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LIW Tag Team Turmoil - 7/23/05

Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/24/05 at 01:10:51

Once again another card comes together nicely despite just a touch of double booking (quiet Ryan).  All things considered, this was a very strong card that surprised me in a couple places and was a lot of fun to watch.  Then again, I do love tournaments.  I'd love to say more, but if I did so it might spoil things a bit.  So I won't.  So hah!

*****

(Steppenwolf's "Born to be Wild" hits, and "The Hardcore Legend" Mick Foley
makes his way to the ring.)

Mick Foley: You know, I've been thinking...  I've been thinking a lot about
the beatings I've been taking from Jonny Storm, and how time after time he
manages to come out on top of me!  I've been thinking that Jonny Storm has been
worse for me than anything in recent memory.  Randy Orton spit in my face, then
beat the hell out of me to get himself over in WWE.  And that hurt, but I got
over it.  I wasn't an active wrestler and I wasn't as young as I used to be.
Him winning was inevitable.  Then Ric Flair called me nothing more than a
gloritifed stuntman.  That REALLY hurt, but really, the only problem was that
he just doesn't understand the style I work.  Plus with the hurtful comments
he's made about just about everyone other than Triple H, it's not like he
singled me out or anything...  But this...  Jonny Storm...  I'm an active
wrestler again.  And while Jonny Storm is a hell of a wrestler, he isn't THAT
good.  So I worry... am I losing my edge?  Should I just have admitted defeat?
Maybe so.  It's not like I have anything to prove to the world anymore.

(Foley pauses.)

Mick Foley: But that's just it.  I'm not proving anything to the world.  I'm
proving something to myself now!  So Jonny, I've decided that I'm not going
to be content with just winning the New York State Tag Team Titles out from
under your nose tonight... I'm also going to teach you a much needed lesson in
respect!  BANG BANG!  Because I've requested and been granted a Long Island
Streetfight later this evening against you...  And Jonny...  I meant what I
said when I warned you that some things are better left sleeping...  You'll
see...

New Europe vs. Team USA in a Tag Team Title Tournament Quarterfinal

Alex Wright climbs to the top turnbuckle, but Jim Duggan nails him
in the stomach.
Alex Wright falls onto the top turnbuckle.
The crowd breaks into a "Hoooooo!" chant.
Alex Wright leaves the ring.
Jonny Storm falls back into the ring.
Jim Duggan whips Jonny Storm into the ropes, but Jonny Storm reverses it.
Jonny Storm goes for a slap, but Jim Duggan reverses it.
Jonny Storm re-reverses it.
Jonny Storm goes for a spin kick, but Jim Duggan ducks out of the way.
Jim Duggan uses a vertical suplex on Jonny Storm.
Jim Duggan chops Jonny Storm.
Jim Duggan chops Jonny Storm.
The crowd is cheering on Jim Duggan.
Jim Duggan hits Jonny Storm with a kick to the midsection.
Jim Duggan goes for a bodyslam, but Jonny Storm counters it with a small package.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, kickout.
Jonny Storm whips Jim Duggan into the ropes.
Jim Duggan misses with a clothesline.
Jonny Storm hits Jim Duggan with a kick.
Jonny Storm tags out to Alex Wright.
Alex Wright and Jonny Storm whip Jim Duggan into the ropes.
They attempt to hit Jim Duggan with a double clothesline, but he counters
it with a duck-down move.
Jim Duggan hits them with a double clothesline.
Jonny Storm leaves the ring.
Jim Duggan takes Alex Wright down with an elbowsmash.
Jim Duggan goes for an inverted atomic drop, but Alex Wright blocks it.
Alex Wright executes an armdrag takedown on Jim Duggan.
Alex Wright hits Jim Duggan with a dragon suplex.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Jim Duggan chops Alex Wright.
The crowd is really behind Jim Duggan.
Jim Duggan chops Alex Wright.
The crowd is going crazy.

Jim Duggan tags out to Sgt. Slaughter.
Sgt. Slaughter goes for a facerake, but Jonny Storm blocks it.
Jonny Storm hits a spinebuster on Sgt. Slaughter.
Jonny Storm locks Sgt. Slaughter in a sleeperhold.
Sgt. Slaughter inches his way towards the ropes after holding out for 5 seconds.

Jonny Storm locks Sgt. Slaughter in a side headlock.
Sgt. Slaughter reaches the ropes after being trapped for 5 seconds.
Jonny Storm locks Sgt. Slaughter in a wristlock.
Sgt. Slaughter is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Sgt. Slaughter gets ahold of the ropes after 5 seconds.
Jonny Storm executes the Super Rewind Huracanrana on Sgt. Slaughter.
The crowd is vociferously booing Jonny Storm.
Jonny Storm goes for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, three.
Jonny Storm is being booed out of the building.

The winners are New Europe. Time of match: 0:15:43

[Quarterfinal]:
New Europe (Alex Wright and Jonny Storm) defeated
Team USA (Jim Duggan and Sgt. Slaughter) when J. Storm pinned Slaughter
with the Super Rewind Huracanrana in 0:15:43.
Rating: * 1/4

Jonny Storm and Alex Wright came out together to the soaring choral melody of Ode to Joy, the European Union's official anthem.  On the way to the ring, Storm shouted that Foley was on, and that he'd see him later this evening...

Once New Europe entered the ring, Stars and Stripes Forever hit, bringing Team USA down to the ring.  This proved to be a fairly competitive match, but Slaughter and Duggan were showing their age against the younger and quicker pairing of New Europe.  Sgt. Slaughter and Jim Duggan tried to use their power advantage to good effect, but ultimately were unable to bring their strength to bear.  After wearing Slaughter down with a series of quick submission holds, Jonny Storm hit his Super Rewind Hurricanrana to guarantee that New Europe would advance to the Semifinals.

Arn Anderson & Lash LeRoux vs. Masato Tanaka & Wataru Sakata in a Tag Team Title Tournament Quarterfinal

Masato Tanaka hits Arn Anderson with a kick.
Masato Tanaka sends Arn Anderson into the turnbuckle.
Masato Tanaka runs shoulder-first into the corner, but Arn Anderson lifts his
knee.
Arn Anderson runs into the ropes.
Arn Anderson hits Masato Tanaka with an elbow.
Arn Anderson tags out to Lash LeRoux.
Wataru Sakata enters the ring and throws Arn Anderson out of the ring.
Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata hit Lash LeRoux with a double kneelift.
Wataru Sakata leaves the ring.
Masato Tanaka throws Lash LeRoux into the turnbuckle.
Masato Tanaka hits a forearm smash on Lash LeRoux.
Masato Tanaka nails Lash LeRoux with a forearm smash.
Masato Tanaka takes Lash LeRoux down with a forearm smash.
Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Lash LeRoux.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Alan Tso counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.

Masato Tanaka misses with a clothesline.
Arn Anderson hits Masato Tanaka with a clothesline.
Arn Anderson catches Masato Tanaka in a half Boston.
Alan Tso tells Masato Tanaka to respond or he'll stop the fight.
Masato Tanaka nods.
Masato Tanaka grabs the ropes after 23 seconds.
Arn Anderson gives the IV Horsemen sign.
The crowd is behind Arn Anderson all the way.
Arn Anderson tags out to Lash LeRoux.
Arn Anderson enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Wataru Sakata enters the ring, but gets cut off.
Arn Anderson hits a flying fistdrop on Masato Tanaka.
Lash LeRoux goes for a rolling reverse cradle into a bridge, but Masato Tanaka
counters it with a backward kick.
Masato Tanaka has the crowd going wild.
Arn Anderson leaves the ring.
Masato Tanaka hits Lash LeRoux with the Running Forearm Smash.
Alan Tso counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Lash LeRoux.
The crowd is going crazy.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Alan Tso counts: One, two, Arn Anderson doesn't make it in time... three.
Masato Tanaka has the crowd going wild.

The winners are Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata. Time of match: 0:08:02

[Quarterfinal]:
Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata defeated Arn Anderson and Lash LeRoux when
M. Tanaka pinned LeRoux with the Roaring Elbow in 0:08:02.
Rating: **** 1/4

Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata are an extremely dangerous pairing that has had huge success in Pro Wrestling Zero-One.  Arn Anderson and Lash LeRoux, on the other hand, have had only limited success here in LIW.  It was therefore not a surprise when Tanaka and Sakata steamrolled over them and into the semifinals after a series of stiff strikes to Lash LeRoux.

(Following the match, Lash LeRoux grabs a microphone.)

Lash LeRoux: What th'hell was that, Arn?  Tanaka and Sakata were beatin' me
like a Cajun' Crawdad Souflet, an' where were you?

Arn Anderson: I held my own in that match, Lash.  If you're angry at anyone, be
angry at yourself.  If you'd stop being such a goof, we might have a little
more success.  Seriously, drop the whole crawdad Cajun thing.  You're a funny
guy, but you're costing us matches.

Lash LeRoux: Now I know I didn't just hear ya'll blame what happened on me!  
You coulda broke up the three count, yaknow...

Arn Anderson: I tried to.  But you were as good as out cold.  There was nothing
I could do.  So let me give you some advice... the secret to tag team wrestling
is to pace yourse-

Lash LeRoux: I ain't no rookie, man!  I've been around the bayou a few times
an' seen a few 'gators in my day!  So don't you talk down to me, boy!

Arn Anderson: Look, I'm just trying to help-

Lash LeRoux: LASH SMASH!

(LeRoux lunges at Anderson, and the bell rings as an impromptu match begins)

"The Enforcer" Arn Anderson vs. "The Ragin' Cajun" Lash LeRoux

Arn Anderson runs into the ropes.
Arn Anderson misses with a clothesline.
Arn Anderson hits Lash LeRoux with a flying clothesline.
The crowd is behind Arn Anderson all the way.
Arn Anderson runs into the ropes.
Lash LeRoux nails Arn Anderson with a bodyslam.
Lash LeRoux goes for a Fujiwara armbar, but Arn Anderson blocks it.
Arn Anderson hits Lash LeRoux with a side suplex.
Arn Anderson runs into the ropes.
Arn Anderson nails Lash LeRoux with a swinging neckbreaker.
The chants for Arn Anderson are deafening.
Arn Anderson hits a side suplex on Lash LeRoux.
Arn Anderson locks Lash LeRoux in a Boston crab.
Lash LeRoux tries to escape the hold.
Lash LeRoux gets ahold of the ropes after 12 seconds.
Arn Anderson executes the Spinebuster on Lash LeRoux.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is behind Arn Anderson all the way.

The winner is Arn Anderson. Time of match: 0:03:59

Arn Anderson pinned Lash LeRoux with the Spinebuster in 0:03:59.
Rating: ** 3/4

After the beating that Lash LeRoux took in the match against Tanaka and Sakata, this match wasn't even close to being fair.  Still, the Ragin' Cajun isn't exactly known for his level head, so his rash actions ended with him eating a HUGE Spinebuster from the master of the move.  After the pinfall, The Enforcer offers his hand to Lash, but LeRoux swats it away, struggling to his feet and limping to the back on his own.

"The Hardcore Legend" Mick Foley & TBA vs. Lance Storm & "The Notorious KID" Kid Kash in a Tag Team Title Tournament Quarterfinal

And... Foley's partner is Doug Basham!

Kid Kash throws Doug Basham into the ringsteps.
Lance Storm comes over to make it two-on-one.
Lance Storm takes Doug Basham down with a clothesline.
Kid Kash executes a rolling reverse cradle on Doug Basham.
Mick Foley comes over, but gets cut off.
Kid Kash and Lance Storm hit Doug Basham with a double hiptoss.
Lance Storm nails Doug Basham with a handspring clothesline.
Kid Kash takes Doug Basham down with a belly-to-back suplex.
Lance Storm hits Doug Basham with a jumping side kick.
Kid Kash uses a belly-to-back suplex on Doug Basham.
Lance Storm goes for a handspring clothesline but Doug Basham pulls
Phillip McAlpine in the way !
They're brawling inside the ring area.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Doug Basham takes Kid Kash down with a sidewalk slam.
Doug Basham executes a kick to the midsection on Kid Kash.
Doug Basham reenters the ring.

Mick Foley sets up Kid Kash on the announcers' table.
Mick Foley executes a back suplex through the table.
The table is broken in half.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Mick Foley.
Mick Foley gets back into the ring.
Kid Kash climbs back into the ring.
Mick Foley covers Kid Kash.
There is no referee to count.
Mick Foley gets back up.
Mick Foley whips Kid Kash into the ropes.
Mick Foley executes the Double Arm DDT on Kid Kash.
The crowd breaks into a "Hardcore, Hardcore!" chant.
Mick Foley goes for the pin.
There is no referee to count.
Phillip McAlpine regains conciousness.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, Lance Storm makes the save.
Mick Foley hits an inverted atomic drop on Kid Kash.

Mick Foley nails Kid Kash with a side suplex.
Mick Foley hits an elbowsmash on Kid Kash.
Mick Foley uses a side suplex on Kid Kash.
Mick Foley goes for a power bomb, but Kid Kash blocks it.
Kid Kash whips Mick Foley into the ropes.
Mick Foley misses with a kick.
Kid Kash misses with a clothesline.
Mick Foley hits Kid Kash with a shoulderblock.
Mick Foley nails Kid Kash with a kneedrop.
Mick Foley nails Kid Kash with an elbowsmash.
Mick Foley runs into the ropes.
Mick Foley misses with a clothesline.
Mick Foley misses with a kick.
Kid Kash hits Mick Foley with an elbow.
Kid Kash goes for a bulldog, but Mick Foley blocks it.
Mick Foley executes the Double Arm DDT on Kid Kash.
Mick Foley goes for the pin.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, Lance Storm makes the save.

Lance Storm hits Mick Foley with a springboard dropkick.
Lance Storm hits a jawbreaker on Mick Foley.
Lance Storm is going for the pin.
Lance Storm pulls the tights.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, shoulder up.
Lance Storm goes for a hiptoss, but Mick Foley counters it with a lariat.
The crowd is giving Mick Foley a standing ovation.
Mick Foley executes a swinging neckbreaker on Lance Storm.
Mick Foley is going for the pin.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, kickout.
Mick Foley hits Lance Storm with an elbowsmash.
Mick Foley hits Lance Storm with a kneedrop.
Mick Foley hits Lance Storm with a lariat.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Mick Foley executes the Double Arm DDT on Lance Storm.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Mick Foley goes for the pin.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is giving Mick Foley a standing ovation.

The winners are Mick Foley and Doug Basham. Time of match: 0:25:47

[Quarterfinal]:
Mick Foley and Doug Basham defeated Lance Storm and Kid Kash when Foley pinned
L. Storm with the Double Arm DDT in 0:25:47.
Rating: *** 3/4

The booking committee selected the ever dangerous Doug Basham as Mick Foley's partner, but Foley didn't seem to care.  Instead, he went after Storm and Kash as if he was the only man competing, and in doing so put on quite a convincing showing.  Nowhere to be seen was Mr. Socko, instead Foley relied heavily on his Double Arm DDT and Stump Pulling Piledriver, and even a choke slam at one point!  Kash and Storm used every tag team strategy they knew to try to come out on top, but in the end Foley just proved to be too dangerous.  Mick Foley and Doug Basham advance into the semifinals to face the winner of Edge & Christian vs. The Harris Twins.

Edge & Christian vs. The Harris Twins in a Tag Team Title Tournament Quarterfinal

They lock up.
Don Harris hits a chop on Edge.
International Thug Syndicate come to ringside.
Don Harris throws Edge into the turnbuckle, but Edge reverses it.
Edge runs into the ropes.
Booker T hits Edge in the back with a chair.
Ted Blandford threatens The Harris Twins with disqualification.
Don Harris executes the Big Boot on Edge.
Don Harris goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Edge chops Don Harris.
Edge punches Don Harris.
A small "Edge" chant is being started.
Don Harris hits Edge.
A fan at ringside badmouths Don Harris.
Don Harris punches Edge.
Don Harris further incites the crowd.
Edge punches Don Harris.
Edge is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Edge chops Don Harris.
Edge is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Edge goes for a kneelift, but Don Harris side-steps and Edge only hits air.
Don Harris throws Edge into the turnbuckle, but Edge reverses it.
Edge charges in with the Spear, but Don Harris moves out of the way.
Don Harris takes Edge down with a forearm smash.
Don Harris tags out to Ron Harris.
Ron Harris hits Edge with a kneebreaker.
Ron Harris nails Edge with a fist to the midsection.
Ron Harris hits an elbowsmash on Edge.
Ron Harris tags out to Don Harris.
Christian enters the ring, but gets cut off.
Don Harris and Ron Harris whip Edge into the ropes.
They hit Edge with a double elbowsmash.
Ron Harris leaves the ring.
Don Harris uses a slap on Edge.
Don Harris goes for a back suplex, but Edge flips over.
Edge goes for a faceslam, but Don Harris blocks it.
Don Harris nails Edge with a ropeburn.
Don Harris goes for a bearhug, but Edge counters it with a facerake.
Edge executes a back suplex on Don Harris.
Edge goes for a double reverse chinlock, but Don Harris counters it with
a facerake.
Don Harris tags out to Ron Harris.
Ron Harris and Don Harris whip Edge into the ropes.
They hit Edge with a double clothesline.
Don Harris leaves the ring.
Ron Harris takes Edge down with a side suplex.
Ron Harris nails Edge with a flying clothesline.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Ron Harris covers Edge.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes... Stevie Ray knocks Edge's
foot off the rope... Ted Blandford sees it.
Ted Blandford threatens The Harris Twins with disqualification.
Ron Harris runs into the ropes.
Ron Harris hits Edge with a shoulderblock.
Ron Harris hits a facerake on Edge.
The crowd breaks into a "Which One's Which" chant.
Don Harris enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Christian enters the ring, but gets cut off.
Ron Harris and Don Harris whip Edge into the ropes.
They hit Edge with a double clothesline.
Christian gets back up, but gets cut off.
Ron Harris and Don Harris whip Edge into the ropes.
They hit Edge with a double clothesline.
Don Harris leaves the ring.
Ron Harris goes for a snap mare, but Edge blocks it.
Edge tags out to Christian.
Christian whips Ron Harris into the ropes.
Ron Harris misses with a clothesline.

Edge leaves the ring.
Christian whips Don Harris into the ropes.
Atlantis pulls down the top rope.
Ted Blandford threatens Christian with disqualification.
Christian goes for a tope, but Don Harris moves out of the way.
Christian is out cold.
Don Harris is being booed out of the building.
Don Harris throws Christian back into the ring.
Ron Harris enters the ring.
Ron Harris and Don Harris hit Christian with the H_Bomb.
Don Harris goes for the pin.
Don Harris is being booed out of the building.
Don Harris uses the ropes for leverage.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, Edge makes the save.
Don Harris locks Christian in a bearhug.
Christian is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Christian is inching his way towards the ropes.
Christian gets ahold of the ropes after holding out for 16 seconds.
Don Harris goes for a chokehold, but Christian counters it with a facerake.
Christian gives him a kick to the midsection, but Don Harris only stares at him.
Don Harris goes for a belly-to-belly suplex, but Christian counters it with
a low blow.
Christian goes for a swinging neckbreaker, but Don Harris counters it with
a side suplex.
Don Harris executes an elbowdrop on Christian.
Christian begs off.
Don Harris tags out to Ron Harris.
Ron Harris hits Christian with a Hotshot.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Ron Harris executes a kneebreaker on Christian.
Ron Harris goes for a headbutt, but Christian blocks it.
Christian whips Ron Harris into the ropes.
Christian misses with a kick.
Christian hits Ron Harris with an elbow.
Christian throws Ron Harris out of the ring.
Christian goes for a plancha, but Ron Harris moves out of the way.
The crowd is booing Ron Harris.
Don Harris comes over to make it two-on-one.
Don Harris nails Christian with a clothesline.
Ron Harris executes a waistlock suplex on Christian.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Ted Blandford counts:  1.
Ron Harris hits an elbowdrop on Christian.
Ted Blandford counts:  2.
Ron Harris goes for a backbreaker, but Christian counters it with a facerake.
Christian executes a chop on Ron Harris.
Ted Blandford counts:  3.
Christian knocks Ron Harris into the ringsteps.
Christian goes for the Unprettier, but Ron Harris blocks it.
Christian executes a Hotshot on Ron Harris.
Ted Blandford counts:  4.
Christian whips Ron Harris into the guardrail.
Ted Blandford counts:  5.
Christian climbs back into the ring.
Ron Harris rolls back in under the bottom rope.
Christian goes for a dropkick, but Ron Harris side-steps and Christian
only hits air.
Ron Harris covers Christian.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, Edge makes the save.
Christian goes for a forearm smash, but Ron Harris blocks it.
Ron Harris hits a reverse neckbreaker on Christian.
Christian dives onto Stevie Ray with a Flying Cross Body Press.
Christian is brawling with Stevie Ray at ringside.
Christian is counted out.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.

The winners are The Harris Twins. Time of match: 0:09:37

[Quarterfinal]:
The Harris Twins (Ron Harris and Don Harris) defeated
Edge And Christian (Edge and Christian) when R. Harris defeated Christian by
countout in 0:09:37.
Rating: **
[Booker T and Stevie Ray interfered against Edge.]
[Atlantis interfered against Don Harris.]

This was a highly anticipated match between two of the top tag teams in Long Island Wrestling today.  Unfortuantely, the International Thug Syndicate of Booker T, Stevie Ray, and Atlantis chose this moment to make thier displeasure at not being included in the tournament known.  It started with a chairshot from Booker T and went downhill from there, with the Syndicate using every chance they could to get in a cheap shot at someone competing in this match.  Eventually, Edge and Christian got tired of this abuse and began brawling at ringside with the Syndicate.  Unfortunately for Edge and Christian, the Harris Twins wisely held back, letting Christian get counted out for the victory.  Unfortunately for the Harris Twins, this proved enough time for Harlem Heat to lay out E&C with chairshots, leaving the Harris Twins to be beaten down in a three on two assault!  What chaos!

Octagon vs. Rico

They lock up.
Rico takes Octagon down with a roundhouse right.
Rico uses a kneelift on Octagon.
Rico nails Octagon with a kneelift.
Rico hits a savate kick on Octagon.
A fan at ringside badmouths Rico.
Rico is going for the cover.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Octagon hits Rico.
The crowd is cheering on Octagon.
Octagon chops Rico.
Octagon executes a flying cross body press on Rico.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, three.
The crowd breaks into a "Octa-Clutch!  Octa-Clutch!" chant.

The winner is Octagon. Time of match: 0:00:51

Octagon pinned Rico after a flying cross body press in 0:00:51.
Rating: *

Octagon and Rico squared off in a rematch from last month's confrontation which saw Rico's first defeat.  This time Rico was all business, immediately going for his dangerous martial arts strikes rather than trying any head games.  Unfortunately for Rico, Octagon quickly got the best of him, scoring a flash pin with a flying cross bodypress in just under a minute for the victory.  As a stunned Rico staggers to his feet, defeated, Octagon locks in the Octa-Clutch to the cheers of the crowd!

Don Juan vs. Horace Hogan vs. Booker T

Don Juan executes a flying forearm on Booker T.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
Don Juan tags out to Horace Hogan.
Horace Hogan takes Booker T down with a legdrop.
Horace Hogan hits Booker T with a flying bodypress.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Horace Hogan takes Booker T down with an elbowsmash.
Horace Hogan hits Booker T with a kick to the midsection.
Horace Hogan runs into the ropes.
Horace Hogan hits a clothesline on Booker T.
Horace Hogan executes the Full Nelson Slam on Booker T.
A small "Horace Hogan" chant is being started.
Horace Hogan goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is starting to get behind Horace Hogan.

The winner is Horace Hogan. Time of match: 0:07:56

Triangle Match:
Horace Hogan defeated Don Juan and Booker T when Horace Hogan pinned Booker
with the Full Nelson Slam in 0:07:56.
Rating: ** 3/4

Booker T ruled most of this match, bringing his experience to bear on the much younger Horace Hogan and Don Juan.  Horace Hogan has clearly learned a thing or two from his uncle, however, as he turned things around in seconds with a huge clothesline followed by his signiture Full Nelson Slam to Booker T.  Seconds later, Stevie Ray and Atlantis hit the ring for the beatdown on the victorious Horace and Don Juan.  Horace is locked in the Atlantida submission hold quickly, leaving Don Juan to eat a hard Slapjack in the center of the ring as Paul London stands and applauds from the audience!  What an asshole!

New Europe vs. Masato Tanaka & Wataru Sakata in a Tag Team Title Tournament Semifinal

Alex Wright kicks Masato Tanaka.
Alex Wright is being booed like there is no tomorrow.
Alex Wright hits a jumping elbow thrust on Masato Tanaka.
Alex Wright whips Masato Tanaka into the ropes.
Masato Tanaka misses with a clothesline.
Masato Tanaka hits Alex Wright with a shoulderblock.
Masato Tanaka nails Alex Wright with a forearm smash.
Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Alex Wright.
The crowd is cheering on Masato Tanaka.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Masato Tanaka runs into the ropes.
Alex Wright goes for a spinning mule kick, but Masato Tanaka blocks it.
Masato Tanaka takes Alex Wright down with the Running Forearm Smash.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Masato Tanaka hits an elbowsmash on Alex Wright.
Masato Tanaka uses a double-axhandle to the back on Alex Wright.

They hit Alex Wright with a double backdrop.
Jonny Storm gets back up and lays out Wataru Sakata.
Jonny Storm executes a DDT on Masato Tanaka.
Numerous fans are using Jonny Storm for target practice.
Alex Wright hits a moonsault bodyblock on Masato Tanaka.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Jonny Storm leaves the ring.
Alex Wright gets a cobra clutch on Masato Tanaka.
Masato Tanaka is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Masato Tanaka is inching his way towards the ropes.
Masato Tanaka tries to escape the hold.
Masato Tanaka reaches the ropes after being trapped for 26 seconds.
Alex Wright executes the Bavarian Neckbreaker on Masato Tanaka.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Alex Wright goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
Alex Wright hits Masato Tanaka with a double underhook piledriver.
Numerous fans are using Alex Wright for target practice.

Alex Wright takes Wataru Sakata down with a double underhook piledriver.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Alex Wright whips Wataru Sakata into the ropes, but Wataru Sakata reverses it.
Alex Wright misses with an elbow.
Wataru Sakata hits Alex Wright with a backdrop.
Wataru Sakata executes the Single-Leg Crab Hold on Alex Wright.
Russell Durand asks Alex Wright if he's still there.
Alex Wright nods.
Russell Durand asks Alex Wright if he should stop the fight.
Alex Wright shakes his head.
Russell Durand checks Alex Wright's arm.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Alex Wright fights his way out of the hold after 23 seconds.
Alex Wright chops Wataru Sakata.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.

Wataru Sakata goes for a kick to the midsection, but Alex Wright
counters it with a dragon screw.
Alex Wright executes the Bavarian Neckbreaker on Wataru Sakata.
Numerous fans are using Alex Wright for target practice.
Alex Wright goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Alex Wright shoves down Russell Durand.
Alex Wright whips Wataru Sakata into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata hits Alex Wright with a kick.
Alex Wright begs off.
Wataru Sakata puts Alex Wright in an arm grapevine.
Alex Wright breaks the hold after 5 seconds.
Alex Wright attempts to place Wataru Sakata on the turnbuckle, but Wataru Sakata
blocks it.
Alex Wright runs into the ropes.
Alex Wright misses with a clothesline.
Alex Wright hits Wataru Sakata with a jumping elbow thrust.
Alex Wright takes Wataru Sakata down with a slingshot splash.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Jonny Storm enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Jonny Storm executes a clothesline on Wataru Sakata.
Jonny Storm leaves the ring.
Alex Wright goes for an armdrag takedown, but Wataru Sakata blocks it.
Wataru Sakata hits Alex Wright with a piledriver.
Wataru Sakata takes Alex Wright down with an inside cradle.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
Wataru Sakata executes the Single-Leg Crab Hold on Alex Wright.
Alex Wright tries to escape the hold.
Alex Wright summons one last burst of energy.
Alex Wright submits after 13 seconds.
The crowd erupts.

The winners are Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata. Time of match: 0:18:29

[Semifinal]:
Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata defeated
New Europe (Alex Wright and Jonny Storm) when Sakata made A. Wright submit to
the Single-Leg Crab Hold in 0:18:29.
Rating: **** 1/4

New Europe's plans to take the New York State Tag Team Titles came to a crashing halt here when the lethal pairing of Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata brought the same stiff style to bear against them that they used to knock Arn Anderson and Lash LeRoux out of the tournament.  Taking advantage of their great exeperience together, Alex Wright was isolated from Jonny Storm for most of the match, and after quite a bit of effort was finally forced to tap out to the Single-Leg Crab Hold.  After a beating like that, what kind of shape will Wright be in for his title defense against El Mephisto!?!

Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata advance into the finals, where they will face the winner of Mick Foley & Doug Basham vs. The Harris Twins.

"The Hardcore Legend" Mick Foley & Doug Basham vs. The Harris Twins

Mick Foley kicks Don Harris.
The chants for Mick Foley are deafening.
Mick Foley chops Don Harris.
Mick Foley punches Don Harris.
The crowd breaks into a "Foley, Foley, Foley" chant.
Mick Foley goes for a bodyslam, but Don Harris counters it with a small package.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Don Harris tags out to Ron Harris.
Don Harris hits a clothesline on Mick Foley.
Ron Harris goes for an inside cradle, but Mick Foley blocks it.
Don Harris leaves the ring.
Mick Foley runs into the ropes.
Mick Foley goes for a knee to the face, but Ron Harris blocks it.
Ron Harris hits Mick Foley with a fist to the midsection.
Ron Harris hits a bodyslam on Mick Foley.
Ron Harris hits a flying clothesline on Mick Foley.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.

Ron Harris tries to escape the hold.
Ron Harris breaks the hold after 8 seconds.
Ron Harris tags out to Don Harris.
Don Harris and Ron Harris hit Doug Basham with a double roundhouse right.
Mick Foley enters the ring and lays out Ron Harris.
Mick Foley takes Don Harris down with a faceslam.
Doug Basham nails Don Harris with the Guillotine Legdrop.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, kickout.
Mick Foley leaves the ring.
Doug Basham goes for a sidewalk slam, but Don Harris counters it with a DDT.
Don Harris is starting to get more cheers than boos.
Don Harris goes for a forearm smash, but Doug Basham blocks it.
Doug Basham runs into the ropes.
Doug Basham hits Don Harris with a shoulderblock.
Doug Basham hits Don Harris with a kick to the midsection.
Doug Basham uses a Russian legsweep on Don Harris.
Doug Basham executes the Leg Lariat on Don Harris.
Doug Basham goes for the pin.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, thr... kickout.

Don Harris whips Doug Basham into the ropes.
Don Harris takes Doug Basham down with a facerake.
Don Harris seemingly enjoys the boos.
Don Harris puts Doug Basham in a bearhug.
Doug Basham is struggling to reach the ropes.
Doug Basham tries to escape the hold.
Doug Basham is inching his way towards the ropes.
Doug Basham makes it to the ropes after being trapped for 15 seconds.
Don Harris executes the Big Boot on Doug Basham.
Don Harris seemingly enjoys the boos.
Don Harris goes for the pin.
Don Harris pulls the tights.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, he sees it.
Steven Silvers threatens Don Harris with disqualification.
Don Harris hits a belly-to-belly suplex on Doug Basham.
Don Harris executes an elbowdrop on Doug Basham.
Don Harris nails Doug Basham with a headsmash into the turnbuckle.
Don Harris goes for a headsmash into the turnbuckle, but Doug Basham blocks it.
Doug Basham goes for a swinging neckbreaker, but Don Harris counters it with
a side suplex.
The crowd seems to be rallying behind Don Harris.
Don Harris throws Doug Basham out of the ring.
Steven Silvers counts: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine,
Doug Basham reenters the ring.
Don Harris runs into the ropes.
Don Harris hits Doug Basham with a clothesline.
Don Harris hits Doug Basham with a bodyslam.
Don Harris catches Doug Basham in a chokehold.
Steven Silvers warns Don Harris to let go.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, three.
Don Harris whips Doug Basham into the ropes.
Doug Basham goes for a clothesline, but Don Harris counters it with
a Gorilla Press.
Don Harris nails Doug Basham with a power bomb.
Don Harris uses the ropes for leverage.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Don Harris executes a belly-to-belly suplex on Doug Basham.
The crowd seems to be rallying behind Don Harris.
Don Harris goes for a kneedrop, but Doug Basham rolls out of the way.
Doug Basham runs into the ropes.
Doug Basham executes the Leg Lariat on Don Harris.
A portion of the crowd is cheering Doug Basham.
Doug Basham goes for the pin.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Doug Basham hits Don Harris with a kneelift.
Doug Basham whips Don Harris into the ropes.
Don Harris executes a clothesline on Doug Basham.
Don Harris is going for the cover.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Don Harris knocks down Steven Silvers.
Steven Silvers is out cold.
Steven Silvers is back on the job.
Don Harris goes for a headbutt, but Doug Basham blocks it.

Ron Harris leaves the ring.
Mick Foley goes for a vertical suplex, but Don Harris reverses it.
Don Harris executes a chop on Mick Foley.
Don Harris takes Mick Foley down with a bodyslam.
Don Harris hits a power bomb on Mick Foley.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Don Harris whips Mick Foley into the ropes.
Don Harris hits a belly-to-belly suplex on Mick Foley.
Don Harris nails Mick Foley with a chop.
Don Harris whips Mick Foley into the turnbuckle.
Don Harris runs shoulder-first into the corner.
Ron Harris enters the ring.
Ron Harris and Don Harris hit Mick Foley with the H-Bomb.
Don Harris goes for the pin.
Don Harris further incites the crowd.
Don Harris pulls the tights.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, Doug Basham doesn't make it in time... three.
Don Harris further incites the crowd.

The winners are The Harris Twins. Time of match: 0:19:43

[Semifinal]:
The Harris Twins (Ron Harris and Don Harris) defeated Mick Foley and Doug Basham
when Heavy D pinned Foley after the H_Bomb in 0:19:43.
Rating: ***

Mick Foley was fired up for this match, but The Harris Twins once again justified their ranking by quickly rendering Doug Basham incapable of helping Foley against them and then going after Foley together.  Foley seemed as if he might come back regardless and once again carry his team forward on his own, but a stiff powerbomb followed shortly thereafter by the deadly H-Bomb laid Foley out for long enough for Don Harris to pick up the victory!

The finals of the tag team title tournament will see Masato Tanaka & Wataru Sakata facing off against The Harris Twins!

El Mephisto vs. "The Deutschland Destroyer" Alex Wright for the New York State Heavyweight Title

They lock up.
El Mephisto goes for a Northern Lights suplex, but Alex Wright blocks it.
Alex Wright nails El Mephisto with an over-the-shoulder stomachbreaker.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
Quite a few boos are audible.

The winner is Alex Wright. Time of match: 0:00:18

Alex Wright pinned El Mephisto after an over-the-shoulder stomachbreaker in
          0:00:18.
Rating: *
(Alex Wright retained the New York State Heavyweight Title.)

El Mephisto doesn't even get one move in on Alex Wright before being taken down with an over the shoulder stomachbreaker.  And... he doesn't kick out?  But he looks just fine!  And Mephisto is back on his feet...  Here comes Jonny Storm... and he shakes hands with Mephisto!  Mephisto has thrown this match!  Storm grabs a microphone and announces that New Europe has been scouting for new talent... and after the last show, El Mephisto came to him with a plan... a plan that just worked perfectly!  New Europe keeps the New York State Heavyweight Title, El Mephisto earns himself a spot in the group, and they had a chance to win the tag team titles with no worries!

This is absolutely disgusting!  In a promotion founded on fair competition as LIW is, New Europe pulling something like this is the equivalent of spitting in the faces of each and every one of our paying fans!  The booking committee will surely have something to say about this...

TBA vs. TBA in a Talent Evaluation Match

And it's Oman Tortuga and Madman Pondo!

They lock up.
Oman Tortuga uses a leg lariat on Madman Pondo.
Oman Tortuga hits a forearm to the back on Madman Pondo.
Oman Tortuga throws Madman Pondo into the turnbuckle.
Oman Tortuga charges into the corner.
Oman Tortuga runs into the ropes.
Oman Tortuga uses a clothesline on Madman Pondo.
Oman Tortuga takes Madman Pondo down with a high knee.
Oman Tortuga nails Madman Pondo with a backward kick.
Oman Tortuga goes for a hiptoss, but Madman Pondo counters it with a facerake.
Madman Pondo goes for a bodyslam, but Oman Tortuga counters it with
a small package.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Oman Tortuga goes for a forearm smash, but Madman Pondo blocks it.
Madman Pondo hits Oman Tortuga.
Madman Pondo is starting to get under the crowd's skin.
Oman Tortuga chops Madman Pondo.
Oman Tortuga chops Madman Pondo.
Madman Pondo kicks Oman Tortuga.
Quite a few boos are audible.
Madman Pondo whips Oman Tortuga into the ropes.
Madman Pondo misses with a kick.
Oman Tortuga goes for a high knee, but Madman Pondo side-steps and Oman Tortuga
only hits air.
Madman Pondo uses a power bomb on Oman Tortuga.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
Quite a few boos are audible.

The winner is Madman Pondo. Time of match: 0:01:39

[Talent Evaluation Match]:
Madman Pondo pinned Oman Tortuga after a power bomb in 0:01:39.
Rating: DUD

Oman Tortuga faced off against Madman Pondo in this Talent Evaluation Match, and though Pondo gained a fast victory, this was such a stinker that it's unlikely you'll be seeing either in LIW again anytime soon.

("Adrenaline" by Gavin Rossdale hits, and Mark Jindrak makes his way to the
ring, grabbing a microphone.)

Mark Jindrak: As you may have heard, Long Island Wrestling is searching for the
best and brightest new talent from the world of Professional Wrestling.  
They're trying to find the next big thing, if you will.  Someone who has paid
their dues, but never gotten a shot at the big time.  Someone like me.  I
worked my ass off as one of the Natural Born Thrillers, and WCW went under
before I got my shot at the top.  I kissed Kurt Angle's ass for months, and all
they did was feed me to The Big Show.  I'm sick of all that, so I'm here to
prove just how good I am.  And nobody is gonna hold me back-

(Kevin Nash moseys out from backstage and cuts Jindrak off)

Kevin Nash: Blah blah blah.  There's a reason you've never gotten a shot at the
top, Jindrak.  That reason is because you suck.  Nobody wants to see you.  WCW
knew you'd never amount to anything, and WWE figured it out pretty quick too.
Face it... you're a decent enough guy, but you just don't have "it!"

Mark Jindrak: This from the man who hasn't walked faster than a slow mosey
since 1998 for fear that his leg would explode...  I didn't want to name names,
but I heard you several times telling people not to give me the chance to
shine.  Do you know what that does to a guy?

Kevin Nash: Waaaaah!  Poor widdle baby can't face the truth!  The truth hurts,
kid!

Mark Jindrak: Listen.  I don't give a damn about you.  I'm here in LIW to start
over.  Clearly somebody believes that I have what it takes, so I'm going to run
with the ball!

Kevin Nash: You couldn't draw fleas, kid.  Now get out of the ring while adul-

Mark Jindrak: Screw you!  This is my moment, you spotlight hogging washed up
old piece of crap!  Nobody has wanted to see you anywhere for the past 5 years!
Get over yourself and retire before the entire audience dies of boredom!

Kevin Nash: Boredom is something you'd know about, sparky.  I think I just
might have to make sure that you don't put the audience to sleep!

Mark Jindrak: Fine!  If you want to fight, I'm right here!  Bring it, bitch!

(Kevin Nash pauses)

Kevin Nash: Sorry.  Can't.  Not under contract.  Not gonna happen, sparky.
Goodbye!

(The crowd boos loudly as Nash fails to live up to his words and comes as close as he's gotten in the past 5 years to running out of there.)

"The Hardcore Legend" Mick Foley vs. "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm in a Long Island Streetfight

Jonny Storm goes for a kneedrop, but Mick Foley rolls out of the way.
Mick Foley gets a choke against the ropes on Jonny Storm.
Jonny Storm is struggling to get out of the hold.
Jonny Storm manages to grab the ropes after 10 seconds.
Mick Foley kicks Jonny Storm.
Mick Foley hits Jonny Storm.
Mick Foley chops Jonny Storm.
The crowd erupts.
Mick Foley executes the Double Arm DDT on Jonny Storm.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Mick Foley goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Mick Foley executes a lariat on Jonny Storm.
The crowd is giving Mick Foley a standing ovation.
Mick Foley is going for the cover.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Mick Foley hits a series of forearm smashes on Jonny Storm.

Jonny Storm goes for a dropkick, but Mick Foley side-steps and Jonny Storm
only hits air.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Mick Foley hits a kneedrop on Jonny Storm.
Mick Foley throws Jonny Storm into the turnbuckle.
Mick Foley runs shoulder-first into the corner.
Mick Foley takes Jonny Storm down with a lariat.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Mick Foley.
Mick Foley whips Jonny Storm into the ropes.
Mick Foley misses with an elbow.
Jonny Storm uses a flying clothesline on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm takes Mick Foley down with a flying clothesline.
Jonny Storm executes the Super Rewind Huracanrana on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm is being booed out of the building.
Jonny Storm goes for the pin.
Jonny Storm pulls the tights.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Jonny Storm hits a slap on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm hits a backspin DDT on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm hits a T-Bone Suplex on Mick Foley.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Jonny Storm runs into the ropes.
Mick Foley goes for a lariat, but Jonny Storm counters it with a Fujiwara armbar.
Mick Foley manages to grab the ropes after being trapped for 12 seconds.
Jonny Storm hits a springboard rana on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm is being booed out of the building.
Jonny Storm runs into the ropes.
Mick Foley executes a kick to the midsection on Jonny Storm.
Mick Foley gives the sign for the piledriver.
Mick Foley nails Jonny Storm with a piledriver.
Mick Foley whips Jonny Storm into the ropes.
Mick Foley executes the Double Arm DDT on Jonny Storm.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Mick Foley goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Mick Foley goes for a lariat, but Jonny Storm counters it with a crucifix.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
Jonny Storm whips Mick Foley into the ropes, but Mick Foley reverses it.
Mick Foley hits Jonny Storm with a clothesline.
Mick Foley whips Jonny Storm into the ropes.
Mick Foley hits Jonny Storm with a backdrop.
Mick Foley whips Jonny Storm into the ropes, but Jonny Storm reverses it.
Mick Foley hits Jonny Storm with an elbow.
Mick Foley executes a DDT on Jonny Storm.
The crowd erupts.
Mick Foley locks Jonny Storm in a choke against the ropes.
Jonny Storm inches his way towards the ropes after 9 seconds.
Mick Foley executes an inverted atomic drop on Jonny Storm.
Mick Foley goes for a lariat, but Jonny Storm counters it with a crucifix.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.

Jonny Storm covers Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm pulls the tights.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Jonny Storm complains about a slow count.
Jonny Storm whips Mick Foley into the ropes.
Mick Foley hits Jonny Storm with a shoulderblock.
Mick Foley whips Jonny Storm into the ropes, but Jonny Storm reverses it.
Jonny Storm hits Mick Foley with a kick.
Jonny Storm executes the Super Rewind Huracanrana on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm is being booed out of the building.
Jonny Storm goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Jonny Storm executes a springboard dropkick on Mick Foley.
The crowd is vociferously booing Jonny Storm.
Jonny Storm covers Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm pulls the tights.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Jonny Storm runs into the ropes.
Jonny Storm hits Mick Foley with a clothesline.
Jonny Storm whips Mick Foley into the ropes.
Jonny Storm goes for a superkick, but Mick Foley ducks out of the way.
Mick Foley nails Jonny Storm with a short lariat.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
Mick Foley hits a kneedrop on Jonny Storm.
Mick Foley nails Jonny Storm with a power bomb.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Mick Foley locks Jonny Storm in a choke against the ropes.
Jonny Storm is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Jonny Storm is struggling to get out of the hold.
Jonny Storm is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Jonny Storm tries to escape the hold.
Mick Foley lets go after 31 seconds.
Mick Foley whips Jonny Storm into the ropes.
Mick Foley executes the Double Arm DDT on Jonny Storm.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

Jonny Storm takes Mick Foley down with a flying cross body press.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, kickout.
Jonny Storm hits a slap on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm takes Mick Foley down with a flying somersault sitdown splash.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Jonny Storm whips Mick Foley into the ropes.
Jonny Storm executes a side suplex on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm takes Mick Foley down with a jawbreaker.
Jonny Storm works the crowd.
Jonny Storm is being booed out of the building.
Jonny Storm executes the Super Rewind Huracanrana on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm is being booed out of the building.
Jonny Storm goes for the pin.
Jonny Storm pulls the tights.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, thr... he sees it.
Jonny Storm takes Mick Foley down with a Buff blockbuster.
Jonny Storm is going for the cover.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, thr... kickout.

Jonny Storm hits a spin kick on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm hits Mick Foley with a jawbreaker.
Jonny Storm takes Mick Foley down with a Buff blockbuster.
The crowd is vociferously booing Jonny Storm.
Jonny Storm hits a fist to the midsection on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm is going for the cover.
Jonny Storm pulls the tights.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Jonny Storm uses spinning headscissors on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm is going for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Jonny Storm executes an inside cradle on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm uses the ropes for leverage.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Jonny Storm goes for a slap, but Mick Foley blocks it.
Mick Foley runs into the ropes.
Mick Foley goes for a short lariat, but Jonny Storm counters it with a crucifix.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Jonny Storm goes for a T-Bone Suplex, but Mick Foley counters it with
a small package.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Mick Foley whips Jonny Storm into the ropes.
Mick Foley executes the Double Arm DDT on Jonny Storm.
Mick Foley goes for the pin.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

The winner is Mick Foley. Time of match: 0:19:07

[Long Island Streetfight]: No-Countout-No-DQ-Match:
Mick Foley pinned Jonny Storm with the Double Arm DDT in 0:19:07.
Rating: **** 1/4

Mick Foley was in his element in this match, taking advantage of normally illegal chokeholds and the ringside environment to demonstrate just why he's known as The Hardcore Legend.  Storm's usual blazing speed was reduced sharply by the fact that he was already tired from two grueling matches, and by the fact that the stipluation favors brutality over speed.  All of that said, Foley was in rare form in this match, showing much more fire than he had previously in LIW.  After going back and forth for nearly 20 minutes, Foley connected with the Double Arm DDT and got a three count over Storm.

Storm was quite clearly out of it as New Europe helped him to the back.  As they retreated, Alex Wright called over his shoulder.  "Screw you Foley!  This is not over!"

The triumphant Hardcore Legend laughed.  "Foley?  I think the name you're looking for... is CACTUS JACK!"

Masato Tanaka & Wataru Sakata vs. The Harris Twins in the Tag Team Title Tournament Final

Masato Tanaka goes for a punch, but Don Harris reverses it.
In turn, Masato Tanaka counters it with an armbreaker.
Masato Tanaka executes a series of forearm smashes on Don Harris.
Masato Tanaka uses the Running Forearm Smash on Don Harris.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Masato Tanaka takes Don Harris down with a punch.
Masato Tanaka throws Don Harris into the turnbuckle.
Masato Tanaka charges in with a lariat.
Masato Tanaka is going for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Masato Tanaka uses the Swinging DDT on Don Harris.
There are lots of chants for Masato Tanaka.
Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Don Harris.
Masato Tanaka has the crowd going wild.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Masato Tanaka executes the Diamond Dust on Don Harris.

Don Harris leaves the ring.
Ron Harris nails Wataru Sakata with a front slam.
Ron Harris nails Wataru Sakata with a slap.
Ron Harris runs into the ropes.
Wataru Sakata misses with a clothesline.
Ron Harris hits Wataru Sakata with a clothesline.
Ron Harris nails Wataru Sakata with a front slam.
Ron Harris is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Ron Harris hits a snap mare on Wataru Sakata.
Don Harris enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Masato Tanaka enters the ring and throws Don Harris out of the ring.
Masato Tanaka goes for the Running Forearm Smash, but Ron Harris
ducks out of the way.
Masato Tanaka hits Wataru Sakata.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Ron Harris uses a waistlock suplex on Wataru Sakata.
Ron Harris pulls the tights.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Masato Tanaka leaves the ring.
Ron Harris hits a backbreaker on Wataru Sakata.
The crowd is booing Ron Harris.
Don Harris enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Don Harris leaves the ring.
Ron Harris takes Wataru Sakata down with an elbowdrop.
Don Harris enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Don Harris leaves the ring.
Ron Harris hits Wataru Sakata with a Hotshot.
Ron Harris is going for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Ron Harris executes the Big Boot on Wataru Sakata.
The crowd is booing Ron Harris.
Ron Harris goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Ron Harris uses a fistdrop on Wataru Sakata.
Ron Harris nails Wataru Sakata with a bodyslam.

Ron Harris chops Wataru Sakata.
The crowd is booing Ron Harris.
Wataru Sakata punches Ron Harris.
Wataru Sakata whips Ron Harris into the ropes, but Ron Harris reverses it.
Ron Harris locks Wataru Sakata in a bearhug.
Wataru Sakata reaches the ropes after being trapped for 5 seconds.
Ron Harris nails Wataru Sakata with a snap mare.
Ron Harris executes the Big Boot on Wataru Sakata.
Ron Harris goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Ron Harris throws Wataru Sakata out of the ring.
Ron Harris rolls out under the bottom rope.
Ron Harris nails Wataru Sakata with a forearm smash.
Ted Blandford counts:  1.
Ron Harris takes Wataru Sakata down with a Hotshot.
Ron Harris throws Wataru Sakata back into the ring.
Ron Harris uses a Hotshot on Wataru Sakata.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.

Masato Tanaka enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Masato Tanaka leaves the ring.
Wataru Sakata takes Ron Harris down with a chop.
Wataru Sakata uses a high knee on Ron Harris.
Wataru Sakata tags out to Masato Tanaka.
Wataru Sakata leaves the ring.
Masato Tanaka nails Ron Harris with an elbowdrop.
Masato Tanaka executes a flying forearm on Ron Harris.
Ted Blandford counts: One, shoulder up.
Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Ron Harris.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Masato Tanaka takes Ron Harris down with an armbar takedown.
Masato Tanaka has the crowd going wild.
Masato Tanaka executes the Running Forearm Smash on Ron Harris.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Masato Tanaka whips Ron Harris into the ropes, but Ron Harris reverses it.

Ron Harris whips Masato Tanaka into the ropes, but Masato Tanaka reverses it.
Masato Tanaka misses with a clothesline.
Ron Harris hits Masato Tanaka with a flying clothesline.
Ron Harris nails Masato Tanaka with an elbowsmash.
Ron Harris is going for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Ron Harris complains about a slow count.
Ron Harris whips Masato Tanaka into the ropes, but Masato Tanaka reverses it.
Masato Tanaka goes for a punch, but Ron Harris blocks it.
Ron Harris goes for a forearm smash, but Masato Tanaka blocks it.
Masato Tanaka takes Ron Harris down with a kneelift.
Masato Tanaka whips Ron Harris into the ropes, but Ron Harris reverses it.
Ron Harris takes Masato Tanaka down with a roundhouse right.
Ron Harris gives him a ropeburn, but Masato Tanaka doesn't even care.
Don Harris enters the ring.
Ron Harris and Don Harris hit Masato Tanaka with the H_Bomb.
Ron Harris goes for the pin.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Ron Harris runs into the ropes.
Ron Harris gives him a flying clothesline, but Masato Tanaka doesn't budge.
Ron Harris hits Masato Tanaka.
The crowd is booing Ron Harris.
Masato Tanaka chops Ron Harris.
The crowd is going crazy.
Masato Tanaka hits Ron Harris.
The chants for Masato Tanaka are deafening.
Masato Tanaka kicks Ron Harris.
Masato Tanaka goes for a slap, but Ron Harris blocks it.
Ron Harris goes for a belly-to-belly suplex, but Masato Tanaka counters it with
a punch.
Ron Harris re-reverses it.
Ron Harris nails Masato Tanaka with an elbowsmash.
Ron Harris hits Masato Tanaka with a belly-to-belly suplex.
The crowd is booing Ron Harris.
Ron Harris executes a slap on Masato Tanaka.
Ron Harris gets a Canadian backbreaker on Masato Tanaka.
Masato Tanaka manages to grab the ropes after being trapped for 5 seconds.
Ron Harris nails Masato Tanaka with a bodyslam.
Ron Harris goes for a camel clutch, but Masato Tanaka blocks it.
Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Ron Harris.
The crowd is giving Masato Tanaka a standing ovation.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Masato Tanaka whips Ron Harris into the ropes, but Ron Harris reverses it.
Masato Tanaka hits Ron Harris with a shoulderblock.
Masato Tanaka whips Ron Harris into the ropes, but Ron Harris reverses it.
Ron Harris hits a belly-to-belly suplex on Masato Tanaka.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Ron Harris uses a backbreaker on Masato Tanaka.
Ron Harris nails Masato Tanaka with an elbowdrop.
Ron Harris gets a camel clutch on Masato Tanaka.

Ron Harris sends Masato Tanaka into the turnbuckle.
Masato Tanaka comes back and rocks Ron Harris with a kick to the midsection.
Masato Tanaka whips Ron Harris into the ropes.
Ron Harris misses with a kick.
Ron Harris nails Masato Tanaka with a flying clothesline.
Don Harris enters the ring.
Ron Harris and Don Harris hit Masato Tanaka with the H_Bomb.
Ron Harris goes for the pin.
Ron Harris is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Ron Harris uses a flying clothesline on Masato Tanaka.
Ron Harris covers Masato Tanaka.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Don Harris enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Don Harris leaves the ring.
Ron Harris gives him a Hotshot, but Masato Tanaka doesn't even care.
Ron Harris gets a bearhug on Masato Tanaka.

Masato Tanaka is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Masato Tanaka is inching his way towards the ropes.
Masato Tanaka tries to escape the hold.
Ron Harris lets go after 17 seconds.
Ron Harris tags out to Don Harris.
Ron Harris leaves the ring.
Don Harris uses a forearm to the back on Masato Tanaka.
Don Harris throws Masato Tanaka out of the ring.
Don Harris goes outside.
Don Harris knocks Masato Tanaka into the ringsteps.
Ted Blandford counts:  1.
Don Harris goes for a bodyslam, but Masato Tanaka blocks it.
Masato Tanaka shoves Don Harris into the guardrail.
Masato Tanaka hits Don Harris with a punch.
Ted Blandford counts:  2.
Masato Tanaka climbs back into the ring.
Don Harris rolls back in under the bottom rope.
Masato Tanaka nails Don Harris with an inside cradle.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Masato Tanaka executes the Roaring Elbow on Don Harris.
The crowd is giving Masato Tanaka a standing ovation.
Masato Tanaka goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Masato Tanaka.

The winners are Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata. Time of match: 0:21:56

[Final]: Match for the vacant New York State Tag Team Titles:
Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata defeated
The Harris Twins (Ron Harris and Don Harris) when M. Tanaka pinned Heavy D
with the Roaring Elbow in 0:21:56.
Rating: *** 3/4
(Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata won the New York State Tag Team Titles.)

Here are your winners... the NEW YORK STATE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata!

Talk about hard hitting!  Tanaka and Sakata together almost redefine the word stiff, but the Harris Twins are damn near unstoppable themselves!  Though it took more than 20 minutes, Tanaka and Sakata slowly wore down their larger opponents with hard strikes, escaping the H-Bomb several times and surviving more than a few Big Boots.  Tanaka even managed to kick out of the H-Bomb, which is amazing considering that move was enough to take out someone as tough as Foley!  Just as all looked lost for Tanaka and Sakata, Tanaka hit the Roaring Elbow and picked up the pin over Don Harris, who was knocked out cold by the blow.

Card rating: ** 3/4

Match of the Evening: Mick Foley vs. Jonny Storm

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Rick GarrardPosted on 01/25/05 at 01:56:22

Double booked is an understatement.  I'm pretty sure I counted Foley in three matches.  ;)

The Japanese contingent are to be granted vast kudos for pulling a greater than *** out of the Harris Twins.

Foley... Cactus Jack.. Froot Loop Fahrquarson©... whatever his name is this week... Just end this with Storm.  sheesh.  ;)  

Pondo... making an appearance in a non-garbage wrestling fed... that's just WRONG!  And Dry Tortuga as his opponent?  egad.  

Nicely done on the 18 second stinker of a match.
Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/25/05 at 05:32:38

Hush.  Foley wasn't triple booked because one of his appearances was in a tournament!  Doesn't count since a tournament COULD have only had him wrestling once.  He was only double booked!  The next show will be worse, I reckon.

I was quite shocked to see Tanaka and Sakata drag the Harris Twins to not only a decent match, but to a damn good one.  Then again, I'm really getting into the Harris Twins as the monster heels of the tag team division.  And despite their overall lousy attributes, they seem to be reasonably over.

Boy oh boy, the hottest feud in LIW between the top babyface and the top heel, and you want it to end already.  Foley FINALLY pulls out a dramatic victory with a return to his Cactus Jack gimmick, and all you can say is knock it off?  All I can say about that is  :P :P :P :P :P.

Glad that Pondo and Tortuga were just in a talent evaluation match.  Their talent has been evaluated, all right.  Evaluated and found lacking.  Sorry guys, don't call us, we'll call you (no we won't).

I must admit that I booked the Heavyweight Title match to happen the way it did.  New Europe needs to expand, and Alex Wright could easily have lost the title after already wrestling in the tournament.  Mephisto laying down may have been cheap, but it killed two birds with one stone.  Expect to hear more about all of this in the Newsline.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Snabbit888Posted on 01/25/05 at 08:00:26

Foley finally beats Storm!  That played out about as ideally as could be expected, especially with the "return" of Cactus Jack.

Tanaka and Sakata first tag champs, eh?  Are they going to split with the titles though?

Cool to see Doug Basham in LIW.  Me like'um Doug Basham.

Random Kevin Nash appearance!

LASH SMASH!  Greatest line ever.  I really like Lash a lot, so that was fun, it was.

A very big card indeed.  Well done.
Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/25/05 at 20:06:52

I've been building to the "return" of Cactus Jack ever since the start of the promotion, and Jonny Storm's winning streak over Foley proved a perfect vehicle to bring the change about.  I tweaked Foley's moveset a bit to set up the change, but the win itself was unbooked as 98% of my matches are.  Should be interesting to see how he does from this point on.

Tanaka and Sakata win the tag team titles.  Don't worry about them running to Japan with them - when they won they agreed to sign a longterm contract to compete in the US with LIW.  So it's all good.

Sadly, since Basham didn't win the titles, I doubt you'll be seeing him again any time soon.  According to the rules, he (and Tanaka and Sakata) only sign on with you if they win the tournament.  He didn't, so no Bashams in LIW for the moment.

That Kevin Nash appearance was far from random.  Jindrak should prove to be a major player in LIW.  He has history with Nash, so that gives him a ready made feud.

I must say that LIW has given me a soft spot for LeRoux.  Here's hoping that his frustration will help to win some more matches for him.

Thanks for the feedback, comrade.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Snabbit888Posted on 01/25/05 at 20:23:12

I don't really care if the Bashams are there, just Doug E. Fresh Basham.  Doug's the future potential stud of the team, not Danny, silly. :)

Okay, and glad to see your tag champs won't split right away.
Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/25/05 at 21:02:50

LIW Newsline - 7/29/05

Tag Team Turmoil was a huge success, with Masato Tanaka and Wataru Sakata scoring the surprise win and taking the New York State Tag Team Titles against all odds by outlasting 7 of LIW's hottest pairings and personally defeating Arn Anderson & Lash LeRoux, New Europe, and The Harris Twins in one night.  Several fans have expressed concern with whether their schedule in Zero-One will pose problems with title defences, but we have been assured that they take their obligations very seriously and will do their best to bring honor to the titles.  Based on the events of this show, LIW will be back in Long Island on August 20 for a show that the booking committee is tentatively referring to as "Summer Storm."

After his impressive performances against some of the best wrestlers in the world, Horace Hogan has accepted a WWE contract, and should be appearing on SmackDown soon.  We wish him the best, and encourage our fans to show him their support.

Tag Team Turmoil was really a mixed bag for New Europe.  On one hand, they retained the New York State Heavyweight Title easily when El Mephisto joined their ranks, but on the other they failed to capture the Tag Team Titles, and Cactus Jack got the best of Jonny Storm in a Streetfight.  Jonny Storm has claimed that New Europe is not yet finished expanding, however, and has announced that they are courting one of the most talented young wrestlers in North America for membership.  Additionally, they have invested most of the purse from Alex Wright's title win into hiring a manager to take care of the business aspects of their stable.  If our sources are correct, it appears that this manager is none other than MsChif, a woman who has proven to be an extremely volatile presence in promotions across the country.

The booking committee wants to punish New Europe for their actions in fixing the Heavyweight Title match by setting up a hell of a challenge for Alex Wright.  New Europe's manager promptly faxed a copy of Wright's contract to the booking committee, pointing out that he was contractually obligated to defend the title only after 1 month had passed.  Since Summer Storm will be taking place 3 days before the month is over, Wright has refused to defend the title at the show.  Consequently, he has been booked in a non-title match against Frank Shamrock, who the booking committee is doubtless counting on to stretch Wright for his defiance.

Rico is extremely upset at his quick defeat at the hands of Octagon at Tag Team Turmoil.  He has therefore recruited the team of Lance Storm and Kid Kash (Kash assured us that he and Storm are only dealing with Rico for the money, which Kid Kash is more than a little fond of) to take on Octagon and two partners.  One partner will surely be Mikey Whipwreck, but who else will Octagon find to watch his back?  Hard to say.

Lash LeRoux has apparently challenged his former partner Arn Anderson to a rematch at our next show.  LeRoux is hoping that being fresh in this match will enable him to outlast his aging partner.  It had better, because he has requested a LOSER LEAVES TOWN stipulation on the match.  After Summer Storm, only one of these two great athletes will still be competing for LIW!

Jonny Storm has demanded a rematch against Cactus Jack, claiming that he hadn't prepared for that eventuality, and that Jack won't get lucky again.  Cactus is always ready for a fight, and accepted the match without hesitation.  After hearing about this match, Simon Diamond personally visited the office of the booking committee to request inclusion in this match, claiming that after being excluded from Tag Team Turmoil, he is looking for a high profile match to get him back into the title hunt.  A victory over Storm and Jack would certainly do that for him.  The booking committee agreed that this would be an interesting match (after all, we've seen Foley vs. Storm a number of times already), so at Summer Storm we will see Jonny Storm vs. Cactus Jack vs. Simon Diamond.

LIW officials are still seeking a way to punish New Europe for their actions without suspending them outright.  They believe they have hit on a solution, but must speak to the other wrestler involved before announcing what it is.

LIW Top Five
Champion: Alex Wright

1) None - Alex Wright refuses to defend the title because he has not reached the point at which a mandatory title defense can be scheduled yet.

2) Don Harris - Heavy D holds onto second after an impressive showing with his twin brother in the Tag Team Title Tournament.  He is apparently open to opportunities in both the Heavyweight Title Division and the Tag Team Division, so the future should be bright for Harris.

3) Jonny Storm - Jonny Storm had an impressive showing in the tournament despite suffering a defeat at the hands of Cactus Jack.  With New Europe becoming more powerful after each and every show, Storm's influence pretty much guarantees himself a title shot whenever he wants one.

4) Octagon - An impressively fast victory over Rico is enough to keep Octagon in the top five, though he drops a spot due to the strong performances of Harris and Storm.

5) Simon Diamond - Simon Diamond didn't compete at Tag Team Turmoil, but he still has one of the strongest records in LIW.  His challenge to Cactus Jack and Jonny Storm is enough to bump him to the 5 spot, and a victory could easily take him higher.

Just Missed: Arn Anderson

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/26/05 at 19:46:51

LIW Newsline - 8/15/05

LIW officials have confirmed that Saturday's show will indeed be called Summer Storm.  There are quite a few issues that must be solved, and perhaps Summer Storm will be the place to solve them.

To start off the show, a four corners tag team match has been signed.  Harlem Heat will be facing off against Edge & Christian, The Harris Twins, and Team USA.  With the tournament just held last month, each of these teams will surely be looking for a chance to prove themselves worthy of a shot at the titles held by Tanaka and Sakata.

Additionally, LIW has just signed the hot young team of Frankie Kazarian and Michael Shane to a contract.  These two young stars will test their mettle against the winner of the four way opening match in an attempt to prove that they are worthy of their spot.  LIW has always had a strong tag team division, so many fans will be watching this closely to see if Kazarian and Shane can cut the mustard.

The International Thug Syndicate is as upset as might be expected over being excluded from the tag team title tournament.  They have therefore requested that Masato Tanaka face "Mexico's Most Wanted" Atlantis in a singles match, where they claim they will prove once again why they deserve the gold.  Tanaka has accepted this match, claiming that he is ready to take down any potential challengers for the New York State Tag Team Titles.

Scott Steiner is shocked that so much focus is on the other athletes in LIW when he is arguably one of the biggest names under contract.  To prevent himself from being overlooked, he has issued an open challenge for a Texas Death Match.  Wataru Sakata, one of the new Tag Team Champions, has stepped forward to accept this challenge even though Steiner outweighs him by over 100 pounds.  Will Sakata be able to put away the monsterous Steiner, or will Scott roll over Sakata and rise up the ranks?

New Europe's manager MsChif has introduced the booking committee to New Europe's newest signee, one of the most dangerous high fliers in North America today, Chris Sabin.  Upon his introduction, Sabin immediately challenged Cactus Jack to a Streetfight, which Jack has reportedly accepted.  MsChif crowed that Sabin would remind Jack why he had retired in the first place, but Sabin simply shook his head at this and told her that humiliation would cost her extra.  From the looks of things, Sabin's loyalty to New Europe only lasts as long as he is paid...

The booking committee has decided on an appropriate punishment for New Europe after much consideration.  Jonny Storm will also be competing twice.  After his faceoff with Cactus Jack and Simon Diamond, he will face Don Juan in the main event.  If Storm is defeated, he and Alex Wright must shave their heads bald, and El Mephisto must unmask!  If Storm wins, however, New Europe may choose who Alex Wright will defend his title against at the next show.  The stakes are high in the main event, and Jonny Storm will have to pull out a huge upset to win twice in one evening with such a major potential humiliation possible for his group.

Confirmed Matches for Summer Storm:

* Harlem Heat vs. Edge & Christian vs. The Harris Twins vs. Team USA
* Winner of the above vs. Frankie Kazarian & Michael Shane
* Alex Wright vs. Frank Shamrock (non-title match)
* Masato Tanaka vs. Atlantis
* Octagon, Mikey Whipwreck & A partner vs. Rico, Lance Storm & Kid Kash
* Arn Anderson vs. Lash LeRoux (Loser Leaves Town)
* Jonny Storm vs. Cactus Jack vs. Simon Diamond
* Scott Steiner vs. Wataru Sakata (Texas Deathmatch)
* Chris Sabin vs. Cactus Jack (Streetfight)
* Jonny Storm vs. Don Juan (Hair vs. Power match)

Also confirmed are Kevin Nash, Mark Jindrak & El Mephisto.

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"