Golden Horseshoe Wrestling - Road to the Gold Tour

[bookerbill]

From the ashes of my PWA fed comes Golden Horseshoe Wrestling. The territory will still be based in Ontario with cards at different locations. Some of the locations will have their own particular flavor of action. I am starting with a round robin tournament to determine my first champion that is inspired by the GI Climax Tournament. 16 wrestlers have been signed to compete. Block A will feature Claudio Castagnoli (Chikara), Willie Mack, Adam Pearce, Rhino, Delirious (Chikara), Bryan Danielson (Chikara), and Eddie Edwards. In Block B, there is Kevin Steen, Davey Richards, Shelton Benjamin, Homicide, Mike Quackenbush, Jay Lethal (ROH Intro), Michael Elgin (ROH Intro) and Eddie Kingston. Two points for a win, one for a draw and zero for a loss.

Card 01 – Golden Horseshoe Wrestling presents “Road to The Gold Night One” Alpine Club, Kitchener, January 3, 2015

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – Delirious v. Rhino w/Truth Martini
The first half of the match featured Rhino tossing around his opponent with power spot after power spot. Delirious got the best of the ringside action and took control hitting Shadows of Heck and Chemical Imbalance II. PRAYING MANTIS BOMB blew the fans away but did not get the three count. Rhino power back into control and this lead to a GORE! but Delirious kicked out of the cover. More brawling on the floor followed and Rhino used a chair shot resulting in a disqualification. (2.0)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block B Match – Homicide v. “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin w/Truth Martini
Elgin would normally be the crowd favourite but the site of Martini at his side quickly sours ringside. This one was off the chart with intensity. Plenty of power moves from Elgin as you would expect but Homicide showed no fear and picked up a near fall off of an Ace Crusher. Elgin powered back and at one point shook the ring with back to back SPINNING SIT-OUT POWERBOMBS but could not get the three count. The crowd was really into the action as Homicide mounted his own comeback and nailed DA GRINGO KILLER that looked nuts. Martini was able to distract the referee. They brawled on the floor and Martini decked Homicide with the Book of Truth resulting in a disqualification. Both men brawled their way to the back. (2.5)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block B Match – “Lightening” Mike Quackenbush v. Jay Lethal
Handshake started the match and from there the action exploded and unrolled at top speed. Lethal really looked impressive hitting several suplexes and twice hitting a Lethal Combination. Quackenbush did manage to slow the pace at certain points and get Lethal on the mat. Quackendriver did some damage but in the end, Lethal was able to spike Quackenbush with a springboard DDT and get the three count. (2.0)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block B Match - Shelton Benjamin v. Eddie Kingston
Kingston wants no part of a handshake and the action gets underway with Benjamin getting the upper hand with his speed and agility. The ring moves when he hits a corner splash. Kingston shows some grit, brawling his way back into control. A lariat crushes Benjamin and a series of suplexes look great. Kingston works over his opponent in and out of the ring hitting a BACKFIST TO THE FUTURE twice in the process without the win. However, a third BACKFIST TO THE FUTURE drops Benjamin for the three count. (1.5)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – Adam Pearce v. “Die Hard” Eddie Edwards
Pearce is easily on of the most hated competitor on the independent scene so it was of no surprize that the fans got behind Edwards and were ecstatic when “Die Hard” took the fight to Pearce out of the gate. Tiger suplex planted Pearce on his head for a near fall and Edwards then nailed a perfect deathjump cross body the netted a two count. Edwards then hit another deathjump which set up the DIE HARD giving Edwards what must be considered an upset win. Pearce has virtually no offense in the entire match. (1.0)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – Roderick Strong w/Truth Martini v. Bryan Danielson
Danielson gets on the mic before the match and suggests to Strong that he send Martini to the back and “wrestle like the man he used to be before he hooked up with that loser.” Strong declines and responses with an impressive offensive run early on. Martini earns epic heat when he smashes Danielson with the Book of Truth but the referee does not see it. Backbreaker clinic from Strong but he is unable to put away Danielson. The American Dragon comes back with the crossface chicken wing and kicks being his primary weapons. Strong is able to escape CATTLE MUTILATION. It is back and forth with both men picking up near falls. Danielson appears to have the match won with a cross face chicken wing but Martini gets on the apron and Danielson decks him with a kick. The distraction allows Strong to nail End of the Heartache and lock in a STRONG HOLD. Danielson makes the ropes the fans are losing it. Danielson comes back with kicks and then hits a deathjump cross body block for a near fall. Danielson then mounts the corner for a second deathjump cross body. Strong rolls through and the referee counts two before Danielson reverses the cradle and gets the three count. (5.0)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – Claudio Castagnoli v. Willie Mack
Mack wastes no time in getting down to business twice hitting MDX. They brawl on the floor and Castagnoli is clearly in trouble but manages to counter with Swiss Death. They go to the floor again and Castagnoli nails Mack with a chair shot earning a disqualification. Both men brawl after the bell and the fans cheer each blow. (1.5)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block B Match – “Wrestling’s Worst Nightmare” Kevin Steen v. “American Wolf” Davey Richards
The atmosphere at ringside was electric with both men having their supporters on hand. Richards tries to steal the win with an inside cradle and follows with a cloverleaf the forces the action outside. Steen is able to gain control and powerbombs Richards through the ringside table. The fans explode at the spot but it ends the contest as Steen is disqualified for the infraction. The fans are not pleased and Steen attempts a PACKAGE PILEDRIVER after the bell but Eddie Edwards is out to save his tag team partner. (1.0).

[Pariah]

Fantastic name for a fed... Love it!

Lots of DQ decisions, but still plenty of fun... Very pleased that the American Wolf advanced and I'll be pulling for him all the way... But, there's some truly tough opposition in the way... Right now, thinking that Lethal and Danielson are the two most dangerous competitors... With Homicide being a potential spoiler...

Great stuff!

[bookerbill]

Thanks for the comments Pariah. Glad you like the name. Thank you for clicking on like walkswithwolf. Very cool to connect with fans from across the globe.

Card 02 – Golden Horseshoe Wrestling presents “Road to The Gold Night One” Alpine Club, Kitchener, January 4, 2015

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block B Match - Shelton Benjamin v. Homicide
It appears Benjamin has the plan to keep away from Homicide but he gets attacked with a fork without the knowledge of the referee and the momentum goes to the side of Homicide. DA GRINGO KILLER does not finish it but the following Ace Crusher does. (1.0)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – Roderick Strong w/Truth Martini v. Adam Pearce
Pearce is all over Strong from the outset and the fans seem to enjoy Martini’s man getting a licking. JUMPING PILEDRIVER nearly ends it and Strong appears all but finished after a Hangman’s Neckbreaker before Strong tosses Strong the book of the truth and Strong decks Pearce leading to a near fall. Pearce is still dazed and Strong capitalizes with back to back SICK KICKS for the big win. Pearce is livid with the official after the bell but is no condition to argue since he can barely stand. (1.5)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – Rhino w/Truth Martini v. Willie Mack
A battle of heavyweights was next. Mack gets the early advantage but makes the mistake of telegraphing a backdrop allowing Rhino to counter with a piledriver. With Martini calling for it, the GORE! connects and Mack is finished. Rhino has his first points of the tournament (1.0)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – “Die Hard” Eddie Edwards v. Delirious
There was some great back and forth early on between these two. Delirious earns some heat when he uses a chair in his attack on Edwards outside the ring. Back to back BIZZARO DRIVERS only get a two and half count. Delirious mounts the corner to finish Edwards but Die Hard is able to knock the ropes sending Delirious crashing to the mat in a heap. Edwards quickly applies the Achilles Lock and earns the submission victory. (1.5)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block B Match – Jay Lethal v. Eddie Kingston
The fans were on edge of their seats from the outset of this one. Kingston was able to brawl his way into control and his suplexes punish Lethal. Lethal made a comeback with a series of deathjump smashes. Hail to the King lit up the crowd and a deathjump cross body block followed for a near fall. Kingston was reeling and Lethal ended it with the LETHAL INJECTION. Kingston showed some respect after the match and shook Lethal’s hand. (1.5)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block B Match – “American Wolf” Davey Richards v. “Lightening” Mike Quackenbush
Handshake gets the action underway. Richards gets the early control including a suicide dive that the fans love and kicked to death. Quackenbush is able to reverse an Irish whip on the floor and Richards goes hard into the ringside table. Back in the ring, Quackenbush presses the action with a Quackendriver followed by back to back QUACKENDRIVER III’s for the comeback win. Big upset in the block. (2.0)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block B – “Wrestling’s Worst Nightmare” Kevin Steen v. “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin
The fans are buzzing but the match was disappointing. Elgin with a stalling vertical suplex that sends the action to the floor and Steen runs Elgin into the ringside table knocking the ring announcer to the floor. The referee calls for the quick disqualification. The fans are livid and want to tear apart the referee. (dud)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A – Claudio Castagnoli v. Bryan Danielson
The fans are on fire for this one. Great big man v. little man dynamic. Danielson uses his speed and avoids a running clothesline. Diving headbutt hits and gets a two count. Danielson traps Castagnoli in a CATTLE MUTILATION and gets the quick submission. As much as the fans are happy with the victory, the length of the contest was surprisingly short. (1.0)

After two rounds, block A has been turned upside down as the two of the three top seeds, (Claudio Castagnoli & Adam Pearce) are winless while the bottom two seeds (Bryan Danielson & Eddie Edwards) are undefeated. Similarly, top seed in block B Kevin Steen has yet to pick up a win while Homicide & Jay Lethal are undefeated. The next round will be make or break for several competitors.

[walkswithwolf]

No problem Bill )

[cruefan68]

I am liking this fed BB and agree with Pariah that it is a great name. The tournament action has been stellar thus far with a nice mix of surprises in the results. Looking forward to seeing who eventually wins it.

[Pariah]

I'm really not surprised that Danielson and Lethal remain undefeated... And I still think Homicide could be the dark horse to win it all...

Wrestling's Worst Nightmare is having a rough time with the referees, getting DQ'd in both outings...

Lots of fun!

[bookerbill]

Thank you for the comments. Steen will not have to worry about being disqualified tonight.

Card 03 – Golden Horseshoe Wrestling presents “Road to The Gold Night Three” The Rockpile, Toronto, January 10, 2015

The Rockpile is the home of Deathproof Fight Club and the Deathproof spirit will be alive and well tonight as each bout will be contested under Deathproof rules. No count-outs, no disqualifications, all fights to a finish!

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match - Delirious v. Willie Mack
There was complete carnage in this one from start to finish. Before it was all said and done, both Mack and Delirious were put through a table and Mack was suplexed onto a ladder. Both men made use of chairs as well as the battle went in and out of the ring. Late in the match, Delirious whipped two chairs at his opponent. Delirious was able to hit back to back PRAYING MANTIS BOMBS for the big win. (3.5)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block B Match – Jay Lethal v. “American Wolf” Davey Richards
For the second straight match, the fans were witness to an absolute war as the Lethal looked to remain undefeated in the tournament against a double tough American Wolf. They battled inside and outside of the ring. Lethal took two early bumps during ladder spots that had the audience cringing. Later, Richards went through a table courtesy of a Lethal backdrop. As damaging as that action was, the real damage was done in the ring and mainly by Richards as kicked to death and Alarm Clock kicks took their toll on Lethal. Lethal was able to get a near fall after a springboard DDT but that was as close has he would get to victory as Richards had too many weapons and picked up the win with an ANKLE LOCK when Lethal blacked out (his final pin was 11!) (5.0)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block B Match – Shelton Benjamin v. “Lightening” Mike Quackenbush
The crazy spots and brawling were kept to just one incident when Benjamin suplexed Quackenbush onto a ladder. Otherwise, the action took place in the ring and Benjamin dominated the bout from start to finish. Quackenbush survived a PAYDIRT but Benjamin would not be denied tonight ending the match with a corner splash to pick up his first points of the tournament. (1.5)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – Roderick Strong w/Truth Martini v. Claudio Castagnoli
The fans were buzzing for this one. Strong was the first to break through catching Castagnoli on the top and tossing him to the mat. A STRONG HOLD was next followed by back to back to back SICK KICKS but Castagnoli kicked out each time and the fans were on fire. Death by Roderick resulted in a Swiss Death counter followed by a RICOLA BOMB. Martini could not cause a distraction but Strong kicked out. Castagnoli with a perfect deathjump cross body but Strong uses the tights to roll through and gets the three count stealing the win. Castagnoli is irate after the bell as the realization that he is all but eliminated from contention sets in. (2.5)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – Rhino w/Truth Martini v. Adam Pearce
The level of intensity for this one again went up another notch. There was a crazy table spot in which Rhino attempted a table splash off a ladder but Pearce rolled clear. The fans were chanting and the ring was filled with debris. Later, Pearce was suplexed onto a ladder and then Rhino went for another table splash spot and was successful. The roar from the fans was epic. Somehow, both men were able to get up carry on. Pearce had a clear game plan to work the neck and in the end that was the difference as he managed to survive Rhino’s power spots and get the win with a Last Ride Lariat. Big ovation for both men from the fans after the bell. The ring crew needed a few minutes to clear the debris after this one was over. (4.0)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block B Match – Eddie Kingston v. “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin w/Truth Martini
As expected, the action between these two was heavy hitting and full of power spots. Elgin set the tone early on getting the best of a chop battle. They went back and forth with both men hitting their finishers without victory. The chaos then started as Kingston made liberal use of a ladder in a couple of suplex spots that had Elgin reeling. Kingston looked to have the match won with a half nelson suplex but Martini was able to distract the referee. Kingston continued to dominate and a BACKFIST TO THE FUTURE would have gotten the three count but Kingston decided to go after Martini who was up on the apron. Elgin had his opening and nailed a suplex into side slam followed by a SPINNING SIT-OUT POWERBOMB for the three count. Big assist to Martini for Elgin’s two points tonight. (3.0)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – “Die Hard” Eddie Edwards v. Bryan Danielson
The fans expected this one to be more science than violence but there was a hardcore edge to the action before it was all said and done. Handshake started the bout and they went back and forth. Danielson went for the early submission with a TRIANGLE CHOKE but Edwards made the ropes. Later, Edwards hit a DIE HARD for a near fall. Danielson survived a second DIE HARD and the action when to the floor. Edwards threw a chair into Danielson and then nailed him with a chin checker when the bout returned to the ring to get the win and take the lead in Block B. (2.0)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – “Wrestling’s Worst Nightmare” Kevin Steen v. Homicide
The fans are chanting before the bell even sounds. Two of the best brawlers in wrestling. No disqualifications, no count-outs… ring the bell. The fans likely wanted this one to go longer but Homicide stepped up the intensity carving up Steen with a fork. They go to the floor and while Homicide is looking under the ring for a weapon Steen is able to recover and ram him with a chair shot below the belt earning huge heat from the fans. Back in the ring, Steen hits a PACKAGE PILEDRIVER to pick up his first points in the tournament. A bloodied Steen seems to enjoy seeing Homicide rolling in pain after the bell. (2.0)

After three rounds, Eddie Edwards is alone atop Block A with six points having yet to be defeated. A three way tie at four points is next with Roderick Strong, Delirious and Bryan Danielson. Willie Mack, Adam Pearce and Rhino each have two points and Claudio Castagnoli has yet to pick up any points despite coming into the tournament as one of the favourites. In Block B, four competitors are deadlocked at four points each. Davey Richards, Homicide, Jay Lethal and Michael Elgin could all take it. The balance of the competitors have two points so it is still anyone’s block to win.

[Pariah]

Steen and Homicide closed out the show in brutal fashion, capitalizing on the no-DQ rule... Great to see Steen picking up his first win, as Block B remains competitive...

'Die Hard' Eddie may have just won his most important match (assuming that if a tie breaker is needed between the two men, his win over Danielson would come into play)...

The superb action continues... Excellent work!

[bookerbill]

Thank you for the feedback Pariah. I was also excited to see Steen finally get a win.

Card 04 – Golden Horseshoe Wrestling presents “Road to The Gold Night Four” The Great Hall, Toronto, January 11, 2015

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – Rhino w/Truth Martini v. Bryan Danielson.
The fans are solidly behind the American Dragon in the battle of science v. power. Danielson gets caught early and often by Rhino’s power attack. Danielson has no response to the onslaught and a GORE! ends it. (1.0)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – Claudio Castagnoli v. Delirious
Castagnoli needed the win in this bout to stay in contention but he was simply outmatched by the competitor from the Edge of Insanity. Delirious went on a tear midway through the match with Chemical Imbalance II and two PRAYING MANTIS BOMBS. However, Castagnoli was able to kick out of the covers. Delirious cracked his opponent with a chair at ringside and then put Castagnoli away with a BIZZARO DRIVER. The fans are not really sure what to make of Delirious but he keeping close to Edwards at the top of the block.(1.5)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block B Match – “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin w/Truth Martini v. “Lightening” Mike Quackenbush
Elgin went to work with a punishing attack out of the gate the included a charging lariat and clubbing blows. Shoulder black and spinning backfist connect before Elgin crushes Quackenbush with a Deadlift Powerbomb for the win. Elgin has three victories and now must be considered one of the favourites to come out of block B. (1.0)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – Jay Lethal v. “Wrestling’s Worst Nightmare” Kevin Steen
The momentum in this one goes back and forth for several minutes without an clear advantage. Steen picks up a pair of near falls before Lethal is able to come back and nail back to back moonsaults. A sleeperhold suplex puts Lethal on his head and an F-CINQ ends it. (1.5)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block B Match – Eddie Kingston v. Homicide
These tag team partners were ready to tear the house down and tear each other apart. The action went back and forth at a blistering pace. Lariats flew and suplexes landed. At one point Kingston hit back to back SLIDING D finishers followed by a BACKFIST TO THE FUTURE but could not get the win. Homicide managed to battle back and crushed Kingston with a DA GRINGO KILLER but Kingston kicks out at the last second. They go to the floor and tear apart ringside. The referee lets them go and the action continues. Kingston with back to back BACKFIST TO THE FUTURE blows for a near fall. Back to the floor again and they battle over a chair. Homicide with a low kick and then decks Kingston with the chair earning a disqualification as the referee had seen enough. They exchange blows after the match and brawl to the back. (2.5)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match - Adam Pearce v. Willie Mack
These two were no strangers to each other after their battles up and down the west coast of America. Mack really stepped up his game tonight and dominated most of the action. Twice a Samoan Drop gave Mack a two count. MDX hit multiple times and really took its toll on Pearce. Mack even smashed a chair across the back of Pearce after Pearce attempted to use the weapon on Mack. The end came when Mack nailed Pearce with clothesline in the corner and followed with MDX for the pin. (1.5)

Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block B Match Shelton Benjamin v. “American Wolf” Davey Richards
Handshake started this one off. Some great back and forth exchanges dominated the early action and then Benjamin switched gears and took control of the bout. He hit Richards with everything including spinebusters, clotheslines, powerbombs and PAYDIRTS but could not get the win. Richards came back with an Alarm Clock but his advantage was short lived. Tonight was Benjamin’s night and he took the win following a tombstone piledriver. (1.5)
Golden Horseshoe Title Tournament Block A Match – “Die Hard” Eddie Edwards v. Roderick Strong w/Truth Martini
Edwards has yet to lose a match in the tournament so far but struggles early on as Strong dominates the match from the opening bell. Twice Edwards makes the ropes to survive a STRONG HOLD before he is able to mount his comeback starting with an awesome looking superkick. Edwards goes on an awesome run including back to back Chin Checkers. Martini attempts to cause a distraction from the floor and then mounts the apron but Edwards maintains his focus. A series of Achilles Locks has Strong in trouble and Edwards gets the win after a DIE HARD. (2.0)

After four rounds, Eddie Edwards remains the only undefeated competitor in the tournament and sits atop Block A with 8 points. Delirious is next with 6 points while four competitors (Willie Mack, Roderick Strong, Rhino & Bryan Danielson) have 4 points each. Adam Pearce has 2 points and Claudio Castagnoli is officially eliminated from contention with no points yet. In Block B, Michael Elgin has won three in a row for 6 points which puts him in first place. A six way tie for second includes Kevin Steen, Davey Richards, Shelton Benjamin, Homicide, Jay Lethal and Eddie Kingston with 4 points each. Mike Quackenbush is in last place with two points and is likely out of contention.

[Pariah]

Rough loss for the American Dragon to open up the round, as 'Die Hard' Eddie behind to pull away from the competition...

Steen looked impressive by defeating the always dangerous, Jay Lethal... But, 'Unbreakable' Elgin may be difficult to catch now that he's gained momentum...

Still not counting Homicide out of it either... If he can avoid future DQ decisions, he will remain a threat...

Really enjoying the action and cannot wait to see who comes out on top!