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NDW Week 8 - The Crowning

Critic_of_the_DawnPosted on 04/11/04 at 22:10:38

This is it.  For all the marbles.  My first Heavyweight Champion is going to do a lot in terms of setting the pace of future NDW cards, and therefore there's a lot riding on this.  Let me break the contenders down a bit.

Chris Sabin - My Franchise wrestler, and an all around solid worker.  Sabin is over with the crowd and can have a good match with pretty much anyone.

Matt Hardy - Hardy's been tearing through the undercard, but hasn't really had a chance to develop much of a character or a feud yet.  Still, he's a good enough worker to carry the title credibly.

Red - Hands down my top high flier.  Him coming out of the tournament with the title would be a huge upset, however, as he's definately not the favorite to win this match.

Jerry Lawler - Not the best worker, but he's my top heel and the leader of a dominant stable.  As such, he'd be a great champion, and I could do all sorts of things with him.

Matt Sydal - Lawler's "Knight."  A solid enough high flier who TNM really likes.  So far he's been doing quite well, so a victory isn't out of the question.  Not one of my top picks for champ, though.

The Undertaker - He's big, and he's got all the credibility in the world.  Plus winning the Heavyweight Title would make Nash jealous.  Could be interesting if he takes it.

Edge - One of my most popular and charismatic wrestlers, Edge with the Heavyweight Title is a natural fit.  TNM doesn't seem to like him much, however, so I don't know how likely a victory is.

Insane Dragon - Just... no.  Please do not win.  Just by qualifying for the tournament I've got plenty to do with him.  He's only a mediocre spot machine, and doesn't have the charisma or the credibility to hold the title.  I'd strongly prefer if he didn't win.

Anyway, with that out of the way, here's the card.

*****

Chris "HAIL" Sabin vs. Matt Hardy in a Tournament Quarterfinal

Matt Hardy throws Chris Sabin out of the ring.
Matt Hardy rolls out under the bottom rope.
Jack Doan counts:  1.
Matt Hardy knocks Chris Sabin into the ringsteps.
Matt Hardy takes Chris Sabin down with a reverse neckbreaker.
Jack Doan counts:  2.
Matt Hardy goes for a fistdrop, but Chris Sabin rolls out of the way.
Chris Sabin takes Matt Hardy down with a Japanese armdrag takedown.
Chris Sabin climbs back into the ring.
Matt Hardy climbs back into the ring.
Chris Sabin whips Matt Hardy into the ropes.
Chris Sabin misses with a clothesline.
Matt Hardy hits a clothesline on Chris Sabin.
Matt Hardy uses a flying legdrop on Chris Sabin.
Matt Hardy pulls the tights.
Jack Doan counts: One, two, three.
Matt Hardy further incites the crowd.

[Heavyweight Title Tournament Quarterfinal]:
Matt Hardy pinned Chris Sabin after a flying legdrop in 0:06:48.
Rating: ** 3/4

Matt Hardy continues his lengthy winning streak by going over Chris "HAIL" Sabin with his flying legdrop.  Hardy will advance in the Tournament, while Sabin's championship dreams have, for the moment, been put on hold.

Jerry "The King" Lawler vs. "The Amazing" Red in a Tournament Quarterfinal

They lock up.
Funaki comes to ringside.
Jerry Lawler takes Red down with a reverse neckbreaker.
Numerous fans are using Jerry Lawler for target practice.
Jerry Lawler is going for the cover.
Danny Davis counts: One, two, kickout.
Jerry Lawler goes for a side suplex, but Red counters it with
spinning headscissors.
Red whips Jerry Lawler into the ropes.
Funaki pulls down the top rope.
Danny Davis calls for the DQ.
Numerous fans are using Jerry Lawler for target practice.

The winner is Jerry Lawler. Time of match: 0:00:19

[Heavyweight Title Tournament Quarterfinal]:
Jerry Lawler defeated Red by disqualification in 0:00:19.
Rating: *
[Funaki interfered against Jerry Lawler.]

Oh no!  Funaki's attempt to aid his good friend ended up backfiring, as referee Danny Davis saw him pulling the top rope down and quickly called for the bell!  Jerry "The King" Lawler will advance into the Semifinals to meet Matt Hardy.

[Heavyweight Title Tournament Quarterfinal]:
The Undertaker pinned Matt Sydal after a choke slam in 0:04:45.
Rating: ** 3/4
[Jerry Lawler and Prince Nana interfered against The Undertaker.]

The Undertaker defied the odds, taking a shot from a pair of brass knuckles and a fire extinguisher and not stopping for a second.  Matt Sydal has seemingly finally met a man that he cannot intimidate and dominate with sheer tenacity, and that man is The Undertaker.  One chokeslam later, and The Undertaker is in the Semifinals!

Insane Dragon vs. Edge in a Tournament Quarterfinal

Edge hits Insane Dragon with a backdrop.
Edge uses a stomp on Insane Dragon.
Edge takes Insane Dragon down with an inverted atomic drop.
Edge takes Insane Dragon down with a reverse neckbreaker.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Edge.
Edge places Insane Dragon on the turnbuckle.
Edge hits a top-rope Frankensteiner on Insane Dragon.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, shoulder up.
Edge uses a spear on Insane Dragon.
Edge hits a kick to the midsection on Insane Dragon.
Edge executes the Edgecution on Insane Dragon.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
Edge goes for the pin.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, three.
The crowd breaks into a "Edgeheads" chant.

The winner is Edge. Time of match: 0:08:31

[Heavyweight Title Tournament Quarterfinal]:
Edge pinned Insane Dragon with the Edgecution in 0:08:31.
Rating: ***

Edge picked up the victory over Insane Dragon in the Quarterfinals.  Dragon, who came out to his own music instead of that of Wasted Youth, seemed to be quite full of himself after his admittedly impressive Battle Royal victory.  His cocky attitude ended quite suddenly when Edge took him down with the Edgecution.

Matt Hardy vs. Jerry "The King" Lawler in a Tournament Semifinal

Jerry Lawler tries to fight the pain.
Jerry Lawler makes it to the ropes after being trapped for 19 seconds.
Matt Hardy hits Jerry Lawler with a reverse neckbreaker.
Mike Sparks counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is wildly cheering Matt Hardy with only a few scattered boos audible.

The winner is Matt Hardy. Time of match: 0:17:06

[Heavyweight Title Tournament Semifinal]:
Matt Hardy pinned Jerry Lawler after a reverse neckbreaker in 0:17:06.
Rating: ***

Matt Hardy picks up yet another high profile victory, this one over Royal Court leader Jerry "The King" Lawler.  These two had a solid back and forth bout which focused on Hardy working Lawler's neck.  Lawler was able to survive a Twist of Fate, and even to nearly put away young Matt Hardy with his patented Piledriver, but Hardy kicked out himself, went back to work on Lawler's neck with a chinlock, and finally took him down for the count with a reverse neckbreaker.

This means that Matt Hardy is going on to the Finals, and will face either Edge or The Undertaker for the Global Heavyweight Title!

"The Dead Man" The Undertaker vs. Edge in a Tournament Semifinal

The Undertaker runs shoulder-first into the corner, but Edge lifts his knee.
Edge takes The Undertaker down with a flying dropkick.
Edge goes for an inverted atomic drop, but The Undertaker blocks it.
The Undertaker executes a bodyslam on Edge.
The Undertaker uses a back elbow on Edge.
The Undertaker executes a clothesline on Edge.
The Undertaker is going for the cover.
Tim White counts: One, two, thr... shoulder up.
The Undertaker executes the Tombstone on Edge.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
The Undertaker goes for the pin.
Tim White counts: One, two, three.
The crowd erupts.

The winner is The Undertaker. Time of match: 0:17:47

[Heavyweight Title Tournament Semifinal]:
The Undertaker pinned Edge with the Tombstone in 0:17:47.
Rating: *** 1/2

Tombstone!  Edge is down!  1-2-3!  The Deadman goes on to face Matt Hardy in the finals.  Both of these athletes are deserving, and they should put on a hell of a match against each other.  The Undertaker has a major size advantage on his side, but Matt Hardy has had a little longer to rest up.  The winner of this next match will shape things in New Deal Wrestling for months to come!

And so, with no further ado...

Our main event...

Matt Hardy vs. "The Dead Man" The Undertaker for the vacant Global Heavyweight Title

The Undertaker executes an elbowsmash on Matt Hardy.
The Undertaker whips Matt Hardy into the ropes, but Matt Hardy reverses it.
The Undertaker hits Matt Hardy with a clothesline.
The Undertaker throws Matt Hardy out of the ring.
Earl Hebner counts: one, two, Matt Hardy reenters the ring.
The Undertaker takes Matt Hardy down with a sidewalk slam.
The crowd is going into a frenzy.
The Undertaker takes Matt Hardy down with a clothesline.
The Undertaker whips Matt Hardy into the turnbuckle.
The Undertaker charges in with a clothesline, but Matt Hardy
moves out of the way.
Matt Hardy executes the Twist Of Fate on The Undertaker.
Matt Hardy goes for the pin.
Matt Hardy pulls the tights.
Earl Hebner counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is vociferously booing Matt Hardy.

The winner is Matt Hardy. Time of match: 0:18:35

[Heavyweight Title Tournament Final]: Match for the vacant Global Heavyweight Title:
Matt Hardy pinned The Undertaker with the Twist Of Fate in 0:18:35.
Rating: **** 1/2
(Matt Hardy won the Global Heavyweight Title.)

Here is your winner, and NEEEEEWWWW Global Heavyweight Champion...  Matt Hardy!

Matt Hardy has overcome all the odds this evening, defeating some of the best wrestlers in the sport today en route to winning the title.  Chris Sabin, Royal Court leader Jerry Lawler and the ever intimidating Undertaker all felt the Twist of Fate en route to Matt Hardy's victory.  It was not untainted, however, as Hardy was forced to pull the tights for leverage, a fact which The Undertaker will surely use to acquire a rematch.

Card rating: *** 1/2

Match of the evening: Matt Hardy vs. The Undertaker

Like him or hate him, you have to admire Matt Hardy's tenacity in fighting his way to the title.  There is no doubt that he is worthy of this honor, but with the title comes responsibility.  Part of that responsibility is defending his title.  So, tune in next week as Matt Hardy defends the Global Heavyweight Title against none other than The Undertaker.  Undertaker is furious that Hardy gained the victory over him by pulling his tights for leverage, and has therefore been granted another shot at the belt that he believes should have rightfully been his.

Also next week, Funaki and Red will team up against The Briscoe Brothers in a match to determine the top contenders to AMW's Tag Team Titles.  You won't want to miss it.

*****

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"
rgarrardPosted on 04/12/04 at 00:51:08

What a great tournament.  Funaki costing Lawler the title... Hardy with a hand full of the Taker's trunks and he's the NEW NDW Champ!  And next week a #1 contender for the tag titles!!  NDW is looking good.
TecmoNickPosted on 04/12/04 at 16:39:45

I was very surprised to see Matt Hardy win it.  He was one of the top guys in the tournament based on talent, but I didn't really consider him a possibility.

I'm glad Taker atleast made it to the Finals, because that will elevate him into the some singles matches and Nash should get jealous.
Critic_of_the_DawnPosted on 04/12/04 at 23:06:19

I wasn't expecting Matt Hardy to come out on top either, as he's mainly been squashing lower midcarders thus far.  But, considering he's had my Match of the Year to this point, there's no doubt that he's worthy of the strap.  The rules seem to stipulate that the winner of the Tournament is a fighting champion, and Hardy is a great fit for that role due to his high charisma and workrate.  I anticipate many more great matches.

As for Nash... He's definately noticed 'Taker's success in singles competition, and he's not going to forget about it.  But for the moment, his number one priority is getting gold around his waist, and his team with 'Taker is the best way he can do it.

Eric "Critic of the Dawn"