L. Anne Carrington sent this report in:
Dragon Gate USA presented yet another fine pay-per-view with the May 14 premiere of “Mercury Rising,” taped in March. As with their other presentations, DGUSA once again brought some exciting, impressive exhibitions to the table for a very reasonable price.
“Mercury Rising” warmed up with footage of the Warriors and World-1 warming up the Six Man Tag main event backstage, narrated by Lenny Leonard.
Now, let’s have a quick rundown of last night’s matches:
MATCH #1: GENKI HORIGUCHI (w/ Warriors) vs. SHINGO
Brilliant match that displayed Shingo’s powerful ring skill, applying some impressive submissions on Horiguchi. For those who haven’t seen Shingo in action, this is one match I would recommend having a look, especially the ending combination of powerful moves topped with the Made in Japan finisher.
WINNER: Shingo
We were treated to a video presentations of the Jimmy Jacobs-Brian Kendrick feud
MATCH #2: JIMMY JACOBS & JACK EVANS vs. PAUL LONDON & BRIAN KENDRICK – LOSER PINNED LEAVES DGUSA
Jack Evans fans would be delighted with this match and seeing him back in action. This was one of his best performances. There wasn’t a lot of time wasted with near falls or a lot of gimmick fill ins. The match built up in a marvelous way, and it was also good to see Londrick together once again for old time’s sake, even for one night. I’m guessing Kendrick was pinned to lose in order to “leave DGUSA” to fill his commitments with TNA. Just a speculation on my part.
WINNERS: Jimmy Jacobs and Jack Evans
Highlights from the “Fearless” PPV (which aired this past March 4) showed Jon Moxley calling out Tommy Dreamer. Kendrick weighed in, saying he didn’t need to prove anything to the fans by beating Dreamer, and that Dreamer retired “when he became office.”
Tommy Dreamer shown in the ring, announcing he would face Moxley in a No Rules match.
MATCH #3: TOMMY DREAMER vs. JON MOXLEY – NO RULES
For those who pine for the old ECW days, this is the perfect match to follow. Lots of weapons, lots of interference, and lots of fight. A very high-spirited contest that isn’t seen often in the watered down, PG-rated days of modern wrestling.
WINNER: Jon Moxley
A package narrated by Lenny Leonard announced the first ever Enter the Dream Gate title match in America. YAMATO recently won the title, and this would be his first time defending it.
MATCH #4: YAMATO vs. SUSUMO YOKOSUKA – OPEN THE DREAM GATE TITLE MATCH
One of the best title bouts that I’ve seen on a pay-per-view. Hard-hitting action blended with submission moments, full of personality and never any dull down times. A five-star contest that was one of the night’s most excellent contests.
WINNER: YAMATO to retain the Open the Dream Gate title
MATCH #5: WORLD-1 (BxB HULK & NARUKI DOI & MASATO YOSHINO) vs. WARRIORS (CIMA & GAMMA & DRAGON KID w/ Genki Horiguchi) – SIX-MAN TAG MATCH
WOW! This is how a tag match should be done. TNA and WWE, pay close attention! Fantastic build up, with a variety of move sets, and each contender pushed the envelope from beginning to end. All six wrestlers had chemistry, and they worked this match well to tell a story while keeping us entertained. DGUSA saved the best for last with this contest.
WINNERS: BxB Hulk & Naruki Doi & Masato Yoshino
Following the match, Yoshino told Hulk he wanted a shot at the Open The Freedom Gate title. Hulk agreed to the match before celebrating his victory with Doi and Yoshino.
Jon Moxley was backstage with Yamato and Shingo, announcing the formation of Kamikaze USA. Stay tuned on how this trio develops!
Another exciting night for Dragon Gate USA. The next pay per view will air sometime in July 2010 from Toronto, and it too will be an event not to miss for those who enjoy the very best in independent wrestling.