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| Photos by Peter Sigmund |
From Jeremy “The Impact” York:
Ring Announcer: Carmen Michael (no “s”)
Commentary: Carmen Michael, 3MP w/ Special Guests Murder One, Sal Rinauro
Officials: Mason Pike, Cody Nicholas Clonts, Bryan Waites, Darryl Hall
Match 1: Jay “Alpha” Miller Vs. “Agent 003” Chad Skywalker, Vs. Suge D Vs. “Misfit” Justin McKenzie—Miller is initially confused (as is Skywalker a little) as to why there are four superstars in the ring and it’s supposed to be a one-on-one match. Official calls for the bell and Jay dips to the outside, encouraging the other three to have at it, so they lock up in a three-person test of strength. This ultimately turns into a funk line with Suge D sending the energy through McKenzie into Skywalker. Chad sends it back all the way to Suge, who sends it back and vice versa for a small bit. Just when Suge tries to send it one last time, Skywalker blocks it, so Suge recruits the official to help and the prevailing wave of energy send Agent 003 flying to the outside. Alpha slides back in only to get dumped back outside. Justin and Suge square off leading to a Misfit dropkick. Justin and Chad face off next with Chad locking in a deep wrist lock until Justin hits a flying knee to a charging Jay. Suge gets in his kung fu stance, challenging Skywalker to combat. A slow-mo/funk energy battle commences until McKenzie joins them and all three trades strikes. Alpha lays into Suge, slams Justin then performs the Pledge of Allegiance while dropping multiple leg drops on the Misfit. He’s interrupted by Skywalker on the last line who uses Alpha’s assistance to hit Justin with a Sliced Bread #2. Jay and Chad go after Suge and Justin with the latter gaining the upper-hand. Misfit hits a neck breaker from a fireman’s carry on Suge D then superkicks. Skywalker performs an inziguri, Alpha hits the spinning flatliner on Skywalker, fireman’s carry slam on Suge then misses a second rope leg drop. Suge rushes to the top rope and leaps towards Miller but is caught by Skywalker with a cutter. McKenzie swanntons onto Agent 003, Jay goes low on Justin and picks up the victory!
Takeaway: While we all expected this as a one-on-one as well, it was a welcomed surprise to add McKenzie and Suge D to the mix. All four played well off each other and are all unique from their competitors. McKenzie is the flyer with quickness and spontaneity. Miller is the straight up wrestler who will do what he has to in order to win, THEN let you know all about it on his way out. Suge D is that wildcard who can mix with any crowd while keeping the fans strongly behind his efforts. Skywalker uses his cunningness and ingenuity to keep control of the situation, like any Agent would. Great opener.
Winner: Jay “Alpha” Miller via pinfall.
**Crystal Rose marched to the ring with a rolling cooler and something big on her mind. She threw back a couple Mommy-sodas and grabbed the mic. She acknowledged Ezabella Wilder’s call out of the ROAR roster at Tuesday’s Secret Show, added that she will answer her challenge. Wilder strode to the ring, they exchanged some stinging insults, then stated scrapping school-yard style until officials and management finally got between them. Unfortunately NOT before Rose smashed a “soda” can across the dome of Wilder that seemed to infuriate her even more. Feels like this one will lead to the October 18 Roar show for the pay off.
Match 2: Joe Black (w/ Amy Haven) Vs. “BSH” JT Paradox (w/ 3MP)—Off the jump Paradox is suplexing and smashing Black all over the ring. Definitely not the start Joe was expecting, however a few well-timed chops (while Paradox yelled “HIT ME JOE!”) seemed to even it up early. Black with the running spear causing Paradox to roll outside for a breather. Once JT started to get back inside the ring, Joe rushed him with a knee and pummeling forearms. JT grabs the ceremonial bead necklace of Joe prompting Amy to attempt to take them back from him. She catches a right hand to the chops for her efforts and the crowd quickly turned on the young superstar. He responds with a violent snap suplex on Joe for another two count. He pummels Joe more then uses a delayed suplex to further the damage, but Joe utilizes a sunset-flip roll through into a front face lock with accompanying body lock. As JT breaks free, he German suplexes his foe then hurls a running Joe into the second turnbuckle. Black recovers with a flying attack to get a two count. On the apron, Joe drops Paradox with an STO (“Hey Jimmy!”), however Paradox finds the strength to suplex Black from the apron to the inside of the ring. He gets a two and twenty-seven thirty-seconds count from the official. Black with the powerbomb out of the corner, adds in a spinning side kick to the side of Paradox’s noggin then follows with a malicious running forearm to the back of his head for the win!
Takeaway: Two big, powerful superstars ready to go to the ends of the earth to take the other out. Paradox can (and WILL) suplex you from anywhere around the ring and held his own against one of the best in the game in Joe Black. Joe adds another win to his impressive resume over the young superstar and will now look to see what may be next for him in AWE with Lev likely the next to go for Carlie Bravo’s title.
Winner: Joe Black (w/ Amy Haven)
Match 3: Dennis Parker Jr (w/ Jake Parker) Vs. Jonathan Moody (w/ Jake Parker)—The sudden aftermath of the last show that saw the Team Palmetto almost implode in front of our eyes culminated in this advertised tag team match turning into a singles match with Jake roaming the outside of the ring. Moody with the early amateur- style back takedown, he grabs the left leg of Dennis Parker Jr (not Dick Pickle Jr), who grabs the ropes for reprieve. Jonathan delivers some hard shoulder tackles, then grabs the leg of DPJ again before taking him to the mat. Action moves to the apron of the ring where DPJ executes a stunning DDT on Moody bringing him back into the squared- circle. DPJ with some stinging chops before sending Jonathan crashing hard into the turnbuckles. He gets an early two count. Back on the apron he appears to set up a potential piledriver on his stable-mate Moody, however Parker on the outside calls him off. As they spill back inside the ring, Jonathan hits a spinning spine-buster for his own two count. Dennis locks on a rear chin lock, adding in the body wrap for emphasis. He twist Moody’s shoulder to the mat to get a couple near falls before his foe breaks free. They climb to the top rope where it’s Moody who sends them both crashing down with the avalanche Olympic slam! DPJ uses a leg slam and knee to Jonthan’s sternum to garner another two count. They trade roll-up attempts then Dennis hits an enziguri. Moody with the snap German suplex, DPJ rolls him up though, but it’s Moody with the jumping roll-up that gets the victory!
Takeaway: After the last show, the status of the Palmetto boys functioning as a solid unit was in the air given how their last few shows and the triple-threat tag #1 Contender’s match concluded. Seems that Case has a plan to keep the band together while making them stronger by facing each other to hash it out. Jonathan Moody is a tough, athletic superstar who uses his strength and amateur background to control most of his opponents. On the flipside, DPJ (all jokes aside) moves around the ring like someone half his size and can go toe-to-toe with some of the best around. We shall see if this brings them closer as a group, or drives the wedge of separation further.
Winner: Jonathan Moody via pinfall.
Match 4: “Phenomenal Son” Avery Styles Vs. “The Crown Jewel of the Palm Tree” Tristan Moody (c—w/ Coach Ethan Case)—Amateur wrestling battle early that was pretty even. Tristan with the snap mare into a rear chin lock, but Avery reverses into a head lock then takeover. Styles with the dropkick then he is dumped to the outside. He recovers to execute a sliding kick to Moody on the apron, then they fight outside. Back inside it’s Avery with the Northern Lights suplex with a bridge for a two count. Moody takes control of the action with a slingshot under the ropes to the throat of Styles for a two count. Avery rebounded with a hurricanrana, jumping cutter then a sliding forearm for a very near fall. Tristan rushes in to the corner, however Avery backflips out then hits a Cross Rhodes for another near fall. Back handspring against the ropes cutter from Moody gets him a near fall. Avery with a fireman’s carry to inverted DDT for a two count. Tristan hits a springboard forearm for a two count. He misses a shooting star press but rolls through, yet Avery catches him with the enziguri. Styles goes to the top rope….Case knocks him off! Official calls for the bell.
Takeaway: This was a highly contested showcase of two young, extremely talented superstars. It had so many great moments and the battle is one we may see a lot moving forward. Once Case caused the end of the match, the Palmetto Boys pounced on young Styles and kept pounding until a returning “Phenomenal” AJ Styles rushed out to fend off the attackers. Case was almost the recipient of a Styles Clash, however Jake Parker snagged his leg to pull him out of harm’s way just in the nick of time. Feels like Tristan and Avery may line up and do this again very soon.
Winner: Avery Styles via disqualification.
Match 5: Sal Rinauro Vs. Ace Lee—The newcomer Lee drew the legendary veteran Rinauro as his opponent for this one. Ace started with a wristlock, reversed by Sal, then a series of reversals from both that delighted the crowd. Rinauro starts a crowd clap that prompts a dance off between competitors…ended when Lee tries to roll up Rinauro. Sal wraps his legs around the noggin of Ace then rolls him around while still locked in the hold for a two count. A weird exchange where both seem to hit the mat hard. Lee with some strikes to regain control. Sal uses a headbutt, but cannot connect on the sunset flip attempt. Ace hits a running forearm attack, however he gets caught in the front neck crevasse from Rinauro. After a worthy fight, he gives in a taps out to the submission. Takeaway: That front neck crevasse from Sal is turning into quite a finisher. Ace Lee threw all he could muster at Sal, yet it was the veteran who got the victory. Post-match saw Sal raise the hand of Lee who pointed back at Sal as salute before exiting the ring. Rinauro grabbed a mic to remind the Palmetto Boys that he is not done with them nor has he forgotten about the past.
Winner: Sal Rinauro via submission.
Match 6: Good Brothers (Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows) Vs. Frost & Flame (w/ Taliaferro) (AWE Tag Team Championships)—Gallows and Flame start it off as they trade big strikes then Gallows works over Flame in the corner. Anderson tags and so does Frost. Karl adds in some strikes of his own to Frost who in turn hurls Anderson hard into the turnbuckles. Flame tags to lock on a rear chin hold then he works over Karl in the corner before tagging Frost. Anderson fights back as Frost and Flame tag in and out a handful of times to keep the fresh pressure on Anderson. Frost’s jabs in the corner were quick and damaging. He uses a drop toe hold on Karl as he tags Flame who rushes in for the flying elbow smash for a two count. Hot tag to Gallows who clears the ring by dropping Frost and Flame with huge smashes. Karl tags back in for a couple running attacks in the corner. As Doc hoists Flame up, Karl runs in for the tandem neck breaker for a two count, as Frost breaks it up just in time! He gets dumped to the outside for his efforts. Beside me I see something crawling from the back towards the ring, it’s Coach Ethan Case. He says, “Hey, quite writing for a minute and watch THIS!” He rushes to the ring and pulls the official under the bottom rope! Gallows sees this and gives chase of Case all the way to the back, leaving Karl alone to face Frost and Flame…and Jake Parker. Parker has one of Case’s boots on his hand and wallops Anderson with it before rolling out of the ring. Flame pounces on the cover for the 1-2-3! New Tag Champs!
Takeaway: Wow what a classic tag team showcase between two of the best around! Every fundamental of tag team wrestling was utilized to the fullest degree and every twist or turn had the fans guessing as to who could actually get the victory. The wrinkle of Case and Parker reminding the Good Brothers of their unfinished business was a great surprise and sets up The Vanguard versus Good Brothers Part II very soon. Congratulations to the new tag champions Frost & Flame with Taliaferro who reminded us all to #JoinTheirCult.
Winners: (And NEW AWE Tag Team Champions) Frost & Flame w/ Taliaferro
Match 7: Bobbi Thunder Vs. Robyn Renegade—If you missed Part I of the battle between these two earlier in the year, you could easily catch up as these two picked up right where they left off! They fight outside before the bell with chops and smashes into the ring posts from each. As they roll in the ring, the bell rings to officially begin the match! Bobbi pulls Robyn into the turnbuckles shoulder first a plethora of times, then a side Russian leg sweep for the first two count of the contest. Robyn uses the official to distract Bobbi then pulls her into the buckles hard. Renegade with the boot to the throat of her foe in the corner followed by a back elbow for a near fall. She performs another running back elbow in the corner and a snap over maneuver for a two count. Thunder with a thrifty roll up then a backslide, each garnering two counts. Robyn with a knee strike and snapping drop through the ropes then a rear chin lock. They try to suplex one another to no avail. Thunder shoves her into the corner then hits a massive cannonball. Then another, and another for the trifecta! She snatches Renegade up for a spinebuster and another near fall. High knee lift from Robyn, Bobbi counters with a spinning side kick then she sets Robyn on the top rope. Renegade drops Thunder face first on the buckles and hits a flying clothesline for a two count. Robyn misses a high senton, Bobbi grabs her in a giant swing then gets another two count. Thunder blocks the schoolgirl rollup attempt but not the second roll up attempt. Renegade gets the three count (with a small assist from the ring ropes). Takeaway: The ROAR division of AWE is on fire. Renegade and Thunder are two of the best AWE has to offer and when they line up against one another it’s incredible. Robyn brings a cunning ability to do what she has to (nefarious or not) to gain the advantage whereas Bobbi brings a power and rallying ability that guarantees a tough night at the office for any opponent. Cannot wait to see Part III.
Winner: Robyn Renegade via pinfall.
Match 8—MAIN EVENT: “The Mad King” Eddie Kingston Vs. “The Faithful One” Alexander Lev—They tie up then get to the ropes where Eddie misses a spinning backfist by a hair. Instead he locks up the wrist of Alexander. Lev reverses into a hammer lock, Kingston finds the rope for the break. Eddie throws a heavy knee in the corner, but his suplex attempt is countered into a snap suplex from Alexander. Lev throws a couple punches, Kingston retaliates with open palm strikes, then a slam, double stomp to the midsection of Lev finishing with a waist lock. More open slaps to the abdomen of Lev once they regain their feet, then a headbutt. The Faithful One with the running back elbow attack in the corner as he climbs to the top rope. A textbook missile dropkick levels the Mad King, yet he recovers to land a handful of stinging chops. Another spinning backfist attempt is reversed into an STO and two count for Lev. They trade back suplexes before Eddie lands a ton of lighting quick chops in the corner. Lev responds with some of his own but the Mad King throws even more smashes to his chest. Alexander throws a few forearms to the chin of his opponent who back body drops him in response. Exploder suplex from Eddie leads to a spinning backfist that connects…Lev kicks out at two and thirteen sixteenths! Lev with the palm strikes now, Kingston uses a siedo suplex, however Lev hits a spinning backfist of his own for a near fall. They trade strikes, then headbutts, forearms and chops. Eddie hits an enziguri and gets the pin!
Takeaway: Wow. Just wow. Lev and Kingston tore up themselves, each other, and any notion that this was just a “tv guy against a young, popular superstar”. This was two professional wrestlers who put on a show worthy of a bigger audience AND television space. Instead, it was super special moment in time for the intimate venue of rabid AWE faithful and the thousands (and thousands) who caught the online stream and replay. Kingston grabbed the mic post-match to show his respect for Lev and say he wants another piece of the Faithful One down the road, in the very near future.
Winner: “The Mad King” Eddie Kingston via pinfall.
If you missed this one, do NOT miss the next one (this goes for the whole AWE show as well). Next show is October 18th at 6pm at the El Palenque Event Center in Marietta (“No Cap 2”).
