Adrenaline Rush – April 12th
Well, a chant has swept through EXW like a virus. Something the fans shout when they want to see the greatest finishing maneuver of all time. “GFY†erupts at max volume whenever the fans decide that the person they’re calling it for deserves it…which is most of the time. And general manager Steve Osborn was no exception. You could barely hear him discussing the upcoming events over their deafening chants. But I did manage to hear that the Battle Royale that was scheduled would indeed happen, and it was happening right now.
Match #1
Shadow Fox
Johnny Manson
JB Bad
Shane Stratmore
Devin Sparks
Prophet
Dom Vitalli
Woody Santanelli
Miracle Mike James
Willie Mack
Cedric the Hitman
Clutch
I love watching Battle Royales, but hate reviewing them. So much goes on, I wish to just place my hands on the back of my head, kick my feet up, and enjoy. But, I can’t, so here we go. These types of matches can be overwhelming, with too much happening, but first eliminations were quick, allowing you to really see what was going on. Devin Sparks and Miracle Mike were eliminated at nearly the same time, forcing an argument and subsequent beating to take place. This took them all the way backstage, and the match continued. To no one’s surprise, the amazing Freak Squad came out to cheer on their partner, which came in handy when Dom suddenly dropped, clutching his knee, and rolling out of the ring. The battle raged on as Gallo and Riviera tended to Vitalli, when Mack was the last one standing. He kept waiting for the bell, which never rang because Vitalli was never eliminated. It was then that Dom sprinted back in, unleashing his fury in a stunning, yet quick, matchup, and ultimately eliminating Mack. It was entertaining enough, but I think the ball was dropped on the length, as most of the boys were really in the groove.
Order of Elimination
Clutch/JB Bad
Miracle Mike James
Devin Sparks
Shadow Fox
Johnny Manson
Shane Stratmore
Woody Santanelli
Prophet
Cedric the Hitman
Willie Mack
Winner: Dom Vitalli
Miracle Mike and Sparks appeared once more, evidently still fighting, and stumbled into the ring for the next apparent match.
Match #2
Miracle Mike James
vs
Devin Sparks
I will admit, I’ve been rather intrigued by Sparks in the two appearances I’ve seen from him. He seems like just another wrestler at first glance, but that first impression wears off within seconds. There’s a certain amount of reality flowing through each move from him, and he makes it effortless to watch. And Mr. Miracle Mike…seems to be more ferocious than ever. I like this vicious side of him. But, enough of that. Back to the match, right? Everything started huge, but hit a lull in the middle that seemed intentional. Then, James hit a rolling fireman’s carry slam, which I’m very partial to, as it is one of my favorite moves ever (The first time I saw it in EXW, it was used by The Prophet…and loved it just as much then). It was surprising to see Sparks roll James up successfully for an abrupt win.
Winner: Devin Sparks
Match #3
The Prophet and Shadow Fox
vs
Gabriel Gallo and Frenchy Riviera
The Freak Squad
From the moment these four entered, I threw my hands up in the air, and was ready for what was to unfold. Especially with my growing esteem for Shadow, residual awe from Prophet, and long-standing adoration for anything Freak Squad, I found myself wondering who to root for. Fox took a beating from Frenchy Riviera first, then Prophet would battle it out with Gallo, in a matchup you couldn’t design any better than it was. What a well-oiled machine those Freaks are, as they made easy work of their opponents, allowing Frenchy to pin Prophet.
Winner(s): The Freaks
Match #4
Cedric the Hitman
vs
Willie Mack
I scratched my head on this match. I’m not quite sure if there is just a certain amount of clout as it pertains to Willie Mack, but there was something off about his opponent. For the last few weeks, I have been impressed by the stellar performances that seem to get better every week. But on this evening, something didn’t jive right on his end. But, I’m not too concerned about it.
Winner: Cedric the Hitman
Match #5
Tyson Tyler and Johnny Stamboli
vs
Johnny Manson and JB Bad
Well, well, well. What do we have here? Tyler and Stamboli went from zero to favorite in mere seconds, didn’t they. And I can see why. Stamboli cleaned up before Tyson came in. The men from “The Network†are so conniving, so toilsome, yet the fans eat it up with a spoon. “GFY, GFY, GFY…†over and over again. As soon as they set up, however, Steve waltzed out to stop it. So, Stamboli locked in a submission, forcing their victim to tap out.
Winner(s): Tyson Tyler and Johnny Stamboli
But, it wasn’t over. It never is, is it? The two men wanted an answer as to why their GFY wasn’t allowed to happen, but Steve answered with something far worse. The GFY was banned from EXW, for the safety of all the talent. This was unacceptable to not only Tyler and Stamboli, but to the fans, who roared in outrage. Tyler grabbed Steve by his collar and forced him into the ring, shouting in his face. This caused Castellucci to vacate the announce table to come to their aid, as well as Woody Santanelli and Devin Sparks to rush out from the locker room. All the forces collided before everyone finally left.
Match #6
Shane Stratmore and Andrew Hellman
vs
Val Venis and Derick Neikirk
Now, I want to take a moment to describe all of the shenanigans that happened before the match. Neikirk and Venis entered but said it didn’t quite feel “rightâ€â€¦so they turned around and left. Bewildered, the fans fell silent. But all of a sudden, “You think you know me†sounded off through the speakers, followed by the rest of Edge’s song, and they reappeared. Val took a moment to talk about Edge and his storybook career, before imploring his team mate and opponents to pay homage to Edge with a five second pose. The venue looked like a club with all of the flashing lights. It was a great touch of greats paying tribute to greats, and the match was free to start.
So, it begun. Val and Derick slowly picked apart Andrew Hellman. Which, I must say, I was surprised to see Hellman paired up with Stratmore…it was pretty strange. Although I love each and every one of these people separately, it didn’t flow right. Each man was thoroughly impressive on their own when given their moment to shine, but collectively, it didn’t live up to the hype in my head, which could have essentially been the issue. However, Team Elite dominated, and used their immense skills to ensure another victory.
Winner(s): Val Venis and Derick Neikirk
Match #7
Dom “The Bomb†Vitalli
vs
Cutler Wright
Elite Division Championship
Fresh off his victory in the Battle Royale that earned him this title shot, Dom seemed ready. However, Gallo and Riviera had been banned from ringside. I feel as though it had been a substantial amount of time since I had last seen him strictly one-on-one. This might have been one of the better main events I’ve seen in recent months, with your daily recommended allowance of awesome. The two seemed to really want to tear each other apart, their teeth gritting together each step. It was painfully obvious that Wright wanted to keep his title, and that Dom wanted it. But it was difficult to determine who wanted it more. But then, lo and behold, the absent-for-too-long Johnny Roxx appeared. This distraction was just enough for Dom to slip in a Superkick, thus taking the title for himself.
Winner, and new Elite Champion: Dom Vitalli
Once again, does anyone think this is over? Dom extends his hand for Cutler to shake, which leads directly into an attack. Once they’ve wiped their hands of him, Roxx takes the mic and describes the bumpy road of meeting with Gallo, convincing him to align himself with them. Proving what a great manager he is, the three men hold up their belts, as it is now proclaimed the “Year of the Freaksâ€.
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Overall, a good show. A new champion was named, a fan-favorite finisher was banned, and many questions were floating in the air, waiting to shape themselves into legible words. What on earth could we expect from them by the next show? I’m not sure. But I was dying to find out.
For those that want to watch the show, click here for the remastered video.
And, as always, you can find me on Twitter, as well. You know, because I’m that awesome.
