Wednesday, February 25, 2009:[/u]
Email:1) Johnny Devine has agreed to an open contract with WWE!
Results for
Unleashed:
1st segment: Jay Lethal w/Don Callis vs. Tyler Black vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. “Champagne” Kory Chavis
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The opener begins with the foursome splitting into two distinct pairings: Benjamin and Lethal, and Black and Chavis (although Lethal attacks everybody with the same Honor Guard-based zeal). In the end, Black is able to cut through the chaos and pin Chavis. Afterwards, he makes a gesture across his waist of a belt and tells the camera he’s hungry for gold, anybody’s gold. **3/4
Winner: Black (pinfall, on Chavis, God’s Last Gift)
Quality: 80%
Crowd: 73%
Overall: 76%
2nd segment:
A video package begins, opening with shots of the slums of a city; homeless people huddle in boxes, dirty children run around, and what buildings aren’t collapsed ruins are in shameful states of disrepair and squalor. Any adults captured look frightened or crushed, and teenagers look sullen, angry and ready to fight. A voiceover with a distinct accent and deep voice speaks are more images are shown, intercut with shots from behind of a tall, imposing man in a plain white shirt and slacks.
“This is the reality of life in Brazil’s major cities. This is daily life for the men, women and children in the slums of cities like Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro. They do not live; they survive. For many women and young girls, this means selling their bodies. Young men join street gangs or end up in a penitentiary. Those who don’t die young will spend their lives here, making the next generation of the damned and the lost. Few ever escape this living hell. The government has no interest in saving these people, and they don’t know how to get out, except to escape to the grave. Only people of steel and fire get out alive … but nobody escapes. It lives in their hearts.”
Victor Ceron turns to face the camera. Sunglasses obscure his eyes, and his stringy hair hangs down around his face. “This is my home. This is where I come from. I got out … but I carry it with me, everywhere, every day. It is my fuel and my fire. It is what made me … a beast. It is what I will bring with me to Ring Of Honor … and what I will use to succeed.”
The screen cuts to black quickly, then cuts to the shots of Ceron wrestling and fighting from the previous video package. “I’m Victor Ceron,” he says over the action footage, before it cuts back to Ceron’s face, filling up the screen, his eyes now visible. “And soon, Ring Of Honor shall know of The Brazilian Beast.”
The screen cuts to black, and Ceron’s name comes up on screen, followed by a “coming soon” graphic.
Quality:
Crowd:
Overall: 51%
3rd segment BJ Whitmer w/Paul Heyman vs. Conrad Kennedy III w/JBL
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Whitmer’s focus and drive nets him another easy win, despite CK3 (and JBL) putting up a fight. Afterwards, Don Callis pops up on screen and says; “You know, maybe I’ve been going about this business with you the wrong way, BJ. Maybe I need to reassess my treatment of you. Next week, I think we need to change the way we relate. I think next week, we need to find a more suitable opponent for you.” Callis smiles and ends the sentence on that cliffhanger. **3/4
Winner: Whitmer (pinfall, Adrenaline Spike)
Quality: 83%
Crowd: 67%
Overall: 75%
4th segment:
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Backstage, Steven Manning is with Kevin Steen on the interview stage. Steen’s smile is as big as all outdoors, and he stands with a championship belt on his shoulder. “Kevin Steen, I have to ask what that is on your shoulder,” says Steven Manning, “because you certainly aren’t a champion here in Ring Of Honor.”
Steen laughs and claps Manning on the shoulder. “You really are just a simple creature, aren’t you?” Steen puts the belt in Manning’s face. “Read it. You can read, right?”
Manning has to step back to see clearly. “Um, yes. It says … PWG World Champion. But that promotion went bankrupt last year!”
“Yes, they did, and good riddance to them. A collection of losers and scrubs, the lot of them. Look how long it took for any of them to break out of southern California. Hell, look at how
few of them got out! What have they done for themselves? And I’m not talking guys who wrestled there on occasion, I mean the PWG 6 and their buddies. The guys who built a name for themselves in PWG. Where are they?”
“Well, Joey Ryan and Scott Lost are here in ROH, and—“
“Please. I’d ask if that’s the best you can do, but I already know it is, and that’s pathetic. I held this belt with
pride. I made it one of the indy scene’s most desired belts, and helped put PWG on the map. It wasn’t Ryan, the Kevin Nash of PWG, and it sure wasn’t Lost, Mr. Coattails himself. The fact is, PWG was started and populated with scrubs. I reigned supreme there because … well … come on! Look at me. I’m ‘Mr. Wrestling’ Kevin Steen. Me dominating PWG is as natural as A-Rod being the best player on a Little League team.” Suddenly, the joy leaves Steen’s face. “But what happened? Why did I only wear this belt once? Why is it I went from main-eventing as the top dog to slumming it in the midcard? Two words: El Generico! I had singles championships everywhere I went: PWG, CZW, Canada,
everywhere. The minute I got stuck in Generico’s orbit, I was anchored in a tag team. For a long time, I’ve been spinning my wheels, trying to be a big fish in a small pond. I’m beyond associating with losers and fighting against jobbers. I’m above wrestling against yard-tards and half-wits who need a partner to carry them to be half-good. This belt says I am World Champion material wherever I go, and it’s high time I live up to it again. There’s only one king in a kingdom, and it’s my time to reign supreme! I am a one-man dynasty! First order of business: clear this company of the dead weight from PWG. Scott Lost, I already pwned you like the jobber you are, and now it’s time to send you back to SoCal in a body bag. Joey Ryan, Magnum, or Diamond, or whatever you’re calling yourself these days – I’d suggest douchebag, since you’re a total [bleep] – you’re next after Scotty boy. It’s my time you’re borrowing boys, and The One-Man Dynasty is about to clean your clock!”
Quality:
Crowd:
Overall: 70%
5th segment: Entourage vs. The CHIKArmy
Entourage certainly have the size advantage, but their teamwork shows the typical signs of being a brand-new partnering. And Conway doesn’t help matters with his preening and posturing while on the apron, ostensibly leaving Albright to do a lot of the work. Nevertheless, the match is going decently for about five minutes when Conway takes one on the jaw. Immediately, he scampers behind the ref and starts talking to him. A stagehand jogs down, holding a stack of documents. After the ref reviews them, he calls for the bell. The crowd, as well as Jigsaw & Hallowicked, are mystified, until the ring announcer makes the call: “Per the contract of Rob Conway, striking Mr. Conway’s face is prohibited at all times, and any talent that does so is subject to a monetary fine, and forfeiture of the match in which the infraction happens. Therefore, the winners of his bout, as a result of a disqualification … Entourage!” Conway and Albright leave, as Jigsaw tosses out threats of retribution. **
Winners: Entourage (disqualification)
Quality: 75%
Crowd: 67%
Overall: 71%
6th segment:
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The ROH Tag Champions come out to the ring to a rousing ovation. “It sure is nice to be among people who appreciate you,” says Chris Sabin as much to the people as to his partner.
“Yeah, I know being champ puts a target on your back,” says Alex Shelley, “but the way we get the cold shoulder, you’d think we’d run over someone’s puppy on Christmas.”
“But we’re kinda used to being disrespected, Alex. That’s why we left Orlando, right?”
Shelley nods. “Yup. And it’s why we came here to Ring Of Honor two years ago, when we had TNA, WWE, NOAH, Dragon Gate, and probably 10 other promotions sending us contracts. Because we knew
this was where we’d get respect. From fans who appreciate and value tag team wrestling, and from teams who are the best in the world.”
The music of Danzig and the dimming of the lights signal the arrival of the Murderdeathkill. Justice Pain and The Messiah come through the curtain to a ovation equal to the reigning champs. They acknowledge the crowd with their Singapore canes, but give the champs scowls before entering the ring. Shelley and Sabin extend hands, which get more scowls from MDK. “Guys, come on … we’re trying,” says Shelley.
“You don’t have to like us, but at least—“
“We don’t owe you a damned thing, except the beating of a lifetime,” says Messiah. “You just don’t get it, do you?”
“No,” says Sabin with some defiance, enough to make Pain and Messiah stand a little taller. “No, we don’t. We took down The Elite, and we get crapped on for it. We beat Matt & Josh fair and square, and they get atta-boys, while we get treated like we just spoiled Santa Claus for a group of orphans! How is what we did
so bad?”
Pain chuckles. “Just a couple of clueless, self-absorbed punks, right, Messiah?” Messiah nods. “Since you need it spelled out, allow us to take you to school. We came in ‘bout the same time, right? You came in, boom, instant top-flight team. Tag Title shots, because you were this super-hot team with a pedigree. What did we come in with? X-Pac heat.
‘Two garbage wrestlers from CZW’, that’s what the announcers called us. We had to prove ourselves, from day one. We didn’t get anything handed to us.”
“So
that’s it?” says Shelley. “You’re mad because we had a following, and you came in cold? Dude, could you be any more petty?”
“No, you idiot,” snaps Messiah. “Open your ears and shut your mouth. We came in, and we
earned respect by beating the ever-lovin’ hell outta everybody we faced … but we
never pulled the bull[bleep] you did. You whined, you cried, you used every shortcut in the book. We mighta been [bleep]holes, but we
never disrespected our opponents. We looked ‘em in the eye and let ‘em know they had a trip to the ER comin’ that night. You couldn’t do that.”
“And you
still can’t do that. Look at how you beat The Elite,” says Pain. “Every team in this company wanted at them. Us, Rey & Chavo, Tyler & Kory, Matt & Josh; I heard the front office was getting contract offers from other promotions who wanted a shot. We all wanted to beat those cowards into the ground and take back those belts. And along comes you two clowns, who pull this bull[bleep] break-up soap opera for
months, like this was
Young & The Restless or something, and it all pays off in this screwjob at A New Level. Instead of
beating them, you sunk to their level. You’re no better than those scum-sucking degenerates.”
Messiah adds; “
That’s why we don’t respect you; because you couldn’t beat them fair and square. Every time you’ve won the belts, there’s always been some kind of circus surrounding it, and now, when everybody was looking to you to prove us ‘outsiders’ weren’t the lowlife, untalented swine they think we are, you go and prove them right. It don’t matter if you beat every team in this company from here on out for a year; tables, cages, ladders, whatever. Fact is, you didn’t
win those belts, and you
ain’t champions.”
Shelley waits a few seconds, then says; “Are you done? Do we get a rebuttal now?” Pain gestures for Shelley to go ahead. “Gee, thanks. Glad I have your permission. The fact is, you have a selective view of history. Yeah, we screwed Sydal and Evans … but our first run with these belts last year came from beating them, so we’ve proven what we need to. And who did we beat for our second run? Oh yeah, that’s right:
you two. Who’ve you beaten in your four runs? The Briscoes,
three times, and a couple singles wrestlers. And who ended two of your reigns?
Matt Sydal and Jack Evans.”
“You may not like
how we won the belts,” says Sabin, “but we
did win them. And we did what nobody else could, which was to bring those belts back home. So what if we pulled a fast one? It’s what they
deserved. You call it stooping to their level; we call it reciprocity.”
Pain and Messiah edge closer to Shelley and Sabin. “Seems we don’t see eye to eye,” says Messiah.
“Seems we don’t,” replies Sabin. “You gonna do something about it, or you just gonna run your mouths some more?”
Pain lets the moment hang for a bit, then says; “Oh, we will. At Take No Prisoners.” Pain and Messiah turn and walk away without looking back, leaving a split crowd half cheering for MDK and half for the Guns.
Quality:
Crowd:
Overall: 78%
7th segment, ROH Bold Future Championship match: Michael Quackenbush Spillane (c) w/JBL vs. Joey Ryan
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Ryan attacks the match like he wants to end it early, which is underscored by his furtive glances here and there. MQS, meanwhile, tries to get out of the match by any means necessary, although Ryan refuses to let MQS get off easy. But in the end, Ryan once again is assaulted by a mystery person, this time using a baseball bat to swing at Ryan’s legs from under the ring. The ref calls for the bell, bringing a stop to the match and guaranteeing MQS will make it Monday for the final defense. ***1/2
Winner: Ryan (disqualification by interference)
Your ROH Bold Future Champion: Michael Quackenbush Spillane
Quality: 87%
Crowd: 80%
Overall: 83%
Notes: The ROH Bold Future title has gained in image.
8th segment: Nigel McGuinness w/Don Callis vs. Roderick Strong
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McGuinness and Strong work a stiff-as-all-get-out match for a solid five minutes, each trying to top the other for sick offense. Callis is nearly jumping out of his skin as the minutes peel by, and Strong is not only keeping up, but making McGuinness look vulnerable. But when McGuinness bails for the safety of the outside, Chris Hero runs down and nails McGuinness from behind. The ref calls for the bell as Hero goes to town, but before officials can break it up, Austin Aries runs out and makes a beeline for Strong. The ringside area floods with officials and road agents trying to regain control, and Unleashed goes to commercial on the chaos. ***1/4
Winner: McGuinness (disqualification)
Quality: 84%
Crowd: 86%
Overall: 85%
9th segment:
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“Ladies and gentlemen,” says Jimmy Bauer, “what we are about to show you is videotape filmed yesterday at Ruckus’ personal training facility. He invited us into his dojo to see his training regimen as he hones his MMA skills. But we, and he, got more than expected.”
The video opens with Ruckus working out in a ring, doing a lot of traditional pro wrestling exercises: running ropes, falls, working on combos and transitions. He then moves to MMA sparring, working on counters and transitions and submission moves. Members of Team Ruckus provide a running commentary, about how disciplined his training regimen is becoming, how fast he is learning Brazilian jiujitsu, and how it might be a matter of time before he outgrows the Wrestler’s Choice Championship and is ready for a crack at the big belt.
The video looks to end with Ruckus calling it a night and leaving the gym. As he locks up, he says; “I ain’t been pinned or submitted in 2009. Lot a people think that’s a big deal. That ain’t what’s interesting. What people gotta--”
The squeal of tires cuts off Ruckus; he drops into a defensive position, then leaps out of the way as headlights bear down on him, narrowly avoiding being struck down by a Cadillac. The door opens and Homicide gets out, brandishing a tire iron. Before Ruckus can get back to his feet and ready for Homicide, The Notorious 187 strikes, hitting Ruckus in the gut. Homicide gets in a couple more shots before Team Ruckus comes pouring out of the dojo, prompting Homicide to get back in the Caddy, which peels off into the night.
Quality:
Crowd:
Overall: 75%
10th segment: Bryan Danielson vs. Steve Corino vs. Christian Cage vs. Shawn Michaels, four-corners survival match
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Like the match two days before, it’s non-stop action, but the intensity is dialed up just a little more, with the storied rivalry of Danielson and Michaels now in the mix, as well as some static between Cage and Corino. There are tons of near-falls, and Danielson manages to get submission attempts on all three of his opponents, continuing to look like he’s stepped up his game. In the closing moments, Corino throws Cage outside, and in doing so, sends him crashing into Michaels. Corino and Danielson mix it up, and Corino hits a leg lariat to put Danielson on the mat. Michaels rolls back in and gets in Corino’s face; they argue over what just happened, and without warning, Michaels rocks Corino’s jaw with Sweet Chin Music. Danielson, over-selling the leg lariat, goes with Corino’s fall and rolls him up while Michaels turns to leave the ring, unaware until the bell rings that Danielson has just won the match. ***1/2
Winner: Danielson (pinfall, on Corino, roll-up)
Quality: 86%
Crowd: 88%
Overall: 87%
11th segment: Eddie Kingston & Paul Burchill vs. Jimmy Jacobs & Edge
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It’s everything that could be expected with the men involved, and the blood feuds between the four. The carnage is nothing less than inhuman, and blood flows like a river. The ref, operating on instructions to let it go, has to stand helpless as the two teams tear each other apart like a dog fight. In the end, Jacobs counters the spinning backfist with a steel spike to the hand. As Kingston holds his hand, Jacobs slips on The End Time. Edge cuts off Burchill, and while Kingston doesn’t tap, he can’t stay conscious either, and the ref has no choice but to call an end to it. As Edge beats on Burchill, Jacobs gets a microphone and leans in on Kingston; “Tonight, I took no prisoners. I took your breath. And soon, I take my title back.” ***3/4
Winners: Jacobs & Edge (ref stoppage, The End Time)
Quality: 89%
Crowd: 82%
Overall: 85%
Overall show rating: 76%
Thursday, February 26, 2009:[/u]
Email:1) WWE Wednesday are trying to compete with us, but are being destroyed in the ratings.
2) We got a 5.48 rating for 'Unleashed'! The attendance level was 6428 people. We made $257120 from ticket sales.
3) WWE got a 1.98 television rating for 'WWE Wednesday'! The event was attended by 370 people. They made $7400 from ticket sales.
PI – no change
Friday, February 27, 2009:[/u]
Email:1) TNA got a 4.52 television rating for 'TNA iMPACT!'! The event was attended by 5606 people. They made $224240 from ticket sales.
Saturday, February 28, 2009:[/u]
Email:1) TNA got a 0.93 television rating for 'TNA Friday'! The event was attended by 5632 people. They made $225280 from ticket sales.
2) IWA-PR got a 1.15 television rating for 'High Impact'! The event was attended by 482 people. They made $14460 from ticket sales.
Jed Shaffer
~Separate post for the 1st of the month.