AWA Team Challenge Series

On Blogger app I can't make new folders as it were so have dumped this amongst the ECW/TNA reviews through a need more than a want. Recently read Scott Keiths review of this and had to check it out myself. It can be found in the Hidden Gems portion of the WWE Network and the description reads 'Witness this unreleased home video pilot from the dying days of the AWA, as they unleash the infamous team challenge series' with a 23/10/1989 date which is roughly six weeks before my birth.

Verne Gagne introduces the event with his dog.

Ralph something and Greg Gagne are on commentary it seems, I can't make out Ralph's surname and there's no subtitles/closed captions, come to think of it when did CC replace subtitles as the name? Greg says we'll see wrestling like we never have before.

Tommy Jammer Vs. Tom Burton
Well Greg was right for sure, wrestlers enter with a green screen as images of fans are beamed next to the wrestler as if he is coming down an aisle. When they enter the ring its surrounded by darkness, looks like an old advert for WWF figures, whacky camera switches aplenty and the piped in noise and announcing has a very WWF Attitude for the N64 feel. Scoop slam and splash gets the win for Jammer to end a nothing match.

Baron Von Raschke and Slaughter cut a promo, they are the captain's of the team's mentioned in the title of the show I think, they're the Blitzers and the Snipers respectively.

The Destruction Crew cut a promo of their own with sledgehammers, so I guess we know we know what a certain  Mr. Levesque was watching on October 23rd before he was Terra Ryzing the wrestling world.

Destruction Crew (w/ Johnny Valiant) Vs.Jerry Lynn/Ricky Rice
Destruction Crew are Mean Mike Enos and Wayne The Train Bloom. Surely I misheard, he can't be called Ricky Rice. Enos has the advantage on Rice until Rice hits some armdrags. Rice with a monkeyflip. More Rice armdrags but this time on Bloom. They keep randomly inserting fan reaction clips. Enos cheap shots Lynn allowing the Destruction Crew to take over. Oklahoma Stampede style shoulderbreaker then a powerslam to Lynn then a Doomsday Device ends it. Greg says Lynn may of broke his neck despite landing on his knees and not having his upper body hit the mat. Valiant cuts a post match and shut the front door it's Bischoff as the interviewer.

Slaughter hypes the main event of Paul Diamond Vs. Colonel DeBeers then the Colonel himself throws his two cents in.

Okay we now have a ladies boxing match. We get a weird camera angle where the Brown haired lady is punching Into the camera so I guess the blonde bomber, their name not mine, has a camera hidden in her bouffant. Slaughterhouse Jean or Sian or something is the brunettes name and they're now wrestling as the blonde bomber hits a suplex, ref decides that's okay. Now there's soccer kicks, is this Pride? Now a manager chokes Jean/Sian. Fairly sure Sara from Bananarama is on the outside. Sian/Jean KOs the blonde bomber and beats the 10 count to win whatever the hell I've just watched.

King Of The Hill -  Paul Diamond Vs. Colonel DeBeers
Apparently the winning team at the end of the year gets $1,000,000 but I'd be shocked if AWA made it through the last nine weeks or so of 1989 after this. You have to throw your opponent to the floor to win. Are you telling me DeBeers isn't Pat Patterson with a fake 'tache? Diamond misses a corner splash. Diamond hits a dropkick but is then hit with a back suplex. DeBeers misses a diving headbutt. Bulldog by DeBeers who then hot shots Diamond under the bottom rope. Paul Diamond resembles Bart Gunn. DeBeers goes for a piledriver near the ropes, how did this guy make Colonel being a strategist like that, and is back dropped over the top as Diamond wins.

Sgt. Slaughter Vs. The Terminator
Okay I guess Diamond and DeBeers wasn't the main event. I can confirm that neither man has been Slaughtered or Terminated so far leading me to question the validity of their names. Ralph says Slaughter moves like a tank then says something like he's ready to pounce, does Ralph know what a tank is? Crossbodyblock gets 2 for Slaughter. The Sarge says I can't hear you to the eternal darkness that is ringside. One thing we have lost over the last couple decades or so in wrestling is the stupid names like Terminator or Dumpster etc. yes we still get silly names on occasion like McGillyDiamondCutter but they're no longer funny bad they're just bad. Terminator misses a corner splash and Slaughter hits a clothesline off the second rope and the Cobra Clutch ends it.

Greg says it's going to take him a week to recover, you're not the only one Greg my friend.

Well that was certainly something. This was the new AWA so I dread to think what point they'd reached to get to this, luckily for them it's got to be viewed and put in the funny bad column rather than the just plain bad column. The NWA was having arguably it's best year ever in-ring wise at least, Hogan was running wild in the WWF after disposing of Savage earlier in the year at Mania V and the AWA were running this, respect for trying something with the presentation as you certainly didn't get this anywhere else but then maybe there was a reason for that, you have to check it out though just once even if it's just to prove to me that I'm not on some LSD trip without knowing.

November to Remember 1995

November 18th, 1995 from the ECW Arena

Was going to watch the Hardcore TV going into this show but cant be bothered really so going into this one blind which is always more fun anyway. I've probably read a review of this show before but if so I don't remember anything which goes against the title I guess. I may of had a best of November to Remember in VHS, I definitely had one with Spike on the cover, I got it from Ethel Austens possibly the least extreme shop going. (Actually its very much like ECW as I dont think its going anymore certainly not in my neck of the woods anyway)

The opening says the following is presented in its original form and yet I guarantee the music is dubbed and thus a lie.

Broad Street Bully Vs. Don E. Allen
Buh Buh Ray is the special ring announcer, he brings Big Dick, Sign Guy Dudley, Dances With Dudley and Chubby Dudley with him, all bar Big Dick have debuted between this and Hardcore Heaven. Buh Buh stutters on his Michael Buffer bit and Buh Buh Bombs the participants and pins Broad Street Bully despite their not being a match. These two were involved in a 90 second stinker at Hardcore Heaven so for once i'm glad to of seen Buh Buh. Is Dances With Dudley Drew Carey?

Paul E has the lights dimmed then Sabu's back to a deafening roar, he shakes hands with Paul and they hug. Crowd chant Thank You to Paul as Sabu has gone,  did they fall out already?

Jason Vs. Konnan
This show has the chapter marks so I know who's on, Hardcore Heaven hasn't got them so I had to go to Wikipedia on occasion. Konnan is masked Knight is mulleted. Jason is doing a Buff Bagwell type thing. Taz comes out to ref, he says ECW won't let him wrestle so he's here to enforce his will, Jason runs his mouth off and Tazz drops an unbleeped F Bomb, thankfully I wasn't drinking my Tango. Konnan powerbombs Knight after Taz hits him and gets 3.

El Puerto Ricano Vs. Stevie Richards (w/ Blue Meanie)
Stevie has lost the mullet and man that was a fine mullet even HBKs mullet would've jobbed to it no questions asked. His shirt says RSPW sucks on the back, from the crowd Blue Meanie gives Stevie a half shirt so he brings him ringside. Moonsault and missile dropkick by Ricano. Tope to Meanie. Stevie Bomb is followed by a hot shot.  Stevie Bomb again then Meanie goes up top but misses a moonsault so Stevie kicks him out of the ring and a Super Kick soon finishes the match. 

Eliminators (w/ Jason) vs. The Pitbulls (w/ Francine)
I think this is early in Eliminators ECW run. Saturn with long hair is just plain weird. Despite the obvious difference between the Pitbulls  I can never remember which is 1 and which is 2. Saturn and #1 trade scoop slams. Drop toe hold and elbow combo by Pitbulls. Kronus and #2 in now as Kronus hits a dragon suplex minus the bridge. Saturn sends #2 ringside with a springboard clothesline then Kronus gives him a boost as he moonsaults over onto #2, I liked that. #2 misses a corner splash and goes over the top. Saturn hits an elbow off the top for 2, I didn't see him tag in though. Frankensteiner off the top gets 2 as if you listen carefully you can hear Steiner ranting somewhere. Pitbull #1 makes the tag and cleans house. Fighting tornado style now. Kronus is set up Doomsday style and clotheslined over the top. Saturn is hit with the guillotine, a suplex, powerbomb combo out of the corner but Jason breaks the count. Superbomb ends Kronus. Post match Total Elimination to both Pitbulls. **1/2

Mexican Death Match - Psicosis Vs. Rey Misterio jr
The chapters on this show use Reys ECW name. There's a 'rudo' chant. I can slightly hear Reys WCW theme I think. After a pin or submission they have 10 seconds to answer the bell or it's over. Rey flips the Bird at Psicosis. Psicosis misses a wild dropkick attempt and is ranaed for 3 but survives the count. Hurricanrana sends Psi to the outside where Rey tries to jump off the guardrail but it goes wrong. Moonsault gets Psi 3 but Rey is up before 10 though himself is hurt after the guardrail blunder. Pop up powerbomb gets Psi another 3 count but again Rey is up, I should note the counts are done in Spanish in a nice touch. Inverted Oklahoma Stampede minus the powerslam then Psi gets another 3 from a twisting senton as Rey is thankful this isn't Iron Man rules. Psicosis, who's been dominant for a while now, DDTs Rey on a chair then moonsaults Rey with a chair on him for 3 again but Rey is up. Psicosis comes off the top again but Rey blocks it with a chair. Rey with a crossbody off the apron sending both into the crowd. Springboard moonsault soon follows from Rey getting an ECW chant. They're by Joey now as Rey gets 3 off a hurricanrana and Rey and the ref go over the bleachers and back to the ring as Psicosis doesn't make the count. ***1/2

Jason wants to manage Rey but Rey takes him out so The Eliminators attack Rey but 911 makes the save and Rey poses on 911s shoulders.

ECW Tag Titles - Sandman/Scorpio (c) (w/ Woman) Vs. The Public Enemy
Joey calls Scorpio Too Gold Scorpio as he is also TV Champion, Scorpio won the Tag Titles in a singles match with Rocco Rock and named Sandman his partner. Scorpio busts a move for Woman as Sandman looks on smiling. PEs entrance ain't the same without Here Comes The Hotstepper. PE are arguably Paul's greatest success. The winner of the fall faces Mikey Whipwreck tonight for the World Title. The TV Title is on the line too apparently, unsure if Sandman then wins the gold if he wins the fall, i.e. David Arquette winning DDPs world title, or if only one of PE can win the TV title. Too Cold Scorpio looks like Jon Tickle of Big Brother fame. 'Please Dont Go' chant for PE. Scorpio and Rocco Rock start us off with a dance off, I'm sun sure if this would be a 10 from Len, Sandman busts a move too, Woman does too then the Champions attack but the tables are soon turned after they mock the PE arm dance, speaking of which PE dance again when they clear the ring. Sandman is hiptossed over by Grunge then Rocco follows with a dive onto Sandman. It's duelling chairs for all. Scorpio takes the hand off someones prosthetic arm to use in Grunge as Rocco and Sandman fight ringside. Vader Bomb gets Grunge a 2 count. Sandman is thrown i to the crowd and Woman hauls him back. Slingshot boot to the face by Sandman as Grunge is cut open. Rocco Rock with a couple of tilt-a-whirl moves until he is hit with a shoulderbreaker. Rocco misses a springboard moonsault and is superkicked, double underhook powerbomb by Scorpio but Grunge breaks the pin. Woman gets some cane shots in, one right on Roccos bonce. Grunge backdrops Sandman on a table as it doesn't break then Sandman with am front suplex buts Grunge through it. Rocco with a somersault plancha as Sandman is against the broken table. Rocco hits the Drive-By on Grunge by accident and Sandman falls on top for the pin. ***

Sandman is out on the canvas so Scorpio pours him some beer and he is Sandmanning Up. Scorpio drops the beer to Sandmans shock but they hug and make up.

Joey introduces us to highlights of Tod Gordon Vs. Fonzie, Tod is the ECW Commissioner and Fonzie is a ref. We see at one point 911 chokeslamming Fonzie much to the ECW faithfuls delight.

Special ref/ Beulah McGillicutty (?) - Tod Gordon Vs. Fonzie
Fonzie is in his ref gear. Fonzie attacks as Tod is with the fans then clotheslines Beulah after she slaps him. Tod wins a punch off. Fonzie calls for a handshake but is clotheslined. Ringside Fonzie is hit with a baking tray then has his rammed into a chair and he's now busted open. Tod has a frying pan, Fonzie gets it but is lowblowed before he can use it and Tod cracks him with it. Taz coMets out in his ref shirt from earlier to count for Tod but stops at 2 and cleans Tods clock and puts Fonzie on top for 3. Crowd chants for Sabu as Taz says they can chant his f---ing name all night he ain't coming, he then says about fans caring about Dreamer, Terry Funk and Sabu when Benoit broke his neck but not about him. Taz asks who cares about him, his family etc. and says only Bill Alphonso/Fonzie does. Taz says they dont care about him and Fonzie well they dont give a flying f--k about them. Their partnership would last till Barely Legal in 1997.   

ECW World Title - Sandman (w/ Woman) Vs. Mikey Whipwreck (c)
Steve Austin, yes that Steve Austin, attacks Sandman.

ECW World Title - Steve Austin Vs. Mikey Whipwreck (c)
Austin tells Mikey to get out while they announce his name but jumps him as he goes to leave and is all over him. A fan sign Austin: The Future Has Arrived, how little he knew. Fans chant Hogan so Austin does a big boot and leg drop but it only gets 2. Mikey gets some punches in after reversing a whip into the guard rail. Austin tries to get Mikey to stop by pointing to his previously injured triceps. Stun Gun, a flapjack into the ropes, gets Austin 2. Mikey gets a sunset flip for 3. ** Not much to it is a match but it was entertaining as a p'd off Austin is always value for money. Kicking out of the leg drop was a nice touch and the small things are often the good things in wrestling.

Hack Myers Vs. Sabu
Paul E is in Sabus corner. Dodgy snapmare is followed by a springboard leg lariat as someone chants Alex Wright, if one person counts as a chant. Chair assisted springboard leg lariat gets 2. Powerslam gets Hack 2. Hack comes off the top slamming Sabus head between his legs on the way down Pedigree style, minus the arm holding, but Sabu has a leg on the rope. DDT gets Sabu a 2 count. Hack is ringside where Sabu slingshots over into a hurricanrana, during which Sabu seems to hurt his noggin. Back in Sabu comes off the top but is powerbombed for 2. Victory roll from the top doesn't live up to its name as it gets 2. Hack gets a chair from the crowd, with a coat on it, and cracks Sabu with it. Sabu gets a table to cheers as Joey says he was too extreme for the cartoon network (WCW), Sabu sentons over the top putting Hack through the table. Senton Arabian Facebuster gets Sabu the 3 count. ** Sabu makes to punch Hack post match but instead offers a handshake after acknowledging his effort according to the announcer.

Terry Funk/Tommy Dreamer Vs. Raven/Cactus Jack
Cactus has a Dungeon of Doom shirt on. Terry cracks Jack with a chair and then throws it into the back of Ravens head. Stevie Richards is here but is soon dumped in a trolley and pushed into the ringpost. Weapons have been strewn all over the ring but Tommy decides a VCR given from the crowd is of more use and hits Raven with it then again not long after. Funk hits the ref with a dustpan then hits Jafk and Raven too. Golf club to Raven's conkers, well tickle me KO'd. 'E-C-F----N-W' chant. Ravens been busted. Jack cuts open Funks arm with something. Cactus and Raven try to clothesline Dreamer with a chain but he jumps into it which pulls Jack and Raven into each other, that made me laugh. Jack now has a shirt with 'Forgive Me Uncle Eric' on the back and Bischoffs fave on the front but a bloodied Dreamer pulls it over Jack's face and punches Bischoff/Jack. Double Arm DDT onto a chair for Funk. Fonzie and Taz are here to referee and attack Funk. Dreamer DDTs Raven then hits a piledriver and Funk gets 3 so Dreamer doesn't actually beat Raven. ***1/2

16.5 / 30 -  Firstly the first few matches are too short to be rated and the Tod/Fonzie match for me isn't rateable as it's two non-wrestlers.
All the Tag matches had their moments, seems to be a style ECW does well as there's always something going on without rest holds even If there is no psychology to speak of. The main event tag match was prototypical ECW, a fun brawl which fans were I into.
Rey/Psicosis was good, I'd of thought more of it had I seen it in 1995 but its impact is lessened with what's followed in the 23 years since, still good though bar the Rey rail botch. 
Sabu and Austin's matches weren't much really, the Sabu one went too long and just didn't click, maybe should've been a quick squash featuring Sabus big moves.
Taz's heel turn was a corked too.

Thumbs up for 1995's November To Remember.

Hardcore Heaven 1995

July 1st, 1995

Not done an ECW review in awhile. My ECW history is spotty at best, like the fans bwahaha, Power Slam magazine and Scott Keith reviews being where I pick it up mostly. This is in the PPV section of the Network but I assume it wasn't as I'm fairly sure Barely Legal in 97 was the first PPV of ECW. I was never a fan of ECWs general style, the weapon shot, no sell, weapon shot style is not my cup of tea and its still going on now in WWE but with big move, rest, big move being their no psychology style of choice. This comes with TV Mature warnings. I should note that Aaron Rodgers has just had an amazing game/comeback Vs. Chicago 9/9/18.

Raven, Stevie, Pitbulls and Beulah are here, Raven and Stevie are the Tag Champions.

Pitbulls (w/ Raven, Stevie and Beulah) Vs. Dudley Boys (w/ Big Dick Dudley)
Dudley Dudley and Little Snot Dudley are the Dudleys here. Pitbull #1 and Pitbull #2 start off in control of the Little Dudley. I should note Stevie has a 1993 HBK mullet. Dudley Dudley is in  ow and has a far better showing against Pitbull #2, Little Dudley is soon in and same as before Pitbills get the better of him. Stevie has a fan ringside who kisses him, looks like Francine then Raven takes his crew to the back. Powerbomb off the top to the Little Dudley but Dudley Dudley comes off the top on to Pitbull #2, or #1 I can never remember despite one being bald, and it gets 3. ** - Pretty basic match where the squashee ended up winning but fans were into the match/people.

Pitbulls aren't happy.

Don E. Allen/Dino Sendoff Vs. Broad Street Bully/Chad Austin
Thank you Wikipedia for their names as I couldnt make out what Joey Styles said and there's no on screen graphic as this is ECW. Austin is almost back dropped on his nonce right away 'You F'd Up' chant. Pitiful 'match'goes about a minute which Styles noting how bad it is and getting a decent dig in at WCW Slamboree then 911 and Paul E. come out as 911 has Chokeslams for all.

Big Malley Vs. Hack Myers
Big Malley is the Wikipedia name Joey is saying Poochio or something, though he does later say Malley. Someone in front of the hard camera tells Malley to kiss his behind using actions and blow me I think it's Tatanka. Malley has the body shape of Viscera and the skin tone of Sheamus. Stalling for an eternity. Someone in the crowd has a King of The Ring t-shirt on and from the look on his face knows he's in the wrong. Malley reverses a whip and lands a corner splash then some more. Total nothing match and Malley misses an elbow drop and is pinned as Myers got no offence, post match, if you can call that a match, Malley gets another splash in. At least the crowd were making noise mocking Malley. 1/2

Taz Vs. Too Cold Scorpio
Things may pick up now. Scorpio is wearing Taz colours. Scorpio takes a powder after taking a clothesline. Taz has a side headlock locked on which he keeps hold of after Scorpio hits a back suplex. Scorpio goes for a leapfrog but Tax fakes out and hits a belly to belly. They wristlock and Tax bridges but that's not saying much as he's hardly high off the ground. Powerbomb by Scorpio then a double underhook suplex but Taz kicks out. Paul E. is ringside,  this show has no entrances really as the matches just cut to the next one. Taz-plex, kind of a T-Bone suplex. Too Cold nails Taz with a Tombstone, I assume Taz hasnt had the neck break yet unless he's crazy, Tumbleweed connects but Tax is soon up with a Taz-pled for 3 but Scorpios foot is on the rope. Fonzie comes in and wants it restarted. Fonzie says if a wrestler touches him he'll shut down ECW but Paul E. points out he isnt a wrestler but Too Cold hits Taz with a chair and Fonzie cheapahots Paul then counts 3 for Scorpio. ***. 

Styles plugs the hotline then Shane Douglas comes out, I believe this to be his final ECW appearance for this run as after this his Dean Douglas WWF stint begins. The fans needle him with a We Want Flair chant. The Tatanka man turns round and blow me I think it's Scott Norton in a Tatanka syrup. Shane is rabbiting on for a while bringing up him and Cactus Jack training at DeNucci's together and how they're friends. Dean holds up a shirt which is helpfully blurred out. Woman is here, this was boring me now it's saddening me, she slaps him after he insults her, Shane blocks another and Sandman attacks which brings out Cactus. Knock me down with a feather there's a woman in the crowd.  

ECW Tag Titles - Raven/Richards (c) (w/ Beulah) vs. Tommy Dreamer/Luna Vachon
Dreamers left hand is in a cast. It kicks off pre-bell but the camera misses it. Stevie stomps Luna as Raven and Dreamer fight ringside where Raven is DDTd. Testicular Claw to Stevie then a testicular toss I guess. Fallaway Slam and a neckbreaker to Stevie by Tommy and Luna respectively. Raven's been cut as he and Tommy fight by the entrance. Stevie is hit with an ironing board. Dreamer and Raven are back by the entrance way where Raven shuts Dreamers hand in a newspaper box. Double suplex to Luna then a double DDT. Raven ends up tied up in the ropes allowing Dreamer to hit a chair shot. Richards is superplexed but Beulah throws powder in Lunas face and Stevie gets 3. **1/2

Tod Gordon calls out Fonzie and makes him ref of the Taipei Deathmatch.

Taipei Deathmatch - Axl Rotten Vs. Ian Rotten
Glass is glued to their fists. Ian looks like the drummer from Les Alanos off of Phoenix Nights but with Brian Knobs-ish hair whilst Axl apparently loved tennis. Apparently they're Geordies as they're billed from Newcastle making both heels to me. All gets the first shot in and Fonzie stops the match saying Ian has impaired vision. The Gangstas and Public Enemy are fighting by the entrance. Gordon's in the ring and restarts the match. The blood is flowing now as Ian cuts All with the glass across his forehead then digs it in. All hits a superkick then digs glass into Ian's turnip as Ian is wearing the crimson mask. There's a guy in the crowd who looks like my best mate from high school. Ian goes low which should end the match as aint no man getting up from that, I'd still be lay out in Philly 23 years on. Thumbtacks are brought into play by Ian but he gets dropped on them then Axl hits a splash for the 3 count. *

Cut now to Dreamer/Luna fighting Stevie/Raven. Pitbulls come out as Stevie tells them to Superbomb Luna but soon Pitbulls and the champions are fighting and Stevie is about to be Superbombed when the Dudleys make the save. There was a drink/drug problem in wrestling and going by Dreamers pants he may be the worst affected. The first teams are fighting again until Pitbills get involved as do the Dudleys.

ECW World Title - Sandman (c) (w/ Woman) vs. Cactus Jack
This being WWE I'm guessing Sandmans theme is a dub job here. Cactus has barbed wire around his fist. One fan seems to be having the time of their life dancing to Jack's theme. Cane shot to Cactus after Woman hits him with a beer or something. Cactus is sent ringside then Sandman comes over the top with a cane shot, surely that should add 50x the power and send Cactus into the floor thus leaving just his head and shoulders visible. Cactus gets in cane shots of his own, Sandman pump fakes when Cactus swings at the post but Cactus pump fakes the pump fake and hits Sandman. Cane shot to the barbed wire wrapped wrist. Sandman lands some cane shots, Woman gets one in too, then DDTs Cactus on a chair. Slingshot legdrop gets Sandman 2, he's that drunk I assume he thinks he's Rey Mysterio Jr. Woman brings some barbed wire as Sandman piledrives Cactus on a chair then puts the barbed wire around himself and splashes Cactus, I think Sabu does something similar at Born To Be Wired. Cactus Elbow with a chair connects after Sandman is dumped to ringside. Cactus pulls Sandmans shirt, with barbed wire, over his head then hits a legdrop with a chair. Woman canes Cactus so he shoves her down. Ref Bump! Shane Douglas runs in and piledrives Sandman then hits Cactus and Sandman gets 3. ** Tod Gordon comes out and Shane says he'll stay in ECW if Gordon begs him, Gordon tells him he's f----ing fired. Shane attacks as fans seem to chant for 911 who comes out and Chokeslams Shane straight into Dean Douglas hell.

The Public Enemy Vs. The Gangstas
No real themes here. I'm a big fan of Public Enemy,  the hip-hop maestros not the tag team. Gangstas are rocking Raiders. Mustafa walks straight into a frying pan shot. Grunge is cut. Mustafa and Fly Boy have fought through the crowd. As Grunge uses an umbrella to clothesline New Jack. Fly Boy hits a drive-by off the announce area putting Mustafa through a table but the tables are soon turned as Mustafa puts Fly Boy through a table. New Jack is busted and hit with a mailbox. Fly Boy goes into a fan, of the air blowing variety not human, if ECW fans count as human mind. Grunge leg drops, sort of anyway as he lands stamding, New Jack through a table. Grunge has a frying pan and he's not afraid to use it now he has a bat with RSPW on it, think that's a wrestling site or something. Mustafa powerslams Grunge but Fly Boy makes the save. Grunge goes low with a croquet mallet. Fly Boy Moonsaults New Jack through a table. Fly Boy comes off the top with the croquet mallet on Mustafa and gets 3. The fans are invited to join Public Enemy to celebrate, turns out it wasn't the ring break episode. **1/2

13.5/35 - Thats not a good score obviously but two matches combined for 1.5/10 which kind of gave the show no chance of breaking .500 and they were just ridiculously booked (Hack Myers match) and just horrendous (Rottens match), the latter of which belongs on one of them shows promoted in early 2000 by the garbage companies and not on a 'big 3' show, it was ECW at its worst.
There's nothing here which is must see although the main and the Tag Title matches were kind of ECW at its best in terms of structure, you can see how they were ahead of the times with this as it's basically the formula WWE would emulate for their hardcore division, albeit done in a more comical than violent way, and the WWE brawl style Stone Cold would bring to the masses.
It's not good in the traditional sense but there is something endearing about it in terms of excitement and the crowd shows you how a noisy crowd, in a good way not a trying to make it about them way like 2018 WWE crowds, makes a difference and its no wonder this was popular in 1995 with the style and characters when compared to 1995 WCW and WWF, you have an exciting mature product here compared to the Hogan show down in Atlanta and Diesel topping the bill in New York, though Diesel did have the odd cracker with Bret and HBK overall it was a low point.

ECW Born To Be Wired

- August 9th 1997, Philly, PA.

- I don't like ECW but I am nothing if not professional so I shall review this as it's in my VHS collection however in honour of ECW it will be kind of half assed with nothing linking my comments .... so I guess I'm not professional and therefore am nothing.

Little Guido w/ Tracy Smothers, Tommy Rich def. Pablo Marquez
 Hiptoss then hurricanrana sends Guido ringside. Missile dropkick gets Pablo a 2 count after Guido had some offence. Suplex gets Guido 2 and a sunset flip gets Pablo 2 after Guido misses a dropkick. Pablo takes out Smothers with a plancha. Tommy Rich hits Pablo with a flag allowing Guido to get the 3 count at 6:05. ** - Basic inoffensive little match.

Mikey Whipwreck def. Louie Spicolli
 Scoop Slam, armdrag by Spicolli who isn't taking Whipwreck seriously (Did anyone?). We go extre(eeeeeeeee)me as a chinlock is applied. Mikey hits a dive over the top rope, he may of almost broke his neck there. Top rope Frankensteiner gets Mikey the 3 count at 6:58. *1/2 - Mikey was dominated for 6:50 basically. (So an inverted Squash where the Squashee wins the match)

Spike Dudley def. Bam Bam Bigelow
 Just me or is Bigelow's theme a 'Welcome To The Jungle' rip off? (ECW so it may of been the actual song) BBB is in triple threat, would this influence Jersey Triad of WCW at all as that had Bam Bam as well? Fans stand at one point as they wanted BBB to throw Spike into the crowd. Spike does occasionally gets shots in but he's pretty much getting creamed here. Spike is cut after hitting a ring post and a corner splash may of killed the little guy. BBB misses a moonsault allowing Spike to get some shots in and he gets the 3 at 6:35 from a victory roll. ** - Just as it was fun seeing Spike getting thrown around a bit, the same match as the one that preceded it really. (Squashee win!)

Chris Candido def. Chris Chetti 
 Even match to start. Three arm drags by Chetti with the last one going into an armbar. Candido can't get any offence really as 'the rookie' is getting the better of him. Leg drop gets Candido 2. Chinlock is applied as fans chant 'We Want Taz', Candido is in control of Chetti. A couple of 2s follow for Chetti from a bridged german and a swinging neckbreaker. Candido gets the 3 count via a double underhook superplex at 11:18. **1/2 - To be fair it was okay but I wasn't drawn in and at the end of the day okay is only okay.

Shane Douglas (w/ Francine) def. Lance Storm
 Pre-match promo Shane Douglas drops an F-Bomb wow he's extrrreeeeemmmme! Storm starts better but is then choked by Francine as the ref is distracted. Douglas sets up 2 chairs in the ring, suplexing Lance through one for a 2 count. Springboard crossbody gets Lance a 2 count. They trade nearfalls. Storm DDTs out of a belly-to-belly for a 2 count. Then a belly-to-belly does get Douglas the 3 count  at 8:50. **1/2 - I Can't stand Shane Douglas but to be fair this was a perfectly acceptable undercard match, you know the one that if placed as main event it'd be bad but anywhere else is okay. The review I type on here is a condensed version of the original reviews from my writing pads, old school I know, and in the original draft I was much more critical of Shane but I've cut that stuff here as I'm a good man .... and couldn't be bothered typing much more about ECW. (So basically i've done what Foley did with Flair's booking in his book though as far as i'm aware Shane hasn't responded via a book/post of his own and we haven't engaged in a worked feud based on past indiscretions.)

TV Title - Tazz (c) def. Al Snow 
 Al says he's not Leif Cassidy he's Al motherf***ing Snow, jeez frustrated much Al and actually you're Allen Sarven but that's besides the point. 'Tazz's gonna kill you' chant. They do some wrestling - hammerlocks, waist locks into ankle locks etc. (Wow patronizing much past me) Alabama Slam by Tazz (Hmm normally I change the Alabama to fit the person doing it, so this should be a Red Hook Section of Brooklyn Slam, I guess I really didn't care when reviewing ECW) but he's soon down from an inverted enziguri. T-Bone by Taz, sitout powerbomb by Snow. Tazz catches one of Snow's legs and punches him from a UFC style mount, Tazzmission ends it at 10:10ish. **1/2 - I enjoyed the start as I appreciate wrestling nowadays, younger me preferred spotfests, but the match didn't feel like it had a real flow to it for me. 

Dudleyz def. Balls Mahoney, Axl Rotten, Hack Meyers
 Who'd of thought Bubba would be World Champion one day, (aha so I must of reviewed this post Lockdown 2013 I knew watching hours of Columbo would lead me somewhere). Dudleyz go to leave but unfortunately come back (*cymbal clash*). Balls has D-Von down but Big Dick low bridges him so Balls and Axl go backstage and return with Meyers, all of the Dudleyz are whipped into each other then the faces take turns punching Big Dick. Axl chairs D-Von then beats him through the crowd. Dudleyz win by 3-Ding Hack Meyers at 12:02. *1/2 - There was some stuff pre-bell that went about 20 minutes. If people think hitting each other with chairs makes a good match then this for you is Steamboat/Flair-asque and all the more to you but I prefer wrestling so hated this.

RVD (w/ Alfonso) def. Tommy Dreamer (w/ Beulah)
 Van Dam on top with VanDaminator and dropkicking chairs. Frog Splash gets 2. Dreamer takes over and hits an alleged frogsplash. Vandaminator to save Fonzie but then he is DDTd, Sabu tries to interfere and Van Dam wins with a corkscrew leg drop onto a trashcan. After the match most of the roster comes out and start fighting which lasts about a half hour ** - Usual ECW match you use weapon, I use weapon fans cheer us for giving each other concussions etc. and we pretend ECW is (was) a Big 3 even though we work bingo halls and have terrible production values. Has there been a lazier wrestler than Van Dam for the last decade+?

ECW Title - Barbed Wire Roped Match - Sabu def. Terry Funk (c)
 Styles says most of this match won't be shown on TV so is a home video exclusive. Funk hits an neckbreaker and piledriver neither of which looked particularly smooth. Hurricanrana gets Sabu a 2 count then Sabu is busted by the wire after Funk grates him into it. Sabu is crotched on the wire and rips his kecks. Funk tastes barbed wire for the first time and is hit with a chair as he's tangled up. Sabu jabs some of the wire onto Funks head. Poetry In Motion misses landing Sabu, you guessed it, in the wire, his bicep is cut and it seems to bother him, he tapes the cut shut. Funk shouts 'I Don't Give A Shit' maybe about Sabus arm. Funk punches Fonzie with a barbed wire fist. Funk uses wire cutters to make a whip. RVD comes out and rolls Funk in barbed wire and on a table leaving Funk easy prey for Sabu to hit a leg drop. Funk is placed on another table as Sabu wraps himself in barbed wire and legdrops Funk, they seem to be stuck toghether in the wire and Sabu pins Funk. *1/2 - People find this entertaining, why? I did as a kid but I was a kid now it's just pure crap and not even the entertaining kind. Funk went from classic w/ Flair to this in just 8 years, that's the real shame of it all.

18 / 45 - I guess the middle had okay matches but having a couple okay matches doesn't get an automatic thumbs up especially when the rest is ranging from pure ECW garbage to just poor matches. If you're an ECW fan then this appeals to you however if you're not an ECW fan then I wouldn't recommend this as nothing stands out unlike Barely Legal which has Sabu/Tazz and the fantastic Michinoku Pro match, yes ECW hosted a fantastic match albeit one without any ECW 'talent'. 

Thumbs in the middle pointing slightly down. (Thumbs in the middle pointing SLIGHTLY down?! Oh shame on you/me, this thumbs down without question)

Bound For Glory



2012

- I didn't want to watch wrestling but this was my only chance to watch Bound For Glory so I had to, this will be very half assed and a recap not a review.

-October 14th, Phoenix Arizona

X-Divison Title - Zema Ion (c) Vs. RVD
 Forgot this was on as I was playing Oblivion so missed the majority of this match RVD won with the 5 Star Frog splash.  RVD doesn't need the belt so i'm not sure why he won it here.

TV Title - Samoa Joe (c) Vs. Magnus
- I'd like Magnus to win, not cause he's a fellow brit as i'm unpatriotic.
 Joe controls the match mainly. Magnus leapfrogs Joe then high knees him. Magnus gets 2 off a move like the Michinoku Driver. Snap slam gets Joe a nearfall, he then locks in an STF, Cena look how you apply it. Joe gets the win by countering a figure four into that choke he does.
Street Fight - James Storm Vs. Bobby Roode
- King Mo is special enforcer, they break the unwritten rule of wrestling in that a street fight is jeans attire not wrestling gear, also this match should be higher than 3rd.
 Storm side russian leg sweeps Roode into the guardrail. Storm is thrown into the turnbuckle and gets busted open badly. Storm knocks a trashcan into Roodes nuts. DDT on the ramp by Storm then Roode spinebusters Storm on the ramp. Storm is speared through a table. King Mo pushes Roode into a codebreaker. Good nearfall when Roode kicks out of Last Call. Roode gets thumbtacs but he gets thrown off the top rope into them. Beer bottle is broken on Roodes head then a Last Call finishes it.

Joey Ryan Vs. Al Snow
- Joey wins then he gets a TNA contract.
 Al Snow outwrestled Ryan to start. Head made an appearance, Joey Ryan kissed it and the finish came when Matt Morgan kicked Al Snow. Ryan and Morgan shook hands.

Tag Titles - Daniels/Kaz (c) Vs. AJ Styles/Kurt Angle Vs. Chavo/Hernandez
- Daniels/Kaz have been my fave tag champions in a long time.
 Release belly-to-belly to AJ by Hernandez. Elbow and leg drop over the top by Daniels and Kaz. Kaz monkey flips AJ but he lands on his feet. Angle germans Kaz then suplexes him off the top onto Daniels. Super Mex flies over the top onto Daniels then there's a few more dives to the outside. AngleSlam to Chavo. AJ kicks out of B.M.E and the champions can't believe it. Border Toss then Frogsplash to Daniels ends it. Chavo and Hernandez are new champions.

Knockouts Title - Miss Tessmacher (c) Vs. Tara
 Missed some of the match as I was doodling, tho my drawing is probably better than the match. Tessmacher kips up, cue me singing HBKs theme. Tara wins via Widows Peak. Her hollywood boyfriend is revealed to be Jesse from big brother. You know him? no me neither.

Aces & Eights Vs. Bully Ray/Sting
- Bully has facepaint on, this is No DQ, Joseph Park is handcuffed at ringside.
 Bully/Sting are in control. Splash, clothesline by A&E gets a 2 count on Sting. Scorpion deathlock by Sting. Aces & Eights guy with hair like Brian Pillman interferes. Joseph Park snaps his handcuff. Aces and Eights beat on Bully and Sting. Doomsday Device with Sting delivering the clothesline. Sting says 'Get The Tables!' but another member of Aces & Eights spinebusters Bully through the table and A&E win so they get access to IMPACT!. Post match Hogan knocks them all down and the last member of Aces & Eights standing is revealed to be Devon. 'This Is Awkward' chant by Phoenix crowd.

TNA World Title - Austin Aries (c) Vs. Jeff Hardy
- Jeff Hardy won the BFG series.
 I missed start of the match. Aries is in control he then does a victory lap. Crowd doesn't like Jeff. Whisper In The Wind misses. Aries goes for a BrainBustaaa!!! but Jeff counters into a front suplex. Jeff does a kind of flapjack/powerbomb. Whisper In The Wind gets 2. Aries goes to clothesline Jeff into the ring and he lands weird. BrainBustaaa!!! gets 2, Aries can't believe it. Jeff wins via a Swanton Bomb.

No Surrender 2012

- I thought i'd posted this alas I had not so here it is. It's a solid card for what is essentially a filler PPV.

-September 9th, Orlando, Florida

- My picks - Joe, Bully, Tara, Zema, Magnus, Daniels/Kaz, Bully.

Bound For Glory Semi Final 1 - Jeff Hardy Vs. Samoa Joe
- Jeff made Samoa Joe submit on IMPACT! prior to the PPV.
 Jeff headscissors Joe to the outside of the ring, looked mistimed as it seemed Joe threw himself out through the ropes. Jeff goes for poetry in motion but Joe moves so Jeff re-routes himself onto the apron then hits it. Joe gets a 2 following an atomic drop, big boot and back splash. Jeff starts a comeback but Joe cuts it off with a snap powerslam. Whisper In The Wind connects and hits mainly on Joes injured arm, Jeff tries to follow it with a stinger splash but Joe catches him and slams him down. Jeff locks in the armbar/headlock thing that he made Joe tap to on IMPACT! but Joe turns it into a pin attempt but Jeff counters that into his own pin for the win. **1/2 Wasn't great, wasn't bad. Did pick up near the end, Jeff could've worked Joes arm more and for me the wrong man went over.

Bound For Glory Semi Final 2 - Bully Ray Vs. James Storm
- Storm won the BFG qualifer league so got to choose his opponent, he picked Bully who cost Storm the BFG Series last year.
 Bully stalls a lot, he bad mouths Storm who spits in his face, so Bully gets upset and smashes a fans sign at ringside. They lock up but then Bully stalls again. They lock up for a third time then Storm stomps on Bullys hand. Storm misses Last Call which enables Bully to gain control. Storm mounts a comeback but Bully puts the kaibosh on that via a big boot. Bully goes for the 10 corner punches but Storm nuts him in the nuts and powerbombs him. Ref Bump Bully dodges a splash and the ref takes the hit. Bubba Bomb gets 2 when the new ref appears. Ref Bump Storm accidentally KOs that ref too. Ref Bump #2 for the original ref when Storm hits a codebreaker and Last Call but Bully  hits the ref on the way down. Bobby Roode returns and hits Storm with the most casual beer bottle shot ever and Buly gets the W. (14 mins) ** Did we need 3 ref bumps? The start was dreadful with Bully stalling for about 5 mins. The cheap ending I dont mind as it furthers the Storm Vs. Roode feud. Middle part of the match was meh.

Knockouts Title - Miss Tessmacher (c) Vs. Tara
 Tara does a cartwheel then applies a wristlock, she gets 2 by reversing a hiptoss into a backslide. She lets Tessmacher in the ring then rolls her up for 2. They botch something, Taz 'I'm not sure what was going on there', Superplex gets Tara 2. She goes for Widows Peak but it gets countered into a roll up by Tessmacher for the 3. (about 6 mins) ** I'd give it 2 stars as I wasnt expecting much but Tara made it watchable. Tara turned heel on the following IMPACT! so will hopefully win the title at BFG.

- Aries says he's the God Of War. Kratos and Mars may disagree mr. Aries

Austin Aries Vs. "Arm Breaker"
- Fight not an official match.
 Aries hits a suicide dive. Aries dominates then goes for the mask but he gets low blowed and falls to the outside. Clothesline from hell by Arm Breaker who has been in control since the low blow. He goes for a powerbomb but Aries throws powder in his eyes and hits a nice dropkick in the corner. Arm Breaker goes for a chair but Aries dodges it and cracks him with a roll of coins then hits a BrainBustaaa!!! he goes for the mask again but now Aces & Eights appear and beat on Aries, until the locker room comes out to help but Jeff Hardy gets injured during the fracas. As a kid i'd of loved this, was a good brawl but the ending we've seen on IMPACT! twice, I'd of had at least one of A&E get unmasked. Jeff getting hurt though does add fuel to the Bully behind A&E argument.

X-Division - Zema Ion (c) Vs. Sonjay Dutt
- This has had no build on TV.
 They do some flipping and rolling. Sonjay does an impressive double spring armdrag. He then rolls on the apron and hurricanranas Ion on the outside, but he soon springboards into a gutbuster. Sick boot by Dutt to Ion in the corner which is followed by a standing moonsault for 2. Nice spot where Dutt springboards onto Ions shoulders to go for a hurricanrana but Ion powerbombs him and locks in an armbar to Dutts injured shoulder. They trade near falls but Ion gets the 3 off a gory bomb. *** Solid match, due to no build on TV they had to get fans into it via the wrestling which by the end they had.

Magnus Vs. RVD
- I'm rooting for my fellow brit here.
 They counter each others wristlocks. Drop toe hold followed by a kick to the face by RVD. RVD poses for the crowd then sets up Magnus for his signature guard rail leg drop but Magnus moves. Magnus catches one of RVDs kicks then sweeps him down, he tries to wear RVD down with a texas cloverleaf. Elbow drop gets Magnus 2, Ohh Yeahhh. RVD works over Magnus' knee then gets 2 off rolling thunder. Spin kick followed by 5 Star Frog Splash gets RVD the win. ** Finish was out of nowhere, I liked RVD missing some moves as it was different than just hitting the usual routine. Completly disagree wit hRVD going over as Magnus needed the win much, much more.

JB speaks with Daniels and Kaz who make up a new word Travashammockery. Daniels goes on a tirade near the end. Good heel promo and the appletini made an appearance.

TNA Tag Titles - Daniels/Kaz (c) Vs. AJ Styles/Angle
- Been looking foward to this one, it's about to kick up a gear homies.
 Suplex by Angle then Daniels is used as a pinall bby AJ and Kurt. Kaz is thrown about 20 feet in the air by AJ/Angle. Kaz manages to counter a hip toss into a monkey flip. Kaz leapfrogs AJ and Daniels clotheslines him then hiptosses Kaz onto him. Nice floatover takedown by Kaz. AJ has been worked over for a while now to build up the hot tag. Angle in, germans to Kaz, then belly-to-belly to Daniels but Kaz stops Kurts momentum with a springboard DDT. Kaz goes up top but in a sickspot is AnglesSlammed off by Angle. Daniels goes for a moonsault but AJ moves and does a moonsault into a reverse DDT. Angle Slams to both champions but Daniels breaks the pin by grabbing the ropes. Really nice bit where Kaz monkeyflips AJ but he hurricanranas Daniels the npele kicks Kaz. A cracking nearfall when AJ gets 2 off a 450' splash to Kaz, I thought that was it. Kaz hits a twisting suplex off the top for 2, TNA chant. Styles goes for Styles Clash but Daniels throws an appletini into Styles' face which allows Kaz to get the pin. ****1/2  Great match even with a cheap ending. My two fave parts were Kazs monkey flip into a hurricanrana with AJ and the 450' splash by AJ. Best tag match i've seen since ........

Bound For Glory Series Final - Bully Ray Vs. Jeff Hardy
 Hardy doesn't come out due to his shoulder injury, Hogan says lets have the match on IMPACT!, that would've really annoyed me, but Hardy ever the valiant babyface appears for the match. Bully dominates by targeting Jeffs shoulder. Jeff only hits a few moves - a couple Swantons, Twist Of Fates and Whisper In The Wind. He spent most of the match kicking out of Bullys big moves. The match lay out was big move, finisher, kick out then repeat for about 12 minutes until Jeff won via Swanton. I had Jeff as 4th fave to win the BFG series. **

- 17/35
- I didn't rate Aries Vs. Arm Breaker as it wasnt a match. The problem I have with this PPV isn't the wrestling it's the booking, Magnus should've won and Jeff shouldn't of. Daniels/Kaz Vs. AJ/ Angle was MOTN. Enjoyable PP if frustrating.

Hardcore Justice 2012

 

- August 12th (US)/15th (UK)

- Orlando, Florida (IMPACT zone)

Chavo Guerrero/Hernandez def. Kid Kash/Gunner

I like Hernandez as I was a LAX fan. Chavo did the 3 amigos (cheap pop). Kash and Gunner dominate Chavo. Taz makes an Iron Sheik reference. Superslow slingshot by Kash then a double clothesline spot with Kash and Guerrero. Hernandez gets the tag. Shoulderblock, dominator then a tope by Hernandez (always impressive for a man his size), as Hernandez was in mid-air Chavo made a blind tag and a frog splash to Kash gets the 3. Chavo was dominated for most of the match to set up Hernandez hot tag, nice dive by Hernandez he seems to be enjoying tagging with Chavo. Formulaic tag match was solid but unspectacular. **1/2

BFG series - Falls Count Anywhere - RVD (35pts) Vs. Magnus (21pts) Vs. Ken Anderson (40pts)
Winner gets 20pts. Pope was set to be in the match but is taken out by Aces & Eights. As long as Anderson doesnt win i’m happy. RVD poses so Magnus takes him out, RVD monkeyflips Magnus. Van Dam is knocked into the guardrail by Anderson who is then whipped into the steps. RVD throws a chair at Magnus from out of nowhere then hits his signature leg drop to guardrail spot. Magnus tries to make RVD submit with a Texas Cloverleaf on the ramp. Van Damm nails Anderson with the 5 star. Magnus suplexes RVD on the ramp, then eventuallly gets a chair from the crowd but Van Dam Vandaminators him for the 3 out of the blue. Eh, not to good some near falls may of helped to add drama, the finish came out of nowhere. Usual triple threat 2 fight 1 rest. RVD now 2nd in BFG series. **

TV Title - Devon (c) def. Kazarian
TV title may aswell be dumped from TNA also this was Devons last TNA PPV (for now) as his contract finished a week or so later so Kaz should win. Scoop Slam on the outside but the match has been even so far, but the match is mainly strikes. Spear, neckbreaker then a shoulderblock gets Devon 2. Devon gets another 2 off a nice neckbreaker off the top rope. Kaz gets 2 off a crucifix. Devon gets the 3 via a spinebuster.  Pretty boring at first but to be fair did pick up near the end. Wrong man won in my opinion. **

Knockouts Title - Madison Rayne def. Miss Tessmacher (c)
Just seen a Jets fan ringside as i’m a casual Patriots fan i’m annoyed. Pretty bad much cause they’re pretty and the match is bad HaHaHaHa. Consipiracy angle coming into it as Earl Hebner (referee) is helping Madison it seems. Match was even, Tessmacher did a X-Factorish move off the top then a top rope elbow (Ohhhh Yeeahhh). Madison got the win and the title with a rope assisted roll up. Bad match the ending furthered the Earl Hebner (ref) and Madison angle. *

BFG Series Table Match - Bully Ray (28pts) def. Robbie E (5pts), Jeff Hardy (35pts) and James Storm (66pts).
Looking foward to this as i’ve always liked people getting tableised, I’m guessing Bully or Jeff go over. All 3 punch Robbie E. There’s a botch when Storm and Hardy suplex Bully but he goes through the edge of a table (You F’D up chant, Tenay, Ta cover it by saying he didn’t go through the whole table). Tower Of Doom spot when Jeff powerbombs James off the top as he superplexes Robbie but Bully moved the table. Bully backdrops Storm but Jeff moves the table, that’s happened quite a lot so far. Robbie tries to whip Storm through a table set up in the corner but Jeff clotheslines Storm before he hits the table to save the match. Jeff sets up Robbie on a table but goes up top and jumps onto Robbie T instead (Robbie T coast Jeff a BFG match Vs. Robbie E, but surely he’d want to win this match more than attack Rob T). Robbie E goes to albow drop Jeff through a table but he moves and Robbie eats wood by putting himself through the table. Bully goes to put Storm through a table but Aces & Eights distract him, which gives Storm the chance to hit Bully with the Last Call and Aces & Eights give him the thumbs up. Aces & Eights appear again near the end allowing Storm to Last Call Jeff, but Bully hits Storm and powerbombs Jeff through a table. I really liked the Aces & Eights interference as it furthered the James Storm is behind Aces & Eights conspiracy, making it look like Bobby Roode was right. Robbie E got more offence than I expected. I liked the match as it furthered the Storm angle and Bully Ray won. ***1/2

X-Division Title - Zema Ion (c) def. Kenny King
Not a fan of Ion but he’ll probably keep belt until Jesse Sorensen returns. Ion looks like Yu-Gi-Oh guy and King like Rodney Stuckey. King works over Ions arm and gets three quick pin attempts. Zema whips King into the apron but King jumps onto apron and flips off onto Ion. Ion gets 2 off a DDT then goes for a moonsault but King gets his knees up. Kenny starts making a comeback as Ion has been in control for abit. In a dangerous looking spot King suplexes Ion into the turnbuckle, a nice corkscrew to the outside by King. Ion gets a 2 off of a tilt-a-whirl jawbreaker. Ion pushes King off the top rope and he like cartwheels out of it then kicks Ion. Zema gets the win by reversing a pin attempt into the Gory Bomb. Got better as it progressed which is good I suppose building to a good climax. Good performance by both men, the corner suplex was dngerous and the tilt-a-whirl jawbreaker was good. ***

BFG Series Ladder Match - AJ Styles (_pts) def. Samoa Joe (54pts), Kurt Angle (48pts), Daniels (33pts)
Been looking foward to this one, Joe winning wouldn’t make sense as he doesn’t need the 20pts but a win for any of the other three would place them in top 4 contention. Chris Daniels gets beaten on by the other three. CD goes for BME (Best Moonsault Ever) but Joe just moves. Joe with a kick to the back of Angles noggin. CD dives over the top but Joe catches him and AJ dives onto both. Sick spot where Joe catches Daniels in midair and chucks him onto a ladder. Daniels goes up a ladder but Joe powerbombs him into the corner in another dangerous lokking spot. Styles whips Angle under a ladder then just pushes it into his face, that could’ve been like Joey Mercury at Armageddon 06. Angle belly to bellys Joe on the outside but is then DDTd by Daniels. Yet another sick spot where Joe belly to bellys Daniels into the turnbuckle. Tower Of Doom spot where Joe goes to Muscle Buster AJ but Angle german suplexes Joe and AJ faceplants the ring. Angle stops Daniels going up a ladder with an Ankle Lock, which also makes sense as a way to injure Daniels foot so he can’t climb. AJ climbs a ladder but Daniels tips it over and AJ takes a bad fall to ringside. Best part of the match now as Joe and Angle play a game of H-O-R-S-E with Daniels by suplexing him in a variety of ways trying to one up each other, Daniels is  out of it now and he gets placed between the rungs of the ladder. Joe and Angle go up two ladders but when Joe headbutts Angle off AJ springboards off the ropes onto the ladder and grabs the envelope for the win and 20pts. Wanted Daniels to win, some damn good spots and there was always something going on. The ladder only came into play near the end as it wasn’t a climb the ladder then pull them down type of ladder match. Best part was Joe and Angle trying each others suplexes on Daniels. ****

TNA World Championship - Austin Aries (c) def. Bobby Roode
No rematch for the loser so this is the last Aries Vs. Roode title match for a while. Aries keeps going for the Last Chancery at the start. Aries dropkicks Roode right on the bonce. Roode goes to the outside but Aries flies over the top onto him. Back on the outside and Aries goes to dive into Roode but he moves so Aries his the guardrail. Roode in control now and he targets Aries mid-section, Aries tries for a crucifix pin but Roode turns it into a gutbuster, Aries starts to mount a comeback but Roode cuts him off with a knee to the gut, more damage to Aries mid-section as Roode has him in the tree of woe. Aries regains the advantage with a 180’ stunner out of the corner. Aries snaps off punches, atomic drop, axe handle to the outside and a dropkick into the guardrail. Roode breaks up a Lat Chancery with a rake to the eyes and then applies a crossface. Roode gets 2 off a spinebuster. Aries goes for a 450’ splash but Roode gets his knees up. Ref Bump! when Roode spears him, he then spears Aries and another ref counts 2. Ref Bump 2! when Aries is pushed into him. Roode kicks out of a brain bustaaaa. Roode hits a superplex and both men pin eachother in a small package-esque move. Earl Hebner makes the match restart. Aries dives to outside but he hits the world title that Roode was holding which gets Roode a 2 count, but Aries is playing possum and rolls up Roode for 3.  **** Did we really need 2 ref bumps and the pointless double pin, was a good match between them until the overbooking tarnished the ending.

22/40 The rating maynot be good but it was a good PPV, the ladder match was great and the main event was very good. The rest of the card was solid if unspectacular. The PPV rating is down due to the early matches. Good PPV, TNA is on abit of a roll.