Tag: nwa power results

NWA Power Surge results: Nick Aldis announces top tag contenders

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Report —

NWA Power Surge opened with Thunder Rosa at the desk with May Valentine and Joe Galli. Rosa talked about how she was very proud to be doing good things for women’s wrestling both in the NWA, and on the independent scene. Rosa called Kamille a coward, and said she wasn’t sure that she was going to face her.

Jennacide defeated Skye Blue

This was a solid little squash match that made Jennacide look great. Skye Blue bumped well, and sold that Jennacide was a total monster.

Joe Galli claimed that Jennacide learned Muay Thai by having it downloaded directly into her brain, like something out of the Matrix. I found that amusing.

Jennacide dominated a good portion of this match, using strikes and a surfboard stretch before hitting a Yakuza kick in the corner. Jennacide countered a head scissors into a tombstone for the win.

**********

Trevor Murdoch speaks —

A recap of the events surrounding Trevor Murdoch aired, ending with how he was suspended for 30 days.

Murdoch sat down with May Valentine to talk about what happened, and he said he was beat up physically. He said he didn’t expect much when he first came to the NWA, he only wanted to make a splash and stand out. He said he has moved up the ranks and dealt with Nick Aldis putting obstacles in his way, but he wasn’t used to the easy path and accepted that life is hard.

Murdoch said that at the end of the day he had to look at the mirror and he has two young sons at home that he needs to teach how to be a man and carry themselves.

He said nobody wants to put in the hard work and sacrifice everything, and that he had to choose between rent and paying for gas to get to the next wrestling show. He sacrifices time with his family, time with his friends, and working towards the goal of becoming world champion.

He said that a lot of men don’t make it to the top, and there are far more that try to get there. He said that Harley Race set the pace and standard for him, and he is going to follow his path. Murdoch got emotional about missing Race, as he wanted him to be here to show him how far he has gotten.

He is promising to do this for Harley Race, the fans, and his kids that he can be a champion in the NWA.

I assume this was taped before he was suspended for 30 days without pay, but this was an awesome interview building up Murdoch’s motivation for going after the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship.

**********

A recap of what is happening between Kratos and Aron Stevens aired.

**********

Number one contenders announced for the NWA World Tag Team titles —

Nick Aldis talked about what was going on with Stevens, and Joe Galli asked if the decision for Thom Latimer to pick Kratos as his tag partner on Power was something Aldis decided. Instead, Aldis confirmed that Latimer made the decision himself.

Aldis then announced that Latimer and Adonis are the number one contenders for the NWA World Tag Team Championship. Aldis said that no one comes into the door of the NWA without him knowing everything about them, and he keeps a close eye on everyone, including Kratos. Aldis said he felt very confident about Latimer and Adonis taking the titles.

**********

NWA Worlds Heavyweight title number one contender battle royal announcement —

Aldis said that he wanted the most qualified person to challenge for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, and he was looking for someone to step up. Joe Galli then announced that there will be a 14-man battle royal for the number one contendership to the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, and that no one who is a current champion in the NWA will be in the match. The match will be held in three weeks. 

Aldis was very upset to hear this, and was shocked that Galli had the scoop on him, which he claimed wasn’t supposed to happen as the show went off the air. This was excellent.

**********

Final thoughts —

It seems that Power Surge is going to be mostly a recap show and a chance for one talent to get a good squash in with a few new promos. The promos are absolutely worth watching when they air, as they are always quality.

I loved what we saw from Murdoch and Aldis on this show. If you watch anything on this episode, watch that.

NWA Power results: Team Murdoch vs. Team Aldis

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Nick Aldis opened the show saying that Murdoch should have known what was going to happen if he poked his nose in his business. Aldis said that it was time for Murdoch and Adonis to have a fight one more time, but Kyle Davis implied that Aldis wanted to avoid him and didn’t want Murdoch in the NWA.

Aldis took exception to this, but he did offer a spot to Murdoch, asking him to come out with no funny business. Murdoch came out and said he wasn’t going to take the risk of beating Aldis up right now because he didn’t want to put a shot at a title in jeopardy. Murdoch demanded an apology and was seething at Aldis.

Aldis suggested that there be a six-man tag tonight with Adonis & Latimer with a 3rd man against Murdoch, and if he won, he gets a National title shot. If he loses, he gets suspended for 30 days with no pay. Murdoch said that it was funny that as soon as he started targeting Aldis and his title, he backpedaled on his statements that Murdoch wasn’t worthy of being a champion, but that he didn’t back down from a fight and he was going to take this chance.

Kratos and Sal Rinauro went to a no contest

This was more of an angle than a match, as it set up the mystery man in the main event, and furthered the story that Kratos and Stevens are not getting along. Good angle, bad match.

Poor Sal got beat up badly right from the starting bell, as Kratos used his size to stay on top of Sal. Kratos hit a huge suplex, and May Valentine and Danny Deals came out to try and defend Sal. Deals got chokeslammed, and Kratos continued to pound on Sal as Sal rolled to the ropes and refused to break as the referee ruled it a no contest. Aron Stevens tried to calm Kratos down, but he wouldn’t listen.

Kratos rolled out and walked to the announce desk and got in the face of Tim Storm. Storm stood up and slowly took his headset off. They went face to face, and Storm tried to deescalate the situation as Thom Latimer and Chris Adonis came out and announced that they saw something in Kratos and asked him to be the third man in the main event. Kratos agreed and left ringside as May attended to Sal as Stevens looked on.

Kyle Davis was with Jax Dane and Slice Boogie who are facing off in a No DQ match next week. Boogie talked about how he was just getting wins on top of wins, and Dane lost the last time they were in the ring. For some reason, Boogie was booed in this promo, and Dane was cheered, but I could have sworn it was the other way around before this episode.

NWA World Television Championship: The Pope and Tyrus went to a time limit draw

Austin Idol came out with Tyrus and joined the commentary team, and he was great. Tyrus, however, was not. The Pope tried, that’s all I can really say. This was not a good match. Velvet Sky was really bad on commentary in this match.

The match had the 6:05 time limit, and Tyrus was gassed about 60 seconds into it. Tyrus missed a corner charge, but as Pope went for the Pope Train finish, Austin Idol grabbed his foot and Tyrus hit a corner charge and an elbow for a two-count.

Tyrus locked on a bear hug in a squat position, but couldn’t actually lift Pope out of the position, so he just dropped him and stood up. Pope got up and hit some strikes and an eye poke, which Austin Idol lost his mind over on commentary.

Pope hit a missile dropkick and Idol went back to ringside. Pope hit a crossbody off the apron onto Tyrus. Idol distracted Pope and Tyrus locked on a chokehold as the time limit expired, and Pope was left laying on the outside of the ring.

Thunder Rosa came out and May Valentine informed us that the NWA wanted her and Kamille to end their feud peacefully, so they are requiring advocates to speak on their behalf. Rosa chose Melina, reluctantly, but decided that because of their history, she was the best choice.

Kamille also reluctantly chose Taryn Terrell, who was overjoyed to be picked by Kamille. Melina started and actually cut a good promo about how great Thunder Rosa is, talking about her success in the NWA and AEW. Melina made a good point – Kamille won the number one contendership but has kept going after Rosa, so she was the one that kept this going.

Terrell talked about how Rosa was jealous in the most annoying way possible. Melina suggested that Rosa and Kamille have a rematch since she wasn’t done yet, and puts the #1 contendership on the line.

Terrell said that they would do the match, but there were conditions and they would deliver the list of conditions next week. Melina threw a punch at Terrell, and Rosa tried to get at Kamille as the segment ended.

Team Aldis (Thom Latimer, Chris Adonis, & Kratos) defeated Team Murdoch (Trevor Murdoch, Aron Stevens, & Tim Storm)

This was a heavy heat match and furthered the angle between Murdoch and Aldis. Aldis kept his word and wasn’t involved, but Murdoch still lost and now has to spend 30 days unpaid at home. Not sure what the NWA is going to do with the guy they have been pushing as a top babyface not there. This was a good match.

Murdoch’s partners took their time coming out, and to everyone’s surprise, Aron Stevens joined Murdoch, on the opposite side from his own tag team partner. Sal Rinauro came out, but Tim Storm walked out after and told Rinauro to go to the back.

As the match started, Storm went right for Kratos. Latimer was yelling about how Storm shouldn’t cross them, which seems to be furthering the tension between him and Nick Aldis. Stevens and Kratos were left in the ring, but Stevens didn’t want to fight Kratos, so Tim Storm and Latimer ended up in the ring.

Kratos wanted to fight Stevens, but Stevens was reluctant to face off against his own partner. Stevens went to tag Kratos by instinct once, but soon thereafter went back to his own corner. Sadly, for Stevens, it wasn’t long before they were getting the heat on him.

The heels kept this up for several minutes, with Latimer and Adonis beating on Stevens. Kratos, however, didn’t tag in. He was very joyful seeing Stevens get beat up, but he didn’t tag in right away. Stevens dodged a corner charge from Latimer and managed to make the hot tag to Storm.

Storm ran wild but got distracted when Sal Rinauro got on the apron to cheer storm on, and Adonis took advantage of this and hit a full nelson slam for the pinfall victory. Storm was left laying in the middle of the ring. Kratos refused to help Aron Stevens up as the show went off the air.

Final Thoughts

Trevor Murdoch must go home for 30 days, unpaid now. I asked above, but the question remains: What does the NWA do now without the guy they have positioned in a top babyface role? Will we see a return of the Midnight Rider type angle here with Murdoch? The more I think about it, the more I like that idea.

I’m not sure where they are going to go with this, but having Murdoch appear under a mask and pretend to be someone else could be a really fun 4 weeks, as Murdoch could then outwit Strictly Business leading into the next PPV. If there is no mention of Murdoch on TV, then I think that is a terrible choice, given that they want to push him as a top guy in line for Aldis’ title.

NWA Power Surge results: Nick Aldis speaks

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Joe Galli & May Valentine opened the show, showing a segment from last week where Nick Aldis announced that Strictly Business was recruiting. The announcers then invited Mike Parrow to the announce desk to ask him about his career.

–Parrow talked about how he wasn’t seen in the NWA since the NWA 70th Anniversary and had to go to Japan to earn his way back to the NWA. He was angry that the management sent him away, since he watched people from all across the world, but didn’t get a shot in the NWA. He said that he was going to take everyone in front of him out, and every single person there should run in fear. Excellent promo.

–A recap of Thunder Rosa beating Britt Baker on AEW Dynamite aired. Rosa then cut a promo about wanting to win the NWA Women’s title back.

–Kamille was at the announce desk and asked where her video package was. Kamille said that she made the match that Rosa was in last week better by running in and spearing Rosa. She also talked about Adonis and Thom Latimer being a good team, but she wasn’t quite sure where Nick Aldis’ head was at because she and Thom aren’t going anywhere.

She said she wasn’t upset with Nick, and recognized that he was going to do the best thing for Strictly Business. May Valentine asked if she was taking it personally, and Kamille got increasingly upset, saying that she was just straight to business.

Mims defeated Jerimiah Plunkett

This was a solid, basic match once it got started. Mims and Plunkett botched something early on, but right after that, they got on track.

Plunkett trained Mims, so there was a bit of a built-in story for the match. Plunkett got the heat for most of the match, using heel tactics, which Velvet Sky pointed out with those exact words. Not a fan of Sky saying “That’s a real heel there. Getting the heat from the crowd.” What does that mean if this is real?

Mims made a quick comeback, hitting some bodyslams and a huge belly-to-belly suplex. Mims then hit the Hook Up for a pinfall victory. Solid match.

The announcers informed us that Sal Rinauro was looking for a world-class wrestler to team with him to face Aron Stevens and Kratos.

–Nick Aldis was with May Valentine and Joe Galli and talked about the qualifications needed to challenge for the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship. Aldis said there were several people in the running, but no one has separated from the pack yet. Aldis said that this afforded him the time to focus on advancing Strictly Business.

Aldis also called out May Valentine for her questioning of Kamille. He said that Latimer & Kamille are not a part of Strictly Business because they’re his friends, they’re members because they are elite-level athletes. As long as they remain elite, they will be members.

Galli then asked about Chris Adonis, and Aldis said again that he was not a member. He is on their radar, and he has had a good start, winning the NWA National Title, but the main thing that Aldis is looking for is consistency.

Aldis then spoke directly to the viewers who were happy NWA Power was back, and all the fans that support them, saying “You’re welcome.” Perfect heel line from Aldis here. Good promo, and a little intrigue built towards the next episode of NWA Power.

Final Thoughts:

This was a very easy 30-minute watch that featured a recap of all the events from the last few weeks of Power, and then a bonus match on top of it. It also advanced some characters in Mims and Parrow specifically. I’m not sure what the plan is going forward with Power Surge, but as a half-hour recap show with promos, it served its purpose well.

NWA Power results: New National Champion crowned

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Nick Aldis opened the show, and said he wanted to discuss an affliction he has been dealing with for a long time – all he knows how to do is win. He doesn’t know how to do anything else, pointing out that he beat Aron Stevens at Back for the Attack, and how Strictly Business won last week too.

Davis asked if Adonis was joining Strictly Business, and Aldis said that they were getting ahead of themselves. As they were talking, Trevor Murdoch came out and confronted Aldis for teaming with him last week after condemning him in the opening promo. Murdoch said that he was in a hospital for a week because of Adonis, and he couldn’t collect pay for his family.

Murdoch demanded another match with Adonis that is no DQ, no countout, and he’ll put the NWA National title on the line. Aldis was offended that Murdoch cut him off, and said the last thing he wants to do if he is worried about missing work is to cross him.

Aldis then reminded him of the number one rule that Harley Race taught them both – never turn your back on your opponent. Chris Adonis came out and attacked Murdoch and beat him down, while Aldis looked on with joy. Referees came out to break it up, and a doctor came out to check on Murdoch.

Fantastic opening segment. Murdoch was able to walk out, but he was clearly hurt again, making this feud even more personal.

**********

Aron Stevens and Kratos were backstage with May Valentine. Stevens talked about Joseph Hudson again, and how he changed his life. Sal Rinauro came onto the screen and asked for a World Tag Team title shot, and Stevens agreed, but said that he better be prepared, as this is the NWA.

Sliced Boogie defeated Jeremiah Plunkett

Good squash match here that further got Sliced Boogie over.

Boogie kept control for most of the match, except for a brief moment with a heat segment from Plunkett. Boogie hit a nice springboard back elbow, but missed a middle rope elbow that allowed Plunkett to get the heat. Plunkett hit a spinebuster for a two count, and then locked in a sleeper on Boogie.

Boogie got out with a back suplex, and nailed Plunkett with a clothesline and a Gotch piledriver (the Deadass Driver) for the pinfall.

**********

Tyrus  (with Austin Idol) defeated Matthew Mims

The wrong guy won this match, as Tyrus worked over Mims with his horrible offense.

Tyrus caught Mims on a crossbody and slammed him before hitting an elbow and locking on the classic NERVE HOLD~! Mims got out and hit a few headbutts to shake Tyrus. Tyrus hit an exploder and a terrible chokeslam for the pinfall.

**********

Fred Rosser and Pope were at the podium. Rosser talked about how Pope was not ready for him because he was taking the TV title. Pope said that he knew Rosser for a long time, and remembered Rosser asking him for advice backstage at shows, which Rosser said off mic that “that was then, this is now”. They formally announced the match as the main event for next week. Great stuff.

**********

Thunder Rosa & Alex Gracia defeated Skye Blue and Jennacide by disqualification

This match was billed as a “Ladies Celebration Match” as Rosa brought in some young talent to the NWA to give them a chance. Blue, Jennacide, and Gracia were all green, but Rosa went out of her way to try and make them all look good.

Skye Blue started the match with Rosa. Blue was clearly green, but there is something there. Rosa rolled with her for some submissions back and forth, staying on top the whole time. Rosa tagged Gracia in, who hit a weak chop on Blue, but Rosa tagged back in and hit one of her own that was brutal.

Rosa and Gracia exchanged quick tags back and forth to keep the advantage. Jennacide was extremely green, but has a unique look and was the biggest woman in the match. She did power moves, including doing some squats while holding Gracia up for a slam. Rosa got the hot tag, but ate a spear from Kamille who ran out for the DQ.

Melina, who was on commentary, came over the ring and started yelling at Kamille. Rosa pulled her away, and as Kamille turned around she came face to face with Jennacide. Both of them were the same size.

**********

Nick Aldis was on commentary for the main event. Joe Galli wanted to address something before the match: would Tim Storm wrestle again? The answer was yes, as Storm is not done yet, but he didn’t want to take away from Aldis as champion and made no excuses – Aldis beat him for the title, even if he doesn’t like how Aldis acts.

Aldis gave a warning to Storm, saying that he was glad that he hadn’t retired, but that he needed to watch his mouth about him and Strictly Business. Looks like we might be getting Aldis and Storm one more time down the line, which I am perfectly fine with.

No DQ: Chris Adonis defeated Trevor Murdoch to win the NWA National title

The story of the match was that Murdoch had an injured neck, so while he was tough, he had little chance against the uninjured Adonis. It was a fast match, but told a great story.

Murdoch came out wearing a neck brace, which Aldis asked if it were wise for him to wrestle with that on. Adonis slammed Murdoch on the floor, as Aldis talked about how Murdoch shouldn’t be out there due to the injury, even though he played a role in it happening.

Adonis worked over the neck for the next few minutes, locked on the Masterlock and hit a full nelson slam. Adonis then picked him up and locked on the Masterlock again, and Murdoch passed out, becoming the new champion via ref stoppage.

Aldis said that this made Adonis an associate of Strictly Business, and that he wanted to celebrate the success of Adonis. Tim Storm looked on in disgust as the show closed.

Final Thoughts:

Really solid episode of NWA Power here, with lots of storylines being hinted at for the future. The one that compels me the most is the real tension we can see between Tim Storm and Nick Aldis. It’s clear Storm is disgusted by the heelish actions of Aldis, but it hasn’t gotten to the point of where he is willing to fight.

I think this is a classic slow burn, where we will see Tim Storm leave the announce desk to take on Strictly Business eventually, possibly ending with Nick Aldis and Tim Storm wrestling for the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship one last time. I loved this. 

I also loved how they’re positioning Thunder Rosa as someone that wants to give new talent a shot on every show. She’s a wonderful babyface, in contrast to Kamille, who selfishly wants all the attention on her.

Lots of good stuff on this episode with future feuds being developed. I’m excited for what the NWA has in store for us down the line.

NWA Super Power results: Strictly Business vs. Villain Enterprises

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Billy Corgan opened the show and talked about how he hoped everyone was safe. He said that this episode of NWA Power was meant to be the go-home show for the Crockett Cup, but it had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. He promised an announcement about the future of the NWA at the end of the show.

Marty Scurll and Brody King came out to cheers from the crowd. Scurll said he didn’t come alone, and that when you mess with him, you mess with the whole of Villain Enterprises. King talked about how him and PCO were the winners of the Crockett Cup last year and are former NWA Tag Team Champions. King promised that Scurll would be the next NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion.

A recap of Kamille’s story played here that we saw a preview to a few weeks ago. They also replayed her promo, which was just as excellent as the first time I saw it.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express came out for an interview with Sean Mooney. Ricky Morton said that since 1985, he’s been looking for the Crockett Cup. He said last year they lost in the first round to The Briscoes, but that they still have a chance of winning because no one thought they could be nine-time champions.

**********

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express defeated Shooter Stevens & The Question Mark

Before the match started, Stevens claimed his black belt proved his virility. Well then. Question Mark started the match with Morton and dropped him with a palm strike. Stevens tagged in, missed an elbow, and tagged back out to Question Mark. Question Mark sent Morton into the corner.

Question Mark tagged out and Stevens ate several punches from Morton and Gibson and Flair flopped into the middle of the ring. Stevens asked “What happened?!” but raked the eyes and started to get the heat on Morton. Stevens then asked for a timeout for a breather. Trevor Murdoch came out, and Stevens said he had backup named Question Mark Jr.

Brian Milonas came out wearing a Question Mark mask. He helped choke Morton on the ropes, but Murdoch chased him around the ring. Question Mark Jr. collapsed out of breath halfway around the ring, and Stevens got angry. Gibson shoved Stevens and he fell backwards into a roll-up from Morton for the 1-2-3.

This was a ton of fun with it being a pure comedy match. I loved the spot for the finish, and Question Mark Jr. being out of breath.

**********

Melina came out and cut a promo about why she should get a shot at the NWA Women’s Championship. Melina said Allysin Kay doesn’t deserve a shot at the title because she lost it and then lost her rematch.

Kay came out and the referees were there to keep them apart. Kay said that Thunder Rosa beat her fair and square, and because Melina ruined her rematch, she wanted to fight Melina at the Crockett Cup. Kay called Melina a coward.

Thunder Rosa came out to a massive pop. She assured Kay that the interference had nothing to do with her losing and she said she didn’t need help to be champion. She wanted to represent her family, dojo, and the NWA with pride. She isn’t going to lay down for anyone, including Melina. Thunder Rosa said she wanted a triple threat with Kay and Melina, saying she could take both of them.

**********

Tim Storm defeated Jax Dane in a no DQ match

Dane started the match by attacking Storm at ringside and then hitting a big splash in the corner. Dane hit a belly-to-belly suplex on Storm, which is crazy, because Storm is a very big man. Storm sent Dane flying into the steps as Joe Galli told us that it took Storm multiple times to beat Dane for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship.

Both men brawled into the crowd and Storm sent Dane into the railing at the top of the stairs. Dane’s punches were not very good, but he clobbered Storm. Storm hit an elbow, took Dane to the top of the stairs, and drove Dane into a poster of Storm’s own face. Storm used a gate on the leg of Dane, but Dane fought back and sent Storm down the stairs with a punch.

They came down to the announce table and brawled more at ringside, where Storm and Dane started to chop the crap out of each other. Dane went for a belly-to-belly on the floor, but Storm didn’t quite get over, and it looked like his shoulder was driven into the floor. That had to suck. Danny Deals gave Dane a chair, but he was unable to send Storm into it.

Storm hit a big boot, but Dane stood right up and hit the Dane Effect (a Samoan drop). Storm stood up too, and Dane charged him, but Storm dodged and Dane crashed head-first into the chair and walked backwards into a Perfect Storm for the three count.

Danny Deals now has to be in the ring for five minutes with Tim Storm! Deals tried to run away but the referee didn’t let him. The fans chanted “Tim is gonna kill you!” They then chanted “Get in the ring!” as they wanted Storm to beat him up. Deals got into the ring, put glasses on, and pretended to be Mama Storm again with a wig.

Storm pulled the wig and glasses off and then Deals tried to hug him. Storm patted him on the back, and Deals offered a handshake. Storm took it and then sent him flying into the ropes and hit a Perfect Storm. Storm picked him up and hit one more to a roar from the crowd.

The match wasn’t anything special, but Storm is such an amazing babyface that I still loved this.

**********

May Valentine’s Diary aired and she talked about how upset she was that Royce Isaacs got jealous of Sal Rinauro. May was very upset that Isaacs tried to break Rinauro’s other arm and talked about how Isaacs seems like he is starting to lose his mind with jealously. This was good.

**********

Tasha Steelz defeated Ashley Vox and Marti Belle in a triple threat match

Vox and Steelz are friends, so they didn’t want to start the match with each other, but they did fair and square when Belle stepped out of the ring. Vox went for a pinfall, but Belle broke it up and drove Vox into the ring post. Belle hit running knees on both Steelz and Vox before hitting rolling suplexes on Vox.

Steelz cut her off and avoided a charge from Belle by floating over, but ate a boot from Vox. Belle hit a rolling elbow on Vox and went for a Samoan drop, but Vox hit a superkick on Belle and then locked in the Reel Catch on Steelz. Belle hit a pump kick on Vox, but Steelz managed to hit a codebreaker on Belle for the win!

Vox and Steelz are quite good, and Steelz has a very good presence. Vox was probably the best worker in the match. I’ve been very impressed with her week by week — they have something with her.

**********

Eddie Kingston came out with James Storm and Eli Drake and talked about how he is going through some personal stuff, worried about Homicide. He asked the crowd not to disrespect him because he doesn’t disrespect them, and the crowd applauded as Kingston tried to collect himself. This was such a small thing to help get over how upset Kingston is.

Kingston said he wanted Storm and Drake because they’re fighters and the best tag team wrestlers in the world because of the titles they hold. He worked with them to get rid of The Bouncers, and he wants to focus on Pope.

Storm said he always wanted to make sure the fans get to enjoy the NWA shows, but while they can make people laugh, he can beat people up too. Storm said all three of them love entertaining and love wrestling, but don’t get them confused, they will laugh as they have fun, and they will laugh after stomping a mudhole.

Drake pointed right toward the Crockett Cup and said the next pay-per-view is for that cup, so that is in his focus. Drake said The Bouncers came in and got bounced back to Ring of Honor. Drake said they could bring whoever they want to the Crockett Cup, but he is a fighter.

Storm, Kingston, and himself are all very different people, but they love fighting. He said “Sorry about your damn luck,” with James Storm just looking at him weirdly and then saying, “Yeah!”

All three men were incredible performers here. What a great promo.

**********

Strictly Business (Nick Aldis & Thom Latimer) defeated Villain Enterprises (Marty Scurll & Brody King)

Scurll started the match with Aldis, but Aldis immediately tagged out to Latimer. Scurll was about to lock up with Latimer, but ducked out and tagged King just like Aldis did.

King went for a chop on Latimer, but Latimer ducked and hit a shoulder block. Latimer hit a dropkick on King. King responded with a shoulder tackle and then chopped him hard.

King chopped the crap out of Latimer and sent him to the ropes, but Latimer reversed and Aldis hit a knee lift to the back of King. Latimer hit the ropes, but Scurll hit a knee of his own and then tagged in. Scurll hit a chop and then an uppercut, while the referee told him that he didn’t want anymore shenanigans.

Scurll hit the rope and clapped his hands and pointed to Aldis like Aldis kneed him in the back. The ref turned around and started arguing with Aldis, then Scurll hit a drop toe hold on Latimer and King hit a splash. Scurll hit his apron superkick on Latimer, but Aldis threw Scurll to the floor and Latimer drove Scurll into the ring post and started to punch him by the stairs into the crowd.

Aldis came in, and now he was squaring off with Scurll when he’s already been beaten down. Aldis raked the eyes and distracted the ref for some cheap double teams with Latimer. They then got the heat on Scurll for the next few minutes. Latimer went for a vertical suplex, but Scurll hit a huge vertical suplex on Latimer and tagged out to King.

King chopped the heck out of both opponents, then crushed them in the corner and hit a double clothesline/enzuigiri on Latimer. Scurll hit a sunset flip on King, which sent him into German suplexing Latimer. Aldis ended up back in, but King hit a piledriver on him. Latimer made the save.

Scurll pulled the ropes down and Latimer fell to the floor. Scurll then did his fake-out superkick on Aldis and went for the chicken wing, but Kamille came out and distracted the ref. Aldis went for an umbrella shot, but Scurll ducked and took it from him and hit the running in Royce Isaacs.

Scurll hit a dive onto Isaacs, but in the middle of the chaos, Latimer low blowed King and Aldis hit a flying elbow and pinned him.

Strictly Business won in a very good match. It’s too bad the Crockett Cup isn’t coming yet.

A message from Billy Corgan then aired, with him saying the roster of the NWA is too talented and the fans are too supportive for them to fold the NWA right now. He said that no matter how tough things are right now, they will be continuing and will be producing new content in a way they considered when this all started until the return of NWA Power in the future.

Next week, NWA Carnyland debuts. Corgan couldn’t tell us what it was about, because it was too hard to describe. I will be right here with the recap next week for you all.

NWA Super Power preview results: Kamille’s first match and interview

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Video —

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei0j-9b4Cuo

Report —

Nick Aldis told the story of why he ended up with Kamille as his insurance policy. At All In, Brandi Rhodes got herself in the way of an elbow drop by Aldis and played a role in Aldis losing the match. Aldis, in response, hired Kamille, who took care of Brandi in the rematch, helping Aldis get the win over Cody and become the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion for a second time.

A recap of the match between Nick Aldis and PJ Black from ROH aired, with Kamille taking a blow for Aldis, saving him from a dropkick by Black. Aldis was then able to lock on the Texas Cloverleaf and submit Black.

The agreement for Aldis and Marty Scurll to fight over the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship at the 2019 Crockett Cup aired. How Kamille was kicked out of the match when Scurll pretended to be tripped by her was then shown.

Aldis dodged an attack, but Scurll crashed into the referee and Kamille came back out, getting ready to attack Scurll, but Aldis cut her off and told her to leave the ring because he wanted to do it himself. Aldis won, and Scurll and Aldis hugged.

The lead-up to Strictly Business forming was recapped. It built from Kamille moving away from being the insurance policy to an in-ring competitor herself, attacking Allysin Kay on the latest episode of NWA Power.

Kamille defeated Madi Maxx

Kamille came out, towering over her opponent. When the bell rang, she ran Maxx back into the corner and stomped her several times, leaving her beaten down. Kamille then threw Maxx across the ring and hit a body avalanche in the corner. Kamille slammed Maxx and picked her up. Maxx fired up and hit a few forearms before going for a sunset flip.

Kamille picked Maxx up. Maxx dodged a clothesline but ate a leg lariat. Kamille stomped on Maxx. Kamille put Maxx on the top turnbuckle and ran at her, but Maxx hit a kick and went for a crossbody. Kamille caught her and put her up on her shoulders before hitting a steamroller and then a spear for the three count.

Kamille is obviously green, but she looked quite good in this match. They kept her to doing the basics, and it paid off with her looking like an absolute monster.

Kamille spoke for the first time, saying that people didn’t like her growing up because she was gifted. The coaches loved her, but the parents of the other girls did not. The parents complained that she was putting all the girls in danger when she played softball. She decided to play with the boys, and she still put up great stats. Kamille said she was hated for her power and strength — and not only peers, but adults too. This is why she has no respect for authority or anyone that wants to talk to her.

Kamille said wrestling came easy to her. Nick Aldis called her in October 2018 — and she was happy to answer the call. She said Aldis hired her because she was a force that could take care of business. This is why she was willing to take hits for him — and give them back. She said she let her actions speak for her. She’s not one to start a fight, but she was always going to end it.

She then called out all the women in the NWA about how they talked about her. Kamille said she was going to take them all out.

This was excellent. It explained all of Kamille’s motivation and why she didn’t talk for so long, while also explaining her relationship with Aldis. This tied up the last few months of storytelling beautifully and finally revealed her full role in Strictly Business while setting her up to take on all the women in the division. Kamille did a very good job explaining her background and why she has done what she has so far in the NWA.

This served as a preview for NWA Super Power, a lost episode of NWA Power that is going to air in May 2020. This little teaser reminded me of how much I miss the show, and I’m very much looking forward to its return, whenever that comes.

NWA Power results: Strictly Business & Villain Enterprises brawl

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Sean Mooney opened the show talking about the matches coming up for NWA Power. These little segments are simple, but it makes it so easy to invest in the matches.

Tim Storm cut a promo about how the fake Mama Storm bothered him and really got under his skin. Storm said that he has his own path to walk and if Strictly Business is a part of it or not, he will get the job done. Thomas Latimer came out and said that Storm was old news, and Strictly Business was done with him.

Latimer accused Storm of trying to drive a wedge between him and Nick Aldis, as he was the best man in Aldis’ wedding. Latimer said that if it got to the point where he had to wrestle Aldis, it would be the best man winning, as they have wrestled before.

Latimer left to boos, and Storm said “This is where the fake Mama Storm usually comes out.” Danny Deals from the ads entered.

Deals was the one impersonating Mama Storm, so Tim wanted to get his hands on him. Deals said that he had a deal to help Storm get back on his feet, with a tag team partner. Deals said that he could take door one, which is the easy way, or door two, which is hellfire. Storm said he was going to choose door three and get his hands on Deals’ neck.

Deals said that he will make a deal, because he’s Danny Deals. Since Storm didn’t want to team with him, he is going to book him in a match, and if he loses, he needs to get him an NWA contract, but if he wins, he gets five minutes in the ring with Deals.

Deals asked if anyone remembered how Tim Storm won the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, and insisted that it was with nefarious means. Deals said the man he took the title from didn’t forget, and he was coming back to get his revenge. Jax Dane then walked out and got in Storm’s face. This was absolutely awesome.

**********

Matt Cross was with David Marquez and talked about how the NWA had history, heart, and spirit — and he has it too. He talked about how he was like the legends of old, hitting the road, but he now wants to find a place to call home, and he thought this was the time and place. Cross said they weren’t afraid of the word wrestling in the NWA, and he was here to live forever.

Zicky Dice defeated Matt Cross and NWA Television Champion Ricky Starks in a non-title triple threat match

This was a non-title match, and it happened because of the time limit draw between Starks and Cross. Dice wormed his way into it to make it a triple threat. Dice rolled out of the ring and pulled Starks to the floor. Both men started brawling as the crowd chanted “We don’t like you!” to Dice.

Cross hit a suicide dive onto both of his opponents, then Cross and Starks hit a double clothesline and both were down. Dice tried to get one over on both of them by sneaking in with pinfall attempts. Cross and Starks sent him to the ropes and hit a double back body drop before resuming their fight.

Starks went for the stroke, but Cross countered and hit the Cross Cutter on him. Cross went to the top rope and hit a beautiful Shooting Star Press on Starks, but Dice threw Cross to the floor and stole the pinfall.

Dice then threw an over-the-top celebration, and I expect he will be getting a TV title match soon.

**********

May Valentine’s diary aired and she talked about how Royce Isaacs got a win over The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, how she was so proud of him for it, and that night he said he loved her. Valentine showed her makeup routine and put makeup on Sal Rinauro to practice on him. She also talked about how Kamille wasn’t really a scary monster. This was fun.

**********

Aron Stevens came out and Joe Galli talked about how he has ran away recently, leaving Question Mark to take a beating. Stevens denied it, and Galli asked if he wanted to be a fighting champion.

Stevens said he was a fighting champion, otherwise he wouldn’t be a third degree National Champion. He then dodged the questions and said Question Mark had a match coming up now.

Trevor Murdoch defeated The Question Mark

Question Mark started the match by attacking rapidly, but Murdoch dodged a Mongrovian Spike and Question Mark hit the top turnbuckle. Murdoch went to the top rope and hit a top rope bulldog for the pinfall.

Stevens immediately attacked Murdoch after the match and began to beat him down, hitting several elbows to the ear on the corner that left Murdoch unconscious. I liked this. It was a good heat angle to show that Stevens really isn’t just a comedy figure, but someone that can be dangerous.

**********

Sean Mooney was with Nick Aldis and got right to business by asking about Villain Enterprises. Aldis said he heroically beat “Flop” Gordon at Hard Times, then mentioned how he and Royce Isaacs beat The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, proving that he is the man and that he is the one driving the NWA forward — “It isn’t trickle down economics, it’s Nickel-down economics.”

Aldis decided to give Marty Scurll one chance to back out of the deal, and he told Scurll to come out and admit that Aldis was the better man. Scurll entered to a massive reaction from the crowd. Scurll said he was sick of talking and wanted to fight right now. Aldis asked him if he wanted to do this, and Isaacs came out.

Scurll said yes, then Latimer came out. Aldis gave him one last chance, but Marty told them to bring it, because he’s a fighting babyface. Brody King made his way down and Villain Enterprises evened the odds a little bit as Scurll and King started brawling with Isaacs and Latimer.

My major question left after seeing this was where the third member of Villain Enterprises, ROH World Champion PCO, was. We might see him soon, and that is exciting.

**********

Eddie Kingston came out and taped up his hands and talked about how it was time to bust someone up. He wanted to fight Pope right now, as he got rid of The Dawsons with The Bouncers. While looking directly into the camera, Kingston dared Pope to come out. He said Pope probably called the cops.

Pope came out taping his fist, but he ripped it off and grabbed the mic. Pope still insisted he was putting Kingston back on track, and told him that what Pope wanted, Pope got. As he was talking, The Bouncers came out and stood behind Kingston. Pope said he had the money to do whatever he chooses — and The Bouncers attacked Kingston.

They started beating him down. Kingston kept trying to fight back, but The Bouncers were too much for him. Brawler Milonas climbed to the middle rope and hit a flying leg drop onto Kingston as Beer City Bruiser was holding Kingston up. My goodness, this was a killer angle.

**********

A very good hype video aired for Thunder Rosa vs. Melina. Mooney then announced that The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express were the first entrants into the Crockett Cup this year.

NWA World Women’s Championship match: Thunder Rosa defeated Melina via countout to retain her title

Melina accused Thunder Rosa of being disrespectful, so Thunder Rosa shoved her. Melina then rolled to the floor and walked away up the stairs. Melina claimed that Thunder Rosa owed her and said she was the reason Thunder Rosa has the title. Melina got counted out and pointed to her head, saying she was in Thunder Rosa’s head.

Allysin Kay met Melina at the top of the stairs and chased her back to the ring before dropping her with a forearm and sending her into the ring. Thunder Rosa stood on the apron and watched as Kay went to attack Melina.

Kamille appeared out of nowhere, speared Kay, and left her laying in the ring. Melina rolled out to the outside and Tasha Steelz and Ashley Vox helped Kay out. Thunder Rosa and Kamille had a staredown as the show went off the air.

For a non-finish in this match, I think it actually made sense. I really enjoyed this episode as it advanced all the major stories in simple, but very effective ways. Eddie Kingston is an absolute star and is beginning to steal the show every week with his promos. Before long, I think he should be in the World title picture.

Thunder Rosa is a star. Plain and simple. She is so over and has such a great presence. Nick Aldis, as always, is proving to be one of the best champions in wrestling today.

NWA Power results: Marty Scurll’s counteroffer

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

It doesn’t take NWA Power to get into the action quickly, as Eli Drake joins Galli and Bennett on commentary.

The Bouncers (Beer City Bruiser & Brian Milonas) w/ Eddie Kingston defeated The Dawson (Dave & Zane Dawson) w/ The Pope

The crowd immediately started chanting “We want beer!” as Mr. Beer started the match with Zane Dawson. Zane and the Bruiser exchanged hard clothesline attempts, but the Beer City Bruiser was too strong and leveled Zane. Dave Dawson tagged in and exchanged chops with Milonas. Mr. Beer tagged in and did several punches with the crowd chanting “Beer!”

Zane tagged in and used some clubbing forearms on the Bruiser in the corner, likely bruising him, in an ironic cruel twist. Beer hit a double clothesline and managed to tag out to Milonas, who hit a running cross body on Zane Dawson, which was insane. Milonas hit a superplex on Zane soon thereafter, and The Bruiser hit a frog splash off the top rope for the 3.

James Storm and the Beer City Bruiser filled the Crockett Cup with beer and started to drink from it. Milonas, Beer, and Storm tried to get Drake to do it, but Drake faked in and drank his protein shake. That was quite hilarious. I love the Beer City Bruiser.

*********

Tom Latimer came out with Kamille to be interviewed about his upcoming match with Tim Storm. Galli said that Latimer might be in line for a title match if he beat Storm, and Latimer brushed it off, as Aldis is his boss. Latimer also refused to talk about the tag team title scene, but cut a promo on the Rock n’ Roll Express. Kamille threatened to slap Galli, but she gently patted him on the face.

Tom Latimer defeated Tim Storm

Latimer attacked storm from behind and started working him over, but Storm clotheslined Latimer to the floor. Latimer landed on his feet, but he wasn’t happy. Both men locked up, but neither were able to get the advantage, so they exchanged shoulder blocks. Latimer indicated that he was going to go for another one, but tried a cheap shot, so Storm blocked it and hit a back body drop on Latimer.

Latimer threw an elbow pad to the ref, and as he did, he hit a throat strike on Storm and then a spear for the 2 count. Latimer continued to work over Storm with a few punches before Tim Storm made a brief comeback, but both men went down after a neckbreaker. Latimer went for a piledriver, but Storm hit a back body drop. He ran to the corner, but Latimer dodged, and he crashed into the ring post. Latimer hit an implant DDT for the win.

After the match, the fake Mama Storm from last week came out, and Tim Storm looked disgusted before leaving the area. I wonder if we will see the real Mama Storm at some point to put this fake one in its place? I’m not a fan of Tim Storm losing a relatively clean match here, but that is just my bias kicking in because I love Tim Storm as a babyface. I legitimately don’t want to see him lose.

*********

Trevor Murdoch cut a promo against Aron Stevens about how he wanted a title match again. He also trash talked Question Mark, and Question Mark came out, grabbed the mic, and began to sing the Mongrovian National Anthem to a applause from the crowd. He then said “Me! You! Karate!” to Murdoch, which I loved because it was so wacky.

*********

Sean Mooney was there with the update from ROH Free Enterprise, as Marty Scurll made a counter offer after being in a match with him and PCO against Nick Aldis & Rush. Marty talked about becoming the NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion. Marty made a counter offer, saying that he would personally write a cheque for $500,000 if Aldis beat him. Aldis accepted the counter offer.

*********

NWA Television Championship: Ricky Starks went to a time limit draw with Matt Cross

Starks and Cross started the match with some technical wrestling, showing that neither man is limited to high flying wrestling. Starks was able to hit a dropkick to the face of Cross when he tried to do a backflip. Cross and Starks traded a few moves back and forth again, and Cross hit a pump kick and back elbow. Cross went for a suplex, but Starks blocked it.

Both men tried for it more than once, and went back and forth before Starks was able to hit a suplex. Starks hit a tornado DDT and got a 2 count. Cross hit the cross cutter and then went for the shooting star press, but the bell rang as he ran out of time. Starks had successfully defended his title due to time limit draw.

Zicky Dice came out and cut a promo about how Starks couldn’t get the job done, but that he finishes every time. Well then.

Honestly, I am not sure I would have done the draw here. I get that they wanted to establish two things: That Matt Cross is tough to beat, and that a draw still counts as a successful defence of the title. However, I think I would have saved the match with Matt Cross for further down the line, and if Starks gets all of the Lucky 7, Cross can say that he never really beat him, and move forward with that as Starks seeks a shot at the NWA World’s Championship.

*********

Marti Belle cut a promo against Allysin Kay and how she didn’t care about her or the fans, and talked about how Melina was the only one that showed that she cared about her. Belle talked about how everything that Melina has predicted has come true. Kay came out and said that she absolutely cared about the fans.

Kay said that Melina was Jim Jones, and Marti Belle was drinking the kool-aid. She said that she was always going to be there for Marti Belle, and that she cared about her. Marti Belle left, angry.

Melina defeated Tasha Steelz

Melina immediately attacked Steelz, and Steelz sold so well for Melina’s offence here that even though parts of it looked weak, Melina looked like a monster compared to her. The match was messy in spots, but Steelz did her best to get a decent match before Melina hit a Primal Scream for the pinfall.

Melina cut a promo about being the best, and demanded a title shot next week against Thunder Rosa, her friend.

*********

Nick Aldis & Royce Isaacs defeated The Rock n’ Roll Express

As the match was beginning, Sal Rinauro and May Valentine made their way down to ringside and sat down in the crowd. Robert Gibson rolled up Isaacs and got a 2 count as he was distracted by May sitting with Sal. Ricky Morton tagged in and they worked over the legs of Royce with a wishbone split. Morton and Gibson continued the work over the leg for a while until Isaacs gouged the eyes and tagged in Aldis.

Ricky Morton was tagged in soon thereafter as he hit a hurricanrana on Aldis. Morton was driven into the ring post on the floor by Isaacs and they got the heat on Morton for the next few minutes. Morton fired up and hit a few great punches before tagging out. Gibson tagged in and hit a suplex on Isaacs before throwing Aldis from the top rope.

Gibson went for a backslide on Isaacs, but Aldis broke it up. Isaacs hit the thumbs to the eyes of Gibson and rolled him up for the pinfall with the feet on the ropes. May Valentine came over and hugged May as Isaacs went on to argue with Sal. The crowd chanted Sal, as the show faded out into a hype video of Aldis and Scurll.

The NWA promised we would know the exact date and venue for the Crockett Cup next week.
This was a very solid episode of NWA Power. It wasn’t super exciting, and it didn’t have the promos of last week, but it was very good. They are slowly building their way to the PPV, and it’s excellent stuff.

NWA Power results: Allysin Kay vs. Thunder Rosa II

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

NWA Power opened with a brand new theme, though I don’t think it is nearly as good as the old one. This episode featured a rematch between Thunder Rosa and Allysin Kay.

Before we got back into the action, Tim Storm came out. A person in the crowd came out and yelled “I love you Tim!” and he responded with “I love you too!” and he called all the fans his family. Absolutely fantastic. Storm asked the NWA management to be involved in the Heavyweight title picture, and he wanted to prove himself against the best, which meant that he was going to get a match with Thom Latimer to try and move up the card.

Joe Galli asked Storm if he was considering retirement, and asked Storm to set the record straight. Tim Storm told Galli to forget about the rumours, and that he values every single minute he gets to be in front of the fans, and in the ring, and that he isn’t retiring. He needs to get by Thom Latimer to move onto the rest of Strictly Business.

Latimer came out and said that Storm already lost, and he wouldn’t be getting a shot at the title soon. As they were talking, Galli said he was hearing from the back that Momma Storm was there. A man came out dressed as an old woman, and mocked Storm, calling him old and saying that she wanted her son to take a nap. “Momma Storm” said that Tim should go back to teaching so he could learn how to win a match. Storm left in disgust.

Great segment from everyone involved here. Tim Storm remains a very compelling babyface.

*********

Matt Cross defeated Caleb Konley

Cross and Konley started fast, with Cross hitting a forearm in the corner and a snapmare for a two count. Cross swept the legs and hit an elbow drop for a two count. Konley turned it around when he pulled Cross from the middle rope, sending him crashing back first into the top turnbuckle.

Konley swept the legs and hit a senton for two count. Cross hit a handspring elbow for a two count. Konely dodged a corner charge and hit a superkick and a tornado DDT for a two count. Cross hit elbows to counter a suplex, but Konley rolled through and hit a forearm and sent Cross to the opposite ropes. Cross used the ropes to slingshot him backwards into a cutter and then hit a shooting star press for the victory!

Excellent match from Cross and Konley here, setting up Cross a challenger to Starks, and further establishing Konley as someone to watch as well. Both men shook hands after the match, to the delight of the crowd, indicating that they want to do this again down the road.

*********

A video aired with Nick Aldis and he mentioned how it has been over 400 days since he recaptured the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship. Aldis said that wasn’t the number he was concerned about though, because he hadn’t heard from Marty Scurll in 7 days.

He wondered openly if Marty was rethinking the challenge, or if he was concerned about the treacherous territory he was entering. Aldis said that Marty could turn it down, but that he expected an answer by this Sunday at ROH Free Enterprise. He said that Marty better be coming up with a big counter offer if he doesn’t accept because they’re both businessmen, and Aldis’ patience was running out.

Another excellent promo from Aldis here, making me want to see ROH Free Enterprise just for Marty’s response to Aldis.

*********

The Pope was with Dave Marquez and the Dawsons, and he said he didn’t owe them a particular explanation, as they simply saw an opportunity with Pope to up their standing in the NWA. Pope said that Kingston and Homicide failed to take advantage of the chance Pope got him for the tag team titles.

He said that Kingston & Homicide losing didn’t hurt his reputation, but it revealed that Homicide didn’t have star power. Kingston came out and had his hands behind his back, saying he was going to be good. The NWA management saw him getting a screwdriver and wrench from under the ring.

Kingston said he should rip out Pope’s tongue. Kingston put over how great Homicide is, and how many people he trained. He then talked about how Homicide saved his life, and how he is family. However, he was going to be a good boy, and had someone else ready to help him fight Pope’s group – The Bouncers, Brian Milonas & the Beer City Bruiser! Mr. Beer has made his debut in the NWA!

May Valentine had a vlog where she talked about Royce Isaacs’ match last week where he finally got a win, but also in how he got very jealous of her making a new friend in Sal Rinaruo.

*********

NWA (3rd Degree) National Title Match: Aron Stevens w/ Question Mark drew Trevor Murdoch in a time limit draw

Stevens tried to out wrestle Murdoch, but the veteran was ahead of him at every point with sharp punches and headlock takeovers. Murdoch slammed Stevens twice to a pop from the crowd, and got a big pop for doing so.

As Murdoch made his way around the ring, Question Mark cut him off. The referee sent Question Mark out of the ringside area, but Stevens used this as a chance to hit a baseball slide. Stevens pulled the ropes down and sent Murdoch to the floor, asking for the time. Stevens hit several punches on the mat and choked him with his knee.

Stevens choked Murdoch on the middle rope and hit a knee to the back. Murdoch rolled up Stevens, but Stevens kicked out and hit a lariat for a two count. Stevens threw Murdoch to the floor and asked for the time yet again. The referee counted, but Murdoch got back into the ring and blocked a turnbuckle smash, hitting Stevens with one of his own.

Stevens hit a neckbreaker for a two count. Stevens got the heat for a bit, hitting an eye poke, and then dumping Murdoch back to the floor. Stevens was waiting for him to get back in, and continued to stomp on Murdoch again before hitting a Russian leg sweep. Murdoch kicked out. The announcer said that there were two minutes left in the match.

Stevens threw Murdoch to the floor again, but Murdoch hit a clothesline from the apron, came back in, and hit another. Murdoch hit the 10 corner punches and then hit a full Nelson slam, but Stevens kicked out with just one minute left. Murdoch locked on a sleeper with 30 seconds left, but Stevens hit a jawbreaker, and the time limit expired.  Murdoch hit a bulldog off the top rope after the bell, and gained a visual pinfall over Stevens.

*********

Sean Mooney gave his two minute update on the happenings in the NWA. This was very old school, and a smart way to tell and promote stories. He reminded us of the Lucky 7 rule, where if he gets 7 wins in a row, or at least a time limit draw, he would get a title shot at the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship. I really enjoyed this.

*********

James Storm & Eli Drake defeated Jocephus & Mims

Storm and Drake showed some good tag team offence early on, cornering Jocephus. Jocephus threw a strike that looked strangely familiar to someone rather Questionable. Storms and Drake hit a back elbow on Mims, and continued their dominance in this match. Storm hit a chop to the back and a senton for a two count.

Drake hit a powerslam on Mims and hit a running elbow drop on Mims before tagging out. Drake picked up Mims into a fireman’s carry and sent him flying into a back cracker by Storm for the pinfall victory.

*********

NWA World Women’s Championship: Thunder Rosa defeated Allysin Kay

Kay and Rosa exchanged grappling attempts until Rosa was able to move into a cross face. Kay countered with a roll up, but only got a two count. Thunder Rosa hit a snapmare and then a kick to the back of Kay, and Kay responded with one of her own. Rosa went for a PK, but Kay laid down to duck it and rolled Rosa up for a two count.

Rosa was able to get back into it attacking the arm of Kay. She kept this up for several minutes. Rosa continued with a brutal submission on Allysin Kay, but she managed to make it to the ropes. Rosa slapped the crap out of her, which led to Kay hitting several strikes to the stomach and then both women exchanged running forearms.

Both women hit double boots and were down. Rosa hit a flying clothesline into the corner and then followed up with double knees to the chest. As Rosa was going for another attack, Marti Belle came out and distracted Rosa and Kay both. They told her to leave, and as they did this, Ashley Vox & Tasha Steelz came out to keep her away.

Rosa rolled up Kay, but Kay kicked out and hit a neckbreaker, a clothesline, and then a big boot before hitting a Jackhammer on Rosa for a two count. Rosa countered a wheelbarrow with a stunner for a two count, and then hit a German suplex for another two count. Thunder Rosa hit a Death Valley Driver, but Kay still managed to kick out.

Rosa hit a flapjack into the top rope and then rolled Kay up and managed to get the pinfall!

Very solid episode of NWA Power this week that build to their next PPV and ROH’s next show too.

NWA Power results: Aldis & Scurll discuss terms for title match

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Sean Mooney debuted as an interviewer for the NWA, and his first interview was a big one with Nick Aldis.

Mooney congratulated Aldis on retaining the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship against Flip Gordon, but noted that there is still a lot of tension with Villain Enterprises. Aldis said he wasn’t a man who boasts or brags.

Aldis said Flip is one of the best wrestlers in the world, but he’s only a flop when he’s in the ring with Aldis. Aldis promised that every member of Villain Enterprises will be finding out that Nick Aldis is the greatest Worlds Champion of the modern era.

Aldis said that Marty Scurll wanted nothing to do with him. Mooney pointed out that Scurll showed up for Hard Times and Aldis had him escorted from the building.

Aldis claimed this was fake news, and the crowd chanted “coward” at Aldis. Aldis’ reaction here was incredible. He paused and then continued about how he didn’t want the title match to have outside interference. He said that the NWA knows who is the best, and they might as well call him the marathon man, because he runs the show.

Aldis said he wasn’t a coward. He had a sit-down meeting with Scurll and all of us will know why they call Aldis the dealer when we see it later tonight. My goodness — this was excellent. I am consistently blown away at how great Aldis has been on this show.

**********

Royce Isaacs (w/ May Valentine) defeated Andre Guhn

Sal Rinauro joined the commentary team. They commented on how Isaacs has had a bit of a losing streak lately.

Isaacs immediately went after Guhn and chopped the crap out of him. Isaacs blocked an arm drag, then dropkicked him in the knee. He hit a deadlift fisherman’s suplex on Guhn for a two count.

After a battle back and forth, Isaacs ended up going over to the commentary table and started arguing with Rinauro, who reminded him that he was wrestling a match and should focus. May Valentine pulled Isaacs back to the ring, and he soon hit Hush Money for the pinfall.

Isaacs and May argued a bit, and it seemed that he thought Rinauro was trying to create a rift between him and May.

**********

A video aired of Eddie Kingston being beaten down by The Dawsons at The Pope’s instructions.

**********

Melina, Marti Belle, and new NWA Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa came out. Melina wanted to do all the talking and didn’t let Thunder Rosa speak. The interviewer pointed out that the crowd wanted to hear from Thunder Rosa.

They announced that the rematch between Thunder Rosa and Allysin Kay would happen next week. Thunder Rosa said she was thankful that Melina helped her open the doors, but she was the one fighting. Thunder Rosa said that there isn’t a woman in wrestling that can beat her. She talked about how much it meant to her to win the title, but Melina cut her off and said that they were going to cut the emotional crap.

They are most definitely hinting very strongly at a Thunder Rosa babyface turn here, and I think this is great. The crowd loves her. She’s been a big part of the success of these NWA Power episodes.

**********

Ricky Starks came out and talked about how it’s an honor to carry the NWA Television title. He said how he was proud to carry on the tradition of Terry Funk and many others. Starks said that he wasn’t looking to rewrite the history books, but he wanted to add several pages.

Starks called out Zicky Dice and asked him to come out because he wanted to talk to him man to man. Dice came out just like a 1980s heel — and it was awesome. Dice talked about how he was going to be champion if it wasn’t for the NWA brass bringing in a mutant (Dan Maff).

Dice talked about how he wanted the TV title and how he was dressed as a champ, listing the cost of his clothes. Starks said he was decked head to toe in gold, and everything he was wearing was worth more. Starks challenged him to a match. Dice agreed.

NWA Television Champion Ricky Starks defeated Zicky Dice to retain his title

Starks hit two arm drags and went for a third, but Dice dodged it. That didn’t really work though, as Starks hit a dropkick and sent Dice to the apron. Dice drove Starks’ head into the turnbuckle and then tried to hit a sledge, but Starks hit him in the stomach. As they hit the ropes, Dice hit a clothesline.

During this, Joe Galli introduced us to the Lucky 7 rule — if the champion can defend the championship seven times in a row, the champion will get a title shot at the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship. I really liked this. That makes all of these title matches mean just a little bit more as they are aiming to get a NWA World title shot.

Starks hit a slingblade off the ropes and then a dropkick off the middle rope. Starks hit a big punch, but Dice hit a knee to the stomach. Dice went for the Snake, Rattle & Roll, but Starks fought out and hit the Stroke for the pinfall.

This was a very solid match, and I think this 6:05 time limit gimmick has actually let these guys show that they can have a good match in less than five minutes. That was great.

**********

New NWA Tag Team Champions Eli Drake & James Storm came out for an interview with Joe Galli. The fans chanted “Talk to us!” — I love this crowd so much. Galli asked if they had a tag team name, and Drake and Storm said that the only thing they need to be called is the champs.

Aron Stevens and Question Mark came out to challenge them. Stevens had his black belt in Mongrovian karate lengthened so he could also wrap it around his neck like a scarf.

Stevens tried to talk several times, but Storm kept cutting him off with jokes. Drake asked Galli if he could do him a favor, and Galli said “Yeah” after some encouragement. Drake asked Galli if these two were really asking for a Tag Team title shot. He asked Galli to pass along a message for him, saying that they could take a number.

Drake and Storm went and sat in the crowd, and Stevens talked about how he was going to go after them and they would have a karate party because he has the longest third-degree black belt in the world. As he was saying this, Trevor Murdoch came out and said that Stevens was running from Scott Steiner at Hard Times.

Murdoch said he had a question for the NWA bosses and they gave him the answer he wanted. He told Stevens that he had a National title defense next week. Stevens asked who the title shot was against — and Murdoch told him it was against him. At this point, Question Mark hit the Mongrovian Spike on Murdoch and left him laying as Stevens taunted him.

**********

We saw Scurll waiting for Aldis to come and meet with him. Aldis came in late, sat down, and said he really tried to turn the other cheek with Scurll. Aldis talked about how he has went above and beyond for the NWA, and how he has always done his best to protect the house. He talked about how him and Scurll were friends since they were teenagers.

Aldis said there are so many people around the world who are jerks behind the scenes, but he thought Scurll wasn’t one of them. He said he was always there for Scurll and always answered the phone — no matter what time — to offer advice, help, and encouragement. Then Scurll challenged Aldis for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship last year.

Aldis didn’t take it personally, because he did believe that Scurll deserved it. They went to war in the ring, bled everywhere, and Aldis shook his hand afterwards. Aldis said that last year’s Crockett Cup was the final notch that Scurll needed to land a life changing deal that rocketed him to the top.

Scurll said that it wasn’t about his deal. He had to live with every fan telling him forever that he should have won the ROH title at Madison Square Garden and how he should have defeated Aldis for the NWA title at the Crockett Cup.

Scurll said it wasn’t about money or big deals — he has never been World Champion, while Aldis was World Champion in TNA and all over the world as NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion. Scurll said that he came so close to beating Aldis, and that he knew he could beat him.

Scurll said that Aldis couldn’t have been satisfied with the win, but Aldis said that he made Scurll tap. Scurll insisted that he wanted this match so badly that he would even do it for free, as Aldis can take his portion of the purse. Scurll only wanted one more chance at the title. Aldis agreed, but told him that he made the terms.

Aldis said that at the Crockett Cup, one year removed from their last match, he would give Scurll a title shot. Aldis said that he has a term though — if Scurll does not defeat him at the Crockett Cup for the title, Scurll would need to write a check for all the fans in attendance to refund them for every dollar spent if he doesn’t win. Aldis then got up and left.

This was one of the best segments I’ve seen on this show yet, with real emotion between Aldis and Scurll. Aldis was almost in tears describing their friendship, and Scurll’s desire to win the World Championship, a title he has never held, was 100 percent believable.

I absolutely adored this episode of NWA Power, as it is again proving to be one of the best wrestling shows of the week. Aldis had two killer promos this week, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

NWA Power results: Aldis vs. Morton World title match

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The show opened with a video recap of Team Morton beating Team Aldis in six-man action, earning Ricky Morton his NWA World Heavyweight title shot tonight. 

Joe Galli and Stu Bennett welcomed us to the show and then pushed the main event. 

David Marquez interviewed Robert Gibson. Gibson said Ricky is like a brother to him and he’s as happy as a kid who just got a big bag of toys that his friend gets to challenge for the title tonight. 

**********

THUNDER ROSA DEFEATED TASHA STEELZ

Steelz got a quick one count off an early dropdown tackle sequence. Rosa used a couple of quick strikes to gain the upper hand and then hit a one-legged dropkick. 

Rosa used a chinlock and then hit a series of strikes to the back of the neck and head followed by a neckbreaker. Steelz got her feet up on a charge into the corner. She came off the top rope, but jumped right into a spear from Rosa. Rosa then hit a package driver for the pin.

They didn’t have much time to work with, but this was a good match. Both of these women are super talented. Marquez interviewed Rosa after the match. He asked what Melina’s plans are for tonight. Rosa said he should ask her himself as only Melina knows.

**********

They cut to a Nick Aldis pre-taped promo. He said he saw that Marty Scurll went over his head and got himself booked on the PPV. Aldis said he did the same thing and got himself booked at ROH Free Enterprise.

Aldis called on all the NWA fans to show up at Free Enterprise wearing their NWA colors, showing their loyalty, and that he hoped Marty will meet him in the ring there. 

**********

Galli interviewed Royce Isaacs and May Valentine. Isaacs said Aldis is doing just fine. Galli brought up that Isaacs has been chickening out of matches and getting pinned a lot since Valentine came around. Isaacs said that his recent behavior has nothing to do with the fact that Valentine hasn’t slept with him yet. Valentine said there’s nothing wrong with being pure and making your man wait.

This was supposed to be comedy, but no one in the studio audience laughed. 

**********

Austin Idol, professional wrestling psychologist, told us to call 555-GET-HEAT and he would teach us how to get over and get heat. This was a positive in that it was an Idol segment without a date rape “joke.”

**********

TV TITLE TOURNAMENT QUALIFYING MATCH: TREVOR MURDOCH DEFEATED THOM LATIMER 

This was all Latimer except for the finish. Latimer beat Murdoch around ringside and then threw him back in for more of a beating. Latimer used a pop-up powerbomb for a near fall. Latimer missed a charge into the corner and Murdoch used a schoolboy for the pin. This was really more of an angle than a match.

**********

We saw a video package recapping the recent issues between Allysin Kay and Melina. Melina said she’s a living legend. 

Galli moderated a discussion between Melina and Kay. Melina was taking a while to get to the point. Kay told her to spit it out. Melina told her to sit there and f—ing listen. 

Melina said she’s giving Kay what she wants, a match. Kay wanted Melina in the ring now. Melina said no, you’ll get Thunder Rosa for the title at the PPV but only if you beat Marti Belle in a no DQ match next. 

Kay said Melina won’t be able to escape her forever. 

**********

NWA WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPION ALLYSIN KAY DEFEATED MARTI BELLE IN A NO DQ MATCH

They traded strikes in the ring AND then rolled outside and continued to throw. Belle hit a rolling elbow and then dropped Kay face first on the ring steps. Belle retrieved a chair and used it to apply a camel clutch. Belle sat Kay in the chair and then missed a charge into it, somewhat selling her knee afterward. 

They fought into the audience. Kay used a chinlock on the arena steps, which, as we all know, is much more painful than a chinlock in the ring. Back in the ring, Kay threatened to use the chair on Belle. Belle begged off and then tried to grab it. Kay hit her finisher on Belle onto the chair and then got the pin. 

This was okay. Belle has improved since I saw her last. Some of the no DQ spots with the chair were a little rough. 

**********

We got a video package recapping how Morton came to challenge for the title tonight. This was well done. 

A spoof commercial for self-hypnosis VHS tapes aired. 

**********

Pope and Eddie Kingston came out for an interview with Marquez. Pope said they didn’t suffer a tough loss last week. He said he helps people and pushes them to succeed. Pope said he’s still looking for his super powers and when he finds them, he’ll bring change to the NWA. 

Kingston said they don’t lose, they learn. He won’t be taking Homicide’s place in the last chance gauntlet. He said his heart is with Homicide, Homicide is his blood.

Kingston’s promo and Pope’s delivery were both good.

**********

Kyle Davis tagged in for Joe Galli on commentary. Aron Stevens appeared at the promo desk. He invited his sensei, The Question Mark, to join him for a Mongrovian karate demonstration. The audience chanted for karate. 

Question Mark did some karate movements in the ring while Stevens described the poses and techniques. Question Mark beat up two “students,” demonstrating self-defense. 

Stevens told Question Mark that he was ready to test for his fourth degree belt. Stevens went to the ring and prepared to break a board. One of the students unmasked as Ricky Starks and hit Stevens with the board. This was good, but it went way too long.

We got a commercial for Tony Falk’s waffles and tire irons. Falk said he taught Shawn Michaels how to speak carny and his store only sells solid gold tire irons.

**********

KEN ANDERSON DEFEATED CW ANDERSON, CALEB KONLEY, JOCEPHUS, COLT CABANA, DAVE DAWSON, SAL RINAURO, QUESTION MARK & ARON STEVENS IN A LAST CHANCE GAUNTLET MATCH

The rules here were eliminations came by pinfall, submission, or being thrown over the top rope. Rather than regular gauntlet style, participants joined the match at regular intervals rather than after an elimination.

CW and Konley began with some chain wrestling. Jocephus joined the match, and immediately got tossed. Konley hit Anderson with a Liger bomb for a two count. Cabana joined the match. He hit a springboard crossbody and then hit his Dusty elbows. CW hit Cabana with a sliding lariat for a near fall. 

Dave Dawson entered the match. He hit a fall away slam on Konley. Aron Stevens entered. He climbed into the ring, then rolled to the floor, then hid under the ring. Zicky Dice came to the ring for a promo. He said he’s already qualified for the tournament, so he won’t be wrestling tonight as he’s a PPV wrestler. 

Sal Rinauro joined the match and hit a sliced bread on Cabana. Dawson hit Rinauro with a dropkick. Everyone teamed up to eliminate Dawson. 

Ken Anderson entered and used a Mic Check on Rinauro to pin him. Ken then did the same to Konley for another elimination. Cabana and Ken teamed up to work on CW. Cabana used a Superman pin on CW to eliminate him. 

Question Mark came to the ring and Stevens came out from under the ring. Mark accidentally hit Stevens with a Mongrovian Spike. Stevens did a great comedy sell of this. Mark and Stevens got tossed. 

Ken and Cabana were the final two. Ken used a schoolboy to pin Cabana. Ken continued to go after Cabana after the match. He hit a Mic Check in the ring and then another into the post. 

**********

James Storm and Eli Drake came to the promo desk for an interview. They put over Ricky Morton. Storm put over Ricky’s mullet and said Morton for president in 2020 will make the mullet great again. 

Storm led the crowd in a prayer. He asked God to bless Morton and give him the strength to kick ass tonight. They promised to kick Aldis’ ass all over the country. Storm said sorry about our damn luck. 

**********

Galli hosted a breaking news segment, running down the Hard Times show.

Matt Cross vs. Ricky Starks and ROH’s Dan Maff vs. Zicky Dice were announced for the TV title tournament. Aron Stevens vs. Scott Steiner was also announced for the show. 

Flip Gordon cut a pre-taped promo on Aldis and promised to beat him Friday.

**********

NWA owner William Corgan joined the commentary team for the main event. Corgan had Stu Bennett announce that all seconds were bannned to protect the sanctity of the main event, so Strictly Business and Robert Gibson were sent to the back. 

NWA WORLD CHAMPION NICK ALDIS DEFEATED RICKY MORTON TO RETAIN

Aldis did some stalling after the opening bell and took a stroll around the ring. 

The action started with a lockup. Aldis broke cleanly in the corner. He broke cleanly again after another lockup. Morton used a side headlock takeover and worked the headlock forever. 

Aldis asked for a knuckle lock but hit a strike instead, a classic heel move. Morton hit a back elbow and a thumb to the eye, followed by an inverted atomic drop. Aldis rolled to the floor and went for a walk, stalling again. 

Morton rolled outside. Aldis posted him and then rammed his face into the apron. Back inside, Aldis hit some stomps and right hands. Aldis came off the top rope, but right into a right hand by Morton. Aldis hit a thumb to the eye and a slam. Aldis took the Ric Flair bump off a slam off the top rope. Morton hit a hurricanrana for a near fall, then slapped on a figure four. Aldis forced a rope break. 

Morton used a DDT to roll into a small package, but Aldis reversed into his own small package and pinned Morton by grabbing the tights. 

This was slow and a very old school match, but there are still many things that Ricky Morton is great at. 

A Marty Scurll video interrupted the post-match, then a PPV hype video played before the closing credits rolled. 

**********

This show featured wrestling that ranged from okay to good, and promos that ranged from good to great. It still feels to me like the NWA is missing a hook, a unique style, or a signature star that would take this from a fine show to must-see every week. 

NWA Power results: Nick Aldis vs. Ricky Starks, Scott Steiner debuts

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

The show opened with a recap of Nick Aldis’ formation of Strictly Business and his feud with Tim Storm.

Storm came out and apologized to the fans for the match between him and Aldis not happening last week. Storm said that the fans deserved to see the best. Last week, Aldis didn’t show up for the match and the fans deserved to see it.

Kamille came out, took Joe Galli’s mic, and looked like she was going to talk, but said nothing, so Storm kept talking.

Storm said if Kamille would speak, he would ask her what Aldis was thinking by no showing a main event. He said the fans deserve to see the man that is on the posters and see the man that holds the Ten Pounds of Gold.

Storm asked if Aldis was a coward, and Kamille slapped him, which got nuclear heat. Kamille smiled and just walked away, satisfied.

This was an incredible promo from Storm. He really might be the best babyface in North American wrestling. He’s certainly up there with Cody Rhodes. If he isn’t in the conversation, he should be.

**********

David Marquez was there as two more names were drawn for the TV title tournament. Zane and Dave Dawson are scheduled to face each other, while Trevor Murdoch will be facing Tom Latimer.

NWA TV title tournament qualifying match: Ziggy Dice defeated Caleb Konley

Konley got an exceptional reaction from the fans as both men started to wrestle, and Dice increased the heat by yanking Konley’s hair. Dice got nailed with a dropkick when he came off the ropes. Back in the ring, Konley stayed way ahead with a back body drop and a senton for a two count.

Dice chased Konley into the corner, but Konley got his feet up. Dice countered him and hit a Northern Lights suplex for a two count.

Dice hit a snake eyes on Konley but missed a cannonball. Konley hit several hard strikes that dropped Dice. Konley hit a big boot in the corner and then a slam. Konley went for the double-jump moonsault, but Dice moved and then hit the Snake, Rattle & Roll for the victory.

This was a very fun match. I do hope they move away from the 6:05 time limit as the tournament goes on, as it’s hard to have a very good match in that timeframe. However, it does work for TV.

**********

Joe Galli interviewed Aron Stevens and Question Mark. Stevens talked about how Question Mark is his sensei and how he wanted all the gold in the NWA, and how he actually deserved it because he was getting a great reaction from the audience.

Galli said “You can’t say you deserve the titles until you defend your NWA National title,” and Stevens brushed him off and ended the interview.

**********

Thunder Rosa defeated ODB

ODB and Rosa got into a striking battle, and ODB blocked them all. Rosa had to move a bit slow for her, but ODB hit her hard with several forearms afterwards. Both wrestlers just started hitting each other hard, with ODB beating the crap out of Thunder Rosa. Rosa hit a drop toe hold into the middle rope and jumped on ODB’s neck to drive her into the middle rope.

Rosa mounted ODB and started throwing punches, then they rolled around a bit. ODB got booed quite heavily in this match, despite being the babyface, because Rosa is very over with the audience.

Rosa hit a snapmare and then a hard kick to the back. She locked on a Cobra Clutch, but ODB fought to her feet and drove Rosa into the turnbuckle.

ODB hit two shoulder tackles, but Rosa caught her with a boot when she charged at the corner. Rosa went for a crossbody off the middle rope, but ODB caught her and hit a fallaway slam. ODB went up to the middle rope and jumped toward Rosa. I have no idea what she was trying to do, as she just face-planted while Rosa was standing. It was actually quite funny.

Rosa hit a running kick and got a two count, but soon hit ODB with a backstabber and a flying double stomp for the pinfall victory.

On commentary, Allysin Kay said that Thunder Rosa could challenge her at anytime.

**********

Nick Aldis came out to nuclear heat, with the fans chanting “coward” at him. Aldis told Joe Galli that he told the truth – that Kamille was no longer his insurance policy, because she is now a fully fledged member of Strictly Business.

Galli asked how they could justify how they treated Tim Storm. Aldis responded by asking how Storm could insert himself into his business, because Tim Storm is the past.

Aldis also buried Ricky Morton, calling him a carny that was just trying to make a buck on the younger generation. Aldis talked about the tag team division and how he was pulling strings to get The Wild Cards into the title picture.

Aldis mentioned that people thought he walked away from the tournament because he couldn’t get the job done in six minutes. Aldis said the only place he doesn’t get the job done in six minutes is the bedroom, because he goes all night long.

Aldis said he was going to wrestle Ricky Starks tonight because he saw something in Starks. He said he was going to make Starks in 6:05 tonight. Another absolutely phenomenal promo from Aldis here. He’s turning out to be one heck of a champion.

Ricky Starks and Nick Aldis went to a draw in a 6:05 exhibition match

Aldis started the match by hitting a shoulder tackle and then cartwheeled over Starks as he was down on the mat. Starks hit the ropes and hit a shoulder tackle of his own. He cartwheeled over Aldis and then hit a dropkick that drove Aldis back into the corner. Aldis charged, but Starks dodged and rolled him up for a two count.

Aldis caught Starks and lifted him up into a vertical suplex, which was awesome. Starks kicked out at two. Aldis hit several crossface blows on Starks. He went for a back body drop, but Starks kicked him and hit the ropes. Aldis nailed Starks with a clothesline for a two count. Aldis then hit a fallaway slam for another two count.

Aldis locked on a headlock, but Starks fought out and hit a very hard chop. Starks hit the ropes and hit a slingblade and then a went for a tornado DDT on Aldis, but Aldis shoved him out and into the corner. Starks hit a missile dropkick off the middle rope for a two count. Aldis went to the floor, so Starks hit a suicide dive and nailed Aldis, but came down very hard on the floor himself.

Starks went for a moonsault off the top rope, but Aldis rolled out of the way. Aldis went for the Texas Cloverleaf, but Starks cradled him for a two count.

Aldis managed to lock on the Cloverleaf with 60 seconds left in the match. Starks tried to drag himself to the ropes with less than 10 seconds left. Starks held on and refused to tap out!

This was absolutely excellent. Starks survived 6:05 with Aldis. It’s funny, just as I was talking about how the time limit often proved to be a detriment earlier, they found a way to make it work perfectly in this match. This was fantastic. Starks came across as a guy who could beat Aldis if he had more time.

Ricky Morton came out as Aldis was complaining about it being a draw. Morton grabbed a mic and said that the crowd wanted to see five more minutes.

Starks was hurt, but he asked for five more as well. Aldis refused. Morton asked why Aldis wasn’t going to give Starks the match of his life, and Aldis said he already did. Aldis said that he was going to win anyway, but Starks was well on his way to the ropes.

The crowd chanted “coward” at Aldis again. Morton said “Since you aren’t going to give the kid five more minutes, how about you give me five more minutes?” Morton challenged Aldis, but Aldis refused again and left the ring. Aldis was booed out of the building. Holy crap — this whole thing was awesome.

**********

The Wild Cards were supposed to be part of this match, but they didn’t come out.

Eli Drake & James Storm defeated Colt Cabana & Ken Anderson by DQ

Cabana offered a handshake to Drake, so Drake offered a fist bump. Drake and Cabana exchanged some holds quickly to open the match, with Cabana showing that he is actually a very good technical wrestler. Drake sent Cabana into the corner, and he ducked under.

Cabana tagged out to Anderson, but Storm and Drake were able to double team him with dual back elbows.

Storm hit the ropes, but Anderson threw him over the top rope. Storm skinned the cat and hit a headscissors on Anderson. Anderson yanked the hair of Storm and pulled him to the mat. Cabana chastised him for it, but still accepted the tag and started beating on Storm. Cabana tagged in Anderson again and he locked on a chinlock.

Cabana tagged back in and worked over Drake for a bit. Drake hit a jawbreaker and a clothesline on Anderson, before hitting a dropkick off the middle rope on Cabana. Anderson pulled Storm off the apron before the tag and drove Storm’s knee into the apron.

Cabana did the Superman pin on Drake, but he kicked out. Anderson shoved the referee and he disqualified Anderson.

The announcers pointed out that Cabana stood up for Ken Anderson last week, but Anderson did not live up to that. Stu Bennett said that Anderson was slowly losing it every week. This answers my question about who was a heel or a babyface. Drake and Cabana are both babyfaces, and Cabana wants to trust Anderson, but he’s really a heel.

As for Storm, I think he turned babyface after what happened at Into the Fire, so it seems that the only heel in this story is actually Anderson.

**********

Aldis came out to close the show, calling out The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express. Aldis said that the only way this was going to be settled was with some physicality, so he had a business proposition: Team Aldis vs. Team Morton, six-man tag, and if Morton’s team wins, he can get a shot at the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship.

Morton told him to get his stooges together — and they would have that match.

Aldis said he didn’t want him and Morton to be in the match, because he wanted Morton to have no excuse if they faced off. Aldis presumed that Robert Gibson would be part of Team Morton. Aldis said that his team would be The Wild Cards and their third man – Scott Steiner! Steiner’s music played and he appeared in the studio to close the show.

NWA Power results: Television title tournament qualifiers begin

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Last week, we saw the formation of a new stable in the NWA. Nick Aldis, Kamille, Tom Latimer, and Royce Isaacs joined forces when they beat up Tim Storm. Tonight, we began to see the fallout from this.

David Marquez was with Trevor Murdoch, who was given an NWA contract. The crowd cheered loudly for him, and he had a big smile on his face. Zicky Dice cut Murdoch off and talked about how he spent the night with “Dusty,” a dancer from down the road. Murdoch and Dice looked like they were going to get in a brawl, but The Pope (Elijah Burke) came out!

Pope talked about the NWA Television Championship and everyone that paved the way for them. Pope said he was in the NWA looking for his superpowers — meaning he’s looking for a group that he is going to take over professional wrestling with. Dice asked if he was who Pope was looking for, and Pope pointed at him and walked away before joining the commentary team.

**********

NWA Television title tournament qualifying match: Ricky Starks defeated Eddie Kingston

Kingston showed his wrestling ability early on, managing to get a side headlock on Starks. Starks fought out into a hammerlock, but Kingston hit an elbow and sent Starks into the corner. Starks got his boot up and hit a shoulder tackle off the middle rope before hitting a flying crossbody for a two count.

Starks hit a few kicks and chops, but Kingston told him to hit him again. Starks kicked him in the face and got a two count. Starks went for an Irish whip, but Kingston reversed into an exploder. Kingston hit some hard punches and sent Starks into the ropes. Starks came off with a slingblade that dropped Kingston.

Starks got his foot up in the corner again and hit a tornado DDT. He went for Buster Keaton, but Kingston fought out into a suplex. Starks made a comeback and countered into Buster Keaton for the pinfall victory.

**********

Royce Isaacs came out to the ringside area with May Valentine. It appears they are in a relationship. Isaacs whispered to Marquez about the things he had planned with her, and Marquez was appalled. Isaacs said that what was happening with Nick Aldis is that they were taking over the world.

Isaacs then said he wanted to prove he could wrestle one-on-one and wanted to show Valentine what he could do. James Storm walked out to answer him.

Storm went into the ring and the referee came in to get ready for the match. When they came back from break, Isaacs asked for four kisses from Valentine before he started the match. Isaacs claimed he needed a massage too, but as his back was turned, Storm attacked.

James Storm defeated Royce Isaacs via countout

Storm beat Isaacs around the ringside area, threw Isaacs into the ring, and went for the superkick. Isaacs grabbed Valentine and then walked away from ringside. Storm led the referee and crowd into a count of 10, which the crowd popped for.

**********

Eli Drake came out with champagne and it looked like he was mildly drunk. He talked about how the new year was just around the corner. Drake said he needed new goals for 2020, but he wasn’t going to make resolutions. He said that goals sounded like gold, and he pointed out his Nike shoes and his jacket.

Jocephus was dressed as Santa and they sang some Christmas carols while Drake walked around drunk. This was rather nonsensical, but I guess that made sense as he was supposed to be drunk?

Jocephus has a good voice though. The crowd started to boo as the song ended and Nick Aldis, Kamille, and The Wild Cards came out.

Aldis had gifts for his crew — track jackets for everyone. Marquez wanted to ask about Kamille, and Aldis tapped his watch and said, “Who had one minute?” Aldis said everyone fell for it, with James Storm losing their title match and the attack on Tim Storm. Aldis then responded to what Ricky Morton said, and Aldis credited himself for being the reason that all of this was happening.

Aldis asked for The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express to come out and addressed Morton. Aldis asked Morton to clarify his comments. Morton said that he simply gave his opinion. He said that Aldis does represent the greatest championship in wrestling, but while Aldis spent two years building the NWA, Ric Flair, Harley Race, and The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express spent their entire lives building it.

Morton apologized for offending him and offered a handshake. Aldis then said that they saw what happened with James Storm and Tim Storm, so Morton should think very carefully before opening his mouth again.

Excellent promo here. I have no idea what Eli Drake was doing, but Aldis was phenomenal. It would seem they are building to The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express being a part of a team against Team Aldis.

**********

The woman that scores the victory in this match gets to name their next opponent.

Melina, Thunder Rosa & Marti Belle defeated NWA Women’s World Champion Allysin Kay, Ashley Vox & ODB

Thunder Rosa started the match with ODB, but it wasn’t long before Kay tagged in and Thunder Rosa floated over a suplex attempt by Kay into a neckbreaker. Belle tagged in and hit a knee on Kay. She went for the Pedigree, but Kay hit a Samoan drop to escape before tagging out to Vox.

Vox ran across the ring and hit a dropkick on Melina, who just tagged in. Melina raked the eyes and sent her into a Rosa dropkick on Vox’s knee. The heels got the heat on Vox for a bit, with Rosa looking the best on her team, hitting Vox with a chop before tagging out to Melina.

Melina hit an ugly DDT on Vox for a two count. Melina picked up Vox, but she managed to roll up Melina for a two count. Vox made the hot tag to Kay, who hit a chop and a pump kick to Melina. Melina hit a jawbreaker and tagged out to Rosa. Kay tagged in ODB, who hit a fallaway slam on Rosa and Vox hit a missile dropkick off the middle rope.

Belle and Melina sent Kay to the floor, but Vox got her submission — The Reel Catch — on Thunder Rosa. Rosa bit Vox’s pinky finger and stood up before hitting a shoulder breaker on Vox again. Rosa held onto her and then hit a driving shoulder breaker to the mat to get the win.

Rosa then announced who she was going to face, and it looked like she was going to say Kay, but Melina cut her off and said “ODB!” Rosa then said, “ODB, sure, I guess.”

It seems like Melina doesn’t want Rosa challenging for the title. With that being said, this group just formed — why are we seeing them not getting along already? We saw that last week with Melina bossing Belle around, and now Thunder Rosa.

**********

The next names were drawn for the NWA Television title tournament, and Tim Storm’s name was chosen. Aldis’ name was selected next, and Storm will be facing off against Nick Aldis next week. Storm cut a promo saying that “Mama Storm turned 95 last week.”

Storm told us that his mother didn’t retire until she was 78. Storm said she was the reason he keeps working and is the reason he has his work ethic. Storm talked about how his dad left when he was a kid and she went to work every day even if she didn’t want to.

Mama Storm said that Tim still had something to prove, and Storm quoted Dusty Rhodes, modifying the promo a little, saying “My body might be a little bit old, and it might be a little bit broken down, but I’m bad, and they know I’m bad!” This was phenomenal.

**********

NWA Television title tournament qualifying match: The Question Mark defeated Colt Cabana

Cabana got hit with a big chop early on, but he managed to out wrestle Question Mark into a pinfall attempt. Question Mark kicked out and then tried to chase Cabana around the ring. Cabana tried to pin him as Question Mark rolled into the ring. Question Mark kicked out, then both men exchanged some strikes.

Cabana hit him with a chop and then landed a big splash off the middle rope for a two count. Question Mark hit the ropes and hit a series of jumping chops, but Cabana hit a bionic elbow to drop Question Mark. Cabana went to the top rope and went for a jumping bionic elbow, but The Question Mark hit the Mongrovian Spike as Cabana came down. Question Mark then pinned Cabana to get the win.

Backstage, Aron Stevens and Question Mark cut a promo about how they were going after all the belts.

This main event match was fun, because Cabana and Question Mark are fun, but it was no good in terms of actual in-ring quality.

I liked the follow up with Tim Storm and Aldis, and that is probably how I would have ended the show. Ending with Storm’s promo would have been a higher point than the match featuring Question Mark and Cabana, but it was still a very solid episode. I am very much looking forward to Aldis vs. Storm next week.

NWA Power results: Rock ‘n’ Roll Express challenge for Tag titles

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Tonight, in what had to be one of the most anticipated episodes of NWA Power, we saw The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express take on The Wild Cards for the NWA Tag Team titles. The show opened with a hype video for the match and the upcoming NWA Into the Fire PPV on Fite.

Joe Galli welcomed the fans to the season finale of NWA Power and thanked them for tuning in.

Before the first match, Aron Stevens came out with The Question Mark. Stevens wanted a shot at Colt Cabana’s NWA National Championship. Cabana gave up his match with Ricky Starks and said that if Stevens could beat Starks, Cabana would give him a title shot. Stevens sent Question Mark to the back.

**********

Aron Stevens defeated Ricky Starks

Starks started the match by hitting a slingblade and a spear for a two count. Soon after, Stevens collapsed and held his knee. Question Mark came back out to check on Stevens — and Stevens distracted the referee while Question Mark hit the Mongrovian Spike on Starks for Stevens to get the win.

**********

Galli announced that both competitors in the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship match at Into the Fire on December 14 would be able to pick their own referee for fall one and two, with a coin being flipped to determine the ref if it goes to a final fall.

A video aired with James Storm saying that it was killing Nick Aldis that Kamille whispered something to him and Aldis doesn’t know what it was. Storm went on about how the NWA didn’t want him to hold the National title and that the NWA is against him because they had several unaired segments with him.

Storm accused Aldis of ducking him, and then he named Brian Hebner as his referee.

**********

A video of the stars of the NWA appearing at WrestleCade aired, including The Great Muta going face-to-face with Aldis and Question Mark with various shenanigans.

**********

David Marquez interviewed Melina and she said that the women were merely the commercial break until she arrived. She said she brought out the best in people and that she knew that she could bring out the best in the other wrestlers in the NWA. Melina said that she was going to take the title from Allysin Kay. Kay came out and promised to take it to Melina.

Kay challenged her to a fight right now and went into the ring. Melina bailed out and walked away to the other side of the ring, then Marti Belle and Thunder Rosa ran out and attacked Kay. Melina walked into the ring slowly, directing the troops as Belle hit Kay with a Pedigree and left her laying in the middle of the ring.

**********

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express cut a promo about how they wanted to have one last run as NWA World Tag Team Champions.

**********

Aldis talked about the triple threat number one contender’s match that did not air between Eli Drake, Ken Anderson, and James Storm. Aldis said that Storm inserted himself into the match because Drake and Anderson was a singles match. Aldis said “We ain’t in TNA anymore.”

Aldis asked “What have you done to earn your shot at this title?” He said that the triple threat was a disaster with interference, and the NWA didn’t even recognize it.

So why was James Storm getting a title shot? Because Aldis asked for it. He said the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and Storm is the squeakiest wheel he’s ever met. Aldis said he was going to drown him in the grease. He said the only way that Storm was going to realize that he didn’t want this was by Aldis giving him exactly what he wanted and making him regret it.

Aldis talked about how he had experience in this type of match, as he won the title back from Cody in two-out-of-three falls. Aldis then named Tim Storm as his referee. Holy crap, this was unbelievably great.

The interviewer then asked about Kamille. Aldis was visibly bothered and said again “If you don’t see Kamille by my side, her actions are her own.” Aldis said that all this questioning has made Kamille ineffective, that he was giving Kamille the night off at Into the Fire, and that he didn’t want James Storm to have anything to complain about.

Aldis and James Storm both cut money promos here, but Aldis was still on another level. Aldis has become one of the best promos in wrestling right now, and I believed every word he said. How Impact missed on this guy as the foundation of the company blows my mind.

**********

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) defeated The Wild Cards (Thomas Latimer & Royce Isaacs) to win the NWA Tag Team titles

Morton started the match with Latimer, and Latimer drove Morton to the mat with a shoulder block. Morton tagged out to Gibson and they hit a double shoulder tackle to a big pop.

Gibson hit an elbow to Isaacs and Latimer tagged out to him so he could get revenge. Isaacs broke out of a full nelson, then dodged a corner charge that sent Gibson into the corner post.

Isaacs started to get the heat on Gibson and tagged out to Latimer to continue the attack. Latimer and Isaacs worked over the shoulder and wrapped Gibson up in the ropes. Latimer went for a splash, but Gibson moved and Latimer crashed head-first into the corner. Gibson tagged out to Morton — and he ran wild, locking the sleeper on Isaacs.

Latimer broke the sleeper, but Gibson and Morton managed to hit the double dropkick on Latimer. Isaacs broke it up and threw Morton to ringside. Latimer grabbed Gibson. Isaacs went for a shot on him, but Gibson dodged and Isaacs crashed into Latimer.

Morton came back in and rolled up Isaacs and pinned him — so The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express became nine-time NWA World Tag Team Champions!

This was a very fun tag match. Gibson and Morton are still very good despite their age, and this was a wonderful feel-good story. After the match, Jim Cornette came into the ring and celebrated with them. Galli then thanked Cornette for his contributions to the NWA, and I am not sure if that was the wisest thing to do.

**********

Aldis closed the show by announcing the man that would replace Cornette on the broadcast team, saying that it might be considered bad news for some, as Stu Bennett (formerly Wade Barrett in WWE) joined the NWA commentary team.

This was a very solid go-home show for the NWA. I question the wisdom of the little tribute they did for Cornette, despite Cornette’s skill as a performer, because of all the controversy surrounding him.

NWA Power results: Mask vs. Shakespeare reading match

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

The show opened with a summary of the story between Nick Aldis and Kamille, ending with her talking to James Storm.

**********

Eli Drake was at Championship Wrestling from Hollywood and was interviewed by David Marquez. Drake said that The Rock, Steve Austin, and Ric Flair are all names he’s been compared to. Drake took offense that he has been compared to Nick Aldis, and while Drake agreed that Aldis is the man, he was offended that Aldis thought there were no challengers.

Drake claimed he was a challenger, but he had to deal with Ken Anderson first. That was another comparison that was made, and Drake said that he didn’t see it because he was a world class athlete. It looks like we’ll be getting Drake vs. Anderson soon. Drake’s promo here was fantastic.

**********

Joe Galli recapped the return of Melina and Thunder Rosa’s MMA debut for Combate Americas. The video showed her preparing before the show, getting ready to walkout, and then followed her to the cage. It then flashed back to her training with Brazilian Top Team.

Thunder Rosa talked about the kids she helped work with before she got into wrestling and MMA. She talked about how wrestling was an outlet to help her get through the pain of trying to help those kids. She said she helped kids process their emotions but wasn’t able to process hers. Galli then promised us more later.

**********

Aron Stevens cut a promo about how Ricky Starks made him look like a fool. The Question Mark was with him, and Stevens promised that if Question Mark lost the empty arena match, The Question Mark would unmask. Stevens said that if Zane Dawson lost, The Dawsons would have to recite Shakespeare.

The Question Mark (w/ Aron Stevens) defeated Zane Dawson (w/ Dave Dawson) in a mask vs. Shakespeare reading match

The Question Mark chopped Zane, hit the ropes, and ate a knee from Zane. Zane choked Question Mark on the ropes, but as the ref counted, Zane got distracted by him. Question Mark chopped Zane in the throat, hit a dropkick off the middle rope, and then hit the Mongrovian spike for the three count.

I guess the Dawsons have to recite Shakespeare. As they read it, Stevens looked like he was going to vomit and pulled a garbage can out of the ring. The Dawsons put on a fake English accent, and I admit that I found this really funny. Galli then announced that The Question Mark would be taking on Trevor Murdoch at the NWA’s Into the Fire pay-per-view.

**********

Galli sat down with Melina and she talked about why she liked pro wrestling and how she has been able to be a role model for people. Melina said she didn’t just walk into anywhere, it had to be worthy of her name. She said she liked to be a part of something new and the NWA was it. Melina claimed that before her people didn’t care about entrances, and things like that, and claimed that she didn’t get the credit she deserved.

Galli asked what Melina’s plans were for Allysin Kay, and Melina said that she had a problem with Kay thinking she is the best. She said Kay was carrying around the NWA Women’s Championship like an accessory and that it means more than that. Melina said Thunder Rosa and Marti Belle were worthy of being champions, and Kay doesn’t know how they have all fought to be where they are. She said that she will either make Kay appreciate what she has or appreciate what she had when she loses.

This was fine, but I’m not sure Thunder Rosa is going to be helped by Melina in the long run. Melina came across as a babyface in this promo. I’m not sure if that was the intention, but most of it was good.

**********

The next part of “Into the Cage” aired with Thunder Rosa preparing for the fight and warming up in the cage. She was also shown warming up backstage after getting her fists taped. We saw her after the fight, and she was very emotional after losing. The coaches reminded her that she didn’t crumble under the pressure. This was absolutely fantastic.

There wasn’t a lot of wrestling action on this episode of NWA Power, but the interviews were great, and the Thunder Rosa video was incredible.

Galli then ran down the matches announced for NWA Into the Fire so far. He announced that Eli Drake would be facing Mr. Anderson, and that Nick Aldis will defend his NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship against James Storm in a two-out-of-three falls match. Galli promised that he was going to ask Aldis about Kamille’s conversation with Storm next week. I can’t wait.