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LIW I Am Ironman - 10/9/05

Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/12/05 at 20:21:52

Hmm.  I like the way this card turned out.  A couple of potentially interesting new additions to the roster, some unexpected results, and some interesting storyline progression made this show a lot of fun to watch as it ran.  I would have liked a few higher ranked matches, but there wasn't really anything unwatchable on the show, so it'll do nicely.

*****

(As we fade in, we see WWE's Paul London surrounded by an entourage of
bodyguards outside the building talking on his cel phone.)

Paul London: Yeah... No, I haven't found a partner yet.  But I doubt I'll need
one.  I mean, I'm at some no-name indy show in Buffalo, for god's sake.  And
I'm only facing Don Juan... let me tell you, out of all the students at Rudy's
school, Don Juan was probably the worst... hell, even Ikaika Loa had more
charisma than Don Juan!  Uh huh...  I see what you mean...  yeah, a loss WOULD
reflect badly on WWE.  Okay.  So I'll find a partner, then...  Sure.  Okay.
Bye.

(Perhaps conveniently, New Europe's MsChif happens to be eavesdropping from
the doorway.  As London hangs up the phone, she approaches.  The bodyguards
move to block her, but London waves them away.)

MsChif: Look.  I overheard that you're still trying to find a partner...  And I
think I have a deal you might be interested in.  I know you're not that happy
where you're working, so if you decide to leave them...

(She pulls a business card out from her cleavage)

MsChif: ...call me.  New Europe could use a rising star like you... especially
since Sabin seems to be more concerned with doing his own thing than being a
team player.  Think about that.  In the mean time, New Europe would be happy to
provide you with a partner tonight.  All you have to do is...

(Fade out)

Don Juan & Octagon vs. Paul London & El Mephisto

Paul London tags out to El Mephisto.
El Mephisto and Paul London hit Don Juan with a double dropkick.
Paul London leaves the ring.
El Mephisto uses a chop on Don Juan.
El Mephisto executes a dropkick on Don Juan.
El Mephisto hits a back heel kick on Don Juan.
El Mephisto gets an abdominal stretch on Don Juan.
Don Juan is struggling to reach the ropes.
Don Juan is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Don Juan inches his way towards the ropes after 8 seconds.
El Mephisto runs into the ropes.
El Mephisto misses with a clothesline.
El Mephisto takes Don Juan down with a back heel kick.
El Mephisto runs into the ropes.
El Mephisto hits Don Juan with a shoulderblock.
El Mephisto runs into the ropes.
Don Juan hits a lariat on El Mephisto.
Don Juan tags out to Octagon.
Don Juan nails El Mephisto with the Ace Crusher.
The chants for Don Juan are deafening.
Octagon hits a flying cross body press on El Mephisto.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, three.
Octagon is getting a good reaction from the crowd.

The winners are Don Juan and Octagon. Time of match: 0:04:20

Don Juan and Octagon defeated Paul London and El Mephisto when Octagon pinned
Mephisto after a flying cross body press in 0:04:26.
Rating: **

Don Juan entered the ring with Octagon, who has proven time and time again to be one of the top high fliers in LIW.  Paul London, however, not only entered with El Mephisto of New Europe, he entered to the triumphant chorus of "Ode To Joy" that New Europe uses as their theme with MsChif at his side.  From the beginning of this match, Paul London was dominant, tearing into his rival Don Juan with a fury that Don Juan had difficulty countering.  When he tagged in El Mephisto, however, Don Juan and Octagon quickly took over the match, and after an Ace Crusher by Don Juan and a cross body by Octagon, the match was quite abruptly over, leaving Paul London fuming on the outside.  After a defeat like that, you have to believe that London will find a way to get revenge on Don Juan sooner or later.

Frank Shamrock vs. Rico vs. "The Notorious KID" Kid Kash

Rico hits Frank Shamrock with an elbow.
Rico runs into the ropes.
Rico hits Frank Shamrock with a kick.
Rico hits Frank Shamrock with a kick to the midsection.
Rico goes for a bodyslam, but Frank Shamrock blocks it.
Frank Shamrock hits a roundhouse right on Rico.
Frank Shamrock throws Rico into the turnbuckle.
Frank Shamrock puts Rico in a single-leg takedown into a leglock.
Kid Kash makes the save.
Frank Shamrock sends Rico into the turnbuckle.
Frank Shamrock charges into the corner.
Frank Shamrock tags out to Kid Kash.
Kid Kash whips Rico into the ropes.
Kid Kash uses an armdrag takedown on Rico.
Kid Kash executes an eye gouge on Rico.
Kid Kash runs into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak hits Kid Kash in the back with a chair.
Harry Alston threatens Rico with disqualification.
Rico runs into the ropes.
Rico goes for the Sudden Impact, but Kid Kash counters it with a duck-down move.
Kid Kash takes Rico down with a springboard clothesline.
Kid Kash places Rico on the turnbuckle.
Kid Kash executes a top-rope Frankensteiner on Rico.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Kid Kash goes for a belly-to-back suplex, but Rico
turns in mid-air and lands on him.
Rico uses the ropes for leverage.
Harry Alston counts: One, he sees it.
Harry Alston threatens Rico with disqualification.
Rico tags out to Frank Shamrock.
Frank Shamrock executes a slap on Kid Kash.
Frank Shamrock takes Kid Kash down with a roundhouse right.
Frank Shamrock takes Kid Kash down with a fist to the midsection.
Frank Shamrock hits Kid Kash with a single-leg takedown.
Frank Shamrock takes Kid Kash down with a fist to the midsection.
Frank Shamrock goes for a guillotine choke, but Kid Kash blocks it.
Mark Jindrak throws Frank Shamrock a road sign.
Frank Shamrock tries to use it, but Kid Kash blocks the blow and
takes it away from him.
Kid Kash hits Frank Shamrock with it and goes for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, Mark Jindrak distracts Harry Alston.
Kid Kash tags out to Rico.
Rico uses a chop on Frank Shamrock.
Rico chops Frank Shamrock.
Rico chops Frank Shamrock.
The crowd breaks into a "Shave Your Face!" chant.
Rico tags out to Kid Kash.
Kid Kash runs into the ropes.
Frank Shamrock hits a kick to the midsection on Kid Kash.
Frank Shamrock tags out to Rico.

Frank Shamrock puts Kid Kash in a single-leg takedown into a leglock.
Kid Kash tries to escape the hold.
Kid Kash is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Kid Kash grabs the ropes after being trapped for 19 seconds.
Frank Shamrock executes the Ankle Lock Submission on Kid Kash.
Kid Kash is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Kid Kash tries to escape the hold.
Kid Kash is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Rico makes the save.
Kid Kash punches Frank Shamrock.
Kid Kash chops Frank Shamrock.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Frank Shamrock chops Kid Kash.
The crowd is giving Frank Shamrock a standing ovation.
Frank Shamrock goes for a kick to the head, but Kid Kash blocks it.
Kid Kash hits Frank Shamrock with a chop.
Kid Kash executes flying headscissors on Frank Shamrock.

Kid Kash kicks Frank Shamrock.
Numerous fans are using Kid Kash for target practice.
Kid Kash uses flying headscissors on Frank Shamrock.
Kid Kash goes for the Doctor Bomb, but Frank Shamrock counters it with
a backdrop.
Frank Shamrock executes a kick to the head on Kid Kash.
Frank Shamrock puts Kid Kash in a single-leg takedown into a leglock.
Kid Kash is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Kid Kash tries to fight the pain.
Kid Kash submits after 14 seconds.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Frank Shamrock.

The winner is Frank Shamrock. Time of match: 0:16:54

Triangle Match:
Frank Shamrock defeated Rico and Kid Kash when Frank Shamrock made Kash
submit to a single-leg takedown into a leglock in 0:16:54.
Rating: *** 3/4
[Mark Jindrak interfered against Kid Kash.]

Frank Shamrock begins to rise through the rankings once again with a tap out victory here over Kid Kash.  For whatever reason, Mark Jindrak involved himself in this match against Kid Kash - perhaps there is some bad blood between the two wrestlers, or perhaps Jindrak was simply psyching himself up for his Ironman match later tonight.  When questioned after leaving the ring area, Jindrak declined to comment.

Cactus Jack & Masato Tanaka vs. Jonny Storm & Lance Storm

Masato Tanaka throws Jonny Storm out of the ring.
Russell Durand counts: one, two, three, four, Jonny Storm reenters the ring.
Masato Tanaka nails Jonny Storm with a fist to the midsection.
Masato Tanaka whips Jonny Storm into the ropes, but Jonny Storm reverses it.
Jonny Storm and Masato Tanaka get hit with a double clothesline.
Jonny Storm whips Masato Tanaka into the ropes.
Jonny Storm hits Masato Tanaka with a clothesline.
Jonny Storm runs into the ropes.
Masato Tanaka goes for a spear, but Jonny Storm side-steps and Masato Tanaka
only hits air.
Jonny Storm tags out to Lance Storm.
Lance Storm throws Masato Tanaka out of the ring.
Lance Storm jumps onto him with a tope.
The crowd breaks into a "Impact Players!" chant.
Lance Storm runs Masato Tanaka into the ringpost.
Numerous fans are using Lance Storm for target practice.
Russell Durand counts:  1.

Masato Tanaka and Cactus Jack whip Jonny Storm into the ropes.
They attempt to hit Jonny Storm with a double elbowsmash, but he counters
it with a duck-down move.
Jonny Storm hits them with a double clothesline.
Cactus Jack leaves the ring.
Jonny Storm gives him a drop toe hold, but Masato Tanaka only stares at him.
Lance Storm enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Lance Storm hits a clothesline on Masato Tanaka.
Jonny Storm goes for a rolling reverse cradle, but Masato Tanaka reverses it.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Lance Storm leaves the ring.
Masato Tanaka throws Jonny Storm out of the ring.
Masato Tanaka goes through the ropes.
Cactus Jack comes over to make it two-on-one.
Masato Tanaka and Cactus Jack hit Jonny Storm with a double bodyslam.
Masato Tanaka throws Jonny Storm into the guardrail.
Russell Durand counts:  1.
Masato Tanaka whips Jonny Storm into the guardrail.
Masato Tanaka hits Jonny Storm with a power bomb.
Russell Durand counts:  2.
Russell Durand counts:  3.
Masato Tanaka hits a vertical suplex on Jonny Storm.
Masato Tanaka shoves Jonny Storm into the guardrail.
Masato Tanaka reenters the ring.
Jonny Storm climbs back into the ring.
Masato Tanaka runs into the ropes.
MsChif pulls down the top rope.
Russell Durand disqualifies Jonny Storm and Lance Storm.
Masato Tanaka has the crowd going wild.

The winners are Cactus Jack and Masato Tanaka. Time of match: 0:07:55

Cactus Jack and Masato Tanaka defeated Jonny Storm and Lance Storm when
M. Tanaka defeated J. Storm by disqualification in 0:07:55.
Rating: ** 1/2
[MsChif interfered against Masato Tanaka.]

Cactus Jack and Masato Tanaka worked exceptionally well together, taking advantage of their Hardcore style to batter Jonny and Lance Storm on the outside.  After about seven minutes, and with New Europe leader Jonny Storm at a definate disadvantage, MsChif pulled down the top rope, dumping Tanaka to the outside and getting her man DQ'd.  As Cactus checks on his partner, Jonny Storm hightails it out of the ring!

(A breathless Jonny Storm retreats towards the safety of the New Europe locker
room, and when turning the corner runs directly into the massive red overall
covered chest of Stevie Ray.)

Stevie Ray: IT'SA ME!  MARIO!

(Booker T, Simon Diamond, and Atlantis emerge from the shadows, surrounding
and dwarfing the British Sensation.)

Booker T: Now you listen here, sucka.  We won the top contendership fair an'
square last week.  An' if you know what's good for you, you won't try an' take
somethin' we EARNED from us...

Simon Diamond: Because we're sick of being overlooked, Storm.  Do you know what
that's like?  To have your talents passed over in favor of a pretty boy from
England and a washed up "legend?"

Altantis: I don't think so, homes...  But we have.  And you ain't gonna steal
the spotlight from us again.  You are going down tonight.  You can do this the
easy way, or the hard way.

Jonny Storm: I am NOT throwing the match.  The New York State Heavyweight Title
belongs to New Europe, and it's going to stay that way!

Stevie Ray: Then I'ma gonna stompya flatter' 'ana goomba!  WOOHOO!

(El Mephisto and Alex Wright, having heard the commotion by now, turn the
corner.)

El Mephisto: Is that so?

Alex Wright: Das ist not gut, gentlemen.  Now, unless you all want to be
suspended for starting a brawl backstage, I suggest you be on your way.  The
boss will see Atlantis in the ring later this evening.

(International Thug Syndicate jaws with New Europe for a moment longer before
turning to leave.  Several moments later, Chris Sabin arrives.)

Chris Sabin: What the hell just happened here?

Jonny Storm: Where the hell were you?  We pay you god only knows how much, and
you don't even bother to show your face in support of us against the Syndicate?

Chris Sabin: Sorry man.  I was washing my hair.  Just keep those paychecks
coming and it won't happen again...

(Jonny Storm looks less than pleased as we fade out.)

"The Deutschland Destroyer" Alex Wright vs. TBA in a Non-Title Match

And it's Vampiro!  Vampiro is Alex Wright's opponent!

Vampiro hits a kick to the midsection on Alex Wright.
Vampiro goes for a punch, but Alex Wright reverses it.
Vampiro re-reverses it.
Vampiro hits a chop on Alex Wright.
Vampiro goes for a flying spinning leg lariat, but Alex Wright
ducks out of the way.
Alex Wright hits Vampiro with a headbutt.
Alex Wright uses a front-layout suplex on Vampiro.
Alex Wright uses a front-layout suplex on Vampiro.
Alex Wright nails Vampiro with the Deutsch Suplex.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Vampiro goes for a vertical suplex, but Alex Wright counters it with
a small package.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Alex Wright goes for a headlock takedown, but Vampiro counters it with
a back suplex.
Vampiro covers Alex Wright.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, kickout.

Vampiro goes for a short arm scissors, but Alex Wright blocks it.
Alex Wright puts Vampiro in a front facelock.
Vampiro is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Vampiro inches his way towards the ropes after 10 seconds.
Alex Wright executes a Frankensteiner on Vampiro.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Alex Wright goes for the Deutsch Suplex, but Vampiro blocks it.
Vampiro goes for a series of slaps, but Alex Wright counters it with a facerake.
Alex Wright whips Vampiro into the ropes.
Vampiro hits Alex Wright with an elbow.
Vampiro whips Alex Wright into the ropes.
Vampiro misses with a clothesline.
Alex Wright hits Vampiro with a back heel kick.
Alex Wright uses an armdrag takedown on Vampiro.
Alex Wright goes for a back heel kick, but Vampiro counters it with a legsweep.
Alex Wright begs off.
Vampiro uses a lariat on Alex Wright.
Vampiro uses a legdrop on Alex Wright.
Vampiro goes for a vertical suplex, but Alex Wright counters it with
a small package.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, kickout.
Alex Wright complains about a slow count.
Vampiro nails Alex Wright with an inside cradle.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Vampiro goes for a legdrop, but Alex Wright rolls out of the way.
Alex Wright executes a flying headbutt on Vampiro.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is booing Alex Wright.

The winner is Alex Wright. Time of match: 0:08:57

Alex Wright pinned Vampiro after a flying headbutt in 0:08:57.
Rating: ***

The booking committee promised to find Alex Wright an opponent, and they did exactly that, bringing Vampiro in from Toronto for a match tonight.  Vampiro worked hard against Wright, but Wright is known as the Deutschland Destroyer for a reason, and Vampiro quickly fell victim to a series of stiff suplexes.  With Vampiro down, Wright flew across the ring with a Flying Headbutt to put an exclamation point on the match and pick up the victory.

Team USA vs. Chris "HAIL!" Sabin in a Handicap Match

They lock up.
Chris Sabin nails Jim Duggan with a dropkick.
Chris Sabin goes for a kneelift, but Jim Duggan side-steps and Chris Sabin
only hits air.
Jim Duggan executes a bodyslam on Chris Sabin.
Jim Duggan gives the sign for the Old Glory.
Sgt. Slaughter enters the ring.
Jim Duggan and Sgt. Slaughter hit Chris Sabin with the
Irish Whip and Three-Point Stance.
Jim Duggan goes for the pin.
The crowd is really behind Jim Duggan.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Jim Duggan runs into the ropes.
Jim Duggan uses a clothesline on Chris Sabin.
Jim Duggan takes Chris Sabin down with a kick to the midsection.
Jim Duggan runs into the ropes.
Chris Sabin executes a fist to the midsection on Jim Duggan.

Chris Sabin goes for a double kneelift, but Sgt. Slaughter blocks it.
Sgt. Slaughter takes Chris Sabin down with a vertical suplex.
Sgt. Slaughter nails Chris Sabin with a kick to the midsection.
Sgt. Slaughter nails Chris Sabin with a stomachbreaker.
The crowd is behind Sgt. Slaughter all the way.
Sgt. Slaughter executes a kneelift on Chris Sabin.
Sgt. Slaughter executes the Camel Clutch on Chris Sabin.
Jeffrey Brace checks Chris Sabin's arm.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Chris Sabin fights his way out of the hold after 16 seconds.
Chris Sabin hits Sgt. Slaughter with a flying dropkick.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Chris Sabin hits Sgt. Slaughter with a bootscrape.
Chris Sabin goes for a kick to the midsection, but Sgt. Slaughter blocks it.
Jim Duggan enters the ring to make it two-on-one.

Chris Sabin whips Sgt. Slaughter into the turnbuckle, but Sgt. Slaughter
reverses it.
Sgt. Slaughter charges into the corner.
Sgt. Slaughter goes for a spinebuster slam, but Chris Sabin counters it with
a kneelift.
Chris Sabin nails Sgt. Slaughter with a faceslam.
Chris Sabin whips Sgt. Slaughter into the ropes.
Sgt. Slaughter goes for an enzuilariato, but Chris Sabin counters it with
a single-leg takedown.
Chris Sabin goes for a tiger suplex, but Sgt. Slaughter blocks it.
Sgt. Slaughter runs into the ropes.
Sgt. Slaughter nails Chris Sabin with an enzuilariato.
The crowd erupts.
Sgt. Slaughter tags out to Jim Duggan.
Jim Duggan hits Chris Sabin with an elbowsmash.
Jim Duggan gives the sign for the Old Glory.
Jim Duggan executes the Old Glory on Chris Sabin.
The chants for Jim Duggan are deafening.
Jim Duggan goes for the pin.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Jim Duggan hits Chris Sabin with an elbowdrop.
Jim Duggan nails Chris Sabin with an atomic drop.
Jim Duggan hits a kick to the midsection on Chris Sabin.
Jim Duggan nails Chris Sabin with a hiptoss.
Jim Duggan runs into the ropes.
Chris Sabin misses with a kick.
Chris Sabin misses with a shoulderblock.
Jim Duggan hits a clothesline on Chris Sabin.
Jim Duggan whips Chris Sabin into the ropes.
Chris Sabin executes a rana on Jim Duggan.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Chris Sabin complains about a slow count.
Jim Duggan nails Chris Sabin with an inside cradle.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, kickout.
Jim Duggan goes for an inverted atomic drop, but Chris Sabin blocks it.

Jim Duggan uses a clothesline on Chris Sabin.
Jim Duggan executes the Old Glory on Chris Sabin.
The crowd is behind Jim Duggan all the way.
Jim Duggan goes for the pin.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Sgt. Slaughter enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Jim Duggan and Sgt. Slaughter hit Chris Sabin with a double clothesline.
Sgt. Slaughter leaves the ring.
Jim Duggan sends Chris Sabin into the turnbuckle, but Chris Sabin reverses it.
Chris Sabin charges into the corner, but Jim Duggan lifts his leg.
Jim Duggan whips Chris Sabin into the ropes.
Jim Duggan hits Chris Sabin with a kick.
Jim Duggan tags out to Sgt. Slaughter.
Jim Duggan takes Chris Sabin down with a bodyslam.
Sgt. Slaughter hits a diving shoulderblock on Chris Sabin.
Jim Duggan leaves the ring.
Sgt. Slaughter catches Chris Sabin in a cobra clutch.
Chris Sabin is inching his way towards the ropes.
Chris Sabin tries to fight the pain.
Chris Sabin submits after 14 seconds.
The crowd breaks into a "Yo Joe!" chant.

The winners are Team USA. Time of match: 0:19:23

Handicap-Match:
Team USA (Jim Duggan and Sgt. Slaughter) defeated Chris Sabin when Slaughter
made C. Sabin submit to a cobra clutch in 0:19:23.
Rating: **

Any wrestler competing in a handicap match, even a wrestler as gifted and dangerous as Chris Sabin, is at an extreme disadvantage.  Sabin's foolish pride obviously got the best of him when he accepted this match, but in the end he simply couldn't best two three hundred pounders at the same time.  He did hold his own for a surprisingly long time, but eventually they wore him down to the point where it was all Sabin could do to avoid losing.  Finally, after a 19 minute struggle, Sabin admitted defeat and tapped out to the Cobra Clutch.

The Harris Twins vs. Arn Anderson & A Partner

SUPERSUPERSUPERFLY!  Arn Anderson has brought "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka out of retirement to team with him!

Keith Bancroft counts:  2.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Arn Anderson nails Ron Harris with a snap mare.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Keith Bancroft counts:  3.
Arn Anderson shoves Ron Harris into the guardrail.
Arn Anderson hits Ron Harris with a forearm smash.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Keith Bancroft counts:  4.
Arn Anderson gives the IV Horsemen sign.
The crowd is giving Arn Anderson a standing ovation.
Arn Anderson shoves Ron Harris into the guardrail.
Arn Anderson gives the IV Horsemen sign.
The crowd breaks into a "Enforcer!  Enforcer!" chant.
Keith Bancroft counts:  5.
Arn Anderson climbs back into the ring.
Ron Harris rolls back in under the bottom rope.

Arn Anderson hits Don Harris with a side suplex.
Jimmy Snuka enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Arn Anderson and Jimmy Snuka hit Don Harris with a double atomic drop.
Jimmy Snuka leaves the ring.
Arn Anderson nails Don Harris with a bodyslam.
Arn Anderson is going for the cover.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, kickout.
Arn Anderson hits Don Harris with a DDT.
Arn Anderson tags out to Jimmy Snuka.
Ron Harris enters the ring, but gets cut off.
Jimmy Snuka and Arn Anderson whip Don Harris into the ropes.
They hit Don Harris with a double kick to the midsection.
Arn Anderson leaves the ring.
Jimmy Snuka takes Don Harris down with a kneedrop.
Jimmy Snuka is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Jimmy Snuka goes for a hiptoss, but Don Harris counters it with a lariat.
Ron Harris enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Don Harris and Ron Harris whip Jimmy Snuka into the ropes.
They attempt to hit Jimmy Snuka with a double clothesline, but he counters
it with a duck-down move.
Jimmy Snuka hits them with a double clothesline.
Ron Harris leaves the ring.
Jimmy Snuka takes Don Harris down with a gutwrench suplex.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, kickout.
Jimmy Snuka hits Don Harris with a chop.
Jimmy Snuka uses a backbreaker on Don Harris.
Jimmy Snuka is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Jimmy Snuka executes the Superfly Splash on Don Harris.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going crazy.

The winners are Arn Anderson and Jimmy Snuka. Time of match: 0:10:41

Arn Anderson and Jimmy Snuka defeated
The Harris Twins (Ron Harris and Don Harris) when J. Snuka pinned Heavy D
with the Superfly Splash in 0:10:41.
Rating: 3/4*

As Ron and Don Harris waited in the ring, Arn Anderson introduced his NEW tag team partner... "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka!  Snuka is just as much of a legend in the business as Arn Anderson, and these two old warhorses proved that they could still go by taking the highly ranked Harris Twins down a notch with an upset victory.  The crowd jumped to their feet as Snuka sailed across the ring with the Superfly Splash one more time, pinning Don Harris cleanly in the center of the ring.

International Thug Syndicate (Booker T, Stevie Ray & Simon Diamond), Kevin Nash & Scott Steiner vs. Edge & Christian, Michael Shane & Frankie Kazarian & Mikey Whipwreck

Kevin Nash enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Frankie Kazarian enters the ring, but gets cut off.
Booker T and Kevin Nash whip Mikey Whipwreck into the ropes.
They hit Mikey Whipwreck with a double fist to the midsection.
Kevin Nash leaves the ring.
Booker T executes a clothesline on Mikey Whipwreck.
Booker T covers Mikey Whipwreck.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, kickout.
Booker T hits Mikey Whipwreck with the Harlem Hangover.
Booker T whips Mikey Whipwreck into the ropes, but Mikey Whipwreck reverses it.
Booker T misses with an elbow.
Mikey Whipwreck hits Booker T with an elbow.
Mikey Whipwreck hits a forearm smash on Booker T.
Mikey Whipwreck uses a Western lariat on Booker T.
Mikey Whipwreck runs into the ropes.
Booker T hits Mikey Whipwreck with a shoulderblock.
Booker T goes for a kneelift, but Mikey Whipwreck side-steps and Booker T
only hits air.
The crowd breaks into a "He's Hardcore!  He's Hardcore!" chant.

Edge hits Booker T with a shoulderblock.
Edge uses a vertical suplex on Booker T.
Edge takes Booker T down with a kneelift.
Edge runs into the ropes.
Booker T uses a back heel kick on Edge.
Booker T whips Edge into the ropes.
Edge takes Booker T down with a swinging neckbreaker.
Edge whips Booker T into the turnbuckle.
Edge charges in with the Spear, but Booker T moves out of the way.
Booker T executes the Book End on Edge.
Booker T is going for the pin.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Edge nails Booker T with an inverted atomic drop.
Edge uses a forearm smash on Booker T.
Mikey Whipwreck enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Edge and Mikey Whipwreck hit Booker T with a double back suplex.
Mikey Whipwreck leaves the ring.
Edge runs into the ropes.

Michael Shane and Christian hit Scott Steiner with a double bodyslam.
Christian leaves the ring.
Michael Shane gives him a chop, but Scott Steiner only stares at him.
Scott Steiner hits Michael Shane.
Scott Steiner chops Michael Shane.
Michael Shane kicks Scott Steiner.
Michael Shane gives him a facerake, but Scott Steiner doesn't budge.
Michael Shane takes Scott Steiner down with a snap mare.
Michael Shane gives the sign for the Picture Perfect Elbow.
Michael Shane executes the Picture Perfect Elbow on Scott Steiner.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, Kevin Nash makes the save.
Michael Shane goes for a sleeperhold, but Scott Steiner blocks it.
Scott Steiner tags out to Kevin Nash.
Kevin Nash uses a lariat on Michael Shane.
A fan at ringside badmouths Kevin Nash.
Kevin Nash nails Michael Shane with a clothesline.
Kevin Nash goes for a bearhug, but Michael Shane counters it with a punch.

Michael Shane kicks Scott Steiner.
Scott Steiner kicks Michael Shane.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.
Scott Steiner hits Michael Shane.
Scott Steiner is being booed out of the building.
Scott Steiner chops Michael Shane.
The crowd is vociferously booing Scott Steiner.
Michael Shane punches Scott Steiner.
The crowd is giving Michael Shane a standing ovation.
Michael Shane uses a roundhouse right on Scott Steiner.
Michael Shane runs into the ropes.
Michael Shane misses with a kick.
Michael Shane gives him a short lariat, but Scott Steiner doesn't budge.
Michael Shane hits Scott Steiner with a drop toe hold.
Michael Shane sends Scott Steiner into the turnbuckle.
Michael Shane charges in with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex, but
Scott Steiner lifts his leg.
Scott Steiner takes Michael Shane down with a fallaway slam.
Scott Steiner nails Michael Shane with a kick to the midsection.
Scott Steiner goes for a legsweep faceslam, but Michael Shane blocks it.
Michael Shane gives him a drop toe hold, but Scott Steiner doesn't even care.
Scott Steiner runs into the ropes.
Michael Shane hits Scott Steiner with a shoulderblock.
Michael Shane gives the sign for the Picture Perfect Elbow.
Michael Shane executes the Picture Perfect Elbow on Scott Steiner.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, three.
Scott Steiner complains about a fast count.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

The winners are
Edge And Christian, Michael Shane, Frankie Kazarian and Mikey Whipwreck.
Time of match: 0:35:35

Edge And Christian (Edge and Christian), Michael Shane, Frankie Kazarian and Mik
ey Whipwreck defeated International Thug Syndicate (Booker T, Simon Diamond and
Stevie Ray), Kevin Nash and Scott Steiner when M. Shane pinned S. Steiner
with the Picture Perfect Elbow in 0:35:35.
Rating: ** 1/2

The International Thug syndicate and their mercenaries come up short against the coalition put together by the booking committee.  At first it appeared that a Syndicate victory was inevitable, because there was simply so much strength on their team that they seemed unbeatable.  But their opponents all had something in common: speed.  And once again, speed took the day, with Steiner eating a pair of Picture Perfect Elbows from Michael Shane and quickly being pinned.

After this defeat, the Syndicate was NOT pleased, and quickly laid out Steiner and Nash with chairshots, shouting that this was the price of failure!

"The British Sensation" Jonny Storm vs. "Mexico's Most Wanted" Atlantis

They lock up.
Atlantis hits a bodyslam on Jonny Storm.
Atlantis works the crowd.
The crowd breaks into a "Where's Your City" chant.
International Thug Syndicate come to ringside.
Atlantis whips Jonny Storm into the ropes.
Booker T trips Jonny Storm.
Martin Kester threatens Atlantis with disqualification.
Martin Kester warns Booker T.
Atlantis throws Jonny Storm out of the ring.
Atlantis rolls out under the bottom rope.
Atlantis executes a spinning backbreaker on Jonny Storm.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Atlantis hits Jonny Storm with spinning headscissors.
MsChif comes from behind, but Atlantis nails MsChif.
Booker T clobbers Jonny Storm from behind.
Atlantis whips Jonny Storm into the guardrail.
Atlantis executes a kick to the midsection on Jonny Storm.
Atlantis throws Jonny Storm back into the ring.
Atlantis goes for a dropkick, but Jonny Storm side-steps and Atlantis
only hits air.
Jonny Storm works the crowd.
The cheers for Jonny Storm are drowning out the boos.
Jonny Storm takes Atlantis down with a power bomb.
There is no referee to count.
Martin Kester is back on the job.
Jonny Storm runs into the ropes.
Atlantis hits Jonny Storm with a clothesline.
Jonny Storm falls out of the ring.
Martin Kester counts: one, two, three, four, Jonny Storm reenters the ring.
Atlantis covers Jonny Storm.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, kickout.
Atlantis whips Jonny Storm into the ropes.
Atlantis goes for a bodyslam, but Jonny Storm counters it with an elbowsmash.
Jonny Storm executes a T-Bone Suplex on Atlantis.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Atlantis whips Jonny Storm into the ropes.
Jonny Storm hits Atlantis with a clothesline.
Jonny Storm covers Atlantis.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, kickout.
Jonny Storm uses an armdrag takedown on Atlantis.
Jonny Storm chops Atlantis.
The crowd seems to be rallying behind Jonny Storm.
Jonny Storm hits Atlantis.
Jonny Storm hits Atlantis with a flying clothesline.
The cheers for Jonny Storm are drowning out the boos.
Jonny Storm is going for the cover.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Jonny Storm executes a bodyslam on Atlantis.
Jonny Storm is going for the cover.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, kickout.
Stevie Ray throws Atlantis a frying pan, but Jonny Storm intercepts it.
Jonny Storm hits Atlantis with it and goes for the pin.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
New Europe come to ringside.
Jonny Storm executes a clothesline on Atlantis.

Jonny Storm works the crowd.
The cheers for Jonny Storm are drowning out the boos.
Jonny Storm attempts to place Atlantis on the turnbuckle, but Atlantis
blocks it.
Jonny Storm takes Atlantis down with an elbowsmash.
Jonny Storm takes Atlantis down with a spin kick.
Jonny Storm locks Atlantis in a sleeperhold.
Martin Kester asks Atlantis if he should stop the fight.
Atlantis shakes his head.
Martin Kester asks Atlantis if he should stop the fight.
Atlantis shakes his head.
Martin Kester checks Atlantis's arm.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Atlantis fights his way out of the hold after 28 seconds.
Atlantis goes for a Swastika, but Jonny Storm blocks it.
Jonny Storm hits Atlantis with an Asai moonsault bodyblock.
Jonny Storm pulls the tights.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Jonny Storm hits Atlantis with a bodyslam.
Jonny Storm works the crowd.
The boos are resurfacing again.
Jonny Storm uses a flying cross body press on Atlantis.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, kickout.
Booker T throws Atlantis a fire extinguisher, but Jonny Storm intercepts it.
Jonny Storm hits Atlantis with it and goes for the pin.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, three.
All of a sudden, the boos are turning into almost unanimous cheers.

The winner is Jonny Storm. Time of match: 0:04:21

Number-One-Contenders-Match:
Jonny Storm pinned Atlantis after hitting him with a fire extinguisher in
          0:04:21.
Rating: *** 1/4
[Booker T and Stevie Ray interfered against Jonny Storm.]

The ITS tried its best to cost Storm the victory in this match, but ultimately it backfired.  As Storm pinned Atlantis after a shot with a fire extinguisher thrown into the ring by Booker T, ITS stormed the ring and lunged at Storm.  Storm ducked aside, and New Europe attacked, leaving the two factions brawling all over the ring area for nearly ten minutes until referees finally seperated the two groups.

When asked to comment on the situation, a representative of the booking committee backstage simply said "I love it when a plan comes together."

(Adrenaline by Gavin Rossdale hits, and Mark Jindrak makes his way to the ring
that was just cleared moments ago to a standing ovation.)

Mark Jindrak: Thank you, thank you!  I've been getting letters and emails about
my performance at The Gauntlet for almost a month now, and people have been
telling me how much they're looking forward to seeing another marathon
performance from me tonight...  Well, now I'm going to tell all of you what I
told them.  My victories last month, and my upcoming victory in just a moment
are NOT a fluke.  I really AM that good, and now that I have a chance to prove
it, there are going to be quite a few promoters out there kicking themselves for
not giving me the ball when they had the chance.  Because I would have run
with it for as long as I could.  There's a reason this show has the name it
does.  *I* am the Ironman.  I am Mark Jindrak.  And I am going to prove just how
good I am again tonight!  So Sakata...  I'm ready!  Let's do this!

"The Ironman" Mark Jindrak vs. Wataru Sakata in a 30 Minute Ironman Match

Wataru Sakata runs into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak misses with a clothesline.
Mark Jindrak goes for a bodyslam, but Wataru Sakata blocks it.
Wataru Sakata runs into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata takes Mark Jindrak down with a palm blow.
Wataru Sakata whips Mark Jindrak into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak hits Wataru Sakata with an elbow.
Mark Jindrak uses a bodyslam on Wataru Sakata.
Mark Jindrak nails Wataru Sakata with a belly-to-belly suplex.
Mark Jindrak nails Wataru Sakata with an inverted atomic drop.
The crowd is going crazy.
Mark Jindrak hits Wataru Sakata with an exploder suplex.
Mark Jindrak is going for the cover.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

The winner is Mark Jindrak. Time of match: 0:08:58

Wataru Sakata puts Mark Jindrak in an arm grapevine.
Mark Jindrak manages to grab the ropes after being trapped for 5 seconds.
Wataru Sakata whips Mark Jindrak into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata executes a chop on Mark Jindrak.
Wataru Sakata whips Mark Jindrak into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata goes for a kick to the midsection, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Mark Jindrak hits Wataru Sakata with a lariat.
Mark Jindrak uses a belly-to-belly suplex on Wataru Sakata.
The crowd is behind Mark Jindrak all the way.
Mark Jindrak runs into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak uses a lariat on Wataru Sakata.
Mark Jindrak whips Wataru Sakata into the ropes, but Wataru Sakata reverses it.
Mark Jindrak uses a lariat on Wataru Sakata.
The chants for Mark Jindrak are deafening.
Mark Jindrak whips Wataru Sakata into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on Wataru Sakata.
The chants for Mark Jindrak are deafening.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
The crowd erupts.

The winner is Mark Jindrak. Time of match: 0:12:49

Wataru Sakata takes Mark Jindrak down with a kneelift.
Wataru Sakata whips Mark Jindrak into the guardrail.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Wataru Sakata executes a kick to the head on Mark Jindrak.
Ted Blandford counts:  2.
Wataru Sakata takes Mark Jindrak down with a series of slaps.
Ted Blandford counts:  3.
Wataru Sakata reenters the ring.
Mark Jindrak climbs back into the ring.
Wataru Sakata goes for an armlock hammerlock submission, but Mark Jindrak
blocks it.
Mark Jindrak goes for a springboard clothesline, but Wataru Sakata
ducks out of the way.
Wataru Sakata runs into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata hits Mark Jindrak with a kick.
Wataru Sakata locks Mark Jindrak in a short arm scissors.
Ted Blandford checks Mark Jindrak's arm.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it falls.
Ted Blandford stops the match after 17 seconds.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Wataru Sakata.

The winner is Wataru Sakata. Time of match: 0:15:39

Mark Jindrak chops Wataru Sakata.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak punches Wataru Sakata.
The crowd erupts.
Mark Jindrak catches Wataru Sakata in a chokehold.
Ted Blandford warns Mark Jindrak to let go.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three, four.
Mark Jindrak hits a Gorilla Press on Wataru Sakata.
The crowd erupts.
Mark Jindrak whips Wataru Sakata into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata executes a high knee on Mark Jindrak.
Wataru Sakata executes a palm blow on Mark Jindrak.
Wataru Sakata gets a sleeperhold on Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak manages to grab the ropes after being locked up for 19 seconds.
Wataru Sakata uses a series of slaps on Mark Jindrak.
Wataru Sakata executes a chop on Mark Jindrak.
Wataru Sakata runs into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak hits Wataru Sakata with a powerslam.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

The winner is Mark Jindrak. Time of match: 0:19:52

Ted Blandford is out cold.
Wataru Sakata throws Mark Jindrak out of the ring.
Wataru Sakata goes outside.
Wataru Sakata hits Mark Jindrak with a kick to the head.
Wataru Sakata throws Mark Jindrak into the ringsteps.
Wataru Sakata throws Mark Jindrak into the guardrail.
Wataru Sakata shoves Mark Jindrak into the guardrail.
Wataru Sakata takes Mark Jindrak down with a series of slaps.
Wataru Sakata throws Mark Jindrak back into the ring.
Wataru Sakata locks Mark Jindrak in a Fujiwara armbar.
There is no referee there to ask Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak tries to escape the hold.
Jeffrey Brace comes running down to the ring.
Mark Jindrak inches his way towards the ropes after 17 seconds.
Wataru Sakata executes the Single-Leg Crab Hold on Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak tries to escape the hold.
Ted Blandford crawls back into the ring.
Ted Blandford is back on the job.
Ted Blandford disqualifies Wataru Sakata.
The crowd erupts.

The winner is Mark Jindrak. Time of match: 0:22:41

Mark Jindrak executes a dropkick on Wataru Sakata.
Mark Jindrak runs into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak goes for a lariat, but Wataru Sakata counters it with
a Fujiwara armbar.
Mark Jindrak tries to fight the pain.
Mark Jindrak tries to escape the hold.
Mark Jindrak is writhing in pain.
Ted Blandford asks Mark Jindrak if he's had enough.
Mark Jindrak nods.
Ted Blandford stops the fight after 28 seconds.
The crowd is giving Wataru Sakata a standing ovation.

The winner is Wataru Sakata. Time of match: 0:24:54

Wataru Sakata goes for a kneelift, but Mark Jindrak side-steps and Wataru Sakata
only hits air.
Mark Jindrak hits Wataru Sakata with a dropkick to the face.
Mark Jindrak whips Wataru Sakata into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata nails Mark Jindrak with a palm blow.
Wataru Sakata executes a backdrop driver on Mark Jindrak.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Wataru Sakata executes the Single-Leg Crab Hold on Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak breaks the hold after 8 seconds.
Mark Jindrak whips Wataru Sakata into the ropes, but Wataru Sakata reverses it.
Wataru Sakata hits Mark Jindrak with a kick to the midsection.
Wataru Sakata uses a palm blow on Mark Jindrak.
Wataru Sakata hits a spinning heel kick on Mark Jindrak.
Wataru Sakata throws Mark Jindrak out of the ring.
Wataru Sakata goes outside.
Wataru Sakata nails Mark Jindrak with a backdrop driver.
Ted Blandford counts:  1.
Wataru Sakata whips Mark Jindrak into the guardrail.
Ted Blandford counts:  2.
Ted Blandford counts:  3.
Wataru Sakata goes for a kick to the head, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Ted Blandford counts:  4.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Wataru Sakata takes Mark Jindrak down with a kneelift.
Ted Blandford counts:  5.
Wataru Sakata gets back into the ring.
Mark Jindrak follows him back in.
Wataru Sakata uses a chop on Mark Jindrak.
Wataru Sakata whips Mark Jindrak into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak and Wataru Sakata get hit with a double clothesline.
Mark Jindrak whips Wataru Sakata into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata and Mark Jindrak get hit with a double clothesline.
Wataru Sakata whips Mark Jindrak into the turnbuckle.
Wataru Sakata runs shoulder-first into the corner, but Mark Jindrak lifts his
knee.
Mark Jindrak hits Wataru Sakata with a chop.
Mark Jindrak runs into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata hits Mark Jindrak with a kick.
Wataru Sakata whips Mark Jindrak into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak misses with an elbow.
Mark Jindrak misses with a shoulderblock.
Wataru Sakata goes for a roundhouse kick, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Mark Jindrak executes an inverted atomic drop on Wataru Sakata.
Mark Jindrak executes a springboard clothesline on Wataru Sakata.
The bell rings. The time limit has expired.

Iron Man Match:
Mark Jindrak beat Wataru Sakata 4 falls to 2:
        x Jindrak beat Sakata via an exploder suplex in 0:08:58
        x Jindrak beat Sakata via the Mark Of Excellence in 0:12:49
        x Sakata beat Jindrak via a short arm scissors in 0:15:39
        x Jindrak beat Sakata via a powerslam in 0:19:52
        x Jindrak beat Sakata via disqualification in 0:22:41
        x Sakata beat Jindrak via a Fujiwara armbar in 0:24:54
        x time limit expired (Jindrak and Sakata) in 0:30:00
Rating: *** 3/4

What a match!  Mark Jindrak delivered on his promise here, although Sakata looked extremely credible against him.  Sakata actually dominated the first ten minutes of the match until Jindrak turned the tide with a quick Exploder for the first pinfall.  The Mark of Excellence followed several minutes later for the second fall.  Sakata, who had been working Jindrak's arm for the entire match thus far, managed to force Jindrak to tap out to a short arm scissors, thus bringing the fall count to 2-1.  A powerslam out of nowhere by Jindrak further widened the lead to 3-1, and due to Sakata taking out his frustration on the referee, what could have been a submission to his patented Single Leg Crab Hold instead became a DQ, making it 4-1.  The hold had done its damage, however, and Jindrak was limping noticably for the remainder of the match.  Sakata took advantage of this to take Jindrak down with an armbar, making the count 4-2.  Jindrak then spent the final 5 minutes of the match trying to evade Sakata, because both his left arm and his left leg were in bad enough shape that Sakata probably could have won a straight up battle.  

Finally, at 30 minutes the bell rang and Mark Jindrak's music played as The Ironman wearily offered his hand to Wataru Sakata.  The Tag Team Champion shook it after a moment, and the crowd cheered both men loudly as the show ended.

Card rating: ** 3/4

Match of the Evening: Mark Jindrak vs. Wataru Sakata - 30 Minute Ironman Match.

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
VertigoPosted on 02/12/05 at 21:12:59

I like "The Ironman" gimmick for Jindrak. It's definatly fitting for him in LIW. Sakata did show everyone, however, that Jindrak is only human and he can be hurt, especially with submissions.

Well, the WWE can't be too happy with Paul London being on the losing side of a tag team match in "some no-name indy in Buffalo.' Furthermore, London might actually KILL Don Juan!

Vampiro definatly made a formittable opponent for Alex Wright and "The Superfly" will always be a legend no matter where he works! Awesome to see him bring it home with the Superfly Splash.

I'm interested to see how Steiner & Nash go about getting revenge against ITS...
Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/14/05 at 15:41:17

Mark Jindrak pulls out another strong performance against another top-tier opponent, and once again the crowd loves every second of it.  After 2 shows of competing, Jindrak is already on the HOT list - and that's pretty much as fast as I've ever seen anyone end up there.  Considering his success thus far, I think the Ironman nickname fits him well.

Paul London might want revenge, but you have to think that after he ended up on the losing side in a much smaller promotion, it'll be quite some time before they allow him to return (if indeed they do).  One thing they can't do, however, is tell him how to spend his free time.  So it's quite likely that he'll be watching Don Juan from the crowd and stewing for the forseeable future.

I was very pleased with the wrestlers that the m key chose for me.  Vampiro should be a good fit, and like you said, Snuka is a hell of a legend.  I definately expect that he'll continue tagging with Arn Anderson - perhaps there will be more details in the Newsline later today... ;D

We shall see what Nash and Steiner do to get revenge against ITS.  The Syndicate certainly isn't going out of its way to make any friends in LIW, that's for sure...  Even the other heels despise them at this point.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Snabbit888Posted on 02/15/05 at 07:06:02

MsChif recruiting London, eh?  I wonder what she wants in exchange for offering El Mephisto's services... hrm...

And London is unsuccessful against Don Juan.  sure, he didn't get pinned, but still.  Ouch.

FRANK SHAMROCK WINS AGAIN!  ARGH! *bangs head on desk* At least it was because Jindrak for some odd reason decided to attack Kash.  How you going to explain that one, Ruleset McRunsUnbooked!?

Tanaka in a tag team match with someone who's not his tag team championship partner!  Boo, I say, boo!  But they win by DQ, so hooray!

TITS (I refuse to call them ITS) want New Europe, and Chris Sabin is nowhere to be found.  and Stevie Ray is nuts, and... *head explodes*

Vampiro was a good mystery opponent to be chose.  works well with Wright, and Wright wins as he should.  Good stuff.

Sabin can't beat Team USA... ouch.  Two on one, aside, they're poopy.

The Harris Brothers lose to Arn Anderson and Jimmy Snuka!  A great team... about 20 years ago! *rimshot*

Ten man tag team match that seemed pretty random from my perspective.  So, meh.

Jonny "Double booked!" Storm!  I like the stuff you do, Eric, but double booking (unless used sparingly) drives me up the wall.  And TITS try to interfere and it costs a man big time!  How appropriate.  Atlantis isn't going to be happy though.

Jindrak needed to win this match, to keep his Ironman gimmick in tact.  Good match, good main event, right man went over.  Couldn't have worked better.
Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/15/05 at 07:30:13

LIW Newsline - 10/26/05

Long Island Wrestling returns home to Long Island on November 12 to present its next show.  In addition to a huge Title match, the booking committee has hinted that a major announcement may be made in the upcoming days about the card.  This announcement could be literally anything, so it is perhaps understandable that the show has not yet been given a name.

LIW is sad to announce that Christian has just signed a longterm deal with TNA, and will not be able to appear at any future LIW shows.  Edge is reportedly interested in trying his hand at singles wrestling in LIW, but has also assured the booking committee that he is also willing to form a new tag team if they prefer him in that role.  Due to Christian's sudden departure, and due to the fact that the booking committee isn't certain how they wish to procede yet, Edge will not be appearing on the next show.

Jimmy Snuka reportedly felt great after his match at I Am Ironman, and he has therefore decided to come out of retirement to work a limited schedule here in LIW.  Snuka and Anderson are expected to continue teaming up, and Snuka just said today that he and Anderson are referring to their team as "The Oldschool Express," which is in and of itself an appropriately oldschool name.  With their upset victory over the highly ranked Harris Twins, the Oldschool Express is poised to make one hell of an impact in the tag team scene, and the booking committee is exploring possible ways to facilitate this.  

Though Jonny Storm will be competing for the New York State Heavyweight Title, the booking committee has chosen to "reward" his "good behavior" by granting him a warmup match.  His opponent, the newly signed Vampiro, is looking for an opportunity to establish himself, and a victory over Jonny Storm would do wonders towards that goal.  Storm is going to have to carefully weigh how important defeating Vampiro is in comparison to his title match - if Vampiro wins here and Storm wins the title, one could make a cast that Vampiro deserves a title shot, after all.  But if Storm goes all out to keep Vampiro down, he may not be up to the task of beating Alex Wright.  Of course, since Wright is a member of Storm's stable, it wouldn't be the end of the world, but as you will see, there is every indication that since this title match will occur entirely within the New Europe group, both men will be going all out to try to prove themselves to be the best.

After I Am Ironman, Mark Jindrak reportedly ran into Kevin Nash and confronted him about what he said when both of them debuted several months ago.  With several marathon performances under his belt and the crowd securely behind him, The Ironman asked Nash if he still believed that he was worthless and boring.  Nash tried to blow Jindrak off, but Jindrak wouldn't back down and immediately challenged Nash to a match.  Kevin Nash tried to decline, but a passing referee heard the exchange and reported it to the booking committee, which scheduled the match.  Therefore, on November 12, Mark Jindrak battles Kevin Nash for respect!

Finally, Jonny Storm will face his old friend and New Europe partner Alex Wright with the New York State Heavyweight Title on the line.  These men have known each other for years, and their goals in LIW are plainly the same.  MsChif states that this will be a friendly match in the spirit of competition, but time after time in professional wrestling we have seen titles break up friendships and partnerships.  Will New Europe be able to handle a power shift?  Or will Storm's hunger for power tear apart all he's worked so hard for?  We shall see!  As always, the next Newsline will contain a more in depth look at the title match, so stay tuned.

For now, though, we leave you with the Top Five.

LIW Top 5
Champion - "The Deutschland Destroyer" Alex Wright

1) "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm - Jonny Storm picks up a huge victory over Atlantis for the top contendership despite a DQ defeat at the hands of Cactus Jack and Masato Tanaka earlier in the show.  With New Europe unquestionably the most powerful group in LIW today, Jonny Storm has earned this spot fair and square whether we like it or not.

2) "The Ironman" Mark Jindrak - After rolling over four of LIW's top singles wrestlers last month and defeating Tag Team Champion Wataru Sakata in a 30 Minute Ironman Match, Jindrak has risen to the top of the LIW singles rankings in only two months.  He's gained so much momentum that the booking committee is discussing a potential title shot for him already, which is huge.

3) Mikey Whipwreck - Mikey's team came out on top of Team ITS in ten man tag team action, and he played a very significant role despite obviously being scared half witless.  If Mikey isn't careful, he's going to do so well that LIW has to grant him a title shot, which would REALLY scare the crap out of him.

4) Simon Diamond - Simon Diamond joins the International Thug Syndicate and suddenly the group jumps from being a smalltime threat to the tag team titles to a powerful force despised by the entire locker room.  With Atlantis out of the title picture for the time being, Simon Diamond remains in a very good position to contend for it sometime in the near future.

5) Arn Anderson - Arn Anderson remains undefeated in singles action after forcing Lash LeRoux to leave the company, and with his new partner Jimmy Snuka, he looks set to dominate the tag team division.

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
rey619Posted on 02/15/05 at 11:53:41

Too bad that E & C are breaking up, but Edge will do OK on his own I guess.
I am really looking forward to Jindrak vs Nash.. you actually made me like Jindrak..  ;) .. you ought to be proud of that!

Do you mind if I maybe steal your Newsline idea for my own indy circuit? It's a great idea.
Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/16/05 at 00:50:35

Edge certainly did well enough on his own in NDW, but it is sad to see Christian leave.  E&C was arguably the top tag team in LIW, and seeing them break up after only six months is a real shame.

Looking forward to Jindrak vs. Nash!?!  Good lord, I must be doing something right if people are actually caring about those two.  As I said before, though, I really like the Ironman gimmick with Jindrak, and Nash not buying into it should produce an interesting match.  I don't know if Jindrak is a good enough worker to drag more than ** out of Nash, however...

Feel free to steal the Newsline idea.  After all, I stole it from Ring of Honor, soit'd be pretty funny if I got bent out of shape for other people using it.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
91Posted on 02/16/05 at 20:36:03

That's it, I'm cheering for Frank Shamrock from now on.

Right now, you need another guy with Stevie Ray in green overalls who talks just like him but never gets any recognition and is generally hated by all the kids. In fact, a big video game stable would rock the kazbah - you know you want to.

Mark Jindrak, who'd have thunk it. I swear, at some point, EVERY wrestler must have had a main event push in a TNM circuit somewhere now. He's the natural challenger for the title right now too. Incredible.

And I've seen people change languages mid-conversation, but Alex Wright changing languages several times in one sentence? Explain that one!
Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/16/05 at 22:39:47

LIW Newsline - 11/10/05

We are just hours away from LIW's next show in Long Island, and boy do we have some exciting news for all of you.  Several major new matches have been announced, as has the appearance of a major guest star!

First of all, since the New York State Heavyweight Title will be defended against Jonny Storm at this upcoming show, a 4-man tournament has been booked for the top contendership.  In order to continue expanding the roster, two men will be regular parts of the roster, and two will be brought in from outside by the booking committee.  Due to his ongoing issues with Jonny Storm and New Europe, Cactus Jack will be one of LIW's entries.  Due to his position at the top of the rankings, LIW has offered the second spot to Mark Jindrak if he wants it.  Jindrak, who will be facing Kevin Nash at the show, has accepted the spot, claiming that because he is the Ironman, dealing with Nash will be little more than a warm up for him.  Who will Cactus Jack and Mark Jindrak face in the tournament?  And will Jindrak be able to pull out another marathon performance?

Since it has been several months since the New York State Tag Team Titles were defended, new top contenders will be crowned at the next show in a four corners tag team match.  In this match, Frankie Kazarian and Michael Shane will face The Oldschool Express, Simon Diamond and Atlantis of the International Thug Syndicate, and Don Juan and Octagon.  The winners will receive a title shot sometime soon against Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata.

LIW remains frustrated by the disrespect shown by the International Thug Syndicate for the entire locker room, and outside of their own little clique, the Syndicate is hated by both fan favorites and villain alike.  Their defeat at the last show has only made them more bitter, as shown by their unprovoked assault on Scott Steiner and Kevin Nash following the match.  As such, LIW founder Mick Foley (wrestling now as Cactus Jack) has called in a favor with an old friend who knows a thing or two about respect, and this man has promised to make an appearance at the show to beat some respect into the Syndicate.  Thus, in just two days it will be THE UNDERTAKER teaming up with LIW's own "Violent R" Ron Harris to take on Harlem Heat in tag team action in a match all about respect.  The Undertaker is one of the most dangerous big men in the history of the business, and Ron Harris has proven to be exceptionally dominant in LIW, so it will take some doing for the Syndicate to come out on top in this match.  Because the Undertaker is one of the biggest names in wrestling today, and because he will only be appearing for one night before returning to WWE, the booking committee has chosen to name this upcoming show "Night of the 'Taker."

Here is an in-depth rundown of the two contenders in the New York State Heavyweight Title match at Night of the 'Taker:

The Challenger:
"The British Sensation" Jonny Storm
5'7" 176 lbs
Signiture Move: Super Rewind Huracanrana

Jonny Storm is probably the smallest man on the LIW roster, but there is no doubt that he is also probably the fastest.  Since LIW opened its doors nearly a year ago, Storm's speed and ambitions have brought him to the top of LIW, capturing him win after win against Cactus Jack and LIW's other top stars.  Now he will face his good friend Alex Wright, his original partner in the New Europe faction and a man who he is very familiar with.  Storm knows that Wright is both stronger than him and more inclined towards technical maneuvers, and that he is no slouch in the speed department either.  Because of this, Storm will have to rely on his high-flying game as never before, using his familiarity with Alex Wright's wrestling style to his advantage.  If Storm can keep the offense, explosive moves like the Super Rewind Huracanrana should prove just as effective on his friend as they have on his enemies.  But if Wright catches him or takes him to the mat, Storm is just plain outclassed.

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

Alex Wright has more than a 6 inch height advantage over Jonny Storm, and nearly a 50 pound weight advantage.  He has also focused his training on technical aspects of wrestling in addition to the high flying that Jonny Storm does so well.  Since Storm will likely try to use his superior speed to his advantage, Alex Wright needs to be very careful not to be drawn into a position where he takes more risks than necessary.  With an advantage in strength and on the mat, Wright doesn't NEED to take things to the top this time, and if he tries to there is a good chance that Storm will make him regret it.  Therefore, Wright will need to focus his efforts on wearing out Jonny Storm.  If Wright can make this match run long by countering Storm's high flying offense with holds and submissions on the mat, The Deutschland Destroyer should be able to break out his dangerous suplexes with little fear of Storm countering them after perhaps ten to fifteen minutes.  Of course, if getting Jonny Storm on the mat was easy, Storm's record likely wouldn't be nearly as good as it is.  Since Wright is just as familiar with Storm's work as Storm is with his, this should be a very smart wrestling contest.

Matches confirmed for Night of the 'Taker:
* Jonny Storm vs. Vampiro
* Cactus Jack vs. TBA in a Qualifying Match
* Frankie Kazarian & Michael Shane vs. The Oldschool Express vs. Simon Diamond & Atlantis vs. Don Juan & Octagon in a tag team top contendership match
* Mark Jindrak vs. TBA in a Qualifying Match
* Kevin Nash vs. Mark Jindrak
* Winners of the Qualifying Matches in a top contendership match
* Ron Harris & The Undertaker vs. Harlem Heat
* Jonny Storm vs. Alex Wright for the New York State Heavyweight Title

Also on the show, Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata will be in non-title tag team action, plus Mikey Whipwreck, Kid Kash, Rico, and Lance Storm will be in action.

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"