Tag: nwa power

NWA Power results: Challengers for Murdoch emerge

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Trevor Murdoch opened the show calling Nick Aldis out from the back, and Aldis came out to greet him. Murdoch said that him and Aldis did things that were out of character over the last 3 months, and that he remembered sitting in Harley Race’s office with Harley sharing advice on how to carry himself like a champ. Murdoch said that Aldis checked all those boxes, and that he had nothing but respect for Aldis.

Because of that, he decided to give Aldis the floor. Aldis talked about his career and how he went to Harley Race’s camp and learned to wrestle, and that there was a WWE Tag Team Champion named Trevor Murdoch that took the time to help Aldis learn even though his schedule with WWE was insane.

Aldis then said if he had to lose the title to anyone, that he was glad it was to Murdoch, because he was a real man, and an example of why the NWA exists. He said it was time for him to step away for a while to let Murdoch shine. This was fantastic stuff.

Aron Stevens & Kratos defeated The Rude Dudes (El Rudo & Jamie Stanley)

This was the Kratos show, as he single handedly destroyed The Rude Dudes. Kratos is one of my favourite wrestlers in NWA, and this was a great reason why.

Rudo did some dancing, and Kratos yelled “Don’t let him do that!” looking like Kratos was going to try and murder him. Kratos tagged in and hit a back body drop, and said “That’s how you do it.” I love Kratos. Kratos hit a pounce on Stanley and then a suplex that sent him literally flying to his own corner. Kratos dominated both men and then did a deadlift suplex on Stanley before pinning him. Kratos was awesome here.

Both men went to the interview podium and the fans chanted “That was awesome” at Kratos. Kratos said that everyone expected them to go their separate ways, but Kratos is a man that believes in loyalty and brotherhood, and that he wanted to bring the killer out in Stevens.

I am so happy that these guys are staying together as a team, because they honestly make a good team. Stevens said that the last person that talked to him like that was his trainer, Killer Kowalski, and he needed to do some thinking. This was really, really good.

James Storm was at the podium along with The Sinister Minister and Judias. Storm said he would have whatever kind of match that Judias would want, as long as he put up his chance at the NWA National title.

The Sinister Minister said no, and he wouldn’t be manipulated like that but they will fight, just not for the title shot. The delivery was really good here, but the angle is a bit weird. Judias is ice cold, which doesn’t help at all.

Paola Blaze (with Taryn Terrell) vs. Marti Belle (with Allysin Kay)

This match was quick, but it really sucked. Belle is best used in tag team matches only, because holy cow, she spent most of the match selling, then just got up and no sold everything and won. That was really bad.

Melina was on commentary. Joe Galli asked if there was an alliance with her and Adonis, and if she would be joining Strictly Business. She denied that, only indicating that she has been friends with Adonis for a long time. Blaze crushed Belle in the corner for a two-count. Blaze taunted Belle and hit a forearm.

Blaze hit a few knees to Belle for a two-count. Belle got up and hit two clotheslines and a forearm before hitting a pedigree, and scored the pinfall. This was not a good match at all.

Kamille came out from behind the announcer’s table and attacked Melina, leaving her on the floor. I actually really liked this, as Melina was trash talking her on commentary, showing that Kamille watches the show.

Pope, JTG, and Colby Corino were at the podium. Pope said that he loved Trevor Murdoch, but since he won the chance to challenge for whatever title he wanted, he was coming directly for the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship.

JTG and Colby Corino talked about how they were together in a tag team that was thrown together, and they were going to challenge Hawx Aerie. Corino took the mic and said that nothing was going to stand in their way.

Keira Hogan and Chelsea Green came out. Green denied she lost her match against Kamille, and went fully into the hot mess gimmick. Hogan said that she was offended by what Mickie James said in commentary during her match, and she wanted to have a conversation about it.

Jordan Clearwater (with BLKJeez) defeated Cion (with Austin Idol) & Jeremiah Plunkett (with Danny Deals)

It appears that Austin Idol betrayed one of his clients for an ally he favoured in Clearwater. This was short, and didn’t have much to it.

Clearwater and Cion tried to double team Plunkett at first, as they were both allied with Idol, but it wasn’t long before they were arguing about who was going to win. Plunkett took advantage of this. Clearwater and Cion took out Plunkett on the outside, and as Cion had a half crab on Clearwater, Idol punched Cion with a gimmick, giving Clearwater the win despite Cion being Idol’s man.

Crimson and Jax Dane came out for a slap fight, with Trevor Murdoch serving as judge. They were going to slap each other until the other is knocked out or can’t continue, as this is not a wrestling match. Not sure I am a fan of this, given how easy it is to get a concussion, and these guys were really slapping each other hard.

Dane slapped the neck, but Crimson slapped the face, which isn’t safe, but before Dane took his second slap, he punched Crimson in the face. Strictly Business (without Aldis) ran out to attack Murdoch, but Pope ran out to make the save. Pope took out Latimer, and Judias came out and threw some of the worst punches I have ever seen before Murdoch and Storm sent him away.

Murdoch and Dane came face to face on the outside, which I think is where they are going to be going when he is done with Crimson. Crimson and Dane continued to brawl as the show went off the air. This was actually a great closing angle as we have several people in the title picture, with a particular focus on Dane and Pope. I really liked this.

Final Thoughts:

This was a really good episode of Power. The wrestling was merely there, but the angles and promos were all excellent. I really like how they are building the first challengers for Murdoch, and I honestly can’t wait for Jax Dane vs. Trevor Murdoch, as they are making Dane out to be an absolute killer.

Crimson could be added to that picture too, as he has actually been good here, and far better than when he was in TNA. This was a super easy episode to watch, and exactly why I grew to love NWA Power even if the wrestling isn’t as good as what you get with NJPW or AEW.

NWA Power results: Tag Team Title eliminator tournament begins

Posted on by Josh Nason

This week’s NWA Power came from St. Louis, Missouri, as part of the recent Chase Ballroom tapings. Matches shown took place on two different nights as there was a full crowd for one and fans dressed as empty seats for another. 

This show could have used some quality control. Let’s get into it.

The show opened with May Valentine interviewing El Rudo and Jamie Stanley. She asked them if they were going to challenge the Tag Team Champions after their play-in victories. (I’m not a regular watcher so I had no idea what that means.) After they cut promos on everything but, she dryly said, “You didn’t answer my question” as if she really wanted to know the answer. Rudo has some charisma while Valentine didn’t show much in this segment.

We then went to commentary with regulars Joe Galli and Tim Storm with NWA World Champion and special guest Trevor Murdoch. They said Nick Aldis was there to give an update on his future. Murdoch said he sent Aldis emails to connect with him, but hasn’t heard back. I wonder what that correspondence would be like.

Tag Team Title Eliminator quarterfinals: The End (Odinson and Parrow) defeated Jordan Clearwater and Cyon 

Apparently, there’s a tournament for a future title shot. They really need to set the entire lineup of these shows from the top and for a tournament, always show the brackets. There was also a confusing “recorded earlier today” graphic at the start of the match. I think they were trying to explain why no fans were in the arena when they were later on, but there was no need.

Also, Murdoch disappeared and Velvet Sky (sans introduction) was on commentary instead. I’m not sure who was better, to be honest.

Odinson was the most impressive in the match as he’s a muscular guy who can really move around the ring. Austin Idol was out for some reason which Sky made clear she didn’t like. 

The end came when Odinson hit a pounce on Clearwater who was focused on a spray can. Parrow hit a chokeslam on Cyon followed by Odinson hitting a spinning back elbow on Clearwater who was on Parrow’s shoulders called Hell on Earth.

They advance to the semifinals against…someone.

— Valentine was back with Hawx Aerie. She asked PJ (the son) about advancing in the next round against Colby Corino. After he talked, she added that JTG was Corino’s partner. This wasn’t her best night to say the least. He and Luke (father) want to be the first ever father and son Tag Team Champions, so I guess they are in the tourney too?

Judais defeated Jeremiah Plunkett (w/ Father James Mitchell)

This was taped on a different night as there were actually fans in the stands. Judais won the battle royal at NWA 73 and is the no. 1 contender for champion Chris Adonis.

This was an exhibition for Judais who won using all power moves, finishing Plunkett with a razor’s edge in minutes.

Mitchell ordered him to do it again which brought out James Storm from the back. He said Judais should stop messing around with Shetland ponies and go for a Clydesdale instead. Mitchell said Storm was dressed for a funeral to which Storm replied, “Maybe I am, but we’ll just see whose funeral it will be.”

— Jax Dane and Crimson did a way too long promo setting up a clash between them in the main event of next week’s show. Commentary later put over that their split as a team (War Kings) was the “end of an era.”

One positive: Kyle Davis is very good.

Kylie Rae defeated Tootie Lynn

Lynn was the hometown favorite being from St. Louis, but everyone loves Rae. That would change as Rae moved into heel mode a few minutes in, landing an elbow off a break and mocking Lynn with her smiling pose. She was more aggressive throughout, wrapping up Lynn around her back and ramming her into the turnbuckles. 

Lynn hit a shotgun dropkick for a near fall as her comeback was on. However, Rae won a scramble and got the Charity Case crossface for the submission win which the fans booed. 

It was at this point that I wanted to know and understand how all of this action tied into the NWA pay-per-view weekend we just had. It felt disconnected from that.

— TV Champion Tyrus, BLK Jeez, Jordan Clearwater and Austin Idol were out for a promo and Kyle Davis was questioning them for some recent tactics. They didn’t like it and then started rambling and justifying their actions. Enough said. Again, Davis was the standout.

Tag Team Title Eliminator quarterfinals: Mims and Sal Rinauro defeated Slice Boogie and Marshe Rockett

Rockett and Boogie worked well together and have some size. Mims does as well while Rinauro is the comedic-looking talent that can really go in there.

This was a pretty basic tag team match that the crowd got into as they loved Mims and Rinauro. They got the win when Boogie was focused on Rinauro after hitting a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, giving Mims an opportunity to hit a suplex slam of sorts to pick up the win. The fans were into it, especially for the finish. This was a fun short match. I have no idea who they face next or when.

— Davis was back with Marti Belle and Paola Blaze. Belle is half of the NWA Tag Team Champions. Both women were flipping back and forth from English to Spanish. As they were yelling at each other, Davis said the NWA office decreed there would be singles matches between Belle and Paolo and Allysin Kay and Jennacide. If Paolo or Jennacide win a match, they get a title shot.

Nick Aldis segment

A really well done video aired recapping Aldis’ long NWA title reign and Murdoch ending it at NWA 73.

Aldis, Women’s Champion Kamille, Adonis and Thom Latimer came out. Aldis apologized to Davis for punching him recently and put over Billy Corgan and what they have built in the NWA.

He put over his accomplishments during his 1000+ run as champion as well as Murdoch being the better man but now that Murdoch has the pressure of being the champion.

He said he is gunning for that World title again and Mickie James came out beside him as he finished up. 

This was a babyface promo if you have ever heard one. 

Final Thoughts:

I can’t add much more other than that the little things matter…like showing brackets for a tournament.

NWA Power results: The fallout from Empower and NWA 73

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Joe Galli opened the show and noted that Nick Aldis had asked for a leave of absence from the NWA after his loss of the World title at NWA 73. He pitched to Kyle Davis who interviewed Women’s Champion Kamille and Thom Latimer.

Trevor Murdoch, Kamille and Thom Latimer promos

Kamille was upset with Billy Corgan for having to wrestle two nights in a row. She claimed that he was trying to injure her and Latimer, based on her working double duty and making Latimer wrestle in a street fight.

Davis invited new World Champion Trevor Murdoch to the interview podium. This caused Kamille and Latimer to leave in anger. The fans had a huge reaction for Murdoch who put over Aldis, saying he didn’t like him personally, but professionally, he was a great champion.

Murdoch said he hoped he would see Aldis again soon and wanted to work out their business as men. He thanked the fans for their support and got very emotional in doing so. This was a great babyface promo.

Colby Corino, Jax Dane and Da Pope were at the podium and they talked about the title matches that they were promised. Corino said that he won the tournament for his whole team and wasn’t going to miss when he takes his shot. Pope talked about how he was going to wait for the right time to make his move for a title in the NWA and that everyone will know when he does it. Dane talked about his shot and called out Murdoch.

Kiera Hogan defeated Skye Blue

This was a nice little squash match. Blue was given a little bit before the finish.

The two shook hands before locking up. There was a struggle early to see who could keep the advantage with Blue hitting a nice headlock takeover. Hogan managed to push Blue back into the corner, hitting a hard chop and then a dropkick right to Blue’s face. Blue responded with a superkick when she was dragged out of the corner for a two count. Hogan hit one of her own and then Face the Music for the pinfall.

Hogan walked up to Mickie James on commentary and told her that she needs to respect her.

— Jennacide, Paola Blaze and Taryn Terrell were at the podium. Terrell talked about how Lady Frost was a problem that kept them from getting the win at NWA 73 and was the only reason they didn’t get it. New champions The Hex came out with Marti Belle pointing out that Frost actually took the win from her.

— Blaze challenged Belle to a match, but nothing came of it as new Tag Team Champions La Rebelion came out for their promo time. Mecha Wolf put over The Hex as Women’s Tag Team Champions, saying they were like themselves. This was a bit of a mess.

The Rude Dudes (El Rudo and Nick Stanley) defeated The Ill Begotten (Rush Freeman & Captain Yuma)

This was a solid match, but was essentially another squash. Yuma is a good comedy character that the fans get behind, making him the perfect jobber.

Galli informed us that this was a qualifying match for a nine-team tournament to determine new contenders for the titles. Stanley complained that Yuma abused his jawline with a headlock. Storm said that they were a little rude in a quality dad pun.

Stanley choked Freeman and on commentary, Red Velvet made a “rude” joke after hearing Tim Storm make one as well. Stanley hit the ropes looking like he was going for a big move, only to put his foot on Freeman’s chest for a pinfall attempt.

Freeman made the tag to Yuma who knocked Stanley off the apron and hit a tornado DDT on Rudo for a near fall that Stanley broke up. Stanley hit a double stomp off the top rope into a backbreaker by Rudo for the win.

— La Rebelion was with Kyle Davis and they ran down the tournament. La Rebelion said they were going to take the tag titles to Mexico until the NWA is able to bring them challengers worthy of their time.

— National Champion Chris Adonis and Melina came to the podium. Adonis said it was ridiculous that Melina wasn’t on the card and blamed Corgan for it. Adonis nodded in agreement as Melina said that she was tired of Kamille. This seemed weird as it set him against the rest of Strictly Business which Kyle Davis pointed out.

Before he could answer, Father James Mitchell came out and talked about how Judias was going to crush him and take the National title from him. Adonis wasn’t intimidated. 

Kenzie Paige defeated Chelsea Green

Green started the early part of the match taking it right to Paige, hitting a kick in the corner and some stomps as well. Green went for an unprettier, but Paige fought and rolled into a sunset flip on Green, pinning her quickly. What an upset!

Green started screaming and going nuts. It seems the “Hot Mess” character started to come back as she threw a tantrum in the ring about losing.

— Austin Idol interrupted a James Storm promo and said he and TV Champion Tyrus looked all over the world for talent for Tyrus to face tonight. BLK Jeez and Jordan Clearwater came out which was weird because they have been aligned with Tyrus. Clearwater looked like he was going to fight, but Jeez hopped in the ring first to Clearwater’s clear frustration.

NWA TV Champion Tyrus defeated BLK Jeez to retain

Jeez immediately dropkicked Tyrus, hit a frog splash and then a DDT for a two count. Jeez hit a missile dropkick, but Tyrus kicked out again. Tyrus swatted Jeez from the air and hit an exploder suplex and a heart punch to finish the match. This was weird and a strange ending to the show.

Final Thoughts:

This was a confusing episode of NWA Power as I don’t understand why several things happened:

  • Why was BLK Jeez suddenly facing Tyrus and why Clearwater was upset about it?
  • Why did Kiera Hogan go up to Mickie James and saying that she had to respect her?
  • Why did Melina join with Chris Adonis while bashing the rest of Strictly Business?
  • Why was every single promo interrupted?

I was just absolutely baffled by this show. At least Trevor Murdoch’s promo was good but this was not the best way to follow up a good weekend of shows.

NWA Power TV taping spoilers from Monday

Posted on by Josh Nason

Following two nights of pay-per-view action with Empower and NWA 73 this past weekend, Billy Corgan’s NWA crew held the first of two nights of TV tapings for upcoming editions of Power.

Here’s the spoilers/results from Monday’s show at the Chase Ballroom:

  • Kiera Hogan defeated Skye Blue
  • Jamie Stanley and El Rudo defeated Captain Yuma and Rush Freeman
  • Judais (w/ Father James Mitchell) defeated Jeremiah Plunkett
  • Kenzie Paige defeated Chelsea Green
  • NWA TV Champion Tyrus (w/ Austin Idol) defeated BLK Jeez (w/ Jordan Clearwater) to retain
  • Kylie Rae defeated Tootie Lynn
  • Sal Rinauro and Matthew Mims defeated Marshe Rockett and Slice Boogie
  • Marti Belle (w/ Allysin Kay) defeated Paola Blaze (w/ Taryn Terrell and Jennacide)
  • Aron Stevens and JR Kratos defeated El Rudo and Jamie Stanley
  • Luke Hawx and PJ Hawx defeated JTG and Colby Corino
  • Jennacide defeated Allysin Kay
  • James Storm vs. Judais (w/ Father James Mitchell) went to a no contest
  • NWA Women’s Champion Kamille defeated Tootie Lynn in a non-title match
  • NWA World Champion Trevor Murdoch and Da Pope defeated Crimson and Jeremiah Plunkett and Odinson and Parrow in a triple threat
  • Melina defeated Skye Blue
  • Nick Aldis and Tim Storm defeated NWA National Champion Chris Adonis and Thom Latimer (w/ NWA Women’s Champion Kamille)

NWA Power report: Race to the Chase preview special

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Joe Galli opened NWA Power this week talking about Empower and NWA 73, introducing Race to the Chase and setting up the historical significance of the NWA returning to the Chase.

A video showed the tradition of the NWA, those who have held titles in the past, and major events in the NWA’s history. Nick Aldis and others talked about the significance of holding a show at the Chase and that it was a privilege for them to bring wrestling back to that building.

Local news stories were shown with reporting on wrestling coming back there which Aldis was thrilled with. Mickie James talked about wanting to be a part of what the NWA is doing while Jeremiah Plunkett talked about how all the greats have gone through the Chase, so to be a part of it gave him chills.

James talked about how she wanted to introduce more than just one title for the women to chase after, since it wasn’t just a division, and her vision for what women’s wrestling is going to look like going forward.

Aldis talked about his upcoming match with Trevor Murdoch for the NWA World title, showing a highlight video of their last match with Aldis taking the referee out with a chair and disqualifying Murdoch for using a chair, even though it was Aldis who did it.

A video showed when Kamille joined Aldis at NWA 70 and how he brought her in to be protection to counter Brandi Rhodes. The highlights showed how Cody Rhodes lost the match and Aldis’ current reign as champion began.

Aldis talked about the chance they took on Kamille, and how the first time they met her, he decided she was the one to help him. He knew that from day one she was a special talent. They highlighted her journey to the NWA Women’s title.

Murdoch talked about how he was a wrestler that wanted to make the fans feel something. While he wasn’t fancy, you know he was going to go in there and work harder than anyone. He also talked about how excited he was to go to Wrestling at the Chase and that he was going to savor every second of it because things like this don’t happen often.

Murdoch said the only thing that he and Aldis agreed on was that the NWA World title was the no. 1 title in wrestling. Kyle Davis pointed out that the title was everything to Aldis, and if he were to lose it, who knows what he might do? Davis predicted that Aldis would be unbearable if he ends up losing it at NWA 73.

There was more footage of the local news coverage from the Fox affiliate as they talked about the return to the Chase including interviews from Billy Corgan, Aldis and James. A video aired of The Gathering II where Aldis defended his title against Murdoch ahead of their match at the Chase with Aldis barely pulling off the win.

Murdoch cut a promo after the match about how he still wanted to be world champion, but he had a deal to make with Aldis. Murdoch said that if Aldis beats him at NWA 73, he would retire from wrestling if he is unable to defeat Aldis so the match is now title vs. career.

Aldis said that he was going to let the Champions Series play out instead because he thought Murdoch was counting on Pope’s team winning and giving him the title shot against Aldis which is exactly what happened. Aldis said that because he put his career on the line, he deserves to be retired.

Aldis promised he was going to be the first man to walk into the Chase as champion in 37 years and will be the first to defend his title in 37 years and also retire Murdoch.

Final Thoughts:

This was a return to the 10 Pounds of Gold style of storytelling that gave the NWA buzz before the launch of Power. This was fantastic. The main focus was the main event of NWA 73 with Murdoch vs. Aldis which is only appropriate. They did also give significant time to James, Kamille and their stories.

This was the kind of thing that got me into the NWA when it first relaunched, so I can’t recommend this enough. There were only highlights from matches, rather than traditional wrestling action, but this was a lot like an AEW “Road to” show. The personalities and interviews really set the stage for both Empower and NWA 73.

NWA Power results: The Champions Series finale

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

This episode was supposed to air Tuesday, but did not due to a mistake on FITE.tv’s end. Tonight when the countdown finished for the show to begin, an error was displayed. It then took another 15 minutes before the episode started. This was a bit annoying, but I don’t blame the NWA for technical issues on FITE’s end.

Kamille and Pope opened the show with Kyle Davis. Kamille and Pope did not control which matches happened this round, but both were confident their teams were going to win. The members of each team picked who would compete: Thom Latimer vs. Trevor Murdoch, Jax Dane vs. Mims and the final match with the alternates: Colby Corino vs. Sal Rinauro.

Trevor Murdoch defeated Thom Latimer

This was really good. Murdoch is underrated as a brawler and worked very well with Latimer. This was one of the best matches of the whole Champions Series.

They started with some great brawling. Murdoch used his superior skills in that area to dominate Latimer in the early part of the match. Nick Aldis was on commentary and was continuously trash talking about Murdoch. The two brawled on the outside and Murdoch threw Latimer face-first into the stairs.

When they got back in the ring, Latimer necked Murdoch on the ropes and then hit a popup power bomb. Latimer hit a neckbreaker for a two count. He later hit a wheelbarrow suplex for another two count. Latimer missed a corner charge and Murdoch took advantage, hitting a bulldog off the top rope for the win for Team Pope/Sky.

Mims defeated Jax Dane

I really enjoyed this match: two guys hitting each other hard in a MEAN GUY MATCH~! Dane is becoming a favorite of mine. He is quite good and Mims is getting better every time he is out there. I really hope we get to see more of these guys.

This match was a big one in the tournament. If Dane wins, his team wins the series. If Mims wins, it goes to a deciding match with the alternates. 

Dane hit a big belly-to-belly and stomped on Mims in the corner. Mims hit a suplex of his own, but Dane got right up and nailed him with a clothesline. Murdoch, at ringside, said loudly, “I believe he is carrying an illegal weapon, ref, and it’s attached to his shoulder!” That made me smile.

Dane kept the advantage for a few minutes until Mims blocked several corner charges and hit a shoulder tackle off the middle rope. Mims hit a big clothesline and a big Protoplex, but Dane kicked out.

Mims went for a splash into the corner, but Dane caught him and hit another belly-to-belly in an awesome spot. Dane went for a corner charge, but Mims dodged and Dane smashed face first into the metal post.

Mims rolled Dane up for the pin, putting both teams even at five a piece, meaning the winner of the tournament will be decided by the alternates.

— Aldis and Chris Adonis came out to talk with Kyle Davis. Aldis complained that Billy Corgan didn’t let Strictly Business compete in the tournament. He buried his own team, except for Crimson, because they failed to win.

Aldis then buried Jeremiah Plunkett for losing in the alternate match and said he lived in an alternate universe where he thought he could compete in the NWA. Adonis then cut a promo on Plunkett, saying he didn’t even know who he was. Plunkett came out and said, rightly, that Aldis and Adonis are two of the most successful people in the company and they are still miserable. Plunkett’s promo was great here, saying he fought and clawed to get into the NWA, and he wasn’t an elitist like them.

Plunkett said that he made some friends being a normal guy, including Nick Aldis’ former roommate, Shawn Daivari! Daivari then challenged Aldis and Adonis to a tag match, and if they win, Daivari will get a future title match against Aldis. This got a great reaction from the crowd.

Strictly Business (World Champion Nick Aldis & National Champion Chris Adonis) defeated Shawn Daivari & Jeremiah Plunkett

This was the third good match on this show and I found myself really getting behind Plunkett and Daivari. This was great work from them as babyfaces, and Aldis was, of course, excellent with his heel work.

Daivari and Plunkett showed some good teamwork, being able to stay on top of both Aldis and Adonis which seemed to shock the World champ. Daivari hit a big suplex on Aldis and then another on Adonis. Plunkett charged at Aldis, who countered with a Michinoku driver.

Aldis and Adonis started to get the heat on Plunkett, working him over and cutting off the ring. Plunkett slipped out of a powerslam attempt and made the hot tag, and Daivari ran wild with chops and clotheslines. Daivari low bridged Adonis and tagged in Plunkett who hit a big DDT on Aldis. That almost got the three, but Aldis just kicked out in a great near fall.

Plunkett went for a dropkick, but Aldis caught him and locked on the Kingsland cloverleaf while Adonis had the Master Lock on Daivari on the floor. Plunkett had to tap out.

Colby Corino defeated Sal Rinauro to win the series for Team Pope/Sky

Corino taunted Rinauro by offering a handshake after he nearly killed him with a brainbuster on the apron a few weeks ago. Rinauro slapped the taste out of Corino’s mouth and went right after him with strikes. This made perfect sense in the psychology of the match given how they do not like each other.

Corino hit a stun gun in the corner on Rinauro and started attacking his injured shoulder for the next few minutes. Corino hit a samoan drop, but Rinauro rolled him up for a near fall. Corino took Rinauro’s head off with a clothesline and continued to work over the shoulder.

Rinauro made his comeback by knocking Corino off the top rope followed by a handspring stunner and a bulldog into the middle turnbuckle before hitting a flying clothesline for a pin attempt. Corino went for a brainbuster onto the apron once again, but Rinauro pulled him in and hit a brainbuster for a two count.

Latimer threw a chair to Rinauro and told him to use it, but the ref took it away. Corino hit Rinauro with brass knuckles and then a weird looking La Magistral bomb (?) for the pinfall and win for Team Pope/Sky.

Final Thoughts:

I think this tournament would have been much better and far less confusing if they kept the scoring and progression of this tournament more traditional. The right team won as it means Aldis and Murdoch are likely going to be main eventing NWA 73. This time, they cannot do a screwjob finish as it’s time for Murdoch to win the title.

As for the rest of the tournament, it had some good matches, but I can’t help but feel like the stipulations were never really properly explained. The winning team in the tournament got two things: all the members that competed got a title shot of their choosing. That is clear enough.

This is where it gets muddied. Initially, only the captain of each team would get the choice between immunity from their team for a year or a title shot of their choosing.

The messaging of it got confusing though. Now, Velvet Sky, the legend on Pope’s team, is talking about potentially getting a title shot too, so it sounds like she is going to challenge Kamille. This means there are seven title shots handed out: one for each captain and one for each participant.

This stipulation was changed halfway through the tournament. Are we really to believe that Austin Idol was going to come out of retirement in his 70s and challenge for a title? That makes no sense. Previously, the legends were not referred to as captains and it was indicated that they wouldn’t get anything. They were just there to support the team and captain with their experience. This made zero sense.

The NWA’s inconsistent presentation made it hard to follow, even though the end result made sense logically and was the right call. The tournament was still fun in that it produced good matches, but I was left confused more often than not. When I finally thought I understood it, they just changed the rules.

Either way, this was a fun season finale. Every match was quite good and now that the tournament is over, we can get back to focusing on building to NWA Empower and NWA 73. If they run this tournament again, please figure out what you actually want to do with it before you start it.

NWA Power delayed to Wednesday, Kay & Belle added to Empower

Posted on by Josh Nason

Due to an undisclosed FITE.tv issue, NWA Power will air at 6:05 PM Eastern on Wednesday instead.

Set to air in its usual time slot Tuesday, NWA tweeted that FITE was looking into the reason for the delay. Several hours later, they announced the move with FITE apologizing and saying they would “fix a few things to improve their process.”

Despite the show not airing, NWA went ahead with their post-show anyway, announcing the first team for the NWA Women’s Tag Team Tournament at their August 28th Empower pay-per-view: Allysin Kay and Marti Belle.

Known as The Hex, the two have teamed in both SHIMMER and SHINE. Both have worked for the NWA in the past, but not since 2020.

The winners of the tournament will be crowned the first company’s Women’s Tag Team Champions since the belts were deactivated in 1983.

The all-women’s PPV will see Kamille defend the Women’s title against Leyla Hirsch; Impact Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo against Melina; and the first-ever Invitational Cup gauntlet match.

NWA Extra Power results: The Pope vs. Tyrus TV title match

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

World Champion Nick Aldis opened this extra episode of Power that dropped Friday night, taking credit for bringing this unscheduled edition to the fans. He announced the matches and segments before the show open ran.

World Champion Nick Aldis (w/ Thom Latimer and Chris Adonis) defeated Odinson (w/ Parrow) in an exhibition match

Aldis started with a cheap shot by throwing his jacket at Odinson and attacking him before the bell rang. Aldis promised Odinson would get zero offense and then, Odinson hit a suplex. Joe Galli was arguing with Dr. Stinson, an announcer that Aldis brought in, which actually hurt the match. Aldis lowbridged Odinson and he crashed to the floor which helped Aldis regain the advantage.

Odinson got to his feet and hit a European uppercut. He followed it up with a corkscrew European uppercut which Dr. Stinson called it an illegal move, so he has zero credibility. Again, he really didn’t help the match. Latimer put Aldis’ foot on the ropes and Parrow attacked both he and Adonis. The referee sent all three to the back, making it one-on-one.

Odinson picked Aldis up in a fireman’s carry, but the champion slipped out and went for the Texas cloverleaf which Odinson fought out of. Aldis dodged a corner charge and Odinson hit the corner post. Aldis then hit him with a flying elbow drop before locking on the Texas cloverleaf for the submission.

This was a fun match, but the announcers arguing took away from it and the interference really didn’t help matters much. Still, it was a solid showing but could have been presented significantly better.

Tim Storm defeated Jordan Clearwater (w/ BLK Jeez)

Storm and Clearwater shook hands before the match and the fans cheered Storm. He took the early portion of the match with his size, moving Clearwater around the ring with ease. Storm hit a big boot and a neckbreaker for a two count. Clearwater hit some chops, but Storm no sold them and hit a few of his own.

Clearwater fired back with some forearms and hit a dropkick that took Storm down. Clearwater hit a jawbreaker and a few splashes in the corner, followed by a neck snap for a two count. Storm caught Clearwater doing a crossbody and hit a fallaway slam. Clearwater was able to come back with a neckbreaker and went for the Golden Boot, but Storm countered into the perfect storm for the win.

This was a solid little match here from Storm and Clearwater as the latter definitely has a lot of potential. I will be glad when they start to give him a push as he’s a really talented guy. Storm shook Clearwater’s hand after the match and the crowd gave him polite applause.

— Women’s Champion Kamille and Thom Latimer were with May Valentine. They talked about how Kamille won the women’s title but Latimer was not a tag team champion like he thought he was going to be. He complained about Kratos cheating and was angry that Aron Stevens let it happen. They talked about Billy Corgan being a guest at their wedding and they rolled their eyes. They realized that Corgan was going to see this segment and they quickly fake sucked up to him, but said Corgan has a conspiracy against them.

— Austin Idol and Velvet Sky were sitting backstage to discuss the upcoming Champions Series finals. Sky was very annoying here. She referenced that she was going to come out of retirement and Idol called her on it. She said, “Never say never” if she had a title shot. Idol was right and then said that if they won the Series, they were going to win the title. Idol was great here.

— Pope cut a promo about how he has been TV Champ for so long and that if he wins tonight, he is going to cash in his Lucky 7 and challenge Aldis for the World title. Tonight, he requested Tyrus to settle their grudge with a no time limit match.

The idea of Tyrus wrestling under no time limit makes me very scared.

Tyrus (w/ Austin Idol) defeated The Pope for the NWA TV title

Sky was claiming Tyrus was playing mind games by walking around the ring slowly. I think it’s because he can’t move any faster. Pope started fast, attacking the legs with kicks. Pope dropkicked the knee and actually got Tyrus to take a face-first bump. Pope continued to work over the leg to the delight of the crowd.

Pope hit a clothesline off the top rope. Tyrus was gassed already and all he had done was lay on the mat with Pope attacking his leg. Pope locked on the figure four and grabbed the ropes to punish Tyrus more, but the ref didn’t catch it. Idol freaked out because this was his finisher.

Tyrus made the ropes and Pope broke the hold. Pope hit two big splashes in the corner, but Tyrus headbutted him and threw him into the ringpost when he attempted a third. Idol shoved Pope into the post a few times when the ref wasn’t looking. Tyrus suplexed Pope across the ring and slowly climbed the top rope and missed… something? An elbow? He botched it and landed hard on his knee which looked like it could have actually caused some damage.

Pope hit several strikes and a kick for a near fall before locking on a sleeper hold. Pope hit the Elijah Express, but the referee was in the way and he went down. Idol came into the ring and Pope sent him out of the ring with an elbow. Tyrus crushed Pope in the corner followed by the heart punch to pin Pope for the title.

This match sucked. Tyrus should not be wrestling with the shape he is in (not to mention being unable to bump well) where he’s a danger to himself. I have no idea what they insist on using him when there are so many better big men available like Kratos and Jax Dane.

Tyrus cut an exhausted promo about how it was only a matter of time. Jordan Clearwater and BLK Jeez came out to congratulate him as the show went off the air.

Final Thoughts:

I don’t get it. Why beat Pope like this right now? Anyone could have been a better choice, but to go with Tyrus when he clearly can’t work and is a danger to himself in the ring? I don’t get it. Well, we have a new TV champion. I am not impressed.

NWA Power results: The Champions Series final round is set

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

NWA Power opened with adding a new way to obtain points in the Champions Series, as the alternates will face off in a four corners match with the winner getting seven points for their team and the loser costing their team three points.

Kenzie Paige (Team Kamille/Idol) defeated Lady Frost (Team Stevens/Terrell)

Frost and Paige showed some grappling skills early on, but Frost didn’t take kindly to being taken over and hit a hard knee and several strikes. Frost grounded Paige with a sleeper hold, then hit a release fisherman’s suplex, but Paige kicked out following a pinfall attempt.

Ducking a clothesline, Frost connected with a huge kick and then a moonsault off the turnbuckle. Frost pulled Paige up from the mat to which Paige responded by rolling Frost up and pinning her.

The Mystery Man (Team Pope/Sky) & Crimson (Team Aldis/Melina) went to a time limit draw

Joe Galli forgot that the Mystery Man was on Team Aldis and only realized part way through the match when Melina couldn’t answer his questions about him. I liked how Crimson and Mystery Man locked up as both guys showed overall intensity with their attacks. Crimson hit some hard chops in the corner and a big suplex in the middle of the ring.

Mystery Man hit an elbow, mounted punches, and a suplex on Crimson. Crimson hit an exploder suplex into the corner. Both men brawled on the outside of the ring and Crimson slammed Mystery Man right on the concrete floor, which sounded sickening. The wrestlers at ringside screamed as well after the spot.

Crimson hit an elbow off the middle rope for a two count, then went for a death valley driver, but Mystery Man elbowed out and hit a power bomb before locking in a half crab. As Crimson was going for the ropes, the bell rang as the match went to a 10-minute time limit draw.

This was a good match for what it was. I have honestly been impressed with Crimson. He was quite bad in his TNA run, but he has improved quite a bit since then which was on display in this match. The Mystery Man wasn’t bad either.

Jeremiah Plunkett (Team Aldis/Melina) defeated Sal Rinauro (Team Kamille/Idol), Jordan Clearwater (Team Stevens/Terrell) & Colby Corino (Team Pope/Team Sky) in a four-way

Corino got on the bad side of the other three men and they all beat him up and sent him to the floor. That didn’t work out for Rinauro, as he got pulled to the floor and thrown into the ring post. Billy Corgan joined the commentary booth for this match and talked about his history with Steve Corino, Colby’s father.

Plunkett and Corino managed to work together and double-teamed Clearwater. Clearwater wasn’t going down without a fight, though, and managed to make a comeback just as Rinauro hit a crossbody onto both Corino and Plunkett.

Clearwater and Rinauro displayed some great teamwork to take both of the other men out before facing off against each other. Clearwater ate a Rinauro handspring stunner, but as Rinauro hit the ropes, Clearwater retaliated with a spinebuster. Corino stopped the pinfall and began to fight with Plunkett. Plunkett nailed Corino with a classic Arn Anderson-style DDT to score the pinfall.

That finish seemed to come out of nowhere. With the win, Team Aldis evened up the score with Team Pope.

Tyrus (Team Stevens/Terrell) defeated Kratos (Team Kamille/Idol)

Galli welcomed Austin Idol to the commentary table and Idol muttered that it was a desk and not a table, which made me laugh. Tyrus insisted that the referee check Kratos. Kratos seemed to take offense that Stevens didn’t pick him for the team. Kratos started by hitting the ropes and smashing into Tyrus with a shoulder tackle.

Tyrus hit an armdrag on Kratos, sending him across the ring. I was as shocked as you are. Kratos started landing strikes and it’s clear he was determined to get a match out of Tyrus based on how hard he was hitting him. The referee ejected Stevens from ringside for seemingly no reason.

Tyrus went on the offensive which immediately lowered the match quality. His WWE big man style does not translate well to any ring, let alone the NWA and against Kratos. Kratos hit a flying clothesline to drop Tyrus, which looked good. He then drove knees into Tyrus’ head, but the big man just stood up and clotheslined Kratos, hit an elbow and pinned him.

The referee seemed confused by that, but called for the bell, so I guess Tyrus wins. That was weird. Did Kratos get hurt and not kick out? I have no idea what happened here. Why not film it again? This has happened several times over the last three months and I am not sure why they don’t just do it again if it was wrong.

Both teams in the block are tied in points, but Team Kamille & Idol had less time in the ring, so their team advances to the finals.

Jax Dane (Team Pope/Sky) defeated Slice Boogie (Team Aldis/Melina)

Dane hit a shoulder tackle, but Boogie kipped up. Dane then hit a Vader body tackle which always pops me. Boogie poked Dane’s eye and landed a kick to his knee and a boot to the face. This only made Dane angry, who hit an awesome huge belly-to-belly suplex on Boogie.

Boogie cut Dane off and landed an axe kick while Dane was leaning on the middle rope. Boogie got the heat for the next few minutes, hitting a nice swinging neckbreaker for a two count. Boogie tried to stop Dane from getting up with a front facelock, but Dane drove him back to the corner.

Boogie managed to shove him back to the middle of the ring and hit a diving dropkick to the knee. Dane hit a few headbutts once they were back on their feet. Boogie went for a Stinger splash in the corner, but Dane caught him and hit a dead lift belly-to-belly.

Dane missed a corner charge and crashed into the ring post. Boogie went for a Gotch-style piledriver, but Dane back body dropped out of it and destroyed Boogie with a lariat for the pinfall. Team Pope & Sky advance in the series, which means Team Aldis & Melina were eliminated.

Final Thoughts:

This was a fun episode of Power for the most part. That confusing finish to Kratos vs. Tyrus really didn’t help my enjoyment. I also don’t understand the obsession with pushing Tyrus. Kratos is a far better worker, younger, and brings more to the table as a big man. Dane does too so why is Tyrus needed? I could get behind Dane and Austin Idol being a group.

I think the scoring system in the tournament would be helped greatly if they simplified it to a system similar to the G1, but at least they are constantly updating the viewer and letting us know who is ahead.

Team Kamille & Idol and Team Pope & Sky advance to the final round, which will be next week.

NWA Power results: The Champions Series begins

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

NWA Power opened with a match right at the start of the show as the first match in the Champions Series: a team-by-team contest where the winners and captains receive open title shots or a chance to protect their title should they possess it.   

Team Kamille and Austin Idol battles Team Aron Stevens and Taryn Terrell while Team NIck Aldis and Melina takes on Team Pope and Velvet Sky.

Thom Latimer (Team Kamille) defeated Marshe Rockett (Team Stevens)

Latimer went right after Rockett, showing his experience. Rockett endured the early assault and hit an armdrag on Latimer. Rockett hit a dropkick to send Latimer to the apron. Rockett got his neck pulled into the top rope and Latimer came back in with stomps and a neckbreaker.

Latimer drove some knees into Rockett’s back. Every attempt at a comeback was stopped quickly by Latimer, but when he went for an axehandle off the middle rope, Rockett hit a superkick and a powerslam for a two count. Latimer raked his eyes then hit a stunner for the pin.

This was fine with the expected result. It would have been nice to see an upset, but I expect we will see some of those happen later in the tournament. Team Kamille earned five points for the victory.

Jennacide (Team Pope) defeated Skye Blue (Team Aldis)

The story of this match was Jennacide using her power and experience to dominate Blue. Blue was faster with a little more athleticism. Jennacide hit a big front suplex after dominating the early going. Jennacide targeted Blue’s arm which Blue actually sold quite well while while in an armbar.

Blue hit a drop toehold that sent Jennacide into the middle rope and hit a dropkick into her back, but couldn’t get her over for a sunset flip. Her headscissors takeover, however, worked well. Blue hit a flying crossbody for a near fall. Blue went for another headscissors, but Jennacide blocked it and hit a sit-out power bomb for the three count.

This was the exact right length with both women getting a chance to show just enough. This was good stuff. Both women are green, but walked out looking better in this one. Team Pope got five points.

JTG (Team Stevens) defeated Mims (Team Kamille)

JTG used his experience in the early going to stay one step ahead of Mims, but Mims kept coming back to keep JTG on his toes. That was, until JTG finally hit a big lariat that left him in charge. JTG worked over Mims’ arm with some hard knees and stomps and the camera angle was perfect for it, making it look brutal.

JTG hit a huge spinebuster, but Mims kicked out. Mims hit some strikes and a big headbutt. He drove JTG back to the corner and threw some shoulder tackles and then a huge takedown. Mims went to the top rope and missed a big back elbow off the top rope. JTG hit the Brooklyn Edge for the pinfall to Aron Stevens’ delight on commentary. Team Stevens got five points.

Trevor Murdoch (Team Pope) defeated Fred Rosser (Team Aldis)

Aldis and Murdoch exchanged words before he made it into the ring. Rosser added some trash talk as both guys were showing intensity as they faced off, leading to Murdoch slapping Rosser. Rosser, however, was eager to not brawl. Murdoch was and hit several hard chops and a big Irish whip to the corner.

Murdoch told Aldis to shut his mouth on commentary and then hit a huge spinebuster. I really liked the intensity from Murdoch here. Rosser fired back with a chop of his own and raked Murdoch’s back, doing everything he could to get an advantage. Aldis put Rosser over huge on commentary as someone who they could build the NWA around (which he isn’t wrong about).

Rosser and Murdoch ended up on the apron. Aldis called Billy Corgan a Marxist, which was a choice. Rosser tried to suplex Murdoch on the apron, but Murdoch clotheslined Rosser back into the ring, hit the flying bulldog and locked on a crossface-type submission. Tim Storm pointed out that Harley Race used to use it as Rosser tapped out.

This was a great match. Rosser looked awesome and Murdoch was right there with him as both guys worked hard and at a fast pace. I really liked the finish as it showed that Murdoch is adding to his game for when he eventually faces Aldis again. I can see him tapping Aldis out decisively in the middle of the ring eventually. Maybe at NWA 73? Either way, the trash talking between Aldis and Murdoch continued as the show went off the air.

Final Thoughts:

This was a very simple episode of NWA Power as there were no real promos. It was all action with round 1 of the Champions Series ending and Team Aldis having no points. I really like how that immediately put Aldis at a disadvantage as Murdoch is clearly trying to win this thing for his team so that he can get Aldis one on one. There was good storytelling throughout this show which I really enjoyed. 

NWA Power Surge results: Remembering Joseph Hudson

Posted on by Skylar Russell

Episode four of Power Surge saw us go back in time to three different places in NWA history. Joseph Hudson’s life was also honored.

Joe Galli welcomed us, revealing that this episode is dedicated to the late Joseph Hudson, aka the Question Mark and Jocephus. Galli reflected on some of his favorite memories with Hudson and Billy Corgan revealed Hudson was the first person he called when he bought the promotion. 

Marshe Rockett defeated Jeremiah Plunkett 

Plunkett tried to show some aggression early, but Rockett shut that down rather quickly. Rockett had the crowd behind him and was able to lay in some great offense before Plunkett caught up to him. 

Plunkett attempted a discus forearm in the middle of the bout that Rockett ducked. Rockett followed with a stunning standing dropkick that altered the course of the match. A few moments later, Rockett won with a cutter. 

Jordan Clearwater defeated Papa Jive and Rush Freeman in a triple threat match

Clearwater and Jive stomped out Freeman to start so they could go at it themselves. Both guys had a great exchange with high octane offense. Clearwater was the last man standing when Freeman rolled back in the ring, but that didn’t last for long.

Freeman went to work on both guys and this practically turned into a two-on-one match. Freeman got too focused with Jive so when there was an opening, Clearwater hit a pump kick on Jive and pinned him while Freeman was distracted. 

David Arquette & Tim Storm defeated The Kingdom of Jocephus (Jocephus & The Spiritual Advisor) in a hair vs. hair match

This was from New Year’s Clash in January 2019.

Arquette and Storm had to drag Jocephus in the ring when the match started and wasted no time beating him down. Arquette and Jocephus slugged it out in the ring which led to Arquette getting beat down. Arquette would eventually make the hot tag to Storm, much to the crowd’s amusement. 

Storm beat down Jocephus for a minute before tagging Arquette back in, assisting him on a frog splash for the win. The Spiritual Advisor never got in the match. The Advisor tried to volunteer for the haircut, but it turned out she was bald. Jocephus got his hair cut off to the crowd’s delight.

NWA Power results: Chris Adonis vs. JTG National title match

Posted on by Skylar Russell

Two championship matches, more Austin Idol drama, and tensions between Thunder Rosa and Serena Deeb all took place on this week’s edition of NWA Power. 

NWA TV Champion Da Pope defeated Sal Rinauro to retain

The commentary team made it known that Rinauro was wrestling with an injured shoulder, but Pope didn’t seem to target it in the early portion of the bout. He was in control for the entire match and didn’t allow Rinauro much offense. Pope won with a pair of running knees to Rinauro’s back while he was in the corner. They then revealed that Rinauro was wrestling with a broken clavicle. 

Austin Idol promo

Idol came out with Tyrus, BLK Jeez and Jordan Clearwater. Idol ran down Pope for a long time and eventually announced that Tyrus will face Pope for the TV Title soon. Idol took way too long to get to the point. 

Kylie Rae and Serena Deeb defeated Thunder Rosa and Skye Blue

Rosa and Deeb started out, but Deeb tagged out to Rae before Rosa could touch her. Deeb stayed out of Rosa’s way for the majority of the match, but eventually pulled her off the apron when she was about to get a hot tag. Rae tapped out Blue with a crossface while Rosa was recovering. Rosa brawled with Deeb into the back as the show went to a break.

War Kings promo

Jax Dane expressed his appreciation for Crimson as a tag partner and tried to calm his nerves. Dane insisted multiple times he had something to tell Crimson and eventually brought out Slice Boogie. Crimson seemed at a loss for words and walked off the set.

Kratos promo

Kratos spoke to May Valentine about his experience being a tag team champion. He was wearing a NWA shirt with the N and the A crossed out because all he cares about is Ws. Kratos said he is currently earning respect for his tag partner Aron Stevens, but doesn’t have it yet.

La Rebelion (Mecha Wolf and Bestia) & Homicide defeated Hawx Aerie & El Rudo

Stevens was on commentary for this match.Homicide made his NWA return to team with La Rebelion. It’s cool to see him popping up everywhere.

This match seemed to just be a homecoming for Homicide. The Hawx brothers took a majority of the offense. Homicide hit a really neat middle rope dive/senton combination while Mecha Wolf and Bestia hit the Mark Of The Beast for the win.

Chris Adonis defeated JTG to win the NWA National Championship 

Trevor Murdoch was on commentary for this match.

Both men started out at a slow pace, but JTG eventually hit a big sling blade that sped things up. Adonis continued controlling and working down JTG, but every once in a while, JTG was able to muster a big move and show signs of life.

JTG kept creating openings for himself and nearly pinned Adonis with a great pop-up neckbreaker. Adonis caught a running JTG in a Master Lock. Adonis was on the verge of making JTG pass out when Fred Rosser ran down to the ring and threw in the towel for him, giving Adonis his second run with the title. Rosser showed genuine concern for JTG as Power went off the air.

NWA Power results: Melina vs. Kylie Rae

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

NWA Power opened with Joe Galli breaking some news. He announced the Champion’s Series, a points-based tournament starting on July 13th. More news on how the tournament is going to work will be forthcoming.

Jennacide (with Taryn Terrell) defeated Lady Frost

This wasn’t bad. Lady Frost looked quite good, and it’s clear that they’re trying to make Jennacide a star. She is still quite green, but there is a lot of potential there, and she has a great look too.

Frost was given quite a bit in this little match, but she stood out and looked great. Jennacide was able to turn the match around when Terrell distracted the referee and Jennacide knocked Frost off the top rope.

Jennacide worked over Frost with armlocks, keeping her grounded. Every time Frost went to escape, Frost was able to go back to the arm. Frost hit a big spinning kick, but Jennacide caught her on the ropes and hit a tombstone (Jenna 9000) for the pinfall.

–Sal Rinauro won a TV title #1 contender match against PJ Hawx and Colby Corino, which happened on something called NWA High Voltage. I had no idea this existed until they mentioned it here, and they showed highlights. I managed to find the match on YouTube. I figured this was going to be on Power when they built it a few weeks ago.

Rinauro cut a great promo about how all he needed was 3 seconds to become the TV Champion, and that while Pope was a great champion, he was coming for it. Colby Corino attacked him from behind and went to give him a brainbuster on the apron, but Rinauro’s feet hit the ropes on the way down, which caused both of them to crash to the floor, and both men hit really hard. That was brutal, I hope they’re okay.

–Austin Idol and Tyrus came out. Idol buried Rinauro and Corino, saying Tyrus is the real star. Pope came out, and since his match was canceled with Rinauro, he decided he was going to fight him right now, putting the title on the line. Idol kept Tyrus back and said it would be on their time.

Aron Stevens stepped in with a match that was unannounced for the crowd due to Rinauro’s injury.

Aron Stevens, Mims, & Captain YUMA vs.  Kratos, PJ Hawx, & Luke Hawx went to a no contest

Well, this was interesting from a story perspective with Kratos and Stevens actually smiling and getting along with each other. Honestly, I hope they don’t break up as a team. I really like the dynamic of Stevens being a nice guy and Kratos being a miserable monster, but somehow make the team work. I hope that continues. I think La Rebelion vs. Stevens & Kratos will be great.

Joe Galli said that Kratos and Stevens came up with this match when the injury happened as a make-good. Kratos and Stevens fist-bumped, but Kratos didn’t fist bump the others. Stevens and Kratos went to a neutral corner, discussing the match and smiling. I sense trouble brewing, as Kratos is way too happy.

Mims and Luke Hawx started the match, and Mims used hit size and power to keep the veteran down. Mims tagged Stevens in, even though he was at the wrong turnbuckle because he was holding the tag rope. Stevens did a few spots with Hawx before PJ Hawx and YUMA were in.

YUMA wanted Kratos, and he tagged in, but he looked like he would rather stay in the corner chatting with Stevens. YUMA must have a death wish, as Kratos no-sold a shoulder tackle. Kratos murdered YUMA with a forearm, and the massacre began, as he threw YUMA across the ring with a suplex.

La Rebelion came out and mocked the match in the ring saying that the teams involved were making a mockery of the titles and the sport. Kratos did not look pleased. La Rebelion attacked YUMA, and the ref threw the match out. La Rebellion then attacked Kratos. All 6 men were not pleased and chased them off.

–Jax Dane and Crimson were with May Valentine. Dane talked about how he thought Crimson went too far in his match with Slice Boogie last week, and they promised to address the issue live in front of fans at Power soon.

–JTG and Chris Adonis joined Kyle Davis at the podium to discuss their upcoming NWA National Championship match. JTG reminded everyone that he was there for gold, and that anyone in his way is in a very unlucky position.

Adonis said he was ready for war, and that the NWA National title is a title that he never lost, so he is going to do what it takes to win it back, and his insurance policy of Strictly Business was there to help him. Fred Rosser came out and said he was going to back JTG up.

–The Mystery Man was with May Valentine and continued to say his identity did not need to be known right now. He talked about how he dedicated his life to wrestling, and he is here because he believes he is the best technical wrestler in the world, and he wanted to become a champion, and his identity didn’t matter.

–Thunder Rosa told May Valentine that she was going to stay out of Melina’s match with Kylie Rae tonight.

Kylie Rae defeated Melina

Melina got booed by the audience despite being a babyface in recent weeks. Rae was cheered quite a bit, and Melina worked this match as a heel, so that feels like a phantom heel turn. I hate that. This was a good match by Melina standards, so it was fine. Rae looked fantastic in the match, she’s an exceptional worker.

Melina tried to ground Rae, but Rae was able to counter every move. Rae offered a handshake, but Melina hit some hard forearms and started striking Rae hard, including poking the eyes. Melina hit a DDT for a near fall, but Rae kicked out. Rae spun out of an inverted DDT position and hit a superkick on Melina for the pinfall. The show went off the air as Rae celebrated, winning clean as a sheet.

NWA Power results: Adonis vs. Latimer vs. Parrow

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Kyle Davis started the show with Strictly Business to talk about the main event triple threat with Parrow, Adonis, and Latimer where the winner would advance to face JTG next week for the National title. They talked about having the advantage in the match, but Kamille criticized Corgan for making the triple threat. Aldis insisted this was Corgan staking the odds against Strictly Business.

–May Valentine was with the War Kings. Crimson talked about his upcoming match with Slice Boogie.

The Mystery Man defeated Mims

There’s something familiar about the Mystery Man, but I can’t put my finger on it. I’m deliberately avoiding looking up who he is to let them tell their story, but I feel like I’ve seen him before. He looked good in this match, despite it being a little slower.

This marked the debut of the masked man we have seen in recent weeks. Early on, he showed some great technique in his wrestling, managing to ground Mims. Right after I wrote that, Tim Storm said it, so we’re on the same page. Mystery Man hit a huge back suplex on Mims and some hard strikes.

Mims was never completely out of it in this match, but Mystery Man was clearly the more experienced grappler with his ability, making Mims pay for every misstep. Mims made a comeback and got a Big Strong Boy chant before hitting a big splash. Mystery Man responded with a sling blade and a Death Valley Driver and scored the pinfall.

–BLKJeez and Jordan Clearwater were with Kyle Davis. Jeez promised that they had a plan for their upcoming match.

Tyrus (with Austin Idol) defeated BLKJeez & Jordan Clearwater

What was this? What? Why?

The match started, and Jeez laid down. He asked Clearwater to lay down, and Clearwater refused. Jeez tried to convince him to do it, and he eventually did. They stayed down, and Tyrus pinned them. What?

–Thunder Rosa & Serena Deeb were with Kyle Davis, and the crowd popped huge for Rosa. Deeb and Rosa had some tension between each other, as Deeb defeated Rosa for the title. Deeb said she wanted her rematch for the title, and Rosa said that she should be the number 1 contender. It looks like we are getting Rosa and Deeb in a singles match soon.

Serena Deeb indicated that she wanted to mentor someone like Kylie Rae, who came out. She talked about how great Deeb and Rosa are, and she was happy to be there with them. Rosa indicated she wanted to mentor. Melina came out, thinking it was her, but she was wrong. It was Skye Blue. This broke down into a brawl. This was a bit of a mess of a segment.

–May Valentine was with Taryn Terrell and Jennacide. Taryn said they were overlooking Jennacide. Terrell called AEW “AWE” and made a weird analogy about rock hard pillows.

Crimson (w/ Jax Dane) defeated Slice Boogie w/ Marche Rocket in a No DQ Grudge Match

This wasn’t a bad match. Crimson is far better than his TNA days, and Boogie is quite good. I’m a bit tired of the “Will they get along?!” storylines in the tag division as we have two of those going now.

Crimson went right after Boogie, beating him around the ring and ringside. As Crimson came back into the ring, Boogie kicked the middle rope to low blow Crimson, and hit an axe kick for a pinfall attempt.

Crimson, using his experience and power, was able to make a bit of a comeback, but Boogie hit a tornado inverted DDT for a 2 count. Boogie grabbed a chair and set it up in the corner between the middle and top rope. Crimson reversed an Irish whip into a suplex on Boogie and sent Boogie to the floor.

Crimson whipped Boogie with his belt around ringside. Boogie tried for a low blow, but Crimson hit a Death Valley Driver. He stopped the pinfall and went for the chair. Dane told him he didn’t need the chair, and he wasn’t happy with it, but Crimson listened and hit a Death Valley Driver for the pinfall.

–Aron Stevens and Trevor Murdoch were on commentary for this match, as they were both NWA National Champions. Apparently, Stevens broke Velvet Sky’s chair and was left near the floor. It was a comedy bit, but it made me laugh.

NWA National Title qualifier: Chris Adonis defeated Thom Latimer and Parrow

Decent main event here, with the story of the match being Latimer and Adonis both wanting to win, but especially making sure that Parrow didn’t win. Parrow looked like a beast in the match, but he couldn’t overcome the odds, and in the end, Adonis used his brain to win. To be fair, he tricked Bram, so that doesn’t sound too difficult.

Adonis and Latimer spent the early parts of the match double teaming Parrow, sending him to the floor after a bit, and deciding to wrestle each other fair and square to see who the better man was, but they were giving Parrow time to recover.

Every time Parrow came back into the match, Latimer and Adonis would send him back to the floor. Problems between Adonis and Latimer began to escalate when Latimer tried to pin Parrow and Adonis broke it up. Parrow took advantage of this and started throwing both men around. He hit the Parrow Driver on Adonis, but Latimer broke it up.

Parrow made Latimer pay with a powerbomb for a two count. Strictly Business hit a double superplex on Parrow, and then when Latimer went up top for a moonsault, Adonis stole the pin by pinning Parrow. Latimer was angry, but Adonis promised that Latimer would get the first shot.

Adonis moves on to face JTG next week for the National title!

Final Thoughts:

Solid, if unspectacular, episode of NWA Power this week. The National title was the main storyline, and Aron Stevens was great on commentary in particular, selling the importance of the match and the history of the wrestlers involved.

I’m looking forward to Adonis against JTG next week, but I also want to see the next chapter in Murdoch’s story start to move forward. Hopefully, we’ll see that addressed a bit more. It’s clear that Thunder Rosa is, by far, their biggest star. She got a huge pop from the studio audience, and having them back shows her time in AEW is also quite effective in getting her over.

The women’s division clearly has a few aces up their sleeve over the next few months, as even though the angle with them tonight was a bit poorly executed (especially when Melina arrived), there are still some very interesting matches that were set up.

NWA Power results: JTG vs. Fred Rosser vs. El Rudo

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Trevor Murdoch joined Kyle Davis at the podium to open the show. He talked about how he went home and his wife pointed out that he had Nick Aldis beat at the When Our Shadows Falls pay-per-view. Aldis made it personal and Murdoch promised that he wasn’t done with him and he wouldn’t be done until he became the NWA World Champion. 

Austin Idol and Tyrus were with May Valentine and Idol was demanding a TV title match with The Pope because of how their match went at the PPV. Tyrus claimed the win was clean, but then Jordan Clearwater came in and asked for five minutes of their time, saying BLK Jeez sent him for a meeting in the conference room. Tyrus grabbed him by the throat and said he would meet him in the ring next week.

Melina defeated Jennacide and Kenzie Page in a three-way

This was a very quick match, but Melina didn’t look good. She was clearly behind the other two competitors.

Page and Melina tried to double team Jennacide, but it didn’t work out too well as Jennacide clotheslined both women. Jennacide was sent to the outside and Melina and Page then fought it out. Melina went for a headscissors from the corner, but Page countered and pulled Melina to the mat.

Jennacide made the save on the pin and hit a clothesline followed by a sharpshooter on Page. Melina put a sleeper on Jennacide, but got tossed. Page sent Jennacide into the corner post, but Melina rolled up Page to score the pinfall victory.

— Women’s champion Kamille was with Valentine and said she was angry at Melina ruining her coronation last week. She threatened her and gave her thoughts on Thom Latimer having to face Chris Adonis in the tournament for the National title. Also, she was looking elsewhere for her next opponent which is very interesting.

— PJ Hawx, Sal Rinauro and Danny Deals were at the podium each talking about potentially becoming no. 1 contender to the TV title, but Colby Corino cut them him off. Rinauro said that he was a fan of Corino’s dad, but Corino called Rinauro a goof and said he deserved to be in contention. Rinauro pointed out that he didn’t make the match, but Corino saw Hawx and Rinauro in his way so it will be a triple threat for the TV title shot whenever the match happens.

Aron Stevens vs. PJ Hawx went to a no contest

The commentators put over Hawx for showing heart in defending his family against the verbal attacks of Corino earlier. Stevens stayed on top for a bit by using technical wrestling, but as soon as Hawx was able to get the better of him in a technical exchange, Stevens switched to power moves, which was a nice piece of storytelling.

The match was thrown out by the referee when Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf ran in and attacked both men. Luke Hawx attempted to make the safe, but La Rebelion laid him out with a power bomb into a backstabber (Mark of the Beast).

Bestia and Wolf then stormed the podium and said they didn’t come here to make friends and they are coming for everyone who holds gold in the NWA with Tag Team champions Stevens & JR Kratos as their next targets.

I really don’t like non-finishes like this. Why wait the five minutes before the DQ? The rest of the match seemed pointless because of the finish.

— Slice Boogie & Marche Rockett interrupted a promo from the mysterious new masked man from last week, saying he found his mask in a garbage can and he didn’t belong in the NWA. The masked man looked on silently, not even moving his eyes to Boogie and Rockett.

— Latimer, Adonis, and Parrow were at the podium and Parrow said that everything was changing in the NWA and he was going to win the National championship. Adonis and Latimer discussed Latimer laying down for Adonis as it keeps the title in the family. Parrow said he would make the other men respect him.

JTG defeated Fred Rosser and El Rudo in a NWA National Title tournament semifinal

JTG looked great here and overall, this was a really fun match even though I think I would have went with Rosser here.

Rudo tried to make an alliance with both men which failed. JTG and Rosser teamed up instead and started beating on Rudo. JTG did a phantom dropkick that missed Rosser. I am not sure if this was planned, but Rosser didn’t sell it which at least kept it from being a bad botch.

Rosser and JTG trash talked each other, but Rudo cut them off and did a ropewalk blockbuster which was awesome. Rosser hit a back body drop on Rudo and JTG sent him to the floor. Rosser hit a powerslam on JTG, but Rudo broke it up.

Rudo threw JTG into the apron and he and Rosser started an exchange. Rudo hit an STO, but JTG broke up the pin. JTG hit Rudo with a bulldog and Rosser broke it up. Rudo hit a snowplow on JTG for a near fall. JTG managed to hit Brooklyn’s Edge on Rudo to scored the pinfall to advance to the finals of the tournament.

JTG went to the podium and said he came to the NWA for one thing: gold. The show then went off the air with JTG leaving a final impression.

Final Thoughts:

This is two weeks in a row where NWA Power has been a much more well-rounded show. Nick Aldis didn’t even appear on this episode, showing that the new blood added at the PPV for these tapings are being trusted to carry the show forward.

The opening promo from Murdoch was a great one.

This show was far better than anything they did pre-PPV, but if the NWA continues going this way, they should return to the critical acclaim they had pre-pandemic in no time. I love seeing new names being put in top positions and we saw several of them this week.