LOW - Legends of Wrestling

[bookerbill]

Interesting field for the tournament. Hard to pick a front runner. Great action as always.

[cruefan68]

Thanks for the comments Crimson and Bookerbill. The Dundee vs. Severn feud has been going pretty good and the PWI tournament is really fun for me. Next up we go to MSG for a huge card setting up the WrestleCade VIII main event...

LOW Northern Wrestling Corporation - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY (Card #785)

1) Heartbreak Express defeated Jerry Lynn & Arik Cannon:
The cult favorite Heartbreak Express (Fabulous Phil Davis & Superstar Sean Davis) of All-Star Wrestling scored perhaps the biggest win of their careers in LOW by defeating Jerry Lynn & “The Anarchist” Arik Cannon in the opening match at MSG. Something seemed off for Lynn and Cannon early and the Express took full advantage of it. They hit The Heartbreaker on Lynn for a big near fall and then Phil choked him out with the tag rope. Cannon was unable to tag in and Phil then hit a piledriver on Lynn to lay him out and that set up the 320-pound Sean executing the Sexy Gyration and Big Splash to score the pin. The shocking finish was made even more shocking as Cannon at first left ringside but then ran back in and laid out Lynn with the Glimmering Warlock. The crowd jeered the actions of Cannon as he angrily left the ring ending his longtime partnership with Lynn.

2) Drake Younger defeated Rob Van Dam by DQ:
The popular “Whole F’N Show” Rob Van Dam, accompanied by his manager Bill Alfonso, took on the “Psycho Shooter” Drake Younger in a battle of hardcore stars. It was all Younger early including him hitting the devastating Drake’s Landing on RVD for a big near fall. RVD battled back using his unique offense and laid Younger out before executing Rolling Thunder. The battle went out to the floor where RVD drew a snake eyes disqualification for using one of the light tubes that Younger brings out to ringside. RVD wasn’t finished there, though, as he hit the Five Star Frog Splash on Younger post-match to big cheers from the crowd.

3) Johnny & Greg Valentine defeated Dick Hutton & Ilio DiPaolo:
The veteran pairing of Dick Hutton & Ilio DiPaolo were in for a tough time here as they opposed the father-and-son team of Johnny & Greg Valentine who had their manager Captain Lou Albano at ringside. The hardened Hutton is as tough as they come but so is Johnny Valentine and the two started the match engaging in some nice back and forth action. That included Johnny using the abdominal stretch on Hutton which he escaped by flipping both men over the top rope to the floor. Greg lived up to his nickname of “The Hammer” and shined during his time in. After a forearm hammer by Johnny shook up Hutton it was Greg dropping him with the Valentine chops. Greg then trapped Hutton in the Figure Four Leglock winning this one via submission as Johnny prevented DiPaolo from making the save.

4) Ox Baker defeated Tony Atlas:
The popular “Mr. USA” Tony Atlas took on the feared “Master of the Heart Punch” Ox Baker who had manager Abdullah Farouk in his corner. Farouk proudly boasted to ringsiders pre-match that Baker had a Heart Punch reserved especially for Atlas. It was all Baker in the early going as he pounded away on Atlas and scored a two count after delivering a clothesline. Atlas battled back and scored a two count of his own with a jumping headbutt. Farouk looked on concerned as the very powerful Atlas continued his offensive with a vertical suplex followed by another jumping headbutt. The two warriors then fought to the outside several times narrowly avoiding a disqualification decision. Baker regained control and, after delivering a forearm shot from the middle rope (ch), he sized up Atlas for the Heart Punch which led to a pinfall victory for the Waterloo, IA, native. A pleased Farouk looked on smiling as a hurt Atlas had to be helped out of the ring by the referee.

5) Jimmy Snuka defeated Cowboy Bob Orton:
A battle between two of the best in the NWC saw Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka take on “The Ace” Cowboy Bob Orton. Snuka was in control early stunning Orton with the leapfrog and chop and the backbreaker. Orton turned the tables and executed the piledriver three consecutive times leaving Snuka in a bad way. That set up Orton going up top and executing the Superplex for what looked to be a sure pin but Snuka somehow kicked out before the three count. A bewildered Orton questioned the referee as Snuka regained his senses. It wasn’t long after that when Snuka laid him out and came off of the top rope with the Superfly but somehow Orton got his shoulder up before the three count. Both men showed great resiliency kicking out of each others finishers as the crowd was stirred into a frenzy. A second delivery of the Superfly by Snuka resulted in a snake eyes pin giving him a big victory. The “Superfly” barely had time to celebrate his win as The Warlord showed up and attacked him. Orton then joined in and the two pounded away on Snuka until none other than Diamond Dallas Page hit the ring making the save. The crowd cheered the arrival of DDP who flashed the sign of the Diamond Cutter at a retreating Orton and Warlord.

6) The Sheepherders defeated Samoan Island Tribe:
LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox was introduced by ring announcer Gary Michael Cappetta prior to this grudge match between the Samoan Island Tribe (Alofa & Samu) and The Sheepherders (Butch Miller & Luke Williams). Cox said that after several weeks of discussion by the LOW Board of Directors it was decided that a tag team gauntlet match would take place during WrestleCade VIII weekend involving ten teams. The winning team would go on to challenge for the LOW World tag team titles presently held by the Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello & Roy Heffernan) at WrestleCade VIII (Card #800 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA) and as such the winning team here would join the already added Valiant Brothers (Jimmy & Johnny Valiant) of the AWE in that match.

With the added importance of a potential spot at WrestleCade VIII at stake it took this blood feud to a whole new level. Both teams left it all on the table in a match that was fought in and out of the ring. By the end both Alofa and Williams were busted open showing the signs of war. Even the referee wasn’t safe as he went down after a top rope dive by Samu intended for Miller. Among the great action in this one was The Sheepherders missing their Running Knee Smash allowing Alofa to score a near fall on Williams. The SIT hit their trademark Samoan Drop several times while The Sheepherders battled back with double-team offense. Alofa survived some serious punishment but he would go down in the end after missing a top rope dive on Williams. The Sheepherders then struck with the Double Gutbuster on the bloody Alofa and Miller covered him to score the pin. The big victory meant that The Sheepherders will be competing in the gauntlet match during WrestleCade VIII weekend.

7) Handicap Match: Bobo Brazil vs. Killer Kowalski & Captain Lou Albano was a DDQ:
Nothing was settled in this rivalry as the popular Bobo Brazil out of Benton Harbor, MI, took on Killer Kowalski & Captain Lou Albano in a Handicap Match using tag out rules. Brazil started out against Kowalski with Albano doing his best to stay out of it. That is until Brazil scored a near fall with the Coco Butt and then trapped Kowalski in a bearhug going for the submission. Albano jumped in and broke that up saving Kowalski from defeat. He refused to tag in but then accidentally did so as a flying dropkick by Brazil sent Kowalski into the corner (defensive tag roll). The referee saw Albano reach out to protect Kowalski from hitting the corner and ruled it a tag much to the delight of Brazil and the capacity crowd. Brazil tore into Albano and laid out the loudmouth manager with a Bobo bodyslam and big hammer punch. He had him on the ropes until Kowalski was able to tag himself back in. The ensuing battle between Brazil and Kowalski ended up out on the floor where both men were disqualified for refusing to listen to the referee. Albano joined in helping Kowalski but Brazil made him pay for it with a Coco Butt! The crowd roared in approval as a dazed and confused Albano was dragged to the back by Kowalski.

8) LOW Junior Heavyweight title: Gorgeous George© defeated Sabu by DQ to retain the title:
A highly anticipated championship match saw the “Homicidal, Genocidal, and Suicidal” Sabu, accompanied by his manager Bill Alfonso, challenge Gorgeous George for the LOW Junior Heavyweight title. Sabu is a former two-time champion (Cards #114-120, #200-212) but it has been more than five years since he has competed regularly in the division. Alfonso signed the match hoping to end some tension that has been developing between the two along with Rob Van Dam. George looked good early as he was able to ground the energetic Sabu. Timely interference by his valet, Cherie Dupre, helped the champion maintain control. Sabu finally struck back with a piledriver followed by a slingshot legdrop. He had the George on the defensive until he executed a multi-revolution airplane spin and locked on the Gorgeous Grip. Sabu fought to the ropes causing both men to fall out of the ring. After a battle on the floor it was Sabu tossing George back inside and bringing a chair in with him to perform the controversial Arabian Facebuster. George was knocked out cold and the referee called for the bell ordering a disqualification via snake eyes. George retained the title but had to be assisted to the back by the referee and Dupre. Sabu, meanwhile, took his anger out on himself and despite pleas from Alfonso he dove over the ropes right through a ringside table.

9) 12-Man Gold Star Battle Royal:
This is one of the biggest matches of the year in LOW And with good reason as the winner will go on to challenge for the LOW World Heavyweight title in the main event at WrestleCade, or in this case at WrestleCade VIII at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA (Card #800). LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox along with a number of other luminaries, including Rikidozan (Kings Road United) and former LOW Commissioner Massif, were among those seated at ringside. They were joined by reigning LOW World Heavyweight champion The Sheik and his manager Abdullah Farouk. The Sheik was adorned in a beautiful beige suit with a purple turban while Farouk had his trademark red fez on and a multi-colored suit to go with it. The crowd jeered the presence of the champion and his manager who watched as the men who could challenge him for the world title were introduced. The Sheik got up at one point and shot a fireball from his fingertips perhaps as a way to intimidate the challengers. It was going to be an interesting night and as per the rules it would be an over-the-top rope elimination match with the last two men surviving facing off in a regulation match to see who would go on to challenge from the LOW World Heavyweight title at WrestleCade VIII.

The Participants:

● Harley Race (KRU, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion and reigning LOW International Heavyweight champion)
● Frank Gotch (NWC, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● Ed “Strangler” Lewis (SWA, two-time LOW Tex-Arkana Television champion and mentor of Lou Thesz)
● “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers (SWA, Triple Crown winner in LOW – World Heavyweight, World tag team, and International Heavyweight champion)
● “King of Men” Fred Blassie (NWC, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● “Million $ Man” Ted Dibiase (GWA, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● Nick Bockwinkel (Free Agent, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● Mil Mascaras (Freelance, seven-time LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● “The Solid Man” William Muldoon (AWE, former LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● Jim Londos (GWA, former LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● Lou Thesz (SWA, mentor of “Wildfire” Tommy Rich and pound-for-pound one of the best technical wrestlers in LOW)
● “Wildfire” Tommy Rich (SWA, protégé of Lou Thesz who has won eighty-four percent of his matches in LOW)

Order of Elimination:

● Harley Race (by Mil Mascaras)
● Fred Blassie (by Ted Dibiase)
● Jim Londos (by Tommy Rich)
● Frank Gotch (by Lou Thesz)
● Buddy Rogers (by Ed Lewis)
● William Muldoon (by Nick Bockwinkel)
● Ted Dibiase (by Mil Mascaras)
● Tommy Rich (by Ed Lewis)
● Mil Mascaras (by Nick Bockwinkel)
● Nick Bockwinkel (by Lou Thesz)

The Battle Royal portion of the match featured some amazing moments including the “Million $ Man” Ted Dibiase surviving a vicious assault by Fred Blassie before tossing the “King of Men” over the top rope. Dibiase himself would be eliminated in spectacular fashion later on as Mil Mascaras bravely came off of the top rope with a Flying Bodypress before tossing him out. A high point of the match saw a tense stand off between Frank Gotch and Lou Thesz that even the other competitors backed off to watch. Thesz ultimately won out and used an airplane spin to eliminate Gotch. Normally there are no saves in a match of this type but that happened as the trio of Thesz, Ed Lewis, and Tommy Rich were involved. Rich squared off against his mentor Thesz and nearly eliminated him when Lewis made the save. Lewis and Thesz have been longtime friends and the “Strangler” is also the mentor of the St. Louis, MO, native and he took exception to Rich going for the elimination. Thesz wound up trapping Rich in the Strangler’s Headlock before dumping him over the top rope while Thesz was down in the corner. Free agent star Nick Bockwinkel had a strong showing in the match eliminating William Muldoon before squaring off against Mil Mascaras in the end. Bockwinkel managed to wear him down with the Sleeper Hold before tossing the seven-time world champion out of the ring. That left Bockwinkel in with Thesz and Lewis and the Beverly Hills, CA, native could see the writing on the wall. He went after Thesz hoping to quickly eliminate him but Thesz turned the tables and sent Bockwinkel crashing over the top rope to the floor. That left Thesz in against Lewis – student versus teacher – with a world heavyweight title shot at stake…

10) Elimination Match: Lou Thesz defeated Ed Lewis to win:
With the capacity crowd on the edge of their seats it was Lou Thesz taking on Ed “Strangler” Lewis, the winner going on to WrestleCade VIII to take on The Sheik for the LOW World Heavyweight title. Both men were showing signs of fatigue from the Battle Royal but they shook hands to get this one started off on the right foot. It was over in a flash, though, as Thesz made a quick counter and trapped Lewis in a Hammerlock which he bridged over on wrenching it in. Lewis tried in vain to escape but Thesz had the hold locked on in mid-ring and he was unable to get to the ropes. Moments later it was the referee calling for the bell as Lewis tapped out giving Thesz the victory via submission. The crowd exploded in cheers and applause as Thesz earned the right to headline WrestleCade VIII. The Sheik, clutching the LOW World Heavyweight title, got up on the ring apron along with Abdullah Farouk pointing at Thesz and then up at the sky. The maniacal world heavyweight champion then paced on the ring apron before tossing another fireball into the air. Thesz stood his ground, though, and gestured towards his waist indicating that he would be the one leaving the Georgia Dome with the championship. After The Sheik and Farouk left it was Lewis offering a hand shake to Thesz before raising his arm in victory as the crowd cheered the great show of class by the “Strangler”. The two men hugged before Lewis left allowing Thesz to stand alone and celebrate his big win.

[EpicDave]

Kowalski and Bobo tore it up AGAIN! Love that feud.

[Crimson Cross]

Awesome 12 man Gold Star Battle Royal and Lou Thesz winning the Title Shot is fitting, plus it's great to see Gorgeous George retain and I really liked Ox Baker defeating Atlas, as always Crue you have Great Action...

[bookerbill]

Yet another stellar MSG card. Thesz wins the main event which is great. Brazil and Kowalski continue to tear it up. Where will this feud go next? Snuka and Orton in the Garden is classic.

[cruefan68]

Thanks for the comments Daytondave, Crimson, and Bookerbill. I was happy with Lou Thesz winning as it gives a real big time feel to the main event at WrestleCade VIII, though I would have beenb ok with any of the others winning as well. I'm psyched to see how Thesz fares against The Sheik. Brazil vs. Kowalski is heading for a blowoff possibly at WCVIII so stay tuned. Next up is some big news from the offices of LOW...

LOW BREAKING NEWS:

New York, NY:
LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox, accompanied by LOW officials and PWI Editor Bill Apter, held a special press conference at the company headquarters to announce a major transaction. They were then joined by NWC managers Abdullah Farouk and Captain Lou Albano along with SWA manager Sir Oliver Humperdink. Cox then explained that the three managers had been involved in some intense negotiations regarding talent and that they had reached a mutual agreement on a trade which also includes a large financial transaction.

The deal was then announced as follows: Abdullah Farouk has traded the services of Ox Baker to Sir Oliver Humperdink in exchange for the One Man Gang and an undisclosed sum of money. Farouk then agreed to deal the One Man Gang to Albano in exchange for the contract of Johnny Valentine whose contract was then dealt by Farouk to Humperdink for another undisclosed sum of money.

In Summation:
Abdullah Farouk receives a large undisclosed sum of money from Sir Oliver Humperdink
Captain Lou Albano receives the contract of the One Man Gang
Sir Oliver Humperdink receives the contracts of Johnny Valentine and Ox Baker

Apter caught up with all three managers following the big announcement and all three seemed very pleased with the outcome.

AF: “Mr. Apter as you know I am the manager of LOW World Heavyweight and record four-time LOW International Heavyweight champion The Sheik and as such I have little time to devote to running a stable of wrestlers. Ox Baker has served me well over the years and I know that Mr. Humperdink will benefit greatly from acquiring him. I am however very pleased with the financial transactions that I have made with Mr. Humperdink and I know that the “noble” Sheik will be very pleased as well.”

CLA: “Willie Apter as you can see by standing in the presence of my greatness that it is an historic day for the Captain. The One Man Gang is an unstoppable force and combined with my vast intelligence we will become a threat to everyone in the NWC. We will make history and combined with my other men such as Killer Kowalski, The Warlord, and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine we will form what I feel to be the greatest assemblage of combined talent in the business, baby! The Captain is happy, baby, and now I will celebrate by continuing my health regimen training with chocolate donuts and unborn virgin’s goat milk. Life is good for the Captain, baby!”

SOH: “Mr. Apter today is a glorious day for the House of Humperdink. Although I parted ways with the One Man Gang and a large amount of cash I feel that I have acquired what will be two cornerstones of my stable in Johnny Valentine and the “Master of the Heart Punch” Ox Baker. Combining them with Kevin Sullivan, “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert, and Lord Humongous we will bring the SWA down to its knees.”

Apter also asked Albano about splitting up the father-and-son team of Johnny Valentine and Greg Valentine by making the trade. The aloof manager spun around several times while pulling at the rubber bands on his face. He then blurted out that both men approved of the deal as they want to reestablish themselves on their own in LOW. With that the three managers happily shook hands and posed for pictures ending what was a very newsworthy press conference.

[bookerbill]

Great twist. Loved the photo at the end. Real old school feel to the angle.

[cruefan68]

Sept 9, 2014 7:02:42 GMT -5 bookerbill said:

Great twist. Loved the photo at the end. Real old school feel to the angle.

Thanks Bookerbill. I try to shake things up from time to time and I figured Humperdink acquiring Valentine and Baker would really strengthen his stable plus I like OMG with Albano. I actually love writing promos for Albano, I try to capture some of the zany antics of the Captain. Hope to have another show posted soon.

[cruefan68]

LOW Pacific Coast Wrestling - Adams Center - Missoula, MT (Card #786)

1) Tom Prichard defeated Koko B. Ware:
A fast paced opening match saw the popular “Birdman” Koko B. Ware of ASW take on Dr. Tom Prichard. The early action was controlled by Ware as he connected with a nice top rope dropkick and a flying headbutt resulting in a near fall. Prichard struck back with a clothesline out of the corner and an enzuigiri. The latter move left Ware in a bad way and Prichard went to the Foreign Object attack, which appeared to be a chain, to score a controversial pin.

2) Pepper Gomez defeated Dupae Rupa:
The popular Pepper Gomez out of Mexico City, Mexico, made his debut for PCW by taking on the “Belgian Brawler” Dupae Rupa of ASW. Gomez left the NWC to come to PCW and he was looking to make a strong first impression. This was a fairly competitive bout that ended after both men went down from a double clothesline off of the ropes. Gomez was the first to recover and he followed up with a top rope version of the Mexican Leap to score the pin.

3) Doug Gilbert & Brian Kendrick defeated Red Bastien & Billy Red Lyons:
This one could be considered something of an upset as Doug Gilbert & Brian Kendrick defeated the Flying Redheads (Red Bastien & Billy Red Lyons) who are a part of Sharpe Sports Agency, Inc. Gilbert has been in a slump since joining PCW but came away with a win on the last card which drew the attention of “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe who handed him a business card. Sharpe was at ringside for this one and several times he tried to get the attention of Gilbert. The Redheads nearly won it when Lyons caught Gilbert in the Figure Four Leglock but Kendrick was able to make the save. Late in the bout it was Sharpe again trying to hand Gilbert a business card but he refused it and kept his attention focused on the match. A wild finish saw Kendrick with a huracanrana on Lyons for a big near fall before trapping him in a Rolling Front Cradle to score the pin as Gilbert prevented Bastien from making the save.

4) P.N. News defeated Fritz Von Goering:
The heated rivalry between the “Rapmaster” P.N. News and German star Fritz Von Goering continued with another hard fought battle. News stunned Von Goering early and came off of the top rope with the Broken Record for a big near fall. Von Goering survived that and battled back using a Cobra Clutch for a submission chance and scoring a near fall after a knee drop to the throat. He later locked on a reverse full nelson going for a submission but News powered out of it and leveled him with the standing sentons for a near fall. News would then deliver a belly-to-belly suplex followed up by another Broken Record to score the pin over his rival.

5) The Grappler defeated Dewey Robertson:
Canadian star Dewey Robertson was hoping to derail the momentum of The Grappler in this match. Coming off of some controversial wins over Roddy Piper along with qualifying for the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament during WrestleCade VIII weekend, the masked man has emerged as one of the top stars in PCW. He controlled this one early scoring near falls on Robertson with a shoulder breaker and a legdrop. Robertson reversed the momentum and late in the bout nearly put The Grappler away via submission with an abdominal stretch. He subsequently caught The Grappler with a flying crossbody for a big near fall before a reversal decided this one. It was Robertson going for a backdrop off of the ropes but The Grappler countered delivering a piledriver followed up by the controversial Loaded Boot to score the pin.

6) Konnan & Playboy Buddy Rose defeated Love Brothers by Count Out:
The Love Brothers (Reginald & Hartford Love) have been on the receiving end of some cheers by PCW fans in recent weeks as they go up against members of Sharpe Sports Agency, Inc., in this case Konnan & Playboy Buddy Rose. Manager-wrestler “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe was at ringside and he would play a role in deciding this one. Early action saw the Love Brothers using some nice teamwork to gain the upper hand on Konnan. That continued until the Cuban star nailed Reginald with a sit out face buster followed by a somersault lariat. After Hartford tagged in he was caught with a gutwrench backbreaker by Rose for a near fall. The SSA, Inc. duo then took one out of the playbook of the Love Brothers by cutting off the ring and preventing a tag. Hartford wound up being busted open courtesy of a foreign object attack by Rose but then he impressively kicked out at two after taking the Bombs Away. Rose followed by tossing Hartford to the outside where Konnan nailed him with a big lariat. The bloody Hartford tried to get back in but Sharpe got involved hitting him across the back with a briefcase as the referee was distracted. After that the referee issued a ten count giving the SSA, Inc. team a controversial count out victory.

7) Don Leo Jonathan defeated Ray Stevens:
Two grizzled veterans squared off in the semi-final match as the “Mormon Giant” Don Leo Jonathan took on Ray “The Crippler” Stevens. This one was back and forth early before Stevens took over for an extended stretch. He impressively lifted the 320-pound Jonathan up for a double underhook suplex as well as a vertical suplex. It was Jonathan bouncing back when he sent Stevens upside down into the corner (substitute for corner clothesline) and then executed a giant swing. Stevens took this one out to the floor where he ran Jonathan hard into the guard rail. Back on the inside Stevens was setting up for his finisher, the Bombs Away, when Jonathan surprised him with a Counter Sunset Flip off of the ropes to score the pin. It was a big win for Jonathan as he used his agility to pull one over on “The Crippler”.

8) LOW International Heavyweight title: George Hackenschmidt© defeated Bryan Danielson to retain the title:
The “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson is one of three PCW stars to qualify for the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament but here he was hoping to strike gold as he challenged the “Russian Lion” George Hackenschmidt for the LOW International Heavyweight title. It was the version one defense of the title for Hackenschmidt after he won it from Harley Race in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Card #782). As for Danielson, a two-time former LOW Junior Heavyweight champion, this was only his third time challenging for the belt as his last opportunity at the LOW International Heavyweight title came over three years ago in a losing effort against “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers (Card #414 in St. Louis, MO). Danielson showed great fortitude in this one surviving a strong attack from Hackenschmidt and taking him down with a German Suplex and missile dropkick. Hackenschmidt scored a near fall with a single leg pickup and slam at one point. Danielson struck back with some nice offense until he was caught with a double sledge to the back on a backdrop attempt. That keyed an opening for Hackenschmidt who trapped Danielson in the Russian Bearhug and was able to lock it on resulting in a submission victory. Danielson had his chances but in the end it was Hackenschmidt retaining the title with a convincing win.

[Crimson Cross]

I'm really enjoying your PCW and the outcomes from PN News to Hackenschmidt winning is cool stuff, plus I like the tandem of Doug Gilbert & Brian Kendrick...