Tag: nwa power - Page 4

NWA Power results: Trevor Murdoch vs. Mike Knox

Posted on May 25, 2022 by Ian Carey

This week’s show took place from Valor Hall in Oak Grove, Kentucky.

We opened with Kyle Davis in the ring with Mike Knox. Davis announced that Harry Smith was not medically cleared to compete as the main event had been advertised as Knox vs. Smith. Knox then cut a promo saying Smith was faking because he didn’t want to face him, and called out Trevor Murdoch to face him later in the show.

Max The Impaler defeated Ella Envy

Max The Impaler is certainly an intimidating presence. They attacked Envy before the bell. The ref gave Ella a little time to recover and she then came out with a flurry of strikes, but they barely impacted her opponent.

Max quickly took over the match and finished her off with a backbreaker. It was a little more than a squash, but basically a squash.

After the match, Max took a pom pom type object that had been tied to Ella’s hair. The story is that Max will take a trophy from all their victims.

Max seems like a cool character that I can see being built up with more squash matches before being entered into a bigger program.

– Kyle Davis interviewed Cyon in the back. Cyon said his thoughts are on the NWA National title and he’s basically looking past his match tonight. He said his opponent, Joe Alonzo, is not on his level. When Davis tried to bring up that Austin Idol is claiming to be his father, Cyon grabbed Davis by the jacket and told him to never ask him that again.

Cyon defeated Joe Alonzo

Alonzo came into this one very cocky and got a good laugh when Cyon was unable to land a kip-up early in the match.

They had a back and forth start until Cyon started to take over and wore his opponent down with strikes. He then worked on Alonzo with various moves including a string of three bodyslams in a row. He also hit a delayed vertical suplex for a two count.

Alonzo started to make a comeback and got a few near falls off pinning combinations. He then rocked Cyon with a headscissors. Alonzo followed that up with a suicide dive. He then went for another one, but Cyon caught him. The masked man then suplexed him on the concrete floor before we went to commercial.

As we come back from break, both wrestlers dove to get back in the ring before the 10 count. They then exchanged strikes from their knees in the center of the ring.

Alonzo hit a springboard cutter for a two count. The crowd was really starting to get behind Alonzo at this point, but that’s when Cyon regained control. Cyon then delivered a superplex to his opponent for another two count.

Cyon hit a buckle bomb, but Alonzo followed that up with a big lariat. The crowd was into this and had been good all night, actually. Cyon locked his opponent in a surfboard before slamming him face first into the mat for another two count. Cyon then hit the rolling death valley driver for a near fall as Kyle Davis screamed that nobody has ever kicked out of that move before.

Alonzo hit a superkick and then bounced off the ropes, but was caught by Cyon who delivered another rolling death valley driver. He then opted to give him a third for good measure before finally getting the pin.

Cyon then made the title belt motion around his waist, signifying that he wants that NWA National Championship. This was good and the fans really responded to it.

– Kyle Davis interviewed Jax Dane and his attorney, Chris Silvio, Esq., backstage. Davis asked Dane about his match on NWA USA this week where he’ll team with “Magic” Jake Dumas against The Miserably Faithful. Dane said he’s not a tag team wrestler anymore but in this case, he doesn’t mind letting Dumas ride his coattails. He continued to say that NWA USA is his show. Silvio then said that wherever Jax is, that’s where the money is.

Trevor Murdoch defeated Mike Knox via disqualification

Murdoch punched Knox right in the face to start the match and then dared Knox to do the same to him, which he did. The two continued to exchange strikes like this for a little while.

Eventually, Murdoch got the better of the exchange. He clotheslined his opponent to the floor and they both landed hard on the outside. Murdoch then got up and hammered his opponent with strikes.

Knox raked Murdoch’s eyes and dropped him face first on top of the guardrail to take control of the match. Knox continued the attack once both were back in the ring as well. He hit a short arm clothesline and a leg drop to the back of the head for only a one count. Knox then held on tight to a headlock.

Murdoch eventually came back and hit Knox with a big DDT. Murdoch hit a series of clotheslines and a spinebuster. He then went to the top for the flying bulldog, but Knox avoided the move. Knox then hit a high crossbody for a two count. He then hit the Knox Out, but was lackadaisical in his cover and only got a two count.

Knox then went to the outside and got the ring bell, but the referee pulled it out of his hands. Knox shoved the referee to the ground, causing a disqualification. After Knox regained possession of the bell, Murdoch clotheslined him out of the ring.

As Knox was heading to the back, the commentary team suggested a rematch between the two could be upcoming.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, it was a fun show, the DQ finish in the main event notwithstanding. It seems as though Cyon is really starting to put it together and the angle of Austin Idol claiming to be his father is pretty interesting. I liked Max The Impaler who will be a fun heel for the division. The main event was good, although the DQ finish was a bit of a drag. The best part of the show for me was the crowd as they were into everything which made the show feel fun.

NWA Power results: Mickie James vs. Natalya Markova

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Josiah MacDonald

NWA Power opened with Nick Aldis and World Champion Matt Cardona talking at the announce table with Joe Galli.

Cardona said that Aldis didn’t deserve a title shot despite it being announced for Alwayz Ready. Aldis talked about how he was resisting attacking Cardona at that moment because he wanted the gold, especially after he laid hands on Mickie James. Cardona wanted a deathmatch with Aldis while Aldis wanted a steel cage match. Billy Corgan and the NWA officials stated that they would deliberate and announce the stipulations for the title match soon.

This was an excellent recap of the feud between Aldis and added intrigue to the upcoming title match at NWA Alwayz Ready.

Tyrus and Austin Idol joined the commentary desk.

– Pope and Trevor Murdoch came to the podium with Kyle Davis. Pope mentioned that Murdoch was hurt along the way, but that he would never heal if he kept being bitter and that Pope and the people stand with him. Pope reminded that Murdoch that he carried the legacy of Harley Race and that Race would slap him to bring the fire back to him.

Pope told him to fire up and go reclaim the NWA World Championship as the fans chanted “Murdoch.” Murdoch left without saying a word. This was a fantastic promo.

NWA Women’s Tag Team Champions The Hex (Allysin Kay & Marti Belle) defeated Madi & Kenzie Paige to retain the titles

This match was far more about Paige refusing to cheat and Madi trying to convince her to do so than the actual wrestling. As far as that goes, that was interesting. The work was actually quite good and Paige played up the conflict really well. She is going places.

Paige and Kay started with some good wrestling. Madi blind tagged in and yelled at Paige. Madi then charged at Kay, but Kay caught her and dumped her into her own corner before tagging out to Belle. Madi screamed for Kenzie throughout her time in the ring which was quite funny.

Belle hit the Stroke for a near fall. Somewhere, Jeff Jarrett is weeping. Madi blinded Belle with hairspray when the referee wasn’t looking, and Madi told Paige to watch her as she slammed Belle’s face into the mat. Paige tagged in, but looked unsure about the cheating. Madi pulled a chair out from under the ring and told Paige to hit Kay with it. While she was struggling with the decision, Kay rolled her up with an O’Connor roll to get the pin.

– Velvet Sky was with Taryn Terrell backstage. She asked Terrell about an apparent announcement she had to make. Terrell pointed out that Sky was not on commentary and moved down to backstage interviewer before saying that people’s minds will be blown, but she didn’t explain why.

Colby Corino defeated AJ Cazana

This was a nice little squash match here that even had the small story of Corino being really cocky and it coming back to bite him a few times. Small stories like that make these squashes a bit more engaging to watch.

Corino immediately hit Cazana with a koppo kick and hit Cazana in the corner with several chops after. Cazana dodged Corino’s weird inverted senton and suplexed him for a one count. Cazana hit a hard chop and went for a backdrop, but Corino rolled through into a sunset flip and hit a double stomp.

Corino slapped Cazana as Idol said on commentary, “Stay on him!” Turns out Idol was correct as Cazana countered another sunset flip attempt, lifting Corino straight into a spinebuster for a two count. Corino countered a powerbomb with a hurricanrana that sent Cazana to the floor. As Cazana came back in, Corino superkicked him and then hit a huge double stomp Cazana’s back for the pin.

– NWA USA highlights aired with Mike Bennett defeating Kerry Morton.

– The Briscoes were at the podium with Kyle Davis. Mark Briscoe said that La Rebelion were lucky they barely beat them and that they weren’t done coming for them. They promised the next time they faced off, the Briscoes would be NWA Tag Team Champions.

Jax Dane & The End (Parrow & Odinson) defeated The Ill Begotten (Rush Freeman, Jeremiah Plunkett & Alex Taylor) w/ Danny Deals & Gold Rushhh (BLK Jeez, Marshe Rockett & Jordan Clearwater) in a Team War match

It still isn’t clear if DQs happen in these matches or not as we had matches previously that had them and matches that didn’t. That did not factor into this Team War match.

They added a rule that makes this a bit more logical with members from all three teams needing to be in the ring at all times. Jeez hit a missile dropkick on Dane, but Plunkett and Jeez struggled with the much bigger Dane. Dane took Jeez’s head off with a lariat for the first elimination.

Rockett came in and he worked with Plunkett on Dane, but Dane rolled to the floor. Plunkett and Dane brawled on the floor, but as Plunkett came back in, Rockett nailed Plunkett with a spinebuster for a near fall. Rockett hit a dropkick that sent Dane crashing off the apron to the floor and they announced Dane was eliminated, but he never went over the top rope.

Odinson came in and took out Plunkett with a torture rack, but Rockett dumped him over the top rope to eliminate him. Taylor jumped on Parrow’s back and was immediately dumped to the mat. Rockett and Parrow exchanged strikes and powerful attacks. Parrow hit a superplex on Rockett and Taylor hit a frog splash for a three count.

Clearwater and Freeman came in with Clearwater hitting the Golden Ticket Stunner on Parrow for a near fall. Parrow chokeslammed him and pinned him though which meant Gold Rushhh was eliminated. Parrow hit a Greetings from Asbury Park for a pin on Freeman so Dane, Parrow, and Odinson won. Could they be a new group in the NWA? If so, I like it.

– Father James Mitchell was with Velvet Sky, and he explained he found Gags the Gimp under a bridge. Mitchell explained Gags the Gimp was like Dr. Frankenstein’s Igor, explaining that Gags is a useful idiot who cleaned his moat. We now know The Sinister Minister has a moat. Mitchell claimed that Gags only obeyed him. Angelina Love showed up to “support” Velvet Sky, but appeared to take over the interview at the end to Sky’s annoyance.

Mickie James defeated Natalya Markova (w/ Taryn Terrell)

It appears this was Terrell’s surprise as she was managing Markova. Markova and James exchanged holds, ending with James hitting a Thesz press and a neckbreaker for a two count. Markova hit a cutter on James for a two count. James chopped Markova in the corner, but Markova hit a clothesline for a two count. Markova got a sleeper on James, but James eventually broke it up by jumping backward and crashing to the mat.

James hit several clotheslines and then went to the top rope. James hit a Thesz press off the top rope for a near fall. James kicked at Terrell, who then stuck her tongue out at James. Terrell is hilarious. James hit some kicks before causing Markova to fall into the splits which made Tyrus say on commentary, “I would have tapped,” which honestly made me laugh out loud. James hit a tornado DDT to get the pinfall.

Final Thoughts:

This was a good episode of NWA Power. We had some stories advanced, and the story with Pope and Murdoch in particular was very interesting. I like the pairing of Markova and Taryn Terrell. It is a far more natural fit than when she was managing Jennacide and Paola Blaze.

I am also very interested to see what the stipulations will be for the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship match will be. If the goal was to generate interest in next week’s episode and the PPV, which it should be, this episode of NWA Power succeeded in the task.

NWA Power results: The Cardonas vs. Aldis & The Commonwealth Connection

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Josiah MacDonald

The Commonwealth Connection joined Kyle Davis to open the show. Doug Williams talked about his history with Nick Aldis, and how Williams, Harry Smith, and Aldis are going to take out The Cardonas this week.

The show went to the announce table. Austin Idol was still yelling about the Tyrus Slam Challenge from last week when Mims slammed Tyrus. Joe Galli pitched to the ring.

Kamille w/ Thom Latimer defeated Paola Blaze

This was mostly fine, but the booking was just bizarre. It made no sense if you think about it for a few seconds, as the referee was ready to stop the match and suddenly didn’t once more damage was being done.

Blaze rolled out of the ring as the bell rang, and said she wasn’t ready yet. Every time Kamille tried to get to her, Blaze would run away, smiling. Kamille had enough and drove Blaze back to the corner and hit an Oklahoma powerslam for a two count. Kamille hit a gutwrench suplex and nailed Blaze with a spin heel kick for another two count.

Kamille landed hard on her leg when she tried to leapfrog Blaze, looking like she hurt her quad or knee. Blaze stood away as the referee and Thom Latimer checked on her. Latimer turned around and Blaze kicked Latimer low and started stomping on the leg of Kamille.

They were looking to stop the match prior to this attack, so they just kept going once Latimer was out of the ring, and the referee just shrugged. Why? If you were going to stop the match, then why are you letting it go after Blaze attacked? That made no sense at all.

Kamille managed to fight back after a submission attempt and hit a twist and shout for a 2-count. Blaze hit a headscissors and a missile dropkick on Kamille. Latimer came out with some ice he was holding near his lower regions, which distracted the referee for some reason. The referee tried to send him to the back despite him doing nothing. Kamille hit a low blow on Blaze and then hit two spears for the win. Kamille sold the knee inconsistently once she started getting offence again.

Matt Taven was with Kyle Davis at the podium and talked about how he wants to win the tag titles with Mike Bennett, but he also wants to challenge for the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship. Good promo from Taven.

Matt Taven defeated Judias w/ The Sinister Minister via DQ

I was worried they would have Judias win this match. I’m not a fan of the DQ finish, but at least Taven didn’t lose.

Taven hit some hard chops that Judias no sold. Judias powered out of several moves from Taven, but Taven used his superior movement to keep slipping out of the power moves. Judias dodged a missile dropkick and started a Garvin stomp on Taven.

Judias used basic power moves to get some heat on Taven until Taven managed to get on the top rope and go for a flying elbow. However, The Sinister Minister called out Gags the Gimp and Sal the Pal to attack Taven. The group started to beat on Taven as the announcers let us know that Mike Bennett was not there this week, so Taven had no one to help him.

Help then came in as the Briscoes ran out, laying waste to the Sinister Minister’s stable, saving their old rival but ROH comrade in Matt Taven.

Tyrus was backstage with May Valentine and talked about Mims challenging for the NWA Television title. Tyrus insisted he was impressed and Mims was exactly what he was looking for, as he wanted a challenge.

The Dirty Sexy Boys (Dango & JTG) w/ Angelina Love defeated The Miserably Faithful (Sal the Pal & Gags the Gimp)

Velvet Sky went into a rant about how Angelina Love didn’t tell her that she was coming to the NWA, and that now she was moving in on her crush over Dango. Okay, this seems dumb. Joe Galli tried to reign her in and get her to call the match, but Idol continued to feed her into it. That was annoying.

JTG and Dango dominated Sal the Pal in the early portions of the match, but Gags tripped JTG as he hit the ropes and they started to get the heat on him. Sal and Gags worked over the fingers and various small joints of JTG. All of Gags’ offence was cheating, outside of a few chinlocks. Sal accidentally hit Gags with a clothesline and JTG tagged out.

Dango commanded Gags to lay down on the mat. Gags listened. Dango kicked him. Dango went for a crucifix bomb, but Gags slipped out and tagged out to Sal, who superkicked Dango. Dango moved out of the way of a rocket launcher from Gags and Sal. Dango hit a falcon arrow on Sal for the pinfall.

Dango held Angelina Love like he was going to kiss her, but realized that Velvet Sky was watching, so they stopped short and cut to the back.

The Pope was with Kyle Davis and talked about how he wanted to talk to Trevor Murdoch next week, as he was concerned about Murdoch’s behaviour as of late. Pope saw common ground with his old friend because both of them had bad experiences with Matt Cardona recently, losing title matches, and he wanted to have a heart to heart with Murdoch about it.

KiLynn King defeated Chelsea Green & Jennacide in a number one contender’s match

This was easily the best match on the show thus far, and KiLynn King was clearly positioned to get over in this one, but it was surprising given how they have been pushing Jennacide recently. Either way, King and Kamille should be a good match.

Green foolishly tried to take out both King and Jennacide at the same time, but that did not work, and King suplexed Green onto Jennacide. King and Jennacide hit some hard forearms on each other until Jennacide hit a low pump kick to King and threw Green across the ring. Jennacide hit a big boot in the corner for a two count.

Green went to the top rope, but got knocked off, and landed on the apron. Kinghit a flying knee off the top rope on Jennacide. Green tried to dive onto Jennacide and King on the floor but they caught her. King and Jennacide fought over getting into the ring to pin Green, but Green took that chance to recover and kick the middle rope as King was entering the ring again.

Green hit a curb stomp into the turnbuckles on King for a two count. Green locked on a camel clutch on King in the middle of the ring, but Jennacide came behind her and locked a sleeper on. Jennacide hit an atomic drop type move on King for a two count. Green went for the Unprettier on King, but King reversed into the Excalibuster for the win.

The Commonwealth Connection (Doug Williams & Harry Smith) & Nick Aldis defeated The Cardona Family (Matt Cardona, Mike Knox, & VSK) w/ Chelsea Green

Good match to end the show here, with Nick Aldis getting a win to set up a future match with Cardona. In this case, it wouldn’t have hurt to have Cardona tap out with at least a visual submission to further set it up, but we got time before the next PPV, so that might happen.

VSK started the match with Doug Williams and regretted trying to chain wrestle Williams immediately. VSK was only able to get ahead by raking the eyes. VSK did manage to get a headlock and pushed Williams back to the corner to tag out to Mike Knox. Aldis tagged in and Cardona tried to come in from behind, but got dropped by Aldis.

Cardona immediately tagged back out to Knox. Aldis tagged in Harry Smith, who hit a stalling vertical suplex on Mike Knox. Williams and Smith showed some good double team offence on Knox, making it easy to forget they originally were just a makeshift team for the Crockett Cup. Cardona tried to apply a wrist lock on Williams but as soon as they got too close to Aldis, Cardona ran away.

Smith came in and threw VSK all over the ring. The Cardonas got the heat on Smith for a little bit after Chelsea Green got involved, choking Smith on the ropes. Smith managed to knock Knox and VSK off the apron, leaving Cardona alone in the ring. Smith tagged out to Aldis. Aldis ran wild on Cardona, but it soon broke down into everyone hitting big moves.

Cardona hit Reboot on Aldis and went for Radio Silence, but VSK chop blocked Aldis and Cardona tagged out to VSK. Cardona fled the ring as Williams shoved VSK off the top rope and right into a Cloverleaf on VSK for the submission win.

Final Thoughts

This episode of NWA Power ended stronger than it started, with the first few matches not being great. Everything picked up with the women’s triple threat. I like how they are developing the Pope/Murdoch storyline and I’m quite interested to see where it goes. I also think Kilynn King and Kamille will be a fun match when it happens.

NWA Power results: Mickie James vs. Kenzie Paige

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Josiah MacDonald

Aron Stevens opened the show with May Valentine. He announced that he was done with wrestling. Stevens said the NWA was a place for him to be revitalized, but it was time for him to be done. Valentine started crying, and Stevens asked for the camera to be cut. It looked like Valentine had feelings for Stevens, and she asked him to go to Brazil with her. Stevens said it was a solo thing, and Valentine cried. This was bizarre.

Billy Corgan was on commentary, and briefly discussed what Stevens said, saying he wasn’t sure Stevens was done, but for now he was.

A brief recap of La Rebelion and The Briscoes from last week was shown.

Nick Aldis defeated Mike Bennett

Great match to open the show with Bennett getting a lot of shine in this one. Aldis won after selling for the most of the match and just scraped by with a win due to his toughness. A nice little self-contained story in this one.

Bennett started the match charging at Aldis before he could get his jacket off, but Aldis moved and Bennett crashed into the middle turnbuckle. He staggered around at the start of the match, but Aldis immediately hit him with a Michinoku Driver for a 2-count. Aldis hit a clothesline for a 2-count.

Aldis caught a crossbody attempt and moved it into a vertical suplex for a 2-count. Bennett locked a kimura on Aldis while Aldis tried to superplex him, then snapped the arm over the top rope to begin working it over. Bennett hit a forearm that dropped Aldis and continued to attack the arm, including hitting a baseball slide into the arm.

Bennett went for a spear but Aldis got a knee up. Aldis went for a vertical suplex, but was unable to lift Bennett due to the damage to his arm, and Bennett hit a suplex of his own. Alids hit some clotheslines with his good arm, but landed on the bad one after a flying European uppercut. Bennett went for a sleeper but Aldis drove him back into the turnbuckle. Bennet jumped over Aldis and then hit a spear for a two-count.

Bennett hit a rolling elbow to Aldis and went for a piledriver, but Aldis blocked it and attempted to counter into the Cloverleaf, but his arm prevented him from locking it on. Aldis rolled through a sunset flip attempt by Bennett and went for the cloverleaf again, but managed to lock it on this time, and Bennett tapped out.

Matt Cardona was backstage and claimed that Aldis lost, and he will not be getting a rematch. Cardona told Aldis to get to the back of the line.

The Fixers (Wrecking Ball Legursky & Jay Bradley) defeated The Rude Dudes (Jamie Stanley & El Rudo)

Rudo kicked Wrecking Ball and Wrecking Ball just yelled. This distressed El Rudo. Jay Bradley threw Stanley around the ring as El Rudo was beaten up by Wrecking Ball. Corgan claimed that Wrecking Ball got his email and sends him an email saying “Fixers Rule!” everyday. I somehow don’t doubt this story.

Rudo and Stanley locked on some headlocks, but failed when they attempted shoulder tackles a few times. The Fixers yelled “Fixers!” every time they didn’t sell the tackle. Rudo ran up the ropes and hit a crossbody, this actually worked for him. Rudo and Stanley managed to throw the slightly smaller Jay Bradley into Wrecking Ball, but the advantage didn’t last long as Wrecking Ball hit a gorilla press on Rudo and hit a cannonball on Stanley.

Stanley tried to Irish whip Bradley, but Bradley sat down and then threw Stanley face first into the chest of Wrecking Ball. In a confusing spot, Stanley kicked out of an O’Connor Roll from Bradley which somehow sent Bradley flying through the middle ropes into a suicide dive that hit his own partner. It also ended up being a pointless spot as The Fixers hit a knee drop and splash combo on Stanley a few minutes later for the pin.

A highlight video aired of Jax Dane successfully defending his NWA National title against Marche Rockett on NWA USA.

Pope talked about the ups and downs of life, and how despite his loss to Matt Cardona, he was going to keep going.

Mims was there for the Tyrus Slam Challenge. This was actually fun as Mims succeeded in slamming Tyrus on his third try. The first one ended with Tyrus just pushing him away. The second one ended when Tyrus hit him with a forearm. Tyrus then hit the ropes but Mims picked him up and slammed him.

Mims took out BLK Jeez, Clearwater, and then hit the Big Strong Slam on Rockett, securing a title shot against Tyrus. The crowd was going nuts for Mims. This was fantastic, and Mims should absolutely beat Tyrus for the TV title. Austin Idol claimed he was going to sue and not give the match to Mims.

Matt Taven and Jennacide were backstage with May Valentine. Taven wanted to challenge Matt Cardona, so he was going to work his way up the ladder by taking on Judias next week. Jennacide wanted to move up towards the title as well, and announced she would be facing Kilynn King and Chelsea Green.

Billy Corgan then announced that there was going to be a six-man tag next week, with Harry Smith, Doug Williams, and Nick Alids against the Cardonas.

Angelina Love joined the commentary table for the main event.

Mickie James defeated Kenzie Paige

This was a very solid match between James and Pagie. Kenzie Paige was not out of place in the ring with James, which speaks well of how good she is despite her young age.

Mickie James used her experience to keep Paige down with some basic headlocks and wrist locks. Paige sidestepped a dropkick and did a crucifix pin for a two-count. They quickly transitioned into pinfall attempts before Paige tried to lock on a crossface. James made the ropes, but Paige pulled her back into a wrist lock that James cartwheeled out of into an armdrag.

James hit a hard forearm and then hit a running boot. James caught a superkick and transitioned into a half crab, but Paige made the ropes. As Paige got up, she hit a superkick for a two-count. Kenzie had James in a submission, but Mickie ducked down and got out of it before hitting a neckbreaker on Paige. Paige hit a kick to counter James, but ate a flapjack. James went for the Chick Kick, but Paige ducked and hit a clothesline for a two-count. James then hit her DDT for the win.

The show closed as James shook hands with Paige.

Final Thoughts

This was a very solid episode of NWA Power, barring the bizarre opening angle that left me confused. The rest of the show, however, began to set up matches for the June 11th PPV, Alwayz Ready. This was a very enjoyable hour of pro wrestling, and I must say, again, that Billy Corgan on commentary is significantly better than not having him on it because he knows where the stories are going, and tells them fairly well.

NWA Power results: The Briscoes vs. La Rebelion Tag Team title match

Posted on April 27, 2022 by Josiah MacDonald

The Cardona Family was at the podium. Noticeable by his absence was Matt Cardona, who was away celebrating his win over Pope from two weeks ago. Chelsea Green talked about wanting to hold the NWA Women’s World Championship. Kyle Davis pointed out that Green had a chance to win the championship before, but she lost and VSK and Knox lost in the Crockett Cup. They claimed they were the best family in the NWA and chased Davis away and took over the podium.

Nick Aldis defeated Jordan Clearwater (w/ BLK Jeez)

After breaking a wrist lock, Clearwater posed like he won but Aldis punched him and chopped him before hitting a clothesline. Aldis hit a nice vertical suplex for a near fall. Clearwater managed to get the advantage when Jeez tried to give his business card to Aldis.

Clearwater tried to hit a corner splash after gyrating repeatedly and missing, landing said gyration area on the ropes. This distressed Clearwater. Aldis hit a flying elbow after a face first suplex, knocked BLK Jeez off the apron and then locked the cloverleaf on for the submission.

NWA Jr. Heavyweight Champion Homicide defeated Rhett Titus to retain the title

This was a solid match from these guys here. Homicide and Titus are vets and almost impossible for them to have a bad match. This was a really good one.

Homicide refused the Code of Honor as they locked up to open the match. Titus used his technical wrestling to stay on top and stay ahead, so Homicide bit him to escape and chopped him in the corner. Titus hit a monkey flip and Homicide landed right on his tailbone, which resulted in a funny visual as he froze and looked on in horror.

Titus went for a suplex, but Homicide hit two of his own and went for a third, but Titus rolled him into a small package for a near fall. Titus hit a nice belly-to-belly off the ropes for another near fall and then two big boots in the corner for another near fall. Homicide hit a headbutt on Titus and a tornado DDT off the middle rope for his own near fall.

Titus hit a dropkick but Homicide got his hand on the ropes to barely escape. He set up Homicide in the corner and charged at him, but Homicide moved and Titus crashed into the ring post. He put Titus on the ropes and hit a koji cutter off the turnbuckle for the win.

– Angelina Love was at the podium after the match and announced that she signed a contract with the NWA. Velvet Sky insisted she knew nothing about this.

– Mickie James was with May Valentine backstage and talked about how things went down with the Aldis and Cardona match. James talked about how she had to deal with Green, wanted to fight Kamille, and was baffled that Natalya Markova got a match with her, so she was going to destroy her. Mickie, Markova has won matches on TV lately.

Trevor Murdoch defeated Aron Stevens

I really liked this match: a brawl with a lot of intensity and violence, but in a traditional pro wrestling way. There was lots of punches and gritty looking offense.

Murdoch’s mean streak continued as he beat on Stevens all around the ring, starting with a big back suplex. Murdoch hit some crossfaces and later, a russian legsweep followed by a submission that was almost an octopus stretch on the mat. Stevens fought out, but missed an elbow.

Stevens bailed to the apron, but ate some punches. Stevens raked Murdoch’s eyes and did a neck snap across the ropes. Stevens tied him to the corner with the tag rope and started beating on him in the corner. Stevens dug his fingers into his eyes again and stomped him as he was tied to the ropes.

Stevens charged in and ate an elbow and a punch before Murdoch finally got free. Murdoch decided to choke Stevens with the tag rope for revenge, hitting a big boot and then a top rope bulldog for the pin.

Murdoch was definitely not the heel as opposed to Stevens who blatantly cheated throughout. He was just grittier which I like. If he continues to develop that mean guy edge, his character will become more compelling as the weeks go on. They are riding that line very close to a heel turn while keeping him babyface, but so far, it’s working.

– Jax Dane was with Kyle Davis backstage. Dane listed his resume before saying he was going to crush Marche Rockett.

Angelina Love defeated Tootie Lynn

I’m not sure what Love’s place will be on this roster. She’s not quite as good as some of the top talent today and I’m not sure if she should be positioned over some of the younger talent at this point. I will withhold judgement to see what they are going to do though.

Sky speculated that Love didn’t tell her about her NWA debut because she wanted to surprise her, but we shall see if that develops into a story. Lynn kept up with Love early on, landing a dropkick that sent Love to the floor. Lynn went for a kick off the apron, but took her time getting there, so Love was just left standing there for too long.

Love caught the kick and drove Lynn into the apron. Love hit a sidewalk slam for a near fall. Love hit an elbow for a near fall, followed by some forearms to work over Lynn’s arm a little bit.

Lynn used a few kicks and hit an enziguri for a two count. Love hit a samoan drop on Lynn, but Lynn kicked out. Love fought out of a fireman’s carry and hit Botox Injection for the pin and win.

– Idolmania Sports Management came out and the crowd was booing. Tyrus said that he would give the fan a quarter if he used a different vowel, so the fan yelled “Baaaaa!” which he tried very hard not to laugh at. BLK Jeez took the mic and announced the next challenger for the Tyrus Slam Challenge was Mims, who indicated he wanted to try last week.

– Thom Latimer and Kamille were at the podium and Latimer looked like he was wearing his grandmother’s couch fabric for a shirt. He said that he was going to have an announcement on the next episode of NWA USA. Kamille than addressed potential challengers to her title. Joe Galli got breaking news in his ear that Mims has not actually accepted the Tyrus Slam Challenge yet, which is baffling since he said he wanted it last week.

NWA Tag Team Champions La Rebelion defeated The Briscoes to retain the titles

This was a great match. The Briscoes are on fire when it comes to producing great matches and this was no exception. La Rebelion looked good outside one botched move, but it played into the story of the match.

Mark Briscoe used his redneck kung-fu to gain advantage over Mecha Wolf. Wolf ducked a chop and hit a series of his own, but got hit with a throat thrust from Mark. Wolf got a one count off a dropkick before tagging out to Bestia 666. Jay Briscoe made a blind tag and took Bestia’s head off with a lariat. Mark hit a vertical suplex on Bestia and sent him to the floor where Jay held him in place for a dropkick.

Jay tagged in and the Briscoes hit a double shoulder tackle on Bestia. Bestia managed to whip Jay into the corner and tagged out to Wolf. Mark came in as well, but Wolf hit a forearm and a dropkick, followed by a uranage on Mark onto Jay.

La Rebelion hit some fast paced offence on Mark for a near fall, but Jay ran into the ring and took out Bestia. The Briscoes hit Redneck Boogie for a near fall on Bestia. La Rebelion botched The Mark of the Beast, which Jay kicked out of. The botch was the excuse for the kick out according to Galli, so it worked out.

Jay drove Bestia into Wolf and then hit a death valley driver. Mark hit the Froggy Bow for a two count. Jay went for the Jay Driller on Wolf, but he fought out. They went for the Doomsday Device instead, but Wolf rolled into a pinfall as Bestia held Mark’s foot to prevent him from stopping the pin.

La Rebelion barely won this match and the crowd booed them after this victory as the fans were fully behind the Briscoes.

This was the best match on the show so if you have the time, check it out.

NWA Power results: Matt Cardona vs. Pope World title match

Posted on April 13, 2022 by Josiah MacDonald

NWA Power opened with Nick Aldis wishing luck to Pope in his NWA World Heavyweight Championship match with Matt Cardona. Aldis would be honored to face him in a match, but his issue with Cardona goes beyond the championship and he will get his revenge through stretching him so much that his ancestors would tap out.

The production claimed Austin Idol was on commentary with their graphic, but he looked suspiciously like Tim Storm.

The Commonwealth Connection (Doug Williams & Davey Boy Smith Jr.) defeated The Dirty Sexy Boys (JTG & Dango)

The ending of this match was hilarious. It didn’t have enough time to become a great match, but I was entertained for what this was.

Smith and JTG started with Smith using his size and power to dominate JTG and bring him back into his corner. JTG managed to tag out to Dango and hit Williams with a double elbow after Williams tagged in. After some brief isolation of Williams, Smith tagged in and hit a slam on JTG. Williams and Smith got some heat on JTG, working as the heels for this match. We shall see if that continues or is just the story of this particular match.

JTG hit a sling blade-like move but it was to Williams’ back, so it ended in a bulldog. Dango tagged in and blocked a Chaos Theory, hitting a falcon arrow on Williams for a two count. JTG and Smith brawled around ringside while Dango sold his knee after being thrown to the floor.

Dango walked over to Velvet Sky and gyrated while Sky said she would help him with his knee injury. This distracted Dango and Williams made him pay for it by dragging him back into the ring and submitting him with the Muta Lock.

– Austin Idol was with Kyle Davis talking about what happened in the Tyrus Slam Challenge last week with Cyon, asking what Idol said to Cyon that bothered him so much. Idol told him that he knew who his father was, and that he wasn’t just a former NWA champion, but a huge name in NWA historically. Idol then admitted that he is Cyon’s father. This story has been fun and it’ll be interesting to see if Idol is lying or telling the truth.

KiLynn King defeated Natalia Markova

This was an excellent match between these two and it’s nice to see King get the win here. I take this to mean she is going to be a regular in NWA going forward, which will only help her long term.

Markova and King hit some hard chops and strikes at the start of the match with King hitting a shoulderblock that sent Markova across the ring. Markova did a forward roll into a cutter for a two count. King hit a knee to send Markova to the mat, but Markova got a sleeper on after a pinfall attempt. King blocked a kick and hit a huge knee on Markova for a two count.

Markova hit a double underhook DDT for a two count. Markova followed this with a knee of her own for another two count. Markova went to the top rope, but King cut her off and hit a running knee to her opponent’s stomach before hitting a fallaway slam for a near fall. Markova went for a spinning kick in the corner, but King countered into the Excalibuster for the win.

– Mims was backstage with May Valentine and invited everyone to see his gun collection, so he flexed. Mims then said he was going to try the Tyrus Slam Challenge. He also talked about how he wanted to see Pope defeat Cardona. They got to let Mims talk more and it was good they did.

– La Rebelion came to the podium and called out the Briscoes for not being there. They didn’t care about any of the teams going after them because they were going to beat them all. They insisted that they were not afraid of the Briscoes and would be taking the fight to them.

– Valentine was with Aron Stevens who talked about Trevor Murdoch punching Stevens in the face last week. Stevens said he was hurt by it (as dramatic music played) and Stevens continued to change his “character” with a wave of his hand several times which was bizarre. I am not getting this character at all. Apparently, he has multiple personalities and when he waves his hand in front of his face, he goes into a different one.

Miserably Faithful (Sal The Pal, Judias & Gags the Gimp) (w/ The Sinister Minister) defeated Colby Corino & The Fixers

This match was bizarre for a variety of reasons with first and foremost that it was two heel teams. The crowd went very quiet when Judias and crew came out. Rinauro is apparently Sal The Pal now, which is not as good as “Sinister Sal.” The Fixers threw him around the ring with Wrecking Ball Legursky crushing him in the corner.

Corino tagged in and celebrated, but turned around into an attack from Judias. Gags tagged in and choked Corino. Gags and Sal used some double team moves on Corino, followed by a series of stomps and a back rake by Sal. Colby Corino, babyface in peril, was not something I expected, but despite being a heel, he got some sympathy.

Cornio hit an Olympic slam and the Corino Crush on Gags before tagging out to Legursky. He lived up to his name of Wrecking Ball by crushing Sal and scaring Gags. He then lawn darted Gags into the crotch of Sal. Sal moved and Jay Bradley went to the floor. Sal hit a moonsault off the apron on both of them and Gags hit a Dudley Dog for the pin and win.

I am not a fan of this Sinister Minister stable at all. The match was fine.

– Jennacide was with Valentine and talked about how she was on her own now and all she needed was herself, not Taryn Terrell or Paola Blaze. Good promo here.

NWA World Champion Matt Cardona defeated Pope to retain

This was a good main event match for Power. The crowd was so behind Pope that it certainly feels like he should be the next champion at some point. He has a natural connection with the audience and a nice babyface championship run for him down the line would be great.

They started with basic wrestling, but they slapped each other after Pope flipped Cardona off. Pope fired up and sent Cardona to the floor after a fist drop. Pope nailed some punches in the corner on Cardona and hit a combination of strikes in the middle of the ring before hitting a shoulder tackle that sent Cardona to the floor again.

Cardona shoved Pope in the ring apron and went to throw him into the ring steps which is what led to Pope being injured for several weeks with a concussion. Pope blocked it and hit a forearm off the steps instead. When Pope tried to get back in the ring, Cardona hit a knee right to Pope’s head, immediately dropping him back to the floor. Cardona then moved on to targeting the head more directly. He got the heat over the next few minutes with neck cranks and other head targeting moves.

Cardona went to the top rope after arguing with a fan, giving Pope the chance to pop up and leap to the top rope for a superplex. Pope hit a bionic elbow on Cardona before landing a flying crossbody for a near fall. Pope hit an STO for a two count. Cardona hit a throat thrust and a dropkick off the middle ropes for a near fall.

Every time Pope would try something, Cardona would poke the eyes or go to the throat, but Pope hit a spinebuster after a dropdown and locked in the sharpshooter.

Pope transitioned into a crossface and the crowd was disappointed when Cardona made it to the ropes. The referee drove some separation between the two after, so Cardona took advantage with a codebreaker for a two count. Pope hit a series of german suplexes before calling for a top rope move.

Cardona fell into the ropes to knock Pope off and went for the Reboot, but Pope moved and Cardona crashed into the bottom rope. Pope went for the Elijah Express, but Cardona pulled the referee in the way, poked Pope in the eyes again and then hit Radio Silence for the pinfall to retain the gold.

Final Thoughts:

This was a decent episode although I think the match with Pope and Cardona could have benefited from a few more weeks of build. That said, it was a perfectly fine TV main event. The less said about the Sinister Minister’s stable, the better.

NWA Power results: Matt Cardona vs. Tim Storm

Posted on April 6, 2022 by Josiah MacDonald

The show opened with highlights from the Crockett Cup with Tim Storm getting involved with Matt Cardona and then the aftermath with Cardona issuing a challenge to Storm.

The show wasted no time with Cardona and Storm facing off. If Storm won, his stipulation that he could never challenge for the NWA World title would be waived.

NWA World Champion Matt Cardona defeated Tim Storm in a non-title match

This was a quick match, but a great one. Storm got some good hope spots while Cardona had to cheat to win.

Storm took the early parts of the match with a bionic elbow and a running boot for a near fall. Cardona blocked a corner charge, but missed a dive off the ropes and tweaked his knee.

However, Cardona was faking and used it as a chance to attack. As Cardona was going for punches in the corner, Storm powerbombed him, hit a big boot, and then hit the Perfect Storm, but Cardona got his foot on the ropes to avoid the pin.

Storm missed a corner charge and Cardona hit the Reboot two times. Storm told him to bring it, so Cardona hit a third and pinned Storm.

Nick Aldis ran in to save Storm from eating a belt shot from Cardona. Aldis beat on Cardona, taking the belt and hitting him with it. VSK tried to come in and he ate a belt shot, too. Mike Knox refused to come in the ring and demanded that he let VSK go. This was a good angle.

– Kyle Davis was promoting several NWA t-shirts from their online store, but Da Pope interrupted him. Pope said he had waited long enough sitting on the sidelines. He indicated that he was going to cash in on Cardona and challenge for the World title.

Rhett Titus defeated Darius Lockhart by dq

I hated the finish on this one, but I did like the follow up with Titus saying he got what he wanted. I’m looking forward to a rematch.

Titus and Lockhart had some great technical exchanges to open the match, with Titus showing off his ROH Pure division skills. Titus used a Greco Roman knuckle lock to bring Lockhart to the mat for a two count. Titus stayed ahead of Lockhart for the next few minutes, always countering and using his experience to keep Lockhart down. Lockhart countered a backslide with a schoolboy, but Titus responded by getting up and hitting a vertical suplex.

Titus locked on a spinning toe hold, but Lockhart escaped by kicking Titus in the face. Titus and Lockhart brawled a bit, exchanging strikes in the corner. Lockhart kept attacking in the corner and the referee DQ’d Lockhart.

Titus said that he got what he wanted because he got in Lockhart’s head. Lockhart said he was going to get him next time as they shook hands. Titus then arrogantly slapped Lockhart’s back, saying that he got him this time.

– The Briscoes were with May Valentine and they talked about winning the Crockett Cup and their desire for the NWA Tag Team titles. They are coming for La Rebelion.

– Chris Adonis and National Champion Jax Dane were at the podium with Davis. Adonis made it clear that Dane was a newcomer to the NWA National title scene, and he wanted to get his title back. Dane said that Adonis shouldn’t underestimate him and he was open for challengers. Adonis then challenged Dane for the Master Lock challenge, but Dane refused, saying that the title couldn’t change hands on a challenge and he didn’t get paid to do those. Looks like Chris Adonis is a babyface now.

Trevor Murdoch defeated Garrison Creed

Murdoch dodged a corner charge and Creed crashed into the ring post. Murdoch just shook his head, hit two big boots and a piledriver, and pinned Creed in less than a minute.

He went right to the podium and said that he was here in the NWA to focus on himself, and maybe if he did that, he would still be world champion. Aron Stevens came out and said Murdoch hasn’t answered his calls or texts since he lost the title. Stevens reminded Murdoch that he won the NWA World title and that he needed to get out of his own head. Stevens said that the Murdoch he knew never gave up. Murdoch dropped Stevens when he began to sing, irritating Murdoch further.

– Billy Corgan was with Valentine and talked about Lockhart and Titus, saying Titus is going to get a title shot soon for the Junior Heavyweight title. Corgan made it clear that Aldis did not have another shot at the World title right now, because his shot was at the Crockett Cup. Murdoch is entitled to a title shot when he wishes to have it. Pope wanted to have a title shot on the biggest stage, so Corgan is still trying to find when that will happen.

Tyrus Slam Challenge

Cyon came out to challenge TV Champion Tyrus for the Tyrus Slam Challenge. Cyon got three attempts to slam him and if he succeeded, he would get a TV title shot. Cyon tried, but Tyrus shoved him off. The second attempt got a little closer, but Tyrus leaned back into the ropes to block it.

Austin Idol beckoned Cyon over and whispered something into his ear, presumably about his parentage, This clearly caused an emotional reaction in Cyon as he turned away from Tyrus. Tyrus shoved the referee away and hit a heart punch as soon as he turned around with the challenge ending before Cyon got his third attempt.

Final Thoughts:

This episode of NWA Power had some good wrestling with Storm and Cardona and a really good match with Lockhart vs. Titus. However, the action was secondary to the angles with some great promos setting up future matches. I find what they are doing with Murdoch to be compelling, but I am not sure where it is going.

I like the idea of Pope getting a title shot soon, so we shall see when that happens. The Cyon storyline about his father potentially being Idol is an interesting one. I am eager to find out how it is going to conclude.

NWA Power results: La Rebelion vs. The End Tag Team title match

Posted on March 30, 2022 by Ian Carey

NWA World Champion Matt Cardona was interviewed in the back by Kyle Davis to kick off the show. He complained about Tim Storm’s interference at the Crockett Cup and said if Storm can beat him in a non-title match, he will go to Billy Corgan and see about getting the stipulation that Storm can never challenge for the NWA World title again waived.

Joe Galli, Storm and Velvet Sky were on commentary. Storm accepted Cardona’s challenge before we went down to ringside.

NWA Women’s Champion Kamille defeated Madi in a non-title match

This was Madi Wrenkowski, who has been on AEW Dark several times. She was announced as “Madi, just Madi.” So, no last name for her in the NWA, it seems.

I expected this to be a squash, but Madi got in quite a bit of offense. She started focusing on the champion’s arm early. Madi was definitely wrestling as a heel too, pulling Kamille’s hair and raking the eyes.

Kamille missed a kick and Madi went right back to working the arm. Kamille then fought back, landed a suplex and then a spinning neckbreaker for a two count.

Madi raked the eyes and hit a forward-falling DDT followed by “The Reality Check” (axe kick) for a two count. She went for it again, missed, and Kamille hit a spear to get the three count.

Thom Latimer came out to congratulate Kamille after the match.

– The Pope was interviewed by May Valentine in the back. He wanted to let Cardona know that he’s coming for his title. Pope also said he understands where Trevor Murdoch is coming from with his recent change of attitude but doesn’t want him to forget who stood with him and where he comes from.

“Magic” Jake Dumas defeated Rodney Mack

Dumas lit up a cigarette to start the match and blew smoke in Mack’s face. Mack then grabbed the cigarette and put it out on his tongue.

Dumas kept wanting to put his top hat on, but the referee wouldn’t let him. He then raked Mack’s eyes to start the match.

Mack quickly fought back, however, delivering a big back body drop that took Dumas to the outside. Mack then tossed Dumas into the steel steps. He continued to take the fight to Dumas as the match ended up back in the ring.

The match had been pretty much all Mack up until the finish. Dumas grabbed another cigarette from his hat and crumpled up the tobacco. He then blew the tobacco into Mack’s eyes as the referee was distracted, rolled him up, grabbed the tights and got the three count.

The Cardona Family (VSK & Mike Knox) defeated The Ill-Begotten (Jeremiah Plunkett & Rush Freeman) (w/ Alex Taylor)

Before the bell, the Ill-Begotten were shown discussing which two of the three of them would wrestle in the match. The ring announcer clearly said it would be Plunkett and Freeman moments earlier, but perhaps they were rethinking things. VSK then just tossed Freeman out of the ring to make the decision for them.

Knox and Plunkett started out with Knox getting the early advantage. VSK and Knox then worked on Plunkett with quick tags. Knox got a two count off a big vertical suplex. They then hit a standing moonsault/ leg drop combination for another two count.

Freeman made a hot tag in and took Knox off his feet with a series of clotheslines. Knox hit a crossbody moments later, however, and then hit a flatliner after tagging his partner. VSK then came off the top with a frog splash for the three count.

– Davis interviewed Chris Adonis in the back. Davis asked Adonis about Latimer’s comments that Strictly Business is finished. Adonis said he’s better as a solo act anyway and is going to try and regain the NWA National Championship.

– Valentine interviewed Cyon in the back. He accepted Tyrus’ challenge to try and bodyslam him and will take Tyrus’ NWA Television title. Taryn Terrell then interrupted and Cyon rolled his eyes and left. Valentine asked Terrell about Paola Blaze now that her team with Jennacide has broken up. Terrell avoided the question by saying she heard Blaze is shopping.

Nick Aldis defeated Deonte Marshall

This was a quick match. Marshall went for a crossbody early, but Aldis caught him and hoisted him up for a suplex. Aldis then hit a tombstone piledriver moments later before locking in the King Lynn submission to make his opponent tap. Galli brought up that Marshall was tapping just as Cardona did at the Crockett Cup.

After the match, Aldis joined Davis at the podium. He said that he and Cardona have unfinished business and that won’t end until Cardona is in the hospital and Aldis is the champion once again.

La Rebelion (Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf) defeated The End (Parrow & Odinson) to retain the NWA World Tag Team Championships

Mark and Jay Briscoe joined Galli at the broadcast table.

The End attacked the champions before the bell. That left Bestia already hurt as the match officially got under way. Parrow then worked on him in the early moments, getting a two count off a vertical suplex. Odinson suplexed Bestia shortly after and The End continued to work on him with quick tags.

Parrow hit a standing senton for a two count and hit a chokeslam moments later. Bestia hit a cutter and then was able to make the hot tag into Mecha Wolf, who then took the fight to Odinson.

La Rebelión hit Odinson with a series of double team strikes. Odinson fought back moments later and tagged out to Parrow. Wolf and Parrow were then fighting atop the turnbuckle. Wolf bit his opponent and then kicked him off the top. He then came off the turnbuckle with a 450 splash for the three count.

After the match, the champions held up the titles and jawed with the Briscoes at the commentary table.

Final Thoughts:

This was a fun show. The NWA tag team division feels really important right now coming out of the Crockett Cup and The Briscoes winning the titles would make it feel that much more important. Harry Smith and Doug Williams should also be in the title mix since they eliminated the champs in the semifinals of the tournament. Cardona is also the perfect villain for this promotion.

NWA Power results: Crockett Cup fallout, Briscoes vs. The OGK

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Josiah MacDonald

Joe Galli opened this week’s show, announcing that the Briscoes were going to take on the OGK on this post-Crockett Cup episode of NWA Power.

The Cardonas came out to the podium to be interviewed by Kyle Davis. The fans chanted “You tapped out!” at NWA World Champion Matt Cardona after the happenings from last Sunday’s main event against Nick Aldis.

He objected to Tim Storm and Mickie James getting involved in the match. Cardona also said that he was always ready, so he was still champion. Cardona claimed he didn’t tap out and was just trying to encourage the fans to chant for him. Cardona claimed the NWA belonged to him now and there was nothing Trevor Murdoch or Aldis could do about it.

– Jeff Jarrett was interviewed by Davis after the main event from the Crockett Cup. He talked about how refereeing a match is the hardest job in wrestling and that the low blow that led to the DQ was not Mickie James. But, it was what he thought at the time, and he was upset that he made a bad call. Jarrett said that he did the best he could, and Matt Cardona is champion. I liked this follow-up.

The Briscoes (Mark & Jay Briscoe) defeated The OGK (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett)

This was a fantastic opening match. The Briscoes and OGK have done this so many times that they just know where the other team is going to be, and we got a great ROH-style tag match here.

The feud between the two reignited here with Matt Taven and Jay Briscoe starting the match. The action spilled to the outside and Taven hit a dropkick through the middle rope on Jay, but Mark followed up with one of his own on Taven. Mark and Jay quickly isolated Bennett in the corner, hitting a big corner boot and a clothesline.

Bennett hit a rolling elbow on Mark and tagged out to Taven, who hit a dropkick off the middle rope. The Briscoes manage to pull it to the outside again with Mark Briscoe hitting a tope con giro over the top rope with an assist from a chair. Bennett hit a big boot on Jay and OGK started to get a little momentum. Bennett hit a spinout brain buster for a two count. Mark tagged in and did some redneck kung-fu with a Pele kick.

Mark suplexed and booted both OGK members all around the ring. Mark hit an Iconoclasm on Bennett for a near fall. Jay went for the Jay Driller, but Bennett fought out and tagged in Taven, who ran wild. Taven hit a twist and shout on Jay before Bennett hit a death valley driver. Mark and Bennett exchanged some hard strikes in the middle of the ring until Jay got an Oklahoma roll on Taven and pinned him out of nowhere.

– Tag Team Champions La Rebelion was backstage with May Valentine and talked about how they were ready for all challengers, including the Briscoes.

Trevor Murdoch defeated a local talent

This was an outright squash with Murdoch destroying whoever this was in less than two minutes. I didn’t catch his name and they never displayed a graphic, Either way, Murdoch destroyed him and won with a piledriver quickly.

Afterward, he talked to Davis about how he had no more patience and was going to destroy everyone the NWA puts in front of him. The blood was going to be on the hands of the NWA if they kept feeding him hacks. Murdoch getting more violent is an interesting development for his character. I am still not sure if this is a heel turn, or just an edge being added, but I am intrigued.

– James and Aldis were interviewed by Davis after the main event of the Crockett Cup. James talked about how this was far from over and Aldis said that the NWA runs through his veins until his dying day, and he hated how things went down. He didn’t blame Jarrett and that he was still coming for the Cardona family. This makes me think that they are building to a mixed tag team match with James and Aldis against Cardona and Chelsea Green.

– Austin Idol was with TV Champion Tyrus at the podium. Davis asked about Idol’s big announcement which Idol took exception to as it was none of Davis’ business. Davis insisted and Idol got more flustered. Davis then indicated it was going to be a match or challenge of some sort for Tyrus, and he completely changed his tone.

I really liked this, because it was a very subtle way of telling the audience he has something to say about Cyon’s parentage and he didn’t want to talk about it right now. Tyrus then announced that if anyone could bodyslam him, he’d let them challenge for the NWA Television Championship.

NWA Tag Team Champions The Hex (Allysin Kay & Marti Belle) defeated Paola Blaze & Jennacide (w/ Taryn Terrell) to retain the titles

This was a perfectly acceptable match that served the purpose of getting to the end of the break-up of Blaze and Jennacide. A stipulation was made before the match for them to break up if they couldn’t win the titles, and with that ending, that is done and now, Jennacide can feud with both Terrell and Blaze.

Belle and Blaze started, but it didn’t take long for Kay and Jennacide to start exchanging strikes in the middle of the ring. Jennacide hit a spinebuster on Kay for a two count. Blaze hit a meteora in the corner. She and Jennacide started to get the heat on Kay for the next few minutes including Jennacide trying to break Kay’s pinky finger.

Jennacide put Kay in the tree of woe and kicked her a few times before tagging out to Blaze. Kay escaped the grasp of Blaze and tagged out to Marti Belle, who hit some forearms but was soon shutdown by Jennacide. Blaze tagged in blind and Jennacide hit a TKO, but Jennacide didn’t realize it. When she did, Blaze came in and was rolled up by Belle for the pin. Jennacide left, not wanting anything to do with either of her teammates.

– New National Champion Jax Dane was with May Valentine and talked about his Crockett Cup match with Anthony Mayweather and how he was now the champion while Mayweather is in the past and should be buried underground.

– Thom Latimer and Women’s Champion Kamille were with Davis who said he heard a rumor backstage that Strictly Business was no longer in business. Latimer confirmed that it was over and said that the only person he needed was Kamille. Kamille said Chris Adonis was dead weight, that it was her and Latimer against everyone, and that they are taking over the NWA.

NWA Junior Heavyweight Champion Homicide defeated Austin Aries to retain the title

This was a great match between these two. Homicide is great as always, and Aries held up his end of the match as well. Both guys have worked so many matches with each other that it seemed effortless to have a good one here.

They exchanged some technical wrestling to open things up with each guy predicting each other’s moves. Aries went for the brain buster early on, but Homicide fought out, rolled him up for a two count, and then tossed Aries to the floor. Homicide put Aries on the top rope and went for a Koji cutter, but Aries shoved him off and hit a European uppercut off the middle rope.

Homicide missed a corner charge and hit what Aries has dubbed the side Ukrainian legsweep. The two bumped heads in the middle of the ring and collapsed. Aries hit the ropes and Homicide hit a belly-to-belly suplex for a two count. Homicide got his Koji cutter for a near fall and locked on an STF, but Aries got to the ropes.

Homicide went for the Cop Killa, but Aries floated out, hit a rolling elbow to the back of the head and then locked on the Last Chancery. Homicide barely made the ropes which really upset Aries. Aries hit a neckbreaker across the middle rope followed by a running dropkick and a brain buster on Homicide, but Homicide got his foot on the ropes.

Aries went for the 450, but Homicide cut him off and hit another Koji cutter from the top rope for the pinfall.

Final Thoughts:

What a great episode of NWA Power this week. We saw a new edge to Murdoch, Cardona continuing to be a great heel, and were given some subtle hints about Idol and Cyon. This is all I could ask for in an episode: solid wrestling, advancement of stories, and a clear direction following the recent pay-per-view.

NWA Power Trip results: Kamille vs. Taryn Terrell, Rhett Titus vs. Colby Corino

Posted on February 23, 2022 by Josiah MacDonald

Joe Galli opened the show to a loud crowd with Jax Dane in the ring. Galli asked what was next for him and he promised violence. Dane promised to kill the heroes of the NWA like he killed Crimson and promised more of the same tonight.

Jax Dane defeated Eric Jackson

I love squash matches like this with a big dude killing a jobber. It was delightful.

Dane lived up to his promise of violence by attacking right away. Jackson got a few elbows in the corner, but that just made Dane mad. Dane threw him across the ring before taking Jackson’s head off with a lariat for the pinfall.

– Kyle Davis talked about Dane’s one mile restraining order on Anthony Mayweather/Crimson, saying that Mayweather was in the building. Dane denied that and told Davis to keep a close eye on what he does at the Crockett Cup.

Chelsea Green defeated Kenzie Paige

This was an excellent match with both women working hard.

Green and Paige exchanged several pinfall attempts at the start of the match, keeping up a very fast pace. Green slapped Paige, but Paige slapped her back a bit later and hit an exploder suplex and a shotgun dropkick that sent Green across the ring. Green baited Paige and sent her to the floor, followed by a stun gun and a pump kick for a two count.

Green hit two short arm clotheslines for a two and then got in a shouting match with a fan as he taunted her while she had a chinlock on. Green hit a German suplex of sorts, but Paige came back a European uppercut. Both women hit forearms and headbutts at the same time before collapsing.

Paige hit some hard chops and forearms before hitting a superkick for a near fall. Paige went for a package piledriver, but Green fought out and hit a flatliner into the middle turnbuckle before curb stomping Paige into the bottom turnbuckle for a near fall. Paige hit a cutter, but Green got her foot on the ropes. Green asked for a timeout and Paige turned around to talk to someone in the crowd, giving Green the opening to stand up and hit the Unprettier for the pin.

Paige looked bad in that finish. She looked dumb for just walking away from Green and turning around, only to get hit with the Unprettier, but nonetheless, this was a very good match.

Colby Corino defeated Rhett Titus in a two-of-three falls match

This was an excellent TV match, going around 18 minutes. This was a pay-per-view quality performance from both men. If there is a match to watch on this show, it’s this one.

Titus offered a handshake, keeping the Code of Honor outside of ROH, but Corino refused. The opening portion featured some nice technical wrestling with Titus outwrestling Corino. Corino was able to neck Titus on the ropes before flying over the top with a forearm to his back, followed by a tope and finally a senton that crushed Titus.

Titus pulled Corino over the top rope into a Northern Lights suplex for a two count. Titus hit a backbreaker and a gutwrench suplex, followed by a dropkick that got Corino for the first fall. Titus hit a series of boots in the corner, but Corino swept his legs out as he went to the top rope and hit a package backbreaker after pulling him off. Corino locked on the sharpshooter and then let go for some reason to hit an elbow on the back. Tim Storm said that his back went out, but it didn’t seem like that.

Corino hit a back suplex into a backbreaker on Titus for two. Corino, doing his best Roderick Strong impression, hit yet another backbreaker for two. Corino went for a dive, but ate a dropkick from Titus for another two count.

Corino tried to get Titus with an O’Connor roll, but Titus countered and a series of pinfall attempts was initiated. Corino rolled Titus up and grabbed the ropes to make it 1-1. Both men started exchanging hard chops. Corino countered a suplex into a cutter, but Titus responded with a slash and then a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall.

Corino countered a submission attempt and hit a big double stomp to Titus’ back before hitting a Strong esque vertical suplex into a backbreaker for another two count. Corino locked on an inverted deathlock, but Titus refused to submit and started throwing strikes before countering with a half crab but Corino got to the ropes.

Both men had their backs punished in this match. Titus threw Corino into the turnbuckle three times before hitting a spinning back suplex for a two count. Corino hit a low blow as the ref was in the corner and then hit a rolling elbow to the back of Titus’ head for the pinfall to finish an excellent match.

– Taryn Terrell was with Kyle Davis backstage and claimed she was going to with the NWA Women’s Championship. After she won it, they wouldn’t call it “The Burke” anymore, but “The Terrell.” She was great here.

NWA Women’s Champion Kamille defeated Taryn Terrell to retain the title

This was a very fun match. It wasn’t the best technically, but both women worked hard and Terrell bumped like crazy. Her antics were very amusing, so this was an easy thumbs up from me.

Terrell did her own introduction and then pulled out a photo, saying that they could put it in the belt when she won, Kamille grabbed it and tore it up. Terrell’s over the top character makes me laugh every time. Kamille was not impressed when Terrell grabbed the belt and put it around her waist. She called for a test of strength, but Kamille nearly ripped her arm off, so she went to the ropes.

Terrell paused for a water break and Kamille crushed her in the corner and hit a suplex when Terrell tried to do a monkey flip. Terrell yelled for help as Kamille Irish whipped her into the corner, which had me laughing again. Kamille hit a backbreaker and Terrell was left half dead in the ring.

Terrell managed to hit a jawbreaker, but Kamille caught her and hit a fallaway slam. Terrell screamed “Ow!” very loudly and went for another drink of water. Kamille stomped on her and hit a European uppercut that sent Terrell crashing to the mat again. Terrell spit water into Kamille’s face and rolled her up for a one count. Terrell yanked the hair and stomped on Kamille for another one count.

Terrell went for a kick, but Kamille caught it and threw her to the mat. Terrell caught her with a knee and hit a flipping neckbreaker for a two count. Terrell screamed it was a three and then locked on a camel clutch, but Kamille powered out and snapmared Terrell before hitting the spear for the pin and win.

Final Thoughts:

These “on the road” NWA shows are always really good, and I wish they did them more. A hot audience can elevate an average show to being good and this was a good show even without the fans. Everything was good and even the opening squash was great. This was an excellent NWA Power Trip.

NWA Power results: Team War finals

Posted on February 16, 2022 by Josiah MacDonald

The British Invasion (Doug Williams & Nick Aldis) defeated Jaden Roller & Fable Jake

This felt like a classic JCP squash in the 80s with the stars trying to get a decent match out of the jobbers. It felt quite nostalgic even though JCP was before my time.

Fable Jake looks like a jobber out of 1992, which fits this show quite well. Doug Williams tied Roller up early on and hit a butterfly suplex. Jake decided the best way to break up a complicated submission was to punch Williams in the face. Simple, but effective. Aldis threw Jake around before tagging out to Williams, and they continued their double team assault.

Jake and Roller got some heat on Williams. Jake’s offence did not look good. Roller hit a snapmare and then an elbow drop. Williams threw Jake’s foot into the stomach of his own partner before hitting an exploder suplex and tagging out to Aldis. Aldis ran wild for a bit before Jake raked his eyes and tagged out to Roller.

Aldis dropped down as Roller hit the ropes, tripped over him, and crashed into Jake. That was funny. Williams hit the Chaos Theory on Roller and Aldis followed up with a flying elbow for the win.

Tootie Lynn (w/ Kylie Rae) defeated Marti Belle (w/ Allysin Kay)

This was shockingly fine, given that Marti Belle has been very hit or miss. Belle was fine in this match, and while Lynn spent most of it selling, she also looked good.

Marti Belle ate a kick from Lynn early on. Belle rolled up Lynn and hit a running knee before hitting a hip attack in the corner. Belle kept the advantage for a few minutes here, acting as the heel in this match. Lynn fired up but got dropped with a forearm. Belle put Lynn in a fireman’s carry and yelled that she has been working out to Medusa at the commentary table.

Lynn floated out and hit a clothesline, making her pay for showing off. Belle hit The Stroke on Lynn and went for a Pedigree, but Lynn rolled her up and scored a pinfall. Both Kylie Rae and Tootie Lynn have pinned members of the Hex in non-title matches, so it looks like we have our next title defence for the Hex set.

Austin Idol and Cyon were with May Valentine and Cyon said he had no explanation for who his father was. Valentine asked Idol why he was helping Cyon, and Idol said that he liked to help people, and he had no idea who Cyon’s father was, but it could have been any historical NWA champion. Cyon interrupted and said that he didn’t need help, and that his father was a world champion. I’m actually very into this storyline.

Jennacide & Natalia Markova ended in a count out

Despite the non-finish, I really liked this match. Neither woman was able to overcome the other, and both showed some great wrestling here. Markova isn’t bad at all, and Jennacide is very good, so this was fun to watch. This will likely set up some sort of rematch, and I’m looking forward to it.

Jennacide and Markova exchanged some moves with Jennacide using power to keep the advantage. Markova baited Jennacide in and scored a roll up, but Jennacide kicked out. Both women exchanged hard forearms until Jennacide hit a huge double hand chop on Jennacide. Jennacide hit a spinebuster for a two count.

Markova went for a dive, but Jennacide hit an uppercut to cut her off. Jennacide went for a brainbuster on the apron, but Markova fought out and hit a tornado DDT off the apron onto the floor. That was brutal. Jennacide blocked a hurricanrana and powerbombed Markova on the apron, and both women crashed to the floor as the referee counted both of them out.

Melina defeated Christi Jaynes

This wasn’t good at all. They worked very hard, but could just never get on the same page. While Jayne’s offence looked good when Melina was there to take it, everything seemed to be off. Melina had trouble running the ropes and completely botched the finish, and I have no idea what it was supposed to be.

Commentary noted that Melina wanted to be the permanent number one contender as she mentioned in a promo a few weeks back, indicating that she did not want to wrestle Jaynes here. It was bizarre hearing the commentary agree with this because it’s a very heel belief. That said, they locked up and refused to let it go, working around the ring for a bit with it. Melina hit a dropkick and Jaynes fell to the apron.

Time then froze as Melina stared at her. Stars were born and died in the time that nothing happened. Melina then went for a baseball slide and Jaynes moved. Jaynes got the heat for a little bit before rolling through a roll up into an STF. They seemed to be a bit lost before that, but that looked nice. The finish of the match was completely botched with Melina just giving up on an STF or Muta Lock attempt after locking the legs, pausing, then just letting it go and pinning Jaynes. This happened after Jaynes missed a dropkick, which she didn’t actually miss, and Melina just no sold. Yikes.

Matt Cardona defeated Victor Benjamin

Perfectly acceptable enhancement match, with Cardona giving lots to Benjamin but never losing control of the match. Velvet Sky called Cardona boring and buried him as such, which is not something you should do with one of your main event talents.

Cardona underestimated Benjamin and ate a kick to the face that staggered him and made him go to the floor. Cardona baited him in and pulled Benjamin’s legs out from under him to send him crashing to the apron. Cardona hit a neckbreaker and got the heat for a little bit. Cardona kept under estimating Benjamin, which kept giving him openings before Cardona finally hit a Radio Silence for the win.

Strictly Business (Thom Latimer & Chris Adonis) & El Rudo defeated The End (Odinson & Parrow) & Rodney Mack in the Team War finals

So this was a team match that consisted of 3 man teams, with each member of the team facing off in singles matches where eliminations could happen by pinfall, submission, or being thrown over the top rope. As one member is eliminated, the next member of the team enters. It seems like they didn’t have the rules of this match figured out in the first match of this type last week, but figured it out. This was a real chance to try and elevate The End, but the NWA didn’t take it. I’m quite disappointed in the booking of this match.

Rodney Mack and El Rudo started things off. Mack hit Rudo’s head into the various turnbuckles around the ring. Rudo rolled up Mack and eliminated him. Parrow came in and hit a powerbomb on Rudo for the pinfall. Parrow and Latimer then exchanged power moves, with Parrow getting the best of it several times, but Latimer was finally able to top him with a piledriver. I liked this segment of the match.

Odinson was the last member of his team like last week, and took it right to Latimer. Odinson hit some good European uppercuts, putting Latimer in trouble. Adonis jumped on the apron and put the Master Lock on Odinson while the ref’s back was turned. The referee turned around and gave him a 5 count, and Latimer let go at 3. The referee DQ’d him anyway, which he should have done, as Adonis was not active in the match. This also begs the question to why there were no DQs last week, but there were this week. The finish had Odinson get hit with a piledriver from Latimer for the pinfall. Latimer, Adonis, and Rudo celebrated as the show closed.

Final Thoughts:

Well, there have certainly been better episodes of NWA Power than this one. The Team War concept suffered the same fate of the Champion’s Series last year – not enough clarity for what the rules are and how the whole thing was going to be conducted. In many ways, the NWA needs to do a better job of telling us what is going on with graphics and explanations from the announcers. Joe Galli tries, but there is only so much you can do without the production being on the same page.

I really enjoy NWA Power most weeks. It’s usually a very easy to watch show with easy to follow stories, but they keep running into things like this that are easy fixes. That, along with not re-recording botched finishes on a taped show is just bizarre. There is a lot of good in this product (the Jennacide and Markova match tonight was excellent), but they seem to shoot themselves in the foot consistently from a production standpoint.

NWA Power results: Kamille vs. Kiera Hogan, Team War tournament kickoff

Posted on February 9, 2022 by Josiah MacDonald

Matt Cardona opened this week’s Power with Kyle Davis to talk about his attack on NWA World Champion Trevor Murdoch last week. Cardona claimed that he couldn’t wrestle Murdoch because he would have to win and that would cause Murdoch to quit wrestling like he did in 2018.

Cardona mocked him, saying he never quit despite never getting opportunities. This promo really rode the line between factual with Cardona not being given chances, but still came across as a heel promo as he begged Murdoch to quit the business again if he beat him.

This was fantastic and the most into Cardona I have ever been as he is making me want to see Murdoch beat him.

Team War Tournament match: El Rudo and Strictly Business (Thom Latimer & National Champion Chris Adonis) defeated The OGK (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) and Victor Benjamin; Homicide and Tag Team Champions La Rebelion (Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf); and Colby Corino and The Fixers (Wrecking Ball Legursky & Jay Bradley)

The rules for these matches was never explained, so I had no idea it was an elimination tag team match until Homicide was eliminated by El Rudo. I had no idea there were battle royal rules until Legursky was thrown out. I also found out at the end that it was no DQ. So, I spent most of this match confused.

The action was good, but it would have helped if they told us what the rules were before the match in a graphic or explaining things in previous weeks.

Rudo, Homicide and Benjamin started with Homicide hitting a cutter on Rudo. Rudo managed to pin Homicide after a sunset flip, but I have no idea if that was planned or the referee counted too fast, because it definitely didn’t look right. It broke down into everyone hitting big moves until Benjamin was eliminated by Wolf after a tornado DDT.

Bennett and Wolf hit crossbodies on each other at the same time. Corino hit a victory roll on Rudo and jumped into a wheelbarrow on Adonis, but Adonis grabbed him and put on the Master Lock in a really great spot. Wrecking Ball threw several people around the ring, including Adonis, which was impressive. Adonis hit an axe handle, followed by Bennett and Wolf hitting double superkicks on Legursky who they then threw him over the ropes to eliminate him.

Bradley and Wolf battled in the ring until Bennett hit a forearm on Bradley. Bennett hit a spear on Wolf and then a brainbuster and a rolling elbow for the pin.

Bestia 666 hit a superkick to the back of Bradley’s head. Adonis botched something with Bestia 666 here, but Bestia then turned into a big boot from Bradley. Velvet said at this point that this is what Billy Corgan’s vision was for Team War, which is to say confusion if Velvet was accurate. At this point, it came down to Taven against Strictly Business.

Taven dumped Adonis over the top rope when he countered a Master Lock and with a Twist and Shout on Latimer. Taven nailed Latimer with a knee and went to the top rope, but Adonis shoved him off right in front of the referee, who did nothing. So, apparently this is also no DQ? Latimer hit a piledriver on Taven for the pinfall and win.

— Pope came out and thanked the fans for their prayers as he has been out of action since Hard Times II. He talked about being unsure when he was going to leave the hospital and the uncertainty about him during his absence. Pope reiterated that he stood with Murdoch against Cardona and that Pope was coming to slap tradition into him. This was a money promo if I ever heard one and one of the best promos Pope has ever done.

NWA Women’s Champion Kamille defeated Kiera Hogan to retain

Kamille immediately threw Hogan across the ring, backed Hogan up and patted her on the head. Hogan yelled “I got her!” as she had a waist lock which Kamille just shrugged off. Well, I wasn’t supposed to laugh at the babyface getting thrown around, but I did there. Kamille drove Hogan face first into the turnbuckle and continued to paint brush Hogan before hitting a gutwrench suplex.

Kamille caught Hogan with a bearhug and a suplex and got a pin, but the pinfall was botched. Hogan kicked out, but the referee counted three anyway. Joe Galli and Madusa (who was on commentary) tried to cover for it as best they could, but since the show is pre-taped, why not just redo the finish and edit it? There is nothing wrong with it and the fans in attendance would understand.

Team War Tournament match: The End (Parrow & Odinson) and Rodney Mack defeated Aron Stevens, Kratos and Judias; Idolmania Sports Management (TV Champion Tyrus, Jordan Clearwater & Marche Rockett); and The Ill Begotten (Jeremiah Plunkett, Rush Freeman & Alex Taylor)

This was a perfectly fine main event now since the rules were established. This wasn’t as good as the first match in terms of action and Kratos getting eliminated like he did made me sad as they should push him to the moon. That said, Odinson looked great.

Stevens was eliminated first after mistaking Tyrus for Kratos and getting hit with the heart punch. Galli said that Stevens had to leave the arena, but why? If it’s no DQ, why does Stevens have to leave? He can’t be punished for interfering as we saw with Adonis. Kratos and Tyrus eliminated several folks and got into a fight over who got to destroy Plunkett. Kratos, Odinson and Plunkett then eliminated Tyrus and the match improved greatly.

Rockett eliminated Kratos. Judias continued to get no heat, proving my judgement of keeping him in instead of Kratos correct. Rockett was eliminated by Judias before Odinson and Clearwater eliminated him. Clearwater eliminated Plunkett with a Midas Touch big boot. Clearwater was left against Odinson, Parrow and Mack, which had the classic heel at a disadvantage from the babyfaces, so classic Russo-style booking there.

Plunkett’s body was left laying for dead on the mat. Clearwater proceeded to get the heat on Odinson for several minutes to little heat, because the fans knew he was alone. Odinson hit a nice series of European uppercuts, and he looked quite good here overall. Clearwater announced he was out and quitting, but Parrow and Mack cut him off and Odinson hit a huge F5 type move for the win. At least Parrow and Mack just sat outside the ring, but the 3-on-1 killed the heat a bit.

Final Thoughts:

I think I would have enjoyed this episode more if I understood the Team War rules from the start and even after, I was still confused by the end of that first match. We learned the winners will go onto another match and compete for $30,000, so that was at least clear.

The action on this show was fine and even quite great at points. The two major promos from Cardona and Pope were absolutely fantastic. This episode, however, contained all the markers of why I find NWA frustrating sometimes. The best thing? They are all easy things to fix.

NWA Power results: Trevor Murdoch vs. Mike Knox World title match

Posted on February 2, 2022 by Josiah MacDonald

NWA World Champion Trevor Murdoch and Mike Knox opened the show at the podium, cutting promos on each other. Knox said he “accidentally” jumped Murdoch which was a funny line. Knox said that to get beat twice by Murdoch, the champion was going to need a lot more than what it took the first time. Knox wasn’t very good here, but it was fine. Murdoch was excellent.

The Dirty Sexy Boys (Dango & JTG) defeated The Ill Begotten (Captain Yuma, Rush Freeman & Alex Taylor)

Freeman (with his mullet) started the match and didn’t want to be in the ring with Dango, so he tagged in Yuma. Poor Yuma was on the receiving end of a few double team moves. Yuma protested Freeman’s cheating tactics to get the advantage on JTG. Taylor and Freeman got the heat for a little bit before Dango was tagged in and ran wild, hitting a guillotine leg drop on Yuma for the pinfall.

This was a perfectly fine opening match that was designed to show Freeman and Taylor not getting along with Yuma, leaving him to take the pinfall. DSB got their win back from two weeks ago and move up the tag team ranks.

— Kiera Hogan was with May Valentine and talked about how Mickie James inspired her and that she wanted to be the same type of inspiration to others. Hogan commented that she still wants to beat James eventually as her two losses to her have rocked her. Valentine and Hogan playing an excellent babyface were great here.

— Christopher Silvio, Esq. was with Valentine and talked about his client Jax Dane and the restraining order against Anthony Mayweather. He said Dane was done with Mayweather.

Cyon defeated Sal Rinauro (w/ Judias & The Sinister Minister) in a no DQ Match

The major story of this match was Austin Idol coming out to help Cyon. It was recently dropped that Cyon had a father who was a legend in the NWA and they have been heavily implying it could be Idol. This was the first real explicit evidence for it and is actually quite compelling.

Rinauro immediately started throwing chairs into the ring, but ate a big boot when Cyon came in. Cyon hit a back suplex on the podium on Rinauro. He slammed Cyon’s head into the announce table and hit an elbow drop with a chair. Rinauro slammed Cyon into a table and then back into the ring while screaming for approval from The Sinister Minister.

Cyon cut Rinauro off and locked on a surfboard stretch. Cyon set up a chair in the corner, but Rinauro reversed the Irish whip and drove Cyon into the chair. Cyon crashed to the floor and Idol came out to help him up and told him to get back into the ring. Cyon fired up, hit a death valley driver, and locked on a crossface with a hammer for the submission.

— Several wrestlers cut promos about the Team Wars tournament coming up where the winner gets $30,000. They never really clarified what the tournament is or who is in it, but the promos weren’t bad. I can’t call it effective, though, as I have no idea how the tournament works.

— Natalia Markova, Jennacide, Paola Blaze and Tarryn Terrell were at the podium. Blaze talked about being attacked by Markova, and threatened to break her face. Jennacide accepted Markova’s challenge for a later date.

— Another video aired for the Team Wars tournament, but it had the same issue as the last video. However, we did learn it would be a six-man tournament.

NWA World Champion Trevor Murdoch defeated Mike Knox to retain the title

Murdoch tackled Knox and hit some crossface blows on the mat. Murdoch leg dropped Knox on the apron and then hit a flying crossbody on Knox for a two count. Matt Cardona made his way out to distract Murdoch. Knox drove Murdoch into the ring post twice and they ended up on the outside of the ring.

Knox had an extended heat segment here but Murdoch managed to hit a DDT at the end of it to drop Knox and start his comeback. Knox missed a corner charge and Murdoch rolled him up for a near fall.

But, the ref botched the count as Knox’s shoulder accidentally went up so Murdoch just cradled him and pinned him to retain the title in their rematch.

Murdoch went after Cardona after the match, but Knox cut him off and hit a forearm. Cardona and Knox beat down Murdoch after the match and Cardona hit Murdoch with the title belt. Cardona mocked Murdoch with the title before dropping it back on him.

This was a short match that really had no chance to get going, but that might be for the best given Knox’s ability in the ring. The angle at the end was quite good as Matt Cardona is getting good heat. Velvet Sky’s calm commentary while claiming to be angry really didn’t help much. She has improved lately, but she was not good here.

Final Thoughts:

NWA Power was a very easy watch this week with nothing on the show that was particularly bad, but also nothing that was outstanding either. The best thing was easily the Kiera Hogan promo segment.

NWA Power Surge results: Kylie Rae vs. Madi, Austin Aries vs. Rhett Titus

Posted on January 26, 2022 by Josiah MacDonald

NWA Power Surge opened with The Fixers (Jay Bradley and Wrecking Ball Legursky). Legursky yelled everything he said, from his name to “We’re special! We’re for hire! Pay us!” as they were the hosts of the show for tonight and wanted to advertise their services. I loved this.

Rodney Mack defeated D’vin Graves

This was an absolute nothing match with Graves and Mack both looking quite bad. Mack dominated most of the match with chokes and terrible offense, including making Graves tap out while under the ropes while squeezing his head against the ring post. Graves tapped out to a cobra clutch after a few minutes.

— The Fixers talked about things they liked in wrestling which included big men who beat people up and their favorite foods. This already overstayed its welcome, but there was still some amusing moments.

Austin Aries defeated Rhett Titus in a NWA Junior Heavyweight tournament qualifying match

This match was awesome. This was a replay of a match from NWA Hard Times 2, but it didn’t hurt to see it again here given how good it was.

Aries and Titus kept up a very fast pace in the early going as Aries tried to use mat skills to stay on top of Titus, but Titus used his ROH Pure division experience to stick with him. Aries popped out of a leg scissors and hit a dropkick while Titus rolled through a sunset flip to deliver a dropkick of his own.

Aries hit a dive on Titus followed by a kneecrusher and back suplex combination. Aries went for his corner dropkick, but Titus got the boot up. Titus then hit a kneecrusher and back suplex combo of his own. Titus went for it a second time, but Aries countered into the Last Chancery. Titus made the ropes and hit two hard boots in the corner for a near fall. Aries then hit a discus forearm, his corner dropkick, and a brain buster for the three count.

Kylie Rae defeated Madi

This match was very good. Rae is excellent and my wish for them to do more with Madi (sans her last name of Wrenkowski) seems to be happening as they played off her loss to Melina last week.

Rae looked fantastic early. Madi yanked her hair to try and get out of an armlock, but Rae held on. Madi pulled Rae’s head into the ropes to break it and then hit a boot while Rae was over the middle rope, choking with her foot afterward.

Madi went full heel, turning into a bully against Rae, rubbing her face into the mat after a suplex followed by a camel clutch. Rae fought out, but took a hard forearm to the back. Madi’s heel work here was excellent and Rae’s selling was awesome. Madi locked in a dragon sleeper in the ropes to further brutalize Rae.

The announcers noted that the loss to Melina in a previous episode seemed to light a fire of viciousness in Madi. Rae was able to get her in a cradle and floated over into a kip up and a superkick. Madi got a near fall, but Rae dodged a pump kick and rolled her into a crossface to secure a tapout.

— The Fixers told more stories, explained 4K resolution, and told a story about a woman walking a goat. I think the first one was their best one, but these are funny — mainly because they are such dork heels.

The Fixers defeated Fable Jake & Miguel Robles

The Fixers charged their opponents and began crushing them immediately. Bradley hit several big elbows on Robles before tagging out to Legursky, who slammed Robles with a powerslam. On commentary, Austin Idol told Legursky to lay the chops in as they apparently weren’t that hard. I laughed.

Bradley and Legursky threw Jake around the ring before crushing him in the middle of both of them. Legursky hit a cannonball on Jake before scoring the pinfall.

The show ended with the credits rolling, saying the Fixers produced the whole thing which made me smile.

Final Thoughts:

While this wasn’t a standard episode of NWA Power, it was a very fun and short half hour of wrestling.

The most notable happening was Kylie Rae vs. Madi with Madi turning heel in the middle of the match, showing increased attitude and aggressiveness. I really liked how they tied it back to her loss to Melina and I hope they continue to push that forward. Meanwhile, I have to think Rae is on her way to a title shot with her performances lately, not just for the tag titles with Tootie Lynn but for a shot at Kamille’s title too.

I should note that something that has happened a few times over the last year with the NWA. Last week on Power, they announced that the main event for next week’s show was going to be Trevor Murdoch facing Mike Knox for the NWA World title. That did not happen.

I enjoyed the show as there were two very good matches, but it is frustrating as a fan to be told something was happening next week and for it to not happen. All they had to say instead of next week was “Next episode of NWA Power” and it would have been fine. Work out your airdates before you record or fix the issues in post production and then advertise what is happening next week. It wouldn’t have been hard to put up a short ad for this show and then for Power a week later on the TV show.

Just like when they gave three different dates for the start of the Champions Series last fall, they have consistently had a problem with properly announcing the dates of shows.

NWA Power results: Kylie Rae vs. Allysin Kay, Melina vs. Madi Wrenkowski

Posted on January 19, 2022 by Josiah MacDonald

Cyon started this week’s show by cutting a promo on Sal Rinauro, saying that he was going to show him what pro wrestling really is.

Matt Cardona and Mike Knox were then at the podium, insulting the NWA, saying that they were an amateur production for not playing his theme music on NWA Power, but Knox and he were the doctors that were going to fix it.

Trevor Murdoch came out defending the NWA, saying it’s 73 years of blood, sweat, and tears. He said that all you need is a ring and two people who want to fight, but Cardona and Knox wouldn’t take his spot. Cardona said that Murdoch needed to go through Knox to get to him, and asked Murdoch to put the title on the line. This was both a good promo from Murdoch and good heel work from Cardona.

Kylie Rae defeated Allysin Kay

This was a decent match with Kay looking stunned at the loss. Rae looked really good in her selling and offense. Kay is also quite good, so this was fun.

Velvet Sky asked if the title was on the line in this match and Joe Galli let her know that it was a singles match, so the Tag Team titles wouldn’t be on the line. She said, “You never know” which must be leftovers from her experience with Russo booking.

Kay locked on an armbar, leaving Rae struggling to get to the ropes. Before Rae could escape, Kay rolled it over into a pinfall for a two count. Rae rolled through after running the ropes, hanging onto Kay’s arm before kicking up over the downed Kay and hitting a superkick in a cool spot.

Kay blocked a crossface, hit a Samoan drop and then landed a kick for a two count. Rae countered an AK-47 attempt and rolled through into a sunset flip on Kay for the pinfall victory.

— Kiera Hogan and Women’s Champion Kamille were with May Valentine and Hogan claimed that she wanted the title. Kamille said that Hogan should be honored to face her that she was going to put Hogan’s flame out.

— Dango and JTG were with Kyle Davis and talked about wanting competition. Dango ate a candy cigarette. The Ill Begotten came out to challenge them when Dango accepted. Captain YUMA asked for a handshake. Dango pulled out baby oil and squirted the baby oil onto his hands for an uncomfortably long time while Yuma broke the fourth wall and turned to the camera. That was weird but I also laughed.

— Homicide and Tag Team Champions La Rebelion were with May Valentine and Homicide said he didn’t care who were in front of them or what match it was. Bestia 666 said that Homicide had their back they’ll take on all comers. This was a good promo.

Madi Wrenkowski defeated Melina

Melina gave a lot to Wrenkowski in this one as this was designed to make her look strong in defeat. If the NWA wanted to, they could do something with this. The crowd got behind Wrenkowski.

She immediately took it to Melina, staying ahead with a submission and then a pinfall attempt which seemed to surprise Melina. Wrenkowski hit a knee and then drove Melina’s face to the mat for a two count. Melina countered with a neckbreaker and was so visibly upset at Wrenkowski’s performance, she yanked Wrenkowski by the hair to take her to the mat before locking on a modified surfboard stretch.

Wrenkowski kicked out at one, which infuriated Melina more. Wrenkowski drove Melina’s face into the turnbuckles before they went into several pinfall attempts but Melina fired up and dared Wrenkowski to hit her. Melina countered after a few more attacks and was able to get the pinfall.

— Taryn Terrell, Paola Blaze and Jennacide were with May Valentine. Terrell claimed that she brokered peace between the both of them and then claimed she was going to create world peace and solve the climate crisis.

— Tyrus and Idolmania Sports Management were with Kyle Davis. Tyrus claimed he was going to keep the TV title as long as he wanted and when he successfully defended it seven times, he was going to take the NWA World title from Trevor Murdoch, but he was going to do it on his time.

Tyrus also announced that Jordan Clearwater and Marche Rockett were going to take the tag titles. I actually enjoyed that promo. Austin Idol then cut an awesome promo to the camera while on commentary about how he was wearing camo because it was hunting season, and Idolmania was running all over the NWA.

The Ill Begotten (The Fixers & Rush Freeman) (w/ Captain Yuma & Alex Taylor) defeated DSB (Dango & TJG)

Jay Bradley and Wrecking Ball (which is a name I love) surprised DSB (and Captain Yuma) as Yuma was sure he was competing in the match, but it seemed Freeman and Taylor went out and hired the Fixers. Bradley and Wrecking Ball got the heat on JTG in the early part of the match. After hitting a double brainbuster on Dango, Freeman paid the Fixers off and pinned Dango.

— Rodney Mack and Anthony Mayweather were with Kyle Davis. Mack said that Jax Dane disrespected his wife Jazz and he was going to show Dane why he is the baddest man in the world.

Mayweather went on to talk about Dane when a lawyer served him with papers for a restraining order where Mayweather cannot be within a mile of Dane.

— Galli announced a new match for the NWA called Team War with four trios teams in a fatal four-way with the winning team getting $30,000.

Hawx Aerie (Luke & PJ Hawx) defeated Idolmania Sports Management (Jordan Clearwater & Marche Rockett) (w/ BLK Jeez & Tyrus)

Clearwater claimed that Luke was not allowed to touch him, so he hit a forearm and drove Clearwater back into the corner. Clearwater tagged out in fear. PJ and Rockett exchanged some blows, sending Rockett back to the corner and Luke tagged back in. BLJ drove Luke into the apron behind the ref’s back and they moved into the heat.

BLK Jeez got on the apron so the ref missed the tag from Luke to his son, but it still wasn’t long before PJ tagged in and hit suplexes and strikes on everyone. Tyrus distracted PJ and the referee ejected BLK Jeez and Tyrus, but the damage was done and Marche Rockett dropped PJ. Rockett went for the Rockett Kick, but Luke moved, but Hawx Aerie hit a pop-up powerslam on Clearwater for the pinfall.

The show went off the air with Galli announcing that Trevor Murdoch would be defending the World title next week against Mike Knox.

Final Thoughts:

There was a lot to like on this episode of Power. I liked the growth of stables outside of Strictly Business with Idolmania Sports Management and attempting to highlight newer stars with Hawx Aerie and Madi Wrenkowski being showcased in particular. This was a good episode this week.