Paul Wardle Vs Carlito Vs Lance Storm Vs Rob Van Dam ( * * * 1/2 )
What a way to kick off the show with this Four Corners Mayhem Ladder Match. The rules were your usual Ladder match rules really; The European title was hung high from the rafters and the first wrestler to climb the ladder to grab it would be the Champion. The added dimension of the two rings meant that this was all over the place, and Rob Van Dam, in particular, seemed willing to risk serious injury to himself in order to grab the gold - efforts which did not go unnoticed by the appreciative crowd. All four men took huge risks though and whilst, as ever with these types of matches, there wasn't much actual "wrestling" on show, this was very enteratining and the only real sad thing about it was that there had to be three losers. And in the end it was Carlito, much to the delight of the crowd, who scaled the ladder and lifted his first European Title.
MNM Vs Second City Saints ( * * * 3/4 )
If this didn't quite have the suicidal moments of the opener, it was actually a superior slice of grapping action and with the added stipulation that the losing team could never again be partners in an IWF ring the tension and crowd support was synched right up. The Saints were on fire in the early going but some timely interference by Melina got the advantage back to here side. The two teams continued to trade the advantage in this fast-paced encounter and it really was one of those matches which really could have gone either way. Indeed it looked like The Saints would wrap it up when Cabana hit the Colt 45 on Mercury, but to the dismay of the fans, Mercury kicked out. The action continued, as Punk looked to have wrapped it up with a Pepsi Plunge on Nitro, but in the ensuing melee, Punk was knocked out of the ring and Mercury hit the Futureshock on Cabana to wrap up the win which not only retained the European Tag Titles for MNM, but meant that the Second City Saints would have to split up with a team. Punk and Cabana shook hands and embraced at the end of the match to a loud ovation.
Samoa Joe Vs Finlay ( * * 3/4 )
Another one of those stiff and brutal bouts that can be hard to classify. Joe and Finlay took to it with, dare we say it, NJPW or Pro Wrestling Noah style intensity. Indeed, by the end of this match, the two were red raw from all the stiff punches, kicks and chops that they'd battled back and forth with. Eric Bischoff announced pre-match that all other IWF superstars were barred from ringside which meant these two could just concentrate at going straight at it, and that they did. In the end it was Samoa Joe who got the neccessary submission, making Finlay tap out to the STF.
Double Trouble Match ( * * 1/2 )
All four men tried hard, but this was just a little too much of a mess for the ratings to be any higher. Although the War Games main event meant that the two matches in the opening period could to some extent be held in sperate rings, the same problem that always occurs during these Double Trouble matches reared its head again...you just can't keep track of everyting that is going on. Triple H/Abyss was the most exciting of the two initial matches, with Gee/Turner not really getting going to any great extent. It was also inevitable that the ending of the two matches would mingle together. Thanks to an errant Chair shot by The Big Gee, Abyss got a huge pinfall victory over Triple H, finishing him off with the Black Hole Slam. Abyss was then willing to let Gee and Turner battle on, knowing that the more they tired themselves out the easier task he had during the final match, but Triple H regained his senses and attacked Gee, enabling Turner to pin him and set us up with the final match of Turner Vs Abyss. The fans didn't know quite what to make of it all, and they were less than pleased when some Turner chicanery enabled him to get the pinfall over Abyss, following the Jazz-Buster, and Turner was declared the winner of Double Trouble.
Oleg Prudius Vs Burchill ( * 3/4 )
The big question on everyone's mind wasn't whether Burchill could drag a good match out of Prudius (lets face it, although Oleg is an impressive physical specimin, he's nowhere near an impressive wrestler) but just how the situation with Oleg's manager Nikita Koloff and Nikita's daughter Teryn would play out. In the end it played out like this; Oleg seemingly had the match in the bag but Nikita insisted on more punishment being metered out to Burchill. Teryn looked to be getting in the ring to help Burchill, who she has been close with over recent weeks, but then the whole world was shocked as Nikita hugged his daughter and handed her a steel chair. It looked to the whole world that Nikita and Teryn had set up this plan all along to torture Burchill, but just as Teryn looked likely to smash Burchill with the chair, she switched direction and lamped the Russian beast Oleg with the chair instead! Nikita was non-plussed, the crowd went wild and Burchill hit a Standing Shooting Star Press to get the immensely popular pinfall victory. Mind you the cheer for the post-match hug...and KISS!!!...between Burchill and Teryn got an even bigger reaction! Nikita was furious, but for once he'd been outwitted.
Matthew Mercy Vs The Undertaker ( * * * 1/4 )
After finishing the career of Dean Roberts at Heat Wave, Mercy now had to face another daunting challenge against long-term rival The Undertaker. This wasn't your classic technical match, but the two brawled with an intense rivalry and the crowd lapped this one up. Undertaker seemed to have a psychological hold over Mercy in the early going, but Mercy soon used his experience to get back in the match and he controlled 'Taker for parts of the encounter. It seemed however that once 'Taker made his big comeback there was no hope for Mercy, but after a ref-bump Mercy managed to grab the 'Taker's urn and smash him over the head with it. Mercy crawled over him and got the pinfall victory which kept his huge momentum since returning to the IWF going.
Alexis Laree Vs Krissy Vaine ( 1/2 * )
Well this was nothing more than cheap T and A card-filler between the evening's two top matches. The two women made a short attempt to actually wrestle, but all the interest was in climbing up the poll to get the spanking paddle. Krissy actually got it first, but was unable to spank Alexis on the bottom and after grabbing the paddle herself she spanked Krissy's ass to win the match. What was perhaps most surprising was that Krissy seemed to enjoy being spanked...and that says it all about this "match".
War Games ( * * * * )
So it was time for the main event and the anticipation around the arena as the huge Steel Cage structure was lowered into place. The rules were as ever for War Games. The match starts with a man from each side battling for five minutes and then from then, and at three minute intervals after that one man enters. When all 8 men are in the ring, the "Match Beyond" can begin and the winner is the first team who can make one of their opponents submit. Team Orton won the coin toss which meant that they would have the advantage of the extra man throughout that portion of the match.
ORDER OF ENTRANCE;
1 & 2 Chris Harris & Shawn Michaels
3 James Storm (5 minutes)
4 Jay Reso (8 minutes)
5 Randy Orton (11 minutes)
6 Kurt Angle (14 minutes)
7 Barabus Lashley(17 minutes)
8 Chris Kanyon (20 minutes)
The action had been hot up to this point, but once all eight men were in the ring the action got even hotter as the teams traded blow for blow and blood gushed out of nearly all of them. In the end, much to the delight of the crowd, Jay Reso made World Champion Randy Orton submit to a Double chickenwing camel clutch to gain the victory for his team!
So another IWF pay-per-view event ended on a supreme high note with a thrilling War Games encounter which delivered everything it promised and more. The rest of the show was a little more hit and miss, but provided us with two sterling title defences (European and European Tag Team) and a very entertaining Matthew Mercy Vs The Undertaker match. It wasn't the best ppv of all time by any stretch of the imagination, but it was another good effore and provided great action and entertainment.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Action 23/07/06
On the last stop before Xtreme Overload, some of the young talents of the IWF grabbed the opportunity to shine on another hot episode of Action.
In a thrilling four way main event, Cruiserweight Champion Eric Young retained his title, seeing off James Gibson, Bryan Danielson and, special guest Super Crazy.
In other matches, Carina defeated Christy Hemme in a Pillow-fight, UK Champion CM Punk went to a chaotic no-contest with his hated MNM rival Joey Mercury and Phil Jackson defeated Bill De Mott.
MATCH RESULTS:
CM Punk & Joey Mercury went to a no-contest
Phil Jackson pinned Bill De Mott.
Carina defeated Christy Hemme in a pillow-fight
Eric Young defeated James Gibson, Bryan Danielson & Super Crazy
In a thrilling four way main event, Cruiserweight Champion Eric Young retained his title, seeing off James Gibson, Bryan Danielson and, special guest Super Crazy.
In other matches, Carina defeated Christy Hemme in a Pillow-fight, UK Champion CM Punk went to a chaotic no-contest with his hated MNM rival Joey Mercury and Phil Jackson defeated Bill De Mott.
MATCH RESULTS:
CM Punk & Joey Mercury went to a no-contest
Phil Jackson pinned Bill De Mott.
Carina defeated Christy Hemme in a pillow-fight
Eric Young defeated James Gibson, Bryan Danielson & Super Crazy
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Dean Roberts....Restrauanter!
Hot on the heels of his highly successful Shortbread range, Dean Roberts, recently retired wrestler, has unveiled his brand new restaurant.
Deane's (the alternative spelling is for legal reasons, not simply because Dean happened to find himself outside a restaurant with that name and had his picture taken in front of it) serves the best steaks and grills in the country.
Visit it, and if you quote the password "IWF.com" then you will get a surcharge of 10% added to your bill, completely FREE OF CHARGE
Deane's (the alternative spelling is for legal reasons, not simply because Dean happened to find himself outside a restaurant with that name and had his picture taken in front of it) serves the best steaks and grills in the country.
Visit it, and if you quote the password "IWF.com" then you will get a surcharge of 10% added to your bill, completely FREE OF CHARGE
Friday, July 21, 2006
Impact 21/07/06
The last prime-time stop before XO was a tense affair with all the big players jostling for position.
In two matches impacting on the War Games encounter, honours were even. Chris Harris got a pinfall victory over Kurt Angle to add to his resume, whilst Chris Kanyon tamed the beast Barabus Lashley. Backstage, Randy Orton and Jay Reso had an alteraction which suggested that both men are intent on winning War Games this sunday night.
In other matches, The Big Gee pinned Abyss after Triple H had interefered and Matt Morgan destroyed Sean O'Haire.
In the main event of the evening, Matthew Mercy defeated The Undertaker's brother Kane in a slug-fest. After the decision the Undertaker made his way to the ring and as the show went to black, Mercy and The Undertaker were staring each other down, face-to-face in the middle of the ring.
MATCH RESULTS:
The Big Gee pinned Abyss
Chris Harris defeated Kurt Angle
Matt Morgan destroyed Sean O'Haire
Chris Kanyon pinned Barabus Lashley
Matthew Mercy pinned Kane
In two matches impacting on the War Games encounter, honours were even. Chris Harris got a pinfall victory over Kurt Angle to add to his resume, whilst Chris Kanyon tamed the beast Barabus Lashley. Backstage, Randy Orton and Jay Reso had an alteraction which suggested that both men are intent on winning War Games this sunday night.
In other matches, The Big Gee pinned Abyss after Triple H had interefered and Matt Morgan destroyed Sean O'Haire.
In the main event of the evening, Matthew Mercy defeated The Undertaker's brother Kane in a slug-fest. After the decision the Undertaker made his way to the ring and as the show went to black, Mercy and The Undertaker were staring each other down, face-to-face in the middle of the ring.
MATCH RESULTS:
The Big Gee pinned Abyss
Chris Harris defeated Kurt Angle
Matt Morgan destroyed Sean O'Haire
Chris Kanyon pinned Barabus Lashley
Matthew Mercy pinned Kane
Thursday, July 20, 2006
The Bang Gang Revealed
Last night on Warfare, three apparent members of the Bang Gang made their debuts for the IWF and we can exclusively reveal them to you now.
Titi Buengo
Titi has reclaimed his Angolan roots after many years away from his home nation. He is confident that his time in the IWF will be successful.
Mario Lama
Mario has extensive no-holds-barred fighting experience, and has previous wrestling experience in the OVW.
Mantorras Figueiredo
Mantorras also goes by the name of the "Angolan Elvis" and has a fun-loving attitude to life. But be warned, when he's angry, he's a dangerous man to cross.
Titi Buengo
Titi has reclaimed his Angolan roots after many years away from his home nation. He is confident that his time in the IWF will be successful.
Mario Lama
Mario has extensive no-holds-barred fighting experience, and has previous wrestling experience in the OVW.
Mantorras Figueiredo
Mantorras also goes by the name of the "Angolan Elvis" and has a fun-loving attitude to life. But be warned, when he's angry, he's a dangerous man to cross.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Warfare 19/07/06
Less than a week to go to Xtreme Overload and everyone wanted to get on a roll leading up to the pay-per-view.
In the main event of the evening, Team Orton once again prevailed as America's Most Wanted successfully retainted their World Tag Team titles against the "dream team" of Jay Reso and Shawn Michaels when Chris Harris pinned Shawn Michaels.
Peter Turner got momentum leading into the double trouble match as he managed to gain a HUGE pinfall victory over Triple H. Sure he needed the help of Abyss to do it, but a win's a win and he must surely be one of the favourites to survive the Double Trouble encounter at XO. Rob Van Dam and Lance Storm also pushed their claims for their Mayhem Ladder match at XO by defeating Paul Wardle & Carlito whilst The Undertaker's first match in quite some time was successfull as he polished off Edge with the Tombstone.
In the other match of the evening, The Gang Bang defeated Brian Kendrick & Paul London after three, yes THREE, apparent new members of the Gang Bang made their debuts and helped Flavio Love and Loco Delgado to the win. Why are they here? We're sure to find out over the coming weeks.
MATCH RESULTS:
Rob Van Dam & Lance Storm defeated Paul Wardle & Carlito
The Bang Gang defeated Brian Kendrick & Paul London
The Undertaker pinned Edge
Peter Turner pinned Triple H
America's Most Wanted defeated Jay Reso & Shawn Michaels
In the main event of the evening, Team Orton once again prevailed as America's Most Wanted successfully retainted their World Tag Team titles against the "dream team" of Jay Reso and Shawn Michaels when Chris Harris pinned Shawn Michaels.
Peter Turner got momentum leading into the double trouble match as he managed to gain a HUGE pinfall victory over Triple H. Sure he needed the help of Abyss to do it, but a win's a win and he must surely be one of the favourites to survive the Double Trouble encounter at XO. Rob Van Dam and Lance Storm also pushed their claims for their Mayhem Ladder match at XO by defeating Paul Wardle & Carlito whilst The Undertaker's first match in quite some time was successfull as he polished off Edge with the Tombstone.
In the other match of the evening, The Gang Bang defeated Brian Kendrick & Paul London after three, yes THREE, apparent new members of the Gang Bang made their debuts and helped Flavio Love and Loco Delgado to the win. Why are they here? We're sure to find out over the coming weeks.
MATCH RESULTS:
Rob Van Dam & Lance Storm defeated Paul Wardle & Carlito
The Bang Gang defeated Brian Kendrick & Paul London
The Undertaker pinned Edge
Peter Turner pinned Triple H
America's Most Wanted defeated Jay Reso & Shawn Michaels
Monday, July 17, 2006
New Diva Inks Contract
The International Wrestling Federation today can announce that a new diva has signed her name to an IWF contract. Maria Kanellis is the latest in a long line of IWF diva's who are as thrilling in the ring as they are out of it. Maria was born May 2, 1981 in Ottawa, Illinois and is a veteran of Hawaiian Tropic campaigns. Maria also won the Miss Carlisle All-Chrysler Nationals 2003 Beauty Pageant.
Maria is thrilled to be working with the IWF. "For a wrestling fan like me, it's a deam come true. I hope to do both the company and myself proud throughout my contract."
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Action 16/07/06
Action was as hot as ever this week, with the crowd wowed by some top wrestling action.
In the main event of the evening, Charles Haas defeated Rhino in a gripping encounter.
In other matches, Paul London defeated The Bang Gang's Flavio Love, and after the match Loco Delgado was very upset and promised things were going to change. Also on the show, Phil Jackson defeated Sean O Haire.
MATCH RESULTS:
Paul London pinned Flavio Love
Phil Jackson pinned Sean O Haire
Charles Haas pinned Rhino
In the main event of the evening, Charles Haas defeated Rhino in a gripping encounter.
In other matches, Paul London defeated The Bang Gang's Flavio Love, and after the match Loco Delgado was very upset and promised things were going to change. Also on the show, Phil Jackson defeated Sean O Haire.
MATCH RESULTS:
Paul London pinned Flavio Love
Phil Jackson pinned Sean O Haire
Charles Haas pinned Rhino
Friday, July 14, 2006
Impact 14/07/06
Just 10 days removed from Xtreme Overload and the action hotted up on Impact.
In the main event of the evening, and in a World Title match, Randy Orton defeated Kurt Angle in what observers called one of the best Impact matches of the year so far. Of course it was not without it's controversy as it was a Barabus Lashley chair shot that knocked him out.
In other matches, European Champion Paul Wardle was defeated in a non-title match by Carlito, which gives Carlito a hell of a lot of momentum leading up to the Four Corners Ladder Mayhem match at XO. In title action, MNM defeated the Second City Saints and then said that the Saints would never get another title shot at them EVER. CM Punk went to IWF Commissioner Eric Bischoff afterwards though and cut a deal; there would be one final match between the two teams at XO but with one stipulation - the losing team will never be able to team up on an IWF card ever again!
Alexis Laree warmed up for XO by defeating Lisa Marie Veron and Samoa Joe and Finlay battled to a wild no-contest; after the match, Eric Bischoff announced the two would meet at XO in a Submit Or Die match!
MATCH RESULTS:
Samoa Joe & Finlay went to a no-contest
Carlito pinned Paul Wardle (non-title match)
Alexis Laree defeated Lisa Marie Veron
MNM defeated The Second City Saints
Randy Orton pinned Kurt Angle
In the main event of the evening, and in a World Title match, Randy Orton defeated Kurt Angle in what observers called one of the best Impact matches of the year so far. Of course it was not without it's controversy as it was a Barabus Lashley chair shot that knocked him out.
In other matches, European Champion Paul Wardle was defeated in a non-title match by Carlito, which gives Carlito a hell of a lot of momentum leading up to the Four Corners Ladder Mayhem match at XO. In title action, MNM defeated the Second City Saints and then said that the Saints would never get another title shot at them EVER. CM Punk went to IWF Commissioner Eric Bischoff afterwards though and cut a deal; there would be one final match between the two teams at XO but with one stipulation - the losing team will never be able to team up on an IWF card ever again!
Alexis Laree warmed up for XO by defeating Lisa Marie Veron and Samoa Joe and Finlay battled to a wild no-contest; after the match, Eric Bischoff announced the two would meet at XO in a Submit Or Die match!
MATCH RESULTS:
Samoa Joe & Finlay went to a no-contest
Carlito pinned Paul Wardle (non-title match)
Alexis Laree defeated Lisa Marie Veron
MNM defeated The Second City Saints
Randy Orton pinned Kurt Angle
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Warfare 12/07/06
Chaos ruled on the road to Xtreme Overload on this week's Warfare. Eric Bischoff knew he was playing with tension when he ordered the Double Trouble opponents to team up against each other, and that's what he got. In the main event of the evening, Abyss & Triple H defeated The Big Gee and Peter Turner, but it had a lot to do with Peter Turner turning his back on his partner for the evening and allowing Triple H to get the pinfall.
There was also chaos in the opening match of the evening as Chris Harris pinned Chris Kanyon, although once again all 8 men involved in the War Games encounter at XO got involved.
In other matches, Krissy Vaine got a shock victory over Melina to book a Women's Title shot at XO. The onlooking Alexis Laree was less than impressed however and seemed to think she was in for an easy time. Eric Young made his first winning title defence his Cruiserweight Title by pinning Bryan Danielson in a high-flying encounter, Matt Morgan destroyed Mark Jindrak and Kane pinned Matt Hardy.
After the Kane match, Matthew Mercy came out to the ring and said he wanted tips from Kane as to beating his brother The Undertaker. But Kane wasn't interested in aiding the hollywood superstar and when the Undertaker's gongs went off Mercy scarpered pretty sharpish.
MATCH RESULTS:
Chris Harris pinned Chris Kanyon
Matt Morgan pinned Mark Jindrak
Krissy Vaine defeated Melina (Womens #1 Contender Final)
Eric Young defeated Bryan Danielson
Kane pinned Matt Hardy
Abyss & Triple H defeated The Big Gee & Peter Turner
There was also chaos in the opening match of the evening as Chris Harris pinned Chris Kanyon, although once again all 8 men involved in the War Games encounter at XO got involved.
In other matches, Krissy Vaine got a shock victory over Melina to book a Women's Title shot at XO. The onlooking Alexis Laree was less than impressed however and seemed to think she was in for an easy time. Eric Young made his first winning title defence his Cruiserweight Title by pinning Bryan Danielson in a high-flying encounter, Matt Morgan destroyed Mark Jindrak and Kane pinned Matt Hardy.
After the Kane match, Matthew Mercy came out to the ring and said he wanted tips from Kane as to beating his brother The Undertaker. But Kane wasn't interested in aiding the hollywood superstar and when the Undertaker's gongs went off Mercy scarpered pretty sharpish.
MATCH RESULTS:
Chris Harris pinned Chris Kanyon
Matt Morgan pinned Mark Jindrak
Krissy Vaine defeated Melina (Womens #1 Contender Final)
Eric Young defeated Bryan Danielson
Kane pinned Matt Hardy
Abyss & Triple H defeated The Big Gee & Peter Turner
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Action 09/07/06
Action provided some high-flying encounters and some brutal pier six brawls on the show this week.
In the main event of the evening, World Cruiserweight Champion Eric Young successfully turned back the challenge of James Gibson to retain his title.
In other action, Phil Jackson gained a hard-fought victory over "The Famous" Chuck Palumbo, Matt Hardy pinned Acid and United Kingdom Champion CM Punk defeated Jeff Jarrett.
MATCH RESULTS:
CM Punk pinned Jeff Jarrett
Matt Hardy defeated Acid
Phil Jackson pinned Chuck Palumbo
Eric Young pinned James Gibson
In the main event of the evening, World Cruiserweight Champion Eric Young successfully turned back the challenge of James Gibson to retain his title.
In other action, Phil Jackson gained a hard-fought victory over "The Famous" Chuck Palumbo, Matt Hardy pinned Acid and United Kingdom Champion CM Punk defeated Jeff Jarrett.
MATCH RESULTS:
CM Punk pinned Jeff Jarrett
Matt Hardy defeated Acid
Phil Jackson pinned Chuck Palumbo
Eric Young pinned James Gibson
Friday, July 07, 2006
Impact 07/07/06
After Wednesday night's Xtremem Overload news, we didn't think it could get any bigger, but IWF Commissioner Eric Bischoff was not satsified with simply having War Games, but brought back the famous Double Trouble match and announced that The Big Gee, Peter Turner, Abyss & Triple H would clash at XO.
Matthew Mercy also showed up but made it perfectly clear he wanted no part of The Undertaker, going so far as to leave the arena before the 'Taker could get his hands on him. He didn't reckon with the purple smoke coming from his car engine though and he ran off into the night on foot.
In the main event of the evening, Kurt Angle pinned James Storm of AMW in an exciting match, which cuilminated in all eight men involved in War Games becoming involved in a heated brawl.
In other matches, Melina advanced to the final of the Womens #1 Contender Tournament by defeating Christy Hemme, and she will meet Krissy Vaine on next week's Warfare for the right to meet champion Alexis Laree at XO. European Champion Paul Wardle went to a no-contest with Lance Storm when Rob Van Dam and Carlito got involved and Samoa Joe battered his way to a brutal victory over William Regal. Matt Morgan defeated Rhino and Joey Mercury of MNM defeated Colt Cabanaof the Second City Saints.
MATCH RESULTS:
Joey Mercury defeated Colt Cabana
Matt Morgan destroyed Rhino
Melina pinned Christy Hemme (Womens #1 Contender Tournament)
Paul Wardle & Lance Storm went to a DDQ
Samoa Joe defeated William Regal
Kurt Angle pinned James Storm
Matthew Mercy also showed up but made it perfectly clear he wanted no part of The Undertaker, going so far as to leave the arena before the 'Taker could get his hands on him. He didn't reckon with the purple smoke coming from his car engine though and he ran off into the night on foot.
In the main event of the evening, Kurt Angle pinned James Storm of AMW in an exciting match, which cuilminated in all eight men involved in War Games becoming involved in a heated brawl.
In other matches, Melina advanced to the final of the Womens #1 Contender Tournament by defeating Christy Hemme, and she will meet Krissy Vaine on next week's Warfare for the right to meet champion Alexis Laree at XO. European Champion Paul Wardle went to a no-contest with Lance Storm when Rob Van Dam and Carlito got involved and Samoa Joe battered his way to a brutal victory over William Regal. Matt Morgan defeated Rhino and Joey Mercury of MNM defeated Colt Cabanaof the Second City Saints.
MATCH RESULTS:
Joey Mercury defeated Colt Cabana
Matt Morgan destroyed Rhino
Melina pinned Christy Hemme (Womens #1 Contender Tournament)
Paul Wardle & Lance Storm went to a DDQ
Samoa Joe defeated William Regal
Kurt Angle pinned James Storm
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Warfare 05/07/06
Eric Bischoff ensured that the eyes of the whole world will be on Xtreme Overload with his announcement that War Games is to return at the show. He confirmed that Team Orton would take on Jay Reso, Chris Kanyon and Kurt Angle and a partner of their choice at XO in a Double Cage War Games match...and Reso caused Team Orton more consternation later in the evening when he chose Shawn Michaels as the 4th memebr of his team, but Reso and HBK lost in the main event to Orton & Lashley when AMW interfered.
We also found out that Matthew Mercy will take on The Undertaker at XO. Mercy defeated Phil Jackson and then called out the 'Taker once again. The 'Taker obliged and the two had a stare down before Mercy uttered the words "see you at Overload" before walking off.
In other matches, Krissy Vaine defeated Carina to advance to the final of the Womens #1 Contender Tournament, Peter Turner pinned Abyss after a melee involving guest commentators for that match The Big Gee & Triple H, Japanese hard-man Shinya Makabe defeated Charles Haas by submission and Carlito got a huge victory over Rob Van Dam.
MATCH RESULTS:
Carlito pinned Rob Van Dam
Shinya Makabe defeated Charles Haas
Peter Turner pinned Abyss
Matthew Mercy pinned "The Graduate" Phil Jackson
Krissy Vaine defeated Carina (Women's #1 Contender Tournament)
Randy Orton & Barabus Lashley defeated Jay Reso & Shawn Michaels
We also found out that Matthew Mercy will take on The Undertaker at XO. Mercy defeated Phil Jackson and then called out the 'Taker once again. The 'Taker obliged and the two had a stare down before Mercy uttered the words "see you at Overload" before walking off.
In other matches, Krissy Vaine defeated Carina to advance to the final of the Womens #1 Contender Tournament, Peter Turner pinned Abyss after a melee involving guest commentators for that match The Big Gee & Triple H, Japanese hard-man Shinya Makabe defeated Charles Haas by submission and Carlito got a huge victory over Rob Van Dam.
MATCH RESULTS:
Carlito pinned Rob Van Dam
Shinya Makabe defeated Charles Haas
Peter Turner pinned Abyss
Matthew Mercy pinned "The Graduate" Phil Jackson
Krissy Vaine defeated Carina (Women's #1 Contender Tournament)
Randy Orton & Barabus Lashley defeated Jay Reso & Shawn Michaels
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Action 02/07/06
Action returned to normal after last week's "Dean & Mercy" show and as ever provided some hot hot action.
In the main event of the evening, Kane defeated Booker T in an entertaining encounter.
In other matches, Brian Kendrick pinned Ray Gordy, whilst Mark Jindrak saw off the challenge of Bill De Mott.
MATCH RESULTS:
Brian Kendrick pinned Ray Gordy
Mark Jindrak pinned Bill De Mott
Kane pinned Booker T
In the main event of the evening, Kane defeated Booker T in an entertaining encounter.
In other matches, Brian Kendrick pinned Ray Gordy, whilst Mark Jindrak saw off the challenge of Bill De Mott.
MATCH RESULTS:
Brian Kendrick pinned Ray Gordy
Mark Jindrak pinned Bill De Mott
Kane pinned Booker T
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Big Gee....Big Pimpin' Style.
The Big Gee was the guest of honour at the Max Power Pussy Bash today at the Birmingham NEC, and proved to be quite a hit with the ladies.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Impact 30/06/06
An historic night of Impact saw the World Tag Team Titles change hands, Matthew Mercy answer the Undertaker's challenge and a daughter turn against her father.
In the main event of the evening, America's Most Wanted became IWF World Tag Team Champions for the 3rd time by defeating Chris Kanyon & Kurt Angle in an epic battle...but it wasn't without help from the rest of Team Orton. Indeed it was Orton and Lashley's interference that led to Chris Harris pinning Kurt Angle to take the win, and the belts for his team.
In an interview, Matthew Mercy said he would accept a match with the Undertaker and said that he would be at Warfare next week for a match and that he "dared" the Undertaker to show his face for real.
In other matches, The Big Gee defeated Triple H by countout after the interference of Peter Turner. Shelton Benjamin pinned Booker T in a hard-fought contest and UK Champion CM Punk defeated MNM member Johnny Nitro.
Burchill once agian attempted to beat the Russian monster Oleg Prudius and despite Victoria Koloff's plea's, Oleg's mnaager Nikita Koloff egged on his charge. This led to Victoria stopping the match by throwing in the towel and rushing to tend to the battered Burchill, before telling her father that she wanted nothing more to do with him if this is how he was going to behave.
MATCH RESULTS:
Oleg Prudius defeated Burchill (Victoria Koloff threw in the towel)
Shelton Benjamin pinned Booker T
The Big Gee defeated Triple H by countout
CM Punk pinned Johnny Nitro
America's Most Wanted defeated Chris Kanyon & Kurt Angle to win the World Tag Team Titles.
In the main event of the evening, America's Most Wanted became IWF World Tag Team Champions for the 3rd time by defeating Chris Kanyon & Kurt Angle in an epic battle...but it wasn't without help from the rest of Team Orton. Indeed it was Orton and Lashley's interference that led to Chris Harris pinning Kurt Angle to take the win, and the belts for his team.
In an interview, Matthew Mercy said he would accept a match with the Undertaker and said that he would be at Warfare next week for a match and that he "dared" the Undertaker to show his face for real.
In other matches, The Big Gee defeated Triple H by countout after the interference of Peter Turner. Shelton Benjamin pinned Booker T in a hard-fought contest and UK Champion CM Punk defeated MNM member Johnny Nitro.
Burchill once agian attempted to beat the Russian monster Oleg Prudius and despite Victoria Koloff's plea's, Oleg's mnaager Nikita Koloff egged on his charge. This led to Victoria stopping the match by throwing in the towel and rushing to tend to the battered Burchill, before telling her father that she wanted nothing more to do with him if this is how he was going to behave.
MATCH RESULTS:
Oleg Prudius defeated Burchill (Victoria Koloff threw in the towel)
Shelton Benjamin pinned Booker T
The Big Gee defeated Triple H by countout
CM Punk pinned Johnny Nitro
America's Most Wanted defeated Chris Kanyon & Kurt Angle to win the World Tag Team Titles.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Warfare 28/0/6/07
A new alliance celebrated it's genesis but finished the evening in disappointment, and a familiar face returned to haunt Matthew Mercy in the first IWF show in the aftermath of Heat Wave.
A video package celebrating the career of Dean Roberts aired at the beginning of the show and this was followed by the newly christened "Team Orton" introducing themselves to the crowd. Orton said he had put together the greatest faction ever seen in the IWF, but an interrupting Jay Reso said they were nothing but a bunch of thugs. Lashley challenged Reso to a match, but much to the chargrin of Team Orton, Reso got the win.
At the end of the show, Matthew Mercy came to the ring and gloated that he had done exactly what he said he would do at Heat Wave...namely retire Dean Roberts. He went onto say that he had nothing left to prove in the wrestling ring but as he was about to leave some familiar gongs played out in the arena and a challenge boomed throughout the arena...a challenge from The Undertaker. Mercy was shocked.
In other matches, The Second City Saints defeated The Bang Gang when CM Punk pinned Loco Delgado. After the match the Saints said they wanted a title match with MNM.
Other action saw the brutal Finlay defeat Chris Benoit in one-one-one action and Paul Wardle successfully retain his European Title by defeating Rob Van Dam. In the other bout of the evening, Eric Young and Rick Shaw battled to a no-contest in a Heat Wave rematch.
MATCH RESULTS:
Second City Saints defeated The Bang Gang
Finlay pinned Chris Benoit
Paul Wardle defeated Rob Van Dam
Rick Shaw & Eric Young went to a no-contest
Jay Reso pinned Barabus Lashley
A video package celebrating the career of Dean Roberts aired at the beginning of the show and this was followed by the newly christened "Team Orton" introducing themselves to the crowd. Orton said he had put together the greatest faction ever seen in the IWF, but an interrupting Jay Reso said they were nothing but a bunch of thugs. Lashley challenged Reso to a match, but much to the chargrin of Team Orton, Reso got the win.
At the end of the show, Matthew Mercy came to the ring and gloated that he had done exactly what he said he would do at Heat Wave...namely retire Dean Roberts. He went onto say that he had nothing left to prove in the wrestling ring but as he was about to leave some familiar gongs played out in the arena and a challenge boomed throughout the arena...a challenge from The Undertaker. Mercy was shocked.
In other matches, The Second City Saints defeated The Bang Gang when CM Punk pinned Loco Delgado. After the match the Saints said they wanted a title match with MNM.
Other action saw the brutal Finlay defeat Chris Benoit in one-one-one action and Paul Wardle successfully retain his European Title by defeating Rob Van Dam. In the other bout of the evening, Eric Young and Rick Shaw battled to a no-contest in a Heat Wave rematch.
MATCH RESULTS:
Second City Saints defeated The Bang Gang
Finlay pinned Chris Benoit
Paul Wardle defeated Rob Van Dam
Rick Shaw & Eric Young went to a no-contest
Jay Reso pinned Barabus Lashley
Monday, June 26, 2006
XTREME OVERLOAD PREVIEW
Xtreme Overload
Sunday 22nd July 2006
Humberside Arena, Hull
WAR GAMES:
Two rings, completely enclosed by a Steel Cage!
Randy Orton, Barabus Lashley & Americas Most Wanted
Vs
Jay Reso, Chris Kanyon, Kurt Angle & Shawn Michaels
World Champion Randy Orton has put together a stable to protect his interest as the Champion. The monsterous Barabus Lashley is joined by America's Most Wanted and the four men have become one of the most vicious teams ever seen in the IWF. But Jay Reso has grown sick and tired of their shenanigans and has assembled a crack team of his own, and IWF Commissioner Eric Bischoff has given the go ahead for the War Games Cage to be brought into action. One cage, two rings, and only one team can survive!
Vs 
Matthew Mercy Vs The Undertaker
Matthew Mercy made history at Heat Wave by vanquishing his greatest foe Dean Roberts and sending him into retirement. However his gloating didn't last long, as The Undertaker returned to the IWF to challenge the Hollywood Superstar. The two meet one-on-one at Xtreme Overload in what is sure to be an epic battle.
DOUBLE TROUBLE MATCH;
3 matches, with only one winner!
Vs 
Triple H Vs Abyss
Vs 
Peter Turner Vs The Big Gee
The innovative "Double Trouble" match makes its return to the IWF. The two seperate matches above take place concurrently and the two winners then immediately square off in a final match to decide the Double Trouble champion. Triple H has found himself in the path of the psychotic Abyss and Peter Turner gets the chance to renew an old rivalry with his former friend The Big Gee. Which man will survive this challenging environment?
WOMENS WORLD TITLE:
SPANKING MATCH
Vs 
Alexis Laree Vs Krissy Vaine
These two women have shown a great hatred for each other over the past few weeks and meet in this unusual match, where the winner is the woman who can grab the spanking paddle, situated on a pole on the cornerpost, and spank the bottom of their opponent. Laree insists it is degrading for the Women's title to be defended in such a match, but states she is looking forward to giving Krissy a good spanking. Krissy says Alexis will finally get what's coming to her.
SUBMIT OR DIE MATCH:
Vs 
Samoa Joe Vs Finlay
The two failed to settle their differences in the tag team match at Heat Wave and so now, Joe and Finlay meet one-on-one in this special Submission only match. No count-outs, no disqualifications...if you don't submit, you die!!!
EUROPEAN TITLE:
FOUR CORNERS LADDER MAYHEM MATCH
Vs 
Vs 
Vs 
Paul Wardle Vs Carlito Vs Lance Storm Vs Rob Van Dam
Four men battle it out in this Ladder Mayhem Match for the European Title. The Title will be hanging 15 feet in the air, and the first man to grab it wins the match, and gets the title. Wardle is incensed that the odds have been stacked against him in this encounter but he has promised the world that he will remain the European Champion. The other three men all want to taste IWF gold again, but can they be the ones to unseat Wardle?
EUROPEAN TAG TEAM TITLE:
LOSING TEAM MAY NEVER TEAM AGAIN IN THE IWF
Vs 
MNM Vs SECOND CITY SAINTS
These two teams have been battling each other for months, with no clear winner. MNM have managed to keep hold of the European Tag Titles, whilst Colt Cabana has believed that CM Punk's singles success as stopped the Second City Saints reaching their true level. With an evil gleam in her eye, MNM's Melina offered to put the titles on the line with the provisio that the losing team could never wrestle as a unit in the IWF again. The Saints accepted, but have they signed their own death warrant as a team?
Vs 
Oleg Prudius Vs Burchill
On many consecutive episodes of Action in the month of June, the Russian Beast Oleg Prudius, led by his manager Nikita Koloff, man-handled and massacered poor Burchill and eventually put him in the hospital. Nikita's daughter Teryn took exception to her father's treatment of Burchill and went to visit the injured man in hospital. A friendship ensued as Teryn nursed Burchill back to health...a friendship that Nikita disapproves of. Nikita has demanded that Oleg finishes off Burchill once and for all at Xtreme Overload, but will his daughter being in Burchill's corner test Nikita's loyalty?
Sunday 22nd July 2006
Humberside Arena, Hull
WAR GAMES:
Two rings, completely enclosed by a Steel Cage!
Randy Orton, Barabus Lashley & Americas Most Wanted
Vs
Jay Reso, Chris Kanyon, Kurt Angle & Shawn Michaels
World Champion Randy Orton has put together a stable to protect his interest as the Champion. The monsterous Barabus Lashley is joined by America's Most Wanted and the four men have become one of the most vicious teams ever seen in the IWF. But Jay Reso has grown sick and tired of their shenanigans and has assembled a crack team of his own, and IWF Commissioner Eric Bischoff has given the go ahead for the War Games Cage to be brought into action. One cage, two rings, and only one team can survive!
Vs Matthew Mercy Vs The Undertaker
Matthew Mercy made history at Heat Wave by vanquishing his greatest foe Dean Roberts and sending him into retirement. However his gloating didn't last long, as The Undertaker returned to the IWF to challenge the Hollywood Superstar. The two meet one-on-one at Xtreme Overload in what is sure to be an epic battle.
DOUBLE TROUBLE MATCH;
3 matches, with only one winner!
Vs Triple H Vs Abyss
Vs Peter Turner Vs The Big Gee
The innovative "Double Trouble" match makes its return to the IWF. The two seperate matches above take place concurrently and the two winners then immediately square off in a final match to decide the Double Trouble champion. Triple H has found himself in the path of the psychotic Abyss and Peter Turner gets the chance to renew an old rivalry with his former friend The Big Gee. Which man will survive this challenging environment?
WOMENS WORLD TITLE:
SPANKING MATCH
Vs Alexis Laree Vs Krissy Vaine
These two women have shown a great hatred for each other over the past few weeks and meet in this unusual match, where the winner is the woman who can grab the spanking paddle, situated on a pole on the cornerpost, and spank the bottom of their opponent. Laree insists it is degrading for the Women's title to be defended in such a match, but states she is looking forward to giving Krissy a good spanking. Krissy says Alexis will finally get what's coming to her.
SUBMIT OR DIE MATCH:
Vs Samoa Joe Vs Finlay
The two failed to settle their differences in the tag team match at Heat Wave and so now, Joe and Finlay meet one-on-one in this special Submission only match. No count-outs, no disqualifications...if you don't submit, you die!!!
EUROPEAN TITLE:
FOUR CORNERS LADDER MAYHEM MATCH
Vs Vs Vs Paul Wardle Vs Carlito Vs Lance Storm Vs Rob Van Dam
Four men battle it out in this Ladder Mayhem Match for the European Title. The Title will be hanging 15 feet in the air, and the first man to grab it wins the match, and gets the title. Wardle is incensed that the odds have been stacked against him in this encounter but he has promised the world that he will remain the European Champion. The other three men all want to taste IWF gold again, but can they be the ones to unseat Wardle?
EUROPEAN TAG TEAM TITLE:
LOSING TEAM MAY NEVER TEAM AGAIN IN THE IWF
Vs MNM Vs SECOND CITY SAINTS
These two teams have been battling each other for months, with no clear winner. MNM have managed to keep hold of the European Tag Titles, whilst Colt Cabana has believed that CM Punk's singles success as stopped the Second City Saints reaching their true level. With an evil gleam in her eye, MNM's Melina offered to put the titles on the line with the provisio that the losing team could never wrestle as a unit in the IWF again. The Saints accepted, but have they signed their own death warrant as a team?
Vs Oleg Prudius Vs Burchill
On many consecutive episodes of Action in the month of June, the Russian Beast Oleg Prudius, led by his manager Nikita Koloff, man-handled and massacered poor Burchill and eventually put him in the hospital. Nikita's daughter Teryn took exception to her father's treatment of Burchill and went to visit the injured man in hospital. A friendship ensued as Teryn nursed Burchill back to health...a friendship that Nikita disapproves of. Nikita has demanded that Oleg finishes off Burchill once and for all at Xtreme Overload, but will his daughter being in Burchill's corner test Nikita's loyalty?
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Heat Wave Report
Saints & Haas Vs MNM & Benjamin ( * * * )
The show kicked off with this high-impact six man tag team encounter with all six men looking to impress in front of what was likely to be one of the biggest audiences of the year. Particularily impressive was Shelton Benjamin, who really did seem to be trying to steal the show. He was matched all the way by UK Champion CM Punk though, who, despite his partner Colt Cabana's fears, nailed his colours firmly to the Second City Saints mast and "wrestled for the team". In fact, he won his team the match by pinning Shelton following the Pepsi Plunge. A warmly recieved opener.
Rick Shaw Vs Eric Young ( * * * 1/4 )
Canadian Eric Young has been on a bit of a roll since arriving in the IWF and this was his biggest match yet, his first chance to taste IWF gold. Shaw was confident as he made his way to the ring and started off like the proverbial house on fire, sending Shaw spinning out of the ring, but Young is nothing if not resiliant and he used his ring-smarts to take control of the battle. The two started off trading blows on the ground and slowly turned up the temperature with some suicidal stunts. Shaw looked to have it in the bag when he hit the Shaw Thing but much to the champ's surprise, Young kicked out. Amazed, Shaw went for it again, but Young blocked it, hit back with his Young Blood Neckbreaker and got the pinfall victory that earned him the IWF World Cruiserweight Title.
Chris Benoit & Samoa Joe Vs William Regal & Finlay ( * * * 1/4)
What can you say about this one other than the fact it was stiff shoot-style action all the way from start to finish. All four men were whacking each other without a second thought and all four men surely came away from the match feeling the pain. Regal and Finlay were quite the team, using their years of friendship to work well as a team. They did their best to avoid Samaoa and cornered Benoit and really dished out some punishment to the Canadian Crippler but they couldn't keep him from tagging in Joe forever and when Joe did get involved in the match he was in the mood to kick some ass. There were some brutal suplexes and submission holds on display and in the end, despite some nefarious work from Regal and Finlay, Joe was able to finish Regal off with the Samoan Stretch. The fans gave the wrestlers a warm round of applause at the finish.
Randy Orton Vs Jay Reso ( * * * )
On in the middle of the card, but not without reason for once. The crowd were well up for this one. Reso may not have the top-line experience, but he's certainly caught fire. Orton's title win at MuscleMania was a surprise, but he has shown that he is more than capable of excelling as a heel champion. Orton was accompanied by his new sidekick Barabus Lashley (and what a sculptured monster he is) and with the odds stacked against Reso, the fans were firmly behind his quest to take the title. The two had some strong back and forth exchanges in the early going before some sneaky interference by Lashley got Orton on top. However Barabus stuck his nose in once too often for the referee and the ref sent Lashley back to the locker rooms. Reso took the opportunity to get back into the swing of things, but a ref bump meant there was no-one there to make the count when Reso made the cover after an Unprettier. Lashley took this as his cue to make his way back to the arena and a two-on-one onslaught ensued. However help was at hand as America's Most Wanted made their way to the ring and Orton & Lashley slipped out of the ring. Things were looking good for Reso, but as Reso thanked AMW, they hit him with the Death Sentance as Orton looked on laughing. Orton then woke the referee up, hit Reso with the RKO and got the pinfall victory to retain his title. Orton celebrated with Lashley and AMW as he walked off backstage.
Kurt Angle & Chris Kanyon Vs Triple H & Matt Morgan ( * * 3/4 )
On a night of good to great matches, this was perhaps the one disappointment of the night. It wasn't a bad match, but with four former world champions in there, and a great build up it was a shame that this one fell a bit flat. Still there were some killer sequences, not least Kurt Angle's triple suplexes on both opponents but in the end there wasn't quite the fire that you would have expected. In the final reckoning Chris Kanyon pinned Triple H after the Kanyon Kutter (and boy, isn't HHH losing a few high profile matches these days) and the champions retained.
Shawn Michaels Vs Peter Turner ( * * * )
If it was a shock that Peter Turner returned to the IWF, it's even more of a shock that he's returned under such positice circumstances as far as his profile is concerned. Turner has never been at any stage of his IWF career a genuine headliner, but somebody somewhere obviously thinks that this is a role he can carry out in 2006. As you might expect, the onus fell on Michaels to carry the match but to be fair to Turner he looked decent and carried himself well. He also carved out some heel heat for himself, thankfully not of the "get lost" kind that he has been known to attract in the past. And indeed, at the conclusion of the match he was drowned in a sea of boo's as he actually pinned Shawn following the "Page-Turner". Will wonders never cease?
Dean Roberts Vs Matthew Mercy (Loser Retires, * * * * * )
And so, with all due respect, it was time for the match that 32,500 people had packed the JJB for. The atmosphere was white hot and the shrewd move to have this match in Wigan proved immense. Dean was the crowd favourite, but Mercy had his small, but vocal, pockets of the crowd on his side and it made for a superb atmosphere; one which was, dare we say it, even more spine-tingling than at MuscleMania in Birmingham all those years ago. The build up to the show had been great, and the IWF had injected a real momentous feel about the match during the show with clips of both men arriving at the arena, both men warming up and both gave thrilling pre-match interviews which really set the gravitas of the match at a supremely high level. Indeed, as the two men walked out you really did get the sense that this was indeed the last night of one of their careers.
Mercy was his cocky self in the early going and fell victim to a few early blows by Dean, taking his time at ringside to compose himself. From thereon in though, the action was non-stop. Indeed for almost 40 minutes, these two went at it no holds barred . No gimmicks, no run-ins and no ref-bumps. But whilst that may sound terribly old-fashioned, don't be fooled. These two put a modern slant on things and the psychology of the match was perhaps the best we've ever seen on these shores. Every move meant something, every comeback told a story...you may think we go overboard from time to time, but believe us when we say this was classic.
Mercy thought he'd won it after the Mercy-Bomb but Dean kicked out. Dean hit back with the Scholarship, but Mercy kicked out of that. Dean even hit Mercy with his top-rope Scholarship but the fans couldn't believe it when Mercy kicked out of that!
When Dean kicked out of a second Mercy-Bomb it didn't seem that either of them would be able to win it, but a third Mercy-Bomb finally finished Dean off, much to the shock of the JJB crowd. Mercy celebrated over the prone Dean and left the stadium to a cacophony of boo's. Slowly Dean Roberts got to his feet in the ring and as he stood up the entire stadium of fans got to their feet and gave him a standing ovation. The show faded to black as booming chants of "Deano" rang out through the JJB stadium.
Wow, what a show. The under-card was entertaining stuff, but this card will go down in the annals of history for it's superb main event. We're used to Dean and Mercy delivering when the pressure is on and the two delivered what may have been their best ever match, and what definately was their last ever match against each other. The two showed why they have been perhaps the two most iconic IWF figures in it's near 11 year history and they proved it for one final time. Quite simply, that was one of the best matches you'll EVER see and was a fitting way to say goodbye to Dean Roberts.
The show kicked off with this high-impact six man tag team encounter with all six men looking to impress in front of what was likely to be one of the biggest audiences of the year. Particularily impressive was Shelton Benjamin, who really did seem to be trying to steal the show. He was matched all the way by UK Champion CM Punk though, who, despite his partner Colt Cabana's fears, nailed his colours firmly to the Second City Saints mast and "wrestled for the team". In fact, he won his team the match by pinning Shelton following the Pepsi Plunge. A warmly recieved opener.
Rick Shaw Vs Eric Young ( * * * 1/4 )
Canadian Eric Young has been on a bit of a roll since arriving in the IWF and this was his biggest match yet, his first chance to taste IWF gold. Shaw was confident as he made his way to the ring and started off like the proverbial house on fire, sending Shaw spinning out of the ring, but Young is nothing if not resiliant and he used his ring-smarts to take control of the battle. The two started off trading blows on the ground and slowly turned up the temperature with some suicidal stunts. Shaw looked to have it in the bag when he hit the Shaw Thing but much to the champ's surprise, Young kicked out. Amazed, Shaw went for it again, but Young blocked it, hit back with his Young Blood Neckbreaker and got the pinfall victory that earned him the IWF World Cruiserweight Title.
Chris Benoit & Samoa Joe Vs William Regal & Finlay ( * * * 1/4)
What can you say about this one other than the fact it was stiff shoot-style action all the way from start to finish. All four men were whacking each other without a second thought and all four men surely came away from the match feeling the pain. Regal and Finlay were quite the team, using their years of friendship to work well as a team. They did their best to avoid Samaoa and cornered Benoit and really dished out some punishment to the Canadian Crippler but they couldn't keep him from tagging in Joe forever and when Joe did get involved in the match he was in the mood to kick some ass. There were some brutal suplexes and submission holds on display and in the end, despite some nefarious work from Regal and Finlay, Joe was able to finish Regal off with the Samoan Stretch. The fans gave the wrestlers a warm round of applause at the finish.
Randy Orton Vs Jay Reso ( * * * )
On in the middle of the card, but not without reason for once. The crowd were well up for this one. Reso may not have the top-line experience, but he's certainly caught fire. Orton's title win at MuscleMania was a surprise, but he has shown that he is more than capable of excelling as a heel champion. Orton was accompanied by his new sidekick Barabus Lashley (and what a sculptured monster he is) and with the odds stacked against Reso, the fans were firmly behind his quest to take the title. The two had some strong back and forth exchanges in the early going before some sneaky interference by Lashley got Orton on top. However Barabus stuck his nose in once too often for the referee and the ref sent Lashley back to the locker rooms. Reso took the opportunity to get back into the swing of things, but a ref bump meant there was no-one there to make the count when Reso made the cover after an Unprettier. Lashley took this as his cue to make his way back to the arena and a two-on-one onslaught ensued. However help was at hand as America's Most Wanted made their way to the ring and Orton & Lashley slipped out of the ring. Things were looking good for Reso, but as Reso thanked AMW, they hit him with the Death Sentance as Orton looked on laughing. Orton then woke the referee up, hit Reso with the RKO and got the pinfall victory to retain his title. Orton celebrated with Lashley and AMW as he walked off backstage.
Kurt Angle & Chris Kanyon Vs Triple H & Matt Morgan ( * * 3/4 )
On a night of good to great matches, this was perhaps the one disappointment of the night. It wasn't a bad match, but with four former world champions in there, and a great build up it was a shame that this one fell a bit flat. Still there were some killer sequences, not least Kurt Angle's triple suplexes on both opponents but in the end there wasn't quite the fire that you would have expected. In the final reckoning Chris Kanyon pinned Triple H after the Kanyon Kutter (and boy, isn't HHH losing a few high profile matches these days) and the champions retained.
Shawn Michaels Vs Peter Turner ( * * * )
If it was a shock that Peter Turner returned to the IWF, it's even more of a shock that he's returned under such positice circumstances as far as his profile is concerned. Turner has never been at any stage of his IWF career a genuine headliner, but somebody somewhere obviously thinks that this is a role he can carry out in 2006. As you might expect, the onus fell on Michaels to carry the match but to be fair to Turner he looked decent and carried himself well. He also carved out some heel heat for himself, thankfully not of the "get lost" kind that he has been known to attract in the past. And indeed, at the conclusion of the match he was drowned in a sea of boo's as he actually pinned Shawn following the "Page-Turner". Will wonders never cease?
Dean Roberts Vs Matthew Mercy (Loser Retires, * * * * * )
And so, with all due respect, it was time for the match that 32,500 people had packed the JJB for. The atmosphere was white hot and the shrewd move to have this match in Wigan proved immense. Dean was the crowd favourite, but Mercy had his small, but vocal, pockets of the crowd on his side and it made for a superb atmosphere; one which was, dare we say it, even more spine-tingling than at MuscleMania in Birmingham all those years ago. The build up to the show had been great, and the IWF had injected a real momentous feel about the match during the show with clips of both men arriving at the arena, both men warming up and both gave thrilling pre-match interviews which really set the gravitas of the match at a supremely high level. Indeed, as the two men walked out you really did get the sense that this was indeed the last night of one of their careers.
Mercy was his cocky self in the early going and fell victim to a few early blows by Dean, taking his time at ringside to compose himself. From thereon in though, the action was non-stop. Indeed for almost 40 minutes, these two went at it no holds barred . No gimmicks, no run-ins and no ref-bumps. But whilst that may sound terribly old-fashioned, don't be fooled. These two put a modern slant on things and the psychology of the match was perhaps the best we've ever seen on these shores. Every move meant something, every comeback told a story...you may think we go overboard from time to time, but believe us when we say this was classic.
Mercy thought he'd won it after the Mercy-Bomb but Dean kicked out. Dean hit back with the Scholarship, but Mercy kicked out of that. Dean even hit Mercy with his top-rope Scholarship but the fans couldn't believe it when Mercy kicked out of that!
When Dean kicked out of a second Mercy-Bomb it didn't seem that either of them would be able to win it, but a third Mercy-Bomb finally finished Dean off, much to the shock of the JJB crowd. Mercy celebrated over the prone Dean and left the stadium to a cacophony of boo's. Slowly Dean Roberts got to his feet in the ring and as he stood up the entire stadium of fans got to their feet and gave him a standing ovation. The show faded to black as booming chants of "Deano" rang out through the JJB stadium.
Wow, what a show. The under-card was entertaining stuff, but this card will go down in the annals of history for it's superb main event. We're used to Dean and Mercy delivering when the pressure is on and the two delivered what may have been their best ever match, and what definately was their last ever match against each other. The two showed why they have been perhaps the two most iconic IWF figures in it's near 11 year history and they proved it for one final time. Quite simply, that was one of the best matches you'll EVER see and was a fitting way to say goodbye to Dean Roberts.
Action 25/06/06
The whole hour of this show was dedicated to re-capping (as much as possible in one hour) the history of Dean Roberts Vs Matthew Mercy.
It featured vintage footage from their UKWF days, clips from their classic IWF matches and exclusive interviews from both men.
It featured vintage footage from their UKWF days, clips from their classic IWF matches and exclusive interviews from both men.
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