Former NWA World Champion Nick Aldis vs. Odinson has been announced for the company’s Hard Times III.
The pay-per-view is set for November 12th in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Aldis was surprisingly pulled from his title match against current champion Trevor Murdoch at night two of the NWA’s 74th anniversary show. Owner William Corgan said he did it due to Aldis’ politicking behind the scenes, but Aldis appeared on the first night and did a promo that didn’t further the storyline.
He then defeated Flip Gordon on the second night and after the two shook hands, Odinson laid out both men with pounces to put this into motion.
Here’s the current card for the event:
NWA World Heavyweight Champion Trevor Murdoch defends against Tyrus and Matt Cardona in a triple threat match
NWA Women’s Champion Kamille defends against Taya Valkyrie or KiLynn King
NWA US Tag Team Champions The Fixers defend against The Spectaculars
NWA Junior Heavyweight Champion Homicide defends against Kerry Morton
NWA National Champion Cyon defends against Thrillbilly Silas, Dak Draper or Chris Adonis
AJ Cazana vs. Jordan Clearwater for the vacant NWA TV title
Nick Aldis has been removed from the NWA World Heavyweight Championship match at NWA 74.
Billy Corgan appeared on Thursday’s edition of Busted Open Radio and announced Tyrus will now challenge Trevor Murdoch on the show.
“In the case of Nick Aldis, yes, your #1 contender for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Trevor Murdoch in St. Louis, I’ve dealt with this man for over four years, and for every ounce of politicking you see publicly there’s about ten times worse behind the scenes,” Corgan said.
“No one stresses me out more in the NWA than Nick Aldis, no one is more highly paid than Nick Aldis and no one is more unhappy than Nick Aldis.”
Aldis won a fatal 4-way match on NWA Power this week to earn a title shot against Murdoch.
Corgan continued to criticize Aldis for a social media post he made shortly after earning the #1 contender spot.
“I told you I would out think them all. No matter what kind of goalpost-moving goes on, I find a way to win. But I’m not naive; I know there are forces who don’t want to see me as champion again, and a lot can happen between now and #NWA74…your move…,” Aldis’ tweet reads.
Corgan then announced Aldis has been removed from the title match.
“He is stripped of the #1 contendership, he will not be in the main event of NWA 74,” Corgan continued.
“Listen, why this stuff has to play out in public I don’t know but I’m just sick of it.”
Corgan then revealed Tyrus will replace Aldis in the match.
Aldis has since responded to the news on Twitter. He posted three laughing emojis.
It was also announced that Bully Ray will now face Mike Knox on the pay-per-view in a tables match.
NWA 74 is a two-night event held on August 27 & 28 from the Chase’s Khorassan Ballroom in St. Louis. It will stream live on FITE TV. The updated lineup for the show is as follows:
August 27:
10-team battle royale for the vacant NWA United States Tag Team Championships
NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion Homicide defends against Kerry Morton
August 28:
NWA World Heavyweight Champion Trevor Murdoch defends against Tyrus
NWA World Champion Trevor Murdoch now knows who his opponent will be at next month’s NWA 74: an old rival.
On Tuesday’s NWA Power, former champion Nick Aldis won a fatal four-way that included Thom Latimer, Mike Knox and Brian Myers. The four men qualified via last week’s Race for the Chase qualifying matches with Knox earning a bye.
Aldis will now challenge Murdoch for the title at night one of NWA 74 on August 27th and 28th — the company’s two-night pay-per-view from the Chase Ballroom in St. Louis, Missouri.
These two feuded over the gold last summer with Murdoch finally wresting the title away from Aldis at last August’s NWA 73. The two men were also involved in a four-way for the vacant title at June’s Alwayz Ready that saw Murdoch regain the belt after he had lost it to Matt Cardona. Cardona had to relinquish it after tearing his biceps.
Aldis will be looking to regain the World title for the third time.
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including the AEW Dynamite ratings and what happened in the MJF promo, two WWE PPVs this weekend, Lacey Evans back to Smackdown, plus Nick Aldis joins us to talk NWA Alwayz Ready coming up on June 11! A fun show as always so check it out~!
The Commonwealth Connection joined Kyle Davis to open the show. Doug Williams talked about his history with Nick Aldis, and how Williams, Harry Smith, and Aldis are going to take out The Cardonas this week.
The show went to the announce table. Austin Idol was still yelling about the Tyrus Slam Challenge from last week when Mims slammed Tyrus. Joe Galli pitched to the ring.
Kamille w/ Thom Latimer defeated Paola Blaze
This was mostly fine, but the booking was just bizarre. It made no sense if you think about it for a few seconds, as the referee was ready to stop the match and suddenly didnât once more damage was being done.
Blaze rolled out of the ring as the bell rang, and said she wasnât ready yet. Every time Kamille tried to get to her, Blaze would run away, smiling. Kamille had enough and drove Blaze back to the corner and hit an Oklahoma powerslam for a two count. Kamille hit a gutwrench suplex and nailed Blaze with a spin heel kick for another two count.
Kamille landed hard on her leg when she tried to leapfrog Blaze, looking like she hurt her quad or knee. Blaze stood away as the referee and Thom Latimer checked on her. Latimer turned around and Blaze kicked Latimer low and started stomping on the leg of Kamille.
They were looking to stop the match prior to this attack, so they just kept going once Latimer was out of the ring, and the referee just shrugged. Why? If you were going to stop the match, then why are you letting it go after Blaze attacked? That made no sense at all.
Kamille managed to fight back after a submission attempt and hit a twist and shout for a 2-count. Blaze hit a headscissors and a missile dropkick on Kamille. Latimer came out with some ice he was holding near his lower regions, which distracted the referee for some reason. The referee tried to send him to the back despite him doing nothing. Kamille hit a low blow on Blaze and then hit two spears for the win. Kamille sold the knee inconsistently once she started getting offence again.
Matt Taven was with Kyle Davis at the podium and talked about how he wants to win the tag titles with Mike Bennett, but he also wants to challenge for the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship. Good promo from Taven.
Matt Taven defeated Judias w/ The Sinister Minister via DQ
I was worried they would have Judias win this match. Iâm not a fan of the DQ finish, but at least Taven didnât lose.
Taven hit some hard chops that Judias no sold. Judias powered out of several moves from Taven, but Taven used his superior movement to keep slipping out of the power moves. Judias dodged a missile dropkick and started a Garvin stomp on Taven.
Judias used basic power moves to get some heat on Taven until Taven managed to get on the top rope and go for a flying elbow. However, The Sinister Minister called out Gags the Gimp and Sal the Pal to attack Taven. The group started to beat on Taven as the announcers let us know that Mike Bennett was not there this week, so Taven had no one to help him.
Help then came in as the Briscoes ran out, laying waste to the Sinister Ministerâs stable, saving their old rival but ROH comrade in Matt Taven.
Tyrus was backstage with May Valentine and talked about Mims challenging for the NWA Television title. Tyrus insisted he was impressed and Mims was exactly what he was looking for, as he wanted a challenge.
The Dirty Sexy Boys (Dango & JTG) w/ Angelina Love defeated The Miserably Faithful (Sal the Pal & Gags the Gimp)
Velvet Sky went into a rant about how Angelina Love didnât tell her that she was coming to the NWA, and that now she was moving in on her crush over Dango. Okay, this seems dumb. Joe Galli tried to reign her in and get her to call the match, but Idol continued to feed her into it. That was annoying.
JTG and Dango dominated Sal the Pal in the early portions of the match, but Gags tripped JTG as he hit the ropes and they started to get the heat on him. Sal and Gags worked over the fingers and various small joints of JTG. All of Gagsâ offence was cheating, outside of a few chinlocks. Sal accidentally hit Gags with a clothesline and JTG tagged out.
Dango commanded Gags to lay down on the mat. Gags listened. Dango kicked him. Dango went for a crucifix bomb, but Gags slipped out and tagged out to Sal, who superkicked Dango. Dango moved out of the way of a rocket launcher from Gags and Sal. Dango hit a falcon arrow on Sal for the pinfall.
Dango held Angelina Love like he was going to kiss her, but realized that Velvet Sky was watching, so they stopped short and cut to the back.
The Pope was with Kyle Davis and talked about how he wanted to talk to Trevor Murdoch next week, as he was concerned about Murdochâs behaviour as of late. Pope saw common ground with his old friend because both of them had bad experiences with Matt Cardona recently, losing title matches, and he wanted to have a heart to heart with Murdoch about it.
KiLynn King defeated Chelsea Green & Jennacide in a number one contender’s match
This was easily the best match on the show thus far, and KiLynn King was clearly positioned to get over in this one, but it was surprising given how they have been pushing Jennacide recently. Either way, King and Kamille should be a good match.
Green foolishly tried to take out both King and Jennacide at the same time, but that did not work, and King suplexed Green onto Jennacide. King and Jennacide hit some hard forearms on each other until Jennacide hit a low pump kick to King and threw Green across the ring. Jennacide hit a big boot in the corner for a two count.
Green went to the top rope, but got knocked off, and landed on the apron. Kinghit a flying knee off the top rope on Jennacide. Green tried to dive onto Jennacide and King on the floor but they caught her. King and Jennacide fought over getting into the ring to pin Green, but Green took that chance to recover and kick the middle rope as King was entering the ring again.
Green hit a curb stomp into the turnbuckles on King for a two count. Green locked on a camel clutch on King in the middle of the ring, but Jennacide came behind her and locked a sleeper on. Jennacide hit an atomic drop type move on King for a two count. Green went for the Unprettier on King, but King reversed into the Excalibuster for the win.
The Commonwealth Connection (Doug Williams & Harry Smith) & Nick Aldis defeated The Cardona Family (Matt Cardona, Mike Knox, & VSK) w/ Chelsea Green
Good match to end the show here, with Nick Aldis getting a win to set up a future match with Cardona. In this case, it wouldnât have hurt to have Cardona tap out with at least a visual submission to further set it up, but we got time before the next PPV, so that might happen.
VSK started the match with Doug Williams and regretted trying to chain wrestle Williams immediately. VSK was only able to get ahead by raking the eyes. VSK did manage to get a headlock and pushed Williams back to the corner to tag out to Mike Knox. Aldis tagged in and Cardona tried to come in from behind, but got dropped by Aldis.
Cardona immediately tagged back out to Knox. Aldis tagged in Harry Smith, who hit a stalling vertical suplex on Mike Knox. Williams and Smith showed some good double team offence on Knox, making it easy to forget they originally were just a makeshift team for the Crockett Cup. Cardona tried to apply a wrist lock on Williams but as soon as they got too close to Aldis, Cardona ran away.
Smith came in and threw VSK all over the ring. The Cardonas got the heat on Smith for a little bit after Chelsea Green got involved, choking Smith on the ropes. Smith managed to knock Knox and VSK off the apron, leaving Cardona alone in the ring. Smith tagged out to Aldis. Aldis ran wild on Cardona, but it soon broke down into everyone hitting big moves.
Cardona hit Reboot on Aldis and went for Radio Silence, but VSK chop blocked Aldis and Cardona tagged out to VSK. Cardona fled the ring as Williams shoved VSK off the top rope and right into a Cloverleaf on VSK for the submission win.
Final Thoughts
This episode of NWA Power ended stronger than it started, with the first few matches not being great. Everything picked up with the womenâs triple threat. I like how they are developing the Pope/Murdoch storyline and Iâm quite interested to see where it goes. I also think Kilynn King and Kamille will be a fun match when it happens.
Aron Stevens opened the show with May Valentine. He announced that he was done with wrestling. Stevens said the NWA was a place for him to be revitalized, but it was time for him to be done. Valentine started crying, and Stevens asked for the camera to be cut. It looked like Valentine had feelings for Stevens, and she asked him to go to Brazil with her. Stevens said it was a solo thing, and Valentine cried. This was bizarre.
Billy Corgan was on commentary, and briefly discussed what Stevens said, saying he wasnât sure Stevens was done, but for now he was.
A brief recap of La Rebelion and The Briscoes from last week was shown.
Nick Aldis defeated Mike Bennett
Great match to open the show with Bennett getting a lot of shine in this one. Aldis won after selling for the most of the match and just scraped by with a win due to his toughness. A nice little self-contained story in this one.
Bennett started the match charging at Aldis before he could get his jacket off, but Aldis moved and Bennett crashed into the middle turnbuckle. He staggered around at the start of the match, but Aldis immediately hit him with a Michinoku Driver for a 2-count. Aldis hit a clothesline for a 2-count.
Aldis caught a crossbody attempt and moved it into a vertical suplex for a 2-count. Bennett locked a kimura on Aldis while Aldis tried to superplex him, then snapped the arm over the top rope to begin working it over. Bennett hit a forearm that dropped Aldis and continued to attack the arm, including hitting a baseball slide into the arm.
Bennett went for a spear but Aldis got a knee up. Aldis went for a vertical suplex, but was unable to lift Bennett due to the damage to his arm, and Bennett hit a suplex of his own. Alids hit some clotheslines with his good arm, but landed on the bad one after a flying European uppercut. Bennett went for a sleeper but Aldis drove him back into the turnbuckle. Bennet jumped over Aldis and then hit a spear for a two-count.
Bennett hit a rolling elbow to Aldis and went for a piledriver, but Aldis blocked it and attempted to counter into the Cloverleaf, but his arm prevented him from locking it on. Aldis rolled through a sunset flip attempt by Bennett and went for the cloverleaf again, but managed to lock it on this time, and Bennett tapped out.
Matt Cardona was backstage and claimed that Aldis lost, and he will not be getting a rematch. Cardona told Aldis to get to the back of the line.
The Fixers (Wrecking Ball Legursky & Jay Bradley) defeated The Rude Dudes (Jamie Stanley & El Rudo)
Rudo kicked Wrecking Ball and Wrecking Ball just yelled. This distressed El Rudo. Jay Bradley threw Stanley around the ring as El Rudo was beaten up by Wrecking Ball. Corgan claimed that Wrecking Ball got his email and sends him an email saying âFixers Rule!â everyday. I somehow donât doubt this story.
Rudo and Stanley locked on some headlocks, but failed when they attempted shoulder tackles a few times. The Fixers yelled âFixers!â every time they didn’t sell the tackle. Rudo ran up the ropes and hit a crossbody, this actually worked for him. Rudo and Stanley managed to throw the slightly smaller Jay Bradley into Wrecking Ball, but the advantage didnât last long as Wrecking Ball hit a gorilla press on Rudo and hit a cannonball on Stanley.
Stanley tried to Irish whip Bradley, but Bradley sat down and then threw Stanley face first into the chest of Wrecking Ball. In a confusing spot, Stanley kicked out of an OâConnor Roll from Bradley which somehow sent Bradley flying through the middle ropes into a suicide dive that hit his own partner. It also ended up being a pointless spot as The Fixers hit a knee drop and splash combo on Stanley a few minutes later for the pin.
A highlight video aired of Jax Dane successfully defending his NWA National title against Marche Rockett on NWA USA.
Pope talked about the ups and downs of life, and how despite his loss to Matt Cardona, he was going to keep going.
Mims was there for the Tyrus Slam Challenge. This was actually fun as Mims succeeded in slamming Tyrus on his third try. The first one ended with Tyrus just pushing him away. The second one ended when Tyrus hit him with a forearm. Tyrus then hit the ropes but Mims picked him up and slammed him.
Mims took out BLK Jeez, Clearwater, and then hit the Big Strong Slam on Rockett, securing a title shot against Tyrus. The crowd was going nuts for Mims. This was fantastic, and Mims should absolutely beat Tyrus for the TV title. Austin Idol claimed he was going to sue and not give the match to Mims.
Matt Taven and Jennacide were backstage with May Valentine. Taven wanted to challenge Matt Cardona, so he was going to work his way up the ladder by taking on Judias next week. Jennacide wanted to move up towards the title as well, and announced she would be facing Kilynn King and Chelsea Green.
Billy Corgan then announced that there was going to be a six-man tag next week, with Harry Smith, Doug Williams, and Nick Alids against the Cardonas.
Angelina Love joined the commentary table for the main event.
Mickie James defeated Kenzie Paige
This was a very solid match between James and Pagie. Kenzie Paige was not out of place in the ring with James, which speaks well of how good she is despite her young age.
Mickie James used her experience to keep Paige down with some basic headlocks and wrist locks. Paige sidestepped a dropkick and did a crucifix pin for a two-count. They quickly transitioned into pinfall attempts before Paige tried to lock on a crossface. James made the ropes, but Paige pulled her back into a wrist lock that James cartwheeled out of into an armdrag.
James hit a hard forearm and then hit a running boot. James caught a superkick and transitioned into a half crab, but Paige made the ropes. As Paige got up, she hit a superkick for a two-count. Kenzie had James in a submission, but Mickie ducked down and got out of it before hitting a neckbreaker on Paige. Paige hit a kick to counter James, but ate a flapjack. James went for the Chick Kick, but Paige ducked and hit a clothesline for a two-count. James then hit her DDT for the win.
The show closed as James shook hands with Paige.
Final Thoughts
This was a very solid episode of NWA Power, barring the bizarre opening angle that left me confused. The rest of the show, however, began to set up matches for the June 11th PPV, Alwayz Ready. This was a very enjoyable hour of pro wrestling, and I must say, again, that Billy Corgan on commentary is significantly better than not having him on it because he knows where the stories are going, and tells them fairly well.
Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green will face the team of Nick Aldis and Mickie James over WrestleMania weekend.
Impact Wrestling announced Friday that the match will take place on April 1st at Impact Multiverse of Matches. The show is part of WrestleCon 2022 and will air live beginning at 10 PM Eastern on FITE TV.
On Thursday’s Impact Wrestling on AXS, Green turned on James as she was facing Tasha Steelz for the Knockouts Championship in a street fight. Green faked as though she was coming to James’ rescue as she was being beaten down by Steelz and Savannah Evans, but she simply sat down in the chair she had with her and let them continue their two-on-one attack.
After the match, Cardona delivered a Radio Silence to James just before the show went off air.
The angle is also being playing out in the NWA. At last weekend’s Crockett Cup, Cardona retained the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Aldis. Guest referee Jeff Jarrett disqualified Aldis after falsely believing James had given him a low blow when it had actually Green who delivered the shot.
The updated lineup for Impact Multiverse of Matches is below:
The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) vs. The Briscoes (Jay & Mark Briscoe)
Ultimate X match: X-Division Champion Trey Miguel defends against Chris Bey, Vincent, Rich Swann, Willie Mack, and Jordynne Grace
Eddie Edwards vs. Tomohiro Ishii
Jay White vs. Chris Sabin
Josh Alexander & Jonah vs. Moose & PCO
“Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Alex Shelley
Deonna Purrazzo Champ Champ Open Challenge
Mickie James & Nick Aldis vs. Chelsea Green & Matt Cardona
The opening moments of NWA Power Surge this week featured Joe Galli, Billy Corgan, and Pat Kenny going over the seeding of the Crockett Cup for this year. The first seed was La Rebelion, and it was announced that Harry Smith would be Doug Williamsâ partner in the tournament. The rest of the brackets can be seen here:
After running down the first 8 teams, they cut to a match recorded previously between Sal Rinauro and J Spade.
J Spade defeated Sal Rinauro (with Danny Deals)
Iâm not into Sal Rinauroâs demon possessed gimmick, but I canât fault him for going all in on it and trying to make it work. He might win me over. Joe Galli suggested that he was âSinister Sal Rinauroâ now, and if he takes up that name, I may change my mind. It is bizarre that Danny Deals is still in his corner rather than the Sinister Minister, but we shall see if that lasts.
Rinauro bit the fingers and attacked the hand of Spade quite a bit in the early part of this match, including doing a series of stomps Bryan Danielson style on Spade. Every time Spade got offence Sal would go for the finger and continue small joint manipulation, but after leaving Spade in the corner, Sal charged and hit a sky high spinebuster for the pinfall.
Billy Corgan and Joe Galli talked about Trevor Murdoch losing the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship to Matt Cardona. Corgan announced that due to the injuries suffered in that match, Murdoch was not cleared to wrestle at the Crockett Cup. Nick Aldis instead stepped in to take on Cardona, and Corgan expected Murdoch to come back stronger than ever once he heals up.
Corgan told the story really well here, and having segments like this more often would do well in filling in a lot of the holes in NWAâs storytelling because some of the questions I had lingering were answered here, and it helped drive forward what they were going for.
Allysin Kay defeated Missa Kate
Kay and Kate had a good match here, with some short hope spots for Kate. I like how the NWA does this every now and then with the less established talent, giving them shine before defeating them. Kay looked great in this, and Kate looked like someone that was missing experience, but had the talent to compete. Kay got the win after Kate missed a corkscrew splash, allowing Kay to plant Kate with the AK47.
Corgan, Kenny, and Galli continued discussing the rest of the tournament brackets for the Crockett Cup. Again, I liked Corgan telling the story behind why each team was placed where they were, including why we should pay attention to them. Itâs a little thing, but it helps me connect with each team.
The Fixers were with Joe Galli and they talked about beating the OGK, calling them nerds with a k (but the k is silent). Wrecking Ball called out the Bushwhackers, Demolition, the Legion of Doom, and the Nasty Boys. I think Wrecking Ball is my favourite wrestler.
Judias (with The Sinister Minister) defeated Jamie Stanley
Judias is not working for me at all. It only gets worse the more they try to push him. Judias killed Stanley in this match, which got mild applause because Stanley is good at being dislikable. But this match was heel vs. heel, which also makes it odd. Judias hit a butterfly suplex into the turnbuckles on Stanley, but it looked like he planted Stanley on his head like a Paradigm Shift but by accident, so that had to hurt.
Stanley managed to hit a flying crossbody on Judias then dropped an elbow, but Judias grabbed him by the throat and chokeslammed him. Judias picked him up out of a pin then hit the Crucifixia for the win.
Nick Aldis and Matt Cardona joined Joe Galli for a final faceoff to close the show. Aldis and Cardona were excellent here. Aldis talked about how he wanted to step away from the spotlight of the world title scene, bringing in Doug Willams to go after the tag team titles. Aldis said Murdoch deserved the spotlight, and Cardona robbed him of it. Cardona claimed he was saving the NWA. Aldis said that he agreed with Cardona on one thing â the NWA needed saving now, and that Cardona was a clown.
Aldisâ promo here was fantastic. Cardona was so good at being an unlikable jerk. Cardona claimed the NWA Worlds Heavyweight championship is valuable because he holds it. Aldis got very angry and reminded Cardona of the legacy of the title, including Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, and Harley Race. Aldis and Cardona made me want to see this match, so this was very well done.
Final Thoughts
Not the usual format for an NWA show, but I like when they do episodes like this and really focus on telling the stories of all the matches, which in this case are the stories of all the tag teams involved in the Crockett Cup. The Fixers are a delight, and Wrecking Ball is hilarious. I am critical of the holes in production and storytelling the NWA has sometimes, but this was a great show to get me hyped for the Crockett Cup.
The NWA has revealed some changes to the Crockett Cup lineup.
Jeff Jarrett has been announced as the special guest referee for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship match between Matt Cardona and Nick Aldis at the Crockett Cup. A video uploaded by the NWA states that Cardona threatened to no-show the event unless a fair and unbiased referee was assigned to his title defense.
Cardona also insisted that his wife, Chelsea Green, be inserted into the NWA World Women’s Championship picture. Kamille will now defend the title against both Green and Kylie Rae in a triple threat match at the Crockett Cup.
It was also revealed that Doug Williams will team with Harry Smith in the Crockett Cup. Williams and Aldis had recently re-formed their British Invasion team, but with Aldis challenging Cardona at the event, Williams needed a new partner.
Smith is returning to the ring for the first time since being released by WWE last November. He and Williams will face The Ill Begotten in the first round of the Crockett Cup tag team tournament.
The Crockett Cup takes place Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20 from the Nashville Fairgrounds. It will air live on Fite TV. Cardona vs. Aldis and Kamille vs. Rae vs. Green will both take place on night two.
New NWA World Champion Matt Cardona already has his first title defense scheduled as he will face former champion Nick Aldis at March’s Crockett Cup.
The Nashville, Tennessee, pay-per-view will take place over both March 19th and 20th and they didn’t clarify which night it would be on.
In a match that will air on this Tuesday’s NWA Power taped Saturday as part of a NWA Power Trip live event, Cardona defeated Trevor Murdoch for the title.
Aldis will be looking for his third run with the title. Murdoch ended his 1000+ day run at last year’s NWA 73.
The Crockett Cup tournament will feature sixteen teams battling for the Cup, a revived idea from the days of Jim Crockett Promotions that owner William Corgan brought back in 2019.
Aldis and Doug Williams were officially announced for the tournament with Tag Team Champions La Rebelion, The Briscoes and Strictly Business (Thom Latimer and Chris Adonis) mentioned in the initial announcement.
The first ever edition of NWA USA kicked off with May Valentine interviewing the father and son team of PJ and Luke Hawx. They will face off against each in the main event as part of the Junior Heavyweight title tournament. Luke noted that they train together but they don’t normally compete against one another so things might be a little awkward out there. He told his son to just go out there and wrestle like he’s been taught to.
Joe Galli, Austin Idol, and Velvet Sky were on commentary.
Kyle Davis interviewed George South. South said he tried to reach out to Colby Corino about his match this week, andCorino never got back to him, however. Corino’s run-in buddies the Fixers then came out and Wrecking Ball Legursky attacked South from behind.
Kyle Davis announced that Storm is the new managing director of NWA USA. Storm came out and announced that the Fixers have been suspended for attacking George South.
Colby Corino defeated CW Anderson (with George South) to advance in the Junior Heavyweight title tournament
CW Anderson has a long history with Steve Corino but in the debut match on NWA USA, he took on Steve’s son Colby Corino in the junior heavyweight title tournament. After being attacked by the Fixers, George South was in CW’s corner for this one. The Fixers were notably absent from Corino’s corner after having been suspended by Tim Storm.
After some grappling to start the match, CW connected with a big super kick which sent his opponent to the outside. Corino would miss a knife edge chop and hit his own hand on the ring post while the two were brawling around ringside. He would end up on offense shortly after.
Corino got a near-fall off his Colby Crush standing flipping senton. Shortly after, Anderson went for another super kick but it was countered by Corino into a pinning combination. Corino put his feet up on the ropes for leverage and scored the pin. Austin Idol was adamant that Corino did not cheat, though it was quite obvious that he did.
Corino will move on to face the winner of Kerry Morton vs Jamie Stanley in the next round of the tournament.
Corino seems like someone who could win this tournament. He’s picked up some notable wins lately and it feels like the NWA is really behind him. If he doesn’t win the tournament, he should go pretty deep in it.
We cut to Natalia Markova being photographed in what looked like a professional photoshoot. Markova started to yell at the photographer for not being professional and for staring at her. She then stormed out.
Nick Aldis promo. Aldis said that NWA USA is for up-and-comers who want to make a name for themselves. He said he’d be taking notes backstage.
NWA National Champion Chris Adonis then came out. Kyle Davis noted that the National Championship will be a featured title on NWA USA. Adonis called himself the greatest NWA National Champion of all time. Austin Idol didn’t like that comment, he said he was the first and the best National Champion of all time.
Joe Galli announced that next week Anthony Mayweather will take on Marshe Rockett, and Ariya Daivari will face J. Spade in a Junior Heavyweight title tournament match.
Luke Hawx defeated PJ Hawx to advance in the Junior Heavyweight title tournament
Joe Galli noted in commentary that father and son facing each other was simply a matter of a random draw to determine the tournament brackets.
After some back-and-forth grappling to start the match, PJ picked up the first advantage after delivering a dropkick to his father. Luke then hit a power slam, showing he’s not going to take things lightly on his son.
PJ got a two count off a big vertical suplex. He got another near fall off a flying crossbody shortly after. He then locked his father into a Boston crab, but Luke reversed it into a pinning combination and got the 3-count.
Luke will move on to face Austin Aries in the next round of the tournament.
Following the match, father and son hugged it out in the ring as the show came to an end.
Final Thoughts:
This was a quick and enjoyable 30 minutes of NWA wrestling. It was interesting that both matches featured wrestlers from different generations going against each other. We had father and son squaring off in the main event, and then Colby Corino going up against his father’s former Xtreme Horsemen stablemate, CW Anderson.
Colby Corino’s work is starting to become something to take note of. He looks to be someone who will be featured prominently in the junior heavyweight division and on the NWA USA show.
Two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis has signed a new contract with the promotion.
Aldis announced during an appearance on Busted Open Radio on Wednesday that he’s re-signed with the NWA. The announcement was made in conjunction with the NWA unveiling its new All Access service on Fite TV. The All Access plan costs $49.99 per year and includes all six NWA pay-per-views for 2022, episodes of NWA Power and NWA USA, and Fite-only special events.
It was also announced that NWA Power will return to YouTube with the launch of the All Access service. After episodes premiere for All Access subscribers at 6:05 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesdays, they’ll be uploaded to the NWA and Fite TV’s YouTube channels for free at 6:05 p.m. Eastern on Fridays.
“I have just extended my agreement with the NWA, I have just re-signed,” Aldis revealed on Busted Open Radio. “So, it’s a good day in terms of looking ahead to a great new year for the NWA and for me.” Further details about the contract weren’t disclosed.
Aldis said that, from the first conversation he ever had with Billy Corgan about the NWA, he’s had nothing but respect from Corgan, more so than any other person he’s ever worked for during his career. Aldis said that goes a long way, and he can’t wait to see what he and Corgan come up with going forward.
Aldis’ first reign with the NWA World Heavyweight Championship lasted from December 2017 to September 2018. His second reign began in October 2018 and ended in August 2021. Trevor Murdoch is the current champion.
Crimson opened the show talking about the cage match he was having with Jax Dane later, with his son by his side. Crimson promised consequences for what Jax Dane did, turning on him at the NWA Anniversary show.
Tim Storm was with Kyle Davis in the ring. The crowd was going crazy. Storm talked about his match with Jaden Roller tonight. Roller ran down to the ring and attacked Storm before he could say anything, and Davis made a quick exit from the ring. Roller asked for a No DQ match and Storm agreed as the show started.
Tim Storm defeated Jaden Roller in a no DQ match
Fun opening match that told a simple story.
Storm immediately made Roller pay, choking him with his shirt and starting to brawl around the ring. Storm hit a big boot and a few forearms. Storm sent Roller to the floor and hit some chops and sent him headfirst into the stairs. Roller floated over a bodyslam and hit a low blow in the ring, then a second.
Roller grabbed a chair from under the ring and nailed Storm in the back with it. Roller set up a chair in the corner. Storm got sent into the chair after Roller reversed a neckbreaker, and Roller hit a bodyslam and an elbow for a two-count.
Roller set the chair up in the middle of the ring and hit a drop toe hold on the chair. Roller tried to axe kick Storm into the chair, but Storm moved and Roller crotched himself on the chair. Storm then hit a DDT onto the chair and pinned Roller.
Kyle Davis was with Trevor Murdoch and Nick Aldis. Murdoch thanked Aldis for joining him and helping him against Latimer and Adonis. Aldis said this was personal for him after Thom Latimer, his former friend, turned on him after all he did to help him. I like this babyface Aldis, and seeing him team with Murdoch is fun.
Kamille defeated Kenzie Paige to retain the NWA World Womenâs Championship in a 2/3 falls Match
The near falls towards the end of this match was awesome. Kenzie Paige got all the crowd behind her so easily as soon as she started showing that she had a chance in the second fall. Paige took most of the second fall, making it easier for the crowd to invest. This was great.
Kamille threw Paige across the ring immediately, using her superior power. Kamille hit a gutwrench suplex and a running slam into the corner. Kamille continued to get the heat with basic offence for the next few minutes. Kamille went for another power slam, but Paige slipped out and hit some chops and a hard back elbow.
Kamille missed a corner charge, but connected with a pump kick and a swinging neckbreaker for the first fall. Kamille went for a spear as soon as the second fall started, but Paige dodged and Kamille crashed into the ring post. Paige drove Kamille into the guardrail and then suplexed her on the ramp. Kamille kicked out of a pinfall attempt in the ring.
Kamille went for another swinging neckbreaker, but Paige countered into a pinfall attempt. A few attempts were exchanged until Paige hit a superkick and a Samoan drop for a two count. Paige climbed to the top rope, but Kamille threw her off and went for a spear again, but Paige dodged and rolled Kamille up for a near fall. Kamille dodged a corner charge, and Paige turned around into a spear for a three count, winning 2 falls to 0.
Strictly Business (Thom Latimer & Chris Adonis) came down to the ring with cake for Kamille, as they were celebrating her birthday. Latimer demanded the crowd sing happy birthday to Kamille, but he immediately stopped them and got Kyle Davis to do it instead, but Nick Aldis interrupted it, and it looks like Murdoch and Aldis will be taking on Strictly Business right now.
Trevor Murdoch & Nick Aldis defeated Strictly Business (Thom Latimer & Chris Adonis) with Kamille
This was a great tag match, with the babyfaces going over. I really liked Aldis wrestling as a babyface here. Murdoch was good too, showing great babyface fire.
Joe Galli made the comment that Aldis was out for months after Latimer hit him with several piledrivers, but we only saw it happen a few weeks ago on TV. I suppose itâs sort of true if we count when the TV was taped vs. when it aired, but that was a weird comment. It has been about 2 months since the NWA 73rd Anniversary show.
Murdoch and Adonis started the match, but once Aldis got in there with Latimer, Latimer tried everything he could to stay away from him. Latimer tried to hit Aldis with a monkey flip, but Aldis landed on his feet, which was impressive. Kamille got involved, which allowed Strictly Business to get the heat on Aldis.
Aldis cut Latimer off when he went to the top rope and hit a superplex. Aldis made the tag to Murdoch, who took out Adonis but ate a clothesline from Latimer. They went right back to the heat here, with Latimer and Adonis isolating Murdoch. Murdoch hit a back elbow when Adonis charged the corner and hit a crossbody, but Latimer knocked Aldis off the apron before a tag could be made.
Murdoch finally made the tag and Aldis finally was able to get his hands on Latimer, hitting a tombstone and a flying elbow, but Adonis broke up the pinfall. Adonis and Murdoch brawled at ringside and Adonis shoved Murdoch into the ring post. Latimer hit a low blow on Adonis when the referee wasnât looking.
Latimer hit an implant DDT on Aldis. Murdoch hit a pop-up spinebuster on Adonis. Latimer hit a pop-up powerbomb on Murdoch, which was impressive. Aldis powerbombed Latimer, then Adonis hit a spinebuster on Murdoch. Aldis put the Cloverleaf on Adonis, but Kamille pulled him to the ropes.
Kamille went to spear Aldis, but he moved and she hit Adonis. Aldis threw Kamille into Latimer and then Murdoch hit a flying bulldog off the top rope on Adonis, scoring the pinfall in this excellent tag match.
Jax Dane defeated Crimson in a cage match
That was a good cage match to end the show, with Jax Dane acting like the perfect heel. We know that without cheating, Crimson would have likely won.
Jax Dane waited at the entrance area for Crimson, but Crimson predicted this and came in through the crowd and got one up on Dane. Crimson and Dane brawled around ringside, with Crimson suplexing Dane on the entrance ramp. Dane sent Crimsonâs head into the stairs and threw a chair into the cage.
Dane brought Crimson into the ring and the bell rang. Dane loaded up something in his hand and nailed Crimson, but hid it from the referee. Itâs a cage match though, so why would he need to hide it? Either way, Crimson was busted open, and Dane worked him over. Dane wiped the blood off his hands on the refereeâs shirt and continued to attack Crimsonâs wound.
Crimson soon ended up wearing a crimson mask, pardon the pun, bleeding all over his face. Crimson powerbombed Dane out of the corner, but ate a big boot on a corner charge and then a clothesline from Dane. Crimson drove Daneâs face into the cage a few times and hit a spinebuster on Dane before hitting a huge elbow drop off the top rope for a two-count.
Crimson picked up the chair as Dane went for a spear. Dane accidentally smashed headfirst into the chair. Crimson hit a Death Valley Driver on Dane in the middle of the ring. Dane ended up throwing powder into the eyes of Crimson, but Crimson still kicked out. Dane pulled a bottle of rubbing alcohol out from the apron and poured it onto the open wound and eyes of Crimson before hitting another clothesline for the three count.
Final Thoughts:
The last two episodes of NWA Power were fantastic. If they could get crowds like this for all their TV tapings, and maybe focus on having 1 or 2 matches of the calibre they had this show per episode, Power would feel like a really hot show every week. I loved both of the By Any Means Necessary episodes, and I hope we see more special ones like this in the future.
Strictly Business opened this week’s show with Tim Storm, asking them about what happened with Melina & World Champion Trevor Murdoch. They challenged Storm to a fight for questioning them. Thom Latimer, Chris Adonis and Kamille circled the ring and were getting ready to attack him as Joe Galli tried to stop it, but Nick Aldis made his way to the ring instead and cut them off, saying that it wasnât the time or place to do this.
They all backed down, but were eying Aldis suspiciously. This was a really simple, but good opening angle. The tension in Strictly Business is building here and I like this new direction with Aldis.
Melina was with May Valentine at the podium and she cut a promo on Kamille, indicating that someone, someday was going to take the title from her. Chelsea Green came out with her trophy from the last PPV, claiming that Melina has done nothing for the business, and that she should be champion.
Tag Team Title eliminator tournament match: Hawx Aerie (Luke & PJ Hawx) defeated Colby Corino & JTG
Corino was angry that Luke Hawx and JTG shook hands at the start of the match, almost costing them it as it started. After some basic exchanges with JTG, Corino ended up in the ring with PJ Hawx and made the rookie pay for his inexperience. Hawx was eventually able to tag his father in after a belly-to-belly.
Luke Hawx made a comeback, but Corino cut him off and continued using heelish attacks before tagging out to JTG, who was not impressed with Corino.
After a relatively even exchange between JTG and Luke Hawx, both men hit punches and fell at the same time. Mutual tags were made and PJ Hawx got his hands on Corino. Hawx Aerie sent Corino to the ropes with PJ Hawx trying to send Corino into the air into a powerslam from his dad, but something went wrong. Somehow, they still hit the powerslam and picked up the win.
This was a decent match although the finish was a bit messed up. I have no idea how they still hit the powerslam considering what happened. I like Hawx Aerie advancing in the tag tournament.
— Cyon cut a promo about how he wanted the TV title and that he was going to cash in his title shot earned in the Champions Series to take on Tyrus. This was a good and simple promo.
— Tyrus, Austin Idol, BLK Jeez and Jordan Clearwater were at the podium. Idol promised that if Cyon tried to cash in his title shot on Tyrus, they were going to destroy him and take his mask. Jeez promised that pain was the only thing awaiting him. Tyrus said that he wasnât quite sure, but he thought he knew him and it was clear Cyon knew who he was, so he was going to take his mask.
Jennacide defeated Allysin Kay
This was fine, but a bit boring. It might have been better with a little more time. The minor botches didnât take away from it, thankfully.
Jennacide and Kay saw Jennacide dominating Kay in the early part of the match, attacking Kayâs shoulder repeatedly. Jennacide used a few armbars throughout until she hit a vertical suplex and went going right back to the shoulder and arm.
Both women exchanged strikes in the middle until Kay hit a stunner and then a clothesline for a two count. Jennacide and Kay had some miscommunication after two botched moves.
Jennacide hit a chokeslam and went to the middle rope. Kay responded by hitting a power bomb off the ropes. Lady Frost came down to the ring and distracted Kay which led to Jennacide rolling her up with a handful of tights for the win.
Taryn Terrell came out and celebrated with Jennacide after the match. It looks like they are heading towards a Tag Team title match with Kay and Marti Belle.
— La Rebelion was with May Valentine and talked about how they would take on any tag team in any company and that they were going to bring the NWA Tag Team titles to Mexico to take on all comers.
Judias (w/ James Mitchell) & James Storm went to a double DQ
Judias is no good. He is really, really bad. Storm, however, is great and The Sinister Minister is a great manager, but Judias really sucks. I would have rather seen Mil Muertes as Judas Mesias again than this dude.
Storm did some cowboy martial arts poses after a lock up, which popped the crowd, but Judias did not see the humor in it, punching Storm in the face and working him over in the corner. As both men exchanged punches in the corner, the referee threw the match out as they wouldnât break when he asked.
Da Pope & NWA World Champion Trevor Murdoch defeated The End & Jeremiah Plunkett & Crimson in a three-way match
This was a really fast match that served to further the post-match angle than anything else. I would have liked to see them get more time as it could have been really fun.
This started with Murdoch and Plunkett immediately throwing Parrow to the outside of the ring. Murdoch hit a flying crossbody on Plunkett and got a two count. Murdoch immediately started selling his knee and tagged out to Pope who exchanged strikes with Plunkett.
Parrow pulled Pope from the ring and threw him into the guardrail before mauling Plunkett in the ring. Plunkett dodged a corner charge from Odinson who crashed into the ring post. As Plunkett turned around, Pope hit the Elijah Express on Plunkett for the pinfall.
Jax Dane came down to the ring with a referee and claimed he was going to challenge the injured Murdoch for the title at that moment. However, Crimson punched Dane in the face and prevented him from cashing in. So it appears the cashing in of title shots from the Champions Series is like WWEâs Money in the Bank which was not explained before the tournament.
Final Thoughts:
This was a decent episode of NWA Power and one that flowed nicely from one segment to the next. If you are looking for good in-ring action, this show was merely average. I think the best segment of the show was easily the opening with Aldis and Strictly Business. Fewer minutes from the opening tag and more for the main event would have also been nice.
Trevor Murdoch opened the show calling Nick Aldis out from the back, and Aldis came out to greet him. Murdoch said that him and Aldis did things that were out of character over the last 3 months, and that he remembered sitting in Harley Raceâs office with Harley sharing advice on how to carry himself like a champ. Murdoch said that Aldis checked all those boxes, and that he had nothing but respect for Aldis.
Because of that, he decided to give Aldis the floor. Aldis talked about his career and how he went to Harley Raceâs camp and learned to wrestle, and that there was a WWE Tag Team Champion named Trevor Murdoch that took the time to help Aldis learn even though his schedule with WWE was insane.
Aldis then said if he had to lose the title to anyone, that he was glad it was to Murdoch, because he was a real man, and an example of why the NWA exists. He said it was time for him to step away for a while to let Murdoch shine. This was fantastic stuff.
This was the Kratos show, as he single handedly destroyed The Rude Dudes. Kratos is one of my favourite wrestlers in NWA, and this was a great reason why.
Rudo did some dancing, and Kratos yelled âDonât let him do that!â looking like Kratos was going to try and murder him. Kratos tagged in and hit a back body drop, and said âThatâs how you do it.â I love Kratos. Kratos hit a pounce on Stanley and then a suplex that sent him literally flying to his own corner. Kratos dominated both men and then did a deadlift suplex on Stanley before pinning him. Kratos was awesome here.
Both men went to the interview podium and the fans chanted âThat was awesomeâ at Kratos. Kratos said that everyone expected them to go their separate ways, but Kratos is a man that believes in loyalty and brotherhood, and that he wanted to bring the killer out in Stevens.
I am so happy that these guys are staying together as a team, because they honestly make a good team. Stevens said that the last person that talked to him like that was his trainer, Killer Kowalski, and he needed to do some thinking. This was really, really good.
James Storm was at the podium along with The Sinister Minister and Judias. Storm said he would have whatever kind of match that Judias would want, as long as he put up his chance at the NWA National title.
The Sinister Minister said no, and he wouldnât be manipulated like that but they will fight, just not for the title shot. The delivery was really good here, but the angle is a bit weird. Judias is ice cold, which doesnât help at all.
Paola Blaze (with Taryn Terrell) vs. Marti Belle (with Allysin Kay)
This match was quick, but it really sucked. Belle is best used in tag team matches only, because holy cow, she spent most of the match selling, then just got up and no sold everything and won. That was really bad.
Melina was on commentary. Joe Galli asked if there was an alliance with her and Adonis, and if she would be joining Strictly Business. She denied that, only indicating that she has been friends with Adonis for a long time. Blaze crushed Belle in the corner for a two-count. Blaze taunted Belle and hit a forearm.
Blaze hit a few knees to Belle for a two-count. Belle got up and hit two clotheslines and a forearm before hitting a pedigree, and scored the pinfall. This was not a good match at all.
Kamille came out from behind the announcerâs table and attacked Melina, leaving her on the floor. I actually really liked this, as Melina was trash talking her on commentary, showing that Kamille watches the show.
Pope, JTG, and Colby Corino were at the podium. Pope said that he loved Trevor Murdoch, but since he won the chance to challenge for whatever title he wanted, he was coming directly for the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship.
JTG and Colby Corino talked about how they were together in a tag team that was thrown together, and they were going to challenge Hawx Aerie. Corino took the mic and said that nothing was going to stand in their way.
Keira Hogan and Chelsea Green came out. Green denied she lost her match against Kamille, and went fully into the hot mess gimmick. Hogan said that she was offended by what Mickie James said in commentary during her match, and she wanted to have a conversation about it.
Jordan Clearwater (with BLKJeez) defeated Cion (with Austin Idol) & Jeremiah Plunkett (with Danny Deals)
It appears that Austin Idol betrayed one of his clients for an ally he favoured in Clearwater. This was short, and didnât have much to it.
Clearwater and Cion tried to double team Plunkett at first, as they were both allied with Idol, but it wasnât long before they were arguing about who was going to win. Plunkett took advantage of this. Clearwater and Cion took out Plunkett on the outside, and as Cion had a half crab on Clearwater, Idol punched Cion with a gimmick, giving Clearwater the win despite Cion being Idolâs man.
Crimson and Jax Dane came out for a slap fight, with Trevor Murdoch serving as judge. They were going to slap each other until the other is knocked out or canât continue, as this is not a wrestling match. Not sure I am a fan of this, given how easy it is to get a concussion, and these guys were really slapping each other hard.
Dane slapped the neck, but Crimson slapped the face, which isnât safe, but before Dane took his second slap, he punched Crimson in the face. Strictly Business (without Aldis) ran out to attack Murdoch, but Pope ran out to make the save. Pope took out Latimer, and Judias came out and threw some of the worst punches I have ever seen before Murdoch and Storm sent him away.
Murdoch and Dane came face to face on the outside, which I think is where they are going to be going when he is done with Crimson. Crimson and Dane continued to brawl as the show went off the air. This was actually a great closing angle as we have several people in the title picture, with a particular focus on Dane and Pope. I really liked this.
Final Thoughts:
This was a really good episode of Power. The wrestling was merely there, but the angles and promos were all excellent. I really like how they are building the first challengers for Murdoch, and I honestly canât wait for Jax Dane vs. Trevor Murdoch, as they are making Dane out to be an absolute killer.
Crimson could be added to that picture too, as he has actually been good here, and far better than when he was in TNA. This was a super easy episode to watch, and exactly why I grew to love NWA Power even if the wrestling isnât as good as what you get with NJPW or AEW.
