neonHyde
Nothing More, Nothing Less.
NEW YORK, NY - Last night's Holiday Supershow crowned the end of a fantastic 2008 for all those associated with Just Wrestling. It's been a rollercoaster ride, from the big-name signings and the stunning last show of the Inaugural Tour, to the unprofessional no-shows and some half-empty arenas. But Tim Shipley and his team have certainly learnt how to keep New York and the surrounding states enthralled, and 2009 promises bigger and better things from the people at Just Wrestling.
The Rose Hill Gymnasium was sold out last night for a Holiday Supershow that certainly lived up to the billing. We were getting on for three hours by the time Max Danger and Brock Shepherd left the ring after a captivating main event. But which walked out of New York the Just Wrestling Champion?
The encounter between Max Danger and PRIME's High Flyer has been eagerly anticipated since its announcement. But before we could get underway, Danger decided to remind us of this fact. He also chose to remind the fans that the Inaugural Tour ran smoothly and the Second Tour, not so much - and his reasoning as to why? When Danger is here, Just Wrestling works. He certainly failed to convince the fans of this as the smattering of boos grew to a minor cacophony. High Flyer's every move was cheered as the two veterans found new reserves of pace and endurance even they did not know they had. It was back and forth and could have gone either way. It was also enormously entertaining, and the seventeen minutes of dedicated, devoted action they produced passed as if in a flash. It was really an insult to the quality of the rest of the match that Max Danger wrapped things up with a schoolboy roll-up. No matter, High Flyer had done what he intended: put on a great match with a veteran he respected very much. A shame that Danger's words had just lost him the respect of the fans.
BRAND Wrestling were next up, putting on a Battle Royal with seven of their finest. It was a little clumsy, a little disjointed, but a lot of fun. Eventually the new BRAND owner J. Leslie Voss was the last man left standing, to lukewarm but appreciate applause from the fans. There was no denying though that they had expected more of a fight from his opponents. In the subsequent match even less of a fight was shown by free agent Antonio DeMarco, who gave in to the impressive Ash within just a couple of minutes. DeMarco was roundly booed for his lack of courage and seemed distraught as he trudged back up the ramp.
Alan Helms and Shawn FX would then battle over bragging rights, but somehow the latter's heart just did not seem in it and, like DeMarco, he was defeated early by the dominant Helms. The TSWF then put on a highly entertaining tag team encounter, which was fiercely contested. The Almighty Bastards pulled off an upset leaving The Perfectly Perfect Duo red-faced after some confusion revolving around their female valet at ringside. It was a good solid match cheered by the fans, and a timely reminder that the locally-based company is another success story of late 2008.
Dr. Giggles has been a figure of much fun in Just Wrestling, with his record (1-8) an enduring source of amusement for the fans. Tonight however he would fight for the pride of Just Wrestling, having specifically requested to be allowed the chance to spoil Legion of NFW's night as a guest. Indeed, he did, though not in the conventional way. Hostilities turned outright nasty after five minutes and the referee had to call for the match to be stopped and declared a draw after both men had begun to bleed profusely. After the ring was cleared, a sharp silver scalpel was found on the canvas. The illegal and potentially lethal object has been linked with Giggles and could spell the end of this controversial character's career.
Red Rock was many people's favourite wrestler in the Atlantic Wrestling Club, and when the popular transatlantic promotion closed many watched with interest to see where he would take his blend of plucky underdog courage and unintentional comedy. He took it, to everyone's surprise, away from pro wrestling entirely. Tonight marked his first (temporary) return to the ring and he received a massive ovation. His match with the talented Chris Vallette was somewhat farcical as Red Rock appeared completely out of shape. But he kept getting back up with a grin on his face, and Vallette's eventual three count was irrelevant. In the subsequent encounter between Aaron Nothings and rW champion Derek Barlow the situation was completely different, Barlow having always flown under the radar with the fans. The visitor couldn't overcome home advantage and in what must be seen as an upset the highly talented Nothings took a very creditable victory. It is not the first time that Just Wrestling has had one over on stars of the rW roster and proves the strength of the Just regulars.
Next up was Myles Jake's son's chance to shine. Ethan has been trying to grab his break for some time and his dad's boss agreed to showcase him tonight on the proviso that he work with someone who would protect him in the ring. Faced with choosing from a touring roster comprising the dubious morals of Maynard Crane and Dr. Giggles, Shipley found the solution: taking on the young hopeful himself. He took Ethan Jake through the holds tonight, demonstrating his comprehensive knowledge of the Big Book of Wrestling Moves, and in truth Ethan never really got a chance to show his worth before Shipley's Eternal Hope wrapped things up.
The highly anticipated AWC Transatlantic title match was next. The belt hasn't seen action since Garbage Bag Johnny won it from Darcy Crisis at a reunion show last Christmas, so it was fitting for GBJ to defend against one of AWC's most fearsome fighters, Chainz, this Yuletide. The crowd was very much on the side of the "Dirtiest Dude in AWC" from the very beginning of his anachronistic theme music ("GBJ Will Win Zero 2 Hero") and for all his power Chainz was most thrown by the cheers that resounded every time Garbage Bag dodged a punch or slipped out of a slam. Chainz' weight didn't prevent GBJ trying his signature Tragically Hipbuster, an ill-advised effort that ended comically with Chainz sat on his head. But Garbage Bag had the last laugh, humiliating his previously frightening adversary with the Legendary Depants Combo 2 before seguing into his patented Super Illegal Pin for the retain.
A no-holds-barred rematch followed, between Maynard Crane and Fathom. Fathom had won their previous impromptu encounter, but Crane was looking to set the record straight and took charge with some unbelievably powerful chest punches that literally threw Fathom through the air each time. But in time Maynard tired and the high-spotting Fathom began to take the risks that have won over crowds time and again. An incredible flipping and spinning plancha sent the two crashing to the floor on the outside and a good while passed before either could really get their head into the match again. In the end Fathom pulled out a DDT onto a steel chair to again take the win and show the bigger man who's boss.
We now came to our Infinite Gauntlet guest appearance. Round 54 of PTC's ongoing tournament would be a three-way to determine the next contender. SCCW's Alexandra Pierce, newcomer Alan Evans and the diabolical James Varga took to the ring - or did they? It was immediately evident that this was not THE James Varga, and his opponents were as confused as the real James Varga will be when he reads this recap. Pierce was the odds-on favourite but the crowd immediately turned against her seeing the arrogant contempt with which she treated Evans and Varga, and much to their delight Evans defied underdog status to pin The Other Varga with Pierce face-down on the outside. She was furious, Evans was victorious.
And at last, the main event had come around. It had been a long night for the Just Wrestling Champion, having seen Max Danger come through a fantastic match with High Flyer to take the win and go into this title match with real confidence. Shepherd looked to set the older man straight, showing you only need one arm to rock an opponent however illustrious with a series of damaging punches. Danger had been taunting Shepherd about his long-ago severed arm, and this came to a shocking head when Danger reversed an Irish whip - and after a roar of pain from his opponent, looked down to find a detached prosthetic arm in his hand. Shepherd reeled back off the ropes, pain clouding his ability to guard himself, and without a pause Danger went into a spin and nailed Shepherd with the prosthetic. The referee allowed the game to go on - after all, body parts aren't foreign objects. But Danger had certainly violated some code and the fans were all over his back. Distastefully, Danger revelled in it, and was seen to repeatedly taunt Shepherd about his arm - which lay forlornly outside the ring, pathetic and useless. The furious Champion eventually snapped and let loose an enormous flurry of punches culminating in a ferocious piledriver that almost kept him his title.
Max Danger was cool and composed, Shepherd the opposite as we went on, and when the Dangerous III was lined up Brock had nothing left in the tank. We had a new Just Wrestling Champion. Lying battered, bruised and without an arm wasn't humiliation enough for Brock Shepherd - his opponent, for whom boos were ringing out around the Rose Hill Gymnasium, deemed it prudent to snatch up Shepherd's prosthetic arm and carry it with him as he left the arena. The rage in Shepherd's face subsequently means one thing is clear: this is not over.
The Rose Hill Gymnasium was sold out last night for a Holiday Supershow that certainly lived up to the billing. We were getting on for three hours by the time Max Danger and Brock Shepherd left the ring after a captivating main event. But which walked out of New York the Just Wrestling Champion?
The encounter between Max Danger and PRIME's High Flyer has been eagerly anticipated since its announcement. But before we could get underway, Danger decided to remind us of this fact. He also chose to remind the fans that the Inaugural Tour ran smoothly and the Second Tour, not so much - and his reasoning as to why? When Danger is here, Just Wrestling works. He certainly failed to convince the fans of this as the smattering of boos grew to a minor cacophony. High Flyer's every move was cheered as the two veterans found new reserves of pace and endurance even they did not know they had. It was back and forth and could have gone either way. It was also enormously entertaining, and the seventeen minutes of dedicated, devoted action they produced passed as if in a flash. It was really an insult to the quality of the rest of the match that Max Danger wrapped things up with a schoolboy roll-up. No matter, High Flyer had done what he intended: put on a great match with a veteran he respected very much. A shame that Danger's words had just lost him the respect of the fans.
BRAND Wrestling were next up, putting on a Battle Royal with seven of their finest. It was a little clumsy, a little disjointed, but a lot of fun. Eventually the new BRAND owner J. Leslie Voss was the last man left standing, to lukewarm but appreciate applause from the fans. There was no denying though that they had expected more of a fight from his opponents. In the subsequent match even less of a fight was shown by free agent Antonio DeMarco, who gave in to the impressive Ash within just a couple of minutes. DeMarco was roundly booed for his lack of courage and seemed distraught as he trudged back up the ramp.
Alan Helms and Shawn FX would then battle over bragging rights, but somehow the latter's heart just did not seem in it and, like DeMarco, he was defeated early by the dominant Helms. The TSWF then put on a highly entertaining tag team encounter, which was fiercely contested. The Almighty Bastards pulled off an upset leaving The Perfectly Perfect Duo red-faced after some confusion revolving around their female valet at ringside. It was a good solid match cheered by the fans, and a timely reminder that the locally-based company is another success story of late 2008.
Dr. Giggles has been a figure of much fun in Just Wrestling, with his record (1-8) an enduring source of amusement for the fans. Tonight however he would fight for the pride of Just Wrestling, having specifically requested to be allowed the chance to spoil Legion of NFW's night as a guest. Indeed, he did, though not in the conventional way. Hostilities turned outright nasty after five minutes and the referee had to call for the match to be stopped and declared a draw after both men had begun to bleed profusely. After the ring was cleared, a sharp silver scalpel was found on the canvas. The illegal and potentially lethal object has been linked with Giggles and could spell the end of this controversial character's career.
Red Rock was many people's favourite wrestler in the Atlantic Wrestling Club, and when the popular transatlantic promotion closed many watched with interest to see where he would take his blend of plucky underdog courage and unintentional comedy. He took it, to everyone's surprise, away from pro wrestling entirely. Tonight marked his first (temporary) return to the ring and he received a massive ovation. His match with the talented Chris Vallette was somewhat farcical as Red Rock appeared completely out of shape. But he kept getting back up with a grin on his face, and Vallette's eventual three count was irrelevant. In the subsequent encounter between Aaron Nothings and rW champion Derek Barlow the situation was completely different, Barlow having always flown under the radar with the fans. The visitor couldn't overcome home advantage and in what must be seen as an upset the highly talented Nothings took a very creditable victory. It is not the first time that Just Wrestling has had one over on stars of the rW roster and proves the strength of the Just regulars.
Next up was Myles Jake's son's chance to shine. Ethan has been trying to grab his break for some time and his dad's boss agreed to showcase him tonight on the proviso that he work with someone who would protect him in the ring. Faced with choosing from a touring roster comprising the dubious morals of Maynard Crane and Dr. Giggles, Shipley found the solution: taking on the young hopeful himself. He took Ethan Jake through the holds tonight, demonstrating his comprehensive knowledge of the Big Book of Wrestling Moves, and in truth Ethan never really got a chance to show his worth before Shipley's Eternal Hope wrapped things up.
The highly anticipated AWC Transatlantic title match was next. The belt hasn't seen action since Garbage Bag Johnny won it from Darcy Crisis at a reunion show last Christmas, so it was fitting for GBJ to defend against one of AWC's most fearsome fighters, Chainz, this Yuletide. The crowd was very much on the side of the "Dirtiest Dude in AWC" from the very beginning of his anachronistic theme music ("GBJ Will Win Zero 2 Hero") and for all his power Chainz was most thrown by the cheers that resounded every time Garbage Bag dodged a punch or slipped out of a slam. Chainz' weight didn't prevent GBJ trying his signature Tragically Hipbuster, an ill-advised effort that ended comically with Chainz sat on his head. But Garbage Bag had the last laugh, humiliating his previously frightening adversary with the Legendary Depants Combo 2 before seguing into his patented Super Illegal Pin for the retain.
A no-holds-barred rematch followed, between Maynard Crane and Fathom. Fathom had won their previous impromptu encounter, but Crane was looking to set the record straight and took charge with some unbelievably powerful chest punches that literally threw Fathom through the air each time. But in time Maynard tired and the high-spotting Fathom began to take the risks that have won over crowds time and again. An incredible flipping and spinning plancha sent the two crashing to the floor on the outside and a good while passed before either could really get their head into the match again. In the end Fathom pulled out a DDT onto a steel chair to again take the win and show the bigger man who's boss.
We now came to our Infinite Gauntlet guest appearance. Round 54 of PTC's ongoing tournament would be a three-way to determine the next contender. SCCW's Alexandra Pierce, newcomer Alan Evans and the diabolical James Varga took to the ring - or did they? It was immediately evident that this was not THE James Varga, and his opponents were as confused as the real James Varga will be when he reads this recap. Pierce was the odds-on favourite but the crowd immediately turned against her seeing the arrogant contempt with which she treated Evans and Varga, and much to their delight Evans defied underdog status to pin The Other Varga with Pierce face-down on the outside. She was furious, Evans was victorious.
And at last, the main event had come around. It had been a long night for the Just Wrestling Champion, having seen Max Danger come through a fantastic match with High Flyer to take the win and go into this title match with real confidence. Shepherd looked to set the older man straight, showing you only need one arm to rock an opponent however illustrious with a series of damaging punches. Danger had been taunting Shepherd about his long-ago severed arm, and this came to a shocking head when Danger reversed an Irish whip - and after a roar of pain from his opponent, looked down to find a detached prosthetic arm in his hand. Shepherd reeled back off the ropes, pain clouding his ability to guard himself, and without a pause Danger went into a spin and nailed Shepherd with the prosthetic. The referee allowed the game to go on - after all, body parts aren't foreign objects. But Danger had certainly violated some code and the fans were all over his back. Distastefully, Danger revelled in it, and was seen to repeatedly taunt Shepherd about his arm - which lay forlornly outside the ring, pathetic and useless. The furious Champion eventually snapped and let loose an enormous flurry of punches culminating in a ferocious piledriver that almost kept him his title.
Max Danger was cool and composed, Shepherd the opposite as we went on, and when the Dangerous III was lined up Brock had nothing left in the tank. We had a new Just Wrestling Champion. Lying battered, bruised and without an arm wasn't humiliation enough for Brock Shepherd - his opponent, for whom boos were ringing out around the Rose Hill Gymnasium, deemed it prudent to snatch up Shepherd's prosthetic arm and carry it with him as he left the arena. The rage in Shepherd's face subsequently means one thing is clear: this is not over.