River City Wrestling

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #987
2 Hour Edition of Rage
Taped, Friday June 11, 2004
Air Date, Saturday June 12, 2004


From the campus of Idaho State University
Pocatello, Idaho
Holt Arena

Attendence; 2,009


Joe Aiello] Welcome ladies and gentlemen to another edition of RCW Saturday RAGE !! Tonight we are coming to you live from...

Linley Tolbert] ..please Joe, allow me.

Aiello] Oh no, here we go again. Please don't make an ass out of yourself again.

Tolbert] Like I was saying, from Pocatello, Idaho. Where men are men, and women wear sweatshirts proclaiming they are whores!!

Aiello] WHAT ?

Tolbert] Look at them...I, da, ho.

Aiello] Sometimes I can't believe that you are a former champion of South Africa.

Tolbert] Believe it Joe. But here's something that I can't believe, that this arena, here in nowhere USA, was the first covered football stadium to be built on any college campus in America. Of course it's named after a guy named Dubby Holt. I mean what kind of name is Dubby? Did his parents already use up Bubba on the first kid? And you know what else I can't believe Joe?

Aiello] I don't even want to fathom a guess.

Tolbert] Well I visited the local grocery stores here in town and asked to buy some of their world famous namesakes, Pocatello Mushrooms. And none of the stores had them. This one Korean grocer though showed me his and they looked just like normal white mushrooms? What a scam, I thought they were some sort of gourmet, dark mushrooms that you have with wine sauce.

Aiello] ...errr...maybe you're thinking of Portabello mushrooms? You're such a putz.

Tolbert] Well enough of your mindless banter Joe, let's go to the ring as there is a man waiting there with something on his mind.



In-ring promo;
Luke Hardamann stands in the middle of the ring, wearing street clothes, and holding a microphone.

Luke] Sam Holiday! Last week you stuck your nose where it doesn't belong, in my family business and in my match. I was trying to give the Spinebusters a little taste of their own medicine, and you wrestled the chair out of my hands and ended up costing my brother Al and I the tag team titles. I'm sick and tired of goody two shoes like yourself. We're not all 18 feet tall like you, some of us have to kick, scratch, and gouge eyes to get to where we want to be. You may not like it but I don't think these fans really care, as long as the Spinebusters are forced to eat some of their own crap once in a while. Now, I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, only because I know you and my brother go back several years, and are close friends. But I want to hear it out of your own mouth, right now, and I want you to hear it from me, to stay out of our business.


<<< cue "Ain't Going Down 'till the Sun comes Up" by Garth Brooks >>>
The fans are on their feet cheering a long time favourite. They had been giving Luke a mixed reaction, and no where near as loud as they give for Sam Holiday. Instead of his usual charge to the ring, and slide under the bottom rope, Holiday walks slowly to the ring, shaking his head. He enters through the ropes and takes the mic from Luke.

Sam] You know something Luke, there is a fine line sometimes between what animals like Manny Silva, cheats like the Spinebusters, and guys like you, me, and Al do, and the way we conduct business in this ring. Last week Luke, you crossed that line. I did my job, I called it right down the middle. I didn't like to see Al taking all that punishment thanks to the rule bending done by the Spinebusters. But maybe Luke, maybe I have more faith in your brother then you do? As for staying out of your business, well Al is my friend. I know we're not kin, and I know that you are important to him, more important I am sure then I am. However, my integrity is more important to me then any friendship, so if our paths meet again in similar circumstances you can bet I will act the same way. I can promise you Luke that I will not poke my nose into your business. However, as far as Al's business is concerned, until I hear otherwise from him, his business is my business.

Sam tosses the mic back to Luke.

Luke] Have it your way Tex, but this is the only warning you will get from me. Next time the effect will be immediate.

Both men just stare at each other before Sam walks away, with Luke glaring at him.


Opening Bout
Dan "the Beast" Severn v "Lethal" Chris Jons
Jons came to the ring quite agitated from his earlier dealings with the "New Right" squad of Alex Wright, Jack Voight, and now Dan Severn. He wanted to go right after Severn but the Hall of Famer played mind games with the former PWA cruiser, asking referee Jurgen Hermann to check the trunks and boots of Jons for foreign objects. Severn stalled some more by leaving the ring and playing to the crowd as soon as the bell sounded.
Jons lost his temper and tried to nail Severn from behind with a plancha, but Severn was waiting for such a mistake and side-stepped it. Jons wrecked himself on the floor. Severn nailed a German suplex on the floor and then rolled Jons back inside. Another German suplex, a powerbomb, and Severn picked up a real quick win. Severn then rolled out of the ring and left in a hurry, not allowing Hermann to raise his arm in victory.
Dan Severn defeated Chris Jons by pinfall after a powerbomb at 1:40


Backstage;
The camera picks up a rapid moving Dan Severn walking through the backstage area. Joe Aiello stops him.

Aiello] Dan, that was real quick work on Jons, where are you going in such a hurry?

Severn] Do you always stop someone who can cripple a man in under 60 seconds, and ask him an inane question when he is obviously in a hurry? Do you want me to punk out your fat Italian ass?

Aiello] Any truth to the rumour you are dealing with Team Germany and their upcoming World Cup bid?

Severn] My friends Alex Wright and Jack Voight are competing for Team Germany. As I am in RCW I am mapping strategy for them to compete in the World Cup. They are in good hands with Moses Luke, a young man who I scouted last year when I went to a trip in your hometown Joe, Winnipeg.

Aiello] But Dan, you're American, how come you are helping Team Germany?

Severn] Why the hell not? It's not like the ******* who put together team USA considered me, a hall of famer for the team. Nothing would be sweeter then to see my kinsmen lead Team Germany in a route over the Americans including that **** Jody Christmas. 

With that Dan Severn brushes past Aiello and walks quickly down the hallway.


Bout #2
Menele v Marcus Schultz
First appearance for the technically sound Schultz since RAGE and RCW made their return. And it wasn't a good one.
Schultz started strong by keeping Menele off balance with a stick and run attack, consisting of a couple hip-tosses, flying armbar, standing dropkick, and running clothesline. Things turned bad for Schultz though when Menele caught Schultz with a Greco-Roman kick to the gut, and followed up with a clothesline. A series of stomps set-up an overhead release German suplex, which was only a precursor to a wheel-barrow suplex and the pinfall.
Menele defeated Marcus Schultz by pinfall after a wheel-barrow suplex at 4:01


Backstage;
Linley Tolbert is standing in the back beside Kimberly Page.

Tolbert] Kim, I understand you have brought with you tonight a couple of guests that the fans should know very well.

Page] Oh yes Linley, they just happened to be dropping by, and RCW is lucky to have them in the house tonight.

The camera pans backwards and we see standing beside Kimberly her husband Diamond Dallas Page and his friend Robert "Blaze" Bayley.

Tolbert] Gentlemen, what are you really doing here tonight?

DDP] Hey Linely, wassup? We're just chilling out here jack, and banging with some old friends in the back. Just glad you could make the trip with me Blaze.

Bayley] It's been a while Dallas since I've been around the ring and I would be lying if I said I didn't miss it. I've enjoyed pursuing my music but it doesn't provide the same adrenaline rush as you get kicking some idiot's ass all over the ring.

Tolbert] Be that as it may, DDP, I figured you might be here tonight to put out a little New Jersey welcome on Bob Backlund for the way he treated your wife Kim.

DDP] Let me tell you something Jack, my wife can fight her own battles. As Asp Evergreen found out, and as Bob Backlund will figure out sooner or later.

Tolbert] Thanks guys and enjoy your visit tonight.

The interview is breaking up but instead of cutting away we see the camera begin to focus in on something on the other end of the hallway. It looks like a clandestine conversation between Sable and Jamie Knoble.


Sable] ...and what has it got you? Nothing! One match in four weeks of Rage, one lousy match against Alex Wright. A wrestler of your caliber deserves more.

Knoble] Hey I agree with you 100% baby doll, but there's nothing standing around here talking with you is going to do about it.

Sable] Don't be so hasty, what if I told you I could get you a match next week on Rage? Would that impress you?

Knoble] Heck I would love another shot at prime time, but what are you going to do for me? Backlund tossed your ass to the curb like an empty Swanson TV dinner tray. And you fed Collins to the wolves last week. With friends like you a guy doesn't need enemies.

Knoble tries to walk past her but she steps partially in his way. Her arm drapes around his shoulder, her other hand goes to his chest. She smiles at him and begins to whisper something into his ear, all the while caressing his chest. He seems to like either whatever she has to say, or the caressing because he begins to smile.

Knoble] Okay, you get me that match next week on Rage and you can be my manager, for that match.

Knoble walks away shaking his head, while Sable licks her lips.



Bout #3
#1 Tag Team Contenders Match
Sheepherders: Jim Nancy & Sexton Cage  v West Hollywood Blondes: Lenny Lane & Lodi
The WHB gave it a good effort but Jim Nancy was too cagey, and Sexton Cage too strong. The Blondes took advantage of Cage's mistake of going to the top too early to have a mid-match flourish but it lasted only a couple of minutes. The 'herders were ready to wrap it up when they were distracted by the champion Spinebusters who came down to ringside to take a closer look at their #1 challengers.
Cage turned his back on Lodi who then nailed him with a low blow, and rolled him up for 1, 2, broken up by Nancy. Lenny Lane then threw Nancy out of the ring. Lodi hooked the arms of Cage and Lane climbed to the top turnbuckle. Nancy tried to get to Lane but the Spinebusters stepped into his way and got into a shoving match. However, inside the ring, Cage overpowered Lodi, and when Lane came down with a missile dropkick his victim became his own partner Lodi. Cage powerbombed Lane, then delivered a running powerslam on Lodi and got the pin.
The Sheepherders defeated the West Hollywood Blondes by pinfall when Cage pinned Lodi after a running powerslam at 7:52



<<< cue "Choke" by Kittie >>>
Joe Aiello is in the ring to interview "Pistol" Greg Pawluk, who fell victim to a two on one attack last week from the NWAs Heartbreakers.

Aiello] Greg, first of all Jody Christmas couldn't be here tonight, he is at home resting his back, and from what I gather trying to get his blood pressure under control!

Pawluk] That's right Joe, we're both pretty worked up over the disgusting antics of those sophomoric morons. They think the way to the top of this business is to make a name for themselves by running around making jackasses of themselves. Well if you boys want a refresher on what we learned Teddy in the Hart Dungeon, what Stu taught us both, what Bret tried to instil into your worthless ass, then Jody and I can come up the NWA and kick your butts. You just let us know when and where.

Aiello] Well there you have it fans, the challenge has been made. We'll see how the Heartbreakers respond.


<<< cue "Oh Canada" >>>
Playboy Vincent Regliatti comes to the top of the ramp with a mic. Regs is a former RCW tag team champion with Eric Scott, and a former RCW Heavyweight champion.

Regliatti] Greg it's good to see you finally found yourself a ride to the top, all the way on JC's coattails. You have all the personality of a 4 day old sponge cake. The fans might not know this but yours truly was also a graduate of the Hart Dungeon, but unlike you I took the tools that were offered and left the "teachings" about life where they belonged, in the last century. Give it up Pawluk, the Heartbreakers have it at least partially right, you have to stand up and get noticed.

Pawluk] Perhaps you would like to put your money where your mouth is and take me on next week in this ring?

Regliatti] You got it chump.



Backstage;
Kim Kanner stands behind Bob Backlund, who is sitting at his desk with a paper in front of him. This is Kanner's week to try-out for the executive assistant position.

Backlund] Hello great fans of RCW, I'm here to announce some great upcoming house shows all through the mid-west, so get a pen and paper ready to take down the date in your town. Starting Monday...

There is a knock on the door and we see a look of exasperation cross the face of the commissioner. He dispatches his assistant Kim Kanner to the door as the knocking continues. As Kanner reaches for the door it suddenly flies open, apparently kicked open by Asp Evergreen, who is standing with Derek St. Holmes, ESQ. Kanner goes flying across the room, knocked right out. Backlund is in shock and the two twits are oblivious to what just happened.

Asp] BACKLUND....we have waited patiently long enough. No match for us tonight? And last week I was humiliated by that bitch Kimberly. What are you going to do about it?

Backlund is ignoring them and tries to walk past them to get to Kanner. This upsets the twits as they don't like being ignored. They stand in Backlund's way, which makes the commish snap. He rocks Asp with a forearm to the chin, then kicks Holmes in the gut and follows up with an atomic drop that sends the young manager into the wall. Backlund rushes to the side of Kanner and calls for a medic.



Bout #4
Re-Match: Winner to get RCW Title shot
Ken Shamrock v Raymond Bingham
The two men met in the middle of the ring and began to exchange punches before the opening bell. This favoured Shamrock who took early control with some swinging punches, savate kicks, a pair of clotheslines, and a cobra clutch suplex that resulted in a 2 count. Shamrock worked over the right arm of Bingham with a series of armbars and knees to the arm. He then wrapped it around the top ring rope and damaged it some more. A back suplex yielded another 2 count and the cocky Bingham was in big trouble.
Bingham backed into a corner though fought back like a champion with a couple kicks to the gut, and then a flying headscissors out of the corner. Bingham then delivered a pair of shoulderbreakers to Shamrock and then stomped away on the weakened shoulder. Bingham slowed things down with a short arm scissors.
The match went back and forth for a few minutes after this including spending some time in a brawl outside the ring. This again favoured Shamrock who looked to be in control in the middle of the ring. Bingham though keeps fighting back and after an eye rake he delivers a stretch slam on Shamrock followed by a well placed kneedrop between the eyes. A back drop driver turns up the heat and yields a 2 count. Bingham attempts a piledriver but Shamrock counters with a back flip, but Bingham manages to cradle him on the way down, and when long-time inept official Jurgen Hermann is making the count he grabs extra leverage with a handful of tights.
Raymond Bingham defeated Ken Shamrock by pinfall after a sunset flip with a handful of tights at 11:34


Promo:
The scene is a dark back alley, it's drizzling, and we hear sirens in the background. Standing against the wall, actually grinding against the wall is a latex clad Paisley. Standing away from the wall, the rain pouring off his hat, is Diamond Rhodes in his customary black trench coat, black boots, black leather pants, and white sweater. His face is painted white, with grey under his eyes.

Rhodes] For weeks I have watched you, fumble and stumble around the set of Rage. You know something is happening but you are not yet attuned to listen for me. I have been calling you, rust to my diamonds. Together we will have both the power and the glory to rule the rings of this place, and anywhere we desire. Together we will give the women pleasure and the men extreme pain. Together we will be diamonds and rust. Bam Bam Bigelow, be lost no more, listen to me, listen for me, I am calling you. Diamonds are the hardest substance on earth, and rust the most destructive. What a team we will make.


Bout #5
NWA World Heavyweight Championship Sweet 16 Match
"The Prophet" Gabriel Moore v Nic Cross
I don't think you could find two nastier s.o.b.'s then these two, with the possible exception of Adam Riggs who just happened to come down to ringside to do guest commentary.
In the ring Moore started things off on a high point with a kick to the groin of Cross before spitting in his face. Cross retaliated with a haymaker that caught Moore off guard. Cross tackled Moore and landed some mounted punches, before dragging him to his feet. This turned into a nasty, ugly brawl. Cross seemed to have the advantage of experience and strength but Moore just seemed more willing to do WHATEVER it takes to win.
Time and again referee Melissa Coates tried to warn both men, but since they both seemed hell bent to slug it out she eventually just let them do as they wished.
Both men were busted wide open and soon bleeding profusely.
Cross tried to bring some order back to the match by punishing Moore with a back suplex, a full nelson, and then a double axhandle chop, but then he lost control once more and tried to choke out Moore. This caused Coates to try and get between the two men. The distraction allowed Moore another chance for a low-blow followed by a chop to the throat and then a hotshot off the top rope.
Adam Riggs left the announce table position and went to the apron. He picked up Moore's Kendo Stick and placed it in the outstretched hand of the fallen Nic Cross!!
Riggs then got up on the apron and began to argue with both Coates and Moore. The fans of course knew exactly what would happen. Cross got to his feet, and before Moore could turn around Cross Bertuzzi'd him in the side of the head with the kendo stick. Cross tossed the stick and picked up the easy win.
Nic Cross beat Gabriel Moore by pinfall after hitting him with a Kendo Stick at 10:49

After the match Riggs stood outside the ring laughing at Cross. The mic picked him up saying, "you're the same old Nic Cross, you still play the game, and you still are my bitch".


Pre-Match:
Nic Cross is shown backstage, he is furious and is shouting that he wants a piece of Adam Riggs right now. Suddenly security shows up in mass and swarms Cross, forcing him to his rental car. Finally, in frustration Cross agrees, gets in his car and speeds out of the arena.


Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match - 3 Way Dance
Vendetta (champion) v Manny Silva v Adam Riggs
All 3 men clash in the middle of the ring exchanging punches in a free for all. That comes to an abrupt halt when Riggs smashes the heads of his two opponents together. He rams Vendetta into the ringpost and then whips him into Silva. Silva sees it coming though and ducks, sending Vendetta over top with a huge back drop. Silva pulls up only to be knocked down by a running clothesline from the Phenom Adam Riggs.
The fans are booing Riggs without mercy as he throws Vendetta outside the ring. He then powerbombs Silva, and looks to win the title without even working up a sweat, 1, 2, Kickout by Silva.
Riggs clotheslines Silva back down and then brings the fans to their feet when he shows unbelievable co-ordination for such a big man nailing Vendetta outside the ring with a plancha! Phenomenal!
Riggs throws Vendetta into the guardrail and then clotheslines him over the rail. He follows him into the crowd, backing the champ up with continued shots to the head. Grabbing the Haitian by the dreadlocks he pulls him over to the guardrail, and tosses him over the guardrail in a show of strength with a release vertical suplex.
However, when Riggs goes to step over the guardrail he is caught by surprise by Silva, who he hadn't seen leave the ring. Silva yanks up on the guardrail crotching Riggs and then smashes his head into the guardrail.
Silva then takes turns stomping away at Vendetta and Riggs. Sensing Vendetta is the weaker of the two he takes him into the ring and nails a bulldog. He goes for the pin, and gets 1, 2, kickout!
Silva continues to punish Vendetta with a neckbreaker, kneedrop, and belly to belly suplex. He goes for the pin, 1, 2, broken up by Adam Riggs coming off the top rope with a splash on both his opponents.
All 3 men are down and take their time getting to their feet. Riggs is up first and dropkicks Silva into Vendetta. But the Haitian is alert enough to catch Silva and send him right back at Riggs with an atomic drop. Riggs takes down Silva with a running clothesline and then collides with Vendetta in a huge collision as both men go for a flying bodypress. Riggs rolls out of the ring for a breather.
Inside Silva is on his feet first and begins to punish Vendetta while keeping an eye out for Riggs. He can't find Riggs as he has retreated into the crowd for a breather. Vendetta makes a comeback and takes control of Silva. Neither man though can seem to finish it off, and after about 5 minutes of one-on-one Riggs makes his way back into the ring. He clotheslines both men down to the ground, and then powerbombs both. He elects to cover Vendetta and would have got the pin, but a fallen Manny Silva reached out, grabbed the leg of referee Buddy Lane and pulled him away from the pin.
Lane was warning Silva when he got run over from behind by Vendetta (thanks to a whip from Riggs). With the ref knocked out Adam Riggs left the ring and returned with a steel chair. He smashed the chair over both his opponents heads. Long-time inept official Jurgen Hermann ran down to ringside but rather then let him make a count Adam Riggs menaced him with the chair until he left the ring and retreated backstage.
Riggs apparently didn't want the RCW title, he seemed intent on crippling his opponents. He tried to nail Silva again with the chair but the Hawaiian managed enough energy to roll away from the swing, roll out of the ring and head for the back. Riggs turned his attention to Vendetta and tried another chair shot. This time though Vendetta ducked under, and turned the tables on the Irish thug with a kick to the gut and a DDT on the dropped chair. Both men were trying to recover as Buddy Lane was getting to his feet.
Manny Silva turned around and ran back into the ring, and sent Vendetta head first into the chair with a bulldog. Silva then laid the boots to Riggs before driving him head first into the ringpost. The former RCW champ then took Vendetta to the ropes and wrapped the top two ropes around his throat. He left the ring and in his controversial fashion grabbed Vendetta's legs and pulled down with all his might, choking Vendetta in the ropes!
Buddy Lane was still too dazed to help out, but Adam Riggs came over and nailed Silva with a baseball slide. Vendetta had just managed to put his feet back onto the ring apron when Riggs took Silva's place outside the ring and began to pull down on Vendetta, choking the champ.
The fans went nuts as from the back came Kimberly Page charging just ahead of her husband Diamond Dallas Page and Robert Blaze Bayley. DDP went right after Silva, with fists of fire, driving him into the crowd. Bayley went after Riggs and after a few punches drove him head first into the ringsteps.
Blaze and Kim Page were both on the ring apron untangling Vendetta from the ropes when Riggs came striking back with a steel chair. He nailed Bayley in the knee dropping him from the ring apron. Then in a terrible act of cowardice he turned the chair on Kim nailing her in the back, and she too fell to the ground.
Buddy Lane calls for the bell, this match is declared a no-contest at 15:43

Riggs lifted the chair into the air in victory, but as he turned to the crowd he was struck from behind by a last ditch effort of Vendetta jumping off the ring apron. The Haitian used all his energy to just try and keep the crazy Riggs pinned to the ground. DDP returns, jumping over the railing and sliding to the side of his wife, as we

..no wait a sec, as the closing credits appear on screen we see Nic Cross jump the rail from the crowd. Cross has returned! He kicks Vendetta off Riggs..he has a sledgehammer! Cross swings the sledgehammer at Riggs...as we


FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #988
2 Hour Edition of RAGE in Syndication
Taped Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Air Date, Saturday June 19, 2004


Mariucci Arena,
University of Minnesota Campus
Minneapolis, MN

Attendance; 3,116


Statement;
Jody Christmas is shown sitting on the couch in his home, dressed in jeans and a Dallas Mavericks T-shirt. He looks relaxed but that is about to change.

Christmas] This will be my final statement before going to the NWA King of the Ring. Heartbreakers you say I am not a legend which is fine. 

But you know what? I don't even need to sing my own praises as punks like you two do it for me. Tell me why, if I am not a legend, that you would bother to travel half way across the country just to urinate on my ring attire? Tell me why you would choose myself and Bret Hart as the targets to try and elevate yourselves to stardom if we are not legends? Your actions speak louder than any words that I could use. I thank you both for the compliment of your level of adoration, usually only seen from high school girls with a crush.

What you guys did to Greg Pawluk was simply wrong. But now it seems to have back fired on you as Garrison Cade has stepped up to be my partner. Cade as you know is a tremendous athlete, and a real talent. He doesn't need to run around making an ass out of himself to elevate himself to main event status. He has REAL talent, and I am looking forward to joining forces with him once again.

As for you Bret Hart and Lance Storm, just stay the hell out of my way. I have no problem hurting you guys but would prefer to leave you intact, so long after I have my victory over the Heartbreakers, you will still be around in one piece to continue to pour out the punishment on those jerkoffs.

I will see you all at King of the Ring.



Promo segment:
Commissioner Bob Backlund is in the ring with his lovely assistant for the night Debra McMichael, the 3rd and final tryout for the Executive assistant position, following in the high heeled steps of Tylene Buck and Kim Kanner.

Backlund has a mic and calls out Asp Evergreen and Derek St. Holmes, ESQ.


<<< cue "Nookie" by Limp Bizkit >>>

Derek St. Holmes leads out Asp Evergreen to the ring, they are looking extremely cocky.

Holmes] This had better be good old man...

Backlund] Oh it will be skippy, it will be. Listen up you ingrates, after your actions last week, knocking out poor Kim Kanner, sending her to the hospital...

The fans boo, and Debra puts on a fake pouty face.

Backlund] ...it's time for a little bit of payback. Now there is a young man backstage by the name of Eddie Chavez who used to be your friend Asp, but now he just wants your head on his fireplace mantle. And I was going to set up that match now, but you know what? Holmes, you've pissed me off with your arrogance. So, you might as well take part in the action too, I'll make it a tag team match and will find a partner right now for Eddie.

Debra whispers something in Bob's ear, and this gives him a huge smile.

Backlund] Wonderful idea dear. Okay Eddie's partner will be none other then "H2O" Ron Waterman!!!

The fans go nuts and Asp and Holmes jump up and down in indignation.

Holmes] You can't do this Backund, I'm a manager not a wrestler.

Backlund] Well, it's you two against Chavez and Waterman, and you're right skippy, I can't make you wrestle. You can stay in the dressing room if you like, stand on the floor and manage, you can do announcing, or sell popcorn for all the hell I care. But then it will be Asp against those two men, so the choice is yours, and it happens, right now!!


Opening Bout
Asp Evergreen & Derek St. Holmes, ESQ v Eddie Chavez & Ron Waterman
Evergreen & Holmes are relieved when Chavez starts the match, and they try and exploit him as the weakest link in the team. However, Chavez is on fire and more than holds his own. Evergreen and Holmes get nothing going in this match except for the occasional double team or eye gouge. Soon they can't take any more punishment and make a run for it.
Eddie Chavez & Ron Waterman defeated Asp Evergreen & Derek St. Holmes by countout at 5:17


The announce crew, Joe Aiello & Linley Tolbert give us a rundown on what to expect the rest of the show. Vincent Regliatti was slated to take on Greg Pawluk, but since Pawluk was injured another opponent will need to be found for Regliatti. Robert Blaze Bayley will be on hand for a special interview. Jamie Knoble will also see action as Sable has set up a match for him later in the show. The Tag Team titles are on the line tonight when the Sheepherders take on the Spinebusters. Bam Bam Bigelow is expected to announce his intentions to Diamond Rhodes, and finally the main event tonight will be a CAGE MATCH, between Manny Silva and Adam Riggs!!!


<<< cue "Ride of the Valkryes" by Wagner >>>

The fans boo and the announcers rail against being interrupted as the New Right take to the ring. Dan Severn leads out Extreme Jack Voight and Alex Wright.

Severn] Shut the hell up you bunch of mid-western ****. Go home to momma like you belong. That way you can see who she is sleeping with today. I'm not out here for your benefit, you bunch of retards, I'm out here to make a statement to the World. Listen up. The Germans are coming. World Cup, July, the Germans are coming. If you thought that Blitzkrieg was something to behold, wait until you see this little army destroy everything in its path. It's too bad John Fredrickson wasn't still around to witness this!

The fans boo Severn unmercifully.

Severn] Jody Christmas, I saw your little crying session from your house. It's good to see you hiding at home instead of coming here and fighting like a man. You're just proving that you are the little bitch that the Heartbreakers say you are. I'm ashamed to have shared the same ring as you. So, next week, the world has to know, who will stand up to the Germans? What country, whether it be Canada, United States, France, Upper Volta, Sudan, or whatever, who will send their best 3 athletes to come face us in a tune-up? It doesn't matter if you are in the World Cup or not. We will take on the most worthy challengers. The match will be a 6-man street fight. So, if you have the balls, World, then send us your best.

Severn hands Wright the mic.

Wright]
Schließen Sie die Hölle herauf Sie amerikanische Schweine. Wir sind die Deutschen, sind wir das neue Recht, und wir sind in der Welt das beste. Folgende Woche verkrüppeln wir Sie irgendwie weakling senden uns. Die Weltschale ist- so gut wie unsere.

The fans boo The New Right and begin to throw debris into the ring as the 3 men pose for the crowd.


Bout #2
Vincent Regliatti v Shane Madison
Madison is making his first appearance on RAGE since RCW has made its return, taking the place of the injured Greg Pawluk.
This may have been the most exciting sub minute match ever in RCW. It was one long chain wrestling segment, which went from flying armdrags, headscissors, crucifixes, to roll-up's. In the end Reglaitti used a back mounted side roll cradle to pick up the quick win.
Vincent Regliatti defeated Shane Madison by pinfall with a back mounted side roll cradle at 0:58



<<< cue "Tenth Dimension" by Blaze >>>
The fans come to their feet as a legend makes his way down to the ring of RCW. Robert "Blaze" Bayley is all smiles as he high-fives the crowd wearing an Iron Maiden t-shirt, blue jeans, and a blue denim jacket with a "Blaze" crest across the back. Linley Tolbert makes a crack about it being 1989 all over again, but no one else in the arena seems to mind.

The former World champion is in the ring and has a mic.

Bayley] The media have been asking me, Blaze, how has the RCW been treating you? Well all I got to say, and this is coming from a California boy, is that the mid-west farmer's daughters really make you feel all right...hehehehe

The crowd cheers Blaze.

Bayley] But what I don't like is coming back to the same old crap from the likes of a racist pig like Adam Riggs. In fact, after all these years I think I finally have you figured out Riggs. You're not a racist...you hate EVERYONE...probably even your own parents...everyone except for yourself that is. After what happened last week Riggs I've decided to stick around these parts for awhile longer.

The crowd once again cheers loud enough that Bayley has to pause and wait them out.

Bayley] THANK-YOU Middle America! But tonight I'm just going to sit back and relax. Tonight's main event will feature Adam Riggs and Manny Silva one-on-one in a steel cage...no quarter will be asked for...and none will be given. Personally I hope you two kill each other, and I will be in the back, along with half the dressing room, watching it on the monitor, and enjoying every punch, kick, eye gouge, and rake of a bloody forehead across the steel cage.

The crowd cheers once again.

Bayley] Vendetta, you seem like a good champion, but what this federation needs to put it on the map, to put its name beside the likes of the WWF and the WCW is a champion who is known the world around. I am that man, and after I am done with Riggs, I am coming for that title.


Bout #3
Jamie Knoble (/w Sable) v Johnny Rivale
Another first appearance on the new RAGE, this time for "Cool" Johnny Rivale who has a bit of a throw-back "greaser" image, or perhaps he is just white-trash?
Knoble comes to the ring accompanied by Sable, and looks proud as punch to have her on his arm. Unlike when she seconded for Al Collins, this time she manages to keep her focus and stay in the corner cheering on Knoble. The fans cheer for Knoble as well, but they give Sable a mixed reaction.
Inside the ring, while Rivale is a fairly small guy he is also not all that fast. He relies mostly on brawling and taunts, ala a young Roddy Piper. It doesn't take long for Knoble to ground him and then finish the job.
Jamie Knoble beats Johnny Rivale by pinfall after a top-rope guillotine legdrop at 3:53

Sable entered the ring after the victory and embraced Knoble with a rather enthusiastic hug. Knoble looked smitten. Sable grabbed a mic and started to gush on Knoble about how he was such a great wrestler, and between the two of them they would go to the top of the RCW ranks. She said there was no-one in the back that they had to fear, that no-one was going to get in their way on the road to the title.

<<< cue "Flee" by Kindred >>>
The fans popped and then began to boo as Menele made his way down to the ring looking very menacing. Knoble was taken aback and when he looked at Sable she too was looking afraid. Menele grabbed referee Jimmy Appleseed by the collar as he was walking up the ramp and dragged him back to the ring. He walked around to the timekeepers table and rang the bell before entering the ring again. Sable took off between the ropes and stayed a safe distance away from the ring apron. Appleseed elected not to risk angering Menele and stayed to officiate the impromptu match.


Bout #4
Jamie Knoble (/w Sable) v Menele
Knoble started strong trying to get Menele off his game with a hard and fast attack that included dropkicks, a thrust kick to the chest, and a senton off the top rope, but could not keep the beast down. Menele struck back hard with a spinebuster, a double underhook suplex, and a wheelbarrow suplex, and it was all over.
Menele beat Knoble by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex at 4:05

Post-Match:
Waiting until after Menele had vacated the premises Sable went back into the ring and helped Knoble to his feet and out of the ring. He seemed pretty dazed and confused, and Sable looked very worried.


Backstage;
A camera follows Sable and Jamie Knoble into the back, where paramedics rush forward and take Knoble from Sable. They have him lie down on a spinal board and immobilize his neck (ummm..too late). One of them snaps at Sable and says he shouldn't have been moved. As they work on him Al Collins comes into the scene and puts his arm around Sable. When she sees who it is she stiffens in shock.

Collins] Remember me Sable? I'm the guy who stuck his neck out for you, only to be abandoned when the action got hot. I guess even though I got stung I got off lucky compared to that poor dude. You really are the black widow of wrestling aren't you?

Suddenly from nowhere Menele is back and strikes Collins from behind with a fist to the back of the neck. Collins is knocked straight onto the spinal board, and sprawls across Knoble. When the paramedics protest Menele responds with a big boot into the face of one, and scoops up the other and runs him into the wall. Collins is on his feet and fires back at Menele with a punch, but it's blocked and Menele clotheslines Collins to the ground. He then turns his attention to Knoble, but Sable is there, covering Knoble's body and putting a hand up, begging Menele to stop. She is afraid, but Menele just snears at her and walks away.


In-Ring Promo;
<<< cue "Won't Get Fooled Again" by the Who >>>
Commissioner Bob Backlund comes to the ring accompanied by Debra McMichael.

Backlund] Well Miss Debra I have to admit you have done a pretty good job tonight of helping me out, keeping things in order. Much better then either Kim Kanner or Tylene Buck.

Debra] Thank you so much Mr. Backlund, I know that I would make a great Executive assistant.

Backlund] Not so fast my dear. Things have got a little more complicated the last couple of weeks. You see maybe I misjudged one Kimberly Page...

The fans cheer the mention of Page.

Backlund] She has shown that she is practical, intelligent, resourceful, and loyal. So in the interest of competition, which is how this search was supposed to be conducted, I think one final competition is in order. Right after the tag team match we will have an impromptu match. You Debra will lock horns with Kimberly in a big ol' pool of grape jello. It will be a bikini jello wrestling match with the first one to remove either the top or bottoms of the opponent to be declared the winner...and the new Executive Assistant. And if either of you declines to participate then your ass will be fired.

Debra] You are a sick son of a bitch. You're telling me you just HAPPEN to have a pool full of jello handy for this IMPROMPTU match?

Backlund] Well you know, just in case.

Debra] That little princess is no match for me, I'm a Texas woman and I will kick her ass.


Bout #5
RCW Tag Team Title Match
The Spinebusters: Bryan Caruthers & Jerry Orth (champions) v The Sheepherders: Jim Nancy & Sexton Cage
Despite their dislike for the Sheepherders the fans were solidly behind the New Zealand duo in this match against the hated Spinebusters.
The 'busters started strong and out-cheated Nancy to start, then wore him down with some armbusters and armbars, keeping him on his knees or his back while they worked with leverage. Finally Nancy got free with an eye rake and tagged out to the younger, stronger Cage. He caught Orth with a kick to the gut and quite unceremoniously delivered a painful looking powerbomb to change the tide of the match.
Cage worked over Orth but couldn't put him away. Caruthers got tagged in but soon was being worked over by the veteran Jim Nancy. The 'herders took the match to the floor, and while referee Melissa Coates was busy trying to get Orth to return to his corner Cage and Nancy double teamed Caruthers using the metal guardrail to full advantage.
Caruthers was busted wide open.
Back inside Nancy and Cage double teamed Caruthers, holding him by all four limbs and ramming his shoulder straight into the ringpost. Jerry Orth entered the ring one more time, this time brandishing a steel chair which he used to nail Sexton Cage, who fell out of the ring. Nancy fled for safety as Melissa Coates called for the bell.
The Sheepherders defeated the Spinebusters by disqualification when Jerry Orth was DQ'd for using a steel chair at 10:05
[The Spinebusters retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]


Bout #6
Bikini Jello Match
Kimberly Page v Debra McMichael

<<< cue "Won't Get Fooled Again" by the Who >>>
Commissioner Bob Backlund comes down to the pool of jello, and he's wearing a referee shirt! Looks like we have a guest referee for this match.

Well the ladies pretty much rolled, played, slapped, and ogled, it's more of a visual thing then a recap type item, until...

Adam Riggs showed up. Debra managed to escape as he had eyes only for Kimberly. Backlund shouted and warned Riggs, but was for the most part just ignored. Scooping her up he slammed her back into the jello, then reached down and emerged with both her bottoms and tops. Security ran out to help Kimberly maintain her dignity but Riggs began to slap them away. He grabbed a hold of Kimberly by the hair and was about to pull her out of the pool of jello and "expose" her, when Robert Blaze Bayley came to the rescue, nailing Riggs with a flying forearm. Those two went at it as RCW officials helped Kimberly cover up and flee to the back.
No Contest 3:32

While the jello match had been going on, the ring crew had been assembling the cage for the main event. Bayley and Riggs fought their way to the cage area and into the ring.

Bayley hammered Riggs with a swinging punch, and a jumping DDT. Bayley was preparing for the Blaze Bomb when Riggs gouged his eyes. A punch straight to the throat allowed Riggs more time to go and fetch a wrench that the ring crew had been using. Bayley turned around right into a shot to the head with the wrench. He was down, and stayed down as Riggs taunted him and spit on his back. Security returned to the scene to help Bayley to the backstage area, his head busted wide open.


In ring promo;
<<< cue "Diamonds and Rust" by Judas Priest >>>

Diamond Rhodes comes to the ring accompanied by Paisley. They are both wearing an assortment of black and white leathers.

Rhodes] Bigelow...you are a powerful force. You have the ability to weaken men like rust on steel. I need you, and judging by your results as of late, you need me just as much. Together we will rule middle America.

<<< cue "The Zoo" by Bruce Dickinson >>>

Bam Bam Bigelow comes to the ring with a weary look on his face. For a long time he stares straight at Paisley, ignoring Rhodes. Paisley seems to shirk from his stare as she crawls behind Rhodes.

Bigelow] I need you? I don't even know what the hell you two are supposed to be! I'll find my stride soon enough and while I have lost a couple, at least I've stepped in the ring which is more then I can say about you. There's an old saying, that if you can't beat them join them. You want me to join you Rhodes, then you're going to have to beat me. Next week, one on one, me and you. Can you handle that?

Rhodes nods and smiles. Bigelow just shakes his head and backs out of the ring.



After a lengthy delay for the live crowd, the cage is finally finished constructing. The announcers inform us that Blaze Bayley has been sent to the hospital for stitches and a possible concussion, and that Kimberly Page has gone with him.

A camera is shown on the backstage area, where most of the RCW roster stand around watching the closed circuit monitor, waiting for the mayhem that is to follow.



Main Event - Cage Match
16' high steel cage surrounds the ring - pinfalls and submissions only, no cage escape - One fall - 60 minute time limit
Manny Silva v Adam Riggs (/w April Hunter)
The two men attack each other before the bell sounds. Riggs gains an immediate upper hand, lacing some forearms to the back of Silva and muscling him to the cage wall. Several knees to the head and gut punish Silva, before Riggs goes for a powerbomb but Silva blocks the attempts to lift him up.
The brawl goes to the mat and this time it's Silva who comes out ahead, mounting Riggs and peppering him with shots to the head.
Silva attempts to whip Riggs into the cage wall but it's reversed and Silva goes into the cage. He bounces off though and ducks under a clothesline attempt, and then nails Riggs with a back elbow.
The two men continue to brawl, each one managing to smash the other's head into the cage and open it up. Both men are bleeding profusely.
Riggs attacks by biting Silva's face, then ramming him into the cage. He goes for a thumb to the throat but Silva deflects it and takes Riggs down with a fingerlock. He lowers Riggs hand to the mat and then drops a knee on the same finger.
Silva nails a vertical suplex, but when he goes to cradle Riggs for a pin the Irishman knees him squarely in the groin. Riggs applies pressure with an inverted atomic drop, followed by a neckbreaker. He goes for a cobra clutch but Silva counters and smashes Riggs' head into the cage.
April Hunter leaves ringside.
Silva continues to punish Riggs but can't put him away. Hunter returns and she has a long thin package which she quickly unwraps to reveal a singapore cane. Inside the ring Riggs manages to keep Silva at bay long enough with an elbow and then a clothesline for Hunter to pass him the cane through the links of the cage.
But Silva is back too quick and throws a shoulder into Riggs driving him back into the turnbuckle. The cane drops to the mat and both men take turns exchanging punches.
Silva delivers a vicious forearm to the face of Riggs and then recovers the cane. He swings at Riggs who ducks and then kicks the Hawaiian in the gut. Riggs nails Silva with a DDT. He puts him up on the top turnbuckle and executes the Phenomenon Performance for the win.
Adam Riggs beat Manny Silva by pinfall after the Phenomenon Performance at 15:51

As we


FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #989
2 Hour Edition of RAGE in Syndication
Taped Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Air Date, Saturday June 26, 2004

Alerus Center
Grand Forks, ND

Attendance: 2,915


<<< cue "Won't Get Fooled Again" by the Who >>>
Commissioner Bob Backlund and Executive Assistant Debra McMichael come down to the ring to a mixture of cheers and jeers.

Backlund] First off I'm here to congratulate the new WORLD champions, Bryan Caruthers and Jerry Orth, the Spinebusters !!

The fans boo.

Backlund] Yes, I know how you feel, that was my first reaction too. But stop the jeering for a moment, and realize that this is a big vindication for River City Wrestling, it shows that we do indeed breed champions here in the heartland of America.

The fans cheer Backlund.

Backlund] Having said that, I am also out here to make sure the integrity of the RCW tag team titles remains intact. I don't want a situation where we might have someone throw the tag belts into the trash can or similar antics. So, at this time I would like to call out the Spinebusters and hear what their intentions really are.


<<< cue "Till it Sleeps" by Metallica >>>
Bryan Caruthers & Jerry Orth walk down the aisle to a mixture of cheers and jeers. They each have two title belts over their shoulders, the RCW tag titles and the NWA World titles.

Caruthers] Not a trusting sort are you Backlund? You know my momma taught me to be weary of those who don't trust, she said those are likely to be the ones who aren't trustworthy themselves, the first ones to stab you in the back.

Backlund] Oh I trust you Bryan, I trust you and Jerry to do exactly what is best for yourselves, as you always have.

Caruthers] You know something Backlund, you're not as stupid as that bow-tie makes you look.

Backlund] So answer the damn question, what are your intentions?

Orth] We intend to be the best NWA World Champions ever. As for these RCW titles, well they are kind of redundant now, so you can take them...

The fans boo.

Orth] ...from our cold, dead hands, you stupid little turd. We've worked too hard, too long to get every piece of gold we could, we sure as hell aren't going to hand them over. We will travel the globe defending the NWA titles but we will be here on RAGE to defend these titles as well. Starting tonight when we get those idiotic foreigners the Sheep*bleep* in a rematch. And if you suck up enough to us Backlund....maybe lend us that hot little piece of ass Debra for awhile...maybe, just maybe we'll give you a whiff of these NWA World titles too.

The fans boo as the Spinebusters end the interview and display their title belts proudly.


Opening Bout
Bam Bam Bigelow v Diamond Rhodes (/w Paisley)
This match was set up by the freaky Diamond Rhodes' request for Bam Bam to join him as partners in RCW. Bigelow seemed put off by the strange antics of Rhodes but told Rhodes he would partner with him, if Rhodes could beat him.
Well Rhodes surprised Bigelow before the bell by attacking him from behind, a tactic you wouldn't normally associate with a recruitment attempt. Rhodes smashed Bigelow's head into each turnbuckle and then slammed him shoulder first into the ringpost. Leaving the ring Rhodes stood outside and punished the arm of Bigelow wrapping it around the ringpost, and slamming it onto the ring apron. Back inside he whipped Bigelow into the corner and then rocked him with a clothesline. Rhodes kept up the punishment but and after a failed pin attempt he went for the flying bulldog finisher only to have Bigelow throw him off and through the ropes.
Outside Bigelow made a comeback, slamming Rhodes into the guardrail, ringsteps, announce table, and the ringpost. He then worked over Rhodes' back with a bearhug, slam Rhodes back first into the ring apron, then reapply the bearhug, repeat, repeat.
Finally referee Jimmy Appleseed got both men to get back inside the ring. As Bigelow climbed into the ring though Paisley came over and looked like she was going to grab Bigelow's foot. However, the big man saw her and gave her a menacing look which backed her away. This was the time and distraction though that Rhodes needed as he nailed the Beast from the East with a kick to the groin. With his hands covering his injured parts he then fell prey to a pair of elbow drops from Rhodes. A flying clothesline was followed by a pin attempt but Bigelow tossed Rhodes off at a count of 2.
Both men were on their feet and exchanging punches. They went toe to toe, and then took turns coming off the ropes and rocking their opponent with a clothesline. Bigelow went back to the ropes, but this time instead of waiting for him, Rhodes followed him to the ropes and surprised him with a knee to the groin. Appleseed tore into Rhodes backing him away from the ailing Bigelow and warning him severely about the tactics.
In the meantime Bigelow draped himself over the second rope to recover his breath, which made him an easy target for Paisley who used pepper spray into the big man's eyes. Bigelow was blinded and wandering around the ring throwing phantom punches, and Rhodes nailed him from behind with a flying bulldog.
Diamond Rhodes defeated Bam Bam Bigelow by pinfall after a flying bulldog, and pepper spray attack by Paisley, at 10:49


<<< cue "Denial" by Sevendust >>>
The fans boo as Raymond Bingham comes down to the ring with a mic. He is wearing his "2001 PWI Rookie of the Year" t-shirt, blue wrestling trunks and boots. He is also waving a Canadian flag.

Bingham] 'allo les peoples ov forks d'grande. J'mappelle Raymond Bingham. I used to hail from the United States of America but as of last week I have changed my citizenship to Montreal, Canada, where mon grandmere was born and raised. You see people Canadians are just much more smart than Americans. While the USA were fighting a civil war over slaves, Canada was welcoming them over the border. While America exiled the best ball players in the world to the negro leagues, Montreal welcomed Jackie Robinson to play for them. While the USA sent their soldiers over to Vietnam to die by the shitload, Canada welcomed the draft dodgers over the border. And now while America stirs up the hornets nest over in Iraq, the Canadians send more peacekeepers to Afghanistan. North Dakota here has the biggest concentration of nuclear warheads in the world, so it's a good thing you are located right next to Canada so we don't need to build our own. Instead we can spend that money on universal medicare!

The fans boo and start a chant of U-S-A, U-S-A...

Bingham] It's a good thing your founding fathers only made the acronym 3 letters or you bunch of rednecks wouldn't be able to get it right. Tonight, I take on a man who, while you cheer him, has no more love for America than I do. Vendetta has been a great interim champion, while the management of RCW has kept back the future, me, Raymond Bingham, long enough. Tonight I will wrestle the present out of the hands of Vendetta, and I will discard the future, take my place as the present, and kick Vendetta into the past. I know that is hard for you folks to understand so let me sum it up for you. I will win the RCW Heavyweight title from Vendetta tonight, and then he will have a long rest for his ailing back.

Bingham throws the mic to the ground and waves the Canadian flag as the fans boo and jeer him, again starting up the U-S-A chant.


Bout #2
Vincent Regliatti v Chris Jons
Chris Jons defeated Vincent Regliatti by pinfall after a double underhook superplex at 5:40


In-ring interview;
Joe Aiello is in the ring with Sable.

Aiello] Sable everyone wants to know just what are you playing at?

Sable] What do you mean Joe?

Aiello] Oh come on. First Al Collins goes out of his way to help you, he lets you manage him...

Sable] Let's me??!!

Aiello] Yes, let's you, as I recall up to that point your bags were packed and you were headed east on the sleazeball express. Then you sweet talk poor Jamie Knoble into letting you manage him, after I might add, you pretty much abandoned Al Collins when you were out there with him. Anyway, because of your bragging and challenge, the monster Menele comes out and beats up on an ill-prepared Knoble, and then later attacks Collins and Knoble again. What did Collins call you last week? Oh yeah, a black widow!

Sable] Are you done Joe? If I could just speak for a second I'll clear all this up. With poor Al, well our agreement was just for me to come to ringside with him, I didn't say I would watch his back. As far as letting him manage me, and sweet talking Knoble, well Joe look at me! Any guy in the RCW, and probably most of the women too, would give anything to have me manage them! I'm a hottie damnit~

Joe] Even I can't deny that Sable, you are hot. But it seems that heat is starting to get a lot of wrestlers burned around here.

Sable] The pain is worth the ecstasy Joe...

Sable begins to run her fingertips up and down Joe's chest, then brushing his hair back.

Sable] Jamie should be out of the hospital next week Joe, and then I will be at his side once again. As for Al, well he's a sweet man, kind of an Uncle figure. You know the kind of Uncle I mean Joe. The one with the beer belly, the comb-over, makes rude body movement noises at the dinner table and then laughs. The kind with the wandering hands and the leachers smile. I'm done with Al Collins, good luck to him.

Joe] Well maybe you are done with him, but he is still feeling the effects of the fallout with you. Next, right here, he has a match against Menele who has been on a rampage as of late.

Sable] Well, that does sound exciting doesn't it...are you as excited as I am Joe? humm....looks like it. I might just have to stay for that match, perhaps I can join you in the booth?

Joe] You mean at the broadcast table?

Sable] Oh, that's what I meant, not sure why I was thinking of booths.

Sable's theme plays and she walks her latex covered ass over to the announce table, as the fans give her a mix of cheers and boos.


Bout #3
Al Collins v Menele
Menele starts strong with a series of punches and kicks and a chop to the throat. He nails Collins with a release overhead suplex, but then pauses to stare at Sable who is sitting at the announce table.
Collins strikes with a kick to the gut, an uppercut forearm smash, and a backdrop. Collins then too makes the mistake of getting distracted, standing at the ringropes staring her down.
Menele strikes from behind with a knee to the back that drives Collins out of the ring. Menele nails another release overhead suplex onto the floor. He then puts Collins on the announce table and stares into the eyes of Sable as he applies a chokehold to Collins. At first Sable finds it kind of amusing but soon it becomes apparent that Menele will not break the hold, despite the counts of referee Melissa Coates. Sable begins to get worried as Collins is turning colour. Coates calls for the bell as she and Sable are both yelling at Menele to release the choke. Finally the monster releases the hold, and begins to walk over to Sable who quickly scampers over the table and flees to the back.
Al Collins defeated Menele by disqualification when Menele wouldn't release a chokehold at 3:24


Bout #4
Robert "Blaze" Bayley v Lord Valmont (/w Sherry Valmont)
The premiere match for Bayley, is also the first we have seen Valmont since RCW Rage came back on the air. Valmont is just no match for the international superstar Bayley who wins the match with little trouble.
Robert Bayley beat Lord Valmont by pinfall after a Blaze Bomb at 4:49

Post-Match
Bayley] Riggs, you son of a bitch! Last week you sent both me and Kimberly to the hospital with one of your sneak attacks. The shot with the wrench left me with a concussion, but don't worry my memory is still intact, and I will get my payback. You beat Manny Silva last week in the main event cage match, so that pretty much makes you the number one contender for whoever emerges tonight as the RCW champion. Well Riggs, you might never get the chance to exercise that #1 contenders right, because I'm going to take you out before you get the chance.


Bout #5
RCW Tag Team Title Match - Rematch
The Spinebusters: Bryan Caruthers & Jerry Orth (Champions) v The Sheepherders: Jim Nancy & Sexton Cage
These two teams met last week and getting a taste of their own medicine, Jerry Orth grew so frustrated by the tactics and cheating of the Sheepherders that he finally snapped and nailed them with a steel chair, causing the 'busters to lose the match by DQ, but not the titles.
Prior to this match the 'herders tried to goad the Spinebusters into putting up the NWA World titles, but the Spinebusters just gave them a look of contempt.
The match started with a test of strength between Nancy and Caruthers with Nancy getting the better of it, and control into a hammerlock. It only took seconds though before this match turned downright nasty.
There wasn't much flow to the match as it was constant interference and double-teams. Finally the Spinebusters gained control and cut the ring in half, isolating the bigger but inexperienced Sexton Cage. They worked over his right arm and shoulder to the point where he couldn't even swing a punch. Caruthers then surprised him with a sudden spinebuster slam, and would have got the 3 count except for Nancy entering the ring to break it up. This brought in Orth, and the Spinebusters double-teamed Nancy, taking him out with a stuffed piledriver.
However, Cage recovered and nailed Caruthers with a big boot to the face. Referee Buddy Lane escorted Orth out of the ring, and then counted, the 1, 2, kickout by Caruthers!
Cage whipped Caruthers into the ropes and caught him with a powerbomb which instead of releasing, he pulled the champ back up and pounded him back to the ground a second time. The attempted pin was broken up by Jerry Orth. Cage and Orth now went at it tooth and nail and they spilled out of the ring. Jim Nancy was still feeling the ill effects of the previous few minutes. Referee Buddy Lane applied the count, and the stubborn youth in Sexton Cage was either tuned out or just ignored the count, instead continuing his winning battle against Orth. Cage slammed Orth into the guardrail. He then threw him into the crowd. Standing on a chair he reigned down punches on the busted open forehead of Jerry Orth.
Inside the ring Bryan Caruthers stood in the middle, allowing the beating of his partner to continue, not wanting to break up the count. Nancy finally managed to revive long enough to break Cage from the distraction. However, it was too late as by the time Cage made a break for the ring Buddy Lane was already calling for the bell.
The Spinebusters defeated The Sheepherders by countout when Sexton Cage was counted out of the ring at 12:38


Backstage;
Lord Valmont and his wife and valet Sherry Valmont are standing in the dressing room corridor with Linley Tolbert.

Tolbert] Okay Mr.Valmont, you don't mind me calling you Mister do you? It seems a bit pretentious for someone who just got the crap beat out of them by a heavy metal wannabe to refer to himself as Lord. Anyway, you called me out here, so what do you have to say?

Valmont] I have a challenge for Robert Bayley. You caught me off guard, but that won't happen again. Let's do this, right here, right now. Me and you in a streetfight.

Tolbert] Well you have a lot of nerve, if not brains, but this is no street, it's an arena corridor, and I don't think that Bayley is going to answer the call because frankly it's not very glamorous...well look who's here...

The fans cheer as Robert Bayley comes into the picture. He's about to say something to Valmont when his valet Sherry hauls off and slaps him in the face. Then her husband blindsides the distracted Bayley with a shot into the wall. He begins to pepper in a few shots but already Bayley is making a comeback. Then it becomes apparent it's a rouse as Adam Riggs appears behind Bayley and lays him out with a kick to the back. Riggs tells the Valmonts to scram as he starts to lay the boots into Bayley. He then slams Bayley's face into the concrete floor, and it comes up bloody. RCW security arrives on the scene but Riggs slams the first two into the wall, and the other 2 back off trying to talk Riggs down. But the crazy Irishman isn't about to stop and he starts to stomp away again at Bayley. The other 2 security guards jump in trying to grab the arms of Riggs, but he tosses them away and then slams them into the wall also.

Finally Bob Backlund arrives with Debra McMichael tailing behind. Backlund though doesn't even get a word out of his mouth before Riggs boots him in the chest and then rams him head first into the concrete wall. Riggs then surprises Debra with a shove into the wall and she goes down as well.

Finally help arrives big time in the frame of Ron Waterman who tackles Riggs from behind and holds him down while officials try and help Bayley to his feet. Riggs and Waterman are wrestling around the ground until officials can finally get in and break them up.


Not Really a Bout?
World Cup Warm-Up
Open Invitation 6-Man Street Fight

<<<cue "Ride of the Valkryies" by Wagner>>>
Team Germany RCW; represented by Dan Severn, Jack Voight, and Alex Wright come to the ring first. Severn gets on the mic.

Severn] Shut the hell up you bunch of farm *******, there's no pigs here to **** for you mid-western hicks. As predicted TEAM USA was too chicken shit to show up tonight. SHUT THE HELL UP. Bow down to Team Germany, the Gods of wrestling. But at least Team Mexico was not too afraid to send a team.

<<< cue "La Bamba" by Richie Valens >>>

Joe Aiello] What the hell is this? Some sort of joke? Who are these guys, and what's up with "La Bamba" is that supposed to be the Mexican National Anthem now?

Three men make their way to the ring cautiously. The first one is dressed entirely in red, including a red mask, he is announced as being the 428 lb. "El Spinkter Bungholio" and his gut hangs out below his red t-shirt. A gut, which like his arms looks suspiciously white and pasty. The second member of the contingent is announced as being 155 lbs. "Sin Nombre", and he is wearing all yellow, including his mask, and his name spelled in red across his t-shirt. Aiello informs us that "Sin Nombre" apparently is Spanish for "no-name". Finally, dressed in mocking fashion of Jody Christmas's image is 188 lb., "Puta Masculina" which is in fact Spanish for Boy Toy.

The bell rings and this isn't really a match, as all 6 men go at it in the ring and all around it. Team Mexico doesn't stand a chance obviously and are getting the hell beaten out of them.

<<< cue "Star Spangled Banner" by Jimi Hendrix >>>

Dressed in street clothes Jody Christmas, Sam Holiday, and Al Hardamann, come racing from the back and jump into the action. The three "Mexicans" bail out and head for the back as the Americans go toe to toe with the Germans. Severn and Christmas go at in the middle of the ring while Holiday and Hardamann go at with Voight and Wright outside the ring. Severn tries to lock on an armbar submission on Christmas but he counters it and within a minute has Severn locked in a sharpshooter.

<<< cue "South African National Anthem" >>>
Three men come running down the aisle.

Aiello] Who the hell are these guys? Where did they come from?

Tolbert] Joe, that is Frans van der Heever, 7 time and current South African Wrestling champion, the big man is Wyld Boer, and lastly Duane van Staden. To answer your question Joe, they came from South Africa, and were invited by me! This should be fun to watch.

The newcomers are no push overs and they go right after both of the other teams, so now we have a 9 man brawl which brings the fans to their feet. Boer gores Hardamann into the guardrail knocking him completely out. Van Staden however falls victim to a Jack Voight powerbomb on the announce table.

Tolbert] I would say these guys are a bit pissed at not being invited to the World Cup!!


<<< cue "Ride of the Valkryies" by Wagner >>>

Aiello] Why is the German music playing now? Is this match over?

The fans get to their feet as they stare at the entrance ramp.

Tolbert] Far from over Joe, this looks like it is about to hit overdrive!! That's KAI HANSON !! What the hell is that animal doing here??

Former Axis Power PWA and IPW star Hanson joins the fray, grabbing a steel chair on his way which he uses to ~waffle~ Sam Holiday over the head, busting him wide open. Back inside the ring Jody Christmas is in trouble as he is being double teamed now by Dan Severn and Alex Wright. Hanson goes right after Van Der Heever on the outside.

The crowd is on their feet once more as someone jumps over the guardrail.

Aiello] What the hell is going on here..that's MOSES LUKE..the German captain is here tonight!!

Luke goes to work on the Wyld Boer from behind smashing him into the ringsteps. He then picks up those steps and uses them to bust the Boer's head wide open. Luke then goes over and gives Voight a hand with Van Der Heever. The Germans control the day, with Wright and Severn busting Christmas open inside the ring, and Hanson, Voight, and Luke standing amidst a scattering of downed bodies outside the ring.

RCW security comes out and floods the scene, with the Germans declaring their own victory as we cut to a commercial break.



Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta (champion) v Raymond Bingham
Bingham won the right to this title shot, his first big title opportunity, by beating Ken Shamrock, a very impressive feat.

They lock up.
Raymond Bingham nails Vendetta with a punch.

Raymond Bingham hits Vendetta with a savate kick.
Raymond Bingham hits a flying cross body press on Vendetta.
Jurgen Hermann counts: One, kickout.

What is long time inept official Jurgen Hermann doing officiating this match???

Raymond Bingham uses a low blow on Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham nails Vendetta with a jawbreaker.
Raymond Bingham executes a low blow on Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham uses a reverse neckbreaker on Vendetta.
A wave of boos is going through the crowd.
Raymond Bingham whips Vendetta into the ropes, but Vendetta reverses it.
Raymond Bingham hits Vendetta with an elbow.
Raymond Bingham runs into the ropes.
Vendetta hits Raymond Bingham with a clothesline.
Vendetta goes for a Gory Special, but Raymond Bingham blocks it.
Raymond Bingham uses a dragon screw leg whip on Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham nails Vendetta with a thumb to the eye.
Raymond Bingham takes Vendetta down with an atomic drop.
Vendetta goes for a jumping side kick, but Raymond Bingham ducks out of the way.
Raymond Bingham hits a hammerlock on Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham takes Vendetta down with an armdrag takedown.
Raymond Bingham hits Vendetta.

Impressive showing so far for Bingham.

Vendetta kicks Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta kicks Raymond Bingham.
A small "Vendetta" chant is being started.
Vendetta whips Raymond Bingham into the ropes.
Raymond Bingham hits Vendetta with a clothesline.
Vendetta falls out of the ring.
Raymond Bingham goes through the ropes.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Jurgen Hermann counts: 1.
Raymond Bingham uses a standing moonsault on Vendetta.
Jurgen Hermann counts: 2.
Raymond Bingham reenters the ring.
Vendetta follows him back in.
Raymond Bingham goes for a punch, but Vendetta counters it with
an armbar submission.
Raymond Bingham reaches the ropes after being trapped for 5 seconds.
Vendetta hits a roundhouse kick on Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta locks Raymond Bingham in a Gory Special.
Raymond Bingham reaches the ropes after being trapped for 7 seconds.
Vendetta whips Raymond Bingham into the ropes.
Vendetta uses a chop on Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta goes for a Gory Special, but Raymond Bingham blocks it.
Raymond Bingham takes Vendetta down with a reverse neckbreaker.
The crowd is booing Raymond Bingham.
Raymond Bingham hits a vertical suplex on Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham places Vendetta on the turnbuckle.
Raymond Bingham hits a belly-to-back superplex on Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham throws Vendetta out of the ring.
Raymond Bingham goes for a Pescado, but Vendetta moves out of the way.
Vendetta catches Raymond Bingham totally by surprise.
Vendetta nails Raymond Bingham with a DDT.
Vendetta throws Raymond Bingham back into the ring.
Vendetta takes Raymond Bingham down with a bodyslam.
Vendetta takes Raymond Bingham down with a clothesline.
Vendetta raises his arms to the crowd.

The champion is coming back strong now!

Vendetta uses a snap suplex on Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta uses a waistlock takedown on Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta gets a Gory Special on Raymond Bingham.
Raymond Bingham breaks the hold after 5 seconds.
Vendetta locks Raymond Bingham in a Gory Special.
Raymond Bingham reaches the ropes after being trapped for 5 seconds.
Vendetta throws Raymond Bingham out of the ring.
Vendetta goes through the ropes.
Vendetta knocks Raymond Bingham into the ringsteps.
Vendetta goes for the Haitian Deathlock, but Raymond Bingham counters it with
a kick to the groin.
Jurgen Hermann counts: 1.
Raymond Bingham hits Vendetta with a reverse neckbreaker.
Raymond Bingham reenters the ring.
Vendetta follows him back in.
Raymond Bingham uses a savate kick on Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham takes Vendetta down with a jumping neck snap.
The crowd is booing Raymond Bingham.
Raymond Bingham whips Vendetta into the ropes.
Vendetta misses with a kick.
Raymond Bingham hits flying headscissors on Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham puts Vendetta in a full nelson.
Vendetta is struggling to reach the ropes.
Vendetta reaches the ropes after being trapped for 10 seconds.
Raymond Bingham whips Vendetta into the ropes.
Vendetta nails Raymond Bingham with a clothesline.
Vendetta whips Raymond Bingham into the ropes, but Raymond Bingham reverses it.
Raymond Bingham takes Vendetta down with flying headscissors.
Raymond Bingham gets a drop-toe hold into a leglock on Vendetta.
Vendetta is struggling to reach the ropes.
Vendetta is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Raymond Bingham lets go after 20 seconds.
Raymond Bingham goes for a thumb to the eye, but Vendetta blocks it.
Raymond Bingham begs off.
Vendetta goes for a Gory Special, but Raymond Bingham blocks it.
Raymond Bingham places Vendetta on the turnbuckle.
Raymond Bingham hits Vendetta with a belly-to-back superplex.
Raymond Bingham whips Vendetta into the turnbuckle.
Raymond Bingham runs shoulder-first into the corner, but Vendetta
moves out of the way.
Vendetta hits Raymond Bingham with a springboard back elbow.
Vendetta is going for the pin.
Jurgen Hermann counts: One, kickout.
Vendetta uses a series of slaps on Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta locks Raymond Bingham in a surfboard.
Raymond Bingham tries to escape the hold.
Raymond Bingham is struggling to reach the ropes.
Raymond Bingham reaches the ropes after being trapped for 24 seconds.
Raymond Bingham begs off.
Vendetta hits Raymond Bingham with a punch.
Vendetta goes for a left hook, but Raymond Bingham counters it with
an armbar submission.
Vendetta breaks the hold after 5 seconds.
Vendetta nails Raymond Bingham with a headbutt.
Vendetta throws Raymond Bingham out of the ring.
Vendetta goes through the ropes.
Vendetta whips Raymond Bingham into the guardrail.
Vendetta nails Raymond Bingham with a DDT.
Jurgen Hermann counts: 1.
Vendetta knocks Raymond Bingham into the ringpost.
Vendetta goes for a clothesline, but Raymond Bingham counters it with a crucifix.
Jurgen Hermann counts: 2.
Raymond Bingham reenters the ring.
Vendetta follows him back in.
Vendetta brings the table into the ring.
Vendetta throws Raymond Bingham out of the ring.
Jurgen Hermann counts: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine,
Raymond Bingham reenters the ring.
Vendetta locks Raymond Bingham in a bearhug.
Raymond Bingham breaks the hold after 10 seconds.
Raymond Bingham goes for a ropeflip clothesline, but Vendetta blocks it.
Raymond Bingham begs off.
Vendetta runs into the ropes.
Raymond Bingham hits Vendetta with a thumb to the eye.
Raymond Bingham punches Vendetta.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Raymond Bingham hits Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham further incites the crowd.
Raymond Bingham chops Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham is being booed like there is no tomorrow.
Vendetta punches Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta has the crowd going wild.
Vendetta gets a bearhug on Raymond Bingham.
Raymond Bingham is struggling to reach the ropes.
Raymond Bingham tries to escape the hold.
Raymond Bingham reaches the ropes after being trapped for 15 seconds.
Raymond Bingham begs off.
Vendetta takes Raymond Bingham down with a clothesline.
Vendetta executes the Haitian Deathlock on Raymond Bingham.
Raymond Bingham summons one last burst of energy.
Jurgen Hermann asks Raymond Bingham if he's had enough.
Raymond Bingham shakes his head.
Jurgen Hermann asks Raymond Bingham if he's had enough.
Raymond Bingham shakes his head.
Jurgen Hermann tells Raymond Bingham to respond or he'll stop the fight.
Raymond Bingham nods.
Raymond Bingham is writhing in pain.

The fans are on their feet, this looks like it is over. Finally we will see the ego of Raymond Bingham take a step backward!

Jurgen Hermann asks Raymond Bingham if he's had enough.
Raymond Bingham shakes his head.
Jurgen Hermann checks Raymond Bingham's arm.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Raymond Bingham fights his way out of the hold after 43 seconds.
Raymond Bingham throws Vendetta out of the ring.
Raymond Bingham jumps onto him with a plancha.
Raymond Bingham goes for an armbreaker, but Vendetta counters it with
a sleeperhold.
Jurgen Hermann counts: 1.
Vendetta whips Raymond Bingham into the guardrail.
Vendetta knocks Raymond Bingham into the ringsteps.
Vendetta hits a piledriver on Raymond Bingham.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Raymond Bingham takes Vendetta down with a spinning leg lariat.
Jurgen Hermann counts: 2.
They're brawling inside the ring area.
Jurgen Hermann counts: 3.
Raymond Bingham reenters the ring.
Vendetta follows him back in.
Raymond Bingham catches Vendetta in a short arm scissors.
Vendetta reaches the ropes after being trapped for 5 seconds.
Raymond Bingham goes for an armdrag takedown, but Vendetta counters it with
a backslide.
Jurgen Hermann counts: One, two, in the ropes...
Vendetta nails Raymond Bingham with a series of slaps.
Vendetta uses an Asai leg lariat on Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta hits a Russian legsweep on Raymond Bingham.

The crowd is going into a frenzy.

Vendetta uses a waistlock takedown on Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta takes Raymond Bingham down with a kick to the midsection.
Vendetta goes for a hiptoss, but Raymond Bingham reverses it.
Raymond Bingham goes for a ropeflip clothesline, but Vendetta blocks it.
Vendetta hits Raymond Bingham with a chop.
Vendetta uses a series of slaps on Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta goes for a headbutt, but Raymond Bingham blocks it.
Raymond Bingham hits Vendetta with a low blow.
Raymond Bingham chops Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham kicks Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham hits a punch on Vendetta.
Vendetta goes for a German suplex, but Raymond Bingham counters it with
a backward kick.
Raymond Bingham nails Vendetta with a dropkick to the knee.
Raymond Bingham hits Vendetta with a legsweep faceslam.
Raymond Bingham hits a bodyslam on Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham is going for the pin.
Jurgen Hermann counts: One, two, kickout.
Raymond Bingham gets a full nelson on Vendetta.
Vendetta is struggling to reach the ropes.
Vendetta reaches the ropes after being trapped for 5 seconds.
Raymond Bingham goes for a punch, but Vendetta counters it with
a roundhouse right.
Vendetta executes a chop on Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta nails Raymond Bingham with a snap suplex.
Vendetta is going for the pin.
Jurgen Hermann counts: One, two, in the ropes...

Vendetta raises his arms to the crowd.

The crowd is going into a frenzy.

Vendetta executes the Haitian Deathlock on Raymond Bingham.
Raymond Bingham is struggling to reach the ropes.
Raymond Bingham is valiantly trying to break the hold.
Raymond Bingham tries to fight the pain.
Raymond Bingham summons one last burst of energy.
Jurgen Hermann checks Raymond Bingham's arm.
He lifts it... it falls.
He lifts it... it stays up !
Raymond Bingham fights his way out of the hold after 30 seconds.

Raymond Bingham chops Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham hits Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham takes Vendetta down with a jawbreaker.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Raymond Bingham goes for a flying cross body press, but Vendetta
rolls through with the move.
Jurgen Hermann counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Vendetta goes for a backdrop, but Raymond Bingham blocks it.
Raymond Bingham goes for a bodyslam, but Vendetta counters it with an elbowsmash.
Vendetta whips Raymond Bingham into the ropes.
Raymond Bingham hits Vendetta with an elbow.
Raymond Bingham nails Vendetta with an atomic drop.
Raymond Bingham goes for a bodyslam, but Vendetta counters it with
a small package.
Jurgen Hermann counts: One, two, thr... kickout.
Vendetta hits Raymond Bingham with a waistlock takedown.
Vendetta uses a jumping side kick on Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta takes Raymond Bingham down with a punch.
Raymond Bingham begs off.
Vendetta whips Raymond Bingham into the ropes, but Raymond Bingham reverses it.
Vendetta misses with a clothesline.
Vendetta takes Raymond Bingham down with an Asai leg lariat.
Vendetta runs into the ropes.
Vendetta goes for a clothesline, but Raymond Bingham counters it with a crucifix.
Jurgen Hermann counts: One, kickout.
Raymond Bingham goes for a flying cross body press, but Vendetta
counters it with a running powerslam.
Jurgen Hermann counts: One, two, thr... kickout.

That was damn close!!

The crowd is on its feet cheering for Vendetta.
Vendetta whips Raymond Bingham into the turnbuckle, but Raymond Bingham
reverses it.
Vendetta comes back and rocks Raymond Bingham with a springboard back elbow.
Raymond Bingham begs off.
Vendetta uses a savate kick on Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta goes for a Gory Special, but Raymond Bingham counters it with
an armdrag takedown.
In turn, Vendetta counters it with a lariat.
Vendetta hits a kick to the midsection on Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta kicks Raymond Bingham.
Vendetta hits Raymond Bingham.
The crowd is on its feet cheering for Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham punches Vendetta.
Raymond Bingham kicks Vendetta.
The arena is exploding in a chorus of boos.
Raymond Bingham places Vendetta on the turnbuckle.
Raymond Bingham takes Vendetta down with a superplex.
Raymond Bingham executes the No Way Out on Vendetta.

That's his finisher, a Northern Lights Suplex into a pin.

Jurgen Hermann counts: One, two, thr...

Raymond Bingham pulls Vendetta up.

What the hell is he doing? He had the match won! He isn't happy with just winning though, he seems to want to embarrass the champ.

Raymond Bingham nails Vendetta with a reverse neckbreaker.
Raymond Bingham executes a top-rope legdrop on Vendetta.

Vendetta rolls out of the way.

Vendetta nails Raymond Bingham with an inside cradle.
Jurgen Hermann counts: One, two, three.
The crowd is giving Vendetta a standing ovation.

The winner is Vendetta. Time of match: 0:19:58

Vendetta pinned Raymond Bingham after an inside cradle in 0:19:58
Rating: ***
[Vendetta retained the River City Wrestling Heavyweight Title]

The fans cheer Vendetta, and Raymond Bingham is visibly upset at himself. He had this match won, the title was his, but he let his ego get in the way. The fans are soaking it up, as we


FADE TO BLACK



Ed. Note: So I was still part of a NWA/WWA group at this point. They were holding a cross promotion World Cup, plus crowing World Champions. So there was a lot of out of context things such as the Hartbreakers Michael Shane and Teddy Hart, which make no sense 17 years later without the rest of the feds. But I am leaving it all in place, I have a lot of good memories about that group. I also came across this write up that still had the original TNM7 log of the main event, and decided to leave that as is also, just for nostalgia sake. I was still running most matches on TNM7, although the occasional one was fudged. More wrestlers in the fed now were created than were real. Good times indeed.

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #990
2 Hour Edition of RAGE in Syndication
Taped Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Air Date, Saturday July 10, 2004


Bronco Gym
Boise, Idaho

Attendance: 1,235 (sold out)


<<< cue "One Big Rush" by Joe Satriani >>>

Joe Aiello] Welcome fans to another edition of Saturday Rage. This one was taped a week and a half ago and was originally supposed to air last Saturday. However, due to some scheduling conflicts that arose due to some of our syndication partners' special Independence Day programming we had to delay this broadcast one full week. In just a second we will take you to the event, which was a 16-man tournament to crown a new RCW Heritage Champion. Traditionally this belt is held by someone who knows his way around the mat, as often it is defended in multiple falls situations and other ways of a by-gone era. The brackets were drawn up by RCW officials and the wrestlers were ranked from 1-16, and no re-seeding would be done between rounds. As you will see there were some tremendous upsets in the tournament. Due to the length of the event, 14 matches were held, we will only be able to show you the highlights of most of the matches. So kick back and enjoy the crowning of your new RCW Heritage champion.

Tournament Seedings
1) Sam Holiday v 16) Lord Valmont
8) Menele v 9) Al Hardamann

4) Diamond Rhodes v 13) Eddie Chavez
5) Bam Bam Bigelow v 12) Chris Jons

2) Raymond Bingham v 15) Ryland Roxbury
7) Jamie Knoble v 10) Alex Wright

3) Jack Voight v 14) Asp Evergreen
6) Ron Waterman v 11) Vincent Regliatti


Round Of 16

Sam Holiday v Lord Valmont (/w Sherry Valmont)
(joined in progress)
...Holiday has Valmont against the ropes, he nails a couple of kicks and a chop. Holiday tries to send Valmont across the ring to the ropes, but its reversed. Holiday though is in control and rocks Valmont with a lariat. A hammerlock takedown results in a one count for Holiday. Spinning toe hold and Valmont has to get to the ropes for a break to keep this match alive. It's all Holiday though as he nails a spinning mule kick and follows up with a double arm DDT and picks up the win.
Sam Holiday pinned Lord Valmont after a double arm DDT in 0:03:13
Rating: 3/4*


Menele v Al Hardamann
(joined in progress)
...Menele has Hardamann down on the mat and goes for a stomp but Hardamann rolls out of the way, and kips up to his feet. Hardamann rallies with a kick to the gut and a dropkick, Menele's momentum takes him backward where he collides with long time inept official Jurgen Hermann who falls to the mat. Hardamann picks Menele to his feet but is surprised with a knee to the groin. The beast attacks Hardamann with an armbreaker followed with an overhead head and arm suplex that awes the crowd. Menele goes for the pin but there is no referee to count.
Menele hits a chop to the throat, and Hermann is back on the job but Menele gets only a 2 count. He then asserts his superiority in the match over one of RCWs biggest stars Hardamann, by taking him to the middle of the ring and nailing his wheelbarrow suplex finisher to end a long match.
Menele pinned Al Hardamann with the Wheelbarrow Suplex in 0:15:31
Rating: * 3/4


Diamond Rhodes (/w Paisley) v Eddie Chavez
(joined in progress)
...Chavez takes Rhodes down with a chop and then picks him up and sends him to the buckle. Rhodes bounces out of the corner and both men nail each other with a clothesline and they both go down. Both men get to their feet and again both go for the clothesline and nail each other to the mat. This time Rhodes exerts his size and power advantage by recovering first, and whips Chavez face first into the buckle. He then drags Chavez into the middle of the ring and nails a piledriver. He gets the 1, 2, and Chavez kicks out. Rhodes sends Chavez into the buckle again, ducks a clothesline attempt by Chavez coming out of the corner, and then nails him with a flying bulldog for the win.
Diamond Rhodes pinned Eddie Chavez with the flying bulldog in 0:13:36
Rating: * 1/4


Bam Bam Bigelow v Chris Jons
(joined in progress)
...Bigelow is in control and nails Jons with a forearm smash. But when he goes for a second forearm it's blocked by Jons who then nails the Beast from the East with a kick to the gut. Jons then backs Bigelow across the ring with a series of chops. The fans are solidly behind Jons. Bigelow and Jons then get into an exchange of punches and chops, an exchange which the much smaller Jons realizes he can't win. So the cruiserweight goes for a spin kick but Bigelow moves out of the way and then nails Jons with a quick scoop into a powerslam. Jons manages to just avoid the 3 count, but then falls prey to the Greetings from Asbury Park and it's all over.
Bam Bam Bigelow pinned Chris Jons with the Greetings from Asbury Park in 0:18:56
Rating: ** 1/2


Raymond Bingham v Ryland Roxbury
(joined in progress)
...the second seeded Bingham nails young Roxbury with a dropkick outside the ring, followed by an armdrag takedown before throwing Roxbury into the guardrail. Back inside the ring Bingham goes for a legsweep faceslam but it's blocked by Roxbury who then scoops Bingham up into a backbreaker. He then rakes Bingham's head across the the top rope drawing a cheer from the crowd. Bingham though blocks an attempt by Roxbury to put him onto the top turnbuckle. Roxbury re-establishes control in the corner with a pair of kicks to the midsection, but when he tries to whip Bingham out of the corner, the former PWI rookie of the year reverses it and sends Roxbury hard into the corner. Bingham though misses with an elbow and is caught off guard by Roxbury who nails a rana and picks up a shocking victory.
Ryland Roxbury pinned Raymond Bingham after a rana in 0:07:28
Rating: *


Jaimie Knoble (/w Sable) v Alex Wright
(joined in progress)
..Knoble stomps away at Wright, and then nails a powerslam. He continues to punish the German with a Russian legsweep and a flying senton but only gets a one count. Knoble then pushes his luck too far and Wright moves out of the way of a springboard moonsault attempt. It's all Wright now with an inverted power bomb, jumping elbow thrust and a reverse neckbreaker fiisher.
Alex Wright pinned Jaime Knoble with the Reverse Neckbreaker in 0:09:39
Rating: *** 1/4


Jack Voight v Asp Evergreen
(joined in progress)
...Evergreen attempts to kick Voight in the gut but the German catches his foot and rocks him with a clothesline. The fans are actually cheering the hated German over the foolhardy Evergreen. Voight tosses Evergreen out of the ring and follows him to the floor. He tosses Evergreen into the guardrail and then rams him back first into the ring apron. Back inside it's time for the Tombstone piledriver.
Jack Voight pinned Asp Evergreen with the Tombstone piledriver in 0:13:29
Rating: * 3/4


Ron Waterman v Vincent Regliatti
(joined in progress)
...Waterman nails Regliatti with a scoop slam, and then repeats with another scoop slam on the Playboy. Regliatti though fights back with a well timed thumb to the eye and then wows the crowd with a Soviet suplex on H2O. He follows up with a back suplex and a flying cross body press, and gets a count of 2. Regs continues the punishment with a legsweep faceslam, but then makes the mistake of putting Waterman in a standing chokehold. The fans cheer as H2O blasts his way out of the choke with an elbowsmash to the head of the Canadian wrestler. The fans cheer as Waterman surprises them with a dropkick and then covers Regliatti for a count of 2. Regliatti tries to beg off but Waterman picks him up and delivers an elbowsmash. But when he tries to follow up with an armbar Regs blocks it only to fall victim to an enzuilirato. Again Regs backs into a corner and begs for time. Waterman responds with another elbowsmash and then tries to finish him off with a Gorilla Press slam. But he takes too long showing off his strength which allows Regliatti to slide down his back into a victory roll. The ref counts 1, 2, Regs grabs a handful of tights, 3. 
Vincent Regliatti pinned Ron Waterman after a Victory Roll in 0:09:21
Rating: * 3/4



Quarter-Finals

Sam Holiday v Menele
(joined in progress)
...this is a huge match for Menele, a real chance to establish himself in the upper tier of RCW. Holiday goes for a double arm DDT but Menele blocks it, and tries for a knee to the face but Holiday gets his hands in the way at the last second deflecting most of the punishment. Holiday fights back with some punches and then a side suplex. A series of chops and punches have the fans to their feet and Menele reeling. Holiday nails a powerslam, but gets only a 2 count. Holiday signals for the Holiday legdrop and climbs to the top rope. He nails his finisher and finally someone has beaten Menele clean one on one.
Sam Holiday pinned Menele with the Holiday Leg Drop in 0:09:38
Rating: ** 1/2


Diamond Rhodes (/w Paisley) v Bam Bam Bigelow
(matched shown in its entirety)
Oh what a cruel web fate spins for Rhodes. He finally had Bigelow commit to joining him in an allegiance if he could beat him, and he did so with the help of his valet Paisley. But now old wounds are being opened again as the two must once more face off.
Rhodes begins the match by offering a handshake to Bigelow but the Beast from the East shakes him off. Rhodes with a kick to Bigelow's leg, and then scoops him with a partial bodyslam. He goes for an early pin but only gets a 1 count. Rhodes attacks with an elbowsmash, bodyslam, inverted atomic drop, and Bigelow leaves the ring for a breather. He takes a few seconds out to warn Paisley not to interfere this time.
Rhodes catches Bigelow returning to the ring with a kick to the ribs and then nails a swinging neckbreaker. Rhodes wastes time posing for the crowd. Rhodes hits a dropkick but when he goes for a punch its blocked by Bigelow who responds with a kick and then a DDT. Both men are down. Bigelow is up first and goes for a moonsault but Rhodes is playing possum and moves out of the way.
Rhodes sends Bigelow to the ropes and nails him with a shoulderblock. He then repeats but this time uses a clothesline. Bigelow though is back on his feet and fights back with kicks and punches but when he goes for a dropkick Rhodes moves out of the way.
Rhodes waits for Bigelow to get up and then nails him with a DDT for the win.
Diamond Rhodes pinned Bam Bam Bigelow after a DDT in 0:02:27
Rating: * 3/4


Alex Wright v Ryland Roxbury
(match shown in its entirety)
Wright attacks Roxbury from behind before the opening bell sounds. After an initial flurry he tries for a Frankensteiner but Roxbury counters with a powerbomb. He gets a two count as Wright just manages to lift a shoulder.
Roxbury is all over Wright with a legdrop, followed by a boot twist. He picks him up, nails a headbutt and then puts him down with an enzuigiri. Again he goes for the pin, possibly smelling an upset, but gets only a 2 count.
Roxbury tries to send Wright to the ropes but the German reverses and then nails Roxbury with a shoulderblock. He follows up with a short clothesline. Wright then tries to nail a bulldog but Roxbury counters by throwing Wright off and into the buckle. Roxbury throws Wright into the buckle again and nails him with a boot to the gut. He then shocks the crowd with a Northern Lights Suplex and the upset win.
Ryland Roxbury pinned Alex Wright after a Northern Lights suplex in 0:01:27
[Ryland Roxbury suffered a dislocated left knee. He will be out for approximately 3 weeks.]
Rating: 1/2*

Post-Match: The trainers have to come out and see to Roxbury who comes up limping. The fans give him a huge ovation as the youngster is aided to the back.
A real tough break for the youngster.


Jack Voight v Vincent Regliatti
(joined in progress)
...Voight goes for a clawhold but Regliatti counters with a lowblow. The ref admonishes Regs but allows the match to continue. Regs goes for a dropkick but Voight just swats him away. Again Voight goes for the clawhold but Regs counters with a fist to the midsection and follows up with a kick. Voight fires right back and the two exchange punches which favours the big German. Regs backs into the ropes and comes off with a kick to the gut of Voight. He continues to go to the midsection with kicks and punches, making the announcers wonder if he knows of an abdominal weakness. It seems to work as Voight is out of breath, and Regs climbs to the second rope and comes off with a dropkick, right to the groin! The Playboy then nails the Centerfold staple (brainbuster) and picks up another upset victory.
Vincent Regliatti pinned Jack Voight with the centrefold staple in 0:17:59
Rating: * 3/4



Semi-Finals

Sam Holiday v Diamond Rhodes (/wPaisley)
(joined in progress)
...Rhodes is in charge with a bodyslam and a swinging neckbreaker. Rhodes gets a two count and complains to the ref about a slow count. Rhodes continues to punish with a kick and a gutwrench suplex which yields another 2 count. Rhodes nails an elbowsmash and then goes for a DDT but Holiday blocks. Several punches by Holiday are followed by a hammerlock take down before Rhodes makes it to the ropes for the break. Holiday locks on a standing short arm scissors and once again forces Rhodes to fight for a break. Holiday nails a double underhook suplex and then covers, but only gets a two count. Rhodes lashes out with a kick to the gut on Holiday. He nails Holiday with an elbow right between the eyes. Rhodes tries to send Holiday to the ropes but the Texan reverses it and sends Rhodes to the ropes. As they meet in the middle of the ring Rhodes tries for a flying clothesline but Holiday ducks out of the way. Rhodes hits the ground hard, but is near the ring apron, close enough to get consolation from Paisely, in addition to being handed a set of knuckle dusters (or Diamond dusters in this case). Holiday goes to pick up Rhodes while Paisley jumps on the apron to attract the attention from referee Melissa Coates, and Rhodes surprises Holiday and ~waffles~ him with the knux.
Diamond Rhodes pinned Sam Holiday after hitting him with a foreign object in 0:12:25
Rating: * 1/2


Vincent Regliatti v Ryland Roxbury
Roxbury is injured and has to default the match.



Tournament Final
RCW Heritage Title Match
Diamond Rhodes (/w Paisley) v Vincent Regliatti
(match shown in its entirety)
Rhodes obviously has an advantage in experience over Regliatti as well as size and power, not to mention the rather industrious Paisley at ringside. On the other hand, although both men have spent roughly the same amount of time in the ring tonight, around 26-28 minutes, Regliatti is coming off of a bye while Rhodes just finished a hard match with Sam Holiday five minutes before this match began.
The Cinderella story finally has the fans cheering for Regliatti against the perverse Rhodes, and he strikes fast with some kicks and then a reverse neckbreaker. Regs nails a belly-to-belly suplex and gets a 2 count. He then goes to the well once more for a back suplex, but Rhodes counters with a go-behind, only to have Regs do the same. Regs tries for a sleeperhold but Rhodes blocks it and then turns it into a swinging neckbreaker to turn the tide in the match.
Rhodes throws Regs hard into the buckle, but makes the mistake of going in with abandon only to watch the former RCW champion move out of the way. The two trade punches and chops, and one big elbow from Rhodes. But it's Regs that hits hard first with a tilt-a-whirl suplex. A double underhook faceslam follows by Regs but only garners a 1 count.
Rhodes punches back and then throws Regliatti out of the ring. He follows and punishes the youngster by whipping him into the guardrail. Rhodes tries to hit an inverted atomic drop but Regs blocks it, rolling off to the side and then sends Rhodes crashing into the announce table. Regs throws Rhodes back into the ring and then nails a piledriver on the veteran.
The two men continue to fight back and forth, tooth and nail. Finally Regliatti really loses his temper and repeatedly puts Rhodes into a chokehold, breaking at the count of 4 only to reapply the hold. He then tosses Rhodes to the floor below and goes right after him. He introduces him shoulder and head first into two ringposts, but when he tries for a third Rhodes reverses it and sends Regs to the steel instead. Back inside the ring Rhodes punishes Regs with an inverted atomic drop, followed by a flying clothesline. Rhodes chops Regs into the corner. He then takes him down with a flying bulldog, and its over, 1, 2, FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE. Regs is still alive in the match.
Paisly places the diamond dusters on the ring apron for Rhodes and then walks to the other side of the ring and jumps on the apron to distract head referee Buddy Lane. Rhodes retrieves the knux and punches Regs, but the punch is blocked, and Regs drops down with a low blow on Rhodes. He then pulls him up and nails the Centerfold staple. Tucking the hand of Rhodes that has the brass knux still on underneath him, he makes the cover.
Vincent Regliatti pinned Diamond Rhodes with the centrefold staple in 0:14:45
Rating: **
[Vincent Regliatti won the River City Wrestling Heritage Title]

Post-Match:
The fans give Regliatti, a long time heel,  a well deserved ovation as commissioner Bob Backlund along with his Executive Assistant Debra McMichael come down to the ring to present the Heritage title strap to Playboy Vincent Regliatti of Toronto, Canada.

As we...


Fade to Black


Ed. note] Pretty sure I ran this whole tournament unbooked which explains some of the upsets (Roxbury), as well as the injury.

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #991
2 Hour Edition of RAGE in Syndication
Taped Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Air Date, Saturday July 17, 2004

Kohl Center,
on the campus of The University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI

Attendance: 5,809


<<< cue "Oh Canada" by Marc Labossiere >>>
Playboy Vincent Regliatti comes to the ring to a chorus of jeers. He is wearing the RCW Heritage Championship belt around his waist, and holds his head high. He is wearing his ring robe over-top of his red and white boots and trunks.

Regliatti] Thank-you Madison Wisconsin. Thank-you very much. I'm not sure why you are booing me, I'm the epitome of the American Cinderella story; defying all odds to win the Heritage title. Of course it should be no surprise, as I am also one-half of the rightful owners of the RCW Tag Team Titles, as me and Eric Scott never lost those titles...he simply got injured when RCW shut down. NOBODY beat us for the titles. But I guess that's the only way you Americans can beat us Canadians. 1812 was a long time ago, get over it, move on.

Tonight, I am going to prove that I am a fighting champion. You see the American whack-o commissioner Bobby Backlund came to see me before the show. It seems that Sam Holiday was knocked out in his semi-final match against Diamond Rhodes by brass knuckles, diamond dusters, or whatever you want to call those things. The same dusters that Rhodes tried to use on me, but I outwitted his American ass. Anyway, Backlund seems to think that Holiday deserves a fair shot at the title since he was cheated out of his by Rhodes. So bring it on Holiday, and let me beat your American punk ass.

<<< cue "Ain't Going Down 'till the Sun Comes Up" by Garth Brooks >>>
The fans cheer as Sam Holiday comes to the ring ready to wrestle.


Opening Bout
RCW Heritage Title Match
Playboy Vincent Regliatti (champion) v Sam Holiday
Despite going in as the champion, make no doubt about it, Regliatti was the underdog in this match, and the fans were hoping for a short reign as Heritage champion.
Holiday starts strong, nails a clothesline and locks on an abdominal stretch. The Texan then gets uncharacteristically aggressive by throwing Regs out of the ring and going after him on the floor.
However, outside and then back inside the Playboy gives as good as he gets. Holiday tries to slap on a figure-four leglock, a move often used by Regliatti, but the champion blocks.
Holiday exerts control now with a stump puller, bodyslam, lariat, only to have the champion come roaring back. Regs takes control of the match with a single-arm DDT, but only gets a one count. He then applies more pressure with a pair of double underhook faceslams, but still only gets a 2 count.
The match goes back and forth for a few minutes but the fans are surprised as Regliatti actually continues to hold the advantage more often then not. Holiday though will just not give up.
Finally Regs gets the break he needs as after reversing a whip to the buckle, Holiday collides with long time inept official Jurgen Hermann. The champ retrieves a chair and enters the ring, and ~waffles~ Holiday over the head. The Playboy discards the chair and then nails the fan favourite with his Centerfold Staple finisher (a brainbuster). Hermann of course wakes up in time to make the count.
Vincent Regliatti pinned Sam Holiday with the centrefold staple in 00:08:52
Rating: * 1/2
[Vincent Regliatti retained the River City Wrestling Heritage Title]


<<< cue "Won't Get Fooled Again" by the Who >>>
The Commissioner Bob Backlund comes to the ring, along with his Executive Assistant Debra McMichael.

Backlund] Hello fans of RCW, it's about time we arrived in Wisconsin, and judging by the sea of humanity here tonight you have been waiting too long for this night to happen! Well as you know on Rage's June 26th edition Adam Riggs went crazy trying to get his hands on Robert Bayley, or more precisely trying to ambush Bayley. In his efforts he assaulted both myself and Debra, which is just not an option. In RCW we have rules and regulations gosh darnit, and we expect them to be followed. So, Riggs, you want to fight so bad, tonight we have two matches for you! First, you can have your hands full with the man who was finally able to subdue you during that encounter, H2O Ron Waterman! Secondly, in the main event tonight you will get to exercise your option as the #1 contender and face off with champion Vendetta for the RCW Heavyweight title. Of course that match will happen only AFTER you have had your tussle with Waterman. Good luck - you'll need it.

Backlund listens to the fans cheer the announcement that Riggs with have two matches tonight against tough opponents.

Backlund] And just in case you decide to take matters into your own hands again Riggs, or any of you other maniacs in the back, I have been allowed to hire some insurance by Jack Larkin. So, ladies and gentlemen please feast your eyes on the new executive bodyguard.

<<< cue "Crush 'em" by MegaDeth >>>
The fans cheer as the bald visage of Bill Goldberg passes through his pyrotechnics. Goldberg enters the ring wearing an "RCW Means Heritage" t-shirt and black jeans. He poses for the crowd, leaning over the ropes and sticking out his tongue. Debra seems to size him up with a smile on her face while Bob Backlund rubs his hands together like a kid in a candy store.

Backlund] Welcome to Middle America Mr. Goldberg.

Goldberg] Thanks Bob, Debra. It's good to be back in a wrestling ring, and it's good to belong to a stable organization who's leaders can tell the difference between what is right and moral, from what is not right and immoral, and then have the fortitude to stand firmly on the side of justice and morality. And my new job here in RCW is to help Mr. Backlund, Ms McMichael, and Mr Larkin, dispense some of that justice, and enforce their judgment. Mr. Backlund is the judge, you fans are the jury, and I most certainly relish this chance to be the executioner.

Backlund] I hope you heard that Riggs, Silva, Severn, and everyone else in the back who might be thinking that this landscape is without law and order.

<<< cue "Phenomenon" by LL Cool J >>>
The fans jeer and boo Adam Riggs as he goes to the ring accompanied by the amazon like April Hunter. He looks pissed off and takes the time out to pick out a few fans to jaw with and flip off. One of the fans tries to jump the guardrail to get at Riggs but the hands of his friends slow him down and he plops over the other side to the ground. Riggs closes in and is about to lay the boots to the fan when security rushes to the scene and intervenes, removing the fan from the arena.

Riggs finally enters the ring.

Riggs] IS THAT FAT LAZY **** PATHETIC PIECE OF **** THE BEST YOU CAN THROW AT ME WISCONSIN? Where's the Crusher when you need him? How about Lenny and Squiggy they're about the toughest two sons of bitches to ever come out of this godforsaken state. Bow down to me, your god of wrestling. And Backlund is that the best you can throw out at me? That 'roided up, busted up, Goldberg that *** boy? And Waterman? What kind of nickname is H2O? Is that supposed to be scary? It's just plain stupid. I heard you're a born again Christian Waterman. I don't know if its true, but I tell you what, if you cross my path again Waterman, I will rip you a second belly button so the whole world will be able to see that you were born again. Just like those goddamn Mexicans and their refried beans, how come your momma couldn't get it right the first time she gave birth to your sorry excuse of a life Waterman?

<<< cue "Rock the Hell Out of You" by Stryper >>>
The fans cheer, and the announce team gives thanks, as the music of Ron Waterman interrupts the racially intolerant tirade of Adam Riggs. Waterman comes running down to the ring and Riggs allows him to enter with a mic.

Waterman] I'm going to bust you up so bad Riggs. I am going to introduce you to the concept of smiting your enemies.

Riggs] Yeah, your so tough Backlund had to give me two matches tonight instead of one, shows how little faith he has in you to get the job done! I guess he just considers you to be an appetizer.

Waterman] I guarantee you Riggs, you will not be able to walk into that main event match tonight. No way do you walk out of this one on your own two feet.

Riggs] Are you kidding me? You couldn't even defeat my valet here April Hunter...never mind the god of wrestling Adam Riggs!!

Waterman] I could beat you both from pillar to post.

Riggs] Okay then, why don't you make this match a little more interesting, and a little more even then. Let's make it a handicap match, me and April against your worthless 'roided up piece of garbage body.

Waterman] You're on Riggs.


Bout #2
Handicap Match
Adam Riggs & April Hunter v Ron Waterman
After a brief consultation Riggs had Hunter start the match. She challenged Waterman to a test of strength which of course H2O won, turning Hunter's wrists, forcing her to drop to her knees and scream in pain. This reaction caused Waterman to release his hold and back up a few steps. Hunter tried to shake it off but she was in obvious pain. Waterman kept his distance and waved Hunter away, telling her to tag in Riggs. April Hunter though refused and locked up, collar and elbow again with Waterman. This time Waterman walked her into a neutral corner and released clean - only to have Hunter deliver a stinging smack across his face. She tried to follow up with a punch but he just blocked it, holding onto her hand. She then tried to kick him in the "lower" midsection but he anticipated the move and caught her leg with his other arm. He then spun her around and plopped her down to the mat onto her back. Again he urged her to tag but again she would have nothing of it. The two locked up again a couple more times with the fans growing more and more restless, and each time Waterman controlled her, despite her strength but refused to punish her. In frustration Hunter directed referee Jimmy Appleseed to try and make Waterman wrestle a proper match. While Appleseed talked it over with Waterman, and it became obvious that he was refusing as he tried to leave the ring, Riggs played his hand and went to the attack. Riggs left the apron, ran around and blindsided Waterman pulling him down, bouncing his side against the ring apron. Riggs then tossed Waterman into the ringsteps while Hunter looked on with glee, cheering for her man Riggs. As soon as Riggs grabbed a chair referee Appleseed called for the bell DQ'ing Riggs, just as the Irishman ~waffled~ Waterman with a chairshot to his already busted open forehead.
Riggs grabbed the chair again and was about to nail Waterman with another chairshot when from the back came a charging Robert "Blaze" Bayley. Blaze nailed Riggs with a double axhandle to the back knocking him to the ground. Bayley then slammed Riggs into the announce table and set him onto the table. He set him up for a piledriver as inside the ring April Hunter was leaning through the ropes yelling at Bayley to stop. That's why she didn't see Kimberly Page enter the ring from the other side and nail her with a running knee to the back driving Hunter to the floor below.
Bayley drove Riggs through the announce table with a piledriver, and then watched with satisfaction as Kimberly Page devastated April Hunter with a Diamond Cutter on the outside.
Bayley and Page embraced before going to see Waterman, to a huge ovation from the crowd.
Ron Waterman defeated Adam Riggs & April Hunter by Disqualification in a handicap match when Riggs was DQ'd for using a foreign object at 2:27



<<< cue "Diamonds and Rust" by Judas Priest >>>

The fans boo as Diamond Rhodes, and Bam Bam Bigelow make their way to the ring, followed several steps behind by a subservient Paisley. As they climb the ringsteps though, Paisley rolls into the ring and scrambles to pry the ropes apart for the men. They enter the ring and Rhodes gives her an approving pat on the head.

Rhodes] Big-Big-Big-elow...when was the last time you won a wrestling match? Perhaps when flames on pants were still in style? You are o-for here in Middle America big man, and we are all wondering, and waiting for you to get it on track. Now don't get mad big guy, cool your heels a bit, and listen up. I know that you have, well, pent up frustrations that make it hard for you to wrestle. That's why I have Paisley to help me out. And that's why, as a last chance Big-elow, I am offering you this help.

<<< cue "Diamonds and Rust" by Judas Priest >>>

The crowd cheers as Tylene Buck comes down to the ring. She is wearing black and red latex bra and shorts. Her face is a pasty white, with lots of extra make-up splattered across her face along with a white foundation. She does not enter the ring, stopping short on the floor below and crossing her arms behind her back.

Rhodes] Feast your eyes on that Big-elow. I know she's damaged goods, hardly new, but still quite serviceable. My present to you. IF, IF, IF, you can get the job done tonight in the ring. So, Hard-amann Brothers....ohhh..I love the sound of that....so, Hard-amann brothers, if your ready to begin?


Bout #3
Diamonds & Rust: Diamond Rhodes & Bam Bam Bigelow (/w Paisley & Tylene Buck)
v
The Hardamann Brothers: "Lucky" Luke Hardamann & "Wild Thing" Al Hardamann
Bigelow starts the match against Luke like a man possessed, and seeing Buck standing at ringside reminds us why. He chops Luke, followed by a headbutt, bodyslam, and a slingshot splash and gets a near fall.
Bigelow though gets over aggressive, after Luke rolls out of the way of an elbowdrop, the Beast from the East still tries for a dropkick, but Luke again moves out of the way.
Luke tags in Al, and then gives his brother an advantage to work with by dropkicking Bigelow from behind, a move that does not seem to please the straight shooting Al.
Soon Rhodes is tagged in for the first time and he is set upon by Al Hardamann who attacks with a dropkick to the knee and a bulldog. Rhodes though turns in mid-air and lands on Al to counter a back suplex attempt.
The match goes back and forth for a few minutes with Luke continually trying to get Al to help him double team Rhodes or Bigelow. The initial fury shown by Bigelow seemed to have waned a bit, and sensing this Rhodes had Buck stand on the apron and show off her goods, inspiring Bigelow to raise his game to a new level.
Bigelow blocked a punch attempt by Luke, and puts him into an armbar submission. Luke finally makes his way to the ropes for a break, but he's hurting. Rhodes comes in and helps Bigelow double team Luke, while Al goes berserk telling referee Melissa Coats to get Rhodes out of there. Finally Al takes matters into his own hands entering the ring and tossing Rhodes to the outside. He follows Rhodes, and this leaves Bigelow one on one with a damaged Luke. Bigelow sets up Luke for a suplex, only to have it countered with an inside cradle. However, Coates is not their to count as she is distracted trying to get Rhodes and Al Hardamann to stop their brawl outside the ring.
Tylene Buck slides into the ring, behind Luke, and counts the 1, 2, 3, and then slides back out of the ring. Luke untangles himself from Bigelow and is celebrating his victory, and wondering why he is practically alone in the ring, when he is blindsided by Bigelow from behind.
Outside the ring both Paisley and Buck manage to break up the Rhodes and Al brawl by putting themselves between the two men. This frees up Coates to return to the action inside the ring, just in time to watch Bigelow nail his finisher on Luke and pick up the win.
Diamond Rhodes and Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Al Hardamann and Luke Hardamann when Bigelow pinned L. Hardamann with the Greetings from Asbury Park in 0:10:46


Bout #4
Chris Jons v Manny Silva
Jons comes into this match very much the underdog, against the bigger, aggressive former champion Manny Silva.
However, Jons starts strong and soon finds himself with Silva in a cobra clutch, forcing his opponent to flee to the ropes. Jons acquits himself quite well in the opening stanzas of this match, but is forced to play a punch and kick style of game against Silva, which does not favour the cruiserweight. Silva tries to put on an abdominal stretch only to have Jons reverse it. That's the kind of match Silva is having, and it happens again when he goes for a DVD but Jons counters with a small package but only gets a 1 count.
Working in Silva's favour though is his physical toughness and thickness as he is able to shake off much of Jon's offensive maneuvers. Silva nails Jons with a top-rope neckbreaker and the crowd figures it's over, but surprisingly Jons kicks out of the pin attempt after a count of 2. Silva then takes the action outside the ring, bouncing Jon's head off the ringsteps, and then back inside he punishes him with a front-layout superplex, and gets the 1, 2, NO KICKOUT BY JONS!!!
Silva goes for a kneebreaker but Jons fights out of it with punches to the head of the big Hawaiian.
From there the match really turns into a knockdown - drag out brawl that brings the crowd to their feet. The action spills to outside the ring where Silva whips Jons into the guardrail and then rocks him with a football tackle. Jons though fights right back and returns the favour sending Silva into the guardrail, then nailing him with a flying senton, and then a dragon suplex.
Back inside the ring Jons puts Silva into the Dragon sleeper and forces Mad Dog Manny Silva to endure the pain for almost 30 seconds before he reaches the ring ropes for a break. Jons then manages to muscle Silva to the top turnbuckle, but it takes too long to do so and expends too much energy. Silva punches Jons a couple times in the head, then brings him back down to the mat, and perhaps back down to earth with a DDT from the buckle. Silva scoops up Jons and nails him with a powerslam to pick up the win.
Manny Silva pinned Chris Jons after a powerslam in 0:13:48
Rating: ***


Interview
Raymond Bingham is interviewed inside the ring by Joe Aiello. Bingham is upset and a bit embarrassed by his early loss in the Heritage tournament to the youngster Ryland Roxbury. He says its a good thing for the kid that he got injured or else he would be made to pay here tonight. Bingham says he would have liked to have added the Heritage title to his resume, which includes being the PWI Rookie of the year in 2001 (just look at his shirt for a reminder), as well as being the WWA Wrestler of the Year for 2003, and of course being a former WWA North American champion. Aiello says that is all fine and good, but what have you done for me lately? This really makes Bingham lose it, and he puts Aiello in a chokehold.

<<< cue "Crush 'em" by MegaDeth >>>
The music of Bill Goldberg is like a cold shower for Bingham, shaking him from his actions. Even though we never see Goldberg appear just his music is enough to get Bingham to release his hold on the announcer and leave the ring, through the crowd.



Bout #5
NWA WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
The Spinebusters: Bryan Caruthers & Jerry Orth (NWA & RCW Champions)
v
From the South African Wrestling Federation: Jayson Moorhouse & MetalHead (SAWF Champions)
Well, three sets of belts were displayed prior to this match, but only one set, the NWA titles were up for grabs. It seems that Commissioner Bob Backlund thought that the 'busters weren't getting enough work lately from the NWA so he brought in the tag champions from the recently revamped SAWF, which at this time is not a member of the NWA.
Moorhouse and MetalHead are a pair of very energetic, hard working, and risk taking youngsters, making them quite the opposite from the Spinebusters. It was all South Africa early on until the NWA champs took over by finally grounding their opponents, cutting the ring in half, and using quick tags coupled with double teaming. MetalHead's mask, complete with soft horns, proved a liability as the busters twisted it around to blind him, distracted him by trying to remove it, and then used the horns for Orth to hold onto wrapped around the ringpost while Caruthers punished MetalHead. In the end the NWA champs were just too much for the youngsters.
The Spinebusters defeated Jayson Moorhouse & MetalHead when Caruthers pinned MetalHead after a spinebuster slam at 7:45


Pre-Match:
<<< cue "Dirty White Boy" by Foreigner >>>
Jamie Knoble comes to the ring accompanied by Sable. They get a mix of cheers with some boos, which seems to confuse Knoble who hasn't clued in yet that the fans are starting to take a disliking to his manipulative valet. Knoble has a mic and says that he has a score to settle with Menele from June when he was taken away on a stretcher.

We are shown highlights from June 19th Rage as Knoble defeats Johnny Rivale, only to have his valet Sable make an open challenge. That turns out to be a mistake as it is accepted by Menele who beats Knoble with a wheelbarrow suplex in decided fashion. We then cut to backstage following that match with Knoble being taken off on a stretcher as a precautionary measure. Sable is confronted by an upset and jilted Al Collins, who is then blindsided by Menele who knocks Collins onto the prone body of Knoble. Menele beats the tar out of Collins and looks like he would have done the same thing to Knoble but stops short when Sable uses her body to shield Knoble.

Coming back to Knoble inside the ring he says that it was those actions that he wants to avenge. Knoble claims that he wasn't ready for Menele last time, because of the impromptu condition of the match, but today is a different story.

He shocks and electrifies the crowd by challenging Menele to a Table Match!!!

<<< cue "Flee" by Kindred >>>

As way of an acceptance match Menele comes charging from the back and enters the ring, immediately attacking Knoble. Referee Jimmy Appleseed comes flying down to the ring seconds later to officiate.


Bout #6
Table Match
Jamie Knoble (/w Sable) v Menele
It's all Menele at the start with a vicious chop right to the throat, followed up with an armbreaker, knee to the back, and shoulder tackle into the buckle. Menele then downgrades to punches and kicks before nailing the West Virginian with a double underhook powerbomb.
Menele retrieves a chair from under the ring and sets it up inside the ring. He tries to put Knoble into a full nelson beside the table but Knoble fights back. He forces a break and then ducks under a clothesline attempt, but before he can get any offense he receives a knee to the gut, taking the wind out of his sails.
Menele throws Knoble to the floor and whips him into the guardrail. He then retrives another table and sets this one up on the floor.
Menele sets Knoble up on the table for a DDT but Knoble blocks it, and suplexes Menele off the table to the ground below. Jamie is up first and throws Menele head first into the ringpost. He then sets him up on the table and climbs to the top rope. He comes off with a splash, but Menele moves out of the way. Knoble catches the edge of the table in a nasty looking spot, upending the table without breaking it.
Menele punishes Knoble with a pair of headbutts before nailing him with his wheelbarrow suplex finishing move on the floor. Menele sets up Knoble again for a DDT, and this time it's Sable making the surprise save by pulling Menele's feet from underneath him. Menele gets up and menaces Sable but before he can get his hands on her, Knoble is up and attacking from behind.
The match stays on the floor and Menele takes control again, overpowering Knoble. He punishes his opponent with a bodyslam, a full nelson slam, and then a shot into the guardrail. Menele lines up Knoble beside the table for a full nelson slam, but it's countered by Knoble with a backward kick to the family jewels.
Knoble takes the action back inside the ring where he nails a springboard dropkick, jumping sidekick, flying lariat, missile dropkick, and a spinnig heel kick which knocks the beast Menele from the ring again.
Knoble sets Menele up on the table and then comes off the ring apron with a moonsault. He hits Menele slightly off center, and the two spill to the ground, along with the table, and it remains intact.
A frustrated Knoble whips Menele into the guardrail, and then repeats, seemingly buying time while he thinks this out. Menele lashes out with a fist to the face of Knoble and then drives a knee to the midsection. Menele goes for an armbreaker but Knoble counters with an elbowsmash to the nose. Knoble ducks under Menele and then takes him down to the ground with a Samoan drop. Knoble sets up Menele on the table and climbs to the top turnbuckle.
But Menele shows signs of life, until Al Collins comes charging to ringside and nails Menele with a running axhandle chop. He then sets up Menele on the table and even holds his legs down as Knoble comes off the top with a moonsault, and this time the table does break.
Very entertaining match.
Jaime Knoble defeated Menele by putting him through a table in 0:11:25
Rating: ****


Post-Match:
Knoble celebrates with Sable, this is a big victory and a bit of an upset. Collins spins Knoble out of the embrace though, and then starts wagging his finger in the face of Sable, much to the pleasure of the fans. Knoble returns the favour spinning Collins out of the conversation, but goes a step further pushing Collins. Al just takes a step back and starts to try and explain to Knoble about Sable being a manipulator, but this just upsets Knoble. He takes Sable by the arm and is about to lead her away when Collins grabs him by the arm again. This time Knoble loses it and turns with a punch to the jaw of Collins. He then kicks the veteran in the stomach and nails a spinning leg lariat. He gets up and looks to do more damage but notices Menele is back on his feet. As he listens to the fans rain down a chorus of boos, Knoble flips the fans off and backtracks. However, when he looks back he sees that instead of following him to the back, his valet Sable is cautiously approaching Menele trying to calm him down. Knoble looks apprehensive but it seems to be working, and Sable is able to with some more coaxing take Menele by the arm. Both Menele and Knoble look a little confused as Sable takes them both by an arm back up the ramp.


Public Service Announcement;
Vendetta is shown wearing a white t-shirt that says "iabolish.com".

Vendetta] Good day wrestling fans. I ask you to suffer me for a few moments as I speak on a condition that unfortunately still exists today, despite our modern world. Slavery. The American Anti-Salvery Group works hard around the clock, and around the globe, to try and end slavery, and to shine the light of public scrutiny onto the evil-doers who keep slavery alive.

Forced work for no pay under the threat of violence - this is the reality for millions of people enslaved today worldwide.

Currently the government of Sudan is committing repeated war crimes and crimes against humanity. Those are not my words but rather the words of Bertran Ramcharan, acting U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. Yet, the security council of the U.N. refuses to act, even re-electing Sudan to a third term on the Human Rights Commission, the world body's human rights watchdog.

I urge you as Americans, living in the land of the free, to do the most important thing you can do - educate yourself. Read about it. You can start at iabolish.com.

Thank you for your time.



Joe Aiello] Well ladies and gentlemen, it has been quite an eventful night. But we haven't maxed out yet, it's now time for our Main Event, for the RCW Heavyweight Title.

<<< cue "Phenomenon" by LL Cool J >>>
Adam Riggs comes to the ring accompanied by April Hunter. Riggs is working his neck from side to side, trying to shake off the effects of being put through a table by Robert Bayley with a piledriver. The pain in the neck however, has not stopped him from continuing to be a pain in the ass.

Riggs] Vendetta, that was so sweet. I can understand why you would be so concerned about those...err...Sudanese indigenous peoples...but why the hell should anyone else care? When Ireland was being torn in half by Britain did we Irish whine and cry? Hell no! We fought back with every weapon we could find, including fear, the greatest weapon of them all. If I could give some advice to the Sudanese it would be to do what the rest of the world does. Find something valuable to sell to America, like oil, and in turn they will sell you weapons of modern military mite. Shock and awe can be yours too, for a price. And if you are unlucky enough to be sitting on nothing worth a damn, then you need to organize some communist rebels, and you can sell your freedom of political process to the U.S. in return...SHUT THE HELL UP, WISCONSIN or I will enter those stands and bitch slap every last one of your putrid faces...BOW DOWN to Adam Riggs the god of pro wrestling...

<<< cue "Dirty Deeds" by AC/DC >>>
Aiello] Its about damn time someone got here to shut his mouth.

Tolbert] For once Joe, I agree with you. I'm eager to see this match too, but I wouldn't bank on Riggs being the one to be shut up.

Vendetta comes to the ring wearing his black trench coat, black wrestling pants and boots. His hair is of course in dreadlocks, with beads the colours of orange, white, and green intermingled in the ends. He has the RCW title held high over his head with both hands as he walks slowly to the ring, never taking his eyes off of Riggs.

April Hunter tries to intercept Vendetta attacking him on the ramp, but he just shoves her to the side, sending her spilling to the ground. He never takes his eyes off of Riggs who urges him on.


MAIN EVENT
RCW Heavyweight Championship Match
Vendetta (champion) v Adam Riggs (/w April Hunter)
Riggs controls early and gets a 2 count after a slingshot splash. Vendetta fights back but a spear attempt is countered by a Riggs' DDT. Riggs controls the match but Vendetta manages to stay alive with some nice counters such as countering a powerbomb attempt with a backdrop. Riggs continues to amaze with his athleticism, for such a big man to do a slingshot splash, and an enzuigiri is amazing.

Riggs continues to control and the fans fear the title is going to change hands. Vendetta stays alive by ducking a clothesline attempt, and then blocking a DDT attempt. Vendetta goes for a waistlock takeover but Riggs counters with a backkick to the groin.

The punishment continues from Riggs as he dishes out an elbowsmash, legsweep facelsam, and a thumb to the throat. Vendetta though blocks an attempted kick and takes Riggs down with a dragon screw. Vendetta chops at Riggs then takes him back down with a reverse Russian legsweep. He then tries to put the Haitian Deathlock on Riggs but Riggs counters it with a roll-up. His hands reach out and lock with April Hunter's for extra leverage as Buddy Lane counts 1, 2, and then makes Riggs break after spotting the help from Hunter.

The fans are going nuts as he struggles in a bearhug in the middle of the ring. Vendetta gets the break, but then falls victim to a tiger suplex, and just barely raises a shoulder to stop the 3 count and a title change. Riggs scoops up Vendetta and runs, delivering the Phenomenal Performance!! Hunter raises her hands in victory as Lane counts 1, 2, KICKOUT!

Riggs can't believe it and slaps the mat, until he regains his composure and begins to pound away at a still fallen champion. Riggs nails a slingshot suplex and then tosses Vendetta over the top rope to the floor below. While Buddy Lane tries to hold back Riggs, April Hunter grabs a chair and runs at Vendetta. The Haitian champ though sees it at the last second and sends Hunter away with a standing side kick.

Vendetta turns around just in time to see Riggs clear the top rope with a dive, and the champ manages to dive out of the way, causing Riggs to wreck himself on the ground.

Vendetta takes the match back inside and nails Riggs with a snap suplex, but only gets a 1 count. Vendetta follows up with an Asai leg lariat, and a springboard back elbow. The champ nails a DDT, and gets a 2 count this time.

Riggs makes a comeback trading punches with the champ, and then nails a spinning DDT and gets a 2 count. The two men continue to brawl, standing toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring. Vendetta sends Riggs to the ropes and Riggs goes for a clothesline, but the champ exhibits some athleticism of his own countering with a crucifix. The champ would have got the pinfall but Hunter reached under the bottom rope and pushed the two men with just enough force to tumble them forward.

Vendetta picks up Riggs and goes for the DDT only to have the big Irishman counter with a lowblow. Riggs nails Vendetta with a swinging punch and then locks on the cobra clutch. Vendetta manages to make his way to the ropes after only a few seconds. The two men then begin to exchange kicks and punches once more. Vendetta goes for a piledriver but Riggs counters with a backdrop. Riggs sends Vendetta to the ropes but it's the champ with the initiative and he nails Riggs with a spear. Riggs is on the mat, stunned as Vendetta locks on the Haitian Deathlock. Riggs tries his best to overcome the pain but he begins to fade. A concerned April Hunter jumps up on the apron and looks like she is going to interfere until Robert Bayley and Kimberly Page come running down to ringside and pull Hunter away. Riggs cries out to Hunter for help, reaching his arms out to no avail. His shoulders are on the mat, and Lane counts, 1, 2, Riggs lifts his shoulder.

Finding some hidden strength, probably fuelled by his intense anger, Riggs finally manages to reach the ropes after over a minute in the deathlock. Riggs uses the ropes to pull himself to his feet and lashes out with a kick to the groin on the champ. He follows with a couple more kicks before taking his arms off the ropes and nailing Vendetta with a legsweep faceslam. Riggs goes for an armbar submission but Vendetta counters it, taking the arm of Riggs, and putting his shoulder under his opponent, picking him up into a fireman's carry. In one smooth motion he has Riggs off his feet, and a fraction of a second later he slams Riggs back first onto the mat. He lies his back across Riggs, unable to hook a leg or even turn over, but it doesn't matter..Riggs is exhausted too. Lane counts the 1, 2, 3.
Vendetta pinned Adam Riggs after a Samoan drop in 0:26:23
Rating: ***1/2
[Vendetta retained the River City Wrestling Heavyweight Title]

Referee Buddy Lane helps Vendetta to his feet and presents him with his RCW title belt as we


FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #992
2 Hour Edition of RAGE in Syndication
Taped Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Air Date, Saturday July 24, 2004

La Crosse Center,
La Crosse, WI

Attendance: 3,835


<<< cue "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" >>>
The fans come to their feet and watch the entrance way as Owner and President Jack Larkin makes an unannounced appearance to open the show. He strides to the ring in his Hugo Boss 3-piece suit, and waves politely to the crowd. This is the first time we've seen Larkin in the building for an RCW event since its rebirth several months ago.

Larkin] Hello Wisconsin, and hello fans of RCW wrestling everywhere. A special hello goes out to little 11 year old Sally who's letter I received last week. Sally is in hospital in Omaha, Nebraska and from our family to yours Sally we wish you a speedy recovery.

Now, onto business, and specifically why I am here. First off, I wouldn't have made an appearance just for this reason, but since I am here anyway I should touch on the subject. The fans of RCW come to the shows to be entertained, both by the in-ring action as well as the out of the ring antics and promos of the wrestlers. However, last week's show in my opinion, went dangerously close to crossing the line on many occasions between edgy and unacceptable. This is a public warning to all the boys, and gals, in the back - be careful, damn careful of what you spout.

Another reason I am out here is to promote a big show next Wednesday night in the Twin Cities, July 28th at the Excel Center. It will be our second ever "Night of Champions". And yes, the first one ironically turned out to be our last show before a long black out from television. Let's all hope that history does not repeat itself. However, because of some holidays as well as production changes we will not be taping another show for TV for 3 weeks. Therefore, the footage of what promises to be a 3-4 hour live show next week will be used to produce our weekly Rage TV show for the Saturdays of July 31st, August 7th, and August 14th.

The line-up for Night of Champions II will be jam packed of course. The card so-far is set up as follows;
•NWA Champion Chris Benoit defends his belt against RCW Champion Vendetta
•NWA & RCW Tag Team Champions The Spinebusters will defend their belts against a surprise team.
•NWA Junior Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio Jr. will defend his belt against Chris Jons.
•RCW Heritage Champion Vincent Regliatti will defend his belt against an opponent that will decided upon tonight.
•South African Champion Frans van der Heever will defend his belt against Jody Christmas.
•South African Tag Champions Jayson Moorhouse and MetalHead will defend their tag championships against Robbie Royal and Lee Vakis.
•more matches yet to be added

Larkin] And lastly, the primary reason that I've come here in person tonight is to introduce to the great fans of RCW our latest signing, a young man with a whole ton of talent and promise. This is the most promising young talent I have seen come through my door in years. Ladies and gentlemen of Middle America, please welcome to the heartland, "The Tiger" Adam Burke !!!

<<< cue "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor >>>
The physically impressive Adam Burke comes to the ring wearing blue wrestling pants and boots. He enters the ring to a smattering of cheers from the crowd and steps forward shaking hands with the President. Burke looks slightly hesitant but is smiling from ear to ear.

Larkin] Welcome to RCW kid, it's great to have you on the payroll.

Burke] Gee, thanks Mr. Larkin for everything, and thanks to my great fans. It's always nice to receive a second chance, a new lease on life as it may be. The last time I was in a wrestling ring I was just a kid really, I didn't know how to assert myself and how to get ahead. I've grown up a lot since then and I'm finally ready to reach out and grab that brass ring.

Larkin] There you have it ladies and gentlemen, Adam Burke, the eye of the tiger. One day each of you will be able to turn to your kids and say, I was there the night that Adam Burke first appeared in RCW.

Burke and Larkin shake hands vigorously once again.



<<< cue "Phenomenon" by LL Cool J >>>
Adam Riggs and April Hunter come down to the ring drawing the ire of the crowd. Riggs pauses to flip them off and Hunter can be heard calling them all a bunch of cheesehead losers.

They finally enter the ring and Riggs has a mic, which can never be a good thing.

Riggs] BOW DOWN scum to the GOD of pro wrestling Adam Riggs, the Phenom of the squared circle. The man who will retire Vendetta right after I cripple the useless tit known as Robert "Blaze" Bayley. Hey Bayley, what's with the stupid nickname? Are you trying to tell us something? I've long suspected that you are a flaming **** but you don't have to flaunt it. Tonight though *** your ass is mine, and I'm going to make you sore in way that you haven't felt in a long time. I'm going to send you to the hospital tonight because I have your puny little self in the main event match.

Hunter] You tell them LORD Riggs, you tell them all! You are the GOD of pro wrestling and all these useless pieces of shit in the audience should shut the hell up and listen when you speak. SHUT UP! Now, Bayley, just in case you think that little whore girlfriend of yours Kim Page is going to save your scrawny ass tonight I have some bad news for you. I have a contract to wrestle her, right now, right here, and then you can schedule the ambulance to take her to the hospital. But don't you try and leave in the back of the ambulance with her like you did last time, chicken shit piece of..

<<< cue "The Tenth Dimension" by Blaze >>>
The crowd get to their feet and put their hands together for the energetic arrival of Robert "Blaze" Bayley along with Kimberly Page. Page is in shorts, a tank top, and boots and looks ready to wrestle.

They enter the ring together and have a mic of their own.

Bayley] Oh shut the hell up already! You two are both going down in a blaze tonight, a blaze of glory for us, and gory for you two ingrates. I have all the faith in the world in Page and she has learned enough from my friend DDP to take care of herself, even against an Amazonian freak like you Hunter!

Riggs] Hey, sorry man, didn't mean to call you a *** early. It seems pretty obvious that you do in fact like women. And I have to admit that Kimberly, you are one fine piece of ass. Of course, back in the days of the Wolfpack, you were my fine piece of ass, and soon you will be again. That wedding ring didn't stop you from ****** around on your hubby during the days of the pack, obviously it isn't stopping you from servicing Blaze now, and it sure as shit won't stop you when I straddle your prone body in the hospital bed, the tubes coming out of your arms, your head all groggy...

Blaze has heard all he can take and attacks Riggs. The two exchange punches and kicks with Bayley getting the better of the bigger Riggs. Page though turns her back on Hunter to cheer on her man and pays for it with a knee to the back. Bayley and Riggs spill out of the ring and are finally separated by RCW officials and sent to the back, as inside Hunter is slamming Page around the ring.

By the time referee Jimmy Appleseed calls for the bell Page is already in la-la land.


Opening Bout
April Hunter v Kimberly Page
Page never stands a chance. Hunter toys with her, nailing a DDT, a full nelson slam, and then rubbing Page's face across the mat. She lays Page on her back and then delivers a vicious knee to the "sternum". Page rolls over and looks like she is going to vomit. Hunter picks up Page from behind and delivers a "hairplane" spin as Page screams in pain. The vicious Hunter is all business and scrapes Page's face across the top rope. When she rolls Page over and then slingshots her face first into the corner we can see that Page is bleeding slightly from abrasions to her face. Hunter then rips off Page's tank top and starts to choke her with it, with Page trying to cover up as she is only wearing a flimsy white bra underneath. Appleseed has seen enough and calls for the bell.
Kimberly Page defeated April Hunter by disqualification at 2:19
Rating: not-rated

Post-Match:
Hunter continues to try and choke out Page while Appleseed tries to pull her off. Robert Bayley comes running from the back and Hunter makes herself scarce. Bayley takes off his "Blaze" shirt and puts it over Page to cover her up. He helps her to her feet as she looks very wobbly....and then she kisses him squarely on the mouth. When she pulls away he looks surprised but pleased, but she still looks very dazed so he helps her from the ring.


In ring promo:
The fans cheer the Hardamann brothers, Luke and Al who are in the ring with mics.

Al] Well Luke you called for this interview, so let's hear what's on your mind. I have to tell you first though, that I haven't exactly been pleased with your tactics since you've come back to wrestling as my tag team partner. I know how strong your desire to win is big brother, but without honour there can be no glory.

Luke] I guess we just don't see the world the same way little brother. Maybe that's because you had the luxury of eating off of my table when you were little, while I had to drop out of school and take up dock work and pro wrestling to pay the bills, to help out Mom and Dad. Still, I'm very proud of you brother, you have taken your game further then I ever went, and hopefully one day we will see you with the RCW gold around your waist once again. However, my days are done. I just finished consulting with a second doctor this week, and as a result of my most recent concussion I received at the end of our last tag match I am taking the advice of the good doctors and hanging up my boots.

Al] I'm so sorry bro', and I feel like such an ass.

Luke] Don't have to feel that way. I kept you in the dark, because this had to be my decision, and mine alone. I don't have a wonderful wife like your Shiela, or great kids like your Skylar and Ashley. So, this was my decision to make - alone. And I feel better today than I have in a long time. Don't worry about me bro', I already have another job lined up. So best of luck to you Al, and to the fans and management of RCW, thanks for your time and your cheers, and good luck.

The brothers embrace in the middle of the ring, and Luke gives a wave to the fans as he leaves the ring.


Bout #2
Kai Hanson v Marcus Schultz
Strictly a work-out for Hanson. The German wastes no time crossing the ring and disrespecting Schultz with a big slap across the face. Schultz fired right back with a right hand, but was then annihilated with a lariat. Hanson laid in the stomps and then went to work with a hotshot, and an over the shoulder stomach breaker. Hanson wasted time jawing with the crowd and taunting them with a pelvic thrust. The result was Schultz coming within an eyelash of picking up the upset with an inside cradle. Hanson then rocked Schultz again with a lariat and a series of stomps. The former Axis Power member then threw Schultz out of the ring and went to work, sending him hard into the ringsteps, announce table and guardrail. Back inside it was elementary with a German suplex finish.
Kai Hanson defeated Marcus Schultz by pinfall with a German suplex at 3:07
Rating: *


Backstage Interview;
Joe Aiello is backstage with Diamonds & Rust (Diamond Rhodes, Bam Bam Bigelow, Paisley, and Tylene Buck).

Aiello] Dusti..I mean Diamond Rhodes, can you tell me what your plans are for this motley crew?

Rhodes] Joe...Joe...Joe...did you see that sappy display of emotions in the ring from Luke and Al Hard-amann? Those guys seemed like pretty softies to me..nothing hard about them. It was US who gave Luke that concussion, it was us who have forced him from wrestling. Right Bam-Bam?

Bigelow] Yeah right partner. Our motto is we mess with you before you get the chance to mess with us. One less team for us to deal with here in RCW. And one less cry baby pussy to listen to.

From out of camera range we hear someone shout "hey", and Rhodes and Bigelow look displeased. Sam Holiday enters the picture as the cameraman takes a step back.

Holiday] You guys are pathetic standing back here gloating when a man has his career taken away from him. You give yourselves too much credit, a concussion can happen at any time. It's just a freak thing. You should know about freak things.

Rhodes] Ohhhhh..watch it..cow-boy. Or we might just have to saddle you up and ride out into the sunset. Just like poor little Luke. What you bitchin' about anyway boy, your the guy who told him to his face that ya don't like him. We agree with you, we just took it a step further.

We hear more voices and then the cameraman takes more steps back and we see the Spinebusters looking smug, wearing both pairs of belts over their shoulders.

Caruthers] Union meeting boys?

Orth] Nah, looks more like a mensa meeting.

Holiday] What the hell do you two cheaters want?

Caruthers *chuckling*]..cheaters...that's a ripe one. We don't want for nothing man, we have all we need right over our shoulders here. But cowboy you look like General Custer's last stand here, surrounded by the enemy, all looking for your scalp. The only question is which one of the 4 of us is going to take it.

Rhodes] Now hang on their busters. Those are very nice straps you have there, you wear them well. Don't think for a second we care about this cow-boy, what we want is those 10 lbs. of gold over your shoulder. And we are coming..coming..coming for them. So watch your backside.

Holiday] Whooo..hold on their buddy. What makes you think your the number one contenders? I'l bet my bottom dollar that me and Al can beat you boys from pillar to post at Night of the Champions. And then we'll take that gold from you other fellas.

Rhodes] We'll take that challenge cow-boy. And when I am done with you I am going to hot brand your ass like a piece of cattle. I'll be digging my spurs into your sides and making you scream like a little boy.

Holiday] You're a sick ****

The scene breaks up with everyone going their separate ways.



<<< cue "Dirty White Boy" by Foreigner >>>
Just a few weeks ago that music would have brought cheers from the crowd. But tonight it brings jeers as Jamie Knoble and Sable make their way to the ring, doing their best to ignore the crowd.

Knoble] Al Collins, fat Al Collins, fat, old, Al Collins. Get your lard ass down to this ring.

<<< cue "Burning Heart" by Survivor >>>

The fans cheer the long time mid-western staple, Al Collins who brushes aside his comb-over hair as he climbs into the ring.

Knoble] I've had it with you stalking my girlfriend here Sable. She don't want anything to do with you, git it? Now I know you'ben feeling used, well git over it. What the hell do you want?

Collins] What I want is that jezebeel to pack her bags and head East where I'm sure that Vince McMahon will be able to find a use for her limited talents in a more applicable capacity.

Knoble] Huh?

Collins] I want her out of town.

Knoble] Oh. Well that ain't gonna happen. But I'll tell ya what Collins. Let's fight it out right now. If I win then you leave Sable and me alone, forever. You keep your nose out of our bidness.

Collins] I can deal with that. But if I win then she blows town. Oh maybe I should clarify what I mean, she LEAVES town.

The match is set and referee Melissa Coates is sent down to officiate.


Bout #3
Jamie Knoble (/w Sable) v Al Collins
Collins strikes first with a kick to the gut. He then applies some strategy and tries to ground Knoble with some kicks to the legs. Once Knoble is off his feet Collins works his legs over with elbowdrops to the thighs, and slamming his knees into the mat. Collins places his foot on the back of the thigh of Knoble and alternates between wrenching up on the leg and slamming the knee into the mat. Knoble makes it to the ropes for a break and Sable helps him leave the ring. Collins though goes right after him, but Sable steps in the way. Collins tries to get around Sable, but she surprises him with a slap. Sable tries to follow up with an enzuigiri but Collins catches the leg. He has Sable hopping around as he holds her leather encased leg under his arm. He takes his hand and puts it on her thigh and then keeps pulling her towards him, his grip on her leg getting closer to the knee. When he finally has her close enough he gives her a quick peck on the lips and then unceremoniously drops her on her back.
Knoble leaps up and rocks Collins with a flying clothesline. Knoble is incensed and punishes Collins with stomps. He then throws Collins face first under the ring. Knoble straddles Collins's back and sticks his head under the ring apron. He seems to be slamming Collins' head into the ground or an object under the ring. Knoble pulls Collins partially out, and then turns him around. Knoble then slingshots Collins up into the air, and the veteran's head hits the underside of the ring as his chest hits the steel frame with a sickening thud.
Melissa Coates gets in the way, and threatens Knoble with disqualification if he doesn't back up. She then sticks her head under the mat to take a look. When she emerges she's waving her arms and calling for the bell. Knoble and Sable jump up and down and embrace in celebration.
Jamie Knoble defeats Al Collins by referee decision at 3:49
Rating: *1/2


Interview:
Joe Aiello is in the ring.

Aiello] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the man who wants to become the new NWA Heavyweight Champion of the woooorlllld. Vendetta!!

<<< cue "Dirty Deeds" by AC/DC >>>
The Haitian warrior comes down to the ring wearing a white billowy shirt, the RCW title wrapped around his waist, black wrestling pants and boots. His hair is done in dreadlocks with orange, green, and white beads. He enters the ring and gives the "peace" sign to the fans.

Aiello] Welcome Vendetta, the floor is yours.

Vendetta] Hello good peoples of middle America. Thanks for the welcoming most warming. Nobody around the globe wants to beat Mr. Benoit like I want to beat him. Nobody else wants to be the World Champion more than I do. Since I was a little boy I've had such dreams. Windham, Race, Brisco, Funk, they showed the way. I only have to follow it. One night Chris Benoit will be caught, in the wrong place at the wrong time, to the right guy. That right guy wants me to be. I mean I want to be that guy. At the Night of Champions I will have my shot. I have been preparing for weeks for this, while Benoit has to prepare for different adversary every week, over and over again. Someone will beat him, someone will be me.


Bout #4
Bad Intentions Triangle Match - NO DQ, No Countout
Winner to get an RCW Title Match
Dan Severn  v  Manny Silva  v  Menele
This match was set-up featuring three of the most despised, and three of the most dangerous men in RCW. The winner would get a title shot against Vendetta in August, and all 3 men would have no qualms about doing whatever it takes to win.
Appropriately enough the referee assigned to this match was long-time inept official Jurgen Hermann.
The match started with a triple collar-elbow hookup, and Severn and Silva backed Menele into the ropes. Severn caught Silva sideways with an elbow to the chops, and was then given the same by Menele. Menele floated behind Severn into a waistlock and was about to take him up and over when Silva kicked Severn in the gut. Despite that Severn managed to float around and reverse positions with Menele. He took Menele over with a German release suplex, and then was clotheslined to the ground by Silva.
The match quickly turned into a brawl with no attempt to hide low-blows, chokeholds, eye gouges, etc from referee Hermann. The match alternated between the floor and the ring. None of these 3 attempted to stay out of the action at all and let the others do the work. All 3 seemed to gleam happiness out of handing out hurt.
Silva nailed Menele with the wheelbarrow suplex but Severn broke up the pin attempt. Severn took Silva down with a Northern Lights suplex but it was Menele's turn to break up the pin. Finally Menele completed the triumvirate by taking Severn over with a T-bone suplex, but when Silva tried to break up the pin Menele moved out of the way. This caused Silva to stomp on Severn, and then Silva found himself going up and over with a belly-to-back suplex by Menele. He covered for the pin and picked up a huge upset win.
Menele defeated Manny Silva and Dan Severn in a 3-way dance when Menele pinned Silva after a belly-to-back suplex at 9:05
Rating: ***


Interview:
Joe Aiello is backstage with RCW's newest superstar, Adam "the Tiger" Burke. He begins to ask him some question about how he feels now that he has landed in RCW, but Burke is distracted by some noise off screen.
Burke excuses himself and the cameraman follows him. We see Asp Evergreen slinging his gym bag over his shoulder and gives a kick to a chalkboard, sending it flying. Asp walks a few more feet muttering to himself before taking his wrath out again, this time on a defenceless vending machine.

Burke] Hey, hold on their buddy. What's wrong?

Asp] What the hell does it matter to you? Hey wait, you're that new kid Adam Burke right? You failed in a few other feds and now we're taking you in?

Burke] Well that's not really what happened. But what's wrong with you? I thought this was a great place to work, why would you be upset?

Asp] I'm done here. Larkin and Backlund have had it in for me from day one, just because I'm a little different then their idea of a RCW star. Now you, you're their kind of guy.

Burke] Hey man, that's probably not true. I tell you what friend, I used to be just like you. I sure didn't think much of myself or my abilities. Even when I had success in the ring I attributed it to luck or the help of others. But man let me tell you something..."you reap what you sow"...or something like that.  Anyway my point is that it's probably not so bad as all that. What can I do to show you that you shouldn't just quit?

Evergreen] Well it would be nice if I could get a match. It's been weeks since I've been on TV inside the ring. It's humiliating. And when I have been in the ring they've matched me against animals or green rookies, and not professionals. I've never had a match where I could show my aerial, high flying abilities against a classy opponent.

Burke] I tell you what friend. Larkin said if there was anything I needed to just ask. So, I'm going to ask him to put you in the ring against me in my premiere at Night of Champions. We'll have an old fashioned gentleman's match, and both of our abilities will get shown off well. Feel better now?

Asp] Yes, buckets full. Thanks a lot. You really are a nice guy, I guess I shouldn't have doubted that..even after all the bad things the other guys in the dressing room were saying about you.

At this point Asp shakes the befuddled hand of Adam Burke and walks past him, getting a huge grin on his face. Asp winks at the camera as he walks by.

Asp] See you next week for our Gentleman's match. And thanks a lot.


Bout #5
4 Way Match
#1 Contender for the Heritage Title Title Shot at Night of the Champions
Ken Shamrock v Chris Jons v Raymond Bingham v Jack Voight
It would seem that new Heritage champion Vincent Regliatti will have his hands full at Night of the Champions with whichever of these 4 talents emerges the winner of this match.
This was a typical 4 corners match with no-one really grabbing much of an advantage. At around the 5 minute match Voight rocked Jons with a tombstone piledriver and would have got the 3 count but before he could make the cover Bingham reached out and tagged himself in on the back of Voight. Bingham then put Jons in a figure-four leglock. In a very strange move Voight climbed to the top rope and then flung himself down with a crunch right across all 4 legs of Jons and Bingham as they were locked in the figure-four. The move worked all right, as the match had to be stopped temporarily for stretchers to take both Jons and Bingham out of the ring.

When the match resumed it was a brawl between Voight and Shamrock. The two fought from inside the ring to the outside. They stood on the announce table and traded punches, with Voight knocking Shamrock off the table. The World's Most Dangerous Man then reached out and pulled Voight down to his back on the table with a double leg. Shamrock pulled Voight off the table to the ground below. He locked on the ankle lock submission but had to let go after only a few seconds in order to get back into the ring and beat the 10 count of referee Buddy Lane.
Voight and Shamrock continued their battle inside the ring. Shamrock was unable to get a 3 count after nailing Voight with a superplex, and the German was unable to pin Shamrock even after nailing a tombstone piledriver. Voight pulled Shamrock to the top rope and signalled for the tombstone from the top rope. This was a move that Voight used to use as his finisher in his younger days. That was several years and 20 pounds ago. Today it looked like it was going to be a risky venture.
As he lined up Shamrock and the fans held their breath, Chris Jons came hobbling out, returning from the backstage area. He caught up to Voight just in time to throw him off, sending him down to the middle of the mat. Jons went for the pin but Lane wouldn't allow it as Jons wasn't the legal man. Shamrock nailed Voight with a German suplex and Jons watched as he got the 3 count.
Ken Shamrock won the 4-way match by pinfall when he pinned Voight after a German Suplex at 14:24
Rating: *1/2


Interview:
Linley Tolbert is in the middle of the ring.

Tolbert] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, returning from representing your country, the USA, at the World Cup, J.C.....Jody Christmas !!!

The fans give J.C. a standing ovation as he makes his way down the aisle to the ring. He's going to tell us about the World Cup and..

WHERE DID HE COME FROM??

A man wearing a black and red mask suddenly attacks Jody from behind. He lays him out with a shot to the back of the head. He then slams Jody's head several times into the steel barricade, busting him wide open. The masked man sticks a finger across the bloodied forehead of JC and smears the blood all over Jody's face. He pulls JC's prone body up and then brings him down hard onto the floor with a brain buster. Who is this? Garrison Cade? Michael Shane? A new enemy for Jody Christmas? As security floods the scene the dangerous masked man leaves through the crowd.



MAIN EVENT
Special Guest Referee Bill Goldberg
Robert "Blaze" Bayley vs Adam Riggs

<<< cue "Crush 'em" by MegaDeth" >>>
The fans cheer as Goldberg makes his way through his pyro display to the ring. He is wearing an RCW official referee jersey and takes up station in the ring. The announce team confirms for us that Goldberg will indeed be the special guest referee tonight to try and control the action between Robert Bayley and Adam Riggs.

<<< cue "Blaze" by the Tenth Dimension >>>
Robert "Blaze" Bayley makes his way down to the ring.

ADAM RIGGS comes running down the rampway and ~waffles~ Bayley across the back with a chair. Bayley is down on his hands and knees and Riggs kicks him in the ribs, turning him over. Riggs is poised above him for another chairshot, but he doesn't see the boot of Bayley snake up and ~crunch~ Riggs right in the family jewels. Riggs stumbles away and Bayley struggles to his feet. RCW officials and security come down and struggle with both wrestlers to get into the ring so the bell can sound and the match can begin. Goldberg hasn't moved, opting instead to stay in the middle of the ring the whole time.

Both men are inside the ring, the bell sounds, and promptly both men lock up and tumble out of the ring. Riggs punches, kicks, slaps, and then bodyslams Bayley. He tries to drop a knee but Bayley moves out of the way and then strikes with a backfist to the face of Riggs. Bayley picks up Riggs by the hair, takes a running start to the guardrail and leaps over, hotshotting Rigg's neck across the top of the guardrail. But Bayley wrecks himself into a row of fans and is slow getting up himself. The two men exchange punches and kicks until April Hunter shows up from the back and attacks Bayley from behind. She leaps onto his back, kind of applying a choke sleeper and kind of just screaming into his ear. It works to distract Bayley as Riggs lashes out with a kick to the groin of Blaze. Finally Goldberg leaves the ring and orders Hunter to the back. She refuses, so Goldberg scoops her up in a fireman's carry and takes her up the ramp to the back.

However, this leaves Riggs alone with Bayley and he goes to work. The Irishman grabs a steel chair and nails Bayley across the head, and again, and a 3rd time. Bayley is busted wide open and Riggs throws the chair to the ground. Grabbing Bayley by the hair he then delivers a DDT onto the chair. As Goldberg comes back to the ring Riggs rolls Bayley back inside.

Adam Riggs climbs to the top rope and comes off with a kneedrop right to the forehead of Bayley, sending a splatter of blood flying into the air. Bayley's head pops up, and then drops down. Riggs covers, and gets 1, 2, he pulls him up!

Riggs jaws with Goldberg for a few seconds and then scoops up Bayley. Riggs runs across the ring and delivers the Phenomenal Performance on Bayley. He goes to cover but then thinks better of the idea and just kneels there over his bloodied opponent and smiles at the crowd.

Goldberg tells Riggs to get on with it, so the big man climbs to the top turnbuckle. Kimberly Page runs down from the back, sporting a bandage on her face from the abrasions. She goes to pull Bayley out of the ring by the legs, but Riggs sees her. He reverses course and leaps off the top and axhandles the back of Kimberly as she is prone over top of the ring apron, holding onto Bayley's feet. Page snaps back and hits hard onto the ground where she doesn't move.

Goldberg quickly leaves the ring and puts himself between Riggs and Page. Adam Riggs actually thinks better of hitting Goldberg from behind as paramedics are called for from the back. Riggs goes back inside the ring and peppers Bayley's head with more shots, each one causing the cuts to open up deeper. This is no longer a wrestling match, it's a mugging.

Riggs covers Bayley and taps out the 3 count, but Goldberg isn't there to count as he kneels protecting Kimberly. Riggs leaves the ring and harasses Goldberg to come and make the count. Riggs can hear the crowd go nuts, but unfortunately for him has no idea why. Finally Riggs gives up on Goldberg who is now helping the paramedics, and rolls under the bottom rope. He stands up in the ring, ~and quite unexpectedly finds himself face to face with Vendetta~.

Vendetta knees Riggs in the gut, and then nails him with a DDT. The champion then rolls out of the ring and leaves through the crowd.

Goldberg rolls back into the ring and is surprised to see Riggs is now laying down beside Bayley. He begins a very slow count, and Riggs is on his feet first at the count of 8. The Phenom picks Bayley up into a hanging vertical suplex that he holds for a few impressive seconds before turning it into a brainbuster. Riggs goes for the pin and gets the easy, 1, 2, KICKOUT! Bayley kicked out, and then collapses again to the mat. Riggs scoops up Bayley over his shoulder for another Phenomenal Performance, but as he begins to move Bayley flails away grasping for whatever he can to hold onto. His hands hook on Riggs' kneepad and he manages to drive his weight forward, tripping Riggs, as both men go down in an ungraceful heap. Goldberg counts to 5 before Riggs is on his feet first.

Adam Riggs goes to pick up Bayley but Blaze nails him with a shot to the gut and then tries for the fireman's carry but can't hold the weight. Riggs crashes down onto Bayley, and gets 1, before Bayley rolls Riggs over into a cradle, and gets 1, before Riggs powers out of the cradle reversing it for 1, grabs a hold of the pants of Bayley, 2, kickout.

Both men scramble to their feet. Bayley goes for a clothesline, but Riggs ducks, then Riggs nails Bayley with a clothesline of his own. Riggs nails a scissors kick to Bayley and then drops two knees right into the back of the neck of Blaze. Riggs throws Bayley into the ropes and goes for another clothesline but this time Bayley counters with a crucifix, for a 2 count.

The men stand now in the middle of the ring and exchange punches. Riggs is winning the battle until Bayley surprises him by going for a hurancanranna. But Riggs is too powerful and manages to stay on his feet. He swings Bayley around in the air before powerbombing him to the ground. He pulls Bayley back up and repeats the powerbomb. The big man then flips over pulling the legs of Bayley and bridging his back for a pinfall attempt but only gets 2.

Riggs goes to throw Bayley over the top rope but Blaze manages to hang on to the top strand and swing himself back through the ropes. He catches Riggs by surprise with a standing sidekick to the chest. He takes Riggs down with a single leghook, and tries to turn Riggs over for a half-Boston. Again though Riggs is too big and he rolls to the ropes for a break.

Again both men exchange punches and kicks. You can feel that Bayley is making a comeback. Bayley nails Riggs with a forearm smash uppercut, followed by a pair of swinging punches that back Riggs into the corner. Bayley launches Riggs out of the corner with a belly-to-belly-suplex. He goes to attack Riggs again but suddenly loses his balance, possibly disorientated from loss of blood as he is bleeding profusely now. This delay costs him dearly as Riggs hurts Bayley with a kick to the thigh, and then a flying clothesline. He covers but only gets 2.

Riggs applies more pressure on Bayley for a couple of minutes without being able to get the three count. Bayley catches a break, countering a clothesline with an armdrag takedown and then dropping a legdrop across the throat of Riggs. Bayley then goes on the offensive but he too grows frustrated at not getting the three count. Bayley goes for the Blaze Bomb but Riggs rolls out of the way.

Riggs nails Bayley with a legsweep facelsam, and then follows up with a fistdrop from the top-rope right to the bloodied forehead of Blaze.

Riggs covers Bayley again, this time draping his feet over the second rope and finally gets the 1, 2, 3.

The fans boo unmercifully and begin to pelt the ring with soft drink containers and paper airplanes. An errant Sam Holiday bobble-head bounces off the canvas and nails Goldberg in the thigh.

Adam Riggs defeated Robert Bayley by pinfall after a fist-drop from the top-rope, aided by feet on the ropes at 15:16
Rating: ***1/4


Post-Match:
Vendetta comes running to the ring. He complains to Goldberg about Riggs having his feet draped over the second rope. Goldberg though just seems kind of annoyed at Vendetta being there. Riggs looks like he is going to go after Vendetta but Goldberg intercepts him and orders him out of the ring. The Haitian champ is trying to get Bayley to just stay on the mat and wait for medical help, while he continues to complain to Goldberg about the antics of Riggs.

As we

FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #993
Taped: Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Air Date: Saturday, July 31, 2004

From the Xcel Energy Center
St. Paul, Minnesota

Attendance; 6,092


We are welcomed to Night of Champions 2 by our ringside hosts, Joe Aiello, Linley Tolbert, and a newcomer to RCW Steven Regal (who just arrived in the Twin Cities via plane 2 hours before bell time).

The event will be split into 3 episodes of Rage and will also feature some "classic" matches and highlights from RCW events of the past.


Opening Bout:
Pacific Coast Jr. Heavyweight Title Match
Haida Warrior (ch) v Jamie Knoble (/Sable)
The promoters made a wise move bringing in this fast rising star from the west coast, as an estimated 600 extra tickets were sold to the local native communities to come see the Warrior.
The Warrior did not disappoint starting strong off the start, returning fire from Knoble's fist with chops to the chest that backed Knoble out of the ring and into the arms of lovely Sable.
Knoble returned to the ring but faired no better, and the Haida Warrior got a near 3 count after nailing a hurancanrana on Knoble out of the corner. Spurred on by his success the Native Canadian star finally made a mistake missing a flying bodypress, and bouncing out of the ring.
Sable laid in the boots on a fallen champ while Knoble distracted referee Jimmy Appleseed. Then the RCW star flew out of the ring and squashed the champion with a Tope Suicida. Knoble took the time out to go to the announce table, grab the mic, and announce to the crowd that they could all kiss his ass because he and Sable were heading to the West Coast right after he took the Warrior's title.
Knoble took it back inside and punished Warrior with a back suplex, moonsault, and a sling-shot legdrop, but could only get a 2 count. Knoble went to the top rope and came down for the leg drop, but the Warrior rolled out of the way.
Both men struggled to their feet but Warrior struck first with a pair of standing side kicks, one to the chest, and then one to the knee that dropped Knoble like a rock. The champ then nailed a rocker dropper on the challenger and was prepared to cover when he saw Sable trying to sneak into the ring. The Haida Warrior though cornered Sable and backed her into a corner. She then tried to distract him by blowing kisses, as the crowd jeered Knoble who was back on his feet and trying to sneak in on the Haida Warrior. Sable then unzipped the front of her black latex catsuit, giving the younster a full frontal view.
Knoble struck with a running knee to the back...but no...the Warrior was not tricked...and he moves out of the way at the last second. Knoble goes smashing into Sable and the Warrior locks the Dragon Sleeper in on Knoble who quickly taps out.
Haida Warrior submitted Jamie Knoble with the Dragon Sleeper at 9:16
[Haida Warrior retains the PCW Junior Heavyweight Title]


Classic Footage:
September 27/03: Rage, Night of Champions....
Dr. John Manfried v Bob Sapp
This feud has been building for several weeks, with Manfried taking offense at Sapp's trying to make a gimmick for himself by injuring younger, smaller wrestlers. Then Sapp made light of Manfried's past, specifically his jail time for manslaughter. These two didn't need to wait for the bell to ring before they were slugging it out in the middle of the ring.
Not a whole lot of scientific wrestling going on in this one. Sapp took control with a chop to the throat, followed by a full nelson slam. He then punished Manfried with a hangman, followed by a choke lift. He released the choke at the 5 count to avoid being disqualified by referee Melissa Coates. Sapp then took the match outside the ring where the two brawled and refused to re-enter the ring. Manfried grabbed the upper hand by pulling Sapp into the ringpost. He then placed the safety guardrail over the Beast's throat and put his entire weight onto it. This was all Coates was willing to take and she called for the bell.
[Manfried and Sapp battled to a double countout at 5:53]

Post-Match:
The two big men continued to try and hurt each other after the match. The first couple attempts to break up the encounter by security were met with force by both combatants. Finally the two were pulled off of each other and taken to the back.


Bout #2
South African Heavyweight Title Match
Frans van Der Heever (ch) v Jody Christmas
Coming off the World Cup Christmas looked tired, and Van Der Heever was probably looking at this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a bigger name for himself.
These contrasting levels of motivation showed early as Christmas was on the defensive while van Der Heever did everything he could to try and end the match in his favor. The South African got near falls after a Samoan drop and after a diving headbutt, but Christmas managed to kick out each time.
Then something seemed to click and JC took over the match getting a near fall after a flying forearm smash. JC was tapping his foot and getting ready to administer his superkick...when suddenly the same masked man we saw on RAGE (wearing a black and red mask) slid under the bottom rope. The masked man had a lead pipe and used it to hamstring Christmas and then cracked him right over the head with a vicious shot from the pipe. Christmas fell flat on his face. Referee Melissa Coates bent down to examine him and her hands came away crimson red from blood. She called for help and for the bell.
No Contest at 8:11
[Frans van Der Heever retained the SAWF Heavyweight Title]

Post-Match:
RCW security stormed the ring and this sent the masked man away through the crowd the same way he came. Van der Heever grabbed his title and left, taunting the crowd. The paramedics arrived and tried to take Christmas away on a stretcher. However, JC rose up and fought them off, his head wrapped in an already dark red bandage. Christmas struggled on his own to the backstage area.


Backstage:
Pamela Paulshock makes her return to RCW. She stands outside a non-descript dressing room door.

Paulshock] Hello wrestling fans. I'm Pamela Paulshock, and right now I'm standing outside the dressing room door of the surprise opponents for the Spinebusters tonight...

A very loud crashing sound is heard as something heavy hits the back of the dressing room door, followed by high pitched maniacal laughter.

Paulshock] I was about to say we are going to barge in there and uncover just who these superstars are, but maybe that isn't such a good idea?

From out of the picture comes Bob Backlund and Debra McMichael.

Backlund] What are you doing Pamela? You think you just get paid to stand there looking pretty?

Debra taps Backlund on the shoulder, and then nods to him.

Backlund] Oh, I see. Well I have business to conduct in there because I think that Buddy Lane is inside there right now discussing the rules..

Another loud crash is heard, more laughter, and then the door opens. Buddy Lane flees from inside the dressing room but we are unable to see anyone inside. There is another loud crashing and the dressing room door slams shut.

Lane] Those guys are nuts!!

Backlund] Don't mind them right now Buddy. I need you. Jack Larkin needs you! Adam Burke's match is next and we want you to ref this one personally.

Lane] Sorry Bob, it's Jurgen Hermann's draw.

Backlund] Hermann? That long time inept referee? Forget it Buddy, we need you in this one.

Lane] Sorry Bob, I'm the head referee. I wouldn't do that to one of my officials, and besides, if he's so inept then why don't you guys finally fire him?

Backlund] I donna...he's been here like 20 years I think. Wouldn't really be fair I guess. But look Lane, we're asking you, we're begging you, please ref this one yourself. We want to make sure that Burke gets a square shot against that manipulative jerkoff Asp Evergreen. What do you say? Please?

Lane] Oh, all right, just this time.

Lane wanders off, followed by Backlund and McMichael. Paulshock goes up the dressing room door and is contemplating knocking until she hears a wild, loud scream of pain from inside. She turns away.


<<< cue "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor >>>
Adam "tiger" Burke comes running down the aisle. He slows down enough to high-five many fans, and to throw his sunglasses into the audience. He circles the ring continuing to high-five the fans who are giving him a luke warm reception, uncertain whether this much hyped youngster is the real deal. Inside the ring Burke grabs a mic.

Burke] Asp Evergreen. Last week you seemed to be a guy who just needed a break, someone to say, "don't give up, keep going". I'm glad I did that for you, and I'm happy to share this spotlight that has been given to me with you. I want to be your friend, I really do. But don't for one second think I am a green rookie. I know about your past, I know how you have treated your friends, like Eddie Chavez, and I know enough not to trust you. If you really want to be my friend Asp then you have to earn my trust. I'm not sure why you haven't returned my phone calls this week, I was worried about you, worried you might do something rash. Anyway, our friendship is not getting off to a great start, but hopefully that will change with our little gentlemen's match here tonight.

<<< cue "Asp" by Savatage >>>
Asp Evergreen comes down to the ring to jeers from the crowd. He is accompanied by his manager Derek St. Holmes, ESQ who takes up position in the corner. Inside Asp takes the mic gently from Burke.

Asp] Did you call? I'm sorry Burke I didn't know. I guess Eddie Chavez' Mom didn't give me the message. But that's okay that's about all she didn't give to me. Anyway, yes Adam I am ready for our little gentleman's match here tonight. But you know what? I was wandering around backstage earlier and I bumped into this incredible young guy. His name is "Hawkeye" Trent Hirst and he's been wrestling up North in Winnapig and he came down here tonight, on his own dime, in hopes of getting on TV. I know how hard you and I had to work for our opportunities Adam, and that's why, if it's all right with you that is, I have invited Hirst to join us in this match, making it a 3-way dance.

Burke] You know something Evergreen, that was real nice of you. Maybe I really have misjudged you. Of course it's okay for Hirst to join us.

Trent Hirst comes down to the ring looking quite happy. He enters the ring and shakes hands with Burke and then with Evergreen. Asp and Adam then also exchange a handshake. Buddy Lane now joins them inside the ring. He announces that this will be a Triangle match, meaning only two men will be legal at a time, with the 3rd man having to tag in. It will be one pinfall only.


Bout #3
Triangle Match
Adam Burke v Asp Evergreen (/w Derek St. Holmes) v Trent Hirst
Evergreen "graciously" offers to let Burke and Hirst start things off. Burke takes Hirst down to the ground with a hiptoss but Hirst then knocks Burke down with a legsweep. Both men kip up their feet, stare at each other, and then lock up again. Burke soon takes control and punishes Hirst with a pair of clotheslines and a German suplex. He goes for a frog splash but Hirst rolls out of the way.
Suddenly Evergreen is going crazy asking for the tag from Hirst. The RME star crawls over to the corner and tags in Evergreen who quickly scrambles over and covers Burke, but only gets a 1 count. Asp presses the attack on Burke with some high-flying moves but can't hurt the athletic Burke enough to get a 3 count. Frustrated Evergreen signals for Hirst to come in while he holds Burke from behind and to double team. Hirst though shakes his head no, and Burke drops down and rolls Evergreen over into a pinning predicament and gets a near fall.
Burke goes right after Evergreen and punishes him with a slingshot splash and then a Tornado DDT but only gets a 2 count. Evergreen managed to evade the Tiger's Claw by leaving the ring. When Asp returned he tagged in Hirst. "Hawkeye" had some initial success against Burke but the Tiger soon fought back. Evergreen entered the ring to attack Burke from behind but instead Hirst used the hunched over back of Burke to spin off of and deliver a well timed kick to the solar plexes of Evergreen, knocking him onto his butt.
Hirst however then turned around, right into the Tiger's Claw (superkick). Burke then looked undecided whether to pin Hirst after seeing the downed Evergreen. However he relented and pinned Hirst, but NO, Hirst kicked out at the count of 2. Reluctantly Burke waited for Hirst to get to his feet again to deliver another Tiger's Claw. However, Derek St. Holmes decided to jump up on the apron and begin to climb into the ring, so Burke reeled around and ~waffled~ Holmes with the Tiger's Claw.
This time it was Burke's misfortune to turn around right into a finisher, a Dungeon's Bridge submission taught to Hirst in the Hart's infamous dungeon. Huge upset!
Trent Hirst defeated Asp Evergreen and Adam Burke when he submitted Burke with the Dungeon's Bridge at 9:31


Classic Footage:
September 27/03: Rage, Night of Champions
#1 contendership for the RCW Heavyweight Title
Ron Simmons v "Mad Dog" Manny Silva
Started off as a slug fest but Silva gained early control with a powerslam. He dropped a series of elbows to the sternum, and followed up with a series of stomps. He then climbed the top rope and came off with a big knee again to the sternum. He went for the pin but only got a 2 count from Jimmy Appleseed.
Simmons blocked a vertical suplex attempt, which made Silva resort to kicks and punches once more. Simmons finally blocked a punch, and spun Silva into the corner where he peppered him with shots to the gut and then added a vicious headbutt for good measure.
The company enforcer then slid out of the ring and pulled Silva face first to the mat by yanking on his feet. He then pulled Silva backwards, crotching him into the ringpost. He received a stern warning from Appleseed for this, but Simmons seemed pretty angry and gave Jimmy a bit of a push to the side.
Silva tried to fight back but Simmons was on a roll now, and nailed a pair of elbows to between the eyes, and then delivered his running powerslam finisher. He got the 1, 2, kickout! by Silva.
Frustrated Simmons tossed Silva over the top rope to the floor below. He then climbed to the top turnbuckle and attempted to come off with an axhandle to the back of the former champ. However, the mad man turned around just in time and got in a gut shot to Simmons. He followed up with a series of very controlled short knees to the head of Simmons before rolling him back into the ring.
Silva put Simmons in the camel clutch, but Simmons managed to bridge his back and get out of the hold. Silva then took Simmons face first into the corner, and then delivered a series of elbows to the lower back. He then grabbed onto the ropes on either side of Simmons and pushed his head into the lower back of Ron Simmons until having to break it at a count of 5.
Silva then went for a suplex, but Simmons hooked the leg to block it, and rolled Silva up into a pinning combination, for a 1 count before Silva rolled through it, hooked the tights, and got a near fall. Back onto their feet Silva ducked under a Simmons clothesline and then retaliated in kind, knocking the Georgian on his back. Silva grabbed the raised legs of Simmons, and then dropped a knee right into the groin. Appleseed missed this as he was changing positions and it was blocked from his view. Silva then rolled up Simmons and got the 1, 2, 3.
[Manny Silva defeated Ron Simmons by pinfall at 7:51 after a kneedrop to the groin]
[Manny Silva is the #1 contender for the RCW Heavyweight Title]


Bout #4
RCW & COMPLEX Mixed Tag Match
Ron Waterman (RCW) & John Walters (Complex) v Raymond Bingham (RCW) & Gabriel Moore (Complex)
Walters appeared pumped for this match and wanted to start it off against his nemesis from COMPLEX, Gabriel Moore. But Moore demurred and had the cocky Bingham start the match instead. Walters locked up with Bingham, and the former PWI Rookie of the year sent Walters down with a hiptoss, then another when he regained his feet. Walters got up a third time, only to once again go down, this time to a Bingham standing dropkick. Bingham backed away and then mocked Walters by doing some warm-up jumping jacks.
This was a mistake as when they locked up again Walters put Bingham into a hammerlock, and then picked him up, and slammed him to the mat still in the lock. He dragged Bingham to his feet again, screaming in pain, and then slammed him back to the mat, still in the hammerlock. Walters tried to end the match early with a Gory driver but Bingham punched his way out of the hold and then took Walters down with a clothesline.
Walters tagged in Waterman who came in a house of fire, kicking and headbutting Bingham in the gut and chest. Waterman poured on the offence with a running clothesline followed by a bulldog. He would have got the 3 count but Bingham managed to drape a foot over the bottom rope.
Waterman then set up Bingham for the Water Bomb, only to have Gabriel Moore enter the ring and strike from behind with a kick to the back of the calf. Moore then nailed Waterman with a reverse DDT before being taken out by John Walters.
Referee Jimmy Appleseed tried his best to restore order but Moore and Walters were going at it outside the ring, and Waterman and Bingham were exchanging pleasantries inside as the legal men.
Bingham took an opportunity to low blow Waterman and make a tag to Moore. The self-proclaimed prophet took it to Waterman with a series of kneedrops, followed by a moonsault which got a 2 count. Moore tried to scoop up H20, presumably for the WWJD, but Waterman was too heavy and strong, and managed to shift his weight and come crashing down on Moore. Waterman pinned Moore, and got 1, 2, but Moore reached out and slapped hands with Bingham to make the tag.
Bingham went to work on Waterman with a dropkick, ropeflip clothesline, and a revere neckbreaker. He tried to get Waterman to submit with a surfboard submission but H2O powered out and tagged in Walters.
The Hurricane took it right to Bingham with a series of chops, a snap suplex, and then a missile dropkick. He went for the pin but it was broken up rudely by a stomp to the back of the neck from Gabriel Moore. Waterman bull rushed Moore and bodychecked him right out of the ring. Walters still feeling the effects of that boot to the back of the neck tagged in Waterman. The big man sent Bingham to the ropes and then took him down with a drop toe hold, that he then converted into an ankle lock submission. Bingham lasted only a few seconds in the hold, and tapped out as Walters took out Moore who once again tried to interfere.
Ron Waterman & John Walters defeated Raymond Bingham & Gabriel Moore by submission when Waterman made Bingham submit to the ankle lock at 10:29



MAIN EVENT #1
NWA & RCW TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
The Spinebusters: Bryan Caruthers & Jerry Orth (champions) v "mystery opponents"

<<< cue "Till it Sleeps" by Metallica >>>
The fans jeer as the pair of very pissed off looking Spinebusters make their way to the ring, title belts draped over each shoulder. They enter the ring and demand to know who their opponents will be.

<<< cue "Psycho Man" by Black Sabbath >>>
TEAM EXTREME !! One of the most dominant tag teams in PWA/WWA history have returned to North America! Despite being long term villains the fans cheer the duo wildly, partly due to surprise and partly due to visions of seeing the Spinebusters pay for their bad deeds in blood. Kit Carson and Khris Germany waste no time, trying to make the best of their surprise they hit the ring fast.

Referee Buddy Lane calls for the bell as all 4 men go at it tooth and nail.

Kit Carson takes an early advantage on Jerry Orth, and Team Extreme shows the Spinebusters just who perfected the double team, frustrating the champs with quick tags and double team bodyslams and kneelifts.
Carson thinks about bringing in a steel chair but Buddy Lane warns him that will be a DQ, so he drops it. The delay however allows Orth to roll to his corner and make the tag to Caruthers.

Germany enters the ring and Caruthers takes him down with a single leg takedown and then drops an elbow into his "lower midsection". Caruthers spreads Germany's legs and drops a heel again just above the groin. "Plan B" Bryan Caruthers then locks in a sleeperhold on the kneeling Germany, who fights his way to the ropes after about 20 seconds.

Carson runs along the apron and knees Caruthers right in the head on the break. This allows Germany enough time to recover to make the tag. Caruthers tags out as well.

Both teams get into a rhythm after that and take turns with the advantage until Orth once again finds himself face to face with Carson just after the 12 minute mark.

Orth tries to punch it out with Carson but ends up on the short end of the stick. Carson goes to work with an eye gouge, a kick to the midsection, a lariat, and a swinging neckbreaker for a count of 2.

Carson sets up Orth for a piledriver near the corner and Germany climbs to the top for the stuffed piledriver, a double team move that the Spinebusters have been using a lot. But that sort of double teaming is illegal in RCW and referee Buddy Lane steps between the two Extreme team members. Germany loses it and is about to come off the top rope and nail Buddy Lane but Caruthers had entered and gets in the way. Germany comes off the top rope and eats a fist to the gut from Caruthers, and both men topple backward and smack into Buddy Lane. The ref is down and out.

All hell breaks loose. Caruthers and Orth double team Germany until Carson goes and gets a chair from under the ring. Apparently this is a chair that Team Extreme must have planted because it is wrapped up in barbed wire and Christmas lights. Carson nails first Caruthers and then Orth with the chair. Caruthers is bleeding from the back, and Orth from the forehead. Carson then bodyslams Orth right onto the chair and the broken glass from the Christmas tree bulbs.

Referee Jimmy Appleseed comes onto the scene and rolls Lane out of the ring to safety. Khris Germany leaves the ring and bullies Appleseed into coming into the ring to make the count. The earlier cheers that Team Extreme heard are now being replaced by mostly jeers.

Carson nails Orth with a piledriver and then covers him for the 1, 2, KICKOUT!! Somehow Orth managed to kick out.

Appleseed gets in the face of Germany and forces him out of the ring. This allows Carson though to choke and then chop the throat of Orth. Carson nails a swinging neckbreaker and goes for the pin, and gets 1, 2, Caruthers breaks it up!

Khris Germany comes into the ring and nails Caruthers with a flying forearm. He takes him outside and the two fight around ringside with Germany gaining control. Germany drags Caruthers onto the announce table and bounces his head off of it with a DDT.

Back inside Carson lines up Orth for another piledriver on the barbed wire chair but Appleseed kicks the chair out of the ring. Carson nails the piledriver anyway, and this time he does get the 3 count.

We have new champions!!!

Team Extreme defeated The Spinebusters by pinfall when Carson pinned Orth after a piledriver at 17:01
[Team Extreme have won the NWA & RCW Tag Team Titles]


Team Extreme celebrates in the ring and the fans boo, filling the ring with debris. Jimmy Appleseed is explaining the situation to a revived Buddy Lane as we


FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #994
Taped: Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Air Date: Saturday, August 7, 2004
Special 3 Hour Edition of RAGE

From the Xcel Energy Center
St. Paul, Minnesota

Attendance; 6,092


Opening Segment;
The announce crew, Joe Aiello, Linley Tolbert, & Steven Regal welcome us back to RCW Rage and to part 2 of the Night of Champions 2.

In the ring is standing Commissioner Bob Backlund, and flanking him a step behind is head referee Buddy Lane to one side, and referee Jimmy Appleseed on the other.

We are reminded of how last week's part 1 ended, with Team Extreme winning both the NWA & RCW tag belts from the Spinebusters when Jimmy Appleseed came down to ringside and replaced Buddy Lane.

We see the Spinebusters who are eagerly standing beside the ring, one hand on middle strand as if ready to rush the ring, their title belts noticeably absent. We see no sign of Team Extreme and are told by the announcers that they are believed to have left the building. The announce crew tell us that Backlund and the refs have been conferring for about 10 minutes over the decision. A short break was given in the evening's festivities so Backlund could then go and confer with NWA officials.

Backlund] Ladies and gentlemen thank you for your patience. After careful review with both RCW and NWA officials the following decision has been rendered. RCW has a clear decision making process that allows for referee decisions to stand, and for an alternate referee to replace the referee of record if needed. Therefore, it is the decision of the RCW championship committee, that the record stands; Team Extreme are your new River City Tag Team Champions!!

The crowd actually boo's the decision and the Spinebusters are going nuts on the outside but Backlund waves them off and tells them to stay put as he has more to say.

Backlund] Furthermore after talks with the NWA officials it is clear that the NWA has very similar rules in this regard as does RCW. However, the NWA does stipulate that all NWA matches must be presided over by an NWA approved official. RCW has two referees that have been certified by the NWA board to officiate over NWA World title matches. The first official is Buddy Lane, the official of record tonight. The second official is veteran official Jurgen Hermann. Therefore, while the match result stands, the NWA does not recognize the match as a title match as it was not presided over in finality by an approved official. The Spinebusters remain the NWA World Tag Team Champions!!

This draws a mixture of cheers and jeers. The Spinebusters celebrate and embrace outside the ring.

Backlund] The NWA head office also has a message for Team Extreme. You have until the next RCW TV taping to bring back the NWA World Tag Team Title belts and to hand them to me. That taping unfortunately isn't until August 18th. At that taping we will hold a rematch between Team Extreme and The Spinebusters and once again both sets of belts will be on the line. But, Carson and Germany, if you fail to show up or to hand over your belts, you will face a lifetime ban from all NWA sanctioned events.


Opening Bout
RCW Heritage Championship Match
Vincent Regliatti (c) v Ken Shamrock
Shamrock goes right after the young champion who immediately grabs some air sticking his head through the ropes. Referee Jurgen Hermann steps in to back Shamrock away.
Forced into action Regs is taken down by Shamrock with a legsweep. The World's Most Dangerous Man goes to work with forearms, fists, and elbows. But when Shamrock goes for a kneebar the champion blocks it. The two then take turns blocking and countering, and they break, with Regs having earned a bit more respect from Shamrock.
Shamrock is able to score with punches and slaps but Regs is able to avoid any big moves. Then the champion has his turn on offense with a Russian legsweep and a back suplex. Regs resorts to a chokehold and is forced to break it at the count of 5.
Shamrock is really pissed off now and fires back full force. He nails a legsweep, armbar takedown, a pair of spin kicks, and an armbreaker.
The champ flees the ring but Shamrock follows right after him. He runs the champ shoulder first into the ringpost and then throws him back inside.
Regs though catches Shamrock with a boot to the stomach and then goes to work with a double underhook faceslam, and a Canadian backbreaker. Shamrock counters a DDT attempt with a backdrop.
Ron Waterman comes down to ringside.
The two men exchange the advantage several more times inside the ring before the match once again dumps to the outside. Shamrock gains control and runs the champ into the ringsteps and guardrail.
Ken Shamrock is in the zone now.
Shamrock goes for a clothesline but Regs ducks it, and then counters a Yakuza kick attempt with a legsweep. He takes Shamrock back down with a DDT and is now in control of the match. He takes a couple seconds out to taunt Waterman at ringside.
Regs punishes Shamrock with kicks and then a piledriver which gives only a 1 count. He whips Shamrock into the corner and goes slamming in, but Shamrock lifts his legs and feeds his knees to the champ. Shamrock hits a snap suplex but then has another kick attempt countered with a dragon screw. Regs then locks on a blatant chokehold. Hermann counts to 5 and Regs releases it only to reapply it again. Regs sends Shamrock to the ropes and then backdrops him high into the air. He lifts Shamrock back up and powers him down with his Centerfold Staple (brainbuster) finisher. He covers and gets 1, 2, Ron Waterman reaches in and drapes Shamrock's foot over the bottom rope. Hermann sees it just in time and calls for the break.
Regs goes to send Shamrock to the buckle but it's reversed and then Shamrock follows up with a Frankensteiner. Shamrock locks on the ankle lock but he's too close to the ropes and the champ reaches the bottom strand after only a few seconds of pain.
The match switches gears back to a punching contest which Regs can't win, so he delivers a thumb to the eye instead, followed by a knee to the groin that was missed by long-time inept official Jurgen Hermann.
Regliatti nails a tilt-a-whirl suplex and gets 1, 2, kickout by Shamrock. The champ calls for the Centerfold Staple again and once more Ron Waterman decides to help Shamrock. This time he reaches under the bottom rope and grabs a hold of the ankle of Regliatti and trips him down to the ground. This time though his actions are spotted by Jurgen Hermann who calls for the bell.
Vincent Regliatti defeated Ken Shamrock by disqualification due to outside interference at 15:30
[Vincent Regliatti retained the RCW Heritage Title]

Post-Match:
As could be expected once Shamrock had revived and figured out what happened he was very upset with Waterman. The two exchanged heated words and left it at that with each man walking separately to the back.


Bout #2
WCW v RCW
Brandon Myers (WCW)  v Jack Voight (RCW)
It was like 1999 all over again for this much anticipated clash of former WWA/PWA greats.
Myers controlled early and got a kneelock submission that forced Voight to the ropes. A diving shoulderblock followed by a half-Boston and Myers was looking good. The two men exchange punches and chops, and slowly Voight gets back into this. The fans are solidly behind Myers.
Voight hits a bodyslam but can't get much going and Myers strikes again with a kneelock submission attempt. A jumping DDT and Myers goes for the cover but only gets a 2 count.
Voight fights back, but once again Myers ends a short flurry and then puts Voight in a bow-and-arrow submission. Voight's frustration level is rising quickly. Voight fights back once again, this time though it's a lariat attempt that is countered by Myers into an armbar submission. Voight is growing tired already.
"the Extreme" gains his first sustained advantage of the match with a facerake, an earringer, belly-to-belly suplex, and a cobra clutch. Myers gets to the corner for the break and then Voight stands him up against the turnbuckle and goes to work, including nailing a lowblow. Voight covers but only gets a 2 count.
The former IPW Europe star sets up Myers for a fallaway slam only to have it countered with a forearm smash followed by a faceslam. The match spills to the outside and this is where Voight has a distinct advantage. He goes to work on Myers, hotshotting his throat off the top of the guardrail, and then suplexing him against the edge of the ring apron.
Back inside the German goes to work with a roundhouse right, inverted powerbomb, and a backspin DDT. He goes for the cover but somehow Myers manages to kick out at 2.
The match continues for a few more minutes at a more even handed pace. Voight almost gets the win when he follows up an inverted powerslam with a tombstone piledriver, but Myers sticks his foot under the bottom rope for the break. Voight applies the clawhold but Myers punches his way out of it. Myers picks the pace up a lot with a pair of back heel kicks, followed by a faceslam, another back heel kick, and then another faceslam. Voight staggers to his feet only to fall flat, facedown a second later on his own accord.
Myers hits a spinning elbowdrop and gets a 2 count. Myers sends Voight to the ropes but the German ducks a clothesline attempt and puts Myers into a bearhug. It works to wear down Myers while giving himself a bit of a reprieve. Voight takes Myers down with a legsweep faceslam, and then works him over after draping him across the 2nd rope. He leaves the ring and takes a running charge, and elbows Myers right in the skull as he lays across the middle strand.
Back inside Voight nails a spinebuster slam, and goes for the pin. But he doesn't hook a leg or even lie down, he sits up, and it allows Myers to raise an arm at the count of 2. Voight scoops up Myers for a slam but the cagey WCW star counters with a cradle and nearly gets the 3 count. Both men scramble to their feet. Myers blocks a Voight attempt to kick, and spins him around full circle, nailing him with a springboard bulldog. Myers locks in the cobra clutch and referee Melissa Coates lifts Voight's arm 3 times, and it falls 3 times.
Brandon Myers defeats Jack Voight by submission with the cobra clutch at 18:29

Post-Match:
Myers has his arm raised by Coates, and when he turns to leave the ring finds himself suddenly propelled in the air by a charging Kai Hanson. Myers is knocked down hard onto his back. Hanson stomps away and then whips Myers across the ring to a waiting Dan Severn who puts Myers down with a DDT, and then locks in the STF. Myers is out cold and Severn is trying to tear his muscles away from bone. Finally Bill Goldberg rushes the ring and the Germans take off.



Classic RCW Wrestling:
RAGE September 27/03: Night of Champions
NWA World Tag Team Championship Match
The Dreadknocks (Ratt & Scavenger) (NWA World champions)
v
Great Canadians (Eric Scott & Vincent Regliatti) (RCW Champions)
The Dreadknocks were a house of fire, showing that they have been a tag team for many years. They kept the action in their half of the ring and made frequent tags. The Spinebusters came down to ringside to watch and cheered on the NWA champs. They taunted the Great Canadians by taking the RCW tag titles off the announce table and trying them on for size. Finally the Canadians made a comeback in the match with some dirty tactics, including a devastating stuffed piledriver on Ratt. This drew the ire of the Spinebusters who jumped on the ring apron to complain. Referee Jimmy Appleseed came over to get the 'busters to leave the ring area, but they argued with him, and then Orth hotshoted Appleseed's throat across the top strand.
With Appleseed out of commission the Spinebusters went and grabbed a chair which they were going to pass to Scavenger, to help him fend off the 2 on 1, since Ratt was still out from the piledriver. But instead they feignted the chair pass and tossed it up to a surprised looking Scott who then hammered Scavenger across the head. Appleseed recoverd, and he counted, 1, 2, but somehow Scavenger managed to drape a foot over the bottom rope. The Great Canadians did their best to hold off the champions' momentum but the Dreadknocks were too strong and took back control of the match. After throwing Regliatti out of the ring the Dreadknocks pulled a doomsday device out of their bag to finish off the challengers.
[The Dreadknocks defeated the Great Canadians by pinfall after the Doomsday Device at 10:52]
[The Dreadknocks retained the NWA World Titles]
Post-Match:
Despite trying to help the Canadians win the titles, the Spinebusters returned to the ring and attacked the RCW champions from behind after the Dreadknocks had left the ring. They laid them out, and in a repeat from last week, used the title belts to knock them down again. And like last week, they laid the belts gently onto the chest of the fallen champs.


Bout #3
#1 Contenders Match for the RCW Tag Titles
Diamond Rhodes (/w Paisley) & Bam Bam Bigelow (/w Tylene Buck) v Sam Holiday & Al Hardamann
Holiday and Bigelow get this one started by locking up. Holiday tries to bodyslam Bigelow, but he can't get him up fast enough and the big man rakes Holiday's eyes. Bigelow elbows Holiday and then devastates him with a powerbomb and almost gets an early 3 count.
Bigelow is trying to end this one early. He nails a powerslam, but Holiday lifts a shoulder at 2. He nails a moonsault but Holiday snakes a foot out over the bottom rope at 2.
Holiday fights back with a backbody drop, and a lariat on the way to tag in Hardamann.
Hardamann makes the same mistake as his teammate, going for a reverse neckbreaker but the big man blocks it and rakes the face of Hardamann. Rhodes is tagged in and Diamonds & Rust use the opportunity for a double clothesline.
Hardamann fights back against Rhodes gaining back control with a hotshot and a clothesline knocking Rhodes out of the ring and into the arms of an adoring Paisley.
Rhodes continues to have his problems with Hardamann so he tags in Bigelow. The tide is turned once again by a double team, this time a double dropkick by the large duo of Rhodes and Bigelow. Hardamann holds his own though and when he tags out to Holiday they return the favour with their own double dropkick.
Biglelow though gains control over Holiday and gets another nearfall after a Gorilla Slam. Headbutts and a back suplex follow by Bigelow. The Beast from the East throws Holiday out of the ring where Rhodes works him over while Paisley and Tylene Buck get in the way of a save attempt by Al Hardamann. Back inside Bigelow now has total control over Holiday.
Bigelow nails a pair of running clotheslines and then tags in Rhodes. Hardamann tries to get into the action but he's dealt with by the referee allowing more double teaming on Holiday.
Rhodes makes the mistake of telegraphing a backdrop and Holiday makes him pay with a knee to the head. Holiday fires away with an elbow and then nails a jawbreaker. He tags in Hardamann and then double team Rhodes with a double lariat. When Bigelow tries to interfere and is being escorted out of the ring by referee Jimmy Appleseed they nail another double team move, this time a double powerbomb.
Hardamann takes Rhodes to the top turnbuckle and then brings him down most unsportsmanlike with a belly-to-belly superplex. Instead of going for the pin he positions Rhodes and then makes the tag to Holiday. While Sam Holiday climbs the top rope, Al Hardamann heads across ring to take out Bigelow who was already climbing through the ropes. Holiday comes off the top rope with the Holiday legdrop and gets the 3 count while Hardamann keeps Paisley and Buck from trying to enter the ring.
Sam Holiday & Al Hardamann defeated Diamond Rhodes & Bam Bam Bigelow by pinfall when Holiday pinned Rhodes after the Holiday Legdrop at 12:47



RCW Classic Wrestling
RAGE September 27/03: Night of Champions
NWA World Heavyweight Title Match
Nic Cross (/w Jenna Jameson) (NWA Champion) v Vendetta (RCW Heavyweight Champion)
Nic Cross showed his usual disdain for Mid-America. He complained to the ref about a seam in the mat, and had the ref get down on his knees and look at it. Head referee Buddy Lane was not impressed, and when Cross left the ring Lane began to count him out. Finally the champ got back into the ring only then to complain about the lighting, claiming it was too bright in his eyes. Jenna put a pair of sunglasses on him but Lane made him take them off. The entire time these shenanigans were going on Vendetta stayed calm and loose in his own corner, Finally though he couldn't take it any longer and approached Buddy Lane to speed things up.
This was the opening that Cross had been waiting for and he struck with a finger poke to the eye. He immediately went at Vendetta with a series of kicks and punches, and Lane called for the bell to start the match. The champ again showed his disdain for the heartland by refusing to break out any wrestling moves, instead relying totally on kicks, punches, stomps, slaps, and an occasional eye gouge. At one point he took a breather, lounging across the top turnbuckle while Jenna massaged his shoulders.
Finally though Vendetta struck back. Doubled over from yet another kick to the gut, the Haitian reached out and got under Cross, taking him to the air in a fireman's carry and bringing him down with a flapjack. Both men were down, but Cross was up first at a 7 count. He tried to drag the challenger to his feet with a handful of dreadlocks but the RCW champion retaliated with a punch of his own. On his feet now the challenger delivered several knife edge chops, backing the champ to the corner, before whipping him across the ring with such force that Cross flipped over the top turnbuckle and wrecked on the floor below.
Vendetta took control of the action out of the ring, and then again inside the ring. A couple pin attempts though only brought a 2 count for the challenger. Cross bailed out of the ring and Vendetta pursued. Unwilling though to shove Jenna Jameson out of the way, the pornstar valet shielded her man from the onslaught of the challenger and bought him some time. Vendetta had to retreat to the ring to break the count, and when he left again to go after the champ he was greeted by a stiff right hand. Vendetta dropped like a rock, and Cross passed a pair of brass knux back to his valet.
Cross brought the local champ back into the ring, but instead of pinning him, he taunted him and the fans. By the time he finally did go for the pin on the busted open challenger, he only got a 2 count. Still Cross seemed pretty calm, and after a series of knees to the gut he went for his double underhook finisher. Vendetta though managed to power out of it, backflipping Cross. He then tried to put Cross into the Haitian deathlock but Cross was not as stunned as the challenger thought, and the champ managed to roll across and take Vendetta down and into an ankle lock submission. Vendetta managed to reach the ropes but Cross dragged him back into the center of the ring. Buddy Lane would not allow this though and forced Cross to break the hold with a 5 count. But after a moment's break he reapplied the ankle lock. Vendetta once again crawled to the ropes for the break. Again Cross tried to drag him back into the middle of the ring,but this time the Haitian held onto the bottom rope with both hands, and while Cross held onto one foot, the challenger fed him the other foot to the chest and then again to the face.
The crowd was on their feet as Vendetta nailed Cross with a DDT right in the middle of the ring. As he staggered to his feet Jameson entered the ring once again, but Buddy Lane intercepted her. Vendetta went after the champ but was then struck with a lowblow from Cross. Lane returned to action to see Cross setting up Vendetta for the double underhook piledriver.
But amazingly, for the second time in this match, Vendetta managed to counter by back flipping the champ. This time though Cross managed to hold onto Vendetta and roll him up. He grabbed a handful of tights just to make sure.
[Nic Cross pinned Vendetta after a sunset flip (assisted by a handful of tights) at 18:30]
[Nic Cross retained the NWA Heavyweight Title]



MAIN EVENT #2
NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match
Chris Benoit (c) (NWA World Champion)  v  Vendetta (RCW Heavyweight Champion)
Well Vendetta was unable to capture the title from Nic Cross in 2003 but most of the fans here in St. Paul were hoping to see him succeed in 2004.

The two men met in the middle of the ring for instructions from head referee Buddy Lane, after which they shook hands.

Vendetta took Benoit down with a snapmare, but when he tried for a springboard back elbow the champ countered with a belly-to-back suplex.
Both men feel each other out and go for early pins to no success. Benoit nails the Haitian with a clothesline but when he goes for another it's countered with a hiptoss and then followed up by Vendetta with an Asai leg lariat.
Vendetta nails Benoit with a spear followed by a German suplex into a pin which yields a solid 2 count. Benoit blocks a DDT attempt and goes to kicks to the midsection.

Benoit tosses Vendetta out of the ring and then prevents his re-entry with a baseball slide. He then follows Vendetta outside and goes to work on the challenger with a couple of blasts into the ringsteps. Vendetta though fights back and sends Benoit into the guardrail and then nails a running clothesline which sends the champ over the rail and into the crowd.

Back inside the ring Vendetta maintains the advantage until he goes for another spear which is read well by Benoit who counters with a kneelift. A belly-to-back suplex yields a 2 count for the champ. Benoit then nails a back suplex before the two men trade elbowsmashes, blocks, and more elbows. Benoit sends Vendetta into the ropes but the challenger comes off with a kick to the gut, and then quickly nails a senton to get a nearfall.

Vendetta strikes with kicks, but then Benoit fires back with kicks to the leg of Vendetta taking him down. Benoit continues to attack mostly with kicks and chops, forearms, and the occasional suplex. The advantage trades back and forth a couple more times before Benoit takes over.

The champ nails Vendetta with a bodyslam, chops, elbows, and kneelifts. The match goes outside the ring once more where Vendetta takes control for a scant few seconds. It's Benoit in control again though after a German suplex on the floor. Back inside he nails a shoulderblock and then slaps on the Crippler Crossface. Vendetta though uses his large reach to grab the bottom rope for a break.

Vendetta fights back though and gets a 2 count after a German suplex of his own. However, when he goes for a headbutt Benoit blocks it and then delivers a stunner. Two inverted atomic drops follow from the champ but when he tries to muscle Vendetta to the top turnbuckle he is frustrated by the challenger blocking.

Vendetta goes for a kick, Benoit blocks, but then receives an enzuigiri to the back of the head. Both men are down, but Vendetta is back on his feet first at the 7 count.

The two men continue to wage war with neither man nailing a big enough move to finish the match. Benoit tries a clothesline which is countered by Vendetta with a Gorilla Press Slam. Vendetta puts Benoit in the Haitian deathlock and the champ is in big trouble. It's not the most steady move though and Benoit manages to rock and shake the challenger. This forces Vendetta to stabilize the move by kneeling down. Benoit then reaches Vendetta with a right to the head, followed by a headbutt. Vendetta falls backward, but bridges, maintaining the deathlock. Benoit is in a lot of pain and shifts strategies and slowly makes his way to the ropes. He reaches the ropes after a full minute in the hold.

Vendetta drags Benoit to the middle of the ring and has to support him as Benoit can't stand after the damage inflicted by the deathlock. He brings him up though just so he can drive him back down with a DDT in the middle of the ring. Vendetta reaches down to grab the legs of Benoit, and somehow the champ manages to grab the arm of Vendetta and pull him down. Benoit works the arm until he has Vendetta in the Crippler Crossface. Vendetta manages to power his way to the ropes after about 20 seconds in the hold. Benoit is obviously not anywhere near 100% strength.

Benoit continues the assault with a headbutt followed by a German suplex, which he holds on afterward and then nails a second German, followed by a third. He pauses regaining his bearings before making the pin, and the delay costs him as he only gets a 2 count.

Vendetta is backed against the turnbuckle and lashes out with a series of chops and then a snap suplex on Benoit. Vendetta strikes with chops and kicks, and then whips Benoit into the ropes. Benoit nails Vendetta coming off the ropes with a kick to the gut. He slams Vendetta's head into the top turnbuckle. Benoit bodyslams Vendetta to the mat and then climbs to the 2nd turnbuckle and drops a knee. He covers but only gets a 2 count. Benoit climbs to the top rope but Vendetta gets up in time to catch him perched on top. Benoit though flips himself behind Vendetta, ducks a back elbow, and takes Vendetta over with a textbook German suplex. This time he hits it hard enough to pick up the win.
Chris Benoit defeated Vendetta by pinfall with the German Suplex at 28:50
[Chris Benoit retained the NWA World Heavyweight Championship]


Post-Match:
Benoit and Vendetta shook hands and embraced in the middle of the ring.
The fans cheered the two great warriors,

as we


FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #995
Taped: Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Air Date: Saturday, August 14, 2004

From the Xcel Energy Center
St. Paul, Minnesota

Attendance; 6,092


The fans cheer as Jody Christmas returns to the ring. His head is still bandaged, but this time fresh white replaces the blood soaked crimson we last saw him wearing. His match against South African champion Frans van der Heever was declared a no contest after Christmas was attacked out of the blue again by the masked assailant with a lead pipe. He looks all business as he strides to the ring. He looks very troubled and mad as hell.

Christmas] I have an announcement to make, and I don't give a **** who it pisses off, Backlund, Larkin, Adam Riggs. I just figured out who the "mystery" partner is for Adam Riggs tonight. I was sitting up in the ambulance trying to convince the paramedic that I didn't need to go to the hospital right now, when I saw it. There aren't too many Indian Motorcycles like yours bro. That's right, parked just down the street was my half-brother's vintage ride. DARREN you son of a bitch...how many times have you stabbed me in the back? Now you can add one more time, but for some reason you decide that you need to wear a mask. You are a ****** coward you little ****. No way am I going to let you get into that steel cage tonight and participate in your match when you have screwed me out of mine. No way am I going to sit back there or go to the hospital. And anyone that gets in my way is going to taste a bit of bad medicine; J.C. style. So Darren, I know you are hiding in the back. Probably with some street scrag whore, or some 16 year old groupie, or slicing your arm with a razor after free basting some ****, so get it together and come out here now.

The crowd roars their approval after getting over the initial shock of Darren Michaels possibly being in the building.

At the announce table they are shocked as well. Joe Aiello calls Darren Michaels a psychopath who has had a life long goal of killing an opponent in the ring. Linley Tolbert though seems to find the whole thing amusing saying that Darren's goal should be to kill 3 men as Ox Baker holds the record with 2 confirmed deaths at his hand. Steven Regal seems very put off and opines that he came to RCW because they are for tradition and mat wrestling, but with the appearance of Team Extreme earlier and now possibly Darren Michaels he might have to rethink his decision.

<<< cue "Dangerous Tonight" by Alice Cooper >>>

The fans pop big time and come to their feet as Darren Michaels strolls ever so slowly to the ring. He is wearing a black trench coat and a t-shirt that simply says "I'd as soon kill you as look at you". He enters the ring and stands a few feet away from his brother Jody who is doing his best to control his temper.

Darren Michaels] Jody boy. How did you know she was only 16? Don't worry bro, maybe she has a younger brother you could hook up with after the show. Oh wait, the show is finished for you. You had your shot and you blew it. Of course you blow everything don't you? Now I'm not going to pretend to be valiant or brave. If I was going to take you out Jody you can bet your boyfriend's smooth ass I would attack you from behind, and then beat the hell out of you. And I do admire the use of a lead pipe. BUT, when I turned you over, and pulled your bloodied head up from the mat, I would make you stare into my eyes, and I wouldn't want anything to detract from the anger..the hatred..the depravity that lies underneath them. So I would never wear a mask Jody, it would serve no purpose. I didn't attack you half-brother, but I would like to buy a few hits for the mother***** who did **** you up.

Christmas] You worthless piece of ****. The reason you wore a mask was probably because you are supposed to be a surprise for tonight. You may be psychopathic but I bet you are scared witless to piss off Adam Riggs.

Michaels] I fear no man Jody, and that includes Riggs. What can I do to prove to you that I didn't attack you? You're just pissed off because I'm in the main event of my first show in RCW while you were jerking the curtain earlier. Oh wait I have an idea.

The fans pop as the assailant in the black and red mask emerges from the crowd and runs to the ring. Jody hears him enter and turns around clocking him with a right hand, knocking the masked man on his backside. But Darren then attacks Jody with a forearm to the back. He straddles his brother and starts to pepper him with shots to the head, aided by a pair of brass knuckles that he withdrew from his jacket.

The masked man recovers and while Darren holds Jody down the masked man lays in some knees to the back of Christmas.

Finally, it is Bill Goldberg who once again comes to the rescue. The masked man quickly flees from the ring and through the crowd, but Darren is caught up in the heat of the battle and attempts to put the brass knux on again and catch Goldberg off guard. He isn't quick enough though and Goldberg spears him, laying him out cold.


Opening Bout
NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title Match
Rey Mysterio Jr. (c) v Chris Jons
This match promises to be electric even if it is being presided over by long-time inept official Jurgen Hermann.
Mysterio is trying too hard to end this one early and makes a mistake missing a flying cross body press that results in Jons getting a near fall. Mysterio though quickly resumes control and nails a standing moonsault after a Mexican armdrag and gets a 2 count.
It's all Mysterio early who punishes Jons, blocks his assaults, and embarrasses him by throwing him out of the ring as if taking out the trash.
Jons survives a top-rope hurrancanrana and finally gets a bit of offense in of his own with a bridging back suplex before Mysterio once again resumes control. Mysterio takes the action to the floor nailing Jons with a tope before sending the challenger head first into the ringsteps. However, when the champ went for a springboard bulldog off the steps Jons held on, turned around and smashed the champ shoulder first into the steel ring post. Jons nailed a piledriver for good measure outside the ring. When the action went back into the ring it was now much more even handed.
Jons first tries for the win by wearing Mysterio down with a cobra clutch and then tries for the less subtle method of a spin kick to the back of the head which garnered him a 2 count.
It's all Jons now until he tries to end it with a double underhook superplex only to have Mysterio block it and then throw him off the top turnbuckle. The champ nails the top-rope hurrancanrana followed by the west coast pop but stalls before making the cover which allows Jons to snake a boot out over the bottom strand.
Mysterio does his best to end the challenge but Jons continues to stay alive. The match spills outside the ring once again and like the last time Jons fights back tooth and nail. The match ends when Mysterio executes a simple single leg takedown on Jons who has the misfortune of falling backward and nailing his head hard against the side of the ringsteps. He's dazed and might even have suffered a concussion.
Rey Misterio Jr. defeated Chris Jons by countout in 0:20:22
[Rey Mysterio Jr. retained the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title]


Classic RCW Wrestling;
March 9, 2002, 
From the Barry Windham Farewell Tour stop in RCW
Champion v Champion - Non-title Match
Steve Riley v Samoa Joe
The night's opening match saw RCW American champion "Total Destruction" Steve Riley take on RCW Canadian champion Samoa Joe in a non-title match. Riley had the upper hand in much of this match. Bret Hart came down to cheer on Joe, but Joe didn't seem to appreciate Bret's presence so he rocked him with a right hand outside the ring. Then Riley speared Joe in the lower back, sending the Samoan colliding with Bret and landing on him. Bret looked to be quite hurt as did Joe. A concerned Wayne Hart then applied the 3 count on the pinfall even though it was outside the ring.
[Steve Riley pinned Samoa Joe after a spear at 12:00]


Bout #2
South African Tag Team Title Match
Jayson Moorhouse & MetalHead (c) v Robbie Royal & Lee Vakis
The fans were pretty unfamiliar with the challengers and had only seen the champs on one previous occasion. On top of that it was a bit more aerial and reckless then the RCW crowd usually enjoys. However, all four men were seasoned professionals and put on a good show with the champions firmly implanting themselves as the villains by slagging the Minnesota Vikings inability to win.
In the end Royal and Vakis fought off double teams by the champions and Vakis turned his sleeperhold into a form of diamond cutter and picked up the win.
Robbie Royal & Lee Vakis beat Jayson Moorhouse & MetalHead by pinfall when Vakis pinned Moorhouse after a diamond cutter at 12:14
[Robbie Royal & Lee Vakis win the South African Tag Team Titles]


Post-Match:
As they celebrated their victory however, the music of The Sheepherders played and the New Zealand duo came out to the ring. Sheepherder Cage was wearing a neckbrace on his injured neck, and the men were accompanied by a 3rd man who Linley Tolbert identified correctly as former PWA/WWA star "Viper" Victor Blood. Sheepherder Nancy got on the mic and ran down the quality of the previous match, saying it can't be very good when the wrestlers don't even weigh a buck fifty each. He says the Sheepherders would love to take those titles away from the new champions but due to the injury to his partner Sexton Cage it isn't possible. That's why he bought the services of the Viper for tonight. Nancy and Blood challenge Vakis and Royal to a match, and being the courageous young men they are they have no choice but to accept.


Bout #3
South African Tag Team Title Match
Robbie Royal & Lee Vakis (c) v Sheepherder Jim Nancy & Victor Blood (/w Sheepherder Cage)
The newly crowned champs put up a valiant fight but the deck is stacked against them. They are fatigued from their earlier match which slows down their high flying approach, and they are no match power wise or mat grappling with their much bigger and more experienced challengers. To make matters worse, despite wearing a neckbrace Sheepherder Cage manages to interfere by passing Nancy a chair to be used at the right moment when Jimmy Appleseed's back was turned to the action.
Sheepherder Nancy & Victor Blood beat Robbie Royal & Lee Vakis by pinfall when Nancy pinned Vakis after a running powerslam at 7:26
[Sheepherder Nancy & Victor Blood win the South African Tag Team Titles]


Classic RCW wrestling;
Edited for time constraints, approximately 9 minutes of footage shown.
March 16th, 2002
From the Barry Windham Farewell Tour stop in RCW
MAIN EVENT
WWA/NWA Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship Match
"The Champion of Champions" Barry Windham v "Your Hero" Nick Mercury
The match started when Mercury offered his hand to Windham who then slapped Mercury across the face instead. Mercury looked surprised and bailed out of the ring. He grabbed a mic and tried to get the fans to cheer for him "their hometown boy" only to receive a chorus of boos and jeers. Windham got Mercury to toss him the mic and then told him to stop stalling just to be able to say he lasted 5 minutes with the greatest of all time.
Mercury got into the ring and tried to take Windham down with a single leg takedown but ate a knee instead. Windham tossed Mercury around the ring like a ragdoll delivering many trademark chops to Mercury's chest as he pinned him to the turnbuckle. Five minutes into the match and Mercury's chest was beat red.
Windham's first mistake in the match was going for a bulldog without it being properly cinched in. Mercury managed to throw Windham head first into the turnbuckle. He then took control and even managed to deliver two consecutive powerbombs on the bigger champion.
Mercury thought he had the match in hand and went for the Hero's Welcome (elevated Boston crab). But Windham's superior reach allowed him to block it by reaching backward and pulling on the foot of Mercury, causing him to lose his balance. Mercury continued his assault but it became apparent that he did not have enough conventional moves to damage Windham enough to pick up the win.
So he went outside the ring to grab a steel chair and risk disqualification. But Windham caught him climbing between the ropes carrying the chair, with a nasty dropkick which drove the chair into the head and shoulder of Mercury who tumbled out of the ring.
Windham followed the challenger out of the ring and threw him around the guardrails and the ringposts. Mercury was busted wide open, and Windham twice re-entered the ring to break the 10 count. Finally Windham put Mercury through the announce table with a double underhook piledriver. Mercury was bleeding profusely at this point. However, the challenger got a short reprieve when the ringside doctor stopped the match for a few seconds to take a look at his cuts along with the ref.
As Windham strutted around the inside of the ring Raymond Bingham entered the ring with his new WWA North American Heavyweight Championship. But Windham was moving around too much and saw Bingham in time to duck. The champion then took Bingham down with a double underhook suplex. Mercury re-entered the ring at this point and took Windham down with a knee to the back.
Mercury took his second long advantage of the night working over Windham's lower back before delivering a herosault and getting a 2 count. Frustrated Mercury went for a powerbomb, but Windham countered with a backflip, and then got on top of Mercury for a series of mounted punches. Every time Windham hit the challenger in the head a little bit of blood would splatter up.
Picking Mercury up by the hair Windham pulled him into the center of the ring and delivered the Western Lariat.
[Barry Windham pinned Nick Mercury after a Western Lariat at 25:33]
[15:00 televised]

Post-Match: Windham had the mic and was about to speak when he was interrupted by RCW President Jack Larkin who came to the ring in a suit, accompanied by April Hunter in an evening gown. They carried a trophy to the ring. Larkin wanted to pay tribute to the champion of champions. Instead Windham mocked Larkin and refereed to comments Larkin had made recently on the PWA site about Windham. Windham took the mic away from Larkin, cut his closing promo, pushed Larkin to the ground, took the trophy in one hand and April Hunter in the other arm and left the arena...still the undisputed World Champion..still the champion of champions.

Farewell Mr. Windham



Main Event #3
SIX MAN STEEL CAGE I QUIT MATCH
Adam Riggs, Julian LeMonie, & Darren Michaels (/w April Hunter)
v
Robert Bayley, Diamond Dallas Page, & Nic Cross (/w Kim Page)

Referee Buddy Lane did his best to keep order in this match but it was an uphill battle with these 6 men who showed little regard for the rules. Riggs and Michaels seemed to work really well together, their two warped minds working together. Bayley was frustrated time and again by his inability to get any momentum going, and DDP played Ricky Morton for a good 6 minute stretch that saw him busted wide open. As the action got really hot Nic Cross nailed the Pedigree on LeMonie but instead of locking on a submission hold or tagging out, he scaled the inside of the cage instead. Bayley and DDP looked on in wonder as Cross perched himself precariously on top of the 16 foot steel cage. Then he shocked his teammates and the crowd by scaling down the outside of the cage. Cross flipped off the other wrestlers in the ring and left for backstage. Kim Page went running after him trying to get him to change his mind. She grabbed his arm to which he responded with a forearm to the skull.

Kim dropped like a rock and Cross left for good. DDP reacted by climbing the cage and going to check on Kim who was now being menaced by April Hunter who took the opportunity to lay in a couple of boots.

This of course left Bayley alone with Riggs, Michaels, and LeMonie. Michaels went to work on Bayley, backing him into enemy corner where Riggs choked him with the tag rope. The three men took advantage of the situation by triple teaming Bayley for about 3 minutes. Bayley was busted wide open.

Finally DDP returned from taking Kim Page to the back and began to climb the cage wall to get back into the action. Julian LeMonie though climbed the inside of the cage and fought with DDP on the top to delay his entry. In the meantime Adam Riggs took Bayley to the top turnbuckle and brought him down with a slam right overtop of the waiting knee of Darren Michaels. Bayley groped at his back screaming in pain. DDP dropped to the inside of the cage but by this time Riggs went over to help LeMonie keep DDP at bay. In the meantime Michaels locked on the sharpshooter on Bayley, who after a full courageous minute in the hold finally said "I Quit".
[Adam Riggs, Julian Lemonie, & Darren Michaels defeated Robert Bayley, Diamond Dallas Page, & Nic Cross by pinfall when Michaels made Bayley say "I Quit" with the sharpshooter at 19:28]


FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #996
2 Hour Edition of RAGE in Syndication
Taped Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Air Date, Saturday August 21, 2004


Newman Outdoor Field,
Fargo, North Dakota

Attendance: 1,149


Statement from RCW President Jack Larkin

Larkin makes his statement sitting behind a desk, occasionally pausing to look down at his notes.

Larkin] Hello fans of NWA wrestling in middle America. Before we get you to all the great RCW Rage action tonight I need to make a statement for the wrestlers, the fans, and my fellow promoters in the NWA. Recently the WWF and the WCW put pressure on and then bought out COMPLEX wrestling in California. From this situation came several remarks about opening up the possibility for promotions such as RCW, and IWL, amongst others to step up a notch. Well as you may know or perhaps not, each member of the NWA is given a charter which includes a stated area of operations. Ours of course is certain states in the mid-west of America. Only WWF and WCW have a charter to compete anywhere they choose. Under these conditions it is virtually impossible for other independents to "step up" to solidify a 3rd position. And that is not our goal. My goals for RCW are several fold but have not changed. They are to provide quality wrestling and stories to our fans, to be consistent, to persevere, and eventually to be financially viable. I think we at RCW are well on the way to accomplishing our goals. However, my original projections showed an anticipated loss for 2004 of around $900,000. My projections now show us losing around $1.4 million, and that will be only being in business 7 months this year. At this point I can't see RCW losing less than a million dollars a year in 2005, and again in 2006. That is fine. I have the financial backing to put up with those numbers as long as the future remains bright.

Now, when I reopened RCW in 2004 I also had another goal in mind. That goal was to continue the traditions and do tribute to the World Wrestling Alliance (WWA) and Pro Wrestling Alliance (PWA), and the work of specifically John Fredrickson, Chris Champion, and Carl Todd.

I am not sure whether I have been successful in that regard or not, but I know that I am trying my best to work with both the stars of the past like Dan Severn, Jody Christmas, Kai Hanson, and Raymond Bingham, as well as our own mid-western stars like the Spinebusters, Vendetta, and Manny Silva. I would point out that while groups like COMPLEX have done a wonderful job of creating new stars, only RCW and WCW seem interested in preserving the work of the past founders. That is not to say which way is right and which is wrong, but sometimes I do wish I had more fellow promoters who shared my views.

So while I have no intention of driving this RCW vehicle across North America, I do feel the need to state publicly the steps I have taken to open that door in the future, as well as to preserve the past.

Prior to the reformation of the National Wrestling Alliance I had been in contact with Chris Champion. I have correspondence with Mr. Champion dated March 15th 2004 that explicitly gave me the rights to use and reform the Pro Wrestling Alliance (PWA). My initial thoughts were to try and get as many promoters involved as possible. Maybe to make PWA an "all-star" show with various writers and promotions involved, but with an emphasis on the old PWA-WWA wrestlers. Before that ball got rolling however, the NWA was formed and I was thrilled to join and get RCW started again. I am still very happy with the status of RCW as well as its role in the NWA.

However, after the talk of WCW and WWF about a 3rd power stepping forward I felt it necessary to stake my claim to the PWA name. I do not pretend to own the name, and my lawyers are standing by ready to try and ascertain whether Mr. Champion even has the right to license the name to myself for use. However at this point I feel that I do have the license for the name, or at least to stop anyone else from using it. Like I have stated I do not have immediate plans to open up PWA again. But I have to admit that late at night I often put in an old PWA tape and watch, remembering the glory, and begin to think about it once more.

I am not trying to cause any trouble with the NWA head office, nor my fellow NWA promoters, nor the founding fathers. In contrast I hope that my fellow promoters would join me in any efforts to preserve the PWA and WWA names and legacy.

In that vein, RCW would like to announce a tag team tournament to be held on the weekend of October 16th & 17th in St. Paul, Mn, to be called the John Fredrickson/Chris Champion Cup. The focus of this tournament will be to bring in many of the stars who wrestled for these two men as well as some of the great young stars of the current NWA promoters. Some of the tag teams will be reforming old alliances, while others will be based on new developments in the wrestling world, and still others will be randomly matched up. The tournament will be single elimination featuring 32 teams. I will be in contact with individual promoters as to what talent would best fit into this tournament and hope for their support.

In conclusion, I hope that my fellow promoters, as well as the wrestlers and fans, will continue to support my efforts to keep the old flames alive and will not take my claim to preserve the PWA name as being a powerplay.

Thank you and have a good night.




We go to Joe Aiello & Linley Tolbert standing to the side of the ring.

Aiello] Hello fans! As you can see it is a really blustery day out here, and it's really going to make things difficult for both the wrestlers who like to go airborne, as well as you Tolbert to try and keep that rug on your head.

Tolbert] It might be tough for you Joe to keep that head on your shoulders if you insult me one more time. I love this weather, it will totally ground the spot machine youngsters, although we don't have many athletes like that in RCW anyway. One other thing this weather has done Joe is kept the people away in droves.

Aiello] You are right on there Linley. This place holds about 5,000 people for wrestling, and we expected a crowd of around 3,000 tonight based on pre-event sales of almost 2,000 tickets. However, as we look around tonight we will be lucky if we get 2,000 people here. They even gave up trying to set up the "gold" ticket tables around ringside and relocated those premium seats to some unsold luxury boxes where those fans could get out of the inclement weather even if it does take them further from the action. But the show goes on here in RCW and we have a great card lined up for you tonight!


<<< cue "Till it Sleeps" by Metallica >>>

The Spinebusters get a mix of cheers and jeers as they make their way to the ring, pointing to their waists where the NWA World Tag Team titles are supposed to be.

Orth] Team Extreme! At Night of Champions you screwed us out of the RCW titles, and if not for a technicality it would have been the World titles too. We shave struggled together as a team too many years, working too many bingo halls and armouries to build ourselves up to this level, to let you two lunatics tear it all down in one week. So you know the ultimatum, bring back our titles NOW! We are signed for a re-match for the RCW titles right NOW!

<<< cue "Psycho Man" by Black Sabbath >>>

Kit Carson and Khris Germany come to the ring. They are wearing the RCW titles around their waists and are carrying the folded up NWA World Titles in their hands. They enter the ring and Carson has a mic.

Carson] You two still belong in bingo halls. It's more a statement on how weak the NWA stands right now then how far you two have risen over the years. You want these pieces of tin you can have them back. You will need them for the what? 3 or 4 bookings a month that you get? What a joke.

With that Carson and Germany throw the belts down at the feet of the Spinebusters. As they bounce off the canvas we see that the belts have been defaced with graffiti.

The Spinebusters glance down at the belts but only for a second before staring at their adversaries once again.

Caruthers] Pick...up...those...belts...NOW !

The crowd pops big cheering for the former champs.

Team Extreme laughs at the 'busters.

Orth and Caruthers look at each other, shrug, sigh, and then bend down to pick up the belts. Carson and Germany see the opening they were anticipating and attempt to attack. But the Spinebusters saw it coming from a mile away, and both lunge forward catching their opponents in the gut with a shoulder.

The NWA champs tackle the RCW champs to the ground and begin to flail away as referee Buddy Lane calls for the bell and to start the match.


Opening Bout
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Team Extreme: Khris Germany & Kit Carson (c) v The Spinebusters: Bryan Caruthers & Jerry Orth

The Spinebusters fuel their anger right off the bat by actually being even more aggressive then the ultra-wound up Team Extreme, even forcing their opponents into an uncustomary defensive position.

However, Germany & Carson continue to battle and its their experienced brawling matching up against the 'busters mat skills and ability to counter just about anything thrown at them.

When Carson tried to nail Caruthers with a chair outside the ring he fell victim to a blindside dropkick off the ring apron by Jerry Orth instead. When Team Extreme pulled a fire extinguisher from under the ring and attempted to open it up in the face of Jerry Orth nothing but confetti sprayed out getting a good laugh from both the crowd and the Spinebusters.

The 'busters soon took control of the ring again, cutting it in half and punishing Kit Carson continually. They waited for Germany to interfere and then take the opportunity for a double team. The crowd was now cheering rabidly for the Spinebusters in what seemed to many to be a scene right out of the Twilight Zone.

Caruthers punished Carson with a DDT, and got a 2 count. He followed this up with his Spinebuster slam finisher but Germany interfered to break up the count. The 'busters then used that opportunity to deliver a double stuff piledriver on the champions and looked poised to win back their belts. Germany however had gone out and found a reinforcement. He rushed the ring again to break up the pinfall but this time brought in a steel chair, smashing first Caruthers then Orth. The Spinebusters had no choice but to bail out of the ring to prevent further chair shots.

The Spinebusters defeated Team Extreme by disqualification when Khris Germany was Dq'd for using a steel chair at 14:39
[Team Extreme retains the RCW titles]

Post-Match:
The Spinebusters are livid and demand a re-match next week.


<<< cue "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who >>>

Commissioner Bob Backlund and his executive assistant Debra McMichael come out to the top of the ramp. Backlund apologizes to the Spinebusters, saying they deserve a re-match but that another match has already been signed for next week. At Night of Champions 2, the duo of Sam Holiday & Al Hardamann won the #1 contender spot and will have their shot next week. However, Backlund promises the Spinebusters they will get another shot soon.



Bout #2
NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title Match
Rey Mysterio Jr. (c) v Jamie Knoble (/w Sable)
Some high flying moves to start with neither man managing to come away with any real advantage. Knoble turned the match into a brawl, and Mysterio obliged trading kicks and punches with the challenger.

Mysterio rolls away from an enzuigiri attempt and then follows up with a bulldog and a bodyslam, which yields a 2 count.

The wind gusts are effecting both men as they seem reluctant to go to the top rope.

Mysterio's attempt at a flying cross body block is countered by a Savate kick by Knoble, who then follows up with flying headscissors. He goes for the top rope legdrop finisher only to have Mysterio roll out of the way.

The match soon spills outside where Knoble uses his size to his advantage to ram Mysterio back first into the ringpost and then toss him back into the ring. He nails Mysterio with an enzuigiri to the face, cradles him but only gets a 2 count. A back suplex and a powerslam only yield another 2 count. Knoble nails a slingshot legdrop and then tries to finish off the champ with a flying body press. Mysterio though rolls through the move and almost comes up with a 3 count.

Mysterio nails some forearms, a hiptoss, armdrag takedown, and other minor moves before going for a bulldog only to have Knoble counter it with a back suplex. Knoble goes for the Russian legsweep, but pauses to point to Sable and say "this one's for you sweetheart", and pays for the delay when Mysterio force feeds him an elbow to the kisser.

Mysterio throws Knoble into the corner head first, catching the challenger shoulder first into the ringpost. He then finishes Knoble off braving the winds with a top-rope hurancanrana, pausing at the top to look at Knoble and spout off "this one's for you sweetheart".

Rey Mysterio Jr. pinned Jaime Knoble after a top-rope huracanrana in 8:35
[Rey Mysterio Jr. retains the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title]



<<< cue "Ride of the Valkrye" by Wagner >>>
As the classical notes of Wagner stir the audience they jeer the arrival of the members of the "New Right" Dan Severn, Jack Voight, Kai Hanson, & Alex Wright.

The "damn Germans" enter the ring and Severn has a mic.

Severn] Close your yaps scum. You call this the heartland of the nation, but I think of this area as being the anus of America. But I'm not here to talk about you and your pathetic lives, I'm here to talk about us, the New Right. You see a little while ago we travelled up to Canada and won ourselves a little tournament known as the FREAKIN' WORLD CUP of wrestling. That's right Germany is the World Champion. And what has RCW done to recognize that and capitalize on our popularity. **** all of course. This two-bit pissant promotion is going nowhere guided by that gutless coward Larkin. But we're not going to sit back any longer and wait for the opportunities which are owed to us to be given on a silver platter. Starting today we are going out and seizing what we want, when we want it, and for however F***** long we want it for. Shut up. That includes your wives and daughters you bunch of pig farmers...sue--wheee. Tell them boys.

Severn turns around and looks to hand the mic off to someone but all 3 men are looking with a scowl on their face and their arms crossed at their sides. Severn gets a puzzled look on his face, but finally Hanson steps forward and takes the mic.

Hanson] You are right brother Severn, we THE GERMANS are the damn champs of the entire world. And you are right Larkin has screwed the pooch not capitalizing on it. But let me tell you something else Severn. You are not without responsibility on this either. You are supposed to be our manager. Sure you train us well, but what have you done to get us our just due? Not enough. So let it be known that YOU need to step it up a notch starting tonight and do your job as a manager, as a non-combatant, to get us our just dues.

Severn looks incredulous at Hanson but he only gets a look of scorn back from Hanson, and Wright and Voight are unmoving and unexpressive.


Pre-Match segment:
WCW Superstar Brandon Myers is in the ring. The fans cheer as he acknowledges them with a polite wave.

Myers] I was invited by RCW to appear at Night of Champions 2, and I wrestled like a champion beating Jack Voight. But after the match they just couldn't let it go, and the rest of the Germans ran in to take a piece of my flesh. Listen up New Right. I have a contract to wrestle against Kai Hanson next. Also in that contract is the stipulation that if Jack Voight or Alex Wright interfere in the match then they will draw a 3-month suspension from RCW and all of he NWA without pay. Unfortunately I couldn't get Dan Severn barred from ringside because he has a legitimate managerial license. But better two to worry about than four. So Hanson, back in the day you called yourself "Supreme", well it's time to see if that is true. Bring it.


Bout #3
Brandon Myers v Kai Hanson (/w Dan Severn)
Hanson comes out, followed a couple steps behind by Severn who still looks pissed. Hanson enters the ring while Severn goes to the announce table. The bell rings but before they can lock up Severn interrupts with a mic.

Severn] You know something Hanson, I'm not a stupid man. I've been in more alliances and broken more allegiances then you've had beers. You think you can run the Right better than me? Be my guest. Let's see how you do without me.

With that Severn drops the mic and leaves for the back as the fans cheer. Hanson looks shocked and makes the mistake of turning his back on Myers. The former World champ rolls up Hanson and almost ends it with a sneaky cradle.

Myers is all over Hanson with a dragon suplex and a faceslam. But when he goes for the fistdrop Hanson rolls out of the way. Hanson devastates Myers with an over-the-shoulder stomachbreaker, followed by a short lived surfboard. Hanson taunts the crowd with a pelvic thrust.

Myers fights back though with a clothesline and a diving shoulderblock. After receiving a front layout suplex Hanson takes the match to the floor where he manages to regain control. Back inside the ring Hanson is a monster with a double underhook backbreaker followed by a German suplex that just barely fails to keep Myers down for the 3 count.

These two old school superstars continue to go at it, exciting the crowd with continued changes in momentum. Both men are starting to look pretty winded.

Hanson goes for a running knee lift but Myers blocks it and catapults Hanson face first into the turnbuckle. Myers punishes Hanson with a flying clothesline followed by a diving shoulderblock. Myers works Hanson over in the corner with shoulderblocks to the gut. Hanson though fights right back and the two begin to brawl, an exchange of kicks and punches which favors Hanson.

"The Supreme" Kai Hanson takes the match outside the ring once again, but Myers surprises him by taking the initiative. Myers nails Hanson with a back heel kick, followed by a double underhook piledriver on the announce table. Myers rolls back into the ring to break the count. He returns and goes for a cobra clutch but Hanson manages to fight back, picking Myers up and the two men go backward colliding with the guardrail and then spilling backward over the rail and into the midst of the crowd.

Standing up both men exchange punches beside the rail. Referee Jimmy Appleseed continues the count, and this time it's Hanson who leaves the battle to go break the count after taking Myers down with a lariat. Hanson however stays inside the ring and Appleseed starts a fresh 10 count.

Appleseed counts 1...2...3...we see Myers struggling to his feet..4...5...Myers looks to climb the guardrail but is suddenly pulled backward to the ground...6...7...we have a camera there and we can see Myers laying on the ground in an STF...8...9...10 !!!!

We can now tell that the man applying the move is Dan Severn. Finally Severn releases the hold and storms the ring, celebrating and congratulating Hanson.

Kai Hanson defeats Brandon Myers by countout at 16:22



Bout #4
RCW Heritage Title Match
Vincent Regliatti (c) v Ryland Roxbury
There were two big surprises in the Heritage Title tournament, the biggest was Regliatti winning the belt. However, Roxbury was also a big surprise making it all the way to the semi-finals but having to bow out due to an injury. This is Roxbury's first match back on TV since that injury so while we can expect a bit of ring rust both Roxbury and RCW officials thought it best to try and regain his new found momentum as soon as possible.

Before this match began Ron Waterman came down to the announce table to do guest commentary, as he is signed to get a shot at the Heritage title next week on Rage.

Regliatti struck first with a left hand, followed by an armdrag takedown. He worked the arm over with a series of ever changing armbar positions, and although Roxbury managed to counter a few of the changes, Regalitti was too fluent in this style of chain wrestling and always managed to come up with the last hold.

When asked who he would rather face next week Waterman said it didn't matter as both men were so much smaller than him they wouldn't stand a chance. He boldly predicted a victory with the Water Bomb in under 5 minutes.

The champ turned it up a notch with a pair of legsweep faceslams to stun Roxbury and tried to put on the figure-four, but the challenger managed to reach the ropes before it was cinched on tight.

Roxbury struck with a kick to the gut followed by a hotshot.

Linley Tolbert asked Waterman about his actions at Night of Champions, interfering in Shamrock's match and getting him Dq'd. Waterman tells Tolbert not to stir up trouble. He says Shamrock was getting screwed and he tried to help out, but the incompetent officials ended up screwing over Shamrock anyway. When Tolbert asked about Shamrock's feelings on the matter Waterman got pretty heated and told Tolbert he would have to ask him himself.

Roxbury scaled the second turnbuckle coming off with a sprinboard splash and getting a 2 count. The challenger continued to work on the champ with a back suplex and a rolling reverse cradle but again only got a 2 count. He took a risk taking it to the top turnbuckle for a superplex only to have Regliatti fight out of it and take the challenger down to the mat with a DDT. He covered, hooking the leg and got the 3 count.
Vincent Regliatti defeated Ryland Roxbury by pinfall after a tornado DDT at 5:58
[Vincent Regliatti retains the RCW Heritage Title]

Post-Match:
Ron Waterman stands up at the announce table and he and Regliatti stare at each other for a bit before Regs takes his title belt and leaves.


Promo:
Commissioner Bob Backlund makes a brief statement from his make-shift office. He says that tonight's main event will be between Bill Goldberg and Darren Michaels. According to Backlund this match was actually requested by Michaels, not Goldberg, as he did not appreciate being the victim of a spear. Backlund goes on to say that next week NWA World Champion Chris Benoit will be here. It's time for some fresh faces to get a shot at the NWA champ says Backlund, so tonight's main event between Goldberg and Michaels will be for that shot at Benoit next week.


Bout #5
Adam "Tiger" Burke v Asp Evergreen (/w Derek St. Holmes)
Asp locked up with Burke at the opening bell but instead of collar-elbow he just wrapped his hands around the bigger man's neck and tried to force him to his knees with a chokehold. Burke reacted quickly though with an elbow to the bridge of the nose of Evergreen, and followed up with a leg whip taking Asp to the mat.
As Asp tried to regain his feet Burke struck with a series of well placed martial arts kicks to the shoulders and side of the head. Finally Evergreen gave up trying to regain his feet and rolled out of the ring to confer with his manager. Re-entering the ring Burke went to meet Evergreen coming through the ropes but Holmes reached out and held onto the ankles of Burke allowing Evergreen time to nail a clothesline. Asp went to work with a corkscrew legdrop, and a sidewalk slam. He covered but only got a 1 count.
Evergreen went for a waistlock suplex but Burke blocked it, fed Asp an elbow, and then nailed a monstrous belly-to-belly overhead suplex. St. Holmes jumped on the apron but Burke stopped him from interfering by whipping Evergreen into the ropes, making him collide with his manager. Burke then caught Asp on the rebound with his version of the superkick, the Tiger's Claw.
Adam Burke defeated Asp Evergreen by pinfall after the Tiger's Claw at 4:20

Post-Match:
Pamela Paulshock came into the ring to interview Adam Burke after his big first win on RCW Rage. Burke was really pumped on and thanked just about everyone as if he had just won an oscar. He then sent a message to Evergreen that their "friendship" was being put on the shelf, and a warning to all the other superstars of RCW that his days as a green, naive rookie are over. Throughout the interview though Paulshock kept subtly hitting on Burke but the "Tiger" seemed oblivious to the whole thing. At the end of the interview Paulshock asked Burke if he wanted to go get something to eat. Burke said that sounded like an awesome idea, thanked Pamela for the interview, said "hope to see you around soon", turned and left.


Bout #6
Grudge Match
Special Guest Referee Robert Bayley
Diamond Dallas Page (/w Kimberly Page) v Adam Riggs (/w April Hunter)

WCW star Diamond Dallas Page returned to RCW because he had unfinished business with Adam Riggs and April Hunter for comments and attacks they have made on his wife Kimberly. He did not get the opportunity to exact retribution at Night of Champions 2 in the Six Man Tag Match. DDP asked for and received a special guest referee, his friend Robert Bayley.

DDP attacks Riggs from behind before the opening bell and then as Bayley is calling for the bell to ring he puts Riggs into a chokehold. Bayley counts to 5, but DDP does not release the choke. April Hunter jumps up on the apron and Bayley tells her to get down, all the while DDP is choking Riggs. Finally with Hunter off the apron and a final warning of DQ by Bayley, DDP releases the choke.

DDP punishes Riggs with kicks and punches in the corner, but Riggs is a huge man and is able to fight back. Riggs nails DDP with a clothesline, then grabs him by the back of the head and tosses him through the ropes. Riggs follows to the floor, DDP rolls back in, Riggs follows him back in, and DDP catches him in a cradle for a 2 count.

The count was fairly quick and Riggs complains to Bayley which allows DDP to nail a clothesline from behind on Riggs. DDP follows up with a DDT, goes for the cover and gets a 2 count.

The announce team inform us that DDP is going through quite a losing streak in WCW and a win here over one of the game's greatest stars would sure help his confidence.

DDP though lowers his head too fast on a backdrop and eats a knee. Riggs then backs DDP into the ropes and BITES HIS FACE. Bayley interjects and Riggs gives him a little push away, drawing a warning of a DQ, and a blindside shot to the chops from Page.

Riggs fights back with a couple of elbows, and then goes for the Tiger suplex, but DDP blocks and goes behind. He locks on the sleeperhold but in a couple seconds he lets his arm dip down and it becomes another blatant chokehold. Bayley counts to 5 and finally DDP releases the chokehold. Even his friend seems to be a bit put off by the aggressive tactics of DDP.

DDP tries to drag Riggs' head across the top rope but the crazy Irishman kicks him in the gut. Riggs goes to work with kicks and punches but can't score any big powermoves. DDP fights back and it turns into a nasty brawl which Riggs is winning until DDP nails him in the groin and then lands another DDT.

DDP goes for a sitout powerbomb but the big man blocks it and puts on an armbar submission. DDP makes his way to the ropes for the break and then grabs Riggs by the waistband and the two topple out of the ring to the floor below.

DDP out punches Riggs and then scoop slams him on the floor. He follows that up with a sitout powerbomb, not quite nailing it fully, but still enough to really hurt Riggs.

In the meantime April Hunter grabbed a chair and ~waffled~ Kimberly from behind knocking her out. Hunter pulled off Kimberly's skirt leaving her in her panties. She was about to remove those when referee Robert Bayley came to the rescue pushing Hunter out of the way. DDP came storming over but Bayley tried to get between DDP and Hunter. Suddenly Hunter lashed out with a fist through Bayley and caught DDP flush in the eye. Dallas Page wandered around ringside in pain while Riggs struggled back to his feet. Bayley called for security who helped cover up Kimberly and help her to the back. While this was going on Riggs tried to sneak attack DDP but Page heard him coming and turned around catching him with a kick to the gut. He was about to nail the diamond cutter but Hunter was back and nailed Page over the head with the steel chair. This was on the other side of the ring from the fallen Kimberly so of course Bayley saw nothing.

Riggs press slammed DDP back through the second and third ropes into the ring. He then followed up with the Phenomenal Performance. Bayley didn't look happy about it but he applied a rather slow 3 count to give Riggs the victory.

Adam Riggs defeated Diamond Dallas Page by pinfall after the Phenomenal Performance at 9:53

Post-Match:
As DDP came too his friend Bayley explained to him what happened. It seemed like DDP was okay with it until it was explained to him what happened with Kimberly's skirt. A replay was shown on the scoreboard and you could clearly see Bayley's hand resting on Kim's ass as he called for security. DDP went ballistic, nailing Bayley with a kick to the gut and a Diamond Cutter before running to the backstage area.



MAIN EVENT
Winner Gets an NWA World Title shot next week on Rage
Bill Goldberg v Darren Michaels

Michaels gains the early advantage and nails a running neckbreaker drop, covers, and gets a 2 count. Goldberg fights back, goes for a Gorilla Press Slam but it's countered by Michaels with a rake of the eyes. Michaels nails an Exploder suplex and again goes for a pin, but this time Goldberg tosses Michaels off at the count of 1.

Michaels goes for a kick to the groin but Goldberg blocks, and then tackles Darren hard to the mat, knocking the wind out of him. Goldberg signals for the Jackhammer but when he goes for it Michaels counters with an inside cradle and gets a 2 count.

Michaels tosses Goldberg from the ring and then nails him with a tope suicida. Michaels throws Goldberg around outside the ring but once they return to the inside Goldberg strikes back with a spinebuster slam out of nowhere.

The two men exchange the advantage back and forth for a few minutes, with both men countering to deny the other any big impact moves. Michaels nails a springboard spinwheel kick, and then leaves the ring and tries to put Goldberg in the figure-four wrapped around the ringpost but Goldberg kicks him off.

Goldberg just can't seem to get the momentum back and Michaels gives him a combination attack of savage moves and suicidacal moves that keep him completely off balance. It's obvious that Michaels cares nothing for his own well being, never mind that of his opponent.

The match spills outside the ring again where Michaels whips Goldberg into the ringpost, and follows up with a facerake to blind the big man. Back inside the ring Goldberg blocks a vertical suplex attempt, lifts Michaels straight up for the Jackhammer, and would have possibly finished off Michaels but for the sudden appearance of the man in the black and red mask. He stormed ringside and was there to pull out the feet of Goldberg when he was going for the jackhammer. The two wrestlers tumbled to the mat. Michaels delivered a pair of knees to the head of Goldberg, then nailed a moonsault from the second turnbuckle. He covered Goldberg and the masked man again interfered, covertly holding down the legs of Goldberg on the 3rd count to prevent him from kicking out.

Darren Michaels defeated Bill Goldberg by pinfall following a moonsault from the 2nd turnbuckle, and aided by outside interference at 13:40

Post-Match:
Michaels and the masked man celebrated outside the ring. However, they celebrated a bit too long and Goldberg recovered quickly and ran them down. He speared Michaels, knocking him out cold and then pursued the masked man through the crowd. Finally he caught up to him and dragged him back down through the crowd and into the ring. He hoisted up the masked man and brought him down with the Jackhammer. Standing overtop of him he started to pull off his mask when Darren Michaels intervened having recovered from the spear delivered a couple minutes before. Michaels took Goldberg out by clipping his leg and then grabbed the masked man and helped him out of the ring and to the back.

As the camera zoomed in on Goldberg his look of disgust turned to a smile. The mic picked up his words as "Doesn't matter, I saw enough, I know who you are man."


FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #997
Special 3 Hour Edition of RAGE in Syndication
Taped Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Air Date, Saturday August 28, 2004

Al McGuire Center
Campus of Marquette University
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Attendance: 3,849


We go to the announce table where we see the long standing tandem of Joe Aiello & Linley Tolbert.


Aiello] Welcome fans to another edition of RCW Rage !! We are on the campus of prestigious Marquette University.

Tolbert] That's right, didn't they have a good basketball team back around 20 years ago?

Aiello] They still have an outstanding athletics program here Linley and you know that. As for tonight though, while we are only a couple weeks removed from Night of Champions 2, for all intents and purpose tonight might as well be called Night of Champions 2-B, as we have four title matches set for tonight.

Tolbert] You bet Joe, it's going to be an exciting night. Ron Waterman gets a shot at Vincent Regliatti's Heritage title and many think his power will make the improbable reign of Regliatti come to an abrupt halt here tonight in cheeseland.

Aiello] And what can we expect from Waterman? His attitude seems to have been changing a lot lately.

Tolbert] Well just like every other athlete here in RCW he just wants the gold - and will do anything to make that happen. Also, old friends Al Hardamann and Sam Holiday get together tonight to challenge Team Extreme for the RCW Tag Team Titles. You know the Spinebusters have to be watching that match-up with a close eye.

Aiello] Absolutely true Linley. And also tonight a man who has been loyal to these parts for many years, the beast, Menele finally gets his shot at the RCW champion Vendetta, having won the bad intentions match on Rage several weeks ago, defeating both Jack Voight and Manny Silva.

Tolbert] Menele may be the least understood and most underrated wrestler we have here in Middle-America, and his hope is that at the end of the night to have rectified that problem. And finally tonight we play host again to the NWA World Champion Chris Benoit and his opponent is the always entertaining Darren Michaels.

Aiello] Entertaining? The man is a maniac! But at least tonight his mind will try and focus on winning the gold instead of trying to kill his opponent as is the usual case with this nut. Michaels comes in tonight with a strong case to be the World Champion after defeating Goldberg last week to win the title shot. That win was in part thanks to the mysterious masked man who has been helping out Darren Michaels ever since he arrived in RCW. In fact I think we have Michaels ready to come to the ring and make a statement.


<<< cue "Dangerous Tonight" by Alice Cooper >>>
Wearing a black trench coat, sunglasses, and black combat boots Darren Michaels makes his way to the ring. Following behind him is the masked man we've seen around in the past few weeks. Michaels enters the ring and the masked man takes on a bodyguard like position behind him.

Michaels] The days of greatness for RCW are OVER. *he pauses* The days of VIOLENCE and BLOODSHED are upon thee. I have already put my *** half-brother Jody Christmas on the shelf, and if he shows up again I will make it permanent. Jody you do not want to spend the remainder of your days in a wheelchair...so stay home. GOLDBERG, you could not stop the torrent no more then one man can stop the downpour of a thunder storm. And tonight I will transcend this place and enter a new world...a world where I am recognized and sought after as the best...the most dominant...force in pro wrestling. After tonight I will be the WORLD champion and the days of violence and bloodshed shall spread and unfold across the globe like a Persian sandstorm. The days of competition and athletic accomplishment are OVER. The reign of terror begins tonight.

<<< cue "Crush 'em" by MegaDeth >>>
The fans cheer as Bill Goldberg comes to the top of the ramp with a mic, and a smile on his face.

Goldberg] Michaels it's time to shut up and tell the people the truth. First you had to cheat your way to beating me last week. Secondly I know who the man is under the mask and now the whole world will be told.

Michaels] Hold on there Paladin. Not so fast. Think about it. If his identity is revealed now, it will have a profound impact on another match tonight. Think about it.

Michaels pauses and indeed Goldberg seems to be thinking something over.

Goldberg] I guess that's the first thing you've ever said that made sense to me. I know who he is, but for the greater good I will hold off long enough for him to do the right thing. I expect that he will reveal himself and make amends before the night is over, or else I will indeed spoil the World title party and reveal his identity myself..the hard way.

Goldberg disappoints the audience by turning around and heading for the back.

Michaels *turning to the masked man*] Servant bow down to me, on your knees. Give me your arm.

The masked man rolls up a sleeve and presents his arm. Michaels pulls out a razor and makes a small cut on the man's forearm. He then uses his finger to paint an "L" on the masked forehead of the man in his own blood. The announce team can only ponder what the L stands for, and wonder if Michaels is not mocking the man with a "Loser" tag.


Opening Bout
Alex Wright (/w Dan Severn) v Shane Madison
Squash match. Wright nailed both his German suplex and reverse neckbreaker finishers but opted to make Madison yell uncle by locking in an STF.
Alex Wright defeated Shane Madison by submission with the STF at 3:10

Post-Match: Wright and Severn laid in a few extra licks on Madison.


Backstage Interview:
We see Pamela Paulshock hurrying to catch up with someone we haven't seen before.

Paulshock] Mike...Mike Labonte..can we have a word with you?

The former COMPLEX star Mike Labonte turns around, looking surprised to see the mic and camera.

Labonte] Sure, no problem.

Paulshock] Welcome to RCW, what do you hope to achieve here?

Labonte] Well I'm still young Pamela and learning the game. COMPLEX was more of a learning type atmosphere, while here in RCW it's kind of like we've graduated and now expected to make the best of what we got. I'm looking forward to that challenge, but also hope to learn more from the veterans here as well.

Paulshock] Well good luck...

Tylene Buck and Paisley come into the picture, and their eyes suddenly lock onto the young Labonte.

Buck] Well, well, look what we got here Pais.

Paisley] Fresh meat...and I do mean fresh...meoooowww.

Buck and Paisley flank Labonte and begin to touch his pecs and broad shoulders.

Suddenly Bam Bam Bigelow invades the scene knocking Labonte down from behind, sending Buck and Paisley down in the collateral damage. Bigelow pounds away at Labonte then scoops him up and delivers a backbreaker over the waiting knee of Diamond Rhodes.

Rhodes] Turn him over...I think this naughty boy needs a spanking.

Bigelow turns Labonte over on Rhodes' knee and holds him still. Rhodes lifts his hand up and brings it down, smacking across the youngster's backside.

Rhodes] How was that for a lesson boy? Not enough I'm afraid, you like to be humiliated don't you?

Rhodes hooks his hands into the waistband of Labonte's jeans and is going to pull down his pants. Bigelow looks a bit put back by this and shakes "no" but Rhodes ignores him.

Suddenly someone yells "Hey" and Adam "Tiger" Burke is on the scene. He catches Rhodes by surprise with the Tiger's Claw (superkick) to the face, causing him to drop his hold on Labonte. Bigelow though then drives his shoulder into Burke and slams him into the wall. He wraps his arm over Burke's head and begins to rain down punches into Burke's back. Labonte though recovers and delivers a nasty double ax-handle chop to the back of Bam Bam. He then sends Bigelow down with a high-knee. Rhodes has recovered so Burke and Labonte back away.

Rhodes] You stupid jerk-offs..you can't pull that crap with me...I'm Dust..Diamond Rhodes...and you've just made the biggest mistake of your short careers. Tonight, you two and us, in the ring, and we'll teach you the last lesson in pro wrestling you will ever get. How to end a career before it really gets a chance to start.

Labonte and Burke just nod their acceptance and slap each other's backs as they leave.


Bout #2
RCW Heritage Title Match
Vincent Regliatti (c) v Ron Waterman
Waterman is all over the champ to start, nailing 3 dropkicks in the first minute alone. Regliatti though comes back with a backdrop and then goes to work on H2O. We get a couple minutes of back and forth before Waterman nails a bulldog and covers for a 2 count.

Regliatti fights back and then throws Waterman out of the ring before pouncing on him with a springboard leg lariat. Outside the ring he tosses Waterman into the ringsteps. Smartly though Regs doesn't want to stay outside with this monster so he takes it back inside. He works over the challenger but when he tries for the figure-four Waterman kicks him off.

Gabriel Moore, the former star and self-proclaimed "Prophet" comes down to ringside to observe, carrying with him his bible.

Regliatti delivers a thumb to the eye of Waterman and then nails him with a Soviet Suplex but only gets a 2 count. Waterman mounts another comeback and locks on an armbar submission on the champ. However, Regs makes his way to the ropes for a break.

The mic picks up Gabriel Moore shouting at Waterman, "Use the word of the lord as your weapon to smite thy enemies". He then lays his bible on the ring apron and leaves ringside to a chorus of jeers.

Regliatti rocks Waterman with a clothesline but when he tries for a back suplex it's blocked by Waterman who counters with a bulldog. He stares after Moore and at the Bible but just seems confused. Waterman sends Regs to the buckle and then tries to follow in with an elbow but the Torontonian moves out of the way and H20 hits the buckle hard. Regs climbs the second rope and comes off with a dropkick dropping the challenger.

Regs goes for a belly-to-back suplex but it's blocked by H20 who then nails a big spinebuster. Both men are down though and both regain their feet at around the count of 8. Regs kicks at H20 who blocks it, turns Regliatti around 360 degrees and then clotheslines him down hard. Waterman locks on the leg hammerlock and the champ has to make his way to the ropes for a quick break to survive.

Waterman lifts Regs to his feet, only to have the champ deliver a covert low blow that the ref misses to Waterman, and then roll him up with an inside cradle to pick up the tainted win.

Vincent Regliatti defeats Ron Waterman by pinfall after a low blow and an inside cradle at 9:47
[Vincent Regliatti retained the RCW Heritage Title]

Post-Match:
Regliatti grabs his belt and heads for the hills as fast as his legs will take him. Waterman recovers and is about to roll out of the ring when he notices the bible left by Moore is still on the ring apron. Waterman hesitates for a second before walking over and picking up the bible. He opens it, looks inside, gets a wry smile on his face, closes it, and leaves the ring with the bible in his hands.



<<< cue "The Tenth Dimension" by Blaze" >>>
The fans cheer as Robert "Blaze" Bayley comes to the ring with a mic. He gives a round of high-fives as he circles the ring before entering.

Bayley] Let me tell you something, last week, now that was screwed up. It was Diamond Dallas Page's idea to have me as the special guest referee for his match against that scum Adam Riggs, because Page still trusted me as his friend, even though a lot of people are trying to stir the pot about the amount of time I am spending professionally with his wife Kimberly. In private I gave him my word that we were and would remain only friends, and I stick by that. Page is under a lot of pressure right now, Dallas that is. He's had such a bad run of luck in WCW *shakes his head* it's unbelievable for a man with his talent level. Anyway, so last week after April Hunter knocked out Kimberly I went to help her out, and inadvertently placed my hand on her ass. I didn't even realize it until I saw it on the scoreboard. Believe me, a piece of ass was the last thing on my mind. But DDP lost his temper and ended up laying me out with the Diamond Cutter. Stuff like that happens between friends, I can forgive and forget. But DDP left, and now he won't take my calls. *shakes his head again*.

<<< cue "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana >>>
Even Bayley looks surprised to hear DDP's music, but then looks somewhat relieved when Kimberly Page makes her way down to the ring alone.

Page] Blaze, it's been my privilege to be your manager the last couple of months here in RCW. I've had a blast. You seem to be uncomfortable though because of your friendship with my husband. Don't be. He has his career and I have mine. I could get a job in WCW with a snap of my finger, as he could here. We choose to live our lives this way, and I'm all right with everything that has happened between us. I know you are an honourable man, and I know that my husband has an irrational and jealous side that you saw last week. He was wrong to have attacked you. If you can put this past us then I would like to continue to be your manager.

Bayley stares at Kimberly for a few seconds before nodding his ascent.

Kimberly looks very happy and embraces Bayley in a hug, then as they part she gives him a quick kiss on his mouth. He looks surprised and somewhat flustered.



Bout #3
Diamonds & Rust: Diamond Rhodes & Bam Bam Bigelow (/w Paisley & Tylene Buck) v Mike Labonte & Adam "Tiger" Burke
Burke made a mistake, going for the Tiger's Claw finisher way too early in this match (in the first minute) and Bigelow tried to make him eat it. The Beast from the East went to work on Burke who managed to tag in Labonte. The youngster made a mistake too, ducking away from a Bigelow dropkick attempt only to fling himself backward into the corner of Rhodes. The veteran grabbed Labonte by the neck and dragged him out of the ring. Outside he slammed him on the ringsteps before delivering him back to Bigelow. Labonte spent the better part of the next 5 minutes playing Ricky Morton. Finally he made the tag to Burke who came in a house of fire.
Burke went to work on Rhodes with punches, kicks, a hotshot, a senton, and then a brainbuster to get a 2 count. He then tagged in Labonte who continued the assault with a dragon suplex, some wild haymakers, and then a Northern Lights suplex for a 2 count. Labonte got back to his feet and then Bigelow decided he couldn't watch anymore from the apron. The Beast entered the ring and charged at the back of Labonte. Burke issued a warning, and Labonte turned just in time to avoid Bigelow and take him down with a drop toe hold. Bigelow crashed forward colliding with Rhodes who had been trying to get back to his feet. Burke entered the ring to clear out Bigelow, and then Labonte covered Rhodes and got the 3 count. Big upset for the youngsters.
Mike Labonte & Adam Burke defeated Diamonds & Rust by pinfall when Labonte pinned Rhodes after botched interference by Bigelow at 8:50



Bout #4
Chris Jons v Jack Voight (/w Dan Severn)
Before this match can begin Dan Severn grabs a mic.

Severn] Backlund...Larkin...or whoever is the brain dead matchmaker these days in RCW, you just don't get it! It's bad enough that Alex Wright had to face a no-talent like Shane Madison, but now you try and embarrass a world class heavyweight like Extreme Jack Voight by putting him in the ring with this pipsqueak? Well, we won't accept it. We don't accept this match. When you are ready to have us wrestle someone at our own level then we will wrestle again. We're out of here.

With that Severn and Voight leave and head to the back, being escorted by a chorus of jeers.

For lack of something better to do we go to a commercial. When we return,


<<< cue "Denial" by Sevendust >>>
Raymond Bingham comes down to the ring, wearing his 2001 PWI Rookie of the Year t-shirt, and waving around a small Canadian flag, as he now hails from Montreal, Canada. He enters the ring and accepts the match with Chris Jons.


Chris Jons v Raymond Bingham
This match-up had all the elements of a great encounter. The straight forward, technical cruiserweight Jons against the cocky but well-rounded and apt grappler Bingham.

A couple early blocks and counters by Jons and Bingham loses his temper and takes the match outside the ring. He takes control throwing Jons into the ringsteps, giving him an atomic drop into the ringpost and then tossing him head first into the guardrail. Back inside Bingham holds the advantage but is wrestling pretty conservatively, even working a standing headlock for over a minute. Bingham goes for a dragon screw leg whip but Jons reads it and tries to counter with an enzuigiri but Bingham moves out of the way to retain control of the match.

A jawbreaker and a flying cross bodypress yield Bingham a 2 count. Finally Jons makes a comeback reversing a whip into the ropes and nailing Bingham with an elbow, followed by an arm wringer, and a series of forearm smashes driving Bingham out of the ring.

This time outside the ring its Jons' turn to deal out some damage, which consisted of three guardrail shots, a spin kick, and a double axhandle chop. Referee Jurgen Hermann gives them some slack in breaking the 10 count to let the match continue rather then just count them out.

Back inside Jons continues to punish Bingham but then elects to take the match to the outside once again. Bingham though fights back outside the ring and takes control with a reverse neckbreaker. A guardrail shot is administered for good measure and then Bingham takes Jons back inside, nails him with a cross body, and covers him for a near fall.

Jons fights back and ends up putting Bingham in the cobra clutch. Bingham reaches the ropes only to receive a kick to the midsection from Jons. The lethal one goes for an arm wringer but Bingham has a few tricks up his sleeve too, flipping over and taking Jons down with a beautifully executed crucifix into a pin that was an eyelash away from a 3 count.

Bingham goes for a bodyslam but Jons counters with a small package for a 2 count. Jons then nails a bridging back suplex and goes for the cover but its too close to the ropes and Bingham breaks the count. Jons pulls his opponent to the middle of the ring and goes for the Boston crab but Bingham kicks out of it, fighting for his life now. Bingham tries to fight back with punches but Jons blocks them and then nails two consecutive bridging back suplexes, each time getting a near 3 count. Bingham flees the ring but Jons follows and after landing a few square forearms he rolls Bingham back inside the ring.

Again Bingham fights back with punches and a rake of the face, but Jons fights through the attacks. He tosses Bingham over the top rope and then nails him with an Asai Tornado Dive.

Jons goes for a piledriver on the floor but Bingham back flips him off. Bingham nails Jons with a jawbreaker but when he tries to follow it up with a flying cross body block Jons moves out of the way.

Jons rolls Bingham back inside, nails a dragon suplex, and then follows up with the dragon sleeper which gets the submission victory.
Chris Jons defeated Raymond Bingham by submission with the Dragon Sleeper at 14:10



Bout #5
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Team Extreme: Khris Germany & Kit Carson (c) v Sam Holiday & Al Hardamann
Team Extreme did everything they could in this match to keep the challengers off balance and to try and end this match early; or get disqualified which wouldn't really mean a damn thing to them.

Khris Germany threw Sam Holiday between the ropes to the floor, where Kit Carson was waiting and sprang off of a chair to land a crushing elbow to the throat of the big Texan. Back inside Germany taunted the crowd with his pelvic thrusts, and then went back to work on Holiday getting a near fall after a DDT.

Holiday though fought them off and managed a tag to Hardamann, who after an initial flurry faired no better then his partner falling victim to double teams.

Hardamann though fought back and got himself out of trouble with a hotshot, an inverted atomic drop, and a version of the diamond cutter. He might have been able to get a 3 count but he was out of gas and had to tag in Holiday.

Carson tried to interfere at this point but Holiday would have none of it, stopping him in his tracks with a big boot and then whipping him into his partner Khris Germany. Holiday continued to punish Germany with a gutwrench suplex, full nelson slam, and a stump puller. Carson tried to interfere again at a rope break, swinging a steel chair. But Holiday saw it coming and moved out of the way, so Carson's chair bounced off the top rope and bounced up hitting himself in the face, knocking him off the apron. Holiday took the opportunity to toss Germany into the buckle and then come off the ropes with a big legdrop. He tagged in Hardamann who then nailed Germany with a death valley driver. Holiday made sure Carson wouldn't interfere and Hardamann made the title change official.
Al Hardamann & Sam Holiday defeated Team Extreme by pinfall when Hardamann pinned Germany after a DVD at 11:06
[Al Hardamann & Sam Holiday won the RCW Tag Team Titles]



Bout #6
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta (c) v Menele

Menele attacked Vendetta before the bell even sounded. He attacks with a brawling style of kicks, punches, and slaps, and then punctuates it with a DDT. Vendetta tries to fight back but Menele blocks his multiple attacks and then nails him with a spinebuster. However when he goes for a belly-to-belly suplex it's blocked by Vendetta, who then moves out of the way of a shoulderblock attempt.

The champion makes his comeback with a clothesline, and a waistlock suplex, but when he goes for a spear it's countered by Menele with a DDT.

The match is much more even after that with neither man holding a sustained advantage for several minutes of back and forth. Menele though does get an advantage with a shoulderblock, belly-to-back suplex, and then a huge overhead head and arm suplex. The challenger continues to press his advantage with brawling tactics and the occasional big suplex. Vendetta starts a comeback by nailing an Asai leg lariat coming off the ropes. Two big backdropes, then a snap suplex, roundhouse kick, Russian legsweep, and a senton yields a count of 2. Vendetta nails another snap suplex, but when he goes for a kick to the midsection Menele musters up enough energy to block it, and then fire right back with his wheel barrow suplex finisher. He's slow to cover though and this allows the champ to kick out just a fraction of a second before the 3 count.

Menele gets some sustained offense but when he goes for his finisher again, it's blocked by an elbowsmash from Vendetta. Then it's the champ's turn to turn on the offense but he can not seem to put away the strong challenger.

Menele gains control with a belly-to-back suplex followed by a German suplex, yielding a 2 count. The fans jeering Menele pick it up a notch now, their preconception that Menele could not beat Vendetta is now seemingly in doubt, and their champion is in peril.

Clothesline, belly-to-back suplex and the punishment just continues. A whip into the buckle however is reversed by Vendetta, but when the champ goes in shoulder first Menele moves out of the way. Menele then rocks the champ with a clothesline. Vendetta's backward motion propels him into the referee Buddy Lane and Menele makes the cover. He would have got the 3 count for sure, in fact he probably could have made a Bundy like 5 count but Lane was knocked out.

Menele walks over and wakes up Lane. He then whips Vendetta into the ropes but the champ has recovered enough to reverse it. The champ catches the challenger with a kick to the gut, and then brings him to the mat with a double leg takedown. Vendetta locks on the Haitian deathlock and it's all but over. But Menele won't give up, and he manages to work his way to the ropes after about 15 seconds in the hold.

Vendetta drags the challenger to the middle of the ring and nails him with a piledriver. He goes for the pin but only gets a 2 count. Frustrated he sets the challenger up once again, but this time Menele counters with a backdrop. Vendetta gets to his feet and nails Menele with a punch, followed by a pair of elbows to the bridge of the nose. The champ then goes for a springboard back elbow but Menele rolls away from it, follows the champ to the mat and locks on a hammerlock. He drags the champ to his feet and then brings him back down with a hammerlock bodyslam. He follows up with a kneedrop to the forehead, a release German suplex, and then stuns the crowd with his Wheelbarrow suplex finisher. The crowd sits in disbelief as he makes the cover and gets the 1 , 2, 3 !!!

Huge upset!!!
Menele defeated Vendetta by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex at 20:37
[Menele wins the RCW Heavyweight Championship]

Post-Match: Menele, Vendetta, and even Buddy Lane stand around in disbelief. The ring announcer Pamela Paulshock brings the title belt over to Lane who just stares at it for a bit before finally walking over to Menele who is still on his knees, his stare alternating between the crowd, Vendetta, and the mat underneath him. Lane walks over and presents the belt to Menele who grabs at it greedily and then kisses it. He raises it above his head and the crowd boo him, but some cheers are mixed in. Vendetta walks over and stands in front of Menele, before extending his hand and helping the new champion to his feet. The two men shake hands and then Menele displays his belt for all to see. He still gets mostly jeers but more people also cheer him now thanks to Vendetta's actions.



Main Event
NWA World Heavyweight Title Match
Chris Benoit (c) v Darren Michaels

Benoit controls most of the first five minutes of this match but does no big damage to Michaels. The fans are solidly behind Benoit as this match was taped on the 25th, a day before the champion of the World joined the Dangerous Alliance. Although given the people's hatred for Darren Michaels its likely they would have cheered on Benoit anyway.

Michaels makes a comeback and its his turn to control the match for a while, likewise doing no real big damage to the champ.

The first big move of the match is a belly-to-back superplex executed by the World champion, but he's too hurt to get the quick 3 count so the match continues. A Northern lights suplex yields a two count.

Michaels makes a comeback reversing a whip to the ropes and then nailing Benoit with a clothesline. After working a chokehold though Michaels goes for a piledriver but its countered by Benoit with a backdrop.

Benoit works over Michaels but mostly with chops and kicks which aren't going to put the veteran away. The action spills out of the ring and when Michaels returns he brings a table in with him. Referee Buddy Lane threatens Michaels with a DQ after he bodyslams Benoit on the table which lied on the mat, upside down. So Michaels took Benoit outside the ring and laid a steel chair on the ground. He then delivered a piledriver onto the chair on Benoit, followed by a double arm DDT onto the chair.

Chris Benoit was busted wide open.

Michaels took Benoit back inside but by the time Lane finished admonishing Michaels and made the count Benoit was able to kick out. Michaels chopped Benoit down right to the throat. He then pulled him over to the corner and locked on the figure-four around the ringpost!!

Lane made a quick count and forced Michaels to let go or risk DQ. However, Michaels immediately went to reapply the move, but Benoit kicked him right in the groin to end that attempt.

Back inside Benoit manages to fight back again, but still mostly with chops and kicks. When he goes for an inverted atomic drop its blocked by Michaels. The two exchange the advantage as the match deteriorates to a fist fight.

Benoit is now bleeding profusely.

The match spills outside the ring again where Michaels springs off a chair nailing the champ with a spin kick. Michaels works Benoit over with the ringsteps before rolling him back into the ring.

Darren Michaels signals the end is near and he climbs to the top rope, and brings the champ down to the mat with a top-rope brainbuster!!

The fans are going nuts and a big smile crosses the face of Michaels. But in his haste he doesn't cover him properly and at the count of two the resilient champ sticks a foot out and across the bottom rope.

Frustrated Michaels stomps away at Benoit and then throws him into the corner. He charges in but Benoit pulls his knees up and feeds them to Michaels. The champ then more or less falls out of the corner, and on the way down locks on the crippler crossface on Michaels. The fans are going crazy again as the champ has on his finisher move, his face a mask of crimson red, but even the fans can see the move isn't locked on with his usual strength.

The black and red masked man comes down to ringside, drawing jeers from the crowd.

Michaels works his way to the ropes and gets the break.

Darren Michaels' turn to fight back and then take control again with a springboard spinwheel kick followed by a moonsault from the second turnbuckle. This draws a cover and a 1, 2, but then the masked man (unknown to Michaels) pulls Benoit's foot over the bottom rope to get the break!!

Benoit fights back with an overhead release German suplex. Benoit tries to kick Michaels in the gut but its blocked and then Michaels nails a clothesline, and then follows up with a brainbuster. He goes for the pin but can only get a 2 count.

Referee Buddy Lane takes a second out to check on the blood loss by Benoit which is starting to mount at an alarming rate. As he does this the masked man jumps onto the apron and Michaels meets him, holding out his hand. The masked man digs into a pocket and produces a set of brass knuckles.

But instead of passing Michaels the brass knux the red and black masked man ~waffles~ Darren Michaels with the knux!!! Michaels drops like a sack of rocks.

Benoit nails a pair of German suplexes and then climbs to the top rope. He yells at Michaels "You like the taste of blood so much, I'm going to feed you some you sick piece of shit". Benoit then comes off the top rope with his swandive headbutt, which when it connects sends the blood from his forehead splattering across the ring.

Suddenly Bill Goldberg comes charging down to ringside out of the blue, and runs right at and spears the mysterious masked man.

Benoit is groggy but manages to crawl over, laying his back across Michaels, hooking a leg, and gets the 1 , 2, 3 !!!

Chris Benoit defeats Darren Michaels by pinfall after a swandive headbutt at 26:00
[Chris Benoit retained the NWA World Heavyweight Title]
Match Rating: ****1/4

Post-Match:
Things got even more wild after the match was over.

A bloodied Chris Benoit rolled out of the ring and snatched up his World Title. He didn't take any time out to pose for the crowd but instead just started a slow walk up the rampway.

In the meantime, Bill Goldberg gorilla press slammed the masked man into the ring. He followed in with a mic. Goldberg told the fallen man that his time as Michael's crony was over. Darren Michaels in the meantime had recovered enough to back himself into the corner, and lay there propped up against the bottom turnbuckle watching.

Golberg propped up the masked man and as he pulled off the mask he announced to the crowd that it was Luke Hardamann!!

But when Goldberg pulled off the mask both he and Darren Michaels were in shock as the man under the mask was actually,

Jody Christmas!!

Godlberg stomped the mat and held his head like it was hurting him before staring menacingly at Darren Michaels who just shrugged his shoulders and did his best to spit a wad at Goldberg. The big man then began to close in on Michaels when Luke Hardamann suddenly entered the ring and clobbered Goldberg from behind with a wooden chair that shattered into small pieces.

We were then shown a shot of World champion Chris Benoit who had paused half way up the ramp to watch what was going on. Inside the ring Darren Michaels and Luke Hardamann now lay a beating onto Goldberg. Benoit just threw up his hands about the situation and continued his way to backstage.

Jody Christmas though recovered his feet and dived in taking down his half-brother, the two men wrestling away on the ground.

To make matters more convoluted suddenly the new RCW tag team champions Al Hardamann and Sam Holiday came running in from the back. By now Goldberg had mounted a spirited comeback and was clobbering in swinging punches at Luke Hardamann.

This didn't go over well with his brother Al who attacked Goldberg from behind. Sam Holiday made a brief attempt to be the peacemaker until he was fed a sucker punch to the mouth by Luke Hardamann followed up by a bulldog.

So now we had the Michaels-Christmas fight spill out of the ring and continuing to brawl on the outside, while inside the ring Luke Hardamann was pounding on Sam Holiday and Al Hardamann was having a lot of problems with the behemoth Goldberg.

But that's not all folks.

We suddenly went to a split screen, with the second feed coming from a backstage camera. Chris Benoit lay down flat on the ground beside some first aid station. Standing over him is Scott Steiner who goes right to work on Benoit, first peppering his bloodied forehead with more shots, and then locking on the Steiner-recliner.

In the other feed from the ring, suddenly the ring is swarmed on all four sides by The New Right. Dan Severn, Alex Wright, Jack Voight, and Kai Hanson all enter the ring. Voight and Hanson are both equipped with steel chains wrapped around their fists. Those Damn Germans go to work on everyone, Luke Hardamann, Goldberg, Al Hardamann, and Sam Holiday. They start to bust each of them open with the steel chains. In the meantime we get a quick feed which shows Darren Michaels now in control of his brawl with his brother Christmas. JC is busted wide open and Michaels is working him over in the stands with a steel chair. Security finally intervenes and manages to break those two apart ending that confrontation.

Inside the ring the New Right tosses all four of their opponents out of the ring, and pose for the crowd as they are rained down by popcorn boxes and half-full overpriced soda pop.

On the other side of the screen security forces Steiner to break his hold on Benoit but he doesn't hold back and starts to throw security around, bouncing them off walls. Commissioner Bob Backlund is on the scene and threatens to have Steiner expelled from the NWA. Steiner just yells at Backlund "I don't work for you" and proceeds to gutwrench suplex him right on top of Benoit. Steiner kicks the former WWWF champ off of the current world champ, and then picks Benoit up by the hair and gives him a gutwrench suplex right onto a table full of medical supplies including many metal implements that look awfully painful. Benoit is passed out from blood loss and pain. Steiner just laughs and says, "Royal Road...September 4th..Tokoyo...you might not want to show."


FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

RCW Heavyweight Title History

1. The Destroyer
Jan 5/80: defeated Mike Valiant at RCW #1 in a tournament final.

2. Chris Lyon
Jan 24/81: defeated The Mummy in tournament final at RCW #26.
The Destroyer was stripped of his title after not being able to
defend the title for 30 days due to injury.

3. The Mummy
Mar 28/81: defeated Chris Lyons in a cage match at RCW #29.

4. The Destroyer (2)
Aug 1/81: defeated the Mummy at RCW #36.

5. Chris Lyon (2)
Oct 24/82: defeated the Destroyer at RCW #80

6. The Destroyer (3)
Apr 30/83: defeated Chris Lyon at RCW #97.
Best 2 out of 3 falls

7. Chris Lyon (3)
July 9/83: defeated The Destroyer at RCW #106

8. Jim Brunzell
Sep 22/84: defeated Chris Lyon at RCW #162

9. David Schultz
Mar 23/85: defeated Jim Brunzell at RCW #184

10. Jim Brunzell (2)
Apr 20/85: defeated David Schultz at RCW #187
3 falls to 2, 30-minute Ironman Cage Match

11. Jerry Blackwell
June 30/85: defeated Jim Brunzell at RCW #196

12. Bob Backlund
Oct 5/85: defeated Jerry Blackwell at RCW #209

13. David Schultz (2)
Dec 19/85: defeated Bob Backlund at RCW #220

14. Bob Backlund (2)
Feb 15/86: defeated David Schultz at RCW #225

15. Steve Disalvo
Aug 23/86: defeated Bob Backlund at RCW #250

16. Vendetta
Oct 10/87: defeated Steve Disalvo at RCW #304

17. Don Muraco
Mar 18/89: defeated Vendetta at RCW #367

18. Dynamite Kid
Apr 15/89: defeated Don Muraco at RCW #371

19. Don Muraco (2)
May 27/89: defeated Dynamite Kid at RCW #377

20. Davey Boy Smith
Sep 2/89: defeated Don Muraco at RCW #391

21. Dynamite Kid (2)
Dec 14/89: defeated Davey Boy Smith by pinfall in a Coal Miners Glove match at RCW #406 (10th Anniversary Spectacular)

22. Paul Orndorff
May 26/90: defeated Dynamite Kid by pinfall at RCW #425
**vacated July 7th due to injury

23. Steve Disalvo (2)
Aug 4/90: defeated Don Muraco in tournament final at RCW #435

24. Ricky Steamboat
Dec 15/90: defeated Steve Disalvo at RCW #449 at (11th Anniversary Spectacular)

25. Larry Cameron
Mar 14/91: defeated Jerry Lynn at RCW #459 in tournament final
**Vacated by Steamboat due to injury

26. Paul Orndorff (2)
Sep 28/91: defeated Cameron by pinfall at RCW #480

27. Rogue
Feb 15/92: defeated Orndorff in a cage match at RCW #489

28. Vendetta (2)

Jun 20/92: defeated Rogue 2 falls to 0 in a best of 3 falls match at RCW #498

29. Dirty White Boy
Aug 15/92: defeated Vendetta by pinfall at RCW #502

30. Jerry Lynn
Dec 5/92: defeated Dirty White Boy 2 falls to 1 in a best of 3 falls match at RCW #510 (13th Anniversary Spectacular)

31. Manny Silva

Mar 27/93: defeated Jerry Lynn by pinfall at RCW #517

32. Harley Tragger
Sep 25/93: defeated Dirty White Boy in tournament final at RCW #530
**Manny Silva was stripped of the title and suspended for his actions

33. Stan Lane
Dec 4/93: defeated Harley Tragger by pinfall at RCW #535 (14th Anniversary Spectacular)

34. Jim Brunzell (3)
Apr 9/94: defeated Stan Lane by submission at RCW #542 in a steel cage match

35. Greg Valentine
Jun 4/94: defeated Jim Brunzell by referee's decision at RCW #546 

36. Harley Tragger (2)

Sep 24/94: defeated Greg Valentine by pinfall at RCW #554

37. Stan Lane (2)
Dec 3/94: defeated Harley Tragger by pinfall at RCW #559 (15th Anniversary Spectacular)

38. Jim Brunzell (4)
Oct 21/95: defeated Stan Lane by pinfall at RCW # 587
**Vacated title for retirement after Dec 9/95 title defence.

39. Greg Valentine (2)
Jan 20/96: defeated Waylon Mercy by pinfall at RCW #596
**tournament final for vacant title

40. Waylon Mercy
Jul 6/96: defeated Greg Valentine by pinfall at RCW #619

41. Stan Lane (3)
Sep 14/96: defeated Waylon Mercy by pinfall at RCW #634

42. Manny Silva (2)
Jul 19/97: defeated Stan Lane by pinfall at RCW #680

43. Vendetta (3)
Dec 13/97: defeated Manny Silva by pinfall at RCW #708 (18th Anniversary Spectacular)

44. Masa Chono
Feb 21/98: defeated Vendetta by pinfall at RCW #716

45. Vendetta (4)
Apr 4/98: defeated Masa Chono by pinfall at RCW #722
**Vendetta forfeited the title after his defence at the 19th Anniversary show, on Dec 5/98

46. Jody Christmas
Feb 11/99: defeated Steve Corino by pinfall at RCW #771
**4 man tournament for the vacant title

47. Steve Corino
Mar 26/99: defeated Jody Christmas by submission in a cage match at RCW #778 (RiverWars PPV)

48. Stan Baker
May 16/99: defeated Steve Corino by pinfall at RCW #788 (Return of the Vendetta PPV)

49. Vincent Regliatti
May 22/99: defeated Stan Baker by pinfall at RCW #789
**no-showed title defence May 26 in England. It was determined that due to a prior drug conviction that
Regliatti would not be able to freely travel to shows in the U.S. from Canada. Therefore, he was stripped of
the title on May 29/99

50. Vendetta II
June 20/99: defeated Stan Baker, Steve Corino, and Kutlu Warrior in a Fatal 4 Way match at RCW #795

51. Steve Corino (2)
July 18/99: defeated Vendetta II by pinfall at Locked & Loaded PPV, RCW #800

52. Bobby Duncum Jr
Aug 15/99: defeated Steve Corino by pinfall at Summer Sizzle PPV, RCW #805

53. Linley Tolbert
Dec 4/99: defeated Bobby Duncum Jr by pinfall at 20th Anniversary Show, RCW #816

54. Nick Mercury
Feb 5/00: defeated Linley Tolbert by pinfall at RCW #818

55. Vampiro
Apr 1/00: defeated Nick Mercury in a Last Blood match at RCW #826

56. Sam Holiday
Jul 29/00: defeated Vampiro 2 falls to 0 in a 30-minute iron man match at RCW #843

57. Al Hardamann
Feb 9/02: defeated Sam Holiday by pinfall at RCW #916

58. Nick Mercury (2)
Apr 27/02: defeated Al Hardamann by pinfall at RCW #920
**last defended Sep 14/2002 before RCW went black.
**when RCW returned in Jan 2003 after merging with GPW Nick Mercury did not return.
**title became vacant.

59. Manny Silva (3)
Feb 22/03: won 8-Ball Scramble last eliminating Menele at "Alive" RCW #948

60. Vendetta (5)
Aug 2/03: defeated Manny Silva in a cage match at RCW #972

61. Menele 
Aug 25/04: defeated Vendetta by pinfall at RCW #997

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #998
2 Hour Edition of Rage
Taped Wednesday September 1, 2004
Air Date Saturday September 4, 2004

From the campus of Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
Hilton Coliseum

Attendance; 3,338


<<< Cue "Won't Get Fooled Again" by the Who >>>

The crowd cheers the opening of another Rage, as Commissioner Bob Backlund comes out with his executive assistant Debra McMichael. Bob starts by running down the line-up for tonight. The Main Event will feature a return bout with Menele defending his RCW Heavyweight title against Vendetta. Also kicking off September as "Battle Royal" month in RCW, we will have an 8-team tag-team battle royal tonight with the winner getting an NWA World Title shot. Manny Silva will take on Ryland Roxbury, and Bam Bam Bigelow goes one-on-one with Mike Labonte.

Backlund] Now onto what happened last week. I've been watching tape all week, checking my sources, and after all that I still have no idea what is going on. I mean you have this masked guy who has been helping Darren Michaels all along suddenly turn on him, then you have Goldberg come out and clobber him. Then Goldberg seems to think its going to be Luke Hardamann but its actually Jody Christmas. Then the tag team champs get involved, and then those damn Germans come in and clear out everyone!! What the hell is happening?

Debra] Bob, oh Bob, it goes something like this sugar. You see Luke Hardamann was the masked man all along. Remember he "quit" from concussions, but he obviously cut some sort of deal with the incoming Darren Michaels. Goldberg of course found out when he almost unmasked him but didn't say anything at the time because he didn't want it to effect Al Hardamann's tag title shot. So out of respect for Al, he waited until the main event and the appearance again of the masked man. Only the masked man was no longer Luke, it was Jody Christmas. J.C. must have got rid of Luke temporarily somehow and donned the mask. Except Goldberg didn't know this, and didn't see Jody turn on his brother as he was probably racing to the ring. So when he appeared he speared Jody thinking it was Luke. As for the Germans, well they warned you that they were going to become more dominant *shrugs her shoulders*.

Backlund] What? Well I'm still not sure about all that stuff but one thing I am sure about is that ring is the all around equalizer. So here are some more matches for tonight. Al Hardamann, since you have a beef with Goldberg after last week you two fan favourites will hook-it up tonight and hopefully will get it out of your system. Luke Hardamann, you have been ragging on Sam Holiday for months, well its time to shut up and put up, as you two lock it up tonight. And finally, Germans, I have signed one of your members, Extreme Jack Voight to a contract to wrestle tonight against an opponent who will only let himself be known at bell time. Enjoy the show.


Opening Bout
Bam Bam Bigelow (/w Tylene Buck)  v Mike Labonte
Bigelow came down with Diamond Rhodes, Paisley, and Tylene Buck, while Labonte came down with Adam Burke. But referee Melissa Coates sent everyone but Bigelow's licensed manager Tylene Buck to the back.
Labonte had his moments to shine, but overall the raw power and experience of Bigelow was way too much for Labonte to handle. The Beast from the East seemed to really turn it up a notch without the interference of Rhodes. At one point he even ordered Buck to "shut up, and sit down".
Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Mike Labonte by pinfall after the Greetings from Asbury Park at 6:52


Bout #2
Manny Silva v Ryland Roxbury
Well not much joy in Mudville tonight as for the second straight match a young exciting fan favourite was overmatched with a more powerful, more experienced wrestler. Silva controlled this match early punishing Roxbury with a plethora of suplexes, and a pair of spinebusters. Roxbury though came back after a Silva miscue as he telegraphed a back body drop and ate a purple boot from Roxbury. RR poured it on strong, a stick and move type of offense that kept Silva reeling but not down. However, Roxbury went for a flying leg lariat and Silva caught the leg of RR, turned him over into a half Boston and got the submission.
Manny Silva defeated Ryland Roxbury by submission with the half-Boston at 5:57


In-ring promo;
Pamela Paulshock is in the ring and she welcomes back to middle America, two mid-western boys Jerry Lynn and Scott Norton !!
The Iowa fans cheer them as they come to the ring in street clothes. Each takes a turn on the mic thanking the fans for welcoming them back. The only jeers that are heard are when Paulshock mentions both men are from Minnesota. They are also announced as being entered as a tag team tonight in the battle royal. The fans give both a rousing ovation as they leave the ring waving.


Bout #3
Al Hardamann v Bill Goldberg
This match had all the makings of a squash when after 2 minutes it had been all Goldberg who had already hit a spear and was signalling for the jackhammer. However, the RCW tag team champion Al Hardamann surprised Goldberg and the fans when he went "downstairs" on Goldberg with a lowblow, which was not seen by ref Jimmy Appleseed. This allowed Hardamann a short rally which ended when Goldberg caught him in a chokelift and threw him almost half way across the ring. Goldberg then hit the spear and set him up for the jackhammer once again. This time it was broken up not by Hardamann but by the appearance of the masked man in a black and red mask who came down to ringside. Goldberg released his hold and stood on the bottom strand yelling at the masked man. No one was quite sure if the masked man was Luke Hardamann, Jody Christmas, or even someone else. But Al used the distraction to wrap up Goldberg from behind in a roll. He had his feet planted firmly on the ground for a pin but the masked man reached in and held onto his legs for extra leverage.
Al Hardamann pinned Goldberg after a victory roll with outside interference at 4:22

Post-Match:
Goldberg lost his temper when he saw the hand of Al Hardamann raised. He chased the masked man but couldn't catch up to him so he re-entered the ring and caught Hardamann flush in the chest with a spear. He signalled for the jackhammer, but paused while lifting him up. Half the crowd was cheering and half was booing him and he seemed unsure. Hardamann's partner Sam Holiday ran down from the back at this point and entered the ring. He gestured for Goldberg to calm down, and it worked, as he released the hold on Hardamann and left the ring.



Pre-Match:
<<< cue "Ain't Going Down 'till the Sun Comes Up" by Garth Brooks>>>.

The fans cheer madly when Sam Holiday makes his way back down to the ring. He is wearing a George Canyon t-shirt and black trunks with a white horseshoe imprint on the back.

His opponent is supposed to be Luke Hardamann but instead of Hardamann we get,


<<< cue "Won't Get Fooled Again" by the Who >>>
Commish Bob Backlund and his assistant Debra McMichael in her little sister's miniskirt and blouse and enough oil on her legs to keep Kabul lit for a year come down to the ring. Backlund is shaking his head and holding a piece of paper.

Backlund] Well I don't like this any better then you will Holiday, or the fans will, but I've just received the medical report from our doctors, and confirmed it with them face-to-face. Luke Hardamann is still suffering from post-concussion syndrome and as such can not legally enter this match tonight.

Predictably the fans boo, but Holiday doesn't seem all that upset.

Backlund] But I tell you what fans, you're going to have a great match instead. We're going to do an upgrade at no extra charge. So, Darren Michaels, you set all these wheels in motion, now its time to pay the piper.

The fans pop and watch the entrance way.

After a short delay as Sam Holiday uses the top rope to stretch out his arms and shoulders.


<<< cue "Dangerous Tonight" by Alice Cooper >>>

Darren Michaels comes down to the ring shaking his head. He enters the ring and grabs the mic.

Michaels] Before there was shock and awe, there was Darren Michaels, and there was VIOLENCE and BLOODSHED. You, Sam Holiday do not want to enter MY world. You should have got off lucky with that brainwashed fool Luke Hardamann, but instead you seem stricken with the idea of fighting against the Brujah, the head of the monster. Tonight Sam Holiday I will shed your blood in this ring.

Bout #4
Darren Michaels v Sam Holiday
A tooth and nail, drag out, punch up, fist fight is what happened in this match. As much outside the ring as inside. Holiday used power moves like a running powerslam, but Michaels fought back springing off chairs and the ring apron to leverage his own size against Holiday. True to his word Michaels busted Holiday wide open smashing his head into the announce table. He also used one of the video cameras to further bust Holiday open. This was as much as referee Buddy Lane would allow to happen and he called for the bell.
Sam Holiday defeated Darren Michaels by disqualification at 8:39

Post-Match:
Darren Michaels grabbed a steel chair and placed it around the neck of Holiday. He then threw his busted open opponent head first into the steel steps causing him to land with a sickening thud, the steel chair constricting around his neck. Michaels then climbed to the ring apron and posed, arms outstretched ready to fly off and really do some damage to Holiday.

Al Hardamann came running out to the rescue but suffered a flying elbowsmash from Michaels knocking him to the ground. Michaels then went to work on Al throwing him into the guardrail and then the ringpost.

Suddenly Goldberg came out and caught Darren Michaels completely by surprise with a spear. He then gorilla press slammed Michaels back into the ring and climbed in after him. He waited in the corner for Michaels to get to his feet, ready for a second spear, when the masked man appeared, sliding into the ring, taking up a position between Goldberg and Michaels. All 3 men stood keeping a weary eye out for each other as the fans went nuts.

Darren Michaels attacked first, running straight at the masked figure as he temporarily had turned to his side to look at Goldberg. But the masked man was too quick, bringing up his boot and catching Darren Michaels flush to the chin with some sweet chin music. The fans went nuts as Jody Christmas pulled off his mask.

JC grabbed DM by the hair and peppered in a few fists while yelling at his half-brother. Goldberg approached cautiously, and then faster to try and take JC out with a spear. But again Christmas was too quick, moving out of the way, and then as Goldberg got to his feet he too was knocked out flat with a superkick.


In-ring promo;
<<< cue "'till it Sleeps" by Metallica >>>

The fans give the NWA World Tag Team Champions, The Spinebusters Jerry Orth & Bryan Caruthers a mixture of cheers and boos as they come to the ring dressed in street clothes.

Caruthers] John Fredrickson started this whole damn thing. Not the NWA of course but his imprints are all over the way it is today. Chris Champion was more of a direct influence on all of us though, showing us that next level, how good we truly could be. Being the NWA World Tag Team Champions *there is a hint of sarcasm in his voice about that* we are in a unique position at the announcement of the JFCC Cup, October 16 & 17th. The NWA doesn't want us to enter as a team and wrestle in a bunch of non-title matches. So, Larkin came up with this idea that we should get our own partners.

Orth] Not sure what the hell he was thinking, as Larkin is a strange cat sometimes. Me and Bryan been together up and down these roads for many years now, something like 8 years together. He thinks it might be fun for us to have new partners just for the tournament. First he brings in Team Extreme and now he does this to us. I have to wonder if his actions are really on the level, or if he is trying to screw us up so we drop these titles. It's no secret that when John Fredrickson and Chris Champion were in charge of the PWA and WWA we were just a couple of guys stuck in some pissant Mid-Am promotion, just a couple of names on a roster stuck between guys like Kevin Matthews and Steve Riley, and the Road Warriors. We didn't even get a sniff of a chance at PWA on Fox. And now we are supposed to do honour to these founders? Screw that!

The fans boo the Spinebusters as Orth spits on the mat and hands the mic to Caruthers.

Caruthers] What we will do honour to is our own names, our own abilities. We will accept our invitations to the JFCC Cup tournament, and most likely one of us will win. But as for doing tribute to the founders, I agree one hundred percent with my friend Jerry Orth, they can suck my nuts. And as for these NWA World Tag Team Championships well we've just about had it with them as well. But screw that for today we have more pressing business on hand. The naming of our partners. Jerry go ahead.

Orth] Well the biggest influence on my own style before I got into the business was Tully Blanchard. But since he is long past his prime I would like to select as my partner the guy who I have most enjoyed watching over the past decade, a guy whose style reminds me of my own. It would be my honour, as well as his, if Steve Corino would step up and take a place beside me in the JFCC Cup.

The fans cheer Orth's selection of a partner and Caruthers shakes his hand as he takes back the mic.

Caruthers] My partner, if he accepts, is the man who I think will dominate pro wrestling in the years to come. He is the real "total package" and the consummate professional athlete, none other then the Next Big Thing, Brock Lesnar !!!

The fans cheer Caruthers choice even louder and Orth looks shocked. Finally the Spinebusters shake hands, wish each other good luck and leave the ring to a mixture of cheers and jeers, with the NWA World Title straps over their shoulders.



Bout #5
"Extreme" Jack Voight v "mystery opponent"

Voight waited anxiously with his manager Dan Severn for the appearance of his mystery opponent.

<<< cue "Phenomenal" by LL Cool J >>>

The fans pop and cheer, but soon the chorus turns to boos as Adam Riggs makes his way to the ring. Voight and Severn are beside themselves. Voight sends Severn to try and talk Riggs out of the match. Severn asks Riggs to stand down, and not to take the match. Riggs says that while he agrees with the New Right's creed that he doesn't give a damn who his opponent is, he just wants to fight.

Jack Voight (/w Dan Severn) v Adam Riggs
Another brawl, with both men showing no regard for the rules, and long time inept official Jurgen Hermann showing no desire to enforce any. Riggs soon took control and was punishing Voight when Severn jumped up on the apron. It was just a distraction however as Alex Wright entered the ring behind Riggs and tried to take him out. Riggs though turned around and caught Wright with a big boot to the chest, and then flattened him with a DDT. Kai Hanson tried to enter the ring next but Riggs just threw Wright into Hanson knocking him off the ring apron. The Irishman went back to grab Voight but he was already out of the ring, having been pulled out by Severn. Riggs came bounding off the ropes and the fans were awed as the huge man nailed both Severn and Voight with a suicide tope. Riggs threw Voight back into the ring and then nailed him with the Phenomenal performance to pick up the win.
Adam Riggs defeated Jack Voight by pinfall after the Phenomenal Performance at 7:19


Backstage promo;
Pamela Paulshock is standing next to RCW newcomer Shawn Daivari.

Pamela] Welcome to RCW Shawn.

Daivari] It's good to be here Pam...

Pamela] ...yes well after the shoddy way you've been treated around the NWA, guys picking you up, using you for a night, dumping you the next morning.

Daivari] Are we still talking about me?

Pamela] Yes, oh sorry, what? Okay, Shawn, now everyone wants to see your magic carpet that we've heard so much about. So let's see the carpet.

Daivari] I'll show you mine Pamela if you show me yours.

Pamela] Well...actually...I shaved...

We hear snorts of derision and Commish Bob Backlund and his assistant Debra step into the interview.

Backlund] This has to the lamest interview segment I've ever seen. Look Shawn, we're a little tight around here for room. I've been scanning this roster all night looking for a cut, and quite frankly until a minute ago I had no idea who it was going to be. But your insipid interview leaves me no choice.

Daivari] What? You can't do this!! Larkin promised me, said I wouldn't be treated this way like I hadn't been jerked around enough already.

Backlund] Larkin said that? Well...

At this point added to the interview mix is Korean manager and long time RCW mainstay Sammy Yip. We haven't seen Yip since his only charge Tiger Khan was injured many months back.

Yip] American screw job..that what they call this show. Backlund, mister, you no do this to honourable Shawn. Look, I have no Tiger Khan since he is hurt, I take on this youngster Shawn Daivari and make him number one American star. Okay? You like?

Backlund] Well I guess but I still need to cut someone tonight.

Yip] Here I give you hot tip.

Sammy Yip leans over and whispers something into Backlund's ear.

Backlund] Oh no..no way. He's been with us Sammy longer even then you. That would be a real crappy thing to do. Give me one good reason I should do that.

Yip leans in again and whispers something into Backlund's ear. While this is going on Daivari is putting the moves on Paulshock in the background. He has her in a greco-roman liplock and dip.

Yip] You see mister Bob you see. Most grateful. She love you long time.

Backlund blushes but doesn't protest. Debra looks a bit pissed off at Yip and Backlund, and Daivari now has Paulshock pinned against the wall, her legs wrap around his waist as the camera moves to the left taking them out of the scene.

Backlund] Oray...crap..I mean okay Mr. Yip. You sign this..hey, what the hell are you two doing? Look Yip you sign him, get control of him for crissakes, and if this other thing works out he is still on. If it doesn't though he'll be getting the pink slip...err...you know what i mean.

Yip smiles and bows to Backlund.



Bout #6
Tag Team Battle Royal
Winners get NWA World Tag Title Shot

Order of elimination (Bold indicates wrestler actually thrown over)

x Kai Hanson & Alex Wright (elim. by Kit Carson) 2:15

x Kit Carson & Khris Germany (elim. by Alex Wright) 2:15

x Stan & Randy Mullett (elim. by Scott Norton & Jerry Lynn) 2:48

x Asp Evergreen & Derek St. Holmes ESQ (elim. by Sam Holiday) 3:38

x Sam Holiday & Al Hardamann (elim. by Bam Bam Bigelow) 3:42

x Scott Norton & Jerry Lynn (elim. by Diamond Rhodes) 5:56

x Diamond Rhodes & Bam Bam Bigelow (elim. by Adam Burke) 9:48

Winners: Adam Burke & Mike Labonte at 9:48

Battle Royal Notes:
Alex Wright and Kit Carson got tangled up in the ropes. Dan Severn tried to help Wright but just made matters worse and both men tumbled out...The Mullet brothers were late additions to this match as they are RCW secondary talent...Bigelow had a real strong showing in this match, dominating with his size...Even Scott Norton couldn't eliminate Bigelow...Bigelow was working over Mike Labonte trying to get him over the top rope and Rhodes was in charge of Burke. But Rhodes made a mistake and walked into a Tiger's Claw which drove him back against the ropes and Burke clotheslined him over for the finish.


Promo
<<< cue "Sable's Theme" >>>

The fans whistle with derision as Sable, head held high, nose in the air, dressed from neck to feet in luxurious leather makes her way to the ring.

Sable] As some of you probably already know, especially you internet geek types, my main squeeze Jamie Knoble has gone on to the WCW. But contrary to those reports he did not leave me behind, I chose to stay behind.

The fans boo and start a chant of "skank...skank...skank". Sable looks indignant but when the fans get louder she decides to just continue.

Sable] There are many more fish in the sea where I dredged him up from, and he was like a minnow compared to some Barracudas that are out there.


<<< cue "Burning Heart" by Survivor>>>

The fans cheer as Al Collins comes to the ring. Collins is another superstar who we haven't seen in many weeks due to an injury which has kept him out of action. Collins enters the ring, shaking his head and wagging a finger at Sable.

Collins] Yo Sable, you're more like a black widow then you are a fisherman. And we all know your act by now. You are not going to be bagging any more fish around here so you might as well clear out now. No one in their right mind is going to buy what you are selling...no matter how cheap the price has become.


<<< cue "Won't Get Fooled Again" by the Who >>>

Commissioner Bob Backlund comes down to the ring, and for once he is not accompanied by Debra McMichael. Backlund has a mischievous smile on his face and is still holding that sheet of paper from earlier.

He enters the ring with a mic of his own.

Backlund] Hi Sable. Hello Al, how you doing? Good, good. Look I see we got ourselves a situation here, a budding confrontation. I just wanted to nip this one in the butt before it goes any further. We've seen this play before between you two and personally it has to end. Sable, your man Knoble is gone, he's history. I have in my hands a list of all the active RCW talent with instructions to find a budget cut tonight. At this point there really isn't any reason for you to stay. Why don't you just head down to hot 'lanta and follow Knoble or hey why not head over to New York where I'm sure they could find a storyline or two for you.

Sable] No please, I'm very popular here, with the fans...

The fans boo and start singing, "na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, hey, hey, hey, goodbye".

Sable] The'll book me in all sorts of disgusting angles, there could be hot lesbian action, or fake weddings, or motel room shenanighans, or, or...

Backlund] having you dry humped against the wall by some foreign jobber during an interview...

Sable] No, they aren't THAT sick!

Backlund] *clears his throat* oh well, be that as it may I have to inform you..

Again the fans pick up the chant of "na-na-na-na".

Sable gets down on her knees in front of Backlund and begins to plead with him,

Sable] Please, PLEASE, Mr. Backlund, I would be so grateful, I would do ANYTHING, I'm sure I could do great things on your staff...

Backlund blushes.

Backlund] Stand up woman! Have some pride for crying out loud. My decision stands, as of tonight you are no longer have a guaranteed contract with RCW, no longer Al Collins, I'm sorry.

Collins' jaw drops open in shock, Backlund shrugs his shoulders, and Sable jumps up and down with glee before planting a big kiss on Backlund's cheek. Collins waves his hands in disgust at Backlund and Sable and leaves the ring to a decent sized pop from the Iowa crowd.


Main Event

Tonight's main event was supposed to feature a return match between Vendetta and the man who upset him for the title last week on Rage, the new champion, Menele. Usually the challenger comes to the ring first but instead tonight we got,

<<< cue "Won't Get Fooled Again" by the Who >>>

The fans boo as they have seen the Commish Bob Backlund more times tonight then they are used to, and way more then in RCW tradition. However, he looks upset and grabs a mic.

Backlund] Menele get out here now!!


<< cue "Flee" by Kindred >>>

The bald visage of the new RCW champion Menele is seen and the fans boo as he comes to the ring, wearing the title belt around his waist.

Backlund] Tonight you were supposed to be taking on Vendetta in a return bout for that belt. But I just heard from the medics in the back that someone jumped Vendetta and knocked him out, busted the back of his head wide open. They had to rush him to the hospital. Did you do this?

Menele] Be very careful where you tread old man.

Backlund] Or what? You so much as lay a hand on me and I will strip you of that title you worked so many years to win.

Menele] Say what you want about me Backlund, think what you want, judge me by my past if you wish. But, this belt means nothing to me if it is tarnished. I will do ANYTHING to win a match, and if the opponent in the ring isn't up to that kind of commitment then that is his problem. But Vendetta offered me his hand, and I accepted it, right after I took away his beloved belt. I'm ready for Vendetta. Why would I fear him? Last week was no fluke, and I want to prove that very badly tonight.

Backlund] I don't believe you..like you say you would do anything to win a match...I'm sure even lie. But don't you worry, I'm going to fix your wagon tonight, I found an opponent for you.

<<< cue "Tenth Dimension" by Blaze >>>

The fans come to their feet and cheer as Robert "Blaze" Bayley makes his way to the ring accompanied by the lovely Kimberly Page. Menele surprisingly seems to take it all in stride.


RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Menele (c) v Robert Bayley (/w Kimberly Page)
Menele starts off strong and goes for power via a full nelson slam. Bayley though fights back with a quick attack of a shoulderblock followed by a snap suplex.
The two men exchange a lot of kicks and punches for the next minute or so, before Menele tries to wear down Bayley, first with a facelock and then with a full nelson. Both men give as good as they receive and manage to avoid the other's finisher. While they fight tough, they manage to keep it in the ring and fairly clean.
Menele though breaks the detente by working a chokehold, reapplying it after breaking at the count of 4 by Buddy Lane. This heats up the action again as they go back to punches and kicks, but this time with a little more zest to them.
Menele goes back to working the chokehold, having backed Bayley into the ropes. He nails a full nelson slam, and goes for the pin but only gets a 1 count. He then blocks a clothesline attempt by Bayley and turns it into a Russian legsweep. He picks Bayley up and nails his wheelbarrow finisher. He gets the 1 ,2, too close to the ropes and Bayley's foot gets the break in the ropes. Menele loses his temper and straddles Bayley, choking him, and refusing to break the hold. Buddy Lane seems insistent on not calling for the DQ as he wants to give Bayley every opportunity possible to win the title. Menele beils Bayley across the ring and then reapplies the chokehold. This time the choke is broken when Kimberly Page enters the ring and hits Menele from behind with a steel chair. She hurts Menele but not enough to knock him out, so she quickly makes her exit and heads for the back.
Menele defeated Robert Bayley by disqualification for outside interference at 11:39
[Menele retained the RCW Heavyweight Championship]

Post-Match:
Menele is handed his strap by Buddy Lane, and the champ rips it from his hands impatiently. He walks over to Robert Bayley and looks like he is going to punk him out but instead just walks over him and heads to the back amidst the boos of the fans.

As we...

Television Feed cuts to a taped message.

Jack Larkin is sitting behind a desk.

Larkin] Heartbreakers, I was e-mailed a video file of your little production. I have to admit you made me laugh. I'm not sure which one of you is supposed to be Beavis and which one is Butthead...you both seem like buttheads to me. The part I found the most amusing is when you called me old. I hadn't realized I was old, so thank you, I went out and bought this steel cane to commemorate the occasion. As for the JFCC Cup, hell yeah, you boys are most welcome to the tournament. To make the tournament more interesting, I have been given the green light by the tournament committee to set the brackets as I see fit. But I assure you two kids that I will act professionally and in the best interests of the tournament and the sportsmanship it is meant to embody. I wouldn't think of stacking the bracket against you, oh hell no. No more would I do that then would I show up at that tournament with this steel cane and stick it straight up your ass. So after all the trash talking, you're in, so on October 16 and 17, bring your A-game.

FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #999
2 Hour Edition of Rage
Taped Wednesday September 15, 2004
Air Date Saturday September 18, 2004

Youngstown, Ohio

Opening Bout
Dan Severn - 6'2" 250 lbs. Flint, Michigan "Ride of the Valkyries" Wagner
vs
Chris Jons - 5'11 218 lbs., Kansas City, Missouri "Lethal" Poison
There was a lot on the line for Severn in this bout. Under fire lately from his fellow New Right teammates for their lack of success since winning the World Cup. In fact Kai Hanson, Alex Wright, and Jack Voight all walked with him to the ring but left before the bout. The commentators made a big deal about Severn having not wrestled much lately due to nagging injuries and growing older making recovery more of an issue. Severn went right to work early with a low tech attack, but could not put away the smaller opponent. It seemed like Severn was winded and Jons went to work with some kicks to the gut, flying headscissors, springboard bulldog, and a standing star splash, but could not put away the MMA legend. Severn fired back, went for a roll up but Jons was able to counter and lock on the dragon sleeper with body scissors. Severn though was able to use his superior size to roll the two of them to the ropes for a break. Severn then shot on Jons with a double leg followed by a knee to the "lower" groin. He locked on a standing surfboard and then rocked it into his own dragon sleeper, causing Jons to call it quits.
Dan Severn defeated Chris Jons by submission to the dragon sleeper at 5:52


Commentators Joe Aiello and Linley Tolbert set up the main event for tonight, a Triple Threat match with champion Menele defending against both Vendetta and Robert "Blaze" Bayley; two fan favourites. Of note, Kimberly Page is not on hand tonight to be in the corner of Bayley.

Interview: Pamela Paulshock interviews former champion Vendetta. He was due his rematch against Menele last RAGE but was attacked from behind with a steel pipe or something similar and knocked out and had to be taken to the hospital. Vendetta says he wants to believe it wasn't Menele as the two had a showing of respect after their title match. However, Vendetta says he doesn't know who else it could be. Either way he wants to regain his title tonight but isn't too happy about Blaze Bayley crashing the party.

Promo:
Commissioner Bob Backlund and his assistant Debra McMichael are filmed from his make shift office. Backlund says that last RAGE's finale was out of control. There are two many combinations, too many permutations, and the relationships between the top combatants here in RCW is...he struggles to find the word..Debra ties to help him out with "incestuous", but that just makes him blanche. Backlund goes on to make a match for tonight that will pit Bill Goildberg against Luke Hardmann who has attacked Goldberg while under a mask.
Bill Goldberg enters the office and tells Backlund this isn't good enough. He wants both Luke and the puppet master Darren Michaels, at the same time in a handi-cap match.
This brings Al Hardamann into the office, and he tells Backlund he wants into the bout as well. Backlund says good we'll make it a tag bout...but Goldberg cuts him off. The big man tells Al that he doesn't trust him and won't partner with him tonight. Hardmann says that's fine, he wasn't asking to be on Goldberg's side anyway. As much as he dislikes what Luke has been doing, he needs to stand by his brother and try and bring him back to sanity against their mutual enemy Darren Michaels. Backlund is very confused and trying to write something down to map it out. Debra steps forward and rips up the paper. She tells Backlund to make the bout a handicap match, Bill Goldberg against the Hardamann brothers...to which everyone agrees.


Bout #2
Sable - 5'7" 120 lbs., Jacksonville, Florida "Wild Cat" Jim Johnson
vs
April Hunter - 5'9" 150 lbs., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania "Move Bitch" Ludacris
Commissioner Bob Backlund came down to the announce table to explain that he had put Sable in this "no-win" bout because while despite that he spared her being fired, having fired Al Collins instead, she was still not showing the level of gratitude and subservience that he demanded. Sable was okay to start and got in some martial arts style kicks and chops. However, Hunter is a beast and soon took over the bout, using some prolonged boot chokes which really seemed to please Backlund. Hunter went for a clothesline but Sable countered with a drop toe hold, and then gave Hunter a series of smacks to the back of the head. Sable went for her own clothesline but Hunter ducked under and took Mero over with a belly to back suplex. Hunter took her to the corner and applied a standing book choke showing off her height advantage. Sable tried to fight her way out of the corner only to have Hunter hit a big boot and a clothesline. Hunter went for a jacknife powerbomb but Sable countered with flying headscissors. She pressed the advantage with a springboard elbow drop, and then set up Hunter for the Sable bomb. However, Adam Riggs hit the ring, and Sable released the hold and ran away instead of falling into the clutches of the sadistic Irish thug. 
Sable defeated April Hunter by disqualification for outside interference at 4:24

Promo;
Adam Riggs tells everyone, including Bob Backlund, that April Hunter is his ****, and anyone that touches his piece of *** is going to get a trip to the hospital. The normally independent Hunter seems to swoon at the words of the big man, as she runs her hands up and down his back and chest as he talks.


Bout #3
Ron Waterman  - 6'3" 280 lbs., Greenly, Colorado "Rock the Hell Out of You" Stryper (/w "The Prophet" Gabriel Moore)
vs
Shawn Daivari - 5'10 203 lbs., Tehran, Iran "Do You Call My Name" RA (/w Sammy Yip)
The line in RCW between faces and heels has really begun to blur, and personal vendettas and agendas have really taken over as the order of the day. This is Daivari's first appearance and its the first time Waterman (who was a face) has come down to the ring accompanied by Moore (a heel). The announcers make a big deal out of Waterman being a devout Christian and wonder what he is doing with a charlatan like Moore. Some early lock up holds were won by Waterman thanks to his power. Daivari finally counters a headlock takedown with head scissors, and then sneaks in a kick to the head and then follows up with some heels to the ribs. Daivari follows up with head butts to the ribs, and then an armbar with his boot into the ribs. Daivari nails a couple suplexes but can't get the win. He is setting up Waterman for another suplex but Waterman counters with a jawbreaker. Both men are down and slow to their feet. As Waterman uses the ropes for leverage to get to his feet, Sammy Yip manages to pull his feet out from under him. When he gets back to his feet Daivari flies across the ring for a spear, but Waterman ducks and sends Daivari over the top rope right onto Yip. As Daivari gets back into the ring, Sammy Yip is arguing with referee Jimmy Appleseed, but it actually allows Moore to hand Waterman the "loaded bible" which Waterman uses to ~waffle~ Daivari over the head and pick up the win.
Ron Waterman defeated Shawn Daivari by pinfall after hitting him with the loaded bible at 4:39

Interview: Pamela Paulshock Challenger Robert "Blaze" Bayley gives a much more subdued interview than his fellow challenger for tonight Vendetta. Bayley says he was screwed out of his title shot last RAGE when Kimberly Page over stepped her bounds and tried to stop Menele from choking him. However, Bayley says that tonight, although Vendetta isn't happy about it he will make sure that the win is clean, and he won't stand by and allow either himself or Vendetta get screwed out of a clean chance to win the belt. Before the segment wraps up though Vendetta steps in. He tells Bayley that the only reason that Bayley got his title shot last week was because he was a last minute replacement for Vendetta after being attacked. He reminds Bayley that he doesnt know who attacked him. When Bayley asks the Haitian if he is being accused, the former champ says, probably not, but if Kimberly was willing to do what she did with a chair, maybe she also did it with a steel pipe? Bayley chuckles and asks the big man if he is saying he might have been cold cocked by a woman? Vendetta just tells Bayley to bring everything he has tonight, and not to worry about anyone other than himself.


Bout #4
Adam "the Tiger" Burke & Mike Labonte vs Asp Evergreen & Derek St. Holmes
Evergreen and Holmes managed to use some cheating and some double teams to get a little bit of an advantage. However, their opponents are physically superior and soon took over the bout.
Adam "the Tiger" Burke & Mike Labonte defeated Asp Evergreen & Derek St. Holmes by pinfall when Burke pinned Holmes after the Tiger's Claw (superkick) at 5:13

Promo: Burke and Labonte remind the fans that they won the tag team battle royal last RAGE. However, as things are not kosher right now between the NWA and RCW, it doesn't look like they will be getting their NWA title shot. So, they give a shout out to Bob Backlund with the demand that they be compensated with a title shot at the RCW Tag Titles, currently held by Al Hardamann & Sam Holiday.


Bout #5
RCW Heritage Title Match
Vincent Regliatti (c) - 6'2" 235 lbs, Toronto, Ontario "Oh Canada"
vs
Jerry Lynn - 5'9" 209 lbs., Minneapolis, Minnesota "Replica" Fear Factory
Lynn started strong and nailed a springboard spinning heel kick. He worked over the arm with some armbars and armwringers, before vaulting over the top rope while holding onto the arm of the champ, snapping it off the top rope. However when he came back into the ring he went for a missile dropkick but Regs moved out of the way. A series of knee drops, and then a couple one arm armdrag takedowns followed while he rested the injured arm. He went for a figure four but Lynn rolled him up for a two count. A short series of chain wrestling with counters and feigns followed, with both men ending up spilling out of the ring after Lynn nailed a crossbody block too close to the ropes. Outside the champ took over battering the challenger, then came off the ring apron with a somsersault senton. Back inside the ring the champ worked a series of hammer locks and takedowns, never letting the pressure release from the shoulder. Finally Lynn was able to counter with a headscissors takedown. The two took turns battering each other in the corner before Lynn was able to hit a standing sidekick, followed by a rocker dropper which got a 2 count. Lynn threw Regs into the corner and charged after him. However the champ was able to get out of the way and Lynn smashed hard into the ringpost shoulder first. Regs rolled up Lynn on the rebound got 1, put his feet on the ropes for extra leverage, 2, 3.
Vincent Regliatti defeated Jerry Lynn by pinfall after an inside cradle with his feet on the ropes at 6:26
[Vincent Regliatti retained the RCW Heritage Title]

Interview with Pamela Paulshock; The final combatant in tonight's main event, the current RCW Heavyweight champion, Menele is interviewed. He is a man of few words though and just promises to kill two birds with one stone tonight. He says he did not attack Vendetta from behind last RAGE, however, after Vendetta's accusations, he wish he had ~ because he would have done it right and retired the old man once and for all. Menele says that he doesn't fear losing his belt in a situation where one of his opponents beats the other because he will dominate them both from start to finish.


Bout #6
Handi-Cap Match
Bill Goldberg - 6'3 285 lbs., Tulsa, Oklahoma "Crush 'em" MegaDeth
vs
Al & Luke Hardamann - Tampa, Florida "Wild Thing" Joan Jett
The Hardamann brothers were hardly on the same page for this bout with the face Al not happy with the heel Luke. The story of the bout was Al trying to play it straight but when he did the brothers had limited success against Goldberg. Luke was always cheating and sometimes Al would just have to let him do his thing, and other times he complained or even stopped it. In fact at one point Luke tried to use the ropes for leverage for a pin and Al alerted the ref to the infraction to stop the pin. This was the only time that Luke got upset with Al and it was the distraction that Goldberg needed. He nailed Luke with the spear and took him down with the jackhammer. However, before he could put on the pin everyone was distracted by Darren Michaels running down to ringside. Al stopped Michaels from entering the ring but paid for it with a chairshot. Inside the ring Goldberg just watched and Luke was out cold. Jody Christmas then came down to the ring and attacked his half brother Darren to keep him out of the ring. Luke had now recovered enough to take out a pair of brass knuckles. However, when he tried to punch Goldberg the big man blocked it and took Luke down with a chokeslam. He then nailed a second jackhammer. Al had recovered but made no effort to stop the pin, instead going over to help Christmas battle the crazy Michaels back to the dressing room.
Bill Goldberg defeated Al & Luke Hardamann by pinfall when he pinned Luke after a jackhammer at 7:34
 

Main Event
Triple Threat Match RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Menele (c) - 6'0 255 lbs., parts unknown "Flee" Kindred
vs
Robert "Blaze" Bayley - 6'4 254 lbs., Fresno, California "The Tenth Dimension" Blaze
vs
Vendetta - 6'5 265 lbs. Port-au-Prince, Haiti "Dirty Deeds" AC/DC
Vendetta uncharacteristically went right after Menele, throwing the rule book out the window. Bayley tried to get involved but for the most part just played a peripheral role in the first couple minutes of the bout. That changed when the match spilled outside the ring. Bayley nailed the champ with an inverted atomic drop and sent him straight into the voodoo man who took Menele down with an inverted DDT. Bayley and Vendetta then went back into the ring one on one with the champ knocked out and unable to help defend his own belt. Vendetta whipped Bayley into the corner and followed with a running clothesline, and then a series of shoulderblocks. The Haitian then sent Bayley across the ring to the far corner where he took the Flair bump up and over, and Vendetta nailed him with a dropkick off the apron. Menele had now returned to the ring and caught Vendetta from behind. He ducked a couple of back elbows and took the former champ over with a waistlock suplex. He went for another, ducked another couple of back elbows, only to have Vendetta nail him with a mule kick to the groin, undetected by ref Buddy Lane. Bayley had now come back into the ring and nailed the champ with a running bulldog. Vendetta tried for a standing dropkick on Bayley who moved out of the way. Bayley scooped up Vendetta into a Samoan drop position but was speared to the ground by Menele. The champ laid over both men but both managed to get a shoulder up. A 3 man brawl ensued. Vendetta took control of the bout sending Menele over the top rope and getting Bayley hooked in the tree of whoa. He nailed a couple of kicks into Bayley's solar plexes, but then left the ring to pursue Menele. The champ tossed Vendetta over the guardrail and then went back into the ring to brawl with Bayley. The metal maniac took it to the champ, and nailed the Blaze Bomb, cover though was broken up by a returning Vendetta. However, instead of fighting each other Vendetta told Bayley to go to the top and he set up the champ for a side slam while Bayley came down at the same time with a legdrop across the upper body. With the champ knocked out Vendetta and Bayley went at it, locked in a competing backslide that was won by Vendetta and got a 2 count. Bayley tried to get Vendeta over his shoulder but the Haitian countered with an inverted DDT but only got a 2 count. Menele caught Vendetta from behind with a cobra clutch and turned it into a slam. Bayley attacked with a running boot but Menele countered by slipping away and then nailing the challenger with a punch to the groin. The champ was warned by Buddy Lane but did not get disqualified. Menele tossed Vendetta over the top rope. The champ then traded punches with Bayley but lost with the challenger backing him into a corner, nailing some elevated punches, and then a hurrancanrana. Bayley though stopped his momentum because he was distracted by Adam Riggs who had come to ringside and was brawling with Vendetta, preventing him from getting back inside the ring. Using the distraction Menele was able to nail Bayley in the back with a running knee, and followed up with the wheelbarrow suplex for the win.
Menele defeated Roberty Bayley and Vendetta by pinfall when he pinned Bayley after a wheelbarrow suplex at 9:48
[Menele retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]


FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

ed. note] although this is #1,000 there was no big deal made out of it, as I have combined various runs of the fed into one long storyline. At the time they were not numbered so there was no significance. But still, #1,000 is pretty crazy.


River City Wrestling #1,000
2 Hour Edition of Rage
Taped Wednesday September 22, 2004
Air Date Saturday September 25, 2004

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada


The bell is already ringing for our opening bout as we go on the air.

Opening Bout
Eddie Chavez  5'9" 180 lbs., Allentown, Pennsylvania
vs
Stan Mullett 6'0" 244 lbs., Minot, North Dakota 
Mullett has his moments mostly with punches, kicks, a bodyslam. Chavez though controls most of the bout showing off a devastating flying forearm smash, front missile dropkick, and an Avalanche hurrincanrana to set up his finisher. Glorified squash match.
Eddie Chavez defeated Stan Mullett by pinfall after a handspring moonsault at 3:14

Promo:
Commissioner Bob Backlund comes to the ring with his assistant Debra McMichael. The commish is not happy about Riggs' interference last week but says it looks to him like Vendetta made a choice to continue to engage with Riggs instead of rejoining the bout. That gave champion Menele the opportunity to sneak in a win over both Vendetta and Blaze Bayley. So with those two having lost their bout a new #1 contender needs to be crowned tonight; and it will feature 3 of the finest heavyweights in RCW; Dan Severn, Adam Riggs, and Bill Goldberg. 
Adam Riggs and April Hunter come out to menace Backlund and McMichael, and have some vulgar things to say about the crowd. They also display the proper way to do a Roman-Greco liplock on each other as Riggs grabs Hunter's ass. Backlund tells them to be on their best behaviour tonight or he will take away their spot in the contenders match. Riggs gives the Commish a mock salute and says "yes sir, Howdy Doody Sir".

Interview with Pamela Paulshock:
The duo of Adam Burke and Mike Labonte are not pleased. Instead of getting a tag title shot that they probably deserve, they are both booked in singles matches tonight. Instead Darren Michaels and Luke Hardamann get title shots, not because they earned them but because they have pissed off the tag champions Sam Holiday & Al Hardamann. They say it seems like the rankings don't matter anymore in Bob Backlund's RCW, it only matters how much heat you generate.


Bout #2
Bryan Caruthers 6'0" 248 lbs., St. Paul, Minnesota "Til It Sleeps" Metallica
vs
Adam "Tiger" Burke - 6'4" 230 lbs., Austin, Texas "Adrenaline" Gavin Rossdale
Caruthers, one half of the spinebusters attacked Burke before the opening bell, and after choking him over the middle strand threw Burke out of the ring. Three times he stopped Burke from entering the ring, with a baseball slide, a running knee, and a hotshot, but on the 4th Burke catapulted himself into the ring taking Caruthers down with a shoulderblock. Burke pressed with a double axhandle, running kneelift, press slam, and a lifting DDT for a 2 count. Caruthers struck back with a chop to the throat, followed by a stun gun, covered with his feet on the ropes but it was caught by Jimmy Appleseed. Caruthers set Burke up in the standing headscissors but Burke backflipped him over. Burke then clotheslined Caruthers over the top rope. Burke went after Caruthers and the two brawled, refusing to get back into the ring.
Bryan Caruthers and Adam Burke battled to a double countout at 4:58

Interview with Pamela Paulshock:
After security had intervened to split up Caruthers and Burke, one half of the Spinebusters Bryan Caruthers was interviewed. Caruthers says his partner Jerry Orth could not be here tonight, but they speak with one mind. They hear these youngsters come out and cry about not being handed opportunities, and wanting to get something because of a piece of paper. Well if they want to consult the record books they will see that the Spinebusters are the most decorated tag team in RCW history, at 5 times champions, not to mention that they also held the NWA World Tag Team Titles...the last team to do so when those belts were worth a damn. He's all fired up now and spitting mad. So if they want a title shot, than he challenges the young guns Burke and Labonte to bring it, the road to the titles goes through them..and they ain't no paper champions.


Bout #3
Mike Labonte - 5'11 217 lbs., San Diego, California "Angry Chair" Alice in Chains
vs
"Prophet" Gabriel Moore - 6'2" 238 lbs. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania "To Hell With the Devil" Stryper
Moore seemed to play rope-a-dope with Labonte who dished out punishment to an opponent who seemed to be more interested in walking around ringside than mounting a counter attack. A back suplex from the top, a Michinoku Driver II, and a flying forearm smash all garnered two counts. Unwilling to take any more punishment Moore retrieved his "loaded bible". Referee Melissa Coates took the bible away, but Moore grabbed a steel chair instead and used it to hit Labonte in full view of the ref.
Mike Labonte defeated Gabriel Moore by disqualification for use of a foreign object at 5:50


Interview with Pamela Paulshock:
Bam Bam Bigelow claims everything is fine with Diamonds & Rust, that he and Diamond Rhodes, Tylene Buck, and Paisley are living the lifestyle that they want. Yes he wants titles, yes he wants title shots, but their lack of current success he says doesn't bother him because he is still doing what he likes best; banging broads, and putting the hurt on his opponents.

Bout #4
Bam Bam Bigelow - 6'3 368 lbs. Asbury Park, New Jersey "Diamonds & Rust" Judas Priest (/w Tylene Buck)
vs
Ryland Roxbury - 5'9" 238 lbs., Los Angeles, California "Beautiful Life" Ace of Base
Roxbury has had some recent success but was overmatched in this one. The youngster's one advantage ended prematurely when he tried to hoist Bigelow up and his legs gave out. Bigelow then treated it like a training session nailing a pair of lariats, a running avalanche into the corner, a headbutt drop, and a running somersault senton. All of this just set up his finisher.
Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Ryland Roxbury by pinfall after the Greetings From Asbury Park at 4:18


Interview with Pamela Paulshock
The little Texan that could Jody Christmas comes out to the ring. He talks about how things are so confusing right now. You have a new champion Menele holding a belt that Christmas once held and wants back. You have a bunch of d-bags like Adam Riggs, Diamonds & Rust, and the New Right running around making a mockery of RCW and a commissioner stuck in the 70's. Then you have his half-brother Darren Michaels being given a license to go out and hurt people and to try and kill someone just because it draws money. Not to mention fromer champions Vendetta and Sam Holiday waiting in the wings, and the feud between the Hardamann brothers. Things have never been both so deep, and so sideways, at the same time. One thing is for sure, the only thing that is for sure, it gets less complicated when you are at the top, when you hold the championship gold...you know everyone is gunning for you..you have no friends. It's true, it's lonely at the top, but still, its where everyone wants to be...and where he, J.C. himself, will do anything to get back to. 

Bout #5
Jody Christmas - 6'1 225 lbs., Tyler, Texas "La Grange" ZZ Top
vs
Alex Wright - 6'2" 222 lbs., Nuremberg, Germany "Ride of the Valkyries" Wagner
Former RCW champion Jody Christmas started strong with a couple go behinds, but Wright used the ropes for the break. Wright did his best to avoid locking up, and then dropped down, pulled Christmas by the waistband and heaved him between the ropes. He then stopped Christmas twice from entering the ring before falling victim to a hot shot. Christmas came back inside using the top buckle to come down with a diving double axhandle. Christmas worked his advantage including hitting a rocker dropper and a Saito suplex but only got a 2 count. He telegraphed a back body drop and ate a boot, was sent chest first into the corner, atomic drop, springboard back elbow, cover for a 1. By now Kai Hanson and Jack Voight had come down to ringside. There was no sign of Severn, who was likely not going to jeopardize his #1 contender match tonight. Wright went for a superkick but Christmas rolled out of the way, kipped up, and nailed his own superkick, and got a sudden surprise 1, 2, 3!!
Jody Christmas defeated Alex Wright by pinfall after a superkick at 4:23

Post-Match:
Hanson and Voight hit the ring, but Christmas was quicker, sliding out or the ring and heading for the showers before those damn Germans could catch him. The New Right get a mic and ramble on incoherently about the Fatherland and about how Severn is not German, he is an American, which is fine, but it means that he must produce - tonight. 


Bout #6
Triple Threat - #1 Contenders Match
Adam Riggs - 6'10" 295 lbs., Dublin, Ireland "Phenomenon" LL Cool J (/w April Hunter)
vs
Dan Severn - 6'2" 250 lbs. Flint, Michigan "Ride of the Valkyries" Wagner
vs
Bill Goldberg - 6'3 285 lbs., Tulsa, Oklahoma "Crush 'em" MegaDeth
The fans were engaged in this bout from the start featuring three of the top names in the heavyweight division. However, it was really a dreadful match. Severn's MMA style did not mesh well in a three man bout, and Goldberg seemed off cue and out of place at times. April Hunter interfered, tripping up Severn, which brought out Kai Hanson and Jack Voight to the ring. The action spilled outside and we had a huge brawl with Goldberg and Riggs temporarily teaming up against the New Right. They were out gunned until Jody Christmas also came down to ringside to make it 3 on 3. Alex Wright joined his New Right teammates, but even with that 4 on 3 they were overmatched by Severn, Goldberg, Riggs, and Hunter also did what she could in the brawl going after Wright. Goldberg and Riggs got back into the ring, and Goldberg made the mistake of turning his back on Riggs just for a second, and got clobbered from behind. With Goldberg's head draped over the middle strand Riggs came running from across the ring to land on him. Hunter for good measure nailed him with a running elbow. Riggs pulled Goldberg into the ring and nailed him with his own finisher to add insult to injury.
Adam Riggs defeated Dan Severn and Bill Goldberg by pinfall when he pinned Goldberg after a brainbuster at 7:21


Main Event
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Sam Holiday & Al Hardamann, combined wt 523 lbs (champions)
vs
Darren Michaels & Luke Hardamann, combined wt 486 lbs.
Early on Michaels wanted to have Luke do all his dirty work for him, and Al and Luke were still a bit reluctant to lock up, so it was mostly Holiday vs Luke for the first few minutes. Al came in and got an advantage over Luke, but got too close to the ropes and got nailed from behind by Michaels. The dark one then finally tagged in and went to work on Al with kicks, elbows, and punches, not letting him off the mat. He locked in a camel clutch first, and then an STF but couldn't get the submission. Michaels continued to pour on the offense with a standing moonsault, and a pumphandle backbreaker. He then took Al to the top to set up an Avalanche brainbuster. Holiday though could not take anymore and came into the ring to break it up. With Michaels on the mat, Al came off the top with a kneedrop, covered for a 2 count, and then got the tag out to Holiday. The big Texan went right to work on Michaels with some running clotheslines, a uranage, and then a front layout suplex for a 2 count. He went to the top for the Holiday legdrop but Luke pushed him off. All four men were involved with a brawl now inside the ring, but Michaels was in bad shape so the champs took over. Al even participated in a double dropkick on his brother. Holiday nailed the Holiday legdrop from the top rope covered Luke, 1....Lane waved him off as Luke was not the legal man...Michaels came off the top buckle with a chair ~waffling~ Holiday...and got disqualified.
Sam Holiday & Al Hardamann defeated Darren Michaels & Luke Hardamann by disqualification for use of a foreign object at 8:33
[Sam Holiday & Al Hardamann retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]

Post-Match
Darren Michaels continues to decimate Holiday with the chair. Al tried to make the save but was tackled by his own brother Luke. Seeing what is happening to his best friend Al begins to exchange punches with his brother to try and get there but is not having much luck. Bill Goldberg suddenly hits the ring and spears Michaels. The dark one and Luke take a powder, and Goldberg and Al Hardamann yell for medical help as Holiday is knocked out cold and wearing the proverbial crimson mask, as we

FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #1,001
2 Hour Edition of Rage
Taped Wednesday September 29, 2004
Air Date Saturday October 2, 2004

Grand Forks, North Dakota

For the second straight week we open straight to the ring with a match ready to start. Also for the second straight week it features Eddie Chavez, can he extend his winning streak to 2 weeks in a row?

Opening Bout
Eddie Chavez - 5'9" 180 lbs., Allentown, Pennsylvania
vs
Asp Evergreen 5'11 205 lbs., Hailey, Idaho 
Evergreen's usual manager, the ineffectual Derek St. Holmes was not on hand tonight. These two wrestlers trained together under Vic Gate at the RCW school and have known each other a long time. This showed, after some tentative hookups, the two went through a series of well coordinated chain wrestling, including trading face slaps. Evergreen went for a roll up but Chavez countered by dropping butt first on Evergreen. When Asp got to his feet he tried to rub it off his tongue, he also went to the announce table to use water. Back inside Asp kicked Chavez in the shin and then used a hair pull bulldog. He went for a standing moonsault but Chavez lifted his knees up. Chavez attacked after kipping up, with some European uppercuts, a standing dropkick, then a facebuster. The two exchanged punches and kicks, and then Asp went to work with a pumphandle slam, a hotshot, and then locked on the Octopus hold. Chavez fired right back with a kick to the gut, a snap suplex, and then a jumping enzuigiri. Chavez went to the top buckle but it was too soon, and Asp brought him down with an Avalanche hurrincanrana...covered, 1, 2, Asp put his feet on the ropes for extra leverage...3.. These two actually put on a decent match.
Asp Evergreen defeated Eddie Chavez by pinfall after an avalanche hurrincanrana (and feet on the ropes) at 6:24

Post-Match:
Asp asked Eddie to stay in the ring for a minute. He said that was the best match he has ever had, other than when he wrestled his cousin Matilda on the backyard trampoline. He talks about his and Eddie's shared history and wants to shake Chavez's hand. The crowd and Chavez are weary but the handshake happens without incident. Asp hands Eddie the mic and says say a few words. Eddie takes a minute and says "thanks", and hands the mic back. Asp looks perplexed, and scratches his butt (under his trunks, causing Eddie to look down at the hand he just used to shake). Asp says to Eddie, we should hang out sometime, maybe even tag up. Eddie thinks about it and says "okay". The two then leave separately from the ring.


Bout #2
Diamonds & Rust: Diamond Rhodes (/w Paisley) & Bam Bam Bigelow (/w Tylene Buck)
vs
The New Right: Kai Hanson & Alex Wright (/w Dan Severn)
Match between two heel teams. Paisley & Buck came out with their men, and Severn and Jack Voight came out with the Germans. Referee Melissa Coates would have none of it though, as Voight does not have a manager's license and was sent to the back. Voight tried to get all the Germans to leave, but Severn assured him they had this covered. 
It started off just that way as Hanson bull rushed Rhodes taking him down. He pounded away at Rhodes who finally got tagged out to Bigelow. The Beast from the East beat his chest and challenged Hanson to try that on him. The two men collided three times before Bigleow was able to knock Hanson off his feet. Wright tagged in and used a stick and move attack until Rhodes got a blind tag in and attacked him from behind. Wright played Ricky Morton for a few minutes until Hanson tagged in. Rhodes & Bigelow double teamed Hanson. The problem was that Buck got onto the ring apron to distract the ref. Severn pulled her off the apron and she landed hard. Paisley came over and jumped Severn who tossed her off. All of this though distracted the ref and allowed Rhodes to deliver a side slam setting up Hanson for Bigelow to come off the top with a headbutt. Wright was still recovering and could not break up the pin in time.
Diamond Rhodes & Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Kai Hanson & Alex Wright by pinfall when Bigelow pinned Hanson after a diving headbutt at 8:02

Post-Match: The Germans were not happy with Dan Severn at all.


Bout #3
Ron Waterman & Gabriel Moore
vs
Ryland Roxbury & Shane Madison
It would seem that Waterman has officially gone over to the darkside. This math was a glorified squash match with both Roxbury and Madison taking a lot of damage. Waterman nailed Madison with the rolling thunder kick and then the Water Bomb. He could have got the pin but Moore wanted the tag and hit his crucifix powerbomb to pick up the win.
Ron Waterman & Gabriel Moore defeated Ryland Roxbury & Shane Madison by pinfall when Moore pinned Madison after the crucifix powerbomb at 4:59


Bout #4
Mike Labonte & Adam Burke, combined wt 447 lbs.
vs.
Spinebusters: Bryan Caruthers & Jerry Orth, combined wt 478 lbs.
The Spinebusters attacked their opponents before the opening bell. They were more intense then their usual method of controlled aggression. First they controlled Labonte, but even after he got the hot tag to Burke they were able to double team him as Labonte was unable to help. Soon Labonte recovered and turned the tables. Burke nailed his superkick finisher and would have had the cover on Orth but Caruthers made the save. A four man brawl ensued, and the former champions delivered a stun gun on Burke against the ring apron. Back inside Orth clipped Labonte from behind, Caruthers nailed a spinebuster slam, and Orth came off the top rope with a kneedrop for 1, 2, Burke pulled the legs of Orth and pulled him out of the ring. Burke and Orth fighting outside distracted Labonte and referee Jurgen Hermann. This allowed Caruthers to produce a roll of coins which he used to nail Labonte in the back of the head. Despite a bunch of loose coins lying around the mat, and the fact that Caruthers was not the legal man, Hermann counted the pin.
Spinebusters defeated Labonte & Burke by pinfall when Caruthers pinned Labonte after hitting him with a foreign object at 8:21

Post-Match: It looked like Labonte and Burke lost it and were going to hurt Hermann, which the fans seemed to think was a good idea. However, they regained their senses and let him go. They young duo cut a short promo saying that they were tired of all the incompetence in RCW, and tired of playing by the rules that were stacked against them.



Bout #5
Challenge Fight
Dan Severn - 6'2" 260 lbs., Coldwater, Michigan
vs
Jack Voight - 6'6" 368 lbs., Berlin, Germany
This was not an actual match. The New Right, Voight, Kai Hanson, and Alex Wright called out their leader Severn. They laid out all their grievances, most recently the loss tonight which they blamed on Severn, who they called "our American friend". Severn of course stood up for himself saying he led them to the World Cup win, but he can't carry them all. In the end the only thing thugs listen to is a show of strength so Severn challenged them to put up their best. They choose Voight and the other two watched the brawl from ringside.
The match was entirely inside the ring, that was the rule, the loser would be the one who left the ring.
Voight started strong because of his size advantage but Severn countered with his MMA skills. In the end Severn got Voight down, worked a leg, than an arm. He put Voight down with the cross armbar and allowed Voight to inch his way to the ropes. Voight left the ring so Severn broke the hold. 
Severn then challenged any of them to take up where Voight left off. They put their hands up in surrender, entered the ring, and after a few tense moments they all shook hands. The New Right seems to have fixed any cracks in the foundation.
Dan Severn made Jack Voight quit after about 3 minutes



Bout #6
RCW Heritage Title Match
Vincent Regliatti - 6'2" 235 lbs, Toronto, Ontario "Oh Canada" (champion)
vs
Jody Christmas - 6'1 225 lbs., Tyler, Texas "La Grange" ZZ Top
Very solid match between two guys that can really go at it. But it was one of those bouts where it felt like the champion was the underdog. Regs started strong but Christmas took over with a high knee lift, tilt-a-whirl slam, and then got a 2 count after an Asai moonsault. Regs showed some spunk by getting out of a sleeperhold, and then ducking away from a superkick. Regs nailed a punch to the solar plexes, an inverted atomic drop and a clothesline. Regs set up the figure four but Christmas was able to get to the ropes. He poured on some more offense, and came off the top rope with an elbowdrop but only got a 2 count. Frustrated he threw Christmas over the top rope and turned to complain to referee Jimmy Appleseed. But Christmas skinned the cat, and Regs turned around right into a dropkick. The match spilled outside where they brawled. Back inside Regliatti went for a kick, but Christmas countered with an enzuigiri. Before he could follow up though Luke Hardamann came out and onto the apron. He jawed with Christmas until Al Hardamann came out and pulled his brother off the apron. Christmas left the ring to help Al, but he didn't want the help and told Christmas to back off. This gave Luke the chance to attack Al, and ended with Christmas being counted out.
Vincent Regliatti defeated Jody Christmas by countout at 9:57
[Vincent Regliatti retained the RCW Heritage Title]



Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Special Guest Referee: Bill Goldberg
Menele - 6'0 255 lbs., parts unknown "Flee" Kindred (champion)
vs
Adam Riggs - 6'10" 295 lbs., Dublin, Ireland "Phenomenon" LL Cool J (/w April Hunter)
Two villains going at it, but the crowd was firmly behind Menele due to their long hatred of Riggs. The addition of Bill Goldberg, who looked like the cat that swallowed the canary, was an additional wrinkle. Goldberg didn't seem to care about the rules, he just wanted a fair fight and to keep April Hunter in her place.
This was not Steamboat-Savage, it was a bar the door Katie brawl. A couple times though Goldberg blocked the wrestlers from leaving the ring and showed a desire to keep them inside. Riggs had the better of the bout, being bigger and stronger, but Menele was able to counter attack with his uncanny ~inner fury~. The champ's most successful attacks were actually head butts, despite the 10 inch difference in height. Finally Riggs was able to gain a sustained advantage after a running boot, a butterfly suplex, and a two handed chokeslam. He then laid the champ over the middle strand probably for his ring apron legdrop, but Goldberg would not let him leave the ring. However, as Goldberg tussled with Riggs, it opened up a chance for April Hunter who ~waffled~ Menele in the head with a steel chair. Riggs then pulled the champ into the ring, showing off his busted open head, and nailed the Phenomenal Performance (a Rack Bomb). He covered, 1...VENDETTA!! The RCW Icon and former champion hit the ring, breaking up the pin attempt with a boot to the head. Goldberg was going to stop Vendetta but April Hunter was trying to enter the ring now and this tied up the ref. Vendetta grabbed Riggs and nailed the inverted DDT.  He pulled Riggs back up for another, but Menele had recovered and nailed Vendetta from behind. Goldberg threw out the bout.
Menele and Adam Riggs battled to a no-contest at 8:59
[Menele retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]

Post-Match:
Menele attacked Vendetta. Goldberg tried to get in the way but he was attacked from behind by April Hunter, and then Menele. Adam Riggs recovered and hit Vendetta from behind with a low blow. He pulled Vendetta up in standing head scissors but Menele nailed him with a running elbow. Menele tossed Adam Riggs over the top rope, where he was then convinced by April Hunter to leave without further action. Back inside Menele attacked Vendetta, but the Voodoo man punched back, kick to the gut, spinning crescent kick, slingshot suplex, and then the inverted DDT. Goldberg recovered now, twisted Vendetta around, but the Haitian nailed him with a jumping DDT. The announcers said they have never seen Vendetta lose it like this before in all the years they have known him. Referees, Buddy Lane, Jimmy Applessed, and Melissa Coates, along with trainer Vic Gate hit the ring but he tosses them all aside. Finally Vendetta leaves the ring by his own accord, goes by the announce table, grabs the RCW Heavyweight title, and leaves with it through the crowd!! As we,

FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #1,002
2 Hour Edition of Rage
Taped Wednesday October 6, 2004
Air Date Saturday October 9, 2004

<<cue "Won't Get Fooled Again" The Who>>
Unlike the last two shows which began right with a match, this week we get Commissioner Bob Backlund come out with his assistant Debra McMichael and RCW's head trainer Vic Gate. 
Backlund says they have a special treat for tonight, especially for the men...and maybe some ladies...he seems a bit uncomfortable with that.

<<cue "One Big Rush" Joe Satriani>
From the back comes four bikini clad beauties.
They are introduced as Fitness America contestants Cynthia Hill (Riverside, CA), Jennifer Herpok (New Haven, CT), Julie Shipley (Renton, WA) and Mary Mota (Brampton, ON). Gate says that all four ladies have been training for awhile now in RCW's Twin Cities training facilities and will make their debut tonight.
Bob Backlund then adds in a "10 woman Bikini Battle Draw". A new bikini clad competitor will be drawn every 30 seconds. Gate and McMichael don't look overly pleased with that announcement.
Backlund says that in addition to these 4, there will also be April Hunter, Tylene Buck, Paisley, and Sable!!
Debra points out that is only 8 names...to which Backlund replies that one is still pending, and the other spot will be...Debra McMichael herself! The Executive Assistant does not look happy with this proclamation.


Pre-Match:
Shawn Daivari and Sammy Yip come to the ring. Daivari talks about the disgusting show by the women who should be more modest. Yip on the other hand seemed to enjoy the show. Daivari says he will make an example tonight out of his American opponent Marcus Schultz.

Opening Bout
Marcus Schultz - 5'11 231 lbs., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma "Turn the Page" Bob Seger
vs
Shawn Daivari - 5'10 203 lbs., Tehran, Iran "Do You Call My Name" RA (/w Sammy Yip)
"the Mid-Eastern Nightmare" came to the ring with his Korean manager Yip looking like all that and a bag of chips. But when he locked up Schultz owned him with takedowns, three straight times. Daivari took a timeout to confer with Yip and returned to the ring with a new attitude and new underhanded tactics. Daivari pushed the advantage with a short arm clothesline, a roaring elbow, and two German suplexes. Schultz though countered a neckbreaker, and then went to work with a backdrop suplex, and a full nelson into a slam. He took Daivari to the top for a superplex but Yip provided a delay long enough for Daivari to nail a forearm smash and pushed Schultz off. Daivari then nailed a senset flip for the win.
Shawn Daivari defeated Marcus Schultz by pinfall after a sunset flip at 5:23


Interview: Pamela Paulshock interviews Ron Waterman who is joined by his new friend/manager Gabriel Moore. Paulshock basically pushes the point that Waterman has turned his back on the fans and has embraced cheating under the tutelage of Moore. Waterman tells her to grow up, not just out, and says its every man for himself. He says he is coming for the heavyweight title, and if he can't get a fair shot at that then he will go after Regliatti's Heritage title first. Gabriel Moore than quotes some random scripture.
After Waterman and Moore walk away, the interview is about to end when Bob Backlund enters the scene. Backlund taps Paulshock and says "you're it". She looks confused until he says "I hope you brought your bikini."

Bout #2
Chris Jons - 5'11 218 lbs., Kansas City, Missouri "Lethal" Poison
vs
Ron Waterman - 6'3" 280 lbs., Greenly, Colorado "Rock the Hell Out of You" Stryper (/w Gabriel Moore)
Jons started strong but Waterman rallied thanks to his power. A lethal full nelson slam set up a rolling armbar into a leglock that forced Jons to slowly make his way to the ropes where Moore mocked him. Jons though was able to battle back with a stun gun, followed by a springboard back elbow. Jons tried for an STF as well as a standing surfboard but Waterman was too powerful to be held long. The big man caught Jons in a springboard crossbody and turned it into a powerslam. H2O followed up with a rolling thunder kick, and then hit his finisher. This would have to be considered a minor upset due to Jons' experience and ranking within WWA over the years.
Ron Waterman defeated Chris Jons by pinfall after a Water Bomb at 5:02


Bout #3
10-Woman Bikini Battle Draw
1) Debra McMichael 0:00
2) Tylene Buck 0:00
3) Cynthia Hill 0:30
4) Jennifer Herpok 1:00
       10). Cynthia Hill 1:28
5) April Hunter 1:30
         9) Jennifer Herpok 1:47
         8) Debra McMichael 1:53
6) Pamela Paulshock 2:00
7) Mary Mota 2:30         
8) Paisley 3:00
          7) Pamela Paulshock 3:20
          6) Mary Mota 3:25
9) Julie Shipley 3:30
10) Sable 4:00
          5) Paisley 4:36
          4) Sable 5:20
          3) Julie Shipley 5:23
          2) Tylene Buck 6:35
Winner) April Hunter 6:35


Promo:
The second hour of RAGE begins again with Bob Backlund in the ring. Backlund says that he was really upset last week that one of the greatest role models in RCW history, Vendetta, lost his composure and attacked RCW referees and officials. He says he can understand that happening in the heat of the moment. However, Vendetta made a decision to screw the fans out of a clean finish to the main event title match between Menele and Adam Riggs to get his revenge on Riggs. As a result, while it pains him to do so, after consulting with Jack Larkin and the board of directors it has been decided that Vendetta has been suspended for two months. He will only be eligible to return for the year end show. This year marks the big 25th Anniversary Spectacular and the board felt it only right that the icon be allowed to take part, if he wishes. That decision though will be left up to Vendetta. The fans thoroughly jeer Backlund who looks very sombre. 


Bout #4
Jerry Lynn & Scott Norton, combined wt. 569 lbs., "Replica" Fear Factory
vs
Diamonds & Rust: Diamond Rhodes (/w Paisley) & Bam Bam Bigelow (/w Tylene Buck), combined wt. 620 lbs., "Diamonds & Rust" Judas Priest
Lynn was so much smaller than the other three, and as could be expected he played the role of Ricky Morton for a long while before he was able to use and display his agility. However, the end came when Paisley was able to distract the ref while Buck pulled Lynn off the apron. This allowed Bigelow to nail Norton with a spinebuster slam, then hoist him up for Rhodes who came off the top rope with a diving clothesline for the double team win.
Diamonds & Rust defeated Lynn & Norton by pinfall when Bigelow pinned Norton after a double team diving clothesline at 7:11


Bout #5
Jody Christmas - 6'1 225 lbs., Tyler, Texas "La Grange" ZZ Top
vs
Dan Severn - 6'2" 250 lbs. Flint, Michigan "Ride of the Valkyries" Wagner
These two enemies, who once fought each other in a IronMan match here in RCW, went right at it tooth and nail inside and outside the ring. That was Severn's forte however, and he used a cobra clutch to rag doll the former RCW champ. Christmas finally used his wrestling instead of brawling to turn things around. First he used the buckles to kick off to escape, then nailed a Tornado DDT. This brought out Jack Voight, Alex Wright, and Kai Hanson to ringside. In turn this brought out the tag champions Al Hardmann and Sam Holiday. Having seen enough referee Melissa Coates cleared the ringside area of all onlookers. Severn used the distraction to grab the advantage and punished Christmas with two belly to belly suplexes, a key lock (Christmas got to the ropes), and then locked on the STF. Christmas was struggling in the STF when Severn suddenly released the hold. Strangely the leader of the New Right left the ring, walked around the ring as if he was shaking something off. Finally he just walked out.
Jody Christmas defeated Dan Severn by countout at 6:42

Promo: Announcer Joe Aiello has Vendetta on the phone. The Haitian was informed of the suspension in advance so he was not allowed to be here tonight. Vendetta calls the board hypocrites and that if they had dealt with Adam Riggs before than he wouldn't have had to take matters into his own hands. He apologizes to the refs and officials that he may have hurt. Aiello asks if he will be coming back at the Anniversary show. After a pause a choked up sounding former champ says we'll see...but I doubt it...I might be done with RCW..and then he hangs up.

Interview: Pamela Paulshock tries to get an interview with Dan Severn about his injury but he refuses to talk and the other members of the New Right menace her away.


Bout #6
Bill Goldberg - 6'3 285 lbs., Tulsa, Oklahoma "Crush 'em" MegaDeth
vs
Adam Riggs - 6'10" 295 lbs., Dublin, Ireland "Phenomenon" LL Cool J (/w April Hunter)
Lots of exchanges of power with neither man giving an inch. Riggs used the high knee to the gut, followed by a clubbing elbow to the back a couple times to take over the bout. Goldberg also failed to lift Riggs up into a Samoan drop and the nasty Irishman countered with an inverted DDT. Later Riggs would try for his own Rack Bomb finisher only to have Goldberg counter the exact same way. Goldberg though was too tired to capitalize and then felt the need to engage with April Hunter who had jumped on the ring apron. Riggs charged Goldberg from behind but the Oklahoman moved out of the way and Riggs collided with Hunter. Goldberg nailed the spear, and then the jackhammer and picked up a very impressive victory.
Bill Goldberg defeated Adam Riggs by pinfall after the Jackhammer at 5:39

Post-Match:
Riggs berated Hunter, who backed away from the Irishman. Finally Riggs slapped Hunter across the face and then put her in a chokehold. Goldberg came back to help Hunter, only to have her turn on him with a handful of salt in the eyes. It was a setup, Plan B, and Riggs and Hunter laid the boots in to Goldberg until RCW officials came in to break it up.


Main Event
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Sam Holiday & Al Hardamann, combined wt 523 lbs (champions) "Wild Thing" The Troggs
vs
The Spinebusters: Jerry Orth & Bryan Caruthers, combined wt 478 lbs. "Til It Sleeps" Metallica
Quite a bit of intrigue as good friends and tag champions Holiday & Hardamann are also both former RCW Heavyweight champions and they face off against perhaps the greatest tag team in RCW history, the only 5 time tag champions, the 'busters.
Things start tentative and there is some feeling out process but in general Holiday gets the better of Caruthers, and then Hardamann gets the better of Orth. The challengers manage to cheat on a quick tag with a double team to take control of Holiday. They do what they do best, double teams on the tags, and cut the ring in half. Seems like they have a plan to go after the right arm of Holiday. Eventually Holiday manages to do a modified fireman's carry and flip Orth into the corner where he is able to tag out to Hardamann, a house on fire, who clears the ring of both challengers. Hardamann controls Orth with a one handed bulldog, a fallaway slam, and then sets him up for the death valley driver...but Caruthers comes in and kicks the legs out from under Hardamann. Both men make a tag out and Holiday and Caruthers go toe to toe. Caruthers nails an inverted atomic drop, tries to follow up with a clothesline that the big Cowboy ducks, then incredibly takes Caruthers down with spinning headscissors. The match goes back and forth, and then we have a four man brawl. The challengers manage to toss Hardamann over the top rope, and double team Holiday. They set him up for the stuffed piledriver..referee Buddy Lane is waving them off and counting...but they hit the move anyway and Holiday is out cold. Lane looks unhappy but he applies a slow count anyway, 1, 2, Mike Labonte enters the ring and kicks Orth in the head to break up the pin. He is followed by his tag partner Adam Burke who goes right after Caruthers with a stun gun and then a superkick. The Spinebusters take off as Al Hardamann manages to roll back into the ring.
Holiday & Hardamann and The Spinebusters battled to a no-contest at 8:33
[Sam Holiday & Al Hardamann retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]

Post-Match:
The champions don't look too happy with the interference and having the bout thrown out, but they seem to acknowledge that the count should never have happened. Buddy Lane isn't happy about the whole situation either. All 5 men look a little disgusted and uncomfortable in the ring, as we

FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #1,003
2 Hour Edition of Rage
Taped Wednesday October 13, 2004
Air Date Saturday October 16, 2004


We go straight to the ring where the combatants for our opening bout are ready to rumble.

Opening Bout
Asp Evergreen & Eddie Chavez, combined wt. 395 lbs
vs
Randy & Stan Mullett, combined wt. 476 lbs.
Asp and Eddie have returned to RAGE as tag partners. They do a bit of a buffoon routine to start things off where both want the other to start, then they both want to start. Finally the Mulletts attack them and we are off. It shakes out to Stan against Eddie, and Stan over powers the youngster before tagging in his brother. Eddie plays Ricky Morton while Asp stomps his foot and tries to get the fans into the action to help Eddie. Asp distracts himself though and he misses an opportunity to tag in for Eddie. Finally Eddie is able to filp over a back body drop attempt and tag out to Asp. Evergreen goes to work on Stan with a series of armdrags, and then three dropkicks. Stan is on the mat, out of it, but Asp is wobbly from all the flips and flops, and he goes for a standing moonsault but misses badly despite Stan not moving. Randy tags in but so does Eddie. Chavez gets the better of Randy with a snap suplex, a backbreaker, and then a front missile dropkick, which he kips up after hitting, and then nails an enzuigiri..covers 1, 2, broken up by Stan who is then escorted from the ring. Eddie whips Randy to the ropes and has him set up for a dropkick, but Asp has gone to the floor and he trips up Randy, causing Eddie to hit nothing but air. Both men stumble to their feet, but Randy is able to lock in a backslide and gets the win. Terrible loss for the twits.
Randy & Stan Mullett defeated Asp Evergreen & Eddie Chavez by pinfall when Randy pinned Chavez after a backslide at 7:00

Promo:
Bob Backlund issues a warning to Adam Riggs to stay out of tonight's main event match between Menele and Bill Goldberg or be suspended. 

Promo for this weekend's 32 team John Fredrickson/Chris Champion Tribute Cup.


Bout #2
#1 Heritage Contender Match
Jerry Lynn - 5'9" 209 lbs., Minneapolis, Minnesota "Replica" Fear Factory
vs
Shawn Daivari - 5'10 203 lbs., Tehran, Iran "Do You Call My Name" RA (/w Sammy Yip)
Solid chain wrestling to start the bout with both men doing spots where they were tossed over the top rope, landing on the apron and battling their opponent who is in the ring. Daivari took the bout over and nailed a Urange slam, a falling neckbreaker, and a falling inverted DDT but only for a two count. Lynn reversed a whip to the buckle, but when he charged in Daivari leaped onto the apron and then put Lynn into headscissors. Lynn though managed to turn it into a powerslam. Lynn followed up with a spinning heel kick, a clothesline to the back, a rolling senton, and had Daivari set up for the cradle piledriver...but Yip reached in and tripped up both men. Lynn left the ring and chased Yip who he chased right through the ring. Daivari though caught Lynn from behind, drove him into the buckle, and then nailed a back suplex. Daivari poured on the punishment again, but Scott Norton came to ringside, caught Yip from behind in a fireman's carry and carried him all the way to the back. That distracted Daivari who left the ring to chase him, but decided to let it go and get back into the ring instead. Lynn nailed him with a headbutt, and a standing dropkick. He then got on top and peppered him with punches to the head. He then grabbed the feet of the mid-eastern nightmare and sling shot him into the corner, then nailed his cradle piledriver finisher for the win.
Jerry Lynn defeated Shawn Daivari by pinfall after a cradle piledriver at 7:50
   
Post-Match:
Scott Norton comes back out and joins Jerry Lynn in the ring. Norton has a match next with Gabriel Moore and warns Ron Waterman to stay out of it. Lynn tells his tag partner and friend not to worry he has his back.Norton seems to think Lynn might have problems keeping the bigger man Waterman out of the ring, but Lynn assures him he is up for the task. Lynn says that next week he will get his title shot at Vincent Regliatti and he will give the arrogant Canadian a wrestling lesson he won't soon forget.


Bout #3
Scott Norton - 6'3 360 lbs., Minneapolis, Minnesota "Winner Takes it All" Sammy Hagar
vs
"Prophet" Gabriel Moore - 6'2" 238 lbs. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania "To Hell With the Devil" Stryper
Moore has a few tricks like sliding under Norton, an uppercut to the throat, and using the ref as a human shield and then hitting Norton with a sucker punch before using the back of referee Jurgen Hermann like a pommel horse and kicking Norton in the head. However, eventually Norton just closed the distance put Moore in a bearhug, and then a belly to belly suplex. He followed up with a running splash, and a backbreaker. He signalled for his finisher the Flashback. Outside the ring though Ron Waterman was running to the ring. But true to his word Jerry Lynn charged as well nailing Waterman from behind. Inside this distracted the combatants, but outside Waterman nailed Lynn with a back elbow, then a double earringer, and a clothesline. Inside Norton finished it by nailing the Flashback, covered, for 1...Waterman had entered the ring now and attacked Norton. 
Scott Norton defeated Gabriel Moore by disqualification for outside interference at 5:33

Post-Match:
Waterman had the jump on Norton but the Minnesota native battled back. Meanwhile Lynn had entered the ring and was fighting with Moore. Lynn and Norton got the better of their adversaries and cleared the ring.

Interview:
Pamela Paulshock tries to get an interview with Asp Evergreen and Eddie Chavez who have a PlayStation2 hooked up and are playing The Simpsons Hit & Run. Paulshock asks them if they are upset about their loss. Asp says, nah, one of them has to win, one has to lose...Eddie says that Asp is about to lose and swerves his controller. Asp calls him a D-bag. Paulshock clarifies and says she was asking about losing to the Mulletts. Asp says nah, we still got paid...and Eddie says yeah cokes and chips. Paulshock is confused so asks Eddie if he blames Asp for the loss. Eddie says no, how could Asp have known that Muttonhead would duck from the dropkick. Asp says, No Eddie I think what she means is do you blame me for being a bit slow in the bout because your Mom kept me up all night...Eddie hits in the head with the controller...and both laugh. As the scene fades Asp asks Eddie if he has ever noticed that Bart never seems to get any older.


Bout #4
Jody Christmas - 6'1 225 lbs., Tyler, Texas "La Grange" ZZ Top
vs
Luke Hardamann - 5'10" 242 lbs., Tampa, Florida "Wasting Time" Kid Rock
Hardamann attacks Christmas before the opening bell and knocks him from pillar to post, then takes it outside where he does the same thing. However, he rolls Christmas back inside and tries to come off the top rope with a diving elbow but Christmas rolls out of the way. Back on their feet Christmas nails Hardamann with a superkick..covers 1, 2, pulls him up! This is a bit of a surprise as Christmas is the face, but he obviously feels like more punishment is required. Christmas nails a jumping knee drop, a head and arm suplex, a tilt-a-whirl slam, and then puts on the sleeperhold. The ref lifts the arm once, twice...and then Christmas breaks the hold. Christmas then throws Hardamann out of the ring, and then comes off the apron with a senton. He rolls him back in the ring and just kind of kicks at him. He yells to the back for Darren Michaels to come out and help his friend...the ref Melissa Coates warns him she will stop the match. From the back comes someone, but its not Michaels his half-brother, instead its Al Hardamann, Luke's brother. Al stops short of the ring but yells at Christmas to cover him and be done with it. Christmas tells him to mind his own business. Luke has recovered and rolls up Christmas from behind, grabs a handful of tights, but Christmas is still able to roll out of it at a count of 2. Christmas nails a trifecta of high knees, and then a double underhook piledriver. Luke is out cold but Christmas is still not done. He goes to the top rope still yelling for Darren Michaels. Al is about to enter the ring when his tag partner Sam Holiday comes down to the ring and grabs hold of him. Al is not happy at all with Holiday or Christmas. However, when Holiday yells at Christmas to end it the former champion finally relents, he covers Luke for the win.
Jody Christmas defeated Luke Hardamann by pinfall after a double underhook piledriver at 5:52

Interview:
Pamela Paulshock interviews the victorious Jody Christmas. The former RCW champion says that he has done the friends thing, he has done the Alliance thing, and it never works out. He warns everyone that its every man for himself out there. He tells Michaels he will get him before the night is done, and warns Luke Hardamann, Al Hardamann, and Sam Holiday to stay out of his way.


Bout #5
Mike Labonte & Adam Burke, combined wt 447 lbs. "Adrenaline" Gavin Rossdale
vs.
Spinebusters: Bryan Caruthers & Jerry Orth, combined wt 478 lbs. "Til It Sleeps" Metallica
This is in essence a rematch from two weeks ago when the 'busters won thanks to a roll of coins and an incompetent referee. Then last week the youngsters interfered to stop the Spinebusters from stealing the tag belts from Hardamann and Holiday. One would have to consider this a #1 contenders match although it was not billed as such. Lots of fireworks in this one early and referee Jimmy Appleseed had a hard time keeping it to two men in the ring at one time. Burke took over Orth with a series of clinched knee strikes followed by a Michinoku Driver II. Caruthers tried to break it up but Labonte intercepted. Burke tagged in Labonte who vaulted over the top rope with a legdrop. He followed up with a running legdrop, a flying forearm smash, and then a superplex. Caruthers this time was able to break up the pin. Orth was able to nail a low blow and get the tag out to Caruthers. Labonte also tagged out but it was not seen by Appleseed. Caruthers took Labonte out from behind with a back clothesline, then a back suplex. He looked like he was going for the spinebuster but instead nailed an inverted atomic drop followed by a clothesline for a 2 count. Caruthers tagged out to Orth who nailed a second turnbuckle elbowdrop. The two then made a series of quick tags using the 5 count to double team. Twice Burke tried to enter the ring only to have Appleseed prevent him, allowing a longer double team. The third time Caruthers hoisted Labonte in the air and Orth was coming off the ropes for a clothesline, but Burke was able to stop Orth with a knee to the back. Labonte punched his way out, and nailed Caruthers with an enzuigiri. Labonte was able to tag out to Burke who came in a ring of fire, but Orth was also still in the ring and stopped Burke by clipping his leg from behind. Caruthers nailed a spinebuster slam, and Orth came off the top rope with a kneedrop to allow Caruthers to pick up the win.
Spinebusters defeated Labonte & Burke by pinfall when Caruthers pinned Burke after Orth hit a top rope kneedrop at 8:59

Backstage:
We get camera footage of the end of a mugging. Darren Michaels and Luke Hardamann walk away from Jody Christmas who has been laid out, smashed through a table and had a fire extinguisher opened up on him. He is also bleeding from the head.


Bout #6
Sam Holiday - 6'9 288 lbs., Odessa, Texas "Ain't Going Down Til the Sun Comes Up" Garth Brooks
vs
Darren Michaels - 6'5" 251 lbs., South of Heaven "Dangerous Tonight" Alice Cooper
The match started as a total brawl, inside and outside the ring. Although Holiday is a big, double tough cowboy, Michaels is just a sadistic and twisted soul which made this a toss up. In fact Holiday got busted open by a headslam into the ring steps about 2 minutes in. Holiday though took over the bout with power, a running clothesline, a single arm DDT, and a delayed vertical suplex. He went to the top for the Holiday legdrop too early though as Michaels recovered and brought Holiday down from the top with a slam. Michaels then came off the second buckle with a bulldog, applied a chokehold twice until the 5 count, then used the middle strand for a decapitator. Michaels tossed Holiday outside the ring and started to bash him around ringside. He didn't care about the win or loss.
Sam Holiday and Darren Michaels battled to a double countout at 5:17

Post-Match:
Al Hardamann came out as soon as the 10 count was applied and went right after Michaels. He ~waffled~ him with two chair shots before he was sucker punched from behind by his own brother Luke Hardamann. The action was over at this point though as Luke helped Michaels and the two left the scene of the crime.


Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Menele - 6'0 255 lbs., parts unknown "Flee" Kindred (champion)
vs
Bill Goldberg - 6'3 285 lbs., Tulsa, Oklahoma "Crush 'em" MegaDeth
Menele has faced many stiff challenges since becoming champion, including triple threat matches, and against great opponents like Adam Riggs, Blaze Bayley, and Vendetta. He has acquitted himself well, but to no fault of his own many of his bouts had screwy endings which helped him retain the gold. Tonight was no exception. Adam Riggs had been warned by Bob Backlund not to interfere in the match tonight or be suspended but Backlund left a loop hole which Riggs would exploit. Menele and Goldberg brawled in and out of the ring. They traded powerslams, Goldberg did a drop toe hold into an ankle lock submission, Menele did an STF. Menele countered a jackhammer with a DDT, Goldberg countered a wheelbarrow suplex with a roll up into another ankle lock. It was turning into a pretty decent match. Then Adam Riggs came down to the front row of the crowd and paid off someone for their seat. This brought out security, and distracted the men inside the ring including referee Buddy Lane. Goldberg was close to the ropes, so it was easy for April Hunter to get on the apron with a chair and nail him in the back of the head. Menele hit the wheelbarrow suplex and got the tainted win.
Menele defeated Bill Goldberg by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex (and outside interference) at 6:46
[Menele retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]

FADE TO BLACK

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #1,004
John Fredricskon/Chris Champion Cup (JFCC Cup)
Saturday, October 16, 2004
St. Paul, Minnesota

Jack Larkin's tribute tournament to two of his role models, PWA/WWA founder John Fredrickson and his long term cohort Chris Champion, ran into a big snag when the NWA dissolved once again and allegiances were broken. Many feds and teams dropped out. However, RCW's long time allie SAWF - South African Wrestling Federation agreed to send additional teams. The WWF and NWA-SouthWest also agreed to send their original teams. Some additional wrestlers from the region and former RCW stars were added to fill in the spots.


Terry Taylor Division

Opening Bout:
Mike Labonte & Adam Burke defeated Shane Madison & Will Damon by pinfall when Labonte pinned Damon after a superkick
**Madison reunited with one of his former Player's Club members but they were unsuccessful.

Bout #2
Diamond Rhodes & Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Chris Jons & Ryland Roxbury by pinfall when Bigelow pinned Roxbury after the Greetings from Asbury Park
**Roxbury was the weakest link.

Bout #3
Sheepherder Jim Nancy & Victor Blood and Jayson Moorhouse & MetalHead battled to a double disqualification
**Two SAWF (South African) teams drew each other and their feud could not be contained to the ring.

Bout #4
William Regal & Scarlett Birmingham defeated Markus Dekker & Leif Edling by submission when Regal submitted Dekker with the Regal Stretch.


Carl Todd Division

Bout #5
Darren Michaels & Luke Hardamann defeated Adam Faulkner & J.J. Extreme by pinfall when Michaels pinned Extreme after a top rope brainbuster

Bout #6
Kit Carson & Khris Germany defeated Bryan Caruthers & Steve Riley by pinfall when Germany pinned Caruthers after a Doomsday device 
**although they were no longer the RCW tag champions, the Spinebusters agreed to keep their agreement to enter the tournament with different partners. In addition, Caruthers originally announced partner Brock Lesnar dropped out and was replaced by "Total Destruction" Steve Riley. They lost to the experienced Team Extreme. 

Bout #7
Johnny Swinger & Simon Diamond defeated Mike Rapada & Chris Hamrick by pinfall when Diamond pinned Hamrick after a Simonizer

Bout #8
Kai Hanson & Alex Wright defeated Mentallo & Robbie Royce by pinfall when Wright pinned Royce after a German suplex


Tom Gorgas Division

Bout #9
Moses Luke & Jack Voight defeated Stan & Randy Mullett by pinfall when Luke pinned Stan after a running powerslam
**another substitute, this time fellow World Cup Team Germany member Moses Luke replaced the injured Dan Severn, who was nowhere to be found.

Bout #10
Adam Riggs & April Hunter defeated Asp Evergreen & Eddie Chavez by pinfall when Riggs pinned Evergreen after a tombstone piledriver
**Rigss wanted no partner but his girlfriend, and let her do most of the heavy lifting against the twits.

Bout #11
Ron Waterman & Gabriel Moore defeated Lee Vakis & Robbie Royal by countout
**Vakis and Royal are another of the teams that came over from South Africa to help fill the tournament. 

Bout #12
"Green and Gold" Frans van der Heever, & Duane van Staden defeated Lewis O'Day & Keywon Grant by disqualification when O'Day used a foreign object
**yet another team from South Africa, this team got the win against two former RCW stars who returned and were teamed up.


David Steele Division


Bout #13
Blaze Bayley & Diamond Dallas Page defeated Shawn Daivari & Raymond Bingham by pinfall when Page pinned Daivari after a Diamond Cutter
**There seemed to be no animosity between friends Bayley and DDP over Kimberly, they operated well together.

Bout #14
Kevin Northcutt & Joe E. Legend defeated Marcus Schultz & Vic Gate by pinfall when Legend pinned Gate after a Legend Cutter
**The winners who came from NWA SouthWest (Texas) were victorious. Gate returned to the ring in an actual match, not just as RCW's head trainer.

Bout #15
Michael Shane & Teddy Hart defeated Jerry Lynn & Scott Norton by pinfall when Hart pinned Lynn after a Gory Special
**The WWF agreed to honour their word to send the Hartbreakers who overcame a real tough challenge. Lucky for them Jody Christmas was not in the building.

Bout #16
Sam Holiday & Al Hardamann defeated Jerry Orth & Steve Corino by pinfall when Holiday pinned Orth after a Holiday legdrop
**The current RCW tag champs were not asked to split apart for the tournament and faced off against one of the Spinebusters who teamed with one of his favourite wrestlers.

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #1,005
Night #2
John Fredricskon/Chris Champion Cup (JFCC Cup)
St. Paul, Minnesota
Sunday, October 17, 2004

Originally this was going to be a PPV, but after the WWA/NWA/PWA alliance fell apart this became just a regular house show. 


Terry Taylor Division

Opening Bout
Mike Labonte & Adam Burke defeated Diamond Rhodes (/w Paisley) & Bam Bam Bigelow (/w Tylene Buck) by disqualification when Rhodes hit Labonte with a steel chair
**big upset for the youngsters who seem to be keeping themselves in the conversation as a top tag team in RCW. Diamonds & Rust on the other hand don't seem to gain any momentum and Bigelow was not happy with Rhodes' inability to overcome any challenges.

[William Regal & Scarlett Birmingham received a bye]

Carl Todd Division

Bout #2
Kit Carson & Khris Germany defeated Darren Michaels & Luke Hardamann by pinfall when Carson pinned Hardamann after a doomsday device
**Jody Christmas showed up and interfered against Michaels, his half-brother. WWA legends and former RCW Tag champs Team Extreme move on.

Bout #3
Kai Hanson & Alex Wright defeated Johnny Swinger & Simon Diamond (/w Jasmin St. Claire) by pinfall when Hanson pinned Diamond after a Dedicated piledriver
**The New Right defeated the team from Barb Wire City to move on. No sign of Dan Severn last night or tonight.


Tom Gorgas Division

Bout #4
Moses Luke & Jack Voight defeated Adam Riggs & April Hunter by countout
**Hunter was taking a beating so Riggs pulled her out and took the loss to protect her. However, on the way to the backstage Riggs was berating Hunter who took it all. He even stopped her and spanked her backside as punishment. She didn't seem to mind.

Bout #5
"Green and Gold" Frans van der Heever, & Duane van Staden defeated Ron Waterman & Gabriel Moore by pinfall when Staden pinned Moore after a Tiger Driver
**SAWF defeated RCW.


David Steele Division

Bout #6
Blaze Bayley & Diamond Dallas Page (/w Kimberly Page) defeated Kevin Northcutt & Joe E. Legend by pinfall when Bayley pinned Legend after a Blaze Bomb
**This was an extremely physical and competitive match. It went to just under the 20 minute time limit which threatened to eliminate both teams. The longest bout of the tournament and one has to wonder how much it took out of the winners.

Bout #7
Michael Shane & Teddy Hart defeated Sam Holiday & Al Hardamann by disqualification for outside interference
**Shane and Hart used hidden brass knux to knock out Holiday. Jody Christmas came out to set things straight but got the RCW tag champs disqualified instead. Hardamann wasn't happy with Christmas but Holiday was more concerned with the tactics of WWF's Hartbreakers. 


Bout #8
Terry Taylor Division Final
Mike Labonte & Adam Burke defeated William Regal & Scarlett Birmingham by pinfall when Burke pinned Birmingham after a Tiger's claw
**solid bout. Regal and Birmingham came in fresh which helped but the youngsters would not be denied. 
Terry Taylor was not on hand tonight but Carl Todd stood in and presented a plaque to each member of the winning team.

Bout #9
Carl Todd Division Final
Kai Hanson & Alex Wright defeated Kit Carson & Khris Germany by disqualification for use of a foreign object
**this might as well have been a hardcore bout, but finally referee Jimmy Appleseed couldn't take it any more and DQ'd Team Extreme. Some thought that this was favouritism being shown to an RCW team over a visitor. 
Carl Todd presented a plaque to each of the winning team who were actually gracious in acceptance. 

Bout #10
Tom Gorgas Division Final
"Green and Gold" Frans van der Heever, & Duane van Staden defeated Moses Luke & Jack Voight by pinfall when van der Heever pinned Luke after an inside cradle
**the fans were solidly behind the SAWF team over the Germans. Kai Hanson came out to try and cause a distraction but was sent to the back by referee Melissa Coates. The distraction back fired and allowed the South Africans to double team the Germans for the win.
Tom Gorgas, currently the NWA SouthWest/Texas promoter was on hand to present plaques to the winning team.

Bout #11
David Steele Division Final
Blaze Bayley & Diamond Dallas Page (/w Kimberly Page) and Michael Shane & Teddy Hart battled to a double countout
**both teams were in a nasty mood. The Hartbreakers decided to menace Kimberly as a distraction strategy that worked quite well. Finally Jody Christmas came to ringside and convinced Kimberly to come sit with him at the announce table. The match could not be contained to the ring and Kimberly and Christmas got involved before it was over. 
Tom Gorgas stepped in for David Steele (NWA Chairman) to hand out plaques to the winning team.

Bout #12
JFCC Cup Semi-Final
Mike Labonte & Adam Burke defeated Kai Hanson & Alex Wright by pinfall when Labonte pinned Wright after a split legged moonsault
**really solid bout that went a gruelling 15 minutes. Wright got worn down as the match progressed. Voight and Wright tried to come down to help but RCW security intercepted them.

[Frans van der Heever, & Duane van Staden received a bye]

Bout #13
Special Attraction - RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Champion vs Champion
Menele - 6'0 255 lbs., parts unknown "Flee" Kindred (RCW Heavyweight Champion)
vs
Vincent Regliatti - 6'2" 235 lbs, Toronto, Ontario "Oh Canada" (RCW Heritage Champion)
**only the RCW Heavyweight title was on the line. This was heel vs heel, but the fans were solidly behind Menele instead of the snarky turncoat Regliatti. Regs frustrated the champ early with some cheating and holds but that was no way to win the bout. Menele took the bout over with brawling and power moves. Regliatti tried to end it with a wuperplex but was way too early. He placed Menele on top, and the champ just stared down at him in disbelief before punching him in the head, and then taking him down with a diving bulldog, and then hit his finisher for the win.
Menele defeated Vincent Regliatti by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex at 10:04
[Menele retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]


Main Event
JFCC Cup Final
Mike Labonte & Adam Burke defeated Frans van der Heever & Duane van Staden by pinfall when Labonte pinned Staden by pinfall after a top rope DVD
[Mike Labonte & Adam Burke won the JFCC Cup]
**Despite the champion vs champion bout and an intermission which bought them about 35 minutes, Labonte and Burke were tired and got schooled the first 6 or 7 minutes of the bout. This is the second time tonight that this duo has faced a team that is coming off a bye. Finally they made a comeback using quick tags and cutting the ring in half. A four man brawl ensued and the RCW fan favourites took out the SAWF opponents with duelling dropkicks. Van der Heever was sent right over the top rope while Labonte finished off Staden with an impressive finisher.

The youngsters received their trophy from Carl Todd, Tom Gorgas, and Bob Backlund, and then told the tag champs Sam Holiday & Al Hardamann that they are coming for the RCW titles, and warn the Spinebusters not to try and get in their way. 

[wickedrex1]

It's been a while, but did you at one point post how you figured out the end results for your matches using dice? I've been looking everywhere for that and can't find it!

[jacklarkin]

Dec 31, 2021 11:54:47 GMT -5 wickedrex1 said:

It's been a while, but did you at one point post how you figured out the end results for your matches using dice? I've been looking everywhere for that and can't find it!

I had some charts etc, heavily influenced by D&D with HP and initiative, but i never found the sheets i used.

[wickedrex1]

[/quote]I had some charts etc, heavily influenced by D&D with HP and initiative, but i never found the sheets i used. [/quote]

Ah, OK. I thought there was a post in this thread about it. But, I can't find it anymore. Just thought I'd check!