Saturday, December 24, 2005
Breaking Point Review
Alias Storm & Haas Vs America’s Most Wanted ( * * * ½ )
America’s Most Wanted snubbed the big-money offer from MMK’s new Total Wrestling Action Today promotion, to sign their deal with the IWF, and this is what it got them. This was a superb opener and proved that the IWF’s decision to push AMW to the top of the tag division right from the bat was warranted and the crowd went wild when Harris & Storm won the belts when Harris pinned Lance Storm. Job done.
Monty Brown Vs Chris Jericho ( * ¾ )
The crowd heat disappeared for this one. Brown is quite simply not in Jericho’s league and the fans knew it. Jericho took the win failry comfortably with the Walls Of Jericho. Until Brown gets a personality, he’ll remain at the bottom of the IWF ladder.
The Big Gee Vs “The Graduate” Phil Jackson ( * * )
This was a fairly entertaining David Vs Goliath match, but simply wasn’t given enough time to breathe. The fans dug it, but with a few extra minutes to play with this could have been special. As it was, Gee finished Jackson off with the Geesus Christ (yes, they are calling it that again).
Matt Hardy Vs Randy Orton ( * * ¾ )
Oh Hardy, where did it all go wrong? Ok, so he’s still got a high profile, but recently he’s been racking up more losses than wins and as you might have suspected it was another one in the loss column for Hardy here. Orton needed a win after a couple of high-profile losses, and he finished off Hardy with the RKO. 2006 could be a vital year for both men indeed.
Chris Kanyon & Dean Roberts Vs Abyss & Triple H ( * * * ¼)
Ok so basically this tag team match was set up to prolong the Kanyon/Abyss feud AND to tease a one-on-one meeting between Dean and HHH (which will come at some point during 2006 for sure). And on both counts this enteraining tag match fitted the bill. The crowd came unglued when Dean and Tripper first locked horns, which bodes well for that match (a rematch which has been a long-time coming), and the crowd were still hot for the Kanyon/Abyss rivalry too, which escalated a bit more when interference from Father James Mitchell enabled Abyss to get the pin over Kanyon with the Black Hole Slam
Jay Reso Vs “The Phenomenon” Paul Wardle ( * * * )
This is a feud which has quietly caught fire over the past few weeks and it was a very entertaining blow off to the mini-feud. It will come as little surprise to learn that Reso took the win, but Wardle held his own and was allowed to look competitive before falling to the Unprettier. Nice little match.
Xavier Vs Kurt Angle ( * * * * ¾ )
Wow. That’s all you really need to say about this one, as it was just a superb slice of 21st Century pro-grappling. The crowd were on the edge of their seats throughout this titanic battle and this was one of those that really could have gone either way. In the end it was Angle who won (after a third Angle Slam) but this was a match where no-one lost. Both were superb and it was a very late entry into the running for the best match of 2005. Simply outstanding.
Melina Vs Annalise Roberts Vs Christy Hemme Vs Nikita ( * * )
They couldn’t follow the previous match of course, but they tried their best. Mind you, they weren’t helped by the “first pinfall wins” rules, but there was a hot closing sequence which ended when Melina finished off Christy for the 1-2-3 and the retention of her Women’s Title.
Matt Morgan Vs Shawn Michaels ( * * * * )
Main event time, and if it couldn’t quite grab match of the night honours from Angle/Xav it came close and ended the night on a high note. HBK was superb here as he did everything within his power to put Morgan across in a positive light and Morgan continued to show his growing suitabilty for the top spot. HBK was valliant but in the end he couldn’t quite put Morgan away, although it did take a chair shot from Morgan’s “agent” Paul Heyman for Morgan to be able to hit the Morgasm for the 1-2-3. A very good main event indeed.
A good end to 2005, although some critics have bemoaned the fact that for the most part it was the old superstars who got the big wins. But this night may well be one to remember for the likes of Randy Orton, America’s Most Wanted, Abyss and Matt Morgan who all got victories which gave their careers a good boost. But really when all is said and done, Breaking Point will be remembered for the scincillating Angle/Xavier match which, quite frankly, worth the ppv money alone.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Breaking Point 2005 CARD
Breaking Point 2005
Saturday 24th December
UNIFIED WORLD TITLE:
Matt Morgan Vs Shawn Michaels
Chris Kanyon & Dean Roberts Vs Abyss & Triple H
Xavier Vs Kurt Angle
Matt Hardy Vs Randy Orton
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES:
Alias Storm & Haas Vs America’s Most Wanted
WORLD WOMEN’S TITLE:
Melina Vs Annalise Roberts Vs Christy Hemme Vs Nikita
EUROPEAN TITLE:
Jay Reso Vs “The Phenomenon” Paul Wardle
The Big Gee Vs “The Graduate” Phil Jackson
Monty Brown Vs Chris Jericho
Saturday 24th December
UNIFIED WORLD TITLE:
Matt Morgan Vs Shawn Michaels
Chris Kanyon & Dean Roberts Vs Abyss & Triple H
Xavier Vs Kurt Angle
Matt Hardy Vs Randy Orton
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES:
Alias Storm & Haas Vs America’s Most Wanted
WORLD WOMEN’S TITLE:
Melina Vs Annalise Roberts Vs Christy Hemme Vs Nikita
EUROPEAN TITLE:
Jay Reso Vs “The Phenomenon” Paul Wardle
The Big Gee Vs “The Graduate” Phil Jackson
Monty Brown Vs Chris Jericho
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Nightmare Report…
Alias Storm & Haas Vs JBL & Edge ( * * )
Oh, Edge & JBL were such a dynamic team when the Man Of Steel invitational threw them together that they’ve rode a wave of positive excitement towards their big chance at the World Tag Team Titles. Ok, so they haven’t. They’ve actually been as dull as you might expect in the ring (no matter how entertaining JBL can be as a character), and as such, they were only ever here to take the fall for the champions, which came when Haas pinned Edge.
Sean O’Haire Vs Batista ( * )
Man you’ve been on the edge of your seat during the bitter and episodic break up between this former World Tag Team championship team haven’t you?…what’s that?…you haven’t? Ah well. This was as plodding as you might expect; both men are more than capable of having good matches with good wrestlers, but neither can have good matches with bad wrestlers, and so this was power-based “wrestling” all the way, with little in the way of interest until O’Haire unveiled his ever impressive Seanton Bomb to get the 1-2-3.
Carlito Vs Paul Birchill ( * * ¾ )
As this was held in Puerto Rico, Carlito was one of the most over wrestlers on the card. Thankfully the IWF booking squad went with the flow and reversed roles for these two, enabling Birchill to play quite the intense heel. (Mark our words, he’ll turn heel for real before too long). But Carlito used some of his cheating tactics to get the win, much to the delight of his home crowd.
MNM, Wardle & Gibson Vs Saints, Jackson & Reso ( * * ½ )
A bit of a mess, as 8 man tags are wont to be, but this was decent enough and threw in enough hot moves to get the crowd interested. Wardle again looked like he was on a mission to steal the show, but it wasn’t enough to get his team the win, as it was Reso who finished Joey Mercury off with the Unprettier for the 1-2-3.
Shawn Michaels Vs The Big Gee ( * * * ½ )
What a pleasant surprise this was. Michaels kept up his sterling form as of late and Gee looked more focussed and interested than he has in a while. The result was a classic old school “David Vs Goliath” battle that really worked well. In the end, Michaels wrapped it up with a small package in what was a very competitive and entertaining affair.
Randy Orton Vs Xavier ( * * * ¼ )
Well it certainly looks like after his stellar 2005, Orton is being tested as the year draws towards a close. Hot on the heels of his loss to Triple H at Neon Blue, he went down here in an entertaining battle with Xavier, which Xav wrapped up with the Xav-attack. Still, Orton’s time will come, and this result should hopefully help to put Xav back on track too.
Matt Hardy Vs Triple H ( * * * )
A decent enough battle, albeit one that really didn’t do Matt Hardy’s quest to be a genuine top-liner any good. He just didn’t show the fire one would have expected him to do, and it came as little surprise in the end to see HHH go over via the Pedigree. Still, Hardy will get more chances, and a loss to HHH is nothing to be ashamed of.
Matt Morgan Vs Chris Kanyon ( * * * ¼ )
Can Morgan cut it as a champion? Well on this showing the suggestion is that he could. Whilst Kanyon carried the match (much like Angle did at Neon Blue), Morgan again more than held his own, and his psychotic heel personae is very effective indeed. Kanyon controlled the early going but Morgan gradually wore his opponent down. A flurry though by Kanyon looked like it might swing things his way, but the untimely re-appearance of Abyss tore the match away from Kanyon, as his return to IWF TV was enough to distract Kanyon for long enough for Morgan to hit the Morgasm for the 1-2-3, and his first PPV title defence was wrapped up successfully.
An average under-card was propped up by an entertaining final quartet of matches which, if not outstanding, where more than enough to keep the viewer entertained. As the stop-over between Neon Blue and Breaking Point, it did its job adequately enough.
Oh, Edge & JBL were such a dynamic team when the Man Of Steel invitational threw them together that they’ve rode a wave of positive excitement towards their big chance at the World Tag Team Titles. Ok, so they haven’t. They’ve actually been as dull as you might expect in the ring (no matter how entertaining JBL can be as a character), and as such, they were only ever here to take the fall for the champions, which came when Haas pinned Edge.
Sean O’Haire Vs Batista ( * )
Man you’ve been on the edge of your seat during the bitter and episodic break up between this former World Tag Team championship team haven’t you?…what’s that?…you haven’t? Ah well. This was as plodding as you might expect; both men are more than capable of having good matches with good wrestlers, but neither can have good matches with bad wrestlers, and so this was power-based “wrestling” all the way, with little in the way of interest until O’Haire unveiled his ever impressive Seanton Bomb to get the 1-2-3.
Carlito Vs Paul Birchill ( * * ¾ )
As this was held in Puerto Rico, Carlito was one of the most over wrestlers on the card. Thankfully the IWF booking squad went with the flow and reversed roles for these two, enabling Birchill to play quite the intense heel. (Mark our words, he’ll turn heel for real before too long). But Carlito used some of his cheating tactics to get the win, much to the delight of his home crowd.
MNM, Wardle & Gibson Vs Saints, Jackson & Reso ( * * ½ )
A bit of a mess, as 8 man tags are wont to be, but this was decent enough and threw in enough hot moves to get the crowd interested. Wardle again looked like he was on a mission to steal the show, but it wasn’t enough to get his team the win, as it was Reso who finished Joey Mercury off with the Unprettier for the 1-2-3.
Shawn Michaels Vs The Big Gee ( * * * ½ )
What a pleasant surprise this was. Michaels kept up his sterling form as of late and Gee looked more focussed and interested than he has in a while. The result was a classic old school “David Vs Goliath” battle that really worked well. In the end, Michaels wrapped it up with a small package in what was a very competitive and entertaining affair.
Randy Orton Vs Xavier ( * * * ¼ )
Well it certainly looks like after his stellar 2005, Orton is being tested as the year draws towards a close. Hot on the heels of his loss to Triple H at Neon Blue, he went down here in an entertaining battle with Xavier, which Xav wrapped up with the Xav-attack. Still, Orton’s time will come, and this result should hopefully help to put Xav back on track too.
Matt Hardy Vs Triple H ( * * * )
A decent enough battle, albeit one that really didn’t do Matt Hardy’s quest to be a genuine top-liner any good. He just didn’t show the fire one would have expected him to do, and it came as little surprise in the end to see HHH go over via the Pedigree. Still, Hardy will get more chances, and a loss to HHH is nothing to be ashamed of.
Matt Morgan Vs Chris Kanyon ( * * * ¼ )
Can Morgan cut it as a champion? Well on this showing the suggestion is that he could. Whilst Kanyon carried the match (much like Angle did at Neon Blue), Morgan again more than held his own, and his psychotic heel personae is very effective indeed. Kanyon controlled the early going but Morgan gradually wore his opponent down. A flurry though by Kanyon looked like it might swing things his way, but the untimely re-appearance of Abyss tore the match away from Kanyon, as his return to IWF TV was enough to distract Kanyon for long enough for Morgan to hit the Morgasm for the 1-2-3, and his first PPV title defence was wrapped up successfully.
An average under-card was propped up by an entertaining final quartet of matches which, if not outstanding, where more than enough to keep the viewer entertained. As the stop-over between Neon Blue and Breaking Point, it did its job adequately enough.
Friday, November 18, 2005
NIGHTMARE 2005 - CARD
Nightmare 2005
Sunday 20th November 2005
Unified Triple Crown:
Matt Morgan Vs Chris Kanyon
Randy Orton Vs Xavier
Matt Hardy Vs Triple H
Shawn Michaels Vs The Big Gee
World Tag Team Titles;
Alias Storm & Haas Vs JBL & Edge
Sean O’Haire Vs Batista
United Kingdom Title;
Carlito Vs Paul Birchill
MNM, Paul Wardle & James Gibson
Vs
Second City Saints, Phil Jackson & Jay Reso
Sunday 20th November 2005
Unified Triple Crown:
Matt Morgan Vs Chris Kanyon
Randy Orton Vs Xavier
Matt Hardy Vs Triple H
Shawn Michaels Vs The Big Gee
World Tag Team Titles;
Alias Storm & Haas Vs JBL & Edge
Sean O’Haire Vs Batista
United Kingdom Title;
Carlito Vs Paul Birchill
MNM, Paul Wardle & James Gibson
Vs
Second City Saints, Phil Jackson & Jay Reso
Sunday, October 23, 2005
NEON BLUE REVIEW
Second City Saints Vs MNM ( * * * )
What a refreshing way to kick off Neon Blue. This was 7 minutes of heaven (and as good a 7 minute tag match as you are likely to see) and all four men (and Annalise and Melina at ringside) put their best feet forward to contibute. In the end though, it was bound to come down to some female extra-curricular activities in terms of settling the match, and despite Annalise’s best efforts to stop Melina, Melina managed to throw a steel chair into the ring, which enabled Joey Mercury to waffle Colt Cabana and Johnny Nitro got the 1-2-3 which gained his team the European Tag Titles.
James Gibson Vs Rick Shaw ( * * * ¼ )
A slight disappointment, although like the opener this was kept a relatively brief affair. Shaw lost his title at Man Of Steel without being pinned and this was his big chance to regain the title, but in the end Gibson prevailed in a hot closing sequence to get the pinfall and retain his title.
6 Man Ladder Match ( * * * * ¼ )
Car-wreck wrestling this may have been, but there is no doubt that the stunts on display here were breath-taking in the extreme. All six men put their body on the line in this one, but particularily impressive where Paul Wardle (who flung himself about like he was determined to steal the show in this one) and Phil Jackson, who stepped upto the plate with an awesome display. In the end though, it was Jay Reso who managed to sneak up the ladder and claim the gold, much to the delight of the audience and grab the European title for the second time.
Dean Roberts Vs Shawn Michaels (Iron Man, * * * * )
Both men looked very serious at the onset of this one, and both delivered cracking psychologically heavy performances in this cracker of a match.
ORDER OF DECISIONS:
1) Shawn Micheals pins Dean Roberts following a Top-Rope cross-body (14:32, HBK 1 – 0 Dean)
2) Dean pins Shawn following A Scholarship (22:10, HBK 1 – 1 Dean)
3) Dean pins Shawn who is still KO’ed from the Scholarship (23:10, HBK 1 – 2 Dean)
4) Shawn pins Dean following a roll-up (28:14, HBK 2 – 2 Dean)
OVER-TIME
5) Shawn pins Dean after Sweet Chin Music (35:11, HBK 3 – 2 Dean)
Both men got a standing ovation after the effort and shook hands to an even louder reaction. This was seriously good story-telling from both men
Chris Kanyon Vs Abyss (Road To Hell, * * * *)
More car-wreck wrestling, but again, what a spectacle. These two men fought all over the arena in what was basically a Falls Count Anywhere Anything Goes Match but eventually they got back in the ring and Kanyon managed to pin Abyss after a THIRD Kanyon-Kutter, which suggests that whilst Kanyon may have won this battle, the war might yet be far from over.
Triple H Vs Randy Orton ( * * * ½ )
Ok, so this was two heels fighting each other, but the IWF had done a good job of buildilng a storyline out of it and as such this was a well-received match. It was also the night that Orton’s “luck” ran out as he was finished off after a brutal battle by a HHH Pedigree. That said, Tripper did his part to keep Orton strong so this was a good match for all concerned.
Kurt Angle Vs Matt Morgan ( * * * ¾ )
So it was main event time, and this has had some wicked build up ever since the closing moments of Man Of Steel, This was a blood bath and initial fears that Morgan wasn’t a main-event wrestler were calmed by the fact that this was a corking match. Sure, Angle carried him, but Morgan played his part well and the lashings of claret added to the atmosphere. In the end Angle was spouting what looked like a ton of blood and was struggling to even see, which left him prey to the Morgasm, and much to the shock of the crowd, Morgan got the pinfall victory to earn himself his first ever Unified Triple Crown. As Morgan celebrated his way back to the locker-room area, a bloodied and battered Angle got up to a HUGE reaction from the crowd but Morgan just ran in once again and smashed him with another Morgasm. He mockingly stood over Angle’s bloody carcass as the show went off the air..
Wow, what else is there to say? This was one of the finest nights of IWF action ever, and had a truly stunning climax. Believe it folks, the IWF is back to its best.
What a refreshing way to kick off Neon Blue. This was 7 minutes of heaven (and as good a 7 minute tag match as you are likely to see) and all four men (and Annalise and Melina at ringside) put their best feet forward to contibute. In the end though, it was bound to come down to some female extra-curricular activities in terms of settling the match, and despite Annalise’s best efforts to stop Melina, Melina managed to throw a steel chair into the ring, which enabled Joey Mercury to waffle Colt Cabana and Johnny Nitro got the 1-2-3 which gained his team the European Tag Titles.
James Gibson Vs Rick Shaw ( * * * ¼ )
A slight disappointment, although like the opener this was kept a relatively brief affair. Shaw lost his title at Man Of Steel without being pinned and this was his big chance to regain the title, but in the end Gibson prevailed in a hot closing sequence to get the pinfall and retain his title.
6 Man Ladder Match ( * * * * ¼ )
Car-wreck wrestling this may have been, but there is no doubt that the stunts on display here were breath-taking in the extreme. All six men put their body on the line in this one, but particularily impressive where Paul Wardle (who flung himself about like he was determined to steal the show in this one) and Phil Jackson, who stepped upto the plate with an awesome display. In the end though, it was Jay Reso who managed to sneak up the ladder and claim the gold, much to the delight of the audience and grab the European title for the second time.
Dean Roberts Vs Shawn Michaels (Iron Man, * * * * )
Both men looked very serious at the onset of this one, and both delivered cracking psychologically heavy performances in this cracker of a match.
ORDER OF DECISIONS:
1) Shawn Micheals pins Dean Roberts following a Top-Rope cross-body (14:32, HBK 1 – 0 Dean)
2) Dean pins Shawn following A Scholarship (22:10, HBK 1 – 1 Dean)
3) Dean pins Shawn who is still KO’ed from the Scholarship (23:10, HBK 1 – 2 Dean)
4) Shawn pins Dean following a roll-up (28:14, HBK 2 – 2 Dean)
OVER-TIME
5) Shawn pins Dean after Sweet Chin Music (35:11, HBK 3 – 2 Dean)
Both men got a standing ovation after the effort and shook hands to an even louder reaction. This was seriously good story-telling from both men
Chris Kanyon Vs Abyss (Road To Hell, * * * *)
More car-wreck wrestling, but again, what a spectacle. These two men fought all over the arena in what was basically a Falls Count Anywhere Anything Goes Match but eventually they got back in the ring and Kanyon managed to pin Abyss after a THIRD Kanyon-Kutter, which suggests that whilst Kanyon may have won this battle, the war might yet be far from over.
Triple H Vs Randy Orton ( * * * ½ )
Ok, so this was two heels fighting each other, but the IWF had done a good job of buildilng a storyline out of it and as such this was a well-received match. It was also the night that Orton’s “luck” ran out as he was finished off after a brutal battle by a HHH Pedigree. That said, Tripper did his part to keep Orton strong so this was a good match for all concerned.
Kurt Angle Vs Matt Morgan ( * * * ¾ )
So it was main event time, and this has had some wicked build up ever since the closing moments of Man Of Steel, This was a blood bath and initial fears that Morgan wasn’t a main-event wrestler were calmed by the fact that this was a corking match. Sure, Angle carried him, but Morgan played his part well and the lashings of claret added to the atmosphere. In the end Angle was spouting what looked like a ton of blood and was struggling to even see, which left him prey to the Morgasm, and much to the shock of the crowd, Morgan got the pinfall victory to earn himself his first ever Unified Triple Crown. As Morgan celebrated his way back to the locker-room area, a bloodied and battered Angle got up to a HUGE reaction from the crowd but Morgan just ran in once again and smashed him with another Morgasm. He mockingly stood over Angle’s bloody carcass as the show went off the air..
Wow, what else is there to say? This was one of the finest nights of IWF action ever, and had a truly stunning climax. Believe it folks, the IWF is back to its best.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Neon Blue 2005 Card
Neon Blue
Sunday 23rd October
UNIFIED TRIPLE CROWN:
Kurt Angle Vs Matt Morgan
30 MINUTE IRON MAN MATCH;
Dean Roberts Vs Shawn Michaels
ROAD TO HELL MATCH;
Chris Kanyon Vs Abyss
Triple H Vs Randy Orton
WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE:
James Gibson Vs Rick Shaw
EUROPEAN TITLE: SIX WAY LADDER MATCH
Matt Hardy
Vs
Jay Reso
VS
Eddy Guerrero
Vs
Phil Jackson
Vs
Carlito
Vs
Paul “The Phenomenon” Wardle
UNITED KINGDOM TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH:
Second City Saints Vs MNM
Sunday 23rd October
UNIFIED TRIPLE CROWN:
Kurt Angle Vs Matt Morgan
30 MINUTE IRON MAN MATCH;
Dean Roberts Vs Shawn Michaels
ROAD TO HELL MATCH;
Chris Kanyon Vs Abyss
Triple H Vs Randy Orton
WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE:
James Gibson Vs Rick Shaw
EUROPEAN TITLE: SIX WAY LADDER MATCH
Matt Hardy
Vs
Jay Reso
VS
Eddy Guerrero
Vs
Phil Jackson
Vs
Carlito
Vs
Paul “The Phenomenon” Wardle
UNITED KINGDOM TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH:
Second City Saints Vs MNM
With Annalise Roberts & Melina at ringside.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Man Of Steel Report
Rob Van Dam & Paul Wardle Vs Chris Jericho & Randy Orton ( * * ¾ )
Ok, so last year it was the “Super Series” invitational, but don’t quibble over semantics. This was just what you would want from an opener; energetic, fast paced and smooth flowing. It’s a testament to Wardle that he didn’t look out of place in the experienced company he was sharing the ring with. Still, he couldn’t fashion a win for his team as in the end Randy Orton finished RVD off with the RKO for him and Jericho to advance.
Lance Storm & Johnny Nitro Vs Sean O Haire & Jay Reso ( * ¾ )
This was decent stuff, highlighted by mutual distrust between partners, which was eventually overcome, for the winners anyway, when O’Haire finished Lance Storm off with a Seanton Bomb.
JBL & Edge Vs Chris Kanyon & Charles Haas ( * * )
Edge looked positively ecstatic at having JBL as his partner, but he was less pleased to see one of his opponents was to be Kanyon. And his dread was fully warranted, as in the end it was Kanyon who finished Edge off with the Kanyon-Kutter to make his team advance.
Batista & Paul Birchill Vs Carlito & Matt Morgan ( * ½ )
Well Carlito wasn’t happy at all with being lumped with these three giants, but he was happy in the end as he turned out to be teamed with the best of the three giants. Carlito did very little at all but watch his partner Morgan destroy Batista and, the debuting Birchill, eventually finishing off Batista with the Morgasm.
Matt Hardy & CM Punk Vs Kane & Phil Jackson ( * * * )
This was a cracking little encounter, which saw all four men put their best foot forward and the crowd were royally entertained. In the end, Punk finished off Jackson with the Pepsi Plunge for his team to advance.
Abyss & Xavier Vs The Big Gee & Shelton Benjamin ( * ¾ )
This was a decent, albeit brief, encounter, which was only really memorable for The Big Gee leaving his partner to the wolves, so to speak, and walking off, which left Shelton easy prey for Abyss’ Black Hole Slam.
Monty Brown & Ray Gordy Vs Joey Mercury & Dean Roberts ( * * ¼ )
Quite what Dean was doing in this company is anyone’s guess, but this was actually a competent match. Mercury seemed over-awed at teaming with the Icon, Gordy looked his usual sturdy, but uncharismatic self, and Brown, in his IWF debut, looked sharp and like a potential star. In the end though, Dean won out, as you would expect him to do, and he finished off Gordy with a Scholarship. Incensed, Brown hit Gordy with what we assume will become his finishing move The Pounce.
Simon Starshot & Triple H Vs Colt Cabana & Shawn Michaels ( * ¾ )
The final Qualifying match started with Dean Roberts, returning to the dressing room after his match, kicking the crap out of Shawn Michaels, leaving Colt Cabana on his own. Which obviously did no favours for Colt at all, and he was quickly finished off with a Pedigree.
Rick Shaw Vs Bryan Danielson Vs James Gibson Vs Brian Kendrick ( * * ¾ )
This could have been a classic if it hadn’t been so rushed (and if it hadn’t been fought under first pinfall wins). And as you might have feared, the fact that Shaw could lose the Cruiserweight title without being pinned became of the utmost importance as Gibson finished Danielson off to take the pinfall and to lift the Cruiserweight title.
Man Of Steel Battle Bowl Final ( * * * )
PARTICIPANTS: Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, Sean O Haire, Jay Reso, Chris Kanyon, Charles Haas, Carlito, Matt Morgan, Matt Hardy, CM Punk, Abyss, Xavier, Joey Mercury, Dean Roberts, Simon Starshot, Triple H
ORDER OF ELIMINATION:
I) Dean Roberts (attacked by Shawn Michaels, who ran out at the onset of the match and tossed Dean over the top-rope).
II) Simon Starshot (Jay Reso),
III) Sean O Haire (Abyss),
IV) Charles Haas (Matt Hardy),
V) Joey Mercury (Xavier),
VI) Chris Jericho (Triple H),
VII) CM Punk (Triple H),
VIII) Jay Reso (Matt Morgan),
IX) Xavier (Matt Morgan),
X) Abyss (Chris Kanyon),
XI) Chris Kanyon (Triple H & Abyss – Abyss reached back in the ring to grab Kanyon enabling HHH to throw him out),
XII) Carlito (Matt Morgan),
XIII) Matt Hardy (Randy Orton)
XIV) Randy Orton (Triple H),
XV) Triple H (Matt Morgan).WINNER = MATT MORGAN.
Morgan celebrated as Triple H looked on stunned. Rumour before hand was that the winner of the match would get the Unified Title shot at Neon Blue…if so, who would it be against?
Kurt Angle Vs The Undertaker ( * * * ¼ )
A decent main event to end a decent card. There has been some good build up to this one, and the fans were looking forward to it. They were positively willing Angle to win, and although at times it looked as if he was on the verge of losing the Unified Triple Crown, he rallied and in the end finished off the Undertaker with the Angle slam. As Angle celebrated however, Matt Morgan ran out and absolutely kicked the crap out of Angle, bloodying him in the process. Which means two things…Morgan is now officially heel…and it’s going to be Morgan/Angle at Neon Blue!!!
Man Of Steel 2005 Card
Man Of Steel 2005
Sunday 11th September
UNIFIED WORLD TITLE:
Kurt Angle Vs The Undertaker
MAN OF STEEL INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
Participants;
Chris Kanyon, Dean Roberts, Shawn Michaels, The Big Gee, Kane, Xavier, Randy Orton, Matt Hardy, Phil Jackson, Carlito, Abyss, JBL, Triple H, Sean O Haire, Batista, Lance Storm, Charles Haas, Matt Morgan, Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro, CM Punk, Colt Cabana, Jay Reso , Shelton Benjamin, Paul Wardle, Rob Van Dam, Chris Jericho, Edge, Simon Starshot, Paul Birchill, Monty Brown, Ray Gordy
WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE:
Rick Shaw Vs Bryan Danielson Vs James Gibson Vs Brian Kendrick
Sunday 11th September
UNIFIED WORLD TITLE:
Kurt Angle Vs The Undertaker
MAN OF STEEL INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
Participants;
Chris Kanyon, Dean Roberts, Shawn Michaels, The Big Gee, Kane, Xavier, Randy Orton, Matt Hardy, Phil Jackson, Carlito, Abyss, JBL, Triple H, Sean O Haire, Batista, Lance Storm, Charles Haas, Matt Morgan, Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro, CM Punk, Colt Cabana, Jay Reso , Shelton Benjamin, Paul Wardle, Rob Van Dam, Chris Jericho, Edge, Simon Starshot, Paul Birchill, Monty Brown, Ray Gordy
WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE:
Rick Shaw Vs Bryan Danielson Vs James Gibson Vs Brian Kendrick
Sunday, August 14, 2005
SUPER SERIES REPORT
Matt Morgan Vs Edge ( * * ¼ )
The show kicked off with this intriguing battle. Despite the fact we’ve been saying this for a long time now, Morgan is bubbling under nicely and seemingly has a future in the IWF. Edge, on the other hand, may have had all the chances at glory he is going to get. Which all meant that whilst this was a respectable opener, it had zero drama as not one fan really expected Edge to walk away with the victory, and indeed it proved so. Morgan took the pinfall.
Batista & Sean O Haire Vs Alias Storm & Haas ( * ¾ )
It seemed as if the fans were also expecting a rather predictable outcome to this one; after all O’Haire and Batista have crushed everyone in their path since winning the titles at MM, but Storm and Haas have obviously spent their time wisely since then as they took advantage of Batista’s dodgy knees to not only get themselves into the match, but to win it as well! Sadly the clash of styles once again did little for the match, but it wasn’t too bad.
Jay Reso Vs Chuck Palumbo ( * * )
Why? Why was this match on PPV? Who knows, but Reso took an easy win, which he was always going to get, and Palumbo ensured he got a few more pounds on this month’s pay cheque.
Annalise Roberts & Second City Saints Vs MNM ( * * ¾ )
This feud has been bubbling nicely since Melina defeated Annalise for the Womens title last month, courtesy of MNM’s interference. This was an entertaining match, which could have been even better if it had been allotted a bit more time. In the end MNM won when Joey Matthews pinned Colt Cabana after Johnny Nitro had smashed CC with the Womens Title belt.
Kurt Angle Vs The Undertaker Vs The Big Gee Vs Kane ( * * * )
The thought of this match didn’t exactly inspire thoughts of something wonderful before hand, but it was a stellar, hard-hitting bout which the crowd got well into. Fought under first pinfall wins rules, this did become a bit of a mess at times, but on the whole was a well constructed, tight and exciting battle. And it was a battle that Angle won when he pinned Kane, although it is worth pointing out that Kane was knocked down an Undertaker tombstone.
Rick Shaw Vs Acid ( * * ¼ )
The calm between the two “main events” this was nothing more than card-filler, which was a shame really because the match was progressing quite nicely until from out of nowhere Rick hit the Shaw-thing to get the pinfall and retain his World Cruiserweight title.
Team Dean Vs Team HBK (Super Series Elimination, * * * * ½ )
The story behind this was that the team Captains Dean & Shawn were allowed to hand-pick their four partners for this match, which led to some entertaining segments and promos on Warfare and Impact recently. It is also worth noting that Dean’s recent stint in hospital meant he didn’t do an awful lot in this match, which in some ways helped to add to the drama and atmosphere. Order of elimination was as follows; I) Matt Hardy (pinned by Randy Orton), II) JBL (pinned by HHH), III)Carlito (pinned by Xavier), IV & V) Chris Kanyon and Abyss were subject to a Double Disqualification, VI) Xavier (pinned by Randy Orton), VII) Triple H (pinned by Randy Orton); VIII) Randy Orton (pinned by Shawn Michaels). IX) Shawn Michaels (pinned by Dean Roberts, but only after Randy Orton returned to the ring and smacked HBK with the ring bell). WINNER, AND SOLE SURVIVOR – Dean Roberts.
The under card was a bit hit and miss on this occasion but the two main events saved the day. The triple crown title match was a lot smoother than some critics feared it would be, but the Super Series match was off the scale and was beautifully booked and was certainly one to remember.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Super Series 2005 Card
Super Series 2005
Sunday 14th August
WORLD TRIPLE CROWN TITLE:
Kurt Angle Vs Kane Vs The Undertaker Vs The Big Gee
- - -
TRADITIONAL SUPER SERIES ENCOUNTER:
TEAM DEAN
Dean Roberts, Chris Kanyon, Randy Orton, Carlito & JBL
Vs
TEAM HBK
Shawn Michaels, Abyss, Xavier, Matt Hardy & Triple H
- - -
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES;
Sean O'Haire & Batista Vs Alias Storm & Haas
Matt Morgan Vs Edge
WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE:
Rick Shaw Vs Acid
Annalise Roberts & The Second City Saints
Vs
Melina & MNM
Jay Reso Vs "The Famous" Chuck Palumbo
Sunday 14th August
WORLD TRIPLE CROWN TITLE:
Kurt Angle Vs Kane Vs The Undertaker Vs The Big Gee
- - -
TRADITIONAL SUPER SERIES ENCOUNTER:
TEAM DEAN
Dean Roberts, Chris Kanyon, Randy Orton, Carlito & JBL
Vs
TEAM HBK
Shawn Michaels, Abyss, Xavier, Matt Hardy & Triple H
- - -
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES;
Sean O'Haire & Batista Vs Alias Storm & Haas
Matt Morgan Vs Edge
WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE:
Rick Shaw Vs Acid
Annalise Roberts & The Second City Saints
Vs
Melina & MNM
Jay Reso Vs "The Famous" Chuck Palumbo
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Xtreme Overload Card
“The Graduate” Phil Jackson Vs Carlito Caribbean Cool ( * * * )
Xtreme Overload kicked off with this battle for the UK title, which certainly had the crowd interested from the start. Jackson may well be the most popular “mid-carder” on the roster, and Carlito has been catching on fire recently. This was a quality opener which had just the right amount of big moves to get the crowd going, even if it didn’t quite have the ending that the fans wanted. Carlito grabbed a handful of tights, got the pinfall and lifted the UK title. Jackson was furious, but there was nothing he could do.
Randy Orton Vs Rob Van Dam ( * * ½ )
So this month it was RVD who was chosen to be Orton’s victim. You only have to hope that Orton’s victory here continues his upwards climb because it is clear that the IWF is in dire need of fresh blood at main event standard (Orton may have been in Heat Wave’s main event but he’s not quite a full-time headline act just yet). As you might have guessed Orton wrapped this up with an RKO.
Sean O’Haire & Batista Vs Eddy Guerrero & Chavo Guerrero ( * * )
One day they might find opponents the same size as the mammoth tag team champions, but for now, The Guerrero’s had to do. As you might expect a bit of their old Lie, Cheat and Steal ethos kept them in the hunt for the belts in this one, but it was never going to be quite enough. Eddy went for a Frog Splash but was hurled off the turnbuckle by Batista and then O’Haire hit his stunning Seanton-Bomb to get the 1-2-3 and retain the belts for his team.
Chris Kanyon Vs Abyss ( * * * ¼ )
Management obviously see big things in Abyss’ future, evidenced by him targeting Chris Kanyon on his very first night on Warfare. He certainly looked the part here; he’s not the lumbering big guy you might thing…Abyss can certainly move around in there. This was a very entertaining high-impact collision which certainly did suggest that management may be onto something with Abyss. And in a complete shocker he got the win here, although he did get help from his manager James Mitchell who threw him a chain which Abyss wrapped around his arm and then knocked Kanyon cold out with a beautiful punch. This feud is certainly far from over, but what a promising start it was for Abyss.
Annalise Roberts Vs Melina ( * * ¾ )
New girl in town Melina hasn’t made many friends in her short time here in the IWF, but she certainly looked the part in the ring as she took apart Annalise in the early going. However Annalise used all her experience to get back into contention and it looked as if it could go either way…at least until two men hopped over the guard rail. Whilst one of them distracted the referee, the other nipped into the ring and smashed Annalise with a DDT, allowing Melina to get the pinfall victory and lift the World Women’s title. In a post match interview, the men introduced themselves as Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro and said that along with Melina, they were to be known as MNM!
Kane & The Big Gee Vs The Undertaker & Xavier ( * * * )
The partner lottery match saw all four men’s names go into a draw to decide what teams would meet, which was all due to the massive four man brawl these men had on Impact recently. Or you could just say it was a novel way of getting a meaningful match out of it. Whatever, the results was actually pretty damn good. No-one was really getting along with anyone, but Kane & Gee seemed more willing to work together for the greater good, and in the end that’s what helped them to get the job done. Xavier had enough of teaming with ‘Taker and attempted to attack his own partner. Sadly ‘Taker didn’t go down and Xav felt the Tombstone from his own partner before Gee hit the Geesus Christ on Xavier to seal the win for his team.
Dean Roberts Vs Shawn Michaels ( * * * ½ )
These two have tore at each other verbally on TV leading up to this match, in some of the best promo segments in some while, and the two delivered in the ring as well. A masterclass in psychology, although Dean’s timing was out on a few moves, the two had the fans on the edge of their seats before they’d even really done any big moves, and once those big moves came out, the fans went wild. It was real back and forth stuff which looked like either man would grab it, but in the end it was HBK who took the spoils when he wrapped Dean in a small package for the 1-2-3. Dean was far from pleased with the result and seemed to suggest that this wasn’t over yet as he left the ring.
Kurt Angle Vs Triple H ( * * * * )
A MuscleMania rematch, although thankfully for once it didn’t headline Into The Darkness! A three month gap since their last meeting had heightened the tension for this one and many thought going in that this was to be the night when HHH reclaimed the World Title. But alas it was not to be. Although HHH hit a pedigree he was already wiped out himself and by the time he went for the pin, Angle just about had the wherewithal to kick out. As HHH looked on in disbelief he went to grab Angle but Angle reversed this into an Angle Lock and HHH tapped out in the centre of the ring, AGAIN! The crowd went wild as Angle celebrated.
A great show with a lot to recommend about it. It seems like the IWF are finally getting serious about getting new acts over, and couple this with some fantastic displays from the old guard and you had one of the best PPV’s of the year so far.
Xtreme Overload kicked off with this battle for the UK title, which certainly had the crowd interested from the start. Jackson may well be the most popular “mid-carder” on the roster, and Carlito has been catching on fire recently. This was a quality opener which had just the right amount of big moves to get the crowd going, even if it didn’t quite have the ending that the fans wanted. Carlito grabbed a handful of tights, got the pinfall and lifted the UK title. Jackson was furious, but there was nothing he could do.
Randy Orton Vs Rob Van Dam ( * * ½ )
So this month it was RVD who was chosen to be Orton’s victim. You only have to hope that Orton’s victory here continues his upwards climb because it is clear that the IWF is in dire need of fresh blood at main event standard (Orton may have been in Heat Wave’s main event but he’s not quite a full-time headline act just yet). As you might have guessed Orton wrapped this up with an RKO.
Sean O’Haire & Batista Vs Eddy Guerrero & Chavo Guerrero ( * * )
One day they might find opponents the same size as the mammoth tag team champions, but for now, The Guerrero’s had to do. As you might expect a bit of their old Lie, Cheat and Steal ethos kept them in the hunt for the belts in this one, but it was never going to be quite enough. Eddy went for a Frog Splash but was hurled off the turnbuckle by Batista and then O’Haire hit his stunning Seanton-Bomb to get the 1-2-3 and retain the belts for his team.
Chris Kanyon Vs Abyss ( * * * ¼ )
Management obviously see big things in Abyss’ future, evidenced by him targeting Chris Kanyon on his very first night on Warfare. He certainly looked the part here; he’s not the lumbering big guy you might thing…Abyss can certainly move around in there. This was a very entertaining high-impact collision which certainly did suggest that management may be onto something with Abyss. And in a complete shocker he got the win here, although he did get help from his manager James Mitchell who threw him a chain which Abyss wrapped around his arm and then knocked Kanyon cold out with a beautiful punch. This feud is certainly far from over, but what a promising start it was for Abyss.
Annalise Roberts Vs Melina ( * * ¾ )
New girl in town Melina hasn’t made many friends in her short time here in the IWF, but she certainly looked the part in the ring as she took apart Annalise in the early going. However Annalise used all her experience to get back into contention and it looked as if it could go either way…at least until two men hopped over the guard rail. Whilst one of them distracted the referee, the other nipped into the ring and smashed Annalise with a DDT, allowing Melina to get the pinfall victory and lift the World Women’s title. In a post match interview, the men introduced themselves as Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro and said that along with Melina, they were to be known as MNM!
Kane & The Big Gee Vs The Undertaker & Xavier ( * * * )
The partner lottery match saw all four men’s names go into a draw to decide what teams would meet, which was all due to the massive four man brawl these men had on Impact recently. Or you could just say it was a novel way of getting a meaningful match out of it. Whatever, the results was actually pretty damn good. No-one was really getting along with anyone, but Kane & Gee seemed more willing to work together for the greater good, and in the end that’s what helped them to get the job done. Xavier had enough of teaming with ‘Taker and attempted to attack his own partner. Sadly ‘Taker didn’t go down and Xav felt the Tombstone from his own partner before Gee hit the Geesus Christ on Xavier to seal the win for his team.
Dean Roberts Vs Shawn Michaels ( * * * ½ )
These two have tore at each other verbally on TV leading up to this match, in some of the best promo segments in some while, and the two delivered in the ring as well. A masterclass in psychology, although Dean’s timing was out on a few moves, the two had the fans on the edge of their seats before they’d even really done any big moves, and once those big moves came out, the fans went wild. It was real back and forth stuff which looked like either man would grab it, but in the end it was HBK who took the spoils when he wrapped Dean in a small package for the 1-2-3. Dean was far from pleased with the result and seemed to suggest that this wasn’t over yet as he left the ring.
Kurt Angle Vs Triple H ( * * * * )
A MuscleMania rematch, although thankfully for once it didn’t headline Into The Darkness! A three month gap since their last meeting had heightened the tension for this one and many thought going in that this was to be the night when HHH reclaimed the World Title. But alas it was not to be. Although HHH hit a pedigree he was already wiped out himself and by the time he went for the pin, Angle just about had the wherewithal to kick out. As HHH looked on in disbelief he went to grab Angle but Angle reversed this into an Angle Lock and HHH tapped out in the centre of the ring, AGAIN! The crowd went wild as Angle celebrated.
A great show with a lot to recommend about it. It seems like the IWF are finally getting serious about getting new acts over, and couple this with some fantastic displays from the old guard and you had one of the best PPV’s of the year so far.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Xtreme Overload 2005 Card
Xtreme Overload 2005 Card
Sunday 17th July 2005
WORLD UNIFIED TRIPLE CROWN:
Kurt Angle Vs Triple H
THE ICON Vs THE SHOWSTOPPER
Dean Roberts Vs Shawn Michaels
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES:
Sean O’Haire & Batista Vs Eddy Guerrero & Chavo Guerrero
WORLD WOMENS TITLE:
Annalise Roberts Vs Melina
Chris Kanyon Vs Abyss
PARTNER LOTTERY MATCH;
Kane & The Big Gee Vs The Undertaker & Xavier
Randy Orton Vs Rob Van Dam
UNITED KINGDOM TITLE:
“The Graduate” Phil Jackson Vs Carlito Caribbean Cool
Sunday 17th July 2005
WORLD UNIFIED TRIPLE CROWN:
Kurt Angle Vs Triple H
THE ICON Vs THE SHOWSTOPPER
Dean Roberts Vs Shawn Michaels
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES:
Sean O’Haire & Batista Vs Eddy Guerrero & Chavo Guerrero
WORLD WOMENS TITLE:
Annalise Roberts Vs Melina
Chris Kanyon Vs Abyss
PARTNER LOTTERY MATCH;
Kane & The Big Gee Vs The Undertaker & Xavier
Randy Orton Vs Rob Van Dam
UNITED KINGDOM TITLE:
“The Graduate” Phil Jackson Vs Carlito Caribbean Cool
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Heat Wave Review
Carlito Caribbean Cool Vs Booker T ( * ¾ )
Carlito has become quite an entertaining character in the couple of months since his debut and he’s now made it onto PPV. This wasn’t a great match but it did what it set out to do. It gave Carlito’s career a boost and gave him a decent win over a credible performer. One day he may look back on this match as the start of something very exciting indeed.
Xavier Vs Shawn Michaels ( * * * ½ )
So semi-final time in the Double Trouble tournament, a handy way of boosting star power on PPV after last months ITD debacle, and it actually threw up a couple of intriguing battles. This was super smooth stuff and the crowd really got into it and the performers responded with some wonderful back and forth exchanges. The end segment of the match may well have been the highlight of the night as the two exchanged some high-impact moves before HBK caught Xav in a roll-up for the 1-2-3.
Chris Kanyon Vs Triple H ( * * * ¼ )
The second match was an intriguing one too, again pitting former World Champions against each other. There is a certain chemistry between these two in the ring and it was evidenced here again. There was no wasted motion in this match whatsoever and it really did look like it could go either way, but in the end HHH wrapped it up with a pedigree for the 1-2-3.
Acid Vs Matt Morgan ( Sq ) – Acid’s latest character, as the Cruiserweight determined to punch above his weight, has been quite funny over the past month or so. He’s sneaked past the likes of Rancour, Bill DeMott and, good god, Kamala, but seemed strangely reluctant on the Impact prior to the PPV to take on the returning Matt Morgan. Still he had no choice but to face him here and he got what was coming to him. That is a bloody and brutal squash beating, albeit one where Acid actually came out with some momentum as he quite simply refused to be beaten and sustained quite a few of Morgan’s brutal high impact moves before finally succumbing to the pinfall.
Jay Reso Vs Matt Hardy (No Holds Barred, * * * * )
These two have really cranked it up over the past month and it seemed like the only sensible thing to do was to let them hang it all out in a No Holds Barred match. There was of course lashings of brutality but this match was about much more than that. It was two wrestlers who were so evenly matched that they had to go to the depths of hell to pull out something to get the win. And in the end it was Hardy who had that little bit extras as he hit a stunning leg-drop from the top turnbuckle into the crowd where Reso was lain out. He dragged him back in the ring and got the 1-2-3 that reunited him with his European title. Afterwards the crowd showed their appreciation for both men.
Rick Shaw Vs “Heart-Throb” Gregory Helms ( * * )
These two couldn’t follow what preceded them and whilst this was nevertheless a tidy match, it was one that blatantly screamed CARD FILLER. Shaw took the win following the “Shaw-Thing”.
Rob Van Dam Vs Edge ( * * )
See, RVD IS still alive and is still under contract to the IWF. And when all other options are exhausted for these two guys, just pit them against each other in a match nobody cares about. Look, it was perfectly acceptable, but totally forgettable. For the record, RVD won, which is better than losing.
Triple H Vs Shawn Michaels ( * * * ¾ )
Time for the Double Trouble final now, and a match with a long history behind it in terms of the two participants which certainly heightened the excitement and what a great match it was too. The two really turned it on and it was only the screw job finish that dragged the mark down slightly…but WHAT a screw-job finish it was. After two long months away, Dean Roberts made his return to the IWF and for some reason, soon to be revealed on Warfare no doubt, targeted Michaels whilst the ref and HHH were down and hit him with a Scholarship onto a Steel Chair. The pin was a formality for HHH (who was seemingly unaware of Dean’s interference) and he won the Double Trouble tournament to become the number 1 contender to the Triple Crown and to secure himself a title shot at Xtreme Overload…but who would he face?
Kurt Angle Vs Randy Orton ( * * * ¼ )
Well, Randy certainly has come up in the world, and here he was, challenging for the world title in the main event of a PPV. Some were even saying he could win it!!! Which of course he didn’t. But he did put up a valiant effort and certainly showed he could swim with the sharks at this level. Angle finished him off with the Angle Slam, but certainly seemed to appreciate just what a hard fought battle it had been.
Now this was more like it. For the most part this was a hotly anticipated show with more than it’s share of good matches. Some nice surprises and some career advancement for some of the players was good news too. Hopefully this signals an IWF back on track.
Carlito has become quite an entertaining character in the couple of months since his debut and he’s now made it onto PPV. This wasn’t a great match but it did what it set out to do. It gave Carlito’s career a boost and gave him a decent win over a credible performer. One day he may look back on this match as the start of something very exciting indeed.
Xavier Vs Shawn Michaels ( * * * ½ )
So semi-final time in the Double Trouble tournament, a handy way of boosting star power on PPV after last months ITD debacle, and it actually threw up a couple of intriguing battles. This was super smooth stuff and the crowd really got into it and the performers responded with some wonderful back and forth exchanges. The end segment of the match may well have been the highlight of the night as the two exchanged some high-impact moves before HBK caught Xav in a roll-up for the 1-2-3.
Chris Kanyon Vs Triple H ( * * * ¼ )
The second match was an intriguing one too, again pitting former World Champions against each other. There is a certain chemistry between these two in the ring and it was evidenced here again. There was no wasted motion in this match whatsoever and it really did look like it could go either way, but in the end HHH wrapped it up with a pedigree for the 1-2-3.
Acid Vs Matt Morgan ( Sq ) – Acid’s latest character, as the Cruiserweight determined to punch above his weight, has been quite funny over the past month or so. He’s sneaked past the likes of Rancour, Bill DeMott and, good god, Kamala, but seemed strangely reluctant on the Impact prior to the PPV to take on the returning Matt Morgan. Still he had no choice but to face him here and he got what was coming to him. That is a bloody and brutal squash beating, albeit one where Acid actually came out with some momentum as he quite simply refused to be beaten and sustained quite a few of Morgan’s brutal high impact moves before finally succumbing to the pinfall.
Jay Reso Vs Matt Hardy (No Holds Barred, * * * * )
These two have really cranked it up over the past month and it seemed like the only sensible thing to do was to let them hang it all out in a No Holds Barred match. There was of course lashings of brutality but this match was about much more than that. It was two wrestlers who were so evenly matched that they had to go to the depths of hell to pull out something to get the win. And in the end it was Hardy who had that little bit extras as he hit a stunning leg-drop from the top turnbuckle into the crowd where Reso was lain out. He dragged him back in the ring and got the 1-2-3 that reunited him with his European title. Afterwards the crowd showed their appreciation for both men.
Rick Shaw Vs “Heart-Throb” Gregory Helms ( * * )
These two couldn’t follow what preceded them and whilst this was nevertheless a tidy match, it was one that blatantly screamed CARD FILLER. Shaw took the win following the “Shaw-Thing”.
Rob Van Dam Vs Edge ( * * )
See, RVD IS still alive and is still under contract to the IWF. And when all other options are exhausted for these two guys, just pit them against each other in a match nobody cares about. Look, it was perfectly acceptable, but totally forgettable. For the record, RVD won, which is better than losing.
Triple H Vs Shawn Michaels ( * * * ¾ )
Time for the Double Trouble final now, and a match with a long history behind it in terms of the two participants which certainly heightened the excitement and what a great match it was too. The two really turned it on and it was only the screw job finish that dragged the mark down slightly…but WHAT a screw-job finish it was. After two long months away, Dean Roberts made his return to the IWF and for some reason, soon to be revealed on Warfare no doubt, targeted Michaels whilst the ref and HHH were down and hit him with a Scholarship onto a Steel Chair. The pin was a formality for HHH (who was seemingly unaware of Dean’s interference) and he won the Double Trouble tournament to become the number 1 contender to the Triple Crown and to secure himself a title shot at Xtreme Overload…but who would he face?
Kurt Angle Vs Randy Orton ( * * * ¼ )
Well, Randy certainly has come up in the world, and here he was, challenging for the world title in the main event of a PPV. Some were even saying he could win it!!! Which of course he didn’t. But he did put up a valiant effort and certainly showed he could swim with the sharks at this level. Angle finished him off with the Angle Slam, but certainly seemed to appreciate just what a hard fought battle it had been.
Now this was more like it. For the most part this was a hotly anticipated show with more than it’s share of good matches. Some nice surprises and some career advancement for some of the players was good news too. Hopefully this signals an IWF back on track.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Heat Wave 2005 Card
HEAT WAVE
SUNDAY 19th JUNE 2005
UNIFIED WORLD TRIPLE CROWN;
Kurt Angle Vs Randy Orton
DOUBLE TROUBLE TOURNAMENT TO DECIDE NUMBER ONE CONTENDER TO TRIPLE CROWN TITLE;
Xavier Vs Shawn Michaels
Chris Kanyon Vs Triple H
Winners of the match to meet in the final! ON THE SAME NIGHT!
EUROPEAN TITLE: No Holds Barred Match
Jay Reso Vs Matt Hardy
WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE:
Rick Shaw Vs “Heart-Throb” Gregory Helms
Rob Van Dam Vs Edge
Carlito Caribbean Cool Vs Booker T
Acid Vs Matt Morgan
SUNDAY 19th JUNE 2005
UNIFIED WORLD TRIPLE CROWN;
Kurt Angle Vs Randy Orton
DOUBLE TROUBLE TOURNAMENT TO DECIDE NUMBER ONE CONTENDER TO TRIPLE CROWN TITLE;
Xavier Vs Shawn Michaels
Chris Kanyon Vs Triple H
Winners of the match to meet in the final! ON THE SAME NIGHT!
EUROPEAN TITLE: No Holds Barred Match
Jay Reso Vs Matt Hardy
WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE:
Rick Shaw Vs “Heart-Throb” Gregory Helms
Rob Van Dam Vs Edge
Carlito Caribbean Cool Vs Booker T
Acid Vs Matt Morgan
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Into The Darkness Review
John Cena Vs Eddy Guerrero ( * * ¾)
So Into The Darkness, which incidentally has got to have one of the worst line up’s in IWF ppv history, kicked off with another futile attempt to get John Cena over. The fans love Eddy…they hate Cena. But sadly, they hate Cena in a bad way, rather than in the “heel” sense. So every time he was on the offensive in this match he got roundly booed and conversely every time Guerrero so much as laid a finger on his opponent, the crowd loved it. Eddy won, and Cena better hope that MMK gets that new promotion he keeps being linked with up and running because he may well soon be in need of the work.
Sean O’Haire & Batista Vs Phil Jackson & Rick Shaw ( * * ½ )
On paper this looked a bit of an idiotic mis-match, but in reality it was a relatively entertaining David Vs Goliath style match, albeit one where the outcome was fairly predictable. Yes, that’s right, Batista and O’Haire retained the titles when O’Haire pinned Shaw.
Phil Jackson Vs Shelton Benjamin ( * * ¾ )
Shelton has been quietly making a name for himself over the past few months, which led to this UK title shot against The Graduate. This was a decent enough battle, but although Shelton acquitted himself well, few people ever thought he really was going to win, and so it proved as Jackson finished him off with the Graduation. Shelt’s is definitely one to watch though.
Matt Hardy Vs Jay Reso ( * * * ¾ )
Finally, after being one of the most popular “mid-card” attractions on the roster, Jay Reso got his chance to shine once again on the big PPV stage. And he made the most of it by not only participating in a great match, but by actually winning it to lift the European Title. He had to hit Hardy with a Steel Chair whilst the ref was down to get the job done, but get the job done he did. And he seemed genuinely pleased about his moment of glory.
Randy Orton Vs Chris Jericho ( * * * ½ )
Orton has really hit his stride recently, and this continued in this match. Whilst he still has some way to go to achieve genuine main-event superstar status, he is making all the right moves and, perhaps more importantly, keeps racking up the wins. And this was no exception as Jericho became the latest IWF superstar to fall to the RKO.
The Big Gee Vs Xavier ( * * * )
Mercy has toddled off to Hollywood again (maybe for good this time) and Dean Roberts is taking a well-earned rest, so it was up to Xav and Gee to battle it out in the aftermath of the demise of The Show. Well I suppose they could have added Luke Todd-Wood to this, but surely his 15 minutes is up right about now. This wasn’t really the grudge match that some people might have expected, but it was sturdy stuff and did keep the crowds royally entertained. It was also one of the few matches that kept the crowd guessing in terms of a winner, although in the end it was Xavier who took it . The two looked like shaking hands afterwards, but Gee walked off before that could happen.
Chris Kanyon Vs John Bradshaw Layfield ( * ¾ )
Ok, so JBL has transformed into a hugely entertaining character over the last few months, but there is no way on earth that he is qualified to be fighting Chris Kanyon in the penultimate match of a ppv. He’s just not up to the task in the ring. And the fans knew it. He was out of his depth here, and Kanyon had little trouble finishing him off with the Kanyon Kutter.
Kurt Angle Vs Kane (* * * *)
If ever a show needed to end on a high point, this might have been it, and thankfully these two delivered a cracking effort. Angle dragged Kane to his best singles match in aeons, and both men did a superb job of telling the story of the match. Could Angle derail the monster Kane…? Well of course he could, and he finished him off with an Angle Slam to retain his world title.
Ok so Mercy’s gone, Goldberg wouldn’t come back and the likes of Undertaker, Dean Roberts, Triple H and Shawn Michaels all have minor injury problems keeping them out of the ring in the build up to this match, but this was still one of the least inspiring PPV line-up’s that the IWF has put out. When it was all said and done, the action was actually quite good overall, but lets hope they have something a bit special up their sleeves for Heat Wave…
So Into The Darkness, which incidentally has got to have one of the worst line up’s in IWF ppv history, kicked off with another futile attempt to get John Cena over. The fans love Eddy…they hate Cena. But sadly, they hate Cena in a bad way, rather than in the “heel” sense. So every time he was on the offensive in this match he got roundly booed and conversely every time Guerrero so much as laid a finger on his opponent, the crowd loved it. Eddy won, and Cena better hope that MMK gets that new promotion he keeps being linked with up and running because he may well soon be in need of the work.
Sean O’Haire & Batista Vs Phil Jackson & Rick Shaw ( * * ½ )
On paper this looked a bit of an idiotic mis-match, but in reality it was a relatively entertaining David Vs Goliath style match, albeit one where the outcome was fairly predictable. Yes, that’s right, Batista and O’Haire retained the titles when O’Haire pinned Shaw.
Phil Jackson Vs Shelton Benjamin ( * * ¾ )
Shelton has been quietly making a name for himself over the past few months, which led to this UK title shot against The Graduate. This was a decent enough battle, but although Shelton acquitted himself well, few people ever thought he really was going to win, and so it proved as Jackson finished him off with the Graduation. Shelt’s is definitely one to watch though.
Matt Hardy Vs Jay Reso ( * * * ¾ )
Finally, after being one of the most popular “mid-card” attractions on the roster, Jay Reso got his chance to shine once again on the big PPV stage. And he made the most of it by not only participating in a great match, but by actually winning it to lift the European Title. He had to hit Hardy with a Steel Chair whilst the ref was down to get the job done, but get the job done he did. And he seemed genuinely pleased about his moment of glory.
Randy Orton Vs Chris Jericho ( * * * ½ )
Orton has really hit his stride recently, and this continued in this match. Whilst he still has some way to go to achieve genuine main-event superstar status, he is making all the right moves and, perhaps more importantly, keeps racking up the wins. And this was no exception as Jericho became the latest IWF superstar to fall to the RKO.
The Big Gee Vs Xavier ( * * * )
Mercy has toddled off to Hollywood again (maybe for good this time) and Dean Roberts is taking a well-earned rest, so it was up to Xav and Gee to battle it out in the aftermath of the demise of The Show. Well I suppose they could have added Luke Todd-Wood to this, but surely his 15 minutes is up right about now. This wasn’t really the grudge match that some people might have expected, but it was sturdy stuff and did keep the crowds royally entertained. It was also one of the few matches that kept the crowd guessing in terms of a winner, although in the end it was Xavier who took it . The two looked like shaking hands afterwards, but Gee walked off before that could happen.
Chris Kanyon Vs John Bradshaw Layfield ( * ¾ )
Ok, so JBL has transformed into a hugely entertaining character over the last few months, but there is no way on earth that he is qualified to be fighting Chris Kanyon in the penultimate match of a ppv. He’s just not up to the task in the ring. And the fans knew it. He was out of his depth here, and Kanyon had little trouble finishing him off with the Kanyon Kutter.
Kurt Angle Vs Kane (* * * *)
If ever a show needed to end on a high point, this might have been it, and thankfully these two delivered a cracking effort. Angle dragged Kane to his best singles match in aeons, and both men did a superb job of telling the story of the match. Could Angle derail the monster Kane…? Well of course he could, and he finished him off with an Angle Slam to retain his world title.
Ok so Mercy’s gone, Goldberg wouldn’t come back and the likes of Undertaker, Dean Roberts, Triple H and Shawn Michaels all have minor injury problems keeping them out of the ring in the build up to this match, but this was still one of the least inspiring PPV line-up’s that the IWF has put out. When it was all said and done, the action was actually quite good overall, but lets hope they have something a bit special up their sleeves for Heat Wave…
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Into The Darkness Card
Into The Darkness 2005
Sunday 22nd May
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT UNIIFIED TRIPLE CROWN;
Kurt Angle Vs Kane
The Big Gee Vs Xavier
Chris Kanyon Vs John Bradshaw Layfield
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES:
Sean O’Haire & Batista Vs Phil Jackson & Rick Shaw
EUROPEAN TITLE:
Matt Hardy Vs Jay Reso
Randy Orton Vs Chris Jericho
John Cena Vs Eddy Guerrero
UNITED KINGDOM TITLE: Phil Jackson Vs Shelton Benjamin
Sunday 22nd May
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT UNIIFIED TRIPLE CROWN;
Kurt Angle Vs Kane
The Big Gee Vs Xavier
Chris Kanyon Vs John Bradshaw Layfield
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES:
Sean O’Haire & Batista Vs Phil Jackson & Rick Shaw
EUROPEAN TITLE:
Matt Hardy Vs Jay Reso
Randy Orton Vs Chris Jericho
John Cena Vs Eddy Guerrero
UNITED KINGDOM TITLE: Phil Jackson Vs Shelton Benjamin
Sunday, April 24, 2005
MuscleMania XIV Review
Edge Vs Matt Hardy (Cage, * * * ¾)
What a way to kick of the 14th instalment of MuscleMania with this hard-hitting and EXTREMELY heated Steel Cage match over the European title. The crowd were well into this (and credit where credit is due, the build up has been cracking) and they were urging their boy Hardy on all the way. In the end Hardy took the win after a leg-drop from the top of the cage and the crowd popped like a hyperactive bowl of Rice Krispies as Hardy raised the European title high above his head.
The Second City Saints Vs Chris Benoit & Booker T ( * * ¾)
How on earth could the final of the UK Tag Team Title tournament possibly follow that? Obviously the answer is that they couldn’t. But whilst the crowd were a bit subdued, this was a decent enough match which eventually drew the crowd in towards the finish. The Saints had beaten the teams of Jeff Jarrett & Bill DeMott and Paul London & Brian Kendrick to get to the final, whilst B&B had beaten Hayashi & Tajiri and Eddy Guerrero & Chris Jericho to get here. There were false finishes galore at the climax but in the end it was CM Punk who pinned Booker T, with the Pepsi Plunge, to take the victory and the titles for his team.
The Big Gee Vs The Undertaker (Falls Count Anywhere, * * * ¼)
On early, yes, but on such a stacked show someone had to be. This was a brutal and bloody war, which did indeed travel the whole of the arena and whilst at times it was a little difficult to follow it certainly was an unforgettable encounter. Both men bled profusely and took some huge bumps. In the end though, as hard as Gee fought, he couldn’t overcome the man in black, and ‘Taker wrapped it up with a stunning Last Ride through a table for the 1-2-3.
Alias Storm & Haas Vs Sean O Haire & Batista ( * * )
Again, how where these four to follow that? The slow early going didn’t help either, as the Alias crew cut O’Haire off from his partner and went to work on crippling him. Of course that couldn’t last forever and the crowd were itching for the hot tag, and when it came Batista didn’t disappoint as he knocked seven bells out of Storm & Haas, before hitting Haas with the Batista-Bomb before then allowing O’Haire to hit the Seanton-Bomb for the 1-2-3 that crowned new World Tag Team Champions.
Kane Vs Xavier ( * * * )
This “feud ender” has been brewing for ages…perhaps too long. But whilst we’ve waited perhaps a bit too long for the pay-off, there was still a sense of anticipation as to what would happen in this one, and both men rose to the challenge pretty well. It looked as if Xavier would wrap up the victory, but in the end Kane hit back with Three tombstones to end the match and the feud with a pinfall victory to his name.
Phil Jackson & Rick Shaw Vs KENTA & Naomichi Marufuji ( * * * ½ )
The sliming down of this year’s MM (usually there are 14 matches at the “Biggest Card Of The Year”) may have denied Jackson & Shaw the chance to defend their titles, but it gave them the chance to pit their wits against two of Pro Wrestling Noah’s brightest stars (in a deal which may, or may not, lead to the likes of Kenta Kobashi and Mitsuharu Misawa one day appearing in the IWF). This was crisp, fast paced action with the only drawback being its relative brevity (clocking in at less than 8 minutes). But the fans loved it, and they loved it when Jackson pinned KENTA to finish it off. The fans gave all four a huge ovation at the end.
Dean Roberts Vs Randy Orton (* * * ¼)
If you believe the rumours, Orton was picked as Dean’s opponent simply because everyone higher up the card was otherwise engaged. But credit where credit is due. These two have taken a pretty lousy set up and turned it into a worthwhile feud. Orton in particular has been a revelation and the fact that the two have been content to let the fans choose who they want to cheer or boo has added to the feud. Dean fans seemed to be in the majority here, but the sizeable Orton support made for a wicked atmosphere. And it was Orton who took it, following an RKO. A great match which might just yet put Orton back on the road to becoming a genuine star.
Alexis Laree Vs Annalise Roberts ( * * * )
We’d had the husband and now it was the wife’s turn. This was a cracking little match given the time constraint placed on it (again, this match only got about six and a half minutes) and every big move hit its mark (which isn’t always the case in Women’s matches). In the end Annalise finally got back what many feel was/is rightfully hers and pinned Alexis following a spot-on superkick.
Matthew Mercy Vs Bill Goldberg (* * * ¼)
Goldberg, in for one night, against Mercy, the man who, for many, epitomises the ethos of the IWF. Was it any surprise that Mercy was the clear fan favourite? In fact Goldberg was booed out of the building so vociferously that its already being rumoured that he’s no intention of ever re-appearing in the IWF! So it will come as absolutely no-shock to hear that Mercy won the match with his Mercy-Bomb, but it has to be said this was a sterling effort from the two “part-timers”.
Chris Kanyon Vs Shawn Michaels ( * * * ¾)
It may have been on in the semi-final position, but don’t be fooled, this was a nothing of a match from a promotional point of view. But fear not, it was still an absolute cracker that saw both men at peak form. There was also a slightly surprising ending as HBK went over clean via some Sweet Chin Music, but both men shook hands at the end to a rousing ovation.
Triple H Vs Kurt Angle ( * * * * ) So it was time for the main event and it was clear that the fans were very much hoping that this would be the night that Triple H’s long title reign would come to an end. And come to an end it did, and in fantastically exciting style too. This was a real lengthy and psychologically heavy battle which Angle eventually won by, get this, making HHH tap out to the Ankle Lock. You don’t get many of them to the pound do you? A wonderful end to another great night of IWF action.
What a way to kick of the 14th instalment of MuscleMania with this hard-hitting and EXTREMELY heated Steel Cage match over the European title. The crowd were well into this (and credit where credit is due, the build up has been cracking) and they were urging their boy Hardy on all the way. In the end Hardy took the win after a leg-drop from the top of the cage and the crowd popped like a hyperactive bowl of Rice Krispies as Hardy raised the European title high above his head.
The Second City Saints Vs Chris Benoit & Booker T ( * * ¾)
How on earth could the final of the UK Tag Team Title tournament possibly follow that? Obviously the answer is that they couldn’t. But whilst the crowd were a bit subdued, this was a decent enough match which eventually drew the crowd in towards the finish. The Saints had beaten the teams of Jeff Jarrett & Bill DeMott and Paul London & Brian Kendrick to get to the final, whilst B&B had beaten Hayashi & Tajiri and Eddy Guerrero & Chris Jericho to get here. There were false finishes galore at the climax but in the end it was CM Punk who pinned Booker T, with the Pepsi Plunge, to take the victory and the titles for his team.
The Big Gee Vs The Undertaker (Falls Count Anywhere, * * * ¼)
On early, yes, but on such a stacked show someone had to be. This was a brutal and bloody war, which did indeed travel the whole of the arena and whilst at times it was a little difficult to follow it certainly was an unforgettable encounter. Both men bled profusely and took some huge bumps. In the end though, as hard as Gee fought, he couldn’t overcome the man in black, and ‘Taker wrapped it up with a stunning Last Ride through a table for the 1-2-3.
Alias Storm & Haas Vs Sean O Haire & Batista ( * * )
Again, how where these four to follow that? The slow early going didn’t help either, as the Alias crew cut O’Haire off from his partner and went to work on crippling him. Of course that couldn’t last forever and the crowd were itching for the hot tag, and when it came Batista didn’t disappoint as he knocked seven bells out of Storm & Haas, before hitting Haas with the Batista-Bomb before then allowing O’Haire to hit the Seanton-Bomb for the 1-2-3 that crowned new World Tag Team Champions.
Kane Vs Xavier ( * * * )
This “feud ender” has been brewing for ages…perhaps too long. But whilst we’ve waited perhaps a bit too long for the pay-off, there was still a sense of anticipation as to what would happen in this one, and both men rose to the challenge pretty well. It looked as if Xavier would wrap up the victory, but in the end Kane hit back with Three tombstones to end the match and the feud with a pinfall victory to his name.
Phil Jackson & Rick Shaw Vs KENTA & Naomichi Marufuji ( * * * ½ )
The sliming down of this year’s MM (usually there are 14 matches at the “Biggest Card Of The Year”) may have denied Jackson & Shaw the chance to defend their titles, but it gave them the chance to pit their wits against two of Pro Wrestling Noah’s brightest stars (in a deal which may, or may not, lead to the likes of Kenta Kobashi and Mitsuharu Misawa one day appearing in the IWF). This was crisp, fast paced action with the only drawback being its relative brevity (clocking in at less than 8 minutes). But the fans loved it, and they loved it when Jackson pinned KENTA to finish it off. The fans gave all four a huge ovation at the end.
Dean Roberts Vs Randy Orton (* * * ¼)
If you believe the rumours, Orton was picked as Dean’s opponent simply because everyone higher up the card was otherwise engaged. But credit where credit is due. These two have taken a pretty lousy set up and turned it into a worthwhile feud. Orton in particular has been a revelation and the fact that the two have been content to let the fans choose who they want to cheer or boo has added to the feud. Dean fans seemed to be in the majority here, but the sizeable Orton support made for a wicked atmosphere. And it was Orton who took it, following an RKO. A great match which might just yet put Orton back on the road to becoming a genuine star.
Alexis Laree Vs Annalise Roberts ( * * * )
We’d had the husband and now it was the wife’s turn. This was a cracking little match given the time constraint placed on it (again, this match only got about six and a half minutes) and every big move hit its mark (which isn’t always the case in Women’s matches). In the end Annalise finally got back what many feel was/is rightfully hers and pinned Alexis following a spot-on superkick.
Matthew Mercy Vs Bill Goldberg (* * * ¼)
Goldberg, in for one night, against Mercy, the man who, for many, epitomises the ethos of the IWF. Was it any surprise that Mercy was the clear fan favourite? In fact Goldberg was booed out of the building so vociferously that its already being rumoured that he’s no intention of ever re-appearing in the IWF! So it will come as absolutely no-shock to hear that Mercy won the match with his Mercy-Bomb, but it has to be said this was a sterling effort from the two “part-timers”.
Chris Kanyon Vs Shawn Michaels ( * * * ¾)
It may have been on in the semi-final position, but don’t be fooled, this was a nothing of a match from a promotional point of view. But fear not, it was still an absolute cracker that saw both men at peak form. There was also a slightly surprising ending as HBK went over clean via some Sweet Chin Music, but both men shook hands at the end to a rousing ovation.
Triple H Vs Kurt Angle ( * * * * ) So it was time for the main event and it was clear that the fans were very much hoping that this would be the night that Triple H’s long title reign would come to an end. And come to an end it did, and in fantastically exciting style too. This was a real lengthy and psychologically heavy battle which Angle eventually won by, get this, making HHH tap out to the Ankle Lock. You don’t get many of them to the pound do you? A wonderful end to another great night of IWF action.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
MuscleMania XIV Card
MUSCLEMANIA XIV
Sunday 24th April
UNIFIED WORLD TITLE:
Triple H Vs Kurt Angle
---
Matthew Mercy Vs Bill Goldberg
Chris Kanyon Vs Shawn Michaels
FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE:
The Big Gee Vs The Undertaker
Kane Vs Xavier
Dean Roberts Vs Randy Orton
---
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES:
Alias Storm & Haas Vs Sean O Haire & Batista
EUROPEAN TITLE: STEEL CAGE
Edge Vs Matt Hardy
WORLD WOMENS TITLE:
Alexis Laree Vs Annalise Roberts
Phil Jackson & Rick Shaw Vs KENTA & Naomichi Marufuji
UNITED KINGDOM TAG TITLES: TOURNAMENT FINALThe Second City Saints Vs Chris Benoit & Booker T
Monday, March 28, 2005
LA TAKEDOWN REPORT
Raven Vs Rhino ( * * ¼)
Well if this doesn’t prove how little IWF Management regards these two performers then nothing will. After the pro-longed break-up of their team, you would have expected a long and winding feud, possibly culminating in a high-profile MuscleMania match. Well how wrong you would have been. Opening match of a PPV, and ONE high profile match later, the feud is over. Mind you, at least Rhino should be glad he won…who knows where Raven goes from here.
Jeff Jarrett Vs Chris Jericho (* * *)
Well, well, well. Another perfectly decent, but utterly pointless match involving Jeff Jarrett. Jericho carried him to an entertaining, albeit slightly brief, match, but Jarrett once again got zero reaction from an IWF crowd. As you might expect, Jericho got the win, via submission when Jarrett tapped out to the Walls Of Jericho.
Sean O Haire & Batista Vs Yzaebek & Mathuras (Sq)
A total squash match, but WHAT a squash match. O’Haire and Batista may well be limited in the ring, but this made them look awesome! Seriously, Zoltar’s men didn’t stand a chance here, and Batista’s match winning power-bomb on Mathuras looked positively evil.
Rick Shaw Vs Paul London (* * * ¾)
Another superb battle over the Cruiserweight title. Shaw is really stepping up to the plate now the pressure is on and London was his usual smooth, and under appreciated, self. Shaw took another impressive win following the Shaw-Stopper.
The Big Gee Vs The Undertaker (* * ½)
Well at least their star power meant that Gee and Taker could follow that last match. This was your basic big man match but was infused with great energy from both men, who seemingly thought like they had something to prove. Or maybe they wanted to ensure that there would be enough interest in the re-match as this one ended in a DDQ, which certainly suggests one match for MuscleMania.
Edge Vs John Cena (* *)
Quite how John Cena deserved a European title shot here is unclear, and it seemed like the fans agreed on that score. But then again, the fans hate Edge too, so there was a strange atmosphere around this one, which only picked up when Matt Hardy (who recently lost the Euro title to Edge on Warfare) made his inevitable appearance and kicked the crap out of both men. However Edge had the presence of mind to crawl across to Cena and make the pinfall cover…which probably inked an Edge/Hardy feud ender in for MuscleMania.
Triple H, Dean Roberts & Xavier Vs Kurt Angle, Kane & Randy Orton (* * * ½)A great ending to a decent show. All six men here put forward good efforts, with Orton seemingly on a mission to prove that he deserved his main even spot. With these six men splitting into three singles matches at MuscleMania this was always likely to be high on emotion and it was a cracking effort which really heightened the expectation for MuscleMania. In the end it was Triple H who got a pinfall on Kurt Angle (once again after a sledgehammer shot) and as the PPV went off the air, we were reminded that it’s only a month to MuscleMania!
Well if this doesn’t prove how little IWF Management regards these two performers then nothing will. After the pro-longed break-up of their team, you would have expected a long and winding feud, possibly culminating in a high-profile MuscleMania match. Well how wrong you would have been. Opening match of a PPV, and ONE high profile match later, the feud is over. Mind you, at least Rhino should be glad he won…who knows where Raven goes from here.
Jeff Jarrett Vs Chris Jericho (* * *)
Well, well, well. Another perfectly decent, but utterly pointless match involving Jeff Jarrett. Jericho carried him to an entertaining, albeit slightly brief, match, but Jarrett once again got zero reaction from an IWF crowd. As you might expect, Jericho got the win, via submission when Jarrett tapped out to the Walls Of Jericho.
Sean O Haire & Batista Vs Yzaebek & Mathuras (Sq)
A total squash match, but WHAT a squash match. O’Haire and Batista may well be limited in the ring, but this made them look awesome! Seriously, Zoltar’s men didn’t stand a chance here, and Batista’s match winning power-bomb on Mathuras looked positively evil.
Rick Shaw Vs Paul London (* * * ¾)
Another superb battle over the Cruiserweight title. Shaw is really stepping up to the plate now the pressure is on and London was his usual smooth, and under appreciated, self. Shaw took another impressive win following the Shaw-Stopper.
The Big Gee Vs The Undertaker (* * ½)
Well at least their star power meant that Gee and Taker could follow that last match. This was your basic big man match but was infused with great energy from both men, who seemingly thought like they had something to prove. Or maybe they wanted to ensure that there would be enough interest in the re-match as this one ended in a DDQ, which certainly suggests one match for MuscleMania.
Edge Vs John Cena (* *)
Quite how John Cena deserved a European title shot here is unclear, and it seemed like the fans agreed on that score. But then again, the fans hate Edge too, so there was a strange atmosphere around this one, which only picked up when Matt Hardy (who recently lost the Euro title to Edge on Warfare) made his inevitable appearance and kicked the crap out of both men. However Edge had the presence of mind to crawl across to Cena and make the pinfall cover…which probably inked an Edge/Hardy feud ender in for MuscleMania.
Triple H, Dean Roberts & Xavier Vs Kurt Angle, Kane & Randy Orton (* * * ½)A great ending to a decent show. All six men here put forward good efforts, with Orton seemingly on a mission to prove that he deserved his main even spot. With these six men splitting into three singles matches at MuscleMania this was always likely to be high on emotion and it was a cracking effort which really heightened the expectation for MuscleMania. In the end it was Triple H who got a pinfall on Kurt Angle (once again after a sledgehammer shot) and as the PPV went off the air, we were reminded that it’s only a month to MuscleMania!
Sunday, March 20, 2005
LA Takedown Card
International Wrestling Federation Presents…
In association with SUBWAY
LA TAKEDOWN
Sunday 20th March 2005
Staples Centres, Los Angeles California
TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS:
Triple H, Dean Roberts & Xavier
Vs
Kurt Angle, Kane & Randy Orton
The Big Gee Vs The Undertaker
Jeff Jarrett Vs Chris Jericho
World Cruiserweight Title;
Rick Shaw Vs Paul London
European Title;
Edge Vs John Cena
Raven Vs Rhino
Sean O’Haire & Batista Vs Yzaebek & Mathuras
In association with SUBWAY
LA TAKEDOWN
Sunday 20th March 2005
Staples Centres, Los Angeles California
TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS:
Triple H, Dean Roberts & Xavier
Vs
Kurt Angle, Kane & Randy Orton
The Big Gee Vs The Undertaker
Jeff Jarrett Vs Chris Jericho
World Cruiserweight Title;
Rick Shaw Vs Paul London
European Title;
Edge Vs John Cena
Raven Vs Rhino
Sean O’Haire & Batista Vs Yzaebek & Mathuras
Monday, February 28, 2005
Shoot Out Report 2005
Rick Shaw Vs Bryan Danielson (Submission Match, * * * *)
What a way to kick off Shoot Out, with this well-hyped, much anticipated Submission match. Those who doubted Shaw’s ability to excel as a Champion are surely eating their words now. He matched the more experienced Danielson move-for-move and had the crowd firmly behind him in his quest to retain the title. And the pop he got he forced Danielson to submit to a Sharp-shooter was special indeed. Cracking match, lets just hope Shaw can keep it up.
Sean O Haire Vs Ashten Drake ( * ½ )
From the sublime to…well, the not very good. This wasn’t as bad as it could have been, but it still wasn’t very good, with the two struggling to overcome a clash of sizes. It came as no surprise when O’Haire finished Drake off in fairly rapid order.
Dean Roberts & Xavier Vs Chris Jericho & Eddy Guerrero ( * * * ¼ )
Back on track with this classic “old school” style tag-team match. Roberts and Xavier especially were a hoot as the old-time heels and the crowd were really baying for their blood. And they got it too, when an errant chair shot from Xavier knocked Dean out and Eddy G climbed the top rope to hit the Frog Splash and get the mildly shocking pinfall victory.
Chris Kanyon Vs Chris Benoit ( * * * )
This was a god match, but had little point to it. Everyone knew Kanyon would win, and win he did. If only the IWF had given this more of a push, we could have had something more memorable.
John Cena Vs Randy Orton ( * * )
On the other hand, this feud has been given a push and a half over the past few months, although at least all hope of dragging this out to MuscleMania has been quashed as this was billed as THE encounter which would settle the matter once and for all. And for once, the advertisement was right. Orton got the win after an RKO and it does indeed seem like this feud is now over. Thank god.
Kurt Angle Vs Shawn Michaels ( * * * * ½ )
Now this was more like it. What an absolute classic this was. Both men were on supreme form and HBK, in particular, showed better form than he has done for some time. This was truly world class and although it was Angle who took the pinfall victory (as he really had to on the road to MuscleMania) there was no loser here really. This was just fantastic.
Raven & Rhino Vs Alias Storm & Haas ( * * )
Champions Vs Champions, but with only the World Tag Titles on the line. Well if you thought that advertised the result in advance, you’d be wrong. But it did take the almighty break up of Raven and Rhino to give Storm & Haas the victory, and both sets of belts, as Rhino finally gave into the temptation to GORE! GORE! GORE! Raven into oblivion enabling Storm to get the pin.
Triple H Vs The Undertaker ( * * ¾ )
Look, this feud failed to ignite the PWF 12 months ago and, surprise, surprise, it’s failed to ignite the IWF this time round. Still this was a competent enough match and at least delivered a (semi) clean win for Triple H as he whacked the Undertaker with his trusty sledgehammer and the delivered a Pedigree to get the win and to retain his Unified Triple Crown.
What a way to kick off Shoot Out, with this well-hyped, much anticipated Submission match. Those who doubted Shaw’s ability to excel as a Champion are surely eating their words now. He matched the more experienced Danielson move-for-move and had the crowd firmly behind him in his quest to retain the title. And the pop he got he forced Danielson to submit to a Sharp-shooter was special indeed. Cracking match, lets just hope Shaw can keep it up.
Sean O Haire Vs Ashten Drake ( * ½ )
From the sublime to…well, the not very good. This wasn’t as bad as it could have been, but it still wasn’t very good, with the two struggling to overcome a clash of sizes. It came as no surprise when O’Haire finished Drake off in fairly rapid order.
Dean Roberts & Xavier Vs Chris Jericho & Eddy Guerrero ( * * * ¼ )
Back on track with this classic “old school” style tag-team match. Roberts and Xavier especially were a hoot as the old-time heels and the crowd were really baying for their blood. And they got it too, when an errant chair shot from Xavier knocked Dean out and Eddy G climbed the top rope to hit the Frog Splash and get the mildly shocking pinfall victory.
Chris Kanyon Vs Chris Benoit ( * * * )
This was a god match, but had little point to it. Everyone knew Kanyon would win, and win he did. If only the IWF had given this more of a push, we could have had something more memorable.
John Cena Vs Randy Orton ( * * )
On the other hand, this feud has been given a push and a half over the past few months, although at least all hope of dragging this out to MuscleMania has been quashed as this was billed as THE encounter which would settle the matter once and for all. And for once, the advertisement was right. Orton got the win after an RKO and it does indeed seem like this feud is now over. Thank god.
Kurt Angle Vs Shawn Michaels ( * * * * ½ )
Now this was more like it. What an absolute classic this was. Both men were on supreme form and HBK, in particular, showed better form than he has done for some time. This was truly world class and although it was Angle who took the pinfall victory (as he really had to on the road to MuscleMania) there was no loser here really. This was just fantastic.
Raven & Rhino Vs Alias Storm & Haas ( * * )
Champions Vs Champions, but with only the World Tag Titles on the line. Well if you thought that advertised the result in advance, you’d be wrong. But it did take the almighty break up of Raven and Rhino to give Storm & Haas the victory, and both sets of belts, as Rhino finally gave into the temptation to GORE! GORE! GORE! Raven into oblivion enabling Storm to get the pin.
Triple H Vs The Undertaker ( * * ¾ )
Look, this feud failed to ignite the PWF 12 months ago and, surprise, surprise, it’s failed to ignite the IWF this time round. Still this was a competent enough match and at least delivered a (semi) clean win for Triple H as he whacked the Undertaker with his trusty sledgehammer and the delivered a Pedigree to get the win and to retain his Unified Triple Crown.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Shoot Out Card
International Wrestling Federation presents
In association with HMV
SHOOT OUT
In association with HMV
SHOOT OUT
Sunday 27th February 2005
Whitley Bay Ice Rink
UNIFIED TRIPLE CROWN TITLE:
Triple H Vs The Undertaker
Kurt Angle Vs Shawn Michaels
Chris Kanyon Vs Chris Benoit
Dean Roberts & Xavier Vs Chris Jericho & Eddy Guerrero
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES:
Raven & Rhino Vs Alias Storm & Haas
WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE: Submission Match
Rick Shaw Vs Bryan Danielson
John Cena Vs Randy Orton
Sean O Haire Vs Ashten Drake
Whitley Bay Ice Rink
UNIFIED TRIPLE CROWN TITLE:
Triple H Vs The Undertaker
Kurt Angle Vs Shawn Michaels
Chris Kanyon Vs Chris Benoit
Dean Roberts & Xavier Vs Chris Jericho & Eddy Guerrero
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES:
Raven & Rhino Vs Alias Storm & Haas
WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE: Submission Match
Rick Shaw Vs Bryan Danielson
John Cena Vs Randy Orton
Sean O Haire Vs Ashten Drake
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