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LIW Heavyweight Title Challenge - 4/30/05

Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/09/05 at 02:31:14

Wow.  I must say that I'm a bit stunned by the results of this card.  Sometimes strange things happen when you run unbooked, as I expect you'll see shortly.  Anyway, as always, enjoy the show.

*****

"The Hardcore Legend" Mick Foley vs. TBA in a First Round Match

And...  Foley's opponent is... Sean Waltman!

Sean Waltman whips Mick Foley into the ropes.
Sean Waltman nails Mick Foley with a bodyslam.
Sean Waltman runs into the ropes.
Mick Foley hits Sean Waltman with a kick to the midsection.
Mick Foley goes for a double arm DDT, but Sean Waltman blocks it.
Sean Waltman executes a spinwheel kick on Mick Foley.
Sean Waltman goes for a hiptoss, but Mick Foley counters it with a facerake.
Mick Foley hits Sean Waltman.
Mick Foley kicks Sean Waltman.
Mick Foley puts Sean Waltman in a choke against the ropes.
Russell Durand warns Mick Foley to let go.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, three, four.
Mick Foley nails Sean Waltman with an elbowsmash.
Mick Foley nails Sean Waltman with a double arm DDT.
Mick Foley covers Sean Waltman.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Mick Foley executes a knee to the face on Sean Waltman.

Sean Waltman hits Mick Foley with a legdrop.
Sean Waltman goes for a punch, but Mick Foley blocks it.
Mick Foley catches Sean Waltman in a choke against the ropes.
Russell Durand warns Mick Foley to let go.
Russell Durand counts: One, two, three, four.
Mick Foley nails Sean Waltman with an eye gouge.
Mick Foley goes for a double underhook suplex, but Sean Waltman blocks it.
Sean Waltman whips Mick Foley into the ropes.
Mick Foley catches Sean Waltman totally by surprise.
The chants for Mick Foley are deafening.
Mick Foley executes the Socko Claw on Sean Waltman.
Sean Waltman is struggling to reach the ropes.
Sean Waltman tries to escape the hold.
Sean Waltman summons one last burst of energy.
Russell Durand asks Sean Waltman if he should stop the fight.
Sean Waltman shakes his head.
Russell Durand asks Sean Waltman if he should stop the fight.
Sean Waltman doesn't respond.
Russell Durand stops the fight after 23 seconds.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

The winner is Mick Foley. Time of match: 0:14:28

[First Round Match]:
Mick Foley defeated Sean Waltman when Sean Waltman passed out in the Socko Claw
in 0:14:28.
Rating: *** 1/2

Heavyweight Title Challenge started tonight with LIW's founder "The Hardcore Legend" facing off against an opponent that had not yet been announced.  As Foley waited in the ring, none other than Sean Waltman made his way down to face him.  Waltman, formerly known as X-Pac in WWE and Syxx-Pac in TNA, did his best to bring the fight to Foley with a series of martial arts kicks and other fast paced moves.  He even attempted the Bronco Buster, much to the crowd's dismay.  In the end, though, Foley simply proved to be too much for him, wearing him down with a series of stiff strikes and several Double Arm DDTs before locking in the Mandible Claw and choking Waltman out with Mr. Socko.  Foley seemed startled when the bell rung, signaling his first victory in LIW and his advancement to the next round.

(Mick Foley celebrates the end of his cold streak in the center of the ring as
if he had just won the WWE Title, then grabs a microphone.)

Mick Foley: I knew...  I knew I still had what it takes in me.  I knew that I
still had the ability to kick some everloving ass!  Now... I'm moving on to the
Second Round.  I will do what I've dreamed and prove that I AM more than just
a glorified stuntman when I fight my way past 15 of the top wrestlers in the
world!  The New York State Heavyweight Title is going to be mine... and I will
have defended my name!  BANG BANG!

(The crowd pops big for this, and for Foley's win.)

Mick Foley: But I'm not going to be satisfied with just that... there's still
going to be the matter of a certain snot-nosed punk who thinks that he can make
his name at my expense!  Jonny Storm, I'm willing to grant that you're an
incredible wrestler!  But when you faced me, you faced a man who hadn't wrestled
regularly since 2000!  You faced a man that had been retired for five years!
Well Jonny, I'm back!  And I plan on beating you into a bloody pulp for what
you've said about me!  So Have A Nice Day, Storm!  Because if we meet next
month, there is no way I'm going to let you win next month if there is any life
in these old bones!

Frank Shamrock vs. "The Ragin' Cajun" Lash LeRoux in a First Round Match

Frank Shamrock no-shows.  Simon Diamond is his replacement.

Lash LeRoux misses with a kick.
Simon Diamond misses with a clothesline.
Lash LeRoux hits Simon Diamond with a shoulderblock.
Lash LeRoux is going for the cover.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Lash LeRoux complains about a slow count.
Lash LeRoux works the crowd.
The crowd is starting to get behind Lash LeRoux.
Lash LeRoux executes a clothesline on Simon Diamond.
Lash LeRoux goes for a clothesline, but Simon Diamond counters it with
a crucifix.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, kickout.
Simon Diamond hits a tiger suplex on Lash LeRoux.
Martin Kester counts: One, kickout.
Simon Diamond runs into the ropes.
Simon Diamond takes Lash LeRoux down with a clothesline.
Simon Diamond uses a cobra clutch suplex on Lash LeRoux.
Simon Diamond nails Lash LeRoux with a German suplex.
Martin Kester counts: One, two, three.
Lash LeRoux complains about a fast count.
The crowd is booing Simon Diamond.

The winner is Simon Diamond. Time of match: 0:09:21

[First Round Match]:
Simon Diamond pinned Lash LeRoux after a German suplex in 0:09:21.
Rating: **
(Frank Shamrock no-showed.)

Simon Diamond replaced Frank Shamrock in the Tournament due to a mixed martial arts bout last night in California.  Shamrock was scheduled to be here, but his flight was cancelled and he couldn't make it to the arena tonight.  Diamond claimed on his way out that he should have been on the card anyway since he is undefeated, a distinction which he kept here after a competitive contest against Lash LeRoux.  LeRoux might well have gotten a win here, but referee Martin Kester fastcounted him after a German Suplex.  LeRoux had earlier knocked the referee down unintentionally after taking a stiff superkick from Simon Diamond.  On his way out, Diamond shouted that one more had fallen before him, and that he WOULD qualify to contend for the New York State Heavyweight Title.

Don Juan vs. TBA in a First Round Match

It's Kid Kash!  Kid Kash is here!

Don Juan goes for a forearm smash, but Kid Kash blocks it.
Kid Kash executes a springboard headscissors on Don Juan.
Kid Kash gets an armbar submission on Don Juan.
Kid Kash lets go after 13 seconds.
Kid Kash uses a hammerlock on Don Juan.
Kid Kash nails Don Juan with the Swinging DDT.
Numerous fans are using Kid Kash for target practice.
Kid Kash goes for a kick to the head, but Don Juan blocks it.
Don Juan runs into the ropes.
Don Juan goes for a flying clothesline but Kid Kash pulls Ted Blandford
in the way !
Kid Kash nails Don Juan with a spinning heel kick.
Harry Alston comes running down to the ring.
Kid Kash goes for a facerake, but Don Juan blocks it.
Don Juan whips Kid Kash into the turnbuckle, but Kid Kash reverses it.
Kid Kash charges into the corner, but Don Juan moves out of the way.
Don Juan throws Kid Kash into the turnbuckle, but Kid Kash reverses it.

Don Juan comes back, but is met with an elbow.
Kid Kash whips Don Juan into the ropes, but Don Juan reverses it.
Kid Kash hits Don Juan with a kick.
Kid Kash goes for the Doctor Bomb, but Don Juan blocks it.
Don Juan whips Kid Kash into the ropes.
Don Juan hits spinning headscissors on Kid Kash.
There are lots of chants for Don Juan.
Don Juan throws Kid Kash out of the ring.
Harry Alston counts: one, two, three, four, five, Kid Kash reenters the ring.
Don Juan goes for a kick to the midsection, but Kid Kash counters it with
a dragon screw.
Kid Kash nails Don Juan with a belly-to-back suplex.
Kid Kash whips Don Juan into the ropes, but Don Juan reverses it.
Kid Kash misses with an elbow.
Don Juan misses with a shoulderblock.
Don Juan misses with a shoulderblock.
Don Juan hits Kid Kash with a shoulderblock.
Don Juan throws Kid Kash out of the ring.
Don Juan goes for a baseball slide, but Kid Kash moves out of the way.
Don Juan is out cold.
Numerous fans are using Kid Kash for target practice.
Kid Kash throws Don Juan back into the ring.
Ted Blandford slowly regains conciousness.
Ted Blandford disqualifies Kid Kash.
There are lots of chants for Don Juan.

The winner is Don Juan. Time of match: 0:08:49

[First Round Match]:
Don Juan defeated Kid Kash by disqualification in 0:08:49.
Rating: **

Don Juan faced off against the debuting KID KASH in this First Round Match, and Kash ended up dominating the majority of this match.  Don Juan got in some licks of his own, but Kid Kash proved that he was an extremely dangerous cruiserweight with a series of high flying moves that Don Juan just couldn't keep up with.  Don Juan had just started to make a comeback when Kash pulled the referee into the path of a clothesline which consequently knocked him out.  As Don Juan checked to see if the ref was okay, Kash took advantage, hitting another quick series of moves.  Don Juan was furious and tossed Kash out of the ring, then followed him with a baseball slide, but Kash ducked aside and Don Juan landed hard, clutching his head.  Kid Kash tossed Don Juan back into the ring and looked to finish things off, but the referee regained consciousness and disqualified him just seconds before he could win.

With a victory like that, Don Juan just might be in trouble against Mick Foley later tonight.  As he started for the back, Paul London (sitting in a ringside seat) got in his face once again, shouting that by all rights he should have lost that match, and that he was bringing shame to the Texas Wrestling Academy with his shoddy performance.  Don Juan seemed furious at this, and was about to hit Paul London until arena security grabbed London and removed him from the premesis, taunting Don Juan all the way.

SUWA vs. Abismo Negro in a First Round Match

SUWA goes for an inverted DDT, but Abismo Negro blocks it.
Abismo Negro executes a Hotshot on SUWA.
A portion of the crowd is booing Abismo Negro.
Abismo Negro hits SUWA with a series of punches.
Abismo Negro puts SUWA in the Cavernaria.
SUWA is struggling to reach the ropes.
SUWA manages to grab the ropes after being locked up for 15 seconds.
Abismo Negro whips SUWA into the ropes.
SUWA hits Abismo Negro with a shoulderblock.
SUWA taunts the crowd.
A portion of the crowd is cheering SUWA.
SUWA takes Abismo Negro down with a bullet dropkick.
A portion of the crowd is booing SUWA.
SUWA is going for the cover.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
SUWA executes an elbowdrop on Abismo Negro.
SUWA executes a vertical suplex on Abismo Negro.
SUWA punches Abismo Negro.
SUWA chops Abismo Negro.
A portion of the crowd is cheering SUWA.
SUWA punches Abismo Negro.
Abismo Negro punches SUWA.
Abismo Negro is starting to get more cheers than boos.
Abismo Negro kicks SUWA.
Abismo Negro is starting to get more cheers than boos.
Abismo Negro kicks SUWA.
Abismo Negro hits a bodyslam on SUWA.
Abismo Negro takes SUWA down with a kick to the midsection.
Abismo Negro whips SUWA into the ropes.
Abismo Negro uses a dropkick on SUWA.
Abismo Negro throws SUWA out of the ring.
Abismo Negro goes for a running somersault plancha, but SUWA
moves out of the way.
Abismo Negro is out cold.
A portion of the crowd is booing SUWA.
SUWA throws Abismo Negro back into the ring.
SUWA brings the table into the ring.
Abismo Negro executes the Frog Splash on SUWA.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, three.
Abismo Negro acknowledges the portion of the crowd which is cheering him.

The winner is Abismo Negro. Time of match: 0:04:36

[First Round Match]:
Abismo Negro pinned SUWA with the Frog Splash in 0:04:36.
Rating: ** 3/4

Abismo Negro made short work of his Japanese opponent, who seemed utterly perplexed at the intricate luncha-style offense of Abismo.  SUWA attempted a comeback, but missed a plancha attempt to the outside.  Abismo Negro rolled him back into the ring, went up to the top, and sailed off with a Frog Splash for an easy victory in 5 minutes.  Abismo Negro advances to the second round, where he will face the undefeated Simon Diamond.

"Son of 1,000 Bones" La Parka Jr. vs. El Mephisto in a First Round Match

La Parka Jr. hits El Mephisto.
La Parka Jr. has the crowd going wild.
La Parka Jr. goes for a power bomb, but El Mephisto blocks it.
El Mephisto executes spinning headscissors on La Parka Jr..
El Mephisto locks La Parka Jr. in a Swastika.
La Parka Jr. inches his way towards the ropes after holding out for 5 seconds.
El Mephisto executes a flapjack on La Parka Jr..
El Mephisto goes for the Forward Rolling Prawn Hold, but La Parka Jr.
counters it with a single-leg takedown.
La Parka Jr. executes a powerslam on El Mephisto.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, in the ropes...
La Parka Jr. hits El Mephisto with a series of slaps.
El Mephisto begs off.
La Parka Jr. uses a spinning backbreaker on El Mephisto.
La Parka Jr. is going for the cover.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
La Parka Jr. executes a power bomb on El Mephisto.
Jeffrey Brace counts: One, two, kickout.
El Mephisto begs off.
La Parka Jr. catches El Mephisto in the Cavernaria.
El Mephisto is struggling to reach the ropes.
El Mephisto is writhing in pain.
El Mephisto submits after 10 seconds.
The crowd is giving La Parka Jr. a standing ovation.

The winner is La Parka Jr.. Time of match: 0:04:26

[First Round Match]:
La Parka Jr. made El Mephisto submit to the Cavernaria in 0:04:26.
Rating: *** 1/4

Those expecting a high flying luncha-style bout here were no doubt surprised when El Mephisto immediately went for a Swastica hold once the bell had rung, switching to a bow-and-arrow, then back to a Swastica in an attempt to quickly wear down La Parka Jr. and force him to tap out.  La Parka would have none of it, however, and once he got out he scored with a series of high impact moves, then locked in a submission hold of his own for a quick tap out victory.  La Parka Jr. advances to the Second Round!

Too Cold Scorpio vs. "Power Warrior" Kensuke Sasaki in a First Round Match

Kensuke Sasaki hits Too Cold Scorpio.
A small "Kensuke Sasaki" chant is being started.
Kensuke Sasaki nails Too Cold Scorpio with a slap.
Kensuke Sasaki throws Too Cold Scorpio out of the ring.
Martin Kester counts: one, two, Too Cold Scorpio reenters the ring.
Kensuke Sasaki nails Too Cold Scorpio with a belly-to-back suplex.
Kensuke Sasaki hits Too Cold Scorpio with a powerslam.
Kensuke Sasaki executes the Power Special Stranglehold on Too Cold Scorpio.
Too Cold Scorpio is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Too Cold Scorpio is struggling to reach the ropes.
Too Cold Scorpio tries to escape the hold.
Too Cold Scorpio is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Too Cold Scorpio is inching his way towards the ropes.
Too Cold Scorpio is close to passing out from the pain.
Martin Kester asks Too Cold Scorpio if he's had enough.
Too Cold Scorpio shakes his head.
Martin Kester tells Too Cold Scorpio to respond or he'll stop the fight.
Too Cold Scorpio nods.
Too Cold Scorpio is writhing in pain.
Martin Kester tells Too Cold Scorpio to respond or he'll stop the fight.
Too Cold Scorpio doesn't respond.
Martin Kester stops the fight after 43 seconds.
Kensuke Sasaki has the crowd going wild.

The winner is Kensuke Sasaki. Time of match: 0:04:07

[First Round Match]:
Kensuke Sasaki defeated Too Cold Scorpio when Too Cold Scorpio passed out in
the Power Special Stranglehold in 0:04:07.
Rating: ***

At first it seemed that Kensuke Sasaki couldn't keep up with the blazingly fast Too Cold Scorpio, who scored a quick series of pin attempts and high flying maneuvers moments after the starting bell.  Just like that, however, Sasaki drew himself up to his full height and used his entire 270 pounds to drive Scorpio to the mat with a powerslam.  Rather than attempting a pinfall, he quickly locked in the Power Special Stranglehold.  Scorpio was unable to break free of his more powerful foe, and passed out after just a 4 minute match.  Kensuke Sasaki advances to the Second Round, where he will face La Parka Jr.

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. "The British Sensation" Jonny Storm in a First Round Match

Jonny Storm goes for a backspin DDT, but Scott Steiner blocks it.
Scott Steiner goes for a legsweep faceslam, but Jonny Storm blocks it.
Jonny Storm whips Scott Steiner into the ropes.
Scott Steiner hits Jonny Storm with a clothesline.
Scott Steiner uses an elbowdrop on Jonny Storm.
Scott Steiner goes for a Boston crab, but Jonny Storm blocks it.
Jonny Storm throws Scott Steiner out of the ring.
Jonny Storm rolls out under the bottom rope.
Jonny Storm goes for the Super Rewind Huracanrana, but Scott Steiner
counters it with a power bomb.
Scott Steiner nails Jonny Storm with a chop.
Scott Steiner nails Jonny Storm with a forearm to the back.
Steven Silvers counts:  1.
Scott Steiner takes Jonny Storm down with a power bomb.
Scott Steiner gets back into the ring.
Jonny Storm rolls back in under the bottom rope.
Scott Steiner hits Jonny Storm with a kick to the midsection.

Scott Steiner uses a forearm to the back on Jonny Storm.
Scott Steiner sends Jonny Storm into the turnbuckle.
Jonny Storm comes back, but is met with a kick to the midsection.
Scott Steiner goes for a bodyslam, but Jonny Storm blocks it.
Jonny Storm whips Scott Steiner into the turnbuckle.
Jonny Storm hits Scott Steiner with a springboard rana.
All of a sudden, the boos are turning into almost unanimous cheers.
Jonny Storm throws Scott Steiner out of the ring.
Jonny Storm goes for a plancha, but Scott Steiner moves out of the way.
Jonny Storm is out cold.
The crowd is wildly cheering Scott Steiner with only a few scattered boos
audible.
Scott Steiner throws Jonny Storm back into the ring.
Scott Steiner executes the Steiner Recliner on Jonny Storm.
Steven Silvers sees that Jonny Storm is out cold and stops the match after 16
seconds.
The boos are resurfacing again.

The winner is Scott Steiner. Time of match: 0:08:27

[First Round Match]:
Scott Steiner defeated Jonny Storm when Jonny Storm passed out in the
Steiner Recliner in 0:08:27.
Rating: ** 3/4

Scott Steiner wins!  Big Poppa Pump has upset The British Sensation!  Steiner obviously was taking his opponent here seriously, as he dropped 10 pounds in the weeks leading up to this match working on his cardio and conditioning instead of maintaining his massive physique.  As a result, Steiner caught Storm by surprise at the start of the match with a power bomb, and Storm never really got back into the match after that.  Once again a missed dive to the outside came into play as Storm went for a plancha on Steiner, who was posing on the outside of the ring.  Steiner, who was less slow than Storm was expecting, stepped aside, allowing Storm to ram his head into the barricade and knock himself out.  Steiner rolled him back into the ring and applied the Steiner Recliner and the referee determined that Storm couldn't continue.

As the bell rang and Steiner released the hold, Jonny Storm seemed to regain his senses.  His face white with shock and anger, Storm shouted that the referee had screwed him, and that he never tapped out!  From where we were sitting it looked pretty obvious that he was unconscious, but Storm seems convinced that his defeat here was a screwjob rather than the result of underestimating his opponent, who is a former WCW Champion for a reason.  With this victory, Scott Steiner advances into the Second Round.

"The Deutschland Destroyer" Alex Wright vs. Glen Gilberti in a First Round Match

Glen Gilberti whips Alex Wright into the turnbuckle.
Glen Gilberti hits Alex Wright with a clothesline.
Glen Gilberti throws Alex Wright into the turnbuckle.
Glen Gilberti runs shoulder-first into the corner.
Glen Gilberti executes the Last Dance on Alex Wright.
Glen Gilberti is starting to get more cheers than boos.
Glen Gilberti goes for the pin.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, three.
The boos are resurfacing again.

The winner is Glen Gilberti. Time of match: 0:11:02

[First Round Match]:
Glen Gilberti pinned Alex Wright with the Last Dance in 0:11:02.
Rating: ** 3/4

Glen Gilberti and Alex Wright traded the WCW Television Title back and forth several times in the 1990s, and as such they seemed familiar with each other's styles... or Gilberti seemed to know Wright's.  Glen Gilberti has totally changed up his wrestling technique since the days of WCW and the Disco Inferno persona, and consequently he had a major advantage over Wright in this match.  Wright tried to get the advantage several times, but Gilberti had seen his techniques before and worked out how to counter them.  After wearing him down for a while, Gilberti scored with the Last Dance and gained the pinfall victory.  Glen Gilberti will face Scott Steiner in the Second Round!

(Edge And Christian's music hits and the two brothers make their way out to
a huge ovation.)

Edge: It's good to be teaming up with my brother again!

(The crowd pops)

Christian: No no, Edge.  It's not good.  It's better than good, dude!  It is
freakin' amazing to be working with you again!

Edge: Thank you, thank you.  I daresay that it might even... Reek of
Awesomeness?

(The crowd pops again at the mention of this old catchphrase.)

Christian: Just a little, yeah!  Oh, yeah... we're not here to goof off or
anything!  We were supposed to tell all of you not to forget about the Tag Team
division!

Edge: Totally!  Did you see us against Corino and Scorpio last month?  That was
sweet!

Christian: Almost as sweet as it's gonna be when we win the New York State Tag
Team Titles!

Edge: And to commemorate our future victory...

Christian: Dude... can you commemorate something that hasn't happened yet?

Edge: Shut up!  And to commemorate our future victory, we have a little treat
for all of you.

Christian: For the benefit of those with flash photography, we'd like to
present all of you with a "Future Champions" Five Second Pose!

Edge: Ready?  Here goes!

(Edge and Christian begin to pose, when "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath hits,
bringing out the Harris Twins.)

Ron Harris: Well well well.  If it isn't a couple pretty boys in our ring...

Don Harris: What the hell makes the two of you think that you've got what it
takes to win the tag team titles?  You don't have the size we have.  You don't
have the strength we have.  You don't have the power we have.

Christian: Hey Edge, we also totally don't have the SMELL they have!

Edge: No kidding.  Have you two taken a shower... like... ever?

Ron Harris: Make your jokes now, ladies.  When we've got gold around our waists,
don't count on a shot.

Don Harris: Because from where I'm standing, there isn't a single other tag
team in LIW that can hold-

(CAN YOU DIG IT... SUCKA?  The Harris Twins are cut off by Harlem Heat's music.
Booker T and Stevie Ray come running out from the backstage area with chairs,
laying out both Harris Twins with ease and running off Edge and Christian.
Neither man says a word, but Stevie Ray gestures that the belts are going to
be theirs.)

Simon Diamond vs. Abismo Negro in a Contendership Match

Simon Diamond punches Abismo Negro.
Simon Diamond hits Abismo Negro.
Simon Diamond is met with a mixture of cheers and boos.
Simon Diamond hits Abismo Negro with a cobra clutch suplex.
Simon Diamond whips Abismo Negro into the ropes.
Simon Diamond locks Abismo Negro in an abdominal stretch.
Abismo Negro tries to escape the hold.
Abismo Negro makes it to the ropes after being locked up for 13 seconds.
Abismo Negro begs off.
Simon Diamond executes the Simonizer on Abismo Negro.
A portion of the crowd is cheering Simon Diamond.
Simon Diamond goes for the pin.
Simon Diamond pulls the tights.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Simon Diamond uses a fallaway slam on Abismo Negro.
Simon Diamond goes for an inverted atomic drop, but Abismo Negro blocks it.
Abismo Negro sends Simon Diamond into the turnbuckle.

Abismo Negro uses a series of slaps on Simon Diamond.
Abismo Negro suddenly exits the ring.
He retrieves a road sign.
Abismo Negro hits him with the road sign.
Abismo Negro is getting a pissed look amidst all the boos.
Abismo Negro takes Simon Diamond down with a senton.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, kickout.
Abismo Negro nails Simon Diamond with a kick to the midsection.
Abismo Negro hits a bodyslam on Simon Diamond.
Abismo Negro goes for the Frog Splash, but Simon Diamond counters it with
a knee pull-up.
Simon Diamond acknowledges the portion of the crowd which is cheering him.
Simon Diamond hits a powerslam on Abismo Negro.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Simon Diamond uses a cobra clutch suplex on Abismo Negro.
Simon Diamond nails Abismo Negro with a double underhook suplex.
Simon Diamond whips Abismo Negro into the ropes.

Simon Diamond whips Abismo Negro into the turnbuckle.
Simon Diamond executes the Simonizer on Abismo Negro.
Simon Diamond acknowledges the portion of the crowd which is cheering him.
Simon Diamond goes for the pin.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Simon Diamond runs into the ropes.
Abismo Negro hits Simon Diamond with a clothesline.
Abismo Negro takes a swing at Simon Diamond with the road sign, but he
gets out of the way.
Simon Diamond snatches the road sign from him.
Simon Diamond hits him with the road sign.
Simon Diamond seemingly enjoys the boos.
Simon Diamond puts Abismo Negro in a scorpion deathlock.
Abismo Negro makes it to the ropes after holding out for 5 seconds.
Abismo Negro begs off.
Simon Diamond nails Abismo Negro with a waistlock suplex.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, thr... kickout.

Abismo Negro begs off.
Simon Diamond runs into the ropes.
Abismo Negro goes for a bodyslam, but Simon Diamond blocks it.
Simon Diamond goes for an armbar submission, but Abismo Negro blocks it.
Abismo Negro hits him with a road sign.
The road sign is broken in half.
Abismo Negro nails Simon Diamond with a forearm to the back.
Abismo Negro executes a flying dropkick on Simon Diamond.
Abismo Negro covers Simon Diamond.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Abismo Negro whips Simon Diamond into the ropes.
Simon Diamond misses with a kick.
Abismo Negro misses with an elbow.
Simon Diamond executes a clothesline on Abismo Negro.
Simon Diamond covers Abismo Negro.
Ted Blandford counts: One, two, three.
Simon Diamond seemingly enjoys the boos.

The winner is Simon Diamond. Time of match: 0:13:27

[Contendership Match]:
Simon Diamond pinned Abismo Negro after a clothesline in 0:13:27.
Rating: ****

Simon Diamond has gone from not included in the Tournament to qualifying to compete for the New York State Heavyweight Title at our next show in the course of a single night while keeping his undefeated record intact.  Abismo Negro put up a good fight, but in the end he was simply no match for Diamond, who hit the Simonizer twice before finally gaining the finfall after a stiff lariat finished Abismo Negro.

"The Hardcore Legend" Mick Foley vs. Don Juan in a Contendership Match

Mick Foley teases that he is reaching for Socko.
Mick Foley has the crowd going wild.
Mick Foley runs into the ropes.
Don Juan hits Mick Foley with a shoulderblock.
Don Juan takes Mick Foley down with a fist to the midsection.
Don Juan whips Mick Foley into the ropes, but Mick Foley reverses it.
Mick Foley hits Don Juan with a backdrop.
Mick Foley executes the Socko Claw on Don Juan.
Don Juan tries to escape the hold.
Don Juan is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Don Juan is inching his way towards the ropes.
Don Juan is writhing in pain.
Steven Silvers checks Don Juan's arm.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Don Juan fights his way out of the hold after 26 seconds.

Mick Foley sets up Don Juan on the table.
Mick Foley tries to drive Don Juan through the table with an elbowdrop, but he
moves out of the way.
The table didn't break.
Don Juan runs into the ropes.
Mick Foley and Don Juan get hit with a double clothesline.
Mick Foley sets up Don Juan on the table.
Mick Foley executes a double arm DDT through the table.
The table is broken in half.
The crowd erupts.
Mick Foley whips Don Juan into the ropes, but Don Juan reverses it.
Don Juan hits Mick Foley with an elbow.
Don Juan covers Mick Foley.
Steven Silvers counts: One, kickout.
Don Juan hits Mick Foley with a lariat.
Don Juan whips Mick Foley into the ropes.
Don Juan executes a bodyslam on Mick Foley.

Mick Foley hits a kick to the midsection on Don Juan.
Mick Foley nails Don Juan with a double arm DDT.
The crowd is behind Mick Foley all the way.
Mick Foley gives the sign for the Socko Claw.
Mick Foley executes the Socko Claw on Don Juan.
Don Juan is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Steven Silvers asks Don Juan if he should stop the fight.
Don Juan shakes his head.
Steven Silvers asks Don Juan if he's had enough.
Don Juan shakes his head.
Steven Silvers checks Don Juan's arm.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Don Juan fights his way out of the hold after 24 seconds.
Kid Kash throws Mick Foley a fire extinguisher.
Mick Foley hits Don Juan with it and goes for the pin.
Steven Silvers threatens Mick Foley with disqualification.
Mick Foley takes Don Juan down with a back suplex.
Mick Foley locks Don Juan in a choke against the ropes.
Steven Silvers warns Mick Foley to let go.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, three.
Mick Foley takes a swing at Don Juan with the fire extinguisher, but he
gets out of the way.
Don Juan snatches the fire extinguisher from him.
Don Juan hits him with the fire extinguisher.
Don Juan runs into the ropes.
Don Juan hits Mick Foley with a kick.
Don Juan executes a hammerlock on Mick Foley.
The chants for Don Juan are deafening.
Don Juan uses a dropkick on Mick Foley.
Don Juan hits Mick Foley with a bodyslam.
Don Juan hits Mick Foley with a forearm smash.
Don Juan hits a hiptoss on Mick Foley.
Don Juan executes the Cradle Piledriver on Mick Foley.
The chants for Don Juan are deafening.
Don Juan goes for the pin.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, kickout.
Don Juan hits Mick Foley with a bodyslam.
Don Juan hits a hiptoss on Mick Foley.
Don Juan runs into the ropes.
Kid Kash hits Don Juan in the back with a chair.
Steven Silvers threatens Mick Foley with disqualification.
Mick Foley hits him with the fire extinguisher.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Mick Foley.
Steven Silvers throws the fire extinguisher out of the ring.
Mick Foley gives the sign for the Socko Claw.
Mick Foley executes the Socko Claw on Don Juan.
Steven Silvers asks Don Juan if he's had enough.
Don Juan shakes his head.
Steven Silvers asks Don Juan if he should stop the fight.
Don Juan shakes his head.
Steven Silvers checks Don Juan's arm.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Don Juan fights his way out of the hold after 22 seconds.
Don Juan takes Mick Foley down with a jawbreaker.
Don Juan whips Mick Foley into the ropes, but Mick Foley reverses it.
Don Juan misses with a shoulderblock.
Mick Foley hits Don Juan with a kick.
Mick Foley puts Don Juan in a choke against the ropes.
Steven Silvers warns Mick Foley to let go.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, three.
Mick Foley whips Don Juan into the ropes.
Don Juan hits Mick Foley with a lariat.
Don Juan works the crowd.
The chants for Don Juan are deafening.
Don Juan goes for an inverted DDT, but Mick Foley blocks it.
Mick Foley hits a double underhook suplex on Don Juan.
Mick Foley goes for a piledriver, but Don Juan blocks it.
Don Juan takes Mick Foley down with the Ace Crusher.
The crowd is behind Don Juan all the way.

Mick Foley takes Don Juan down with a gutwrench suplex.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Mick Foley executes the Socko Claw on Don Juan.
Steven Silvers asks Don Juan if he's still there.
Don Juan nods.
Steven Silvers asks Don Juan if he's had enough.
Don Juan shakes his head.
Steven Silvers checks Don Juan's arm.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Don Juan fights his way out of the hold after 25 seconds.
Don Juan executes the Cradle Piledriver on Mick Foley.
The crowd is behind Don Juan all the way.
Don Juan goes for the pin.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, kickout.
Don Juan takes Mick Foley down with a hiptoss.
Don Juan runs into the ropes.
Don Juan misses with a kick.

Mick Foley punches Don Juan.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Don Juan punches Mick Foley.
The crowd is behind Don Juan all the way.
Don Juan punches Mick Foley.
The crowd is behind Don Juan all the way.
Mick Foley punches Don Juan.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Mick Foley punches Don Juan.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Mick Foley goes for a sleeperhold, but Don Juan counters it with a jawbreaker.
The crowd is behind Don Juan all the way.
Don Juan takes Mick Foley down with a flying forearm.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Don Juan hits Mick Foley with a Northern Lights suplex.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Don Juan goes for a Northern Lights suplex, but Mick Foley counters it with
a DDT.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
In turn, Don Juan counters it with a small package.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Don Juan executes the Cradle Piledriver on Mick Foley.
Don Juan goes for the pin.
Steven Silvers counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

The winner is Don Juan. Time of match: 0:18:30

[Contendership Match]:
Don Juan pinned Mick Foley with the Cradle Piledriver in 0:18:30.
Rating: **** 1/4

Huge upset here!  After being berated by Paul London, and despite interference by Kid Kash, Don Juan managed to pull out a huge victory agianst The Hardcore Legend!  Mick Foley thought he had the match well in hand, but Don Juan simply would not tap out to the Mandible Claw, which has not been especially effective thus far in LIW.  The Cradle Piledriver, on the other hand, appears to be a move capable of putting nearly anyone away in the right circumstances.  And that's just what happened here.  Foley once again looks stunned, and simply walks out of the ring with a blank look on his face as Don Juan celebrates.

With this match, we now know that Simon Diamond and Don Juan will be two of the four people who will face off at our next show to determine the first New York State Heavyweight Champion.

(Jonny Storm and Alex Wright are backstage.  Both appear more than a little
angry after losing in the first round.)

Jonny Storm: I'n telling you, Alex, this is all a conspiracy to get rid of us.
And the man behind it is quite obviously Mick Foley.

Alex Wright: Ja ja, I know Jonny.

Jonny Storm: First they screwed me in the biggest miscarriage of justice in
professional wrestling since the Montreal Screwjob!  I did not tap out, dammit!
And I was not unconscious!  So I had my eyes closed... I was in pain from
hitting my head and in a painful submission hold!  I mean, what the hell was
wrong with the referee?  He didn't even check my arm!

Alex Wright: Tell me about it.  And to make matters worse, Foley must have
handpicked the one opponent in the western world who could gain that kind of
an advantage over me!

Jonny Storm: You know why he did it, though.

Alex Wright: Ja ja, I do.

Jonny Storm: He's afraid of us.  Afraid that we aren't going to sit around and
kiss his ass anymore.  Now that he realizes that he doesn't frighten us, he's
trying to drive us out of his promotion, or to force us to do as he likes.  
Well you listen to me, Foley.  I'm bloody well sick and tired of kissing your
fat, out of shape ass, just like the world is tired of kissing America's ass.
Your leaders try to shame us into doing what they want by calling us "Old
Europe."  Well Foley, you're about to be the first man in America to witness
just how dangerous New Europe can be!  Alex Wright and I will teach you... and
everyone here in LIW... a very painful lesson!

"Son of 1,000 Bones" La Parka Jr. vs. "Power Warrior" Kensuke Sasaki in a Contendership Match

Kensuke Sasaki hits La Parka Jr. with a powerslam.
Kensuke Sasaki executes the Power Special Stranglehold on La Parka Jr..
La Parka Jr. tries to fight the pain.
La Parka Jr. is writhing in pain.
Phillip McAlpine asks La Parka Jr. if he's still there.
La Parka Jr. nods.
La Parka Jr. is inching his way towards the ropes.
La Parka Jr. grabs the ropes after being trapped for 36 seconds.
Kensuke Sasaki goes for a Northern Lights bomb, but La Parka Jr.
counters it with a small package.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, kickout.
La Parka Jr. hits an armdrag takedown on Kensuke Sasaki.
La Parka Jr. executes a spinning backbreaker on Kensuke Sasaki.
La Parka Jr. takes Kensuke Sasaki down with a flying spinning leg lariat.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
La Parka Jr. executes a flying cross body press on Kensuke Sasaki.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, two, shoulder up.
La Parka Jr. executes the Frankensteiner on Kensuke Sasaki.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, kickout.
La Parka Jr. executes a slap on Kensuke Sasaki.
La Parka Jr. takes Kensuke Sasaki down with an Asai moonsault bodyblock.
Phillip McAlpine counts: One, kickout.
La Parka Jr. throws Kensuke Sasaki out of the ring.
La Parka Jr. goes for a running somersault plancha, but Kensuke Sasaki
moves out of the way.
La Parka Jr. is out cold.
The crowd is behind Kensuke Sasaki all the way.
Kensuke Sasaki throws La Parka Jr. back into the ring.
Kensuke Sasaki executes the Power Special Stranglehold on La Parka Jr..
Phillip McAlpine sees that La Parka Jr. is out cold and stops the match after 20
seconds.
The crowd is giving Kensuke Sasaki a standing ovation.

The winner is Kensuke Sasaki. Time of match: 0:06:48

[Contendership Match]:
Kensuke Sasaki defeated La Parka Jr. when La Parka Jr. passed out in the
Power Special Stranglehold in 0:06:48.
Rating: ****

Another upset!  Kensuke Sasaki has clearly been training very hard since his most recent defeat at the hands of Simon Diamond, and he clearly wants to get his hands on him with the New York State Heavyweight Title on the line, because he came on strong here, using his size and strength as a lethal weapon against La Parka Jr.  La Parka's speed might have been enough to save him... if this wasn't his second match of the night.  Since it was, Sasaki's dangerous but conservative Japanese style proved to be up to the task of beating him.

Your Main Event:
"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. Glen Gilberti in a Contendership Match

Scott Steiner uses a vertical suplex on Glen Gilberti.
Scott Steiner nails Glen Gilberti with a double underhook power bomb.
Scott Steiner acknowledges the portion of the crowd which is cheering him.
Scott Steiner shows off his muscles.
Scott Steiner acknowledges the portion of the crowd which is cheering him.
Scott Steiner uses an elbowdrop on Glen Gilberti.
Scott Steiner takes Glen Gilberti down with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex.
Scott Steiner is starting to get more cheers than boos.
Glen Gilberti begs off.
Scott Steiner runs into the ropes.
Scott Steiner goes for a clothesline, but Glen Gilberti ducks out of the way.
Glen Gilberti runs into the ropes.
Glen Gilberti goes for a clothesline, but Scott Steiner ducks out of the way.
Scott Steiner nails Glen Gilberti with a double underhook power bomb.
Scott Steiner is starting to get more cheers than boos.
Scott Steiner executes the Steiner Recliner on Glen Gilberti.
Glen Gilberti is valiantly trying to break the hold.

Glen Gilberti rolls back in under the bottom rope.
Glen Gilberti begs off.
Scott Steiner gives the sign for the Steiner Recliner.
Scott Steiner catches Glen Gilberti totally by surprise.
Scott Steiner executes the Steiner Recliner on Glen Gilberti.
Glen Gilberti breaks the hold after 14 seconds.
Glen Gilberti throws Scott Steiner out of the ring.
Glen Gilberti goes outside.
Glen Gilberti goes for a bodyslam, but Scott Steiner counters it with
an elbowsmash.
Harry Alston counts:  1.
Harry Alston counts:  2.
Scott Steiner hits Glen Gilberti with a backdrop.
Scott Steiner hits Glen Gilberti with a tilt-a-whirl suplex.
Scott Steiner shoves Glen Gilberti into the guardrail.
Scott Steiner goes for a double underhook power bomb, but Glen Gilberti
counters it with a backdrop.

Scott Steiner goes for a legsweep faceslam, but Glen Gilberti counters it with
a faceslam.
Glen Gilberti is going for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, kickout.
Glen Gilberti executes a DDT on Scott Steiner.
The crowd seems to be rallying behind Glen Gilberti.
Glen Gilberti executes the Last Dance on Scott Steiner.
The crowd seems to be rallying behind Glen Gilberti.
Glen Gilberti goes for the pin.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Glen Gilberti locks Scott Steiner in a chokehold.
Harry Alston warns Glen Gilberti to let go.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, three.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, three, four.
Glen Gilberti runs into the ropes.
Scott Steiner executes an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on Glen Gilberti.
Scott Steiner executes the Steiner Recliner on Glen Gilberti.
Glen Gilberti is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Glen Gilberti breaks the hold after 20 seconds.
Glen Gilberti executes a snap mare on Scott Steiner.
Glen Gilberti uses a Hotshot on Scott Steiner.
The crowd seems to be rallying behind Glen Gilberti.
Glen Gilberti hits a stomp on Scott Steiner.
Glen Gilberti runs into the ropes.
Glen Gilberti misses with an elbow.
Scott Steiner hits Glen Gilberti with a kick.
Scott Steiner hits a forearm to the back on Glen Gilberti.
Scott Steiner whips Glen Gilberti into the ropes.
Glen Gilberti misses with a clothesline.
Scott Steiner misses with an elbow.
Scott Steiner hits Glen Gilberti with a shoulderblock.
Scott Steiner goes for a clothesline, but Glen Gilberti counters it with
a hiptoss.
Glen Gilberti goes for a fistdrop, but Scott Steiner rolls out of the way.
Scott Steiner hits a kneelift on Glen Gilberti.
Scott Steiner nails Glen Gilberti with a backbreaker.
Scott Steiner whips Glen Gilberti into the ropes.
Glen Gilberti misses with a kick.
Scott Steiner hits Glen Gilberti with a backdrop.
Glen Gilberti falls out of the ring.
Scott Steiner goes outside.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Harry Alston counts:  1.
Scott Steiner gets back into the ring.
Glen Gilberti climbs back into the ring.
Scott Steiner goes for a Gorilla Press, but Glen Gilberti counters it with
a small package.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Glen Gilberti hits a gutwrench suplex on Scott Steiner.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, kickout.
Glen Gilberti throws Harry Alston into the ringpost.

Scott Steiner kicks Glen Gilberti.
Scott Steiner punches Glen Gilberti.
Scott Steiner doesn't quite know what to do with the mixed reaction he
's getting.
Scott Steiner nails Glen Gilberti with a kick to the midsection.
Scott Steiner hits a clothesline on Glen Gilberti.
Scott Steiner takes Glen Gilberti down with an elbowdrop.
Scott Steiner hits a power bomb on Glen Gilberti.
Scott Steiner uses the ropes for leverage.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Glen Gilberti begs off.
Scott Steiner nails Glen Gilberti with an inside cradle.
Harry Alston counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Scott Steiner executes the Steiner Recliner on Glen Gilberti.
Glen Gilberti is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Glen Gilberti tries to fight the pain.
Glen Gilberti submits after 17 seconds.
The boos are resurfacing again.

The winner is Scott Steiner. Time of match: 0:19:09

[Contendership Match]:
Scott Steiner made Glen Gilberti submit to the Steiner Recliner in 0:19:09.
Rating: *** 1/4

Scott Steiner once again demonstrates his frightening strength, this time against Glen Gilberti.  Gilberti may have known how to get the win against Alex Wright, but Steiner was another story.  The former Disco Inferno was clearly intimidated by his massive opponent, and no wonder - suplex was followed by powerbomb over the entire course of this match.  Glen Gilberti gave his all, but in the end he had no choice but to tap out to the Steiner Recliner.  Scott Steiner celebrates winning the chance to compete for the New York State Heavyweight Title with a good long flex as "Welcome To The Jungle" blares.

Card rating: *** 1/2

Match of the Evening: Mick Foley vs. Don Juan

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/10/05 at 16:19:56

LIW Newsline - 5/12/05

Sixteen men entered the ring last month, and only four advanced on to become Contenders for the New York State Heavyweight Title. On May 21, LIW will present The Crowning, where the final four will face off to see who is worthy of the gold. Tickets are available and selling fast, so order now before its too late.

Word has it that Sgt. Slaughter wasn't too impressed by the performance of The Impact Players at Corino returns. With that in mind, he has requested a match against Justin Credible at The Crowning. Credible is said to be amused at this challenge, and has accepted it, saying that he plans to "make short work of Grandpa and put him back in his place."

In six-man tag team action, The Harris Twins will be teaming up with Too Cold Scorpio to face Arn Anderson, Lash LeRoux, and Jim Duggan. The Harris Twins have made a claim to being the biggest tag team in LIW, and certainly they are if size is all you take into account. Anderson and LeRoux are still trying to get a win here, and they hope, no doubt, that by teaming up with one half of the only team to defeat The Harris Twins, they can get one tonight. Ron and Don, on the other hand, selected Too Cold Scorpio as their partner because the one thing their team lacks is speed, something Scorpio has in spades. With his addition to their team in this match, Double A, the Ragin' Cajun and Hacksaw may have trouble getting a win.

Harlem Heat have promised that they will continue to raise hell on LIW shows until they are given a shot at Octagon and Mikey Whipwreck - and not just any shot! They have demanded a Falls Count Anywhere match to ensure that Octagon and Mikey are adequately beaten. The booking committee is apparently very upset with the measures Harlem Heat have taken to get their way thus far. Therefore, while the requested match has been made, the booking committee has decided that Harlem Heat will not be allowed to compete in the tournament to crown the first New York State Tag Team Champions when it eventually occurs.

The main event of The Crowning will of course be a four corners elimination match between Simon Diamond, Don Juan, Kensuke Sasaki and Scott Steiner will do their best to be the last man standing. The winner of this match will receive a heady prize - they will become the first ever professional wrestling champion to officially recognized by the state of New York.

Keep watching the LIW Newsline. Soon to come is an update on Jonny Storm and Mick Foley, as well as an in-depth look at the four men contending for the New York State Heavyweight Title.

Matches Confirmed for The Crowning:
* Sgt. Slaughter vs. Justin Credible
* The Harris Twins & Too Cold Scorpio vs. Arn Anderson, Lash LeRoux & Jim Duggan
* Octagon & Mikey Whipwreck vs. Harlem Heat (Falls Count Anywhere)
* Simon Diamond vs. Don Juan vs. Kensuke Sasaki vs. Scott Steiner in an Elimination Match for the New York State Heavyweight Title.

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Snabbit888Posted on 01/10/05 at 19:07:37

Well... er... um... I had Kensuki Sasaki right!  And he was my pick to win the title, so I guess that's more important than correctly picking the entire field, eh?

Man, this Don Juan export must be fantastic.  It seems like he hasn't really even been challenged.  Which is why we need to get some sweet Paul London action going out there!

Harlem Heat not going to be in the tag title tournament, eh?  That's not going to make them too happy, I reckon.  Could mean bad things for Whipwreck and Octagon.

C'mon, Sasaki!
Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/10/05 at 19:22:53

I was expecting La Parka Jr. to easily defeat Sasaki.  Sasaki has a mediocre record before this show, after all.  Then again, his two losses are to Simon Diamond, who is undefeated...

Don Juan's export actually isn't anything special.  Lots of takedowns with a few impact and high flying moves.  Before this show he had lost to Too Cold Scorpio and won against the debuting El Mephisto.  Kid Kash is a very high powered export from what I've seen, however, so his victory was something of a surprise.  I've got high hopes for an eventual Don Juan vs. Paul London confrontation myself.  We shall see if anything becomes of it.

Harlem Heat are going to murder Octagon and Whipwreck.  A lot.  And once they're done, they're still going to be pissed at being denied entry in the Tag Team Tournament, yes.  In light of that, I doubt they're going to improve their behavior much.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Critic of the DawnPosted on 01/13/05 at 02:15:54

LIW Newsline - 5/16/05

Welcome back to the LIW Newsline. As promised, we have the latest news on what you can expect to see at The Crowning on May 21st.

Frank Shamrock is reportedly very dissappointed that he missed his chance to compete for the New York State Heavyweight Title, and has requested that he be booked for The Crowning. The booking committee, however, feels that he demonstrated a lack of committment to the LIW product by accepting a booking for a mixed martial arts show on the West Coast the night before such a major LIW card. As such, they have stated that he will be granted an exhibition match against someone not presently under LIW contract. If he can be bothered to show up, and if he puts on a solid match, the booking committee will feel more comfortable giving him a larger role in the future.

La Parka Jr. was very dissappointed at his defeat at the hands of Kensuke Sasaki last week, and has requested a high profile match at The Crowning to improve his spot in the LIW rankings. With that in mind, he and El Mephisto have been granted a tag team match against none other than Edge And Christian. Edge and Christian have proven themselves to be perhaps the most successful tag team in LIW's short history, so it will take quite some doing by La Parka and El Mephisto - two lunchadores with no history of teaming together - to overcome them.

Alex Wright is not pleased that he has had so little success in LIW, as he is a top calibre talent in Europe. Along with Jonny Storm, he continues to insist that it is because the booking committee is taking orders from Mick Foley to screw him. He has stated that he will not be bullied, however, and has challenged the booking committee to find two opponents for him, which he claims he will defeat no matter who they are. Wright referred to this as a "New Europe Challenge," so perhaps there is something more to Wright and Storm's partnership than just a simple friendship?

Speaking of Jonny Storm, his issue with Mick Foley is far from settled. Neither man advanced to contend for the New York State Heavyweight Title, so Mick Foley has challenged Storm to a match. The booking committee has stepped in, however, and declared that the two should have a tag team match. Each man will have until the opening bell to find someone willing to team with them. This would seem to be to Foley's advantage, as any number of wrestlers would jump at the chance to team up with a star of his stature. Jonny Storm is in a more difficult spot, however, as Alex Wright is already busy with a challenge of his own. Who will each man select? And will this match settle anything? Join us and find out.

Finally, as promised, we have a brief rundown of the main event and its participants.

The match itself will be a Four Corners Elimination Match. Two men will be in the ring at any one time, while the others wait to tag in on the outside. This brings quite a bit of strategy into play, as each man will have to stay as fresh as possible to keep the advantage while ensuring their opponents are all worn down by the rest of the contenders. It is thus inadvisable for the any of the contenders to avoid entering the ring, because in doing so they give up the chance to eliminate those they view as the biggest threat. Senior Referee Ted Blandford will be officiating, and there will be no time limit for this bout.

Here is an overview of the contenders:

Simon Diamond
6'1", 225 lbs
Signiture Move: Simonizer (Modified Death Valley Driver)
Career Highlights: MLW Tag Team Champion, NWA-TNA Tag Team Champion, ECWA Heavyweight Title, NWA North American Heavyweight Title
Record: 4-0

Strengths: Undefeated, a very smart competitor with a lot of momentum, excellent technical wrestling ability.

Weaknesses: May be overconfident, does not have a history of competing at this high of a level, the smallest competitor (in weight) in the match.

Strategy: Keep an eye on Kensuke Sasaki, use hit and run tactics and suplexes to wear down opponents, don't be afraid to take things out of the ring if necessary.

Don Juan
5'10", 228 lbs
Signiture Move: Cradle Piledriver
Career Highlights: Graduate of Texas Wrestling Academy, numerous appearances in Ring of Honor and NWA Wildside.
Record: 3-1

Strengths: A relative unknown and thus difficult to prepare for, the quickest of the competitors, the Cradle Piledriver is a devestating move.

Weaknesses: Inexperienced compared to the others, the weakest in terms of power, possibly distracted by the Paul London situation.

Strategy: Hit hard and fast, rely on speed to keep away from stronger opponents, hit the Cradle Piledriver at the first opening.

Kensuke Sasaki
5'10", 270 lbs
Signiture Move: Power Special Stranglehold (Modified Choke Sleeper)
Career Highlights: WCW United States Heavyweight Champion, Hawaii Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Champion, IWGP Heavyweight Champion
Record: 3-2

Strengths: Wrestles a style unfamiliar to the other contenders, combines formidable strength with technical ability, deceptively fast.

Weaknesses: Relatively unfamiliar with the American style, poor at certain "hardcore" techniques, grudge against Simon Diamond may interfere in his concentration.

Strategy: Don't lose focus on the goal, work the necks of his opponents, use strength to trap smaller opponents, submissions on Steiner.

Scott Steiner
6'2", 290 lbs
Signiture Move: Steiner Recliner (Elevated Camel Clutch)
Career Highlights: WCW World Tag Team Champion, IWGP Tag Team Champion, WWF World Tag Team Champion, WCW Television Champion, WCW United States Heavyweight Champion, WCW World Heavyweight Champion
Record: 2-2

Strengths: Perhaps the strongest man in LIW, has a suplex for every occasion, proven history of dominance.

Weaknesses: By far the slowest man in the match, may be susceptible to submission holds, less stamina than the other competitors.

Strategy: Don't let the match drag on, use strength to his advantage, conserve strength for chances to make a pinfall or force an opponent to tap out.

Matches Confirmed for The Crowning:
* Frank Shamrock vs. TBA
* Sgt. Slaughter vs. Justin Credible
* El Mephisto & La Parka Jr. vs. Edge & Christian
* Alex Wright vs. TBA vs. TBA in a "New Europe Challenge"
* The Harris Twins & Too Cold Scorpio vs. Arn Anderson, Lash LeRoux and Jim Duggan
* Octagon & Mikey Whipwreck vs. Harlem Heat in a Falls Count Anywhere match
* Mick Foley & A Partner of his choosing vs. Jonny Storm & A Parter of his choosing
* Simon Diamond vs. Don Juan vs. Kensuke Sasaki vs. Scott Steiner in a Four Corners Elimination Match to crown the first New York State Heavyweight Champion

Also confirmed for the show are Lance Storm, Rico, Sean Waltman, and Kid Kash.

We'll see you in 5 days!

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"