly 15 minutes.  It took all of Snuka's disciplign and training to keep from tapping to the Single Leg Crab Hold which he ended up surviving for nearly a minute and a half.  

When Snuka finally tagged out, the crowd leaped to their feet as The Enforcer cleaned house, and even hit the Spinebuster on Wataru Sakata for a nearfall.  Tanaka broke up the pinfall, however, and after several more minutes he was able to take advantage of the referee's growing fatigue by getting the pinfall over Double A when Sakata was the legal man.  Ladies and gentlemen, it's safe to say that this is probably LIW's match of the year for 2005 - they don't come much better than this.

"Master of the Eight Angles" Octagon vs. The Syndicate's new High Flier

And it's Too Cold Scorpio, just as predicted!

Too Cold Scorpio nails Octagon with a chop.
Too Cold Scorpio nails Octagon with a bodyslam.
Too Cold Scorpio executes the 450 Splash on Octagon.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Octagon runs into the ropes.
Octagon hits Too Cold Scorpio with an elbow.
Octagon runs into the ropes.
Too Cold Scorpio hits a roundhouse kick on Octagon.
Quite a few boos are audible.
Too Cold Scorpio grabs a hold of Octagon's mask.
Too Cold Scorpio tears away on the mask.
Octagon stops Too Cold Scorpio.
Too Cold Scorpio takes Octagon down with a chop.
Too Cold Scorpio runs into the ropes.
Octagon goes for a hiptoss, but Too Cold Scorpio reverses it.
Too Cold Scorpio executes a back suplex on Octagon.
Too Cold Scorpio hits a spinning leg lariat on Octagon.
Octagon bumps into Martin Kester.
Too Cold Scorpio nails Octagon with a somersault legdrop.
A few fans are booing Too Cold Scorpio.
Too Cold Scorpio takes Octagon down with a punch.
Too Cold Scorpio takes Octagon down with spinning headscissors.
Too Cold Scorpio takes Octagon down with a flying dropkick.
Too Cold Scorpio hits a flying cross body press on Octagon.
There is no referee to count.
Too Cold Scorpio gets back up.
Too Cold Scorpio hits a moonsault on Octagon.
There is no referee to count.
Russell Durand comes running down to the ring.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Too Cold Scorpio throws Russell Durand out of the ring.
Russell Durand is out cold.
Too Cold Scorpio goes for a standing moonsault, but Octagon counters it with
a kneelift.
Octagon runs into the ropes.
Too Cold Scorpio misses with a kick.
Too Cold Scorpio hits Octagon with a kick.
Martin Kester is sporting a dazed look but is back on the job.
Too Cold Scorpio uses a roundhouse kick on Octagon.
Too Cold Scorpio hits Octagon with a spinning leg lariat.
Too Cold Scorpio nails Octagon with a moonsault.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, three.
Quite a few boos are audible.

The winner is Too Cold Scorpio. Time of match: 0:08:49

Too Cold Scorpio pinned Octagon after a moonsault in 0:08:49.
Rating: ** 1/4

Octagon makes his way to the ring and awaits the International Thug Syndicate's new high flier... and... JUNGLE BOOGIE!  It is indeed Too Cold Scorpio!  Too Cold Scorpio took advantage of this fresh start to reassert himself as arguably the finest high flier in LIW today by gaining a decisive victory over Octagon.  Octagon fought as hard as he could, but in the end Scorpio proved to be too fast and too unpredictable.  A moonsault took Octagon down, and picked up another victory for the formidable Syndicate.

Your Main Event:
Mikey Whipwreck vs. Simon Diamond vs. Chris "HAIL!" Sabin vs. Frank Shamrock in a Top Contender's Match

Mikey Whipwreck hits Chris Sabin with a kick.
Mikey Whipwreck hits Chris Sabin with spinning headscissors.
Mikey Whipwreck hits a double underhook faceslam on Chris Sabin.
The crowd erupts.
Mikey Whipwreck tags out to Frank Shamrock.
Frank Shamrock runs into the ropes.
Frank Shamrock hits Chris Sabin with an elbow.
Frank Shamrock hits Chris Sabin with a kick to the head.
Frank Shamrock hits Chris Sabin with a forearm smash.
Frank Shamrock uses a mounted punch on Chris Sabin.
Frank Shamrock is going for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Frank Shamrock runs into the ropes.
Alex Wright pulls down the top rope.
Ted Blandford threatens Chris Sabin with disqualification.
Chris Sabin jumps onto him with a plancha.
Chris Sabin goes for the Future Shock, but Frank Shamrock blocks it.

Frank Shamrock puts Mikey Whipwreck in a guillotine choke.
Mikey Whipwreck is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Ted Blandford asks Mikey Whipwreck if he's still there.
Mikey Whipwreck nods.
Ted Blandford asks Mikey Whipwreck if he's had enough.
Mikey Whipwreck shakes his head.
Frank Shamrock lets go after 18 seconds.
Frank Shamrock hits Mikey Whipwreck.
Mikey Whipwreck punches Frank Shamrock.
Frank Shamrock kicks Mikey Whipwreck.
The crowd breaks into a "Shamrock!  Shamrock!" chant.
Mikey Whipwreck kicks Frank Shamrock.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Mikey Whipwreck.
Mikey Whipwreck hits Frank Shamrock.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Mikey Whipwreck chops Frank Shamrock.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

Mikey Whipwreck hits Frank Shamrock with a bodyslam.
Mikey Whipwreck runs into the ropes.
Mikey Whipwreck hits a leg lariat on Frank Shamrock.
Mikey Whipwreck hits a spinning heel kick on Frank Shamrock.
Mikey Whipwreck goes for a spinning heel kick, but Frank Shamrock blocks it.
Frank Shamrock hits a fist to the midsection on Mikey Whipwreck.
Frank Shamrock whips Mikey Whipwreck into the ropes, but Mikey Whipwreck
reverses it.
Frank Shamrock hits Mikey Whipwreck with a clothesline.
Mikey Whipwreck falls out of the ring.
Frank Shamrock goes outside.
Ted Blandford counts:  1.
Frank Shamrock climbs back into the ring.
Mikey Whipwreck rolls back in under the bottom rope.
Frank Shamrock tags out to Simon Diamond.
Simon Diamond hits a fallaway slam on Mikey Whipwreck.
Simon Diamond hits Mikey Whipwreck with a fallaway slam.
Simon Diamond is going for the pin.
Simon Diamond pulls the tights.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
Numerous fans are using Simon Diamond for target practice.

The winner is Simon Diamond. Time of match: 0:13:05

Number-One-Contenders-Four Corners Match:
Simon Diamond defeated Mikey Whipwreck, Chris Sabin and Frank Shamrock when
Diamond pinned Mikey after a fallaway slam in 0:13:05.
Rating: *** 1/2
[Alex Wright interfered against Frank Shamrock.]

Four men entered this match hoping to become the new Top Contender for the New York State Heavyweight Title, and when the smoke cleared Simon Diamond was left standing.  Sabin and Shamrock largely cancelled each other out of the match once Alex Wright interfered, sending Frank Shamrock to the floor.  Simon Diamond was therefore left in the ring with Mikey Whipwreck, who panicked and tried to escape, only to back himself into a corner and eat a pair of fallaway slams from Diamond, who quickly picked up the victory.

As his music played, Simon Diamond stood in the center of the ring and gestured towards Alex Wright, shouting that soon the belt would belong to the International Thug Syndicate.  This cued New Europe to hit the ring, quickly dumping Diamond to the floor.

Then, out of nowhere, Chris Sabin turned and laid out Jonny Storm with a hard right hand!  Frank Shamrock slides into the ring, dumps El Mephisto, and locks Alex Wright in the Ankle Lock Submission!  Future Shock by Sabin to Jonny Storm!  And here comes Stevie Ray, Too Cold Scorpio and Atlantis of the Syndicate!  There is total chaos reigns as members of all three factions brawl at ringside, and we are out of time!

Card rating: ** 3/4

Match of the Evening: The Oldschool Express vs. Masato Tanaka & Wataru Sakata

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Snabbit888Posted on 02/25/05 at 03:20:38

The DQ ending isn't super strong, but it gives Nash/Jindrak a reason to continue what has been a pretty good feud.  Makes Jindrak even more dead set on getting a clean pinfall victory over Big Sexy.  Good opener.

LIW finally caught a bit of the dreaded GCW injury bug.  Neck injuries are not good, and it would suck to lose Booker T for too long because TITS are a major part of the show.  I really like the Lance Storm/Kid Kash team though.  They seem to fit well together.  They don't win, but it's a good team. :)

Ron Harris gets the bell rung prematurely on him!  Nice little twist to having someone who you didn't want to win, win the match.

Oh no... not more Frank Shamrock. :( I love how Sabin always says the wrong things though.

Wright is still the champ, which makes me happy, especially because he did it so cheaply.  And a great fired up promo by Cactus right after.  Well done.

Great tag title match with the right result.  Anderson and snuka looked good in defeat, and the champs get a great rub from the veterans.  And **** 3/4 to boot.

Nothing too special from 2 Cold and Octagon.  Scorpio's the flier, as expected, and he wins.  Went just as it should.

Simon Diamond is the number-one contender!  SABIN SWERVE!  A lot of good chaos at the end to set up future faction battles.  Good way to end 2005.
Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/25/05 at 03:59:24

Obviously this isn't the last interaction you'll see between Jinrak and Nash.  Their matches against each other have the tendency to blow goats, but at the same time it's been a pretty interesting storyline.  Should be interesting to see how it progresses from here...

I was surprised by the injury to Booker T.  Like I said, though, read the newsline.  I'm not revealing how bad it is until then.  As for Storm and Kash, I do believe they have yet to win a match.  But you're right, they do seem to work well as a team.  Perhaps I shall give them a push...

The most frustrating thing about running an unbooked fed is the fact that sometimes the guys you want to push JUST DON'T WANT TO WIN.  AT ALL.  I haven't given up on the big lug yet, though.  He's just FINALLY starting to get over in spite of his god-awful stats.

Bwahahaha!  Witness your worst nightmare... the FRANK SHAMROCK PUSH OF DOOM!!!!  (Thunderclap)

Actually, the only reason I chose him is that I needed a highly ranked face to turn heel, and I don't really have a lot of those at the moment that weren't already busy.  So it was kinda Frank by default.  Still, he's had a shot at the title and looked very good, so I think he can handle it.

I'm really enjoying Alex Wright's reign as champion.  Unfortunately, no matter what I do and who I put him over, he steadfastly refuses to get a heat of over 5.  So while I enjoy his reign, I guess the fans don't feel like he's worthy of the belt... which, to be fair, is sort of appropriate for the kind of heel that he is.

I was extremely surprised by the tag team match, as it ended up going something like 12 minutes longer than I booked it to.  The crowd was crazy hot for the whole thing, though, and the match ended up being 2005's MOTY, so I can't really complain.  Tanaka and Sakata are proving to be excellent champions, and I'm really enjoying the Oldschool Express's run.

I liked the placement of the Scorpio/Octagon match on the card, as it gave the fans a bit of a chance to cool down while still giving them a lot of spiffy moves to cheer for.  Like you said, nothing special, but it did its job.

I really liked the way the last match worked out.  Poor Mikey Whipwreck got beat down just like he expected, and Frank Shamrock and Chris Sabin were too busy trying to look convincing that they didn't stop Diamond.  Diamond really deserves a shot, I think, because ITS was robbed of its title shot a few shows back, and because Diamond nearly won the title in the first show.  Alex Wright vs. Simon Diamond should be good... if the booking committee (which definately doesn't like ITS) doesn't find a way to take the top contendership from him...

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/26/05 at 16:38:19

LIW Newsline - 12/25/05

Merry Christmas everyone!  Final Battle 2005 was a huge success as expected, with the fans getting a real treat just weeks before Christmas by witnessing one of the finest matches in professional wrestling history between The Oldschool Express and Masato Tanaka & Wataru Sakata.  Due to the success LIW has had in Long Island and Buffalo with cards featuring exciting matchups like this, we are ready to undergo a period of expansion.  Expect to see new markets opening up and shows held more frequently over the next year.  Case in point, our first show of the new year which will be held on January 6 2006 is going to be bringing the LIW product to central New York by traveling to Utica.  While Utica is a fairly small city, we are confident that this location will allow fans from around the state to make the trip to see their favorite stars perform.

Word has reached us that Sgt. Slaughter and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, who have been wrestling for LIW as Team USA since the start, have decided that it is time to hang up their wrestling boots and retire.  LIW would like to thank these two legitimate legends of wrestling for all the great memories they gave the fans over the first year of LIW's history.  Ron Harris, who was hoping to get revenge on Slaughter for his defeat at Final Battle 2005, declined to comment when informed about Slaughter's retirement.

January 6th's show will start off with a match between the recently debuted Aviv Maayan and a new star who has just signed a contract with LIW.  We're not prepared to announce who this wrestler is just yet, but we can say that he is a man who has held titles in ECW, WCW, and the then WWF.  Aviv Maayan is proud to have been selected as the welcoming committee in this match, and has stated that he hopes to get his first victory against his opponent.  Will young Aviv Maayan be able to get the victory he is searching for when he faces a true journeyman of the sport?

Also at the show, there will be a huge Triangle Tag Team Match featuring Atlantis and Simon Diamond of the International Thug Syndicate facing Lance Storm & Kid Kash and Michael Shane & Frankie Kazarian.  None of these teams are particularly high in the tag team rankings, so a victory here could well push one of them into title contention.

Frank Shamrock declared in no uncertain terms at Final Battle 2005 that he intends to take the top spot away New Europe, and his claim seemed infinately more serious when New Europe's mercenary Chris Sabin turned on them and aligned himself with Shamrock, forming the basis for a group that Shamrock has taken to calling The Usurpers.  The booking committee wishes to test the strength and resolve of this new team, so they have booked the following match.  Shamrock, Sabin, and a partner of their choosing from outside of LIW will face Edge (in his return to active competition after the departure of Christian), his new partner Vampiro, and a partner of their choosing from outside of LIW.  This should be a huge six man tag team match, and because we have no idea who these two teams will find, this could go either way!

Finally, the Tag Team Champions of Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata (now referring to themselves as "Dangan") were apparently dismayed by the focus of the fans on the chaos between the three factions in LIW rather than on their classic match.  Accordingly, they have issued a challenge to the leadership of any of the three factions to meet them in a non-title tag team match in the main event.  Booker T is injured (keep watching for an update on his condition), so Harlem Heat will be unable to accept this challenge, and Frank Shamrock and Chris Sabin are already involved in a match.  Therefore, the undefeated tag team champions will face New York State Heavyweight Champion Alex Wright and New Europe's leader "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm in a tag team match to headline the January 6 show.  Is New Europe a strong enough team to deal the first defeat to Dangan, or will Tanaka and Sakata teach Storm's group a lesson in humility?

LIW Top Five:
Champion: Alex Wright

1) Simon Diamond - Simon Diamond takes advantage of the opportunity granted by the booking committee to take the top contendership for the International Thug Syndicate for the second time.  The last time this happened, New Europe managed to wrestle contendership away from them.  Will Diamond be able to hold onto it this time?  If his record is any indication, he just might.  Simon Diamond was very nearly the first ever New York State Heavyweight Champion, and up until he lost to Kensuke Sasaki he was undefeated in LIW.  Joining the Syndicate has seemingly lit a fire under his ass, and he seems to be moving up the card once again, as evidenced by this win.

2) Mark Jindrak - Jindrak's defeated Kevin Nash at Final Battle 2005 even if the victory wasn't as clean as he may have liked.  After that victory, Jindrak declared that he would not rest until he had taken the New York State Heavyweight Title.  Given his success in LIW thus far, a victory by Jindrak doesn't seem like an unlikely event.  Therefore, he remains in the number 2 spot.  It will take a victory in a top contender's match to catapult him to number one.

3) Arn Anderson - Arn Anderson may have lost in his tag team title match at Final Battle 2005, but what a match it was!  After going over 30 minutes in what was probably his best match in a decade, Anderson has enough momentum to move up one rank and capture the number 3 spot.  

4) Mikey Whipwreck - Mikey Whipwreck falls to a pair of fallaway slams by the new Top Contender Simon Diamond in the contendership match, but his record remains quite impressive.  His showing was even impressive enough that he moved up a rank this month from 5 to 4.  Still, he lacks a win over a high level wrestler, and without that he's going to need to rack up a lot of victories to rise above the spot he's presently in.

5) Jonny Storm - Jonny Storm was no in action at Final Battle 2005, but the mere fact that Frank Shamrock went to him to announce his new stable and its goals shows just how much influence the British Sensation has.  That, along with Storm's strong 8-5 record thus far, is enough to get him back onto the top five list this month.  It appears that Jonny Storm will continue to be a top player in LIW as we head into 2006.

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
VertigoPosted on 02/26/05 at 19:25:58

I read this card last night and was intrigued. This is by far my favorite circuit to follow. I think the stories are great (and told so well that they're easy to follow) and the roster is different than what a lot of people are seeing on here.

I'm glad to see Alex Wright kept the championship, and while Snabbit fears the Frank Shamrock push of doom, I think it's great.

I was hoping the Legends would beat Tanaka & Sakata, but oh well - at least they went down in a blaze of glory and according to the rankings, Double A might be moving on to even higher profile matches.

I kind of feel like Ron Harris lost a lot of momentum with his loss to the Sarge, and it was even made worse with the retirement announcement. I think it would have been better if Harris got revenge in a decisive way.
Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/28/05 at 19:01:50

LIW Newsline - 2/27/05

We are less than two weeks from the first LIW show of 2006, and already the air of excitement in our offices is palpable. Tickets for January 6's show, which is now being referred to as New Year's Knockout, are selling quickly, and we expect to see fans from across the state and beyond when we make our Utica debut. We will be spending the next week preparing for our debut in this new city, so we offer you the latest news now because we will not be in the office much in the next few days.

As was noted previously, Harlem Heat member and International Thug Syndicate leader Booker T suffered a neck injury at Final Battle 2005. He has since had several scans and been examined by several specialists, and all seem to agree that his injury is nothing more serious than a stinger. Booker T will miss approximately the next month of shows just in case, but it looks like he is going to be okay and will not require surgery.

Word has reached us that the flamboyant Rico will be leaving LIW and professional wrestling to pursue a lifelong ambition of becoming a broadway costume designer. While Rico has not ruled out an eventual return to the ring if his career permits, he is said to be in good spirits. When approached for comment, he said, "LIW has just been FABULOUS for me, but have you SEEN what they're WEARING on Broadway these days? Those poor actors need me, sugarcheeks, so as much as I simply ADORE rolling around in a ring with sweaty, muscular men... my calling is clear." We at the LIW office would like to wish Rico the best, as he is a great talent and a legitimately good man, even if he does make us feel kind of funny when he calls us sugarcheeks.

The Oldschool Express of Arn Anderson and "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka are dissappointed by their defeat at the hands of tag team champions Dangan, but remain optimistic for their future in the tag team division. Both men are eager to qualify once again, so they have challenged Don Juan and Octagon to a match at New Years Knockout to ensure they rise to the top of the ranks once more. If reports are to be believed, Anderson is pushing for the match to be made an oldschool Bunkhouse Brawl. Don Juan, now returning from his one month suspension after brawling with Paul London in a barfight, claims that he is ready for any stipulation the Oldschool Express can come up with.

Rounding out New Years Knockout will be a four corners match featuring 3 major LIW stars as well as a new debut. Already confirmed for the match are Cactus Jack, Ron Harris, and Kevin Nash. With three of the biggest and most powerful wrestlers in LIW already in this match, will the newly debuting wrestler be able to compete? And who will it be? Cactus Jack has already said that he intends to win this match to send a message to New Europe - can he deliver? Or will Nash and Harris prove to be too much for him?

Finally, "The Ironman" Mark Jindrak will be in singles action against New Europe's own El Mephisto. Jindrak announced at Final Battle 2005 that he wanted the title, and we believe he hopes to qualify to contend for it by working his way up through the ranks of New Europe. El Mephisto hasn't had the greatest amound of success in LIW thus far while Jindrak has been all but unstoppable. MsChif of New Europe has promised that Mephisto will prove his skills by pinning Jindrak in the center of the ring for a clean three. Reports from Jindrak's camp indicate that he is expecting interference, but that he expects to roll over El Mephisto so fast that they won't have much chance to do anything, because he will have barely broken a sweat.

Matches confirmed for New Year's Knockout:
* Aviv Maayan vs. A newly signed wrestler
* Atlantis & Simon Diamond of ITS vs. Lance Storm & Kid Kash vs. Michael Shane & Frankie Kazarian
* The Oldschool Express vs. Don Juan & Octagon in a Bunkhouse Brawl
* Cactus Jack vs. TBA vs. Kevin Nash vs. Ron Harris
* Frank Shamrock, Chris Sabin & a partner vs. Vampiro, Edge & a partner
* Mark Jindrak vs. El Mephisto
* Dangan vs. Jonny Storm & Alex Wright of New Europe in a Non-Title match

Also confirmed for the show are Edward Chastain & Mikey Whipwreck.

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"