MUSCLEMANIA XVII CARD

MuscleMania XVII
Sunday 27th April 2008
Millenium Stadium, Cardiff

WORLD UNIFIED TRIPLE CROWN HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE;
CM Punk Vs Elijah Burke
WITH SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE: DEAN ROBERTS
Ever since Elijah Burke defeated CM Punk to lift the Man Of Steel Title in September 2007, some have felt that it was destiny that these two would clash for the Unified Triple Crown; that moment comes at MuscleMania XVII. Despite the fact the Punk is into his second World Title Reign (having won the belt in the 40 Man Robo Rumble at January's Corporal Punishment) the form-book in battles between the two is firmly behind Burke, who followed up his Man Of Steel victory over Punk by pinning him to win a classic Super Series match at the recent Survival Ground ppv. The two men's hatred for each other is such that Interim IWF Commissioner Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat has added a special guest referee to the proceedings...his predecessor as Commisioner, The Icon Dean Roberts! That adds yet another layer of intrigue to what was already a blistering proposition.

Matthew Mercy Vs Kurt Angle
The wrestling world was shocked when Kurt Angle returned to the IWF at Corporal Punishment and almost immediately his intense rivalry with long term opponent Matthew Mercy. The two had one of the most famous matches in IWF history at Xtreme Overload 2002 and ever since that day they've itched for another match on the grandest stage of them all to prove once and for all who is the greater wrestler of them all. They captained opposite teams at the recent Survival Ground PPV, but the matter was not solved. Angle threw out the challenge on Warfare, Mercy accepted and the scene is set for what many are calling the "biggest rematch in professional wreslting history." Both men have the utmost respect for each other, but both are determined to do anything they have to to get the win.

Triple H Vs Paul "The Phenomenon" Wardle
The latest breakout superstar in the IWF, Paul Wardle has been on an amazing roll since winning fan support for slapping Callum Best. He faces, however, his toughest task to date at MuscleMania in the form of The Cerebral Assassin Triple H. A former PWF and IWF World Champion, HHH is the last man willing to allow himself to be used as a stepping stone by a hungry superstar with headlining ambitions. Whilst Wardle will doubtless have the fans 100% behind him, will his momentum be enough to get the biggest victory of his career?

Xavier Vs Matt Morgan
The last 18 months have been an hellacious time for Xavier, given the time he spent away from the IWF in Japan and the horrific injury that curtailed him just as he was hitting top-form in his comeback. The man responsible for that injury, the monster Matt Morgan, has been telling the world that if Xavier ever chose to come back he would finish the job once and for all and he will get that opportunity at MuscleMania.

WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE:
AMW Vs Matt & Jeff Hardy Vs Rhino & Shelton Benjamin
The three greatest tag teams of the current era meet in this unpredictable Three Way Dance, where only one team can walk away as World Tag Team Champions. AMW are the current Champions and have been on an undoubted roll as of late. However, Matt & Jeff Hardy, recent returnee's to the promotion, are eager to once again prove their credentials by lifting the belts again, seven years after their first title reign. The dark horses may well prove to be Shelton Benjamin & Rhino, the current European Tag Team Champions, who are in a "no-lose" situation as their title belts are not on the line.

Randy Orton Vs Abyss
One of the most eagerly anticipated matches at MuscleMania may well be this intriguing battle, pitting former IWF Triple Crown champion Orton against his worst nightmare come true in the form of the monster, Abyss. In recent weeks the cocky demeanour of Orton has slowly unravalled as Abyss has turned back every cheap-shot and every sneak attack. Fans believe that Abyss has Orton's number, but the former World Champion is bound to have one last trick up his sleeve. Will it be enough to put down Abyss? We'll find out at MuscleMania

Jazz Hands Gee & Hulk Hogan
Vs
Mohammed Fakjir & Justice Porter
When Mohammed Fakjir and Justice Porter made their vicious attack on Jazz Hands Gee at Survival Ground they must have though that they had rid themselevs of JHG for good. Even when Gee challenged them to a match at MuscleMania, and Fakjir cockily told Gee to pick any partner that he wanted, they could not have possibly forseen the man that JHG would choose. He shocked the world when he enlisted the help of his former nWo buddy Hulk Hogan and the legend will be hoping to make his mark in this special tag team encounter.

CHAMPION Vs CHAMPION:

Matt Sydal Vs Mistico

Two men who signed for the International Wrestling Federation on the same summer day in 2007 certainly proved two of the brightest newcomers in 2007, Sydal rising to the position of World Cruiserweight Champion and Mistico grabbing the United Kingdom title. In this special non-title challenge, the two champions face off one-on-one in a battle where personal pride is laid on the line.

Jay Reso Vs John Hennigan

Ever since jettisoning his MNM partners Joey Mercury and Melina, John Henningan has quietly been making a name for himself on IWF cards. MuscleMania brings forth his most challenging task yet as he takes on former Triple Crown Champion Jay Reso in what is sure to be an exciting match-up.

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PRE-GAME:

20 MAN BATTLE ROYALE
Winner gets Triple Crown Title shot at the 30/04 Warfare

PARTICIPANTS:

Chris Jericho, Finlay, Claudio Castagnoli, Barabus Lashley,

Trevor Murdoch, Lance Cade, Sherlock Burchill, Dr Lewington,

Too Cold Scorpio, Crunch, Flavio Love, Harry Smith,

Eustace Kous, Sheridan Kous, Phil Jackson, Bobby Roode,

Charles Anderson, Milano Collection AT, Kane, Brian Kendrick

Survival Ground Report

1) Kous Kous Vs Hart & Smith ( * * )
Well at least the involvement of the "Swiss" Sheridan Kous meant that the fans were really into this opener. Which is a good thing because you suspect that this wouldn't even get onto a UK based ppv. In other good news, the third coming of Kous Kous managed to get through their first match without either of them going down with an horrific injury. The end came when months of inner conflict, in the words of George Minister anyway, came to a climactic head. Yes, this was the night that Harry Smith finally did the dirty on Teddy Hart and left him to the mercy of the Kous boys. Sheridan pinned Hart to wrap things up. In terms of introducing yet another version of the Kous Kous team this just about did it's job; if we were Hart & Smith however we wouldn't be holding our breaths that their feud is heading towards MuscleMania.

2) Women's Super Series Match ( * * 1/4 )
The fans at least kept hot for this one (as they did for most of the night) even if the action in the early going was mediocre at best. Still once the dead weight was sent packing, this was a relatively entertaining affair.
ORDER OF ELIMINATION:
i) Riley Mason (pinned by Shelly Martinez)
ii) Maria Kanellis (pinned by Melina)
iii) Michelle Cena (pinned by Alexis Laree)
iv) Christy Hemme (pinned by Lizzy Valentine)
v) Lizzy Valentine (pinned by Trinity)
vi) Melina (pinned by Trinity)
vii) Shelly Martinez (pinned by Alexis Laree)
viii) Rebecca Knox (pinned by Alexis Laree)
SURVIVORS: Alexis Laree and Trinity

3) Crunch Vs Phil Jackson ( * * )
This was an interesting bout, pitting as it did the new British hope against a man who has seemingly been seen as the next big British thing for what seems like years. The two will probably be disappointed with their efforts as it wasn't the stand out bout that the two would probably have like to benefit their careers. It was decent, but nothing more. Of more interest to insiders was the result, as it may have given clues as to where both men are headed. As it turned out Crunch got the win, which is good for him, but bodes ill for Jackson.

4) Too Cold Scorpio Vs Flavio Love ( * * 3/4 )
Drug suspensions and injuries have torn the Bang Gang apart, which is a good thing on many levels (come on, the team had been treading water for months) and not least for Flavio Love, who may finally get the opportunity to strut his stuff as a serious singles wrestler. He might have to wait a little bit longer to get a breakthrough though as he was the one who put his shoulders to the floor for the three. Still it was a tight little match and Scorpio did his best to make Flavio look good.

5) Team Angle Vs Team Mercy ( * * * * 1/4 )
The fans were really up for this traditional Super Series match (even if they were slightly deflated when Kurt Angle got himself disqualified) and it just about shaded the match of the night honours.
ORDER OF ELIMINATION:
i) Chris Jericho (pinned by Matthew Mercy)
ii) Matt Hardy (pinned by Kurt Angle)
iii) Jay Reso (pinned by Randy Orton)
iv) Finlay (pinned by Abyss)
v) Abyss (pinned by Kurt Angle)
vi) Kurt Angle (eliminated by disqualification)
vii) Jeff Hardy (pinned by Randy Orton)
viii) John Hennigan (pinned by Matthew Mercy)
ix) Randy Orton (pinned by Matthew Mercy)
SOLE SURVIVOR: Matthew Mercy

6) Mohammed Fakjir Vs Jazz Hands Gee ( * * 3/4 )
These two have had a pretty riotous verbal feud in the past few weeks and whilst it was perhaps inevitable that the match itself wouldn't live up to that this was still a match which most of the crowd seemed to enjoy. They didn't enjoy the result though as the interference of Fakjir's head of security Justice Porter stuck his nose in and Fakjir got the pinfall. After the result Fakjir and Porter carried on the beating until a cache of officials broke it up.

7) Team Punk Vs Team Burke ( * * * * )
Main event time and, as you would expect the crowd were mega up for this one. This was an exciting match and did it's task very well indeed...that is building up the Punk/Burke MuscleMania main event into something you MUST see.
ORDER OF ELIMINATION:
i) Rhino (pinned by CM Punk)
ii) James Storm (pinned by Triple H)
iii) Matt Sydal (pinned by Mistico)
iv) Shelton Benjamin (pinned by Paul Wardle)
v) Chris Harris (pinned by Elijah Burke)
vi) Mistico (pinned by Elijah Burke)
vii) Paul Wardle (pinned by Triple H)
viii) Triple H (pinned by CM Punk)
ix) CM Punk (pinned by Elijah Burke)
SOLE SURVIVOR: Elijah Burke

Last year's Survival Ground got a kicking from a lot of quarters, and its clear that the IWF took steps to change things this year, packing all the big names in to two Super Series matches. Both lasted over half an hour and both more than delivered the promised action. Sadly the undercard didn't really reach the same heights, but the hot Swiss crowd and the two great top matches meant that few would be disappointed with the event as a whole.

PRIME TIME

Prime Time - Lost In France
Sunday 2nd March
Zénith de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, FRANCE

Champion Vs Champion;
CM Punk Vs Matt Sydal

Matthew Mercy Vs Chris Jericho

Kurt Angle Vs Jeff Hardy

World Women's Title:
Rebecca Knox Vs Riley Mason

Eustace Kous Vs Teddy Hart

- - -

Review;
1) Angle Vs Hardy (* * *) - It wasn't perhaps the stellar "comeback" that Kurt Angle might have wished for (given this was his first singles match in nearly two years in the IWF) but it was a decent return, although Hardy may not have been too impressed to have been put in as the fall guy. The two had a good match, although given that it went less than ten minutes they couldn't really get into top gear. Angle got the win with the Olympic Slam.
2) Knox Vs Mason (DUD) - Well what else would you expect from Mason? Knox tried her best but couldn't do much with Riley. At least Knox won the match, clean, to retain her title.
3) Mercy Vs Jericho (* * * 1/4) - Jericho has been, well let's say a disappointment since his return to the IWF but he's always had a certain chemistry with Matthew Mercy and as Mercy was in a working mood tonight we got an entertaining match. Of course no-one ever expected Jericho to win, and Mercy did indeed get the pinfall victory with the Mercy-Bomb
4) Kous Vs Hart ( * * ) - Sheridan is coming at Survival Ground but for now it was Eustace holding up the Kous end of things against Teddy Hart. He won fairly easily, and Harry Smith (doing abysmal colour commentary) was very, very upset with his fellow Hart Foundation stable member.
5) Punk Vs Sydal ( * * * 1/4 ) - A pointless main event in many ways (there isn't a wrestling fan alive who thought that Punk would lay down for the Cruiserweight Champion) but this was a good competitive match which thrilled the fans. Punk won with the Pepsi Plunge.

A decent event, without ever being one that gave you must-see TV. Still with a trio of good matches, few will have had too many complaints about this card.

Deano Ginelli Is Here

The International Wrestling Federation is currently touring around mainland Europe and we are pleased to announce the signing of an Italian Superstar. But he's not just any Italian, he's the cousin of "The Icon" Dean Roberts.

Yes, Deano Ginelli is coming to the IWF!

Survival Ground Preview

SURVIVAL GROUND
Sunday 16th March 2008
Geneva Arena, Geneva SWITZERLAND

For the first time ever, the International Wrestling Federation hits Switzerland for Survival Ground, the last PPV stop on the Road to MuscleMania. Featuring three traditional 5-on-5 Super Series Matches (including a Women's elimination encounter) and other great exciting action this event could have a huge bearing on the IWF superstars as they head to MuscleMania XVII!

CM Punk, Paul Wardle, Mistico & America's Most Wanted
Vs
Elijah Burke, Triple H, Matt Sydal, Shelton Benjamin & Rhino
The opposite sides of the MuscleMania Triple Crown main event captain their respective teams into battle. Punk has enlisted the help of his good friend Paul "The Phenomenon" Wardle, the United Kingdom champion Mistico and the World Tag Team Champions America's Most Wanted. Elijah Burke has signed up Triple H, World Cruiserweight Champion Matt Sydal and European Tag Team Champions Shelton Benjamin & Rhino. With seven champions in the match this is sure to be a high octane battle with everyone looking to make a name for themselves and carry some much needed momentum into the MuscleMania home-straight.

Kurt Angle, John Hennigan, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho & Finlay
Vs
Matthew Mercy, Abyss, Jay Reso, Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy
Kurt Angle's return to the IWF ring's at Corporal Punishment was not just a one-off. Acting Commissioner Ricky Steamboat offered him the captaincy of a Super Series team opposite Matthew Mercy's choice of wrestlers. The two have assembled a great line up for what should be a very intriguing match. Angle has chosen three former world champions in the form of Randy Orton, Chris Jericho and the tough Irish bastard Finlay, all three who have had their previous issues with Mercy. His, as he termed it, "wild card" pick was John Hennigan who has impressed the Olympic Gold Medalist with his displays in recent weeks. Mercy has assembled a mixture of the tough and the sublime. European Champion Abyss is joined by former World Champion Jay Reso and the high-octane tag-team of Matt & Jeff Hardy. This is a match which throws up a myriad of exciting possibilities.

Alexis Laree, Christy Hemme, Riley Mason, Maria Kanellis & Trinity
Vs
Rebecca Knox, Melina, Lizzy Valentine, Shelley Martinex & Michelle Cena
Alexis Laree threw the challenge out to the woman who took the Women's Championship from her, Rebecca Knox for this Super Series style match and Knox was only too happy to agree to it. 10 women clash in this battle which is one not to be missed.

Mohammed Fakjir Vs Jazz Hands Gee
Two men with an intense hatred for each other clash head to head as the "Egyptian Playa" Mohammed Fakjir takes on Jazz Hands Gee in this grudge match. Fakjir is sure to have the ever-threatening presence of his Head of Security Justice Porter in his corner but Gee claims to have no fear of the Fakjir organisation and says he will prove his point at Survival Ground.

Crunch Vs "The Graduate" Phil Jackson
"The Best Of British Beef" Crunch has been piling up the victories since his Corporal Punishment debut but he faces perhaps his toughest challenge to date against fellow Brit Phil Jackson. Crunch claims he will rack up another win to add to his list but Jackson insists that he's too good and experienced to fall to a "braindead bully" like Crunch. The Geneva Arena is sure to be shaking for this powerful tussle.

Kous Kous Vs Harry Smith & Teddy Hart
Yes, you read that right. Quentin and Tarquin may be gone, but that didn't leave Eustace Kous as the only member of the Kous family ready to ply his wares in the IWF. As the IWF hits Switzerland, Eustace has said that his Swiss cousin Sheridan Kous will be his partner as they take on the Hart Foundation 2.0 duo of Harry Smith & Teddy Hart. Whilst the future seems bright for the "new and improved" Kous Kous, tempers and tension is being frayed within the Hart Foundation, with Smith & Hart coming close to blows on a number of occasions recently. Can they hold it together, or will Kous Kous' Third Coming get off to the best possible start?

Too Cold Scorpio Vs Flavio Love
Having seen his Bang Gang faction dissolve virtually overnight, Flavio Love has turned his attention to singles glory, but he will have a tough first challenge as he is pitted against the veteran Too Cold Scorpio. This is sure to be an entertaining clash.

SHOOT OUT REVIEW

1)Matt & Jeff Hardy Vs Mohammed Fakjir & Justice Porter (* * *)
The rise of Porter and Fakjir continues, and credit must go both to them and to their opponents. The Hardy's were surprise returnees to the IWF at the back end of 2007, but they've shown they are here to wrestle and make an impact. Fakjir's all-round act continues to improve and Porter, back from his suspension, is showing poise that we never thought he had in him. It was the "youngsters" that won the match as well as Fakjir pinned Matt Hardy to wrap up a heated and exciting opener.

2)Crunch Vs Bobby Roode (* 1/2)
The two men in this match had a tough act to follow after the opener; indeed the crowd were flat for this one and try as they might the two couldn't quite manage to snap the fans out of it. This match was all about Crunch (as much potential as Roode has he's certainly not a priority at the moment) and as such it was much like his match at Corporal Punishment. A decent enough chance to show what he's got but nothing earth-shattering. Crunch won; end of story.

3)Abyss Vs Charles Anderson (* 3/4)
The crowd were certainly up for Abyss, he's a real favourite with the live crowds, but they were as cool as ever towards Anderson. I think we can safely say that the Anderson Family experiment has been a failure. This was little more than an extended squash match, such was the level of offence that Anderson got in, but at least the fans were happy with Abyss' victory with his match winning Black Hole Slam.

4)Paul Wardle Vs Finlay (* * *)
The Wardle, ahem, Phenomenon, continues apace. He was super-over here and Finlay was, as you would expect, a superb heel; all of which made for a thrilling atmosphere. The two couldn't quite match up to that but they had a stellar tussle which was exciting whilst it lasted. Indeed if this ten minute match had gone another five minutes or so it might have been a minor-classic. As it was, Wardle pinned Finlay, much to the delight of the crowd.

5)America's Most Wanted Vs Sherlock Burchill & Dr Lewington (* *)
This truly highlighted the dearth of talent in terms of tag-teams that can challenge AMW. Burchill & Lewington aren't terrible, but their gimmick is NOT conduicive to challenging for the World Tag Team Titles. As you would expect, AMW walked this one and won when Chris Harris pinned Lewington.

6)Elijah Burke Vs Phil Jackson Vs Randy Orton Vs Jay Reso (Final Four Match, * * * *)
The crowd were really up for this one, and the trick of only having the one babyface (Reso) in the match meant that there were a lot of excited fans right behind him every step of the way. Eliminations were by pinfall, submission or over-the-top-rope elimination. Order of said elimination was as follows;
i) Phil Jackson (thrown over the top-rope by Jay Reso)
ii) Randy Orton (pinned by Jay Reso)
iii) Jay Reso (pinned by Elijah Burke)
So it was clear, Elijah Burke is headed for MuscleMania; a surprising choice in some eyes but he looked great here.

7)CM Punk Vs Shelton Benjamin (* * * 1/2)
Umaga's problems meant a whole lot of problems for the IWF in terms of CM Punk's challenger at the event and given the fact that the Final Four match and Three Stages of Hell match had arguably taken away the top six contenders, this was a decent back up plan. Punk continued his supreme recent form and Benjamin really took the opportunity to show what he could do. Of course no-one really expected Benjamin to win the title, but they still managed to pack in the drama. Punk won with the Pepsi Plunge in an impressive match...even more impressive when one considers the last minute nature of the match being put together.

8) Matthew Mercy Vs Triple H (Three Stages Of Hell, * * * * 1/2)
So a feud which started back in late August finally came to its final act. It's a credit to all concerned that they've kept the fire bubbling all the way along.
The first fall was a First Blood encounter, which Mercy took. HHH was bleeding buckets as well. The second fall was a Falls Count Anywhere, which really did go all over the building, and Triple H evened up the score. The final fall was a Steel Cage match which was the best portion of the match, and the best portion of the entire night. The crowd was at fever pitch as the two went back and forth but finally Mercy finished off Triple H with a Mercy-Bomb to take the match and the feud. The fans were ecstatic.

So that was Shoot Out for another year. The 2007 event is fondly remembered and the 2008 event certainly held up the excitement and entertainment levels. The Road To MuscleMania is proving to be an eventful one indeed.

CM Punk's Shoot Out Opponent Decided

Tonight on Warfare, IWF Acting Commissioner Ricky Steamboat came up with his own unique way of coming up with an opponent for CM Punk at Shoot Out. He told the IWF superstars that any one not already with a match on the Shoot Out Card would take part in a Battle Royale, with the winning getting the "once in a lifetime opportunity" to fight for the Triple Crown at Shoot Out.

The match itself included former World Champions Kane, Jazz Hands Gee and Chris Jericho, current championship holders Mistico and Matt Sydal and other great IWF superstars from across the roster.

The winner however was one half of the current European Tag Team Champions Shelton Benjamin, who ousted current United Kingdom Champion Mistico out to grab his opportunity.

Later in the night, CM Punk had a non-title match with Rhino, which he won by disqualification after Benjamin interfered. In amongst the melee, Ricky Steamboat has confirmed that this Friday night on Impact, just two days before Shoot Out, Punk and a partner of his choice will take on Rhino & Benjamin in a special tag team challenge.

Umaga Suspended

The International Wrestling Federation today announced that Umaga has been suspended under the Wellness & Welfare programme.

As a result, Umaga will not be appearing at Shoot Out as advertised.

News on CM Punk's opponent at Shoot Out will be revealed on this week's Wednesday Night Warfare.

Prime Time

Prime Time - The Time Is Now
Sunday 3rd February 2008
Douglas Hall, Isle Of Man

FINAL FOUR TAG TEAM CHALLENGE:
Elijah Burke & Jay Reso Vs Phil Jackson & Randy Orton

Umaga Vs Colt Cabana

EUROPEAN TAG TEAM TITLES:
Rhino & Shelton Benjamin Vs Harry Smith & Teddy Hart

Jeff Hardy Vs Mohammed Fakjir

WORLD WOMENS TITLE:
Alexis Laree Vs Rebecca Knox

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1) Rhino & Benjamin Vs Smith & Hart ( * * ) - Smith & Hart came out of nowhere to grab this title shot, which said a lot about their chances of grabbing the gold in this one. This was a relatively tidy match but one without any real drama. No, not even the sense of tension between Hart & Smith meant much to the fans. The Champions retained and that was about that.
2) Hardy Vs Fakjir ( * * * 1/4 ) - Some people were surprised that the Hardy's came back to the IWF, both from the point of view of some of the crap they've had to put up with over the years and the fact that surely the IWF couldn't have any real plans for them. But they do, and its clear to see why with the superb performance that Jeff put on here. It really was a sight to behold to see him carry Fakjir to a great match. He even got the win after Matt Hardy negated the interfernce of Justice Porter.
3) Laree Vs Knox ( * * * ) - Well it is one of only three women's matches the IWF wants to show us these days, but the two have a certain chemistry. This was a title change night as Knox won the match following the interference of Melina.
4) Umaga Vs Colt Cabana ( * * 1/4 ) - Cabana resurfaces on a show people watch SHOCKER! Ok, so we're over-egging that slightly but Cabana got this match because Umaga wanted to beat up one of CM Punk's "friends" (which may be true in real life but in IWF world, Punk stole Cabana's girlfriend). Umaga brutalised poor Colt, before Punk ran in (albeit after Umaga had won) and made the save. Cabana, the poor soul, was "out cold" though.
5) Burke & Reso Vs Orton & Jackson ( * * * * ) - Well the main event certainly ended the show on a particularly high note which also bodes well for the fact that these four men will be clashing at Shoot Out for the right to challenge for the Unified Triple Crown at MuscleMania! On this occasion it was Randy Orton who got the pinfall, pinning Jay Reso, so it is he who has the momentum heading for Shoot Out.

Shoot Out PREVIEW

Sunday 17th February 2008
Douglas Hall, Isle Of Man

UNIFIED TRIPLE CROWN HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE:
CM Punk Vs Umaga
CM Punk thrilled IWF fans all over the world when he won the Robo Rumble match at Corporal Punishment to lift the then vacant Triple Crown Title. However thanks to a special battle royale set up on Warfare by Acting IWF Commissioner Ricky Steamboat he faces an hellacious challenge in his first PPV defence against the Samoan Monster Umaga. Punk has the momentum, but Umaga is one Samoan Spike away from lifting the world title.

THREE STAGES OF HELL MATCH:
Matthew Mercy Vs Triple H
Their war started back in September at Man Of Steel and now, nearly six months down the line it culminates at Shoot Out in one of the most dangerous concepts known to man...THREE STAGES OF HELL!!! The two men will battle it out in up to three speciality matches and there can only be one winner.

FINAL FOUR MATCH:
WINNER FACES TRIPLE CROWN CHAMPION AT MUSCLEMANIA XVII
Elijah Burke Vs Phil Jackson Vs Jay Reso Vs Randy Orton
These four men were the last four men, apart from eventual winner CM Punk, in the Robo Rumble match and IWF Acting Commissioner Ricky Steamboat has set up this unique Final Four match where elimination occurs either by pinfall, submission or over the-top-rope elimination. The winner of this match will head to MuscleMania XVII as challenger for the World Title in the main event.

WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES:
America's Most Wanted Vs Sherlock Burchill & Dr. Lewington
Our intrepid detective duo won the Four Team Challenge at Corporal Punishment and as a result get the opportunity at the World Tag Team titles here.

EUROPEAN TITLE:
Abyss Vs Charles Anderson
Abyss won the title at January's Prime Time and in his first PPV defence must take on his perennial nemesis, and leader of The Anderson Family, Charles Anderson.

"The Phenomenon" Paul Wardle Vs Finlay
Despite being made to be #1 in the Robo Rumble, thanks to his loss to the nefarious tactics of Phil Jackson, Wardle made an impressive display in lasting nearly an hour in the match before being eliminated. As former World Champion Finlay reminded him though, he won nothing as a result. A war of words escalated into a war of fists, and this highly anticipated match is the result.

Matt & Jeff Hardy Vs Mohammed Fakjir & Justice Porter
Mohammed Fakjir's Head Of Security Justice Porter returned to the IWF at Corporal Punishment and already Fakjir seems even more confident at ever. He may have bitten off more than he can chew however by challenging The Hardy Brothers. This could be the surprise of the night.

Crunch Vs Bobby Roode
"The Best Of British Beef" Crunch made a promising debut at Corporal Punishment and Shoot Out represents his potential next step up the ladder as he takes on the Canadian Bobby Roode in what is sure to be a powerful fist-fight.

IWF Injury/Suspension update

The IWF today confirmed that the initial prognosis from Corporal Punishment over Quentin Kous' injury is that he is expected to be out for a minimum of 12 months.

We have also been told that Acid picked up a shoulder injury during the Robo Rumble match is is expected to be out for 10-12 weeks.

In a final piece of news we have been informed today that under the Wellfare and Wellness programme, Loco Delgado has been granted a contract release from the company. We wish him the best in all his future endeavours.

Corporal Punishment REVIEW

1) Paul Wardle Vs Phil Jackson ( * * * 1/4 )
The "One or Forty" stipulation meant that there was plenty of heat and the two men certainly stepped up to the plate to a certain extent and had a good, if not great, match. Jackson took the dukes after some nefarious Steel Chair chicanery. Wardle was far from happy but the die had been cast; he was to be the number one entrant into the Rumble.

2) Four Way Tag Team Challenge ( * 3/4 )
This would have been average enough even if it hadn't been shot to buggery by yet another misfortune to Kous Kous. Yes, following Tarquin Kous' injury a couple of months ago, it was Quentin Kous' time to suffer a devestating injury. Indeed once his injury occurred, the referee passed the message to the wrestlers that they were forgoing the elimination stipulation in the match and it was quickly wrapped up when Lewington pinned Eustace Kous. Tragic, on many levels.

3) Alexis Laree Vs Melina (Ladder Match, * * * 1/2)
These two women can wrestle, and they showed it. They also showed that they have their fair share of balls as they unleashed some breathtaking spots off, on and around the ladder. In the end it was Laree who managed to climb the ladder and retain her title.

4) The Debut of Crunch (Vs James Gibson, Sq - but a good start)
The much hyped debut of "The Best Of British" Crunch was only hampered slightly by the fact that James Gibson was his opponent. (In fairness the criminally underused Gibson had to be drafted in as a last minute replacement after managment decided that original choice Bobby Roode was to replace the suspended John Cena in the Rumble match). Crunch won the match in fast order and got a decent reception from the London fans.

5) ROBO RUMBLE MATCH ( * * * * 1/2)
This was one of the greatest Robo Rumble matches in the history of the gimmick; the details were as follows...

Order Of Entrance;

1) Paul Wardle
2) Chris Jericho
3) Matt Sydal
4) Kane
5) Mohammed Fakjir
6) Harry Smith
7) Jeff Hardy
8) Matthew Mercy
9) Acid
10) Kurt Angle
11) Brian Kendrick
12) James Storm
13) Finlay
14) Triple H
15) Bobby Roode
16) Justice Porter
17) Rhino
18) CM Punk
19) Claudio Castagnoli
20) Matt Morgan
21) Charles Anderson
22) Umaga
23) Abyss
24) Mistico
25) Randy Orton
26) Shelton Benjamin
27) Raven
28) Mick Foley
29) Chris Harris
30) Jahbuhlun
31) Elijah Burke
32) Barabus Lashley
33) John Hennigan
34) Jay Reso
35) Too Cold Scorpio
36) Matt Hardy
37) Jazz Hands Gee
38) Milano Collection AT
39) Kevin Nash
40) Phil Jackson


ORDER OF ELIMINATION;


1) Chris Jericho (Paul Wardle)
2) Matt Sydal (Paul Wardle)
3) Harry Smith (Mohammed Fakjir)
4) Acid (Kane)
5) Kane (Matthew Mercy)
6) Brian Kendrick (Kurt Angle)
7) Jeff Hardy (HHH)
8) Bobby Roode (James Storm)
9) James Storm (Paul Wardle)
10&11) Matthew Mercy & HHH (Kurt Angle)
12) Mohammed Fakjir (Kurt Angle)
13) Justice Porter (Kurt Angle)
14) Claudio Castagnoli (CM Punk)
15) Finlay (Matt Morgan)
16) Kurt Angle (CM Punk)
17) Rhino (CM Punk)
18) Charles Anderson (Abyss)
19) Umaga (Abyss)
20) Matt Morgan (Paul Wardle, Abyss & CM Punk)
21) Abyss (CM Punk & Paul Wardle)
22) Paul Wardle (Randy Orton)
23) Raven (Mick Foley)
24) Mistico (Elijah Burke)
25) Barabus Lashley (Randy Orton)
26) Mick Foley (Randy Orton)
27) Shelton Benjamin (Chris Harris)
28) Jahbuhlun (CM Punk)
29) Chris Harris (Jay Reso)
30) Too Cold Scorpio (Elijah Burke)
31) Matt Hardy (Elijah Burke)
32) Milano Collection AT (Jazz Hands Gee)
33) Jazz Hands Gee (Kevin Nash)
34) Kevin Nash (Randy Orton)
35) John Hennigan (CM Punk)
36) Phil Jackson (Elijah Burke)
37) Jay Reso (Elijah Burke)
38) Randy Orton (CM Punk)
39) Elijah Burke (CM Punk)
WINNER = CM PUNK

Kingdom

The IWF would like to remind all it's fans that the episode of Kingdom guest-starring IWF Diva Rebecca Knox will be airing on ITV 1 tomorrow night.

Check your local listing for more details.

Welfare & Wellness

The IWF today announced that John Cena has been suspended indefinately for violation of the Welfare & Wellness programme.

Prime Time

Prime Time - LETHAL LOTTERY
Sunday 13th January 2008
Robin Park Arena, Wigan

MATCH STIPULATIONS CHOSEN AT RANDOM ON THE NIGHT!

CM Punk & Paul "The Phenomenon" Wardle
Vs
Elijah Burke & Phil "The Graduate" Jackson

EUROPEAN TITLE:
John Cena Vs Abyss

John Hennigan Vs Too Cold Scorpio

Alexis Laree & Christy Hemme Vs Melina & Lizzy Valentine

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1) John Cena Vs Abyss (No Holds Barred Streetfight, * * *) - So the fist match of the evening became a streetfight, an environment that certainly suited the challenger Abyss rather than the champion Cena. And that proved to be the order of the day. Cena looked ok in parts, but he wasn't really booked to be a force in this match. Abyss dominated him and took the European Title after some brutal offence.

2) John Hennigan Vs Too Cold Scorpio (Submission Match, * * * 1/4) - So this one became a submission match, which was always likely to be interesting as neither man is reknowned for his submission skills. Still they concentrated on setting up for submissions (pressure on the legs etc.) rather than the actual submissions which meant this was a tight little match, which was won by Scorpio after he locked Hennigan in a Qeubrada.

3) Laree & Hemme Vs Melina & Valentine (Bra & Panties, *) - Well it's been a long time since we saw one of these (and let's just be thankful that this stipulation wasn't "randomnly chosen" for any of the other matches. All you really need to know is that it was Melina and Valentine who were stripped to their smalls.

4) Punk & Wardle Vs Burke & Jackson (Steel Cage, * * * * 1/4) - The card ended on a really high note as these two clashed in a Steel Cage match which was full of excitement and high impact moves which the crowd lapped up. It was Elijah Burke, surprisingly, who got the pinfall victory over Punk to wrap up a wonderful main event.

Corporal Punishment Card

International Wrestling Federation presents

Sunday 27th January 2008
02 Arena, London

ROBO RUMBLE MATCH;
UNIFIED WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE:

For the first time in IWF history, thanks to former IWF Commissioner Dean Roberts, the World Title will go to the winner of the 40 man Robo Rumble match. New IWF Commissioner Ricky Steamboat took up the mantle and has assembled the most talent-laden line up for the Rumble in wrestling history, including the return of five former IWF World Champions in Kane, Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash, Mick Foley & Raven.

PARTICIPANTS:
Matthew Mercy, Triple H, CM Punk, Elijah Burke, Chris Jericho,
Randy Orton, Jay Reso, Abyss, Jahbuhlun, Matt Morgan,
Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Chris Harris, James Storm, John Cena,
Umaga, Mistico, John Hennigan, Mistico, Too Cold Scorpio,
Finlay, Jazz Hands Gee, Claudio Castagnoli, Mohammed Fakjir, Acid,
Kane, Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash, Mick Foley, Raven,
Shelton Benjamin, Rhino, Matt Sydal, Brian Kendrick, Barabus Lashley,
Justice Porter, Milano Collection AT, Charles Anderson, Harry Smith,
AND
Paul Wardle OR Phil Jackson

PLUS:

1 or 40 MATCH:
Paul "The Phenomenon" Paul Wardle Vs Phil "The Graduate" Jackson

Jackson shocked the world by returning on the Boxing Day Warfare to attempt to help Callum Best defeat Wardle; his task failed, Wardle picking up the win regardless, but the fire has been lit and now these two meet in a match which could hugely influence the night and career of either man. The winner gets to be the 40th, and last, entrant into the Robo Rumble match and is handed an almost perfect chance to take the world title. The loser must enter the match first and faces and almost impossible task to win the match.

WOMEN'S WORLD TITLE;
LADDER MATCH:
Alexis Laree Vs Melina

These two women have been waging an intense war over the past few weeks and IWF Commissioner Ric Flair has decreed that the two will meet at Corporal Punishment with the Women's Title 15 foot above the ring. This is sure to be one to remember.

FOUR-WAY TAG TEAM CHALLENGE;
Trevor Murdoch & Lance Cade
Vs
Sherlock Burchill & Dr Lewington
Vs
Kous Kous (Quentin & Eustace)
Vs
Flavio Love & Loco Delgado

Four tough tag teams meet in this special four-way match. Who will prevail?

SPECIAL DEBUT CHALLENGE;

Crunch Vs Mystery Opponent

The "Best of British Beef" Crunch makes his debut at Corporal Punishment against a Mystery Opponent.