Heritage vs. CHIKARA

[Deleted]

August 1, 2012

At midnight, the WWE announces via their website that, as expected, CM Punk's contract was not renewed. Per company policy, Punk is wished well in his future endeavors.

Within minutes, Punk sends out the following message via his official WWE Twitter account:

@cmpunk
Thank you fans for 6 great years...get ready for 60 more in Heritage! #secondcityprophecy

Punk's hashtag fuels rampant speculation, not only that he will be allied with Christopher Daniels, but that he may have been the masked man competing alongside Daniels and Abyss at Chikara's King of Trios event.

By 12:30 AM, Punk's WWE Twitter account is shut down, but the comment lives on through a countless number of retweets.

[Deleted]

Results

HCW Training Day
August 4, 2012
Manhattan, NY

As the latest Heritage Championship Wrestling webcast went live, Training Day point leader Arya Daivari was in the ring with Mike Tenay.

TENAY: "Welcome, fans! After our last show, Triple Threat Showdown, my guest at this time was our point leader. Arya Daivari, that gives you three very important benefits."

DAIVARI: "Oh, no. No, no, Mister Tenay! My brother Shawn prepared me for the sort of temptations you white devils might throw at me, and I will not, will not, will not be swayed from my path!"

TENAY: "Well...I'm not trying to sway you from anything. Just telling you that because of your point standing, you will not have to wrestle tonight."

DAIVARI: "I knew it! You're trying to keep me out of the competition!"

TENAY: "No, no, no... You aren't being eliminated. In fact, as the current number one recruit, you have immunity. You can't be eliminated."

DAIVARI: "I will not... Wait, really?"

TENAY: "That's right. In addition, as soon as we're done here, you'll be the first man to go backstage and cast your vote for elimination."

DAIVARI: "Well, that doesn't sound so bad."

TENAY: "Now, to catch you up fans--at the end of each Training Day webcast, the recruit with the most votes for elimination will have to face off against the recruit at the bottom of the standings. The winner goes on, the loser goes home."

DAIVARI: "In that case, I vote for the white devil--"

TENAY: "Not here, Arya! In the back. And remember, the votes are cumulative, so even if someone is spared tonight, it doesn't mean they'll be safe next week."

DAIVARI: "I'm still waiting for the catch."

TENAY: "No catch. Your last benefit: you get the first choice from all of our coaches."

DAIVARI: "All of them white devils!"

WILLIE MACK: "Hey!"

TENAY: "Like them or not, you get first choice. Who's it going to be?"

Daivari paced across the ring, sizing up the men (and one woman) who were available to coach him to success. Although Willie Mack was still giving him dirty looks, the rest of the coaches were talking amongst themselves or going over their notes on the recruits. If one of them happened to look up at Daivari, he gave a polite nod. After several moments, the point leader rejoined Mike Tenay in the center of the ring.

DAIVARI: "I have made my decision, and even though he is a white devil, at least he is not a filthy American. I choose...Nigel McGuiness!"

The former world champion nodded his approval and left his seat, slipping over the ringside barricade and joining his new protege in the ring.

McGUINNESS: "Mister Daivari, Mister Number One, you've made the smartest decision of your career. I am a former world champion, former ROH Pure champion, and I will see to it that you remain at the top of this competition, right to the bitter end!"

TENAY: "Tonight, in addition to selecting their coaches, the recruits will learn who selected them for the competition. Arya Daivari, you were brought into HCW Training Day by...'Showtime' Eric Young!"

The camera zoomed in on Young, sitting with the rest of the coaches. He was applauding politely, and exchanged nods with Daivari (whose brother was a teammate of Young's in TNA), wishing him luck in the competition.

Eddie Osbourne vs. Jeremy Wyatt

This was an incredibly intense match, as the wrestlers were vying not only for an all-important win, but for the next selection from the remaining coaches. After several minutes of amateur-style grappling and counter-wrestling, Osbourne was able to weaken Wyatt and hit his FINAL IMPACT for the win.

WINNER: Eddie Osbourne via pinfall (5:33) *½

Post-Match Coach Selection

After the match was over, Eddie Osbourne selected Jay and Mark Briscoe as his coaches, and Dem Boys seemed very pleased with Osbourne's potential. It was also revealed that Osbourne had been brought into the competition by Kevin Steen.

After Jeremy Wyatt had shaken off the effects of the FINAL IMPACT, he said he'd be "a damn fool" not to choose a multi-time world champion and two-time Hall-of-Famer. He selected Ric Flair, who accepted the choice with characteristic aplomb and his trademark wicked grin. Wyatt learned that he was recruited for Training Day by Eddie Edwards.

Mark Sterling vs. Jon West

This was another phenomenal match, as West's strength prevented Sterling from controlling the match, but Sterling's experience was too much for West to overcome for more than a few moves at a time. In the end, wisdom and treachery overcame youth and enthusiasm, as West fell prey to the MARKSHOOTER.

WINNER: Mark Sterling via submission (9:14) ***

Post-Match Coach Selection

After the match, Sterling selected another submission specialist, Bryan Danielson, as his coach, while the limping Jon West chose another power grappler, Rhino. The men were brought into the competition by Roderick Strong and Willie Mack, respectively.

Hayden Avery vs. Rob James

Rob James was clearly on a mission in this match, as he attacked Avery right at the opening bell and refused to let up, hitting him with the 94% BETTER THAN YOU DRIVER four times (picking him up after the first three) before making the cover.

WINNER: Rob James via pinfall (3:43) *½

Post-Match Coach Selection

After the match, Rob James selected Roderick Strong as his coach. Strong vaulted over the barricade and climbed into the ring to exchange high-fives with his protege--drawing dark looks from Christopher Daniels (who, it turns out, had brought James into the competition). Sensing the need for some serious experience to help overcome his nagging injuries, Avery (brought into the competition by hardcore great Masada) selected Steve Corino, who seemed surprised to be selected so early, but was quite pleased with the prospect of working with the Canadian superstar.

Devin Carter vs. Lazz

Lazz's quirky behavior threw Devin Carter completely off his game--so much so that after one goose too many, Carter left the ring to grab a chair and blasted Lazz, drawing the deliberate DQ just to get out of the match.

WINNER: Lazz via disqualification (10:39) *

Post-Match Coach Selection

After the match, Lazz...well, this is what he said:

LAZZ: "I suppose it's time for me to come out."

PRAZAK: "Hasn't he already--"

TENAY: "Careful, Dangerous Dave!"

LAZZ: "The truth is, I'm a bit of a chubby chaser, so there's really only one man for me. Kevin Steen, I choose you!"

Steen's head sank down to his chest, and he was clearly unhappy with being selected by the bizarre Lazz. The coaches sitting around him, on the other hand, thought it was a fine idea, and began laying into him with one-liners as Lazz blew him a kiss.

Devin Carter admitted he wasn't looking for a coach so much as a partner (perhaps thinking of a future tag team pairing), and he selected "one of the best tag team wrestlers in the world," Joey Ryan.

Lazz was brought into Training Day by Jimmy Jacobs; Carter was chosen by Nigel McGuinness.

Jimmy Rockwell vs. Mana

Rockwell fought a good match, and even managed to power his massive opponent up for a ROCK ON BOMB, though he was slow to make the cover due to the effort it required, and Mana kicked out. The big man rallied back from that near-pin, and ultimately took home the victory after his POLYNESIAN PLUNGE.

WINNER: Mana via pinfall (6:00) **

Post-Match Coach Selection

Mana selected Masada as his coach with a simple nod of his head, and learned that Delirious had selected him for the competition. Rockwell weighed his options for a bit, but ultimately selected Eddie Edwards as his coach before learning that he had been recruited by El Generico (prompting a look of mild regret on Rockwell's face, as if he wished he had selected his masked benefactor).

Brian Ash vs. Hunter Matthews

No contest here: Ash completely overpowered Matthews, toying with him for several minutes before putting him away with a DEVASTATOR.

WINNER: Brian Ash via pinfall (8:09) *

Post-Match Coach Selection

Brian Ash wasted no time in selecting Adam Pearce as his coach, but Pearce pursed his lips for a moment before finally nodding his acceptance of the situation. Matthews gave it a moment's thought before selecting "one of the best athletes in wrestling today," Sara Del Rey.

Ash and Matthews were recruited into Training Day by Rhino and Adam Pearce, respectively--possibly explaining Scrap Iron's moment of disappointment, as he was hoping to coach his selection.

Bradley Charles vs. Derek Wylde

The two men shook hands to begin the match, then pulled out all the stops. Their high-impact encounter was marred only by numerous double-counts by the official, as Wylde and Charles often found themselves lying on the mat at the same time, utterly exhausted by big move after big move. Ultimately, despite the best offense of both men, it was a simple flying body press that allowed Charles to pick up the pinfall.

WINNER: Bradley Charles by pinfall (13:50) **

Post-Match Coach Selection

After the match, Charles selected Scorpio Sky as his coach. Sky almost immediately began taunting Jay Lethal (who had recruited Charles), and the two nearly came to blows before the rest of the coaches separated them. Wylde selected Brian Kendrick before learning that he had been recruited by Sara Del Rey, which brought a smirk to his face as he surmised (correctly), that Del Rey was interested in bringing his ally Jennifer Blake into HCW as much as Wylde, himself.

Darin Corbin vs. Ryan Cruz

This match of former partners was a violent affair, as they seemed to throw any hint of their friendship out the window. Ultimately, Corbin took the fight to the floor one time too many, and drew a DQ for choking Cruz with an electrical cable.

WINNER: Ryan Cruz via disqualification (7:04) *

Post-Match Coach Selection

After the match, Ryan Cruz selected Drake Younger as his coach, while Corbin selected Christopher Daniels, who was clearly displeased and being chosen so late in the competition. Before it could be announced who had recruited the two men, they renewed their fight, laying into each other with punches until their coaches pulled them apart.

AJ Smooth vs. Mike Sydal

Sydal never knew what hit him, as Smooth jumped him before the opening bell and never let up, taking a quick victory after a single KTFO.

WINNER: AJ Smooth via pinfall (1:45) ½

Post-Match Coach Selection

After the match, Smooth selected Eric Young as his coach, making "Showtime" very happy. Smooth had been recruited by Scorpio Sky. With the last selection in the competition, Mike Sydal made a somewhat surprising choice for his coach by taking Delirious. Sydal had been recruited by Brian Kendrick.

Announcer's Commentary

PRAZAK: "And just like that, we have a full set of competitors, and a full roster of coaches."

TENAY: "That's right, Dave--and we also know who the first competitor in our elimination match will be. After the results of tonight's matches are tallied up, the wrestler in last place overall: Mike Sydal."

PRAZAK: "Well, Mike Sydal will have to hope that he can make some sense out of whatever Delirious is telling him right now."

TENAY: "Earlier tonight, as the wrestlers were heading out to the ring for their matches, they each stopped by our video voting booth to cast their votes for who else should be on the chopping block. Let's view that footage right now.

The webcast shifted to a series of short clips, recorded throughout the evening, revealing each competitor's votes.

DAIVARI: "Even though I think voting is an American conspiracy and a sham, I vote for the white devil, Darin Corbin!"

WYATT: "Devin Carter. He's an SOB and I want him gone!"

OSBOURNE: "I want Daivari out of here--I can't stand that whining punk!"

WEST: "Lazz. Guy's a fruit loop!"

STERLING: "I want Lazz gone, out of HCW!"

JAMES: "I'm going with my main man, Mark Sterling. Bye-bye, Lazz!"

AVERY: "Ryan Cruz. He has no respect for this business, and doesn't belong here!"

CARTER: "This one's for you, Darin! Cruz, you're gone!"

LAZZ: "Ooo, I want Eddie Osbourne gone. He's a big, ugly bear!"

ROCKWELL: "Jeremy Wyatt, you and I have gone round for round in that ring all over the midwest. I'd like to see it happen one more time here in HCW, but I'd like to see you out the door even more."

MANA: "Hunter."

MATTHEWS: "No way--did Mana really vote for me? Well... Nah, I think I'll stick with Daivari."

ASH: "If Rob James doesn't get out of here soon, I'm going to wind up in jail for what I do to that pretty face of his in the ring!"

CHARLES: "Sorry, Eddie, but you've got to go! Eddie Osbourne."

WYLDE: "Lazz. I know there's other guys I should vote for, but he just creeps me out."

CORBIN: "Ryan Cruz, you've been holding me back long enough. HCW is my chance to be a star, and to do it without you hogging my spotlight! I vote for you. Good luck, 'partner!'"

CRUZ: "Darin Corbin, when we both got selected for this thing, i thought we had it made. Then you had to go and join Devin Carter's camp. Well, let's see how much good that does you. I vote for Darin!"

SYDAL: "Wow...I don't really have anything against anyone, but... I guess I vote for Devin Carter."

SMOOTH: "Darin Corbin, you and Devin Carter got my first partner eliminated from this competition. I can't tell you how happy I am that my new partner, Ryan Cruz, asked me to vote for you!"

TENAY: "Well, the votes are in, and with four of them, it will be Lazz taking on Mike Sydal in the elimination challenge!"

Lazz vs. Mike Sydal

Although Sydal gave it his best effort, with little time to rest before this match, the result was a foregone conclusion. The end came when Sydal went for a desperation high-risk move; Lazz caught him in mid air and rolled backwards, winding up on top (eww) for the pinfall.

WINNER: LAZZ via pinfall (4:49) ½

Post-Match Drama

After the match, while Lazz mounted (eww) the turnbuckles to celebrate his win, Sydal stayed on his knees in the center of the ring. The last image on everyone's screen before the webcast terminated was the look of utter disgust he had on his face as he faced an uncertain future with no HCW contract.

[Deleted]

Results

HCW Training Day
August 11, 2012
Manhattan, NY

Triple Threat Match: Brian Ash vs. Darin Corbin vs. Hayden Avery[/color]

The sixth Training Day webcast featured a cold open, as the broadcast began with Corbin and Ash in the ring, and Avery making his way down the aisle.

Unfortunately for Bryan Danielson's new promotion, the opener was lackluster at best. Corbin was taken out early when Ash tossed him head-first into the ring post, and Avery exploited his speed advantage to wear his larger opponent down quickly, setting him up for the DRUNK DRIVER to pick up the win.

WINNER: Hayden Avery via pinfall over Brian Ash (4:41) ½

Post-Match Commentary[/color]

TENAY: "Well, fans, our first Triple Threat Showdown was such a hit, the powers that be decided to have another one."

PRAZAK: "And it hasn't exactly gotten off to a stellar beginning..."

TENAY: "The night is young, Dave Prazak! We still have five opening round matches to go, then the winners will face off in the last two matches of the evening."

PRAZAK: "All this hoping to move up in the rankings, earning that precious immunity!"

Triple Threat Match: Bradley Charles vs. Hunter Matthews vs. Jimmy Rockwell[/color]

This match more than made up for the opening debacle. All three competitors pulled out all the stops, teaming up seemingly at random to wear down the third competitor, then turning on one another and hitting a big move, only to have the pinfall or submission broken up by the odd man out. As time ticked on, the wrestlers' desperation led to greater risks--and higher impact moves--but no one would stay down for the count. Eventually, time ran out leaving the trio of wrestlers exhausted and the fans clamoring for more.

Time limit draw (30:00) ***½

Post-Match Drama[/color]

After the match, Matthews, Charles, and Rockwell helped one another up and exchanged handshakes, high fives, and hugs. Finally, they joined hands in the center of the ring and raised one another's arms as the crowd went wild.

Triple Threat Match: AJ Smooth vs. Derek Wylde vs. Ryan Cruz[/color]

This could not have been a worse draw for Wylde, as the two allies ignored the triple threat stipulation and brutally double-teamed him. Wylde showed incredible conditioning and resilience, refusing to stay down, but eventually, he'd had enough. Sliding out of the ring, he grabbed a chair from ringside and laid out both of his opponents, losing the match, but very possibly saving his career.

WINNERS: AJ Smooth & Ryan Cruz via disqualification over Derek Wylde (11:39) **

Triple Threat Match: Arya Daivari vs. Devin Carter vs. Lazz[/color]

Lazz continued to bewilder and infuriate his opponents with his over-the-top theatrics. With no love lost between Carter and Daivari, they spent as much time arguing over who was going to pin Lazz as they did inflicting actual harm on him. The end came, in surprising fashion, during one such argument: while Carter and Daivari were going nose to nose, Lazz charged Carter from behind. Sensing a trap, he dropped out of the way, and Lazz nailed Daivari with the BRITNEY SPEAR. The bizarre one made the cover, and at that point, Carter was so disgusted, he simply walked away from the match.

WINNER: Lazz via pinfall over Arya Daivari (12:55) **

Post-Match Commentary[/color]

TENAY: "And just like that, Arya Daivari is no longer undefeated!"

PRAZAK: "He is absolutely beside himself, Mike Tenay--and you have to know that Nigel McGuinness is going to give him an earful when he makes his way to the back."

TENAY: "Absolutely. McGuinness was known throughout his career for staying focused on his prize, no matter what. Daivari let himself get distracted by Lazz, and then by arguing with Devin Carter, and he paid the price."

Triple Threat Match: Eddie Osbourne vs. Mark Sterling vs. Rob James[/color]

Another disastrous match-up, this time working against Eddie Osbourne. Unlike the Cruz-Smooth pairing earlier, however, Sterling and James were clearly focused on their individual records, pushing one another out of the way to go after Osbourne when he was down, and distracting the referee whenever the other man had the Canadian in trouble. Just as they seemed to be on the same page, and James leveled Osbourne with the 94% BETTER THAN YOU DRIVER, Sterling grabbed hold of James by the trunks and threw him out of the ring. Alone with the weakened Osbourne, he locked on his MARKSHOOTER, and picked up the win.

WINNER: Mark Sterling via submission over Eddie Osbourne (16:58) **½

Post-Match Drama[/color]

After the decision was rendered, Rob James slid back into the ring and shoved his partner from behind. Sterling spun around and got in James' face, and hostile words quickly escalated to a shouting match. James seemed on the verge of throwing a punch, but Roderick Strong came out to intervene, pulling James away and leading his recruit to the back.

Triple Threat Match: Mana vs. Jeremy Wyatt vs. Jon West[/color]

This match was an odd one, as Mana seemed to be moving very slowly, and stayed out of the action nearly the entire time. At one point, West whipped Wyatt into the ropes and dropped to the mat. Wyatt hopped over him and leaped onto Mana, who fell backwards and was counted down without even trying to kick out, and before West could recover and make the save.

WINNER: Jeremy Wyatt via pinfall on Mana (5:59) *½

Triple Threat Match: AJ Smooth vs. Hayden Avery vs. Ryan Cruz[/color]

This match was not substantially different from the first Ryan/Cruz match-up. The duo double-teamed Avery aggressively, but a miscommunication allowed Avery to take them both down with a double clothesline. Though he was staggered, Avery stopped Cruz up and obliterated him with a DRUNK DRIVER, but before he could go for the pin, Smooth jumped onto his back and clamped on a sleeper hold. Already weakened, Avery was easy prey for the move, and Smooth picked up a big, big win.

WINNER: AJ Smooth via submission over Hayden Avery (4:51) *

Triple Threat Match: Jeremy Wyatt vs. Lazz vs. Mark Sterling[/color]

Jeremy Wyatt was absolutely on fire in this match, akin the fight to both of his opponents and keeping them out of the match with explosive offense. Splitting his time between beating down both men, and never focusing on one long enough to allow the other to recover, Wyatt ultimately forced Sterling to submit with the KC CROSSFACE (9:43) *

Announcer's Commentary[/color]

PRAZAK: "Jeremy Wyatt looked very impressive, there. If I had managerial leanings here in HCW, I think I might have found my first signee."

TENAY: "Don't get any ideas, 'Dangerous' Dave. We need you right here on color commentary."

PRAZAK: "Either way, the results of tonight's matches are tabulated, and Darin Corbin is in last place, on the cusp of elimination."

TENAY: "Let's count up the votes and see who he'll be facing."

CORBIN: "Ryan, you got lucky last time, but I'm going to keep on voting you down until you're out of HCW!"

ASH: "Devin Carter, we have a history, and that history tells me I can't trust you. I should've known that from the beginning."

AVERY: "Ryan Cruz, I knew you were no good last week, and you're still no good this week!"

CHARLES: "Eddie Osbourne, you are a dangerous man. I have to vote for you again."

MATTHEWS: "Osbourne, I think you might be the biggest threat in this thing. I have to vote you out."

ROCKWELL: "Surprise, surprise, Wyatt! I'm still here--and I'm still voting for your sorry ass!"

SMOOTH: "Darin Corbin, I think you've spent just about enough time here in HCW. Time to go back to Minnesota!"

CRUZ: "Darin, old buddy, old friend...one more vote for you. I hope you choke on it!"

WYLDE: "You know, I thought we needed to get Lazz out of here fast, but the more I think about it...the problem is you, Mark Sterling!"

LAZZ: "Mmm, mmm, mmm... Eddie Osbourne, you're still a big, ugly gorilla, and I still think we need to prettify the HCW by voting you out!"

CARTER: "Lazz! You sick... UGH! Lazz, Lazz, Lazz!"

DAIVARI: "Since I cannot vote for all the white devils, I must vote for the most devilish of all: Darin Corbin! His red hair offends my ancestors!"

JAMES: "Mark and I talked this over, and guess what. Hayden Avery, your number is up!"

STERLING: "Hayden Avery, I know those old injuries have to be nagging you. Time to go home and rest up...'eh?' "

OSBOURNE: "Hunter Matthews, you punk. You thought I forgot about you? Think again!"

WEST: "I still gotta vote for Lazz. Man, he creeps me out!"

MANA: "Hunter."

WYATT: "Devin Carter, this competition just doesn't have room for both of us. Time for you to go!"

TENAY: "And there you have it! Combining these votes with the ones earned last week, we have...a tie! With six votes each, Lazz and the last-place Darin Corbin!"

PRAZAK: "And Darin Corbin is very, very lucky so many people hate Lazz. If it hadn't been for that tie, Corbin would be out of HCW without even wrestling that last match."

Darin Corbin vs. Lazz[/color]

Between Lazz's histrionics and his wrestling ability, Darin Corbin spent the majority of this match frustrated and on the run. After one particularly nasty head butt to the sort of area a man doesn't want to be head butted, Corbin threw up his hands and rolled out of the ring, making his way up the aisle. Almost immediately, his coach Christopher Daniels emerged from the back, ordering him to go back and finish the match. When Corbin refused, Daniels grabbed him and shoved him back down the aisle...and directly into a BRITNEY SPEAR by Lazz, who had been sneaking up from behind. Daniels himself dragged Corbin back to the ring and rolled him into the ring, allowing Lazz to make the cover.

WINNER: Lazz via pinfall (5:39) *½

Post-Match Commentary[/color]

TENAY: "And for the second week in a row, Lazz refuses to lay down..."

PRAZAK: "Now when you say--"

TENAY: "...to lay down and let the other recruits vote him out of the competition. In fact, with his wins today, he moves one step closer to the top rung, and immunity!"

PRAZAK: "I have to admit, Lazz has been looking very impressive, and if I weren't so pretty, I'd definitely think about offering him a contract. Fortunately, you don't have that problem, Mike Tenay!"

TENAY: "Oh, thanks a lot!"

PRAZAK: "We'll have more on..."

TENAY: "Hold on, Dave... I'm getting word that there's a problem in the back. Apparently, Mana is being taken to St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital!"

PRAZAK: "What? Why? What happened?"

TENAY: "No word yet...he reported to a trainer after his match, and after checking him over...apparently, the trainer is driving him there, so it doesn't seem to be a medical emergency."

PRAZAK: "We're getting the signal that we're out of time... We're going to try to get more on this situation, and will provide updates on the HCW website..."

With that odd turn of events, the webcast came to an end.

[Deleted]

August 12, 2012

HCW's website reports that, due to unspecified medical issues, Mana is dropping out of the Training Day competition. The website also posts a nice summary of Mana's career, with comments and well-wishes provided by fellow recruits Haden Avery, Brian Ash, Jimmy Rockwell, and Eddie Osbourne.

Though the website does not say so directly, the nature of the announcement strongly suggests that Mana will be retiring from professional wrestling.

[Deleted]

Results

Shock the Monkey
August 12, 2012
Reading, Pennsylvania

In-Ring Promo: Mike Quackenbush

Chikara's founder opened the show by coming out to the ring to address the situation involving the promotion's signature titles: the Campeonatos de Parejas.

QUACKENBUSH: "I can state, unequivocally, that Masada and Havoc are not the champions. They are not under contract to Chikara, they were not authorized to compete in that ladder match. In fact, they're very lucky I don't have them arrested for trespassing, assault, and battery!"

CROWD: "Yaaaay!"

QUACKENBUSH: "However, the fact is, I have a locker room full of people who want to get their hands on these two jerks--not the least of which are the actual champions, the Batiri! The fact is, they have our title belts, and I want them back! And the fact is, I'd really like a chance to show Daniel Bryan Danielson that his precious 'Heritage' crew doesn't match up against the best we have to offer!"

CROWD: "Chikara! Chikara! Chikara!"

QUACKENBUSH: "So--by my personal invitation--Masada and Havoc are here tonight, and I'd like them to come down to the ring right now, if they aren't too drunk or stoned to find their way."

While the crowd booed and threw rolls of toilet paper, the Ultraviolents made their way down from the back to raucous acid metal music. Despite Mike Quackenbush's earlier announcement, they wore Chikara's title belts around their waists. The hardcore duo made their way into the ring and moved in on Quackenbush, clearly intending to cause him a mischief.

QUACKENBUSH: "Hold it right there! Take one more step and, belts or no, honor or no, I will have your butts hauled off to jail. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice... Well, you're not fooling me twice."

CROWD: "Yay!"

QUACKENBUSH: "So, here's the deal--one time only. You guys hand over those belts, so I can return them to the Batiri. If you're so eager to get your hands on Chikara's top tag teams, you'll get your chance. I'll let you wrestle here, without a contract, and if you earn your three points, you can challenge for these belts legitimately. But--and this is a big but. Like, Rikishi big. Your first loss, and you're gone, out of here, no mas Ultraviolentes. Clear?"

The renegade tag team exchanged looks as Quackenbush held out his hands for the title belts. In unison, they reached back to unclasp the leather straps, then dropped them onto the mat at the founder's feet before turning to go.

QUACKENBUSH: "Whoa, whoa--wait a minute! Where are you going? Your first official match in Chikara? It happens right now."

The crowd went wild as 3.0's theme music fired up, and Shane Matthews and Scott Parker made their way to the ring.

3.0 vs. The Ultraviolents

Despite Mike Quackenbush's best intentions, the Heritage team completely dismantled the Canadian tandem for several minutes. After bloodying Scott Parker with a fierce piledriver, Masada tagged out to his partner and ran over to knock Shane Matthews off the apron. Havoc his his GENERAL ORDER 24 and made the cover.

WINNERS: The Ultraviolents via pinfall (8:10) *½

Post-Match Drama

After the match was over, Havoc sickened the crowd by wiping his fingers across Parker's forehead, and smearing the man's blood across his own face, like warpaint.

Icarus vs. Mike Quackenbush

After seeing his plan to embarrass the Ultraviolents backfire, Quackenbush wrestled like a man possessed. He surprised everyone, including his opponent, by taking the match to the floor on more than one occasion, and busting Icarus open by slamming his head into the ring post. After abusing the Winged Warrior for several minutes, Quackenbush finally picked up the win with a QUACKENDRIVER II.

WINNER: Mike Quackenbush via pinfall (8:19) ***

Post-Match Drama

After the referee called for the bell, Quackenbush rolled out of the ring and stalked directly to the back, without bothering to check on his fallen opponent, or even allowing referee Bryce Remsburg to raise his hand in victory.

F.I.S.T. vs, Diamond Sun

The former Campeonatos de Parejas were clearly put off by the drama involving the Batiri and the Ultraviolents, as they offered virtually no resistance to the red-hot pairing of Dasher Hatfield and Ophidian. The end came mercifully quickly, with Hatfield pinning Johnny Gargano after a GRAND SLAM.

WINNERS: Diamond Sun via pinfall (4:11) ½

Gregory Iron vs. Shard

Shard avenged his teammate 17's surprising loss to Iron, pinning the plucky tecnico after a SUPERKICK to win a very competitive match.

WINNER: Shard via pinfall (11:23) **½

The Colony vs. Incoherence

With both teams putting their two points on the line, the fans were anticipating an epic encounter, but they came away disappointed. Frightmare and Hallowicked almost appeared to be wrestling in slow motion; both Ants ran circles around them, and Soldier Ant finally pinned an obviously distracted Hallowicked after a Roaring Elbow. The Colony has three points, and can challenge for the Campeonatos de Parejas!

WINNERS: The Colony via pinfall (12:33) *

Eddie Kingston vs. Jigsaw

Taking his lead from his Quacksaw tag team partner, Jigsaw got off to a hot start, and had Kingston in trouble early. He picked up two-near falls before hitting the JIG N' TONIC, only to have Kingston kick out. He hit his signature move a second time, but this time, Kingston laid his foot across the bottom rope to break up the pinfall. As the match wore on, Jigsaw's frustration mounted, and he wound up taking one risk too many. Kingston was able to rally from a bloody lip and a horrendous beating to pick up the come-from-behind win after a SLIDING D.

WINNER: Eddie Kingston via pinfall (12:00) **½

Ultramantis Black vs. Pinkie Sanchez

This was a weird match, as Ultramantis seemed very put off by the cheers the newly-turned Pinkie Sanchez received. At several points in the match, when the crowd began cheering for the BDK soldier, Ultramantis broke off his attack and covered his ears, curling up in the corner as if the chants caused him pain. Ultimately, the match went to an unsatisfactory finish as a wild brawl led to a double DQ.

Double Disqualification (5:13) *½

Colt Cabana vs. Green Ant

After the raw violence and strange behavior in the previous match, this contest was a refreshing (and palate-cleansing) change of pace. It began with a handshake, and the two competitors gave their all to pick up the win--which Cabana earned with a reverse crab.

WINNER: Colt Cabana via submission (8:03) *½

Main Event: The Swarm vs. the BDK

The BDK stunned everyone with an effortless victory, as Claudio Castagnoli pinned CombatANT after a piledriver...and not much else.

WINNERS: The BDK via pinfall (0:29) --

Post-Match Drama

After the match was over, while Ares, Castagnoli, and manager Jakob Hammermeier seemed perplexed at what had happened. The mystery was solved when a new member of the Swarm, dressed in yellow and black stripes like a bee or wasp, emerged from under the ring and attacked Castagnoli from behind with a chop block. The newcomer immediately went after Hammermeier, and DeviANT locked up with Ares, leaving CombatANT--who had played possum and given up the fall voluntarily--to go after Castagnoli, stomping his knee viciously. The crowd's boos turned to cheers as Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw, Frightmare, and Hallowicked rushed out to restore order, sending the Swarm running for cover...but the damage was done, and Castagnoli needed to be carried out by his BDK teammates as the show ended.

[Deleted]

August 14, 2012

On HCW's website, it is announced that the next Training Day webcast, live at 9:00 pm Eastern time on August 25th, will feature a tag team tournament. Recruits have been paired up based on won-loss record and the number of votes they have received. For one night only, there will be no voting, and no immunity--everyone is up for elimination, and at the end of the evening, both members of the tag team that finishes in last place will be out of the competition!

The pairings are as as follows:

1) Arya Daivari & AJ Smooth
2) Rob James & Mark Sterling
3) Jon West & Jeremy Wyatt
4) Brian Ash & Hayden Avery
5) Bradley Charles & Devin Carter
6) Jimmy Rockwell & Eddie Osbourne
7) Hunter Matthews & Ryan Cruz
8) Derek Wylde & Lazz

[Deleted]

Results

Working for the Weekend
August 17, 2012
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Green Ant vs. Archibald Peck (with Veronica)

Despite being overmatched by nearly every measure, Peck fought like a man possessed and even picked up a couple near-falls (including one after a CRANIAL CRESCENDO). Peck went to the well once too often, however, allowing Green Ant to turn the tide. Just when it seemed the Colony would march to another singles victory, Peck scrambled out of the ring and used his baton as a weapon while Veronica distracted the referee. He broke it across Green Ant's back, then used the broken end to jab at the man's face, tearing his mask and bloodying his forehead. The referee finally turned around and, seeing the mayhem on the floor, called for the bell.

WINNER: Green Ant via disqualification (9:25) **

Post-Match Drama

After the match was called off, Veronica hurried over to Peck's side, smiling in pleasure for the first time in recent memory. She grabbed a handful of her charge's hair and hauled him to his feet, then led him to the back with a half-crazed look in his eyes.

3.0 vs. Los Ice Creams

In a match featuring some nice chain wrestling and a lot of counters, Los Ice Creams scored an upset and earned their second point towards title contention, defeating the Canadian fan favorites when El Hijo del Ice Cream pinned Scott Parker after EL ASESINO.

WINNERS: Los Ice Creams via pinfall (12:33) *

Jigsaw vs. Ultramantis Black

Jigsaw offered a handshake to start this match, but the Spectral Envoy's leader merely stared at him blankly, not even acknowledging the gesture. The match got off to a hot start, but ended weirdly when Ultramantis simply stopped wrestling and began shrieking, clawing at his own head and covering his ears. Jigsaw backed off once the fit started, and while he was consulting with the referee, UMB slipped out to the floor and grabbed a chair. He charged back into the ring and swung for the fences (still shrieking), but Jigsaw ducked and kicked the chair out of his hands, then picked it up himself and blasted away before he could realize what he was doing.

WINNER: Ultramantis Black via disqualification (4:59) ½

Post-Match Drama

As soon as the bell rang, Ultramantis stopped shrieking. His eyes seemed to glaze over again, and he rolled out of the ring to head to the back, occasionally shaking his head, as if trying to clear his thoughts.

Diamond Sun vs. Incoherence

With their leader going off the rails at high speed, Incoherence continued to suffer from a lack of leadership. They offered virtually no resistance to their opponents, and even collided with one another at top speed in the center of the ring. After that, the end was mercifully quick: Dasher Hatfield pinned Frightmare after a GRAND SLAM, giving Diamond Sun their second point.

WINNERS: Diamond Sun via pinfall (1:36) --

Colt Cabana vs. Grizzly Redwood

This match nearly caused a riot, as rookie official Daniel Yost made a highly controversial call very early in the contest. While Cabana was in the corner, he threw a punch at Redwood, who ducked. The man from Chicago nailed the referee instead, who immediately called for the bell.

WINNER: Grizzly Redwood via disqualification (1:17) --

The Colony vs. The BDK

With Claudio Castagnoli out of action due to a sprained knee, Jakob Hammermeier led the makeshift duo of Ares and Pinkie Sanchez to the ring. They showed some real promise, and had Soldier Ant in trouble on a couple occasions, but a hot tag to Fire Ant (Get it? Hot tag? Fire Ant?) turned the tables, and he was able to pin Ares after a wicked enzuigiri.

WINNERS: The Colony via pinfall (6:05) ½

Brodie Lee vs. Icarus

This match went more or less according to expectations: Icarus relied on speed and agility to keep Lee off-balance, while the Big Rig tried to slow things down with heavy-hitting moves and straight-up brawling. In the end, Icarus was able to stun his larger opponent with a missile dropkick, then incredibly picked him up and planted him with a BLU-RAY to pick up the win.

WINNER: Icarus via pinfall (5:11) *

Mike Quackenbush vs. 17

Once again, Mike Quackenbush wrestled like a man possessed, laying into 17 from the opening bell. He fought off interference from DeviANT (who had accompanied 17 to ringside), stunned 17 with a Quackendriver, then trapped him in the CHIKARA Special for a satisfying submission victory.

WINNER: Mike Quackenbush via submission (5:09) ***

Post-Match Drama

After the bell, Quackenbush shoved referee Bryce Remsburg aside and started tugging at the laces of 17's mask. Before he could expose his enemy's identity, DeviANT slid into the ring and attacked him from behind. After laying into him with kicks and punches, he tossed Quackenbush over the top rope and into the waiting arms of Shard, who had emerged from under the ring. He resumed the beating on the arena floor while DeviANT revived 17 so they could join the attack. Isolating Quackenbush against the rail, they hoisted him high into the air and sent him crashing down across the ringside barricade, chest first. They hit the move one more time until the entire tecnico locker room rushed out to chase them away, but the damage was already done, and Quackenbush needed medical attention before he could return to the back.

MAIN EVENT: Tim Donst (c) vs. Eddie Kingston for the CHIKARA Grand Championship

Every time these men have met, it has proved to be an epic encounter, and this time was no exception. Donst took a very early advantage, breaking Kingston down step by step unit he had the challenger down and could keep him there with a host of submission moves. Kingston took advantage of his longer reach to keep himself in the contest, forcing a break of every hold by reaching the ropes. Donst almost scored a pinfall out of nowhere with his SDT, but amazingly, Kingston was able to kick out, then roll to the floor to catch a breather.

Donst made a critical error in following him, and the brawler from Yonkers made him pay for the mistake by ramming him into the barricade, then the ring post, and finally putting him through the announcer's table with a power bomb! Donst was on the verge of being counted out, but Kingston wisely broke up the referee's count to preserve his chances of winning the title.

Once Donst made his way back into the ring, he resumed his mat attack, and once again, Kingston had to rely on the ropes to save himself. Donst picked up another near pinfall after an incredible overhead belly-to-belly suplex with a bridge, but Kingston rolled his shoulder out at two. After that, Donst continued to press his advantage, using suplexes and another SDT to weaken Kingston and nearly win the match. His frustration mounting, Donst whipped Kingston into the turnbuckle, only to have the move reversed! He slammed into the corner, hard, and walked into a huge clothesline. A SLIDING D could not keep Donst down for three, and neither could a BACKFIST TO THE FUTURE, so...incredibly...Kingston made his way up to the top rope and flew, hitting Donst with the ugliest flying body press in the history of wrestling, but it was enough to keep him down for three.

WINNER and NEW CHIKARA GRAND CHAMPION: Eddie Kingston via pinfall (10:46) ****

[Deleted]

August 18, 2012

12:13 AM

An update to Chikara's website includes a number of major news items related to the upcoming three-day show in Easton, Pennsylvania, named for Metallica's One.

The most shocking announcement is that Chikara's popular King of Trios event is being discontinued in favor of a new title. The Reyes del Trinidad ("Trinity Kings") will be a permanent Trios championship, contested under traditional Lucha Libre rules. The first champions will be crowned over the course of the three cards in Easton.

It is also announced that both the Grand Championship and the Campeonatos de Parejas will be defended every night of the tournament.

Finally, the entire line-up for Night One is released.

One
Night One

[/b]

Archibald Peck vs. The Hobo
Four Corners Survival
3.0 vs. Brodie Lee & Grizzly Redwood vs. 17 & HymenopterANT vs. Jigsaw & Gregory Iron
Reyes de Trinidad Qualifying Gauntlet Match
The Spectral Envoy
The Colony
The Swarm
The BDK
F.I.S.T.
Diamond Sun & a Mystery Partner
For the Campeonatos de Parejas
The Batiri (c) vs. Los Ice Creams

And in the main event...
Two-time champion Eddie Kingston defends the CHIKARA Grand Championship against Colt Cabana!


One
Night Two[/b]

For the Campeonatos de Parejas
Los Ice Creams/The Batiri (c) vs. Diamond Sun

And in the main event...
Icarus challenges the winner of the Colt Cabana-Eddie Kingston match!


One
Night Three[/b]

For the Campeonatos de Parejas
Diamond Sun/Los Ice Creams/The Batiri (c) vs. The Colony

And in the main event...
Former champion Tim Donst will try to win his second Grand Championship![/center]

[Deleted]

August 18, 2012

12:19 AM

HCW announces, via their website, that they will be broadcasting Training Day LIVE from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 15th.

This places HCW in direct competition with the second night of Chikara's One[/color] mega-eventfrom nearby Easton.

Before the night is over, a Twitter war erupts between Chikara's Mike Quackenbush and HCW's Bryan Danielson...

[Deleted]

12:21 AM

@mikequackenbush
Class move by HCW trying to compete head to head...Know the Chikarmy will make thing right!