FORUM HOME > TNM Circuits > NDW
LIW The Gauntlet - 9/10/05

Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/06/05 at 07:03:37

ARRRGH!  The forum ate my post because it was too long!  It wouldn't be so bad if it let you keep it!  But now I have to put everything together and UBBCode it all over again, plus seperate it into two posts!  Not fair!

*****

"Violent R" Ron Harris vs. Mikey Whipwreck

Ron Harris runs into the ropes.
Mikey Whipwreck hits a kick to the thigh on Ron Harris.
Mikey Whipwreck nails Ron Harris with a kick to the thigh.
Mikey Whipwreck chops Ron Harris.
Mikey Whipwreck hits Ron Harris.
The crowd breaks into a "He's Hardcore!  He's Hardcore!" chant.
Mikey Whipwreck executes a chop on Ron Harris.
Mikey Whipwreck nails Ron Harris with spinning headscissors.
Mikey Whipwreck goes for a chokehold, but Ron Harris counters it with
a kick to the midsection.
Ron Harris whips Mikey Whipwreck into the ropes.
Ron Harris goes for a facerake, but Mikey Whipwreck blocks it.
Mikey Whipwreck uses an eye gouge on Ron Harris.
Mikey Whipwreck goes for a hiptoss, but Ron Harris blocks it.
Ron Harris chops Mikey Whipwreck.
Quite a few boos are audible.
Mikey Whipwreck kicks Ron Harris.
Mikey Whipwreck has the crowd going wild.

Mikey Whipwreck goes for a leg lariat, but Ron Harris ducks out of the way.
Ron Harris throws Mikey Whipwreck back into the ring.
Ron Harris uses an elbowsmash on Mikey Whipwreck.
Ron Harris locks Mikey Whipwreck in a bearhug.
Mikey Whipwreck is struggling to reach the ropes.
Mikey Whipwreck inches his way towards the ropes after holding out for 5
seconds.
Ron Harris goes for a side suplex, but Mikey Whipwreck blocks it.
Mikey Whipwreck executes a kick to the groin on Ron Harris.
Mikey Whipwreck whips Ron Harris into the ropes.
Ron Harris goes for the Big Boot, but Mikey Whipwreck counters it with
a duck-down move.
Mikey Whipwreck executes a flying dropkick on Ron Harris.
Mikey Whipwreck whips Ron Harris into the ropes.
Ron Harris hits Mikey Whipwreck with a clothesline.
Ron Harris locks Mikey Whipwreck in a chokehold.
Alan Tso warns Ron Harris to let go.

Mikey Whipwreck kicks Ron Harris.
The crowd erupts.
Ron Harris kicks Mikey Whipwreck.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Ron Harris goes for a spinebuster slam, but Mikey Whipwreck counters it with
a kneelift.
In turn, Ron Harris counters it with a side step.
Ron Harris nails Mikey Whipwreck with a forearm smash.
Ron Harris hits Mikey Whipwreck with a front slam.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Ron Harris executes the Big Boot on Mikey Whipwreck.
The crowd is booing Ron Harris.
Ron Harris goes for the pin.
Alan Tso counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Ron Harris uses a facerake on Mikey Whipwreck.
Ron Harris whips Mikey Whipwreck into the ropes, but Mikey Whipwreck
reverses it.
Mikey Whipwreck misses with a clothesline.
Ron Harris goes for the Big Boot, but Mikey Whipwreck counters it with
a duck-down move.
Mikey Whipwreck takes Ron Harris down with a flying dropkick.
Mikey Whipwreck is going for the pin.
Alan Tso counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

The winner is Mikey Whipwreck. Time of match: 0:12:29

Mikey Whipwreck pinned Ron Harris after a flying dropkick in 0:12:29.
Rating: 3/4*

Mikey Whipwreck somehow pulls out a huge upset here, going over Ron Harris despite being soundly trounced for the entire length of the match.  From the looks of things, Mikey's body involuntarily spasmed just before the count of three after Harris' Big Boot, effectively kicking him out.  Harris went for another one, but Mikey tripped and staggered into the ropes, causing Ron Harris to accidentally crotch himself.  This gave Mikey time to ascend to the top turnbuckle and sail across the ring with a flying dropkick, getting a quick pinfall over Ron Harris.  Harris is up just a moment later, and he looks extrordinarily cheesed!  Mikey dashes for the back with Ron Harris in hot pursuit!  RUN MIKEY, RUN!

"Big Sexy" Kevin Nash vs. Rico

Rico nails Kevin Nash with a kneelift.
Rico gets back into the ring.
Kevin Nash climbs back into the ring.
Rico goes for a snap suplex, but Kevin Nash counters it with a small package.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Kevin Nash goes for a kick to the midsection, but Rico counters it with
a legsweep.
Rico nails Kevin Nash with a flying axhandle.
The crowd breaks into a "Rico Sucks" chant.
Rico uses a back heel kick on Kevin Nash.
Rico runs into the ropes.
Rico goes for a back heel kick but Kevin Nash pulls Timothy Greer in the way !
Ted Blandford comes running down to the ring.
Kevin Nash takes Rico down with a bodyslam.
Kevin Nash executes a low blow on Rico.
Kevin Nash hits a chop on Rico.
Kevin Nash whips Rico into the ropes.

Rico uses a powerslam on Kevin Nash.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, kickout.
Rico hits a stomp on Kevin Nash.
Rico is going for the pin.
Rico uses the ropes for leverage.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Rico works the crowd.
The cheers for Rico are drowning out the boos.
Rico goes for a backbreaker, but Kevin Nash blocks it.
Kevin Nash uses a vertical suplex on Rico.
Kevin Nash nails Rico with a kick to the midsection.
Kevin Nash goes for the Jackknife Power Bomb, but Rico counters it with
a low blow.
Rico throws Kevin Nash into the turnbuckle.
Rico charges into the corner, but Kevin Nash moves out of the way.
Kevin Nash sends Rico into the turnbuckle, but Rico reverses it.
Rico runs shoulder-first into the corner, but Kevin Nash lifts his knee.
Rico begs off.
Kevin Nash goes for a lariat, but Rico counters it with a Fujiwara armbar.
Kevin Nash is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Kevin Nash gets ahold of the ropes after holding out for 5 seconds.
Rico executes a chop on Kevin Nash.
Rico takes Kevin Nash down with a kick to the midsection.
Rico whips Kevin Nash into the ropes.
Rico uses a chop on Kevin Nash.
Rico chops Kevin Nash.
Rico is getting a pissed look amidst all the boos.
Rico punches Kevin Nash.
Rico seemingly enjoys the boos.
Rico runs into the ropes.
Kevin Nash misses with a clothesline.
Kevin Nash misses with a clothesline.
Kevin Nash hits Rico with a kick.
Kevin Nash is going for the cover.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, kickout.
Kevin Nash shoves down Timothy Greer.
Kevin Nash shoves Timothy Greer.
Timothy Greer disqualifies Kevin Nash.
The crowd seems to be rallying behind Rico.

The winner is Rico. Time of match: 0:10:51

Rico defeated Kevin Nash by disqualification in 0:10:51.
Rating: 1/4*

Kevin Nash actually bothered to show up to this month's LIW show, and once he entered the ring he was greeted by Little Richard's rendition of "I Feel Pretty" as the flamboyant Rico made his way to the ring.  Grabbing a microphone, Rico promised that he was about to find out why people called Kevin Nash "BIG Sexy."  Nash isn't used to Rico's antics, so he reacted poorly to this, losing his tember and trying to beat Rico to a bloody pulp.  Rico proved too fast for him time after time, however, prompting Nash to take out his frustrations on the referee, who promptly DQ'ed him.  Nash's wrestling debut turns out to be a loss to Rico!

Michael Shane & Frankie Kazarian vs. Lance Storm & Kid Kash vs. Team USA vs. Harlem Heat

Jim Duggan climbs back into the ring.
Michael Shane rolls back in under the bottom rope.
Jim Duggan hits Michael Shane.
Jim Duggan has the crowd going wild.
Jim Duggan hits Michael Shane.
The crowd breaks into a "Hacksaw, Hacksaw" chant.
Michael Shane hits Jim Duggan.
Michael Shane hits Jim Duggan with a German suplex.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, kickout.
Michael Shane complains about a slow count.
Michael Shane throws Jim Duggan out of the ring.
Todd Booher counts: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, Jim Duggan
reenters the ring.
Michael Shane gives him a kneelift, but Jim Duggan doesn't budge.
Jim Duggan nails Michael Shane with a hiptoss.
Jim Duggan is going for the cover.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, shoulder up.

Michael Shane begs off.
Stevie Ray takes Michael Shane down with a facerake.
Michael Shane begs off.
Stevie Ray nails Michael Shane with a bodyslam.
Stevie Ray catches Michael Shane in a choke against the ropes.
Todd Booher warns Stevie Ray to let go.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, three, four.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, three, four.
Stevie Ray goes for a punch, but Michael Shane counters it with
a roundhouse right.
Frankie Kazarian enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Frankie Kazarian goes for a kick to the head, but Stevie Ray blocks it.
Booker T takes Frankie Kazarian down with a rolling reverse cradle.
Booker T pulls the tights.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, he sees it.
Todd Booher calls for the DQ.
A small "Frankie Kazarian" chant is being started.

The winners are Frankie Kazarian and Michael Shane. Time of match: 0:30:42

Four Corners Match:
Frankie Kazarian and Michael Shane defeated Lance Storm and Don Harris,
Team USA (Jim Duggan and Sgt. Slaughter) and
Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) when F. Kazarian defeated Booker by
disqualification in 0:30:49.
Rating: 1/4*
(Kid Kash no-showed.)

Kid Kash cancelled on LIW for personal reasons the night before the show, so Don Harris took his place in this match.

Harlem Heat looked to have this match in the bag when an untimely pull of the tights caught the referee's eye.  Many officials in LIW have been less than pleased by the International Thug Syndicate's success thus far, and the referee in this match was no exception.  So, rather than simply issuing a warning and not counting the pin attempt, the referee chose to Disqualify Harlem Heat, handing the victory to Frankie Kazarian and Michael Shane.  This proved to be an unpopular move with the other competing teams (except for Shane & Kazarian, of course), and when Booker T laid out the referee with a spin kick, even Team USA seemed hesitant to intervene.  Kazarian and Shane, who benefitted from this call, were not so disinclined, and things rapidly degenerated into a brawl that lasted several minutes before the ring could be cleared for the first match in tonight's Gauntlet Series.

Mark Jindrak vs. "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm in Gauntlet Match 1

Mark Jindrak springs to his feet.
Mark Jindrak takes Jonny Storm down with an inverted atomic drop.
The crowd is behind Mark Jindrak all the way.
Mark Jindrak takes Jonny Storm down with a Gorilla Press.
Mark Jindrak executes a chop on Jonny Storm.
Mark Jindrak takes Jonny Storm down with a powerslam.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, MsChif puts Jonny Storm's foot on the rope.
Mark Jindrak goes for a belly-to-belly suplex, but Jonny Storm counters it with
a punch.
Jonny Storm punches Mark Jindrak.
Jonny Storm is being booed out of the building.
Jonny Storm chops Mark Jindrak.
Jonny Storm executes a DDT on Mark Jindrak.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.
Jonny Storm whips Mark Jindrak into the ropes.
Jonny Storm hits Mark Jindrak with a kick.
Jonny Storm sends Mark Jindrak into the turnbuckle.
Jonny Storm charges in with a clothesline, but Mark Jindrak
moves out of the way.
Mark Jindrak chops Jonny Storm.
The chants for Mark Jindrak are deafening.
Jonny Storm kicks Mark Jindrak.
Jonny Storm is being booed out of the building.
Mark Jindrak punches Jonny Storm.
Mark Jindrak kicks Jonny Storm.
The crowd is behind Mark Jindrak all the way.
Mark Jindrak uses a springboard clothesline on Jonny Storm.
Mark Jindrak takes Jonny Storm down with a Gorilla Press.
The chants for Mark Jindrak are deafening.
Mark Jindrak covers Jonny Storm.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Mark Jindrak whips Jonny Storm into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak hits Jonny Storm with an elbow.
Mark Jindrak whips Jonny Storm into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on Jonny Storm.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, MsChif distracts Keith Bancroft.
Mark Jindrak hits Jonny Storm with a chop.
Keith Bancroft is back on the job.
Mark Jindrak locks Jonny Storm in a sleeperhold.
Jonny Storm is struggling to reach the ropes.
Jonny Storm tries to escape the hold.
Jonny Storm summons one last burst of energy.
Keith Bancroft checks Jonny Storm's arm.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Jonny Storm fights his way out of the hold after 33 seconds.
Jonny Storm runs into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak goes for a bodyslam, but Jonny Storm counters it with an elbowsmash.
Jonny Storm hits a T-Bone Suplex on Mark Jindrak.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Jonny Storm takes Mark Jindrak down with a forearm to the back.
Jonny Storm takes Mark Jindrak down with a flying senton.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, kickout.
Jonny Storm goes for a springboard rana, but Mark Jindrak counters it with
a double leg-hook.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is behind Mark Jindrak all the way.

The winner is Mark Jindrak. Time of match: 0:13:12

[Gauntlet - Match 1]:
Mark Jindrak pinned Jonny Storm after a double leg-hook in 0:13:12.
Rating: ****
[MsChif interfered against Mark Jindrak.]

Mark Jindrak and Jonny Storm drew number 1 and number 2 in the Gauntlet Series respectively, so they found themselves facing off in the first match in this series.  Jindrak's first match competing proved to be extremely impressive - he proved that he was more than just a power guy - he is also deceptively fast.  Jonny Storm was as fast as ever, but several times even he proved to be surprised to find Jindrak keeping up with him.  After MsChif distracted the referee to break up a pin attempt after the Mark of Excellence, Jonny Storm went on the attack.  Jindrak reacted calmly, however, waiting for an opening.  When one came, he simply sat down on Jonny Storm, cradling his legs for a three count!

Excellent match!  Mark Jindrak is clearly a star on the rise if he can defeat Jonny Storm!  Who will he face next?

Mark Jindrak vs. Cactus Jack in Gauntlet Match 2

Cactus Jack executes the Double Arm DDT on Mark Jindrak.
The crowd breaks into a "Foley, Foley, Foley" chant.
Cactus Jack goes for the pin.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, kickout.
Cactus Jack hits Mark Jindrak.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Mark Jindrak punches Cactus Jack.
Mark Jindrak hits Cactus Jack.
Mark Jindrak has the crowd going wild.
Mark Jindrak chops Cactus Jack.
The crowd is going crazy.
Mark Jindrak executes a chop on Cactus Jack.
Mark Jindrak takes Cactus Jack down with a Gorilla Press.
Mark Jindrak has the crowd going wild.
Mark Jindrak locks Cactus Jack in a sleeperhold.
Cactus Jack is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Cactus Jack reaches the ropes after 7 seconds.

Cactus Jack catches Mark Jindrak in the Mandible Claw.
Mark Jindrak manages to grab the ropes after holding out for 6 seconds.
Cactus Jack quickly rolls out under the bottom rope.
He grabs a keyboard.
Cactus Jack gives the sign for the Double Arm DDT.
Cactus Jack executes the Double Arm DDT on Mark Jindrak.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Cactus Jack goes for the pin.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, kickout.
Cactus Jack hits him with the keyboard.
Cactus Jack goes for a double underhook suplex, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Mark Jindrak kicks Cactus Jack.
Mark Jindrak has the crowd going wild.
Mark Jindrak chops Cactus Jack.
Mark Jindrak goes for a roundhouse right, but Cactus Jack blocks it.
Cactus Jack goes for a vertical suplex, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Mark Jindrak throws Cactus Jack into the turnbuckle, but Cactus Jack
reverses it.

Mark Jindrak punches Cactus Jack.
Mark Jindrak punches Cactus Jack.
Cactus Jack chops Mark Jindrak.
Cactus Jack punches Mark Jindrak.
The crowd erupts.
Mark Jindrak chops Cactus Jack.
Mark Jindrak has the crowd going wild.
Mark Jindrak locks Cactus Jack in a sleeperhold.
Cactus Jack is struggling to reach the ropes.
Cactus Jack reaches the ropes after being locked up for 13 seconds.
Mark Jindrak hits Cactus Jack with an inside cradle.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on Cactus Jack.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, three.
The crowd erupts.

The winner is Mark Jindrak. Time of match: 0:14:39

[Gauntlet Match 2]:
Mark Jindrak pinned Cactus Jack with the Mark Of Excellence in 0:14:39.
Rating: *** 1/4

Cactus Jack drew number 3 in the Gauntlet, so Jindrak was noticably dismayed when "Born to be Wild" hit.  Cactus rolled into the ring, then immediately offered Jindrak his hand in thanks for eliminating Jonny Storm from the Gauntlet.  Jonny Storm reached out to take it... only to eat a HUGE Cactus Clothesline!  Clearly Jindrak has impressed more than the fans if Cactus Jack needs to resort to such tactics... then again, Cactus has always been a trifle unstable.  Jindrak seemed to have a harder time dealing with Cactus Jack, as his strength advantage was mostly nullified.  He proved to have amazing stamina, however, kicking out of the Double Arm DDT twice before scoring a Mark of Excellence for the clean victory in the center of the ring!

Now visibly tired, Jindrak waits for his next foe.

Mark Jindrak vs. "Master of the Eight Angles" Octagon in Gauntlet Match 3

Mark Jindrak goes for a bearhug, but Octagon counters it with a facerake.
Octagon hits a chop on Mark Jindrak.
Octagon executes a series of slaps on Mark Jindrak.
Octagon takes Mark Jindrak down with a kick to the midsection.
Octagon uses a dropkick on Mark Jindrak.
Octagon executes the Octaclutch on Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak tries to escape the hold.
Mark Jindrak breaks the hold after 21 seconds.
Mark Jindrak goes for a springboard clothesline, but Octagon
ducks out of the way.
Octagon uses a backspin armdrag on Mark Jindrak.
Octagon hits a chop on Mark Jindrak.
Octagon goes for a backspin armdrag, but Mark Jindrak counters it with
a clothesline.
Mark Jindrak hits Octagon with a belly-to-belly suplex.
Mark Jindrak takes Octagon down with a dropkick to the face.
Mark Jindrak whips Octagon into the ropes, but Octagon reverses it.
Octagon goes for a kick to the midsection, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Mark Jindrak executes a chop on Octagon.
Mark Jindrak hits a sidewalk slam on Octagon.
Mark Jindrak locks Octagon in a bearhug.
Octagon inches his way towards the ropes after holding out for 5 seconds.
Mark Jindrak kicks Octagon.
Mark Jindrak has the crowd going wild.
Mark Jindrak hits Octagon.
Mark Jindrak has the crowd going wild.
Octagon hits Mark Jindrak.
Octagon kicks Mark Jindrak.
Octagon hits a clothesline on Mark Jindrak.
Octagon uses a savate kick on Mark Jindrak.
The crowd erupts.
Octagon goes for a superkick, but Mark Jindrak ducks out of the way.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on Octagon.
The crowd is going crazy.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, three.
The crowd erupts.

The winner is Mark Jindrak. Time of match: 0:12:40

[Gauntlet Match 3]:
Mark Jindrak pinned Octagon with the Mark Of Excellence in 0:12:40.
Rating: *** 1/2

Octagon drew number four, so LIW's top high flier made his way to the ring as "La Bamba" played to face down a visibly tired Mark Jindrak.  Despite his fatigue, however, Jindrak was able to dish out a huge amount of punishment to Octagon, who looked unused to facing wrestlers with both the power and the speed possessed by Mark Jindrak.  The crowd was clearly split between these two men, but when Jindrak powered out of the Octaclutch, unleashed a flurry of blows on Octagon, and scored with the Mark of Excellence for the pinfall victory, the crowd erupted.  Can anyone stop Mark Jindrak?

(Mark Jindrak is backstage taking a much needed rest, a bottle of water in his
hand.  As he speaks, Mikey Whipwreck dashes down the hallway and ducks into a
door, followed closely by a still irate Ron Harris.  A moment later, Mikey runs
out of a door on the opposite side of the hall and into another, which Ron
Harris emerges from moments later, looking confused.  Cue Scooby Doo-esque
chase scene in the background.)

Mark Jindrak: When I first appeared here, I promised that I was going to make
an impact.  Now three men have fallen before me in one night.  Three of the top
names in LIW today.  Jonny Storm, the man behind the most dangerous faction in
pro wrestling today.  Cactus Jack, a true legend in the sport and one of the
best brawlers of all time.  And Octagon, an unmatched master of high flying
and submission wrestling.  All of them have fallen before me.  But I'm not
done.  I was the first out in this Gauntlet, and I WILL be the last man
standing!  When I debuted, Kevin Nash claimed that I didn't have "it."  But now,
Nash is losing to a fruitloop, and I am more than halfway to the New York State
Heavyweight Title.  Whether I have to go through Alex Wright or Frank Shamrock
to get it, I WILL be triumphant in the end!  Count on it!

"Heavy D" Don Harris vs. Simon Diamond

Simon Diamond hits Don Harris with spinning headscissors.
Simon Diamond smiles, satisfied at a move well done.
Simon Diamond is getting a pissed look amidst all the boos.
Simon Diamond whips Don Harris into the ropes.
Don Harris hits Simon Diamond with a clothesline.
Simon Diamond falls out of the ring.
Alan Tso counts: one, two, Simon Diamond reenters the ring.
Don Harris hits a chop on Simon Diamond.
Don Harris runs into the ropes.
Simon Diamond hits Don Harris with a kick.
Simon Diamond executes a bodyslam on Don Harris.
Simon Diamond gives him a headbutt, but Don Harris doesn't budge.
Don Harris nails Simon Diamond with a vertical suplex.
Don Harris hits a kneelift on Simon Diamond.
Don Harris goes for a facerake, but Simon Diamond blocks it.
Simon Diamond nails Don Harris with a vertical suplex.
Simon Diamond hits Don Harris with a Northern Lights suplex.
Alan Tso counts: One, two, kickout.
Simon Diamond smiles, satisfied at a move well done.
Simon Diamond seemingly enjoys the boos.
Simon Diamond locks Don Harris in a kneebar.
Alan Tso checks Don Harris's arm.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it falls.
Alan Tso stops the match after 18 seconds.
The crowd breaks into a "You Suck" chant.

The winner is Simon Diamond. Time of match: 0:04:12

Simon Diamond defeated Don Harris when Don Harris passed out in a kneebar in
          0:04:12.
Rating: ** 1/4

Simon Diamond, furious about his petition to enter the Gauntlet Series being denied, came out here on a mission: to prove that he deserved the shot that had been denied him.  His opponent was the ever-dangerous Don Harris, but Simon Diamond appeared unconcerned, and in record time he had taken the big man down, trapped him in a kneebar, and forced him to pass out from the pain.  Perhaps if Don Harris had not filled in for Kid Kash tonight, this would have been a more competitive match.  Then again, fatigue hasn't hurt Mark Jindrak thus far...

(Frank Shamrock is in the backstage area taping up his wrists for his upcoming
title shot when MsChif approaches.)

MsChif: So.  Did you think about our offer?  Ten thousand dollars is a lot of
money, Frank.  And after tonight, New Europe will hold both titles here in LIW.
The suspension will never stick, because we'll just refuse to defend them.

Frank Shamrock: For the last time, no!  I will not risk suspension and hurt my
chances of success here in LIW by lying down for Alex Wright!  If he's half the
wrestler you say he is, he'll face me in the ring and prove it!

MsChif: I was afraid you'd say that... so I've got another offer for you.  Lay
down for Alex Wright... and I'll lie down for you.

(MsChif leers suggestively at Frank Shamrock, who appears disgusted.)

Frank Shamrock: Now you're not only wasting my time, you're coming periously
close to making me lose my lunch!

(MsChif scowls, furious.)

MsChif: What are you, some kind of fag?  I've had men who make you look like a
prissy little schoolgirl!  You think you're hot stuff?  I-

Frank Shamrock: Look!  If I was going to sleep with some skank in leather, she
would at least have to be hot!  And I don't mix business with pleasure.  Now.
I suggest you shut your mouth and run along like a good little girl before you
make me snap...

(MsChif looks like she's about to retort, then storms off instead, muttering to
herself.)

Frank Shamrock vs. "The Deutschland Destroyer in a match for the New York State Heavyweight Title

Frank Shamrock nails Alex Wright with a fist to the midsection.
Frank Shamrock nails Alex Wright with a roundhouse right.
Frank Shamrock hits Alex Wright.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Frank Shamrock.
Frank Shamrock kicks Alex Wright.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Alex Wright punches Frank Shamrock.
Alex Wright is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Frank Shamrock hits Alex Wright.
The crowd breaks into a "Shamrock!  Shamrock!" chant.
Frank Shamrock goes for a forearm smash, but Alex Wright blocks it.
Alex Wright nails Frank Shamrock with a slingshot bodyblock.
Alex Wright pulls the tights.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, he sees it.
Alex Wright whips Frank Shamrock into the ropes.
Frank Shamrock hits Alex Wright with a clothesline.
Frank Shamrock executes a takeover suplex on Alex Wright.

Frank Shamrock whips Alex Wright into the ropes.
Frank Shamrock hits Alex Wright with an elbow.
Frank Shamrock executes a forearm smash on Alex Wright.
Frank Shamrock takes Alex Wright down with a roundhouse right.
Frank Shamrock goes for a mounted elbowsmash, but Alex Wright blocks it.
Alex Wright locks Frank Shamrock in a front facelock.
Frank Shamrock manages to grab the ropes after being locked up for 5 seconds.
Alex Wright whips Frank Shamrock into the ropes.
Alex Wright hits Frank Shamrock with an elbow.
Alex Wright executes the Bavarian Neckbreaker on Frank Shamrock.
A fan at ringside badmouths Alex Wright.
Alex Wright goes for the pin.
Alex Wright pulls the tights.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Alex Wright sends Frank Shamrock into the turnbuckle.
Alex Wright runs shoulder-first into the corner.
Alex Wright runs into the ropes.

Alex Wright uses a headbutt on Frank Shamrock.
Alex Wright uses a moonsault bodyblock on Frank Shamrock.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Alex Wright executes the Bavarian Neckbreaker on Frank Shamrock.
The crowd is booing Alex Wright.
Alex Wright goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Alex Wright attempts to place Frank Shamrock on the turnbuckle, but
Frank Shamrock blocks it.
Alex Wright uses an armdrag takedown on Frank Shamrock.
Alex Wright hits Frank Shamrock with the Deutsch Suplex.
Both combatants' shoulders are on the mat.
Ted Blandford counts: One, Alex Wright lifts a shoulder, two, kickout.
Alex Wright goes for a slingshot bodyblock, but Frank Shamrock
rolls through with the move.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Frank Shamrock nails Alex Wright with a fist to the midsection.

Frank Shamrock goes for a roundhouse right, but Alex Wright counters it with
an armbreaker.
Alex Wright goes for a headbutt, but Frank Shamrock blocks it.
Frank Shamrock executes a roundhouse right on Alex Wright.
Alex Wright begs off.
Frank Shamrock goes for a kick to the midsection, but Alex Wright
counters it with a legsweep.
Alex Wright goes for a flying bodypress, but Frank Shamrock
rolls out of the way.
Frank Shamrock executes the Ankle Lock Submission on Alex Wright.
Alex Wright is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Alex Wright is struggling to reach the ropes.
Alex Wright tries to fight the pain.
Alex Wright breaks the hold after 22 seconds.
Alex Wright takes Frank Shamrock down with spinning headscissors.
Alex Wright covers Frank Shamrock.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Alex Wright goes for a Frankensteiner, but Frank Shamrock counters it with
a tiger driver.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
The crowd breaks into a "Shamrock!  Shamrock!" chant.
Alex Wright begs off.
Frank Shamrock executes a forearm smash on Alex Wright.
Frank Shamrock hits a roundhouse right on Alex Wright.
Frank Shamrock nails Alex Wright with a takeover suplex.
Frank Shamrock whips Alex Wright into the ropes.
Alex Wright uses a jumping elbow thrust on Frank Shamrock.
Alex Wright dances for the crowd.
Alex Wright is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Alex Wright executes the Bavarian Neckbreaker on Frank Shamrock.
Alex Wright goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Alex Wright nails Frank Shamrock with a slingshot splash.
Alex Wright pulls the tights.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.

Frank Shamrock punches Alex Wright.
Alex Wright kicks Frank Shamrock.
Alex Wright punches Frank Shamrock.
A fan at ringside badmouths Alex Wright.
Frank Shamrock kicks Alex Wright.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Frank Shamrock.
Frank Shamrock uses a single-leg takedown on Alex Wright.
MsChif enters the ring and hits Frank Shamrock with a chair.
A fan at ringside badmouths Alex Wright.
Alex Wright takes Frank Shamrock down with a front-layout suplex.
Alex Wright goes for a cobra clutch, but Frank Shamrock counters it with
an armdrag takedown.
Frank Shamrock hits Alex Wright with a forearm smash.
Frank Shamrock goes for a kick to the midsection, but Alex Wright
counters it with a legsweep.
Alex Wright whips Frank Shamrock into the ropes, but Frank Shamrock reverses it.
Frank Shamrock hits Alex Wright with a backdrop.
Frank Shamrock executes the Ankle Lock Submission on Alex Wright.
Alex Wright is struggling to reach the ropes.
Alex Wright tries to escape the hold.
Alex Wright gets ahold of the ropes after holding out for 6 seconds.
Frank Shamrock hits a fist to the midsection on Alex Wright.
Frank Shamrock hits an inside cradle on Alex Wright.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Frank Shamrock goes for a mounted punch, but Alex Wright blocks it.
Alex Wright executes the Bavarian Neckbreaker on Frank Shamrock.
A fan at ringside badmouths Alex Wright.
Alex Wright goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
Alex Wright is eliciting a sizable round of boos.

The winner is Alex Wright. Time of match: 0:26:27

Alex Wright pinned Frank Shamrock with the Bavarian Neckbreaker in 0:26:27.
Rating: ****
(Alex Wright retained the New York State Heavyweight Title.)

Alex Wright came into this match with a strategy, and at least initially it seemed to pay off.  By relying on his speed and his suplexes, Wright stayed one step ahead of Frank Shamrock, wearing him down and working his head and neck.  Shamrock proved to be more resiliant than Wright had expected, however, and was better conditioned than Wright to the point that he was able to rope-a-dope Wright into wearing himself out.  This left him open to what Shamrock does best - strikes and submission holds.  Time after time Wright was sent scrambling to the ropes for safety, and it was becoming apparent as the match wore on that sooner or later, he would be unable to escape.  Seeing this, MsChif dashed into the ring as an exhausted Alex Wright distracted the referee.  A chairshot to Shamrock's head failed to take him down, but it left him in a dazed condition which allowed Wright to easily escape the Ankle Lock Submission and to quickly hit the Bavarian Neckbreaker for the pinfall victory.

END OF DVD ONE
Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/06/05 at 07:13:16

DVD TWO

Mark Jindrak vs. Chris "HAIL!" Sabin in Gauntlet Match 4

Chris Sabin is going for the cover.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Chris Sabin runs into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak nails Chris Sabin with a kick to the midsection.
Mark Jindrak nails Chris Sabin with a gutbuster.
Mark Jindrak goes for a choke against the ropes, but Chris Sabin blocks it.
Chris Sabin punches Mark Jindrak.
Chris Sabin kicks Mark Jindrak.
Chris Sabin is being booed like there is no tomorrow.
Chris Sabin kicks Mark Jindrak.
Chris Sabin executes a Yakuza kick on Mark Jindrak.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Chris Sabin executes a Japanese armdrag takedown on Mark Jindrak.
Chris Sabin goes for the Future Shock, but he can't do it.
Mark Jindrak counters it with a small package.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Mark Jindrak hits Chris Sabin with a lariat.
Mark Jindrak goes for a bodyslam, but Chris Sabin blocks it.
Chris Sabin chops Mark Jindrak.
Numerous fans are using Chris Sabin for target practice.
Chris Sabin kicks Mark Jindrak.
The ring is quickly filling up with debris.
Chris Sabin punches Mark Jindrak.
The crowd breaks into a "Sabin Sucks" chant.
Chris Sabin goes for an armbar submission, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Mark Jindrak hits Chris Sabin with a dropkick.
Mark Jindrak goes for a lariat, but Chris Sabin counters it with a hiptoss.
Chris Sabin goes for a double kneelift, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Mark Jindrak takes Chris Sabin down with a kick to the midsection.
Mark Jindrak runs into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak hits Chris Sabin with a kick.
Mark Jindrak goes for a roundhouse right, but Chris Sabin counters it with
an armbreaker.
In turn, Mark Jindrak counters it with a facerake.
The chants for Mark Jindrak are deafening.

Chris Sabin runs into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak nails Chris Sabin with a powerslam.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Mark Jindrak executes a kneedrop on Chris Sabin.
Mark Jindrak goes for an elbowdrop, but Chris Sabin rolls out of the way.
Chris Sabin hits Mark Jindrak with a chop.
Chris Sabin puts Mark Jindrak in a side headlock.
Mark Jindrak gets ahold of the ropes after holding out for 10 seconds.
Chris Sabin throws Mark Jindrak into the turnbuckle, but Mark Jindrak
reverses it.
Mark Jindrak runs shoulder-first into the corner, but Chris Sabin
moves out of the way.
Chris Sabin nails Mark Jindrak with a dropkick.
Chris Sabin takes Mark Jindrak down with a forearm to the back.
Chris Sabin goes for the Future Shock, but he can't do it.
Mark Jindrak counters it with a small package.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Mark Jindrak chops Chris Sabin.
Mark Jindrak punches Chris Sabin.
The crowd is going crazy.
Chris Sabin chops Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak chops Chris Sabin.
The crowd is going crazy.
Mark Jindrak kicks Chris Sabin.
Mark Jindrak has the crowd going wild.
Mark Jindrak whips Chris Sabin into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak puts Chris Sabin in a chokehold.
Harry Alston warns Mark Jindrak to let go.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, three, four, five.
Harry Alston warns Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on Chris Sabin.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Mark Jindrak goes for an inverted atomic drop, but Chris Sabin blocks it.

Mark Jindrak shoves down Harry Alston.
Mark Jindrak whips Chris Sabin into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak hits Chris Sabin with a shoulderblock.
Mark Jindrak covers Chris Sabin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Mark Jindrak whips Chris Sabin into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on Chris Sabin.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, kickout.
Mark Jindrak runs into the ropes.
Chris Sabin goes for a dropkick, but Mark Jindrak side-steps and Chris Sabin
only hits air.
The chants for Mark Jindrak are deafening.
Mark Jindrak hits Chris Sabin with an exploder suplex.
Mark Jindrak hits a sidewalk slam on Chris Sabin.
The chants for Mark Jindrak are deafening.
Mark Jindrak covers Chris Sabin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Mark Jindrak catches Chris Sabin in a chokehold.
Harry Alston warns Mark Jindrak to let go.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, three, four.
Mark Jindrak hits a chop on Chris Sabin.
Mark Jindrak whips Chris Sabin into the ropes.
Chris Sabin hits Mark Jindrak with a shoulderblock.
Chris Sabin goes for the Future Shock, but he can't do it.
Mark Jindrak counters it with a small package.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Mark Jindrak hits a chop on Chris Sabin.
Mark Jindrak hits Chris Sabin with a powerslam.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, kickout.
Mark Jindrak runs into the ropes.
Chris Sabin hits Mark Jindrak with an elbow.
Chris Sabin runs into the ropes.
Chris Sabin misses with a shoulderblock.
Chris Sabin takes Mark Jindrak down with a Yakuza kick.

They're brawling inside the ring area.
Chris Sabin uses spinning headscissors on Mark Jindrak.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Chris Sabin whips Mark Jindrak into the guardrail.
Harry Alston counts:  1.
Chris Sabin takes Mark Jindrak down with an inside cradle.
Chris Sabin climbs back into the ring.
Mark Jindrak rolls back in under the bottom rope.
Chris Sabin goes for the Future Shock, but he can't do it.
Mark Jindrak counters it with a small package.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, kickout.
Mark Jindrak whips Chris Sabin into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on Chris Sabin.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is behind Mark Jindrak all the way.

The winner is Mark Jindrak. Time of match: 0:20:43

[Gauntlet Match 4]:
Mark Jindrak pinned Chris Sabin with the Mark Of Excellence in 0:20:43.
Rating: ****

New Europe's Assassin Chris "HAIL!" Sabin drew number five, and so he was the next man out as the Gauntlet continued.  Sabin debuted most impressively last month with a victory over Cactus Jack, but with the momentum that Mark Jindrak had built up thus far coupled with the fact that Jindrak was just too big for Sabin to hit the Wave of the Future on, he just couldn't get the job done here.  Each of Sabin's big moves was countered seemingly effortlessly by Jindrak, who finally countered a Future Shock attempt with the Mark Of Excellence for the pinfall victory!

Only one man remains!  Can Atlantis defeat Mark Jindrak, or will Jindrak sweep the Gauntlet and become the new top contender?

Mark Jindrak vs. "Mexico's Most Wanted" Atlantis in the Gauntlet Final

They lock up.
Atlantis takes Mark Jindrak down with a slap.
Atlantis punches Mark Jindrak.
Atlantis kicks Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak punches Atlantis.
Mark Jindrak kicks Atlantis.
Atlantis hits Mark Jindrak.
Atlantis hits a spinning backbreaker on Mark Jindrak.
Atlantis executes the Atlantida on Mark Jindrak.
Timothy Greer asks Mark Jindrak if he's still there.
Mark Jindrak nods.
Timothy Greer tells Mark Jindrak to respond or he'll stop the fight.
Mark Jindrak nods.
Timothy Greer asks Mark Jindrak if he's had enough.
Mark Jindrak shakes his head.
Mark Jindrak is writhing in pain.
Timothy Greer tells Mark Jindrak to respond or he'll stop the fight.
Mark Jindrak nods.
Mark Jindrak tries to fight the pain.
Mark Jindrak breaks the hold after 35 seconds.
Mark Jindrak goes for a chokehold, but Atlantis counters it with
a kick to the midsection.
Atlantis goes for a flying cross body press, but Mark Jindrak counters it with
a dropkick.
Mark Jindrak nails Atlantis with a powerslam.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, kickout.
Mark Jindrak runs into the ropes.
Atlantis hits Mark Jindrak with an elbow.
Atlantis nails Mark Jindrak with a kick to the midsection.
Atlantis nails Mark Jindrak with a flying cross body press.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Atlantis runs into the ropes.
Atlantis hits Mark Jindrak with a clothesline.
Atlantis works the crowd.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.

Timothy Greer asks Mark Jindrak if he should stop the fight.
Mark Jindrak shakes his head.
Mark Jindrak tries to fight the pain.
Mark Jindrak is writhing in pain.
Timothy Greer asks Mark Jindrak if he's still there.
Mark Jindrak nods.
Atlantis lets go after 34 seconds.
Atlantis executes the Atlantida on Mark Jindrak.
Timothy Greer tells Mark Jindrak to respond or he'll stop the fight.
Mark Jindrak nods.
Mark Jindrak is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Mark Jindrak tries to fight the pain.
Mark Jindrak is writhing in pain.
Timothy Greer checks Mark Jindrak's arm.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Mark Jindrak fights his way out of the hold after 30 seconds.
Mark Jindrak goes for an exploder suplex, but Atlantis blocks it.
Atlantis runs into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak hits Atlantis with a shoulderblock.
Mark Jindrak nails Atlantis with a bodyslam.
Mark Jindrak goes for a flying axhandle, but Atlantis counters it with a punch.
Atlantis goes for a monkey flip, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Mark Jindrak executes an exploder suplex on Atlantis.
The chants for Mark Jindrak are deafening.
Mark Jindrak goes for a lariat, but Atlantis counters it with a hiptoss.
In turn, Mark Jindrak counters it with a backslide.
Timothy Greer counts: One, shoulder up.
Mark Jindrak hits Atlantis with a dropkick.
Mark Jindrak is going for the pin.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, kickout.
Mark Jindrak hits a bodyslam on Atlantis.
Mark Jindrak throws Atlantis into the turnbuckle, but Atlantis reverses it.
Mark Jindrak comes back, but is met with a devestating move.
Atlantis executes the Atlantida on Mark Jindrak.

Atlantis hits Mark Jindrak with a shoulderblock.
Atlantis is going for the cover.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, kickout.
Mark Jindrak springs to his feet.
Mark Jindrak puts Atlantis in a sleeperhold.
Atlantis is struggling to reach the ropes.
Atlantis is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Atlantis grabs the ropes after being trapped for 9 seconds.
Mark Jindrak goes for a Gorilla Press, but Atlantis blocks it.
Atlantis executes a slap on Mark Jindrak.
Atlantis runs into the ropes.
Atlantis hits Mark Jindrak with a shoulderblock.
Atlantis uses a spinning backbreaker on Mark Jindrak.
The ring is quickly filling up with debris.
Atlantis works the crowd.
The crowd is vociferously booing Atlantis.
Atlantis executes the Atlantida on Mark Jindrak.

Mark Jindrak hits a bodyslam on Atlantis.
Mark Jindrak hits a lariat on Atlantis.
Mark Jindrak uses a belly-to-belly suplex on Atlantis.
Mark Jindrak whips Atlantis into the ropes.
Atlantis misses with a clothesline.
Mark Jindrak misses with a kick.
Mark Jindrak hits Atlantis with a belly-to-belly suplex.
Mark Jindrak goes for a kick to the midsection, but Atlantis counters it with
a legsweep.
Atlantis executes the Atlantida on Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Mark Jindrak is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Mark Jindrak breaks the hold after 10 seconds.
Mark Jindrak uses a dropkick on Atlantis.
Mark Jindrak climbs to the top turnbuckle, but Atlantis throws him to the mat.
The crowd is vociferously booing Atlantis.
Atlantis is going for the cover.
Atlantis pulls the tights.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Atlantis throws Timothy Greer over the top rope.
Timothy Greer is out cold.
Timothy Greer crawls back into the ring.
Timothy Greer is sporting a dazed look but is back on the job.
Atlantis goes for a Boston crab, but Mark Jindrak blocks it.
Mark Jindrak uses a chop on Atlantis.
Mark Jindrak goes for a sleeperhold, but Atlantis blocks it.
Atlantis takes Mark Jindrak down with a kick to the midsection.
Atlantis goes for a dropkick, but Mark Jindrak side-steps and Atlantis
only hits air.
Mark Jindrak has the crowd going wild.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on Atlantis.
The crowd is going crazy.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, kickout.
Mark Jindrak goes for a lariat, but Atlantis counters it with a Fujiwara armbar.
Mark Jindrak tries to escape the hold.

Mark Jindrak hits Atlantis with an elbow.
Mark Jindrak executes a Gorilla Press on Atlantis.
Mark Jindrak goes for an inverted atomic drop, but Atlantis blocks it.
Atlantis executes the Atlantida on Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Mark Jindrak tries to escape the hold.
Mark Jindrak is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Mark Jindrak breaks the hold after 32 seconds.
Mark Jindrak locks Atlantis in a choke against the ropes.
Timothy Greer warns Mark Jindrak to let go.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, three.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, three.
Mark Jindrak goes for a choke against the ropes, but Atlantis blocks it.
Atlantis chops Mark Jindrak.
Atlantis punches Mark Jindrak.
Atlantis hits a spinning backbreaker on Mark Jindrak.
The crowd breaks into a "Where's Your City" chant.
Atlantis kicks Mark Jindrak.
Atlantis chops Mark Jindrak.
Atlantis is being booed out of the building.
Mark Jindrak hits Atlantis.
Mark Jindrak whips Atlantis into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on Atlantis.
Mark Jindrak has the crowd going wild.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Mark Jindrak hits Atlantis with a lariat.
Mark Jindrak hits an elbowdrop on Atlantis.
Mark Jindrak hits Atlantis with a flying axhandle.
Mark Jindrak hits Atlantis with a dropkick.
Mark Jindrak takes Atlantis down with a kick to the midsection.
Mark Jindrak runs into the ropes.
Mark Jindrak hits Atlantis with a kick.
Mark Jindrak runs into the ropes.

Atlantis takes Mark Jindrak down with a spinning backbreaker.
Atlantis executes the Atlantida on Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Mark Jindrak tries to fight the pain.
Mark Jindrak tries to escape the hold.
Mark Jindrak breaks the hold after 50 seconds.
Mark Jindrak whips Atlantis into the turnbuckle.
Mark Jindrak charges into the corner.
Mark Jindrak runs into the ropes.
Atlantis uses a hiptoss on Mark Jindrak.
Atlantis nails Mark Jindrak with a vertical suplex.
Atlantis runs into the ropes.
Atlantis hits Mark Jindrak with an elbow.
Atlantis locks Mark Jindrak in a Swastika.
Mark Jindrak reaches the ropes after being trapped for 5 seconds.
Atlantis hits a dropkick on Mark Jindrak.
Atlantis nails Mark Jindrak with a slingshot into the turnbuckle.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.
Atlantis is going for the cover.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Atlantis puts Mark Jindrak in a surfboard.
Mark Jindrak inches his way towards the ropes after 11 seconds.
Mark Jindrak springs to his feet.
Mark Jindrak executes the Mark Of Excellence on Atlantis.
The crowd is really behind Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak goes for the pin.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Mark Jindrak locks Atlantis in a sleeperhold.
Atlantis tries to escape the hold.
Atlantis inches his way towards the ropes after holding out for 13 seconds.
Mark Jindrak executes an inverted atomic drop on Atlantis.
Mark Jindrak hits Atlantis with an inside cradle.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Mark Jindrak goes for an inverted atomic drop, but Atlantis blocks it.
Atlantis throws Mark Jindrak out of the ring.
Atlantis rolls out under the bottom rope.

Atlantis throws Mark Jindrak into the guardrail.
Timothy Greer counts:  1.
Atlantis uses a spinning backbreaker on Mark Jindrak.
Timothy Greer counts:  2.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Timothy Greer counts:  3.
Atlantis hits Mark Jindrak with a spinning backbreaker.
Timothy Greer counts:  4.
Atlantis works the crowd.
Ringside is quickly filling up with debris.
Timothy Greer counts:  5.
Atlantis nails Mark Jindrak with spinning headscissors.
Timothy Greer counts:  6.
Atlantis hits a spinning backbreaker on Mark Jindrak.
Atlantis climbs back into the ring.
Mark Jindrak follows him back in.
Atlantis gives the sign for the Atlantida.
Atlantis executes the Atlantida on Mark Jindrak.
Mark Jindrak tries to fight the pain.
Mark Jindrak submits after 11 seconds.
The crowd is vociferously booing Atlantis.

The winner is Atlantis. Time of match: 0:28:37

[Gauntlet Final]: Number-One-Contenders-Match:
Atlantis made Mark Jindrak submit to the Atlantida in 0:28:37.
Rating: **** 1/4

Atlantis was lucky enough to draw the coveted number 6 slot in this six man Gauntlet, but Mark Jindrak had proven that numbers meant little by powering through two through five.  All of this clearly took a toll on him, however.  Atlantis is a cagey veteran, and he knew just how to take advantage.  Jindrak might be amazingly resiliant, but put any man in a painful hold long enough and eventually they will have to tap out or face permanant injury.  Right off the bat Atlantis went for the Atlantida, risking a lot to cinch it in within the first minute of the match.  Throughout the match he would go back to it, and as thing progressed the fight slowly but surely went out of Jindrak.  Still, he managed to hold out for nearly 30 minutes before the pain finally proved too much and he tapped out!

With this win, "Mexico's Most Wanted" Atlantis has become the new Top Contender for Alex Wright's New York State Heavyweight Title!

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson

They lock up.
Arn Anderson runs into the ropes.
Scott Steiner misses with an elbow.
Arn Anderson misses with a shoulderblock.
Scott Steiner hits Arn Anderson with a backdrop.
Scott Steiner is going for the cover.
Alan Tso counts: One, two, kickout.
Scott Steiner throws Alan Tso over the top rope.
Alan Tso is out cold.
Martin Kester comes running down to the ring.
Scott Steiner goes for a fallaway slam, but Arn Anderson counters it with
a forearm smash.
Arn Anderson hits Scott Steiner with a headlock takedown.
Arn Anderson nails Scott Steiner with a chop.
Arn Anderson punches Scott Steiner.
There are lots of chants for Arn Anderson.
Scott Steiner kicks Arn Anderson.
Scott Steiner is being booed like there is no tomorrow.
Scott Steiner goes for an overhead belly-to-belly suplex, but Arn Anderson
counters it with a facerake.
Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata come to ringside.
Arn Anderson uses a piledriver on Scott Steiner.
Arn Anderson goes for a flying fistdrop, but Scott Steiner counters it with
a fist to the midsection.
Scott Steiner throws Arn Anderson into the turnbuckle, but Arn Anderson
reverses it.
Arn Anderson hits Scott Steiner with a chop.
Arn Anderson takes Scott Steiner down with a bodyslam.
Arn Anderson gives the IV Horsemen sign.
The crowd is really behind Arn Anderson.
Arn Anderson runs into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata hits Arn Anderson in the back with a chair.
Martin Kester calls for the DQ.
The crowd is going crazy.

The winner is Arn Anderson. Time of match: 0:01:19

Arn Anderson defeated Scott Steiner by disqualification in 0:01:19.
Rating: * 1/4
[Wataru Sakata interfered against Arn Anderson.]

Arn Anderson faced off against Scott Steiner here, but things didn't last very long before Tanaka and Sakata, the New York State Tag Team Champions, dashed out with chairs and cleared the ring.  Tanaka grabbed a microphone and told Don Juan to join them, and said that now it was time to teach New Europe a lesson in respect!

After an unprovoked attack like that, however, one might wonder just who it is that needs the lesson...

Don Juan, Masato Tanaka & Wataru Sakata vs. New Europe (El Mephisto, Jonny Storm & Chris Sabin) in a match for the New York State Tag Team Titles

Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Chris Sabin.
Masato Tanaka has the crowd going wild.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Masato Tanaka goes for a vertical suplex, but Chris Sabin reverses it.
The crowd is vociferously booing Chris Sabin.
In turn, Masato Tanaka counters it with a small package.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Masato Tanaka goes for a back suplex, but Chris Sabin blocks it.
Chris Sabin throws Masato Tanaka out of the ring.
Chris Sabin goes for a plancha, but Masato Tanaka moves out of the way.
Ted Blandford counts:  1.
Ted Blandford counts:  2.
Ted Blandford counts:  3.
Masato Tanaka shoves Chris Sabin into the guardrail.
Ted Blandford counts:  4.
Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Chris Sabin on the concrete floor.
Masato Tanaka has the crowd going wild.
Chris Sabin is out cold.
Masato Tanaka throws Chris Sabin back into the ring.
Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Chris Sabin.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Masato Tanaka takes Chris Sabin down with the Swinging DDT.
The crowd is going crazy.
Masato Tanaka takes Chris Sabin down with a kneelift.
Masato Tanaka whips Chris Sabin into the ropes.
Masato Tanaka hits Chris Sabin with a kick.
Masato Tanaka is going for the cover.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Masato Tanaka uses rolling clothesline on Chris Sabin.
Masato Tanaka throws Chris Sabin out of the ring.
Masato Tanaka jumps onto him with a tope suicida.
Masato Tanaka executes a forearm to the back on Chris Sabin.
Ted Blandford counts:  1.

Masato Tanaka uses an armbar takedown on Chris Sabin.
The crowd is going crazy.
Masato Tanaka executes the Running Forearm Smash on Chris Sabin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Masato Tanaka hits a roundhouse right on Chris Sabin.
Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Chris Sabin.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Masato Tanaka whips Chris Sabin into the ropes.
Chris Sabin misses with a clothesline.
Chris Sabin hits Masato Tanaka with a rana.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Chris Sabin throws Ted Blandford over the top rope.
Ted Blandford is out cold.
Ted Blandford crawls back into the ring.
Ted Blandford is sporting a dazed look but is back on the job.
Chris Sabin hits a forearm to the back on Masato Tanaka.

Ted Blandford is out cold.
Ted Blandford crawls back into the ring.
Ted Blandford is sporting a dazed look but is back on the job.
Chris Sabin catches Don Juan in a side headlock.
Don Juan makes it to the ropes after being locked up for 6 seconds.
Chris Sabin whips Don Juan into the ropes.
Don Juan misses with a kick.
Chris Sabin hits Don Juan with a backdrop.
Chris Sabin executes a rana on Don Juan.
Ted Blandford counts: One, shoulder up.
Chris Sabin uses a dropkick on Don Juan.
Chris Sabin runs into the ropes.
Don Juan hits Chris Sabin with a fist to the midsection.
Don Juan executes the Cradle Piledriver on Chris Sabin.
Don Juan goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Don Juan nails Chris Sabin with a flying forearm.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.

Don Juan takes Chris Sabin down with an armdrag takedown.
Don Juan uses a lariat on Chris Sabin.
Don Juan is going for the cover.
Ted Blandford counts: One, kickout.
Don Juan runs into the ropes.
Chris Sabin misses with a clothesline.
Don Juan hits Chris Sabin with a shoulderblock.
Don Juan runs into the ropes.
Chris Sabin uses a chop on Don Juan.
Chris Sabin goes for a backbreaker, but Don Juan counters it with a facerake.
Don Juan whips Chris Sabin into the ropes.
Don Juan executes spinning headscissors on Chris Sabin.
Don Juan takes Chris Sabin down with a dropkick.
Don Juan executes the Cradle Piledriver on Chris Sabin.
The crowd is behind Don Juan all the way.
Don Juan goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...

He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Masato Tanaka fights his way out of the hold after 18 seconds.
Masato Tanaka goes for a punch, but Jonny Storm reverses it.
Jonny Storm runs into the ropes.
Jonny Storm executes a backspin DDT on Masato Tanaka.
Numerous fans are using Jonny Storm for target practice.
Jonny Storm nails Masato Tanaka with a T-Bone Suplex.
Ted Blandford counts: One, shoulder up.
Jonny Storm nails Masato Tanaka with a dropkick.
Jonny Storm hits Masato Tanaka with an inside cradle.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Chris Sabin enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Chris Sabin hits Masato Tanaka with a Yakuza kick.
Jonny Storm goes for a flying senton, but Masato Tanaka rolls out of the way.
Chris Sabin leaves the ring.
Masato Tanaka hits a jumping DDT on Jonny Storm.
The crowd is going crazy.
Masato Tanaka is going for the cover.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, Chris Sabin makes the save.
Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Jonny Storm.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is behind Masato Tanaka all the way.

The winners are Don Juan, Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata. Time of match:
0:26:16

[New York State Tag Team Title Match]:
Don Juan, Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata defeated
New Europe (Chris Sabin, El Mephisto and Jonny Storm) when M. Tanaka pinned
J. Storm with the Roaring Elbow in 0:26:16.
Rating: **** 1/4
(Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata retained the New York State Tag Team Title.)

What a match!  Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata teamed up with Don Juan to face New Europe's Jonny Storm, Chris Sabin, and El Mephisto.  Storm and Sabin had both already suffered beatings at the hands of Jindrak tonight while the tag team champions and their partner were all fresh.  However, New Europe still acquitted themselves very well in this contest even though they ended up coming up short.  From the looks of things, New Europe's plans for this show have almost all come up short, though they can take some consolation in the fact that they retained the New York State Heavyweight Title.

(Edge and Christian's music hits, and the duo makes their way to the ring to a
huge pop.)

Christian: Hello to all my peeps here in Long Island!

(The crowd pops)

Edge: Now we know that there are a lot of Edgeheads in the audience, and maybe
even a few members of the Christian Coalition.  But we've come out here now to
introduce you to a pair of wrestlers that deserve just as much respect as we
do.  They are guests in our country, so please give a warm welcome to CIMA and
Dragon Kid from the Dragon's Gate promotion in Japan!

(CIMA and Dragon Kid enter, and the crowd pops for these foreign stars.)

Christian: So we were thinking to ourselves backstage, "Hey Edge and Christian,
how do you make a couple of fantastic wrestlers like CIMA and Dragon Kid feel
at home?"  Aside from putting on an amazing match with them-

Edge: Which we intend to do shortly-

Christian: We decided that there was only one thing to do.  So, for the benefit
of those with flash photography, we present today's multicultural Five Second
Pose!

(Edge and Christian pose for a second, then assume ferocious Godzilla-like
positions, while CIMA and Dragon Kid cower in apparent fear.)

Edge: ...and that's five!  Right.  Now let's get this match going!

(The bell rings and ring introductions begin.)

Your Main Event:
Edge & Christian vs. Dragon Kid & CIMA

Dragon Kid takes Edge down with a hiptoss.
Dragon Kid tags out to CIMA.
CIMA whips Edge into the ropes.
CIMA hits Edge with a spinning leg lariat.
CIMA runs into the ropes.
Edge misses with a kick.
CIMA and Edge get hit with a double clothesline.
CIMA uses a springboard spinning leg lariat on Edge.
The crowd is booing CIMA.
CIMA attempts to place Edge on the turnbuckle, but Edge blocks it.
CIMA places Edge on the turnbuckle.
CIMA hits the Iconoclasm on Edge.
CIMA nails Edge with a frog splash.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Edge nails CIMA with a spinning heel kick.
CIMA springs to his feet.
CIMA tags out to Dragon Kid.

Dragon Kid and CIMA hit Christian with a double bodyslam.
CIMA leaves the ring.
Dragon Kid uses a leaping swinging DDT on Christian.
Ted Blandford counts: One, kickout.
Dragon Kid runs into the ropes.
Dragon Kid hits Christian with an elbow.
Dragon Kid goes for a springboard ropeflip moonsault, but Christian
rolls out of the way.
Christian nails Dragon Kid with a kick to the midsection.
Christian executes a flying dropkick on Dragon Kid.
There are lots of chants for Christian.
Dragon Kid springs to his feet.
Dragon Kid uses a moonsault bodyblock on Christian.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Dragon Kid executes the Dragon Rana on Christian.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Dragon Kid uses the Swinging DDT on Christian.
The crowd is going crazy.

Edge hits the Spear on CIMA.
Edge is going for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Edge hits a kick to the midsection on CIMA.
Edge hits a chop on CIMA.
Edge runs into the ropes.
Edge goes for a clothesline, but CIMA ducks out of the way.
CIMA attempts to place Edge on the turnbuckle, but Edge blocks it.
CIMA nails Edge with a jumping side kick.
CIMA is going for the cover.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
CIMA uses a single-leg takedown on Edge.
CIMA tags out to Dragon Kid.
Dragon Kid takes Edge down with a hiptoss.
Dragon Kid runs into the ropes.
Dragon Kid hits Edge with a clothesline.
Dragon Kid runs into the ropes.

Edge goes for a bodyslam, but CIMA counters it with a facerake.
CIMA attempts to place Edge on the turnbuckle, but Edge blocks it.
CIMA attempts to place Edge on the turnbuckle, but Edge blocks it.
CIMA sets up Edge on the turnbuckle.
CIMA uses the Iconoclasm on Edge.
CIMA takes Edge down with a frog splash.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
CIMA executes the Schwein on Edge.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.
CIMA goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
CIMA goes for a vertical suplex, but Edge counters it with a small package.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Edge runs into the ropes.
Edge hits CIMA with a clothesline.
Edge hits a Hotshot on CIMA.
Edge uses an elbowsmash on CIMA.
Edge hits CIMA with a bodyslam.
Edge goes for a reverse neckbreaker, but CIMA blocks it.
CIMA punches Edge.
CIMA hits Edge.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.
CIMA kicks Edge.
CIMA is being booed out of the building.
CIMA throws Edge out of the ring.
CIMA goes for a tope suicida, but Edge moves out of the way.
CIMA is out cold.
Edge throws CIMA into the ringsteps.
Edge throws CIMA back into the ring.
Edge executes the Edgecution on CIMA.
The crowd is really behind Edge.
Edge goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Edge runs into the ropes.

Dragon Kid nails Edge with a Frankensteiner from the top rope.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
CIMA enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
CIMA goes for a thrust kick to the head, but Edge counters it with a legsweep.
CIMA rolls out of the ring.
Edge goes for a power bomb, but Dragon Kid counters it with a backdrop.
Dragon Kid uses a Frankensteiner from the top rope on Edge.
Ted Blandford counts: One, kickout.
Dragon Kid executes the Dragon Rana on Edge.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Dragon Kid attempts to place Edge on the turnbuckle, but Edge blocks it.
Dragon Kid hits Edge.
Dragon Kid chops Edge.
Dragon Kid hits Edge with a leaping swinging DDT.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Dragon Kid runs into the ropes.
Edge hits Dragon Kid with a backdrop.
Dragon Kid falls out of the ring.
Ted Blandford counts: one, Dragon Kid reenters the ring.

Christian takes Dragon Kid down with a legdrop.
Christian executes a forearm to the back on Dragon Kid.
Christian executes the Unprettier on Dragon Kid.
There are lots of chants for Christian.
Christian goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Christian hits a dropkick on Dragon Kid.
Christian catches Dragon Kid in a double reverse chinlock.
Dragon Kid is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Dragon Kid tries to escape the hold.
Christian lets go after 17 seconds.
Dragon Kid springs to his feet.
Dragon Kid executes the Dragon Rana on Christian.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Dragon Kid takes Christian down with a spinning leg lariat.
The crowd is giving Dragon Kid a standing ovation.
Christian begs off.
Dragon Kid places Christian on the turnbuckle.
Dragon Kid takes Christian down with a top-rope Frankensteiner.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Dragon Kid executes an inside cradle on Christian.
Ted Blandford counts: One, kickout.
Dragon Kid goes for a punch, but Christian counters it with an armbreaker.
Christian hits a tornado DDT on Dragon Kid.
Christian has the crowd going wild.
Christian hits a chop on Dragon Kid.
Christian runs into the ropes.
Dragon Kid hits Christian with a shoulderblock.
Dragon Kid places Christian on the turnbuckle.
Dragon Kid hits a top-rope Frankensteiner on Christian.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

The winners are CIMA and Dragon Kid. Time of match: 0:34:21

CIMA and Dragon Kid defeated Edge And Christian (Edge and Christian) when
Dragon Kid pinned Christian after a top-rope Frankensteiner in 0:34:21.
Rating: ****

CIMA and Dragon Kid are two huge Junior Heavyweight stars over in Japan, and they proved why here in Long Island by putting on an absolute tag team wrestling clinic against Edge and Christian.  In the end, the Japanese duo proved to be too much for Edge and Christian, and after over 30 minutes Dragon Kid scored a top rope Frankensteiner for the victory!  Though CIMA and Dragon Kid will not be appearing again any time soon, they sure put on a hell of a match that the fans won't forget any time soon!

Card rating: *** 1/2

Match of the Evening: Mark Jindrak vs. Atlantis

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
rey619Posted on 02/06/05 at 21:14:03

Wow, Mark Jindrak almost made it there! Good for him!

I am intrigued by the mix of wrestlers in your circuit (older, younger, Japanese, Mexican), and how you are able to find new gimmicks and angles for them (Alex Wright - the Deutschland Destroyer, Sabin the European Assassin).

I think you are running booked? At least partially. If not, Jindrak moving through all those matches is a miracle, as the fresh person almost always wins in my gauntlets.
VertigoPosted on 02/06/05 at 22:31:55

I have to say that when Jindrak lost that final match... I was a bit disappointed. I was pushing for Jindrak. The finals went nearly half an hour! Jindrak had already wrestled over an hour... I want a rematch - with Jindrak fresh!

I like the oldschool Mikey character. He's such a weiner.

Kevin Nash seems out of place in LIW. I think he will get lost in the rotation and eventually won't get booked anymore. I don't think he can hang with the majority of guys on your roster.
Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/06/05 at 23:11:20

Rey: I was as surprised as you that Jindrak powered through virtually my entire main event scene.  

I run LIW unbooked, but I tend to book important matches to last a while without choosing a winner.  Thus major matches get the time (and consequently the ratings) they deserve more often than not.  Even with that in mind, Jindrak's victory came as a huge shock - I use strict pushes and he's got a high one, but it isn't the highest in LIW or even in the Gauntlet.  I'm not sure whether it was luck or whether the Jindrak export is just very powerful, but either way it was damn impressive, and TNM liked it enough that after only one night of competition Jindrak is officially on the HOT list despite all around average stats.

My database contains pretty much all the active wrestlers I can think of (and a few inactive ones - Hogan, Arn Anderson, Sgt. Slaughter, etc), so really it's just a case of figuring out what the major wrestlers in the promotion are there for.  In many cases, it's covered at least partially in the rules, which gives you something to work from.  You might want to think about including at least a few of the less "workrate" centered wrestlers in your database.  Because without including them you pretty much starve yourself for big men, who play a valuable role despite their generally low workrate.  Joe and Rhyno are good and everything, but they're not THAT much bigger than your average heavyweight wrestler.

Vertigo: While I don't have a rematch planned between Atlantis and Jindrak at the moment, I think you'll like the next show, because Jindrak is going to get another chance to show what he can do in a long match.

I really am getting a kick out of cowardly Mikey Whipwreck too.  I think, though that I would have used the Scooby Doo door chase segment somewhere else if I knew Jindrak would make it all the way to the finals.

Nash has a purpose on the LIW roster - it just hasn't revealed itself just yet.  As piss poor as he is in the ring, I have things in mind for him, just not anything for a few more shows.

Thanks for the feedback.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
rey619Posted on 02/06/05 at 23:59:53

I suppose big men do play an important role.. I am just angry with WWE for pushing Snitsky and Heidenreich and not London  :P
Somehow, I like O'Haire, Jindrak and Matt Morgan. They are big men who can get good ratings in TNM. Any other suggestions for big men who can round up my database and not suffer -*** ratings?
Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/07/05 at 07:25:08

Pretty much any big man can get solid match ratings when you book them against good workers if they have some charisma.  For example, in NDW Bob Sapp had a workrate of 50, yet he somehow managed to appear in quite a few memorable matches that got very high (****+) ratings.  Mark Jindrak was in five matches that were all ***+, and he's only got a workrate of 75.  Good booking and choice of opponents can cover a multitude of sins.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/09/05 at 02:26:08

LIW Newsline - 9/21/05

The Gauntlet proved to be Long Island Wrestling's longest show to date, and if fan response is any indication, one of its best as well.  The Gauntlet had a number of excellent matches, and featured a huge breakout performance by Mark Jindrak, who steamrolled over 4 of the top names in the business today before finally meeting his match at the hands of "Mexico's Most Wanted" Atlantis.  LIW's next show will be a return to Buffalo on October 9 to give the upstate and Canadian fans another taste of the only professional wrestling promotion officially recognised and backed by the state athletic commission.

In the wake of his easy victory over Don Harris, Simon Diamond has demanded to know why the booking committee overlooked his petition to enter The Gauntlet.  Diamond claims that if he had been involved, he would have easily overcome any opponents he faced, and would have even been able to go through all five opponents with ease.  When the booking committee expressed the fact that he simply wasn't in the proper position to contend, he blew up in their face.  We have since received reports that he has been seen speaking with members of the International Thug Syndicate.  The suspicions this raised were confirmed when ITS leader Booker T announced that Simon Diamond was another criminally misused wrestler who wasn't going to stand around while he was passed by any more, and that he had therefore found like minded friends in the Syndicate.  With Simon Diamond's membership, the Syndicate now has 4 members!

Paul London has contacted the LIW front office with word that he has gotten permission from WWE to compete in LIW once again.  Since London has been doing little more than squashing jobbers on Velocity in the past six months, he welcomes the challenge of competing in an LIW ring once again.  Once again he has requested a match against his nemesis Don Juan, but now he insists that the match be a tag team match because he has already won in singles competition.
It looks like both Don Juan and Paul London had better start looking for partners!

Speaking of matches against nemeses, Cactus Jack has challenged Jonny Storm once again, claiming that he is incredibly pissed off that he didn't get a chance to beat Storm from pillar to post during the Gauntlet match.  To make this more interesting, Cactus Jack has been teamed up with notable international Hardcore star and New York State Tag Team Champion Masato Tanaka.  Gifted technician and ECW alumni Lance Storm has been selected to team with the British Sensation in this match.  All four wrestlers in this contest are spectacular at what they do, so this should be an amazing match to watch!

The International Thug Syndicate has issued a statement saying that they plan to teach LIW as a whole a lesson.  Somehow they have ponied up the money required to pay Scott Steiner and Kevin Nash to team with Harlem Heat and Simon Diamond in a huge ten man tag team match in Buffalo.  Rumor has it that Stevie Ray has been selling "Magic Mushrooms" and "Fire Flowers" in the bad sections of New York City to raise the capital necessary, but we can't confirm this.  A talented team consisting of Michael Shane, Frankie Kazarian, Edge, Christian & Mikey Whipwreck has been put together by the booking committee to defend LIW's honor.  Talented as this team is, many are worried that they might not be a match for the sheer brutality and power that the International Thug Syndicate will be bringing to bear in this match.

After Mark Jindrak's marathon performance, many people have been pushing for a rematch between him and Atlantis.  The booking committee has other plans for Atlantis which will be announced soon, but in recognition of his extreme stamina, Jindrak has been booked in the main event in a 30 minute Ironman Match against Tag Team Champion Wataru Sakata.  If Jindrak's performance in the Gauntlet was any indication, we should be in for quite a treat come October 9.

Because of this main event, the show will fittingly be called "I Am Ironman."

LIW Top 5
Champion: Alex Wright

1) Atlantis -  Atlantis stops Mark Jindrak's momentum cold in a fantastic match to end the Gauntlet Series, and in doing so earns himself a title shot sometime in the Future.  Atlantis is another excellent submissions wrestler, and that has proven to be a weakness of Alex Wright up to this point.

2) Mikey Whipwreck - Run Mikey, Run!  Mikey Whipwreck grabs a huge upset victory against one of the biggest wrestlers in LIW today, Ron Harris.  The Harris Twins have been on a hell of a tear lately, so any singles victory over them is quite a major event.

3) Arn Anderson - Arn Anderson has yet to be defeated in Singles action here in LIW, and after driving his former partner Lash LeRoux out of the company, he pulled out a victory over Scott Steiner.  With the amount of momentum Arn Anderson is building up, a title shot in the future might not be unlikely.

4) Mark Jindrak - There is no doubt in our minds that Mark Jindrak deserves to be in the Top 5.  Jindrak crushed Jonny Storm, Cactus Jack, Octagon, and Chris Sabin back to back in one night before finally tapping out to Atlantis in the Gauntlet Final.  Jindrak would rate higher, but this was his first night actually competing in the ring.  If he proves to be this dominant in the future, he will definately rise quickly through the rankings here.

5) Jonny Storm - Jonny Storm holds on to the number five slot after strong performances in two matches at The Gauntlet.  Rumor has it that he is not pleased that a member of another faction has claimed the number one spot, and that he is planning on doing something about it.  Jonny Storm has been such a fivture in the ratings that we don't doubt his words.

Just missed: Simon Diamond

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Snabbit888Posted on 02/09/05 at 03:06:02

I won't give full detailed match-by-match feedback for this, because well, it was really long. :)

Mark Jindrak proved himself to be an LIW star with his performance in the Gauntlet.  It's very rare for a wrestler who has already had one match to get a victory, but hell, he went through Jonny Storm, Cactus Jack, Octagon, AND Chris Sabin before almost beating Atlantis.  With the style of circuit you're running, I'm sure LIW fans will be marking huge for him from here on out.

And let me tell you how thankful I am that Frank Shamrock didn't win the title.  I would have had to write off anything you ever do creatively forever because of a travesty like that.

The only thing that didn't really fit in with this show is that the main event, in my eyes, while good, just didn't seem like it should be the main event.  Not sure why the Wright/Shamrock match wasn't (other than Shamrock's presence, that is).

Iron man matches rule.  Go Jindrak!
91Posted on 02/09/05 at 22:03:07

Never seen Frank Shamrock, what's the deal with him?
Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/10/05 at 02:03:50

Frank Shamrock's career info can be seen here:

http://www.frankshamrock.org/default.asp?pg=14

Basically, he's the adopted brother of Ken Shamrock, and is an extremely gifted Mixed Martial Arts fighter.



Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 02/10/05 at 19:52:52

LIW Newsline - 9/24/05

Advance ticket sales are doing quite well for the October 9 show in Buffalo New York. Fans have been buzzing about the impact made by Jindrak ever since his stellar performance in The Gauntlet, and some people are even anticipating a Match of the Year Candidate when Jindrak and Sakata hook up in a 30 minute Ironman match in the main event of I Am Ironman. Be sure to get your tickets now, because you don't want to miss what's sure to be an athletic contest.

Alex Wright has once again refused to defend the New York State Heavyweight Title at our next show because a month will not yet have passed, and according to the rulebook he is not obligated to defend the title before a month has passed. Because of this, the booking committee has promised to select a foe for him to face at I Am Ironman. MsChif has protested that this doesn't allow her client to make the preperations he needs, but considering New Europe's cavalier attitude toward breaking the rules, we don't exactly have a lot of sympathy.

Chris Sabin came out of his defeat at the hands of Mark Jindrak with something to prove. Claiming that his defeat was nothing but a fluke, and that he is still the most dangerous professional wrestler on the LIW roster, Sabin has issued a challenge to any two wrestlers on the LIW roster to face him in a 2 vs. 1 handicap match. As good as Sabin is, this move inspired by pride is quite likely to cost him a victory, as Team USA has reportedly accepted his challenge! Both Slaughter and Duggan have seen better days, but they have still proven to be a very effective duo, and in fact are one of the few teams to own a win over the huge Harris Twins.

Speaking of the Harris Twins, they will return to tag team action at I Am Ironman. They once again have their sights set on Arn Anderson, but due to his former partner Lash LeRoux leaving LIW, The Enforcer will have to find himself a partner somewhere to team with him against the dangerous Harrises. Anderson has teamed with quite a few wrestlers in the past - will we see him bring one of these men in to aid him, or does he have an eye on another up and coming star? And will ANY partner be enough to defeat the Harris Twins?

New Europe and the International Thug Syndicate have both proved to be very frustrating for the booking committee to deal with. Sneak attacks, screwjobs, and beatdowns have all been employed by these two groups in an attempt to enforce their will, and LIW is sick of just tolerating it. Therefore, in an attempt to kill two birds with one stone, New Europe leader "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm has been booked to face "Mexico's Most Wanted" Atlantis, and Atlantis' Top Contendership for the New York State Heavyweight Title WILL be on the line. The booking committee is hoping that the paranoia and underhanded tactics of both groups will result in them focusing on each other instead of LIW as a whole, and that as a result both of them will see their influence decrease notably. One thing is for certain - with something as valuable as the Top Contendership on the line, either one of these groups is capable of doing whatever is necessary to be sure they take it.

Confirmed for I Am Ironman
* Don Juan & A partner vs. WWE's Paul London & A partner
* Cactus Jack & Masato Tanaka vs. Jonny Storm & Lance Storm
* Alex Wright vs. TBA
* Team USA vs. Chris Sabin in a Handicap Match
* The Harris Twins vs. Arn Anderson & A partner
* The International Thug Syndicate (Simon Diamond, Booker T & Stevie Ray), Kevin Nash & Scott Steiner vs. Michael Shane, Frankie Kazarian, Edge, Christian & Mikey Whipwreck
* Jonny Storm vs. Atlantis in a Top Contender's Match
* Mark Jindrak vs. Wataru Sakata in a 30 Minute Ironman Match

Also confirmed: Octagon, Kid Kash, El Mephisto, Rico & Frank Shamrock

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"