LoveMuscle
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Monday, November 24, 2003
TNA XCitement
Hosts: Steven Kavovit and Bart Snake
Kavovit: Hello, everyone, welcome to XCitement! I'm Steven Kavovit, and my co-host is Bart Snake.
Snake: Good to see you again, Steven.
Kavovit: By order of commissioner Mick Foley, every member of Sports Entertainment Xtreme is banned from the building tonight.
Snake: A former member of SEX, Low-Ki, will be in tonight’s main event, taking on Psychosis.
Kavovit: We know the Hardcore Japanese are in the house, and our opening match tonight is Masato Tanaka taking on Shane Douglas.
Snake: Douglas is already in the ring, and here comes Tanaka!
Masato Tanaka (with New Jack) vs. Shane Douglas: Douglas cheats to gain control early on, but Tanaka brawls his way back into command later on. It’s a pretty fast-paced match, considering who’s involved. Tanaka hits the Roaring Elbow to pick up the win.
Winner: Masato Tanaka
OR: 78
CR: 75
MQ: 81
New Jack gets in the ring with a microphone.
New Jack: Finally, it’s good to have a match with a clean finish. Now, it’s time for Sabu to have a match. Who’s next?
With that question, the music plays, and it’s time for …
Sabu (with New Jack) vs. Bill Goldberg (with Cyrus): The announcers are shocked, not expecting Goldberg in this match. If Sabu was hoping for an easy match before the 8-man Elimination match this Sunday, he’s in for a surprise. Sabu hits a few high-flying moves to start, but Goldberg shrugs them off. About two minutes into the match, Goldberg hits the Spear, and then follows it up with a Jackhammer to get the pin.
Winner: Bill Goldberg
OR: 78
CR: 75
MQ: 82
Mick Foley’s music suddenly hits, and he comes out to the ringside area with a microphone.
Foley: I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you, Cyrus. I’ve decided that since D’Lo Brown wasn’t facing a member of The Virus last Friday, that he should get a match with Bill Goldberg, and he will get that match this Sunday at NWA Anniversary. Have a nice day!
Cyrus has a temper tantrum as Foley returns to the locker room area.
OR: 90
(D’Lo Brown gained in over from 74 to 75.)
Low-Ki comes to the ring with a microphone. He openly questions why we haven’t seen Ken Shamrock since X Marks The Spot. He suggests that ever since he was named the No. 1 contender, Shamrock has been avoiding him. Low-Ki says that in six days, Shamrock won’t be able to avoid him anymore.
OR: 85
Psychosis vs. Low-Ki: An excellent match, as both men demonstrate both their technical wrestling ability and their aerial prowess as well. After 18 minutes of action, Psychosis has the advantage. He signals for the Sky Twister Press! As he climbs to the top tope, the announcers point out that if Low-Ki loses, he won’t have any momentum heading into his World title match this Sunday. Psychosis leaps, but Low-Ki gets out of the way as Psychosis crashes to the mat. Low-Ki makes a quick cover, and he grabs a handful of tights! The referee makes the three count, never seeing Low-Ki’s cheating. Low-Ki quickly retreats to the back as Psychosis looks visibly upset.
Winner: Low-Ki
OR: 85
CR: 81
MQ: 90
The crowd gives a nice round of applause to Psychosis for the effort he gave in the match. Suddenly, the curtain opens, and out walks Steve Corino, who’s also applauding! He gets a microphone and gets in the ring with Psychosis.
Corino: That was a great match, kid. You showed every one in this arena once again what an amazing worker you are. However, there’s just something missing. What you need is an advisor, a manager, someone to watch your back. If you want, I’d be more than happy to be your manager. What do you say?
Psychosis looks around as the fans cheer.
Corino: Hey, if you have any questions, just look at what I’ve done for Super Crazy. He’s only won the X title since arriving here. You can be that good too, you know. And I can get you there.
Corino extends his hand, and Psychosis shakes it.
OR: 83
OR: 83
Rating: 6.14
Attendance: 10041
Best segment: Mick Foley books Bill Goldberg against D’Lo Brown (90)
Worst segment: (tie) Masato Tanaka over Shane Douglas; Bill Goldberg over Sabu (78)
Best match: Low-Ki over Psychosis (85)
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Friday, November 21, 2003
Monday’s show was the highest-rated episode of XCitement ever. While that wasn’t our strongest show, we advanced several storylines.
TNA XPlosion
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Dick Williams
In an unusual opening, we start out in commissioner Mick Foley’s office, where he’s working at his desk. There’s a knock at the door, and Foley invites his guest in. The door opens, and it’s Cyrus!
Cyrus: You wanted to see me, Mick?
Foley: Yeah, I do. Both D’Lo Brown and Sting were in here earlier today, wanting to know who their opponent was tonight. I thought that, since you invited them to show up tonight with the promise of a wrestling match, you would be so kind as to tell your boss what’s up.
Cyrus: You mean it isn’t obvious to you? Just how stupid are you, Mick?
Foley: Watch it, buster! You’d better tell me what’s going on.
Cyrus: It’s really simple. Sting wanted a match, so tonight he’s D’Lo Brown’s last roadblock. If D’Lo can defeat Sting, then he can have a match against Bill Goldberg this Monday. See, wasn’t that easy?
With that, Cyrus turns and leaves, and Foley looks really steamed that someone besides him booked a match for tonight.
OR: 94
(Cyrus gained in over from 90 to 92.)
Morales: Hello, everyone, welcome to XPlosion! I'm Jeff Morales, and joining me this week is Dick Williams.
Williams: Hello, Jeff. What a bombshell that was! Tonight’s main event will be D’Lo Brown against Sting!
Morales: If D’Lo wins, he’ll finally get his hands on Bill Goldberg this Monday.
Williams: Also tonight, Low-Ki will take on Nick Dinsmore. Dinsmore made an impressive debut last week, and tonight he’ll take on the No. 1 contender for the World title.
Morales: You can bet Ken Shamrock will be watching that one closely. And you can bet that Super Crazy will be watching the Sonny Siaki-Ebessan match with great interest as well.
Williams: But tonight we’ll start with the Hardcore match Scott Hall promised on Monday, as he’ll be taking on Akira Taue.
Akira Taue makes his way to the ring with New Jack, who gets the microphone from the ring announcer. He says that Scott Hall may have promised a Hardcore match for tonight, but there’s no way Hall knew just how Hardcore the match is going to get. While New Jack talks, Taue is removing everything from under the ring – tables, a ladder, some trashcans, street signs, some chairs, a hubcap, and other items – and placing them into the ring.
OR: 89
(Akira Taue gained in over from 54 to 55.)
Hardcore match: Akira Taue (with New Jack) vs. Scott Hall (with Vince Russo): Taue has much more experience in Hardcore matches than Hall, and that shows up early and often. Taue uses nearly everything he put in the ring on Hall, but the tide turns when Hall gets a hold of the ladder. As everyone knows, he has some prior experience with that instrument, and suddenly he uses that to take the upper hand. Hall tries to suplex the ladder onto Taue, but he moves, and grabs the hubcap. As Hall approaches, he whacks him in the knee with it to retake control. New Jack gets in the ring and sets up a table, as Russo complains to the referee. The ref can only remind him that since it’s a Hardcore march, it’s all legal. New Jack then chases Russo around the ring and back into the locker room area. Taue hits the Awesome Driver on Hall, putting him through the table! But before he can make the cover, B.G. James comes from the locker room and enters the ring. He picks up a No Parking sign and smashes Taue on the back. James hits the Dogg Pound on Taue, then puts Hall on top and tells the referee to count. He does, and Hall picks up the win. James and Hall start to put the boots to Taue, but Sabu comes out with a Singapore cane to chase away the members of Sports Entertainment Xtreme.
Winner: Scott Hall
OR: 75
CR: 68
MQ: 82
Sonny Siaki comes to the ring with a microphone. He once again reiterates that he wants a X title match and says Ebessan will just be a warm-up match for him.
OR: 78
Ebessan (with New Jack) vs. Sonny Siaki: A couple of minutes into the match, Vince Russo finally wanders to ringside, looking exhausted from all the running he did in the first match. Ebessan seems to have the upper hand, using more brawling tactics than Siaki would like. However, Russo trips Ebessan, and Siaki moves quickly to take advantage of the opening. New Jack once again chases Russo, this time taking a lap around the announcers’ desk before heading backstage. Back in the ring, the referee gets bumped as Ebessan regains control, and sure enough a member of SEX, this time Marcus Bagwell, comes from the back. He climbs to the top rope as Ebessan turns around … right into a Blockbuster! Siaki makes the cover as Bagwell leaves the ring and revives the ref from the floor. The referee slowly counts the pin. Bagwell looks like he’s about ready to get involved some more, but Masato Tanaka comes from the back with a chair. He chases Bagwell around the ring.
Winner: Sonny Siaki
OR: 80
CR: 75
MQ: 85
Masato Tanaka catches up with Marcus Bagwell, and another fight breaks out. Suddenly, there’s a disruption in the stands, as the cameras catch Vince Russo coming from the concession area, with New Jack hot on his heels. Russo trips coming over the rail, and New Jack is on him. Scott Hall and B.G. James are back to rescue Russo, and shortly thereafter Sabu and Akira Taue are out. Disco Inferno and Konnan soon join the fray, and the fans wonder what’s going to happen next … when Mick Foley’s music plays! Foley comes out with a microphone.
Foley: Stop it! Stop fighting! Anyone who doesn’t stop this instant will be suspended without pay for a whole year!
The fans cheer, and the fighting quickly stops. The two stables quickly sort themselves out, with the Hardcore Japanese in the ring and Sports Entertainment Xtreme outside the ring. New Jack and Vince Russo are handed microphones by the ring crew.
Foley: I have had enough of you two getting involved in the others’ matches.
New Jack: You got that right! I’m sick and tired of you all interfering in our matches!
Russo: And I’m sick of having to look at your face!
Foley: So just how much do you want to get rid of each other?
Russo: I’ll do anything to get rid of New Jack. He’s been chasing me all night for no reason, so …
New Jack: No reason? You keep sticking your nose into my business, and you have the balls to ask why I want to kick your ass so bad?
Foley: I think I have the solution to all your problems, and it’s a solution that you yourself supplied to me, Vince. If you both agree, we’ll do it right – Loser Leaves Town!
Russo: Ha ha, now you’re speaking my language! You bet I’ll agree. Any match you want to make, Foley, just give my guys a chance to get rid of his guys.
New Jack: You forget, Russo. These three had my back at Wargames, and we came out victorious. As for Sabu, well, I’ve seen what he can do. I’ll put any of my guys against any of your guys in a Loser Leaves Town match.
Foley: I say that we play for all the marbles. At NWA Anniversary in nine days, it will be the four members of the Hardcore Japanese against Disco Inferno, Marcus Bagwell, B.G. James, and Konnan in an eight-man elimination match. Anyone who’s pinned or submits not only has to leave the match, but has to leave TNA altogether! You’ll keep fighting until all four men on one team have been eliminated. What do you say?
New Jack: I’m all for it. If it gets rid of those four assholes, I’m all for it.
Russo: Wait a minute, don’t I get to pick who will represent my side?
Foley: I picked those four because Scott Hall will be in a Hardcore title match against Bas Rutten, and Sonny Siaki will be in a X title match against Super Crazy, if that’s OK with you.
Russo: Oh, that’s fine. Yeah, count me in.
Foley: That settles it, then. And just to make sure that there’s no more confrontations between you two, right now all of you have to go home! Security, come escort these men to the parking lot. Russo, you and your men will be banned from the building this Monday, and the Hardcore Japanese won’t be allowed in next Friday. The next time you’ll be in the same building will be at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday, November 30!
Security arrives and escorts the two teams out of the arena. The camera crews follow along as they all leave the building.
OR: 83
Nick Dinsmore hits the ring, once again without fancy ring attire, but now he’s got some generic music. He congratulates Mick Foley on the job he did to set that match up for NWA Anniversary, and now he wants to add another match to that card when he takes on Donovan Morgan.
OR: 76
Low-Ki’s music plays, and he comes out with a microphone. He tells Nick Dinsmore that instead of worrying about Donovan Morgan in some match in the future, he should be more concerned about his opponent tonight, namely himself. Low-Ki says Dinsmore can call himself Mr. Wrestling all he wants, it’s not going to keep him from getting his ass kicked tonight.
OR: 87
Nick Dinsmore vs. Low-Ki: The match starts out well enough, but Dinsmore hits a couple of textbook suplexes that leave Low-Ki stunned. He obviously wasn’t expecting such stiff competition tonight. Low-Ki cheats to get control, something we haven’t seen him do since he quit Sports Entertainment Xtreme. But Dinsmore uses his wrestling knowledge to counter Low-Ki’s holds, and the fans applaud the stalemate. The action continues on in like manner for a few minutes, but the referee gets bumped. Yep, you guessed it – Donovan Morgan runs in. Can’t we have one clean finish tonight? Morgan has a pair of brass knuckles, and he punches Dinsmore in the back of the head. Dinsmore falls into Low-Ki’s waiting arms, and he quickly applies the Dragon Clutch. Morgan leaves as the referee comes to. He checks Dinsmore, but he’s out, so the ref calls for the bell.
Winner: Low-Ki
OR: 83
CR: 79
MQ: 88
Sting vs. D’Lo Brown: Neither man seems happy to be facing the other tonight. They start out with a handshake, and then put on a clean bout. The crowd loves Sting, of course, but Brown’s won his share of the crowd over the past few weeks. As the match continues, it looks like D’Lo just might pull off the upset, until Bill Goldberg enters the ring! He punches both D’Lo and Sting, and the referee throws the match out. Even though Brown and Sting are worn out from their match, they still have the numbers advantage, and soon they make a couple of double-team moves on Goldberg, sending him to the floor.
Winner: no contest
OR: 78
CR: 78
MQ: 79
Cyrus comes out with a microphone. He tells D’Lo Brown that since he didn’t win the match, then he doesn’t get the shot at Bill Goldberg. Cyrus then takes Goldberg’s arm and pulls him backstage to end the show.
OR: 90
OR: 83
Rating: 7.36
Attendance: 10024
Best segment: Cyrus schedules a match between Sting and D’Lo Brown (94)
Worst segment: Scott Hall over Akira Taue (75)
Best match: Low-Ki over Nick Dinsmore (83)
-
Monday, November 17, 2003
Yesterday, Dave Republic took control of Smokey Mountain Wrestling Rebirth. Since he prefers a lot of technical wrestling, he quickly lowered their risk level to 10%. We’ll see how well that goes over with their fans.
TNA XCitement
Hosts: Steven Kavovit and Bart Snake
Kavovit: Hello, everyone, welcome to XCitement! I'm Steven Kavovit, and my co-host is Bart Snake.
Snake: Good to see you again, Steven.
Kavovit: Tonight’s main event features The Hardcore Japanese against Haas Of Pain in tag team action.
Snake: Also, D’Lo Brown will be facing the last member of Cyrus’ gauntlet, Jun Akiyama.
Kavovit: But our first match is Steven Richards taking on Bas Rutten for the Hardcore title.
Snake: Richards is already in the ring, and here comes Rutten!
NWA Hardcore title match: Bas Rutten © (with Alicia Shamrock) vs. Steven Richards: Richards takes the advantage before the bell even rings, jumping Rutten as he’s entering the ring. He uses various objects to maintain the advantage for several minutes. However, the advantage takes a quick turn when Richards charges Rutten while he’s in the corner. Rutten slumps down as Richards swings the trashcan. The trashcan hits the ropes, and bounces back into Richards’ face, putting him flat on his back as well. Alicia shouts encouragements to Rutten, who is back on his feet at the same time as Richards. But he blocks his punches, and then slams Richards through a table to take the upper hand. Before long, Rutten locks in the Guillotine Choke, and Richards taps out. Scott Hall then comes in from the back with a chair, and promptly drops Rutten!
Winner: Bas Rutten
OR: 72
CR: 63
MQ: 82
Scott Hall gets a microphone and says that was one of the least hardcore matches he’s ever seen. Hall says that if anyone wants to see what a real Hardcore match is supposed to look like, just watch him this Friday. He says after he wins that match, he wants a shot at the Hardcore title.
OR: 79
D’Lo Brown vs. Jun Akiyama (with Cyrus): The crowd is expecting … I’m not sure, but they’re pretty much into this. Throughout the match, they keep watching the curtain, waiting for some outside interference, but it never comes. As for the match itself, it’s pretty good, with both Akiyama and Brown keeping command for a couple minutes at a time. Brown hits the running powerbomb as somewhere Darren Drozdov cries. Brown climbs to the top rope and hits the Lo Down! The referee counts the pin as Cyrus has a temper tantrum at ringside.
Winner: D’Lo Brown
OR: 78
CR: 71
MQ: 85
(D’Lo Brown gained in over from 73 to 74.)
D’Lo Brown takes the microphone from the ring announcer as Jun Akiyama rolls out of the ring.
Brown: All right, Cyrus, I’ve gone through everyone you’ve got to get a shot at Bill Goldberg. So I want my match!
Cyrus gets another microphone.
Cyrus: Hold on there! You’ve got one more match to win before you get your shot at Goldberg. I’ll see you at XPlosion!
OR: 82
Haas Of Pain come to the ring with microphones. Tonight they’ve got The Hardcore Japanese, but they’re not too worried about them. They already know they’re going to win that match. However, they say that Styles and Lynn haven’t answered their challenge yet for NWA Anniversary. They accuse Jerry Lynn and A.J. Styles of being cowards, using every euphemism they can think of until they are interrupted by The Hardcore Japanese’s music.
OR: 75
The Hardcore Japanese (with New Jack) vs. Haas Of Pain: Masato Tanaka and Ebessan pretty much dominate Haas Of Pain for the first couple of minutes, until some well-timed cheating gives the advantage back to the heels. The Hardcore Japanese slowly turn the tide, and the whole process repeats two more times before Disco Inferno and Konnan show up at ringside for no reason whatsoever. New Jack eyes them warily, and then tries to get the referee to remove them from ringside. But while that debate is taking place, Konnan and Disco get in the ring to make it 4-on-2 on The Hardcore Japanese. By the time the ref finally starts paying attention to the action in the ring, Disco and Konnan are back on the floor, and Holly nails Ebessan with the Crash Landing. Haas knocks Tanaka to the floor as the referee makes the three count. Disco Inferno and Konnan are back in to continue the beatdown as Haas works over New Jack on the floor. Finally, A.J. Styles and Jerry Lynn come from the back and chase Haas Of Pain through the crowd to the concession area. New Jack finds a crutch under the ring, and after a couple of swings Konnan and Disco decide to take off.
Winner: Haas Of Pain
OR: 79
CR: 73
MQ: 86
OR: 77
Rating: 6.27
Attendance: 10037
Best segment: Cyrus tells D’Lo Brown he’s got one more match (82)
Worst segment: Bas Rutten over Steven Richards (72)
Best match: Haas Of Pain over The Hardcore Japanese (79)
-
Friday, November 14, 2003
Road Warrior Hawk showed up late for our house show last night. As a result, he has been suspended for the remainder of the month. He was originally scheduled to be in a tag match tonight, but I guess now plans will have to change.
TNA XPlosion
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Dick Williams
Morales: Hello, everyone, welcome to XPlosion! I'm Jeff Morales, and joining me this week is Dick Williams.
Williams: Hello, Jeff. Tonight we will see D’Lo Brown continue to “run the gauntlet” of members of The Virus. His opponent tonight is Johnny Smith.
Morales: Two other members of The Virus, Jun Akiyama and Scoot Andrews, will be in our main event tonight, taking on the team of Styles and Lynn.
Williams: Jerry Lynn has already made quite an impact since his return to TNA last week. Hopefully we’ll see more of him tonight than in last week’s aborted match with Haas Of Pain.
Morales: Also, our opening match features Gangrel, and …
With that, the announcers are cut off as the camera switches backstage to inside commissioner Mick Foley’s office. The door suddenly burst open, and Shane Douglas storms in.
Douglas: Look, Foley, you know I don’t like you and I know you don’t like me.
Foley: What ever happened to the old days when everyone was polite, Shane? You know, you knock on the door, and then you enter when I say so, not barging on in without knocking. What if I had been naked? I know you don’t want to see that!
Douglas (looking repulsed): Look, Mick, I …
Foley: And what do you mean, I don’t like you? Where did you ever get that idea?
Douglas: Will you shut up? I’m getting to it! It’s been weeks since you’ve booked me in a match.
Foley: Say no more, my friend. You want a match tonight? I’m sure something can be arranged. In fact, earlier today someone else was in here looking for a match. So tonight, right here in the TNA Asylum, on one side of the ring it will be you, Shane Douglas. And on the other, it will be Road Warrior Animal.
Douglas: What? Wait a minute, Animal …
Foley: There, you have your match, now get out of my office! Go!
OR: 85
Nick Dinsmore vs. Gangrel: Dinsmore is already in the ring, while Gangrel makes his usual elaborate entrance. Dinsmore has no fancy ring attire, just trunks with the words “Mr. Wrestling” on the back. Since the fans aren’t familiar with Dinsmore, and given his simple ring entrance, the fans are totally expecting a squash for Gangrel to open the show, so they’re not too involved with the early going. However, Dinsmore lives up to the name on the back of his shorts, demonstrating a mastery of mat wrestling to keep the more experienced Gangrel on his heels. The fans get their squash, alright – it’s just Gangrel getting squashed by the newcomer that’s the surprise. Dinsmore finished off his impressive debut with a Crossface, and Gangrel quickly taps out.
Winner: Nick Dinsmore
OR: 72
CR: 67
MQ: 78
The announcers call Dinsmore over to their desk. They welcome him to TNA and compliment him on his victory over Gangrel. Dinsmore says he’s here to prove that the “Mr. Wrestling” moniker he carries on his trunks is something he’s earned, not like Donovan Morgan, who calls himself excellent without proving anything. He says that after he proves Morgan is full of baloney, he wants to earn a shot at the World title.
OR: 75
The cameras cut backstage to The Virus’ locker room, where all the members of The Virus, except Bill Goldberg, are hanging out. Cyrus says tonight Johnny Smith will put an end to D’Lo Brown’s quest, and Andrews and Akiyama get a shot at one of the hottest teams in TNA, Styles and Lynn. Cyrus pats Smith on the back, and says it’s time to send D’Lo packing.
OR: 94
Meanwhile, D’Lo Brown is already in the ring. He cuts a very uninspired promo for his match against Johnny Smith. I think the fans already have an idea how this one’s going to turn out before Smith and Cyrus ever step through the curtain.
OR: 71
D’Lo Brown vs. Johnny Smith (with Cyrus): D’Lo has learned from last week’s match with Scoot Andrews, and wisely avoids Cyrus’ side of the ring. Smith keeps D’Lo on the mat in the early going, but D’Lo soon powers back and looks ready to put the match away. Cyrus starts arguing with the referee, and Jun Akiyama comes charging into the ring with a chair. Smith holds D’Lo, but he ducks as Akiyama swings, and he strikes Smith instead. D’Lo knocks the chair out of his hands and catches him with a Sky High! He kicks Akiyama and the chair to the floor, and then climbs the ropes. Lo Down! D’Lo calls for the referee, who turns around and spots D’Lo covering Smith. He makes the three count, while Cyrus gets Akiyama back up. Cyrus and Akiyama get back into the ring, but D’Lo slides out. Cyrus tells D’Lo that he’ll have to face Akiyama on Monday.
Winner: D’Lo Brown
OR: 78
CR: 69
MQ: 87
Shane Douglas is out. He gets a microphone from the ring announcer before entering the ring.
Douglas: Animal, come on down and get your ass franchised!
OR: 76
Road Warrior Animal vs. Shane Douglas: Douglas cheats like a madman, but Animal is just too powerful. In a night of squashes, Animal adds on another one when he pins Douglas after a Powerbomb.
Winner: Road Warrior Animal
OR: 73
CR: 74
MQ: 74
(Road Warrior Animal gained in over from 74 to 76.)
Cyrus comes to the ring with Scoot Andrews and Jun Akiyama, who is still rubbing the back of his head after D’Lo Brown hit the Sky High on him. Cyrus says that tonight Andrews and Akiyama will bring glory to The Virus after they defeat Jerry Lynn and A.J. Styles.
OR: 89
(Scoot Andrews gained in over from 80 to 81.)
Suddenly, Sting appears on the video screen, along with the words “Live from Venice Beach, CA”. Sting calls out Cyrus, accusing him of all sorts of nefarious deeds during his match with Scoot Andrews on Monday. Sting says he wants a piece of Jun Akiyama on Monday, but Cyrus says he already has a match with D’Lo scheduled for Monday. However, he tells Sting to show up next Friday, and he’ll have an opponent for him.
OR: 93
Styles and Lynn vs. Scoot Andrews & Jun Akiyama (with Cyrus): The Virus is visibly quite upset by Sting’s interruption of their pre-match interview. But they still manage to hold their own against Styles and Lynn, resulting in a great match. Lynn targets Akiyama’s already-injured head to take control for his team. Both he and Styles work over Akiyama, and eventually Lynn hits the Cradle Piledriver on Akiyama to pick up the pinfall while Styles keeps Andrews at bay. Suddenly, Haas Of Pain comes through the crowd and attack Styles and Lynn. Holly hits the Crash Bulldog on Styles, while Haas delivers Haastruction to Lynn. Haas Of Pain leaves Styles and Lynn laid out in the ring as the show ends.
Winner: Styles and Lynn
OR: 82
CR: 74
MQ: 91
OR: 80
Rating: 7.75
Attendance: 10049
Best segment: The Virus hangs out backstage (94)
Worst segment: Interview with D’Lo Brown (71)
Best match: Styles and Lynn over Scoot Andrews & Jun Akiyama (82)
-
Monday, November 10, 2003
With the debut of Jerry Lynn and the subsequent tag match, the Haas Of Pain vs. Styles and Lynn feud has reached 90 heat.
TNA XCitement
Hosts: Steven Kavovit and Bart Snake
Kavovit: Hello, everyone, welcome to XCitement! I'm Steven Kavovit, and my co-host is Bart Snake.
Snake: Good to see you again, Steven.
Kavovit: Tonight, Kaientai will be facing Haas Of Pain in tag team action.
Snake: Also, Donovan Morgan will be in action against Psychosis.
Kavovit: And our main event will see Sting taking on Scoot Andrews.
Snake: But earlier today, we got these words from Haas Of Pain about Kaientai, A.J. Styles, and Jerry Lynn. Check it out.
On the video screen, Haas Of Pain tries to tell us they’re not afraid of Styles and Lynn. In fact, they issue a challenge to Styles and Lynn to face them at the NWA Anniversary pay-per-view! Holly says that they’re going to treat every one of their opponents between now and then just like they’re Styles and Lynn. Haas says the team they’re facing tonight, Kaientai, wrestles a very similar style to Styles and Lynn, so it should be a good preview of what’s going to happen at the pay-per-view.
OR: 85
Psychosis vs. Donovan Morgan: Morgan cheats to gain some early momentum, and it proves to be an advantage he’ll never relinquish. Several times throughout the match, he’ll pause after delivering a move to tell the audience the move was “excellent.” But Psychosis is unable to take advantage of Morgan’s self-indulgences, and eventually falls victim to the Double Underhook Piledriver. Good match.
Winner: Donovan Morgan
OR: 81
CR: 76
MQ: 87
Backstage, Sting runs through a promo with little enthusiasm, but the fans still cheer wildly. The gist of the interview is that Sting is facing Scoot Andrews tonight, and Sting’s going to win. Nothing earth-shattering here, despite the crowd’s reaction.
OR: 96
Kaientai vs. Haas Of Pain: Just to keep the outcome in question, the announcers tell us Styles and Lynn aren’t here tonight, and neither is Sports Entertainment Xtreme. With no obvious sources of outside interference, the fans stay focused on this very good match. Kaientai controls the first few minutes, but Haas Of Pain cheats to get the upper hand, which they maintain for most of the match. Finally, TAKA makes the hot tag to Funaki, and he seems to turn the tide in favor of Kaientai. But while the referee is getting TAKA out of the ring, Haas Of Pain double-teams Funaki. Haas rolls up Funaki as the ref returns to the action. He starts the count, and Haas puts his feet over the middle rope to help hold Funaki down, but the referee never sees it. He makes the three count, and Haas Of Pain slips away with a cheap win. Funaki and the fans on that side of the ring try to tell the referee that Haas’ feet were on the ropes, but it’s too late to affect the outcome.
Winner: Haas Of Pain
OR: 83
CR: 77
MQ: 89
The camera cuts backstage to commissioner Mick Foley’s office, where he’s busily writing something. There’s a knock at the door, and Low-Ki enters. Foley congratulates him on getting out of Sports Entertainment Xtreme, and says he’s got a present for him. Low-Ki seems skeptical, still doubting Foley’s sincerity, but Foley says he’s on the up-and-up. In honor of him quitting SEX, Low-Ki will get a shot at Ken Shamrock for the World title at the NWA Anniversary pay-per-view! Low-Ki smiles and nods his head, then leaves Foley’s office.
OR: 90
Sting vs. Scoot Andrews (with Cyrus): Surprisingly, Andrews dominates Sting for the first couple of minutes, but after that it’s all Sting. He hits the Scorpion Death Drop, but the referee has only counted to one when Jun Akiyama enters the ring, picks up Sting, and nails him with Blue Thunder. Andrews is up, and they both work over Sting for a couple of minutes before leaving him in the ring.
Winner: Sting by disqualification
OR: 84
CR: 86
MQ: 82
OR: 86
Rating: 5.95
Attendance: 10018
Best segment: Interview with Sting (96)
Worst segment: Donovan Morgan over Psychosis (81)
Best match: Sting over Scoot Andrews (84)
-
Friday, November 7, 2003
Marcus Bagwell showed up late for Monday’s show. If I didn’t have plans for him this month, it would have been awfully easy to suspend him for a month.
TNA XPlosion
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Dick Williams
Morales: Hello, everyone, welcome to XPlosion! I'm Jeff Morales, and joining me this week is Dick Williams.
Williams: Hello, Jeff. Tonight we will see D’Lo Brown begin to “run the gauntlet” of members of The Virus, starting with Scoot Andrews.
Morales: Also, Vince Russo has scheduled a member of Sports Entertainment Xtreme to be in a Hardcore match, but we don’t know who it will be.
Williams: We just learned minutes ago that Anthony Durante has taken up Russo’s offer, so he’ll be the opposition for whoever is chosen.
Morales: Well, we know for sure it won’t be Low-Ki, since he quit SEX on Monday.
Williams: And tonight, Low-Ki will be in singles action against Perry Saturn.
Morales: Wait a minute, I’m getting word from the back that something’s happening. Do we have a camera crew there?
We cut backstage, where A.J. Styles is walking down the corridor. He stops at a door and knocks. When the door opens, there stands Haas Of Pain!
Styles: I challenge you two to a tag match tonight! I found someone to watch my back and keep it from being a two-on-one situation.
Haas: All right, we accept your challenge.
Holly: But there’s just one thing: who’s watching your back right now?
Styles: Well, …
With that, Holly and Haas attack Styles. They’ve got another good beatdown going when Jerry Lynn appears and evens the odds. Styles soon regains his footing, and Holly and Haas retreat into their dressing room.
OR: 88
(Crash Holly gained in over from 79 to 82.)
Low-Ki comes to the ring with a microphone. He says that without Vince Russo he knows he’s all alone, so he won’t be waiting for help that may never arrive. He says he’ll be better off for that, and he’s going to prove it right now against Perry Saturn.
OR: 80
Perry Saturn vs. Low-Ki: Low-Ki knows what he’s talking about, as he quickly dismantles Saturn. As expected, he needs no help to defeat his overmatched opponent.
Winner: Low-Ki
OR: 79
CR: 72
MQ: 87
Backstage in The Virus’ locker room, Cyrus is getting Scoot Andrews ready for his match with D’Lo Brown. Cyrus reminds us that if D’Lo loses to Andrews, then he doesn’t get his match with Bill Goldberg. Cyrus tells Andrews that it’s time, and Andrews leaves the dressing room. Cyrus then tells Johnny Smith that if something goes wrong tonight, he gets D’Lo next week. Smith nods, and Cyrus takes off after Andrews.
OR: 81
D’Lo Brown is in the ring with a microphone. I guess he’s got something to say. He says that tonight he may have Scoot Andrews, but he plans on going through everyone Cyrus puts in his way just to face Bill Goldberg.
OR: 77
D’Lo Brown vs. Scoot Andrews (with Cyrus): The announcers point out that this is D’Lo Brown’s first match in TNA. D’Lo pretty much dominates, and Andrews only has control of the match whenever Cyrus helps him out. D’Lo soon learns to avoid Cyrus, and hits the Sky High to score the pin. The referee raises D’Lo’s arm, but Johnny Smith attacks from behind. He applies the Leglock Submission! D’Lo writhes in pain, tapping out several times before the referee finally gets Johnny Smith off him. Cyrus gets a microphone and tells D’Lo to get used to that, because that’s the same thing that’s going to happen next week, when D’Lo will face Smith.
Winner: D’Lo Brown
OR: 79
CR: 72
MQ: 86
Vince Russo’s music plays, and he comes to the ring alone. The announcers continue to speculate who will be in the Hardcore match against Anthony Durante. They even speculate that Russo himself will be in the match, which should be grounds for firing right there. I mean, really – Russo in a Hardcore match? Anyways, Russo gets the microphone from the ring announcer and starts out by congratulating Low-Ki on his impressive win. Russo says that it was really impressive the way he defeated Perry Saturn, who hasn’t won a match in months, if ever, since joining TNA. Russo says he’s got more important matters to worry about than Low-Ki. He says that since Konnan has already used up his return match for the Hardcore title, it’s time for another member of Sports Entertainment Xtreme to step up and challenge Bas Rutten for the Hardcore title. The curtain opens, and Scott Hall walks out. He says that he’s ready to challenge anyone in a Hardcore match, be it Bas Rutten or his opponent tonight, Anthony Durante.
OR: 85
Hardcore match: Anthony Durante vs. Scott Hall (with Vince Russo): Durante gets the early advantage, but Russo passes items he finds under the ring to Hall, and he uses them to gain the upper hand. In less than five minutes, it’s apparent that Durante can’t overcome the constant advantage Russo supplies to Hall. Instead of going for the pin, Hall continues abusing Durante, trying to make a point about being a worthy contender for the Hardcore title. Finally, he sets up Durante for the Outsider’s Edge, while Russo positions a trashcan such that Durante’s head strikes it when Hall lands the move. He finally makes the pinfall.
Winner: Scott Hall
OR: 78
CR: 76
MQ: 80
A.J. Styles and Jerry Lynn make their way out to a small round of applause and “Jerry” chants. Is Springer in the house today? Styles says everyone knows he and Lynn haven’t always seen eye to eye in the past, but they’ve worked things out between them. Lynn says that he’s been sitting at home watching TNA, remembering all the good times he used to have, when Styles called him last weekend. As they talked things over, he remembered some of the best times he had was when he and Styles were tearing up the TNA Asylum every week, either as a team or as opponents. Lynn says that both men know each other’s moves, and that when Styles told him of his troubles with those two WWE rejects, Haas and Holly, that he knew then and there that he was coming back to TNA.
OR: 79
At that point, Haas Of Pain’s music plays, and they come out with another microphone. Haas says they meant it when they said it doesn’t matter who Styles got for an opponent. Holly says that Lynn must be rusty after that long layoff, and so they’re going to treat Lynn just like an old, rusty car – tonight, they’re going to crush him!
OR: 85
Styles and Lynn vs. Haas Of Pain: The crowd is into this match. They’re really hyped about Jerry Lynn’s return. About two minutes into the match, the referee totally loses control, and all four men end up in the ring, fighting each other. Lynn clotheslines Holly out of the ring, and then joins Styles to double-team Haas. Styles hits the Styles Clash on Haas, but Holly grabs Haas’ foot and pulls him out of the ring before a pin can occur. They walk away to fight another day. The ref counts them out and declares Styles and Lynn the victors. A very good little match.
Winner: Styles and Lynn by count out
OR: 85
CR: 81
MQ: 89
OR: 81
Rating: 7.59
Attendance: 10026
Best segment: Jerry Lynn saves A.J. Styles from a Haas Of Pain beatdown (88)
Worst segment: Interview with D’Lo Brown (77)
Best match: Styles and Lynn over Haas Of Pain (85)
-
Monday, November 3, 2003
TNA XCitement
Hosts: Steven Kavovit and Bart Snake
Kavovit: Hello, everyone, welcome to XCitement! I'm Steven Kavovit, and my co-host is Bart Snake.
Snake: Good to see you again, Steven.
Kavovit: Tonight, Konnan tries to regain the Hardcore title from Bas Rutten.
Snake: This is a return match from X Marks The Spot, where Rutten defeated Konnan to win the title.
Kavovit: Also, Sonny Siaki will face Damien 666 in a X-division match.
Snake: That music must mean Vince Russo’s on his way out, and it looks like he has Sonny Siaki and Konnan with him.
Konnan gets a microphone and runs through his usual spiel before saying that tonight he’s going to beat Bas Rutten for the Hardcore title. Then he passes the microphone to Siaki, who says that now it’s time for the X title to come back where it has always belonged – around his waist! He’s going to start right now with Damien 666.
OR: 86
Damien 666 vs. Sonny Siaki (with Vince Russo & Konnan): The fans are expecting a squash, so they’re not too surprised when that’s exactly what they got. All throughout the match, Konnan wanders around the ringside area, looking under the ring to see what’s down there that he can use as weapons in his upcoming title match. He makes his way over to the announcers’ desk, looking to see what’s there that he can use. Meanwhile, Siaki finishes off Damien with the Siakalypse.
Winner: Sonny Siaki
OR: 77
CR: 70
MQ: 84
NWA Hardcore title match: Bas Rutten © (with Alicia Shamrock) vs. Konnan (with Vince Russo): Before Rutten ever steps through the curtain, Konnan starts pulling items from under the ring. By the time Rutten gets into the ring, Konnan is waiting with a stop sign. Konnan uses it to get the early advantage. Konnan seems to be warming up to the concept of Hardcore matches. He looks very adept at the art of swinging a Singapore cane and has improved his ability to deliver a trashcan shot. Even Alicia seems to be getting into the whole Hardcore thing, as she passes one of her high-heeled shoes to Rutten. He nails Konnan right in the head, which allows him to take control. He hands the shoe back to Alicia, as we see that Konnan has been busted open by the heel of the shoe. Before before long, Rutten locks in the Guillotine Choke! Konnan struggles to get out of the hold as Russo gets in the ring behind Rutten and picks up a trashcan lid. Alicia alerts Rutten to this, and he turns around just as Russo swings. However, Rutten was still holding on to Konnan, and Russo ends up nailing Konnan. Rutten glares at Russo, who wisely gets out of the ring. The referee checks Konnan, but between Rutten’s hold and Russo’s misplaced shot, Konnan has passed out. The referee raises his arm and it falls three times, and the ref signals for the bell.
Winner: Bas Rutten
OR: 75
CR: 68
MQ: 82
(Konnan dropped in over from 78 to 76. Bas Rutten gained in over from 63 to 66.)
Low-Ki comes from the back and gets in the ring, walking past Rutten and Alicia without even acknowledging they were there. Russo is helping Konnan to the back when he notices Low-Ki. He then yells to Low-Ki, asking where he’s been. Low-Ki says he’s had all of Vince Russo that he can stand. Russo has failed to keep his promises to him and the other members of Sports Entertainment Xtreme, but Russo seems to have the others fooled. He says he knows he has all the skills to make it on his own without Russo, and he says he’s going to prove it right now. He then calls out Sting! Before long, Sting’s music plays, and he comes to the ring to the delight of the crowd.
OR: 94
(Low-Ki gained in over from 88 to 90.)
Sting vs. Low-Ki: Instead of returning to the back, Vince Russo joins the announcers. He sits in a chair and props his feet up on the desk. Meanwhile, Sting and Low-Ki are having a good little match. The fans really cheer for Sting, but they’re not quite sure what to make of Low-Ki. He drew some cheers during his interview for quitting SEX, but he’s still getting booed because he’s facing Sting. Surprisingly, Low-Ki uses actual wrestling technique to get the advantage on Sting instead of cheating, like some may expect. But at the end, Sting hits the Stinger Splash and then follows that up with the Scorpion Death Drop. The referee makes the three count. Afterwards, Low-Ki pulls himself to his feet, with the help of the ropes. Sting recognizes that Low-Ki gave him a good, clean match, and extends his hand … but Low-Ki brushes him off. Sting shrugs and leaves the ring.
Winner: Sting
OR: 90
CR: 94
MQ: 81
After Sting leaves, Russo takes the house microphone from the announcers’ desk. From there, he starts bad-mouthing Low-Ki. He says that after that match he should realize how lucky he was in SEX. Without Russo and the other members of SEX, Low-Ki is nothing. Russo says that if Low-Ki wants to go out on his own, that’s just fine with him.
OR: 80
OR: 83
Rating: 5.70
Attendance: 10040
Best segment: Low-Ki leaves SEX, calls out Sting (94)
Worst segment: Bas Rutten over Konnan (75)
Best match: Sting over Low-Ki (90)
-
Saturday, November 1, 2003
Curt Hennig's contract ran out today, and we bid him farewell. He helped get this company off the ground, but at the end he was living off his name and reputation, and not his in-ring ability. Age does terrible things to wrestlers, it's sad to see where he is today compared to where he was a decade ago. At least he was professional about it, trying to give the rub to members of The Virus and helping kick-start the feud between Haas Of Pain and A.J. Styles.
With the industry back on the upswing, another new promotion, Smokey Mountain Wrestling Rebirth, has opened. They are at the Regional level, putting them right in the middle of the other North American wrestling companies.
Here’s what our active roster looks like today (faces in blue, heels in red, tweeners in black, all followed by their current over):
MAIN EVENT
Sting (100)
UPPER MIDCARD
Road Warrior Hawk (81)
Road Warrior Animal (74)
MIDCARDERS
Ken Shamrock (92)
TAKA Michinoku (90)
Jody Fleisch (89)
Jeff Jarrett (86)
Super Crazy (84)
Masato Tanaka (82)
A.J. Styles (81)
Psychosis (80)
Ultimo Dragon (77) {currently injured}
D'Lo Brown (73)
Ebessan (72)
Norman Smiley (70)
Funaki (69)
Sabu (68)
Anthony Durante (65)
Damien 666 (63)
Chris Chetti (62)
Brian Lawler (71)
Bill Goldberg (95)
Scott Hall (89)
Low-Ki (88)
Sonny Siaki (84)
B.G. James (82)
Jun Akiyama (81)
Shane Douglas (81)
Charlie Haas (80)
Scoot Andrews (80)
Crash Holly (79)
Disco Inferno (78)
Johnny Smith (78)
Konnan (78)
Donovan Morgan (77)
Marcus Bagwell (77)
Steven Richards (68)
Gangrel (65)
LOWER MIDCARDERS
Bas Rutten (63)
Perry Saturn (60)
Akira Taue (54)
OPENERS
none
JOBBERS
none
MANAGERS
New Jack (93)
Steve Corino (92)
Alicia Shamrock (83)
Cyrus (90)
Vince Russo (87)
NON-WRESTLERS
Mick Foley (95)
TAG TEAMS {members} (experience)
Road Warriors {Road Warrior Hawk & Road Warrior Animal} (100)
Kaientai {TAKA Michinoku & Funaki} (56)
The Hardcore Japanese {Ebessan & Masato Tanaka} (7)
Haas Of Pain {Charlie Haas & Crash Holly} (5)
TITLES (image) {current holder}
NWA World (91) {Ken Shamrock}
NWA X (87) {Super Crazy}
NWA Tag Team (82) {The Hardcore Japanese}
NWA Hardcore (74) {Bas Rutten}
-
Friday, October 31, 2003
TNA XPlosion
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Dick Williams
Morales: Hello, everyone, welcome to XPlosion! I'm Jeff Morales, and joining me this week is Dick Williams.
Williams: Hello, Jeff. Tonight we will see the Road Warriors take on two members of The Virus, Scoot Andrews and Johnny Smith.
Morales: Another member of The Virus, Jun Akiyama, will face Sting in our main event.
Williams: Also, TAKA Michinoku has challenged any two members of Sports Entertainment Xtreme to a tag team match tonight, and as of yet we haven't heard if SEX has accepted the challenge, and if so which two it will be.
Morales: But who is TAKA's partner in that match?
Williams: I don't know, but I can guess that Marcus Bagwell won't be one of SEX's representatives if they do accept, because he's scheduled to face Akira Taue tonight.
Morales: I'm getting word that we have a camera crew inside Sports Entertainment Xtreme's locker room. Let's go there now.
Inside the SEX locker room, Vince Russo tells his guys about TAKA's challenge, to which most chuckle. Russo looks around, and notices Low-Ki isn't there. He asks the others where he is, and they all look around until Scott Hall says he hasn't seen him all day. Russo seems a little concerned, but then they have to decide who will represent SEX against TAKA Michinoku's team. Sonny Siaki and Disco Inferno are chosen, and then Russo tells Marcus Bagwell that it's time for his match.
OR: 85
(Disco Inferno gained in over from 76 to 77.)
New Jack comes to the ring with Akira Taue. He says that the Hardcore Japanese have been wanting to get a shot at Marcus Bagwell ever since he cost Sabu his shot at the Hardcore title. Well, tonight's the night, and Taue is the lucky one who gets a shot at him. New Jack tells Bagwell to come take his ass-kicking like a man.
OR: 79
Akira Taue (with New Jack) vs. Marcus Bagwell (with Vince Russo): Taue takes the early advantage, but some well-timed cheating (behind the referee's back, of course) by Vince Russo allows Bagwell to take command. New Jack reciprocates to turn the advantage back to Taue. Russo climbs up on the apron to complain, which causes New Jack to come around the ring. Russo and New Jack argue, which distracts the referee's attention while B.G. James comes running in from the back. James hits the Dogg Pound on Taue, and then quickly exits the ring as Bagwell climbs to the top rope. He hits a Blockbuster on Taue as Russo points the ref back to the in-ring action. He makes the three count, and James gets back in to continue the 2-on-1 assault. New Jack finds a Singapore cane under the ring (what, no crutch?), and quickly jumps into the fray to end the beatdown.
Winner: Marcus Bagwell
OR: 68
CR: 62
MQ: 75
Sonny Siaki and Disco Inferno come to the ring with Vince Russo. Siaki says he's been a part of Sports Entertainment Xtreme from the very beginning, and TAKA Michinoku never fit in with everyone else in the group. Disco says the only reason they didn't get rid of him sooner was because he was holding on to the X title, and without that he was useless to SEX. Siaki says that now it's time for TAKA to bring his sushi-eating ass to the ring with whoever he's got for a partner.
OR: 87
(Disco Inferno gained in over from 77 to 78.)
TAKA Michinoku comes out alone, carefully circling the ring. Russo gets the microphone and asks where TAKA's partner was. He continues to say that nobody wants to team with him. Nobody in SEX ever wanted to team with him, and nobody in all of TNA would be his partner. TAKA points to the curtain as some generic Oriental music plays, and the fans are shocked by who TAKA got to be his partner.
OR: 73
(TAKA Michinoku dropped in over from 92 to 90.)
TAKA Michinoku & Funaki vs. Sonny Siaki & Disco Inferno (with Vince Russo): The fans warm quickly to the reunion of Kaientai, and they proceed to put on a great match, possibly the best one ever involving Disco Inferno. Funaki looks very crisp in his debut, and he and TAKA run through all their classic Kaientai moves. The fans are especially appreciative of the Camel Clutch/Dropkick to the face on Disco. In the end, Funaki wraps up his impressive performance with a Tornado DDT on Disco to pick up the pin.
Winner: Kaientai
OR: 83
CR: 77
MQ: 90
Backstage, the camera crews find Sting. He cuts his usual hyperactive interview, basically saying what he plans on doing to Jun Akiyama later tonight. Every fan in the building was on their feet and cheering the whole time Sting's interview was shown on the video screen.
OR: 100
Cyrus comes to the ring with Scoot Andrews and Johnny Smith. He says in just a few minutes they're going to kick the Road Warriors' ancient asses. But right now he has a message for D'Lo Brown. He says that nobody just walks into TNA and demands a match with Bill Goldberg. Cyrus explains that if D'Lo wants a shot at Goldberg, he'll have to go through every other member of The Virus first, starting next week with Scoot Andrews.
OR: 84
(D'Lo Brown gained in over from 71 to 73.)
Road Warriors vs. Johnny Smith & Scoot Andrews (with Cyrus): It appears that Andrews was already starting to think about his match next week with D'Lo, because he certainly wasn't focused on the Road Warriors. In reality, Smith and Andrews both did a good job of selling for Hawk and Animal, and it ended up as a very good match. Hawk hits the Doomsday Device on Andrews and scores the pin.
Winner: Road Warriors
OR: 80
CR: 74
MQ: 86
A.J. Styles comes to the ring with a microphone. He says that no matter what he does, Haas Of Pain always ends up double-teaming him in the matches he's had with each of them. He says that he's come to the conclusion that he needs a tag team partner to combat them. Some spooky music starts to play, and a figure wearing a white sheet slowly walks to the ring. Styles asks if he's supposed to be some kind of ghost, and the figure nods his head. Styles then asks if he's come out to be his partner, and the ghost shakes his head no. At that time, Charlie Haas comes running in behind Styles with a pumpkin, which he smacks over Styles' head, knocking him down. The ghost pulls the sheet off, and it's Crash Holly! Haas Of Pain does a mini-beatdown on Styles before they decide to leave.
Holly: Trick or treat, bitch!
OR: 88
(Charlie Haas gained in over from 79 to 80.)
Sting vs. Jun Akiyama (with Cyrus): It hasn't been a good night for The Virus. First Andrews and Smith lose to the Road Warriors, and now Akiyama is totally dominated by Sting. Sting runs through all his usual moves, then applies the Scorpion Death Lock to pick up the win by submission.
Winner: Sting
OR: 82
CR: 85
MQ: 78
OR: 82
Rating: 7.91
Attendance: 10046
Best segment: Interview with Sting (100)
Worst segment: Marcus Bagwell over Akira Taue (68)
Best match: Kaientai over Sonny Siaki & Disco Inferno (83)
-
Monday, October 27, 2003
Last night's show came off pretty well, I think. Every match was at least 81 in quality, and that's something that not many other promotions could claim on any card. However, we failed to continue our streak of beating the WWE in pay-per-view buy rates. That signals that we still aren't quite ready to challenge them head-to-head on Monday nights.
The only complainer was B.G. James, who thought Masato Tanaka was working too stiff. Low-Ki made no such claims, although there's no question in my mind he's tougher than James, so maybe he wasn't too bothered by it.
TNA XCitement
Hosts: Steven Kavovit and Bart Snake
Kavovit: Hello, everyone, welcome to XCitement! I'm Steven Kavovit, and my co-host is Bart Snake.
Snake: Good to see you again, Steven.
Kavovit: Tonight, A.J. Styles tries to get a measure of revenge against Charlie Haas.
Snake: Last night at X Marks The Spot, Crash Holly defeated A.J. Styles thanks to interference by Holly's partner, Charlie Haas.
Kavovit: Speaking of last night's pay-per-view, earlier today we spoke to the latest wrestler to debut here in Total Nonstop Action, D'Lo Brown. Take a look.
On the video screen we see D'Lo Brown sitting on a park bench, with a flock of birds milling around on the ground in front of him. During the interview, he would occasionally reach into a bag and toss a handful of birdseed on the ground for them. He tells us that all throughout his wrestling career he's had to play the race card. However, in TNA the only card he wants to play is the ass-kicking card. So he figured the best place to start was with a world-recognized bad ass like Bill Goldberg. He's been planning his next move for some time, but when he saw Goldberg grab Alicia Shamrock, he knew what he had to do. He states he has no ties to Alicia or anyone she manages, he just did what was right. But now that everyone knows he's here in TNA, he's ready to make his next move. He wants a match with Goldberg!
OR: 73
Norman Smiley vs. Gangrel: I gather from the crowd reaction this wasn't the match they came to see tonight. However, nobody jumps out of the crowd to grab Gangrel's cup, which, as Diamond Dallas Page would say, is a good thing. Smiley picks up the submission victory with the Norman Conquest. Afterwards, he does the Big Wiggle to the delight of a few fans.
Winner: Norman Smiley
OR: 69
CR: 66
MQ: 72
Vince Russo's music plays and he comes to the ring with the other eight members of Sports Entertainment Xtreme. Russo points out that the only match they won last night was Scott Hall and Disco Inferno against the Road Warriors. He berates Konnan for losing the Hardcore title, and then starts talking about the Tag Team title match. He talks some trash towards B.G. James, but when he walks to Low-Ki, he takes the microphone from Russo before he could say anything about him. Low-Ki says there's only one person who is responsible for SEX losing all three title matches last night. Russo, who got another microphone from the ring announcer, agrees with him. He says that the person responsible for those losses is … TAKA Michinoku! TAKA looks surprised by this announcement, as does Low-Ki. He asks if Russo has lost is mind, pointing out that TAKA had been the X champion for many months and was the anchor of the unit. Russo says that used to be true, but now that TAKA has lost everyone can see his flaws. Russo declares that, as of this moment, TAKA Michinoku is out of Sports Entertainment Xtreme. TAKA still looks shocked when Scott Hall, Marcus Bagwell, Konnan, Disco Inferno. B.J. James, and Sonny Siaki start punching him. Russo continues to direct the attack as Low-Ki just throws his hands up in the air and walks away.
OR: 73
(Vince Russo dropped in over from 89 to 87. TAKA Michinoku gained in over from 87 to 92. TAKA Michinoku's turn was completed, and he is now a face.)
Jody Fleisch (with Alicia Shamrock) vs. Brian Lawler: The announcers are still shocked by the events of the previous segment, so much that they spend more time talking about it than this match. It's a pretty good match, and the fans are into it, since Alicia is at ringside. Fleisch makes quick work of Lawler, pinning him after a Phoenix 720 DDT.
Winner: Jody Fleisch
OR: 79
CR: 76
MQ: 82
A.J. Styles hits the ring and asks for a microphone. While not great on the stick, he's been handling it quite capably in the last couple of weeks when given a chance. He tells Charlie Haas he made the biggest mistake of his life last night, and now he's going to have to pay. He tells Haas to kiss is boyfriend Crash Holly goodbye and come face him alone.
OR: 80
A.J. Styles vs. Charlie Haas: Haas comes to the ring, apparently really steamed by Styles' statements about his relationship with Holly. Styles is able to take advantage of that to gain command early on. It's pretty much all Styles, until a double reverse if an Irish Whip sends Haas crashing into the corner where the referee is. Styles retrieves Haas to continue the onslaught while the referee crumples to the mat. Predictably, Crash Holly runs in with a chair and nails Styles. Holly helps the referee return to consciousness while Haas lands the Haastruction on Styles. The ref counts the pin, never realizing Holly was ever in the ring.
Winner: Charlie Haas
OR: 86
CR: 87
MQ: 87
OR: 78
Rating: 5.70
Attendance: 10015
Best segment: Charlie Haas over A.J. Styles (86)
Worst segment: Norman Smiley over Gangrel (69)
Best match: Charlie Haas over A.J. Styles (86)
-
Sunday, October 26, 2003
TNA X Marks The Spot
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Bart Snake
Morales: Hello, TNA fans, we’re live from Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, and this is X Marks The Spot! I’m Jeff Morales, and with me tonight is Bart Snake. Bart, it’s good to see you.
Snake: I'm glad to be working with you, Jeff. I can’t wait for tonight’s show!
Morales: Our main event tonight features Bill Goldberg challenging Ken Shamrock for the World title.
Snake: Shamrock defeated Goldberg last month at Autumn Ambush, and tonight Goldberg gets his contractually mandated return match.
Morales: Also, B.G. James and Low-Ki get their contractually mandated rematch for the Tag Team titles against The Hardcore Japanese.
Snake: Two other members of Sports Entertainment Xtreme, Scott Hall and Disco Inferno, will be facing the Road Warriors in tag team action.
Morales: But those aren't the only members of SEX who we'll see tonight. Konnan will be defending the Hardcore title against Bas Rutten, and TAKA Michinoku has to defend his X title against Super Crazy in a ladder match.
Snake: That should be a really good match. Earlier today, we got these words from Steve Corino and Super Crazy.
On the video screen, we see a close-up of Super Crazy's eyes, and the camera slowly zooms out until we se both Crazy and Steve Corino. Meanwhile, Corino tells TAKA Michinoku to take a good look into Crazy's eyes. He really is crazy! Why in the world would anyone want to challenge him to a Ladder match? Corino says TAKA brought this all on himself when he attacked Crazy with a ladder. They just wanted a simple X title match, but TAKA wanted to get a ladder involved. So now it is, and TAKA's going to find out how Super Crazy earned his name.
OR: 92
(Steve Corino gained in over from 89 to 92.)
NWA Hardcore title match: Bas Rutten (with Alicia Shamrock) vs. Konnan © (with Vince Russo): Fortunately for the ring crew, there is no garbage in the trashcans under the ring. I say that because Rutten pulls one from under the ring before the match ever begins. However, it's only used a couple of times before Rutten settles into a mat-wrestling contest. The announcers even point out that it doesn't look like a traditional Hardcore match. Where's Sabu and New Jack when you need them? Konnan whacks Rutten with a trashcan lid to gain the advantage and soon starts working over Rutten's leg. The announcers speculate that Konnan is trying to weaken the leg before applying the Tequila Sunrise. Konnan signals for the move, but Alicia gets a broom from under the ring and slides it in to Rutten. A couple of shots later, and Rutten has swept back into command. Russo chases Alicia around the ring, but Jody Fleisch comes out to protect her from Russo. Rutten is also distracted by the events outside the ring, but Konnan isn't able to take advantage. Sonny Siaki comes out and gets in the ring. He charges at Rutten, but he steps out of the way and Siaki crashes into Konnan. Rutten tosses Siaki to the floor, where Fleisch keeps him occupied while Rutten locks in the Guillotine Choke! Konnan doesn't last long before he taps out.
Winner: Bas Rutten
OR: 74
CR: 67
MQ: 81
(Bas Rutten gained in over from 61 to 62. The NWA Hardcore title has dropped in image from 76 to 74.)
A.J. Styles vs. Crash Holly (with Charlie Haas): The announcers detail the events that led up to this match being signed, and then state that Curt Hennig suffered some internal injuries from Haas Of Pain's attack and he'll be out of action for some time. This one's a very good match, and the crowd is into it as well. But anytime Styles strings together two or three moves in a row, Haas interferes to give his partner the upper hand. The fact that Styles kept coming back from this leads many in the crowd to conclude that Styles is better than Holly, and the only reason this match wasn't over a lot sooner was Haas' interference. Finally, Styles makes the wise decision and stays in the center of the ring when he gets an advantage. Haas goes around the ring to where the referee was standing and punches him in the back of the head! With the referee down, Haas gets in the ring to help Holly. Styles briefly holds his own, but Haas Of Pain has the numbers advantage. Soon they hit the Haas Crasher on Styles, and then Haas revives the referee from outside the ring. The referee asks him what happened, and he points to an empty beer cup and signals that a fan threw it and bonked him in the back of the head. The referee bought it! What an idiot. Meanwhile, Holly puts on a display for the referee's benefit, nailing the Crash Landing on Styles to make it look like he did it all by himself. After the pin, Haas gets back in the ring and they work over Styles for a bit before finally leaving.
Winner: Crash Holly
OR: 85
CR: 83
MQ: 88
NWA Tag Team title match: The Hardcore Japanese © (with New Jack) vs. B.G. James & Low-Ki (with Vince Russo): Russo leads James to the ring, and Low-Ki trails some distance behind with a scowl on his face. Low-Ki starts for his team, and they quickly have the advantage on Ebessan and Tanaka. Low-Ki doesn't seem to have any problems with James, as they exhibit good teamwork. However, he glares at Russo each time he tries to talk to Low-Ki. Sports Entertainment Xtreme pretty much controls, until James and Ebessan collide and bump their heads together. Ebessan tags in Tanaka, who's a house of fire and it's BONZO GONZO! Tanaka punches down both Low-Ki and James, and soon Ebessan is back up. He brawls with Low-Ki out to the floor, and Russo gets up on the apron. Tanaka grabs him and signals to the fans that he's going to punch him, but James is up. He charges at Tanaka, but he moves out of the way, and James strikes his own manager. Irony can be so cruel. James turns around, but Tanaka is waiting with the Roaring Elbow! Ebessan prevents Low-Ki from breaking up the pinfall. New Jack celebrates his team's win while Low-Ki stands alone in the ring, looking down at Russo before returning to the locker room by himself.
Winner: The Hardcore Japanese
OR: 80
CR: 76
MQ: 84
Backstage, Cyrus is standing by with Bill Goldberg. Cyrus says he sincerely hopes Ken Shamrock didn't get injured too seriously on Friday. Goldberg … smiles? What's up with that? Cyrus says he wants Shamrock to make it to the main event tonight so Goldberg can finish the job he started two days ago and bring the World title back to The Virus.
OR: 80
Ladder match for the NWA X title: Super Crazy (with Steve Corino) vs. TAKA Michinoku © (with Vince Russo): As the two wrestlers make their way to the ring, the camera crew shows us the X title suspended over the ring, and that four eight-foot ladders have been set up outside the ring during Cyrus' interview. Early on, the match features back-and-forth high-flying action that is typical of most X-division matches. But at the five-minute mark, Crazy has enough of an advantage that he takes the opportunity to retrieve one of the ladders. He slides it between the middle and top rope, but by this time TAKA has recovered enough to dive on the end of the ladder, and the seesaw effect brings the other end of the ladder up into Crazy's face. The fans chant "Holy shit" for the first of many times in this match. Throughout the next several minutes, both wrestlers perform various ladder-based moves on each other, and two more ladders are brought into the ring by the time 21 minutes have passed. Crazy hits a sick-looking Moonsault off the fifth step of one of the ladders, but instead of trying to retrieve the belt, he gets out of the ring and looks under the apron, where he finds yet another ladder. He drags it out, and it's bigger than the others, a 15-foot ladder. He sets it up in the ring and starts to climb. However, TAKA recovers some and begins to climb up the other side. Crazy reaches the top first, but he discovers he's not directly under the belt and has to reach over towards it. When TAKA gets to the top, they slug it out, and Crazy gets turned around. TAKA maneuvers over to Crazy's side, and - oh my God! Hurracanrana off the ladder! Crazy is sent to the floor and the ladder falls over. The fans chant once again as both men slowly recover. TAKA is the first to his feet and moves two of the smaller ladders over towards one corner, and the sets up the big one in the center of the ring. He climbs up and can almost touch the belt, but by that time Corino has revived Super Crazy. He climbs to the top rope, walks across the two ladders, and Clotheslines TAKA back to the mat, and yet again the fans chant for the sacred poop. Crazy sets up the third small ladder in another corner and then climbs to the top rope. He leapfrogs over the ladder to deliver a Flying Legdrop! Russo starts to get in the ring as Crazy climbs up the ladder, but Corino drags him to the floor. Crazy grabs the title belt and nearly collapses to the floor. The crowd claps appreciatively at this great match.
Winner: Super Crazy
OR: 85
CR: 78
MQ: 92
Road Warriors vs. Scott Hall & Disco Inferno (with Vince Russo): The announcers point out that it hasn't been a good night for SEX. We're running a little short on time, so this match only lasts about seven minutes before Disco distracts the referee, which allows Hall to hit a Low Blow on Animal. Hall, in an impressive display of strength, lands the Outsider's Edge on Animal, and Disco brawls with Hawk while the ref counts to three.
Winner: Scott Hall & Disco Inferno
OR: 83
CR: 82
MQ: 84
NWA World title match: Ken Shamrock © (with Alicia Shamrock) vs. Bill Goldberg (with Cyrus): This one wasn't as good as their match last month, but the fans were just as into it. Both men trade moves with one another, but eventually Shamrock gets control. At the 13-minute mark, Shamrock hits a High Angle Belly To Belly Suplex and scores the pin.
Winner: Ken Shamrock
OR: 88
CR: 90
MQ: 84
(The NWA World title gained in image from 89 to 91.)
The referee raises Shamrock's arm as Goldberg rolls to the floor, but Cyrus takes the title belt from the timekeeper's table and gets in the ring behind Shamrock. He nails him with the belt, and Shamrock staggers forward. He turns around, seemingly unaffected by the shot. Cyrus realizes he's alone in the ring with Shamrock, and starts begging off. But Shamrock blasts him with a Clothesline, and to the delight of the fans, locks in the Ankle Lock on Cyrus! But he hears a scream, and only then does everyone notice Goldberg has Alicia! Goldberg threatens to injure Alicia if Ken doesn't release Cyrus, and Ken responds by threatening to snap Cyrus' ankle if Goldberg doesn't release Alicia. The situation looks like it will be resolved when Bas Rutten and Jody Fleisch come out, but hot on their heels is Scoot Andrews, Johnny Smith, and Jun Akiyama, and all five start brawling into the crowd and backstage, leaving us back at a stalemate. The crowd erupts when a stranger walks out from the back and bumps into Goldberg. It's D'Lo Brown! He punches Goldberg and he releases Alicia. Goldberg and D’Lo brawl for a little bit, and Ken releases Cyrus to check on his wife. Finally, Goldberg picks up Cyrus and heads back to the locker room, leaving D’Lo and the Shamrocks triumphant at ringside.
OR: 82
OR: 82
Buy rate: 1.91
Attendance: 20028
Best segment: Interview with Steve Corino and Super Crazy (92)
Worst segment: Bas Rutten over Konnan (74)
Best match: Ken Shamrock over Bill Goldberg (88)
-
Friday, October 24, 2003
Monday was another one of those days, which totally ruined the overall rating of the matches. And how about that awesome Super Crazy-TAKA Michinoku confrontation? They are so uncharismatic I wasn't really expecting much, but it was a necessary evil in order to set things up for this Sunday's X Marks The Spot pay-per-view. Unfortunately, this looks like another month that just goes along until the end of the last show before the pay-per-view, when commissioner Foley finally announces the card for the show.
TNA XPlosion
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Dick Williams
Morales: Hello, everyone, welcome to XPlosion! I'm Jeff Morales, and joining me this week is Dick Williams.
Williams: Hello, Jeff. Tonight we will see the Road Warriors take on two members of Sports Entertainment Xtreme, Disco Inferno and the Hardcore champion, Konnan.
Morales: Both these teams are former Tag Team champions, so that should make for a good match.
Williams: Also, Jeff Jarrett will be in action against Gangrel, and commissioner Mick Foley will be out in a little while to announce the matches for this Sunday's pay-per-view, X Marks The Spot.
Morales: But right now, making their way to the ring, Vince Russo and the newest member of SEX, Marcus Bagwell.
As Russo and Bagwell make their way to the ring, the announcers talk about how Bagwell helped save Konnan's Hardcore title last week to get back into SEX. Russo says Bagwell was like a sheep without his shepherd while he was not a member of Sports Entertainment Xtreme, but now he has found his way back home. Bagwell says he's going to prove everyone was wrong about him beginning tonight against Perry Saturn.
OR: 85
(Marcus Bagwell gained in over from 75 to 77.)
Perry Saturn vs. Marcus Bagwell (with Vince Russo): Here is your textbook SEX match: face gets the early advantage, Russo interferes, heel gets control. A bit formulaic, but the formula is sound. Bagwell finishes off Saturn with the Blockbuster.
Winner: Marcus Bagwell
OR: 71
CR: 66
MQ: 76
Next out is Jeff Jarrett to talk about his match with Gangrel. Nothing of importance is said, but the fans cheer just because it's Jeff Jarrett.
OR: 85
Jeff Jarrett vs. Gangrel: Another in the month-long series of squash matches for Jeff Jarrett. I think the fans are getting tired of it. In fact, one of the fans jumps over the railing and takes Gangrel's cup of viscous red liquid. Security quickly pounces and drags the fan backstage, and it turns out it's smeyers003! The fans are more interested in watching his antics with the cup and security than the match itself. Speaking of which, Jarrett pins Gangrel after the Stroke.
Winner: Jeff Jarrett
OR: 76
CR: 75
MQ: 78
The announcers discuss the potential matches for X Marks The Spot when Curt Hennig's music plays and he comes to the ring. The announcers tell us he's not scheduled to compete tonight as he gets a microphone and enters the ring.
Hennig: Crash Holly! I bet you think that stunt you pulled Monday was real funny, don't you? Trying to say I'm part of your cousin Bob's "J.O.B. Squad". Is that what you really think of me? Then why don't you come out and get in the ring, and I'll help get you on another squad - the "Out-of-a-job Squad"! I'll rip you to pieces, just like I did with that shirt.
The music plays, and Holly comes out with his tag-team partner.
OR: 78
Curt Hennig vs. Crash Holly (with Charlie Haas): Hennig starts out on fire, dominating Holly in the early going. Hennig whips Holly into the ropes and goes for a Dropkick, but Haas grabs Holly's leg to keep him from running into it. While the referee admonishes Haas, Holly digs into his trunks. He's got something in his hand! Hennig gets up, but Holly punches him, and coins go flying everywhere. He had a roll of quarters! The referee turns around and counts the pin, despite all the quarters scattered on the mat. Haas gets in the ring, and a two-on-one beatdown on Hennig commences. The camera zooms in, and Hennig has been busted open. The announcers speculate the money-assisted punch caused that. The fans keep looking at the curtain, waiting for someone to come make the save. Finally, here comes someone. It's A.J. Styles, and he's got a chair! He's in the ring, but both members of Haas Of Pain take off before Styles can get a shot in.
Winner: Crash Holly
OR: 75
CR: 73
MQ: 78
As the medics attend to Hennig, Styles demands a microphone. This should be interesting. He says that they had no business to treat a legend like Curt Hennig that way. Holly shrugs as Haas laughs at that idea. Styles then challenges Holly to a match at X Marks The Spot, and Holly nods in approval.
OR: 84
Disco Inferno and Konnan, along with Vince Russo, come out for the main event. Disco reminds the crowd that everyone thought the Road Warriors couldn't be beaten for the Tag Team titles, until they did it. Konnan want to speak on this (Orale! Arriba la raza!), and then says tonight lightning will strike twice.
OR: 80
Road Warriors vs. Disco Inferno & Konnan (with Vince Russo): A good power match, which displays the ability of the Road Warriors. When it looks like they've got things firmly in control, Animal is lured into the ring, which distracts the referee long enough for Vince Russo to climb onto the ring apron and nail Hawk with Konnan's Hardcore title belt. However, Hawk kicks out of Konnan's pin at two. Disco and Konnan maintain their advantage for a while, but eventually a mistake allows Hawk to make the hot tag. Animal dominates both members of SEX, and then signals for the Doomsday Device. But before they can even attempt the move, Scott Hall runs in, and the referee calls for a DQ. It's 3-on-2, and SEX looks like they're going to deliver a beatdown of their own. Then the curtain opens, and Bas Rutten comes running with a trashcan! He goes straight for Konnan and bonks him in he head with it, spreading trash all over the ring. Hey Bas - you're supposed to empty the trashcan first! Now look what our poor ring crew is going to have to clean up. The Road Warriors soon start to turn the tide on Hall and Disco, so they leave the ring. Russo pulls Konnan out too, leaving Rutten and the Road Warriors alone in the ring.
Winner: Road Warriors by disqualification
OR: 78
CR: 77
MQ: 80
As both sides point fingers at each other from a safe distance, Mick Foley's music hits and the crowd goes wild.
Foley: I can see that there are still some unfinished issues here, but I think I've got a solution for them. Bas Rutten, on Monday you thought you should get a Hardcore title shot, and after the way you were swinging that trashcan, I'm inclined to agree. So in two days, in Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, Konnan, you'll be defending your Hardcore title against Bas Rutten at X Marks The Spot. As for you, Scott Hall and Disco Inferno, you'll be facing those two men, the Road Warriors, this Sunday, and that is final! Now get out of here, all of you!
Russo: Wait a minute, Mick. If you're going to schedule these three of my men for X Marks The Spot, why don't you give me the match I want! You know what that is - B.G. James and Low-Ki's return match for the Tag Team titles!
Foley: Vince, if you would just keep your mouth shut for five seconds, I was going to get around to that. Yes, James and Low-Ki are contractually obligated to a return match for the Tag Team titles, and they will get their shot this Sunday.
Russo: Yes! Thank you, Mick. You're a wonderful commissioner. I'll go now.
Foley: Wait a minute, there's going to be another match involving a member of Sports Entertainment Xtreme, and you might want to listen to it. Since TAKA Michinoku attacked Super Crazy on Monday with a ladder, I've decided that this Sunday, on pay-per-view, TAKA will defend the X title against Super Crazy … in a Ladder match!
Russo: No, you can't do that!
Foley: Now you may leave. Go on, go.
Russo finally leaves, along with Konnan, Hall, and Disco. Rutten and the Road Warriors soon follow.
OR: 84
The ring crew starts getting the garbage out of the ring while setting up a table and chairs in the ring as Foley continues.
Foley: Now then, there's one more title left, and that's Ken Shamrock's World title. Just like the Tag Team titles, there was a return clause in last month's match between Shamrock and Bill Goldberg. So the main event at X Marks The Spot will be Ken Shamrock defending the World title against Bill Goldberg. However, I have yet to get both your signatures on the contract for the match, so if you would both come on out, I have the contract right here.
Foley gets in the ring and places the contract on the table as Ken Shamrock comes out with the title belt and Alicia Shamrock. Alicia starts looking over the contract as Cyrus comes out with Bill Goldberg. Goldberg and Ken Shamrock stare at each other as Foley encourages them to both sit down. Foley assures them it's a good contract with no surprises, and yes, there is a return clause if Ken loses. Alicia hands the contract to Ken, nodding that it's OK to sign it. Who knew - she's smart as well as beautiful! Ken signs the contract and slides it across the table to Goldberg. Cyrus reads it as well, and then tells Goldberg it's OK. He signs is, and then passes it back to Foley. He picks up the contract to make sure all the signatures are in order, but Goldberg shoves the table hard into Ken Shamrock, knocking him backwards! Alicia scrambles out of the ring as Foley collects the paperwork from the mat. Ken gets up, but Goldberg is waiting for him. Spear! Cyrus shouts an instruction at Goldberg as he picks Shamrock up and drags him back towards the table. Jackhammer on the table! The table breaks, and Foley then steps between Shamrock and Goldberg, chasing him and Cyrus away while Alicia checks on Ken.
OR: 84
OR: 80
Rating: 7.28
Attendance: 10029
Best segment: (tie) Interview with Marcus Bagwell and Vince Russo; Interview with Jeff Jarrett (85)
Worst segment: Marcus Bagwell over Perry Saturn (71)
Best match: Road Warriors over Disco Inferno & Konnan (78)
-
Monday, October 20, 2003
TNA XCitement
Hosts: Steven Kavovit and Bart Snake
Kavovit: Hello, everyone, welcome to XCitement! I'm Steven Kavovit, and my co-host is Bart Snake.
Snake: Good to see you again, Steven.
Kavovit: Tonight, Curt Hennig completes his run through Cyrus' gauntlet when he takes on Johnny Smith.
Snake: It hasn't been a very good run for Hennig, as he is 0-for-3 so far.
Kavovit: Speaking of The Virus, Scoot Andrews will be in our main event tonight against Jeff Jarrett.
Snake: But let's get things started with some X-division competition!
Super Crazy (with Steve Corino) vs. Brian Lawler: The announcers remind us of Corino's challenge to TAKA Michinoku to face Super Crazy for the X title. Crazy is certainly impressive enough to deserve a title shot in this match. Lawler stalls while playing to the crowd at the beginning, but Crazy soon gets the advantage and the pace of the match picks up. Lawler has a hard time matching Crazy, and as a result the match quality drags a little. Crazy ends the match with a Trifecta Moonsault for the pin.
Winner: Super Crazy
OR: 68
CR: 69
MQ: 84
Steve Corino gets in the ring to celebrate with Super Crazy and the announcers speculate whether Crazy will get a X title shot. But TAKA Michinoku comes out of the back with a ladder! He slides it into the ring behind Corino and Crazy and then attacks them both from behind. He gets in a couple of good shots with the ladder on each of them before finally leaving.
OR: 61
(TAKA Michinoku dropped in over from 88 to 87. Super Crazy dropped in over from 81 to 79.)
Backstage, the cameras catch Curt Hennig walking to the ring for his match. However, he is stopped by Crash Holly. He talks about how him and his cousins have always been big fans of Hennig from way back in the day. Hennig looks skeptical, but Holly says he has a gift for him. Holly pulls out a T-shirt with the words Curt Hennig: "Mr. Perfect" on the front, along with Hennig's face. Hennig seems real appreciative, and Holly insists Hennig wear the shirt during his match tonight. Holly helps him put the shirt on, and Hennig thanks him as he walks away. Holly has a sly grin on his face, and then starts laughing. The camera turns to see Hennig walking away, and we can see that the back of the shirt reads The newest member of the J.O.B. Squad.
OR: 78
Curt Hennig vs. Johnny Smith (with Cyrus): Hennig proudly shows off his new shirt to the fans, and Cyrus and Smith laugh when they see what's on the back of the shirt. Not realizing what's going on, Hennig takes advantage of the distracted Smith to start the match. But Cyrus grabs Hennig's leg, and Smith gets the upper hand. He stays on Hennig for the rest of the match, finally applying the Leglock Submission. Hennig taps out, and Cyrus gets a microphone before entering the ring to celebrate with Smith.
Cyrus: Hey Hennig, I guess by reading your shirt, you've found your calling in life. I'd say after the last few weeks, you're the "perfect" member of the J.O.B. Squad!
Cyrus and Smith laugh as they leave the ring. Hennig takes the shirt off and reads the back, and then promptly has a temper tantrum, ripping up the shirt and tossing the pieces of it into the crowd.
Winner: Johnny Smith
OR: 65
CR: 71
MQ: 76
Backstage, Alicia Shamrock is standing with Bas Rutten. She says that Rutten is ready to prove that he belongs in a wrestling ring, and he's going to start by earning a title belt. So she starts listing off the NWA titles. With Ken Shamrock holding the World title, Rutten won't be fighting his friend, so that one's out. Although he's teamed with Jody Fleisch in the past, he wants to prove he can handle things by himself, so the Tag Team titles are out. And he's not really suited for the X title. So that leaves the Hardcore title. She asks Rutten if he thinks he's ready for a Hardcore title shot. Rutten silently responds by showing he's got a chair in his hands, and then he hits himself in the head with it three times! Alicia is satisfied.
OR: 89
(Alicia Shamrock gained in over from 80 to 83.)
Jeff Jarrett vs. Scoot Andrews (with Cyrus): As the "get Jeff Jarrett's morale up" tour nears completion, there's no doubt who's going to win this match, although Andrews does put on a good show. But in the end, Jarrett hits the Stroke to get the pin.
Winner: Jeff Jarrett
OR: 74
CR: 80
MQ: 86
OR: 72
Rating: 6.14
Attendance: 10008
Best segment: Interview with Alicia Shamrock and Bas Rutten (89)
Worst segment: TAKA Michinoku attacks Super Crazy with a ladder (61)
Best match: Jeff Jarrett over Scoot Andrews (74)
-
Friday, October 17, 2003
Yup, another one of those days. That sucks. And could that Super Crazy video have gone any worse? Hopefully it won't happen tonight, as we've got a big show lined up.
TNA XPlosion
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Dick Williams
Morales: Hello, everyone, welcome to XPlosion! I'm Jeff Morales, and joining me this week is Dick Williams.
Williams: Hello, Jeff. Tonight we will see Curt Hennig continue to run the gauntlet against The Virus.
Morales: But as of yet we don't know which member of The Virus will be his opponent yet.
Williams: Well, since he's already faced Scoot Andrews and Jun Akiyama, I would only assume it will be Johnny Smith.
Morales: Speaking of Scoot Andrews, he'll be out here in a few minutes for our opening match against Super Crazy. But we have to tell you that tonight we will see a Hardcore title match.
Williams: Earlier today, commissioner Mick Foley granted New Jack's request to give Sabu his rematch for the belt tonight. Take a look at this footage.
On the video screen, we see a clip from earlier today of New Jack in Foley's office. New Jack asks if Konnan has responded to his challenge, and Foley says he hasn't heard anything from Sports Entertainment Xtreme. However, he says he agrees with New Jack, so he orders that tonight, right here in Nashville (thumbs up, cheap pop), Konnan will defend his Hardcore title against Sabu. And that ruling is final!
OR: 83
The cameras cut live to the SEX locker room. Konnan seems worried about defending his belt against someone like Sabu. The rest of the group tries to cheer him up. Vince Russo reminds him that SEX will never let him down, and he's got all kinds of back-up plans for tonight should Konnan need any assistance in retaining the title. Konnan seems relieved, but in the background we see Low-Ki, who looks somewhat skeptical of Russo's plans.
OR: 86
Super Crazy comes to the ring with Steve Corino, who's got a microphone. Corino tells us that he feels Super Crazy should get a X title shot, since he's the only contender that hasn't had a shot at TAKA Michinoku's belt. He says if there's any doubt Super Crazy is a serious challenger for the title, just watch this match.
OR: 89
(Super Crazy gained in over from 80 to 81.)
Super Crazy (with Steve Corino) vs. Scoot Andrews (with Cyrus): Tonight's crowd seems more receptive to Super Crazy than Monday's audience. Maybe he's just one of those wrestlers you just have to see in person, as a video doesn't show the whole picture. This great match starts off with a dazzling display of moves and counter-moves, which leads to a stalemate. The crowd appreciatively applauds the chain-wrestling sequence as the two combatants nod approvingly at each other. After that, Super Crazy steps up the pace with his aerial arsenal, and Andrews struggles to keep up. Andrews gets the advantage after Cyrus interferes, but Crazy regains control. Crazy climbs to the top rope and hits a Flying Legdrop for the surprise pin. Great match.
Winner: Super Crazy
OR: 81
CR: 71
MQ: 91
New Jack comes to the ring with Sabu, who still doesn't seem very comfortable with New Jack as his manager. New Jack says it's time for the Hardcore title to come back where it belongs - with Sabu. He smacks a surprised Sabu on his chest, who responds by threatening to punch New Jack. New Jack, however, has turned his back and is continuing to talk trash about Konnan and Vince Russo, saying even his best plans won't prevent Konnan from losing.
OR: 91
(New Jack gained in over from 90 to 93.)
NWA Hardcore title match: Sabu (with New Jack) vs. Konnan © (with Vince Russo): Konnan gets the early advantage, but the tide is turned when New Jack starts passing weapons to Sabu from under the ring. A funny moment as New Jack finds a cardboard box under the ring, which he passes to Sabu. He bashes the box over Konnan's head, and the ring is covered with little pills! A close-up of the remains of the box shows it was full of Stacker 2! Good work, camera crew - that ought to be worth some extra sponsorship money. Of course, both Konnan and Sabu slip and fall on the pills. After a while, the referee gets most of them kicked out of the ring. As the match continues, it's clear what the end result is going to be as Sabu climbs the ropes for a Moonsault. Russo waves to the back, and Disco Inferno comes to the ring. However, New Jack is waiting for him, and they brawl on the floor at ringside. Next out are the former Tag Team champions, B.G. James and Low-Ki, who hit the ring and start working over Sabu. Soon after, the current Tag Team champs, Masato Tanaka and Ebessan, come out to even the odds. Scott Hall is out, but so is Akira Taue. The ring is pretty full, and the ringside area is crowded as well. Just to add to the Battle Royal feel, Sonny Siaki and TAKA Michinoku come out, but Sabu's old manager, Steve Corino, and Super Crazy come out to brawl with them, once again evening the odds. Russo himself tries to help out, but there's just too many bodies, and every member of SEX has already tried to help. Suddenly, Marcus Bagwell comes to the ring with a steel chair. He nails Sabu with a chair, then climbs to the top rope and nails him with a Blockbuster! Just for good measure, Konnan hits the 187 and then covers, and Bagwell jumps on top of him just to make sure Sabu will stay down for the three count, which he does.
Winner: Konnan
OR: 74
CR: 71
MQ: 78
(The NWA Hardcore title has gained in image from 74 to 76.)
The referees and road agents all come out to get everyone separated, and finally it's just Marcus Bagwell and the members of SEX left at ringside. Vince Russo gets a microphone and thanks Bagwell for helping out. He asks if there's anything they can do for him, and he replies that he just wants back in Sports Entertainment Xtreme. Russo looks at the rest of the group, and then announces that as of right now, Bagwell is back in SEX! They have a big group hug - except Low-Ki, who just shakes his head and walks back to the locker room.
OR: 73
(Vince Russo dropped in over from 91 to 89.)
Jun Akiyama and Johnny Smith come to the ring with Cyrus as the announcers once again debate who Curt Hennig's opponent is, noting that Scoot Andrews has already wrestled tonight. Cyrus gets a microphone and announces that on Monday Curt Hennig will face Johnny Smith, but tonight Hennig will face Bill Goldberg! The announcers are shocked, and the crowd goes wild. Cyrus says that Smith and Akiyama want some competition tonight, so he makes an open challenge to any two wrestlers to come face them. After about five seconds, the music hits and the crowd once again erupts.
OR: 88
(Johnny Smith gained in over from 77 to 78.)
Road Warriors vs. Johnny Smith & Jun Akiyama (with Cyrus): Much like Scoot Andrews' match earlier, the members of The Virus are made to look like jobbers. Of course, Andrews and Akiyama have recently beaten Curt Hennig, so what does all that do to him? The Road Warriors run through all their power moves, and Akiyama and Smith sell like champions, and the match comes off looking pretty good. Hawk scores the pin on Akiyama after the Doomsday Device.
Winner: Road Warriors
OR: 81
CR: 76
MQ: 87
As Cyrus and his men slowly leave the ring, on the video screen we see clips of Hennig's matches against Akiyama and Andrews, and a bout between Bill Goldberg and Hennig from a couple of months ago. Also seen are some clips of Goldberg being pinned by Ken Shamrock at Autumn Ambush. The clips are arranged so that it gives the impression Hennig might actually be able to defeat Goldberg tonight.
OR: 80
Curt Hennig vs. Bill Goldberg (with Cyrus): Unfortunately, any impression about Hennig's chances for success goes out the door in the first minute of this match. Hennig looks more and more like the third Mulkey brother with every contest. This is pretty much a squash, like most of Goldberg's matches early in his run in WCW. Goldberg lands the Jackhammer and picks up the easy win.
Winner: Bill Goldberg
OR: 82
CR: 85
MQ: 76
OR: 82
Rating: 7.44
Attendance: 10038
Best segment: Interview with New Jack and Sabu (91)
Worst segment: Marcus Bagwell rejoins SEX (73)
Best match: Bill Goldberg over Curt Hennig (82)
-
Monday, October 13, 2003
The fans didn't really take well to Alicia Shamrock gaining a couple of new clients. I guess they like her more as a one-man show. Who would have guessed monogamy is so popular in Nashville?
TNA XCitement
Hosts: Steven Kavovit and Bart Snake
Kavovit: Hello, everyone, welcome to XCitement! I'm Steven Kavovit, and my co-host is Bart Snake.
Snake: Good to see you again, Steven.
Kavovit: On Friday, B.G. James attacked Sting during his match with Scott Hall on XPlosion. So tonight, our main event will be Sting vs. B.G. James!
Snake: Also, Jeff Jarrett will be in action, but right now let's get things started with a tag team match.
Perry Saturn & Anthony Durante vs. Haas Of Pain: This one's pretty much all Haas Of Pain, who easily have more tag experience than their opponents. They cheat quite liberally to maintain their advantage, and after about six minutes they hit the Haas Crasher on Saturn. Holly covers to get the win.
Winner: Haas Of Pain
OR: 66
CR: 67
MQ: 81
Backstage, Sting talks about his upcoming match against B.G. James. He says James had no reason to interfere in his match three days ago, and now he's going to make him pay.
OR: 99
Jeff Jarrett vs. Johnny Smith (with Cyrus): Cyrus creates a distraction, which allows Smith to take the early advantage. However, Jarrett comes back to retake the advantage, much to the chagrin of Cyrus. Jarrett sets Smith on the turnbuckle and then nails a Superplex. Jarrett scores the pin as Cyrus has a temper tantrum.
Winner: Jeff Jarrett
OR: 72
CR: 76
MQ: 86
On the video screen, we see a highlight package for Super Crazy. In the video package, the fans seem to be enjoying his matches, cheering his moves and counting to ten in Spanish as he punches someone in the corner. However, the fans watching the video seem disinterested.
OR: 61
(Super Crazy dropped in over from 82 to 80.)
Sting vs. B.G. James (with Vince Russo): Sting charges right into the ring, not playing to the fans as usual. Tonight's all about payback for him, and he seems to be getting him some. Whenever James gets control, Sting quickly reverses the situation. In a night of squash matches, this one is perhaps the most surprising. Sting cinches in the Scorpion Death Lock as Russo runs back to the locker room. James doesn't last very long before he taps out.
Winner: Sting
OR: 75
CR: 88
MQ: 75
Suddenly, Vince Russo is back with the other members of Sports Entertainment Xtreme. Sting fights them off for a few moments, but the numbers are too much for him to overcome. Sting is decimated in a brief amount of time, but the attack continues for a couple of minutes. Finally, Russo decides they've made their point, and he calls SEX back to the locker room as the show ends.
OR: 85
OR: 77
Rating: 5.76
Attendance: 10011
Best segment: Interview with Sting (99)
Worst segment: Video featuring Super Crazy (61)
Best match: Sting over B.G. James (75)
-
Friday, October 10, 2003
In a surprising twist, Old School Dojo was bought out by Rob Black. Yes, the same Rob Black who sold me Xtreme Pro Wrestling. The wrestling industry is on the rise once again, so now he wants back in. Well, good luck with your Backyard fed, Rob! I guess that puts an end to the "old school" in Old School Dojo.
Also, Ultimo Dragon suffered a Tricep Strain while working out Thursday. He should be back sometime before the end ot the year.
TNA XPlosion
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Dick Williams
Morales: Hello, everyone, welcome to XPlosion! I'm Jeff Morales, and joining me this week is Dick Williams.
Williams: Hello, Jeff. Tonight we will see Curt Hennig continue to run the gauntlet against The Virus, tonight against Scoot Andrews.
Morales: Also, Sting will face Scott Hall in our main event. But right now, let's head to the ring for our opening bout, a Hardcore match between Shane Douglas and Sabu, with his new manager, New Jack.
Hardcore match: Sabu (with New Jack) vs. Shane Douglas: The announcers review Monday's events which led to Sabu now being managed by New Jack. Even though Douglas is a former Hardcore champion, Sabu pretty much overwhelms him. New Jack hands Sabu his staple gun, but Sabu just looks at it and then clubs Douglas in the head with it. New Jack tries to give him directions on how to operate it, but Sabu doesn't understand. He does, however, understand how to use a fork, which New Jack also hands to him. It's not long afterwards that Douglas is bleeding profusely from the forehead. Unlike when Steve Corino was Sabu's manager, New Jack cheers on Sabu and encourages him to get even more violent. Finally, Sabu hits a Moonsault through a table and pins Douglas.
Winner: Sabu
OR: 73
CR: 70
MQ: 76
New Jack grabs a microphone and gets into the ring as the medics attend to Douglas.
New Jack: Konnan! Listen up and listen good. Sabu wants his rematch for the Hardcore title next week. So bring his title belt, bring all your SEX buddies, and be prepared to lose your title to the most homicidal, suicidal, genocidal ass-kicker in sports entertainment today!
OR: 83
Curt Hennig is backstage. He says he doesn't have a problem with facing members of Cyrus' group. Tonight he gets Scoot Andrews, and he thinks that is a perfect opponent to get some retribution for last week.
OR: 80
Cyrus is in The Virus' dressing room with Scoot Andrews. He says that tonight they're going to prove once again that the only thing perfect about Curt Hennig is The Virus' undefeated record against him.
OR: 85
(Scoot Andrews gained in over from 72 to 73.)
The announcers are dumbfounded when Steven Richards' music plays and he gets in the ring. They say he's not scheduled for a match tonight as he takes a microphone. He's upset at how he lost to Sting on Monday, and now he wants anyone from the back to come face him so he can show the world how good a wrestler he really is. Some familiar music hits, and the fans are already on their feet before anyone ever steps through the curtain.
OR: 69
Jeff Jarrett vs. Steven Richards: Richards doesn't fare much better tonight than he did Monday. This one's all Jarrett, who scores the pin after a Stroke in less than four minutes.
Winner: Jeff Jarrett
OR: 77
CR: 75
MQ: 79
The cameras cut to the Sports Entertainment Xtreme locker room, where Scott Hall is standing with Vince Russo in the background. He says it's been a long time, and now in his first match in several months he's starting out at the top, taking on Sting. Hall says he's got three months of pent-up aggression that's ready to get out, and he wants to show his teammates that he can be focused on the big goal.
OR: 85
In another part of the building, we find Sting preparing for his match against Scott Hall. He says that while Hall was sitting at home drinking beers, he was out wrestling every night. He says Hall will find out soon that a lot has changed while he was gone, but one thing that's the same is that Sting will beat him, just like always.
OR: 91
Curt Hennig vs. Scoot Andrews (with Cyrus): Andrews carries Hennig to a good match, which is pretty sad that Hennig has to be carried that far by anyone. Cyrus cheats to help Andrews get the advantage late in the match, and it's too much for Hennig to overcome. Andrews uses the Forces Of Nature to get the pin.
Winner: Scoot Andrews
OR: 77
CR: 75
MQ: 80
(Curt Hennig dropped in over from 85 to 84. Scoot Andrews gained in over from 73 to 75.)
Backstage, Alicia Shamrock is once again visiting the vending machine and is startled when someone calls her name. She turns around, and is relieved to find Jody Fleisch and Bas Rutten. Fleisch says that they both feel like they deserve title shots, but are having a hard time getting them without a manager. Rutten tries to say that Alicia is doing a good job of managing Ken Shamrock, but his accent is pretty heavy, so some may not have understood. Eventually they ask if she will be their manager, and she says it's fine with her, but she'll have to check with Ken first.
OR: 64
(Jody Fleisch dropped in over from 92 to 89. Alicia Shamrock dropped in over from 82 to 80.)
Sting vs. Scott Hall (with Vince Russo): Hall obviously has a lot of ring rust after three months of inactivity, but the crowd is really into this match because they love Sting, and also because Russo does a good job of getting them riled up. Hall gets the early advantage, but gets too cocky and that allows Sting to take over. He hits the Stinger Splash and signals for the Scorpion Death Lock, but B.G. James comes running in and nails Sting. The referee has no choice but to call for a disqualification. James and Hall beat down Sting for a couple of minutes before Russo gets in the ring, and the three celebrate over the fallen Sting before leaving.
Winner: Sting by disqualification
OR: 88
CR: 93
MQ: 77
OR: 80
Rating: 7.59
Attendance: 10004
Best segment: Interview with Sting (91)
Worst segment: Jody Fleisch & Bas Rutten join with Alicia Shamrock (64)
Best match: Sting over Scott Hall (88)
-
Monday, October 6, 2003
Surprisingly enough, be were able to get two commercial spots on WWE Raw tonight, including one near the end of the show. We'll see how that affects the debut of our new show.
TNA XCitement
Hosts: Steven Kavovit and Bart Snake
Kavovit: Hello, everyone, welcome to XCitement! I'm Steven Kavovit, and my co-host is Bart Snake.
Snake: Good to see you again, Steven. It's been a long time.
Kavovit: Tonight is the debut of XCitement here on NBC, and we'll be coming to you every Monday night. Tonight you will see in action Jeff Jarrett and Sting, and in our main event is a Tag Team title match.
Snake: Check out this footage from earlier tonight.
On the video screen, we see New Jack walking down a hall before suddenly stopping and kicking a door open. Inside is Vince Russo, who is shockingly alone in the Sports Entertainment Xtreme locker room.
New Jack: Eight days ago, The Hardcore Japanese were cheated out of their Tag Team titles!
Russo: I wasn't around eight days ago, remember?
New Jack grabs Russo by the shirt and lifts him a couple of inches into the air.
Russo: Put me down!
New Jack: I say tonight they get a rematch with no outside interference. What do you say?
Russo: Put me down!
New Jack: How 'bout I put your head through that wall?
Russo: No, don't do that! OK, you can have your match, just put me down!
New Jack: For the titles?
Russo: Yes, yes!
New Jack: No interference?
Russo: Right! Please, just let me go!
New Jack tosses Russo down onto the couch and stomps out of the room. Low-Ki comes in, looking down the hall at New Jack as he walks away. Russo quickly straightens up on the couch.
Russo: And stay out!
Low-Ki: What was that all about?
Russo: He was trying to say that The Hardcore Japanese were better than you and B.G. James, so we're going to have a Tag Team title match tonight to prove it, and I've arranged for nobody to interfere. Now, if you'll excuse me.
Russo leaves the room, and Low-Ki is obviously pissed off.
OR: 87
Jeff Jarrett vs. Marcus Bagwell: The "get Jeff Jarrett's morale up" series continues, this time with Bagwell. There are still a few "Jobwell" chants, but Bagwell's been off television enough that all but the most die-hard fans have forgotten about it. Those chants are mostly undeserved, as Bagwell controls for most of the middle part of the match, but Jarrett makes a big comeback at the end and finishes off Bagwell with a Stroke.
Winner: Jeff Jarrett
OR: 77
CR: 80
MQ: 71
Sting comes to the ring for his match against Steven Richards. He gets a microphone and talks to the crowd for a couple of minutes, not really saying anything of much importance, but the crowd eats up his act.
OR: 100
(Sting gained in over from 99 to 100.)
Sting vs. Steven Richards: This one is pretty much a squash. Sting dominates right from the opening bell through all four minutes of this match before locking on the Scorpion Death Lock to pick up the submission victory.
Winner: Sting
OR: 79
CR: 82
MQ: 74
NWA Tag Team title match: The Hardcore Japanese vs. B.G. James & Low-Ki ©: Both teams come to the ring without their managers, as was agreed upon earlier. It's a pretty good match, with both teams scoring near-falls throughout the contest. They finally reach a decisive turning point near the end of the match, when Low-Ki picks up Ebessan and goes for an Airplane Spin. While he was spinning around, he accidentally got too close to his own corner, causing Ebessan's feet to kick James in the head, knocking him to the floor. Low-Ki dumps Ebessan, but of course is dizzy as well. He reaches for a tag, but James is still recovering on the floor. Meanwhile, Ebessan makes the hot tag to Masato Tanaka, who is quickly able to take advantage of Low-Ki's dizziness. Less than a minute later, he connects with a Roaring Elbow and pins Low-Ki just as James recovers enough to try and break up the pin, but he isn't successful. The referee raises Tanaka's hand, and he and Ebessan grab the title belts and quickly leave as Low-Ki argues with James.
Winner: The Hardcore Japanese
OR: 79
CR: 75
MQ: 83
The camera cuts to the Hardcore Japanese locker room, where New Jack and Akira Taue celebrate Masato Tanaka and Ebessan's victory. Before long, Steve Corino and Sabu walk in.
New Jack: Hey look, it's Steve Corino and Sabu! Come on in and have some whisky.
Corino: Um, no thanks. Congratulations on your win, guys. Listen, New Jack, can I have a word with you?
New Jack: Sure. Wassup?
Corino: Look, you know more about being hardcore than I do. I'm more of an old-school kind of guy. I only brought in Sabu as a favor to commissioner Foley. But lately, Sabu's matches have really gotten out of hand, and quite frankly I don't think I'm suited to handle them.
New Jack: So, what do you want me to do about it?
Corino: I was wondering if you'd be interested in taking over managerial duties for Sabu.
New Jack: Say what? He ain't no Japanese. See, we're the Hardcore Japanese, and that just ain't him.
Corino: Yeah, but look: he's a former Hardcore champion, something that none of your guys can claim. So I'd say that he's enough Hardcore that you can overlook the fact that he's not Japanese.
New Jack: Hmm … you've got a point. All right, so what to you want for him? A Tag Team title shot for those other two guys you manage, Ultimo Dragon and Super Crazy?
Corino: No, nothing like that. He's all yours. Thanks!
Corino turns and walks away, patting Ebessan and Tanaka on the back before leaving the dressing room. Sabu and New Jack just look at each other before Sabu points up to the ceiling.
New Jack: Yeah, I know. Here, take this.
New Jack hands Sabu a bottle of whisky before rejoining his other guys as Sabu just looks at the bottle.
OR: 86
(Sabu gained in over from 73 to 74.)
OR: 84
Rating: 5.70
Attendance: 10050
Best segment: Interview with Sting (100)
Worst segment: Jeff Jarrett over Marcus Bagwell (77)
Best match: (tie) Sting over Steven Richards; The Hardcore Japanese over B.G. James & Low-Ki (79)
-
Friday, October 3, 2003
TNA XPlosion
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Dick Williams
Morales: Hello, everyone, welcome to XPlosion! I'm Jeff Morales, and joining me this week is Dick Williams.
Williams: Hello, Jeff. Tonight we will see Curt Hennig in action against Jun Akiyama of Cyrus' Virus.
Morales: Also, Sonny Siaki will face A.J. Styles in a X-division match in our main event. They faced each other a few weeks ago and it was an incredible match, so we'll see what happens tonight.
Williams: And our first match this week will feature Haas Of Pain against Chris Chetti and Damien 666.
Morales: But as you can see, the ring is decorated for a special celebration by Sports Entertainment Xtreme, who successfully defended the Tag Team and X titles last Sunday at Autumn Ambush, and also Konnan, who won the Hardcore title. That music must mean that SEX is on their way to the ring.
The six members of Sports Entertainment Xtreme make their way to the ring, led by Low-Ki. Fireworks go off and balloons fall from the ceiling as they enter the red-carpeted ring. Low-Ki tells the crowd, amidst a chorus of boos, that all of them are champions - him and B.G. James are still the Tag Team champions, TAKA Michinoku is still the X champion, and Konnan is the Hardcore champion. And to them, Disco Inferno and Sonny Siaki are champions for the way they handle themselves and help out the other members of SEX whenever they need it. He passes the microphone to Konnan and then to B.G. James, who run through their dazzling array of catchphrases. In a stunning move, the microphone gets handed to TAKA Michinoku. He looks unsure, but the others encourage him to speak. Just as he is about to, some familiar music hits.
OR: 82
TAKA drops the microphone as Vince Russo and Scott Hall step through the curtain! The fans can't decide whether to cheer their return, or boo them since they're bad guys. Russo and Hall don't look happy as they get in the ring. The other members of SEX look a little concerned about their unexpected appearance. Russo and Hall walk up and down the line, scowling at them. Finally, Russo hugs Siaki and Hall hugs James, as SEX is one big happy family again. Except for Low-Ki, who doesn't seem happy to see Russo and Hall back. Russo picks up the microphone and congratulates them on their success during his absence, and says he's seen the light and now all of TNA had better watch out for Sports Entertainment Xtreme.
OR: 74
As the ring crew gets the balloons and confetti cleaned up and the red carpet taken out of the ring, the announcers introduce a video clip of an interview from earlier today with Haas Of Pain. They tell us they deserve better competition than Damien 666 and Chris Chetti, who are their opponents tonight. They promise to make short work of them and continue climbing the tag-team ranks.
OR: 78
Chris Chetti & Damien 666 vs. Haas Of Pain: Haas Of Pain are true to their words, as they run through Damien and Chetti. This one's over in less than two minutes, when Crash Holly pins Chetti after the Haas Crasher.
Winner: Haas Of Pain
OR: 71
CR: 67
MQ: 76
Shane Douglas comes to the ring as the clueless announcers wonder what he's up to. He picks up the microphone and issues an open challenge to anyone in the back to face him. The unexpected response comes from …
OR: 84
Jeff Jarrett vs. Shane Douglas: The fans were on their feet for most of this match, despite the fact that the match wasn't nowhere near as good as others have been. Douglas gets in some offense via cheating, but Jarrett controls the action for most of the match. He finishes off Douglas with the Stroke.
Winner: Jarrett
OR: 77
CR: 81
MQ: 70
Backstage, Curt Hennig talks about his match against Jun Akiyama tonight. He says he's learned from his mistakes last Sunday, such as not overlooking his opponents. He says he's not taking Akiyama lightly.
OR: 85
Jun Akiyama and Cyrus come to the ring. Cyrus says he learned some things from Curt Hennig's match last Sunday, too. One thing was that Curt Hennig isn't perfect anymore. In fact, he learned that Hennig isn't really much of a wrestler anymore. He says there's no way Hennig could beat any member of The Virus, and he invites Hennig to try.
OR: 87
Curt Hennig vs. Jun Akiyama (with Cyrus): A back-and-forth match that gets dragged down by Hennig, despite Akiyama's best efforts. Hennig sets Akiyama up for the Hennig Plex, but Cyrus gets on the apron, distracting him. He releases Akiyama to argue with Cyrus, by Akiyama recovers quickly. Blue Thunder! That shook the ring. Akiyama celebrates the win on the floor as Hennig can only hang his head.
Winner: Jun Akiyama
OR: 76
CR: 78
MQ: 74
Sonny Siaki comes to the ring with Vince Russo and a microphone. He says TAKA Michinoku proved last Sunday that Styles isn't a threat in the X division, and he's going to prove it tonight.
OR: 76
A.J. Styles vs. Sonny Siaki (with Vince Russo): This match is nowhere near as good as their last encounter, but the fans are really into it. For the most part, Russo seems content to stand at ringside and shout encouragement to Siaki. All that changes near the end, when Styles gets control and signals for the Styles Clash. Instead, he goes to bounce off the ropes, but Russo grabs his foot, tripping him up. Of course, the referee didn't see it. Styles argues with Russo as Siaki gets back to his feet. He spins Styles around and nails him with the Siakalypse. The ref makes the easy count to three.
Winner: Sonny Siaki
OR: 82
CR: 82
MQ: 83
OR: 79
Rating: 7.59
Attendance: 10012
Best segment: Interview with Cyrus and Jun Akiyama (87)
Worst segment: Haas Of Pain over Chris Chetti & Damien 666 (71)
Best match: Sonny Siaki over A.J. Styles (82)
-
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
Any time I get a pay-per-view where all four titles gain in image, I'll take it. The only complaint came from Bas Rutten, who thought Johnny Smith was working too reckless. I thought he was supposed to be a tough guy? What a wuss.
An interesting thing about the pay-per-view weekend was that, for the first time, we had a higher buy rate than World Wrestling Entertainment's pay-per-view. Many in the company fell like we are now ready to challenge them head-to-head, and they aren't alone. We received a phone call this morning from NBC executives who still hold a grudge against Vince McMahon for the XFL debacle. They had found out that we had beaten them in pay-per-view buy rates and offered us a television show late evening on Monday night. If the fans tune in, they may give us the chance to go head-to-head with WWE Raw! Obviously, we jumped at that chance. Right away, the advertising department was working on getting some advertising time on Raw, telling their fans to tune in to TNA XCitement on NBC after Raw. If we don't have WWE's attention yet, we probably will by this time next week, especially if we get a decent rating.
The downturn of the wrestling industry has claimed yet another victim, this time Border City Wrestling. However, various Internet sites report that a new promotion, Old School Dojo, has opened. Somebody please don't tell Steve Corino! No, I think he's happier here than in some Backyard promotion.
Our sponsorship deal with THQ has come to an end, but both sides agreed that it was beneficial to them, so we quickly worked out another deal. Also, we filled our final sponsorship vacancy with Sports Illustrated. They have been sponsoring Federation De Lutte Internationale, but were looking to upgrade when their deal ran out at the end of last month.
With no immediate plans for the future with Jeff Jarrett, he's only going to continue to lose morale by not having him on the shows. So we have decided to drop him down to a Midcarder. Of course, now we're going to have to put him in a bunch of meaningless matches to build his morale back up. Also, we don't have any plans for using Osamu Nishimura or Piloto Suicida this month, so we decided it would be best if we sent them back to Japan for more seasoning. Probably they'll be meeting our new arrivals from Japan at the airport. With those moves, here’s what our active roster looks like today (faces in blue, heels in red, tweeners in black, all followed by their current over):
MAIN EVENT
Sting (99)
UPPER MIDCARD
Curt Hennig (85)
Road Warrior Hawk (81)
Road Warrior Animal (78)
MIDCARDERS
Jody Fleisch (92)
Ken Shamrock (92)
Jeff Jarrett (86)
Masato Tanaka (82)
Super Crazy (82)
A.J. Styles (81)
Psychosis (80) {currently injured}
Ultimo Dragon (77)
Sabu (73)
Ebessan (71)
Norman Smiley (70)
Anthony Durante (65)
Damien 666 (63)
Chris Chetti (62)
Brian Lawler (71)
Bill Goldberg (95)
Scott Hall (89)
Low-Ki (88)
TAKA Michinoku (88)
Sonny Siaki (84)
Jun Akiyama (81)
Charlie Haas (79)
Crash Holly (79)
B.G. James (78)
Konnan (78)
Donovan Morgan (77)
Johnny Smith (77)
Shane Douglas (77)
Disco Inferno (76)
Marcus Bagwell (75)
Scoot Andrews (72)
Steven Richards (68)
Gangrel (65)
LOWER MIDCARDERS
Bas Rutten (61)
Perry Saturn (60)
Akira Taue (54)
OPENERS
none
JOBBERS
none
MANAGERS
New Jack (90)
Steve Corino (89)
Alicia Shamrock (82)
Vince Russo (91)
Cyrus (90)
NON-WRESTLERS
Mick Foley (97)
TAG TEAMS {members} (experience)
Road Warriors {Road Warrior Hawk & Road Warrior Animal} (100)
The Hardcore Japanese {Ebessan & Masato Tanaka} (5)
Haas Of Pain {Charlie Haas & Crash Holly} (3)
TITLES (image) {current holder}
NWA World (89) {Ken Shamrock}
NWA X (87) {TAKA Michinoku}
NWA Tag Team (82) {B.G. James & Low-Ki}
NWA Hardcore (74) {Konnan}
-
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Hey, we made it through a good week with decent match ratings! Hopefully that holds up tonight. One bit of bad news out of Friday's show was TAKA Michinoku complaining about Masato Tanaka being too rough on him in their match.
A few minutes before the pay-per-view began, commissioner Mick Foley came to the ring to thank everyone in Knoxville (thumbs up, cheap pop) for coming tonight. He points out some of the celebrities in attendance at ringside. Among them is Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, NASCAR racer Sterling Marlin, and University of Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt. Foley says if she was the one who had recruited Kevin Nash to play basketball at Tennessee, she would have been fired years ago. Also, Foley acknowledges the die-hard TNA fans who drove from Nashville, including super fan Coqui.
OR: 84
TNA Autumn Ambush
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Bart Snake
Morales: Hello, TNA fans, we’re live from Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee, and this is Autumn Ambush! I’m Jeff Morales, and with me tonight is Bart Snake. Bart, it’s good to see you.
Snake: I'm glad to be working with you, Jeff. I can’t wait for tonight’s show!
Morales: Our main event tonight features Bill Goldberg defending the World title against Ken Shamrock.
Snake: Last month, Ken Shamrock was the runner-up in the Gauntlet For The Gold, and has been fighting against Cyrus' Virus ever since.
Morales: Also, TAKA Michinoku will defend the X title against A.J. Styles.
Snake: Styles has been on fire since returning to TNA, including wins over TAKA's Sports Entertainment Xtreme cohorts Low-Ki and Sonny Siaki.
Morales: SEX will be involved in two other title matches, when Konnan challenges Sabu for the Hardcore title, and Low-Ki and B.G. James will have their Tag Team titles on the line when they face The Hardcore Japanese.
Snake: In other matches, Curt Hennig will be taking on Donovan Morgan, who will be making his first appearance on pay-per-view, and as a result of the main event of XPlosion on Friday, we'll also see two members of The Virus, Johnny Smith and Scoot Andrews, in action against Jody Fleisch and shootfighter Bas Rutten.
Morales: As you can see, Cyrus and his men are already on their way to the ring.
Jody Fleisch & Bas Rutten vs. Johnny Smith & Scoot Andrews (with Cyrus): While Rutten isn't a household name yet, he shows an impressive display of technical ability against Smith and Andrews, who are fine technical wrestlers themselves. When Fleisch is tagged in, the pace gets picked up. Neither member of The Virus can keep up with him, and soon Fleisch lands the Phoenix 720 DDT on Andrews to get the pin. Cyrus jumps in the ring, and Jun Akiyama comes from the locker room to make it a 4-on-2 attack. The referees and road agents break it up, and Cyrus eventually calls off his troops. Fleisch and Rutten are left laid out in the ring. An excellent match, and a good showcase of Rutten's talent.
Winner: Jody Fleisch & Bas Rutten
OR: 80
CR: 70
MQ: 90
NWA Hardcore title match: Sabu © (with Steve Corino) vs. Konnan: Konnan uses his size to get the early advantage, but Sabu uses his quickness and experience in Hardcore matches to get the advantage. Sabu has been especially violent in recent months, and if anything he's even more violent in this match. As if tables, chairs, trashcans, and street signs weren't hardcore enough, Sabu introduces a new weapon: barbed wire. All right, that does it! Why is there barbed wire under the ring? Anybody? Sabu wraps his torso in the barbed wire, as Corino looks disgusted at ringside. Sabu sets up a chair as we see a few trickles of blood starting to flow from the punctures in his abdomen and back. He bounces off the ropes, and hits a Triple Jump Moonsault! The fans chant "Holy shit" as the camera spots Corino having revulsions from that. Another cameraman zooms in for a close-up of Sabu getting off Konnan, and we can see the flesh being torn off both Sabu and Konnan as they separate. Sabu unwraps the barbed wire, causing even more bleeding, as an obviously nauseated Corino turns his back. He misses seeing Disco Inferno come into the ring and pick up a chair. Sabu gets the last of the barbed wire off, and turns around, only to be blasted by Disco. He drags Konnan over Sabu and tells the referee to count. Corino hears Disco and turns around, but he is too late to break up the count.
Winner: Konnan
OR: 77
CR: 72
MQ: 82
(The NWA Hardcore title has gained in image from 72 to 74.)
Backstage, Cyrus stands with Bill Goldberg. He says that Ken Shamrock got just a little taste of what's in store for him last Friday. He tells Shamrock to get ready for more pain and suffering. Goldberg tells Shamrock he's next.
OR: 81
NWA Tag Team title match: The Hardcore Japanese (with New Jack) vs. B.G. James & Low-Ki ©: A good match, but we were hoping for better. The crowd was involved, which is a nice consolation prize. The action goes back and forth, but when it seems like The Hardcore Japanese are about to make the pinfall, Sonny Siaki comes out to put a stop to it. The referee gets distracted, and Siaki lands the Siakalypse on Ebessan. Low-Ki makes the cover to get the win. SEX starts beating both Ebessan and Masato Tanaka until New Jack finds a crutch under the ring. Hey, why didn't they use that in the Hardcore match? New Jack gets in the ring, but SEX takes off before the crutch can be used. The fans boo, but I can't tell if they're booing SEX or if they're booing the crutch not getting used.
Winner: B.G. James & Low-Ki
OR: 80
CR: 75
MQ: 86
(The NWA Tag Team titles have gained in image from 80 to 82.)
Curt Hennig vs. Donovan Morgan: The fans want to see the veteran pick up the win here, and they cheer loudly for Hennig's introduction. The announcers bill this as a match-up of perfection vs. excellence. Unfortunately, Hennig's days of perfection are long behind him, and in fact his skills have eroded so much that Morgan has to do most of the work, but he just can't carry Hennig to a good match. Hennig can still sell Morgan's offense, so that's what he does most of the match. The end comes seemingly out of nowhere, when Hennig whips Morgan to the turnbuckle and then charges in. Morgan raises his foot, and Hennig runs right into it. Morgan quickly covers and puts both feet on the middle rope, but the referee doesn't see it and counts the pin. Morgan quickly scampers out of the ring before Hennig can get any retribution. Morgan looks into the camera and says that was excellent.
Winner: Donovan Morgan
OR: 80
CR: 81
MQ: 78
The camera crew backstage finds Ken Shamrock with Alicia. She points out that Ken has been wrestling the bottom feeders of Cyrus' group, but tonight he gets the top dog. Ken says Goldberg got him from behind last month at Gauntlet For The Gold, but tonight he's coming right at him.
OR: 85
NWA X title match: A.J. Styles vs. TAKA Michinoku ©: This one's another match that really wasn't as good as we were expecting. It's still very good, though. After nearly 18 minutes of nonstop action, TAKA Michinoku becomes the first member of SEX to get a clean pin tonight after he lands the Michinoku Driver on Styles.
Winner: TAKA Michinoku
OR: 84
CR: 80
MQ: 88
(The NWA X title has gained in image from 85 to 87.)
NWA World title match: Ken Shamrock (with Alicia Shamrock) vs. Bill Goldberg © (with Cyrus): I would say something about the crowd reaction, but they're yelling so loud I doubt you'd be able to hear me. Goldberg quickly learns that Shamrock can brawl with him as well as anyone else has. However, Shamrock is able to use his superior technical wrestling ability to give him the upper hand. Cyrus cheats to help Goldberg remain in control, and all Alicia can do about it is yell at the referee. After 15 minutes, Goldberg goes for the Spear, but Shamrock moves and Goldberg hits the ringpost. While Goldberg tries to protect his arm, he leaves his legs available and Shamrock soon applies the Anke Lock. Goldberg fights it as Cyrus looks like he's about to jump in the ring to force a disqualification, but Bas Rutten comes running down to ringside, where he pulls Cyrus to the floor and delivers a punch, knocking him to the ground. Out of options, Goldberg has no choice but to tap out. The fans go crazy, and the building literally shakes because of all the noise.
Winner: Ken Shamrock
OR: 89
CR: 90
MQ: 89
(The NWA World title has gained in image from 87 to 89.)
OR: 82
Buy rate: 1.99
Attendance: 20843
Best segment: Ken Shamrock over Bill Goldberg (89)
Worst segment: Konnan over Sabu (77)
Best match: Ken Shamrock over Bill Goldberg (89)
-
Friday, September 26, 2003
That's two weeks in a row where it's been "one of those days." That's fine as long as it doesn't happen Sunday. I'd gladly trade two weekly shows with poor match ratings for a pay-per-view with proper match ratings.
TNA XPlosion
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Dick Williams
Morales: Hello, everyone, welcome to XPlosion! I'm Jeff Morales, and joining me this week is Dick Williams.
Williams: Hello, Jeff. Tonight we will see Konnan in another Hardcore match as he continues to try and get Sabu's attention.
Morales: He'll be taking on Akira Taue of the Hardcore Japanese. Also, Ken Shamrock has challenged Cyrus' Virus to take on him, Jody Fleisch, and a mystery partner in six-man tag action.
Williams: Who can this mystery person be? Is it the one Ken Shamrock was talking on the phone with last week?
Morales: I can only assume so, Dick. Also, members of Sports Entertainment Xtreme will try to take care of each others' problems tonight. We have footage to show you from earlier today.
On the video screen, we see TAKA Michinoku stretching out when Low-Ki walks up. He tells TAKA he's going to do him a favor by wrestling A.J. Styles tonight. TAKA looks pleased and bows in gratitude. Low-Ki says that TAKA needs to do something for him. Since The Hardcore Japanese want a Tag Team title shot, Low-Ki suggests TAKA team with Sonny Siaki and face them tonight. TAKA looks a bit reluctant, but nods his head in agreement.
OR: 91
(TAKA Michinoku gained in over from 85 to 88. Low-Ki gained in over from 86 to 88.)
Konnan comes to the ring with a microphone, as some of the fans audibly groan at the prospects of another Konnan interview. He runs through his standard introduction - arriba la raza! - then says he wonders why he hasn't heard from Sabu. He says if Sabu doubts his competition, then tonight he'd better watch because he's taking on someone from a stable of Hardcore wrestlers. He then proceeds to run down Akira Taue before his music plays.
OR: 74
Hardcore match: Akira Taue (with New Jack) vs. Konnan: A pretty good match, especially considering Konnan was in it. Taue controls for most of the match, but Konnan cheats to get the advantage. He takes a chair from the ring announcer and gets back into the ring. Chairshot to Taue! Konnan calls for Sabu to watch. Arabian Facebuster! Hey, that's gimmick infringement! The referee counts the pinfall as Sabu's music plays. He gets in the ring, but Konnan is waiting. Chairshot on Sabu! Steve Corino is out, and both he and New Jack get in the ring, so Konnan departs. As the two managers each check on their wrestler, Konnan makes the "I want the belt" gesture as he leaves to a chorus of boos.
Winner: Konnan
OR: 71
CR: 63
MQ: 80
Backstage, the cameras catch New Jack helping Akira Taue into the Hardcore Japanese dressing room. New Jack says that now he's pissed off at SEX after what Konnan pulled against Taue. He slaps Masato Tanaka and Ebessan on the chest as they nod without flinching. New Jack says it's time for some payback, and Ebessan and Tanaka follow him out of the dressing room.
OR: 79
The Hardcore Japanese (with New Jack) vs. Sonny Siaki & TAKA Michinoku: Masato Tanaka and Ebessan begin a vicious attack on Siaki and Michinoku, as it's soon apparent this one's not going to be a X division-style match that one would expect with TAKA, Siaki, and Ebessan involved. Both Siaki and TAKA sell their opponent's moves quite well, so the match ends up being very good. Neither Siaki nor TAKA are capable of dealing with The Hardcore Japanese in that style of match, so it's not really surprising that they get little offense in before Tanaka hits a Roaring Elbow on Siaki to pick up the win. Afterwards, B.G. James sneaks up behind them with a chair and blasts Ebessan with it. Tanaka gets hit too, but again New Jack is in the ring, so James slides out before receiving any retaliation.
Winner: The Hardcore Japanese
OR: 82
CR: 75
MQ: 89
Commissioner Mick Foley makes a surprise appearance, and the crowd goes crazy.
Foley: Thank you. First off, I'd like to say that it's good to be back in the TNA Asylum, right here in Nashville! As you may know, in two days we will be at the Thompson-Boling Arena just down the road in Knoxville for Autumn Ambush, so I thought I'd come out here and tell the fans what they're going to see this Sunday. I've already mentioned several weeks ago that A.J. Styles will be taking on TAKA Michinoku for the X title. Last week, after the show went off the air, a contract was finalized between Donovan Morgan and Curt Hennig, so they will be facing each other as well. I just got done talking with Steve Corino, and I guess Konnan's going to get his wish, because Corino demanded that Sabu gets to face Konnan for the Hardcore Title this Sunday. Now that leaves two titles that I have yet to announce a match for. Fortunately for me, the opponents have already been named. Last week, Cyrus announced that Bill Goldberg's biggest threat in TNA was Ken Shamrock, so at Autumn Ambush, Goldberg will be defending the World title against Ken Shamrock. Also, earlier today, Low-Ki reminded everyone that The Hardcore Japanese wanted a Tag Team title match, and I'd say with their impressive win a few minutes ago, they deserve a shot at those belts. So this Sunday, The Hardcore Japanese will be taking on Low-Ki and B.G. James for the Tag Team titles. Have a nice day!
OR: 95
(Mick Foley gained in over from 93 to 97.)
Low-Ki comes to the ring, looking visibly upset. He says it doesn't matter to him who commissioner Foley puts against him and B.G. James this Sunday. He tells The Hardcore Japanese that they'd better enjoy the win they got against Sports Entertainment Xtreme tonight, because they won't get another one this Sunday. He then tells A.J. Styles to get ready for consecutive ass-kickings courtesy of SEX, starting tonight.
OR: 89
A.J. Styles vs. Low-Ki: If Foley's announcement distracted Low-Ki, you couldn't tell by this match, because it was a great one. Oh, and the fans were really into it as well. This high-flying X-division match seems to favor Styles, except for some well-timed cheating by Low-Ki. The crowd really boos Low-Ki for that. Low-Ki seems ready to hit the Ki-Krusher, but Styles avoids it and hits a Spin Kick to the face. Styles Clash! The ref counts to three.
Winner: A.J. Styles
OR: 88
CR: 83
MQ: 93
The Virus is in the ring and Cyrus is at ringside, all smiles, as Ken Shamrock's music plays. He comes out with Alicia Shamrock and Jody Fleisch as the announcers continue speculating who their partner may be. Oh, Alicia has a microphone. Maybe that will get them to shut up.
Alicia: Cyrus, last week you challenged Ken to find a partner to face your team. There was one man he wanted, but he couldn't make it in time because he was at his home in the Netherlands. I want to thank Jody Fleisch for stepping in, even though this isn't his fight.
Ken takes the microphone.
Ken: But my friend is here tonight. I've fought against him, and I have a lot of respect for him. But I warn you - he's not a wrestler, he's a fighter. His name is Bas Rutten!
Rutten steps through the curtain, and Cyrus and all the members of The Virus have the same problem - their jaw is on the floor. The announcers talk about Rutten's record in Mixed Martial Arts competition and wonder how well that will translate to pro wrestling as they make their way to the ring.
OR: 74
Ken Shamrock (with Alicia Shamrock), Jody Fleisch, & Bas Rutten vs. Jun Akiyama, Scoot Andrews, and Johnny Smith (with Cyrus): Rutten answers the announcer's questions, looking very impressive against Smith at the start of the match. It's not very long before the match degenerates into a pier-six brawl. The referee has a hard time keeping track of who's legal. He spots where Ken Shamrock has the Ankle Lock applied on Jun Akiyama, who is slapping the mat, so he calls for the bell and awards the match to Shamrock, Fleisch, and Rutten. An excellent match for what it was.
Winner: Ken Shamrock, Jody Fleisch, & Bas Rutten
OR: 81
CR: 73
MQ: 90
Shamrock won't release the hold as Rutten and Fleisch continue brawling with Smith and Andrews. The referee threatens to reverse his decision and disqualify Shamrock if he won't release the hold. He starts counting, but Bill Goldberg's music plays, and that causes Shamrock to break the hold before the referee reaches five. Goldberg comes charging out and Shamrock meets him halfway. They start brawling as the announcers scream that they just may brawl all the way to Knoxville and tell us that we're out of time.
OR: 97
(Bill Goldberg gained in over from 92 to 95. Ken Shamrock gained in over from 91 to 92.)
OR: 84
Rating: 8.00
Attendance: 10036
Best segment: Bill Goldberg brawls with Ken Shamrock (97)
Worst segment: Konnan over Akira Taue (71)
Best match: A.J. Styles over Low-Ki (88)
-
Friday, September 19, 2003
Well, last week was another one of "those days," when matches are rated much lower than they deserve.
At a house show last weekend, Psychosis suffered a broken leg and will be out of action for a year. While we didn't have any plans for him this month, that's one less talented performer we have to work with for the next twelve months.
TNA XPlosion
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Dick Williams
Morales: Hello, everyone, welcome to XPlosion! I'm Jeff Morales, and joining me this week is Dick Williams.
Williams: Hello, Jeff. Tonight we will see Donovan Morgan in action again, this time against Norman Smiley.
Morales: Well, I really don't have much else to say. I mean, look at our format here, folks. Commissioner Mick Foley left it pretty much bare for tonight.
Williams: The only other match we know about is Konnan taking on Anthony Durante in a Hardcore match.
Morales: But also, Cyrus issued a challenge to Ken Shamrock earlier today. Take a look.
On the video screen, we see Cyrus standing with Johnny Smith and Jun Akiyama. He says that while Bill Goldberg is off successfully defending the World title in South America, Cyrus and The Virus are taking care of challenges here in TNA. He says right now the biggest threat is Ken Shamrock, so that's who they're targeting. He challenges Shamrock to find a tag team partner for tonight to face Jun Akiyama and Johnny Smith.
OR: 67
Konnan hits the ring with a microphone.
Konnan: Yo, yo, let me speak on this. Orale! Arriba la raza! Hey Sabu, you better pay attention to this next match. After I beat Anthony Durante in a Hardcore match, I'm challenging you to a Hardcore title match at Autumn Ambush, 'cause nobody knows more about being Hardcore than K-Dogg.
OR: 80
Hardcore match: Anthony Durante vs. Konnan: Konnan steps the pace up a little from last week's match against Saturn, but still it's generally less brutal than most Hardcore matches. Sure, the action leaves the ring, and Durante uses several things found under the ring, but Konnan just seems out of place in Hardcore matches. Durante gets the advantage for a moment, long enough to set up a table. However, Konnan recovers and attacks Durante. They brawl, and Konnan gets the upper hand. He lays Durante out on the table, then he climbs up on it as well. He locks in the Tequila Sunrise on top of the table! Durante taps out and Konnan yells for Sabu.
Winner: Konnan
OR: 66
CR: 71
MQ: 78
Donovan Morgan is backstage. He starts out by ripping on Curt Hennig, saying he hasn't been perfect for many years and now he's so old he's nowhere near excellent. Morgan says that if anyone wants to see excellence, just watch him dominate Norman Smiley tonight.
OR: 86
Norman Smiley comes out to the ring for his match. He cuts a pretty dull interview, drawing slight pops for offering to do the Big Wiggle. As he does the move, Donovan Morgan attacks from behind, and the match is on.
OR: 70
Norman Smiley vs. Donovan Morgan: Morgan has the advantage from the sneak attack and he never gives it up. Smiley does a good job selling Morgan's offense, so the match turns out to be pretty good despite pretty much being a squash. Morgan lands a move the announcers dub as the Helicopter Bomb, and then covers for the pinfall. The referee raises Morgan's hand, but Curt Hennig comes charging through the curtain. He lands a few moves on Morgan before he retreats, leaving Hennig alone in the ring.
Winner: Donovan Morgan
OR: 68
CR: 72
MQ: 81
Sonny Siaki comes out with a microphone as the announcers wonder why he's out here right now. Siaki says that A.J. Styles can't just come in and expect a title match right away, so tonight he's challenging Styles to a match, and if Styles loses then he forfeits his X title shot at Autumn Ambush.
OR: 77
A.J. Styles vs. Sonny Siaki: This one got the crowd pumped up, and it was a great match to boot. They battle back and forth, but soon Styles gets control and starts to look like he's going to finish Siaki off. The fans, announcers, and camera crew catches TAKA Michinoku sneak to ringside, ducking down to avoid being spotted by Styles or the referee. The referee gets a little too close to the action and gets poked in the eye. Seizing the opportunity, TAKA gets in the ring, holding the X title belt. He swings, but Styles ducks and Siaki is knocked out instead. Styles delivers a Superkick to TAKA, sending him over the top rope and to the floor as the ref seems to have recovered. Siaki struggles to his feet, but Styles hits the Styles Clash to finish him off. The referee counts to three as TAKA gets back in the ring, but Styles slides outside, telling TAKA that he'll see him in nine days.
Winner: A.J. Styles
OR: 76
CR: 80
MQ: 91
The camera cuts to the Shamrocks' locker room, where we wee Ken toss a cell phone aside.
Ken: He says he can't get here until next week.
Alicia: Then who will be your partner tonight?
There's a knock at the door, and Ken cautiously opens it a little. Seeing who it is, he opens the door all the way and Jody Fleisch walks in.
Fleisch: Kenny, I heard you need a partner for tonight. I've had an awful lot of respect for you ever since our first match. If you want, I would be honored to be your partner tonight.
Ken looks at Alicia, and she nods approvingly.
Ken: OK, let's go.
OR: 84
Ken Shamrock (with Alicia Shamrock) & Jody Fleisch vs. Jun Akiyama & Johnny Smith (with Cyrus): Another great match, which the announcers miss the first few minutes of while discussing who could Shamrock have been talking to on the phone. Shamrock and Fleisch dominate until Cyrus' interference helps turn the tide towards The Virus. However, it's not too very long before Fleisch and Shamrock are firmly in control and Shamrock appears to be setting Akiyama up for the finish. Cyrus gets in the ring, delivering a forearm to Shamrock's back. He turns around, not selling the blow, as the referee calls for the bell. Cyrus quickly leaves the ring with Shamrock right on his heels. They round two corners, but Cyrus slides down as a fan in the front row picks up his chair and nails Shamrock in the face! Fleisch comes over, too, but he also falls victim to a chairshot from the fan. Security tries to put a stop to it, but Smith and Akiyama simply beat them up as well.
Winner: Ken Shamrock & Jody Fleisch by disqualification
OR: 74
CR: 76
MQ: 91
Cyrus and the Virus hold the ropes open as this fan is ushered into the ring.
Cyrus: Allow me once again to introduce the newest member of The Virus, Scoot Andrews!
OR: 78
OR: 75
Rating: 8.00
Attendance: 10032
Best segment: Jody Fleisch joins up with Ken Shamrock (84)
Worst segment: Konnan over Anthony Durante (66)
Best match: A.J. Styles over Sonny Siaki (76)
-
Friday, September 12, 2003
Konnan complained about Masato Tanaka working too stiff last week. Tanaka was issued a warning, but that's about all I can do about it for now, other than make sure they don't face each other for a while.
TNA XPlosion
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Dick Williams
Morales: Hello, everyone, welcome to XPlosion! I'm Jeff Morales, and joining me this week is Dick Williams.
Williams: Hello, Jeff. Tonight we will see A.J. Styles in action for the first time since returning to TNA last week.
Morales: Our main event tonight features Curt Hennig against Steven Richards, who has recovered from his Hardcore match against Sabu nearly two weeks ago.
Williams: And speaking of Hardcore matches, Perry Saturn will be in one for the second straight week, this time against Konnan.
Morales: That match was set up earlier today by Sports Entertainment Xtreme, and we have this footage to show you.
On the video screen, we see all six of the active members of SEX hanging out in their dressing room. Low-Ki points out that they have the Tag Team titles and the X title, but they don't have the Hardcore title. He asks which person who doesn't have a belt wants to challenge for that, and all three - Disco Inferno, Sonny Siaki, and Konnan - all volunteer. Low-Ki decides Siaki is the least hardcore of the three, and since Disco was pinned last week, he doesn't deserve the opportunity. Konnan suggests that he start off where Sabu left off last week, with Perry Saturn.
OR: 99
(Konnan gained in over from 75 to 78. Low-Ki gained in over from 84 to 86.)
A.J. Styles vs. Brian Lawler: The crowd is pretty hyped up for Styles. It's a good match, typical of the X division. Lawler tries hard, but he just can't keep up with Styles. Styles scores the pin after the Styles Clash.
Winner: A.J. Styles
OR: 70
CR: 71
MQ: 86
The camera cuts backstage to the vending machines, where Alicia Shamrock is purchasing a soft drink. Out of nowhere, Cyrus approaches and tells her that Ken Shamrock was lucky Bill Goldberg didn't seriously injure him at Gauntlet For The Gold. Ken Shamrock then appears, stepping between Alicia and Cyrus. Cyrus backs away, and Ken pulls Alicia back towards their dressing room.
OR: 75
Konnan hits the ring for his Hardcore match with a microphone. Orale! Arriba la raza! Konnan cuts his standard interview, then tells Sabu to take notice because K-Dogg's the one who will be taking that Hardcore title from him.
OR: 82
Hardcore match: Perry Saturn vs. Konnan: This one isn't as wild as most Hardcore matches, but they do brawl at ringside for quite a while, using various weapons found under the ring. Does anyone know why there's always trashcans and stop signs under the ring? Are these necessary for putting the ring together and taking it apart? Konnan is pretty much in control for most of the match as the announcers point out that Saturn must still be feeling the effects of last week's match with Sabu. Konnan locks in the Tequila Sunrise and Saturn taps out - an unusual finish for a Hardcore match.
Winner: Konnan
OR: 66
CR: 67
MQ: 81
Curt Hennig hits the ring for the main event. He says last week he saw someone come out here and talk about how his matches were excellent. Hennig admits that his moves were excellent, but they weren't perfect. He tells Donovan Morgan to pay attention, because he's about to witness perfection.
OR: 84
Curt Hennig vs. Steven Richards: Despite Hennig's speech, this match was far from perfect, even though Hennig dominates Richards. Hennig lands the Hennig Plex, and the ref begins the count. However, Donovan Morgan is quickly in the ring with a chair, which he uses on Hennig's exposed stomach. The referee calls for the bell, signaling for a DQ. But that doesn't stop Morgan, who continues the assault on Hennig. Morgan sets up the chair and whips Hennig into the ropes … and then delivers a Drop Toe Hold, sending Hennig face first into the chair! Morgan plays to the crowd before leaving, as the camera zooms in on a bloodied Hennig.
Winner: Curt Hennig by disqualification
OR: 65
CR: 74
MQ: 73
As the announcers start to wrap up the show, Ken Shamrock's music plays, and he comes to the ring with Alicia. Ken says Alicia told him about what Cyrus said, so he's challenging Cyrus to bring someone out for a match right now!
OR: 86
(Ken Shamrock gained in over from 89 to 91.)
Cyrus comes out with Jun Akiyama and a microphone. He says he was simply telling Alicia the truth, but if Shamrock wants a match, Jun Akiyama would be glad to face him. Shamrock signals for him to bring it on, so Akiyama charges the ring.
OR: 90
(Jun Akiyama gained in over from 75 to 76.)
Ken Shamrock (with Alicia Shamrock) vs. Jun Akiyama (with Cyrus): They brawl for about a minute before a referee finally comes out and signals for the bell, making this an official match. They settle down into a fine technical match, which is very good for the brief time it occurred. But it doesn't last long. Shamrock is obviously in control, when Johnny Smith comes running down the aisle. He jumps in the ring and attacks Shamrock, and he and Akiyama begin a beatdown on Ken. Cyrus grabs Alicia and makes her watch the attack. The referee signals for a DQ and tries to break it up, but Smith tosses him over the top rope. After a couple of minutes, Cyrus releases Alicia and calls off the attack.
Winner: Ken Shamrock by disqualification
OR: 75
CR: 78
MQ: 90
Cyrus takes a microphone from the ring announcer and gets in the ring.
Cyrus: Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to the newest member of The Virus, Johnny Smith!
OR: 88
OR: 80
Rating: 8.00
Attendance: 10033
Best segment: SEX decides Konnan should challenge for the Hardcore title (99)
Worst segment: Curt Hennig over Steven Richards (65)
Best match: Ken Shamrock over Jun Akiyama (75)
-
Friday, September 5, 2003
Strangely enough, after being gone less than a week, Ed Schmitt is back with New Era Pro Wrestling. I guess the situation there wasn't as bad as he thought.
TNA XPlosion
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Dick Williams
Morales: Hello, everyone, welcome to XPlosion! I'm Jeff Morales, and joining me this week is Dick Williams.
Williams: Hello, Jeff. Tonight we will see two former Tag Team champions collide when The Hardcore Japanese take on Disco Inferno and Konnan.
Morales: Ebessan and Masato Tanaka defeated Disco and Konnan to win the titles, and now these two teams face off again tonight. Also, Sabu will be defending his Hardcore title against Perry Saturn.
Williams: And my format says that a bit later, Norman Smiley will be taking on Cyrus' mystery man. Who could that be?
Morales: After his team lost Wargames last Sunday, to my knowledge the only person he manages is the World champion, Bill Goldberg.
Williams: Well, I guess we'll find out if indeed it is Goldberg who will be facing Smiley, or if it's someone else.
Morales: But right now, Low-Ki and the X champion, TAKA Michinoku, are making their way to the ring.
Low-Ki: As you can see by the title belt around my waist, myself and B.G. James are still the Tag Team champions. Also, you can see that TAKA Michinoku is still the X-division champion. So what I'd like right now is for commissioner Mick Foley to come out here, because we have a special message for him.
After a few moments, Foley's music plays, and he joins Low-Ki and TAKA in the ring.
Low-Ki: As you can see, commissioner, TAKA is still the champion. You had your little tournament to find the top contender in all of TNA, and he failed to take the title from TAKA. So I think that right now you should just go ahead and retire the X title, since nobody in the X division has beaten him for his belt.
Foley: You're right about several things, Low-Ki. Yes, TAKA Michinoku did defeat Jody Fleisch at Gauntlet For The Gold. And yes, Fleisch did win the X tournament, which means that he was the best contender in TNA - at that time. However, since Sunday, I have been searching all over the world to find a new contender for TAKA's title, and I think I have just the man.
Low-Ki: Are you deaf, Foley? Nobody's beaten TAKA for his title, and nobody is going to. If there was anybody good enough to beat him, they would already be in TNA.
Foley: Actually, he was in TNA once, but lost a Loser Leaves Town match in February. I'm sure you remember those, Low-Ki, since you lost one yourself. But he's coming back for one reason - to take the X title. And there's nothing you can do about it. Have a nice …
Suddenly, Low-Ki and TAKA Michinoku jump Foley and start beating him up. Moments later, A.J. Styles comes through the curtain and heads straight for TAKA Michinoku! Foley starts to get the advantage on Low-Ki, and soon the two members of Sports Entertainment Xtreme leave the ring.
Foley: Take a good look, TAKA! Because this is the man who will beat you for your title at Autumn Ambush - A.J. Styles!
OR: 81
As the announcers talk about Styles' return to TNA, some unrecognized music plays and someone never seen before hits the ring.
Morgan: For those of you who don't know me, my name is Donovan Morgan! All around the world, every wrestler knows this is the place to come. If you're as good as you think, you can make a name for yourself here. So that's why I've come. I am universally recognized for excellence in the ring, and now it's time for the sports entertainment world to take notice of me. So if there's anyone in the back who wants to see excellence in action, come down to the ring right now.
OR: 73
Osamu Nishimura vs. Donovan Morgan: Morgan's debut against the lightly regarded Nishimura didn't draw much of a reaction from the fans. It's a very good match, some would even agree with Morgan that it's "excellent." Morgan makes short work of Nishimura, pinning him after a Double Underhook Piledriver.
Winner: Donovan Morgan
OR: 73
CR: 59
MQ: 87
Steve Corino comes out with Sabu. Corino says he's glad to finally be done with Steven Richards, so now Sabu can move on to bigger and better things. Tonight Sabu will be defending his title against Perry Saturn. They don't have any problems with Saturn, so may the best man win.
OR: 87
(Sabu gained in over from 72 to 73.)
NWA Hardcore title match: Sabu © (with Steve Corino) vs. Perry Saturn: Corino says they don't have an issue with Saturn, but you'd never know it from this match. Sabu seems to have reached a new level of viciousness since midway through his match against Steven Richards. Sabu gets Saturn stretched out on a table, then picks up a chair and climbs to the top rope. Arabian Facebuster! Sabu and Saturn both crash through the table. Corino cringes at that move as the referee counts the pinfall.
Winner: Sabu
OR: 71
CR: 57
MQ: 86
Norman Smiley comes out for his match as the announcers continue to speculate who his opponent may be. Smiley takes the microphone from the ring announcer and says it doesn't matter who Cyrus gets to wrestle him, he will fall victim to the Norman Conquest. He then asks if anyone wants to see a Big Wiggle. Smiley does the move as the fans cheer.
OR: 73
Cyrus comes out alone to his music.
Cyrus: Cut my music! Last Sunday, the four no-names I used to manage were defeated by the Hardcore Japanese. And good riddance! They never amounted to anything. I managed them to victories they couldn't imagine. I got them title shots they never would have had without me. My genius was wasted on them. But tonight I get to begin anew. Starting with the foundation of The Virus, the World champion, Bill Goldberg, I will form a new Virus that will soon have all of TNA at my command. Ladies and gentlemen, the newest member of The Virus, Jun Akiyama!
OR: 83
Norman Smiley vs. Jun Akiyama (with Cyrus): I think Akiyama was a let-down to the crowd, as their boos died down when he stepped through the curtain. Akiyama has a reputation of losing good matches, so at least we do have something to work with. Cyrus aids Akiyama on several occasions throughout the match, including distracting Smiley near the end after he signals for the Norman Conquest. With his attention diverted, Smiley doesn't see Akiyama sneak up from behind. He turns around - Blue Thunder! Cyrus jumps up and down as the referee counts the pin.
Winner: Jun Akiyama
OR: 74
CR: 67
MQ: 82
Backstage, we see Disco Inferno and Konnan finish up preparations for their match. Konnan reminds Disco that tonight they get some revenge against the team that stole their titles.
OR: 74
New Jack hits the ring with The Hardcore Japanese. He tells the audience that last Sunday they got rid of a major thorn in their side. With that business taken care of, it's time to get back to other business, like regaining the Tag Team titles. So tonight they're going to go back to where it all began and beat Konnan and Discso Inferno, just like they did to win the titles in the first place.
OR: 87
(Ebessan gained in over from 70 to 71.)
The Hardcore Japanese (with New Jack) vs. Disco Inferno & Konnan: A surprisingly good match, as all four were really clicking tonight. The action goes back and forth to start, but eventually falls into the standard tag formula. Konnan and Disco work over Tanaka, preventing him from making the tag for several minutes. Eventually, he does make the hot tag, and Ebessan dominates both members of SEX. Ebessan hits the Ebessan Driver on Disco, and Tanaka prevents Konnan from breaking up the pin.
Winner: The Hardcore Japanese
OR: 77
CR: 71
MQ: 84
OR: 77
Rating: 8.00
Attendance: 10004
Best segment: (tie) Interview with Steve Corino and Sabu; Interview with New Jack and The Hardcore Japanese (87)
Worst segment: Sabu over Perry Saturn (71)
Best match: The Hardcore Japanese over Disco Inferno & Konnan (77)
NWA:TNA -- Russo's Revenge!
in The Dome Retro Room
Posted
Friday, November 28, 2003
TNA XPlosion
Hosts: Jeff Morales and Dick Williams
Morales: Hello, everyone, welcome to XPlosion! I'm Jeff Morales, and joining me this week is Dick Williams.
Williams: Hello, Jeff. Tonight we will see an awful lot of SEX!
Morales: You’re talking about Sports Entertainment Xtreme. This Sunday at NWA Anniversary they’re in an 8-man Elimination match against the Hardcore Japanese.
Williams: Commissioner Mick Foley has ruled that the Hardcore Japanese are banned from the building tonight to prevent any hostilities between the two sides before Sunday.
Morales: But right now, let’s head to the ring for our opening match, Norman Smiley taking on Donovan Morgan.
Norman Smiley vs. Donovan Morgan: Smiley surprises Morgan early on, but only three minutes in he pauses to do the Big Wiggle. Morgan recovers and then takes the upper hand, hitting several nice variations of suplexes, while announcing in between that the previous one was excellent. He finally puts Smiley away with the Double Underhook Piledriver.
Winner: Donovan Morgan
OR: 76
CR: 72
MQ: 80
Morgan takes the microphone from the ring announcer.
Morgan: Nick Dinsmore, who do you think you are to challenge me to a match for this Sunday? Don’t you know who I am? I am the embodiment of excellence! And for all you stupid Nashville redneck hicks, that means that everything I do is excellent. So Dinsmore, I’ll accept your challenge. But you’d better prepare for the beating of your life!
OR: 76
All the members of Sports Entertainment Xtreme make their way to the ring. Russo talks briefly about Scott Hall’s Hardcore title match and Sonny Siaki’s X title match, but what he really wants to talk about is the Elimination match. He’s got a plan that will practically guarantee that none of the four members of SEX in that match will get pinned, which would cause them to lose their job. He tells New Jack he’d better start scouting for some more wrestlers to manage.
OR: 87
(Disco Inferno gained in over from 78 to 79.)
Suddenly, Mick Foley’s music plays, and he comes out to confront Vince Russo. Foley says that he’s been thinking some more about the Elimination match, and he’s got some more stipulations to add. Not only will everyone who’s pinned or who submits will be fired, but anyone who interferes in the match will also be fired! Russo nearly has a fit with that announcement, which obviously disrupted his plans. Foley then says just to give them practice for this Sunday, he states that any member of SEX who interferes in any match tonight will be fined $50,000 – including Vince Russo. Now Russo’s really having a fit. Foley then says everyone except Disco Inferno and Marcus Bagwell had better get out of the ring, because it’s time for their tag match.
OR: 84
Styles and Lynn vs. Disco Inferno & Marcus Bagwell (with Vince Russo): Russo stays at ringside as the other four members of SEX return to the locker room. Several times throughout the match, Russo looks tempted to help his team out, but he obviously remembers Foley’s imposed fine, so he wisely stays out of it. Without Russo’s assistance, the mix-and-match SEX team of Bagwell and Disco provide little competition for the well-oiled machine that is the team of A.J. Styles and Jerry Lynn. Russo can’t take it anymore, so he orders Bagwell to get in the ring as well. That draws in Styles, and a pier six brawl breaks out. From opposite corners, SEX tries to whip Styles and Lynn into each other, but both reverse the move, and Disco and Bagwell collide. Styles clotheslines Bagwell to the floor, and Lynn hits the Cradle Piledriver to pick up the win.
Winner: Styles and Lynn
OR: 81
CR: 76
MQ: 86
Styles retrieves a microphone before getting back into the ring. He says they heard what Haas Of Pain said about them being cowards, but everyone knows who the real chickens are – the ones that ran away during their last tag match! Lynn says that if Haas Of Pain want a rematch this Sunday, that’s fine with them.
OR: 79
B.G. James comes out with Vince Russo for his match, but the announcers say that commissioner Foley haven’t told them who James will be facing, nor do they know who Konnan will be facing in the main event. James says that it doesn’t matter to him who he faces tonight. He walked around backstage tonight, checking to see who was here, and he knows there’s nobody in the back that can beat him. Suddenly, on the video screen, we see a car pull up. The door opens, and it’s Ken Shamrock! He’s already dressed in his wrestling gear. He walks straight into the building, with Alicia Shamrock running behind him, trying to catch up. James says there’s no way he’s facing Shamrock tonight, but the camera follows Shamrock all the way through the building from the parking lot to the ringside area.
OR: 70
Ken Shamrock (with Alicia Shamrock) vs. B.G. James (with Vince Russo): The announcers correctly guess that this is a non-title match. Not that it really matters, anyways – Shamrock completely dominates James, and Russo can only stand at ringside and watch. Shamrock applies the Ankle Lock, and James quickly taps out. Shamrock calls out for Low-Ki as Alicia gets in the ring and gets Ken to release the hold.
Winner: Ken Shamrock
OR: 82
CR: 83
MQ: 82
Ken demands a microphone from one of the ring crew, and he quickly complies. Shamrock starts spouting something about Low-Ki, but after a few moments Alicia takes the microphone from him and tells him to calm down. Alicia says Ken is upset at Low-Ki even suggesting that Ken was avoiding him. Everyone knows he’s been touring England, successfully defending the World title every night against the best wrestlers in all of Great Britain. Ken takes the microphone and tells Low-Ki he’d better start practicing some avoiding of his own – but it won’t matter, because he won’t avoid the Ankle Lock!
OR: 87
Konnan comes out with Vince Russo, who doesn’t look happy about the situation he’s in. His guys have already lost two matches tonight, and he has no idea who Konnan will be wrestling. Konnan seems oblivious to this as he rambles through his usual lines. Konnan, in a funny moment, asks for whoever his opponent is to come out so he knows who he’s supposed to talk trash about. What, did you forget your lines, K-Dog? Sting’s music plays, and the crowd comes alive. Konnan says he thought he’d be wrestling Sting tonight, since he could smell the paint from the moment he entered the building tonight. Sting continues to walk around the ring as Konnan continues to talk smack. Finally, Sting enters the ring, and the match is on.
OR: 80
(Sting dropped in over from 100 to 98.)
Sting vs. Konnan (with Vince Russo): For all his talk, Konnan doesn’t put up much of a fight. The announcers wonder what this means for Sports Entertainment Xtreme in the Elimination match at NWA Anniversary if all four of their participants lose tonight. Sting applies the Scorpion Death Lock! Konnan tries to fight his way out of it, but in a strange move, Russo tells him to tap out and save himself for Sunday. Konnan nods and taps out.
Winner: Sting
OR: 83
CR: 87
MQ: 75
OR: 80
Rating: 7.91
Attendance: 10009
Best segment: (tie) Interview with Sports Entertainment Xtreme; Interview with Alicia and Ken Shamrock (87)
Worst segment: Interview with B.G. James (70)
Best match: Sting over Konnan (83)