Southern All Star Wrestling 12/15 TV report and LWL Christmas Conflict
On Tuesday, December 25, 2007 at 4:05 PM EST Larry Goodman sent this report in:
Southern All Star Wrestling
Airdate December 15, 2007
Taped November 30, 2007 at the SAW Arena in Millersville, Tn
Opening with highlight clips from last week…Arrick Andrews pinned A.M. Vision to advance to the Television Tournament Final against Nore Havoc…Havoc (with Paul Adams) interrupted Andrews’ interview segment. “Now, you’ve got a shot, a teeny one, but a shot to face Nore Havoc for this TV Title." Andrews stood his ground. A heated confrontation verged on getting physical.
Cut to Jack Johnson and Hot Rod Biggs at ringside in their Christmas hats. Biggs hyped the Andrews/Havoc title match as today’s main event. SAW starts NOW!
(1) Mason Raige beat “Big" Rig Brown via submission in 6:55. A showcase for Raige’s strength and power. Brown (formerly Kliff Hanger) is billing himself as the best truck driver in the world. Johnson questioned just how that was determined. Brown’s gear, with the giant K on the jersey, must be leftovers from the previous gimmick. Rig didn’t look very big next to Raige, who goes about 6-3 and 260. Raige finished Brown with his version of the torture rack called “The Rack of Raige."
Over at the desk. Johnson asked Raige for his thoughts on the tournament. Raige said Havoc pinned him in the semis by using the tights but he wasn’t going to complain about it. Raige was going with Andrews, but whoever won was going to have to deal with “The Modern Man of Steel."
They cut to comments from Rick Santel, who said Andrews was also his pick to win.
As Homicidal Tendencies strutted out to the desk. Johnson reminded the fans that Tendencies held four belts (SAW and NWA Top Rope tag titles). Kory Williams said the tag team scene in SAW had turned pathetic since Tendencies got rid of the Naturals and Maddox Brothers. Williams said things were so bad Brother Vic had to beat up on an Injun, (Lennox Lighfot.) Williams called him “Lightfoots."
I gotta go beat up on somebody. Why should Vic have all the fun? Hey, I almost didn’t recognize him (Lightfoots) without the casino t-shirt on.
Williams and Bruiser made a fool out of Johnson by rearranging his Santa hat.
(2) Lennox Lightfoot beat Kory Williams (with Vic the Bruiser) in 6:18. Williams did mock tomahawk chops and motioned that Lightfoot was drinking firewater. Johnson was suspicious about Bruiser’s presence at ringside. Biggs said being on the road together 330 days a year made them tag team brothers, so Johnson was jumping to conclusions. The “brothers" each took a dropkick from Lightfoot. Williams fired chops. Johnson said those were called the Pork Chops. Lightfoot reversed and lit Williams up. Bruiser interfered and Williams knocked Lighfoot out of the ring with a knee in the back. Bruiser beat up on Lightfoot, while referee Kurt Herron was admonishing Williams. Back inside the ring, Lightfoot ducked Wiliams’ lariats and got the upset win with a flying crucifix.
Tendencies gave Lightfoot a postmatch beating. Bruiser hit a Samoan drop into a hangman’s neckbreaker. Tendencies proceeded to rub makeup all over Lightfoot’s face. Williams grabbed Lightfoot’s Indian war bonnet.
Each one of those feathers means something, and now “Hot Chocolate" Kory Williams is just ripping them up and throwing them everywhere. This is crazy.
Indian Outlaw hit the ring for the save. Wiliams accused Lightfoot of being an imposter because he didn’t paint himself up, so Tendencies did it for him.
“The Graduate" Jason James predicted that Havoc would defeat Andrews.
A. M. Vision beat T. J. Harley in 5:45. Vision attacked at the opening bell. Harley came back with the Pounce. Harley had him in trouble, until Vision shoved Harley into the turnbuckles and laced him with an enzuigiri. There was a screwy spot where it looked like Harley wanted to slingshot to the inside, and Vision surprised him with a wicked slingshot stomp to the outside. Vision showed off his moveset. Biggs said they were cutting to more predictions on the Havoc/Andrews match. Silence. Harley kicked out of what Biggs called the best top rope elbow he had ever seen. Where do you go from there? Frogsplash and Harley kick out again. Vision’s offensive barrage left Harley face down on the mat. Vision used Jericho’s Codebreaker. But Harley countered the Infamy with a side backbreaker, and it was both men down. Harley hit a helluva push up powerbomb. Pin attempt by Vision, reversed by Harley, reversed by Vision 1..2..3.
“Boogie Woogie Boy" Gary Valiant was Biggs’ special guest on “Shop Talk." Biggs wondered how Boogie was doing after being put out of action by Hammerjack’s piledriver. “The doctors hasn’t released me." Boogie was slurring his words. Valiant said he was tired of being jumped from behind. Last time, Hammerjack put him through a table while Charming Charles made Miss Boogie watch. Biggs said it was absolutely disgusting, and brought up the time Valiant’s trips to Skyline Medical Center. Valiant said the second time, he thought he was out wrestling for good.
Like his saying goes, don’t turn your back on Hammerjack. You know, I got that firsthand…I’m astin Hammerjack, right now. Hammer., I’m astin you for a match. The biggest card that’s ever came to Columbia, Tennessee. Hammerjack, sign it. cuz I will be there, if I have to STEAL, BORROW, BEG, or if I have to hitchhike to Columbia. Be there.
Cut to Johnson with Hammerjack and Charles. “You guys have got so many chains it’s unbelievable." Charles offered to give Valiant a Christmas Chain Match on December 25 in Columbia.
Chain match, my brother. You remember the classic Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol?" Remember Ebenezer Scrooge, the ghost of Christmas past, locked in chains for the sins he had committed? Well, Gary Valiant, you are going to be locked that night in chains for the sins you’ve committed. You are going to be drug from corner to corner to corner in these chains, Gary. And you have got to agree to our terms. If you walk out of this, which you won’t, (giggles like a crazy man) you are going to be mangled. You are going to be unmercifully beat. So Christmas Night, Columbia, Tennessee, National Guard Armory. We’d love to see you, Gary.
Next up was a series of clips explaining the 6 month history leading to Andrews/Havoc…June 16 – After a fake display of good sportsmanship, Chris Michaels attacked Andrews’ injured hamstring, but Andrews managed to roll Michaels up for the flash pin…July 14 – Andrews interrupts Havoc’s interview time. Havoc warns Andrews to NEVER turn his back on him again. Havoc back jumps Andrews during his match. Michaels and Havoc shave Andrews’ head…August 4 – Andrews chases Havoc with a stick and accidentally shoves it into the throat of Commissioner Freddie Morton. August 11 – Andrews fined $10K and suspended for 21 days by Morton. Last week – Andrews reaches the finals and refuses to bow down to the mighty Havoc.
(4) Arrick Andrews beat Nore Havoc (with Paul Adams) to win the SAW Television Title Tournament in 10:20. Biggs said Havoc had been his pick from day one. Biggs announced James Storm vs. Chris Michaels for Christmas night in Columbia. Andrews throttled Havoc with straight wrestling. There was a totally illogical spot where Havoc turned his back to talk to the referee Kurt Herron and got nailed. Johnson said Havoc had lost his marbles. The match did a 180 when Havoc pulled the top rope down. While Adams distracted Herron, Havoc worked Andrews over at ringside. Johnson complained about Adams. Biggs said Johnson was biased. Johnson told Biggs he was going to get coal in his stocking, among other things. A shaky looking spin-around bulldog started the comeback. But it was all good from there. Havoc kicked out of a reverse rolling cradle, and Andrews blasted Adams, who was on the apron ready to interfere. Adams bumped to the floor. Havoc schoolboyed Andrews using the tights for a close near fall. Havoc tried for the Chopping Block (RKO), but Andrews blocked. Adams grabbed Andrews by the leg. Andrews yanked Adams up to apron. Andrews ducked, and Adams got clocked by Havoc. Andrews nailed a disbelieving Havoc with the Dragon’s Curse.
Shameless plug…
Christmas Night at the National Guard Armory in Columbia, Tennessee with an 8:01 belltime.
Christmas Chain Match : “Boogie Woogie Boy" Gary Valiant vs. Hammerjack (with Charming Charles).
2 out of 3 fall for the SAW TV Title: Arrick Andrews(c) vs. A. M. Vision.
“Cowboy" James Storm, Chris Michaels, Homicidal Tendencies, Tribal Nation.
Closing Thoughts: Charles cut a money promo, primo stuff, straight from the heyday of the territories, the type that is sadly becoming a lost art in today’s wrestling. If you can’t appreciate stuff like Valiant murdering the English language, the politically incorrect comedy of Tendencies vs. Tribal Nation, and the ridiculousness of an indie wrestler getting fined 10K, then this is probably not the show for you. Some of Johnson’s comments had me laughing out loud. Biggs still has heelish leanings on color, but he took a major step in coming out as a babyface. I was at the live taping. Vision/Harley came across to me much better match on TV, particularly Harley’s selling like he was nearly dead before making the come back. Raige also made a better impression on TV. He’s green but pushable, and needs to be brought along slowly. They did an excellent job of making a big deal out of the title match with the comments from other wrestlers and the clips to explain the story. The jump cuts cameras were much smoother this week. There was only the one obvious technical glitch. There are times when they do themselves no favors with the camera angle, like the cringeworthy close up of Bruiser barely touching Lightfoot. Good heat for the title match with the crowd heavily into Andrews. His ring work was was nothing special. With that said, good booking can cover a multitude of sins, and this story was an all out push for Andrews as top babyface. He goes over the guy that shaved his head for the title, and overcomes outside interference to get a clean pin with his finisher.
Oliver Newman sent this report in:
WOW….intense……gruelling……..dramatic……gripping….Oh these are words to sum up Sykes vs. Navarro 2! By Oliver Newman
LWL Christmas Conflict
Company: Legends Wrestling League
Date: Tuesday 18th December 2007
Time: 7:30pm
Attendance: 58
Price: Adults £5, Kids £3.
Location: Legends Members Club, Oxley Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV1 1QN.
Motor Mouth Mike is your Ring Announcer for this evening.
Mat Mensa addresses the LWL Fans……
Mensa first thanks the crowd for their support, then he asks the question that has been on everyone’s lips since last month ‘Why Maxx?’ before he can get an answer to that question Mr Valentino & Matt Vaughn interrupt. Valentino calls Mensa’s win against Vaughn a fluke and spouts off that Mensa isn’t a worthy LWL Champion. Valentino & Vaughn attack Mensa until Mad Dog Maxx makes his way to the ring, after a few moments of hesitation Maxx attacks Vaughn & Valentino! Maxx then talks of how he & Mensa are from the same town and street and the two shake hands.
WOW….intense……gruelling……..dramatic……gripping….Oh these are words to sum up Sykes vs. Navarro 2! By Oliver Newman
LWL Christmas Conflict
Company: Legends Wrestling League
Date: Tuesday 18th December 2007
Time: 7:30pm
Attendance: 58
Price: Adults £5, Kids £3.
Location: Legends Members Club, Oxley Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV1 1QN.
Motor Mouth Mike is your Ring Announcer for this evening.
Mat Mensa addresses the LWL Fans……
Mensa first thanks the crowd for their support, then he asks the question that has been on everyone’s lips since last month ‘Why Maxx?’ before he can get an answer to that question Mr Valentino & Matt Vaughn interrupt. Valentino calls Mensa’s win against Vaughn a fluke and spouts off that Mensa isn’t a worthy LWL Champion. Valentino & Vaughn attack Mensa until Mad Dog Maxx makes his way to the ring, after a few moments of hesitation Maxx attacks Vaughn & Valentino! Maxx then talks of how he & Mensa are from the same town and street and the two shake hands.
My Thoughts:
That was a good way to start the show, questions needed to be answered after Maxx and Mensa shared a staredown last month. What was on Maxx’s agenda? We now know he wants the LWL Title but he also showed a great deal of respect for Mensa. More questions have arisen out of this alliance, the old saying “Keep your friends close but your enemies closer" maybe something for Mensa to keep an eye on.
LWL National Pride Championship
‘Metro-Sexual’ Danny Devine vs. Dan Ryder ©
The fans get behind Ryder from the start with chants of “Ryder, Ryder". Ryder responds by reversing into a hip-toss and quickly hitting a Japanese Arm-drag. Ryder follows up with a lucha throw but unhappy at the execution starts a “You F***** up" chant of his own! With Devine on the outside Ryder sees an opportunity to be crazy (which of course he takes) but Devine is too quick and moves out of the way as Ryder cannonballs towards him. Devine dropkicks Ryder’s back before calling for Devine-Time, Ryder reverses out into the Michinoku Driver for a two count. Ryder with the momentum power-slams Devine and quickly hits his patented 450 Splash for the three count.
Match Time: 11 minutes
Winner and STILL LWL National Pride Champion: Dan Ryder
My Thoughts:
That was a good match, I felt Ryder was a little harsh on himself starting the “You f***** up" chant as the lucha throw didn’t seem like a mistake. Both competitors put forth good performances in a back and forth match which was just what you look for in an opening match. After watching the match I personally thought that the booker had said “Go and have a good match nothing more and nothing less“ which stopped this match from being great. As with a less restricted time limit Ryder vs. Devine normally equals match of the night but alas it wasn’t to be on this occasion.
‘Mr #1’ Jonny Costello & Platinum Paige vs. ‘Sik’ Nik Dutt & Caiman
As one fan claps Costello points out “Clapping on your own is very embarrassing" so more fans join in. Costello wins the lockup but as Paige holds Dutt he smacks Paige by mistake. He apologises and strokes Paige’s hair and face, with Paige tagged in the same happens again this time Paige pulls back but Dutt dropkicks him into Costello. Dutt arm-ringers Paige and whilst in a wrist-lock tags in Caiman, who enters via and axe handle off the top rope. The fans chant “Nik, Nik" with Dutt and Costello exchanging tags to Caiman & Paige respectively. Clotheslines knock Paige and Costello down a funny moment as Costello trips over his flag! A big boot follows but Paige breaks up the pinfall. Caiman connects with his swinging rock bottom and then with a rock launcher on Dutt the Dutt/Caiman team pick up the victory.
Match Time: 11 minutes
Winners: ‘Sik’ Nik Dutt & Caiman
My Thoughts:
Good follow up match to Ryder & Devine. All four men had time to shine and they did as a good tag match progressed. Caiman/Dutt looked like veteran tag partners who had been tagging for years when in reality this was their first match as a team. Costello and Paige brought the old school cheating and comedy to the match with all these elements a good match was seen by the LWL fans.
John Sotello (Jonny Costello) addresses the crowd………….
“I had cancer, before I didn’t want to say it but unfortunately it might be back. I’m 100% dedicated to Professional Wrestling! I didn’t want sympathy, believe me when I say every time I’m in this ring I give you 100%. Thanks for treating me like s***, I like that! Thank you very much and I’ll see you next time" The fans clap and cheer loudly as Sotello leaves.
Best of luck with your battle John, here’s hoping you win and your back in a Wrestling ring sooner rather than later!
Sykes vs. Kris Navarro 2
Sykes attacks Navarro before the bell “Did you hear a bell?" he shouts at the referee. Sykes clubs Navarro with some vicious forearms as the assault continues, “Mom’s a f****** slag" he shouts at a fan. Navarro fires back and whilst in the ascendancy Sykes takes a breather, “You’re a chicken" chant starts up. Sykes grabs Navarro’s leg and bends and twists it in the ropes before RIPPING Navarro’s knee pad right off! “You cheer for this?" he taunts the crowd. Navarro fights back with a Crucifix for a two count, “Starting to piss me off" Sykes bellows. “There’s my F-U" as Sykes proceeds to spit water on the fans once more. Two over zealous fans jump in the ring and attack Sykes leading to the Disqualification.
Aftermath:
It was a setup as the two ‘fans’ are Real Deal Wrestling’s Havok and Lee Chaos! Carnage, Joey Syxx & Chandler Scott Lee interrupt as RDW are beating down Navarro. “Told you not to mess with me you Ginger tosser!" directed at LWL Promoter Matt Stark. “RDW is where the big boys play, we are future legends". Carnage, Syxx & CSL help Navarro to his feet and to the back.
Match Time: 11 minutes
Winner: Sykes by Disqualification through interference.
My Thoughts:
WOW that was intense! Unlike Sykes vs. Navarro 1 which was a wrestling clinic, this was a straight up fight. Sykes and Navarro didn’t hold anything back as they fought for the win, Sykes’s new toned up attitude makes him even more dangerous than he was before (I didn’t think that was possible). Navarro showed why he is the rising star in LWL by putting forth an incredibly resilient performance. The ending of the match completely got me as I thought it was legit! I have heard much good press about Chaos and Havok so I’m intrigued at how they will do when wrestling in front of my eyes. With no definitive winner in this match I see Sykes vs. Navarro 3 happening in the future and I for one CAN’T wait! LONG may this feud continue……..
INTERMISSION
Respect Match
‘New Age’ Kristian Lees vs. Carnage
Lees applies the wrist-lock and taunts Carnage saying “I’ll teach you some respect", that allows Carnage to reverse the hold before Lees reverses once more. Carnage leg trips Lees and applies the head-lock before transitioning into a hammer-lock. Lees elbows out but Carnage holds on before low bridging Lees over the top rope and to the floor. The fans clap and chant “Chicken, Chicken" at Lees, Lees leaves but Carnage drags him back out. Carnage pulls Lees top over his head and connects with a vicious chop, a lariat and belly to belly suplex follow as Carnage takes control of the match. Carnage climbs the turnbuckle a fan shouts “450" to which Carnage replies “I wish!" instead Carnage hits a slingshot splash for a two count. Lees is able to rally and attempts to jump off onto Carnage, Carnage skilfully reverses into a Carnage-Bolt for the three count.
Match Time: 4 minutes
Winner: Carnage
My Thoughts:
Good for the four minutes given. Four minutes is not a fair amount of time for a person making their in ring debut, but with that being said Lees looked competitive against the veteran Carnage. So with that I guess you can say job done, I’d like to see Lees in a longer match next time around, Carnage put forth a good performance for the time allowed.
Matt Vaughn & Mr Valentino vs. Mat Mensa & Mad Dog Maxx
Maxx & Mensa knock down Vaughn and Valentino with throat chops, more throat chops down Vaughn. Valentino uses “He’s a big boy he can handle himself" as his excuse for not coming to Vaughn’s aid. The double team continues on Vaughn and when Valentino interrupts he gets chopped for his troubles, “That one hurt" he screams. Maxx continues the assault with an eye scrape on Valentino, “Mad Dog" chant starts up from the LWL fans. Maxx drops Vaughn before chopping Valentino “I love you Mad Dog" Mensa says before kissing Maxx’s head! A double lariat follows on Valentino, after knocking down Vaughn a Doomsday Device connects and with that Mensa and Maxx are the winners.
Match Time: 12 minutes
Winners: Mat Mensa & Mad Dog Maxx
My Thoughts:
Another good match on a card full of them. Mensa & Maxx co-existed incredibly well, if I was going to compare their situation I would to that of Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels when they were forced to fight against the Hart Foundation in 1997. Everything is just fine right now as it was for Austin and Michaels but Maxx wants LWL gold and Mensa holds it. So I can see this being a partnership of connivance before the future LWL Title showdown between the two competitors. I’m not forgetting Vaughn and Valentino who looked like a pretty good tag team in their own right, looking competitive even in losing. If this is the start of an LWL Tag Division there are already 3 or 4 teams to work with and it could be good for the company.
Main Event
LWL Christmas Cracker Rumble for £500 Check
TGR W/The Boss vs. Joey Syxx vs. The Gentleman Gigalo vs. ’Male Model’ Tommy White vs. Caiman vs. Kristian Lees vs. Carnage vs. G-Force vs. ’Metro-Sexual’ Danny Devine vs. LWL Dragon vs. DR X vs. DR Y vs. Kris Navarro vs. ‘Sik‘ Nik Dutt vs. Dan Ryder vs. Chandler Scott Lee vs. Sykes vs. Havok vs. Lee Chaos vs. Platinum Paige
TGR is eliminated by Syxx, Gigalo is eliminated by White, Syxx eliminates Caiman, Syxx eliminates White, Lees is eliminated by Carnage, Navarro eliminates LWL Dragon, Ref Primetime and Paige are eliminated by Sykes, CSL, Dr X and Dr Y are eliminated shortly after, G-Force is thrown out onto Dr X and Y, Ryder and Carnage are also eliminated. It’s down to 3 on 3 (Syxx, Navarro & Dutt vs. Sykes, Chaos & Havok). Sykes eliminates Navarro, Chaos and Havok forget about Rumble and concentrate on finishing off Navarro and Syxx! Sykes and Dutt are left one on one, with Sykes in control. Dutt fights back as the crowd explode! Sykes gains control once more “Who wants him?" but this allows Dutt to connect with a dropkick and Enzuguri to eliminate Sykes and WIN the Christmas Rumble! It looks like RDW vs. Dutt until Syxx & Navarro even up the odds with chairs. RDW leave before Sykes threatens Stark once more “RDW vs. LWL in January elimination tag, book it!" “You (while pointing at Navarro) I’m going to break your frigging neck!".
Match Time: 26 minutes
Winner: ‘Sik’ Nik Dutt
My Thoughts:
Well like all Rumbles this was a blink and you might miss it event. Chaotic would be a good way to sum it up, good to see G-Force (aka Geraden) make his debut in an LWL ring. I hope that is a regular occurrence for the young and comer. A lot of the near eliminations looked like they were suppose to be eliminations so that was a little sloppy. When it was down to 3 vs. 3 the Rumble improved tremendously! The main stories to come out of the Rumble though Dutt being £500 richer and RDW vs. LWL and that should be heated come January 2008.
Overall Thoughts:
Mensa & Maxx’s alliance should be interesting, Ryder vs. Devine was good but both are capable of better. Costello & Paige vs. Caiman & Dutt was a good tag match, best of luck to John Sotello in his battle with Cancer! Sykes vs. Navarro was a fantastic fight! Carnage vs. Lees was good for the time given. Mensa & Maxx vs. Valentino & Vaughn was another good tag and if it is a prelude to an LWL Tag Division I welcome it. Christmas Rumble was chaotic, disjointed at times but LWL vs. RDW should be heated when it kicks off next month. 58 fans is less than last time but not too bad considering the time of year. LWL has really turned itself into a very good promotion who are beginning to make a name from themselves, long may that continue.
Match of the Night:
Sykes vs. Kris Navarro 2
Show of the Month:
Triple X (December 2nd 2007)
Wrestler of the Month:
Sykes
Show of 2007:
1PW 2nd Year Anniversary
UK Wrestler of 2007:
Darren Burridge
Next Show:
Tuesday 15th January 2008
7:30pm
Price: Adults £5, Kids £3.
Location: Legends Members Club, Oxley Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV1 1QN.
Card thus far:
6 Man Elimination Tag
RDW vs. LWL
Sykes, Lee Chaos & Havok vs. Kris Navarro, Joey Syxx & ‘Sik’ Nik Dutt
For more information on LWL check out their website www.lwluk.co.uk
or http://www.myspace.com/lwleague
If you would like to contact me: www.myspace.com/brummieol
MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my readers!
See you in 2008.…….
Oliver Newman