The Gibraltar Trade Center was the venue for a show that demonstrated more heart, and intensity than can be seen in an entire season of matches from the two major companies! Two hundred fans in attendance, and however many were watching at home (it was broadcast as an internet ppv) got far more than their money's worth.
In the pre show, Clash Pro Wrestling (one of the best of the Midwest Indie promotions) presented two matches featuring their stars:
First up Tyler "Caveman" Elkins took on J.Miller. Miller took the win, after both men got a chance to showcase their abilities. Next up was a " five way fray" that pitted Gavin Quinn, Cameron Skyy, Ded Vaughn, Tommy Treznik, and Dave Manzo against one another. The hard hitting action saw several big spots before Quinn pinned Cameron Skyy to gain the victory.
In the Dragon's Gate show, things got underway with Jon Davis defeating Jake Manning with a spinning torture rack and pin in an entertaining bout that got the crowd warmed up.
Next up was a wild brawl that saw more action out of the ring than in, as Rich Swann defeated Chuck Taylor. There were a ton of chair shots, and a ladder came into play in this wild brawl.
Next on the program, tag action as the Smash Brothers, defeated "The Scene," in a crowd pleaser.
Last match before the intermission, saw Ricochet take on Yamato. Another "slobber knocker," as Jim Ross would say. Crowd was hot for both men, with dueling chants for each, and also for both. Yamato got the win. Then Jon Davis charged the ring, and was choked out by Yamato.
After the intermission, N8 Mattson ( a former local star), and Derek Ryze took on Pinky Sanchez and Arik Cannon in a tag bout. Another rugged match that ended when, I believe, Sanchez was disqualified for refusing to break a hold. In the aftermath, Cannon called out Masada, and invited him to join forces with Sanchez, and himself. In one of the segments that, I believe crossed the line, Masada delivered a profanity-laced promo (including the "F-bomb").
To follow up, he hurled Sanchez into the crowd, narrowly missing several kids. This could easily have resulted in lawsuits. Clearly a segment of the fan base loves uber violence, but for the sake of the promotion, and the business, Dragons gate gets a "caution" for this segment. Oh yeah, this was apparently a match that Masada won by submission.
Next up was the, in my opinion, best match of the night, a spectacular tag match pitting CIBA and his partner, AR Fox against El Generico and Samuray Del Sol. These two teams wrung every drop of excitement, and emotion out of this match possible. Hard hitting kicks and punches were accompanied by utterly death defying leaps out of the ring , it appeared that El Generico may have been legit injured when one of these spots went awry.
There were chants of "This is awesome!" and "Dragons Gate!" throughout this match. Someone, for whatever reason, even tried to start a "Giant Baba" chant--it didn't get much support. Evetually CIBA, an partner Fox gained the hard earned nod.
Now it was time for the main event, as champion Johnny Gargano (who many remember from a few years ago as the star of Cleveland All Pro Wrestling), whose future has been the subject of much speculation. Rumors continue to circulate that he has, or soon will, sign a developmental contract with WWE.
His challenger was Akira Tozawa (accompanied by Christine Von Eerie) The two battled from pillar to post with ferocious strikes and kicks, as first one and then the other secured the advantage. The war went on for about twenty minutes as the crowd screamed itself hoarse. Occasionally Von Eerie would attempt to interfere, but it really came down to the mano a mano contest between the two warriors that left the fans cheering both their efforts.
After a ferocious battle, Gargano scored the pin. This prompted chants of "Thank you Johnny!" from the exhausted crowd. After a little by play involving the "swamp monster," and a man who appeared to be a Khaki Scout from the film "Moon Rise Kingdom," Gargano took the mike.
What followed was an impassioned speech in support of independent pro wrestling. Gargano stated that he had signed a new contract with Dragons Gate. However, it sounded a little ambiguous to me, and may have left the issue unresolved. Dragons Gate moves on to Chicago, and the limp fans moved into the night, as an awesome night of wrestling concluded.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Spectacular Show From Starr Girls, In Adrian, MI
July 21st, was the date, and Adrian's LA Cafe was the place for a tremendous night of exciting wrestling action. Things got underway as announcer for the evening, Sybil Starr, welcomed the audience. She didn't get very far before Starr Girls Champ, Lady Victoria, accompanied by manager Buddy D. Wolfe came out to interrupt her.
Buddy said that as the most dominant women's champ ever--Lady V., would defend against whomever she wanted, whenever she wanted. Tonight's opponent would be Ruby Nesque. Starr was outraged: "Ruby is the greenest rookie in the promotion!"
Buddy and Victoria asserted their rights under their contract, and the match was set as the opener. For a brief moment Ruby shocked her foe, and the crowd by taking the fight to the champ. All too quickly though, Lady Victoria rallied and over powered her challenger. Then, heeding the admonition of her manager to "punish that girl--make her pay," she began to choke Ruby out.
Then, Amanda Ruffin, Little Jeanie, and Li'l Naughty charged the ring to add to Ruby's woes. Charging to the rescue were former champ Sin-D, who also fell victim to the numbers game. Then former TNA star, Sojo Bolt, and current TNA/Impact wrestling star, Tailer Hendrix, charged in and cleared the ring.
It was announced that commissioner Kay Fabian, did not sanction Lady Victoria's defense against Ruby, and that she would have to defend her title against Tailer Hendrix in the main event. As might be expected Buddy, and Lady V. were furious, but had no choice but to comply.
Next up, was Amanda Ruffen (accompanied by Buddy Wolfe), taking on Sojo Bolt. This was a very entertaining match, with Amanda releasing her "inner brat." The action went back and forth, and at one point as the two fought outside the ring. Sojo held her foe and invited various fans to give the "brat" a swat across the backside.
Once back in the ring, Sojo eventually nailed Amanda with a cradle slam from the shoulders, for the three count! The defeated "brat" was helped to the back by her manager.
Next up "Hardcore" Heather Owens took on another of Buddy's clients, "Li'l Naughty." Another hard fought match, eventually won by Heather. Now it was time for an intermission.
After the break Sin-D took on the ever tough Little Jeannie. These two seasoned competitors battled ferociously. Jeannie dominated most of the action, but it was the tough, and ever resourceful Sin-D, who rallied to pick up the win.
Next up, to ease the tension, was a novelty match pitting Thing one (in black full body and face unitard) taking on Thing two, similarly attired in yellow. The two sort of wrestled in and out of the ring, eventually dancing off as "Girls Just Want To Have Fun!" played over the PA system.
Now it was time for the main event, and as the laughter faded, the mood darkened. It was clear no love was lost between challenger Taeler Hendrix, and champion Lady Victoria (and her manager, Buddy D. Wolfe).
As the referee held the Title Belt aloft, Buddy screamed at the challenger, "take a good look! That's as close as you're getting to the title!"
The match was brutal. Two talented athletes went all out seeking to destroy each other. At every opportunity, Buddy interfered to punish the challenger on the ropes, repeating every time the ref turned to see what Buddy was up to. The powerful champion battered Taeler, soon inflicting a bloody nose on the challenger!
Hendrix, came close to scoring an upset with her booming kicks, but in the end the wily champion prevailed with a brain buster and cover for the one-two-three! The two gladiators withdrew from the field of battle, and an exhausted, and delighted crowd made it's way into the night.
Buddy said that as the most dominant women's champ ever--Lady V., would defend against whomever she wanted, whenever she wanted. Tonight's opponent would be Ruby Nesque. Starr was outraged: "Ruby is the greenest rookie in the promotion!"
Buddy and Victoria asserted their rights under their contract, and the match was set as the opener. For a brief moment Ruby shocked her foe, and the crowd by taking the fight to the champ. All too quickly though, Lady Victoria rallied and over powered her challenger. Then, heeding the admonition of her manager to "punish that girl--make her pay," she began to choke Ruby out.
Then, Amanda Ruffin, Little Jeanie, and Li'l Naughty charged the ring to add to Ruby's woes. Charging to the rescue were former champ Sin-D, who also fell victim to the numbers game. Then former TNA star, Sojo Bolt, and current TNA/Impact wrestling star, Tailer Hendrix, charged in and cleared the ring.
It was announced that commissioner Kay Fabian, did not sanction Lady Victoria's defense against Ruby, and that she would have to defend her title against Tailer Hendrix in the main event. As might be expected Buddy, and Lady V. were furious, but had no choice but to comply.
Next up, was Amanda Ruffen (accompanied by Buddy Wolfe), taking on Sojo Bolt. This was a very entertaining match, with Amanda releasing her "inner brat." The action went back and forth, and at one point as the two fought outside the ring. Sojo held her foe and invited various fans to give the "brat" a swat across the backside.
Once back in the ring, Sojo eventually nailed Amanda with a cradle slam from the shoulders, for the three count! The defeated "brat" was helped to the back by her manager.
Next up "Hardcore" Heather Owens took on another of Buddy's clients, "Li'l Naughty." Another hard fought match, eventually won by Heather. Now it was time for an intermission.
After the break Sin-D took on the ever tough Little Jeannie. These two seasoned competitors battled ferociously. Jeannie dominated most of the action, but it was the tough, and ever resourceful Sin-D, who rallied to pick up the win.
Next up, to ease the tension, was a novelty match pitting Thing one (in black full body and face unitard) taking on Thing two, similarly attired in yellow. The two sort of wrestled in and out of the ring, eventually dancing off as "Girls Just Want To Have Fun!" played over the PA system.
Now it was time for the main event, and as the laughter faded, the mood darkened. It was clear no love was lost between challenger Taeler Hendrix, and champion Lady Victoria (and her manager, Buddy D. Wolfe).
As the referee held the Title Belt aloft, Buddy screamed at the challenger, "take a good look! That's as close as you're getting to the title!"
The match was brutal. Two talented athletes went all out seeking to destroy each other. At every opportunity, Buddy interfered to punish the challenger on the ropes, repeating every time the ref turned to see what Buddy was up to. The powerful champion battered Taeler, soon inflicting a bloody nose on the challenger!
Hendrix, came close to scoring an upset with her booming kicks, but in the end the wily champion prevailed with a brain buster and cover for the one-two-three! The two gladiators withdrew from the field of battle, and an exhausted, and delighted crowd made it's way into the night.
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