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Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing coverage of Tommy Dreamer's House of Hardcore 8 at the 2300 (fka ECW) Arena in Philadelphia, PA!
Pre-Show Notes:
The show is sold out with about 200 fans turned away at the door. The promotion considered adding standing room but opted against it.
The Blue Meanie and Homicide, who are both injured and can't wrestle, are visiting at the show. Homicide is dealing with a torn rotator cuff. Meanie broke his hands in several places slipping on the ice in Philadelphia. Surgery is imminent for both men.
We are told there are several surprises scheduled tonight. I didn't see anyone out of the ordinary backstage, so they may be hiding them outside of the building until it's their time to appear.
Stephen DeAngelis welcomed everyone to the show. They aired a video spotlighting the top matches.
Brian Myers vs. PJ Black
Black is the former Justin Gabriel. Myers is the former Curt Hawkins. Black was on offense early, including hitting a flying bodypress for a two count. Myers gained control and locked in a side chinlock. Gabriel tried to mount a comeback but Myers tripped him up as he rebounded off the ropes. Myers nailed an elbow for a two count.
Myers continued the assault. Gabriel fired back with right hands but was caught with a slam. Myers tried to charge but was caught with a sidekick. Gabriel went to the top and nailed a beautiful 450 splash for the pin.
Your winner, PJ Black!
Black is victorious in his debut at the former ECW Arena.
A good, athletic match to kick off the event. Solid stuff.
The crowd, which was all over Myers for a New York Mets-inspired shirt, chanted, "Get the F*** out" at Myers.
Matt Striker vs. The Amazing Red
Striker came out to the old Starrcade theme. Red received a huge pop.
Shane Helms is guest commentating on the iPPV.
They went back and forth with some good counter wrestling early. Red surprised Striker with a fast two count, which aggravated Striker, who began getting more aggressive with his smaller foe. Striker used several shoulderblocks and tried to cover Red, but Red would escape every time, which the Arena loved.
Striker forced Red into the corner and kicked him stiff in the back. He began focusing on Red's mid-section and back, slamming Red down. Red fired back with chops but Striker caught him arm, twisted it and forced him to the mat. Striker used a forward roll to mount an armbar submission attempt. Red made a comeback and nailed a float-over DDT for a two count.
They went back and forth. Striker and Red fought on the top. Red gained control and nailed the Code Red off the ropes and scored the pin.
Your winner, The Amazing Red!
Good bout. Striker worked harder than I can remember him working in a long time and was a good, aggressive heel. Red did a great job as the babyface in peril making the comeback.
The crowd gave Striker a big ovation and a "Thank you Striker" chant. He acted moved, then heeled the crowd. They then chanted, "F*** you Striker."
Alex Reynolds vs. JT Dunn
They had some really good wrestling early. Dunn nailed a spinkick for a two count on Reynolds. Dunn was tossed to the floor. Reynolds teased a dive, but stopped and flipped off the crowd. Dunn hit the ring pissed but was taken down to the mat and locked in a side chinlock. Dunn fired back but was taken back down to the mat. Dunn fired back with several elbows to the mid-section and rebounded off the ropes with a clothesline.
Dunn nailed a sick looking double-stomp to the back of Reynolds' neck and head. Reynolds was sent to the floor. Dunn hit a tope suicida to the outside. Reynolds was draped over the railing. Dunn came off the ropes with a legdrop. The crowd chanted, "Holy sh**." Dunn charged Reynolds in the corner but was kicked down.
Dunn went to nail a lariat but Reynolds nailed a kick to the face. Dunn went for a move but someone got on the apron and distracted him. That alowed Reynolds to nail a superkick and then tossed him into the air, drilling him with a knee for the pin.
Your winner, Alex Reynolds!
Coverage continues on Page 2!
For more on HOH and to order the show, visit HouseofHardcore.net.
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