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NDW Week 42 - Life, The Universe, And Everything

Critic of the DawnPosted on 07/08/04 at 09:23:24

A cookie to whoever guesses the reference in the title.  It shouldn't be a hard one if you've got geekish inclinations.  Anyway, this card provoked some thought from me, as Edge had just won the Global Heavyweight Title and injured himself.  I had pretty much decided to make him fight the match anyway when he unexpectedly recovered early and was in good enough shape to fight.  So I probably thought a bit too much about what to do here.  Still, it makes for an interesting angle.  Anyway, here's week 42.

*****

Overpower (A-Train & Ahmed Johnson) vs. Billy And Chuck

A-Train catches Chuck Palumbo in a chokehold.
Mike Chioda warns A-Train to let go.
Mike Chioda counts: One, two, three, four.
Overpower come to ringside.
A-Train hits Chuck Palumbo with a kneelift.
Ahmed Johnson enters the ring to make it two-on-one.
Billy Gunn enters the ring, but gets cut off.
A-Train and Ahmed Johnson hit Chuck Palumbo with a double kneelift.
Ahmed Johnson leaves the ring.
A-Train whips Chuck Palumbo into the ropes.
Chuck Palumbo hits A-Train with an elbow.
Chuck Palumbo hits A-Train with a kick to the head.
Chuck Palumbo goes for an inverted atomic drop, but A-Train blocks it.
A-Train hits Chuck Palumbo with a knee to the face.
A-Train runs into the ropes.
A-Train hits Chuck Palumbo with a clothesline.
Chuck Palumbo falls out of the ring.
Mike Chioda counts: one, two, three, A-Train distracts Mike Chioda.
Julio Dinero hits Chuck Palumbo with the STO.
Mike Chioda is back on the job: four, five, six, seven, eight, Chuck Palumbo
reenters the ring.
A-Train covers Chuck Palumbo.
Mike Chioda counts: One, shoulder up.
A-Train whips Chuck Palumbo into the ropes.
Chuck Palumbo goes for a clothesline, but A-Train ducks out of the way.
A-Train executes a Hotshot on Chuck Palumbo.
The crowd is booing A-Train.
A-Train goes for a backbreaker, but Chuck Palumbo blocks it.
Chuck Palumbo nails A-Train with a bodyslam turnbuckle smash.
Chuck Palumbo tags out to Billy Gunn.
Billy Gunn hits a kick to the midsection on A-Train.
Billy Gunn executes the Fame-Ass-Er on A-Train.
The crowd breaks into a "Billy, Billy" chant.
Billy Gunn goes for the pin.
Mike Chioda counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is really behind Billy Gunn.

The winners are Billy And Chuck. Time of match: 0:04:29

Billy And Chuck (Billy Gunn and Chuck Palumbo) defeated
Overpower (A-Train and Ahmed Johnson) when B. Gunn pinned A-Train with the
Fame-Ass-Er in 0:04:29.
Rating: 1/4*
[Julio Dinero interfered against Chuck Palumbo.]

Billy and Chuck got very lucky here.  Billy Gunn was able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat when he tagged in after Chuck took an STO on the outside of the ring.  A quick Fame-Ass-Er out of nowhere stunned A-Train long enough for Billy and Chuck to pick up a victory.  Just seconds later, however, Ahmed Johnson hit the Plunge on Billy Gunn, and Overpower was left standing over their fallen foes.

(Cameras are on site as the members of Overpower make their way back to the
locker room.)

Shane Douglas: ...but it takes more than that, Dinero.  You've got talent,
you've got potential, but I've been in the business to know that it takes more
than a few moves on the concrete to get over.

Julio Dinero: Why the hell should I care what the fans think of me?  They don't
matter at all.  I'm good enough to get by without them.  You *did* see my
Rumble in the Bronx victory, after all.

Shane Douglas: Look.  I ain't saying you should kiss the fans asses.  There are
plenty of people who do that.  All I'm saying is that you have to make them
hate you.  If they don't care about you, then as soon as you make your first
mistake, you'll be out of the spotlight for good.

Julio Dinero: Okay, I get your drift.  So what do I do?

Shane Douglas: You can start with a catchphrase.

Ahmed Johnson: WARGH BARGH "AH'M SPAHSEE!"

(Overpower stops and stares as Ahmed Johnson.)

Ahmed Johnson: WAHT?

Prince Nana vs. Sean O'Haire

Prince Nana chops Sean O'Haire.
The crowd is vociferously booing Prince Nana.
Sean O'Haire chops Prince Nana.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Sean O'Haire.
Sean O'Haire executes an armdrag takedown on Prince Nana.
Sean O'Haire hits an elbowsmash on Prince Nana.
Sean O'Haire takes Prince Nana down with a kneelift.
Sean O'Haire uses a chop on Prince Nana.
Sean O'Haire executes a snap suplex on Prince Nana.
Sean O'Haire puts Prince Nana in a sleeperhold.
Charles Robinson asks Prince Nana if he should stop the fight.
Prince Nana shakes his head.
Charles Robinson checks Prince Nana's arm.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it falls.
Charles Robinson stops the match after 21 seconds.
The crowd erupts.

The winner is Sean O'Haire. Time of match: 0:11:27

Sean O'Haire defeated Prince Nana when Prince Nana passed out in a sleeperhold
in 0:11:27.
Rating: ** 1/4

Sean O'Haire and Prince Nana wrestled a very competitve match, but O'Haire's size and speed advantage was just too great for the wily prince of Ghana to handle.  Eventually O'Haire was able to trap Nana in a sleeperhold, and without too much effort, choked him out.  The Undertaker was, of course, nowhere to be seen.

Doug Basham vs. "The Franchise" Shane Douglas

Shane Douglas goes for a bodyslam, but Doug Basham blocks it.
Chad Patton counts:  2.
Doug Basham gets back into the ring.
Shane Douglas climbs back into the ring.
Doug Basham executes a Russian legsweep on Shane Douglas.
The crowd is going crazy.
Doug Basham whips Shane Douglas into the ropes.
Shane Douglas misses with a clothesline.
Shane Douglas hits Doug Basham with a shoulderblock.
Shane Douglas hits Doug Basham with a flying axhandle.
Shane Douglas is being booed like there is no tomorrow.
Shane Douglas runs into the ropes.
Doug Basham misses with a shoulderblock.
Doug Basham executes a bodyslam on Shane Douglas.
Doug Basham takes Shane Douglas down with a Russian legsweep.
Doug Basham takes Shane Douglas down with a forearm to the back.
Doug Basham executes the Leg Lariat on Shane Douglas.
Doug Basham has the crowd going wild.
Doug Basham goes for the pin.
Chad Patton counts: One, two, three.
Doug Basham has the crowd going wild.

The winner is Doug Basham. Time of match: 0:12:33

Doug Basham pinned Shane Douglas with the Leg Lariat in 0:12:33.
Rating: ** 1/4

Tonight seems to be shaping into a poor night for Overpower.  First A-Train and Ahmed Johnson were beated by Billy and Chuck, and now the veteran Shane Douglas falls to Doug Basham.  It's quite clear that Douglas is not quite the phenom he once was.  After a few moments, Julio Dinero comes to the ring and helps Douglas to the back.

"The Tennessee Cowboy" James Storm vs. "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka vs. "The Original Gangsta" New Jack

They lock up.
New Jack runs into the ropes.
James Storm hits New Jack with an elbow.
James Storm goes for a running clothesline, but New Jack ducks out of the way.
New Jack goes for a punch, but James Storm blocks it.
James Storm goes for a superkick, but New Jack ducks out of the way.
New Jack runs into the ropes.
New Jack nails James Storm with a clothesline.
New Jack goes for a bodyslam, but James Storm blocks it.
James Storm hits New Jack with an inverted atomic drop.
James Storm throws New Jack out of the ring.
James Storm goes for a somersault plancha, but New Jack moves out of the way.
James Storm is out cold.
New Jack throws James Storm back into the ring.
New Jack executes the Diving Headbutt on James Storm.
New Jack further incites the crowd.
New Jack goes for the pin.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, thr... kickout.

James Storm hits New Jack.
James Storm runs into the ropes.
New Jack executes a roundhouse right on James Storm.
New Jack executes the Diving Headbutt on James Storm.
New Jack is being booed like there is no tomorrow.
New Jack goes for the pin.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, kickout.
New Jack uses a bodyslam on James Storm.
New Jack is going for the cover.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, kickout.
New Jack whips James Storm into the ropes.
New Jack goes for a bodyslam, but James Storm counters it with an elbowsmash.
James Storm nails New Jack with a flying cross body press.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, kickout.
James Storm complains about a slow count.
James Storm works the crowd.
The chants for James Storm are deafening.

James Storm nails New Jack with a powerslam.
Danny Davis counts: One, shoulder up.
James Storm complains about a slow count.
James Storm runs into the ropes.
New Jack uses a clothesline on James Storm.
New Jack executes a kick to the midsection on James Storm.
New Jack uses a short clothesline on James Storm.
New Jack runs into the ropes.
James Storm hits a belly-to-belly suplex on New Jack.
James Storm hits New Jack with a legsweep.
James Storm whips New Jack into the ropes.
New Jack goes for a clothesline, but James Storm counters it with
a belly-to-belly suplex.
In turn, New Jack counters it with a punch.
New Jack hits a Hotshot on James Storm.
New Jack executes the Diving Headbutt on James Storm.
New Jack further incites the crowd.
New Jack goes for the pin.
New Jack uses the ropes for leverage.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, he sees it.
Danny Davis threatens New Jack with disqualification.
New Jack takes James Storm down with a punch.
New Jack nails James Storm with a kick to the midsection.
New Jack goes for a clothesline, but James Storm counters it with
a belly-to-belly suplex.
James Storm is going for the pin.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, kickout.
James Storm complains about a slow count.
James Storm throws New Jack into the turnbuckle.
James Storm hits New Jack.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
New Jack punches James Storm.
New Jack further incites the crowd.
James Storm punches New Jack.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
New Jack kicks James Storm.
New Jack kicks James Storm.
Numerous fans are using New Jack for target practice.
New Jack goes for a chokehold, but James Storm counters it with a facerake.
James Storm runs into the ropes.
James Storm hits a rana on New Jack.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
James Storm goes for a running clothesline, but New Jack ducks out of the way.
New Jack hits a bodyslam on James Storm.
New Jack gives the sign for the Diving Headbutt.
New Jack executes the Diving Headbutt on James Storm.
New Jack goes for the pin.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, kickout.
New Jack takes James Storm down with a kick to the midsection.
New Jack goes for a bodyslam, but James Storm blocks it.
James Storm executes an inverted Swinging DDT on New Jack.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, kickout.
James Storm complains about a slow count.
New Jack takes James Storm down with an inside cradle.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
New Jack tags out to Jimmy Snuka.
Jimmy Snuka executes a reverse neckbreaker on James Storm.
Jimmy Snuka further incites the crowd.
Jimmy Snuka gives the sign for the Superfly Splash.
Jimmy Snuka executes the Superfly Splash on James Storm.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, three.
Jimmy Snuka further incites the crowd.

The winner is Jimmy Snuka. Time of match: 0:17:18

Triangle Match:
Jimmy Snuka defeated James Storm and New Jack when J. Snuka pinned J. Storm
with the Superfly Splash in 0:17:18.
Rating: *** 1/4

The majority of this match consisted of New Jack using all of his hardcore tricks to wear down James Storm while the referee looked the other way.  Storm took several Diving Headbutts from New Jack, and was even put through not one but two tables by The Original Gangsta.  Just as it seemed that Storm might battle back, Snuka tagged himself in, knocked him down, and scored with a quick Superfly Splash for the victory.

(After the ring clears, a bloodied and battered James Storm makes his way to
his feet to the cheers of the crowd.)

James Storm: Ouch.  (He pauses for a few moments, then rubs his forehead and
seems surprised by the blood there.)  I just wanted to say that in two weeks,
New Deal Wrestling is promoting a card called Ragnarok.  One of the matches
headlining that show will be myself and Chris Harris against The Future.  We've
got quite a bit of history with The Future, Harris and I, and we've had a lot
of great matches.  We know both Xavier and Beckett well.  Well enough that I
can guarantee a victory for America's Most Wanted.  The Future will not hold
tag team gold again if we have anything to say about it!

Julio Dinero vs. "The Amazing" Red

They lock up.
Red goes for a springboard leaping swinging DDT, but Julio Dinero throws him
off.
Julio Dinero runs into the ropes.
Red hits Julio Dinero with a backdrop.
Red hits a roundhouse kick on Julio Dinero.
The crowd is behind Red all the way.
Red executes the InfraRed on Julio Dinero.
Red goes for the pin.
Jack Doan counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Red executes a tilt-a-whirl DDT on Julio Dinero.
The crowd is behind Red all the way.
Red is going for the pin.
Jack Doan counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Red takes Julio Dinero down with a reverse hiptoss bomb.
Red runs into the ropes.
Julio Dinero takes Red down with spinning headscissors.

Red goes for a roundhouse kick, but Julio Dinero blocks it.
Julio Dinero chops Red.
Julio Dinero is being booed out of the building.
Julio Dinero punches Red.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.
Red chops Julio Dinero.
Red hits Julio Dinero with a kick to the head.
Red places Julio Dinero on the turnbuckle.
Red nails Julio Dinero with a top-rope Frankensteiner.
Jack Doan counts: One, two, Alexis Laree distracts Jack Doan.
Jack Doan calls for the DQ.
The crowd is going crazy.

The winner is Red. Time of match: 0:09:08

Red defeated Julio Dinero by disqualification in 0:09:08.
Rating: *** 1/4
[Alexis Laree interfered against Red.]

This was an extremely close match.  Fans of NDW know that Red is easily the greatest high flier alive today in NDW, if not the entire world.  Therefore, it's quite rare to see someone match him move for move as Dinero did here.  Just as it looked that The Amazing Red might pull out the victory here, Alexis Laree interposed herself, getting Dinero disqualified but distracting Red long enough for Dinero to take him down with an STO.  Dinero grabbed a microphone and taunted his fallen foe as he made his way to the back, telling him that he had just felt the power of the dollar.

Deranged & Ron Simmons vs. "Das Wunderkind" Alex Wright & "The Unstoppable Force" Bob Sapp

Deranged enters the ring and throws Alex Wright out of the ring.
Deranged executes a roundhouse kick on Bob Sapp.
The crowd is giving Deranged a standing ovation.
Ron Simmons uses a flying shoulderblock on Bob Sapp.
Ron Simmons is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Deranged leaves the ring.
Ron Simmons takes Bob Sapp down with a roundhouse right.
Ron Simmons hits a punch on Bob Sapp.
Ron Simmons hits Bob Sapp with a single-leg takedown.
Ron Simmons goes for a roundhouse right, but Bob Sapp blocks it.
Bob Sapp executes a power bomb on Ron Simmons.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Bob Sapp executes the Diving Headbutt on Ron Simmons.
Mike Sparks counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Bob Sapp gives him a dropkick, but Ron Simmons only stares at him.
Bob Sapp executes a series of punches on Ron Simmons.
Bob Sapp runs into the ropes.

Ron Simmons and Deranged hit Alex Wright with a double punch.
Deranged leaves the ring.
Ron Simmons hits Alex Wright with a clothesline.
Rudy Charles comes running down to the ring.
Ron Simmons goes for a bodyslam, but Alex Wright counters it with an elbowsmash.
Alex Wright goes for a slingshot bodyblock, but Ron Simmons
rolls through with the move.
Rudy Charles counts: One, kickout.
Ron Simmons executes a kick to the midsection on Alex Wright.
Ron Simmons executes the Dominator on Alex Wright.
Ron Simmons is getting a good reaction from the crowd.
Ron Simmons goes for the pin.
Rudy Charles counts: One, two, three.
There are lots of chants for Ron Simmons.

The winners are Deranged and Ron Simmons. Time of match: 0:17:13

Deranged and Ron Simmons defeated Alex Wright and Bob Sapp when R. Simmons
pinned A. Wright with the Dominator in 0:17:13.
Rating: *

This was a hell of a matchup on paper, as the team of Deranged and Ron Simmons gave up a bit of power against Alex Wright and Bob Sapp, but made up for it in raw speed.  The match was back and forth, but in the end Simmons was able to pin Wright with a Dominator.  Word has been given that Simmons will face Sapp next week in a match to determine who will face the Global Heavyweight Champion at Ragnarok.  Now all that remains is to see who that will be...

Ron "The Truth" Killings & A mystery partner vs. The Future

Is that... yes!  It's Psicosis!

Ron Killings hits Chance Beckett with a Japanese armdrag takedown.
Ron Killings goes for a spin kick, but Chance Beckett ducks out of the way.
Chance Beckett tags out to Xavier.
Chance Beckett leaves the ring.
Xavier goes for a dropkick, but Ron Killings side-steps and Xavier
only hits air.
The bell rings. The time limit has expired.

Ron Killings and Psicosis and The Future (Chance Beckett and Xavier)
battled to a draw in 0:20:00.
Rating: ***

Ron Killings claimed that he would be bringing a friend to help him battle The Future, but nobody expected Psicosis!  The combination of Killings' formidable fastpaced offence and Psicosis' Luncha-Style proved to be enough to take The Future to a time limit draw, which is something that almost never happens!  If Psicosis can maintain this level of work, he will do quite well in NDW.

Legend vs. Marcos

Legend runs into the ropes.
Marcos nails Legend with a hiptoss.
Marcos nails Legend with a flying axhandle.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Marcos.
Marcos is going for the cover.
James Beard counts: One, two, kickout.
Marcos throws Legend out of the ring.
James Beard counts: one, two, three, four, Legend reenters the ring.
Marcos takes Legend down with a DDT.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Marcos.
Marcos goes for a sleeperhold, but Legend counters it with a back suplex.
Legend is going for the cover.
Legend pulls the tights.
James Beard counts: One, two, three.
Numerous fans are using Legend for target practice.

The winner is Legend. Time of match: 0:08:01

Legend pinned Marcos after a back suplex in 0:08:01.
Rating: *** 1/2

Marcos just can't seem to catch a break.  Though he displays emormous amounts of promise, the fact that he is just a rookie who formerly helped to set up the ring has made it difficult for him to compete against veterans like Legend.  And the beating Legend gave him in this match just goes to show how far Marcos still has to go.

Chris "HAIL" Sabin vs. Jay Briscoe

Chris Sabin runs into the ropes.
Jay Briscoe hits Chris Sabin with a shoulderblock.
Jay Briscoe goes for a reverse neckbreaker, but Chris Sabin blocks it.
Chris Sabin hits Jay Briscoe with a Yakuza kick.
Chris Sabin hits Jay Briscoe with the Michinoku Driver.
Chad Patton counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Chris Sabin whips Jay Briscoe into the ropes, but Jay Briscoe reverses it.
Jay Briscoe goes for a Death Valley Driver, but Chris Sabin counters it with
a small package.
Chad Patton counts: One, two, kickout.
Chris Sabin complains about a slow count.
Chris Sabin takes Jay Briscoe down with a tiger suplex.
Chad Patton counts: One, two, kickout.
Chris Sabin whips Jay Briscoe into the ropes.
Jay Briscoe nails Chris Sabin with a Yakuza kick.
Jay Briscoe hits a bodyslam on Chris Sabin.
Jay Briscoe is going for the cover.
Chad Patton counts: One, two, three.
Jay Briscoe is being booed like there is no tomorrow.

The winner is Jay Briscoe. Time of match: 0:09:13

Jay Briscoe pinned Chris Sabin after a bodyslam in 0:09:13.
Rating: *** 1/4

Upset!  Jay Briscoe defeats the heavily favored Chris Sabin after a series of hard slams and power bombs left him stunned enough to score with a simple bodyslam.  Sabin looked disgusted with himself, but reluctantly offered Briscoe his hand as a gesture of respect.  Briscoe wanted nothing to do with it, however, and slapped Sabin's hand away before storming out of the ring.

"Wildcat" Chris Harris vs. Slash

Slash goes for a power bomb, but Chris Harris blocks it.
Chris Harris hits Slash with a flying clothesline.
The crowd erupts.
Chris Harris executes flying headscissors on Slash.
Chris Harris goes for flying headscissors, but Slash throws him off.
Slash goes for a reverse neckbreaker, but Chris Harris blocks it.
Chris Harris goes for a DDT, but Slash counters it with a small package.
Brian Hebner counts: One, two, kickout.
Slash hits Chris Harris with a belly-to-back suplex.
Slash runs into the ropes.
Chris Harris misses with a kick.
Slash misses with a kick.
Slash misses with a clothesline.
Chris Harris executes the Catatonic on Slash.
Chris Harris goes for the pin.
Brian Hebner counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Chris Harris nails Slash with a double-axhandle to the back.
Chris Harris whips Slash into the ropes, but Slash reverses it.
Chris Harris hits Slash with a clothesline.
Slash falls out of the ring.
Chris Harris jumps onto him with a pescado.
Chris Harris throws Slash into the guardrail.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Chris Harris executes a flying elbowdrop on Slash.
Brian Hebner counts:  1.
Brian Hebner counts:  2.
Chris Harris climbs back into the ring.
Slash rolls back in under the bottom rope.
Chris Harris runs into the ropes.
New Jack hits Chris Harris in the back with a chair.
Brian Hebner calls for the DQ.
The crowd breaks into a "Wildcat, Wildcat" chant.

The winner is Chris Harris. Time of match: 0:03:12

Chris Harris defeated Slash by disqualification in 0:03:12.
Rating: ** 3/4
[New Jack interfered against Chris Harris.]

The Future must be paying off New Jack and Slash or something, because they have definately been targeting both members of America's Most Wanted throughout tonight's show.  It remains to be seen whether Harris and Storm will be in top condition for their title match in two weeks after surviving chairshots and being put through tables...

And now, tonight's main event.

After much consideration, NDW management has granted the title shot tonight to
Matt Hardy, and has agreed that should Edge fail to wrestle tonight, the title
will default to Julio Dinero, who will take his place tonight.

Therefore, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the
Global Heavyweight Title.

Introducing first...
(Matt Hardy's music hits and he comes to the ring with Lita, posing for the
crowd to considerable boos.)
Weighing in a 222 pounds...
From Cameron, NC...

Matt Hardy!

His opponent...
(Edge's music hits, but he is nowhere to be seen.  Several seconds pass, then
the music fades out.  Julio Dinero's music begins to play when commotion can
be heard backstage.  Edge is seen, trying to fight off Overpower as Julio
Dinero makes a run for the ring.  NDW officials aren't stupid, however, and
referees quickly seperate Edge and Overpower and strongly suggest that Dinero
take his flunkies and go home.  Edge's music hits once again, and this time he
appears.)
Weighing in at 240 pounds...
From Toronto, Ontario, Canada...
The Global Heavyweight Champion...

Edge!

Your Main Event:
Matt Hardy vs. Edge for the Global Heavyweight Title

Edge takes Matt Hardy down with a spear.
Edge nails Matt Hardy with a faceslam.
Edge takes Matt Hardy down with a reverse neckbreaker.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Edge executes an inverted atomic drop on Matt Hardy.
Edge hits a faceslam on Matt Hardy.
The crowd is giving Edge a standing ovation.
Edge takes Matt Hardy down with an inverted atomic drop.
Edge takes Matt Hardy down with an inverted atomic drop.
Edge hits Matt Hardy with a kick to the midsection.
Edge executes the Edgecution on Matt Hardy.
Edge goes for the pin.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Edge hits an armdrag takedown on Matt Hardy.
Edge executes a bodyslam on Matt Hardy.
Edge hits an elbowsmash on Matt Hardy.
Edge hits Matt Hardy with a forearm to the back.

Edge executes the Edgecution on Matt Hardy.
Edge goes for the pin.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Edge runs into the ropes.
Edge gives the sign for the spear.
Edge hits a spear on Matt Hardy.
Edge covers Matt Hardy.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Edge executes the Edgecution on Matt Hardy.
The crowd is giving Edge a standing ovation.
Edge goes for the pin.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.

The winner is Edge. Time of match: 0:09:55

Edge pinned Matt Hardy with the Edgecution in 0:09:55.
Rating: **** 1/4
(Edge retained the Global Heavyweight Title.)

Edge took it to Matt Hardy from the start, battering him with probably more speed and intensity than we've ever seen from Edge.  This was a remarkable match even though it was brief.  Edge put on an amazing performance for a man coming back early from a knee injury, and Matt Hardy took unbelievable amounts of punishment, coming back after two Spears and Two Edgecutions.  Only a third Edgecution was finally able to put him away for the count.

Edge stands proud with his title, having defended it against his latest conpetitor.  But who will he face next?  And will he be able to make it to The Big One with his title?  Keep watching to find out!

Card rating: ***

Match observations:

Match of the Evening: Matt Hardy vs. Edge

With Edge's title secure for the time being, expect some major revelations about the card for Ragnarok next week.

To start things off, Ron Simmons will face Bob Sapp in a battle to determine who will face Edge at Ragnarok.  Both of these men are extremely formidable, and both are former world champions.  Who will come out on top?  It's hard to say!

Also next week, Edge will team up with The Basham Brothers to face Matt Hardy, Shane Douglas and Julio Dinero.  This should be an extremely interesting matchup, as any of Edge's foes here would kill for an opportunity to defeat him, and thus to help strengthen their claim for a title shot before The Big One.

After the surprising ending to this week's opening tag team match, Billy Gunn will face Ahmed Johnson and Chuck Palumbo will face A-Train.  These matches should give Chuck and Billy a shot at revenge for what happened tonight.

Finally, The Future has challenged Chris Harris to a singles match, claiming that if Harris can defeat them, America's Most Wanted can pick the stipulation to their title match at Ragnarok.  This is an opportunity Harris can't pass up, and so the match has been signed.  As good as Harris is, though, you have to wonder whether he can manage to take on a team as good as The Future.

See you next time.

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
91Posted on 07/08/04 at 13:04:20

Oh come come come, I'm not a sci-fi geek and even I know that's a Hitchhikers reference. Mind you, when you say I get a cookie, I hope you don't mean you're clogging my internet temp folder with another useless file.

And hey, while I'm here, good card. All the matches were good (bar the opener, but who cares, Ahmed talking gibberish is gold). Douglas and Wright both jobbed of course, but I guess you can't have it all.  :P Stuff like the main is the kind of thing that makes guys look like gods, Edge seemed to really gut it out, while Matt Hardy refused to surrender. Good stuff.
xsouporheroxPosted on 07/08/04 at 16:04:15

42
91Posted on 07/08/04 at 19:14:43

Oh yeah, didn't notice it was "week 42" as well. Just be careful in 27 weeks time, won't you...
Critic of the DawnPosted on 07/08/04 at 19:26:37

Sadly I do mean an internet cookie.  Baked goods usually don't hold up well when being sent through email.  And last time I tried, it took me a week to get the crumbs out of the CD Drive.

As for the comments on the card, thanks a lot.  Since Ahmed Johnson and A-Train seem to have ended up on the same team, why not create a new equivalent to The Colossal Connection (just without the workrate of 'Taker keeping things watchable) to give Overpower a chance at both titles.

As for Douglas and Wright losing... well, in the first case I would have preferred a victory for Shane Douglas.  Overpower needs credibility, and losing matches won't get it.  In the case of Wright... I was actually hoping he would lose here.  It sets up a top contender's match next week between Bob Sapp and Ron Simmons.  While neither of these guys is very good workrate wise, it's been a long time since there's been a hoss contending for the Global Heavyweight Title.

If you were wondering, the translation of Ahmed Johnson's gibberish is "WHAT ABOUT 'I'M SPICY!'"

I really liked the main event.  As is my custom, I didn't book a finish.  I did, however, book it to run only 9 minutes and change.  To be honest, I wasn't expecting a match as good as the one I got here.  Hardy and Edge have been feuding for a long time, but they rarely produce top calibre matches against each other.  I guess this is a case of less being more.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
americamamushiPosted on 07/08/04 at 19:47:05

If you were wondering, the translation of Ahmed Johnson's gibberish is "WHAT ABOUT 'I'M SPICY!'"
hee hee, you should right an "Ahmed Johnson-English Dictionary"  ;D

And I love the Hitch-Hiker reference.  Mayhaps Marvin should have interfered in the main event and made everyone depressed... no, he wouldn't have made it past the entrance ramp, all those light humming so smugly...  :)
91Posted on 07/08/04 at 21:20:34

Somehow I sense a "what did Ahmed say" gimmick. I didn't even realise what he said was supposed to mean anything. Mind you, when he spoke in real life, I wasn't aware it was supposed to mean anything either. How long do you suppose that it would take Ahmed Johnson from Mississippi to coherently and precisely pronounce this sentence?
Critic of the DawnPosted on 07/09/04 at 04:31:37

I don't think it'll be a regular gimmick or anything.  But I might do something from time to time with Johnson where Overpower can understand what he says but to everyone else it's total gibberish.  Or something like that.  I thought a few people here would get a kick out of that.  Glad to know it went over so well.  ;D

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"

or, as Ahmed Johnson would say:

AHRGHIC "CRAWGHC 'DUGH DAWGH!"