LOW - Legends of Wrestling

[Pariah]

Two more big names heading to the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament... Will really enjoy seeing Hennig take part in that huge event... And a crazy development with DiBiase buying his way in... How long before Zbyszko starts hearing the sellout chants? Not that he'll care...

But everything that came before paled in comparison to the show's closing moments... I'm pretty sure I got goosebumps when the Poffo family stood together in the middle of the ring, having managed to fend off their adversaries... Too sweet!

[EpicDave]

DiBiase is up to his old tricks... TREMENDOUS! Hennig vs. Kowalski will be a sleeper match that could steal the show to kick off the Invitational. Well done!

[cruefan68]

Thanks for the comments Pariah and Daytondave. The Savage/Poffo-Heenan Family angle has been really fun to put together. As for Ted Dibiase, yes it was vintage "Million $ Man" and I actually thought about the real life angle where Larry Zbyszko bought the Georgia National title from Killer Tim Brooks for $25,000 and thought it would be funny if Dibiase bought the win and Larry doubled his money back. Next up is action from PCW which sees the end of the qualifying round of the PWI Cup tournament...

LOW Pacific Coast Wrestling - J.M. Perry Institute - Yakima, WA (Card #887)

1) Fritz Von Goering defeated George South:
ASW star George South faced a tough opponent in Fritz Von Goering out of Berlin, Germany, in the opening match. Von Goering was ruthless in this one which he pretty much dominated from the opening bell. After using a cobra clutch it was Von Goering locking on a Backbreaker across the knee to get the win via submission.

2) The Grappler & Tom Prichard defeated Tommy & Doug Gilbert:
The first of three big tag team matches on the card saw the popular father-and-son team of Tommy & Doug Gilbert take on The Grappler & Dr. Tom Prichard. The action was fast and furious in this encounter including some nice exchanges between Tommy and The Grappler. Doug looked solid during his time in and had The Grappler in trouble after a DDT. The masked man was able to tag out, though, and it was Prichard who would turn the match around. The finish saw Prichard counter a corner charge by Doug with a knee to the head. He then blasted Doug with an Enzuigiri and covered him for the pin as The Grappler prevented a save from being made.

3) Red Bastien defeated Dutch Savage:
The undefeated Dutch Savage went into this match against Sharpe Sports Agency, Inc. member Red Bastien riding great momentum. Having won several Coal Miner’s Glove matches and qualifying for the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament things were looking good for the tough star from Scranton, PA. Bastien, accompanied by his tag team partner Billy Red Lyons, was hoping to get one over on him. Savage looked great early dominating the action but then Bastien countered a corner charge with a knee to the head. Bastien followed with a strong attack including wearing Savage down with an abdominal stretch. Lyons got involved in the finish as he distracted the referee while Bastien executed the Atomic Drop by crotching Savage on the top rope. Savage was in a bad way as Bastien pounced on him and scored the pin much to the anger of the crowd. Savage protested the decision to the referee but it was allowed to stand and the “Flying Redhead” notched a big singles win.

4) Texas Hangmen defeated Don Leo Jonathan & Larry Hennig:
The double tough pairing of the “Mormon Giant” Don Leo Jonathan & Larry “The Axe” Hennig took on the Texas Hangmen (Killer & Psycho) in heated tag team action. The Hangmen have been on a pretty good roll in PCW and they looked to continue that in this match. Hennig was in rare form here including blasting Killer with The Axe for a big near fall. The Hangmen fought back strong using a variety of double-team attacks to keep the advantage. Jonathan had Killer in trouble at one point but then missed with a dive off of the top rope resulting in the masked man scoring a two count. The finish saw the Hangmen impressively perform the Hangmen Backbreaker on the 320-pound Jonathan with Killer covering him for the pin.

5) LOW Junior Heavyweight title: Johnny Saint© defeated Pepper Gomez to retain the title:
The LOW Junior Heavyweight title was on the line as the popular Johnny Saint defended the title against the equally popular Pepper Gomez, a former holder of the championship. A hand shake kicked things off and then the two engaged in a great scientific match. The crowd applauded the efforts of both men throughout the bout as they traded holds and counters. After Gomez flattened Saint with the criss cross smash it was Saint countering with The Russ Abbot. A counter ended the match as it was Gomez executing a German Suplex (ch, substitute for cobra clutch suplex) but the Saint went into the turtle position. Gomez attempted an offensive move but it was Saint executing the Johnny Saint Special to score the pin. The crowd cheered the victory by Saint who made a successful version two defense of the title.

6) Ladder Match: P.N. News defeated The Sandman:
The recent series of specialty matches between the “Rapmaster” P.N. News and The Sandman has seen The Sandman emerge 2-0 by winning both a Singapore Cane Match and a Tables Match. That led to News challenging him to a Ladder Match with the added stipulation of the Singapore Cane hanging above the ring. News was dominant in the early going until both men attempted to climb the ladder at the same time but it tipped over. The Sandman struck with the Hardcore DDT but he was unable to climb up. The two then traded blows back and forth and before long each man was busted open. News was showing fatigue late and The Sandman took over hitting the Heinekenrana and another Hardcore DDT. He was again unable to climb up the ladder as News recovered and tipped it over. Both men looked out of it by that point but somehow News was able to go up top and deliver the Broken Record crushing The Sandman. All that was left to do was climb up the ladder and grab the cane which News was able to do for the victory. He then used the cane for good measure and delivered a few stiff shots to a bloody Sandman before he bailed out of the ring. It was a moral victory for the equally bloody News as he won the match and was able to use the signature weapon of The Sandman against him.

7) PWI Invitational Cup Tournament Qualifying Match: Magnum T.A. defeated Gorgeous George by DQ to advance:
The final qualifying match in the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament saw popular SWA star Magnum T.A., a former LOW World Heavyweight champion, take on NWC star Gorgeous George. The arrogant George, who was accompanied by his valet Cherie Dupre, grabbed the mic and boasted that Magnum was “no match” for him and then had Dupre spray the ringside area with perfume claiming that the arena “smelled of a foul odor”. George went into the match struggling in recent weeks, including losing two matches to Afa, Jr., so he was looking to rebound with a big win here. George completely dominated the early action including striking Magnum with a chair shot to the knee while Dupre had the referee distracted. He took advantage and locked on the Spinning Toe Hold going for the submission but Magnum kicked his way out of the hold. Magnum was in trouble, though, and he was busted open after another attack by George. The turning point came when Magnum picked George off of the top rope with a bodyslam and then hit the Belly to Belly Suplex for a big near fall. He hit the move a second time but Dupre distracted the referee preventing a pin. Magnum fought through that distraction and had George in trouble after a barrage of dropkicks causing him to bail out of the ring. The battle continued on the floor and it was George getting disqualified after running the bloody Magnum head first into the ring post.

The win by Magnum T.A. marked the end of the qualifying round. The following are the first round matches of the seventh annual PWI Invitational Cup Tournament which opens up at The Showboat in Las Vegas, NV (Card #897)

Bruiser Brody (Freelance) vs. Roddy Piper (PCW)
Tommy Rich (SWA) vs. The French Angel (GWA)
The Mountie (GWA) vs. Blackjack Mulligan (SWA)
Dutch Savage (PCW) vs. Antonino Rocca (NWC)
The Terrible Turk (AWE) vs. Exotic Adrian Street (GWA)
Killer Kowalski (NWC) vs. Curt Hennig (PCW)
Angelo Mosca (SWA) vs. Ted Dibiase (GWA)
Don Muraco (SWA) vs. Magnum T.A. (SWA)

The quarter-final and semi-final rounds take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas (Card #898) and the finals are at WrestleCade IX which takes place outdoors at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas (Card #900).

8) Bryan Danielson & Roddy Piper defeated Konnan & Playboy Buddy Rose by DQ:
The main event was filled with emotion as the “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson, wrestling his final match in PCW, teamed up with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper to take on the Sharpe Sports Agency, Inc. team of Konnan & Playboy Buddy Rose. This was a rematch from a prior PCW card and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe was at ringside looking to guide his men to victory. For Danielson it was his final PCW match due to his having signed a contract with the IWA and it was also in his home state of Washington so the crowd was clearly in support of him and Piper. SSA, Inc. looked sharp early, so to speak, including Konnan nailing Piper with a somersault lariat. It turned around when Piper caught Rose in the Sleeper Hold and nearly got the submission victory. Danielson tagged in and the crowd exploded as he hit some of his trademark moves on the Playboy. Things were looking bad for Rose when Piper nailed him with a knee lift and tagged Danielson who applied the LeBell Lock. Konnan tried to make the save but was cut off by Piper but Rose somehow got to the ropes for a break. A short time later it was Danielson hitting a spectacular suicide dive on Rose and tossing him back in to go for the pin but Sharpe interfered. As Konnan battled Piper it was Sharpe and Rose delivering a double bodyslam on Danielson. The interference by Sharpe resulted in a disqualification win for Danielson and Piper. SSA, Inc. attempted a post-match attack but Danielson and Piper fought back and drove all three men out of the ring to a big pop from the crowd. Piper then hugged Danielson and raised his arm in victory sending the “American Dragon” off with a great moment in front of the home fans. Danielson grabbed the mic and thanked Piper and the fans for their support and said that while he is sad to be leaving PCW he is excited for the opportunity to join the IWA. Piper then led the crowd in chanting “Yes, Yes, Yes!” one last time for the “American Dragon” in PCW.

[Pariah]

Some really great matches on this card, but the highlight for me was the Ladder Match between PN News and Sandman... Even though I was rooting for Sandman, this contest alone was worth the price of admission... Looks like we might have seen a formidable ending to this crazy rivalry...

Can't wait for the start of the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament... Of course, I'll be throwing my support behind The Mountie... But, he's got one tough road to ride (One that would be SO much easier, if only he had a certain mallet carrying, razor-witted manager in his corner... Polo anyone?)...

Bryan Danielson exits the PCW in spectacular fashion... The DQ decision notwithstanding, it was great seeing The American Dragon having his arm raised by the Rowdy Scot... Great stuff!

[EpicDave]

PN News winning the Ladder Match was a surreal moment... has this guy ever been more than two feet off the ground in his life?

Don Leo Jonathan teaming with Larry Hennig is another strange sight. These two in my fed are hated rivals!

The PWI Invitational will be tremendous. At first glance, I choose Brody, but the DQ rule may be his undoing if it is in effect. That being the case, my prediction is for ANTONINO ROCCA to take the crown!

[Crimson Cross]

What a cool and shocker of a win for PN News, gotta love that. The Grappler and Tom Prichard winning is good stuff, plus I like when FVG wins no matter who it is. Johnny Saint keeping the strap is a highlight and it being a second defense is top notch...

[cruefan68]

Thanks for the comments Pariah, Daytondave and Crimson. The PN News win shocked me as well but it was kind of cool he won and got some Singapore Cane revenge on The Sandman. I agree Daytondave that News winning was surreal especially the thought of him scaling the ladder. DLJ and Larry Hennig may be foes in the Heartland but like the territory days they team up in PCW on the west coast so most people probably didn't know that Thanks for following along guys and next up is the final SHIMMER event of the year with two big matches being announced for WrestleCade IX...

SHIMMER - Women Athletes - Volume 24 - The Eagles Club - Berwyn, IL (Card #888)

1) Handicap Match: Jessicka Havok defeated Courtney Rush & Delilah Doom:
The duo of Courtney Rush and SHIMMER newcomer Delilah Doom took on Jessicka Havok in a Handicap Match to open things up on the final SHIMMER card of the year. Havok entered on a two match losing streak and demanded two opponents at the same time hoping to prove her dominance. Rush and Doom had different plans, however, and they did a great job in keeping Havok off balance throughout. The spunky Doom even scored two near falls with the hooking clothesline and reverse neckbreaker. Havok bounced back and countered a hip toss by Rush with a brutal Standing Lariat to score the pin. It was an impressive win for Havok who no doubt has her sights set on the SHIMMER title.

2) Jessica James defeated Angelus Layne:
Two more newcomers to SHIMMER squared off as Jessica James out of Dallas, TX, took on Angelus Layne who is billed from Hell, MI. Layne comes in with quite a reputation for her rough and aggressive style but James had her number here. James had the crowd behind her as she mounted a nice offensive capped off with a Yakuza Kick and a Standing Moonsault to score the pin. Amber Gertner attempted to get a word with Layne afterward but she threatened to strike her. It was a tense situation until Leva Bates, who was on standby as a replacement, showed up and chased Layne off. The crowd chanted “Blue Pants” at Bates who seemed to enjoy the chant

3) Barbi Hayden defeated Veda Scott:
The popular Barbi Hayden out of Malibu, CA, made her SHIMMER debut taking on Veda Scott. The capable Scott spoiled the SHIMMER debut of Malia Hosaka and was now looking to do the same to Hayden. She fought tooth and nail against the larger Hayden and proved very tough to put away. Scott scored a near fall after hitting a hooking clothesline and also kicked out of several pin attempts. Hayden mounted a strong offensive late and nailed Scott with a back elbow smash followed up by a Swinging Neckbreaker to score the pin. The crowd cheered the victory by Hayden who stopped to speak with Amber Gertner at ringside following the match. Hayden was trying to say what she hopes for the future when the Minnesota Home Wrecking Crew (Lacey & Rain) interrupted. The two got into the face of Hayden and looked to attack her when suddenly Jessica James ran down to even the odds. The four women had a tense stand off before SHIMMER promoter Dave Prazak announced that he was booking the first match for the new year as it will be Hayden & James vs. Lacey & Rain at Volume 25 in Berwyn, IL (Card #807).

4) Mercedes Martinez defeated Jazz:
The Minnesota Home Wrecking Crew (Lacey & Rain) remained out at ringside to support their ally, Jazz, as she took on the returning “Latina Sensation” Mercedes Martinez. The three women were responsible for injuring Martinez back at Volume 21 (Card #858) resulting in them having to serve a suspension. Martinez suffered a neck injury in that assault but has been cleared to return and was determined to get some revenge. Jazz only had her backup briefly as Barbi Hayden & Jessica James returned to ringside and fought Lacey & Rain to the back. This match was intense. Both women tore into each other with reckless abandon hoping to score the win. One great sequence saw Jazz deliver the boxing punches but Martinez countered with brutal chops leading into a roll-up for a big near fall. The two battled to the outside several times and then Jazz got the upper hand and locked on the B**** Clamp. Martinez refused to give in and battled out of the punishing submission hold. She then went on a major counteroffensive which saw her plant Jazz with the Fisherman Buster to score the pin. Martinez returned with a vengeance and one has to wonder what the new year will hold for both her and Jazz.

5) Mildred Burke & Thunderkitty defeated Kellie Skater & Jessie McKay:
The popular duo of the “Rate Tank” Kellie Skater & “Everybody’s Favorite Girlfriend” Jessie McKay took on Mildred Burke & Thunderkitty in this special challenge match that was set up at Volume 23. Both teams are among those being considered for tag team championship opportunities so that meant that getting a win here was very important. Skater found herself on the defensive early and often against the veteran team particularly when she was in against Burke. McKay had much better luck and really took the fight to Burke including dropping her with the Northern Lights Bomb. Thunderkitty turned it around and nearly put Skater away with the Sleeper Hold. She also punished Skater with the Iron Claw. The finish of a hard fought battle saw Skater attempt to use her controversial Roo-Roids but Burke thwarted that and planted her with a Backbreaker over the knee to score the pin.

6) Allison Danger defeated Saraya Knight:
Allison Danger, one-half of Regeneration-X along with Leva Bates, took on the tough challenge of “Sweet” Saraya Knight. Danger hoped to avenge Rockin Robin who was injured by the sadistic Knight at Volume 23. Knight was dominant from the opening bell as she tore into Danger with reckless abandon. She punished her with an attack both in and out of the ring and used both the Knightmare and Bridled Rocking Horse going for the submission. Danger refused to give in and fought out of the tough situation. She was in a bad way, though, as Knight had busted her open and the blood was flowing freely. Danger looked to be out of it but then she mounted a big comeback including hitting the Shimmering Warlock for a near fall. Knight recovered and made a comeback but then Danger surprised her with the Old School Expulsion and scored the pin. The crowd erupted in cheers as the bloody Danger scored a huge win over the fierce Knight. As Bates ran down to pull Danger out of the ring, Knight went ballistic tearing up the ringside area including turning over the timekeeper’s table. She vowed to avenge the defeat and end the career of Danger.

7) Apter’s Corner with Lufisto and Sherri Martel:
PWI Editor Bill Apter took time out of his busy schedule at the request of SHIMMER promoter Dave Prazak to host this special edition of Apter’s Corner at the Eagles Club. His guests were number-one contender Lufisto, the “Super Hardcore Anime”, and SHIMMER champion Sherri Martel who were coming off of a controversial title match at Volume 23. Martel won that match by disqualification after Lufisto dropped her with a Burning Hammer on a pile of chairs. Fortunately for Martel, the record eight-time SHIMMER champion, she was not seriously injured taking the move. You wouldn’t know that, however, as she entered the ring wearing a neck brace and claiming to Apter that she would be unable to defend her title for some time. Prazak interrupted and said that the championship is scheduled to be defended in one of the feature matches at WrestleCade IX (Card #900 in Las Vegas, NV) and so Martel would have to accept a match or forfeit her title. Martel balked at that and said that she will defend her title when she is cleared to return to the ring. Prazak said that unless a doctor declares her unable to compete she will be defending her title against Lufisto at WrestleCade IX.

As the two were arguing Lufisto grabbed her best friend, the doll called Pegaboo, and tossed it at Martel who turned to catch it. That turn allowed Prazak to see that Martel was able to move her neck and he said that the match is on for WrestleCade IX drawing a big pop from the crowd. Martel went crazy tearing her neck brace off and grabbing Prazak by the collar only to have Lufisto make the save. She grabbed Martel and tossed her over the top rope leaving her in a heap on the floor. As Martel staggered back to her feet it was Prazak saying that she crossed the line and that the SHIMMER title match at WrestleCade IX will now be any kind of match that Lufisto wants. Apter asked Lufisto what kind of match it would be and, after conferring with Pegaboo, she smiled at Martel and said her nickname “isn’t “hardcore” for nothing” and that in order to inflict a real neck injury on Martel it will be a Dog Collar Match! The crowd popped again as Martel angrily stormed around ringside yelling at anyone who would listen. Prazak said that Martel should have known better than to try and get one over on him and that the Dog Collar Match for the title at WrestleCade IX will be an historic event in the history of SHIMMER.

8) SHIMMER tag team titles: Cheerleader Melissa & Sara Del Ray© defeated Cherry Bomb & Evie to retain the titles:
The main event saw Cheerleader Melissa & Sara Del Ray put the SHIMMER tag team titles on the line against the determined challenge of Cherry Bomb & Evie. The challengers came together during a feud with Sassy Stephie & Nevaeh and worked their way into this title match. Before it could get underway, however, the Canadian Ninjas (Portia Perez & Nicole Matthews) made their way out to ringside to stir up trouble. SHIMMER promoter Dave Prazak ordered security to keep them away from the ring and then said that he had a huge announcement to make. He stated that the Ninjas, due to their status as the number-one contenders, would be receiving a title shot at the winners which will take place in the opening match at WrestleCade IX in Las Vegas, NV (Card #900)! Perez and Matthews were beside themselves in a good way but took time to taunt both teams and the fans at ringside. Perez then grabbed the mic from Prazak and said that the Ninjas were leaving the building but they will make history at WrestleCade IX when they become the first ever three-time SHIMMER tag team champions drawing jeers from the crowd.

The match itself saw a championship team bound and determined to not only retain the titles but make their mark at WrestleCade IX as well. Melissa and Del Ray were able to control the pace of the match and isolate Cherry Bomb from tagging out to her partner. Evie was extremely frustrated but wound up making a big save after Del Ray trapped Cherry Bomb in the Royal Butterfly. A short time later it was Del Ray coming off of the second rope with a diving shoulder tackle that flattened Cherry Bomb. Melissa tagged in and, as Del Ray fended off Evie, she planted Cherry Bomb with the Air Raid Crash to score the pin. It was a successful version four defense of the titles for Melissa and Del Ray who were interviewed by Amber Gertner at ringside following the match. A passionate Melissa cut a strong promo saying that she and Del Ray are heading to Las Vegas to take out the Canadian Ninjas once and for all. Del Ray added that competing in a match at WrestleCade IX is a dream come true and there is no way that they will drop the belts to Perez and Matthews.

[Pariah]

Cool to see Havok come out of her small losing streak with a big win over two opponents... Sweet!

Some great appearances by Leva Bates during the show to pump up the crowd... And a very clever move by Lufisto - Tricking the champion, Sherri Martel, into revealing her injury was nothing more than a ruse...

The main event matchup for the tag straps was very entertaining... Cheerleader Melissa and Sara Del Ray have an impressive run going... Looking forward to their defense against the Ninjas at WrestleCade IX...

Your Shimmer fed portrays some of the most exciting women's wrestling action out there... As always, excellent work!

[cruefan68]

Thanks for the comments Pariah, I have a lot of fun running SHIMMER in my fed and sometimes the ladies action is hard to beat. I am personally looking forward to the Lufisto-Sherri Martel Dog Collar Match. Next up are two of the most important shows of the year - the final shows for both CHIKARA and Ring of Honor in my fed. Winners receive guaranteed IWA contracts. Get ready for Final Battle BLUE and I hope to have Final Battle RED posted sometime soon...

CHIKARA - Final Battle BLUE - The Palmer Center - Easton, PA (Card #889)

●The final night of CHIKARA under the LOW banner opened up with LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox in the ring thanking the crowd for supporting the promotion over the years. He also thanked CHIKARA founder Mike Quackenbush, the reigning 12-Large Grand Champion, for the opportunity to bring CHIKARA into the fold and said that the newly founded IWA (Independent Wrestling Association) will retain elements of the promotion including King of Trios. That announcement drew a big pop from the crowd and then Cox turned it over to the man named as the first IWA Commissioner, David Marquez. Marquez said that tonight is about guaranteed IWA contracts and that the winners of each match will get a spot on the inaugural roster. He said that twelve spots on the IWA roster are up for grabs and the opening contest would be a Lucky 13 Open Invitational Battle Royal featuring some great independent talent. The winner, of course, would receive a guaranteed IWA contract.

1) Lucky 13 Open Invitational Battle Royal:
With official IWA photographer Dr. Mike Lano stationed at ringside, the thirteen participants for the match made their way to the ring with the hopes of winning that IWA contract. It was also interesting to note that the beautiful SoCal Val was seated at ringside. With Val having been signed to a managerial contract with the IWA she has been seen scouting talent in both CHIKARA and Ring of Honor in recent weeks. The massive Terex, weighing 400-pounds, looked to be the odds on favorite as it came down to him against Matthew Cross and Tadarius “TD” Thomas in the final three. Thomas attempted to save Cross from elimination, as it would have been better to team up against the big man, but that failed. After Cross was eliminated the crowd expected the worst for Thomas but somehow he showed great fighting spirit and after hitting a sling blade he managed to knock Terex over the top rope to the floor. The crowd cheered the victory for Thomas, a native of Detroit, MI, who earned a guaranteed contract with the IWA.

Participants:

● The Mysterious and Handsome Stranger
● Timothy Thatcher
● QT Marshall
● Ray Rosas
● Navajo Warrior
● Pinky
● Andy Dalton
● Terex
● Tito Escondido
● Matthew Cross
● Tadarius Thomas
● Jay Lethal
● The Hobo

Order of Elimination:

● Pinky (by Ray Rosas)
● Navajo Warrior (by Matthew Cross)
● The Hobo (by Tito Escondido)
● Andy Dalton (by QT Marshall)
● Jay Lethal (by Tadarius Thomas)
● Timothy Thatcher (by The Mysterious and Handsome Stranger)
● Ray Rosas (by Terex)
● Tito Escondido (by Matthew Cross)
● QT Marshall (by Terex)
● The Mysterious and Handsome Stranger (by Tadarius Thomas)
● Matthew Cross (by Terex)
● Terex (by Tadarius Thomas)
W) Tadarius “TD” Thomas

2) Eddie Kingston defeated Gran Akuma:
The importance of theses matches could not be understated as two-time CHIKARA 12-Large Grand Champion “The War King” Eddie Kingston took on Gran Akuma. The winner would receive a guaranteed IWA contract while the loser would go into a talent evaluation pool with the possibility of getting a spot on the inaugural roster. Akuma got off to a quick start but then lost to Kingston in a Chop Battle which turned the tide. Kingston poured it on including hitting the Sliding D and half-nelson suplex for near falls. Akuma showed great resiliency in kicking out but was put away after Kingston hit the Backfist to the Future to score the pin. Akuma was busted open and none too pleased with the outcome but in a show of class he wished Kingston well as he moves on to the IWA.

3) Tursas & Brodie Lee defeated Hallowicked & Frightmare:
It was the last stand for both teams as Incoherence (Hallowicked & Frightmare) took on Tursas & Brodie Lee. The former have the last reigning Young Lions Cup champion in Frightmare while the latter are noted for having an undefeated record since being put together by The Dark Menace. It was interesting to note that The Dark Menace was not at ringside with rumors abounding that he is too busy with conquering the galaxy to continue as manager for Tursas and Lee. Both teams were on point in this match which included Incoherence scoring big near falls on Tursas. Hallowicked nailed him with the Graveyard Smash while Frightmare scored with a flying bodypress off the top rope. Tursas would use his size to his advantage, though, and it was Hallowicked who would take the brunt of it. The finish saw Lee nail a fatigued Hallowicked with the Big Boot to score the pin as Tursas prevented Frightmare from making the save. Tursas and Lee won the IWA contracts but the crowd let Incoherence know how they feel about them giving the two popular masked men a standing ovation for their efforts.

4) The Colony defeated The Throwbacks:
It was appropriate that the final CHIKARA show under the LOW banner would feature a high stakes trios match as The Colony (Fire Ant, Soldier Ant, & Green Ant) took on The Throwbacks (Dasher Hatfield, Sugar Dunkerton, & Mr. Touchdown). SoCal Val was an interested observer in this match especially after The Throwbacks ignored her attempts to mediate an argument the three men had with each other after losing on the last card. Mr. Touchdown (Mark Angelosetti) has great upside but he has often let his temper get the best of him which has been the reason for tension in The Throwbacks, particularly between him and Dunkerton. The Colony were all on the same page and their excellent teamwork proved to be the difference. They combined on both Ants Go Marching and the Ant-apult putting The Throwbacks in some serious trouble. Green Ant scored a submission chance on Mr. Touchdown late in the bout using the Good Luck Cloverleaf. Mr. Touchdown used Dr. Mike Lano as a human foreign object on the outside much to the chagrin of Hatfield and Dunkerton. He then tried for a top rope attack but Fire Ant picked him off with a bodyslam and then planted Mr. Touchdown with the Beach Break to score the pin. The Colony won IWA contracts and it was another frustrating loss for The Throwbacks. Hatfield and Dunkerton argued with Mr. Touchdown afterward and left the ring. SoCal Val then tried to talk with Mr. Touchdown but he stormed off into an unknown future.

5) Ultramantis Black defeated Jigsaw:
Two of the more popular longtime stars in CHIKARA squared off for an IWA contract as Jigsaw took on Ultramantis Black, the leader of The Order of The Neo Solar Temple. Order members Crossbones and Hydra were at ringside and would figure into the match at one point. This was a great bout with both men coming ever so close to victory. A great spot saw Jigsaw going for a wheelbarrow slam but Ultramantis countered with an Argentine facebuster for a big near fall. Jigsaw later hit the Jig ‘N Tonic but Crossbones and Hydra provided a distraction preventing the pin. The referee kicked the two men out of ringside forcing Ultramantis to go one-on-one with a very determined Jigsaw. The crowd was at a fever pitch by the end of this one which saw Jigsaw kicked out after taking a Praying Mantis Bomb. Ultramantis kept up his attack and delivered the Cosmic Disaster, a vertical suplex dropped into a reverse piledriver, to score the pin. That meant that Ultramantis Black won the IWA contract and one has to wonder if he will continue The Order of the Neo Solar Temple there. As for Jigsaw he was devastated by the loss but now will go into the free agent pool with the chance of receiving a contract for one of the final spots on the inaugural roster.

6) Triple Threat Match: Chuck Taylor defeated Icarus and Johnny Gargano:
The breakdown of F.I.S.T. after losing the Campeonatos de Parejas led to Icarus, Chuck Taylor and Johnny Gargano agreeing to meet in this Triple Threat Match with the winner getting the guaranteed IWA contract. It was billed in some circles as the “Final F.I.S.T. Confrontation” and may have been one of the best matches in the history of CHIKARA under the LOW banner. It was one fall to a finish under single elimination rules meaning that the first man to score a pinfall or a submission would be declared the winner. The action in this match was incredible and was filled with tons of near falls and pin saves that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. It would be impossible to describe it all. One of the best spots saw Icarus hit a spear on Taylor for what looked to be a pin but Gargano made the save. Gargano then hit the Baby Ace Crusher on Icarus but he somehow kicked out just before the three count. All three men hit their finishing moves in this match but none would result in a victory due to the third man breaking it up. The finish of an epic battle saw Taylor survive a Blu-Ray by Icarus and strike with the Springboard Moonsault for the pin as Gargano was late in making the save. The crowd erupted in cheers as the “Kentucky Gentleman” secured himself an IWA contract at the expense of his former F.I.S.T. partners. They also gave all three men a standing ovation for the incredible effort they put in and one has to figure that IWA scouts will also be looking at Icarus and Gargano as potential signings for the inaugural roster.

7) Campeonatos de Parejas: Osirian Portal defeated The Batiri (2-1) to win the titles
Normally CHIKARA Director of Fun Colt “Boom Boom” Cabana would be on hand to oversee the presentation of the tag team title belts but with him being in the main event that job fell to Senior Referee Bryce Remsburg. The crowd gave Remsburg, who is going to assume a very important role both in and out of the ring in the IWA, a standing ovation as he took the belts from defending champions The Batiri (Obariyon & Kodama) and showed them to former champions the Osirian Portal (Amasis & Ophidian). Ring announcer Gavin Loudspeaker made the introductions and noted that the winning team would not only be the final champions but they will earn IWA contracts and face Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas to determine the first IWA tag team champions at IWA Genesis (Card #899 in Las Vegas, NV).

First Fall: The action in the opening fall was amazing as both teams left it all on the table. Both Amasis and Obariyon took incredible amounts of punishment and were able to survive some big near falls. The Portal executed the Osirian Sacrament on Obariyon but Kodama was able to make the save. Ophidian was very strong in the opening fall surviving a few pin attempts and using the Death Grip to soften up both opponents. Kodama likewise looked strong and hit both the Impaler Bulldog and Flying Blockbuster on Amasis for near falls. In the end it was The Batiri going up 1-0 when Obariyon alertly avoided a corner charge by Amasis and executed a Counter Roll-Up to score the pin.

Second Fall: The one problem with two-out-of-three falls matches is that if you expend a lot of energy in the opening fall it could greatly affect you for the remainder of the match. That appeared to be the case here as Obariyon was in a bad way when Remsburg called for the bell to start the second fall. Amasis quickly took advantage of that and hit The Move I Beat Moses With for a big near fall. He barely had any time to recover when the Portal planted him with the Osirian Sacrament with Ophidian scoring the pin as Kodama was unable to make the save. The Osirian Portal quickly evened things up at 1-1 leading to an all important third fall.

Third Fall: The deciding falls was much like the first with both teams leaving it all on the table. Obariyon was able to make a counter early and make an all important tag. Kodama went on a nice offensive including hitting the Flying Blockbuster on Amasis for a big near fall. The Portal rebounded and hit the Osirian Sacrament for a big near fall on Kodama with Obariyon making the save. Kodama tried to carry the load here but Obariyon was tagged in after a toss out of the ring under the lucha libre rules observed by CHIKARA. That gave the Portal a big opening and it was Amasis who would put this one away when he nailed Obariyon with the Egyptian Conniption, a crucifix flipped into a reverse STO, for the pin. The crowd erupted in cheers as the Osirian Portal became two-time Campeonatos de Parejas and the final holders of the titles under the LOW banner. The win also means that they receive IWA contracts and will be involved in the decision match against Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas to crown the first IWA tag team champions.

8) 12-Large Grand Championship: Mike Quackenbush© defeated Colt Cabana to retain the title:
The crowd was pumped for the main event as ring announcer Gavin Loudspeaker made the introductions. It was CHIKARA founder Mike Quackenbush defending the 12-Large Grand Championship against former Director of Fun Colt “Boom Boom” Cabana. The hostility between the two men recently has seen Quackenbush go to his “dark side” a little almost becoming paranoid that Cabana, in his role as the DOF, was out to get him. He demanded this match against Cabana putting both the title and an IWA contract on the line so there was a lot at stake here. There was some commotion at ringside as manager Percy Pringle III, who has signed an IWA contract and already has “The Machine” Brian Cage as one of his clients, was seen taking a seat in the front row. Dr. Mike Lano shot some photos of the esteemed manager before turning his attention to the match.

The crowd was split in their support of both men but as the match wore on it seemed that Quackenbush was becoming the favorite as many realized that this was the last show under the CHIKARA banner in LOW. He dominated Cabana for a stretch and even busted him open following a Quackendriver II. Cabana was losing blood and was fatigued but he wasn’t going down without a fight. He gained the respect and support of the crowd back as he scored some near falls on Quackenbush including hitting Eat Defeat and a top rope moonsault. It looked like it was over when he caught Quackenbush with Colt .45 but then the referee was distracted by Pringle. Cabana called for the official to turn around but then suddenly Cage hit the ring. The powerful Cage proceeded to lay out the bloody Cabana with Weapon X while Pringle had the attention of the referee. Quackenbush then recovered and executed the rarely seen Quackendriver IV on Cabana to score the pin and retain the title. He also won the IWA contract and apparently revealed a new association with Pringle and Cage.

Some of the crowd jeered the decision but Quackenbush shook it off and grabbed the mic. He talked about the history of CHIKARA and said that while he is sad to see it end he has to look to the next chapter in his career in the IWA. He added that Cabana, who was still laid out on the mat, forced him to make the decisions he has made and that people can call him a rudo but he is simply just the best drawing some more jeers from the crowd. He then raised the 12-Large Grand Championship for the final time and said that he is now part of the greatest force in professional wrestling and that is the Pringle Dynasty! He joined Pringle and Cage in posing for pictures taken by Lano while standing over the bloody Cabana. It was a surreal image and a bizzaro world type ending for CHIKARA. Quackenbush, represented by his new manager in Percy Pringle III, will now face the winner of the upcoming ROH Heavyweight title match between Michael Elgin and Adam Cole to determine the first IWA Heavyweight champion during WrestleCade IX weekend.

[Pariah]

What a way to open a show... With a huge Battle Royal! Great inner fortitude displayed by Tadarius Thomas to guarantee himself a spot on the IWA roster...

Lots of great names winning themselves contracts... But, still lots more that I would like to see make the inaugural roster, including Jigsaw, Icarus and Johnny Gargano... Was very disappointed in the loss by The Batiri, as I fear that this may be the end of the road for them... Lots of great talent trying to make their mark and unfortunately, some names are not going to make the final cut...

What a twist at the end! It came as a complete shock when Quackenbush revealed his alliance with Pringle and Cage... What goes around comes around... And the 12-Large Grand champion is going to wish he had karma on his side when he squares off against Adam Cole or Michael Elgin at WrestleCade IX to decide the very first IWA Heaveyweight champion...

Fantastic stuff and an amazing prelude to the opening of the IWA... Can't wait!