NGW Eternal Glory

Saturday 8th December 2012

Eastmount Recreation Centre, Hull

The final NGW event of 2012, and the last one in Hull for 3 months. Not only that, but it was to feature Hull's first ever ladder match with 8 men in  the ring at once, battling it out to become NGW Tag Team Champions. This event promised everything, but could it deliver?

Proving Ground Pre-Show

6-Man Tag match

A team of heel wrestlers, led by Barnaby, heads out to take on a team of faces led by local favourite Ricky Halestorm. It's a good match too! Sometimes these 'dark matches' are dark for a reason, but this time I would have been happy with these guys coming first or second on the actual card. The good guys stood victorious at the end of this one, getting a good pop off the crowd and getting the event off to a good start.

Stixx vs Bam Bam Barton

This was Stixx's return match after losing to Rampage Brown at Ultimate Showdown, a chance to show the NGW crowd that he was still a contender. And what a contender he is. He's one of the most consistent performers on the roster; always puts on an great match and always gets a great reaction from the crowd. Bam Bam Barton made for a good opponent, but in the end had to tap out to a Sharpshooter from the 'Heavyweight House of Pain' Stixx.

After the match, commentator 'the Geach', decides to get into the ring and berate the victor. After showing Stixx some footage of NGW Champion Rampage Brown claiming that he's never returning to the Eastmount Centre, Geach tells him it's all his fault that the NGW title will never be seen by the Eastmount Crowd again. Bizarrely, Stixx has no response, and instead just skulks off to the locker room, seemingly hanging his head in shame.

Martin Kirby vs Caz Crash

Martin Kirby hasn't been seen in an NGW ring since he lost his roster spot to Caz Crash at the 4th Anniversary Show back in June. In fact, his only sighting was at Full Force in October, sitting at ringside, when Caz and the rest of The Proven attacked him and then challenged him to this very match. When Kirby accepted, he didn’t realise that Caz was being his usual underhanded self and meant a three-on-one handicap match! Once the match got started it was clear how this one was going to go, with the so-called ‘numbers game’ catching up to Kirby and The Proven getting the pinfall victory.

Nathan Cruz vs Colossus Kennedy

With Richie West as Special Guest Referee

This. Was. Awesome.

We know these two can wrestle, but that’s not what this was about. This was all about telling a story. Colossus fights not only for himself in this one, but also for everyone that Cruz has wronged in the past year. And that is a long list of people… One of them is Richie West, Cruz’s former manager, who has been made the special guest referee to make sure that Cruz doesn’t find a way to cheat his way out of this match. That doesn’t stop Nathan from trying to cheat though, as he gets a steel chair and continuously hits Kennedy with a series of almighty chair shots, assuming that he’ll get himself disqualified. However, both West and Colossus want to see this match through to its bitter conclusion, and so the beating goes on. To the crowds delight, things do eventually turn in Kennedy’s favour, landing a sick chair shot of his own, and pinning him to the mat for the three count.

After the match, long suffering girlfriend Mel walks out on Cruz, leaving him alone with only his water-boy for company.

Matt Myers vs Mark Haskins

I could honestly watch these two go at it every single week; great in ring chemistry from two fast paced and entertaining wrestlers. After Myers beat Haskins in their last encounter, the ‘Star Attraction’ has been popping up and trying to get his own back ever since. And, after an amazing back and forth match, Haskins finally got the revenge he was so desperate for, pinning Myers and getting his hand raised in victory by the ref. I say bring on the rubber match; 30 minute Iron Man Match sound good to anyone?

Dave Rayne vs Mad Man Manson

Oh dear Lord… My face actually hurt from this one. Dave Rayne came out and made the fastest heel turn I’ve ever seen, calling out anyone in the NGW locker room in order to prove he is the greatest. Out comes somebody he's not quite expecting, Mad Man Manson! You either love this guy or you hate him, and after the last time I saw him I really was heading towards the latter end of the scale. This time however, he completely changed my mind! Him and Dave Rayne did some slow motion wrestling, and, as ridiculous as it sounds, it had the whole crowd in hysterics. I would tell you to buy the DVD and check it out for yourself, but the cameraman was doubled over laughing so hard that I'm not entirely sure if he got any of it. Great stuff. I think it ended with Dave Rayne winning the match, but does it really matter? The crowd was the winner of this one.

Four Corners Ladder Match for the Tag Team Titles

Team GB (c) vs Los Amigos vs The Predators vs Robbie X & Dean Allmark

My words are just not going to do this justice.

The anticipation for this match was incredible. Ladders were marched out and placed around the ring before the match started, and then the four teams came out one at a time, all pausing for a glance at the Tag Title belts hanging from the ceiling. Now, I've seen a lot of Ladder matches and TLC matches, but I've never seen one up close and personal and I spent the entire match in one of two states; shock or fear. They did things that I've never seen or even thought was possible. Biggest props go to Zack Gibson, who managed to sell an injury so well that we were all convinced he would never walk again, but still managed to get back up in time to get himself thrown through the announce table! Team GB managed to retain their titles, as all 8 of them received a well deserved standing ovation.

Incredible stuff to round up a great 2012 for NGW. Can't wait to see what they've got planned for 2013!

WWE Survivor Series

18th November 2012

Indianapolis, Indiana

Pre-show

Zack Ryder & Santino vs 3MB

'Team CoBro' take on Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal, whilst Drew McIntyre watches from outside the ring. The Three Man Band take the win as Zack Ryder and Santino become more and more of a joke by the second.

Bonus Classic Survivor Series Match

Clay/Kidd/Gabriel/Mysterio/Sin Cara vs Tensai/Young/O'Neil/Epico/Primo

This was a nice surprise! I fully expected Mysterio and Sin Cara to be on the card, possibly against the Prime Time Players, but to include everyone else in the match is a bit of a treat (except for Tensai of course, his matches can never be considered a 'treat'). A couple of really good spots in this match including some double dives to the outside, and also Darren Young getting used for target practice by the high flyers of the opposing team. Kidd, Gabriel, Mysterio and Sin Cara all stand together as the winning team after a flurry of acrobatic offence.

Divas Championship

Eve Torres (c) vs Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn was attacked backstage before the match, much like she was at Night of Champions, but this time she survived the ordeal, discovering that her attacker was Aksana. Eve was close by of course, providing insincere concern before getting shoved to the ground. The match proved to be decent, Eve is getting to be one of the best Divas on the roster. Kaitlyn put up a great fight, that is until Eve literally pulled the rug out from under her feat, causing a violent bump to the outside and giving Eve the opportunity she needed to retain her title.

United States Championship

Antonio Cesaro (c) vs R-Truth

Cesaro wasn't quite ready to give up his title just yet, pinning R-Truth after delivering the Neutraliser. Antonio Cesaro has had a decent run so far, but I think it will only escalate before he eventually loses it, probably, as many have guessed, to a returning Jack Swagger. very entertaining match though, and I'm glad Truth got to be a little more serious for once. Reports from ringside are that Little Jimmy was nowhere to be seen.

We're reminded that wrestling is little more than a violent soap opera when AJ interrupts proceedings to make fun of Vicky Guerrero for a while, only to be attacked by Tamina Snuka. Vicky looks surprised to see her, so is Tamina just trying to make a name for herself? I guess we'll find out on Monday's Raw. 

World Heavyweight Championship

Big Show (c) vs Sheamus

This was the one match on the card I really had no interest in. Could they do something to change my mind? In a word, no. It was a case of 'same old, same old' from the pair, with a very worrying ending to the match... Show gets himself disqualified for using a ref to block the Brogue Kick, obviously annoying Shaemus, causing him to beat on Big Show with a steel chair. And what's the next PPV? TLC. That's right, the wheels have already been set in motion for a rematch, only adding the stipulation of a 'Chairs Match' to the mix, hoping that will make people care enough to sit through it. All WWE have done is help me schedule a pee break a month in advance.

Classic Survivor Series Match

Team Ziggler vs Team Foley

My predictions for this match were that Team Foley would win, Orton would be the Sole Survivor, and Daniel Bryan would be the first to get eliminated. I was wrong on all counts! If a match can surprise you this much then it has to be good. Not only did Ziggler eliminate two of the biggest threats on the opposing team, but he was also the Sole Survivor. I really hope this is the start of a real push for him towards cashing in the Money in The Bank contract.

WWE Championship Triple Threat Match

CM Punk (c) vs John Cena vs Ryback

A decent match, but nothing to write home about. Ryback looked very strong throughout, WWE are clearly wanting to impress upon us the belief that he is almost indestructible. What really was interesting was the ending to the match... After being put through an announce table, Ryback battles back to deliver a Shellshock to CM Punk, before getting Cena up on his shoulders to deliver a Shellshock to him as well. Before Ryback gets a chance to cover him, the ring is invaded by three men dressed all in black, who are seemingly intent on destroying Ryback; Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. While the group are delivering a beating to the monster, including putting him through the one remaining announce table, Punk crawls over the unconscious Cena and gets the victory.

Heyman looks shocked at that attack, but surely he has something to do with it... Is it connected to the conversation he had with Brad Maddox on last weeks Raw? I can see Ambrose and Reigns joining the dark side and being part of a heel stable, but why Rollins? He's currently NXT champion and an enormous face, what are his reasons?

Raw has a lot to answer this week!

TNA Turning Point

11th November 2012

Orlando Florida

Last months Bound For Glory in Arizona was a fantastic event, can TNA keep the momentum going back at the Impact Zone?

Samoa Joe (c) vs Magnus

Samoa Joe was always going to retain the TV Title in this bout, but I was still looking forward to it nonetheless. A really good, hard fought match between the two ex-teammates, that wasn't at all enhanced by the 'No DQ' stipulation. Joe came out on top as expected, but for me, the match brought a great deal of credibility to the TV Title and I look forward to seeing who they pit against Joe against next.

ODB and Eric Young vs Tara and Jesse

Erm... What is this? Is Jesse actually going to wrestle for TNA as a solo competitor? Or is he just here for a guest appearance? And does anyone remember that ODB and Eric Young have been Knockouts Tag Champs for about 8 months now? The whole thing's a bit of a mess really. I guess the match was fun, but I'd rather that a talented wrestler like EY was seriously contesting for the TV Title or being used in decent tag team situations. ODB and EY won the match if you care.

Rob Van Dam (c) vs Joey Ryan

Too early. This is the first time we've really seen Joey Ryan have a proper match for TNA, and he goes straight for the X-Division Title? A little early for my liking, there are much worthier candidates on the roster and Ryan is not in RVD's league just yet. I enjoyed the match though, and again I am looking forward to seeing what they do with Joey next. This was another one of those matches for which we already knew the outcome, RVD got the pinfall victory to retain the title.

Joseph Park vs DOC

Are people bored of Aces & Eights yet? I'm still intrigued by the whole thing, but it's just not moving at a quick enough pace. I half expected TNA to do there own 5 on 5 match to mirror WWE's classic Survivor Series match, with 5 of the TNA locker room against 5 of Aces & Eights, but instead we've got a lawyer against a glorified bouncer. Not much wrestling happened in this match, but we did get a glimpse of Joseph Park's 'brother' Abyss when he was busted open and spied his own blood. DOC won this one, but this only leads us to think that Angle will be evening the score later on by winning his match against Devon.

Chavo Guerrero & Hernandez (c)  vs Christopher Daniels & Kazarian

For a tag team that has just been thrown together out of nowhere, Chavo and Hernandez are working really well together; the hard-hitter and high-flyer is a classic combination. Again, another predictable match, the champions were always going to retain. Too much predictability tonight?

James Storm vs Bobby Roode vs AJ Styles

A three-way to decide the number one contender to Jeff Hardy's title belt, with the one who gets pinned being ineligible for a title shot until next years Bound For Glory. An interesting stipulation, and three of TNA's top guys on the roster. There was a great deal of back and forth action in this match, trying to keep  us guessing right until the end, but with a Last Call Superkick to AJ Styles, James Storm took his spot as the number one contender. More interesting than that is the fact that AJ is now out of the title picture for nearly a whole year. Expect a good showing from him in next years BFG Series.

Kurt Angle vs Devon

Not too interested in this one if I'm honest, and that's not to say they didn't have a good match; even a bad Kurt Angle match is better than some guys on a good day. It's just the Aces & Eights storyline starting to wear thin. The biker gang came and surrounded the ring part way through, but Angle still managed to pin Devon for the victory.

Jeff Hardy (c) vs Austin Aries

This was all about Jeff.

It's quite unbelievable that after all the ladder matches and TLC matches that he's had, he can still come up with new innovative ways to hurt himself. It was like watching Hardy do a high-wire act at the circus, and Aries was just there to hand him the unicycle. Amazing stunts, awesome action. Fantastic end to the show.

NGW Ultimate Showdown

Sports Arena

Sunday 11th November 2012

There's about 200 people sat around the ring, and NGW suffer from 'technical difficulties'... 20 minutes later, the show begins!

Colossus Kennedy vs Sam Adonis

The American Sam Adonis starts by getting the crowd heated up and it looks like it could be a fun match. Sadly that doesn't last very long, the pace is very slow and the crowd quickly lose interest. I've seen Colossus many times now and I know he can have a great match, so I was a little disappointed with this one. Sam Adonis deserved to lose and thankfully he did.

Alpha Female vs Angelina Love

I was dubious as to how many people a name like 'Angelina Love' would draw to an event, but then again I've never tried to book a wrestling event! Nevertheless, this was a very good match. Angelina drew the cheers from the crowd, Alpha got the jeers. Alpha dominated for the most part and scored a much deserved pinfall victory.

Bonus Academy Match - Lucas Steel vs Ricky Halestorm

I would have enjoyed seeing this match, but The Proven interrupt before it even gets started, pissed that they're not on the card themselves. They beat on both the in-ring competitors, Ricky getting thrown to the outside. Caz takes the mic, standing over the prone body of Lucas Steel and proclaims to the NGW locker room that if you're not with them, then you're against them. Could Steel be joining the Proven?

Nathan Cruz vs Robbie Dynamite

Excellent. But then a Nathan Cruz match always is! Not the Cruz/Allmark rematch we had hoped for, but Robbie Dynamite did a good job of filling in for him; he has a tendency to over telegraph some of his moves, but he's an awesome mat technician. This would almost have been a five star match, if not for a slip up on what was meant to be the 'big finish'. Still, the best bit of a Cruz match is often the storytelling and it did just that. Dynamite scored the victory, causing Cruz to throw a bit of a tantrum and shove Mel who was, as always, in the wrong place at the right time. Cruz's former manager, Rich Dunn, comes out and reminds him of his match with Colossus coming up at the Eastmount, for which Rich himself will be the Special Guest Referee!

Half time - We all get hot dogs.

Team GB (c) vs Los Amigos

The second half starts with a bang as Los Amigos try and win back their titles from Team GB. We're treat to some of El Ligero and Dara Diablo's usual high flying antics and a couple of really good spots; my favourite of which was the super-kick frenzy! Sam Bailey ended up using the title belt to deliver the killing blow and ending the match in a disqualification. After the match Ligero gets out a ladder as GB scarper, looking ahead to the four corners tag team ladder match coming soon at the Eastmount! Can't wait!

Matt Myers vs Joseph Conners

So we were supposed to have Noam Dar, but it was announced earlier in the night that he'd had to pull out last minute due to injury and that one half of the Predators, Joseph Conners, would be taking his place. This was a bit of a disappointment, which is to say nothing bad about Conners, I do actually rate him quite highly, but I was looking forward to seeing the young Scot after hearing so much about him. Conners and hometown hero Myers still put on a great match, even more impressive after we learned later on that evening that Myers had badly winded himself early on in the match and apparently struggled throughout. Myers scored the victory to rapturous applause, but this was mildly soured when he had to be practically carried off.

Next up we had the all important raffle, and an announcement from NGW management: Senior official 'Milky' was to retire after tonight's main event! As they like to say in the wrestling business, we wish him luck in all his future endeavors.

Rampage Brown (c) vs Stixx

Rampage Brown has held the title since March, so a lot of people were thinking his time must surely be up. Plus, Stixx is practically the only one left on the roster that looks like he could actually beat him. The fans get to see the action up close as the pair's brawl spills into the stands. This is everything a main event should be; it's exciting, it's hard hitting, and most importantly, we don't know who is going to come out on top. In a surprise turn of events, Rampage defends his title cleanly, pinning Stixx for the 3 count.

A good first half was followed by an excellent second half, and it has me looking forward to three things:

1. Four Corner Tag Team Ladder Match
2. Nathan Cruz vs Colossus with Rich Dunn as SG Referee
3. Who have they got to challenge Rampage next?

The only real downside for me was the 'technical difficulties'; they can get away with these back home at the Eastmount, but the problems with the mic and the entrance videos really do need resolving before their next appearance at the Sports Arena.

WWE Hell in a Cell

28th October 2012

Atlanta, Georgia

I'll admit that I was looking forward to this one, even booked the day off work to watch it. But as it got closer, I started to realise something; I'd heard the PPV itself be referred to as 'Hell in a Cell', but not once did I hear an announcer or commentator actually reference that any of the matches would take place in the cell that the event is named after. Seems strange... Like the cell doesn't even really matter.

So what matches would be in the cell?

And there were a couple of other questions to be answered tonight: Would Dolph cash in Money in The Bank? Would Brock Lesnar appear? Would Big Show be able to put on a decent match for once?

Pre-show

A dull question and answer session just so Cena can get a paycheck. Dolph has a pointless run in, will this be all we see of him tonight?

Randy Orton vs Alberto Del Rio

Starting with this match was not a great idea. The opening bout needs to bring action and excitement. Has anyone ever been excited about a Del Rio match? I'm not a fan of Del Rio in the slightest. I can appreciate his wrestling style, I can appreciate his character, but the guy is just dull. How many times can we see him focus solely on the arm of his opponent before we all chew our own limbs off in frustration? Orton is a decent worker, but that's not enough to get our blood pumping. Orton scored the pinfall in the end with a decent RKO. Let's hope this feud is over.

Team Hell No (c) vs Team Rhodes Scholars

Since when did we start putting 'Team' at the beginning of their names? We know they're a team, stop treating us like children.

It was a good match, if a little lacking in excitement again in places. They've got three of WWE's best and brightest in the ring so it would be difficult for them not to have a decent match. We can tell that this feud is far from over as the match finishes with a disqualification, setting up the inevitable rematch at some point. The main news from the match is the fact that Bryan and Kane seemed to be even further from the same page than usual. How long until they really do go head-to-head?

Kofi Kingston (c) vs The Miz

I would have opened the event with this match. I'm not saying it was brilliant, but it does have that quicker pace, plus a couple of really good spots that get the crowd making some noise; Kofi's diving roll over the steps brought a nice bit of parkour into the mix. Kofi retains the title and I'm looking forward to seeing who he gets next.

Antonio Cesaro (c) vs Justin Gabriel

These two have had a couple of great matches during recent weeks, so I was glad this was added to the card. Cesaro didn't start strongly for me when he came into WWE, but I think he's been gathering momentum over the last couple of months, and ditching Oksana was definitely the right move. Both wrestlers put on a great match whilst the mostly silent but now disrespectful Atlanta crowd chant 'WE WANT RYDER'. Cesaro retained the title and is still the US Champion.

Rey Mysterio & Sin Cara vs Primetime Players

Or should I be calling them 'Team Primetime Players'? Whatever I'm calling them, they lost. Darren Young gets pinned by Rey after a fun match, whilst Sin Cara nurses his head on the outside after landing a move badly.

Shaemus (c) vs Big Show

Was it just me that assumed this would be in the cell? Hmmm... Nevertheless, this was better than expected! I'm not a huge Shaemus fan, but I don't dislike him either. Usually it depends on who he's working with as to whether he has a good match or not and, with Big Show in the opposite corner, I was ready to go for a pee break. Thankfully though, I decided to cross my legs and sit through it, as the match turned out to be pretty good. Of course there was nothing too technical here; there wasn't a single spinning toe hold or shooting star press to be seen. What this match did do is rely on the story telling, and it was a story that was told well. I'm not happy that it ended with Big Show becoming champion, but as far as the match goes, I was happy with how it came across.

Eve Torres (c) vs Layla vs Kaitlyn

I know that nobody cares about the women's matches and, since I didn't get to pee during that last match, now seems like the perfect time. To be fair to these three Divas though, they wrestled a well worked out match, the highlight for me being Eve putting some interesting submission maneuvers on Kaitlyn. Predictably enough Eve retained, but stuck between two big main events, I think they did well at retaining my interest.

CM Punk (c) vs Ryback

11 minutes. That's it. The match everyone was waiting for all night and we get 11 minutes! Not that it wasn't a decent 11 minutes because it was, they carried on doing the storytelling style of match up that Big Show and Shaemus pulled off earlier on in the night, with Heyman constantly stroking Punk's ego from the outside as he throws everything he has at Ryback. Nothing phases Ryback for long and it looks like he might even take the title, that is until the ref delivers a low blow and a very fast count, allowing Punk to retain the title. It finishes with Ryback taking his frustrations out on the ref, before chasing a frightened Punk up to the top of the cage and delivering a Shellshock on the steel.

I think we all knew that the PPV would end with Punk retaining the title, we just didn't know how it was going to happen. I can see why it happened the way it did, but that doesn't mean I have to like it; the finish felt cheap, and the match seems like it might as well never have happened.

No, Dolph didn't cash in Money in the Bank.

No, Brock didn't appear.

And no, this isn't going to be one of the more memorable PPVs of the year.

NGW Full Force

Eastmount Recreation Centre

Saturday 6th October 2012

Seats taken, snacks bought, chants prepared. But wait! Is that Kirby in the audience? Hmmm...

Tommy vs Tommy - Proving Ground Pre-show

- Tommy won, Tommy lost. Need I say more?

Haskins vs Stixx

- Good match overall, Stixx stood victorious at the end and stated that he would be taking the NGW title from whoever it was that held the title after the nights main event.

Caz Crash vs Robbie X

- Really good match, Caz seems to be getting better everytime I see him. Pleased Robbie still got a match after Avian's unfortunate withdrawal from the tag team. Caz pinned Robbie to take the win, and then started mouthing of at Kirby as the rest of The Proven ran in through the crowd to attack him. Caz claimed that lightning could strike twice and he would prove himself again at Eternal Glory when they go head-to-head once again!

Los Amigos vs Team GB vs The Predators - NGW Tag Team Championship

- Not the spot-fest that you would have assumed, just a great fast-paced wrestling match. The audience were in complete shock as both of Team GB piled on top of El Ligero to get the win and become the new NGW Tag Team Champions! Even bigger surprise was the announcement of a rematch for Eternal Glory, but with the addition of a fourth team; Robbie X and Extreme Dean Allmark! Plus, it will be NGW's first ever... LADDER MATCH!

Cruz vs Colossus

- Cruz came out with his usual entourage and a spray tan so dark that I honestly thought that Rampage had come out for the wrong match. He was terrified to get in the ring with Kennedy and so spent a count of 8 running round the outside the ring, before Colossus accidentally collided with Mel and, as he repented for his sins, Cruz slid back into the ring and Colossus was counted out. Cruz stood victorious, but not for long. His ex-manager Richie West came out with an announcement; the two of them would step in the ring again at Eternal Glory, but this time with Richie as the Special Guest referee!

Mad Man Manson vs Something Hope... (What was this guys name?)

- In my opinion, a guy like Manson needs a straight up serious wrestler to compete against if his act is to work. Sticking two "funnymen" in the ring at the same time was just an overload. Yeah it had it's funny points, but most of the time I was just thinking 'Thank God I don't have any children to mentally scar with this'. For what it matters, Hope scored the pinfall victory.

Rampage vs Myers

- This was always going to be a good match, but it was also only ever going one way; with Stixx's announcement early on, and Rampage holding the belt on the poster for Ultimate Showdown, it wasn't looking good for Myers. The challenger still gave it his all and looked like he could even cause an upset, that is until Haskins ran through the crowd and pushed Myers off the top rope, allowing Rampage to take advantage and steal the win. After the match, Haskins and Rampage shook hands and started beating on Myers, causing an enraged Stixx to run down to the ring, chair in hand. After breaking it all up he had another announcement to make; at Ultimate Showdown it was going to be Stixx against Rampage Brown, one-on-one, for the NGW Championship!

But that wasn't all, the fight restarted on the entrance ramp, and all climaxed in Stixx delivering a big back body drop to Rampage, sending him right through the wooden entrance way!

A huge finish to night of big matches and even bigger announcements.