You can view Episode 1 by clicking here.
The show opens up with the camera zoomed in on the NWA World Heavyweight Title. The camera pans out and the man holding the title is none other than “Scrap Iron†Adam Pearce, the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. After welcoming us to the show he informs us that he is the owner of the belt he is putting on display for the fans. He would go on and tell us how many great names have held the title in the past, but the past is the past. NWA and Adam Pearce are all about concentrating on the future.
The camera fades and we are brought to our hosts for this evening’s show, David Marquez and Rob Conway. Rob Conway tells us even though he has traveled the world, has his own action figure, been on Pay Per Views and carried a world title belt around his shoulder, nothing matches to the rush and anticipation he has for tonight’s event in Las Vegas, Nevada. Marquez goes onto elaborate on their champion Adam Pearce. He briefly mentions the way Pearce won the title may have been a little cheap but Conway cuts in and tells him a win, is a win. They send us a way to Houston, Texas where TJ Perkins and Hadaka will face off in NWA’s very first broadcasted match on Colours Television.
Match One: TJ Perkins vs. Hadaka
The match opened up with the two trading flashy holds with flashy reversals ending up in a couple standoffs. Hadaka saw Perkins grasping onto his arm during the first standoff, so that’s where most of his offense would concentrate on. Perkins on the other hand used his speed and agility to his advantage after turning the tables mid-match. Just to make sure he kept the momentum on his side, Perkins referred to a couple of heel tactics. Each man had their ups and their downs and then I found myself watching a pretty cluster**** of reversals. Perkins caught Hadaka off guard after reversing a German Suplex, and executed a solid bridging pin for the win.
TJ Perkins beat Hadaka after pinning him with a bridging rollup (*** ½)
NWA had only one chance to pick a solid match that will keep the viewer’s interest and Perkins and Hadaka put on a great opener. Different styles of wrestling meshed here as Hadaka and his hard hitting Puro style met TJ Perkins mix of hard-hitting kicks and Lucha-libre, something you don’t see often on TNA or WWE. The lack of effort the referee put in actually effected the rating severely. He was so oblivious as to what was going on that Hadaka had to push him out of the way so they could get their spot off. All in all… a great debut to what NWA is all about.
After the match the NWA World Tag Team Champions ran down to the ring and ambushed a celebrating TJ Perkins for no reason. Zokre and Phoenix Star, Los Luchas, came down to the ring and tried to save Perkins. While being partially successful, their reign as saviors fell short as Adam Pearce came down and started clubbing Los Luchas. Screen fades to commercials. When we come back, Marquez apologizes for what The Real American Heroes (Joey Ryan and Karl Anderson) and Adam Pearce did. In a funny spot, Conway says they were clearly provoked. Marquez then sends us off to Las Vegas where The Real American Heroes are about to face off against Los Luchas is a Flag Match.
Match Two: The Real American Heroes (Joey Ryan and Karl Anderson) vs. Los Luchas (Zokre and Phoenix Star)
Stipulation: Flag Match (In this case, there is a flag of Mexico in the corner of Los Luchas’, and a flag of USA in the corner of The Real American Heroes. The only ways you can win is by grabbing your own flag and waving it in the air while the opposing team’s flag is still being displayed in the corner, or by pinfall.)
What a dumb idea for a match. At the ring of the bell, can’t you just turn around and grab your flag, claiming victory? What made even less sense is that these four men were acting as if the only way to win the match was by pinfall, completely ignoring the fact that they could have just climbed their home turnbuckle and grab their flag. At one spot during the match Zokre and Phoenix Star were hyping the crowd for a double-team dive while The Real American Heroes were on the outside catching their breath. Meanwhile, their respected flags are just waving in the air. I don’t know, maybe it’s just me being Mr. Picky, but if you’re going to do a gimmick match, do it right. Now that we’re past the ranting part of the match, let’s move onto the reviewing part of the match.
It was pretty much consisted of cheap pops, Lucha Moves to please the audience, and a spot where Zokre and Phoenix Star unveiled to the world that Joey Ryan and Karl Anderson wear thongs under their tights (which has happened on previous NWA Shows). There were botched moves, missed spots, and the rules of the match were more ignored than the hate mail wrestling fans send to the TNA Offices.
Okay… despite my ranting and my pointing out all things wrong with this match, I have to admit there were a few things these four did right. There were lots of nice spots. Nothing spectacular or Jack Evans like, but just simple “oh that looked nice†spots. The ending saw Phoenix Star grab his Flag of Mexico, only for the referee to be distracted at that very moment. Out came Adam Pearce and he took the flag from Star and broke it across his back. He then took the unconscious Ryan and placed him on top of Star giving The Real American Heroes the win.
The Real American Heroes beat Los Luchas when Joey Ryan pinned Phoenix Star. (** ¼)
I don’t feel like ranting about this match anymore. I like all four men in the match; I think it was just the match type and the oblivion to the rules that bothered me so much.
The commercials role and we see footage of Marques interviewing NWA’s Famous Interviewer Bob Claude at Fanfest 2007. This promo is really out of place. Claude stated how happy he is to be at 2007’s edition of the Fanfest. He enjoys talking to the wrestlers from the past sharing stories about wrestling matches and such. Basically, it was a shill for Claude and for Fanfest. The star swiping transition helps us find Rob Conway and David Marquez brings us to the next match.
Match Three: Ricky Vega vs. Cassidy O’Brien
Quick match which started with an ambush from O’Brien. Crowd favorite Ricky Vega was getting angry at O’Brien and his stiff hits and attempts of cheating, so he gave him a few good chops and a Alabama Slam to soften him up for his finisher: Samoan Drop Facebuster. 1, 2, 3.
Ricky Vega beat Cassidy O’Brien when Vega gave O’Brien a Samoan Drop Facebuster (DUD)
Not necessarily a bad match by any means. But with the time they were given (exactly one minute) they couldn’t do much. They did a good job at putting Vega over as a Hispanic Superstar.
After commercials Conway questions why the audience was cheering for Los Luchas and Mexico if they are in America. Main Event time.
Match Four: El Hijo del Santo and Rey Misterio Sr. vs. Blue Demon and Nicho El Millionario
On paper, this match sounded pretty good. And after finding out Nicho El Millionario is just Psychosis of WCW/ECW/WWE fame, it sounded even better. By the end of the match I have to admit that I was a bit letdown. Tt was still great to see El Hijo del Santo and Blue Demon face off against each other. Blue Demon and Nicho pretty much had the streets on lock here, taking the high-road and cheating every single chance they got. Blue Demon went as far as to attempt and take off Santos’ mask but only got as far as unlacing it.
After quite some time of Santo being beat on by Demon and Millionario, he made the lukewarm tag to Misterio Sr. and he didn’t clean much house. After two commercial breaks, Santo and Demon are duking it out in the middle of the ring. After shoving Santo into the referee, Demon gives Santo a low-blow and picks up the win.
Blue Demon and Nicho El Millionario beat El Hijo Del Santo and Rey Misterio Sr. when Demon gave Santo a low-blow. (***)
Fun match. It was a bit all over the place, but still managed to keep me interested until the final bell. If you are a traditional American wrestling fan, you may give this match less than three stars. But if you love good ol’ Lucha Libre, this match will pass as a Main Event any day.
The Bad: Yikes, the commentators during the wrestling matches were horrendous. I’m not talking about Conway and Marquez. It was two different guys who I didn’t catch the names of. The Flag Match bothered me a lot.
The Good: The opening match was really good. TJ Perkins is a wrestler who can make himself and his opponent look good at the same time. Conway = Gold as a host.
The Verdict: It was a good show… just not as good as it could have been.
You can view Episode 2 by clicking here.
The show opens with Sean Denny being interviewed by Dave Marquez. Marquez asks Denny if he is ready for his match against “American Dragon†Bryan Danielson tonight. Denny warns Danielson not to take him lightly because he will take him to the limit. It quickly cuts to Marquez and Conway sitting in a Las Vegas Casino (aka Blue Screen). The first match of the night will be The Young Bucks (who Conway says is the most exciting tag team in wrestling today) against Black Tiger IV and Cobra II.
Match One: The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) vs. Black Tiger IV and Cobra II
Nick and Matt Jackson have earned a spot on NWA Showcase after showing their amazing talent throughout the independent wrestling scene. They are most known for their work in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Black Tiger IV and Cobra II seem to be an impromptu tag team who meshed together very well for their strike-based moveset and because they are both masked.
This was a good opening bout. It opened up with each wrestler from both teams showing off their moveset. Matt Jackson was the one unfortunate enough to be ricocheted between Black Tiger IV and Cobra II taking a beating. The referee was distracted by Nick Jackson and this gave Cobra II a chance to cheat a bit, so he took off his wrist tape and began to choke Matt with it. It wasn’t long before Nick was tagged in and he ensued on a rampage targeting masked men. The Young Bucks had the match in their hands after a Matt gave Cobra II a Rolling Samoan Drop and Nick Jackson gave him a Swanton Bomb. Matt went back up top and was getting ready for a Moonsault to finish the match but Black Tiger IV threw salt in his eyes! Cobra II pulled Matt off the ropes and rolled him up grabbing the tights picking up a cheap win.
Black Tiger IV and Cobra II beat The Young Bucks when Cobra II rolled up Matt Jackson. (*** ¼)
This was a solid opener. My attention was never diverted from the action, and the action never stopped. It was a healthy mix of high-flying fast paced action and hard strikes.
Another NWA Fanfest 2007 Promo runs and this time the featured superstar is none other than One Man Gang. He too recollects memories from when his name was internationally known and reflects on stories from fifteen years ago. In another attempt to give NWA’s Prestige, this promo turned out to be another shill for NWA Fanfest 2008 and One Man Gang. Apparently, One Man Gang wants a title shot.
This brings us to our next match.
Match Two: Adam Pearce © vs. One Man Gang
God that match would suck. I’m just kidding. This never happened and hopefully never will. I couldn’t stand seeing Adam Pearce wrestle.
Marquez and Conway bring us to the REAL “Match Twoâ€; Bryan Danielson vs. Sean Denny.
The Real Match Two: “American Dragon†Bryan Danielson vs. Sean Denny
Sean Denny is from Britain but currently hails from Virginia. He has been making a name for himself creating a little following throughout the different branches of the NWA. Bryan Danielson is a man who needs no introduction. Denny needs to pick up a win here so he can be elevated to the next level. Though a win over Danielson will make most people hate you.
Match opens up with the two mirroring each other’s every move. Danielson makes the match a bit one sided, dominating Denny with a series of kicks and suplexes. Danielson even heels it up a bit with a series of disrespectful slaps to the face (more like face chops… those things were brutal) and kicking Denny while on the ground. Denny saw a window of opportunity to shift momentum, but Danielson quickly closed it. Danielson set Denny up for the Cattle Mutilation, but Denny rolled on top of Danielson turning the move into a pin and gets the win! After the match Danielson is in disbelief and completely demolishes Denny, giving him the Cattle Mutilation and MMA Elbows.
Sean Denny beat Bryan Danielson when Denny reversed Danielson’s Cattle Mutilation into a pin (*** ½)
… I don’t know what to think of this match. The quality of it was definitely solid, very British Lancaster, something you don’t see much through the indy-scene. On the other hand, someone I never heard of beat one of my favorite wrestlers. Great story though. Denny needed to make a name for himself and what better way than to grab a win over former ROH World Champion Bryan Danielson. Danielson’s beat down at the end put a smile on my face I have to admit.
Next, Conway talks about how everyone wants to see him in the ring. Marquez questions if they even have a match of Conway’s and it turns out that they do.
Match Three: Don Juan vs. “Ironman†Rob Conway
I was expecting this match to be a squash after all the talk Conway dished out standing next to Marquee, but Don Juan proved that he wasn’t the jobber to mess with. Both men had their chance at putting the match away early, but Conway’s rest holds (Sleeper Hold, Leg Lock, Arm Lock) gave them both a breather.
Juan was in control for most of the match, sending Conway out the ring to the arena floor multiple times. Juan is very over with the crowd. Conway is sick of hearing the crowd chant for Juan and storms back in the ring. He gives him a Sleeperhold which Juan reverses into one of his own. Conway’s chiseled muscles finally come into play and he gives Juan a backdrop driver. That was the beginning of the end. The match ended with Conway giving him an Elevated Whiplash.
Rob Conway beat Don Juan when Conway gave Juan the Elevated Whiplash (***)
Something tells me I’m being a bit too kind on the star rating, but what the hell. I’ll be nice this time. This was very WWE-esque. Like WWE Internet Heat on TV. You’re better off watching it online, but it won’t hurt that much to watch on TV.
The Main Event features Adam Pearce defending his NWA Heritage Title against Sean Waltman.
Match Four: Adam Pearce © vs. Sean Waltman
Adam Pearce has been collecting NWA Title Belts for quite some time now, and if anyone is going to be the man to take the NWA Heritage Title away from him it’ll be Sean Waltman.
Waltman took advantage early of the fact that he is much faster than Pearce, confusing him and catching him off guard with flurries of kicks and various strikes. It wasn’t long before the experienced champion caught on to Waltman’s silly little games and he began to work on Waltman’s right leg. A good amount of Waltman’s moveset is kicks and high-flying moves. Without his right leg, his chances of winning the title are slim to none. Pearce slaps on the figure four leg lock and lets Waltman writhe in pain for a while before he lets go. Waltman turns the match around with a quick kick and the Bronco Buster. He isn’t able to get off much offense before he grabs his knee in pain, allowing Pearce to clip him from behind. He goes for the figure four again but Waltman reverses it into a small package. 1,2,3!
Sean Waltman beat Adam Pearce when Waltman put Pearce in the small package (*** ¾)
(Sean Waltman won the NWA Heritage Title)
Old-School cheating brawler vs. Super-Over babyface martial arts master: The recipe for an awesome main event. Catching us off guard with a title change was also a big plus. I’m glad they finally put up a match that was beyond good. Waltman’s selling on his right knee was amazing, and Pearce did a great job at being the dirt bag heel he is.
Waltman celebrates as the commentators say goodbye and the credits roll.
The Bad: Sean Denny beating Bryan Danielson should be against the law.
The Good: Nothing was below three stars! The main event left a sweet taste in my mouth. If this event didn’t go well I was ready to pull the plug on NWA. Thanks to Sean Waltman and Adam Pearce, I’ll keep my dial set on Colours TV.
The Verdict: Much better than their debut episode. The whole episode kept my interest from beginning to end and I actually can’t wait to see Episode Three.
