No matter how you analyze it, Memphis Wrestling grabbed national pro wrestling headlines all week long due to the upcoming "Clash of the Legends" event that will now feature a main event of Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Wight (the former WWE "Big Show"). While making the one-hour drive to my place of work, I have a lot of time to think about a lot of things. This situation has really grabbed my attention.
I won't rehash the story about the removal of Jerry "The King" Lawler from the event or the WWE's request to Corey Maclin that the show be cancelled completely. You can read that (cheap plug) right here at http://www.rasslinriotonline.com/. What I will do, however, is take a look back and a look ahead. I love the history of the wrestling business and this is just another piece of the Memphis Wrestling history puzzle. Here's a look back and a look ahead at the rocky relationship of Memphis promotions with the WWE during the last 10 years and some other ironic happenings.
- Feb. 14, 1999: Paul Wight makes his World Wrestling Federation debuting, interfering in the "Stone Cold" Steve Austin/Vince McMahon match at the St. Valentine's Day Massacre pay-per-view. This event was held at the Pyramid in Memphis with, I believe, a sold out crowd. Yours truly was in attendance and actually missed the final moments of the main event to wait outside the arena to get good seats for the next WWF Memphis event - a June 1999 Raw.
- Late 1999: Others who were more on the "inside" of this will have more details, but anyway here goes. Apparently Jerry Lawler and Randy Hales, promoter of Power Pro Wrestling have a falling out. Lawler ends up working with Terry Golden, promoter of Kick Ass Wrestling, to form Memphis Championship Wrestling. MCW has a developmental deal with the WWF, while PPW does not. PPW has a Saturday morning broadcast on WMC TV-5, while MCW airs on UPN-30.
- 2000: Sometime during the first year of the new millenium, MCW and PPW end up working together - although not merging under one universal banner. PPW regains its status as a WWE developmental territory. Future WWE stars work for PPW on TV again. PPW and MCW also retain their seperate TV shows, using the same talent.
- March 2001: Jerry Lawler leaves the WWE after his wife, Stacy "The Kat" Carter is released. Lawler is scheduled to appear on PPW TV following his WWE departure on a live Saturday morning telecast. Due to Lawler's planned appearance, WWE pulls its developmental deal from PPW - again. MCW remains a developmental territory. Talent on an MCW card in Corning, AR, are informed that if they appear on PPW's TV show the next morning, they will also no longer have a job. Yours truly is at the Corning show, working for MCW. Some of the developmental talent on the show included today's WWE stars Victoria, Umaga, Lance Cade, Brian Kendrick, among others who have either went on to WWE and have been released or were released later that year. Only a few weeks after losing its WWE developmental deal, PPW shuts down.
- July 2001: MCW loses its developmental deal and several talents are released. Those not released are moved to either Ohio Valley Wrestling or Heartland Wrestling Association.
- Spring 2002: Memphis Wrestling debuts on UPN-30. During much of the company's run, it has experienced good relations with the WWE.
As you can see, it has been a rocky road for Memphis in its relationship with WWE. However, I should note that this only shows how important the Mid-South has been and even continues to be for wrestling. This show, not counting his XWF show in 2001, will be Hogan's first non-WWE/WCW show in the United States.
So many questions will need to be answered. Here's a few.- Where does this leave Lawler and his status with Memphis Wrestling?- Will Hogan and Maclin begin working together on the rumored Hogan "legends wrestling promotion" project? - Will WWE attempt to put a developmental territory back in the Mid-South? Maybe using some other promotion or by starting a promotion? It happened before.- Will Maclin begin working with TNA?- Could VH1 be interested in doing something along the lines of wrestling? What about MTV after its failed project with WSX? Hogan could be the catalyst. So crazy!
Just some food for thought. Hope everyone enjoyed. One last thing to ponder . . . the Memphis-Hogan-Lawler-WWE chaos grabbed the wrestling world's attention during a week that should have been a TNA celebration week. Tomorrow night the company holds its second PPV outside Orlando since going to three hours in November 2004. It is in St. Louis, MO, a true wrestling capitol where "Wrestling at the Chase," dominated the airwaves. It is taking place in the home of the Major League Baseball World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. Should have been a lot of hype for that one, but not if Hogan, Memphis, WWE and company have anything to say about it.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
The Ratings Are In!!
----This week’s show was a bit below the average, but still a strong show in the sense that not a lot of people turned off the show. Even though you see three of the four quarters scoring 2.6, there is slight difference in the count of viewers due to me rounding off the numbers. I hope everyone enjoys the new format, as it gives a little bit more info.
Overall – 2.6 - 42,812 viewers
[Derrick King interview opened the show. DK talked about the “mask” that keeps haunting him. DK visited a magic shop and the owner told him to watch his back. Derrick King vs Johnny Dotson ended in No Contest. Tatt2 tried to interfere to help Dotson, but it backfired. Flash Flanagan then came out running off DK…“Hollywood” Jimmy Blaylock with Fire/Flame/Chucky. Jimmy said that Chucky will be in the corner of Kamala this Friday night. Then Corey Maclin announced that Boogeyman will have Little Boogey at ringside with him.]
1st Quarter – 2.6 – 43,148 viewers
[“New Nature Boy” Kevin White by DQ over Dustin Starr. A real good TV bout, but with a crappy finish. White was getting the heat on Starr and started using a chain, so Lord Humongous II made the save for him. Here is the problem – no build up except for Maclin saying Bill Dundee would reveal his mystery partner today and then Huey showing up. Just a couple of weeks ago, Huey was with the “Hollywood Clique” and now no turn or explanation…Another piece with Jazz/Maclin at the home of Jazz. Grady Watson joins them. Watson talks about not being able to control The Moondogs. Jazz attacks Watson trying to rip his shirt. This was horrible. Jazz does a good promo after the angle.…Video is shown of Corey Maclin and Jimmy Hart. They are on the roof of Hulk Hogan’s house waiting on him. Maclin promises Hogan later on the program. Hart then calls in and talks to Maclin. ]
2cnd Quarter – 2.6 – 44,323 viewers [+1175] - Best Quarter
[Jerry Lawler video interview from his home surrounded by Superman memorabilia. Lawler talks about Hogan should not worry about who is going to be the most popular, because he will be since they are in Memphis. Lawler puts over the fact that they felt the Mid-South Coliseum would not hold all the people for the event, so they are now using the Fed-Ex Forum. ----Hulk Hogan video interview aired next with Corey Maclin. Hogan puts over the point on whether Jimmy Hart is going to be in his corner or Lawler’s corner. Something weird about the video as it looked like Maclin/Hogan were transposed in the scenery]
3rd Quarter – 2.4 - 39,958 viewers [-4365] - Worst Quarter
[Shelton/Hass video interview aired next. Same one as last week’s show…Grind/Flex squash “Blackout Squad” [Oz/Bishop] in quick bout. “Too Cool” got a huge babyface reaction from the fans even though they are heels. And, aren’t the BOS heels here?? Grind/Flex used a combo driver/stunner finish, which looked awesome!!!...Koko Ware interview as The Grizz comes out to a pop. Grizz whispers something in Maclin’s ear and Maclin then announces he is the special ref for the match Friday night…They announced Hulk Hogan will be live in the studio next week…“Insane Clown” with Rashard come out. Clowns vs Cujo in a handicap match. Clowns have water and food for Cujo. Cujo gets down and looks at the food. He then hikes his leg up like he pees in it. Then the Clowns jump him with silly string. God!! I wished I was making all that up!!! Show goes off before the finish of the match as Cujo was making his comeback.]
4th Quarter – 2.6 - 43,987 viewers [+4029]
12 week average – 3.0 - 49,528 viewers
12 week High – 4.1 – 67,583 viewers - 1.27.07
12 Week Low – 2.2 – 36,936 viewers - 2.03.07
Growth from start to finish: +839
**This report is shown on www.gerweck.net and www.prowrestlingpress.com.
Overall – 2.6 - 42,812 viewers
[Derrick King interview opened the show. DK talked about the “mask” that keeps haunting him. DK visited a magic shop and the owner told him to watch his back. Derrick King vs Johnny Dotson ended in No Contest. Tatt2 tried to interfere to help Dotson, but it backfired. Flash Flanagan then came out running off DK…“Hollywood” Jimmy Blaylock with Fire/Flame/Chucky. Jimmy said that Chucky will be in the corner of Kamala this Friday night. Then Corey Maclin announced that Boogeyman will have Little Boogey at ringside with him.]
1st Quarter – 2.6 – 43,148 viewers
[“New Nature Boy” Kevin White by DQ over Dustin Starr. A real good TV bout, but with a crappy finish. White was getting the heat on Starr and started using a chain, so Lord Humongous II made the save for him. Here is the problem – no build up except for Maclin saying Bill Dundee would reveal his mystery partner today and then Huey showing up. Just a couple of weeks ago, Huey was with the “Hollywood Clique” and now no turn or explanation…Another piece with Jazz/Maclin at the home of Jazz. Grady Watson joins them. Watson talks about not being able to control The Moondogs. Jazz attacks Watson trying to rip his shirt. This was horrible. Jazz does a good promo after the angle.…Video is shown of Corey Maclin and Jimmy Hart. They are on the roof of Hulk Hogan’s house waiting on him. Maclin promises Hogan later on the program. Hart then calls in and talks to Maclin. ]
2cnd Quarter – 2.6 – 44,323 viewers [+1175] - Best Quarter
[Jerry Lawler video interview from his home surrounded by Superman memorabilia. Lawler talks about Hogan should not worry about who is going to be the most popular, because he will be since they are in Memphis. Lawler puts over the fact that they felt the Mid-South Coliseum would not hold all the people for the event, so they are now using the Fed-Ex Forum. ----Hulk Hogan video interview aired next with Corey Maclin. Hogan puts over the point on whether Jimmy Hart is going to be in his corner or Lawler’s corner. Something weird about the video as it looked like Maclin/Hogan were transposed in the scenery]
3rd Quarter – 2.4 - 39,958 viewers [-4365] - Worst Quarter
[Shelton/Hass video interview aired next. Same one as last week’s show…Grind/Flex squash “Blackout Squad” [Oz/Bishop] in quick bout. “Too Cool” got a huge babyface reaction from the fans even though they are heels. And, aren’t the BOS heels here?? Grind/Flex used a combo driver/stunner finish, which looked awesome!!!...Koko Ware interview as The Grizz comes out to a pop. Grizz whispers something in Maclin’s ear and Maclin then announces he is the special ref for the match Friday night…They announced Hulk Hogan will be live in the studio next week…“Insane Clown” with Rashard come out. Clowns vs Cujo in a handicap match. Clowns have water and food for Cujo. Cujo gets down and looks at the food. He then hikes his leg up like he pees in it. Then the Clowns jump him with silly string. God!! I wished I was making all that up!!! Show goes off before the finish of the match as Cujo was making his comeback.]
4th Quarter – 2.6 - 43,987 viewers [+4029]
12 week average – 3.0 - 49,528 viewers
12 week High – 4.1 – 67,583 viewers - 1.27.07
12 Week Low – 2.2 – 36,936 viewers - 2.03.07
Growth from start to finish: +839
**This report is shown on www.gerweck.net and www.prowrestlingpress.com.
RassleReview: Memphis Wrestling Ratings - 1st Quarter 2007
Memphis Wrestling – 1st Quarter of 2007
----I had written about the downfall of Memphis Wrestling being the move from the morning slot to the night time slot. I actually considered that the “story of the year”. But, as the year ended, the show continued to surprise me with good ratings. The show finished with overall yearly average of 4.2 which is close to 70,000 fans watching Memphis Wrestling on a weekly basis. The show was averaging a 3.8 [63,798 viewers] in the night time slot and it looked as if the change was not affecting them.
----Well, with the combo of airing horrible wrestling shows and the move to night time, the ratings have started to fall. The program had the worst overall rating average and worst overall people viewing of the show in the first quarter of 2007 than anytime during 2006. The show scored an average of 48,578 viewers with a 2.9 rating. So, they have dropped on a weekly basis 15,220 fans from the past quarter [4th quarter 2006]. Last year the first quarter of the year, the program scored a whopping 5.1 [85,623 viewers], which is losing 37,046 viewers from last year.
----If you do not include the big first quarter of last year in the study and just look at the constant of around 3.8 [63,798 viewers] for rest of the year, then you are still seeing a 24% decrease in viewers. If that happens for rest of the year and we see another 24% decrease in the next three months, then the show could be doing a 2.2 rating, which would be in the danger zone for this promotion. We may also see it level off for the next three quarters and do just the norm of the 2.9.
More Facts
*Best Quarter 4.8 [80,400 viewers] 1st Quarter 1.27.07
*Worst Quarter 1.4 [22,472] 1st Quarter 2.03.07
Quarter with highest rating overall: 4th Quarter
Quarter with lowest ratings overall: 1st Quarter
Best Rated Show Overall – 4.1 [67,583 viewers]– 1.27.07
Worst Rated Show Overall – 2.1 [34,597 viewers] -1.06.07
----I had written about the downfall of Memphis Wrestling being the move from the morning slot to the night time slot. I actually considered that the “story of the year”. But, as the year ended, the show continued to surprise me with good ratings. The show finished with overall yearly average of 4.2 which is close to 70,000 fans watching Memphis Wrestling on a weekly basis. The show was averaging a 3.8 [63,798 viewers] in the night time slot and it looked as if the change was not affecting them.
----Well, with the combo of airing horrible wrestling shows and the move to night time, the ratings have started to fall. The program had the worst overall rating average and worst overall people viewing of the show in the first quarter of 2007 than anytime during 2006. The show scored an average of 48,578 viewers with a 2.9 rating. So, they have dropped on a weekly basis 15,220 fans from the past quarter [4th quarter 2006]. Last year the first quarter of the year, the program scored a whopping 5.1 [85,623 viewers], which is losing 37,046 viewers from last year.
----If you do not include the big first quarter of last year in the study and just look at the constant of around 3.8 [63,798 viewers] for rest of the year, then you are still seeing a 24% decrease in viewers. If that happens for rest of the year and we see another 24% decrease in the next three months, then the show could be doing a 2.2 rating, which would be in the danger zone for this promotion. We may also see it level off for the next three quarters and do just the norm of the 2.9.
More Facts
*Best Quarter 4.8 [80,400 viewers] 1st Quarter 1.27.07
*Worst Quarter 1.4 [22,472] 1st Quarter 2.03.07
Quarter with highest rating overall: 4th Quarter
Quarter with lowest ratings overall: 1st Quarter
Best Rated Show Overall – 4.1 [67,583 viewers]– 1.27.07
Worst Rated Show Overall – 2.1 [34,597 viewers] -1.06.07
RassleResults: Memphis Wrestling "Sam's Town" Tunica, MS 4.13.07
“The Posse” [Lil Chris/Simon] beat “Naughty By Nature” [Rude/Pokerface] with Rashard
Jimmy Hart called out Corey Maclin to announce changes
Tatt2 by DQ Dustin Starr – Dotson jumped Tatt2
Chucky with Blaylock beat Sawed Off – Chucky took off his mask and revealed Hollywood the Midget and said he would challenge any midget.
Little Boogeyman beat Hollywood
Flash Flanagan beat Derrick King for JR Title – Fantasio/Spellbinder was on stage
Sir Mo by roll up Humongous II with Hollywood Jimmy
“The Moondogs” [Cujo/Fifi] with Grady Watson vs Rodney Mack/Jazz – No Contest
Bill Dundee/Kishi [Rikishi] beat Kevin White/Mr. Hughes
“The Moondogs” [Cujo/Spike] with Richard Lee squashed “Too Cool 2” [Tim Grind/Flex] for the Southern tag team titles.
Koko Ware vs The Grizz – Special ref Corey Maclin – Grizz by DQ – pull apart with Koko/Corey again!!
----$9600 gate with around 400 in the building. A third of the crowd missing from the last show. This time without Lawler. Gate puts them 2cnd behind their last show in gates of the year though…Chris got busted open. I really hope they use “Naughty By Nature” instead of that stupid clown gimmick!!!...Dustin Starr vs Tatt2 was face vs face match with Starr working more heel with Starr leaving Tatt2…Mo blew up. Why was Huey with Hollywood?? Damn!! Follow the storylines!!…Lots of DK playing around at front of match. Match was not as good as expected. Fantasio/Spellbinder looked great!! DK was looking at him on the stage and Flash pinned him…Watson was trying to control Moondogs and Moondog Spike with Richard Lee [who is so big he looks like a Moondog] came out to help and the Moondogs turned on Grady Watson…White got the stinkface and Dundee hit with DDT and then Kishi sit on him for the pin. Kishi got over big time – crowd went nuts when Dundee called him out and it was a fun match…”Too Cool 2” got squashed because they were told 7 minutes, but The Moondogs spent 6 minutes to get into the ring and then squashed them Lee said after the match that some people thought they had lost a “brother” meant the Moondogs were gone, but the Moondogs were still alive…I was told Koko was getting stiff with The Grizz. Koko was challenging Maclin for a “Negro Street Fight” for the FedEx Forum. NO!!! NO!!!...Kimala was in the building at the start of the show, but ended up leaving before even getting dressed. Maybe he heard that you work this show Vince will not use you for anything…I was told that Kishi/Dundee vs White/Hughes and Moondogs vs Mack/Jazz got the biggest reactions of the night. It seems that from a worker’s standpoint this was not a great show, but was a good show for the fans.
Jimmy Hart called out Corey Maclin to announce changes
Tatt2 by DQ Dustin Starr – Dotson jumped Tatt2
Chucky with Blaylock beat Sawed Off – Chucky took off his mask and revealed Hollywood the Midget and said he would challenge any midget.
Little Boogeyman beat Hollywood
Flash Flanagan beat Derrick King for JR Title – Fantasio/Spellbinder was on stage
Sir Mo by roll up Humongous II with Hollywood Jimmy
“The Moondogs” [Cujo/Fifi] with Grady Watson vs Rodney Mack/Jazz – No Contest
Bill Dundee/Kishi [Rikishi] beat Kevin White/Mr. Hughes
“The Moondogs” [Cujo/Spike] with Richard Lee squashed “Too Cool 2” [Tim Grind/Flex] for the Southern tag team titles.
Koko Ware vs The Grizz – Special ref Corey Maclin – Grizz by DQ – pull apart with Koko/Corey again!!
----$9600 gate with around 400 in the building. A third of the crowd missing from the last show. This time without Lawler. Gate puts them 2cnd behind their last show in gates of the year though…Chris got busted open. I really hope they use “Naughty By Nature” instead of that stupid clown gimmick!!!...Dustin Starr vs Tatt2 was face vs face match with Starr working more heel with Starr leaving Tatt2…Mo blew up. Why was Huey with Hollywood?? Damn!! Follow the storylines!!…Lots of DK playing around at front of match. Match was not as good as expected. Fantasio/Spellbinder looked great!! DK was looking at him on the stage and Flash pinned him…Watson was trying to control Moondogs and Moondog Spike with Richard Lee [who is so big he looks like a Moondog] came out to help and the Moondogs turned on Grady Watson…White got the stinkface and Dundee hit with DDT and then Kishi sit on him for the pin. Kishi got over big time – crowd went nuts when Dundee called him out and it was a fun match…”Too Cool 2” got squashed because they were told 7 minutes, but The Moondogs spent 6 minutes to get into the ring and then squashed them Lee said after the match that some people thought they had lost a “brother” meant the Moondogs were gone, but the Moondogs were still alive…I was told Koko was getting stiff with The Grizz. Koko was challenging Maclin for a “Negro Street Fight” for the FedEx Forum. NO!!! NO!!!...Kimala was in the building at the start of the show, but ended up leaving before even getting dressed. Maybe he heard that you work this show Vince will not use you for anything…I was told that Kishi/Dundee vs White/Hughes and Moondogs vs Mack/Jazz got the biggest reactions of the night. It seems that from a worker’s standpoint this was not a great show, but was a good show for the fans.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Show of the Weekend - Selmer, TN
Here is a show I forgot to post---
----Saturday night in Selmer, TN for CWA with “The Posse” [Simon/Lil Chris], Dustin Starr, Brian Steele, Reno Diamond, Matt Boyce, Chris O'Neal, Chris Kilgore and many more for a TV taping.
----Saturday night in Selmer, TN for CWA with “The Posse” [Simon/Lil Chris], Dustin Starr, Brian Steele, Reno Diamond, Matt Boyce, Chris O'Neal, Chris Kilgore and many more for a TV taping.
NEW UPATE!!! WWE PULLS TALENT!!
This was reported last night on www.wrestlingobserver.com
Update on Memphis situation regarding WWE and MemphisWrestlingby Dave MeltzerDave@wrestlingobserver.comWWE today pulled Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas andBoogeyman from tomorrow night's Memphis Wrestling showat Sam's Town Casino in Tunica, MS in the fallout offorcing Jerry Lawler out of his match with Hulk Hoganon 4/27.
From this point forward, no WWE contracted talent willbe allowed to work for the promotion. It is unclearwhether Lawler, who has an announcers contract but nota talent contract, would be allowed to work ontelevision or on other shows.The promotion has used WWE talent since the beginningof time, as well as outside talent.
The issue was the problems with Vince McMahon and HulkHogan were such that McMahon didn't want the show tocome off. Ironically, the Fed Ex Forum had contactedWWE last week when the site of the show was forced tomove and WWE said they had no problem with themhousing a show. But Lawler was then told Monday nightat television that he wouldn't be allowed to work onthe show. Lawler told Maclin that the WWE wouldreimburse him his deposit money spent to book thebuilding, but Maclin decided against it and wanted tocontinue with the show.
The program, tickets, billboards, radio and print adsall built around Lawler vs. Hogan will have to bechanged, as well as having to redo major aspects ofthe television show that wuoild air the next twoSaturdays.
Despite how it was phrased by Lawler at today's pressconference, VH-1 filming was not an issue. Thecomplete issue is that McMahon didn't want such ahigh-profile match taking place involving Hogan.Lawler asked if he could make an appearance on theshow that wouldn't involve Hogan and he was told hecould not appear on the show if Hogan appeared. He didappear at the press conference today saying hewouldn't wrestle on the show before it was announcedthat Paul Wight, the former Big show, would faceHogan.
It has become a major story in the Memphis media sinceMayor Willie Herenton was a participant on the showand did interviews regarding the cancellation.CW-30 in Memphis has a one-hour special scheduled fortonight that would promote the match as well astomorrow night's show. WWE earlier in the week sent ininterviews with Haas & Benjamin for the show, whichwas unable to be changed by the local station at thelast minute. They are expected to run a crawl notingthe new main event for 4/27 during the promotion forLawler vs. Hogan.
Update on Memphis situation regarding WWE and MemphisWrestlingby Dave MeltzerDave@wrestlingobserver.comWWE today pulled Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas andBoogeyman from tomorrow night's Memphis Wrestling showat Sam's Town Casino in Tunica, MS in the fallout offorcing Jerry Lawler out of his match with Hulk Hoganon 4/27.
From this point forward, no WWE contracted talent willbe allowed to work for the promotion. It is unclearwhether Lawler, who has an announcers contract but nota talent contract, would be allowed to work ontelevision or on other shows.The promotion has used WWE talent since the beginningof time, as well as outside talent.
The issue was the problems with Vince McMahon and HulkHogan were such that McMahon didn't want the show tocome off. Ironically, the Fed Ex Forum had contactedWWE last week when the site of the show was forced tomove and WWE said they had no problem with themhousing a show. But Lawler was then told Monday nightat television that he wouldn't be allowed to work onthe show. Lawler told Maclin that the WWE wouldreimburse him his deposit money spent to book thebuilding, but Maclin decided against it and wanted tocontinue with the show.
The program, tickets, billboards, radio and print adsall built around Lawler vs. Hogan will have to bechanged, as well as having to redo major aspects ofthe television show that wuoild air the next twoSaturdays.
Despite how it was phrased by Lawler at today's pressconference, VH-1 filming was not an issue. Thecomplete issue is that McMahon didn't want such ahigh-profile match taking place involving Hogan.Lawler asked if he could make an appearance on theshow that wouldn't involve Hogan and he was told hecould not appear on the show if Hogan appeared. He didappear at the press conference today saying hewouldn't wrestle on the show before it was announcedthat Paul Wight, the former Big show, would faceHogan.
It has become a major story in the Memphis media sinceMayor Willie Herenton was a participant on the showand did interviews regarding the cancellation.CW-30 in Memphis has a one-hour special scheduled fortonight that would promote the match as well astomorrow night's show. WWE earlier in the week sent ininterviews with Haas & Benjamin for the show, whichwas unable to be changed by the local station at thelast minute. They are expected to run a crawl notingthe new main event for 4/27 during the promotion forLawler vs. Hogan.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Press Conference Video
CLICK HERE to watch the Lawler/Hogan press conference. The audio is actually really bad until right after 3 minute mark.
Results Roundup - TIWF Jackson, TN
----I was sent the last two weeks of TIWF and wanted to catch everyone up on the promotion. They have an angle going with “Old School” vs “New School” with Allen Walker being one of the main heels getting over “Old School”. Even though Walker is helping with the booking and may get bashed for pushing himself, this angle seems to be working. The 3.31.07 show had a 20% increase in regular crowd drawing 116 with a gate over $500. Easter weekend dropped a bit, but the norm of around 91 paid with a gate of $455. It looks like the intro of new faces like “Missouri Bad Boys” and a new booker is giving them a shot in the arm.
3.31.07 had Battle Royal with Brianna Starr winning, Jennifer Justice beat Brianna Starr, Wildman/JR Rich/Nigerian Nightmare beat High Rollers/Overkill, Wildside beat Waycool, TIWF Title Match: Steven Rampage dq’ed vs PK Ripper & Cryme in a triple threat, Big Boy Bob beat Lawman Williams with help from Walker with Lawman doing a stetcher job, “Missouri Bad Boys” [Renegade/Mark Southern] vs “Black Label Society” [AJ Bradley/Void] – No Contest, Dazzlin Dixie beat Moondog Rex and then turned on Ravishing Randy and blasted Jennifer Justice to join “Old School” – “Old School” beat up Rex until the TIWF dressing room made the save.
4.7.07 had Johnny Thunder beating Razor, AC Havoc beat Weasel, High Rollers vs “BLS” – No contest, Ironman 30 Minute Challenge – Way Cool beat Wildside 4 – 3, Moondog Rex beat Azreal/Nigerian Nightmare in a Handicap Match – after the match Rex kept beating people up until Walker brought out his bone they stole a couple of weeks back – Rex left with Walker and main event was Big Boy Bob winning the TIWF Title by beating Steven Rampage when Walker hit Rampage with Rex’s bone. Rampage’s body hair was then shaved and threw into the crowd. That just sounded real bizarre and gross. LOL BLS made the save for him and crowd popped big!!
3.31.07 had Battle Royal with Brianna Starr winning, Jennifer Justice beat Brianna Starr, Wildman/JR Rich/Nigerian Nightmare beat High Rollers/Overkill, Wildside beat Waycool, TIWF Title Match: Steven Rampage dq’ed vs PK Ripper & Cryme in a triple threat, Big Boy Bob beat Lawman Williams with help from Walker with Lawman doing a stetcher job, “Missouri Bad Boys” [Renegade/Mark Southern] vs “Black Label Society” [AJ Bradley/Void] – No Contest, Dazzlin Dixie beat Moondog Rex and then turned on Ravishing Randy and blasted Jennifer Justice to join “Old School” – “Old School” beat up Rex until the TIWF dressing room made the save.
4.7.07 had Johnny Thunder beating Razor, AC Havoc beat Weasel, High Rollers vs “BLS” – No contest, Ironman 30 Minute Challenge – Way Cool beat Wildside 4 – 3, Moondog Rex beat Azreal/Nigerian Nightmare in a Handicap Match – after the match Rex kept beating people up until Walker brought out his bone they stole a couple of weeks back – Rex left with Walker and main event was Big Boy Bob winning the TIWF Title by beating Steven Rampage when Walker hit Rampage with Rex’s bone. Rampage’s body hair was then shaved and threw into the crowd. That just sounded real bizarre and gross. LOL BLS made the save for him and crowd popped big!!
Shows of The Weekend 4.13 to 4.14.07
----A few big shows this weekend with the Tunica show at “Sam’s Town”. The story there will be if they can draw without Jerry Lawler on the show. Another big show is NBW in Dyersburg as they bring in a “name” for the first time featuring other major names in this area. It will be interesting to see what they will draw also. And, for those that like something totally different and pretty much TRASH wrestling then check Tony Myers’ creation “Sex & Violence”, which is probably as hardcore as you can get. Last time Fort Goth and Big Country hung the Myers from a barbed wire cross incapacitating him.
----Friday night for LAW in Rector, AR with Stan Lee, “Picture Perfect” [Jon Michael/Christian Jacobs], Chris O’Neal, Psycho, Erik Hayes, Rockin Randy, Dustin Starr, The Golden Boy” Greg Anthony, Seth Knight and more.
----Friday night for LAW in Rector, AR with Stan Lee, “Picture Perfect” [Jon Michael/Christian Jacobs], Chris O’Neal, Psycho, Erik Hayes, Rockin Randy, Dustin Starr, The Golden Boy” Greg Anthony, Seth Knight and more.
---- Friday night for TFW in Tupelo, MS with "Bad Attitude" Tony Dabbs, The Freakshow [Chop Top the Clown & Vinnie the Blade], “DOA” [Dirty Sanchez & Orion], Tysin Starr, "The Future" Chris Styles, Jonathon Douglas, "DC" David Cross,Pappy,Izzy Rotten and more.
----Friday night in Hysteria Entertainment Presents – Sex & Violence” @ The Rally Point, 616 Highland, Memphis, TN with The Drug Addict vs Chair, Blood Pool Bi-Suit Death Match, The Klu Klux Klown, and more. Adults Only!!
----Friday night in Tunica, MS “Sam’s Town” “Nightmare at Tunica” @ River Place Arena with “The Posse” [Simon/Lil Chris] vs “Insane Clowns” with Rashard, “Sam’s Town” Title Match: Johnny Dotson vs Tatt2, Chucky with Hollywood vs Sawdoff, JR Title Match: Derrick King vs Flash Flanagan, Mr. Hughes/Kevin White vs Bill Dundee/Lord Humongous II, Grudge Match: Koko Ware vs The Grizz with special ref Corey Maclin, Mixed Tag Match Jazz/Rodney Mack vs “The Moondogs” [Cujo/Fifi], Southern Tag Team Title Match: “Too Cool 2” [Flex/Tim Grind] vs Shelton Benjimam/Charlie Hass] and the Main Event: Boogeyman with Little Boogey vs Kamala with “Hollywood” Jimmy
----Saturday night for ASWF in Tuckerman, AR with bell time at 7:00 PM with all seats $7 with Dirty Little Dave, Austin Lane, Reno Diamond, “The Posse” [Simon/Lil Chris], “Blackout Squad” [Oz/Bishop], X-Kaliber, Justin “The Juice” Smart, Jamie Jay, Kidd Krazy, Morgan Lane, Hollywood Jimmy and more.
----Saturday night @ True Force Arena 256 Gill Street Jackson, TN at 7:30 PM with Bobby The Butcher,Tank Turner, Dazzlin Dixie, Lawman Williams; Moondog Rex, "Missouri Bad Boys", Steven Rampage,AC Havoc;Wildside, Razor;PK Ripper, Void and more.
----Saturday night @ National Guard Armory in Paragould, AR for Arkansas Championship Wrestling with Midnight Cowboy, Buster Johnson, Loose Cannon, Hamhock, Sam Dollar, Cody Daniels, Idol Bane, Deadly Dale, Arnez with Kayte, Bryan Knight, San Francisco Treat, Shakedown, The Hambones, Adrian Stratton and more.
----Saturday night New Blood Wrestling @ Country Nights 1901 Saint John Ave - Bell time 8:00 PM in Dyersburg, TN – Rikishi, “East Coast Bad Boys”, “Cruzin 4 Pain”, Flex, Tank, “Real Deal” Tim Edwards, Gunner Thompson, J Weezy, Kilo, Jeremy Moore, Slim Pickens, Rob Harlem, Allen Steele, Mark Justice, Rob Justice, Psycho and more.
----Saturday night in XOW in Ecru, MS for PURE DESTRUCTION, Izzy Rotten, Bonecrusher, Buzz Harley, Jay Webster, Colton Anderson, Tommy Knox, Cassanova Kidd, "Prime Tyme" Nick Grymes, Soultaker, Neil Taylor, Hollywood Jimmy and more! Bell time is 8:00.
----Saturday night in Ripley, TN with TLCW 207 Washington Street – with Craven Moorehead, Hollywood, Rockin Randy, Dustin Starr, Matt Boyce, Alex Krisis, Greg Anthony, Seth Knight, Dell Tucker, Brian Steele, "Genocide" [Maxx Corbin/Albino Rhino], Tim Alfonzo, “Jawbreaker” Jones, Tatt2, Derrick King, Tim Grind “Picture Perfect”, and more.
---- Saturday Night in Batesville, Arkansas. Main Event Wrestling located at the Old Miller Gym at 9th And Oak Street’s. Admission is FREE to the public, sponsored by local businesses and community leaders. With "Crazy" Luke Graham Jr., Gerry "Chubby" Graham, Scottie Graham,The Casino Kid, ,Gravedigger, "Mr. Playboy" Tommy Wayne, Scotty Graham, "The Suicide King" Ray Ray, "The Brazilian Bad Boy" Rozzi, Hillbilly Tiny, Gravedigger, Danger Zone{"Hot Rod’ John Ellison, "Dangerous" Dave Cox, Johnny Harper}, Righteous Punishment{ Jack " Lockdown" Johnson," Byg" Daddy Moose}, "Velvet Lover" Cody Thunder, Wild Bill, Acid, Venom, Plowboy Hayes, Eric Wayne, Kid Nickels, and many, many more. Bell time is 8P.M, doors open at 7:15P.M.
**Please note that I have removed JWS in Jumpertown, MS and MCW in Osceola, AR due to the fact that neither promotion sends results and such. They will return to the site, when I can get results.
Memphis Wrestling Drops The Ball - Lawler vs Hogan Canceled
----The press conference today featured Jerry Lawler coming to the conference first with him stating that due to contract obligations that he would not be able to wrestle at the FedEx Forum on April 27, 2007 vs Hulk Hogan. Lawler apparently then left the building and Hogan was waiting in the limo with the VH1 crew. Hogan then told the crowd that this was all Vince McMahon’s fault and he took it as a personal shot.
----Dave Meltzer also reported the following
“A number of reasons were given, with them claiming it would appear on VH-1 and they didn't want their talent on the network. Of course, that holds no water since several of Hogan's comebacks have also aired using WWE talent on VH-1, including his worked negotiation session with Vince McMahon.
The show will go on with Hogan vs. Paul Wight as the main event. He said he had a premonition it would happen, but Lawler told him he'd leave WWE if they told him not to do it. Wight said "Big Show" was his slave name and now he could be himself.
Hogan is trying to promote it as the match that people should have seen at Wrestlemania. Wight, who has lost 60 pounds since leaving WWE in December, had been in hard training for a prospective non-wrestling sports venture, but had aligned with Hogan and kept himself open if Hogan were to get something in wrestling going.”
----I was also told that Vince McMahon had contacted Corey Maclin about canceling the show and even told him he would pay him his deposit on the building back plus interest. The building deposit was $50,000. Maclin refused, so Vince had nothing else to do, but to remove Lawler from the show.
----So, where does this leave Maclin and company?? Well, they got a huge show in two weeks without the main event that Memphis Wrestling fans wanted to see. Is the new main event something that will draw?? I think with the right build up and that would be with WWE TV, this main event would sell tickets, but I am not sure now. I guess we will see if just the Hogan name can draw a crowd. I personally do not know now if I will even attend the show.
----Something I found funny was that Hogan stating that “Lawler told him he'd leave WWE if they told him not to do it.” WTF?? Lawler would leave a guaranteed job to just work one show?? That is highly unlikely and if anyone thinks Lawler is doing the wrong thing here, then you are stupid. I do think that Lawler should have talked with Vince first, before they booked this show. But, this is typical Memphis Wrestling and Corey Maclin – promoting something before you can even do it.
----It will also be interesting to see if this will affect Jerry Lawler’s role in Memphis Wrestling from this point on. Maclin has pissed off the wrong man in the wrestling biz and as you can tell – he holds a grudge. Vince can probably legally ask Lawler to not wrestle or appear on the Memphis Wrestling TV show. Will it also affect the “Sam’s Town” shows in the future or even this Friday night?? Vince has been good about letting WWE talent work Memphis shows. Will that continue??
----Finally, the card had been released to a lot of the major web sites listing “Giant” Paul Wight, Bill Dundee, Greg Valentine, Brutus Beefcake, “Rock’n’Roll Express” [Ricky and Robert], Brian Christopher, Koko Ware, Abdullah The Butcher, The Barbarian, Jim Cornette and more. As expected, none of the young Memphis Wrestling stars will be featured.
----Dave Meltzer also reported the following
“A number of reasons were given, with them claiming it would appear on VH-1 and they didn't want their talent on the network. Of course, that holds no water since several of Hogan's comebacks have also aired using WWE talent on VH-1, including his worked negotiation session with Vince McMahon.
The show will go on with Hogan vs. Paul Wight as the main event. He said he had a premonition it would happen, but Lawler told him he'd leave WWE if they told him not to do it. Wight said "Big Show" was his slave name and now he could be himself.
Hogan is trying to promote it as the match that people should have seen at Wrestlemania. Wight, who has lost 60 pounds since leaving WWE in December, had been in hard training for a prospective non-wrestling sports venture, but had aligned with Hogan and kept himself open if Hogan were to get something in wrestling going.”
----I was also told that Vince McMahon had contacted Corey Maclin about canceling the show and even told him he would pay him his deposit on the building back plus interest. The building deposit was $50,000. Maclin refused, so Vince had nothing else to do, but to remove Lawler from the show.
----So, where does this leave Maclin and company?? Well, they got a huge show in two weeks without the main event that Memphis Wrestling fans wanted to see. Is the new main event something that will draw?? I think with the right build up and that would be with WWE TV, this main event would sell tickets, but I am not sure now. I guess we will see if just the Hogan name can draw a crowd. I personally do not know now if I will even attend the show.
----Something I found funny was that Hogan stating that “Lawler told him he'd leave WWE if they told him not to do it.” WTF?? Lawler would leave a guaranteed job to just work one show?? That is highly unlikely and if anyone thinks Lawler is doing the wrong thing here, then you are stupid. I do think that Lawler should have talked with Vince first, before they booked this show. But, this is typical Memphis Wrestling and Corey Maclin – promoting something before you can even do it.
----It will also be interesting to see if this will affect Jerry Lawler’s role in Memphis Wrestling from this point on. Maclin has pissed off the wrong man in the wrestling biz and as you can tell – he holds a grudge. Vince can probably legally ask Lawler to not wrestle or appear on the Memphis Wrestling TV show. Will it also affect the “Sam’s Town” shows in the future or even this Friday night?? Vince has been good about letting WWE talent work Memphis shows. Will that continue??
----Finally, the card had been released to a lot of the major web sites listing “Giant” Paul Wight, Bill Dundee, Greg Valentine, Brutus Beefcake, “Rock’n’Roll Express” [Ricky and Robert], Brian Christopher, Koko Ware, Abdullah The Butcher, The Barbarian, Jim Cornette and more. As expected, none of the young Memphis Wrestling stars will be featured.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
RassleResults: NBW Dyersburg, TN 4.07.07
*Gryffon X beat The Sicilian Kid
*Gunner Thompson beat Tommy Love, Big Red and Jerry Weezy in a 4-Way hardcore match. Gunner dedicated the match to his late father.
Tim Edwards beat Crazy Train
*Phoenix X beat Slim “the Bulldog” Pickens
*Mark Justice vs Gaylon Ray – Double DQ when Kilo and Jeremy Moore jumped in.
*Kilo beat Kilo beat "The Upset Kid" Jeremy Moore after a superkick.
---- 70 to 80 in attendance with a gate of around $350. After the match Ca$h Flow started beating on Moore until Gaylon made the save, he helped Moore up then clotheslined him and joined Cash Flow, they kept beating on him until the faces made the save, only to be beat down until Big Red mad the save…Jeremy Moore will be team with Rikishi this Saturday night vs Cash Flow’s team. They are billing the show as Spring Break-Out 2007 with all the regulars of NBW along with “Cruzin 4 Pain” [Motley Cruz/187/Tasha Simone], “The East Coast Bad Boys” [Sypro/Serpant] and Flex of “Too Cool 2”.
*Gunner Thompson beat Tommy Love, Big Red and Jerry Weezy in a 4-Way hardcore match. Gunner dedicated the match to his late father.
Tim Edwards beat Crazy Train
*Phoenix X beat Slim “the Bulldog” Pickens
*Mark Justice vs Gaylon Ray – Double DQ when Kilo and Jeremy Moore jumped in.
*Kilo beat Kilo beat "The Upset Kid" Jeremy Moore after a superkick.
---- 70 to 80 in attendance with a gate of around $350. After the match Ca$h Flow started beating on Moore until Gaylon made the save, he helped Moore up then clotheslined him and joined Cash Flow, they kept beating on him until the faces made the save, only to be beat down until Big Red mad the save…Jeremy Moore will be team with Rikishi this Saturday night vs Cash Flow’s team. They are billing the show as Spring Break-Out 2007 with all the regulars of NBW along with “Cruzin 4 Pain” [Motley Cruz/187/Tasha Simone], “The East Coast Bad Boys” [Sypro/Serpant] and Flex of “Too Cool 2”.
RassleResults: TLCW Ripley, TN 4.07.07
*Stryker & Matt Boyce beat Shannon Lee & Rockin Randy After the match Rockin Randy superkicked Shannon Lee.
*Kraven beat Hollywood by DQ when Filthy Freaks got involved
*Dell Tucker beat K. Hill
*TLCW tag title match “Cruzin 4 Pain” [187/Motley Cruz] with Tasha Simone beat “Genocide” [Maxx Corbin/Albino Rhino] to retain the titles.
*“Cosmic Cowboy” Brian Steele vs Timmy Hart
Rick the Stick gets on the mic and says he has a new talent and it’s a blues singer named Ike Tucker the music hits and out comes Jawbreaker Jones sporting a hat, sunglasses, a tie and vest. Tucker and the Cowboy sing their new hit song and Rick introduces them as “Rhythm and Blues”. They beat up Timmy Hart and leave the ring. Jawbreaker even danced.
*Chris Lexx beat Rude
*The Golden Boy comes out for the Golden Circle with his guests the “Filthy Freaks” [Matt Foley/Tim Grind] and Derrick King. Flash comes and says he wants a title shot tonight. Flash told Tim if he wins he will give him a title shot and so Derrick King says they need to make sure Flash wins but TGB says he if he wins he will also give him the shot. He says he can’t fight Flash because he is too big and carries a stick. Tim says he will decide who wins and that Matt Foley is the only person he can trust which Derrick took offense to.
*Stan Lee by DQ over Jon Michael after Starr and Jacobs interfered. DK makes the save and gave an interview and says the buck stops here for the Perfect Showcase and tells Stan he has his back and asks him for one more chance. They shake hands
*They announce a coming out party and out comes “Foxy” Hayes and Sweet Cheeks. They say there is nothing wrong with the way they live. They tease a kiss and leave the ring.
*TLCW Title match Flashamania Flash Flanagan beat TGB by DQ after Tim Grind and Matt Foley interfere. Tim says he will fight Flash in any kind of match he wants.
*Main Event - Derrick King beat Five Starr by DQ after Picture Perfect interferes. Stan Lee makes the save but the Perfect Showcase left them laying in the ring.
----160-175 people in the crowd with a gate close to $1,000…Loud pop for Flashamania and what looks to be the reformation of “Hot Topic” [Derrick King/Stan Lee].
*Kraven beat Hollywood by DQ when Filthy Freaks got involved
*Dell Tucker beat K. Hill
*TLCW tag title match “Cruzin 4 Pain” [187/Motley Cruz] with Tasha Simone beat “Genocide” [Maxx Corbin/Albino Rhino] to retain the titles.
*“Cosmic Cowboy” Brian Steele vs Timmy Hart
Rick the Stick gets on the mic and says he has a new talent and it’s a blues singer named Ike Tucker the music hits and out comes Jawbreaker Jones sporting a hat, sunglasses, a tie and vest. Tucker and the Cowboy sing their new hit song and Rick introduces them as “Rhythm and Blues”. They beat up Timmy Hart and leave the ring. Jawbreaker even danced.
*Chris Lexx beat Rude
*The Golden Boy comes out for the Golden Circle with his guests the “Filthy Freaks” [Matt Foley/Tim Grind] and Derrick King. Flash comes and says he wants a title shot tonight. Flash told Tim if he wins he will give him a title shot and so Derrick King says they need to make sure Flash wins but TGB says he if he wins he will also give him the shot. He says he can’t fight Flash because he is too big and carries a stick. Tim says he will decide who wins and that Matt Foley is the only person he can trust which Derrick took offense to.
*Stan Lee by DQ over Jon Michael after Starr and Jacobs interfered. DK makes the save and gave an interview and says the buck stops here for the Perfect Showcase and tells Stan he has his back and asks him for one more chance. They shake hands
*They announce a coming out party and out comes “Foxy” Hayes and Sweet Cheeks. They say there is nothing wrong with the way they live. They tease a kiss and leave the ring.
*TLCW Title match Flashamania Flash Flanagan beat TGB by DQ after Tim Grind and Matt Foley interfere. Tim says he will fight Flash in any kind of match he wants.
*Main Event - Derrick King beat Five Starr by DQ after Picture Perfect interferes. Stan Lee makes the save but the Perfect Showcase left them laying in the ring.
----160-175 people in the crowd with a gate close to $1,000…Loud pop for Flashamania and what looks to be the reformation of “Hot Topic” [Derrick King/Stan Lee].
Press Conference and Ticket Sale Info for Hogan vs Lawler
----pwinsider.com’s Mike Johnson is reporting that there is a press conference scheduled for tomorrow at 11 AM at the Fed Ex Forum to officially announce the match the Jerry Lawler vs Hulk Hogan bout. Johnson also reported that Hogan and Lawler are both scheduled to be in attendance. I just talked with a FedEx Forum representative, who stated there will be a press conference tomorrow morning between 11 AM and Noon. But, she said she believed that Hulk Hogan will NOT be at the event and it will only be Corey Maclin and Jerry Lawler.
----Tickets will be on sale for the event starting at 10:00 AM at the box office at the FedEx Forum or you may buy them at Ticketmaster locations or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Ticket prices are $62, $47, $37 and $22. If you buy them from Ticketmaster, there is a $6.75 “Convenience Charge”. Most tickets will be bought from Ticketmaster or online, so the average ticket price for this event is going to be a whopping $47.25.
----This group’s biggest crowd has been the August 28,2004 “Throwback Night II” show at the Mid-South Coliseum drawing 5,000 fans with a gate I believe in the $60,000 range. Tickets for this show being an average of $47.50, they will only have to draw about 1,300 fans to top that record. My prediction of 3000 on the low end would give this promotion a $141,750 gate. This could be the biggest gate EVER for Memphis for wrestling for a local promotion.
----Tickets will be on sale for the event starting at 10:00 AM at the box office at the FedEx Forum or you may buy them at Ticketmaster locations or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Ticket prices are $62, $47, $37 and $22. If you buy them from Ticketmaster, there is a $6.75 “Convenience Charge”. Most tickets will be bought from Ticketmaster or online, so the average ticket price for this event is going to be a whopping $47.25.
----This group’s biggest crowd has been the August 28,2004 “Throwback Night II” show at the Mid-South Coliseum drawing 5,000 fans with a gate I believe in the $60,000 range. Tickets for this show being an average of $47.50, they will only have to draw about 1,300 fans to top that record. My prediction of 3000 on the low end would give this promotion a $141,750 gate. This could be the biggest gate EVER for Memphis for wrestling for a local promotion.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
RassleResults: XOW Ecru, MS 4.07.07
"Canadian Brotherhood" [Big Canadian & DK[not Derrick King] d. Bonecrusher & Justin Rhodes .
Izzy Rotten, Dalton Storm, & Buzz Harley d. Pappy, Jay Webster, & Colton Anderson.
"Pure Destruction" [Cody & Brody Hawk] d. Fusion & Brett Michaels.
Nutbush d. Soultaker by DQ.
Danny B. Good d. Cassanova Kid
"Pure Destruction" [Cody & Brody Hawk] d. "24/7" [Kross & JR Mauler] by pin fall to win the XOW tag team belts.
----75 in attendance with a gate close to $375...Gary Woolridge is working as a heel here as Izzy Rotten, but as Special Ed in TFW he is a face. I was told that the fans loved the gimmick so much, he brought it back. He is very good in the Ed gimmick and funny as hell.
Izzy Rotten, Dalton Storm, & Buzz Harley d. Pappy, Jay Webster, & Colton Anderson.
"Pure Destruction" [Cody & Brody Hawk] d. Fusion & Brett Michaels.
Nutbush d. Soultaker by DQ.
Danny B. Good d. Cassanova Kid
"Pure Destruction" [Cody & Brody Hawk] d. "24/7" [Kross & JR Mauler] by pin fall to win the XOW tag team belts.
----75 in attendance with a gate close to $375...Gary Woolridge is working as a heel here as Izzy Rotten, but as Special Ed in TFW he is a face. I was told that the fans loved the gimmick so much, he brought it back. He is very good in the Ed gimmick and funny as hell.
Dave Meltzer Clears It Up
----If you read the original of the Memphis story with me stating
"Lots of sites are saying it is Hogan’s show, but I have not been able to validate that with any reliable sources."
Well it has been updated as I just got an e-mail from a very reliable source - Dave Meltzer from www.wrestlingobserver.com and the above has been replaced with --
"Lots of sites are saying it is Hogan’s show, but it is not. In an e-mail from Dave Meltzer today he stated that Hogan turned down the offer to make it his show due to the chance of a lawsuit, in case a fan got hurt or something."
"Lots of sites are saying it is Hogan’s show, but I have not been able to validate that with any reliable sources."
Well it has been updated as I just got an e-mail from a very reliable source - Dave Meltzer from www.wrestlingobserver.com and the above has been replaced with --
"Lots of sites are saying it is Hogan’s show, but it is not. In an e-mail from Dave Meltzer today he stated that Hogan turned down the offer to make it his show due to the chance of a lawsuit, in case a fan got hurt or something."
Jerry Lawler vs Hulk Hogan - The Story As I Know It So Far
----I have had many people wondering the validity of the venue change for the Hulk Hogan vs Jerry Lawler match, which is now scheduled for the FedEx Forum and not the Mid-South Coliseum. The reason given on TV from Corey Maclin and Jerry Lawler is that the Forum is much bigger and they will need that for the fans. The Forum seats around 19,000 fans. The Coliseum, even though I thought it seated 12,000 fans, reported that the musical group 311 held their annual "3/11" (March 11) show in 2006 at the venue to a sold
-out crowd of 9,000. So, yes, it seats more. But, did Maclin and Lawler change the venue because of that??
----I talked with a gentleman with the Mid-South Coliseum today. He was not too forthcoming with information. He was much less talkative than Steve Fox was in our talks the last time Memphis Wrestling had announced a Coliseum show. Unlike a lot of people believe, the Coliseum is still open for graduations and special events – not completely closed. The guy talked told me the official word from the Coliseum is that “negotiations did not conclude”. I was told the case was not the same as last time - Maclin was ask to come up with the money upfront and could not do so.
----My gut feeling here is that Maclin, Lawler and Hogan feel this show will draw very well. Maclin has also become very friendly with the Memphis Grizzlies organization and may have got a good deal. If so, then wouldn’t you rather have it in the Forum rather than the Coliseum if you were promoting it?? There is some “history”, but the Forum is a first rate arena that houses the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. As of today though, the Forum website is not listing this show as an event.
----There have also been tons of rumors going on about if this is Memphis Wrestling’s show or Hulk Hogan’s show. Lots of sites are saying it is Hogan’s show, but it is not. In an e-mail from Dave Meltzer today he stated that Hogan turned down the offer to make it his show due to the chance of a lawsuit, in case a fan got hurt or something. Even if it isn’t “Hogan’s show”, it will be his show. If there is anyone that he wants on the show, then they will be on it. Plain & simple.
----I think we should find out when the show gets closer. Corey Maclin announced on TV Saturday that Hulk Hogan would be live in the studio this coming Saturday. Hogan might be live in the studio, but it will probably only be a “sitdown” with Maclin and Jimmy Hart. The Memphis Wrestling TV crew were told to not report back to the studio until May 5 for the next set of tapings. They also only taped one show this past weekend. So this is telling me that if they do not use any of the local guys for the show, then they don’t have to face them until May 5th. They did something similar and took a break from tapings last year for the “Legends” show. They also only used two of the regular crew [Kevin White/Johnny Dotson] with the rest being legends.
----This goes back to same old story though. This is the perfect chance to put some of the local guys on the show and make some new stars!! If say, they sent Derrick King or Kevin White out after a big ref bump and Hogan pins Lawler. A star would be created as the crowd would ALWAYS remember that DK or White caused Lawler his only chance to beat Hogan. This show will draw in the low of 3,000 fans or in the highs probably around 7,000. They have two more TV shows to promote and if ratings continue on the slide , then you can not count on the TV show helping. I figure you will see major media blitz with local advertising on the radio, newspaper and local TV ads during RAW and Smackdown. I hope to be there live to cover it for the site and will report an update on the story with ticket sales and such ASAP.
-out crowd of 9,000. So, yes, it seats more. But, did Maclin and Lawler change the venue because of that??----I talked with a gentleman with the Mid-South Coliseum today. He was not too forthcoming with information. He was much less talkative than Steve Fox was in our talks the last time Memphis Wrestling had announced a Coliseum show. Unlike a lot of people believe, the Coliseum is still open for graduations and special events – not completely closed. The guy talked told me the official word from the Coliseum is that “negotiations did not conclude”. I was told the case was not the same as last time - Maclin was ask to come up with the money upfront and could not do so.
----My gut feeling here is that Maclin, Lawler and Hogan feel this show will draw very well. Maclin has also become very friendly with the Memphis Grizzlies organization and may have got a good deal. If so, then wouldn’t you rather have it in the Forum rather than the Coliseum if you were promoting it?? There is some “history”, but the Forum is a first rate arena that houses the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. As of today though, the Forum website is not listing this show as an event.
----There have also been tons of rumors going on about if this is Memphis Wrestling’s show or Hulk Hogan’s show. Lots of sites are saying it is Hogan’s show, but it is not. In an e-mail from Dave Meltzer today he stated that Hogan turned down the offer to make it his show due to the chance of a lawsuit, in case a fan got hurt or something. Even if it isn’t “Hogan’s show”, it will be his show. If there is anyone that he wants on the show, then they will be on it. Plain & simple.
----I think we should find out when the show gets closer. Corey Maclin announced on TV Saturday that Hulk Hogan would be live in the studio this coming Saturday. Hogan might be live in the studio, but it will probably only be a “sitdown” with Maclin and Jimmy Hart. The Memphis Wrestling TV crew were told to not report back to the studio until May 5 for the next set of tapings. They also only taped one show this past weekend. So this is telling me that if they do not use any of the local guys for the show, then they don’t have to face them until May 5th. They did something similar and took a break from tapings last year for the “Legends” show. They also only used two of the regular crew [Kevin White/Johnny Dotson] with the rest being legends.
----This goes back to same old story though. This is the perfect chance to put some of the local guys on the show and make some new stars!! If say, they sent Derrick King or Kevin White out after a big ref bump and Hogan pins Lawler. A star would be created as the crowd would ALWAYS remember that DK or White caused Lawler his only chance to beat Hogan. This show will draw in the low of 3,000 fans or in the highs probably around 7,000. They have two more TV shows to promote and if ratings continue on the slide , then you can not count on the TV show helping. I figure you will see major media blitz with local advertising on the radio, newspaper and local TV ads during RAW and Smackdown. I hope to be there live to cover it for the site and will report an update on the story with ticket sales and such ASAP.
RassleResults: TFW Benefit Tupleo,MS 3.07.07
Saturday afternoon show
"Kings of Wrestling" [Josh Matthews & Shawn Reed] d. Mark Mayhem & Little Stevie Davis by DQ.
Hitman defeated Judas Thorn.
Sammy Hall d. Chris Kilgore.
Jay Webster d. Pappy in a loser leave TFW match.
Special ED, Justin Reed, Chop, & Vinnie d. Chris Styles, Jon Douglas, Tony Dabbs, & TBird.
Sammy Hall won a battle royal.
----Over $1100.00 raised for a family whose house burned to the ground several weeks ago. Paid attendance was around 75 at a $375 gate. All concessions, auction, special events, and wrestling proceeds went to the family.
"Kings of Wrestling" [Josh Matthews & Shawn Reed] d. Mark Mayhem & Little Stevie Davis by DQ.
Hitman defeated Judas Thorn.
Sammy Hall d. Chris Kilgore.
Jay Webster d. Pappy in a loser leave TFW match.
Special ED, Justin Reed, Chop, & Vinnie d. Chris Styles, Jon Douglas, Tony Dabbs, & TBird.
Sammy Hall won a battle royal.
----Over $1100.00 raised for a family whose house burned to the ground several weeks ago. Paid attendance was around 75 at a $375 gate. All concessions, auction, special events, and wrestling proceeds went to the family.
RassleResults: TFW Tupelo, MS 4.06.07
Referee Andy Camps d. referee Joey Lynn by count out due to Joey being injured and unable to be at the show.
Hitman d. LSD.
David Cross & Justin Reed d. SWAT.
Brett Michaels won a 3 way match over Tyson Star & Extreme Steve.
Pappy d. Jay Webster by count out.
Chris Kilgore d. Cassanova Kid.
"Freakshow" [Chop Top the Clown & Vinnie the Blade] over "Kings of Wrestling" [Josh Matthews & Shawn Reed] to retain the TFW tag belts.
Special ED [Izzy Rotten] d. Tony Dabbs by DQ.
----125 in the crowd with a gate close to $625.
Hitman d. LSD.
David Cross & Justin Reed d. SWAT.
Brett Michaels won a 3 way match over Tyson Star & Extreme Steve.
Pappy d. Jay Webster by count out.
Chris Kilgore d. Cassanova Kid.
"Freakshow" [Chop Top the Clown & Vinnie the Blade] over "Kings of Wrestling" [Josh Matthews & Shawn Reed] to retain the TFW tag belts.
Special ED [Izzy Rotten] d. Tony Dabbs by DQ.
----125 in the crowd with a gate close to $625.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
RassleResults: LAW Rector, AR 4.6.07 - New Tag Champs!!!
*Dustin Starr comes out and introduces his new friends Picture Perfect. During the interview he introduces the newest member of the Perfect Showcase.....Flash Flanagan. They jump the owners of LAW and Derrick King, Tatt2, Chris O'Neal, and Matt Boyce run in to make the save. Derrick said he wants a match with Dustin Starr and he wants it right now. Dustin says ok and gets in the ring. Finally Starr gets out of the ring and says he can have his match later in the night. Matches set up are: Flash vs Chris O'Neal, Tatt2 & Matt Boyce vs Picture Perfect and Dustin Starr vs Derrick King.
*Rockin Randy beat Stryker
*Next match is announced as a Three Way but they only announce Shannon Lee and Lil Tim Alfonzo. About mid match Dell Tucker comes out and sits in the crowd throwing potato chips and both of them. He then gets on the mic and says both of these guys suck and he is simply the best. He said he has never seen Shannon Lee win a match. He jumps in the ring and both guys jump him. Shannon Lee rolls him up for the win.
*Rector Street Fight: “The Blackout Squad” [Oz/Bishop] beat “The Posse” [Simon/Lil Chris] to the win the LAW Tag Team Titles in a wild brawl.
*Flash Flanagan by DQ over Chris O'Neal - Pretty good back and forth match. Flash had control most of the match. Flash pulls out a chain but O'Neal ducks. Flash pins O'Neal with a sunset flip but O'Neal reverses it and rolls up Flash for the 3 count, but while he was pinned Flash puts the chain in O'Neals’ trunks and leaves it hangin out for the ref to see. Flash wins by DQ
*“Picture Perfect” [Christian Jacobs/Jon Michael] beat Tatt2 & Matt Boyce
*The Golden Boy” Greg Anthony comes out to tell everyone how he is on a winning streak. How he beat Stan Lee last week on Friday night and then again on Saturday for the TLCW title. Stan comes out and says he will beat him tonight and the again on Saturday for his title back.
*Stan Lee vs Golden boy ended in a double countout. During the match Stan backdropped the Golden Boy outside the ring and broke the floor.
*They announce a coming out party and the music hits and out comes Erik Hayes dressed in drag and his new manager Sweet Cheeks. They say there is nothing wrong with the way they live their lives and that they are going straight to the top and then they kiss each other in the ring.
Main Event
*Derrick King vs Dustin Starr - Lots of stalling in the match with Five Starr going to his trunks alot to get a foreign object match ends with “the Five Starr Showcase” interfering and the Tatt2, Matt Boyce, and O'Neal running out to make the save but all got taken out then the owners run out and get taken out The Showcase walks out leaving everyone laying in the ring including the referee and security guards.
----Crowd was close to 100 this week and was very loud most all night long. A gate close to $600. I was told it was a really good show. ..They announced a spring breakout tour with one date being May 5th in Ripley TN which is a Saturday night.
*Rockin Randy beat Stryker
*Next match is announced as a Three Way but they only announce Shannon Lee and Lil Tim Alfonzo. About mid match Dell Tucker comes out and sits in the crowd throwing potato chips and both of them. He then gets on the mic and says both of these guys suck and he is simply the best. He said he has never seen Shannon Lee win a match. He jumps in the ring and both guys jump him. Shannon Lee rolls him up for the win.
*Rector Street Fight: “The Blackout Squad” [Oz/Bishop] beat “The Posse” [Simon/Lil Chris] to the win the LAW Tag Team Titles in a wild brawl.
*Flash Flanagan by DQ over Chris O'Neal - Pretty good back and forth match. Flash had control most of the match. Flash pulls out a chain but O'Neal ducks. Flash pins O'Neal with a sunset flip but O'Neal reverses it and rolls up Flash for the 3 count, but while he was pinned Flash puts the chain in O'Neals’ trunks and leaves it hangin out for the ref to see. Flash wins by DQ
*“Picture Perfect” [Christian Jacobs/Jon Michael] beat Tatt2 & Matt Boyce
*The Golden Boy” Greg Anthony comes out to tell everyone how he is on a winning streak. How he beat Stan Lee last week on Friday night and then again on Saturday for the TLCW title. Stan comes out and says he will beat him tonight and the again on Saturday for his title back.
*Stan Lee vs Golden boy ended in a double countout. During the match Stan backdropped the Golden Boy outside the ring and broke the floor.
*They announce a coming out party and the music hits and out comes Erik Hayes dressed in drag and his new manager Sweet Cheeks. They say there is nothing wrong with the way they live their lives and that they are going straight to the top and then they kiss each other in the ring.
Main Event
*Derrick King vs Dustin Starr - Lots of stalling in the match with Five Starr going to his trunks alot to get a foreign object match ends with “the Five Starr Showcase” interfering and the Tatt2, Matt Boyce, and O'Neal running out to make the save but all got taken out then the owners run out and get taken out The Showcase walks out leaving everyone laying in the ring including the referee and security guards.
----Crowd was close to 100 this week and was very loud most all night long. A gate close to $600. I was told it was a really good show. ..They announced a spring breakout tour with one date being May 5th in Ripley TN which is a Saturday night.
RasslinResults: ASWF Tuckerman, AR 4.07.07
ASWF Title Tournament
1st round:
*Austin Lane pinned Kid Krazzy with a face buster powerbomb off of second rope.
*Chuck Daddy pinned Morgan Lane.
*Justin “The Juice” Smart beat Trent Schultz.
X Kaliber beat Brandon Barbwire. After the match the “Blackout Squad”[Oz/Bishop] attacked and injured X(hometown boy). “The Posse” [Simon/Lil Chris] made the save and challenged BOS for later.
2nd round:
*Austin Lane defeated Chuck Daddy.
*X Kaliber beat Smart. X was injured and smart had the whole match until X pulled out a school boy.
ASWF Tag Title Match - Street Fight -Posse beat BOS after Lil Chris splashed Bishop with ladder to retain titles.
ASWF Title Finals - No DQ No Count Out - Austin Lane defeated X Kaliber after spearing X through table.
----Crowd was 100 paid with a gate of $600. Probably around 150 in the building. Not a lot of advertisement because of the crew working on the building, so that is good…I was told the opening bout was the best match of the night. Every match was solid.
1st round:
*Austin Lane pinned Kid Krazzy with a face buster powerbomb off of second rope.
*Chuck Daddy pinned Morgan Lane.
*Justin “The Juice” Smart beat Trent Schultz.
X Kaliber beat Brandon Barbwire. After the match the “Blackout Squad”[Oz/Bishop] attacked and injured X(hometown boy). “The Posse” [Simon/Lil Chris] made the save and challenged BOS for later.
2nd round:
*Austin Lane defeated Chuck Daddy.
*X Kaliber beat Smart. X was injured and smart had the whole match until X pulled out a school boy.
ASWF Tag Title Match - Street Fight -Posse beat BOS after Lil Chris splashed Bishop with ladder to retain titles.
ASWF Title Finals - No DQ No Count Out - Austin Lane defeated X Kaliber after spearing X through table.
----Crowd was 100 paid with a gate of $600. Probably around 150 in the building. Not a lot of advertisement because of the crew working on the building, so that is good…I was told the opening bout was the best match of the night. Every match was solid.
RassleResults: MEWA Batesville, AR 4.07.07
*Scotty Graham and “The Brazilian Bay Bad” Rozzi over “Rightous Punishment” {“Byg Daddy” Moose and Jack “Lockdown” Johnson} by pin fall in 11:03 with the Golden Graham Thumb.
*Hillbilly Tiny and Plowboy Hayes over “Danger Zone”{“Hot Rod” John Ellison and Johnny Harper} By DQ in 11:01.
*Semi-Final for MEWA Title Shot
“Mr. Playboy” Tommy Wayne over “Dangerous” Dave Cox by pin fall in 11:41.
*Shot for MEWA Light Heavy Title Shot
Venom{ weighting 135 pounds.} over Kid Nickels and Eric Wayne by pin fall in 10:37.
*Semi-Final for MEWA Title Shot
“The Southern Submission Machine” Wild Bill over Ray Ray by submission in 7:10.
*Main Event MEWA TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
Casino Kid and “The Velvet Lover, Cody Thunder” over Scotty Graham and “The Brazilian Bay Bad” Rozzi in 7:16 to keep MEWA TAG TEAM TITLE BELTS
----Another huge crowd this week with 268 in the stands…Wild Bill vs Tommy Wayne for MEWA Tourney Final next week.
*Hillbilly Tiny and Plowboy Hayes over “Danger Zone”{“Hot Rod” John Ellison and Johnny Harper} By DQ in 11:01.
*Semi-Final for MEWA Title Shot
“Mr. Playboy” Tommy Wayne over “Dangerous” Dave Cox by pin fall in 11:41.
*Shot for MEWA Light Heavy Title Shot
Venom{ weighting 135 pounds.} over Kid Nickels and Eric Wayne by pin fall in 10:37.
*Semi-Final for MEWA Title Shot
“The Southern Submission Machine” Wild Bill over Ray Ray by submission in 7:10.
*Main Event MEWA TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
Casino Kid and “The Velvet Lover, Cody Thunder” over Scotty Graham and “The Brazilian Bay Bad” Rozzi in 7:16 to keep MEWA TAG TEAM TITLE BELTS
----Another huge crowd this week with 268 in the stands…Wild Bill vs Tommy Wayne for MEWA Tourney Final next week.
RassleResults: Arkansas Championship Wrestling 4.07.07 - New Tag Champs!!!
*Buster Johnson by DQ over Cody Daniels
*Adrian Stratton beat Shakedown with Sam Dollar
*Deadly Dale beat The Menace
*Loose Cannon by DQ over The Enforcer
*Last Chance Challenge Match: Bryan Knight beat Arnez with Kayte
*Main Event – Title Can Change Hands By DQ – The Hambones with Sam Dollar became the new ACW tag team champions beating Buster Johnson/Midnight Cowboy.
----Crowd was way down at about 55 paid with a gate of $385. The Kentucky Headhunters were having a concert next door at the BC Loyld Building [same building as the ASWF benefit show], which must have hurt attendance…After the Stratton match, Adrian grabbed Sam, but Loose Cannon jumped him along with Shakedown. Cannon went into the dressing room to get Adrian’s bag to see if he had stolen Cannon’s belt. The toy belt was in this bag like it was in SF Treat’s bag last week…Treat was spending Easter weekend with his family…Titanic was backstage, but did not work…Rott’n Randy returns next Saturday after a 3 month hiatus…WTF?? Cannon is the champ here and The Hambones are the tag champs?? This has to be a rib.
*Adrian Stratton beat Shakedown with Sam Dollar
*Deadly Dale beat The Menace
*Loose Cannon by DQ over The Enforcer
*Last Chance Challenge Match: Bryan Knight beat Arnez with Kayte
*Main Event – Title Can Change Hands By DQ – The Hambones with Sam Dollar became the new ACW tag team champions beating Buster Johnson/Midnight Cowboy.
----Crowd was way down at about 55 paid with a gate of $385. The Kentucky Headhunters were having a concert next door at the BC Loyld Building [same building as the ASWF benefit show], which must have hurt attendance…After the Stratton match, Adrian grabbed Sam, but Loose Cannon jumped him along with Shakedown. Cannon went into the dressing room to get Adrian’s bag to see if he had stolen Cannon’s belt. The toy belt was in this bag like it was in SF Treat’s bag last week…Treat was spending Easter weekend with his family…Titanic was backstage, but did not work…Rott’n Randy returns next Saturday after a 3 month hiatus…WTF?? Cannon is the champ here and The Hambones are the tag champs?? This has to be a rib.
Arena Report: TNA Cornith, MS 4.07.07 by KF Jones
*Chris Sabin beat Sonjay Dutt to retain the X Division Championship after Dutt missed a Hindu Press and got the Cradile Shock. Lots of Sabin chants, and crowd was on fire for the match.
*Chris Harris and Gail Kim beat James Storm and Jackie Moore after Gail Kim hit a missile dropkick on Moore and pinned her. Crowd was on fire for this match as well, definitely behind Harris and Kim.
*Christopher Daniels beat Petey Williams after the Angels Wings....Crowd was hugely behind Daniels and was booing Williams big time...Daniels got on the mic and insulted Corinth and told them that he don’t need their cheers, but if anybody needed cheers it was Williams...towards the end of the match Williams dives over the top rope and caught Daniels on the floor with a Hurricanrana...crowd def. got behind him after that...after the match Daniels comes back in the ring to do another Angels Wings on Williams, but he reversed out and gave Daniels the Canadian Destroyer.
*Brother Ray beat The Naturals in a handicap match after powerbombing Chase Stevens through a table and pinning him. Table didnt break on 1st attempt on the powerbomb, so Ray quickly does it again. Biggest reaction of this match was when The Naturals got pissed at the ref, attack him, throw him into the ropes, the ref, ducks a double clotheline, and gives the Naturals a double clotheline. Crowd went nuts.
*Rhino beat AJ Styles in a Mississippi Street Fight...match was everywhere, involving chairs, and trashcans, finish saw them fight up onto the stage, Styles sets up for the Clash, but Rhino backdrops AJ off, and Gores him on the stage for the pinfall
*Kurt Angle beat Abyss in the quietest match of the night...Angle got a good reaction for coming out, but it got quiet after that, with a few boring chants towards the beginning, crowd got loud again at the end when abyss put a chair on angles chest, went to jump down, but Angle turned the chair sideways and rammed it into Abyss' crotch then rolled him up for the pinfall.
*Main event and match of the night - Christian Cage beat Samoa Joe to retain the NWA heavyweight title ...big joe chant, and some small joe's gonna kill u chants directed to christian...Joe is a must see wrestler, his timing, and connection with moves will leave u in aww..finish saw Joe lock in the Kokita Clutch, Christian finally grabs the rope, as Joe argues with the referee, Christian comes up behind him and rolls up Joe with his feet on the ropes for the win...after the match AJ Styles, Christian, Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Rhino, and Abyss brawl, Angle hits the Angle Slam on Styles, Rhino gores Abyss, and Joe gives Christian the Muscle Buster to finish the amazing show.
----Crowd was near 750 paid with a gate close to $24,000…It is funny how local promotions only draw like 20 people for this town…Local Wrestlers spotted - Keylo Green, Prime Time Nick Grymes, Chris Styles, Tony Dabbs, Anita Page, The Hitman, Josh Matthews, Omega, Justin Outlaw, Hollywood Jimmy, and Rodney Grimes…Chris Rocker, Alex Krisis and Chris O’Neal were backstage actually handing over DVD/tapes to TNA management…Jeff Jarrett and Senshi were both announced on the radio, but were not there...I was told the gimmick tables were selling tons of stuff.
**Special note for those that do not know. "----" is comments made by me and rest of the report was sent in by KF Jones.
*Chris Harris and Gail Kim beat James Storm and Jackie Moore after Gail Kim hit a missile dropkick on Moore and pinned her. Crowd was on fire for this match as well, definitely behind Harris and Kim.
*Christopher Daniels beat Petey Williams after the Angels Wings....Crowd was hugely behind Daniels and was booing Williams big time...Daniels got on the mic and insulted Corinth and told them that he don’t need their cheers, but if anybody needed cheers it was Williams...towards the end of the match Williams dives over the top rope and caught Daniels on the floor with a Hurricanrana...crowd def. got behind him after that...after the match Daniels comes back in the ring to do another Angels Wings on Williams, but he reversed out and gave Daniels the Canadian Destroyer.
*Brother Ray beat The Naturals in a handicap match after powerbombing Chase Stevens through a table and pinning him. Table didnt break on 1st attempt on the powerbomb, so Ray quickly does it again. Biggest reaction of this match was when The Naturals got pissed at the ref, attack him, throw him into the ropes, the ref, ducks a double clotheline, and gives the Naturals a double clotheline. Crowd went nuts.
*Rhino beat AJ Styles in a Mississippi Street Fight...match was everywhere, involving chairs, and trashcans, finish saw them fight up onto the stage, Styles sets up for the Clash, but Rhino backdrops AJ off, and Gores him on the stage for the pinfall
*Kurt Angle beat Abyss in the quietest match of the night...Angle got a good reaction for coming out, but it got quiet after that, with a few boring chants towards the beginning, crowd got loud again at the end when abyss put a chair on angles chest, went to jump down, but Angle turned the chair sideways and rammed it into Abyss' crotch then rolled him up for the pinfall.
*Main event and match of the night - Christian Cage beat Samoa Joe to retain the NWA heavyweight title ...big joe chant, and some small joe's gonna kill u chants directed to christian...Joe is a must see wrestler, his timing, and connection with moves will leave u in aww..finish saw Joe lock in the Kokita Clutch, Christian finally grabs the rope, as Joe argues with the referee, Christian comes up behind him and rolls up Joe with his feet on the ropes for the win...after the match AJ Styles, Christian, Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Rhino, and Abyss brawl, Angle hits the Angle Slam on Styles, Rhino gores Abyss, and Joe gives Christian the Muscle Buster to finish the amazing show.
----Crowd was near 750 paid with a gate close to $24,000…It is funny how local promotions only draw like 20 people for this town…Local Wrestlers spotted - Keylo Green, Prime Time Nick Grymes, Chris Styles, Tony Dabbs, Anita Page, The Hitman, Josh Matthews, Omega, Justin Outlaw, Hollywood Jimmy, and Rodney Grimes…Chris Rocker, Alex Krisis and Chris O’Neal were backstage actually handing over DVD/tapes to TNA management…Jeff Jarrett and Senshi were both announced on the radio, but were not there...I was told the gimmick tables were selling tons of stuff.
**Special note for those that do not know. "----" is comments made by me and rest of the report was sent in by KF Jones.
Memphis Wrestling TV Report 4.7.07 - Venue Changed and Hogan Scheduled Live For TV Next Week!!
Memphis Wrestling TV Report 4.07.07
----Derrick King interview opened the show. DK talked about the “mask” that keeps haunting him. DK visited a magic shop and the owner told him to watch his back. Derrick King vs Johnny Dotson ended in No Contest. Tatt2 tried to interfere to help Dotson, but it backfired. Flash Flanagan then came out running off DK.
----“Hollywood” Jimmy Blaylock with Fire/Flame/Chucky. Jimmy said that Chucky will be in the corner of Kamala this Friday night. Then Corey Maclin announced that Boogeyman will have Little Boogey at ringside with him.
----“New Nature Boy” Kevin White by DQ over Dustin Starr. A real good TV bout, but with a crappy finish. White was getting the heat on Starr and started using a chain, so Lord Humongous II made the save for him. Here is the problem – no build up except for Maclin saying Bill Dundee would reveal his mystery partner today and then Huey showing up. Just a couple of weeks ago, Huey was with the “Hollywood Clique” and now no turn or explanation.
----Full card for “Sam’s Town” “Nightmare at Tunica” @ River Place Arena with “Sam’s Town” Title Match: Johnny Dotson vs Tatt2, Chucky with Hollywood vs Sawdoff, JR Title Match: Derrick King vs Flash Flanagan, Mr. Hughes/Kevin White vs Bill Dundee/Lord Humongous II, Grudge Match: Koko Ware vs The Grizz with special ref Corey Maclin, Mixed Tag Match Jazz/Rodney Mack vs “The Moondogs” [Cujo/Fifi], Southern Tag Team Title Match: “Too Cool 2” [Flex/Tim Grind] vs Shelton Benjimam/Charlie Hass] and the Main Event: Boogeyman with Little Boogey vs Kamala with “Hollywood” Jimmy.
----Another piece with Jazz/Maclin at the home of Jazz. Grady Watson joins them. Watson talks about not being able to control The Moondogs. Jazz attacks Watson trying to rip his shirt. This was horrible. Jazz does a good promo after the angle.
----Video is shown of Corey Maclin and Jimmy Hart. They are on the roof of Hulk Hogan’s house waiting on him. Maclin promises Hogan later on the program. Hart then calls in and talks to Maclin.
----Jerry Lawler video interview from his home surrounded by Superman memorabilia. Lawler talks about Hogan should not worry about who is going to be the most popular, because he will be since they are in Memphis. Lawler puts over the fact that they felt the Mid-South Coliseum would not hold all the people for the event, so they are now using the Fed-Ex Forum.
----Hulk Hogan video interview aired next with Corey Maclin. Hogan puts over the point on whether Jimmy Hart is going to be in his corner or Lawler’s corner. Something weird about the video as it looked like Maclin/Hogan were transposed in the scenery.
----Shelton/Hass video interview aired next. Same one as last week’s show.
----Grind/Flex squash “Blackout Squad” [Oz/Bishop] in quick bout. “Too Cool” got a huge babyface reaction from the fans even though they are heels. And, aren’t the BOS heels here?? Grind/Flex used a combo driver/stunner finish, which looked awesome!!!
----Koko Ware interview as The Grizz comes out to a pop. Grizz whispers something in Maclin’s ear and Maclin then announces he is the special ref for the match Friday night.
----They announced Hulk Hogan will be live in the studio next week.
----“Insane Clown” with Rashard come out. Clowns vs Cujo in a handicap match. Clowns have water and food for Cujo. Cujo gets down and looks at the food. He then hikes his leg up like he pees in it. Then the Clowns jump him with silly string. God!! I wished I was making all that up!!! Show goes off before the finish of the match as Cujo was making his comeback.
RassleNotes: “Flashamania” t-shirts were seen on fans in the crowd. Flash Flanagan does a Hulk gimmick in Ripley, TN for TLCW calling himself “The Flasher”…10:00 PM coming this Thursday on CW 30 will be a special for “Nightmare In Tunica” card…I think “Chucky” is area midget “Hollywood”…Nothing against Huey, but wouldn’t it have made sense with Dundee/Starr vs White/Hughes, since White had turned against Starr??...Hart states there have been over 300,000 hits on the Memphis Wrestling web site because of Lawler vs Hogan. Guess what?? The web site is not even up and running. LOL…Lawler has a crown tattoo on his forearm – first time I ever noticed it, so it must be new…Maclin said when showing the full card that Chucky was “Baby Kamala”?? WTF?? I think they actually were going to bring in a midget to play Baby Kamala, but instead are using Chucky…Why is it that “Too Cool 2” are the only tag team to be put over on Memphis TV and the big shows?? There have been other champs and such, but no one gets the push these guys do…Everyone put over the Hogan vs Lawler in their interview….They did a good job promoting the upcoming show. The question is can they draw without Jerry Lawler being on the show?? Can they draw when most people may just save their money for Lawler vs Hogan?? Main Event of Kamala vs Boogeyman is nothing that makes me want to go see the show.
----Derrick King interview opened the show. DK talked about the “mask” that keeps haunting him. DK visited a magic shop and the owner told him to watch his back. Derrick King vs Johnny Dotson ended in No Contest. Tatt2 tried to interfere to help Dotson, but it backfired. Flash Flanagan then came out running off DK.
----“Hollywood” Jimmy Blaylock with Fire/Flame/Chucky. Jimmy said that Chucky will be in the corner of Kamala this Friday night. Then Corey Maclin announced that Boogeyman will have Little Boogey at ringside with him.
----“New Nature Boy” Kevin White by DQ over Dustin Starr. A real good TV bout, but with a crappy finish. White was getting the heat on Starr and started using a chain, so Lord Humongous II made the save for him. Here is the problem – no build up except for Maclin saying Bill Dundee would reveal his mystery partner today and then Huey showing up. Just a couple of weeks ago, Huey was with the “Hollywood Clique” and now no turn or explanation.
----Full card for “Sam’s Town” “Nightmare at Tunica” @ River Place Arena with “Sam’s Town” Title Match: Johnny Dotson vs Tatt2, Chucky with Hollywood vs Sawdoff, JR Title Match: Derrick King vs Flash Flanagan, Mr. Hughes/Kevin White vs Bill Dundee/Lord Humongous II, Grudge Match: Koko Ware vs The Grizz with special ref Corey Maclin, Mixed Tag Match Jazz/Rodney Mack vs “The Moondogs” [Cujo/Fifi], Southern Tag Team Title Match: “Too Cool 2” [Flex/Tim Grind] vs Shelton Benjimam/Charlie Hass] and the Main Event: Boogeyman with Little Boogey vs Kamala with “Hollywood” Jimmy.
----Another piece with Jazz/Maclin at the home of Jazz. Grady Watson joins them. Watson talks about not being able to control The Moondogs. Jazz attacks Watson trying to rip his shirt. This was horrible. Jazz does a good promo after the angle.
----Video is shown of Corey Maclin and Jimmy Hart. They are on the roof of Hulk Hogan’s house waiting on him. Maclin promises Hogan later on the program. Hart then calls in and talks to Maclin.
----Jerry Lawler video interview from his home surrounded by Superman memorabilia. Lawler talks about Hogan should not worry about who is going to be the most popular, because he will be since they are in Memphis. Lawler puts over the fact that they felt the Mid-South Coliseum would not hold all the people for the event, so they are now using the Fed-Ex Forum.
----Hulk Hogan video interview aired next with Corey Maclin. Hogan puts over the point on whether Jimmy Hart is going to be in his corner or Lawler’s corner. Something weird about the video as it looked like Maclin/Hogan were transposed in the scenery.
----Shelton/Hass video interview aired next. Same one as last week’s show.
----Grind/Flex squash “Blackout Squad” [Oz/Bishop] in quick bout. “Too Cool” got a huge babyface reaction from the fans even though they are heels. And, aren’t the BOS heels here?? Grind/Flex used a combo driver/stunner finish, which looked awesome!!!
----Koko Ware interview as The Grizz comes out to a pop. Grizz whispers something in Maclin’s ear and Maclin then announces he is the special ref for the match Friday night.
----They announced Hulk Hogan will be live in the studio next week.
----“Insane Clown” with Rashard come out. Clowns vs Cujo in a handicap match. Clowns have water and food for Cujo. Cujo gets down and looks at the food. He then hikes his leg up like he pees in it. Then the Clowns jump him with silly string. God!! I wished I was making all that up!!! Show goes off before the finish of the match as Cujo was making his comeback.
RassleNotes: “Flashamania” t-shirts were seen on fans in the crowd. Flash Flanagan does a Hulk gimmick in Ripley, TN for TLCW calling himself “The Flasher”…10:00 PM coming this Thursday on CW 30 will be a special for “Nightmare In Tunica” card…I think “Chucky” is area midget “Hollywood”…Nothing against Huey, but wouldn’t it have made sense with Dundee/Starr vs White/Hughes, since White had turned against Starr??...Hart states there have been over 300,000 hits on the Memphis Wrestling web site because of Lawler vs Hogan. Guess what?? The web site is not even up and running. LOL…Lawler has a crown tattoo on his forearm – first time I ever noticed it, so it must be new…Maclin said when showing the full card that Chucky was “Baby Kamala”?? WTF?? I think they actually were going to bring in a midget to play Baby Kamala, but instead are using Chucky…Why is it that “Too Cool 2” are the only tag team to be put over on Memphis TV and the big shows?? There have been other champs and such, but no one gets the push these guys do…Everyone put over the Hogan vs Lawler in their interview….They did a good job promoting the upcoming show. The question is can they draw without Jerry Lawler being on the show?? Can they draw when most people may just save their money for Lawler vs Hogan?? Main Event of Kamala vs Boogeyman is nothing that makes me want to go see the show.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)