| SHOW REPORTS |
June 12, 2010
– Larry Goodman
(1) Damien won an eight man battle royal (edited to 2:10)
Match included White Tiger, Xavier Mustafa, Jeremiah Plunkett, Phil Macchio, Mike Cobb aka Kid Fresh and two other dudes. Jeremy
Arnold opened as a solo act on commentary. Definitely not his thing. He thought Damien was Cobb. It came down to Tiger vs. Damien,
Mustafa and Plunkett with the crowd nuts as usual for Tiger. He whittled it down to a one-on-one with Damien and managed to escape
his arch enemy’s finisher, but Damien tossed him out just the same.
Mercer did a plug for NWA ME. Nice work all around. The black and white treatment added another dimension.
(2) Ace Rockwell over Jeremiah Flynt in 4 minutes of TV time
Ruthless aggression from Flynt, until he ate a boot coming of the ropes. That did not look good. Ace used an airplane spin that left both
men dizzy. Flynt blocked Rockwell’s bulldog and hit a running knee for two. Rockwell hit the bulldog off the middle rope, but Flynt kicked
out. Flynt hit a running sitout suplex and Rockwell kicked out. Rockwell blocked Flynt’s finisher and hit Aces Highs for the pin – based on
what aired, this was a solid, competitive match.
“No Mercy” Tommy Mercer did a plug for NWA ME TV. This guy has it, and the black and white treatment added another dimension.
(3) Steve-O over Will Owens (with Dan O’Manley)
Only the opening and the finish aired, and a fine finish it was. O hit his double shot move on Owens. O’Manley jumped on the apron to
distract. Owens rolled up O. He kicked out sending Owens crashing into O’Manley. O then pinned Owens. Owens and O’Manley hugged it
out after the match.
(4) Adam Jacobs & Corey Hollis beat NWA Mid-America Champion Orion Bishop & Chrisjen Hayme when Jacobs pinned Bishop at 7:
27
Thank God for Jeff Daniels. His presence on color commentary made a world of difference. Arnold badly needed somebody to play off of.
Arnold mentioned the 6 month reign Jacobs & Hollis had as the Ultimate NWA Tag Team Champions. Hayme and Jacobs started. A
crisp back and forth chain wrestling exchange exploded into a display of aerial athleticism by Jacobs. Hollis reeled of a string of pin
attempts on a bewildered Hayme, who scrambled for a tag to Bishop. He abused Hollis bigtime. Hayme cut Hollis off with a decapitation
lariat, such that Jacobs had to make a save. Hollis countered Hayme’s superplex with a super sunset flip powerbomb off the middle
rope. Awesome move. Double tags. It took a few blows, but Jacobs knocked Bishop of his feet. Bishop hit a sidewalk slam on Jacobs
and went for a back cover, but Jacobs reversed with a crucifix for the three count. Crowd was on fire for the newcomer pinning the
champion, and the announcers put it over huge.
“After what’s happened over the past few days, we truly know we are in the end times, and there is no one better man than The Herald of
the Apocalypse, the deadly Se7en, to usher in Armageddon.”
Reverend dared any man to accept “The Number of the Beat Challenge”.
(5) Se7en beat Johnny Slaughter in 44 seconds
Se7en said Slaughter had been a champion in WWE, NWA, OVW and Deep South. Why not throw in AAA or New Japan while you’re at it?
Finish looked great. Slaughter went way, way up for Se7en’s choke slam.
Rev said there was no competition for his 349 pound monster, and he was in a generous, giving mood. “The Rev’s got a big heart
tonight…That was only the appetizer. We need a main course.” Rockwell’s music hit.
(6) Ace Rockwell defeated Seven (with Reverend Dan Wilson) to win The Number of the Beast Challenge in 2:25
Pure destruction. Se7en had Rockwell hanging on by a thread. Rockwell escape a gorilla press with an eye rake and went after the knee.
Se7en sold a chop block, going down on one knee while clutching the other.
The winning envelope contained a management contract with the Rev. Rockwell was like don’t even try that ****. He was channeling a
little Randy Savage (the Dutch Mantell book has a great story from Savage’s heyday in Nashville). Rockwell collared Rev but Se7en got
him from behind.
Rev ordered Se7en to destroy the ungrateful maggot. Se7en delivered powerbomb #1. Rev let it be known he would not be satisfied
unless Rockwell was coughing up blood. Se7en hit a second powerbomb. Rev ordered one more to end Rockwell’s career. At that point,
Jacobs hit the ring with a chair. Se7en glared at him but backed off. Jacobs went to check on Ace, and Bishop speared his ass.
(7) Matt Boyce beat “No Mercy” Tommy Mercer via DQ to retain the NWA Mid-America TV Title in 12:38
Boyce was giving Mercer fits in the early going. Mercer kept taking time outs. Daniels was putting both guys over huge, but he reserved the
best for Mercer. At five minutes in, Mercer nailed Boyce with a high boot. Mercer was aggressive as hell on offense. Arnold noted it was
the best he’s ever looked in an NWA ME ring. Mercer hit big moves like the cravate spinning neckbreaker, and on commentary, Daniels
was all over him for not hooking the leg. Daniels said that if Mercer somehow lost, it would not be his last shot after all. Daniels said he
learned the art of behind-the-scenes manipulation from watching the master, Dominique. Mercer finally got Boyce in position for the Mercy
Kill. He had a big smile on his face. But Boyce countered with a DDT, and Daniels went nuts talking about how nobody had been able to
solve Mercer’s finisher. In panic mode, Daniel went to distract the ref when he saw Boyce going for his signature frogplash crossbody. He
hit it but no ref to count. Boyce got in Daniels’ face. Daniels pitched brass knucks to Mercer, who clocked Boyce in plain view of ref Jamie
Ferrari and got DQed.
Mercer’s reaction was of the anguished “I can’t believe what I just did” variety. Mercer and Daniels started pointing fingers. Mercer brought
Daniels in the hardway and threatened him with the knucks. Daniels bailed to a safe distance. “You did it, not me,” Daniels said. Mercer
screamed that it was his last shot. Daniels said he would get Mercer another one. “You need me. I’ll deliver. Don’t think I won’t. I’ll deliver,
Tommy. I told you when you needed me I’d be there.” Mercer left with heat being heaped upon him. Daniels pocketed the knucks and
broke into a devilish grin.
THOUGHTS: Now more than ever, pro wrestling needs people like Jeff Daniels. It was like a different show altogether once he joined
Arnold on commentary. Daniels was relentless. He put the talent over. He got the stories across. He was excited about the action. And
when it came time for the crucial closing scene, he was gold. Not to take anything away from Mercer, because he more than held up his
end. The impromptu nature of it – without anybody holding a mic - gave it that extra edge of reality that is usually lacking modern pro
wrestling talk segments. It’s been an awesome story from the get go, and there’s more to be told. Mercer and Boyce had a damn good
match to tell their story in the ring. Mercer showed more of what he can do than in any of his previous NWA ME TV appearance. The tag
match was even better. Jacobs looked great. Hayme and Hollis tear it up every time they’re in the ring together. The babyface side was
strengthened considerably this week. Former Mid-America Champion Steve-O getting a singles win was the least of it. In the space of 20
minutes, Jacobs was made as a heavyweight title contender. The Se7en Challenge morphed neatly into a David and Goliath program
with Rockwell. It’s a role Rockwell is well suited for based on his stellar work with Kimo and Shatter in NWA Anarchy. The thing is that
Goliath didn’t have the Rev. Every week, The Reverend makes a case for the place for managers in pro wrestling. You have to admire a
heel that works a reference to Gulf oil spill into his prophecy of destruction. This episode was loaded with content. Andrew Becker did a
superb job of editing the first three matches down to the bare essentials, leaving the majority of television time for the key storylines and
the matches with the best wrestling. The battle royal was bad even in edited form, but it did provide a fresh way to start the show. This
crew is firing on all cylinders. I’ve been saying this every time NWA ME put up a new episode lately, but this was the best yet since the
arrival of Bill Behrens.
– Larry Goodman
(1) Damien won an eight man battle royal (edited to 2:10)
Match included White Tiger, Xavier Mustafa, Jeremiah Plunkett, Phil Macchio, Mike Cobb aka Kid Fresh and two other dudes. Jeremy
Arnold opened as a solo act on commentary. Definitely not his thing. He thought Damien was Cobb. It came down to Tiger vs. Damien,
Mustafa and Plunkett with the crowd nuts as usual for Tiger. He whittled it down to a one-on-one with Damien and managed to escape
his arch enemy’s finisher, but Damien tossed him out just the same.
Mercer did a plug for NWA ME. Nice work all around. The black and white treatment added another dimension.
(2) Ace Rockwell over Jeremiah Flynt in 4 minutes of TV time
Ruthless aggression from Flynt, until he ate a boot coming of the ropes. That did not look good. Ace used an airplane spin that left both
men dizzy. Flynt blocked Rockwell’s bulldog and hit a running knee for two. Rockwell hit the bulldog off the middle rope, but Flynt kicked
out. Flynt hit a running sitout suplex and Rockwell kicked out. Rockwell blocked Flynt’s finisher and hit Aces Highs for the pin – based on
what aired, this was a solid, competitive match.
“No Mercy” Tommy Mercer did a plug for NWA ME TV. This guy has it, and the black and white treatment added another dimension.
(3) Steve-O over Will Owens (with Dan O’Manley)
Only the opening and the finish aired, and a fine finish it was. O hit his double shot move on Owens. O’Manley jumped on the apron to
distract. Owens rolled up O. He kicked out sending Owens crashing into O’Manley. O then pinned Owens. Owens and O’Manley hugged it
out after the match.
(4) Adam Jacobs & Corey Hollis beat NWA Mid-America Champion Orion Bishop & Chrisjen Hayme when Jacobs pinned Bishop at 7:
27
Thank God for Jeff Daniels. His presence on color commentary made a world of difference. Arnold badly needed somebody to play off of.
Arnold mentioned the 6 month reign Jacobs & Hollis had as the Ultimate NWA Tag Team Champions. Hayme and Jacobs started. A
crisp back and forth chain wrestling exchange exploded into a display of aerial athleticism by Jacobs. Hollis reeled of a string of pin
attempts on a bewildered Hayme, who scrambled for a tag to Bishop. He abused Hollis bigtime. Hayme cut Hollis off with a decapitation
lariat, such that Jacobs had to make a save. Hollis countered Hayme’s superplex with a super sunset flip powerbomb off the middle
rope. Awesome move. Double tags. It took a few blows, but Jacobs knocked Bishop of his feet. Bishop hit a sidewalk slam on Jacobs
and went for a back cover, but Jacobs reversed with a crucifix for the three count. Crowd was on fire for the newcomer pinning the
champion, and the announcers put it over huge.
“After what’s happened over the past few days, we truly know we are in the end times, and there is no one better man than The Herald of
the Apocalypse, the deadly Se7en, to usher in Armageddon.”
Reverend dared any man to accept “The Number of the Beat Challenge”.
(5) Se7en beat Johnny Slaughter in 44 seconds
Se7en said Slaughter had been a champion in WWE, NWA, OVW and Deep South. Why not throw in AAA or New Japan while you’re at it?
Finish looked great. Slaughter went way, way up for Se7en’s choke slam.
Rev said there was no competition for his 349 pound monster, and he was in a generous, giving mood. “The Rev’s got a big heart
tonight…That was only the appetizer. We need a main course.” Rockwell’s music hit.
(6) Ace Rockwell defeated Seven (with Reverend Dan Wilson) to win The Number of the Beast Challenge in 2:25
Pure destruction. Se7en had Rockwell hanging on by a thread. Rockwell escape a gorilla press with an eye rake and went after the knee.
Se7en sold a chop block, going down on one knee while clutching the other.
The winning envelope contained a management contract with the Rev. Rockwell was like don’t even try that ****. He was channeling a
little Randy Savage (the Dutch Mantell book has a great story from Savage’s heyday in Nashville). Rockwell collared Rev but Se7en got
him from behind.
Rev ordered Se7en to destroy the ungrateful maggot. Se7en delivered powerbomb #1. Rev let it be known he would not be satisfied
unless Rockwell was coughing up blood. Se7en hit a second powerbomb. Rev ordered one more to end Rockwell’s career. At that point,
Jacobs hit the ring with a chair. Se7en glared at him but backed off. Jacobs went to check on Ace, and Bishop speared his ass.
(7) Matt Boyce beat “No Mercy” Tommy Mercer via DQ to retain the NWA Mid-America TV Title in 12:38
Boyce was giving Mercer fits in the early going. Mercer kept taking time outs. Daniels was putting both guys over huge, but he reserved the
best for Mercer. At five minutes in, Mercer nailed Boyce with a high boot. Mercer was aggressive as hell on offense. Arnold noted it was
the best he’s ever looked in an NWA ME ring. Mercer hit big moves like the cravate spinning neckbreaker, and on commentary, Daniels
was all over him for not hooking the leg. Daniels said that if Mercer somehow lost, it would not be his last shot after all. Daniels said he
learned the art of behind-the-scenes manipulation from watching the master, Dominique. Mercer finally got Boyce in position for the Mercy
Kill. He had a big smile on his face. But Boyce countered with a DDT, and Daniels went nuts talking about how nobody had been able to
solve Mercer’s finisher. In panic mode, Daniel went to distract the ref when he saw Boyce going for his signature frogplash crossbody. He
hit it but no ref to count. Boyce got in Daniels’ face. Daniels pitched brass knucks to Mercer, who clocked Boyce in plain view of ref Jamie
Ferrari and got DQed.
Mercer’s reaction was of the anguished “I can’t believe what I just did” variety. Mercer and Daniels started pointing fingers. Mercer brought
Daniels in the hardway and threatened him with the knucks. Daniels bailed to a safe distance. “You did it, not me,” Daniels said. Mercer
screamed that it was his last shot. Daniels said he would get Mercer another one. “You need me. I’ll deliver. Don’t think I won’t. I’ll deliver,
Tommy. I told you when you needed me I’d be there.” Mercer left with heat being heaped upon him. Daniels pocketed the knucks and
broke into a devilish grin.
THOUGHTS: Now more than ever, pro wrestling needs people like Jeff Daniels. It was like a different show altogether once he joined
Arnold on commentary. Daniels was relentless. He put the talent over. He got the stories across. He was excited about the action. And
when it came time for the crucial closing scene, he was gold. Not to take anything away from Mercer, because he more than held up his
end. The impromptu nature of it – without anybody holding a mic - gave it that extra edge of reality that is usually lacking modern pro
wrestling talk segments. It’s been an awesome story from the get go, and there’s more to be told. Mercer and Boyce had a damn good
match to tell their story in the ring. Mercer showed more of what he can do than in any of his previous NWA ME TV appearance. The tag
match was even better. Jacobs looked great. Hayme and Hollis tear it up every time they’re in the ring together. The babyface side was
strengthened considerably this week. Former Mid-America Champion Steve-O getting a singles win was the least of it. In the space of 20
minutes, Jacobs was made as a heavyweight title contender. The Se7en Challenge morphed neatly into a David and Goliath program
with Rockwell. It’s a role Rockwell is well suited for based on his stellar work with Kimo and Shatter in NWA Anarchy. The thing is that
Goliath didn’t have the Rev. Every week, The Reverend makes a case for the place for managers in pro wrestling. You have to admire a
heel that works a reference to Gulf oil spill into his prophecy of destruction. This episode was loaded with content. Andrew Becker did a
superb job of editing the first three matches down to the bare essentials, leaving the majority of television time for the key storylines and
the matches with the best wrestling. The battle royal was bad even in edited form, but it did provide a fresh way to start the show. This
crew is firing on all cylinders. I’ve been saying this every time NWA ME put up a new episode lately, but this was the best yet since the
arrival of Bill Behrens.