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NDW Week 28 - Stepping Up

Critic of the DawnPosted on 05/02/04 at 01:21:54

Talent evaluations really shook up the NDW roster, and as a result I lost some of my best workers and most effective faces and heels.  In exchange, I got a few new and interesting wrestlers who should be able to fill the void with ease, if only I can generate the same kind of interest in them as I did in those who are gone.  This week is really the beginning of my attempt to do so, hence the name.

*****

The Dark Princes (The Undertaker & Prince Nana) vs. Edge & Chris Sabin

Edge tags Chris Sabin.
Edge and Chris Sabin hit Prince Nana with the Brutalizer.
Chris Sabin goes for the pin.
Mike Sparks counts: One, two, three.
The crowd erupts.

The winners are Edge & Sabin and Deranged. Time of match: 0:04:42

Edge & Sabin (Edge and Chris Sabin) and Deranged defeated
The Dark Princes (The Undertaker and Prince Nana) and Alex Wright when Sabin
pinned Nana after the Brutalizer in 0:04:42.
Rating: ***

Edge, Sabin and Deranged pick up a quick victory here over the scattered remnants of Team Royal Court when Edge and Sabin hit a devestating tag team move on Prince Nana.  This move, which they called the Brutalizer, could probably be best described as a Spike Brainbuster.  Needless to say, Prince Nana was out cold after taking the hit, and Chris Sabin quickly got the three count for a fairly decisive victory.

(With his match done, Chris Sabin grabs a microphone.)

Chris Sabin: HAIL SABIN!

(The crowd cheers.)

Chris Sabin: I know I've done some rotton things, but Edge has been kind enough
to give me a second chance at friendship.  But I think I can do more than that
to regain your respect.  That's why I'm here.  I'd like to announce that I
intend to win the Global Heavyweight Title by any means necessary.  The way I
see it, I've never had a shot, but I've always been a major impact player here.
So whatever I have to do, whoever I have to face...  I will defeat Xavier for
the Global Heavyweight Title!

Chuck Palumbo vs. Sean O'Haire

Sean O'Haire takes Chuck Palumbo down with a kneelift.
Sean O'Haire goes for a hiptoss, but Chuck Palumbo blocks it.
Chuck Palumbo hits Sean O'Haire with a vertical suplex.
Chuck Palumbo runs into the ropes.
Sean O'Haire executes an inverted DDT on Chuck Palumbo.
Sean O'Haire nails Chuck Palumbo with a kneelift.
Sean O'Haire puts Chuck Palumbo in a sleeperhold.
Chuck Palumbo is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Chuck Palumbo makes it to the ropes after being locked up for 8 seconds.
Sean O'Haire executes the Widowmaker on Chuck Palumbo.
Sean O'Haire goes for the pin.
Andrew Thomas counts: One, two, three.
The decibel level in the building is unbelievable.

The winner is Sean O'Haire. Time of match: 0:08:57

Sean O'Haire pinned Chuck Palumbo with the Widowmaker in 0:08:57.
Rating: *** 1/4
[Nunzio interfered against Sean O'Haire.]

Very solid match here between two men who, once upon a time, held Tag Team Gold together in WCW.  O'Haire was accompanied to ringside by his manager Nunzio, while for whatever reason Sean O'Haire had Jamie Noble's old girlfriend Nidia there with him.  By the way she acted toward O'Haire, it seemed pretty obvious that she was either fairly attatched to him, or else trying to make him believe that so that she could remain in the NDW spotlight after her old gravy train left town.  Regardless, O'Haire was his normal impressive self, and gained a quick pinfall victory with the Widowmaker.

(Matt Hardy is backstage, and nearby we see a very nervous looking Marcos)

Matt Hardy: I'm telling you, Marcos, if you don't want to get hurt, all you
have to do is tell me where Edge is.  He challenged me last week, and now I
need to see whether he has the Mattitude to say it to my face.

(Marcos looks around, then shakes his head, refusing to speak for fear that
Hardy will assault Edge.)

Matt Hardy: One final warning, Marcos.  You're about to suffer a very
unfortunate Twist of Fate, if you take my meaning...

(A tall figure walks up behind Matt Hardy, grabs his shoulder, and spins him
around.)

Billy Gunn: Is there some kind of a problem here?

Matt Hardy: Well well, if it isn't Mr. Ass!  Tell me, Rockabilly, what can the
Sensai of Mattitude do for you this evening?

Billy Gunn: He can start by shutting his pie-hole!  Listen Hardy, I know you.
I know what you're capable of, and I know how you think.  So I'll make you a
challenge, Hardy.  If you're as good as you say, then you shouldn't have any
problem with meeting me in the ring tonight!

Matt Hardy: Oh, you're on Gunn.  But don't blame me when you learn you don't
have the Mattributes you need to defeat me!  At least you can take comfort in
the fact that losing isn't anything new to you!

"The Amazing" Red vs. Marcos vs. Jay Briscoe

Red throws Marcos into the guardrail.
Red throws Marcos back into the ring.
Red executes the InfraRed on Marcos.
Red goes for the pin.
Brian Hebner counts: One, two, kickout.
Red tags out to Jay Briscoe.
Jay Briscoe goes for a punch, but Marcos blocks it.
Marcos goes for a faceslam, but Jay Briscoe blocks it.
Jay Briscoe executes the J-Driller on Marcos.
Jay Briscoe goes for the pin.
Brian Hebner counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
Jay Briscoe goes for a backdrop driver, but Marcos counters it with a facerake.
Marcos hits Jay Briscoe.
Marcos hits Jay Briscoe.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Marcos.
Marcos kicks Jay Briscoe.
The crowd erupts.
Marcos throws Jay Briscoe out of the ring.
Brian Hebner counts: one, two, three, Jay Briscoe reenters the ring.
Marcos nails Jay Briscoe with an elbowsmash.
Marcos goes for a headbutt, but Jay Briscoe blocks it.
Jay Briscoe nails Marcos with a bodyslam.
Jay Briscoe nails Marcos with a vertical suplex.
Jay Briscoe tags out to Red.
Red hits a roundhouse kick on Marcos.
The crowd is behind Red all the way.
Red executes the InfraRed on Marcos.
Red goes for the pin.
Brian Hebner counts: One, two, Jay Briscoe doesn't make it in time... three.
The crowd is behind Red all the way.

The winner is Red. Time of match: 0:10:45

Triangle Match:
Red defeated Marcos and Jay Briscoe when Red pinned Marcos with the InfraRed in
0:10:45.
Rating: *** 3/4

Excellent match.  Marcos shows his resilience and heart by kicking out of the InfraRed and the J-Driller within the space of a minute before finally sucumbing to a second InfraRed by The Amazing Red for the defeat.  The fact that Marcos was a member of the ring crew just 6 months ago shows just how much talent and potential this rookie has.

A-Train & Julio Dinero vs. Slash & Jimmy Rave

Slash uses a belly-to-back suplex on A-Train.
Slash covers A-Train.
Andrew Thomas counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Slash shoves Andrew Thomas.
Andrew Thomas disqualifies Slash.
A portion of the crowd is cheering A-Train.

The winners are A-Train and Julio Dinero. Time of match: 0:15:42

A-Train and Julio Dinero defeated Jimmy Rave and Slash when A-Train defeated
Slash by disqualification in 0:15:42.
Rating: **

Dinero and A-Train dominated this match from the opening bell, using their superior power to quickly wear down Jimmy Rave.  Rave managed to tag his partner Slash in, but was then too badly hurt to tag back in.  Slash tried his best to fight back, but as he continued to be outfought he became frustrated and shoved the referee after a close count, getting his team disqualified.  A-Train and Julio Dinero therefore pick up the win in what will be Jimmy Rave's final NDW match for the time being.

Matt Hardy vs. "Mr. Ass" Billy Gunn

Billy Gunn kicks Matt Hardy.
The crowd is going crazy.
Billy Gunn kicks Matt Hardy.
Billy Gunn has the crowd going wild.
Matt Hardy kicks Billy Gunn.
Matt Hardy further incites the crowd.
Matt Hardy runs into the ropes.
Billy Gunn executes the Fame-Ass-Er on Matt Hardy.
Billy Gunn goes for the pin.
Andrew Thomas counts: One, two, Lita puts Matt Hardy's foot on the rope.
Andrew Thomas calls for the DQ.
The chants for Billy Gunn are deafening.

The winner is Billy Gunn. Time of match: 0:15:32

Billy Gunn defeated Matt Hardy by disqualification in 0:15:32.
Rating: ** 1/4
[Lita interfered against Billy Gunn.]

Billy Gunn picks up a DQ victory over Matt Hardy!  It's hard to say whether Hardy would have kicked out or not had Lita not put his foot on the ropes, but it is fairly certain that Billy Gunn seemed to have his number.  Clearly the amount of time these two have spent together in the past has given Gunn a bit of an edge against Hardy.

Billy Gunn spent perhaps a bit too much time celebrating his victory, for he turned around and walked right into a boot to the gut and a Twist of Fate after a few moments.  As Hardy stood over his fallen opponent and gloated, Edge slipped in behind him, spun him around... Edgecution!  Matt Hardy has been laid out!

The Future (Chance Beckett and Xavier) defeated Doug Basham and Insane Dragon
when Beckett defeated I. Dragon by disqualification in 0:50:52.
Rating: ****
(The Future retained the Global Tag Team Titles.)

What a battle!  The Future battles to a Disqualification victory over Doug Basham and Insane Dragon.  As the match went on, Chance Beckett kept returning to a dangerous forearm choke on Insane Dragon, and eventually Dragon simply couldn't take it any longer.  This prompted his old ex-partner Deranged to run out for the save by smashing Beckett in the head with a chair in the middle of the ring even though this action got his friend disqualified.  If Beckett wasn't laid out in a pool of his own blood, he would surely be furious.  As for Insane Dragon... he seems content to know that the match is over.

Card rating: ***

Match observations:

Match of the Evening: Doug Basham & Insane Dragon vs. The Future

If we've said it once, we've said it a thousand times.  Next week is going to be big.  To start off, America's Most Wanted will be facing the new and dangerous duo of A-Train and Julio Dinero in a match to determine the new top contenders for the Global Tag Team Titles.  Additionally, both A-Train and Julio Dinero will have their first singles matches in NDW!

In a continuation of their battle, Edge will face Alex Wright, Chris Sabin will face his former tag team partner Prince Nana, and Deranged will take on "The Prince of Darkness" himself, The Undertaker!

Slash will team up with a partner to be announced to take on Doug Basham and Insane Dragon in what should be an exciting brawl.  Basham and Dragon are quickly rising up the Tag Team ranks, but Slash is a skilled worker, and his choice of partner could make a huge difference!

The Future will once again team up, this time to face Billy and Chuck in a non-title match.  Billy Gunn secured a disqualification victory over former heavyweight champion Matt Hardy this week, so this could well be a very competitive match!

Finally, Xavier will take on Chris Harris in a match for the Global Heavyweight Title.  Both of these men will be wrestling other matches, so the results of this match are extremely hard to call.  Something big could happen!

Tune in to see if it does!

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
Rick GarrardPosted on 05/02/04 at 08:58:35

Wow open with the Royal Court slide continuing... and Sabin going with Edge and chasing the title.

Nidia with O'Haire!  She stayed!  YES!

Matt vs Billy?!!  Tag Team Specialists!  Tonight!

Marcos putting Red over, but showing that he's got what it takes to be a tremendous competitor in such a short time that he's been a working member of the roster.  

It's a shame that Rave is leaving.  I think he would have been a mega star in NDW.  :(  But I really like the team of ATrain and Julio.  They tend to cover each other's weaknesses rather well.

He's just an ass, man!  But then again so is Matt Hardy in NDW!  ;)  I am one of the few people that actually enjoy watching Billy Gunn matches.  Granted they are all pretty much the same, but he's good at what he does IMO.

I like the tag match ending.  Nothing like being so hurt that you can't be mad.  

Julio and ATrain working twice next week!?  I just hope they are your #1 contenders after that one.  And Xavier vs Wildcat Chris Harris!  This is TNA!!!  Or NDW!  ;)
Critic of the DawnPosted on 05/02/04 at 19:14:54

Say what you want about Jerry Lawler, but he held The Royal Court together through sheer force of will.  The Undertaker, as always, has his own agenda, and thus he's not quite on the same page as Prince Nana.  As for Sabin running for the title... well, the Oldschool Ruleset is often very particular about who gets a shot at the titles, but he's high on the list for when I have a chance to pick somebody.

Of course Nidia stayed!  How could she remain on TV and maintain her expensive tastes if she stayed with Noble?  Her old sugar daddy's cash supply seems to have dried up, so in the tradition of all great parasites, she's left him in search of fresher meat.  So to speak.

Marcos has really impressed me.  He's been with NDW since the beginning, but I started him as a member of the ring crew who just happened to get a shot at wrestling in tribute to Ring of Honor's use of Towel Boy Eric Tuttle, and the fact that he's a member of the Ring Crew Express in RoH.  He's quickly gone from faceless jobber to NDW's answer to Spike Dudley, and has actually scored a few high profile victories.  I've been so impressed with him that I've given him a small nudge upward in his push.

I've been very surprised by A-Train and Julio.  I've got to admit that I've got just a touch of a soft spot for Train - I think that he's quite underrated just because he's so damn ugly.  As far as his skills go, he's one of the most agile big men out there.  A technician he is not, however, so Julio compliments him well with his submission holds and STO finisher.

I'm not the biggest Billy Gunn fan, but I'm willing to admit that he's watchable so long as he isn't in the upper midcard, working for more than 5-6 minutes, or trying to be technical.  He's got a certain natural charisma to him - to say nothing of his size - and that gives him something worth using.  If he was as terrible as the internet likes to say, WWE would have tossed him long ago.  I won't expect 5-Star classics out of him, but he should be passable.

In reality, I had the main event booked to end in a random submission by a random wrestler.  For whatever reason it gave me a DQ finish, however.  Strange.  I think I've noticed a bug in there as you'll see in a couple weeks...  I've reported it to Oliver, though, so hopefully he can isolate it and eliminate it for the release of the final patch version next month.

The rules have got me putting quite a few people in the ring twice as of late.  I'm sure that'll clear up shortly, however.  Train and Dinero are excellent together, however you can't underestimate AMW.  AMW wants revenge against The Future for Chance Beckett's use of an illegal choke to win the titles from them back at Time's Up.  Should be interesting to see how far they'll have to go to get it.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"