Following last night’s 70th Anniversary Show, NWA president William Patrick (Billy) Corgan has commented on the event and its production issues.
“On the production side, we fell short on providing a televised event up to the standard that I would consider acceptable. Which reminded me greatly as to why people questioned my pursuit of TNA (in terms of wanting to buy the company, and filed a potential lawsuit to do so),” Corgan wrote in a post on Instagram.
“Put simply, building up a culture like Smashing Pumpkins or the NWA, takes time, trial and error, and great risk. And throwing $$$ at the problems doesn’t necessarily correct the issues, and in some cases makes it worse. So last night I was painfully reminded of how hard this journey is, and knew by the time the last bell rung we have much work to do before we’d run another such live event. Which in no way diminishes my appreciation for those who ordered or attended the event. In fact, it increases it.”
There were multiple production issues throughout the show. Audio dropped frequently throughout the night, especially when it was thrown to pre-taped footage. Commentary could be heard talking over the pre-taped footage during the audio issues. The mic quality in the ring came off as poor, with chops and other impact moves not coming across well. There was also an interview that continued to air after the director called for “cut.”
In his Instagram post, Corgan also complimented Nick Aldis and Cody Rhodes after their main event and wrote that he hopes they’ll have a third match against each other. Aldis regained the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship against Cody last night, with Aldis winning the first and third falls of their two-out-of-three falls match.
Corgan’s full post is available below:
#NWA70 thoughts in no particular order: Magnum TA @magnum_ta was an absolute joy to engage with, and showed when speaking live of the NWA’s future why he is so highly regarded with fans and people in the business. Jim Cornette, on commentary, reminded why there is no one better with a microphone, and I appreciate him lending his gravitas to the event. His partner, Joe Galli, has such a bright future, and I hope he will remain as our leading voice for decades. As well, I was thrilled to have Tony Schiavone (@tonyschiavone24) call the main event. As this highlights one of the great pleasures of owning the NWA, which is seeing these legends do what they do best.
On the production side, we fell short on providing a televised event up to the standard that I would consider acceptable. Which reminded me greatly as to why people questioned my pursuit of TNA (in terms of wanting to buy the company, and filed a potential lawsuit to do so). Put simply, building up a culture like Smashing Pumpkins or the NWA, takes time, trial and error, and great risk. And throwing $$$ at the problems doesn’t necessarily correct the issues, and in some cases makes it worse. So last night I was painfully reminded of how hard this journey is, and knew by the time the last bell rung we have much work to do before we’d run another such live event. Which in no way diminishes my appreciation for those who ordered or attended the event. In fact, it increases it.
Sitting ringside for the main event, I had one recurring thought, which is there are only a few people on the planet (let’s say the number is under 30) who could do what Nick and Cody (@nickaldis@americannightmarecody) did last night. Or, as I used to tell my Mother, ‘this is why they pay me the big bucks, Ma’. Skilled, talented people need the right stage and crowd to show their best, and last night was exactly that. The fans were FANTASTIC. Pushing Cody and Nick to a place I think that surprised them. I remain hopeful for a third, definitive contest. Lastly, the vibe backstage with talent was jubilant, and hopeful. From a living legend like Dory Funk, Jr, to the kid in the dark. And that speaks volumes to me.
The NWA celebrates its 70th anniversary at the Nashville Fairgrounds tonight.
The 70th Anniversary Show will be headlined by Cody Rhodes defending his NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship against Nick Aldis. Cody won the title from Aldis at All In, and Aldis is getting his rematch in a two-out-of-three falls match tonight.
There will also be a one-night tournament to crown a new NWA National Champion. Two fatal four-way elimination matches (Willie Mack vs. Jay Bradley vs. Mike Parrow vs. Ricky Starks and Colt Cabana vs. Sammy Guevara vs. Scorpio Sky vs. Sam Shaw) will decide who advances to a singles match for the title later in the night.
In another title match, Jazz defends the NWA Women’s Championship against Penelope Ford.
Plus, Former NWA Champion Tim Storm takes on Peter Avalon, Jax Dane & Crimson (w/ Road Warrior Animal) face The Kingdom of Jocephus, and Laredo Kid wrestles Barrett Brown.
Our live coverage begins at 7:05 p.m. Eastern time.
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By Richard Zahovic
There were some technical problems at the beginning as opening video has live audience audio. Joe Galli, Tony Schiavone and Jim Cornette welcomed us to the Asylum at the Nashville Fairgrounds and ran down the card.
Same audio issue as Colt Cabana and Sammy Guevara were interviewed in the back but we were hearing the commentary team. Scorpio Sky did a video promo, then it was time for our opening match.
NWA National Championship Tournament Semifinal: Sam Shaw defeated Colt Cabana, Sammy Guevara, and Scorpio Sky in a four-way elimination match to advance
Fast paced, entertaining but rushed opener. Shaw was established early as the powerhouse in the match. Sky and Guevara did a nice double plancha, and Guevara hit a shooting star press to the outside. Shaw pinned Cabana with a powerbomb off the rope — much to the disappointment of the crowd who loved Cabana.
More crazy dives by Guevara. but he was pinned by Sky — who got superkicked by Shaw straight after for the win.
There was a Blue Demon Jr. interview after more technical issues where he stated he wants a World title match at some point. Cornette, who’s been great on commentary so far, gave some more history.
Barrett Brown defeated Laredo Kid
Another entertaining but rushed feeling match. Laredo Kid started hot and hit an Asai moonsault. Brown cut him off with a dropkick coming off the ropes and then hit a dive to the outside. A flip DDT got a two count as Brown continued to control the match.
Laredo Kid made a comeback and hit a 450 off the apron to Brown on the floor. hit a slightly botched reverse rana, and both men were now selling big. Laredo Kid got a two count after a cutter off the ropes but missed a corkscrew off the top. Brown countered with a running knee to the face for the victory.
Laredo Kid looked great here and the match would have been so much better if they had had five more minutes, but they seem worried about time.
No audio again for the backstage interviews and promos as James Ellsworth appeared with Mike Parrow. Audio really letting down what has otherwise been an excellent production so far.
Ricky Starks cut a promo by the commentary position to introduce his elaborate intro video. Magnum TA was now at ringside for an interview segment and name dropped all the NWA legends and put over the NWA. He’ll be presenting the NWA National title later, Magnum was better here than 90 percent of modern wrestling promos.
NWA National Championship Tournament Semifinals: Willie Mack defeated Jay Bradley, Ricky Starks, and Mike Parrow in a four-way elimination match to advance
Good, solid match. There was a big man battle early between Parrow and Bradley with Parrow getting a two count off a sit-out powerbomb. Starks came in and caught Parrow with a roll-up and a handful of tights to eliminate him. Classic shine and eliminated formula in these four-ways tonight.
Bradley hit a final cut and butterfly suplex on Starks and was dominating the ring. Bradley got caught going to the top rope, got powerbombed by Starks, and then a splash from Mack eliminated him.
It was down to Starks and Mack. A stunner by Mack after a nice exchange got the three count, and he advances to face Shaw in the final. Bradley jumped Mack during a post-match interview as Shaw caused the distraction to establish Mack as the underdog going into their match later. Ellsworth came in and ducked during an attack that sent Bradley into the post.
Tim Storm defeated Peter Avalon
Avalon cut an in-ring promo, bragging about his prior victories over Storm and heeling on the crowd. Storm grabbed the mic and announced a kiss my foot stipulation.
Avalon jumped Storm at the bell but was quickly cut off by the former NWA Champion who took control. Storm dominated until Avalon’s manager (Nikko Marquez) created a distraction that allowed Avalon to get some offense in. Avalon accidentally hit Marquez while he was holding Storm, then Storm caught Avalon in the Perfect Storm for the win.
Post-match Avalon forced Marquez to kiss Storm’s foot instead — but Storm didn’t accept that and forced Avalon to kiss his foot too. Weakest match on the show so far, but it was very entertaining for what it was and didn’t drag on. Had a real old school feel with the stipulation and Storm was over big with the audience.
NWA Worlds Women’s Championship Jazz defeated Penelope Ford to retain her title
Jazz cut a promo and they were putting her over huge as a legend of women’s wrestling. Sound problems again for Ford’s promo. Cornette put over Mildred Burke on commentary.
Ford hit a handspring cutter, handspring elbow, and a Northern Lights suplex. Jazz regained control with a clamp, but Ford kicked out. Jazz was working as the overconfident, dominate heel. Ford came back with a couple of roll-up attempts but missed a backflip.
Jazz had the three count with a Michinoku driver, but Earl Hebner only counted two and then stopped. Jazz put Ford in an STF and got the submission. Both worked hard, and Jazz looked good and had a great presence, but the finish really hurt the match and Ford was off in places tonight.
There was a post-match interview with Jazz where she announced that she wants a shot at the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship.
Jim Cornette was in the ring for an interview with Jeff Jarrett and put over Double J and the whole Jarrett family. Jarrett talked about the NWA and thanked the crowd for continuing to support the company. Jarrett introduced the new NWA National title and put over Magnum TA.
NWA National Heavyweight Championship Tournament Final: Willie Mack defeated Sam Shaw to win the title
Mack jumped Shaw as he was making his intro as payback for earlier in the show. Mack missed a charge in the corner, allowing Shaw to take control. Shaw used slow, deliberate offense including an old school nerve hold, leading to the almost as old school hand drop spot. Mack got a hope spot but was quickly cut off by Shaw. Shaw put on a chinlock, which led to another hand drop spot.
Mack hit an exploder suplex, and Cornette was putting him over huge as the underdog who came from nothing. Mack made his comeback with a cannonball, a Samoan drop, and hit a standing moonsault for a near fall. Shaw went up top and misses a swanton bomb.
Shaw walked into the stunner for a big two count. Shaw came back with a superkick that got two, but he missed a second superkick and Mack hit a second stunner to become the NWA National Champion. The match was plodding when Shaw was on offense, but the crowd loved Mack as the underdog. Very old school match structure and physchology that might turn off some, but it worked well in front of this audience.
Nick Aldis did an interview where he teased having his own manager to counter Brandi Rhodes in the main event tonight. Very Nick Bockwinkel style delivery here by the former champion.
Tag Team Open Challenge: Crimson & Jax Dane (w/ Road Warrior Animal) defeated Shannon Moore & Crazzy Steve
Jocephus did an interview on the ramp teasing that his spiritual advisor and Hollywood from GLOW would challenge Dane and Crimson, but it was a distraction to allow Shannon Moore and Crazzy Steve to jump Crimson & Dane from behind. The heels dominated early before Crimson hit a spinebuster, brought in Dane on a hot tag, and Dane hit a double Samoan drop. Crimson & Dane hit a Samoan drop into a cutter for the victory.
Quick match that lacked heat and felt like filler. Post-match Jim Cornette interviewed Animal — who announced that the Crockett Cup will return next year.
Dory Funk Jr. was interviewed at ringside. He told a story about watching NWA as a seven year old, talked about his dad, and put over the NWA. These interviews with the legends have done a nice job of putting over the legacy of the National Wrestling Alliance tonight.
Nick Aldis defeated Cody in a two-out-of-three falls match to win the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship
Tony Schiavone re-joined commentary to call the main event. The former NWA Champions who have been on the show tonight came into the ring as the ring announcer introduced Aldis, who comes to the ring with Kamilla Kaine. Cody entered with Brandi and shook hands with Dory Funk Jr.
First Fall
They did a handshake at the start of the match and it was solid technical wrestling in the early going. A delayed suplex and flatliner by Cody got the first two count.Aldis hit a brainbuster, and Cody came back and got a two count with a Disaster Kick.
Aldis responded with a superplex, but Cody quickly picked his leg and locked on the figure four. Aldis got to the ropes and locked on the cloverleaf for the submission to take the first fall. Aldis was selling his leg from the figure four and Cody was ready to start the next fall. Commentary was pushing the idea that Cody did more damage and it was clever strategy by Cody to tap quickly when he realized he couldn’t make the ropes.
Second Fall
Aldis wasn’t ready at the bell — so he went to the outside, Cody hit a tope as they brawled around ringside and then into the crowd. Aldis whipped Cody into a wall and Cody responded with a trash can. The brawl went through the concession stand before Aldis slammed Cody on the ramp.
Cody set up a table in the corner of the ring, and commentary was pushing that the referee will give them freedom as he doesn’t want to disqualify anyone. Aldis hit a DDT and got ready to put Cody through the table. Brandi came in the ring to save Cody. That brought brings in Kamilla Kaine, but it was Aldis that hit Brandi with a running knee from behind.
The referee got the table out of the ring, but Aldis set it up at ringside and put Cody on the table. Aldis went through the table from a top rope elbow drop as Cody rolled off at the last second. Cody hit the Cross Rhodes in the ring and it was tied at one fall each. The fans started chanting “this is awesome.”
Third Fall
Cody hit a superkick, then Aldis avoided Cross Rhodes and a moonsault attempt by Cody. Cody hit the flip, flop and fly. Both men went for a clothesline, which led to a double down in the ring. Kaine and Brandi got into a fight at ringside and the referee had enough of it — so he ejected everyone from ringside.
The distraction allowed Aldis to hit Cross Rhodes for a two count. Cody picked the leg again and put on the figure four, but Aldis made it to the ropes. Cody landed a draping DDT, and Aldis responded with a tombstone and hit an elbow off the top for another near fall.
It turned into a slugfest in the center of the ring. Aldis went for the cloverleaf — but Cody’s boot comes off. Cody got a small package, then Aldis reversed it for the three count to regain the title. Excellent main event that went around 30 minutes. The finish caught the crowd by surprise which hurt the reaction, but it was a really well-structured match.
Closing
The commentary team thanked us for joining them as Aldis celebrated in the ring. An entertaining show that went by quickly. Except for Sammy Guevara in the opening match, this felt like a very old school presentation inside the ring — which is a brave strategy in 2018 and it will be interesting to see how successful the brand is going forward.
The talent on the card was thinner than most major indie groups and it showed at times. The technical issues were cleared up by the end of the show and I really enjoyed the commentary and realistic presentation.
In advance of the title tournament taking place this Sunday, the NWA has unveiled their new National Championship belt.
The design for the title was revealed during a video uploaded today that profiles the eight wrestlers who will be in the tournament at Sunday’s NWA 70th Anniversary Show:
There will be two fatal four-way elimination matches in the tournament, with the winners advancing to a singles match later in the night to decide the new National Champion. Willie Mack vs. Jay Bradley vs. Mike Parrow vs. Ricky Starks and Sammy Guevara vs. Colt Cabana vs. Scorpio Sky vs. Sam Shaw are the four-way matches.
The 70th Anniversary Show is taking place in Nashville, Tennessee and will air live on Fite TV at 7:05 p.m. Eastern time. Here’s the card for the event:
NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Cody Rhodes defending against Nick Aldis in a two-out-of-three falls match
National title tournament finals
National title tournament: Willie Mack vs. Jay Bradley vs. Mike Parrow vs. Ricky Starks in a four-way elimination match
National title tournament: Sammy Guevara vs. Colt Cabana vs. Scorpio Sky vs. Sam Shaw in a four-way elimination match
NWA Women’s Champion Jazz defending against Penelope Ford
Tim Storm vs. Peter Avalon
Jax Dane & Crimson (w/ Road Warrior Animal) vs. Jocephus’ spiritual advisor & Hollywood from GLOW (w/ Jocephus)
After announcing that she’d be defending her title at the event, the NWA has revealed Jazz’s opponent for this month’s 70th Anniversary Show.
It will be Jazz vs. Penelope Ford for the NWA Women’s Championship in Nashville, Tennessee on October 21. Ford is an independent wrestler who notably took part in All In last month (where Cody Rhodes won the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship from Nick Aldis) as part of the Joey Janela vs. Hangman Page street fight.
Ford was announced as Jazz’s opponent at the end of a video where Aldis defeated Royce Isaacs for Championship Wrestling from Hollywood.
Aldis will challenge for Cody’s title in a two-out-of-three falls match in the main event of the 70th Anniversary Show, which will air live on Fite TV. There will also be an eight-wrestler tournament for the NWA National title, Tim Storm will face Peter Avalon, and Jax Dane & Crimson (w/ Road Warrior Animal) will issue an open challenge.
Another title match has been announced for the NWA’s 70th Anniversary Show.
It was revealed today that former WWE Women’s Champion Jazz will be defending her NWA Women’s Championship at the October 21 anniversary event in Nashville, Tennessee. Her opponent will be announced later this week.
Jazz has held the NWA Women’s title since winning it in September 2016, and her reign is now being acknowledged in the Billy Corgan era of the brand.
Cody Rhodes vs. Nick Aldis in a two-out-of-three falls match for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship will main event the 70th Anniversary Show. There will also be a tournament to crown a new National Champion, with two four-way elimination matches deciding who will advance to a one-on-one match for the title later in the night. Colt Cabana, Scorpio Sky, Mike Parrow, Jay Bradley, and Sam Shaw have been confirmed for the tournament.
The NWA’s video announcing Jazz’s title defense is available to watch below:
A new stipulation has been added to the NWA Worlds Heavyweight title match at the NWA 70th anniversary show.
During tonight’s ROH Death Before Dishonor event, Nick Aldis was on commentary for the co-main event, which featured Bullet Club members (including Cody) squaring off against members of CHAOS in a ten man tag team match. During the bout, the title match was brought up. Aldis challenged Cody to a two-out-of-three falls match. Once the match ended, Cody found out about the stipulation and accepted the match.
Aldis won the right to face to face Cody after defeating Doug Williams for the number one contendership during Wrestling MediaCon weekend earlier this month. Aldis lost the title back on 9/1 at All In.
The NWA 70th anniversary show will take place on October 21 at the Nashville Fairgrounds in Tennessee. Both Tony Schiavone and Jim Cornette have been announced for the show, as they will call the main event. The National championship will also be decided.
It was announced yesterday that Championship Wrestling from Hollywood’s Joe Galli will be the lead play-by-play announcer and Jim Cornette will be the color commentator for the show. As was noted previously, Tony Schiavone will also be joining the commentary team for the Cody Rhodes vs. Nick Aldis NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship main event.
Cornette tweeted about calling the show: “The return @nwa Title match with @RealNickAldis vs. @CodyRhodes was what enticed me back to broadcasting–it’ll be a real stemwinder! (We’re in Nashville so I must use a Lance Russell-ism!)”
The anniversary event is taking place at the Asylum at the Nashville Fairgrounds on Sunday, October 21 and will air live on Fite TV. In addition to the Cody vs. Aldis main event, the NWA has announced that it will be reviving the National Championship and crowning a new champion at the show.
The National Wrestling Alliance will be celebrating its 70th anniversary with an event in Nashville, Tennessee later this year.
It was announced today that the NWA will be holding a 70th Anniversary Show at the Asylum at the Nashville Fairgrounds on Sunday, October 21. The event is in conjunction with Jeff Jarrett’s Global Force Entertainment and will air live on Fite TV.
The NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship will be defended in the main event, and the NWA National Championship is returning with a new champion being crowned at the show. Nick Aldis currently holds the NWA World title and will defend it against Cody Rhodes at All in on September 1.
The NWA noted that more information on matches, talent, ticket prices, and the price for the show on Fite TV will be announced in the coming weeks.
Billy Corgan purchased the NWA last year, and much of the brand’s focus since then has been on digital content with their “Ten Pounds of Gold” YouTube series.
“It’s such an honor to be leading this historic brand into its next chapter,” Corgan said. “The enduring legacy of the National Wrestling Alliance — the men who forged it and the champions who defended it — illuminate our path in 2018. This event celebrates our first full year shepherding this brand while honoring the everlasting milestones, legends and champions of the NWA.”
