SHIMMER Women Athletes Volume 62
March 21, 2015 (Taped on: March 29, 2014)
New Orleans, Louisiana
Commentary: Dave Prazak, Amber Gertner
Recap by: Jason Namako of Wrestleview.com
Live event hostess Daffney welcomes us to the show and we go to the opening match.
Sassy Stephie & “The Gem City Queen” Nevaeh vs. The Buddy System (“The Punk Rock Ragdoll” Heidi Lovelace & Solo Darling)
This is Solo’s SHIMMER debut. Heidi & Nevaeh start. Chain wrestling early. Solo in, armdrag to Nevaeh. Solo takes down Nevaeh, Heidi & Stephie tag in. Armdrag, spinning back kick by Heidi. Solo in, takes Stephie down, Nevaeh breaks up the pin, stomping away at Solo.
Series of back clubs and forearms by Stephie. Stephie trips up Solo, Last Chancery applied, Solo gets free. Victim Kick by Stephie, followed by the Scissor Stomp. Nevaeh in, rolling neck snap to Solo, Heidi knocked off the apron. Nevaeh gets 2. Ref is with Heidi, allowing Stephie to get a cheap shot in. Snap suplex gets Nevaeh another 2. Big chop in the corner, Stephie tags in. Crowd wills on Solo, series of shoulders to the ribs by Stephie. Stephie misses a clothesline, roll-up gets Solo 2. Chinlock applied by Stephie, taunts Solo. Nevaeh in, stomps away at Solo. Ref is with Nevaeh, allowing Stephie to choke Solo. Nevaeh gets another 2. Chinlock applied, crowd again wills on Solo. Solo blocks a hiptoss, but misses a head kick, roll-up gets Nevaeh another 2. Stephie in, abdominal stretch applied, then Nevaeh gives her extra leverage while the ref is with Heidi. Nevaeh in, gets another 2. Nevaeh avoids an enziguri by Solo, Solo kicks Nevaeh off into Stephie.
Heidi in, series of mafia kicks to both Stephie & Nevaeh in opposite corners. Stephie tries to powerbomb Heidi, but Heidi counters with a facebuster for 2. Solo in, Buddy System goes for You’ve Got a Friend in Me (Double Snapmare Driver) to Stephie, but Nevaeh breaks it up by spearing Heidi.
Double Alabama Slam by Stephie & Nevaeh on Solo gets them the win.
Winners: Sassy Stephie & “The Gem City Queen” Nevaeh by pinfall (Double Alabama Slam)
Buddy System get an ovation afterwards as they leave.
THOUGHTS: Solid opening tag match. Both teams showed good chemistry with one another. Decent way to start off the show.
Veda Scott vs. Leva Bates
Leva has fun with Veda early. Exchange of armdrags and roll-ups for 2 counts. Both block each other’s kick attempts, then Leva with a spin kick. Veda with a back kick, followed by a 2nd Rope Crossbody for 2. Lotus Lock applied, Leva counters by bridging backward to get 2. Camel Clutch applied by Leva, Veda fights out, Russian Leg Sweep gets 2. Series of overhand chops by Leva, followed by a Mongolian Chop. 2 chest kicks and a running high knee by Leva. Delayed double knees in the corner gets Leva 2. Dropkick to the knees, followed by a basement Rocker Dropper gets Leva another 2. Veda comes back with a running forearm in the corner, then avoids a corner charge and hits the Bridging Saito for a close 2. Leva blocks the Mind Trip, sends Veda into the turnbuckles, then hits a Pendelum Kick. Leva heads up top, but Veda stops her. Veda goes up with Leva, but Leva with a series of back clubs.
Greetings from Bates Motel gets Leva the win.
Winner: Leva Bates by pinfall (Greetings from Bates Motel)
Leva helps Veda up afterwards and raises her hand. The two embrace in a sign of mutual respect.
THOUGHTS: OK babyface vs. babyface match, but it was a good sprint that didn’t wear out its welcome.
“The Mountain” Vanessa Kraven vs. Kay Lee Ray
This is the SHIMMER debut of both women. Kraven is from Canada, while Kay Lee Ray is from the UK. Kraven throws down KLR early multiple times. Kraven does not go down mutliple times off of shoulder tackle attempts by KLR. KLR responds by rocking Kraven with an enziguri, sending her outside. KLR with a head of steam, but Kraven stops her with a forearm. KLR fights back with a series of leg kicks, followed by a running rana. KLR charges, but Kraven catches her with a powerslam for 2.
Kraven chokes KLR in the ropes, followed by a series of big chops. Shoulder tackle by Kraven, then taunts KLR. Snap suplex gets Kraven 2. Kraven stomps away at KLR in the corner, but KLR avoids a corner charge and hits a running kick in the corner, followed by a running basement dropkick for 2. KLR off the ropes, but Kraven catches her with a clothesline. Scissor Stomp by Kraven gets another 2. KLR fights back with forearms, but Kraven catches her off a crossbody. KLR fights off, then does a Matrix move to avoid a head kick, but Kraven with a release German for another 2. Series of Victim Kicks by Kraven, followed by an elbow drop and a running legdrop for another 2. KLR surprises Kraven with an O’Connor Roll for 2. PK by KLR gets another 2. Kraven comes back with another clothesline, then stomps away some more at KLR in the corner, followed by more big chops. KLR fights back with chops of her own, but they have no effect on Kraven. Kraven charges, but KLR avoids a Cannonball.
Running forearm by KLR in the corner, followed by a 2nd Rope Flying Forearm. KLR heads up top and hits the Senton Bomb, but Kraven rolls outside to avoid being pinned. KLR with a head of steam and wipes out Kraven with a tope suicida! Back in, KLR heads back up top, but Kraven goozles her. KLR fights Kraven off, but Kraven grabs her for a powerbomb.
Kraven goes for it, but KLR counters it with a Sunset Flip for the win.
Winner: Kay Lee Ray by pinfall (Sunset Flip)
THOUGHTS: Well-done big vs. small style match. Both women looked impressive in their SHIMMER debuts and won over the New Orleans crowd with their efforts.
Kimber Lee vs. SHINE Champion (at the time) “The Huntress” Ivelisse
This is Ivelisse’s SHIMMER debut. Ivelisse with a quick armdrag. Kimber works over Ivelisse’s arm as Lenny Leonard joins commentary for this match. Ivelisse takes Kimber down, but Kimber keeps ahold of the arm. Ivelisse gets free with another armdrag. Kimber grabs the hair, but Ivelisse with an overhand chop and some more armdrags. Ivelisse blocks an armdrag from Kimber and hits a chest kick. Kimber takes Ivelisse down, but Ivelisse with a kick from underneath to get 2. Ivelisse charges, but Kimber sends her face-first off the middle turnbuckle.
Kimber chokes Ivelisse in the ropes, then trash talks her. Ivelisse fights back with leg kicks, but Kimber with a chest kick. Series of big chops by Kimber in the corner, but Ivelisse powers out with chops of her own. Ivelisse off the ropes, but Kimber catches her with a clothesline for 2. Chinlock applied, crowd wills on Ivelisse. Ivelisse fights out, Kimber misses a clothesline, but hits a big boot. Kimber chokes Ivelisse in the ropes again. Ivelisse comes back with a back elbow and a back kick, but Kimber with another clothesline. Kimber chokes Ivelisse some more, then has words with the ref. Ivelisse fights out of a suplex attempt, but Kimber hits a delayed suplex on the second try. Kimber heads up top and goes for a splash, but Ivelisse moves out of the way.
Strike exchange, Ivelisse gains advantage with 2 superkicks, followed by a running rana. Ivelisse goes onto the apron, avoids a Kimber charg and hits a chest kick. Ivelisse with a head kick while Kimber is trapped in the ropes. Jackknife Pin gets Ivelisse 2. Lickedly-Split Jawbreaker by Kimber, followed by the release German, but Ivelisse kicks out! Kimber can’t believe it! Basement Head Kick by Kimber, Jackknife Pin gets a close 2. Kimber is getting frustrated. Ivelisse avoids a pump kick, hits a series of open-hand slaps, followed by the Scorpion Kick.
Ivelisse off the ropes, Desert Eagle gets the win.
Winner: SHINE Champion (at the time) “The Huntress” Ivelisse by pinfall (The Desert Eagle)
Ivelisse celebrates her win afterward.
THOUGHTS: Good, hard-hitting match between these two. Another fine outing for Kimber in a singles capacity in SHIMMER and while Ivelisse has yet to make another appearance for SHIMMER, her outing was another in the long list of examples of why SHINE & Lucha Underground have invested so much in her over the last year or so.
In-ring segment between Nicole Matthews & Madison Eagles where they agree to challenge 3G for the SHIMMER Tag Team Titles later tonight, putting aside their differences.
Candice LeRae vs. “The Fallen Goddess” Athena
This is Candice’s SHIMMER debut and Athena’s return to SHIMMER after a 4-volume absence due to injury. They shake hands as the bell sounds. Candice with a quick roll-up gets 2. Candice leaps onto Athena’s back for a Sleeper, but Athena knocks her off. Athena blocks a Crucifix attempt and lifts up Candice, but Candice counters out with a rana. Exchange of chest kicks, then Candice knocks down Athena with a big boot, followed by a running half senton for 2. Candice misses a forearm and Athena hits her with a Slingblade. Athena hits the front cartwheel forearm in the corner, but Candice avoids double knees. Athena blocks the Box-Plex with elbows, but Candice counters a victory roll attempt with one of her own for 2. Athena with a savate kick to the ribs, but Candice counters a suplex with an inside cradle for 2. Both hold onto the inside cradle and get a series of 2 counts until we have a stalemate. Both miss right hands and kicks as they are dizzy from the prior cradle attempts. Candice charges, but Athena catches her with a spinebuster for 2.
Athena with a soccer kick to the ribs, followed by a big slam for another 2. Candice goes up & over Athena in the corner and hits her with a twisting rana. Sunset Flip gets Candice 2. Strike exchange, Athena misses a basement head kick, but hits a basement superkick to the back of Candice’s head. Athena with a big boot, a hangman’s neckbreaker and a Butterfly for another 2. Athena with an Octopus-style submission hold applied, but Candice rolls through it and gets 2. Athena with another boot, but misses a clothesline and Candice locks her in the Octopus Stretch. Athena tries to fight out, but Candice keeps it applied after a knee strike. Athena is then able to get free by driving Candice into the corner. Series of chest kicks by Athena in the corner, followed by a leg capture suplex for another 2. Candice fights back with forearms and stomps. Candice charges, but Athena drop toe holds her into the ropes, then goes outside and hits a head kick. Athena heads up top, but Candice avoids her and spikes Athena with a tilt-a-whirl DDT for a close 2.
Candice with a back elbow, followed by spiking Athena with a Cutter for another close 2. Athena drives Candice into the corner, but Candice grabs her and hits a Buckle Box-Plex, but Athena gets her hand on the bottom rope before the count of 3! “This is awesome” chants by the crowd. Candice places Athena up top, then calls for the Mustache Ride, but Athena blocks it and knocks Candice off the ropes.
O-FACE!! 1-2-3!
Winner: “The Fallen Goddess” Athena by pinfall (The O-Face)
Athena raises Candice’s hand afterwards, then leaves as the crowd chants for Candice.
THOUGHTS: Great debut for Candice in SHIMMER and a nice outing for Athena in her SHIMMER return. These two would go on to have a great 2014 and this was one to add to their resume for the year. Best thing on the show so far.
Mercedes Martinez comes out and issues an open challenge for her NCW Femme Fatales International Title. The returning Courtney Rush comes out to accept, returning to SHIMMER after a 4-volume absence due to injury.
NCW Femme Fatales International Title: “The Latina Sensation” Mercedes Martinez (c) vs. Courtney Rush
Mercedes goes after Rush as the bell sounds, but Rush avoids her and hits a clothesline, a back elbow and a Thesz press, sending Mercedes outside. Mercedes wants a timeout as the ref begins his 10 count. Mercedes breaks the ref’s count and continues to stall on the outside. Mercedes gets back in, but quickly goes back outside to again break the ref’s count. Rush sits down in the ring and checks her watch, waiting for Mercedes to get back in. Mercedes finally does so. Mercedes grabs Rush by the hair, but Rush avoids a forearm and hits a series of forearms. Referee tries to back up Rush, allowing Mercedes to poke Rush in the eyes. Rush works over Mercedes’ arm, but Mercedes with a gut shot and a throat thrust. Series of chest clubs by Mercedes in the corner, followed by another throat thrust. Side headlock takeover, but Rush counters out with a headscissors, then turns over to put more torque on the hold. Mercedes tries to bridge out, but Rush keeps the hold applied. Mercedes finally gets free and hits a big right hand. Another throat thrust by Mercedes, but Rush with a side headlock. Mercedes fights out and hits a big chop, another throat thrust and more chest clubs. Mercedes blocks an Exploder with another throat thrust, but Rush hits her with a T-Bone for 2. Front chancery applied by Rush, then hits a suplex for 2. Rush goes for the Sharpshooter, but Mercedes quickly gets to the ropes. Rush brings Mercedes out to the center the hard way, then goes for the Sharpshooter again, but Mercedes fights out, then locks Rush in a STF. Rush gets to the ropes, forcing Mercedes to break.
Mercedes stomps away at Rush, then chokes her in the ropes. Mercedes goes onto the apron and hits a series of front kicks to Rush, followed by a big boot for 2. Mercedes unloads with right hands from the mount, followed by more big chops in the corner. Series of shoulders to the ribs by Mercedes, followed by gut shots. Rush whipped hard into the corner, then Mercedes begins taunting her. More shoulders to the ribs by Mercedes, followed by more stomps, then chokes Rush in the corner with her boot. Rush blocks a Pedigree by Mercedes and counters out with a back body drop, followed by a running boot.
Rush with a forearm, followed by a Butterfly for 2. Mercedes comes back with a spinebuster for a close 2. Mercedes goes for the Fisherman’s Buster, but Rush counters it with an inside cradle for 2. Roll-up, backslide and an O’Connor Roll get Rush a series of close 2’s. Rush charges and hits Mercedes with a Spear, but takes too long in making a cover, only getting another 2. Rush goes again for the Sharpshooter and this time locks it in. Mercedes tries to reach the ropes, but Rush pulls her back to the center. Mercedes tries to reach the ropes, but again, Rush pulls her back to the center and sits down on the Sharpshooter. Mercedes tries one more time and this time, is able to reach the ropes to force a break. Rush grabs Mercedes, but Mercedes holds onto the ropes.
Mercedes then hits Rush with a Backdrop Driver to retain the title.
Winner and STILL NCW Femme Fatales International Champion: “The Latina Sensation” Mercedes Martinez by pinfall (Backdrop Driver)
THOUGHTS: This showed the beginnings of Rush’s revampment as a performer, with the more serious tone to her character. Good, solid match with Mercedes and a nice tie-in here with NCW Femme Fatales, showcasing their main title on a live iPPV.
“The Dynamite Queen” Nikki Storm vs. Thunderkitty
Chain wrestling early. Thunderkitty with a shoulder tackle, then goes back to the side headlock takeover. Storm goes up & over Thunderkitty in the corner, but Thunderkitty avoids a charge and goes back again to the side headlock takeover. Thunderkitty catapults Storm into the corner, roll-up gets 2. Storm sends Thunderkitty off the turnbuckles multiple times, then stomps away at her in the corner. Headbutt to the ribs by Storm, but Thunderkitty fights back with chops. Storm slams Thunderkitty’s face off the mat, followed by a back rake. Suplex gets Storm 2. Thunderkitty fights back with a leg kick and a double throat thrust, but Storm sends her again off the turnbuckles. Another headbutt to the ribs by Storm, then locks Thunderkitty in a chinlock. Crowd wills on Thunderkitty. Thunderkitty fights out and hits a headbutt, a drop toe hold and a basement dropkick. Storm misses a clothesline and Thunderkitty hits a back suplex for 2. Storm comes back with a neckbreaker for a close 2. Storm is getting frustrated, yelling at the ref that it was 3. Thunderkitty locks Storm in the Iron Claw, but Storm gets free by sending Thunderkitty into the turnbuckles.
Perfect Storm gets Storm the win.
Winner: “The Dynamite Queen” Nikki Storm by pinfall (The Perfect Storm)
THOUGHTS: Decent match, but something appeared off in this, can’t put my finger quite on what it was. However, the antics of both women made up for it and it was still an entertaining match.
Evie vs. Hikaru Shida
This was scheduled to be Mia Yim vs. Shida in a Volume 58 return match, but Yim is off the show due to sustaining a knee injury at a WWN event the day prior, so Evie is taking her place. They shake hands as the bell sounds. Chain wrestling early. Evie misses a head kick, Shida misses an enziguri, both miss running attacks, stalemate. Strike exchange, Evie gains advantage. Series of evasions by both, then Evie with an armdrag. Delayed kick to the back of Shida’s head, followed by 2 Victim Kicks by Evie. PK by Evie gets 2. Corner clothesline by Evie, followed by a series of facewashes. Evie charges and hits a sliding kick in the corner for 2. Shida blocks an Irish whip, but Evie with a running boot that sends Shida outside. Evie goes onto the apron, but Shida catches a PK and sends Evie face-first off the apron. Shida with a running kneelift while Evie was draped across the apron. Back in, Shida sends Evie hard into the corner, then charges and hits a running high knee. Another running high knee by Shida in the corner. Shida does the Giant Swing to Evie for 2. Evie fights back with a series of chest kicks, but Shida lifts her up and hits an overhead backbreaker for 2. Shida locks Evie in a Boston Crab, then pulls her to the center when Evie tries to reach the ropes. Shida switches to a half crab, but Evie is able to reach the ropes to force a break. Suplex gets Shida a close 2. Shida goes for the 3 Count, but Evie avoids it and rolls up Shida for 2. Evie avoids a corner charge by Shida, heads up top and hits a missile dropkick. Both charge at one another, but Evie grabs Shida and hits an Urnangi Backbreaker for a close 2. Two Running Yakuza Kicks by Evie in the corner gets another close 2. Evie heads up top, but Shida stops her. Shida heads up top with Evie, but Evie with forearms nearly send Shida down into a Tree of Woe position. Shida then pops back up and headbutts Evie down onto the apron. Shida then hits Evie with a Deadlift Superplex, but Evie kicks out! “This is awesome” chants by the crowd. Another strike exchange, Shida gains advantage, but Evie catches her off the ropes with a Mafia Kick fo a close 2. Evie off the ropes, but Shida catches her with an enziguri. Falcon Arrow gets Shida another close 2.
Shida off the ropes, 3 Count gets the win.
Winner: Hikaru Shida by pinfall (The 3 Count)
Shida helps Evie up afterwards and the two shake hands in a sign of mutual respect.
THOUGHTS: Another hard-hitting match here. Shida gets a nice win, while Evie loses nothing in defeat to a rising Joshi stalwart in Shida.
SHIMMER Tag Team Titles: “The Riot” Nicole Matthews & “The Punisher” Madison Eagles vs. 3G (“The Rate Tank” Kellie Skater & Tomoka Nakagawa) (c’s)
Eagles & Matthews argue over who will start as the bell sounds until they finally agree on Eagles starting with Skater. Chain wrestling early. Skater has fun with Eagles in a chinlock, but Eagles gets free. Eagles goes for a cross armbreaker, but Skater counters out into a leglock. Eagles grabs the referee’s hand, forcing him into the ropes so she can get free. Eagles with a surfboard variation applied, but Skater gets free. Matthews & Nakagawa tag in. Matthews wants a Test of Strength, but makes fun of the height difference between her & Nakagawa. Chain wrestling, then Matthews pulls at Nakagawa’s hair. Nakagawa with a hip attack in the corner, followed by a running dropkick. Strike exchange, Matthews gains advantage, but Nakagawa drop toe holds her into the ropes and hits a sliding dropkick on the apron. Skater in, 3G with an assisted dropkick and an assisted splash on Matthews for 2. Skater with a series of knees to the ribs, but Matthews blocks a suplex and hits one of her own. Skater avoids a basement head kick, kips up and hits a series of chest kicks. Skater takes Matthews down, then hits a PK for 2. Nakagawa in, snapmare and a cartwheel dropkick to Matthews for 2. Nakagawa with another hip attack in the corner, followed by Skater with a running forearm and a bulldog that sends Matthews’ face into the knees of Nakagawa. Eagles with a blind tag in, but Nakagawa with a series of forearms, a dropkick to the knees and a running basement dropkick for 2. Eagles pulls at Nakagawa’s hair, then as the referee is with Eagles, Matthews chokes Nakagawa from the apron.
Russian Leg Sweep into a seated Octopus by Eagles, but Skater breaks it up. Matthews in, running high knee by Eagles in the corner, but Matthews runs into a boot by Nakagawa. Eagles with double knees to Nakagawa in the corner, but again, Matthews runs into a boot. Eagles catches a kick by Nakagawa, but accidentally sends Nakagawa’s boot into the head of Matthews. Eagles stomps away at Nakagawa, Matthews sends Skater outside. Matthews is still upset with Eagles from getting hit with Nakagawa’s boot as they exchange words. Back elbow by Matthews, Eagles tags in. Eagles with a chest kick and a looping stomp, then chokes Nakagawa with her boot. Matthews in, soccer kick to the ribs of Nakagawa, followed by a suplex. Eagles in, suplex to Nakagawa, then says to Matthews that her suplex was better. Matthews in, says she will show Eagles a good suplex, but Nakagawa counters the suplex with an inside cradle for 2. Roll-up by Nakagawa gets another 2, but then Matthews comes back with a chest kick. Eagles in, headbutt to Nakagawa, but Eagles goes down herself. Leg kick by Eagles, Matthews tags in. Nakagawa fights back with forearms, but Matthews with a neckbreaker. Matthews has more words with Eagles, allowing Nakagawa to roll her up for another 2. Clothesline by Matthews, but Nakagawa comes back with a dropkick.
Skater in, dropkicks to Eagles & Matthews. DDT to Matthews gets Skater 2. Skater with a leg kick to Matthews, then Nakagawa with a sliding clothesline. Skater gets another 2. Matthews comes back with a rolling elbow and a basement head kick to Skater. Eagles in, brainbuster to Skater, Matthews goes for the cover, Nakagawa breaks it up. Nakagawa with a step-up enziguri to Matthews, but Skater runs into a back elbow. Matthews with a missile dropkick to Skater, followed by Eagles hitting a German and going for the cover, but Matthews stops her as she is the legal person in the match. Eagles knocks Nakagawa off the apron as Skater takes Matthews down and locks her in the Ankle Lock. Eagles takes her time coming in to break up the submission by hitting Skater with a chest kick. Matthews grabs Skater for a German and yells at Eagles to kick her to do the Canadian Ninjas’ Funky Cold Medina tag-team finisher. Eagles goes for the kick, but Skater ducks and Eagles hits Matthews with the head kick! Nakagawa with a step-up enziguri to Eagles.
3G hit the Hangover on Matthews to retain the titles.
Winners and STILL SHIMMER Tag Team Champions: 3G by pinfall (The Hangover)
3G celebrate their title retention afterwards.
THOUGHTS: More story than match, showcasing the continued “worst best friends” relationship between Eagles and Matthews. It was another good match in the tag title of 3G and both Eagles & Matthews were impressive in this as well, from both an in-ring and character standpoint, telling a new chapter in their story.
We see video on the rivalry between Cheerleader Melissa and LuFisto heading into the main event.
Main Event in a 2/3 Falls Match for the SHIMMER Title: “Super Hardcore Anime” LuFisto w/Pegaboo vs. “The Future Legend” Cheerleader Melissa (c)
Crowd chants for LuFisto as the bell sounds. They charge at one another as the bell sounds, with Melissa taking advantage with right hands, stomps and gut shots in the corner. LuFisto avoids a corner charge, hits a running forearm in the corner to Melissa, followed by the Cannonball that sends Melissa to the outside. Referee begins his 10 count and Melissa gets back in at 7, but rolls back outside to break the count and stall for time. Melissa gets back in at the count of 9. Melissa takes LuFisto down and gets a 1 count. Leglock applied by LuFisto, but Melissa counters out and gets 2. Keylock applied by LuFisto, Melissa counters out with a headscissors. LuFisto gets free and locks Melissa in a half crab. LuFisto switches to a toe hold, but Melissa fights out and goes to the side headlock. LuFisto takes Melissa back down and locks in a hammerlock, followed by a series of knees to the hammerlocked arm. LuFisto with a side headlock, but Melissa counters out with a pinning predicament for 2. LuFisto holds onto the headlock, but Melissa counters out with another headscissors. LuFisto takes Melissa back down and goes back to the headlock. Melissa fights out with knees to the back, followed by a series of looping stomps to the back of LuFisto. Melissa walks across the back of LuFisto’s head, but LuFisto comes back with a series of forearms. No one goes down off a shoulder tackle attempt, then Melissa with a big slap and a roll-up for 2. Melissa goes back to the side headlock, then takes LuFisto down and gets 2. LuFisto comes back with a Codebreaker, followed by a running basement dropkick for 2. Melissa avoids a running senton and gets another 2. Melissa chokes LuFisto, then locks her in a chinlock as the crowd wills on LuFisto. Melissa stomps away at LuFisto, followed by a series of gut shots in the corner, then chokes LuFisto with her boot. Running elbow by Melissa in the corner, followed by a shoulder tackle, a slam and a snap elbow drop for another 2. Melissa paintbrushes LuFisto repeatedly in the back of the head, then goes for the Air Raid Crash, but LuFisto counters it with a Sunset Flip for 2. Melissa with more stomps to LuFisto, then locks her in the Kondo Clutch, but LuFisto is able to reach the ropes. LuFisto fights back with gut shots, but Melissa rakes the eyes, sending LuFisto outside. Melissa sends LuFisto face-first off the apron, then stomps away at her as LuFisto tries to get back in. Melissa sends LuFisto to the outside, then sends her again off the apron. Back in, Melissa with a series of stomps to the back of LuFisto’s legs, followed by a series of elbow drops to the leg. Melissa locks LuFisto in an Indian Deathlock variation, but LuFisto is able to reach the ropes. Melissa hits LuFisto with the Curb Stomp twice, but only gets a close 2. Melissa walks across the back of LuFisto, then goes up top, but LuFisto crotches her. LuFisto heads up top with Melissa and hits a superplex, both women down. Referee begins his standing 10 count as the crowd wills on LuFisto. Both women get back up by the count of 9. LuFisto with a a series of right hands, followed by a flying forearm, a clothesline and a back elbow. Michinoku Driver gets LuFisto 2. Series of Victim Kicks by LuFisto, followed by a sliding clothesline for a close 2. LuFisto locks Melissa in an Ankle Lock, but Melissa is able to reach the ropes. LuFisto traps Melissa’s arms in the ropes, then goes to the middle rope and hits a series of kicks to the head. LuFisto with a running crossbody to the back of Melissa in the ropes for another close 2. Melissa locks LuFisto in a Sleeper, ref checks the arm three times, but LuFisto shows signs of life on the third check. LuFisto fights out and hits Melissa with a Backdrop Driver for another close 2. LuFisto goes for the Magnalizer, but Melissa counters it with a Samoan Drop for a close 2. Melissa goes again for the Air Raid Crash, but LuFisto blocks it and hits a German for another close 2. Melissa with a big boot for another 2. Melissa heads up top for a missile dropkick, but LuFisto moves out of the way.
LuFisto this time hits the Magnalizer to win the first fall.
LuFisto wins the first fall via pinfall (Magnalizer)
Bell sounds for the second fall, but Melissa nails a caught-off guard LuFisto with a big boot.
Air Raid Crash ties things up for Melissa.
Cheerleader Melissa wins the second fall via pinfall (Air Raid Crash)
Bell sounds for the third fall as both women slug it out with forearms, then Melissa rakes the eyes. More gut shots by Melissa in the corner, followed by a choke. LuFisto with a back elbow in the corner, followed by hitting Melissa with the Dirty Facewash. They head outside as LuFisto drives Melissa’s leg mutliple times into the ringpost. Chop exchange on the outside, then LuFisto breaks the ref’s 10 count. Melissa with more chops to LuFisto, but LuFisto with leg kicks. Melissa knocks down LuFisto with a back club, then sends her again off the apron. Back in, LuFisto chokes Melissa in the ropes, followed by a kick to the back of Melissa’s leg. Melissa sends LuFisto outside and hits a big slap. They continue to brawl around ringside, then Melissa slams LuFisto on the floor! Melissa chokes LuFisto with her boot, then breaks the ref’s count and continues to choke LuFisto. Melissa traps LuFisto’s head in the ring skirt and chokes her with it. Back in, they exchange strikes some more until LuFisto with a big slap to knock down Melissa. LuFisto with kicks to the leg of Melissa, followed by a Knee-DT. LuFisto chokes Melissa with her boot, then locks Melissa in a Trailer Hitch. Melissa crawls to reach the ropes and is finally able to do so, forcing LuFisto to break. Melissa with a back elbow and a clothesline to LuFisto, followed by right hands from the mount. Melissa gets 2. Melissa kicks at LuFisto, then no one goes down multiple times off shoulder tackle attempts. They go nose-to-nose and LuFisto nails Melissa with a release German, but Melissa pops right up and hits a German of her own! Melissa misses a clothesline and LuFisto hits a Tiger for a close 2. LuFisto goes for the Burning Hammer, but Melissa slips out. Slap exchange, then LuFisto takes down Melissa and locks in a front gulliotine choke. Melissa fights out and they exchange strikes again, followed by an exchange of boots to the face from a seated position. LuFisto gains advantage with a big kick, but Melissa just barely kicks out! LuFisto calls for the Burning Hammer and goes for it, but Melissa slips out again. Melissa runs into a boot, LuFisto heads up top, but Melissa stops her. Melissa lifts up LuFisto in Electric Chair position, but LuFisto with a reverse rana! LuFisto heads up top and goes for a crossbody, but Melissa pulls the referee in the way and LuFisto wipes him out! Mercedes Martinez runs in and nails LuFisto in the head with the SHIMMER Title belt!
Referee comes to and Melissa pins LuFisto to retain the title.
Winner and STILL SHIMMER Champion: “The Future Legend” Cheerleader Melissa 2 falls to 1
Melissa & Mercedes celebrate her title retention as the show closes.
THOUGHTS: Good main event with a well-worked “cheap” finish that protected LuFisto in defeat and gave Melissa, the heel champion, a way to squeak out another win thanks to the help of her friend, Mercedes. 2/3 Falls match structure was done in a very Lucha kind of a way, with a long first fall, a very quick second fall and an intense final fall. Both women brought the intenstity to one another in this and I thought this was a good compliment to their Volume 60 match.
Overall, SHIMMER Volume 62 was a fun showcase of an iPPV in front of the New Orleans crowd, while at the same time, continued along some stories heading into the Volume 63-66 tapings in regards to Melissa/LuFisto and Eagles/Matthews. Rush & Athena had two very impressive returns to the company, while a slew of new talent made some damn good first impressions in front of a big audience, between the live crowd and the iPPV. Go get yourself SHIMMER 62 either on iPPV at WWNLive.com or on DVD at SHIMMERWrestling.com.
Next time, I will look at the first volume frm the April 2014 tapings in Berwyn, Illinois with SHIMMER Volume 63, featuring LuFisto & Kana vs. Cheerleader Melissa & Mercedes Martinez in the main event. Have a good weekend!
Jason Namako recaps and reviews SHIMMER DVDs & iPPVs for Wrestleview.com.
Twitter: @Jason_Namako
E-Mail: jason@wrestleview.com