Talk Wrestling Online Newsletter #91 - Unlucky 13? [Archive]

Chris2K

20-03-2005, 11:13 AM

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Talk Wrestling Online Newsletter
Issue #91 - 20th March 2005
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Welcome to this week's edition of the newsletter, as Darkstar returns to his editing duties! I'm sure he's ecstatic that I've done such a great job in his absence!

Darkstar (http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum/member.php?userid=3015) and Chris2K (http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum/member.php?userid=465)
Newsletter Editors

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This week in Wrestling History
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March 14th
1999 - Ric Flair defeated Hollywood Hogan for the WCW Heavyweight title

March 15th
1999 - The Road Dogg defeated Val Venis for the WWF Intercontinental title

March 16th
1997 - Dean Malenko defeated Eddy Guerrero for the WCW U.S. Heavyweight title

March 17th
2002 - Triple H defeated Chris Jericho for the WWF Unified Heavyweight title

March 18th
1956 - Born - Rick Martel aka The Model

March 19th
2001 - Edge & Christian defeated The Hardy Boyz for the WWF Tag Team title
2001 - The Dudley Boyz defeated Edge & Christian for the WWF Tag Team title

March 20th
1994 - Bret Hart defeated Yokozuna for the WWF Heavyweight title

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New @ Wrestling 101
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- UK Scene #164 (http://www.wrestling101.com/101/article/AdamS/592/)

- ST: The important man of rules (http://www.wrestling101.com/101/article/saracen/591/)

- WWE: Are we there yet? Book Review (http://www.wrestling101.com/101/article/Book/590/)

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Shopping Navigator
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Shopping online in the UK? Check out Shopping Navigator (http://www.shoppingnavigator.co.uk/)!

With over 100 online UK stores listed and forums with special offers and discount voucher codes, don’t shop without visiting here first!

:biggringi

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US News - by Miss T.
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US News Roundup! - Miss T

Matt Speaks on Lita & Edge!

Matt Hardy has broken his silence, he posted this piece on his message board on:

Greetings Amigos!
I hope everyone that comes across this message is healthy, happy, and doing well. I am physically doing great, as I feel I am approaching being in the best shape I've ever been in. Mentally I am trying to focus all of my emotions and aggressions towards training intensely to return to the ring. I am extremely excited about stepping back into a WWE ring, and doing what I do best. I am currently giving all my love and dedication to my career-- I know that I will appreciate it, unlike others. This time around it's about me, Matt Hardy--and us, my tried and true supporters. In the past, I've always been a major team player--Jeff, Amy, Shannon--not to take away from any of their abilities--but none of them would be what they are now without my help and leadership. I know each one of them know that. They all helped me in ways as well, but ultimately, I always led the troops, I always called the shots. I was the one who made sure everyone looked good and highlighted everyone's strengths. I was the ultimate team player--but this time it's about me and the CULT known as the MFers.

I can not thank everyone enough that has supported me during this tumultuous time in my life and career. The love that has been on display for me everywhere has been phenomenal. I promise to reciprocate that to each and every one of you. If you have ever met me, you know that I always go the extra mile for a true supporter. Others forget, but I never will, "Without you there is no me". Thanks for thinking about me, talking about me, feeling for me, chanting for me, whatever it may be. THANK YOU. I also want to thank the WWE for taking such great care of me while I've been out hurt. The WWE has been nothing short of amazing in looking after me while I've been at home busting my ass rehabbing to return. Too bad I can't say that about everyone.

Every time I look at the scar on my left knee from my reconstructive surgery, I realize how much has changed in such a short time. Things have changed and occurred that I have no control of, although they will change the path my life takes. Ironically enough, I had made some vignettes explaining how "The Scar Will Become A Symbol". Well, the scar has become a symbol--a symbol of my new life and new direction.

I have a lot to offer the wrestling business, and I have even more to offer the world as a person. I will rise above, I will prevail--I always do. They say "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger "--so I should be pretty powerful these days. It's always on my mind to help others, and make them smile--to be a better person and make a difference in a world that needs people to make a difference. I am the epitome of truth and reality, and nothing is going to change that. I will always continue to believe that "good things happen to good people", even though there are bumps in the road. I also believe in what goes around comes around--and karma's a bitch. If we make mistakes, no matter on what level, we have to correct those mistakes, we have to make things right. If we don't correct a mistake, or at least attempt to correct it, then it wasn't ever accidental or unintentional, it was deliberate. May God bless us all, and I wish for us to be well....

Until then....
Matt

To update further on Matt Hardy, he also posted a message the very next morning, in response to a visitors comment that he was wrong to discuss his personal relationship with Amy "Lita" Dumas online. Here is what Hardy has to say in relation to the comment, and his opinion on Edge:

Just for the record, I never told anyone the story in it's entirety until news sites on the internet started breaking the story (and there's still a ton of appalling things you guys don't know). I took down Amy's pictures on my site and in my house because they were sickening to look at. When the story started coming out, in no form or fashion was I going to allow myself to look like the bad guy. I couldn't afford personally or professionally to let incorrect versions of the story stand. I just wish you guys could have experienced the truth and saw what actually happen. You can take my word for what it's worth--in your eyes and heart. Adam Copeland is feces. As upset as I am with Amy now, I still care about her and I would hate to see her destroy her life. The feces' track record speaks for itself. I have never ask anyone to take sides, I have only told the truth.

I never "insulted the internet world", I only used one writer's article as an example of what not to do or be influenced by on the net. I love the internet concept--my goal is to always help make it better, not tear it down. If I remember correctly, my post was to ask people to make their own opinions based on the facts and their own judgments. Not to just take someone else's opinion as fact, especially if they're not an expert in a given field. The same thing goes for me--I give you information, and you decide what to do with it. I think my track record speaks for itself.

As a public figure, I willingly had to give up my privacy once I started appearing on TV week in and week out, as all WWE superstars do. There would be no "scandal" to talk about if there had not been a "scandal" in the first place. I respect you for speaking you opinion in an adult fashion, I just wanted to give you more insight of where I'm coming from. Be well,

Matt

Punk band Seven Seconds' official website posted a picture of Matt Hardy and Amy "Lita" Dumas together at a concert of theirs last Thursday. Given the current coverage over their personal problems, it is an interesting development.

However, Matt Hardy has been quick to shoot down any rumors of a "work" after the photo of he and Lita made the rounds. Here is what he had to say:

Since I figured Amy and I attending the 7 seconds show would eventually come out, here is the deal. Amy and I talked about some things that night and went to the show. Kevin Seconds asked us to take a picture with him, which we gladly did. Remember my post about mistakes? As far as not attending events, no one has ever been worried about Amy and I getting into a physical confrontation. Like I said before, as upset as I may be with Amy, I obviously still care and hopes she clears her head--for her sake. I wish all of this was a work.

Matt

WWE & SpikeTV End Negotiations

Sources in WWE were said to be extremely surprised with Spike TV's decision to pull out of negotiations with WWE. Although the USA deal is expected to be announced soon, actually being rejected by its home network certainly won't give WWE any leverage in negotiations.

FX, TNT and TBS showed absolutely no interest in WWE programming, serving as a huge wakeup call to WWE and the wrestling industry in general. A while back, optimists believed that TNA had a shot at getting on such networks, but if the leader in pro wrestling can't even enter into negotiations, certainly wrestling is not 'hot' in the eyes of executives at those networks.

There are a number of factors that led into Spike TV's decision to drop WWE, including poor performance with advertisers. Despite high cable ratings and a generally high price tag (that WWE wanted up to $40 million per year), RAW was not a huge hit with advertisers and was not an unbelievable slam dunk business-wise for Spike TV. Spike also claims it's moving more towards traditional scripted programming.

The network recently purchased rights to CSI: New York re-runs, to supplement its very successful CSI re-airings. With Spike satisfied with the performance of those shows, WWE's package just does not seem as important as it once did.

News on WWE’s “One Night Stand” ECW PPV

New York wrestling fan Anthony DeBlasi, who operates a wrestling fan website and hotline, received a threatening legal letter from WWE over the weekend. The letter ordered DeBlasi to refrain from using the 'ECW' trademark on his website and as a promotional tool for a bus trip to Shane Douglas' "Hardcore Homecoming" reunion show.

Although WWE's sweeping letter referred to mention of ECW on the website, its major issue was the fact that DeBlasi was referring to Douglas' show as an ECW reunion and making references to "extreme" when promoting the event. WWE only owns the rights to 'Extreme' when in the phrase "Extreme Championship Wrestling," but their argument was that DeBlasi was clearly using it to connect Douglas' reunion to ECW. WWE threatened to file a civil suit against DeBlasi.

DeBlasi's reaction to WWE was far from kind; he has gone as far as to trademark "Eastern Championship Wrestling" to gain the rights to the ECW initials. As of this writing, he is therefore still promoting Douglas' show as an ECW reunion but feels he is exempt from any liability.

WWE also ordered DeBlasi to turn over accounting records for the bus trip. Although WWE has no trouble with talent working both shows, it does not want fans to mistake Douglas' event as having any connection to ECW or WWE. While fans can certainly make the reference in their own minds, it is unlawful to promote the show as an ECW reunion without WWE's express written permission.

Former ECW Champion Masato Tanaka, via an announcement in Japan, has confirmed an appearance at the ECW 'One Night Stand' PPV.
After defeating Mike Awesome, Tanaka won the title in December 1999. His reign came to an abrupt end when Awesome won the belt back just a few days later. Tanaka also held the ECW tag titles with Balls Mahoney and Tommy Dreamer.

The following is an updated list of talent for the ECW One Night Stand PPV on 6/12 in New York City:

WWE Contracted Talent That Are Available:

Chris Benoit, Simon Dean (aka Nova in ECW), Tommy Dreamer,Spike Dudley, The Dudley Boyz, Eddie Guerrero, Paul Heyman, Chris Jericho, Lita (aka Miss Congeniality in ECW), Dean Malenko, Dawn Marie, Joey Matthews, Rey Mysterio, Rhyno, Nunzio (aka Little Guido in ECW), Psicosis, Steven Richards, Al Snow, Lance Storm, Johnny Swinger, Yoshihiro Tajiri, Tazz, Rob Van Dam, Chilly Willy
There are also possibilities of both Mick Foley, and Steve Austin appearing.

Talent Outside Of WWE That May/May Not Appear:

Axl Rotten, Bill Alfonso, Jason, Justin Credible, Masato Tanaka, Referee John Finnegan, Referee Mike Kehner, Referee Jim Molineaux, Sabu, The Sandman, Tony Mamaluke, Tracy Smothers

Not Confirmed:

Joey Styles

TNA Talent Contact, But Not Likely To Appear:

Raven, Shane Douglas, Kid Kash, Jerry Lynn

Bits & Bobs

Randy Orton is not on the card for the post-WM21 tour of Australia. At this point, the reason for Orton's absence from the card is not yet known, but it could be due to anything from taking time off to selling an injury to switching rosters.

Rey Mysterio will continue to get a solid push after WrestleMania. WWE sees him as a rare talent and wants to continue offering him opportunities to shine.

Juventud Guerrera, Super Crazy and Psicosis are all set to join WWE after WrestleMania.

It has been well spotted that WrestleMania 21 will be taking place on Final Four weekend, and it is also the night that we set the clocks ahead for daylight savings.

WrestleMania will also be going up against one of the greatest rivalrites in sports, when the New York Yankees take on the Boston Red Sox.

Jake Roberts, who appeared on a RAW segment with Randy Orton recently, will be having surgery to replace his hip soon.

It has been confirmed that former WCW high-flier Psicosis has been signed to a WWE contract. A press release sent out by the Lucha VaVOOM promotion confirmed the rumor that Psicosis was on the verge on joining WWE.

It is rumored that Big Show's opponent at WrestleMania, Akebono, will be making an appearance at the 3/29 SmackDown! taping in Houston, TX. A number of WWE workers are unhappy that an un-known has been added to the card when they won't even be at 'Mania.

The trademark "The Masterlock" has been taken by WWE, and will probably be the name of Chris Masters' finisher.

For those wondering, Viscera is still under a pay-per-view appearance deal with WWE and has not been offered a contract as of yet. He's scheduled to face Simon Dean on Sunday Night Heat this coming weekend.

Wrestler media appearances will be getting underway before Wrestlemania with Stone Cold, Big Show, Moolah and Mae all scheduled for appearances on talk shows. Stone Cold will appear on Craig Ferguson's Late Late show on Tuesday, March 29. Big Show will be on Conan the next day to promote Wrestlemania. Moolah and Mae will also be on Conan to promote Wrestlemania and the New York opening of "Lipstick and Dynamite" next Wednesday.

Finally, the Pro Wrestling Torch newsletter reports that Kurt Angle has requested a program with the Undertaker, after his feud with Shawn Michaels' is over.

TNA

Destination X is over with, and already TNA are moving forward. Their next PPV will be called TNA Lockdown, and will take place on April 24th, from the usual location in Orlando, Florida. With two Six Sides Of Steel cage matches being promised on the show, it’s set to be another show packed with gimmick matches. Is Dusty responsible? He is, as sure as my name is Miss T.

Even more TNA PPV news now, as the title for the May PPV is TNA Hard Justice. It’s set to take place on May 15th, with no prizes for guessing where the action takes place. Expect some big matches on the card, to mark TNA’s 3rd birthday celebrations.

The company also taped 3 weeks of Impact shows this past week, with some very heavy spoiler material. If you don’t want to have the next few weeks of Impact ruined for you, look away now.

Impact 18/03/05-

1. X Division Champion Christopher Daniels over Jerrelle Clark via Angels Wings
2. Kid Kash over Mike Batts via somersault Van Terminator
3. Dustin Rhodes, James Storm and Chris Harris over Andy Douglas, Chase Stevens and Chris Candido via the Death Sentence
4. Shocker over David Young via roll up
5. DDP and Syxx Pac over Lex Lovett and Buck Quartermain via Diamond Cutter

Impact 25/03/05-

1. Trytan over Buck Quartermain via F5
2. Shocker and Jeff Hardy over David Young and Lex Lovett via roll up
3. Disciples Of Destruction over Shark Boy and Cassidy Reilly via Double Chokeslam
4. Apollo over Sonny Siaki via roll up
5. NWA Tag Team Champions Chris Harris and James Storm over Brother Bruno Sassi and Big Tilly via DQ due to Team Canada’s interference

Impact 01/04/05-

1. Abyss over Cassidy Reilly via Black Hole Slam
2. Elix Skipper over Chris Sabin, Petey Williams and Michael Shane via Fisherman’s Buster

Coming out of these tapings, the card for TNA Lockdown is rumoured to be:

1. Six Sides Of Steel- DDP, Kevin Nash and Syxx Pac Vs The Outlaw, Monty Brown and Jeff Jarrett
2. Six Sides Of Steel- AJ Styles Vs Abyss
3. Dustin Rhodes Vs Bobby Roode
4. Christopher Daniels Vs Elix Skipper for the X Division Title
5. Raven Vs Jeff Hardy
6. AMW Vs Team Canada

As usual, circumstances could change before then, so that is by no means a confirmed card.

TNAWrestling.com are releasing two more DVDs in the near future, with Decembers PPV Turning Point and a new Raven DVD available soon to purchase. Fans will be excited to see Jeremy Borash furiously plugging these products every 10 minutes on Impact broadcasts. Or maybe not.

TNA wrestler Jeff Jarrett, Abyss, AMW and Team Canada will be heading to Puerto Rico to work some dates in April for IWA. Former WWE superstar and one time rival of Steve Austin, Savio Vega currently works for the promotion. With the Harris brothers currently working in TNA, and a rumoured DX reunion somewhat expected to happen, could a new Los Boriquos possibly join these groups for the twenty first century? Of course not, everyone is still trying to forgot the Gang Wars that WWE inflicted on us.

Thats it for this week guys, the amazing debut of the TNA News :D Thanks to a special someone for your help ;) As usual please send me some feedback, thanks.
misst@wrestling101.com

Miss T

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UK News - by Goldy
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Hey everyone, as you read this UK newsletter piece, I should be on the last leg of my three day trip to the West Midlands to watch several wrestling shows, including the big TWC show! Because of this, I wrote this column mid week hence it may be a tad shorter than usual, although I still have plenty of results as per usual! I'll be back to normal next week with all the results and news from this weekends big shows, enjoy.

RESULTS

ACW - Ampthill - 12/03/05
Carl Mizzery def Johnny 'The Body'
Mad Dog maxx def Samson
Inferno def Jimi Infinity
Kobayashi def El Ligero & Tom Beattie
D.O.A & Ace Anderson def Shabazz & MTX
Bull Harley def Fury.

ASW - Aylesbury - 14/03/05
Drew McDonald def James Mason
Mark Belton def Chad Collyer
Julio Torres def Steve Oliver
TJ Wilson & Johnny Midnight def Kid Cool & Doug Williams
Domino won a Royal Rumble.

Herts & Essex Debut Show
Charlie Rage def Ashe
Tony Sefton & Mike Rose went to a time limit draw.
UK Pitbulls def Dave Rayne/Jack Storm.
Jetta def Lisa Fury.
Ricky Knight def Bash.
Jack Storm won a Royal Rumble.

LRO - Clacton - 10/03/05
Charlie Goodfella def Jonny Storm
Eamon O'Neil def Professor Ikido
Phil Powers def Andy Simmonz
Flatliner vs Karl Krammer was a no contest.

TAWC Results - Belper - 12/03/05
Eamon Shrahan def SC Supreme.
Keith Myatt def Andy Simmons 2-1
James Tighe def Stixx
Bubblegum def Spud & Aviv Maayan.
SC Supreme won a Battle Royal.

WAW - Canvey Island - 11/03/05
The Kraft def Eamon O'Neill.
Jonny Storm def Steve Grey 2-1.
The Zebra Kid def Andy Simmons.
Kharisma def Sweet Saraya, Destiny & Buttercup in a four way elimination match.
Ricky Knight & Bash def Zak Zodiac & J.P. Monroe 2-1.

NEWS

FWA
The FWA regrets to announce that ‘American Dragon’ Bryan Danielson has pulled out of his scheduled date at Crunch because his father is seriously ill. We wish all the best to Bryan and his family during this difficult time.

WWE superstar Rob Van Dam will rub shoulders with the stars of the Frontier Wrestling Alliance at the London Expo – the huge celebrity collectors fair coming from the humongous London Ex-Cel Centre, Royal Victoria Dock, on the weekend of May 14 and 15.

The show will feature several FWA matches, including FWA British Heavyweight Champion ‘The Showstealer’ Alex Shane. Names of other wrestlers who are competing will be announced shortly, including a major international star name.

Other guests will include former WWE World Heavyweight champion Jim ‘The Ultimate Warrior' Hellwig, former WBC Heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno, Mr Spock from Star Trek Leonard Nimoy, Hercules star Kevin Sorbo and the gorgeous Wayne’s World babe Tia Carerre.

Log on to www.londonexpo.com for full details of this mega event.

WAW
Towards the end of 2004 and in the early part of 2005, WAW fans, wrestlers and staffers voted in the annual WAW Wrestling Awards. We can now announce the following results;

- Wrestler of the year - Zebra Kid
Runner-Up - "The Dark Angel" Ashe

- Most value for money - "Rowdy" Ricky Knight
Runner-Up - The Zebra Kid

- Most Impact award - Ashe
Runner-Up - Zak Zodiac

- Non-WAW wrestler of year - Jonny Storm
Runner-Up - Johnny Phere

- Match of year - Jimmy Ocean vs Jonny Storm.
Atlantis Resort, Great Yarmouth, August.

- Runner-Up - The Zebra Kid v "The Dark Angel" Ashe, WAW British Heavyweight Championship, Hunstanton Town Hall, August

- Employee of the year - Joe Williams
Runner-Up - Julian Radbourne.

UP COMING SHOWS

3CW VS IWF
On March 25th 2005, 3CW will go to war with the IWF. It will be a battle of Middlesbrough Vs. Newcastle as two local rival companies go head to head. This should be a truely memorable night, with the two rival companies pitting their best against each other. The first matches to be announced are:

- Ice XVII © Vs. Assassin
- Jayson Mayson Vs. Sean Avery
- The Vegas Connection Vs. Pac & Pain.

There will also be an IWF British Independant Championship title defence by Jimmy Blade, whose opponent will be announced shortly. The 3CW Young Lions title currently held by Dave Styles will be up for grabs also. Many more matches will be announced in the coming weeks. Also on the card, will be a special guest tag-team match from RDW. Only two of the participants (Sykes and Chris Zane) have been confirmed, and the rest of this match will become clear in coming days. Keep checking the website (www.3cw.co.uk) and the Forums for updates to the card.

The action takes place at the Acklam Garden City Social Club, 115, Burlam Road, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, TS5 5AR. Tickets cost £4 adults, £3 children/OAPs, £12 family ticket of 4* (must include at least 2 children). Tickets available online at 3CW.co.uk or from the venue on 01642 651566.

BRAWL
On Saturday 2nd April 2005, the British Real Attitude Wrestling League (BRAWL) present Against All Odds 3, a night of family wrestling entertainment, from their regular venue at Weston Favell Upper School in Northampton. The doors open at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start and all tickets are £5. Tickets can be purchased on the night but if you do wish to book in advance, then call the ticket hotline on 07816683978. The card is as follows....

- 8 Man Tournament for the vacant BRAWL Cruiserweight Championship;
Carl Mizzery, El Ligero, Nighthawk, Mage, Blue Ice, Scotty Daniels, Kris Travis.

- Shabazz © vs Stixx

- The 1st Ever Random Rumble
Featuring between 10-100 wrestlers from all over the UK.

FWA
Live in Morecambe – ‘The War On The Shore’ comes to you on Easter Saturday, March 26 from the Morecambe Dome in Lancashire. The box office number for tickets is 01524 582803. Already signed for War On The Shore are the following matches:

- FWA All-England Title Match
The South City Thriller’ Hade Vansen v Raven

- Tag Team Grudge Match
‘The Wonderkid’ Jonny Storm and Aviv Maayan v James Tighe and Mark ‘Five Star’ Belton

- The First Ever FWA Flyweight Title Tournament :
Spud v Jack Storm
Max Voltage v ‘The Specialist’ Mark Sloan

- FWA Manchester Guest Match
The Manchester Massive Open Challenge
Declan O’Connor v ?

- PLUS – Dr Dirk Feelgood, Stevie Lynn and of course (drum roll, please) THE WORLD FAMOUS MORECAMBE RAFFLE!!!!!

The box office for FWA Live in Morecambe is now open. Tickets cost £16 for front row ringside, £10 for adults, £7.50 for children (16 or under) and £30 for a family ticket. You can also purchase tickets for an afternoon Fan Slam at the Waterfront Bar, adjacent to the Dome, at the box office, at a cost of £4.50 (£5 on the door). The Fan Slam will be hosted by Greg ‘The Truth’ Lambert with his special guests including Raven. As the Waterfront Bar is licensed premises, this Fan Slam is only open to fans aged 18 or over, or fans aged 14-17 accompanied by an adult.

The Fan Slam starts at 4.30pm and will last for around 90 minutes. Doors are at 7pm and the show starts at 7.30pm.

WAR
On Sunday 20th March, the day after the Wrestling Channel event down the road in Coventry, WAR will be holding their biggest show of the year: Zero Tolerance. Now is your chance to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity: to see a top notch wrestling show and CM Punk up close and personal for only £5 for adults and £3.50 for Under 15's - Just a fraction of the price of other wrestling promotions. The current card is:

- "Bird of Prey" Falcon vs CM Punk
- The Judge vs "Mean Machine" Iggy Taylor
- "Red Tiger" Axel Bowen vs Sk8
- "Sensation of the Nation" Rob Hunter vs "Young Dragon" Kyle Masters
- Mage & "Nighthawk" Coby Jones vs Mooga & "Old School" Jack London
- "Showtime" Steve Stryka vs Retro
- Spindoctor & Colossus vs Louie Zerr & Felony
- PLUS a ROYAL RUMBLE

The show will be held at Lawrence Sheriff School, Clifton Road, Rugby - (8 minute walk from the Station ; J1 of the M6). Doors open 6.00 and the show starts at 6.30 to be finished around 9.00. Adults - £5.00 ; Under 15's £3.50.

WAW
WAW will make their debut at the St. George's Hall in Exeter, tonight, March 20th, with the following matches announced thus far;

- The Zebra Kid v Jason Cross
- The Kraft v Rock Weiler
- Sweet Saraya v Destiny
- "Rowdy" Ricky Knight v Bash
- "The Dark Angel" Ashe v Zak Zodiac

Tickets - £10 adults, £7 children, £28 family (2 adults, 2 children), can be reserved by telephoning 01392 211080.

TRAINING

FWA
Calling all budding wrestlers - you have the once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of an authentic Japanese wrestling Dojo-style training session on Thursday, March 17 at the FWA Manchester gym.

Japanese wrestling superstars from Pro Wrestling NOAH will put trainees through their paces to show why their style of wrestling is one of the most respected throughout the world.

Your guest trainers at the NOAH Manchester Dojo will be:

- Former five-time Triple Crown Champion MITSUHARU MISAWA
- Former GHC Pro Wrestling NOAH Tag Team Champion YOSHINARI OGAWA
- Current GHC Pro Wrestling NOAH Tag Team Champion and former FWA British
- Heavyweight Champion 'THE ANARCHIST' DOUG WILLIAMS

If you are training to become a wrestler, or want to enter the ring for the first time, there can be no better grounding in the sport than this session with three of the greatest exponents of the art, Mitsuharu Misawa, Yoshinari Ogawa and Doug Williams. The NOAH team have requested to organise this seminar as an oppotunity for them to look for new UK talent. This could be an amazing oppotunity to catch the eyes of some of Japans top stars and NOAH managment, who will also be present.

A place in the Dojo costs £10 to FWA Manchester trainees, £20 to trainees from all other schools or new trainees. The session starts at 7pm.

The FWA Manchester gym is situated in Salah Martial Arts Gym, 217 Ashton Old Road, Beswick, Manchester. For more details please telephone 07742539115 or e-mail seedecoy@hotmail.com.

WAW
The next WAW Training Academy will be held at The Breckland Community Centre, Cosstessey, Norwich, on the weekend of April 2nd and 3rd. If you are interested in attending, it is advised that you book early. For more information, telephone WAW on 01603474693, or by emailing _officewaw@aol.com_ (mailto: officewaw@aol.com) .

That's everything for this week, thank you for reading.

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International Scene News
By Evil Gringo
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Hello there grapple fans, I'm glad to be back after a long absense which was full of frustration that only PC's can cause...

Anyway enough of that, lets get on with the International News and first, New Japan...

Since I've been off the newsletter NJPW has seen some changes on the title scene. Kojima of AJPW defeated Tenzan in a 4-Crown match (where the winner would take all the titles) to become IWGP and Triple Crown champion.

Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi are still the IWGP tag team champions, Tiger Mask is the IWGP Jr Heavyweight Champion after defeating record breaking champion Minoru 'HEAT' Tanaka and Wataru Inoue and Koji Kanemoto are IWGP Jr Heavyweight Tag Team champions....

So lets get started with the important stuff... what went down this week.

NJPW, 3/12/05
Hida Takayama Big Arena Sub Arena
1,100 Fans

1. Young Lion Cup: Yujiro [2] beat Tommy Williams [0] by forfeit.
2. Young Lion Cup: Hiroshi Nagao [4] beat Naofumi Yamamoto [2] (9:02) with a chokeslam.
3. Jado & Gedo beat Hirooki Goto & Akiya Anzawa (11:50) when Jado used the Crossface of JADO on Anzawa.
4. Black Strong Machine & Jushin Thunder Liger beat Wataru Inoue & Katsushi Takemura (11:15) when Machine used a senton bomb on Takemura.
5. Mitsuya Nagai & Ryushi Yanagisawa beat Masayuki Naruse & Masahito Kakihara (14:38) when Yanagisawa used a knee kick on Kakihara.
6. Koji Kanemoto & Taiji Ishimori beat Minoru Tanaka & Puma (11:51) when Kanemoto used an ankle hold on Puma.
7. Manabu Nakanishi & Scott Norton beat Takashi Iizuka & Yutaka Yoshie (12:59) when Norton used a powerbomb on Iizuka.
8. Yuji Nagata & Osamu Nishimura beat Togi Makabe & Hiroshi Tanahashi (16:22) when Nagata used the Thunder Death Driver on Makabe.

NJPW, 3/13/05
Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium
7,500 Fans

1. El Samurai & Masahito Kakihara beat Yujiro & Puma (8:36) when Kakihara used the Kaki Cutter on Yujiro.
2. Young Lion Cup: Akiya Anzawa [6] beat Naofumi Yamamoto [2] (7:16) with a Zero-sen kick.
3. Young Lion Cup: Hirooki Goto [7] vs. Hiroyuki Ito [5] went to a draw (20:00) when the time limit expired.
4. Masked CTU-L, Masked CTU-T, Masked CTU-J & Masked CTU-G beat Koji Kanemoto, Wataru Inoue, Katsushi Takemura & Taiji Ishimori (17:58) when CTU-L used a Superfly splash on Inoue.
5. Masayuki Naruse vs. Mitsuya Nagai went to a no contest (3:49).
6. Minoru Suzuki beat Katsuhiko Nakajima (8:46) with a single-leg crab hold.
7. Masahiro Chono & Ryushi Yanagisawa beat Togi Makabe & Yutaka Yoshie (11:40) when Chono pinned Yoshie after Makabe used a lariat.
8. Kensuke Sasaki & Takashi Iizuka beat Yuji Nagata & Osamu Nishimura (19:06) when Sasaki used the Strangle Hold Gamma on Nishimura.
9. IWGP Tag Team Title: Shinsuke Nakamura & Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) beat Manabu Nakanishi & Scott Norton (22:04) when Nakamura pinned Norton after Tanahashi used a Shining Wizard (2nd defense).

NJPW, 3/15/05 (Samurai! TV) (Look!)
Ishikawa Industrial Exhibition Hall #3
2,200 Fans - No Vacancy

1. Takashi Iizuka beat Naofumi Yamamoto (2:26) with a uranage.
2. Young Lion Cup: Hiroyuki Ito [7] beat Hiroshi Nagao [4] (3:54) with a right kick.
3. Young Lion Cup: Akiya Anzawa [8] beat Hirooki Goto [7] (8:51) with a Zero-sen kick.
4. El Samurai & Katsuhiko Nakajima beat Yujiro & Puma (10:55) when Samurai used a chickenwing armlock on Yujiro.
5. Minoru Tanaka, Jado & Gedo beat Wataru Inoue, Katsushi Takemura & Taiji Ishimori (10:49) when Tanaka used a cross armbreaker on Ishimori.
6. Osamu Nishimura & Masayuki Naruse beat Black Strong Machine & Ryushi Yanagisawa (13:56) when Nishimura used a backslide on Yanagisawa.
7. Minoru Suzuki & Jushin Thunder Liger beat Yuji Nagata & Koji Kanemoto (17:57) when Suzuki used a standing achilles tendon hold on Kanemoto.
8. Masahiro Chono, Manabu Nakanishi & Togi Makabe beat Shinsuke Nakamura, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yutaka Yoshie (19:02) when Makabe used a Dragon suplex hold on Tanahashi.

1. Akiya Anzawa [8]
2. Hirooki Goto [7]
3. Hiroyuki Ito [7]
4. Hiroshi Nagao [4]
5. Naofumi Yamamoto [2]
6. Yujiro [2]
7. Tommy Williams [0]*

*Tommy Williams has had to miss dates because of a serious injury that happened the day before his first match in the tournement*

NJPW, 3/18/05
Kumagaya Citizen Gymnasium
1,500 Fans

1. Katsuhiko Nakajima & Taiji Ishimori beat El Samurai & Naofumi Yamamoto (8:57) when Nakajima used a German suplex hold on Yamamoto.
2. Young Lion Cup: Hiroshi Nagao [6] beat Tommy Williams [0] by forfeit.
3. Young Lion Cup: Yujiro [4] beat Akiya Anzawa [8] (10:04) with a crab hold.
4. Tatsutoshi Goto beat Hiroshi Nagao (3:05) with a lariat.
5. Koji Kanemoto, Masahito Kakihara, Wataru Inoue & Katsushi Takemura beat Minoru Tanaka, Jado, Gedo & Puma (13:02) when Gedo was DQ'd.
6. Black Strong Machine & Jushin Thunder Liger beat Hiro Saito & Yutaka Yoshie (12:09) when Machine used a Devil Windmill suplex hold on Hiro.
7. Takashi Iizuka & Osamu Nishimura beat Yuji Nagata & Hirooki Goto (14:59) when Iizuka used a uranage on Goto.
8. Manabu Nakanishi, Togi Makabe & Ryushi Yanagisawa beat Shinsuke Nakamura, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Masayuki Naruse (16:08) when Nakanishi used the Hercules Cutter on Naruse.

NJPW, 3/19/05
Kofu Civic Hall
2,000 Fans

1. Young Lion Cup: Hiroyuki Ito [9] beat Tommy Williams [0] by forfeit.
2. Young Lion Cup: Naofumi Yamamoto [4] beat Yujiro [4] (6:05) with a Fisherman suplex hold.
3. El Samurai beat Hiroyuki Ito (4:06) with the Samurai clutch.
4. Hiro Saito & Akiya Anzawa beat Yutaka Yoshie & Hiroshi Nagao (11:36) when Hiro used a diving senton on Nagao.
5. Tiger Mask, Wataru Inoue, Katsushi Takemura & Taiji Ishimori beat Minoru Tanaka, Jado, Gedo & Puma (10:58) when Jado was DQ'd.
6. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Takashi Iizuka & Osamu Nishimura beat Manabu Nakanishi, Black Strong Machine & Togi Makabe (11:46) when Tenzan used the TTD on Machine.
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Koji Kanemoto beat Minoru Suzuki & Jushin Thunder Liger (11:27) when Tanahashi used the Sling Blade on Liger.
8. Shinsuke Nakamura & Masayuki Naruse beat Yuji Nagata & Hirooki Goto (19:09) when Nakamura used a standing cross armbreaker on Goto.

So thats the results since last Saturday, some important ones with the Young Lions Cup taking a front stage and also TanaNaka's defense against the Jurassic Powers of Norton and Nakanishi...

Here is some other NJPW related news....

New Japan confirmed that in addition to Nagai's half year absence, Inoki Dojo young lion, Tommy Williams, also won't make it back on this tour, so the rest of his Young Lion Cup matches will be forfeited. He returned to America on the 14th. Very disappointing for him, no doubt, as it was his first tour of New Japan, and he only completed one match.

All ten matches and card order for "NEXESS V" were announced, and it looks like a great lineup. Chono will get a bye to the final of the #1 contendership tournament, meaning Tenzan or Nakanishi will have to face a man unbeaten for over half a year in singles matches, after already wrestling a tough match. The Young Lion Cup final gets one of its most high profile spots ever, being given the sixth match spot on the card! Tanahashi's match has been added, and he will face Yanagisawa in a singles match, their first since 2003. Two interesting junior matches are also on the card (no title matches, though), including Kanemoto & Wataru vs. Nakajima & Taiji in what really good be a show-stealing match. The other has Tiger Mask, Samurai & Takemura opposite three Masked CTUs (probably three of Liger, Tanaka, Jado, and Gedo).

NJPW "NEXESS V", 3/26/05 (WPW/PPV/NJ+IWTV Internet)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. Tatsumi Fujinami Return Match: Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Osamu Nishimura
2. Koji Kanemoto & Wataru Inoue vs. Katsuhiko Nakajima & Taiji Ishimori
3. Tiger Mask, El Samurai & Katsushi Takemura vs. Masked CTU, Masked CTU & Masked CTU
4. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Ryushi Yanagisawa
5. IWGP Heavyweight Title #1 Contender Tournament - Semi Final: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Manabu Nakanishi
6. Young Lion Cup - Final:
7. Kensuke Sasaki & Takashi Iizuka vs. Ron Waterman & Minoru Suzuki
8. Yuji Nagata vs. Tsuyoshi Kosaka
9. IWGP Heavyweight Title #1 Contender Tournament - Final: Winner of Tenzan/Nakanishi vs. Masahiro Chono
10. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Satoshi Kojima (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Nakamura was the victim of a Black New Japan "encircling net", as the entire heel unit stood before him in a circular shape, confronting him after he was given an IWGP shot by New Japan management. Chono, Nakanishi, Suzuki, Makabe (who could officially join), and others stood before him and threatened to attack, but instead they proposed Nakamura prove he deserves the shot by having an assessment match with Nakanishi before challenging Kojima. This is BNJ's plot to deprive Nakamura of his challenge, and suggested holding it before Sumo Hall or possibly even on the Sumo Hall show, with the winner facing Kojima. Suzuki is also interested in stealing Nakamura's shot if he can defeat the young challenger on the 3/21 Amagasaki tour climax. No response from Nakamura or New Japan yet to BNJ's proposal, but the chaos leading into Sumo Hall continues.

Akiya Anzawa made newspapers and internet news sites for probably the first time in his career, with Sportsnavi and Daily Sports running a short story on his unbelievable 4-0 record in the Young Lion Cup so far. After upsetting Goto, Anzawa said, "I've run out of enemies. Obviously I'll beat Yujiro, and Ito beating me is out of the question. The championship is mine." Shame that Yujiro hit him with the Karelin Lift/Powerbomb combo and slapped him in a crab for the win ain't it?

Nagai's left knee injury was very nasty. He tore ligaments and was in excruciating pain. Nagai will require surgery and will be out of action for at least half a year.

New Japan will unite with the fashion world as part of the Italy tour later this year. Fashion brand, "SWEET YEARS", which was started by Italian football stars, Paolo Maldini (AC Milan captain) and Christian Vieri (Inter Milan), will sponsor New Japan's shows and I believe will host a fashion show at New Japan's convention (the Japanese story is a little confusing), with the possibility of wrestlers modelling for SWEET YEARS even brought up. Kusama wants Maldini and Vieri at New Japan's Milan show, but because Italy has a World Cup qualifier on the same day against Norway on the same day, that could be difficult. By running a joint pro wrestling/fashion show, Kusama believes this will help draw fans to the 10~12,000 seat Mazda Palace. New Japan is planning to announce cards for the Italy tour early in May.

On the heels of Makabe leaving the regular army and cooperating with Black New Japan, chairman of the wrestlers Iizuka fired Makabe from his role as coach of the young lions. Makabe, who produced the "LION'S ROAD" show, has received his first punishment for betraying the regular army, and eventually someone else will take his role (Iizuka has nominated Tanahashi) and produce the next "LION'S ROAD" show in August (scheduled to be at the Nagoya International Congress Center, which can seat as many as 3,000, but the first floor is only likely to be hired, as that seats closer to 1,000~1,500).

So thats NJPW covered, lets move on to AJPW....

Since my absense titles have changed hands in AJPW as well so I'll clear the scene up as well....

Kojima is the Triple Crown champ after defeating Kawada with a Lariat in their title match back on the 16/2/05. He then on the 20/2/05 defeated Tenzan to become the 4-Crown champion...

Taiyo Kea and Jamal on that very same show Koji became 3-Champ became AJPW Worlds Tag champs as they defeated NJPW's TanaYoshie in a decision match for the vacant belts, Jamal dropping his 400+lb frame from the top rope on Yoshie...

Rico and Buchanan of former WWE fame are the All Asian Tag champs as they defeated Nasruse and Nagai of NJPW to claim the gold, Buchanan putting away Nagai with an Iron Claw Bomb and last but not least TAKA Michinoku is AJPW Jr Heavweight Champ after defeating Kaz Hayashi for the title....

So heres the weeks results...

AJPW, 3/12/05
Shin-Kiba 1st Ring
400 Fans

1. Mini-Love Machine beat Taichi Ishikari (7:32) with an avalanche AIN Cutter.
2. Kaz Hayashi & NOSAWA Rongai beat AKIRA & Toshizo (12:52) when NOSAWA pinned Toshizo.
3. Love Machine Arashi & Makai Love Machine #2 beat Nobutaka Araya & Nobukazu Hirai (12:28) when Arashi used the Frog Splash on Araya.
4. TARU, Shuji Kondo & "brother" YASSHI beat TAKA Michinoku , Taiyo Kea & BLUE-K (12:45) when Kondo used the King Kong Lariat on K.
5. Satoshi Kojima & Akira Raijin beat Tomoaki Honma & Kohei Suwama (26:12) when Kojima used a lariat on Honma.

AJPW, 3/13/05
Naraha Townsman Gymnasium
1,200 Fans

1. Taichi Ishikari beat Akira Raijin (9:31) with the Black Mephisto.
2. Toshizo beat Mini-Love Machine (9:20) with the Fisherman's Buster.
3. Love Machine Arashi beat Nobukazu Hirai (9:11) with the Frog Splash.
4. Keiji Muto & AKIRA beat Taiyo Kea & BLUE-K (14:43) when AKIRA used the Musasabi Press on K.
5. Toshiaki Kawada & Nobutaka Araya beat Tomoaki Honma & Kohei Suwama (17:40) when Araya used a Moonsault Press on Honma.
6. TARU, Shuji Kondo & "brother" YASSHI beat Satoshi Kojima, Kaz Hayashi & NOSAWA Rongai (19:21) when TARU used the TARU Driller on Hayashi.

AJPW, 3/14/05
Akita Prefectural Gymnasium
1,200 Fans

1. NOSAWA Rongai beat Ebessan (9:41) with an inside cradle.
2. Love Machine Arashi & Mini Love Machine beat AKIRA & Toshizo (11:10) when Arashi used the powerbomb on Toshizo.
3. Shuji Kondo beat Akira Raijin (8:35) with the Gorilla Clutch.
4. Nobutaka Araya & Nobukazu Hirai beat Toshiaki Kawada & Taichi Ishikari (14:25) when Araya used the moonsault press on Ishikari.
5. Satoshi Kojima & Kaz Hayashi beat TARU & "brother" YASSHI (17:45) when Hayashi used the Frankensteiner on YASSHI.
6. Keiji Muto, Tomoaki Honma & Kohei Suwama beat Taiyo Kea, BLUE-K & TAKA Michinoku (17:00) when Honma used the Fire Thunder Powerbomb on K.

AJPW, 3/15/05
Ishinomaki Synthesis Gymnasium
2,300 Fans

1. NOSAWA Rongai beat Akira Raijin (9:08) with a single-leg crab hold.
2. Love Machine Arashi & Min-Love Machine beat Nobukazu Hirai & Ebessan (13:05) with a powerbomb.
3. Chuck Palumbo beat Nobutaka Araya (7:10) with the 187.
4. Yoshiaki Fujiwara beat Toshizo (8:46) with the support hold.
5. TARU, Johnny Stamboli, Shuji Kondo & "brother" YASSHI beat TAKA Michinoku , Taiyo Kea, Jamal & BLUE-K (17:09) when TARU used the TARU Driller on K.
6. Kensuke Sasaki & Kohei Suwama beat Toshiaki Kawada & Taichi Ishikari (17:04) when Suwama used the German Suplex on Ishikari.
7. Satoshi Kojima & Kaz Hayashi beat Keiji Muto & Tomoaki Honma (18:14) when Kojima used the CCD on Honma.

AJPW, 3/16/05
Haibu Nagaoka
2,000 Fans

1. Toshizo beat Akira Raijin (10:04) with the flying crossarmbar.
2. Masanobu Fuchi beat Ebessan (13:03) with a cradle.
3. Johnny Stamboli & Chuck Palumbo beat Nobutaka Araya & Nobukazu Hirai (14:04) when Palumbo used the 187 on Araya.
4. Toshiaki Kawada & Taichi Ishikari beat Love Machine Arashi & Mini-Love Machine (12:27) when Ishikari used a backslide on Mini.
5. Satoshi Kojima, Kaz Hayashi & NOSAWA Rongai beat TARU, Shuji Kondo & "brother" YASSHI (20:16) when Kojima used the modified shoulder hold on YASSHI.
6. Taiyo Kea, Jamal & TAKA Michinoku beat Keiji Muto, Tomoaki Honma & Kohei Suwama (17:43) when Jamal used the Super Powerbomb on Honma.

All-Japan 3/18
Fujimi Municipal City Gym
2,850 fans

1. Nobutaka Araya beat Akira Raijin in (11:01) with a brainbuster.
2. Toshizo defeated Nobukazu Hirai in (11:53) with a jujigatame.
3. Kaz Hayashi & NOSAWA beat Brother YASSHI & Shuji Kondo in 15:22) when NOSAWA used the Mi Amor de Novia on YASSHI.
4. Chuck Palumbo/Johnny Stamboli/TARU defeated Jamal/Taiyo Kea/TAKA Michinoku in (18:21) when Palumbo used the 187 on TAKA.
5. Ebessan & Keiij Muto beat Love Machine Arashi & Mini Love Machine in (11:01) when Muto used the Shining Wizard on Mini.
6. Kensuke Sasaki & Kohei Suwama defeated Tomoaki Honma & Satoshi Kojima in (20:18) when Sasaki used the Northern Lights Bomb on Honma.

Apart from the title changes etc the main news in AJPW has been the departure of Kawada... The man decided to become an Indipendent after his loss to Kojima, saying that the company was in safe hands and that he could now travel the different companies and different styles. He said he would always return to AJPW and it would still feel like home, but it was time to move on...

Thats all really for now in AJPW, so lets round up the situations in NOAH...

There has been no matches in NOAH for the past two weeks after the last tour ended on the 5/3/05 with a big result...

NOAH, 3/5/05
Tokyo Nippon Budokan
16,200 - Super No Vacancy

1. Takuma Sano, Jun Izumida & Makoto Hashi beat Tamon Honda, Tsuyoshi Kikuchi & Kishin Kawabata (15:08) when Izumida used the Mukado Domu on Kawabata.
2. Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Takashi Sugiura & SUWA beat KENTA, Ricky Marvin & Low Ki (17:43) when SUWA used the FFF on Marvin.
3. Bison Smith, The Gladiator & Ace Steel beat Akira Taue, Yoshinari Ogawa & Go Shiosaki (15:35) when Steel used a Swinging DDT on Shiosaki.
4. Scorpio & Doug Williams beat Akitoshi Saito & Masao Inoue (17:17) when Scorpio used the 450 Splash on Inoue.
5. GHC Hardcore Openweight Title: Mohammed Yone beat Naomichi Marufuji © (12:36) with the Muscle Buster to become the 3rd champion.
6. Shinjiro Otani & Tatsuhito Takaiwa beat Mitsuharu Misawa & Kotaro Suzuki (18:02) when Takaiwa used a Death Valley Bomb on Suzuki.
7. Genichiro Tenryu & Minoru Suzuki beat Jun Akiyama & Takeshi Morishima (14:30) when Tenryu used a lariat on Morishima
8. GHC Heavyweight Title: Takeshi Rikio beat Kenta Kobashi © (27:11) with the Muso to become the 7th Champion.

It was on this day that Rikio ended Kobashi's monumental two year reign as GHC World Heavyweight champion.... And also when Marufuji lost his Hardcore title to Yone after tasting a Muscle Buster....

So here are the champions in NOAH now..

GHC Heavyweight - Takeshi Rikio
GHC Tag Team - Doug Willams and Scorpio
GHC Jr Heavyweight - Yoshinobu Kanemaru
GHC Jr Tag Team - KENTA and Naomichi Marufuji
GHC Hardcore - Mohammed Yone...

Nothing much else has happened in NOAH really, apart from the fact that Rikio has said he wishes to defeat Akiyama and Misawa in defense of his title and Akira Taue and Saito have put forward challenges as well....

So we'll finish of with some Hustle news, the Americanised promotion that uses freelance, MMA and Zero One talent to produce some outragous storylines....

HUSTLE-8
Sumo Hall 18/3/05
7,505 fans

1. Yuji Shimada beat Kantaku Nakamura with a small package (45:49) in a Everywhere falls, anyone referee match... They where lost by the camara men at one point so the show carried on without them...
2. The Monster C and Monster J defeated 'Hustle I' Taichi Ishikari and Ryouji Sai (9:53) when Monster C used a Northern Lights Bomb on Ishikari
3. Team Hustle Kamen (Pink, Blue, Red, Yellow and Green) defeated Team Monster (Arisin Z, Dark Von Maestro I, The Neo Devil Pierrot #1, Onigumo and Monster Solider #001) when Pink used a Hurricanrana on Soilder #001 (4:41)
4. "Hustle Achichi" Shinjiro Otani beat The Samu and Snow Women Greco in a handicap match (5:46) when Otani used a Sprial Bomb on The Samu
5.Hustle Hardcore Hero (HHH) Championship Battle Royal - Everyman for himself - Masato Tanaka won, last elimanating Wataru Sakata with a 'SuperFly' Splash (16:19)
ORDER OF ELIMINATION:
1. Giant Silva
2. Tetsuhiro Kuroda
3. Leonardo Spanky
4. Flying Vampire XVI
5. Kintaro Kanemura
6. Dan "The Buffalo" Bobish
7. Wataru Sakata
6. 'Hustle K' Toshiaki Kawada defeated Naoya Ogawa by fans desicion (15:56) even though Ogawa had pinned Kawada after a neckbreaker drop followed by a STO Bomber... K said he could not take the seat of Hustle Captain and said Ogawa must remain as leader....

They also ran the Hustle House Vol. 6 show today, one of their smaller shows like a tour show almost...

HUSTLE HOUSE Vol. 6
March 19, 2005
Gran Ship Shizuoka

1. Ikuto Hidaka & Hustle Kamen Green beat Onigumo & The Monster J (9:25) when Green used a Victory Roll on J.
2. Giant Silva beat "Hustle I" Taichi Ishikari (5:52) with the Giant press.
3. Hardcore Hustle: Kintaro Kanemura, Masato Tanaka & Leonardo Spanky beat CW Anderson, The Piranha Monster Z & The Flying Vampire XVI (10:12) when Tanaka used a Guitar Attack on Vampire XVI.
4. Wataru Sakata beat Monster Soldier No.001 (3:21) by pinfall.
5. "Hustle K" Toshiaki Kawada beat The Monster T (5:15) with a Powerbomb.
6. "Captain Hustle" Naoya Ogawa & "Hustle Achichi" Shinjiro Otani beat Commander AnJoe & Dan "The Buffalo" Bobish (9:40) when Ogawa used the STO Bomber on AnJoe.

Please don't try and understand it, your head might well explode....

Tell week grapple fans, have a good un!

Robert 'Evil Gringo' Heard

---------------------------------------------------------------
WWE Statistics
March 13th - March 20th
By Chris2K
---------------------------------------------------------------

If you know me, I sympathise, but you'll also know that I'm a big fan of statistics. For the last few months I've been doing something similar to this just as a hobby-type thing, going from 1999 onwards, and now I've decided to bring it to the newsletter. Allow me to explain...

This project is basically a league table. It relies on the results of matches shown on WWE TV, be it RAW, SmackDown, Velocity or Heat. For the purposes of this project, I have separated the points into shows, rather than having one big table.

But why do it? Well it doesn't take that long at all, and it allows you to see who's been winning the most this year, and who's been the year's biggest jobber. It's just a bit of fun really :).

To score points all you need to do is win a match, or be involved in a DQ. You get five points for winning, three for a DQ, Double Count-out or draw, no points for a no contest, and you lose a point for a defeat.

Also, from now on I will be adding in Win/Loss Statistics for each wrestler, so you can see how many matches your favourite has won and lost this year. The set up is the following:

Matches Won / Matches Lost / Matches with no clear winner - Win Percentage

RAW

Kane def. Tyson Tomko & Christian
Shelton Benjamin def. Edge
The Rockers def. La Resistance
Triple H def. Chris Benoit
Batista def. Snitsky by DQ 1

1 - Batista and Snitsky get three points each.

Standings

Batista ~ 39 (6/2/1 - 66.7%)
Kane ~ 38 (7/1/1 - 77.7%)
Shelton Benjamin ~ 34 (6/3/2 - 54%)
Randy Orton ~ 33 (7/2/0 - 77.7%)
Triple H ~ 33 (5/2/0 - 71.4%)
Shawn Michaels ~ 30 (7/2/0 - 77.7%)
Muhammed Hussan ~ 28 (5/1/1 - 71%)
Chris Jericho ~ 23 (5/5/1 - 45%)
Chris Benoit ~ 22 (4/5/2 - 36%)
Trish Stratus ~ 20 (3/0/0 - 100%)
William Regal ~ 19 (3/0/0 - 100%)
Edge ~ 17 (4/7/1 - 33%)
Tajiri ~ 14 (2/1/0 - 66%)
Chris Masters ~ 10 (2/0/0 - 100%)
Gene Snitsky ~ 8 (0/5/3 - 0%)
Rob Conway ~ 8 (1/4/1 - 16%)
Sylvan Grenier ~ 7 (1/5/1 - 14%)
Christy Hemme ~ 5 (1/0/0 - 100%)
Maven ~ 5 (2/5/0 - 28%)
Eugene ~ 4 (1/1/0 - 50%)
Marty Jannetty ~ 4 (1/1/0 - 50%)
Viscera ~ 4 (1/2/0 - 33%)
Jerry Lawler ~ -1 (0/1/0 - 0%)
Maria ~ -1 (0/1/0 - 0%)
Molly Holly ~ -1 (0/1/0 - 0%)
Rhyno ~ -1 (0/1/0 - 0%)
Steven Richards ~ -1 (0/1/0 - 0%)
Val Venis ~ -1 (0/1/0 - 0%)
Rosey ~ -2 (0/2/0 - 0%)
Victoria ~ -2 (0/2/0 - 0%)
Christian ~ -3 (1/9/0 - 10%)
Lita ~ -3 (0/1/0 - 0%)
Simon Dean ~ -3 (0/4/0 - 0%)
Hurricane ~ -4 (0/4/0 - 0%)
Ric Flair ~ -4 (0/4/0 - 0%)
Tyson Tomko ~ -6 (0/6/0 - 0%)

SmackDown!

Kurt Angle def. Marty Jannetty 1
Booker T def. Luther Reigns
Paul London def. Billy Kidman
John Cena, Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio def. JBL and The Bashams

1 - Marty Jannetty's points total is on RAW.

Standings

Rey Mysterio Jr. ~ 50 (9/3/1 - 69%)
Kurt Angle ~ 41 (8/3/1 - 66%)
John Cena ~ 38 (8/2/0 - 80%)
Eddie Guerrero ~ 34 (6/5/1 - 50%)
Undertaker ~ 28 (5/0/1 - 83%)
Booker T ~ 23 (4/4/2 - 40%)
Doug Basham ~ 18 (3/4/1 - 37%)
Funaki ~ 16 (4/3/0 - 57%)
John Bradshaw Layfield ~ 14 (2/2/2 - 33%)
Paul London ~ 14 (3/2/0 - 60%)
Big Show ~ 13 (3/2/0 - 60%)
Chavo Guerrero ~ 12 (2/3/0 - 45%)
Danny Basham ~ 12 (2/5/1 - 25%)
Orlando Jordan ~ 10 (1/4/1 - 16%)
Michelle McCool ~ 5 (1/0/0 - 100%)
Scotty 2 Hotty ~ 5 (1/0/0 - 100%)
Torrie Wilson ~ 5 (1/0/0 - 100%)
Shannon Moore ~ 3 (1/2/0 - 33%)
Mark Jindrak ~ 2 (1/7/1 - 11%)
Heidenreich ~ 1 (0/3/2 - 0%)
Luther Reigns ~ 1 (1/8/1 - 10%)
Rene Dupree ~ 1 (0/3/1 - 0%)
Billy Kidman ~ -1 (0/1/0 - 0%)
Dawn Marie ~ -1 (0/1/0 - 0%)
Hiroko ~ -1 (0/1/0 - 0%)
Kenzo Suzuki ~ -3 (0/3/0 - 0%)
Nunzio ~ -3 (0/3/0 - 0%)
Rob Van Dam ~ -3 (0/3/0 - 0%)
Spike Dudley ~ -3 (0/3/0 - 0%)
Akio ~ -4 (0/4/0 - 0%)

Velocity

Can't find the Velocity results anywhere, so they'll be back next time.

Standings

Hardcore Holly ~ 31 (7/4/0 - 63%)
Paul London ~ 23 (5/2/0 - 71%)
Charlie Haas ~ 20 (5/5/0 - 50%)
Danny Basham ~ 15 (3/0/0 - 100%)
Doug Basham ~ 15 (3/0/0 - 100%)
Rene Dupree ~ 11 (3/4/0 - 42%)
Booker T ~ 10 (2/0/0 - 100%)
Funaki ~ 10 (2/0/0 - 100%)
Scotty 2 Hotty ~ 8 (2/2/0 - 50%)
Akio ~ 7 (2/3/0 - 40%)
Kenzo Suzuki ~ 7 (2/3/0 - 40%)
Heidenreich ~ 5 (1/0/0 - 100%)
Luther Reigns ~ 5 (1/0/0 - 100%)
Mark Jindrak ~ 5 (1/0/0 - 100%)
Orlando Jordan ~ 5 (1/0/0 - 100%)
Chavo Guerrero ~ 2 (1/3/0 - 25%)
Nunzio ~ 2 (1/3/0 - 25%)
Spike Dudley ~ 0 (1/5/0 - 16%)
Billy Kidman ~ -1 (0/1/0 - 0%)
Shannon Moore ~ -1 (0/1/0 - 0%)

HeAT

Snitsky def. Val Venis
Rob Conway def. Rhyno
Chris Masters def. Caprice Coleman 1
William Regal and Tajiri def. Maven and Simon Dean

1 - Caprice Coleman doesn't qualify for points.

Standings

Tajiri ~ 30 (6/0/0 - 100%)
Hurricane ~ 24 (5/1/0 - 83%)
Rosey ~ 20 (4/0/0 - 100%)
Rhyno ~ 17 (4/3/0 - 57%)
Maven ~ 14 (3/1/0 - 75%)
William Regal ~ 14 (3/1/0 - 75%)
Gene Snitsky ~ 10 (2/0/0 - 100%)
Trish Stratus ~ 10 (2/0/0 - 100%)
Simon Dean ~ 8 (2/2/0 - 50%)
Rob Conway ~ 7 (2/3/0 - 40%)
Chris Benoit ~ 5 (1/0/0 - 100%)
Chris Masters ~ 5 (1/0/0 - 100%)
Muhammed Hussan ~ 5 (1/0/0 - 100%)
Ric Flair ~ 5 (1/0/0 - 100%)
Shelton Benjamin ~ 5 (1/0/0 - 100%)
Molly Holly ~ 4 (1/1/0 - 50%)
Tyson Tomko ~ 4 (1/1/0 - 50%)
Christian ~ -1 (0/1/0 - 0%)
The Coach ~ -1 (0/1/0 - 0%)
Sylvan Grenier ~ -2 (0/2/0 - 0%)
Victoria ~ -2 (0/2/0 - 0%)
Val Venis ~ -3 (1/7/0 - 12.5%)
Stevie Richards ~ -4 (0/4/0 - 0%)

That's it for this week. I won't be around next week as I'm on holiday, so I'll see you again in two weeks time :).

Chris2K

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The Main Event
By Stephen Ashfield
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Unlucky 13 for The Undertaker?

Last week I had a look at the Raw matches set for Wrestlemania 21 and this week it’s the turn of the two Raw v Smackdown matches.

I’ll start with the match between The Undertaker and Randy Orton. One thing still puzzles me, is Orton a face or a heel? I suppose he’s a bit of both at the moment but long term I fully expect him to return to being a heel, simply because that’s what he does best.

I still can’t believe that Jake Roberts was on Raw this week! He was invited back for a segment with Orton, a Legend Killer v Convicted Snake Killer confrontation. Vince must really have some guts if he can trust Roberts with a live speech on Raw. Allegedly as it was St Patricks week, someone was overheard asking ‘Where’s the Craic?’ That got Roberts more than interested, probably replying ‘it’s in my back pocket see me later.’ It’s not that I don’t like Roberts, but I actually interviewed the guy once in Andover and lost all respect for the guy when he turned up stinking of booze just an hour before appearing at a Hammerlock show.

Anyway back to Orton and his appearance on Smackdown was pretty good. I guess we’re going to see a lot of the special effects again which can allow Undi on Raw without having to turn up in person, you see that’s an advantage of being a deadman. But with Roberts returning, will other former WM victims of Undi return? Could the likes of King Kong Bundy and Sid be on their way back? Let’s just pray that Giant Gonzalez never returns!

So he’s 12-0 at Wrestlemania, is he about to become 13-0 or 12-1? I fear it may be the latter as Orton gets his big push and shoved onto Smackdown for a long-term feud with Undi and then Cena. That sounds ok to me as the brands do need their yearly shake-up. What about Undi? Well, it will be sad if he does lose his unbeaten record at Wrestlemania but at this stage of his career he needs to be helping the youngsters. Look at his feuds since returning to the deadman character. Who exactly has he helped apart from himself? Not Luther Reigns or Mark Jindrak who he constantly squashed. Orton needs a new push and that’s what should happen at Wrestlemania.

The Angle v Michaels match is the main event at Wrestlemania as far as I’m concerned. It’s a mouth-watering clash and let’s just hope they both stay reasonably fit until the big day. You know, I’d love to see Michaels jump to Smackdown as well as Orton. He’s met everyone he can on Raw unless he turns heel to battle Batista? Over on Smackdown he could be meeting stars such as Eddie Guerrero, JBL, Big Show, Cena etc. Then again, how about Angle moving to Raw? As a heel he’d be a good opponent for the likes of Batista, could continue to thrill us with matches against Michaels if he stayed put or as a face could renew war with Triple H.

Who’s going to win at Wrestlemania? Believe me I’m not going to even think of making a prediction at this stage. Time to sit on the fence I think!

Next week I’ll be looking at the Smackdown matches which at present don’t look that thrilling to be honest. See ya then!

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Forum Threads of the Week
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WRESTLING THREAD OF THE WEEK

With WrestleMania 21 not far off, retroboy got the US Forum talking about the Worst WrestleMania (http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19309) so far.

NON WRESTLING THREAD OF THE WEEK

Simon started a debate on the 2005 Election (http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19250), and it's still going on six days later!

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TWO Member of the Week/Heel of the Week
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Who is TWO Member of the Week?

This week's MOTW goes to...

Kam - Hes just the bestest bestest person ever born! We're all insignificant compared to his highness - all bow before greatness! :worship

Who is TWO Heel of the Week?

wez_esquire decided that TNA Impact got better ratings than RAW and SmackDown!, and refused to listen to any other points of view before he was cooled off.

Darkstar and Chris2K

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Contributors
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Darkstar (http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum/member.php?userid=3015)
Chris2K (http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum/member.php?userid=465)
Miss T. (http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum/member.php?userid=135)
Goldy (http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum/member.php?userid=548)
Evil Gringo (http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum/member.php?u=3553)
Stephen Ashfield (http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum/member.php?u=1877)

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DISCLAIMER
Some of the news stories included in the TWO newsletter are taken from various sources around the Internet and is not necessarily exclusive TWO news.
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