Southern Honor Wrestling held their monthly event for May on Friday night with SHW39, and this may go down as one of the most stunning and shocking nights in SHW history, and that is saying a lot. By the time the smoke cleared SHW had a new booker, a new champion, and a disturbing title match announcement for the next show. The 363 paid fans in attendance left the Action Building in silence, trying to comprehend the events that took place over the last two and half hours and what the future holds for their beloved SHW.
363 fans in attendance is down from SHW’s last couple of shows, but I expect this to be the case for almost every promotion in the state as Summer is upon us. Don’t be fooled by the 363, they sounded like a crowd of over 500, and I suspect most of these fans are the die hard fans because they were loud, energetic and emotional with everything presented to them tonight. A lot of the fans were on their feet for the entire show and there never seemed to be a moment where the fans checked out of the action. As always the commentators were Brandon Benefield and Gerard Bonner and the ring announcer was Diana Michel.
Jordan Kingsley VS. Darian Bengston
Kingsley is out first, seems like he opens the show a lot for SHW and he always brings the energy. He gets a solid response from the crowd. Bengston is out next, it is his debut for SHW and appears to be entering as a face. The SHW faithful usually are not very welcoming to newcomers and this was no different. The SHW fans make you earn it, one way or the other. They begin with a series of wrist locks, arm drags and reversals. It was very technical but it really didn’t get the crowd into the opening of the match, and it wasn’t until Kingsley showed his athleticism that the crowd got into it. The match had some spots that allowed both men to show off their technical and aerial abilities but overall the two men seemed to lack chemistry and had definitely had trouble getting on the same page with each other. I think the two were trying really hard to get the fans into the match but as a result some spots never had a chance to settle with the crowd. However the two men got it together at the end and pulled out a decent match. Kingsley connects with a jumping knee and lands a springboard neck breaker from the top rope. Jordan Kingsley wins by pin in 8:21 Referee: Jeremy Prater
THOUGHTS: As I mentioned before SHW fans are very hard on newcomers and that applied to Bengston. He is clearly talented however and I personally would love to see him back at SHW. Jordan Kingsley always delivers on the energy but I wonder if he isn’t wearing a little stale on the crowd, however I feel like his program with Carlie Bravo will help that tremendously.
Joe Black VS. Kyle Matthews
Black is out first to a huge pop, no matter what this guy seems to do to try to turn heel it just doesn’t work. There were chants of “Joe” all over the building. Kyle Matthews is out next, and receives a very warm response from the crowd, not quite to Joe’s level, but close. Joe gets on the mic and tells Kyle he has a lot of respect for him and that the younger kids are trying to push them out, and they don’t pay their dues anymore and most don’t even stay to watch the main event. He continues by saying they go to a four week course at the nightmare factory and think they are main eventers. He said they both have been doing this a long time and he knows he can teach an old dog new tricks. Joe continues by offering his hand to Kyle and telling him that “you will shake it, and follow me” Kyle reluctantly shakes the hand of Joe Black, Joe attempts to kick Kyle, but Kyle is one step ahead and blocks the kick and the match is underway. Kyle hits a couple of suicide dives to the outside early in the match and this crowd is on fire for him. It was Kyle’s technical ability against Joe’s pure strength. The two engaged in a chop battle that Joe clearly got the better of, but he sold Kyle’s chops as if they were coming from Geter. The pair did a great job working the crowd and the interactions between Joe Black and the referee were done well by both parties. As the match went on Joe worked more and more as a heel but it did not deter the “Joe” chants that much. The crowd was still heavily in favor of Kyle though. Kyle suplexes Joe off the top rope then heads to the other corner to attempt a top rope splash, Joe Black rolls out of the way and covers Kyle. Joe Black wins by pin in 10:28 Referee: David Weakley
THOUGHTS: Outstanding match as you would expect from these two. The 50/50 booking should keep Kyle strong even though that’s two shows in a row where he has counted the lights. It is really hard for the SHW fans to boo someone who is outstanding in the ring. Joe Black is going to have to do something radical if he is going to get over as a heel…….
Tank’s Open Gauntlet Challenge
Tank comes to the ring with Rev. Dan, it’s a mixed reaction for the bloodbath behemoth. Some of the fans love him, some hate him, and some are just downright scared of him. Dan gets on the mic and calls Gunner Miller a no good, brain dead steroid using meat heat. He said Tank has proved he is one of the best deathmatch wrestlers of all time and by beating Gunner Miller in a “traditional” wrestling match last month proves Tank is one of the best scientific wrestlers to ever grace the sport. He continues by saying now that Gunner Miller is dead and buried, they are there for something new and management has collected a group of grapplers to test Tank’s scientific skills.
Eddie Honcho is the first to appear and dances and twerks his way to the ring. He gets the crowd fired up and is always extremely entertaining. Honcho throws his sunglasses at Tank and Tank responds by stomping them into the mat. Honcho slaps Tank a few times, does some Dusty style jabs and elbows and gets in a nut show before climbing to the second rope. This would be his biggest mistake as Tank catches him by the throat, throws him into the corner, and then hits a running cannonball. Tank def. Eddie Honcho by pin.
CJ Lawler is out next to absolutely no reaction. He is from Chattanooga and does some death match wrestling so I’m sure most of the people in the crowd were unfamiliar with him. He hits a couple of punches on Tank but is quickly dispersed. Tank def. CJ Lawler by pin.
Southern Fried Regular Xavier Reyes is next out the curtain. He gets a surprisingly warm reaction from the crowd, clearly there are some Southern Fried fans in attendance, and Xavier’s size and build definitely piqued the fans interest. Reyes lowers the straps and asks Tank for a chop exchange. Both hit some decent chops but Tank clearly wins out. Tank throws Reyes outside the ring and the two brawl outside the ring to the delight of the ring side fans. The two exchange head butts and punches back in the ring, with Reyes hanging with Tank blow for blow. Reyes staggers Tank and hits the ropes but is tripped by Rev Dan. While Reyes is confronting Rev Dan, Tank comes up from behind and back drops him. Tank def. Xavier Reyes Referee: Jeremy Prater
The Georgia Avenger never makes it to the ring as he is attacked at the entrance by Gunner Miller. The building erupts for possibly the most over wrestler at SHW. Tank quickly exits the ring and Rev. Dan declares the gauntlet is over. Gunner Miller gets on the mic and says he has learned something from traveling with Tank and Dan over the years, when he got to the building he talked to Dylan and Gary and he signed a contract for next month's show to have a death match against Tank.
THOUGHTS: This match did what it needed to do, and it did it well. Honcho provided some needed comedy relief to the show. Lawler got to work with Tank on a big stage, Xavier Reyes got exposed to the SHW crowd and he came off looking very strong and the match sets up the death match for the next show. It was a mild reaction from the fans for the death match announcement. Although they have gotten a small taste of death match, I don’t think they know what is in store. At this point I noted how well paced the show was moving, never a down moment.
Kenzie Paige VS. Shazza McKenzie
Dani Jordyn joins the commentary team, as of course the queen of SHW gets a huge ovation from the crowd. Kenzie Paige is out first, it has been a long time since she has been in a SHW ring, her name alone brings cheers but she quickly shows with her reaction and body language that she will be the heel in the one. Shazza McKenzie is out next and gets a warm welcome from the crowd. Before the match starts Shazza gets on the mic and says she is excited to make her SHW debut. To which Kenzie Paige makes a gagging gesture. Shazza continues by saying she was scheduled to wrestle Dani Jordyn but because Dani is injured SHW found her one of the top rising stars in women’s wrestling, and she was excited to have this first time ever match right here in Canton Georgia. Kenzie steals the mic away and tells the crowd to shut their mouths. Kenzie continues by saying she isn’t a replacement, she is the real deal. Some “Lets go Kenzie” chants break out as the match starts. Fast start to the match as both women show off that not only can they hit hard, they are both solid technical wrestlers as well. Kenzie doesn’t respond well to a couple of quick pin attempts by Shazza and takes out her frustration by pulling Shazza’s hair and admonishing the referee for all of his slow counts. Kenzie dominated most of the match and put her technical abilities on display. Shazza ties Kenzie up in the ropes and lands a series of kicks to her mid section while on the apron before climbing to the top and landing a beautiful cross body on Kenzie. Shazza McKenzie wins by pin in 6:06 Referee: Jeremy Prater
THOUGHTS: This is one of the better women’s matches you are going to see in the state, and is probably the best one I have seen this year. Shazza had a solid debut and proved she is tough as nails, and her in-ring is clearly a step above most of the females in the state. I thought her pre match promo was a little awkward, but she is trying to get over that she is nice and humble. It worked. I thought we would see something between her and Dani Jordyn, but I guess that will be done later down the line. What can be said about Kenzie Paige? She has to be close to getting signed full time by a major company at this point. Everything about her from her entrance to her presence, and her fantastic technical in ring abilities scream super star. She looks to be in the best shape of her career as well.
Gary Lamb Promo
Gunner Miller may be the most over wrestler at SHW, but the most over person is easily Gary “G-Money” Lamb. Gary starts his promo by saying when he started Southern Honor Wrestling it was because his sons loved wrestling and he loves money. Three and a half years ago he didn’t give a shit about the boys in the back, they were the boys, he was the boss. But he said over the last three and half years you start to become a family with the ones you work with. He says tonight is emotional, David Ali who has been with SHW since day one is worthy of honor. He single handedly carried this company after covid, after Joe was injured Ali became the champion. Gary continued by saying Ali was one the best champions the state has seen in a long time. That tonight is Ali’s last scheduled match for SHW before he moves to Chicago, and that the fans don’t have to like him, but they should show him the honor he deserves. He says then after you get emotional, Dylan, the man I started this company with, has put his part of the company on the line. Gary pauses for a moment then says not only that and this isn’t part of the script, it’s against the one guy in this industry I literally can not stand, Logan Cre…. excuse me Kruel. The man who has ridden our coat tails and made his name here now wants to take over our company, excuse me SHE wants to take over the company. Gary said it will be a cold day in hell before he allows a skank to take over his company.
The lights dim and Kruel, with chain in hand, and Brooklyn Creed make their way to the ring. Brooklyn takes over the mic and tells Gary she knows he his nervous about working with a woman again. As Kruel stares down Gary, Brooklyn asks him if he is scared and if he thinks she could stop Kruel. She continues saying how about when I become booker I put you in a match against Kruel? Gary responds by saying how about if you become booker I shut the company down? Brooklyn says she is going to take over the company and destroy the company, and Southern Honor slowly becomes Southern Dishonor…as the crowd lets that soak in Dylan James’ (aka Dylan Frymyer aka Sunny Daze aka The Steel City Brawler) music hits and the crowd erupts as their hero has come to save the day.
Kruel VS. Dylan James in a chain match (wrestler must touch all four corners of the ring in order to win the match). If Kruel wins, Brooklyn becomes the booker of SHW, if Dylan wins, Brooklyn must leave SHW forever.
Dylan comes to the ring with his own chain. Brooklyn attempts to distract Dylan as Kruel jumps through the ropes, but Dylan was one step ahead striking Kruel in the head with his chain. While Kruel is daze, Brooklyn stares down Dylan and slaps him across the face. Dylan quickly shakes off the slap and slowly chases Brooklyn up the entrance ramp. Brooklyn punches Dylan, then Dylan responds by choking Brooklyn. This gets the crowd sizzling, but it’s what happens next that gets them on their feet. As Brooklyn is being pushed back by Dylan, the returning Ravenna Vein comes through the curtain, snatches Brooklyn and they brawl behind the curtain. During the chaos Kruel jumps Dylan and the two brawl to the ring as the referee enters and the match begins. Dylan is met by a chain wrapped fist from Kruel sending him back to the outside. Kruel then lands a very impressive suicide dive. Dylan gets busted open very early. Kruel reaches under the ring and throws three more chains into the ring. Dylan tries to mount some early offense but is repeatedly shut down by chain shots. The two men move at a very slow and methodical pace, really allowing every brutal chain shot to get full effect. Kruel attempts to touch the four corners but Dylan smartly rolls out of the ring using his force on the chain to stop Kruel. Dylan then retrieves a gold chain from under the ring and connects a huge punch on Kruel with it shifting the momentum. Dylan then takes Kruel off his feet, puts on the gold chain, and pays tribute to Scott Hall. After a low blow and a cannonball in the corner from Kruel, things were looking bleak for Dylan James, but never fear, his Happy Madness teammate Sal Rinauro comes to the rescue. Sal uses his speed to catch the giant off guard and lands a stunner as the crowd is going absolutely crazy. Sal holds down Kruel as Dylan attempts to touch the four corners, Kruel over powers Sal, and choke slams him on the apron. Todd Sexton comes out to help the hurt Sal to the back. The two men continue to brawl in the brutal match. Very back and forth until the end. Dylan finally gets an upper hand but before they can touch the fourth corner, the lights go out, when the come back on Joe Black is in the ring and spears Dylan James. As Kruel slowly stands up and Joe Black stands over the motionless body of Dylan James, the realization of what is about to happen sets in with the SHW fans and they are overtaken by silence. Kruel slowly walks around the ring touching each corner. Kruel def. Dylan James in 15:49. Referee: David Weakley Kruel removes the chain and walks to the back, leaving Dylan James laying in the ring.
THOUGHTS: Where do I even begin….So much to cover here, so most I will cover at the end. The match was just so well done, from Ravenna returning, to the outside interference it was full of drama and excitement. The story these two guys have told for almost a year now has been great and it's only getting better. The match leaves the door open for so many possibilities including a mixed tag or cage match. Dylan got a lot of “Thank You Dylan” chants after the match that I could tell he was truly touched by. I have never heard that crowd overcome with silence before as Kruel touched the fourth corner. Remember earlier when I said Joe Black would have to do something radical to solidify a heel turn? This should do the trick.
-INTERMISSION-
TSF (Hunter Knott & Rosario Grillo) VS. All Star Special (William Huckaby & “Hold My Beer” Hanson) for the SHW Tag Team Championship.
This is TSF’s second appearance at SHW and they received a mixed reaction from the still in shock fans. But there is no better way to get them going again than an All Star Special entrance. Hanson and Huck come out to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough '' and are of course loved by everyone in the building. TSF may bring their own tag ropes to the ring, but they were no match for All Star Special. They were thrown around pretty good in this one, giving the champs a chance to show their muscle. Spots of the match were both by Hanson, a stalling suplex where he did squats with holding Grillo straight up and an EXTREMELY impressive looking top rope arm drag, both of which looked new to his arsenal. All Star Special wins by pin in 5:05 Referee: Jeremy Prater
THOUGHTS: Short match, and it needed to be with fans still recovering from the shocking first half of the show. All Star used a new finisher tonight, I am not sure of the name of it. Hanson’s recent weight loss has increased his athleticism in a huge way. Anyone who has said his in ring work isn’t on the same level as his promo work needs to look again. As for TSF, it's clear these kids have some real talent, but I feel like less can be more, especially as a heel. There were several times the focus should have been on All Star but TSF was drawing that focus away. On both All Star’s entrance and exit they were engaged in some slap-stick style comedy with one kicking the ropes and the other selling the rope bouncing and hitting their shin, and another spot during All Star’s post match celebration where one was carrying the other out and they fell in front of the commentators table. Both these times my focus should have been on the champs, but I was distracted each time. Also by the looks of it I don’t think All Star was too amused with Grillo when he took one of their belts out of the ring while All Star’s entrance was still going on. All Star Special are 1-0 as champions, I really look forward to seeing what talent SHW brings in next to face them.
Carlie Bravo VS. David Ali
Shawn Dean joined the team on commentary for this emotional match. Bravo is out first, he is another one of the guys that is having trouble getting over as a heel because his in ring work is respected too much by the SHW fans. A lot of “Overkill” chants for Bravo. Everyone in the building stands for Ali as The Savior makes his final entrance at SHW. The crowd response is overwhelming with “Thank You Savior” chants echoing around the building as others sing “Ali-luya” to David as he walks by. Ali tells Bravo he isn’t his friend from “Overkill” , that he is his savior. He asks Carlie if he wants a seat at the table and says for 355 days last year he was the rightful wrestler of the year in Georgia. He tells Bravo that tonight he is going to have to do more than kiss Cody Rhodes’ ass and do more than ride the coattails of Shawn Dean. The two men flash the Overkill symbol before Bravo removes his Overkill shirt revealing he is wearing a Charlie Bravo show shirt under, then throws the shirt at Ali. This enrages the savior and the match begins in an all out brawl. Very evenly matched in the beginning with tension boiling over from all the social media chatter during the week. This match is storytelling at its finest and both men brought their A game. Bravo assaults Ali outside the ring telling him “it’s time to leave the territory” and “this never had to happen” As the match progresses Bravo becomes more violent in his offense, mocking the savior every chance he gets. Bravo flashes the “Overkill” hand symbol in Ali’s face, causing Ali to slap the taste out of Bravo’s mouth. The two exchange some absolutely brutal punches with each other. No matter what Bravo does, he can not keep Ali down. After Ali lands a big suplex on Bravo he has him set up for his running knee. Bravo puts up the “Overkill” symbol pleading for Ali to stop. You can see the eternal struggle facing Ali, as he wants to win the match, but he doesn’t want to harm his Overkill brother. Ali lowers the knee pad and runs towards Bravo but Bravo rolls up Ali for a two count. Bravo then lifts Ali up on his shoulders and drops him into a neck breaker. Carlie Bravo wins by pin in 10:26 Referee: David Weakley. Bravo celebrates and walks over to Ali, he slowly helps his Overkill brother up and raises his hand before delivering another neck breaker to Ali. Bravo then retrieves Ali’s barbed wire bat and approaches Ali, telling him “this is the Carlie Bravo show” but before he can hit Ali with the bat, Jordan Kingsley runs in to make the save. Ali makes an emotional walk around the Action building saying goodbye to the fans, many of which were VERY emotional.
THOUGHTS: Hands down the match of the night, if you love good in-ring story telling then go out of your way to watch this match. Bravo comes off looking incredibly strong after this match and has a lot of momentum moving into his program with Kingsley. We are really going to miss David Ali around Georgia. I don’t think many people realize how incredible of a talent he is. At one point last year he was the champion of Southern Honor, Southern Fried, and IWE, one as a heel, one as a face, and one as the leader of a faction respectively. That’s quite an accomplishment. Best of luck in Chicago David, you will be missed. ALI-LUYA
Cyrus VS. Judas VS. Owen Knight for the SHW Championship.
Cyrus is through the curtain first, he looks determined and focused, the crowd popped huge for him. Judas is out next and still has one of my favorite entrances in the state. He is not liked by the SHW faithful. The champ is out last and gets one of the bigger pops of the night. The three men stare each other down in the ring, each taking turns posing with the belt. Owen shows early offense and uses his speed on the two giants until Judas catches Knight with a big boot and he is sent to the outside. Cyrus and Judas stand toe to toe and we FINALLY get to see these two super heavyweights in the ring together. The men exchange punches until Owen enters the ring. Owen and Judas brawl with Judas’ strength winning out. As Judas is attempting to suplex Knight off the middle rope, Cyrus comes in and flips them both off the rope. Cyrus then pulls Knight to the corner and hits a Vader-bomb for a two count. Cyrus and Judas break up each other's pinfall attempts on Knight, ultimately resulting in the two turning their attention towards each other. The two fight through the ropes and over the barricade giving us the “Jim Duggan Special” a brawl to the back. As they disappear Brooklyn comes out to the stage with Joe Black and addresses the crowd as “Southern Dishonor” she says as her first act as commissioner she is making this match a fatal-four way. Just as the fans think Joe Black is going to walk to the ring, Kruel comes through the curtain, and that same silence of realization hits the crowd for a second time tonight. Kruel hits a chokeslam on Owen but Owen kicks out and flips off Kruel. Kruel picks up Owen and face plants him into the mat. Kruel wins by pinfall in 6:22 and is the new Southern Honor Champion. Referee: David Weakley The crowd is stunned, Brooklyn gets on the mic and tells them to shut up and introduces Kruel as the new Southern Honor Champion. Kruel, Brooklyn, and Joe Black stand in the ring together now known as “Contra” Brooklyn then announces that Kruel’s first title defense will be against Zach The Gear Guy. “Holy Shit” chants erupt around the building followed by “Logan’s going to kill you” chants. The boos then rained down on the ring followed by “Brooklyn sucks chants” as Brooklyn holds up a flag barring the Contra name and Kruel holds up the SHW Championship, it is clear there is not only a new power couple in Southern Honor, but there is a new power couple in all of indy wrestling.
THOUGHTS: So just the match itself I thought was a little underwhelming, Owen Knight almost seemed like an afterthought and of course we were only going to get a sampling of Cyrus and Judas but in the end none of that matters or will be remembered. This is the perfect way to create complete chaos with not only a new booker, but a new champion who happens to be married to the booker. The title match against Zach is extremely shocking, but I’ve got to say Zach has been pretty much asking for this since he was slammed through the table.
There have been a lot of memorable shows at SHW from Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega showing up, to Dani Jordyn getting hit in the face by the trash can thrown by a fan while standing in the ring, but none quite like this. We have never seen any type of a take over or power struggle at SHW in their three and a half years, and the big question is how will the fans respond, but more importantly how will Gary Lamb respond. I am very curious to see how the cards might change now that Brooklyn is in charge as well as what other changes she might have in store. This is a risky move, but one that definitely already has the people talking. This was one of the most shocking shows I have ever been to and they took the crowd on an emotional roller-coaster ride the entire night. Hats off to everyone involved everything seemed to work as close to perfect as possible, the show pacing was great, the in ring wrestling was top notch and of course the video production is by far the best in Georgia. SHW returns to the Action Building in Canton Georgia on June 10th at 8:00. Check out their Facebook page for more information. I don’t know about anyone reading this, but I personally can’t wait to see what Brooklyn Creed has planned for the next Southern Hon….I mean Southern Dishonor Wrestling.
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