(2) Eric Walker defeated Roma Miller to retain the Youtube Championship in 6:32. Walker said this was Roma's lucky night because he was offering him a title shot. Roma was guns blazing right out of the box. Walker answered with a running hip attack and a Codebreaker for near falls. Roma got a close near fall with the dreaded Step Daddy Stomps and went for the superkick. Walker reversed into an ankle lock. Roma's boot came off as he struggled and slid out of the ring. Walker went out after Roma, who again went for the superkick. Walker ducked and Roma superkicked the post with his unprotected foot. Back inside, Walker stomped Roma's aching foot and pinned him with the Ro-Roller.
Well, that finish was something different. Walker's offense looked more impactful and was delivered more cleanly. Roma was getting carried away with the strikes. As previously noted, Roma has improved that area of his game from pitiful to decent but he really needs to lay them against a taller, larger opponent.
(3) Brother Azriel defeated Tyrese Murphy in 9:43. Murphy raised the energy level in the building with entrance. Once the bell rang, Azriel imposed his will with his deliberate style of high impact offense, using a massive corner splash and a World's Strongest Slam. No water in the pool for Azriel's jumping splash. Murphy rallied but Azriel was not going down. Murphy was unable to connect with the Stage Dive but did get big man off his feet with a german suplex. A lot taken out of both men on that move. Murphy slow to cover. Azriel rolled a shoulder at two. Azriel went right to the piledriver for the 1-2-3.
Azriel is great at knowing what to do and when to do it. He looked like a world beater and dominated the match to the point I thought Murphy was going over in the end. Props to Murphy for putting him over the way he did.
Noles' "Reality Check" with Azriel -- Noles intercepted Azriel on the ramp for an impromptu interview that turned into a lecture. Noles put Azriel's in ring ability over huge. Said the problem was the company he kept in the form of that jackass Tony Midas. Noles said the only thing standing between Azriel and main event status was Azriel. Noles asked Azriel to think about it. Azriel said nothing but he appeared to be contemplating Noles' message.
Noles knocked it out of the park with a passionate speech, which was similar in content to Ceretone's message to Dorian prior to his babyface turn. There was a lot to like here, from the spontaneous manner in which the segment unfolded to the way Azriel visibly reacted without saying a word. Bobcat's camerawork is such an asset in the in-ring talk segments.
Howell took over as ring announcer with the flimsy excuse that Hardy ran out the front door because Howell said Michigan would lose to Ohio State.
(4) Cameron Keast (with Harley Haven) defeated Super Chicken in 8:17. Harley came to the ring carrying a bucket of Keast Fried Chicken. Keast said this match was the most embarrassing thing he'd done at ProSouth. Noles pointed out how much ground that statement covered. It was Lucha Chicken early on as the mystery man in the costume was on fire with South of the Border stylings. Keast used Harley as a shield. With Super Chicken in semi-hot pursuit, Harley ran into and through the ring. Keast capitalized. Keast applied the Shardbinder and yes, Howell said Keast was choking the chicken. There was a strange spot where Harley got on the apron with the fried chicken bucket. The bucket slipped out of her hands but Super Chicken went down anyway. The match mercifully came to an end when Super Chicken reversed into the crossface chickenwing and Keast bit his beak and hit Bloody Tears.
A stupid match but I was in the mood for it, though it must be said, this was one Hardy's better matches in the chicken suit. For better or worse, the broadcast team was running wild with the poultry references. Harley's reaction to blowing the spot with the chicken bucket was funny stuff. The tone was certainly a stark contrast to what followed.
(5) ProSouth Champion Dameon Ceretone vs. Brandon Whatley -- the match never officially started. Whatley attacked Ceretone as he was on his way to the ring and gave him a vicious beating with his nunchucks. Referee Slim admonished Whatley and got punched in the face. Noles said Commissioner Amy Haven should suspend Whatley again. Inside the ring, Ceretone was in agony as he tried to fight back. Second referee Santiago was trying to regain a semblance of order and start the match. Ceretone slugged Santiago in the face. Ceretone locked in a triangle. Whatley appeared to be fading when he powerbombed his way out of the hold. Whatley pounded and kicked Ceretone until he wasn't moving. The crowd chanted "Dameon", hoping to bring the champion around. Ceretone raised up and Whatley punted his head to knock him out cold. Whatley put one foot on Ceretone's lifeless body and hoisted the ProSouth title over his head.
Fade to black.
A closing segment that packed a wallop. The champion was game but vulnerable, the challenger a violent monster devoid of remorse. This was stiff shit. It took three men to make the magic. Ceretone's "selling" and heart evoked sympathy. Whatley was as badass as they come. Santiago showed the value of a great referee to add credibility and aid suspension of disbelief.