From Jeff Richards: NO UNEMPLOYMENT @ RWA - JUST SHOW UP and WORK WINSTON-SALEM (NC) -- There were 33 active competitors, five...
From Jeff Richards:
NO UNEMPLOYMENT @ RWA - JUST SHOW UP and WORK
WINSTON-SALEM (NC) -- There were 33 active competitors, five promo men and Jimmy Valiant. Revolution Wrestling Authority (RWA) threw everything against the wall Sunday (5/29) except a kitchen sink to see what would stick. What struck me was another four hours of sitting through 11 matches, a few of which were not passable.
Ironically, it is the most improved Rob Killjoy who continues to have better matches in a lot of indy feds. If you have not seen him and are an erstwhile promoter, Killjoy (Rob Ayscue) deserves that look. RWA should clone Killjoy and run him in, maybe, six less matches.
This was not the promotion's first show, and Winston-Salem is now cultivating its own cult audiences. You could call this a family friendly show, but please take out the F-bomb rap music. Also exclude any Baron Bullard promo that includes the word s*** more than three times. Adults were squirming, and families (an entire row) got up and left at intermission.
The show, "Total Warfare," took place at Johnny & June's (Cash) Ultra Saloon. There were 148 chairs set out, and only 24 were not occupied. Off Interstate 40, the bar is truly not too difficult to find, as it sits in a marketplace shopping center. There was a permanent steel structure above the ring, but no lights were attached. A wooden floor hurts tailbones, but two raised stages were fitted with comfy chairs and back-breaking barstools. At least two rows of padded chairs surrounded each side of the ring.
The steel ring contained a gray mat, wrinkled blue apron and faded blue turnbuckle pads, Most fans were in their seats by 3:15 for a 4 PM bell time. There was a short walk from backstage to the ring. Surprisingly, no music was played prior to the show before 3:55 PM. The event started eight minutes late.
1) Aaron Biggs captured the opener, a Russian Chain match, in 7:16 from "Siberian Soldier" Vlad Balashov (w/Steve Frye). The referee was Redd Jones. While Biggs was headbutting the Soldier, Frye advised Jones to "check his head." Biggs tied Vladimir in the ropes for a few forearm blows. After a bodyslam, Biggs started hitting the four turnbuckles, but Balashov cut him off after just two. Soldier got up to three turnbuckles before Biggs came alive. Frye stopped Biggs' next trek to glory. A Thesz Press by Biggs halted Balashov's chances at victory. Frye could not delay Biggs' win this time around. RATING: 1 1/2 stars
2) Zane Wolf won the first of THREE triple threat matches, outlasting Sinn Crowley and Zac Zhyn in 5:35. This match had a 20 minute time limit. Crowley was stocky with Road Warrior Animal face paint and a Jesus tattoo. Zhyn wore a skull-like mask. Wolf had pigtails and taped fists. His loud music never should have been played in front of small children once, let alone twice. Zhyn took a backward bump off the ring apron. Crowley pumphandled Wolf for a convincing near fall. A female fan related how much Wolf looked like Pippi Longstocking. Only heavyweight in this ring was Crowley, who threw the weakest spear in wrestling existence. However, he did follow up with a nice chokeslam of Wolf. Later, Wolf snuck up behind Zhyn with an "Unprettier" on the masked man to win. RATING: 1 1/2 stars
It was now time to hear from founder and president Julian Strauss, who was definitely the head heel authority. To AML's favorite female fan, Strauss directed this epithet: "Don't make me throw your a** out too." The congenial owner stated the Strauss family dynasty had been "screwed over left and right" by other promotions. He honestly wanted to crown himself the initial RWA Heavyweight Champion. General Manager Big Daddy Boom Boom (not making this up) came into the picture. Both gentlemen were having microphone difficulties. The silky Boom Boom announced on July 17th at Johnny & June's there would be a four-way to determine that first champion. It will be John Skyler vs. Jaxson James vs. Trevor Lee vs. the winner of a 15-man battle royal later "tonight." The day suddenly got longer.
3) The Scrapyard Dog (w/Nick D) pinned "Beastmaster" Rick Link in 8:52 of a no holds barred, no DQ, falls count anywhere street fight. Link arrived with a kendo stick; Scrappy Doo had this steel chain. For those of you not familiar, Link resembles a caucasian Abdullah the Butcher. A library type environment ensued immediately. Dog used a spork outside the ring to cut Link. The Beastmaster provided some unprotected bamboo shots to the Scrapyard (not Atomic) Dog. Link also used a real fork to spike Dog open. With D pleading "no no no," Link took a chair to Scrapyard. Three cronies representing "The Revolution" ran out to subdue Link. Dog got a chain shot in to end this massacre. RATING: 1/4 of a star (horrible)
4) The Brutes were victorious in a triple threat match over Michael Spencer & Jacob Ryan and the team of Killjoy & Tyler Gaines in 15:06. Mark James & Jimmy Parker compose the Brutes. Their entrance theme was the second song dropping a F-bomb. "Mr. Amazing" Spencer wore a Wolfman t-shirt and explained, "When my hand goes up, your mouths shut." Ryan took the mic and told AML's favorite female fan to "go back to McDonald's. They need you for another shift." Spencer & Ryan ran from the Brutes and hid behind a plastic garbage can. A "quack" chant started early. Fans cheered for Killjoy's "Wet Willie"s. Killjoy's "Kiwi Roll" on Ryan made both guys dizzy. Parker got into the action and powerslammed Killjoy. The heelish Spencer & Ryan finally got back in after a back tag of James. Ryan received a two count after a "Northern Lights" suplex of Killjoy. Parker's "Shining Wizard" attempt did not faze Killjoy (or us). The Brutes doubled up on all four foes. That is, until Killjoy springboard double dropkicked the Brutes. Killjoy's Asai moonsault took out his partner Gaines by accident. Gaines (now with Ryan & Spencer) walked out, leaving Killjoy to face both Brutes. James struck firstly with a big German suplex. A double foot stomp by Killjoy on James was broken up by Parker. "Lil' Jimmy" threw a discus punch instead of getting around on a lariat or forearm. The finish was Parker superkicking Killjoy's skull and then the "Alabama Slam" by James. RATING: 2 1/4 stars
Next up was the first installment of "Playing Fair" hosted by Johnny Fairplay. This started at 5:15 pm and ended 22 minutes later. Fairplay called his segment a classier version of "Piper's Pit." His guest was Valiant, accompanied by Captain Joe, the Manager of Champions and Stealer of Heat. Valiant kissed Fairplay before uttering any words. The WWE Hall of Famer said the "greatest wrestling fans are right here in North Carolina." Valiant began his wrestling career in 1964. Strauss interrupted right as this interview was mercifully ending. He wanted to buy "Boogie"'s Hall of Fame ring. Strauss offered to throw in a few more bucks to shave Valiant's hair. Fairplay intervened and stated Strauss should put up his hair (or what's left of it). Strauss brought out The Stro, looking creepier than Bray Wyatt. You could tell Stro (Robert Kellum) has worked on his gimmick more. So, in essence, they organized a match for July 17th where Strauss will have Stro in his corner to face Valiant (w/??) in a hair match. "You're dead, Jack," Valiant bellowed. More parental head shaking followed.
5) Papa Stro from Skull Mountain stuck around to cheat "The Incredible Huck" William Huckaby out of a victory (5:59). The two wrestlers immediately brawled outside. Stro left his branding iron in the corner, signaling what was to come. While holding the Huckster in a nervehold, Stro requested, "Sing, my children. Sing for Papa." Huck hit a spinebuster, but Stro reached the ropes. During a discussion with referee Redd, Huckaby asked fans if he should break Stro's macabre doll in half. With Jones distracted, Stro struck Huckaby twice with the branding iron. Stro did not fling his weapon of choice out of the ring, so Jones had to pretend not to see it lying there. I can spell the RATING in three letters: DUD. A 24 minute intermission began, and a fair amount of people left.
6) Jaxson James surprised "The Killerweight" Joe Black (w/Nick D) in 18:40. Carl Styles was Jones' replacement referee. Our female announcer left the ring after announcing "Mark Orlando" and corrected herself after seeing a different cue card. After suffering a vertical suplex and back senton, James abruptly deserted the ring. A safe tope by Black put both grapplers within inches of a young mother's feet. JJ threw a really good dropkick. Black applied the "Crippler Crossface" but could not keep James from finding the ropes. Nick D went and sat down after Black told him he did not need his assistance for this match. Styles had to stop and tie his shoes. After a knee to the mid-section, James wisely followed up with a body scissors. During a "Boston Crab" by Black, folks were urging James to tap. However, James reversed the submission maneuver into a half crab of his own. James dropped Black on his head in a spot that did not look crisp. Black went back to the crossface, but James countered again into the 1/2 crab. James now was bleeding from the nose. Black's backcracker in the corner was good for a two count. Black taunted James with "Come on, Baby Gunner." I knew wrestlers read my reviews. James responded with a flatliner and an immediate half crab for the tap out. RATING: 2 stars
7) CWF Worldwide TV titleholder Smith Garrett pinned Sanctuary Heavyweight Champion Mike Orlando (w/"The Beauty Queen" Anna Trippiedi) in 10:10 of a non-title affair. "The Elite Athlete" made sure everyone knew he was from NJ. Orlando turned himself heel by refusing to defend his belt and telling the fans to "shut the h*** up." After a tope, Orlando sat down on the front row for a breather. Garrett retaliated with an over the top rope leg lariat. "That's how Winston-Salem does it," Garrett interjected. Trippiedi choked Garrett in the ropes. An "Olympic Slam" netted Garrett a two count. Fans chanted "Watch your head," as the tall Orlando went up top for an elbowdrop. Smith's spear gained the CWF Mid-Atlantic superstar a two count only. Garrett ventured to the top turnbuckle, but Orlando caught him. Smith's superkick nailed its target, but Orlando's valet jumped up on the ring apron. Garrett was looking behind himself to make sure he missed Orlando's collision with Trippiedi. The kick took out Orlando's squeeze, and Garrett smacked Orlando with a roaring forearm for the decision. Post-match: Orlando left Garrett laying with an F-5 ace crusher. He yelled at his beautiful queen and pushed her through the curtain. RATING: 1 3/4 stars
8) Madi Maxx won another triple threat contest, this one over Samantha Starr and "Party Princess" Kayla Lynn in 7:31. Maxx, "The Face of the Place," has a short Trish Stratus look and wore gold trunks. She was surprised "we" would spend $10 on a ticket instead of child support. Maxx referred to her opponents as an "alcoholic" (Lynn) and a "porn star" (Starr), or maybe it was vice versa. Lynn, a Hawaiian, wore a tiara and plenty of tattoos. Starr was dressed in a red top with black sparkling bottom and foot attire. Referee Jones allowed the match to start without its third competitor (Starr). A tope by Lynn reached its mark. Madi was suplexed by both ladies who took turns beating on Maxx. Starr's bulldog out of the corner looked rough. Jones had to hold his count up so Maxx could finally make the save. Maxx rolled out of the ring after enduring a full nelson faceplant. Following Starr's departure from the ring, Maxx avoided a rushing Lynn and pulled tights, scoring a pinfall. As Maxx would say, "1-2-3 me me me." RATING: 1 star
9) A four-way elimination should have been the showcase event for new team Bullard & Adam James (w/Kassie). The pair were victorious in a match which inexplicably added another team, Matt Houston & Siberian Soldier (working twice). Chris "TNT" Taylor replaced Kevin Phoenix (who was sorely missed) to team with Zuka King. The final team was the f1rST Generation (Victor Andrews & James Anthony). There was "no time limit" announced. Bullard was referred to as the "Pembroke Pitbull." James carried the NAWA Heavyweight belt with him and worked heel here. Four f1rST dropkicks either missed or bounced off Bullard's belly before a double one floored him. Andrews bulldogged Houston, one-half of the "Mid-Atlantic Outlaws." A "Rock Bottom" on Soldier got no reaction (and I mean none). At 7:16, Houston pinned Taylor with his split-legged moonsault. Thirteen seconds later, f1rST Generation pulled off a double schoolboy of Houston & Soldier to eliminate them. That left Andrews & Anthony to face a fresh James & Bullard. The newly blonde Kassie held Anthony's arm for Bullard to knee it. Anthony survived being back suplexed while Bullard held his arm in a hammerlock. Fans got behind f1rST Generation big time. Bullard's been coming up with some creative submissions. James spun Anthony around and out on a lariat. A powerslam by Bullard set up the heels' finisher. And the doubleteam neckbreaker instead doomed Andrews after 16:10. RATING: 1/2 of a star (way too long for this late in the show)
10) Bullard won the 15-man battle royal with 14 men in it after just 5:35. The participants included Gaines, Spencer, Ryan, Zhyn, Wolf, James, Taylor, Crowley, Killjoy, Boss Hogg, Timmy Lou Retton, Biggs, Bullard and one other. Bullard ironically proclaimed himself the winner prior to entering the ring in a rather obscene promo. Retton took a chokeslam from Biggs. Eventually, it was down to five: Bullard, James, Biggs, Retton and fan favorite Hogg. James superkicked Hogg right out of the ring. Retton turned on Biggs. James was next to go but never left ringside. Retton screeched as he applied a sleeper to Biggs. Bullard dumped Biggs, but Retton failed to go out. Retton thought he had ousted Bullard, but Baron skinned the cat. It took two lariats before Retton went up & over. No RATING
11) Gunner won the main event by disqualification over Ali Steele (w/Frye & bodyguard Michael Devine). The main attraction was introduced at 7:45 PM. Gunner (Chad Lail) is down to 245 lbs. and received a standing ovation. Frye referred to the 6-5, 375 lb. Steele as the "King of the Gorilla Squad." This was not a wrestling match but more of a war. Steele got the early advantage when Gunner went after the bodyguard, a Mr. Hughes lookalike. The "Modern Day Viking" set for a powerbomb, but Steele backed that a** up. Another distraction by the Hughes wannabe allowed another Pearl Harbor attack four hours before Memorial Day commenced. Gunner was posted but fired back. A sleeper hold took Gunner to his knees. After escaping the sleeper, Gunner was slowed down by a nerve pinch. Steele feigned a hand injury, while Devine took his time dismantling Gunner on the floor. Headbutts by Steele seemed to hurt him more than Gunner, who butted heads with the Gorilla Squad member. Frye stopped Jones' count, and the pesky bodyguard attacked Gunner, causing a disqualification. Post-match: Gunner said he was bringing Crimson in to team against the Gorillaz on 7/17. RATING: 3/4 of a star
NOTES: Gunner was still advertised as a TNA superstar, even though he left that company over a year ago... Tickets were $17 for front row, $15 stage seats, $14 second row, $10 general admission (the bar area?), and free for children under 10. Several seats were filled by that age. RWA does offer a front row VIP season pass for $85, but it would make more sense to buy that before show #1.
ANALYSIS: The promotion did well to set up three important matches for its next show in July. The venue has plenty of parking, sells alcohol, and is spacious. I never attended an AML show there but was glad THAT organization spread its wings and built an even broader fanbase. There were a lot of digs by Strauss at AML, and they were not thinly veiled. Competing financially with WrestleCade's Tracy Myers is not something I would recommend, but Strauss obviously has his connections. It will be interesting to see how long RWA lasts. It may not have AML's marketing budget, but there is nothing wrong with healthy competition as long as it does not become obsessive. One thing RWA can do instantly is cut down on the number of workers and show length. "More is better" does not necessarily mean emptying your wallet to bring in every Tom, Dick & Harry in your wrestling contact rolodex.
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