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NDW Week 45 - One More Time

Critic of the DawnPosted on 08/01/04 at 03:59:47

Well, we have quite a mystery on our hands.  Who stole the ladder, and consequently forced the already bloodied Edge to face Bob Sapp in a cage instead of the scheduled ladder match?  Whomever it was may very well have cost him the title, and you have to believe we'll find out who it was at some point during the build to The Big One.  Speaking of The Big One, the biggest show of the year is only 5 weeks away - 4 after tonight's show!

Everything worked out very nicely on this card, and I'm beginning to really look forward to finding out how things will turn out.  I hope you are as well.

*****

A-Train vs. Doug Basham

Charles Robinson counts: One, two, three.
Doug Basham goes for a kick to the head, but A-Train blocks it.
A-Train hits an armbar takedown on Doug Basham.
A-Train hits the Derailer on Doug Basham.
A-Train whips Doug Basham into the ropes.
Doug Basham goes for a clothesline, but A-Train ducks out of the way.
A-Train executes the Train Wreck on Doug Basham.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
A-Train goes for the pin.
Charles Robinson counts: One, two, three.
The ring is quickly filling up with debris.

The winner is A-Train. Time of match: 0:15:45

A-Train pinned Doug Basham with the Train Wreck in 0:15:45.
Rating: ** 3/4

A-Train and Doug Basham started us out this evening with a fast paced power based match which saw A-Train simply outlast Doug Basham.  Doug Basham dished out a huge amount of punishment here, but A-Train was just too powerful, and eventually a Derailer and a Train Wreck in rapid succession put Basham away.  Overpower starts the night with a very solid win in what was A-Train's best match for quite some time.

"The Madman from Tijuana" Psicosis vs. "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka

Psicosis kicks Jimmy Snuka.
Psicosis takes Jimmy Snuka down with a vertical facebuster.
Psicosis executes the Flying Legdrop on Jimmy Snuka.
Rudy Charles counts: One, two, KICKOUT.
Jimmy Snuka goes for a bodyslam, but Psicosis blocks it.
Psicosis takes Jimmy Snuka down with a kick to the midsection.
Psicosis runs into the ropes.
Jimmy Snuka misses with a kick.
Psicosis hits Jimmy Snuka with a clothesline.
Psicosis executes a power bomb on Jimmy Snuka.
Rudy Charles counts: One, two, kickout.
Psicosis nails Jimmy Snuka with a slingshot legdrop.
Psicosis hits Jimmy Snuka with a legdrop.
Psicosis is going for the pin.
Rudy Charles counts: One, two, kickout.
Psicosis uses a power bomb on Jimmy Snuka.
Rudy Charles counts: One, kickout.

Psicosis takes Jimmy Snuka down with a blind foul.
The crowd is behind Psicosis all the way.
Psicosis runs into the ropes.
Psicosis hits Jimmy Snuka with an elbow.
Psicosis suddenly leaves the ring.
He returns with a baseball bat.
Psicosis goes for a Frankensteiner, but Jimmy Snuka counters it with
a power bomb.
Jimmy Snuka uses the ropes for leverage.
Rudy Charles counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Jimmy Snuka is being booed out of the building.
Jimmy Snuka takes Psicosis down with a kneedrop.
Jimmy Snuka goes for an atomic drop, but Psicosis counters it with
a figure-four leglock.
Jimmy Snuka is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Jimmy Snuka tries to escape the hold.
Jimmy Snuka tries to fight the pain.
Jimmy Snuka tries to fight the pain.
Psicosis lets go after 24 seconds.
Psicosis takes a swing at Jimmy Snuka with the baseball bat, but he
gets out of the way.
Jimmy Snuka snatches the baseball bat from him.
Jimmy Snuka hits him with the baseball bat.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.
Jimmy Snuka nails Psicosis with a backbreaker.
Jimmy Snuka takes Psicosis down with a bodyslam.
Jimmy Snuka hits Psicosis with a flying headbutt.
Rudy Charles counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Jimmy Snuka goes for a savate kick, but Psicosis ducks out of the way.
Psicosis executes a flying spinning leg lariat on Jimmy Snuka.
The chants for Psicosis are deafening.
Psicosis hits him with a baseball bat.
Psicosis executes the Flying Legdrop on Jimmy Snuka.
Rudy Charles counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

The winner is Psicosis. Time of match: 0:11:28

Psicosis pinned Jimmy Snuka with the Flying Legdrop in 0:11:28.
Rating: ** 1/2
(Chris Sabin no-showed.)

The Madman from Tijuana subbed for Chris Sabin (who couldn't make it to the arena on time due to car trouble) in a high flying battle against the legendary Superfly Jimmy Snuka.  Clearly Snuka hadn't had time to prepare for this match, though, because this was a last minute change.  Psicosis managed to pull out a victory here without much trouble, scoring his Flying Legdrop twice for the victory.

"Das Wunderkind" Alex Wright vs. Ron Simmons

Ron Simmons executes a clothesline on Alex Wright.
Ron Simmons executes a single-leg takedown on Alex Wright.
Ron Simmons goes for a kick to the midsection, but Alex Wright blocks it.
Alex Wright places Ron Simmons on the turnbuckle.
Alex Wright gives him a belly-to-belly superplex, but Ron Simmons doesn't budge.
A small "Ron Simmons" chant is being started.
Alex Wright takes Ron Simmons down with a headlock takedown.
Alex Wright executes the Reverse Neckbreaker on Ron Simmons.
Alex Wright further incites the crowd.
Alex Wright goes for the pin.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, three.
Alex Wright further incites the crowd.

The winner is Alex Wright. Time of match: 0:07:38

Alex Wright pinned Ron Simmons with the Reverse Neckbreaker in 0:07:38.
Rating: * 3/4

Alex Wright came out on top of Ron Simmons after a fairly basic match.  Wright really took it to simmons here, displaying unusual agression and as a result completely dominating this exchange with the former WCW World Champion.  If Wright can keep having matches like this, he may be in line for another title shot some time in the future.

Slash vs. Funaki

Funaki hits Slash with a dropkick to the face.
Funaki nails Slash with a flying dropkick.
The crowd is behind Funaki all the way.
Funaki is going for the cover.
Tim White counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

The winner is Funaki. Time of match: 0:05:00

Funaki pinned Slash after a flying dropkick in 0:05:00.
Rating: ** 3/4

Funaki scores big with a flying dropkick and takes a quick victory over Slash after only 5 minutes!  Funaki and his partner Red have been on quite a roll lately, and this is just the latest victory which can be claimed by the impressive high flying duo.

Jay Briscoe vs. A Mystery Opponent

And... it's Damian 666!

Jay Briscoe nails Damian 666 with a snap suplex.
Jay Briscoe nails Damian 666 with a vertical facebuster.
Danny Davis counts: One, kickout.
Jay Briscoe uses a front-layout superplex on Damian 666.
Jay Briscoe doesn't quite know what to do with the mixed reaction he's getting.
Jay Briscoe is going for the pin.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, kickout.
Jay Briscoe executes a Thunder Fire Power Bomb on Damian 666.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, kickout.
Jay Briscoe complains about a slow count.
Jay Briscoe gives the sign for the J-Driller.
Jay Briscoe executes the J-Driller on Damian 666.
Jay Briscoe doesn't quite know what to do with the mixed reaction he's getting.
Jay Briscoe goes for the pin.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, three.
All of a sudden, the boos are turning into almost unanimous cheers.

The winner is Jay Briscoe. Time of match: 0:10:20

Jay Briscoe pinned Damian 666 with the J-Driller in 0:10:20.
Rating: ** 3/4

It's Damian 666!

This was quite an impressive debut match from Damian 666, as he controlled most of this match until he accidentally put himself through a table and allowed Jay Briscoe to take control.  Briscoe is always dangerous, and his excellent technical skills came into play, wearing down Damian until he was weak enough that he couldn't escape the lethal J-Driller.  Briscoe covered Damian then for the easy 3 count.  Tough break for NDW's newest prospective talent.

"The Unstoppable Force" Bob Sapp & Julio Dinero vs. Billy And Chuck

Billy Gunn executes a splash on Bob Sapp.
Mike Chioda counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Billy Gunn hits a dropkick on Bob Sapp.
Billy Gunn shakes his butt.
The crowd is going crazy.
Billy Gunn executes a kick to the midsection on Bob Sapp.
Billy Gunn goes for the Fame-Ass-Er, but Bob Sapp counters it with a side step.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Bob Sapp whips Billy Gunn into the ropes, but Billy Gunn reverses it.
Billy Gunn misses with a kick.
Bob Sapp misses with a clothesline.
Bob Sapp misses with a kick.
Billy Gunn catches Bob Sapp totally by surprise.
Billy Gunn executes the Fame-Ass-Er on Bob Sapp.
Billy Gunn goes for the pin.
Mike Chioda counts: One, two, three.
The crowd breaks into a "Billy, Billy" chant.

The winners are Billy And Chuck. Time of match: 0:11:28

Billy And Chuck (Billy Gunn and Chuck Palumbo) defeated
Bob Sapp and Julio Dinero when B. Gunn pinned B. Sapp with the Fame-Ass-Er in
          0:11:28.
Rating: * 1/2
[Nunzio interfered against Julio Dinero.]

Billy And Chuck come out on top of the Global Heavyweight Champion and the Top Contender!  Gunn and Palumbo showed why they're tag team specialists by isolating first Julio Dinero and then Bob Sapp, who didn't appear to be communicating at all well.  A string of potent double team maneuvers wore both men down, and Billy Gunn was finally able to score the upset with a Fame-Ass-Er to Sapp.

(Matt Hardy's music hits and the Sensai of Mattitude makes his way to the ring
with Lita.)

Matt Hardy: Well well well!  Edge, not only did you learn why I say that I have
the Mattributes that you lack last week when I defeated you in our first blood
match, you then went on to lose your title to Bob Sapp!  Now Sapp is a strong
man, Edge, but you should be ashamed!  I thought you were tougher than that.  I
suppose now that you lost two matches in a row, you're going to whine to the
boys in the back that I cost you the title - and you might have a point there,
Edge.  Maybe I *did* cost you the title!  But you can whine all you want,
because I have it on good authority that next week, on your very own
reccomendation, James Storm will be receiving a shot at the title.  It's ironic,
isn't it, Edge.  Your lack of Mattitude has cost you everything you hold dear.
Now all you have left is your little vendetta against me!  And I mean to take
that from you as well, Edge!  At The Big One in San Francisco we will finish
this once and for all!  And finally, you will have no choice but to admit that
I am the top man in New Deal Wrestling today!

Deranged & Marcos vs. The Dark Princes

The Undertaker hits Marcos with a sidewalk slam.
The crowd is vociferously booing The Undertaker.
The Undertaker executes the Tombstone on Marcos.
The ring is quickly filling up with debris.
The Undertaker goes for the pin.
Nick Patrick counts: One, two, Deranged doesn't make it in time... three.
The ring is quickly filling up with debris.

The winners are The Dark Princes. Time of match: 0:13:08

The Dark Princes (The Undertaker and Prince Nana) defeated Deranged and Marcos
when Undertaker pinned Marcos with the Tombstone in 0:13:08.
Rating: *** 1/2
[Psicosis interfered against The Undertaker.]

The Dark Princes come out on top here, showing once again how dominant the remnant of The Royal Court is capable of being.  Unfortunately, even in their control of the match, things do not look good for them.  Prince Nana had matters well in hand, and was setting Marcos up for his Elevated DDT when The Undertaker tagged himself in and finished off Marcos in short order with the Tombstone, once again asserting his control over Prince Nana.  Nana was visibly angry, and instead of celebrating the victory he simply stormed to the back as The Undertaker's music played.

Danny Basham vs. Insane Dragon

Danny Basham chops Insane Dragon.
The crowd is starting to get behind Danny Basham.
Insane Dragon chops Danny Basham.
Danny Basham hits Insane Dragon.
Insane Dragon kicks Danny Basham.
Insane Dragon is eliciting a sizable round of boos.
Insane Dragon hits Danny Basham.
A fan at ringside badmouths Insane Dragon.
Insane Dragon whips Danny Basham into the ropes.
Insane Dragon hits Danny Basham with a kick.
Insane Dragon executes the Dragon Driver on Danny Basham.
Tim White counts: One, two, three.
Insane Dragon is eliciting a sizable round of boos.

The winner is Insane Dragon. Time of match: 0:11:49

Insane Dragon pinned Danny Basham with the Dragon Driver in 0:11:49.
Rating: ** 1/4

Insane Dragon finally made his return to the ring with a convincing win over Danny Basham, a man with a 100 pound weight advantage over him.  Dragon was not deterred, however, and quickly wore down Basham with a series of kicks and neckbreakers before finally scoring with a Dragon Driver for a pinfall victory.

(Bob Sapp can be seen backstage with the Global Heavyweight Title belt over one
shoulder.  As he walks down the hallway, people give him plenty of room.  After
a few seconds, Edge turns a nearby corner and, with a dangerous smile, advances
on Sapp.)

Edge: Ah, Bob Sapp.  You had a lucky break last week, what with the ladder in
our match being stolen and all.  Quite a coincidence that it dissappeared,
allowing you to take my gold, isn't it big man?

(Edge taps the title.  Bob Sapp glowers.)

Bob Sapp: Get out of my face, little man.  I beat you fair and square in the
middle of the ring, so this title here is mine, not yours.  Even if we did
fight in a ladder match, I still would have won.  They don't call me the
Unstoppable Force for nothing.

Edge: Is that so?  You didn't seem too unstoppable tonight when Billy Gunn
pinned you in the middle of the ring.

(Bob Sapp glares, then shoves Edge aside.)

Bob Sapp: I don't work well with others, little man.  Now get the hell out of
my way.  If I was you, I'd listen to what your little rival Hardy said.  He
claimed that he cost you the title.  All I did was kick your ass when the time
came.

(Edge seems to be about to retaliate, then he simply turns and walks away,
searching for Matt Hardy no doubt.)

Triangle Match:
Legend drew Sean O'Haire and Ahmed Johnson in 0:20:00.
Rating: * 1/4
[Nidia interfered against Ahmed Johnson.]

Another Triple Threat match ends in another time limit draw.  This has been a dissappointing trend as of late, and if this continues NDW may well have to stop using them for purposes of ranking matches.

"The Amazing" Red vs. "The Original Gangsta" New Jack

Red poses for the crowd.
The chants for Red are deafening.
Red goes for the Red Star Press, but New Jack gets his knees up.
New Jack nails Red with a bodyslam.
New Jack nails Red with a flying headbutt.
Tim White counts: One, two, three.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.

The winner is New Jack. Time of match: 0:03:34

New Jack pinned Red after a flying headbutt in 0:03:34.
Rating: ***

New Jack really took it to The Amazing Red here, beating him down quickly and getting the pinfall following a flying headbutt and, in doing so, gaining a measure of revenge for Red's team somehow defeating New Jack's team in the tables elimination match last week.  Following the match, New Jack lifted up the fallen Red and slammed him hard through the announce table!

(Bob Sapp is once again seen walking through the halls with his title.  This
time, Julio Dinero and Overpower are the ones who stop him.)

Julio Dinero: Hey, champ.  I just wanted to say that it was a pleasure teaming
up with you, even if things did turn out badly.  I noticed, though, that we
didn't really seem to click as a team back there.  I can help you, champ.
Overpower can help you.

(Bob Sapp glowers once again.  He seems like a fairly grumpy person.)

Bob Sapp: Maybe you haven't heard.  I don't work well with others.  On my own,
I'm an unstoppable force.  With you, or with anyone, I have a weakness.  My
partner.  Thanks, but no thanks.

(Bob Sapp moves to continue walking, but A-Train cuts him off.)

A-Train: I suggest you listen to what Julio has to say.

Bob Sapp: Oh you do, do you...

Julio Dinero: Wait!  Ignore him, champ.  He's strong as hell, but not so much
in the brains department!  All I'm trying to say is that we could do a lot for
each other.  Overpower could use someone as strong as you.  And in turn, we
could help you get better - we can help you learn to work with a team.  Just
think of it, Champ.  Alone, you're a formidable force.  Together with Overpower,
there wouldn't be a man in NDW that could stop us!

Bob Sapp: Oh, is that so?  I think you just want to get close to me so you can
learn how to beat me come The Big One in San Francisco.

Julio Dinero: Maybe I do.  But if you join us, I guarantee that we'll have your
back against James Storm next week, *and* when my shot comes, I guarantee a
clean and fair match.  And, face it, you'll be seeing just as much of how I
work as I will of how you work.

Bob Sapp: Hmm.  I'll think about it.

Julio Dinero: You do that.  Just don't underestimate the power of the dollar,
Champ.

Your Main Event:
America's Most Wanted vs. The Future for the Global Tag Team Titles

Xavier attempts to place Chris Harris on the turnbuckle, but Chris Harris
blocks it.
Xavier runs into the ropes.
Chris Harris executes the Catatonic on Xavier.
The crowd is giving Chris Harris a standing ovation.
Chris Harris goes for the pin.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Chris Harris executes a running powerslam on Xavier.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, kickout.
Chris Harris uses a bulldog on Xavier.
Chris Harris runs into the ropes.
Xavier goes for a running knee strike, but Chris Harris side-steps and Xavier
only hits air.
Chris Harris throws Xavier out of the ring.
Chris Harris jumps onto him with a plancha.
James Storm comes over to make it two-on-one.
James Storm hits a spinebuster on Xavier.

Chris Harris chops Xavier.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Xavier hits Chris Harris.
Xavier hits a running knee strike on Chris Harris.
Xavier hits Chris Harris with the Running Forearm Smash.
Xavier uses the ropes for leverage.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Xavier attempts to place Chris Harris on the turnbuckle, but Chris Harris
blocks it.
Xavier whips Chris Harris into the ropes, but Chris Harris reverses it.
Chris Harris misses with a clothesline.
Xavier hits a running knee strike on Chris Harris.
Xavier goes for a power bomb, but Chris Harris blocks it.
Chris Harris tags James Storm.
James Storm lifts Xavier up.
Chris Harris nails Xavier with the Death Sentence and goes for the pin.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, in the ropes...

Chris Harris works the crowd.
The crowd is giving Chris Harris a standing ovation.
Chris Harris uses a dropkick on Xavier.
Chris Harris nails Xavier with a slingshot.
Chris Harris executes an armdrag takedown on Xavier.
Chris Harris whips Xavier into the ropes.
Xavier executes a running knee strike on Chris Harris.
Xavier goes for a 450 splash, but Chris Harris gets his knees up.
Chris Harris takes Xavier down with an armdrag takedown.
Chris Harris tags James Storm.
James Storm lifts Xavier up.
Chris Harris nails Xavier with the Death Sentence and goes for the pin.
The crowd erupts.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, kickout.
James Storm tags out to Chris Harris.
Chris Harris runs into the ropes.
Chris Harris takes Xavier down with a clothesline.

Xavier hits a clothesline on Chris Harris.
Xavier whips Chris Harris into the ropes.
Chris Harris catches Xavier totally by surprise.
The crowd is giving Chris Harris a standing ovation.
Chris Harris executes the Catatonic on Xavier.
Chris Harris goes for the pin.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Chris Harris takes Xavier down with a sitout power bomb.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Chris Harris goes for a sitout power bomb, but Xavier counters it with
a backdrop.
In turn, Chris Harris counters it with a sunset flip.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Chris Harris whips Xavier into the ropes.
Xavier hits Chris Harris with a kick.
Xavier throws Chris Harris into the turnbuckle.
Xavier hits Chris Harris with a running knee strike.

Chris Harris hits Xavier with an elbow.
Chris Harris tags out to James Storm.
Chris Harris goes for a clothesline, but Xavier counters it with a crucifix.
Earl Hebner counts: One, kickout.
Chance Beckett uses a lariat on Chris Harris.
The ring is quickly filling up with debris.
Chris Harris leaves the ring.
Chance Beckett catches Chris Harris in an Indian deathlock.
Chris Harris manages to grab the ropes after being locked up for 8 seconds.
Chance Beckett executes the Chance Encounter on Chris Harris.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Chance Beckett goes for a double leg takedown, but Chris Harris blocks it.
Chris Harris tags out to James Storm.
James Storm and Chris Harris whip Chance Beckett into the ropes.
They hit Chance Beckett with a double elbowsmash.
Chris Harris leaves the ring.
James Storm places Chance Beckett on the turnbuckle.

Chance Beckett goes for a snap mare, but James Storm blocks it.
Earl Hebner counts:  6.
Earl Hebner counts:  7.
James Storm shoves Chance Beckett into the guardrail.
Earl Hebner counts:  8.
James Storm hits Chance Beckett with a running clothesline.
Earl Hebner counts:  9.
James Storm uses a kick to the midsection on Chance Beckett.
James Storm nails Chance Beckett with a powerslam.
James Storm uses a waistlock takedown on Chance Beckett.
Earl Hebner counts: 10.
James Storm uses an elbowsmash on Chance Beckett.
James Storm gets back into the ring.
Chance Beckett rolls back in under the bottom rope.
James Storm executes the 8 Second Ride on Chance Beckett.
James Storm goes for the pin.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
James Storm knocks down Earl Hebner.
Earl Hebner is out cold.
James Storm hits a spinebuster on Chance Beckett.
Earl Hebner is sporting a dazed look but is back on the job.
James Storm tags out to Chris Harris.
Chris Harris and James Storm whip Chance Beckett into the ropes.
They hit Chance Beckett with a double fist to the midsection.
James Storm leaves the ring.
Chris Harris throws Chance Beckett into the turnbuckle.
Chris Harris charges into the corner.
Chris Harris goes for a DDT, but Chance Beckett counters it with a low blow.
Chance Beckett executes the Chance Encounter on Chris Harris.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, kickout.
Chance Beckett hits Chris Harris with a series of punches.
Xavier enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Xavier goes for a cobra clutch suplex, but Chris Harris blocks it.
Xavier rolls out of the ring.
Chris Harris uses spinning headscissors on Chance Beckett.

Chance Beckett tags out to Xavier.
Xavier goes for a kick to the midsection, but Chris Harris blocks it.
Chris Harris goes for a running powerslam, but Xavier blocks it.
Xavier takes Chris Harris down with a headlock takedown.
Xavier tags out to Chance Beckett.
Xavier nails Chris Harris with a clothesline.
Chance Beckett hits a flying somersault splash on Chris Harris.
The ring is quickly filling up with debris.
Xavier leaves the ring.
Chance Beckett hits a monkey flip on Chris Harris.
Chance Beckett executes the Chance Encounter on Chris Harris.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, kickout.
Chance Beckett throws Chris Harris into the turnbuckle.
Chance Beckett runs shoulder-first into the corner, but Chris Harris lifts his
knee.
Chris Harris executes the Catatonic on Chance Beckett.
Chris Harris goes for the pin.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, thr... kickout.

James Storm goes for a short arm scissors, but Chance Beckett blocks it.
Xavier enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Chance Beckett and Xavier whip James Storm into the ropes.
They attempt to hit James Storm with a double kick to the midsection, but he
counters it with a double clothesline.
Xavier leaves the ring.
James Storm whips Chance Beckett into the ropes.
Chance Beckett misses with a shoulderblock.
Chance Beckett and James Storm get hit with a double clothesline.
Chance Beckett hits a monkey flip on James Storm.
Chance Beckett runs into the ropes.
Chance Beckett misses with a shoulderblock.
James Storm uses a spinebuster on Chance Beckett.
James Storm executes the 8 Second Ride on Chance Beckett.
James Storm goes for the pin.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is really behind James Storm.

The winners are America's Most Wanted. Time of match: 0:41:51

America's Most Wanted (James Storm and Chris Harris) defeated
The Future (Chance Beckett and Xavier) when J. Storm pinned Beckett with the
8 Second Ride in 0:41:51.
Rating: *****
(America's Most Wanted won the Global Tag Team Titles.)

Here are your winners, and NEW Global Tag Team Champions... Chris Harris... James Storm... America's Most Wanted!

America's Most Wanted come out on top of The Future to win the Tag Team Titles for an unprecedented 4th time.  AMW and The Future are increasingly becoming known across the country as perhaps the greatest two tag teams in North America today, and this week's ***** classic just proves it.  This was a solid 40 minutes of nonstop action which saw AMW gain early control of the match, only for The Future to turn the tide as time passed.  In the end, James Storm scored with a surprise Eight Second Ride on Chance Beckett to defeat The Future and regain their tag team gold.  Things are going well for Storm.  Not only does he hold the Tag Team Titles with Chris Harris, but next week he's got a shot at the Global Heavyweight Title held by Bob Sapp.

As we go off the air, AMW helps The Future to their feet, and both teams shake in a classy display of respect.  These two teams may be bitter rivals, but they know that they're among the best in the world, and definately worthy of respect.

Card rating: ** 3/4

Match observations:

Match of the Evening: America's Most Wanted vs. The Future

Bob Sapp claims that he has nothing to do with the theft of NDW's ladder last week.  And, to be fair, that does seem a bit too subtle for New Deal Wrestling's current champion, who has always been known for settling his problems in the ring.  Matt Hardy, on the other hand, has claimed that he was the one who cost Edge the title.  Did he mean that he stole the ladder?  We'll probably find out next week!

Next week, Edge will start things off by facing down Doug Basham.  These two have worked together in the past, but they certainly won't let that get in the way of putting on an excellent match next week.

Julio Dinero will again be in action next week, teaming with Overpower's Shane Douglas to take on Deranged & Marcos in tag team action.  Dinero needs a win here to begin building momentum as we move towards The Big One in San Francisco in 4 weeks time.

A-Train will represent Overpower when he faces off against Ron "The Truth" Killings in a match pitting strength against speed.  Who will be victorious?  We shall see.

Also next week, Damian 666 will team up with Sean O'Haire against Slash and New Jack in what will certainly be a fast and brutal exchange.  Damian will be O'Haire's first tag team partner in NDW since Jamie Noble left nearly 6 months ago - hopefully these two can recapture the fire that The Victors once had.

Finally, Bob Sapp will defend the Global Heavyweight Title against "The Tennessee Cowboy" James Storm in what will be the last title defense until The Big One in four weeks time.  The winner of this match will go on to face Julio Dinero for the title there.  Will Overpower have Bob Sapp's back?  Will he need it?  And what else will happen?  Will James Storm wrestle the title away from Bob Sapp?  Tune in to find out!

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Richard Garcia JrPosted on 08/01/04 at 04:16:10

Are we going to witness a ladder match with Edge and Hardy? Should be awesome!!!
91Posted on 08/01/04 at 05:07:29

I'm thinking what Hardy meant was that his match with Edge earlier in the evening before the title match wore him down to the extent where he wasn't one hundred percent and had lost a fair bit of blood, thus Sapp was able to take advantage and get the win. And yes, I think a ladder match is in order, though whether it's for Edges match with Hardy or his match with the culprit it a toss up. Good work though, classic main event, the big ongoing mystery and a Funaki victory.

By the way, am I to take it The Big One is, well, the big one as far as the year goes?
Critic of the DawnPosted on 08/01/04 at 07:43:37

A ladder match between Edge and Hardy is a definate possibility.  If Hardy turns out to be the culprit, then it'll definately be a ladder match because that's only fitting.  Otherwise, I'm thinking an Ironman Match might be a worthwhile blowoff to their long feud.

I was deliberately ambiguous as to whether Hardy just meant that he had busted Edge open and thus weakened him enough for Sapp to savage him, or whether he was implying further guilt.  I will say that Hardy is one of two people who might have done the deed.  Who is the other?  You'll have to wait and see.

And yes, The Big One is NDW's biggest show of the year.  It's also NDW's first West Coast show ever, and the first show available nationwide on PPV.  Since NDW is just a large sized indy fed, this is a huge deal for them.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Rick GarrardPosted on 08/02/04 at 02:55:53

vagueness is what makes intriguing storytelling in wrestling.  :)  it forces the fans to think, and talk, and ponder amongst themselves as to what is going to happen next.  And thanks to the two hours of weekly Monday and Thursday wrestling from both WCW and WWE, it has truly become a lost artform, as they now tend to end the majority of vagueness in the same show in which they start it.  

Kudos to the NDW and good luck with The Big One.  :)
Critic of the DawnPosted on 08/02/04 at 18:59:55

Thank you, sir.  And to think that I just sort of stumbled onto the whole angle by accident because I forgot to check the "ladder match" box while setting the card up. ;D

All things considered, I'm pleased with how things turned out.  The Big One should be interesting, and this angle gives me something interesting to focus on whilst building to it.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"