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LIW Defending The Crown - 6/18/05

Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/18/05 at 06:28:15

This was defiantely an interesting card.  I was surprised by the way in which things turned out, but at the same time I was pleased.  It just seems to work, if you see what I mean.  Which you don't because you haven't read the card yet.  But you might once you do.  So... read the card.

*****

Too Cold Scorpio vs. "Heavy D" Don Harris

They lock up.
Too Cold Scorpio throws Don Harris into the turnbuckle.
Don Harris comes back and rocks Too Cold Scorpio with a kick to the midsection.
Don Harris whips Too Cold Scorpio into the ropes.
Don Harris catches Too Cold Scorpio totally by surprise.
Quite a few boos are audible.
Don Harris executes the Big Boot on Too Cold Scorpio.
Quite a few boos are audible.
Don Harris goes for the pin.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Don Harris throws Too Cold Scorpio out of the ring.
Don Harris rolls out under the bottom rope.
Don Harris takes Too Cold Scorpio down with a power bomb.
Don Harris goes for a facerake, but Too Cold Scorpio blocks it.
Too Cold Scorpio knocks Don Harris into the ringsteps.
The crowd is starting to get behind Too Cold Scorpio.
Martin Kester counts:  1.

Don Harris goes for a forearm smash, but Too Cold Scorpio blocks it.
Too Cold Scorpio whips Don Harris into the ropes, but Don Harris reverses it.
Don Harris executes a chop on Too Cold Scorpio.
Don Harris goes for a forearm smash, but Too Cold Scorpio blocks it.
Too Cold Scorpio hits a punch on Don Harris.
Too Cold Scorpio whips Don Harris into the ropes.
Too Cold Scorpio and Don Harris get hit with a double clothesline.
Too Cold Scorpio gets a Fujiwara armbar on Don Harris.
Don Harris gets ahold of the ropes after holding out for 7 seconds.
Too Cold Scorpio gives him a hiptoss, but Don Harris doesn't budge.
Too Cold Scorpio whips Don Harris into the ropes.
Don Harris uses a clothesline on Too Cold Scorpio.
Don Harris goes for a stomp, but Too Cold Scorpio rolls out of the way.
Too Cold Scorpio executes a vertical suplex on Don Harris.
Too Cold Scorpio whips Don Harris into the ropes.
Don Harris hits Too Cold Scorpio with a shoulderblock.
Don Harris is going for the cover.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, three.
Too Cold Scorpio complains about a fast count.
Quite a few boos are audible.

The winner is Don Harris. Time of match: 0:05:36

Don Harris defeated Too Cold Scorpio via pinfall in 0:05:36.
Rating: * 1/2

Too Cold Scorpio was infuriated when Don Harris laid him out after last week's match with a stiff power bomb, and in a surprisingly gutsy move, challenged Heavy D to a match here tonight.  Unfortuantely for Scorpio, Don Harris is an incredibly dangerous foe, and he became the victim of a huge Big Boot that nearly took his head off just seconds into the match.  Scorpio tried to make a comeback, but a hard shoulderblock proved enough to lay him out for a fast three count by referee Martin Kester.

As Don Harris makes his way to the back, a battered and winded looking Too Cold Scorpio grabs a microphone and calls out Kensuke Sasaki!  Sasaki emerges, and Scorpio challenges him to a non-title match right here, right now!

While you have to admire Scorpio's guts, this wasn't exactly a brilliant move on his part.  Sasaki hit the ring, took him down with a lariat, whipped him into the ropes and scored with a powerslam.  Before Scorpio could recover, the Power Special Stranglehold was locked in and Scorpio tapped quickly.

Mikey Whipwreck vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. Justin Credible

Scott Steiner takes Justin Credible down with a kneelift.
Scott Steiner punches Justin Credible.
The cheers for Scott Steiner are drowning out the boos.
Scott Steiner punches Justin Credible.
The crowd seems to be rallying behind Scott Steiner.
Justin Credible kicks Scott Steiner.
Justin Credible is starting to get more cheers than boos.
Scott Steiner hits Justin Credible.
Scott Steiner doesn't quite know what to do with the mixed reaction he
's getting.
Justin Credible hits Scott Steiner.
The crowd breaks into a "Impact Players!" chant.
Scott Steiner punches Justin Credible.
The boos are resurfacing again.
Scott Steiner executes a chop on Justin Credible.
Scott Steiner runs into the ropes.
Scott Steiner uses a clothesline on Justin Credible.

Mikey Whipwreck throws Scott Steiner out of the ring.
Keith Bancroft counts: one, Scott Steiner reenters the ring.
Mikey Whipwreck executes a DDT on Scott Steiner.
The crowd is behind Mikey Whipwreck all the way.
Mikey Whipwreck runs into the ropes.
Scott Steiner misses with a clothesline.
Mikey Whipwreck hits Scott Steiner with a kick.
Mikey Whipwreck goes for a DDT, but Scott Steiner throws him off.
Scott Steiner executes a Gorilla Press on Mikey Whipwreck.
Scott Steiner is going for the pin.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, kickout.
Scott Steiner runs into the ropes.
Mikey Whipwreck executes a single-leg takedown on Scott Steiner.
Mikey Whipwreck tags out to Justin Credible.
Justin Credible nails Scott Steiner with a kick to the midsection.
Justin Credible gives the sign for the That's Incredible.
Justin Credible goes for the That's Incredible, but Scott Steiner blocks it.

Justin Credible runs into the ropes.
Justin Credible hits Mikey Whipwreck with a kick.
Justin Credible uses a fist to the midsection on Mikey Whipwreck.
Justin Credible goes for a dropkick, but Mikey Whipwreck side-steps and
Justin Credible only hits air.
Mikey Whipwreck whips Justin Credible into the ropes.
Mikey Whipwreck hits Justin Credible with a kick.
Mikey Whipwreck gets a chokehold on Justin Credible.
Keith Bancroft warns Mikey Whipwreck to let go.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, three.
Keith Bancroft counts: One, two, three.
Mikey Whipwreck sends Justin Credible into the turnbuckle.
Justin Credible begs off.
Mikey Whipwreck hits a kick to the thigh on Justin Credible.
Mikey Whipwreck whips Justin Credible into the ropes.
Mikey Whipwreck hits Justin Credible with a clothesline.
Justin Credible falls out of the ring.
Keith Bancroft counts: one, two, three, Justin Credible reenters the ring.
Justin Credible begs off.
Mikey Whipwreck throws Justin Credible out of the ring.
Keith Bancroft counts: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.
The crowd erupts.

The winner is Mikey Whipwreck. Time of match: 0:17:56

Triangle Match:
Mikey Whipwreck defeated Scott Steiner and Justin Credible when Mikey defeated
Credible by countout in 0:17:56.
Rating: *

The crowd was way behind Mikey Whipwreck here in Whipwreck's hometown of Buffalo, and he got quite a pop when he managed to pull out a countout victory over Scott Steiner and Justin Credible.  Steiner and Credible looked less than amused, however, and as soon as they approached the celebrating Whipwreck, he ran for the hills, escaping the arena through the bleachers with a look of absolute terror on his face.

(It's No Good by Depeche Mode hits and Don Juan makes his way to the ring.  
After spending a few moments flirting with some of the attractive ladies at
ringside, he grabs a microphone.)

Don Juan: Sorry baby, but duty calls... Speaking of calling...

(Don Juan makes the universal "call me" gesture.)

Don Juan: Oh yeah!  Anyway.  I came out here for a reason.  There's a man that
apparently has nothing better to do than follow me around and tell me how much
of a dissappointment I am.  Every time I wrestle for LIW, he shows up and tries
to mess with my head.  Maybe he has an inferiority complex because Spanky and
American Dragon have become better wrestlers than he has...  Maybe he's afraid
that I'm going to steal his spot.  Or maybe he's just jealous that I know how
to please the ladies... and the only ladies that WWE lets him please are Moolah
and Mae Young.  I don't know!

(Don Juan suddenly grows more serious.)

Don Juan: What I do know is that it's gone on long enough!  This stops tonight!
London, I respect the hell out of you.  You're a fantastic wrestler with a
great future ahead of you.  Having said that, stay the hell out of MY life.
You've pissed me off one time too many, compadre.  So tonight, I WILL kick your
ass, and make sure you get the message: mind your OWN GODDAMN BUSINESS!

Team USA vs. Frank Shamrock & El Mephisto

Jim Duggan takes Frank Shamrock down with a clothesline.
Sgt. Slaughter goes for an enzuilariato, but Frank Shamrock counters it with
a single-leg takedown.
Jim Duggan leaves the ring.
Frank Shamrock uses a kneelift on Sgt. Slaughter.
Frank Shamrock uses a kick to the thigh on Sgt. Slaughter.
Frank Shamrock executes a kick to the head on Sgt. Slaughter.
Frank Shamrock catches Sgt. Slaughter in a forearm choke.
Ted Blandford warns Frank Shamrock to let go.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three, four, five.
Ted Blandford disqualifies Frank Shamrock and El Mephisto.
The crowd is cheering on Sgt. Slaughter.

The winners are Team USA. Time of match: 0:14:48

Team USA (Jim Duggan and Sgt. Slaughter) defeated Frank Shamrock and El Mephisto
when Slaughter defeated Frank Shamrock by disqualification in 0:14:48.
Rating: 1/4*

Frank Shamrock and El Mephisto were obviously desperate to turn their fortunes around in this match, and they did an excellent job of taking it to the much older and slower pairing of Team USA with stiff strikes and brutal submission holds.  Unfortuantely, as the match progressed, Frank Shamrock became noticably frustrated by his inability to get a win.  Eventually, he locked on a highly effective but illegal choke hold, and after being warned to release it was disqualified.  It takes the combined effort of the Referee, El Mephisto, and Jim Duggan to force Shamrock to break the hold, and by that time Slaughter appears to be in poor shape.

"Notorious KID" Kid Kash & Sean Waltman vs. Arn Anderson & Lash LeRoux

Sean Waltman runs Arn Anderson into the ringsteps.
The crowd is booing Sean Waltman.
Phillip McAlpine counts:  9.
Sean Waltman takes Arn Anderson down with a forearm smash.
Sean Waltman throws Arn Anderson back into the ring.
Sean Waltman whips Arn Anderson into the ropes, but Arn Anderson reverses it.
Sean Waltman hits Arn Anderson with a kick.
Sean Waltman goes for a series of kicks to the head, but Arn Anderson blocks it.
Arn Anderson tags out to Lash LeRoux.
Kid Kash enters the ring and throws Arn Anderson out of the ring.
A fan at ringside badmouths Kid Kash.
Sean Waltman and Kid Kash whip Lash LeRoux into the ropes.
Sean Waltman and Kid Kash hit Lash LeRoux with a double hiptoss.
Kid Kash leaves the ring.
Sean Waltman goes for a dropkick, but Lash LeRoux side-steps and Sean Waltman
only hits air.
The crowd breaks into a "LeRoux!  LeRoux!" chant.

Phillip McAlpine counts:  2.
Lash LeRoux shoves Kid Kash into the guardrail.
Arn Anderson comes over to make it two-on-one.
Lash LeRoux and Arn Anderson hit Kid Kash with a double back suplex.
Lash LeRoux and Arn Anderson hit Kid Kash with a double bodyslam.
Phillip McAlpine counts:  3.
Phillip McAlpine counts:  4.
Lash LeRoux goes for a back suplex, but Kid Kash turns in mid-air and lands on
him.
Phillip McAlpine counts:  5.
Kid Kash whips Lash LeRoux into the guardrail.
Kid Kash throws Lash LeRoux back into the ring.
Kid Kash nails Lash LeRoux with spinning headscissors.
Kid Kash runs into the ropes.
Kid Kash uses a spinning heel kick on Lash LeRoux.
Kid Kash goes for a dropkick, but Lash LeRoux side-steps and Kid Kash
only hits air.
Lash LeRoux gives the sign for the Death Valley Slam.
Lash LeRoux executes the Death Valley Slam on Kid Kash.
The crowd erupts.
Lash LeRoux goes for the pin.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is giving Lash LeRoux a standing ovation.

The winners are Arn Anderson and Lash LeRoux. Time of match: 0:19:33

Arn Anderson and Lash LeRoux defeated Kid Kash and Sean Waltman when LeRoux
pinned Kash with the Death Valley Slam in 0:19:33.
Rating: *** 1/4

If Kid Kash and Sean Waltman seem to be a makeshift tag team, it's because they were ordered to team up by the booking committee just hours ago.  Still, for a team with no history, their styles seemed to compliment each other very well, and they worked well against Arn Anderson and Lash LeRoux.  Anderson and LeRoux were on a mission, however.  Since teaming up, they had not won a single victory.  After months of training together, they managed to break their losing streak tonight when Lash LeRoux pinned Kid Kash with his dangerous Death Valley Slam.

Don Juan vs. Paul London in a One Night Only Match

Don Juan misses with a clothesline.
Don Juan takes Paul London down with a bodyslam.
Don Juan hits Paul London with a kick to the midsection.
Don Juan goes for the Ace Crusher, but Paul London blocks it.
Paul London uses spinning headscissors on Don Juan.
Paul London nails Don Juan with a Frankensteiner.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Paul London hits Don Juan with a monkey flip.
Paul London executes a chop on Don Juan.
Paul London goes for the Running Forearm Smash, but Don Juan counters it with
a belly-to-belly suplex.
Don Juan takes Paul London down with a kick to the midsection.
Don Juan executes the Cradle Piledriver on Paul London.
Don Juan has the crowd going wild.
Don Juan goes for the pin.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, kickout.
Don Juan hits a jawbreaker on Paul London.
Paul London springs to his feet.
Paul London hits Don Juan with a series of forearm smashes.
The crowd is really behind Paul London.
Paul London uses a spinning heel kick on Don Juan.
The crowd is going crazy.
Paul London gives the sign for the London Calling.
Paul London executes the London Calling on Don Juan.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going crazy.

The winner is Paul London. Time of match: 0:15:26

[One Night Only Match]:
Paul London pinned Don Juan with the London Calling in 0:15:26.
Rating: *** 3/4

That was quite a match!  Don Juan really took it to his rival, and Paul London seemed surprised by the amount of skill, strength, and speed his opponent was bringing to bear against him.  Still, as good as Don Juan was tonight, London found a way to be just a touch better, somehow managing to kick out of the Cradle Piledriver moments before scoring with the London Calling to pick up the win.

Don Juan struggles to his feet moments after the decision, and offers London his hand in a gesture of respect.  London looks around, then simply smirks and leaves the ring.  What an ass!  After a One Night Only match, he could at least show his opponent some respect!  I have the feeling that this dispute between these two athletes is far from over...

(We go backstage once again, where Mick Foley sits in a quiet corner of the
locker room all alone.)

Mick Foley: Jonny Storm...  When you've been in this business as long as I
have, you can say that you've pretty much seen everything.  I've seen my share
of nearly unbeatable monsters... Vader and The Undertaker come to mind... I've
seen preening pretty boys with so much natural talent and charisma that it
almost makes me ill to realize that I can never compete with that... and I've
seen more than my share of pompous assholes that think that just because they
have a thimble full of talent, they can push people around and manipulate their
way into greatness!

(Mick Foley takes a deep breath.)

Mick Foley: I know what you're trying to do, Jonny.  You're hoping that if you
keep goading me, I'll make you.  Just like I made Triple H, and just like I
made Randy Orton...  Well let me tell you something that they don't talk about
every time they brag about beating me, Jonny!  They don't say how hard I fight
when I'm backed into a corner!  They don't admit that I shortened their careers
by years in fighting them!  They don't tell people the pain that I am capable
of causing!  They don't warn young snot-nosed punks like you about the price
they had to pay!  And so, Jonny...  I'm begging you!  Hit me again!  Push me
harder!  SEE WHAT HAPPENS!  Some things that are sleeping, Jonny, are better
left undisturbed!  And I hope, and I pray - for YOUR sake, Jonny - that you
don't do anything stupid and learn what I'm talking about!  Because when you
wake up a sleeping Dragon, Jonny... you're going to get burned!  BANG BANG!

Rico vs. "Master of the Eight Angles" Octagon

Octagon nails Rico with a chop.
Octagon goes for a series of slaps, but Rico side-steps and Octagon
only hits air.
Rico is being booed like there is no tomorrow.
Rico executes a back heel kick on Octagon.
Rico goes for a full nelson, but Octagon counters it with a go-behind.
Octagon goes for a Russian legsweep, but Rico counters it with an elbowsmash.
Rico hits Octagon with a snap suplex.
Rico hits a thrust kick to the head on Octagon.
Rico is being booed like there is no tomorrow.
Rico goes for a roundhouse right, but Octagon counters it with a Fujiwara armbar.
Rico manages to grab the ropes after being trapped for 10 seconds.
Octagon goes for a flying cross body press, but Rico counters it with
a powerslam.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, shoulder up.
The crowd breaks into a "Gladiators!" chant.

Rico hits a roundhouse right on Octagon.
Rico goes for a kneelift, but Octagon side-steps and Rico only hits air.
Octagon nails Rico with a superkick.
Octagon goes for a flying cross body press, but Rico
rolls through with the move.
Rico uses the ropes for leverage.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, kickout.
Rico whips Octagon into the ropes, but Octagon reverses it.
Octagon and Rico get hit with a double clothesline.
Rico begs off.
Octagon goes for a bodyslam, but Rico counters it with a small package.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, kickout.
Rico runs into the ropes.
Rico executes the Sudden Impact on Octagon.
Rico further incites the crowd.
Rico goes for the pin.
Rico pulls the tights.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Octagon uses spinning headscissors on Rico.
Octagon whips Rico into the ropes.
Octagon hits a kick to the thigh on Rico.
Octagon hits Rico with spinning headscissors.
Octagon hits Rico with a superkick.
Octagon executes the Octaclutch on Rico.
Rico is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Rico tries to fight the pain.
Rico tries to fight the pain.
Rico submits after 32 seconds.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Octagon.

The winner is Octagon. Time of match: 0:12:44

Octagon made Rico submit to the Octaclutch in 0:12:44.
Rating: ***

Rico tried his normal tricks in this match, grabbing Octagon early in the match and trying to lay a big wet kiss on his lips, but since Octagon was wearing a mask he didn't seem to give a damn!  If that wasn't bad enough, Rico immediately made a face as if he had tasted something truly disgusting... could Octagon have anticipated this happening and set a trap for Rico?  It would appear so.  Even without his normal distraction, Rico is very dangerous though, and he actually managed to hit his Sudden Impact kick, but Octagon kicked out and quickly locked in the Octaclutch for a tap-out victory.

As Octagon leaves the ring area, Rico grabs a microphone and says that he's not leaving tonight without a victory, so anyone in the back is welcome to take a shot at him.  This bravado fades into a look of shock as LANCE STORM, the man he defeated last month after copping a feel, runs down to the ring!

Rico vs. Lance Storm

Rico takes Lance Storm down with a bodyslam.
Rico nails Lance Storm with an elbowsmash.
Rico works the crowd.
A portion of the crowd is booing Rico.
Rico executes a sidewalk slam on Lance Storm.
A portion of the crowd is booing Rico.
Rico uses a Northern Lights bomb on Lance Storm.
A portion of the crowd is cheering Rico.
Rico goes for a back heel kick, but Lance Storm ducks out of the way.
Lance Storm uses a dropkick on Rico.
Lance Storm catches Rico in a side headlock.
Rico grabs the ropes after 7 seconds.
Lance Storm hits Rico with a dropkick.
Lance Storm is going for the pin.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, kickout.
Lance Storm goes for a vertical suplex, but Rico blocks it.
Rico nails Lance Storm with a chop.
Rico goes for a kneelift, but Lance Storm counters it with a legsweep.
Lance Storm uses a DDT on Rico.
Lance Storm executes the Straightshooter on Rico.
Rico is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Rico tries to fight the pain.
Rico tries to fight the pain.
Rico submits after 25 seconds.
Lance Storm is starting to get more cheers than boos.

The winner is Lance Storm. Time of match: 0:09:12

Lance Storm made Rico submit to the Straightshooter in 0:09:12.
Rating: ** 3/4

Rico had two matches and two defeats tonight.  His rash challenge was accepted by the man he humiliated last week, Lance Storm.  Despite already being tired and hurt from a match tonight, Rico proved once again why he is dangerous by taking Lance Storm to the limits, but in the end he was beaten down and forced to tap out to the Straightshooter while trying not to notice the irony.

(Jonny Storm sits in a small private locker room taping up his wrists for his
upcoming fight against Mick Foley.  The door flies open suddenly and Alex
Wright barges in.)

Alex Wright: Did you hear what Foley said, Storm?  We might wish to rethink
our plans a bit...

Jonny Storm: Alex.  Calm down.  You've got a title match tonight.  Prepare for
that.  Foley is MY concern.  I plan to teach him yet another lesson in respect
in the center of the ring tonight... and I don't want you jeapordizing your
mission of winning the New York State Heavyweight Title for New Europe tonight
by interfering.  Let ME worry about Foley.  I'll take all the risks and earn
all the rewards.  YOU will become the second ever Heavyweight Champion here to
prove to them that we mean business.  Is that clear?

Alex Wright: Ja ja, it is.  I've been training all month, and I think that I'm
ready.  Sasaki will fall before me just like Foley always falls before you!

Jonny Storm: And thus we will take the first steps toward our ultimate goal of
making Europe a force in professional wrestling once again!

Alex Wright: Das... ist... gut!

Edge, Christian & "Violent R" Ron Harris vs. Harlem Heat & A Partner of their Choice

Edge apparently couldn't wrestle tonight because he was washing his hair, so "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan will replace him.

And Harlem Heat's partner appears to be... Atlantis!

Ron Harris takes Booker T down with a legdrop.
Ron Harris whips Booker T into the ropes.
Booker T hits Ron Harris with a clothesline.
Ron Harris falls out of the ring.
Booker T rolls out under the bottom rope.
Booker T throws Ron Harris back into the ring.
Booker T looks at his hand.
The crowd is wildly cheering Booker T with only a few scattered boos audible.
Booker T hits a flying clothesline on Ron Harris.
Booker T gives the sign for the Axe Kick.
Booker T runs into the ropes.
Booker T executes the Axe Kick on Ron Harris.
All of a sudden, the boos are turning into almost unanimous cheers.
Booker T goes for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, three.
The boos are resurfacing again.

The winners are Harlem Heat and Atlantis. Time of match: 0:14:19

Harlem Heat (Stevie Ray and Booker T) and Atlantis defeated
Jim Duggan, Christian and Ron Harris when Booker pinned R. Harris with the
Axe Kick in 0:14:19.
Rating: * 3/4
(Edge no-showed.)

Since Edge couldn't make it to the show tonight, Jim Duggan teamed up with Christian and Ron Harris to form a coalition of three of the top tag teams in LIW united in their disapproval of Harlem Heat's tactics.  Booker T and Stevie Ray, on the other hand, were joined by "Mexico's Most Wanted" Atlantis, who was thugged out to a degree probably seldom seen on luncha broadcasts, complete with one leg of his trunks rolled up to his knee.  Harlem Heat and their partner seemed to work together better than Christian, Ron Harris and Jim Duggan, some of whom have issues together.  Consequently, Booker T was able to score with a huge Axe Kick on Ron Harris for an unexpected victory!

Following their win, Atlantis tosses a microphone to Booker T, who declares that LIW's punk-ass tag team division has just suffered their first defeat courtesy of the International Thug Syndicate!

"The Hardcore Legend" Mick Foley vs. "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm

Jonny Storm makes it to the ropes after 11 seconds.
Mick Foley hits Jonny Storm.
Jonny Storm chops Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm is being booed out of the building.
Jonny Storm hits Mick Foley.
The ring is quickly filling up with debris.
Jonny Storm kicks Mick Foley.
The crowd breaks into a "Jonny Sucks!  Jonny Sucks!" chant.
Jonny Storm nails Mick Foley with a flying somersault sitdown splash.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, kickout.
Jonny Storm goes for a flying clothesline, but Mick Foley ducks out of the way.
Mick Foley goes for a gutwrench suplex, but Jonny Storm blocks it.
Jonny Storm chops Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm kicks Mick Foley.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.
Jonny Storm punches Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm uses a superkick on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm runs into the ropes.
Jonny Storm hits a clothesline on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm goes for a springboard moonsault, but Mick Foley
rolls out of the way.
Mick Foley executes a swinging neckbreaker on Jonny Storm.
Mick Foley runs into the ropes.
Mick Foley uses a swinging neckbreaker on Jonny Storm.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Mick Foley.
Mick Foley hits Jonny Storm with an inverted atomic drop.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Mick Foley goes for a knee to the face, but Jonny Storm blocks it.
Jonny Storm executes a clothesline on Mick Foley.
Jonny Storm goes for a T-Bone Suplex, but Mick Foley counters it with
a small package.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, kickout.
Mick Foley throws Jonny Storm out of the ring.
Mick Foley goes for a running elbowdrop, but Jonny Storm moves out of the way.
Mick Foley is out cold.
Ringside is quickly filling up with debris.
Jonny Storm throws Mick Foley back into the ring.
Jonny Storm executes the Super Rewind Huracanrana on Mick Foley.
The crowd is vociferously booing Jonny Storm.
Jonny Storm goes for the pin.
Jonny Storm pulls the tights.
Todd Booher counts: One, two, three.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.

The winner is Jonny Storm. Time of match: 0:09:40

Jonny Storm pinned Mick Foley with the Super Rewind Huracanrana in 0:09:40.
Rating: *** 1/2

Once again Jonny Storm uses his superior speed to outmaneuver and just plain embarass Mick Foley, giving him the sort of beating that he hasn't received for years.  Foley seemed to grow more and more frustrated as the bout progressed, until he launched a devestating comeback with a series of knees to the face of Jonny Storm.  Knocking Storm out of the ring, Foley lined up the running elbowdrop... and Storm rolled aside.  Foley landed hard and was visibly stunned.  Eager to take advantage of Foley, who may have broken ribs in the fall, Storm rolled him back into the ring and quickly hit the Super Rewind Huracanrana, pulled the tights for good measure, and got the three count.

But that victory seemingly wasn't enough for Storm.  As Foley struggled back to his feet, Storm grabbed a chair from ringside and brought it down straight on Mick Foley's back.  Foley cried out in pain (and it takes a lot to make him do that) and clutched his side and chairshot after chairshot was delivered to his ribs.  Finally, Storm throws down the chair and stalks out of the ring with his arms held high.  Foley is left in the center of the ring, and only barely makes it to the back without help.

TBA vs. TBA, Winner Gets a LIW Contract

And our competitors this evening are... Horace Hogan and C.W. Anderson!

Horace Hogan nails C.W. Anderson with a double-axhandle to the back.
Horace Hogan whips C.W. Anderson into the ropes.
C.W. Anderson hits Horace Hogan with a clothesline.
C.W. Anderson goes for a chokehold, but Horace Hogan blocks it.
Horace Hogan nails C.W. Anderson with a double-axhandle to the back.
Horace Hogan whips C.W. Anderson into the turnbuckle, but C.W. Anderson
reverses it.
C.W. Anderson hits a gutbuster on Horace Hogan.
C.W. Anderson is met with a mixture of cheers and boos.
C.W. Anderson whips Horace Hogan into the ropes.
C.W. Anderson hits Horace Hogan with a clothesline.
C.W. Anderson uses a gutbuster on Horace Hogan.
C.W. Anderson takes Horace Hogan down with a clothesline.
C.W. Anderson goes for a snap mare, but Horace Hogan blocks it.
Horace Hogan runs into the ropes.
Horace Hogan hits C.W. Anderson with a kick.
Horace Hogan executes a headbutt on C.W. Anderson.
Horace Hogan takes C.W. Anderson down with a clothesline.
Horace Hogan throws C.W. Anderson into the turnbuckle, but C.W. Anderson
reverses it.
Horace Hogan comes back, but is met with a clothesline.
C.W. Anderson executes a side suplex on Horace Hogan.
C.W. Anderson runs into the ropes.
Horace Hogan hits a clothesline on C.W. Anderson.
Horace Hogan executes the Full Nelson Slam on C.W. Anderson.
Horace Hogan goes for the pin.
Timothy Greer counts: One, two, three.
There is no crowd reaction.

The winner is Horace Hogan. Time of match: 0:03:53

[Winner Gets a LIW Contract]:
Horace Hogan pinned C.W. Anderson with the Full Nelson Slam in 0:03:53.
Rating: DUD

In a match to determine who would get a LIW contract, Horace Hogan made short work of C.W. Anderson.  Every time Anderson tried to get some offense, he was cut off by a hard right hand from Horace.  Following a hard clothesline, Horace finished off Anderson with a stiff Full Nelson Slam and won himself a LIW contract!

"Son of 1,000 Bones" La Parka Jr. vs. Simon Diamond

Phillip McAlpine counts:  4.
La Parka Jr. uses a slingshot on Simon Diamond.
Phillip McAlpine counts:  5.
La Parka Jr. does the Parka dance.
The crowd erupts.
La Parka Jr. goes for a bodyslam, but Simon Diamond counters it with
an elbowsmash.
Phillip McAlpine counts:  6.
Simon Diamond throws La Parka Jr. into the ringpost.
Numerous fans are using Simon Diamond for target practice.
Simon Diamond shoves La Parka Jr. into the guardrail.
Simon Diamond throws La Parka Jr. into the ringsteps.
Simon Diamond throws La Parka Jr. into the guardrail.
Simon Diamond goes for a waistlock suplex, but La Parka Jr. counters it with
an elbowsmash.
La Parka Jr. climbs back into the ring.
Simon Diamond rolls back in under the bottom rope.
La Parka Jr. executes the Frankensteiner on Simon Diamond.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, three.
The crowd breaks into a "Chairman, Chairman!" chant.

The winner is La Parka Jr.. Time of match: 0:12:10

La Parka Jr. pinned Simon Diamond with the Frankensteiner in 0:12:10.
Rating: ****

Simon Diamond hit the ring complaining about what a disgrace it is that after he came within seconds of winning the New York State Heavyweight, he wasn't booked into a high profile match.  As he whined about being underappreciated, George Thorogood's Bad to the Bone blared, ushering the Son of 1,000 Bones to ringside!  In a brief interpretive dance, La Parka Jr. expressed his surprise that Simon Diamond hadn't heard that he was going to wrestle this evening, and that his opponent would be... none other than La Parka himself!

La Parka Jr. really took it to Simon Diamond, and it quickly became clear that he was significantly less adept at combating La Parka's style than he was against Sasaki's and Steiner's.  Simon Diamond once again tried to rely on a beatdown outside of the ring to turn the tide, but as the son of the Chair Man, La Parka is at home in that sort of environment.  After a series of quick submissions, La Parka Jr. hit the Frankensteiner for a very high profile victory.

Your Main Event:
"The Deutschland Destroyer" Alex Wright vs. "Power Warrior" Kensuke Sasaki for the New York State Heavyweight Title

Alex Wright dances for the crowd.
The crowd is booing Alex Wright.
Alex Wright runs into the ropes.
Alex Wright takes Kensuke Sasaki down with a jumping elbow thrust.
Alex Wright runs into the ropes.
Kensuke Sasaki misses with a kick.
Kensuke Sasaki misses with a clothesline.
Kensuke Sasaki uses a slap on Alex Wright.
Alex Wright begs off.
Kensuke Sasaki takes Alex Wright down with a powerslam.
The crowd is behind Kensuke Sasaki all the way.
Kensuke Sasaki executes the Power Special Stranglehold on Alex Wright.
Alex Wright is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Alex Wright is writhing in pain.
Alex Wright inches his way towards the ropes after 26 seconds.
Kensuke Sasaki puts Alex Wright in a sleeperhold.
Kensuke Sasaki lets go after 12 seconds.
Alex Wright begs off.
Kensuke Sasaki goes for a bodyslam, but Alex Wright blocks it.
Alex Wright goes for a headbutt, but Kensuke Sasaki blocks it.
Kensuke Sasaki goes for a belly-to-back suplex, but Alex Wright
counters it with a facerake.
Alex Wright goes for a bulldog, but Kensuke Sasaki throws him off.
Kensuke Sasaki nails Alex Wright with a Northern Lights bomb.
The crowd is behind Kensuke Sasaki all the way.
Kensuke Sasaki is going for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, shoulder up.
Kensuke Sasaki whips Alex Wright into the ropes.
Kensuke Sasaki misses with a shoulderblock.
Alex Wright hits Kensuke Sasaki with a kick.
Alex Wright whips Kensuke Sasaki into the turnbuckle, but Kensuke Sasaki
reverses it.
Kensuke Sasaki places Alex Wright on the turnbuckle.
Kensuke Sasaki executes a superplex on Alex Wright.
The chants for Kensuke Sasaki are deafening.

Kensuke Sasaki whips Alex Wright into the ropes, but Alex Wright reverses it.
Kensuke Sasaki misses with a clothesline.
Alex Wright takes Kensuke Sasaki down with an enzuigiri to the face.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Alex Wright nails Kensuke Sasaki with a back suplex.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Alex Wright is going for the cover.
Alex Wright pulls the tights.
Ted Blandford counts: One, shoulder up.
Alex Wright hits Kensuke Sasaki with a dragon suplex.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Alex Wright executes a flying headbutt on Kensuke Sasaki.
Ted Blandford counts: One, kickout.
Alex Wright uses a German suplex on Kensuke Sasaki.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Kensuke Sasaki runs into the ropes.
Alex Wright goes for a spinning mule kick, but Kensuke Sasaki
ducks out of the way.

Alex Wright nails Kensuke Sasaki with a Frankensteiner.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Alex Wright uses a double underhook piledriver on Kensuke Sasaki.
Alex Wright is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Alex Wright hits Kensuke Sasaki with a back suplex.
Alex Wright whips Kensuke Sasaki into the ropes.
Kensuke Sasaki hits a lariat on Alex Wright.
Alex Wright begs off.
Kensuke Sasaki executes the Power Special Stranglehold on Alex Wright.
Ted Blandford asks Alex Wright if he's still there.
Alex Wright nods.
Ted Blandford asks Alex Wright if he should stop the fight.
Alex Wright shakes his head.
Ted Blandford checks Alex Wright's arm.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Alex Wright fights his way out of the hold after 27 seconds.

Kensuke Sasaki shoves Alex Wright into the guardrail.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Ted Blandford counts:  1.
Kensuke Sasaki goes for a vertical suplex, but Alex Wright slides down his back.

Alex Wright goes for a spinning mule kick, but Kensuke Sasaki blocks it.
Kensuke Sasaki whips Alex Wright into the guardrail.
Kensuke Sasaki nails Alex Wright with an armdrag takedown.
Kensuke Sasaki goes for a double underhook suplex, but Alex Wright blocks it.
Alex Wright whips Kensuke Sasaki into the guardrail.
Alex Wright takes Kensuke Sasaki down with a front-layout suplex.
Ted Blandford counts:  2.
Alex Wright gets back into the ring.
Kensuke Sasaki follows him back in.
Alex Wright runs into the ropes.
Kensuke Sasaki misses with an elbow.
Alex Wright hits Kensuke Sasaki with a shoulderblock.
Alex Wright hits Kensuke Sasaki with a bulldog.
Alex Wright uses a flying bodypress on Kensuke Sasaki.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
Alex Wright is eliciting a sizable round of boos.

The winner is Alex Wright. Time of match: 0:11:48

Alex Wright pinned Kensuke Sasaki after a flying bodypress in 0:11:48.
Rating: *** 1/2
(Alex Wright won the New York State Heavyweight Title.)

Here is your winner... and NEW YORK STATE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION... "The Deutschland Destroyer" Alex Wright!

People thought that Wright didn't have it in him, that he wasn't up to the task.  He proved them wrong here tonight when he escaped the Power Special Stranglehold not once but twice and went on to take advantage of a flash pin to win the New York State Heavyweight Title!  Sasaki kicks out just a fraction of a second after the threecount and looks stunned to have lost the title in his first title defense!  As Rammstein's Buch Dich blares in celebration, Jonny Storm stands beside his friend and partner and they raise their hands in victory.  New Europe has won two very significant battles tonight, and LIW may never be the same as a result...

Card rating: ** 3/4

Match of the Evening: La Parka Jr. vs. Simon Diamond

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Snabbit888Posted on 01/19/05 at 19:50:15

Too Cold Scorpio can't seem to catch a break, eh?

Mikey picks up a win, and almost gets killed by Steiner in the process.  Sweet.  Scared Mikey rules.

Good finish for the Team USA vs. Shamrock/Mephisto match, as my enemy Frankie shows his frustration over losing by choking out the Sarge.  He needs to be destroyed, post haste.

Lash LeRoux wins!  The Ragin' Cajun rules.  Maybe you should have him draw cartoons depciting his LIW adventures.

Paul London wins, and won't even shake Don Juan's hand afterwards!  Heelish London woo!

Foley still talking a big game, but surely he'll lose.

Rico didn't have a good night.  It's because his finisher isn't the High Hard One!  Duh.

International Thug Syndicate!  That name makes me chuckle.

Jonny Storm beats Mick Foley... AGAIN!  Man, Foley's gotta get tired of losing eventually.

Horace Hogan!  Woo!

La Parka Jr. gives promos in interpretive dance... greatest gimmick EVER.

Wow... new champion already.  Sasaki winning was a bit of a surprise I guess, but Alex Wright hasn't done much in terms of winning in LIW, but he's the champion.  I wonder if Jonny Storm is going to catch the jealousy bug...?
Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/19/05 at 19:56:26

LIW Newsline - 6/22/05

LIW returns to Long Island for our next show, which will be held in just over one month on July 23.  This show will be the highly anticipated tournament to crown the first ever New York State Tag Team Champions.  Unlike the tournament for the Heavyweight Title, this event will be a one-night eight-team tournament between some of the best tag teams from LIW and beyond.  Already confirmed for the Tournament are Team USA, The Harris Twins, and Edge & Christian.  Keep watching the LIW Newsline, because we should have the final lineup soon!

Due to increasing commitments in CMLL, La Parka Jr. will be unable to compete in LIW again any time soon.  He has promised (through a complex interpretive dance involving a chain and a pumpkin) that once his schedule again allows it, he is eager to continue competing in LIW.  Unfortunately, all signs point to this being unlikely for quite some time.

The first ever New York State Heavyweight Champion "Power Warrior" Kensuke Sasaki was apparently so humiliated by his quick defeat at the hands of Alex Wright at Defending The Crown that he has sworn off competing in America and returned to Japan where his style is something less of an anomally.

Additionally, disputes with Justin Credible, Sean Waltman, and Too Cold Scorpio have resulted in them declining to re-sign their LIW contracts.  Long Island Wrestling wishes them the best in their other endeavors.

With both Jonny Storm and Alex Wright victorious at Defending The Crown, New Europe has become quite a force to be reckoned with in LIW.  Storm has reportedly said that the last show laid the foundation for what will one day become an international phenomenon, but that two men alone cannot forge the future themselves.  Consequently, he has promised to add several new members to New Europe in the coming months, and in doing so to define what the top ranks of the future of European Wrestling will look like.

Mick Foley delivered a statement to the booking committee last night, saying that Jonny Storm had finally taken things too far, and that he was about to get what was coming to him!  We can only speculate as to what that means, but it seems obvious at the moment that Foley is not taking his defeat lying down.

Following Alex Wright's Heavyweight Title victory at Defending The Crown, none other than El Mephisto confronted him, claiming that had they met in the Tournament things would have turned out quite differently.  Wright and Storm got into Mephisto's face, bringing up the fact that his record at the moment is less than amazing.  Mephisto countered by claiming that Wright hadn't won a match before taking the Title either, and if he was so confident he would defend the New York State Heavyweight Title against him!  No doubt expecting an easy victory, Jonny Storm quickly agreed for his friend.

The booking committee has protested that New Europe do not have the right to book matches themselves, but Wright and Storm countered by claiming that since no other top contender was announced they were just taking the initiative, and that they would no-show in protest if the match wasn't sanctioned.  Normally they would have been fired on the spot for such an attitude, but with the number of people who have given notice in the past few days, LIW is hurting for top level talent.  Thus, they have agreed to book El Mephisto vs. Alex Wright for the New York State Heavyweight Title!  We should have a more detailed look at the two wrestlers on the next LIW Newsline.

For now, however, here is LIW's Top 5:

LIW Top Five
Champion: Alex Wright

1) El Mephisto - Despite a DQ defeat at Defending The Crown, Mephisto has consistently wrestled competitve matches.  After challenging Alex Wright after the end of the show, he was granted a title shot, and is thus the Number One Contender.

2) Don Harris - Don Harris has been nearly unstoppable in tag team competition thus far, and after a fast, decisive victory over Too Cold Scorpio, he has shown that he has what it takes for singles competition as well.

3) Octagon - Deals the previously undefeated Rico his first defeat through the clever use of something unpleasant tasting and the brutal Octaclutch, which is enough to catapult Octagon to #3 and drop Rico off of the list this month.

4) Horace Hogan - Exploded onto the LIW scene by winning a victory (and thus a contract) over C.W. Anderson with dramatic speed.  Like his uncle, Horace Hogan may not be the world's most technically gifted athlete, but the raw talent and strength is clearly there to succeed.

5) Jonny Storm - Jonny Storm defeats Mick Foley once again, ensuring that he remains in the Top Five.  He might be higher in the rankings if he had not turned down the offer of a title shot for the last show.

Just Missed: Simon Diamond

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Shaun SindelmanPosted on 01/21/05 at 20:05:44

HOW in the blue hell is Horace Hogan higher ranked than Johnny Storm?
Rick GarrardPosted on 01/22/05 at 01:03:47

simple.... his last name is Hogan.  :)

Nicely done Eric.  I finally got caught up and read all 6 cards in LIW.  I have to say, I am looking forward to more now.  And just a point to make to those that remember Sgt. Slaughter as a fat old guy... he's not fat anymore.  He was put on a major weight loss plan by his doctor and is actually below what his career wrestling weight was now.  And last he was on WWE television wrestling a couple months ago, he looked much healthier than he had in years, to the point where he was mobile again.

I have to say I like some of the carry over from NDW into LIW.  :)  And "zombie" Rick Rude... that gimmick sounds like it came from the one British wrestling fed that runs sort as a tribute fed.
Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/22/05 at 01:13:27

Too Cold Scorpio started off his LIW strong with a fast victory over Don Juan, but ever since then he can't seem to catch a break.  Maybe that's the reason he didn't renew his contract.

Mikey Whipwreck can pull off the wrestling coward gimmick better than anyone else.  Since this is unbooked, however, I can't quite duplicate his reliance on fluke victories.  So instead he's capable in the ring, but has severe confidence issues.

I was sure that Frank Shamrock and El Mephisto were going to pull out a victory against Team USA, but apparently Shamrock has a bit of his brother's temper after all.  Since you hate Frank Shamrock so much, I shall have to see if I can't give him a bit of a push...  ;D

Anderson and LeRoux FINALLY got a victory.  I was expecting much better of them after Lash did so well on the first show.  Nice to see he's turning things around at last.

Heelish London is indeed godly, Ryan.  I'll take any London, however.  One has to wonder if he's going to let the issue with Don Juan drop after defeating him here at this show...

I'm kinda glad Rico took a couple defeats at this show.  He doesn't really fit into my plans as a top-tier player.  Then again, neither does Horace...

Booker T, Stevie Ray, and Atlantis should prove to be quite a powerful force in the midcard.  Naturally, since they won't be in the Tag Team Tournament, they're likely to have a bit of a grudge against LIW in general...

I'm really liking how Foley just can't seem to get a win over Storm.  I think it's entirely possible that he may have had enough of this - he's going to need to change his strategy to pull out a win, because Socko doesn't seem to be doing him much good in LIW.

Wright winning the title was all part of Jonny Storm's plan.  In Storm's eyes, he's trying to gain fame for New Europe.  Winning the title is one way, but beating Foley at his own game should be at least as effective...

And Shaun, Horace Hogan is ranked higher than Jonny Storm because I have winning streaks set to their max value.  Horace may have only had one match, but that was a decisive victory.  Storm is 4-2.  Besides that, Storm has basically stated that he's not presently interested in the title.  Horace clearly is, or else he wouldn't have tried out for LIW.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/22/05 at 04:13:20

LIW Newsline - 7/5/05

Welcome back to the Long Island Wrestling Newsline.  As previously announced, LIW is making its return to Long Island on July 23 with the much anticipated tournament to crown the first New York State Tag Team Champions.  This show has been entitled Tag Team Turmoil, and has the potential to be the greatest LIW show to date.

As promised, we can now announce the eight teams that will be participating.  Already announced in the last LIW Newsline were Edge & Christian, The Harris Twins, and Team USA.  These are three of the top tag teams in LIW today.  Harlem Heat has done more than enough to qualify for the tournament, but due to their unprofessional conduct they have been excluded.

The first additional team that has been confirmed is New Europe.  Jonny Storm and Alex Wright will team up together in an attempt to earn the Tag Team Titles.  Since Wright will also be defending the New York State Heavyweight Title, they may be considered a long shot, but Jonny Storm claims that it is important for his plans that New Europe hold both titles if at all possible.

Because Justin Credible has decided not to renew his LIW contract, Lance Storm has found himself without a partner for the tournament.  Prior to this, The Impact Players were planned to play a major role in the tournament.  Kid Kash has indicated that he's willing to team up with Lance Storm, however, and with the talent he possesses who knows how dangerous this new duo may become?

Fresh off of their first LIW victory teaming together, Arn Anderson and Lash LeRoux will be going for the gold together.  There are quite a few other dangerous teams in the tournament, however, so The Enforcer and The Ragin' Cajun will have to take their game to a whole new level if they wish to come out on top!

Upon hearing that Jonny Storm had entered the tournament, Mick Foley demanded a spot as well, claiming that he didn't care who his partner was, he would do whatever he could to keep Storm from the gold.  Accordingly, the booking committee has promised to select a partner for Foley.

Finally, LIW continues to attract international attention.  Pro Wrestling Zero-One has announced that they will send the former Intercontinental Tag Team Champions Masato Tanaka & Wataru Sakata to compete for the New York State Tag Team Titles.  Tanaka and Sakata are both tremendously talented athletes, and with their experience they may just be in a good position to surprise their opposition.

Also at Tag Team Turmoil, LIW will present a talent evaluation match.  Two wrestlers not presently under LIW contract will square off against each other in an attempt to impress the fans and the booking committee.  While there is no guaranteed contract attatched to the match, an impressive enough performance may lead to an eventual offer.

Rumor has it that a potential future star has signed with LIW, and will be making an appearance at our next show.  The booking committee has refused to comment on this rumor, so we can only speculate over who it is (if indeed there is any truth at all to the rumor).

As promised, here is an in-depth rundown of the two contenders in the Heavyweight Title match at Tag Team Turmoil.

The Challenger:
El Mephisto
5'7" 228 lbs
Signiture Move: Forward Rolling Prawn Hold

Unlike most stereotypical lunchadores, El Mephisto's style emphasizes submission holds and brawling rather than the high flying acrobatics which are usually characteristic of that style.  Mephisto also differs from the norm in the fact that instead of a signiture move noted for its devestating power or stunning speed, he uses what is essentially a modified rolling cradle.  This cradle variation is extremely difficult to escape, but due to the difficulty in executing it, it has not seen widespread usage.  To win, Mephisto has to play to his strengths, using submission holds and strikes to wear down Alex Wright until the Prawn Hold can come into play.  Since Wright is also competing for the Tag Team Titles, he will probably have a sizable advantage in stamina.

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

Alex Wright shocked the wrestling world with his flash win over Kensuke Sasaki at Defending The Crown, and has reportedly been working hard on improving his cardiovascular conditioning in preperation for competing both in the tournament and in this title match in a single night.  Wright has proven that he cannot be underestimated in a straight-up wrestling match, and this is exactly what this should be.  His Bavarian Neckbreaker has gained quite a reputation in Germany for its effectiveness, and thus far he hasn't been able to hit it in LIW.  If he does... then this match will be over.  An additional factor to consider is that Alex Wright will have a lot of pressure on his shoulders from Jonny Storm.  He could be the best conditioned athlete in the world, but if he can't keep his mind on the match, he'd be an easy victim to an effective pinning combination such as the Prawn Hold.

Matches Confirmed for Tag Team Turmoil:
The Tournament First Round Matches:
* New Europe vs. Team USA
* Arn Anderson & Lash LeRoux vs. Masato Tanaka & Wataru Sakata
* Mick Foley & TBA vs. Lance Storm & Kid Kash
* Edge & Christian vs. The Harris Twins
* TBA vs. TBA in a Talent Evaluation Match
* El Mephisto vs. Alex Wright for the New York State Heavyweight Title

Also confirmed for the show are Octagon, Booker T, Rico, Horace Hogan, and Don Juan.

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"