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July 10th
On this day in history in ....
1967 - Lou Albano & Tony Altimore defeat Arnold Skaaland & Chuck Richards (subbing for Spiros Arion) for the United States Tag Team Title (precursor to WWWF Tag Title) in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Ironically, Skaaland had become champion when Arion's original partner, Antonio Pugliese, left the company. So, neither of the wrestlers who lost the title were actually part of the team that won the belts.
1988 - The first ever NWA Great American Bash Pay-per-view (previous Bash shows were not shown via PPV) was held in Baltimore, Maryland at the Baltimore Arena. Interesting to note, every match on the show went over 15 minutes. The PPV was Jim Crockett Promotion's second attempt at a PPV broadcast and their first to be broadcast via the complete PPV universe. Here are the results:
- In a dark match, Rick Steiner & Dick Murdoch defeated Tim Horner & Kendall Windham.
- NWA World Tag Team Champions Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard vs. Sting & Nikita Koloff went to a 20-minute draw.
- The Midnight Express (Stan Lane & Bobby Eaton) defeated The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton & Tommy Rogers) to win the United States Tag Team Title.
- Jimmy Garvin, Ronnie Garvin, Steve Williams & The Road Warriors defeated Kevin Sullivan, Mike Rotunda, Al Perez, Russian Assassin & Ivan Koloff in a "Tower Of Doom" match. Three cages were stacked, with wrestlers entering through the top cage at intervals and battling down the levels. The first team to completely exit the cage first were the winners. Previous, Garvin's valet/wife who was being pursued by Kevin Sullivan, was given control of the cage door, and opened it for the wrestlers to exit. After the match, Sullivan locked himself in the bottom cage with Previous, until Jimmy Garvin and Road Warrior Hawk battled back down the tower so Garvin could take Precious to safety while Hawk beat up Sullivan.
- NWA United States Champion Barry Windham defeated Dusty Rhodes when Ronnie Garvin, Rhodes' friend, took a payoff to knock out Rhodes.
- NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair defeated Lex Luger when the match was stopped by the Maryland State Athletic Commission due to Luger bleeding. Luger had Flair in the Torture Rack at the time of the stoppage, and appeared to be on the verge of winning the title.
1997 - Extreme Championship Wrestling ran Wildwood, NJ at the Convention Hall with the following results:
-Little Guido & Tracy Smothers defeated Danny Morrison & Roadkill.
-Mikey Whipwreck & Spike Dudley defeated PG-13.
-Shane Douglas defeated Chris Chetti.
-Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Bobby Duncum Jr.
-Chris Candido defeated Balls Mahoney.
-ECW World Tag Team Champions Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley defeated Axl Rotten & New Jack when New Jack was pinned with 3D.
-ECW Word TV Champion Taz defeated John Kronus.
-Tommy Dreamer defeated Louie Spicolli in an I Quit match.
-The Sandman defeated Rob Van Dam.
1998 - WCW ran "The LA Melee" in Inglewood, CA at the Great Western Forum, drawing a sellout 15,678 fans for an event that also sold via the Internet as an audio PPV where fans could listen to live, streaming commentary:
-WCW TV Champion Booker T pinned Fit Finlay with the missile dropkick.
-Eddie Guerrero pinned Chavo Guerrero with the frog splash. Aafter the bout, Chavo fought off Eddie and cut off some of his hair.
-Juventud Guerrera, Psychosis, & Ciclope defeated Damien, Villano IV, & V when Guerrera pinned Damien with the Juvi Driver.
-The Ultimo Dragon defeated Dean Malenko via count-out when Malenko left the ring to chase WCW Cruiserweight Champion Chris Jericho backstage.
-WCW Cruiserweight Champion Chris Jericho defeated Rey Mysterio Jr. via disqualification when Dean Malenko interfered and attacked the champion.
-Konnan defeated Vincent via submission with the Tequilla Sunrise.
-Kevin Nash & Lex Luger defeated Bret Hart & the Giant via disqualification when the Disciple and Vincent interfered; after the bout, Konnan helped make the save.
-WCW World Champion Bill Goldberg pinned Curt Hennig with the spear and Jackhammer after kicking out of the Hennig Plex.
-Sting defeated Hulk Hogan in a steel cage match via submission with the Scorpion Deathlock; after the bout, WCW World Champion Bill Goldberg came out to make the save against members of nWo Hollywood and slammed the Giant.
1999 - ECW ran Tampa, FL at the Expo Park, featuring thye following results:
-Vito Lograsso & Rhino defeated Fidel Sierra & Simon Diamond when Lograsso pinned Diamond.
-Super Crazy pinned Little Guido.
-Jerry Lynn pinned Lance Storm.
-ECW World Tag Team Champions Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley defeated Chris Chetti & Nova and Danny Doring & Roadkill in a Three-Way Dance.
-Bubba the Love Sponge fought Bill Alfonso to a no contest in a streetfight.
-Francine pinned Steve Corino.
-ECW World Champion Taz defeated Yoshihiro Tajiri via submission with the Tazmission.
-Jazz pinned Jason.
-Sabu pinned Justin Credible.
-ECW World TV Champion Rob Van Dam pinned Spike Dudley.
2001 - Jeff Hardy defeats Mike Awesome for the WWF Hardcore Title in Birmingham, Alabama.
2005 - Combat Zone Wrestling announced their annual Tournament of Death event would be moved from Delaware to the ECW Arena in Philadelphia after the State Athletic Commission agreed to lax rules regarding death matches. That agreement soon went the way of the Dodo Bird and the event was quietly moved back to Delaware, where it was remained to date.
2007 - Rob Van Dam spoke out about the WWE version of ECW and his decision to leave the company during an interview with The BBC. Mike Johnson penned the following recap of the audio interview:
Van Dam, who comments earlier in the interview about his personal burnout and needing time away from wrestling, said one of the factors in that burnout was the weight of responsibility for the ECW re-launch on his shoulders. He noted that he was concerned about bringing back ECW because the original players were the only ones who could do it and they were "limited" at that point, but quickly got excited about the idea of finding younger stars to become a new, modernized version of ECW.
He noted that all eyes were on him because his entire WWE run, he was "bitching he missed ECW" and it was on his shoulders to carry the re-launch.
Van Dam said the "new ECW sucked." Van Dam said that when the brand was re-launched last summer, they were struggling to bring up the live crowds but the advertising and budgeting for the live shows were "reduced to an offensive level. Paul Heyman and myself were so disgusted by it that we would both talk about quitting. Paul left before I did and I knew I only had a matter of time before my contract was up."
Van Dam said he would have liked to have seen WWE "utilize the phenomenon that was ECW" and that fans would stop him to tell him they loved the old ECW but didn't like the new version. Van Dam said that he went to Vince McMahon "on a few occasions and told him this isn't going to work and the ECW crowd isn't going to like that. To my dissatisfaction, I learned that his vision of this new ECW was nothing at all like my vision. Nothing at all like the original ECW fans wanted or expected. It was also something that he wasn't going to be able to force the original ECW fans to expect, so his reaction was, 'Screw them, I own the world, here's this new ECW. I'm going to get a whole new audience of new kids and new adults and they're going to like this new ECW like they like Raw and Smackdown because it's a new alternative.' In the long run, as we all know, it's looked at as a lesser product. It never should have been that way. I saw it coming, I saw it happening and now I see that it did happen. Now that it's still happening."
Van Dam also noted that as his contract expired, "I honestly felt like I was abandoning the ECW project. Sabu left. I feel that he left because he knew I only had a few weeks left and he didn't want to be there anymore. I'm concerned about Sandman. The Originals being put back together - me, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, Sandman - was that like being thrown a bone, to me and to the ECW fans saying, 'We know the new ECW sucks compared to the old ECW, but here's a little something for you guys that want to hold onto the past.' It works. They know how to throw me a bone every once and a while to get me to give that much more and I kept giving and giving but the fact is, they killed ECW. They being WWE, way before I did. I walked out with a clear conscience on that."
2007 - World Wrestling Entertainment signed Teddy Hart to a developmental deal. Hart has already reported to Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida. The controversial but extremely charismatic and talented Hart was the talk of the Internet at various times in recent years for antics in Ring of Honor, TNA, Jersey All Pro Wrestling and MLW, among other promotions. Hart would not make it to the main roster before being released for the second time from a developmental contract. The planned Hart family stable would instead feature Harry "DH" Smith, Nattie "Natalya" Neidhart and TJ Wilson aka Tyson Kidd.
2007 - United States Congressman Cliff Stearns of Ocala, Florida told the Baltimore Sun that he believes Congress should be looking into holding hearings about the steroid use in professional wrestling, as they did for Major League Baseball several years ago. "Between 1985 and 2006, 89 wrestlers have died before the age of 50," Stearns told the paper via email.
"Of course, not all of these deaths can be attributed to steroid use. However, this abnormally high number of deaths of young, fit athletes should raise congressional alarms."'
"At this time, I do not believe that the new House majority sees steroid use as a serious issue. I urge Chairman [Bobby] Rush of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee to hold a hearing to determine the prevalence of steroid use in professional wrestling and the means of ending their use."
2007 - The Associated Press released the following:
Some tests in Benoit case complete, officials mum on results
By HARRY R. WEBER
Associated Press Writer
ATLANTA - Some of the chemical tests on the bodies of pro wrestler Chris Benoit, his wife and son have been completed, but officials were mum Tuesday on what the results show.
A spokesman for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, John Bankhead, told The Associated Press that his agency was waiting for all the tests to be complete before sharing the results with investigators in Fayette County.
"We're going to discuss what we find with local investigators and they can determine what they want to release," Bankhead said.
District Attorney Scott Ballard did not immediately return a page to his cell phone seeking comment.
Police have said Benoit strangled his wife and son, placing Bibles next to the bodies, and then hung himself on a piece of exercise equipment in his suburban Atlanta home the weekend of June 22.
Authorities found anabolic steroids in Benoit's home, leading officials to wonder whether the drugs played a role in the killings. Some experts believe steroids can cause paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as "roid rage."
Since the deaths, toxicology tests have been conducted on Benoit's body to determine if steroids or other drugs were present. Blood-alcohol tests also were conducted on his body, and chemical tests were conducted on the bodies of the wife and son, Bankhead said. The wife's body was decomposed, preventing some tests on her body from being done, though Bankhead declined to be specific.
The GBI has been handling the testing for general drugs and alcohol, while an outside lab was hired to do the testing for steroids, Bankhead said. He declined to name the lab or say which of the tests have been completed.
"There is going to be some interpretation of what was found," Bankhead said, without elaborating.
A federal agent's affidavit said Benoit's personal doctor, Phil Astin, prescribed a 10-month supply of anabolic steroids to Benoit every three to four weeks between May 2006 and May 2007. It says that during a probe called "RX Weight Loss," Benoit was identified as an excessive purchaser of injectable steroids.
The affidavit also says that "Astin has been the subject of concern for excessive and/or suspicious prescribing activity by the Carrollton, Ga. Police Department and local area pharmacies."
Authorities have not said what "RX Weight Loss" refers to.
Astin has told the AP he prescribed testosterone for Benoit, a longtime friend, in the past but has not said what, if any, medications he prescribed when Benoit visited his office June 22, the day authorities believe Benoit killed his wife.
Last week, Astin was charged in a federal indictment with improperly prescribing medication to two other patients, but not Benoit. Prosecutors have said more charges are possible.
Astin pleaded not guilty at his first court appearance. His lawyer, Manny Arora, told AP on Monday that Astin has no plans at this time to change his plea to guilty, but he didn't rule out the idea down the road. A pretrial hearing in Astin's case is set for July 19.
A sheriff's official said Friday that Astin also is being investigated in the February 2006 death of another wrestler, Michael Durham. Ballard has not returned calls seeking comment on the status of that case.
2007 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Buck Woodward filed the following TV Report:
CW on SciFi for July 10th started with a brand new show opening. Joey Styles & Tazz welcomed us to the show, and pointed out that ECW Champion Johnny Nitro would have his first "taste of Extreme Rules" match tonight against Tommy Dreamer.
Matt Striker's old classroom set was in the ring, and Striker brought out his "worst student", the Boogeyman. Striker said normally a student brings a gift for the teacher, but he has a gift for Boogeyman. Striker revealed a fishbowl filled with worms. Boogey reached in and stuck a handful in his mouth. Striker said Boogey has been giving him "lessons in worms" and we saw how Boogeyman "wormed" Striker two weeks ago. Striker said that worms are hermaphadites, as Boogey had another mouthful. Striker tried to explain the Boogey what exactly he was putting in his mouth all the time. Striker said worms are cold-blooded and so is Boogey's actions towards him recently. Striker said it all stops now, and out came Viscera. Without a shirt. Vis has lost weight, but not that much. Striker introduced him as "Big Daddy V". Boogey lunged at Striker, but Viscera slammed Boogey on Striker's desk, which didn't break. Big Daddy V then threw him into the chalkboard twice, breaking it the second time. Boogey fell to the floor, and Striker and Big Daddy V stood triumphant.
A Triple H promo video aired.
Elijah Burke vs. Balls Mahoney
Burke hit some knees to the gut and head at the start, then worked over Balls in a corner with forearms. Burke missed a shot and Balls hit a series of punches, with the fans chanting along. Balls missed the big wind-up punch, and Elijah downed Balls with some quick punches. Burke went for his towel, but the referee took it from him. While the referee discarded the towel, Burke choked Balls. Burke elevated himself in the corner for a drop down elbow on Balls for a two count. Burke applied a Cobra Clutch, but Balls got to his feet and punched out of it. Balls hit a pair of clothesline, then hit a series of lefts. Balls hit the wind-up punch this time, then slammed Burke. Balls went to the top rope, but missed the legdrop. Elijah pulled down the knee pads and hit the Elijah Express (double jumping knee) to Mahoney's chest and got the pin at the three minute mark.
Winner: Elijah Burke
They showed a video package on Tommy Dreamer, comprised entirely of footage from the original ECW, putting over that Dreamer was the "heart and soul" of the original ECW.
CM Punk was shown heading to the ring.
CM Punk vs. Stevie Richards
I believe this is the sixth time in the history of ECW on Sci Fi that we are seeing this match. Punk leads the series, 5-0.
Punk grabbed a headlock at the start, then hit a shoulderblock when Richards shoved him off. They traded armdrags and legsweeps, then Punk hit a shot to the gut and a neckbreaker. Johnny Nitro was shown watching a monitor in the back. Punk hit a kick to the back of the leg, then hit an enzugiri for a two count. Punk slammed Richards and delivered a legdrop for a one count. Punk applied a chinlock, and when Richards stood up in it, Punk hit a forearm to the chest to knock him down. Punk went for a slam, but Richards floated over it and hit some kicks to the back, including a kick to the back of the head for a two count. Richards scored another two count with a neckbreaker and applied a chinlock. Richards went for a kick, but Punk caught it and locked on a leglace. Richards used his free leg to kick out of it. Richards grabbed a front facelock, but Punk punched out of it and hit a back suplex. Punk applied a single leg crab, but Richards rolled through it and tried to kick free. Punk grabbed the other leg and catapulted Richards into the corner. Punk hit a jumping knee to the back of the head, then one to the front of the head. Punk then hit a bulldog for a two count. Punk hit a double underhook backbreaker for a two count. Punk went for a clothesline, but Richards blocked it and hit a faceplant, then applied a variation of the Koji Clutch. Punk struggled in the hold, then got his foot on the ropes. Richards went for a tornado DDT off the middle rope, but Punk pulled Richards off the ropes into a fireman's carry and hit the Go To Sleep for the win at the seven minute mark. 6-0.
Winner: CM Punk
Punk gestured that he wants the ECW Title.
Backstage, The Miz was talking to Kelly Kelly. Brooke showed up and asked Kelly to introduce them. Miz introduced himself to Brooke. Layla was there and said hello as well. Miz left to get ready for his match, and Layla made fun of Brooke for having a crush on Miz, as she remarked how cute he is.
The Miz vs. Nunzio.
Extreme Expose was watching on a monitor in the back. Miz and Nunzio traded waistlocks and reversals on the mat. Miz hit a walking the ropes side mare to take Nunzio to the mat. Nunzio used knees to the gut to get out of the headlock and hit some forearms and kicks. Miz reversed a whip, hit a backdrop and a dropkick (sort of). Guido hit a double boot on a charging Miz from the corner, then stood on the back of his head and choked him on the bottom rope. Nunzio applied a rear chinlock, but Miz fought out of it. Nunzio hit a suplex then applied a headscissors. Nunzio switched into a chinlock chant, and there was actually a "Guido" chant from some fans. Miz broke out and hit some forearms, then a pair of flying forearms. Nunzio went for a whip in the corner, but Nunzio jumped onto the second rope and hit a clothesline. Miz hit a Rocker Dropper, with some difficulty, for a two count. Miz drove Nunzio's head into his knee, then hit a neckbreaker, which Joey called the Mizard Of Oz, for the pin at the six minute mark.
Winner: The Miz.
Extreme Expose danced.
They recapped the opening segment with Matt Striker, Boogeyman and Big Daddy V.
ECW Champion Johnny Nitro vs. Tommy Dreamer - Extreme Rules
Tommy Dreamer came to the ring with a shopping cart full of weapons before the commercial break.
After the break, Johnny Nitro made his entrance, as Dreamer spread the weapons all over the ring. Dreamer swung a Singapore cane at Nitro as he got on the apron, and Nitro jumped to the floor. Dreamer went to the outside as Nitro was taking off his coat and attacked him. They brawled in the aisle, with Nitro getting the better of it. Nitro slid into the ring and began tossing most of the weapons out. Nitro grabbed a crutch, but missed with it and Dreamer hit some punches and a hiptoss. Dreamer picked up the crutch and hit Nitro across the back with it. Dreamer hit Nitro in the leg with the crutch, then brought it down across Nitro's knee. Dreamer applied a Texas Cloverleaf variation, and Nitro made the ropes, but the referee told Nitro it was Extreme Rules, so there was no break. Dreamer let go of the hold and went for a weapon, but Nitro cut him off and threw him into a corner. Nitro twisted Dreamer's arm and flipped him to the mat, then hit him across the back with the crutch. Nitro broke the crutch across Dreamer's arm, then kicked it. The announcers put over that Nitro had hurt Dreamer's arm last week in their singles match.
Nitro hit a series of kicked to the arm, but Dreamer finally caught one, picked up Nitro and hit a fallaway slam. Dreamer clothesline Nitro over the top rope and to the floor, but Nitro hit him with a street sign. Nitro hit a slingshot kick to knick Dreamer to the floor. Nitro put a chair around the neck of Dreamer and rammed him into the ringpost. Nitro got on the security wall and hit a corkscrew moonsault on Dreamer on the floor. Nitro covered Dreamer on the floor for a two count. Nitro and Dreamer made it back into the ring, and Nitro continued to attack the arm of Dreamer. Nitro got on the second rope, but Dreamer slammed him off. Nitro fought back with forearms and elbows, but when he charged Dreamer in a corner, Dreamer lifted him and crotched him on the top rope. Dreamer hit a pair of trashcan lid shots on Nitro. Dreamer put the lid on the top turnbuckle, then dropped Nitro headfirst on it. Dreamer hit a reverse DDT for a two count. Dreamer went for a trashcan lid elbowdrop off the second rope, but Nitro moved out of the way. Nitro hit Dreamer with the lid and went to the top rope, but Dreamer hit him with the lid, crotching Nitro on the top rope.
Dreamer put a trash can on the head and body of Nitro, and hung him in the Tree Of Woe. Dreamer hit a baseball slide dropkick, crushing the can on Nitro. Dreamer set up a trash can and a chair in a corner. Nitro reversed a whip, but Dreamer stopped himself and lifted Nitro for a slam. Nitro floated out of the slam and went for a kick, but Dreamer blocked it. Nitro caught Dreamer with a drop toe hold, and Dreamer went into the trash can and chair. Nitro got the pin with his foot on the bottom rope (which doesn't matter, since it is Extreme Rules) at the nine minute mark.
Winner: Johnny Nitro.
Nitro walked off with the belt to end the show.
2008 - TNA announces they will debut at the Manhattan Center in New York City in September 2008.
2008 - Ric Flair's finance company, "Ric Flair Finance" officially shuttered operations due to the state of the weak economy. A website devoted to the company was changed to list information for the agent responsible for booking Flair's personal appearances.
2009 - TNA ran Hamilton, Ontario. Devin Cutting sent the following report:
Total Nonstop Action
Friday, July 10th, 2009
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Eric Young beat Suicide by pinfall. After the match, Young pinned Earl Hebner.
Angelina Love beat Taylor Wilde by pinfall.
Homicide beat Consequences Creed by pinfall to retain the X Division Championship (even though Homicide's title win hasn't aired on TV yet).
AJ Styles & Daniels beat Kurt Angle & Samoa Joe. The match ended with Styles pinning Angle.
Jay Lethal beat Sheik Abdul Bashir by pinfall.
Beer Money beat Team 3D to retain the Tag Team Championship. The match ended with Bashir interfering & James Storm pinning Brother Ray. After the match, Bashir tried to celebrate with Beer Money, but Beer Money threw him back into the ring & Team 3D put him through a table.
2010 - The Northeastern independent wrestling community gathered to pay tribute to the late Michael "Trent Acid" Verdi at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, PA, raising money for his funeral costs at the first-ever "Acid-Fest." Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
There are times in life where all sides have to give up all the politics and garbage that often pervade professional wrestling. The passing of Michael "Trent Acid" Verdi was one of those reasons and obviously, one of the saddest reasons of all. However, in a lot of ways, Verdi's passing provided a chance for everyone and everything he cared about to congregate together in a celebration of his life on Saturday 7/10 at the former ECW Arena.
Whether it was Verdi's closest friends in the business, family that never really understood how important he had become to the local independent scene, those who had worked him in the past coming out of retirement for one day only, those who came from his real life to see a glimpse of why wrestling was important to Verdi, or just fans who wanted to say goodbye to someone they cared about, they were ALL at the Verdi memorial show, en masse.
The show was full of feel good moments. There were no real heels and the theme of the day was thanking Verdi, remembering Verdi and mourning Verdi, all at once. Just about every match ended with the competitors embracing and showing tribute to their friend. It was hard not to get choked up by a locker room so full it was impossible to walk two steps forward without seeing a face you hadn't seen in forever or getting lost in the mass of humanity.
It was said after his death that Michael Verdi's family and friends didn't really understand that he was a wrestling star. They thought it was some local lark or hobby. As crazy as it sounds, knowing he was appearing on television weekly in the early part of the decade and that he was one half of the hottest team in CZW when they moved into the ECW Arena, just a few blocks from where they lived, they really didn't. After today, the family certainly knew and were personally blown away by the level of emotion and the amount of money raised in Verdi's name.
The show was technically a CZW show, although in a classy maneuver, they ignored political issues and invited anyone and everyone who wanted to be there to work the show. Johnny Kashmere, who has a long list of issues with the promotion, was heavily involved in the promotion and in booking talents. Honestly, there were far too many talents on the show, but if there was ever a reason to have that problem, it was to honor someone like Verdi.
The details of the matches aren't really as important as the fact that the local wrestling community, past and present, came out to help and support the family of Michael Verdi. They all had their reasons, and people will always look for ulterior motives I am sure. Tomorrow, all the heat and politics can return and we can go back to business as normal, but today, everyone should all be applauded for a job well done.
Full results of the Trent Acid Memorial "Acid-Fest" at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, PA, before an estimated crowd of 650 fans:
*CZW owner DJ Hyde came to the ring to Trent Acid's theme song "The Chase", flanked by B-Boy, Homicide, Adam Flash, Missy Sampson and Nick Berk. Hyde said that everyone in the ring was responsible for today's gathering to take place and said that he didn't want today's event to be seen as a "goodbye" but as a "thank you." Hyde introduced an awesome music video of Trent's work in the ring set to a song by Pearljam, which was Acid's favorite musical group. Hyde said that he wanted everyone to remember Acid for what he gave to professional wrestling and for the fact that he truly loved his fans. It was a really classy speech, culminating with Hyde announcing that Acid would never be forgotten as they unveiled a banner for Acid in the building's Hardcore Hall of Fame.
*Helter Skelter (who knew Acid from grade school on) won a Trent Acid Memorial Royal Rumble, last eliminating former WWE star Big Vito. Skelter was managed by Missy Hyatt. There would no way to recap every single person who was involved in the match as it was seemingly a "cast of thousands" as I've never seen as many people in the locker room of the Arena, for any show, as I did before the Rumble. There were a lot of names from all aspects of Acid's career - from his own students to friends like the Messiah to those who shared locker rooms with him, like the Dirty Rotten Scoundrelz and Jumbo Joe Guns. There were so many, entrants were coming out 2-4 at a time. Everyone came out to "The Chase."
*Nick Berk & Z-Barr defeated Robby Mireno & Don Montoya, who were managed by "Reckless Youth" Tom Carter. Montoya has lost an incredible amount of weight from the time he was wrestling regularly on the independent scene. Barr and Berk were playing babyfaces here. Mireno was one of the few performers able to actually get heat on the show since everyone was there to enjoy themselves and remember Verdi, which is quite the feat.
*In a six person tag bout, "Acid's Angels" Amy Lee & Missy Sampson & Annie Social defeated Alere Little Feather & Roxxie Cotton & Detox when the babyfaces all piled on top.
*The SAT defeated The Carnage Crew, The reunited Hit Squad and The H8 Club, managed by Dewey Donovan and Justice Pain. It was the first time the Hit Squad had teamed in about six years. The SAT have put on weight, so seeing them standing on the top rope with Monsta Nack to do a Spanish Fly was quite the sight and I have to believe everyone was scared the ropes would snap. Tony Devito took the mic after the bout and said that while they fight every night, tonight they fought for the memory of their "brother" and told Acid they loved him. Joel Maximo took the mic and said that over the last few years, the SAT have been up and down the East Coast wrestling all of the teams in the ring as well as the Backseat Boyz, Trent Acid and Johnny Kashmere. He said that pound for pound, Acid was one of the best wrestlers in the world and that his memory will live on in everyone's hearts and minds and that he thanked Trent for making a mark in wrestling like many never would. Justice Pain then asked the crowd to make this an annual event so they could always remember Trent Acid.
*Lou E. Dangerously (Lou D'Angeli aka Sign Guy Dudley) came out for a Danger Zone segment. Dangerously noted that he wasn't out there as Sign Guy or as Lou E. but as himself, a guy who was lucky enough to grow up in Philadelphia and see some of the greatest wrestling come in and out of the city of Brotherly Love, from WWF in the Spectrum to the NWA in the Civic Center. He then introduced his guest, someone who has given a lot to the city of Philadelphia, ECW founder Tod Gordon. Gordon came out and spoke to Philadelphia-born stars like JT Smith and the Sandman and said Trent was another just like them and someone who was truly special. Gordon and Lou then presented a plaque to Trent Acid's parents, for Acid's lifetime achievements in professional wrestling, for his work ethic and for the memories he provided, from Acid's "promoters, fellow wrestlers and fans." It was a classy moment. Dangerously then thanked Tod for everything he did for wrestling in Philadelphia and told Gordon he learned about brotherhood and respect from pro wrestling and he has great respect for Tod. As Tod left the ring, Dangerously teased hitting him with a telephone but Gordon caught him. Tod then threatened to punch Lou but in the end they smiled and hugged. Funny.
*Homicide and B-Boy defeated Sonjay Dutt & Ruckus. There were some anti-TNA chants when Homicide and Dutt faced off, but Homicide shushed them and noted tonight wasn't about TNA. Really good back and forth match.
*Johnny Kashmere, with Donnie B, pinned Devon Moore. Don Bucci, former manager and Phoenix Championship Wrestling promoter, is now a police officer and returned for one night only. He originally put the Backseat Boyz together as it was his idea for the boy band gimmick with Verdi, who suggested Kashmere. They played off of the legitimate heat between Moore and Kashmere from a falling out years ago. The plan was to have CZW founder John Zandig involved to make it a three-way but he is still too beat up from the back issues stemming from a car wreck that it wasn't possible. Zandig was not at the show.
The show ended with the locker room returning to the ring. CZW owner DJ Hyde announced they had raised $7,540 for the family and immediately had them presented a check from CZW. The show ended with a ten bell salute for Acid so he could "main event one last time" in the Arena where he made his name,
Notes: Verdi's family was placed in the front row and many of the wrestlers paid personal tribute to them as they left the ring....The show featured a $10 suggested donation. All of the boys who performed on the show donated $10 to work the show as well in a show of respect for Acid's memory... The planned four way elimination match was turned into a single elimination bout due to the show running behind schedule....They sold Acid-Fest t-shirts and programs to raise money for the family as well....The show was filmed by several different companies for a future DVD release....A WWE watch designed to look like a spinner belt that was said to have been donated by John Cena was auctioned off to raise funds as well....www.indywrestlingnews.com reported the following: "Notably absent was Billy Reil. Reil decided late this week not to attend the event due to unspecified issues with Johnny Kashmere. Kashmere reportedly made it clear that Reil wasn't welcomed at the event, which is inexcusable considering how close Reil was with Verdi dating back nearly 20 years. Reil posted this on his Facebook account shortly after the event ended: Wants to personally thank the boys and the fans for honoring my friend today. While I was not physically there today, rest assured that my thoughts and spirit were with each and every one of you. Thank You for making these past 15 years so memorable. It's been a honor and pleasure to have met, worked with, laughed and cried with all of you. T. Acid 4 forever."
2010 - Consequences Creed, currently WWE developmental talent Austin Creed, won the 2010 ECWA Super 8 tournament, which would prove to be the final tournament held under the leadership of ECWA founder Jim Kettner, who would sell the company and retire a month later. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
Jim Kettner's East Coast Wrestling Association held their 14th Annual Super 8 Tournament on Saturday 7/10 in Newark, Delaware at the Boys & Girls Club, drawing 300-400 fans. The Super 8, at one point, received the lion's share of online acclaim and buzz. It was considered the best of the best when in terms of revolutionary, athletic independent wrestling and with good reason. Over time, promotions like Ring of Honor and scores of similar tournaments began to sprout up.
What was once unique was now one of many, many similar products, so Jim Kettner changed gears and moved away from promoting that style and promoting directly to hardcore online fans, a smart move as less and less from that audience showed up for the tournaments. Instead, Kettner refocused on his own local audiences, working to insure that the fans that are his monthly bread and butter are catered to with characters and storylines. While it might not result in hundreds of Internet postings about his product and promotion, it's still a formula that works and gives the audience one hell of a bang for their $17 admission. Onto the report:
The promotion held a "Fan Interaction Night" before the show itself began, with wrestlers signing and taking part in games like trivia, Pictionary and the like. The kids in the crowd were loving the hell out of it.
ECWA champion Mega came to the ring and welcomed everyone to the Super 8, then introduced former competitors in the tournament who were present at the show. Last year's winner, Nick Logan, brought the tournament trophy to the ring. They then introduced this year's field of competition. The promotion then did a ten bell salute in honor of Trent Acid before the show as well. Acid was a former ECWA Tag Team champion and competed in the 2000 Super 8 tournament. They played the national anthem, then aired a video feature to catch everyone up on storylines. At the onset, they aired a "In memory of" graphic for Acid, Jeff Peterson and Steve Bradley.
2010 SUPER 8 ROUND ONE
Scott Wright vs. "Eugene" Nick Dinsmore
Wright is a longtime regular here as a heel and cut a promo saying he was a serious wrestler and that's why he was in the Super 8. He said you wouldn't be seeing any super heroes or wrestlers with facepaint in chains tonight in the tournament, then demanded his opponent be revealed. So, of course, it was Eugene. He was billed under the spelling U-Gene, but I'm using the WWE spelling. Wright's response was hilarious. They locked up and Wright caught Eugene in a side headlock, then shoulder tackled him down. They then went into some comedy spots where Eugene tricked Wright into punching the mat, then rode him like a horse. Eugene played to the crowd, only to be caught with a clothesline. Wright worked over Eugene with punches, then a back elbow for a two count. Wright controlled Eugene and scored several near falls. Eugene made a comeback with a Lou Thesz Press and the People's Elbow. Eugene went for a piledriver but Wright escaped and turned it into a swinging neckbreaker. Eugene came back with a back suplex and set up for Sweet Chin Music, then nailed it, complete with the stomps, for the pin. Mostly comedy for the kids but a nice opener for the audience ECWA is promoting to.
Your winner, Eugene!
"Yours Truly" Alex Reynolds vs. Chris Wylde
Reynolds is a Long Island native who was trained by former ECW champion Mikey Whipwreck. He came out to Italian music with a suede jacket and a white scarf wrapped around his neck, doing a snobby gimmick. Think early Hunter Hearst Helmsley. Wylde is a regular on the Northeast independent scene who's also wrestled for XCW in Germany. Wylde controlled the match early with some hiptosses and armdrags. Wylde used a armdrag takedown and Reynolds rolled out of the ring, where he was hit with a baseball sliding kick to the floor. Back in the ring, Reynolds caught Wylde with a nasty guillotine legdrop, then a dropkick. He cinched in a side headlock but Wylde fought his way out of it, then backdropped Reynolds. Reynolds made a comeback and scored several near falls. He worked over Wylde with an armbar as Wylde fought back. Wylde was finally able to kick Reynolds as he charged and nailed a high cross bodyblock for a two count. He barely nailed a leg lariat for another near fall. Reynolds went for a discus punch but was blocked and hit with an enziguiri for a two count. Wylde charged Reynolds but was caught and powerbombed into the corner. Reynolds covered him for a two count. Wylde ended up on the apron and avoided another guillotine legdrop, then hit a sunset flip bomb from the outside into the ring for the pin. Some missed spots but not a bad athletic match.
Your winner, Chris Wylde!
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Chase Del Monte
Both are regulars here. Ciampa is from the New England area, was originally trained at Killer Kowalski's school and has worked in Ohio Valley Wrestling as Thomas Penmanship. Ciampa went to the finals in last year's tournament, losing to Nick Logan. Del Monte does the high power ring entrance, dancing and playing to the crowd while Poison blares. Ciampa tried to bully Del Monte early, but Monte wasn't having it. Del Monte went for a superkick but missed. They went back and forth until Del Monte caught Ciampa with a rana. He went to the floor, where Del Monte nailed a dive over the ropes. They battled on the floor, where Ciampa nailed a suplex. Back in the ring, Ciampa stomped the hell out of Del Monte. Del Monte came back with a leaping hurancanrana off the top rope, then went back to the ropes. Ciampa grabbed his legs and snapped him off the ropes. He locked in a variation of the Walls of Jericho but Del Monte finally made it to the ropes. He dragged Del Monte back to the center and turned it into a Sharpshooter, then worked him over with a series of elbow strikes. Del Monte came back to drive Ciampa off the ropes face first into his knees but Ciampa kicked out. Del Monte set up for the superkick but missed. He set up Ciampa for a Killswitch, then swung him into a neckbreaker. Ciampa kicked out at the last minute. Chase went to the top but Ciampa grabbed him and nailed his finisher, Project Ciampa, a powerbomb where he drops the opponent down over both of Ciampa's knees for the pin. Good match.
Your winner, Tommaso Ciampa!
Kingpin Brian Milonas vs. Austin Creed
Creed is the former TNA star Consequences Creed. Milonas is from the New England area, having trained initially at Killer Kowalski's school and has worked for NECW and other area promotions. He had a Jim Neidhart-esque beard and a burly body. The story here was Creed's finesse vs. Milonas' sheer power. Milonas shoved down Creed and attacked him before the bell, talking a lot of trash while doing so. He picked up Creed for a powerbomb but it was turned into a Frankenstein. Creed peppered him with punches and Milonas powdered to the floor. When he returned, Creed caught him with a drop toehold. Milonas fought back and quickly began to control the match, working over Creed and holding him off-balance with his power. He locked Creed in a bear hug to wear him down. Creed fought his way out but soon was trapped again. They worked the submission hold for quite a while. Creed finally escaped but was caught with a swinging sideslam for a two count. Milonas charged Creed in the corner but Creed caught him with a kick. He came back with a big dropkick and then a big flying forearm. Creed made the big comeback with a series of hot moves, then went to the ropes with a big missile dropkick. He charged Milonas but was caught with a kick to the gut. Milonas worked over Creed, getting several near falls. He went to the middle turnbuckle for a splash but missed. Creed made his way to the ropes and came off with a DDT, scoring the pin. Despite their obvious style differences, I thought they worked a hell of a heel vs. babyface match. Milonas is one hell of a worker.
NO DQ: ECW Mid-Atlantic and Tag Team champions Aden Chambers & Ryan Rush & Julian Starr vs. Matt & Bryan & Nick Logan
The storyline here is that Chambers, Rush and Starr are representing the fictional West Coast Wrestling Alliance, who are heels against the ECWA and have captured the championships. The Logans won a rematch by DQ last time but the belts still returned to the "West Coast", so now there are no disqualifications. The Logans hit the ring with chairs and run the WCWA out of the ring. They did a triple dive out of the ring and then brawled all around ringside. It was a fun brawl. When they finally returned to the ring, the referee rang the bell. The Logans cleaned house early until Chambers laid out Nick Logan, who is an amateur as opposed to a "professional" wrestler. He was set up on the turnbuckles but escaped and powerbombed Chambers through several chairs in the ring. He came off the top rope with a senton but immediately grabbed his neck, went down and didn't get back up. Matt and Bryan worked over Team WCWA and got the pin. They began celebrating but realized something was wrong. The promotion immediately cut the music and they called for EMTS. The promotion called for an intermission as Nick was stretchered out and to an ambulance that was outside the venue. Fans chanted "Logan" as he was taken out. The entire moment was treated like it was deadly serious, but it was entirely a planned angle to continue the storyline. The match was a fun brawl, a little out of character for ECWA but very good. The angle was very well done as well.
ECWA SUPER 8 SEMI-FINALS
Chris Wylde vs. Tommaso Ciampa
Ciampa attacked Wylde at the bell and hit a Facewash in the corner. Wylde came back with a series of chops. Ciampa drilled him with a clothesline and Wylde took a 360 bump. Ciampa began to work over Wylde with several submission variations. Wylde came back with a series of suplexes. Ciampa snapped his neck over the ropes and Wylde went to the outside. He slammed Wylde's back over the apron while they were on the outside, then rolled him in for several near falls. Wylde came back with a leg lariat and a sitdown powerbomb for a two count. Wylde went to the top rope and scored with a diving head butt. He sold the brunt of the impact, then covered Ciampa for a two count. Ciampa came back with a Torture Rack into a powerbomb. Ciampa went for his finisher but Wylde escaped and hit Sliced Bread #2 for a two count. Ciampa nailed Project Ciampa and scored the pin. Good, fun athletic match!
Your winner, Tommaso Ciampa!
Eugene vs. Austin Creed
Eugene came out with his hair slicked back. They shook hands at the bell. They locked up and Eugene complained about the break. When they locked up again, Eugene complained about a thumb to the eye. Heel turn? Eugene caught Creed with a top wristlock and pulled Creed's hair to yank him down. He began playing heel screaming that he didn't pull the hair. He then raked Creed's back with his fingernails. Creed came back with a backslide for a one count. They went back and forth with forearm strikes. Creed finally took over, catching Eugene in a hammerlock and forcing him to the mat. He dropped down while holding the move and used his legs for additional leverage. Eugene powered out and pulled him up into a powerbomb position and slammed him. Eugene nailed a superkick and scored a two count. He went for a moonsault but missed. Creed came back with a twisting DDT off the ropes for the pin. Good back and forth match. Eugene worked really, really hard.
Your winner, Austin Creed!
ECWA Summit
The promotion's annual Royal Rumble, insuring that everyone on the roster gets a chance to perform on their top show of the year. Unlike many indy tournaments, this is intricately booked so there are no "dead spots" or moments where stars are standing around with their thumbs up their rear wondering where to go and what to do. Like always, Kettner told a story. Magnum, who was managing the WCWA team earlier, came out and cut a promo saying he doesn't have a contract here but promised he was going to earn his way back in. The second out was Cha Cha Chance, who got a big pop coming out as he was a surprise and has been off serving in the military in recent months. Magnum lowblowed him but Chance came back with the ButtButt in the corner. He tossed Magnum. The third out was Mr. Ooh La La, who had his usual problems getting into the ring. He finally did and attacked Chance. The fourth in was Bazooka Joe. La La was out almost immediately. Fifth was Travis Blake. Sixth was J.J. The Ring Crew Guy. Seventh was Glen Osbourne. Ninth was Simple Simon who does a fun comedy gimmick. Tenth was Courageous Cruz, the ECWA's superhero character. Twelfth was Gus Grand . Lucky #13 was Sean Royal. #14 was Andrew Ryker. #15 was Corey Blaze. #16 was Tim Richards. #17 was Jason Lee. #18 was "Coach" Jim Shorts. #19 was the masked El Mariachi. The final competitor was Jason XXL, a seven footer. At this point, all the eliminations were coming really fast. No one was able to move Jason XXL. The Coach eliminated himself in order to get around dealing with the giant. It came down to Jason, Chance and Mariachi. Chance was dumped over by the Giant. Mariachi ordered Jason to leave the ring and he eliminated himself. It was your typical Summit with all the characters getting a cameo/
Your winner, El Mariachi!
Mariachi began dancing to "Rico Suave" and then thanked everyone in broken English. He then unmasked everyone for giving him a really good chance, unmasking himself as Magnum. He laughed at the fans saying he was back now and introduced Jason XXL as his new protégé. He then challenged ECWA champion Mega to face Jason XXL when they return. Mega, who had been watching the show from a table at ringside all night, made his way to the ring with the title belt. He and Jason had a faceoff, but the entire locker room came out to separate them. Mega asked the crowd who wanted to see him "kick his butt" and they popped.
ECWA SUPER 8 2010 TOURNAMENT FINAL
Austin Creed vs. Tommaso Ciampa
Ciampa attacked Creed as he came out of the entranceway but Creed fought him off. The referee rang the bell. They battled back and forth on the outside. Ciampa got the better of Creed. He went to the top rope and moonsaulted off, nailing Creed as he made his way back to his feet. Creed was tossed back in the ring but Ciampa wasn't able to score the pin. He began working over Creed's back with knee strikes. Creed came back with a series of boxing combinations in the corner, punching the body and head as Ciampa went down. Creed picked up Ciampa and drilled him backwards into the corner. He whipped Ciampa into the opposite corner and nailed a dropkick. Creed came back with a series of kicks to the body, then nailed Creed with a Facewash. He drilled Creed with a second.
Creed made a comeback, chopping away at Ciampa, who fired back in kind. They went face to face challenging the other and measuring for harder chops. Ciampa finally got the better of the exchange but was caught with a back elbow. Creed hit a series of armdrags and hiptosses. Ciampa came back with a leg lariat. Ciampa went for the submissions, working over and cranking on Creed's neck. Creed reversed it and began working on Ciampa's neck and arms. Ciampa came back with a modified Texas Cloverleaf.
Ciampa began measuring Creed with stomps and kicks. He began chopping Creed, who began firing himself up and finally nailed a stiff leg lariat. Creed covered Ciampa for a near fall. Creed dropkicked Ciampa into the corner and kipped up. He and Ciampa battled back and forth. They battled in the corner and Ciampa slammed Creed down with a Emerald Frosion type of move for a two count. The crowd popped for the near fall.
They battled again in the corner. Creed punched Ciampa off to the mat and nailed a flying elbowsmash. Ciampa kicked up. He nailed Creed with his knees and went for the Ciampa Project, but Creed escaped. He captured Creed again and nailed another but Creed kept kicking out. Creed made a comeback and pressed and slammed Ciampa into TKO. Creed scored the pinfall.
Your 2010 Super 8 winner, Austin Creed!
ECWA champion Mega came to the ring to present Creed with the trophy. The other competitors and the rest of the ECWA roster surrounded the ring to congratulate and applaud Creed. They picked Creed up on their shoulders. They handed Creed the mic and thanked the fans who came out to this "glorious night" and all of the other competitors. He thanked everyone for allowing him to come into their homes and to let him compete tonight. He told Ciampa that he was taken to the limit by him and would love to do it again down the road. Creed wished everyone a good night and thanked them for coming. A classy way to end the evening.
Notes: ECWA will return to Newark, DE at the Boys and Girls Club on Saturday 8/14...The promotion sold Super 8 T-shirts and DVDs of last year's tournament...In a nice "family friendly moment", they announced the names of fans in attendance who were celebrating birthdays....For more on the promotion, visit www.ecwaprowrestling.com.
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