The first ever edition of NWA USA kicked off with May Valentine interviewing the father and son team of PJ and Luke Hawx. They will face off against each in the main event as part of the Junior Heavyweight title tournament. Luke noted that they train together but they don’t normally compete against one another so things might be a little awkward out there. He told his son to just go out there and wrestle like he’s been taught to.
Joe Galli, Austin Idol, and Velvet Sky were on commentary.
Kyle Davis interviewed George South. South said he tried to reach out to Colby Corino about his match this week, andCorino never got back to him, however. Corino’s run-in buddies the Fixers then came out and Wrecking Ball Legursky attacked South from behind.
Kyle Davis announced that Storm is the new managing director of NWA USA. Storm came out and announced that the Fixers have been suspended for attacking George South.
Colby Corino defeated CW Anderson (with George South) to advance in the Junior Heavyweight title tournament
CW Anderson has a long history with Steve Corino but in the debut match on NWA USA, he took on Steve’s son Colby Corino in the junior heavyweight title tournament. After being attacked by the Fixers, George South was in CW’s corner for this one. The Fixers were notably absent from Corino’s corner after having been suspended by Tim Storm.
After some grappling to start the match, CW connected with a big super kick which sent his opponent to the outside. Corino would miss a knife edge chop and hit his own hand on the ring post while the two were brawling around ringside. He would end up on offense shortly after.
Corino got a near-fall off his Colby Crush standing flipping senton. Shortly after, Anderson went for another super kick but it was countered by Corino into a pinning combination. Corino put his feet up on the ropes for leverage and scored the pin. Austin Idol was adamant that Corino did not cheat, though it was quite obvious that he did.
Corino will move on to face the winner of Kerry Morton vs Jamie Stanley in the next round of the tournament.
Corino seems like someone who could win this tournament. He’s picked up some notable wins lately and it feels like the NWA is really behind him. If he doesn’t win the tournament, he should go pretty deep in it.
We cut to Natalia Markova being photographed in what looked like a professional photoshoot. Markova started to yell at the photographer for not being professional and for staring at her. She then stormed out.
Nick Aldis promo. Aldis said that NWA USA is for up-and-comers who want to make a name for themselves. He said he’d be taking notes backstage.
NWA National Champion Chris Adonis then came out. Kyle Davis noted that the National Championship will be a featured title on NWA USA. Adonis called himself the greatest NWA National Champion of all time. Austin Idol didn’t like that comment, he said he was the first and the best National Champion of all time.
Joe Galli announced that next week Anthony Mayweather will take on Marshe Rockett, and Ariya Daivari will face J. Spade in a Junior Heavyweight title tournament match.
Luke Hawx defeated PJ Hawx to advance in the Junior Heavyweight title tournament
Joe Galli noted in commentary that father and son facing each other was simply a matter of a random draw to determine the tournament brackets.
After some back-and-forth grappling to start the match, PJ picked up the first advantage after delivering a dropkick to his father. Luke then hit a power slam, showing he’s not going to take things lightly on his son.
PJ got a two count off a big vertical suplex. He got another near fall off a flying crossbody shortly after. He then locked his father into a Boston crab, but Luke reversed it into a pinning combination and got the 3-count.
Luke will move on to face Austin Aries in the next round of the tournament.
Following the match, father and son hugged it out in the ring as the show came to an end.
Final Thoughts:
This was a quick and enjoyable 30 minutes of NWA wrestling. It was interesting that both matches featured wrestlers from different generations going against each other. We had father and son squaring off in the main event, and then Colby Corino going up against his father’s former Xtreme Horsemen stablemate, CW Anderson.
Colby Corino’s work is starting to become something to take note of. He looks to be someone who will be featured prominently in the junior heavyweight division and on the NWA USA show.
Eight different titles will be on the line at NWA Hard Times 2 in Atlanta, Georgia, headlined by NWA World Champion Trevor Murdoch vs. Mike Knox.
Kamille will defend the NWA Women’s title against Melina while Impact Knockouts Champion Mickie James will return to defend the gold against Kiera Hogan.
Both Tag Team titles will be on the line as La Rebelion will defend the men’s titles against The End while women’s champions The Hex will defend their titles as well. Originally slated to be a three-way featuring Kylie Rae & Tootie Lynn and Natalia Markova & Lady Frost, Frost was pulled from the match and they have yet to announce what the plan is.
The ROH Tag Team titles will also be defended as The OGK (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) defend against former NWA Tag Team Champions Aron Stevens and JR Kratos.
TV Champion Tyrus defends against Cyon in a no DQ match featuring Da Pope as special referee while National Champion Chris Adonis defends against Judais.
The rest of the 13-match card will feature two NWA Junior Heavyweight title qualifying matches with Austin Aries returning in one of them, former World Champion Nick Aldis returning against former stablemate Thom Latimer, an appearance by Mick Foley, and more.
Our live coverage begins at 8 PM Eastern.
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Pre-Show Match: Mims w/ Anthony Mayweather (FKA Crimson) defeated Jax Dane
The former Crimson accompanied Mims to the ring for this match and it was revealed that he’s now going by the name Anthony Mayweather. After the bell sounded, Dane rolled out of the ring to taunt Mayweather, which would end up being the story of the match. Dane got the early advantage on Mims and continued to turn his attention to Mayweather between moves. He gave his opponent his version of the Garvin stomp during this period.
Dane continued to taunt Mayweather after delivering a clothesline to Mims. He then went for a lackadaisical cover which Mims countered into a pinning combination and got the 3-count for the surprise win. The story here was that Dane had the advantage but he was too concerned with his rival and former tag partner Mayweather on the outside.
Pre-Show Match: The Hex (Allysin Kay and Marti Belle) defeated Kylie Rae and Tootie Lynn vs. Missa Kate & Natalia Markova vs Jennacide & Paulo Blaze
Before the bell sounded, Taryn Terrell came out and announced that her team of Jennacide and Paulo Blaze would be in the match as well. They were cashing in a title shot owed to Jennacide since she was on the winning team of the Champions Series. Lady Frost was supposed to be in this match as well but she was replaced by Missa Kate due to illness and not being able to travel.
Each team had one person in the ring at all times and it got a little chaotic in the beginning. Jennacide got in a lot of offense before the Hex seemed to take over and the match settled down a bit. After multiple wrestlers did diving spots to the outside, Kylie Rae landed a nice fireman’s carry into a cutter.
Jennacide then hit a big slam on Markova before taking a spine buster from Allysin Kay. The Hex then hit the Hex Marks The Spot on Lynn for the win. The two wrestlers that seemed to be featured the most here were Allysin Kay and Jennacide. It was fine and the Hex came away looking like a strong team.
Darius Lockhart Interview Segment
It was revealed before the junior heavyweight gauntlet match that Darius Lockhart was not medically cleared to compete and wouldn’t be in the match. Lockhart announced that he will be in the upcoming junior heavyweight tournament which will air on the brand new online show “NWA USA”. Ricky Morton was announced as replacing Lockhart in the gauntlet match.
Jaden Roller then came out and complained about not being booked on the show. He blamed Tim Storm for this and called the former champion a cheater.
Pre-Show: NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship Qualifying Gauntlet match: Homicide defeated Alex Taylor vs. Ariya Daivari vs. CW Anderson vs. Darius Lockhart vs. Jeremiah Plunkett vs. Jamie Stanley vs. Kerry Morton vs. Luke Hawx vs. PJ Hawx vs. Sal Rinauro vs. Victor Benjamin vs. Ricky Morton
Kerry Morton and Luke Hawx were the first entered into the match. A new competitor would enter every 90 seconds. Sal Rinauro was the next one out followed by Ariya Daivari. Hawx hit a pump-handle slam on Rinauro to pin and eliminate him shortly after Daivari entered.
PJ Hawx then entered the match, joining his father. The Hawx hit a double back-breaker on Daivari and pinned him. This left Morton to face the father-son combo on his own. Luke and PJ decided not to go after him 2-on-1 and allowed PJ and Kerry to go 1-on-1 until CW Anderson entered the match.
Alex Taylor joined the match next but took a spinebuster from Anderson and was eliminated after. Homicide entered next. Shortly after Homicide entered, Kerry Morton landed a sunset pin on Anderson and got the 3-count. Victor Benjamin was the next to enter and he landed offense on pretty much everyone until Homicide hit him with a suplex then a clothesline and pinned him.
Ricky Morton then entered the match, so we had two father-son combos in the ring. Jeremiah Plunkett entered next. Ricky Morton rolled up Plunkett and eliminated him just as Jamie Stanley was entering in the final spot. Stanley tried to pin Ricky Morton with just one boot on his chest. Morton then countered this into a roll-up and eliminated Stanley.
The two father and son teams then seemed to all team up against Homicide for a period until Luke Hawx rolled up Ricky Morton and eliminated him. Kerry Morton then landed a pinning combination on Luke Hawx and got rid of him.
This left us with Kerry Morton, PJ Hawx, and Homicide as the final 3. Homicide then hit a Koji cutter on PJ and got the pin. Homicide would later hit a cutter off the top turnbuckle to eliminate Morton and win the match. Homicide then went straight to the back as the fans cheered Morton.
This was a good way to introduce the wrestlers who will be in the division. Kerry Morton was built up as one to watch even though he didn’t win. Homicide coming out with the win was definitely the right choice.
Trevor Murdoch Hard Times Promo
NWA World Heavyweight Champion Trevor Murdoch gave his version of the Dusty Rhodes Hard Times promo backstage to kick off the PPV. Murdoch said “hard times” for him means having to look into his son’s eyes and talk to him about Mike Knox assaulting him with a chair in the cage after By Any Means Necessary. Murdoch then promised Knox will get “hard times” tonight. This was the perfect way to start the show.
NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship qualifying match: Austin Aries defeated Rhett Titus
It was mentioned on commentary that Austin Aries had a hand in training Titus 15 years ago. After some back and forth grappling, Aries seemed to grab the first advantage hitting a suicide dive and a senton. Aries then hit a shinbreaker into a suplex. Titus fought back and hit a facebuster. He followed that up with an identical looking shinbreaker and suplex combo to what Aries did earlier. It was mentioned on commentary that Titus must have learned that move from Aries.
Titus was then firmly on offense for a period hitting several running boots and a belly to belly suplex. Aries then hit him with a discus forearm, a dropkick in the corner and then followed that up with a brainbuster and got the pin. So now, both Austin Aries and Homicide have qualified for the fatal 4-way title match which will take place on the NWA’s next PPV.
This was good. Everything Aries does always looks so crisp.
ROH Tag Team Champions The OGK (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) defeated Aron Stevens and JR Kratos to retain
It was revealed that the winners of this match will face the Briscoes at ROH Final Battle later this month. Stevens landed an inadvertent thumb to the eye of Bennett early in the match. He then allowed his opponent to tag out to Taven as a show of good sportsmanship. It feels like we probably saw that for some reason. Kratos hit Taven from the apron and then Stevens aggressively attacked Taven with strikes. This was not good sportsmanship. The story seems to be that Kratos wants Stevens to be aggressive.
Kratos then tagged in and got some sustained offense on Taven with a flying clothesline and a suplex. Kratos and Stevens isolated Taven for a period and prevented him from tagging out. Stevens continued to act more aggressive than he normally does as Kratos yelled “that’s what I want!” from the outside.
Finally, Taven ducked a clothesline and made the hot tag to Bennett. After clearing house for a bit, Bennett hit a Death Valley driver on Kratos for a 2-count. Kratos later battled back and hit a Death Valley of his own for a 2-count.
Stevens made a blind tag but shortly found himself going 2-on-1 against the OGK. Stevens then aggressively raked the eyes of Bennett as he had a crazed look in his eyes. The finish of the match came shortly after when Stevens rolled up Taven but then took a shot to the face from Bennett. Taven reversed the pin and got the 3-count for the win.
Stevens then got up in the face of the commentary team after the match. He kept repeating that he’s “never been better” as he exited the ring area.
The OKC looked good as usual. This match was fine and it told a story. It seems like some type of gimmick or attitude change is upcoming for Stevens.
Colby Corino defeated Doug Williams
No surprise here but this match started off with a lot of technical wrestling. It was noted on commentary that Corino will eventual start taking shortcuts, however, and that’s exactly what he did. He gained the advantage by tripping Williams so he landed throat first on the middle rope. He then used closed fists to the head on Williams shortly after. He got a 2-count after his Colby crush flipping standing senton.
As Williams rolled to the outside, the members of the Fixers came out but Corino told them to back off. Corino then went for a suicide dive but took a forearm to the face from Williams. Williams got a 2-count off an exploder suplex. Colby then got a 2-count off a double foot-stomp. Williams then got a 2-count with a tiger-driver. The Fixers then grabbed at Williams leg from the outside preventing him from hitting Chaos Theory. Williams then charged at Corino in the corner but missed and went shoulder first into the post. Corino then landed a pinning combination and got the win.
I was pretty surprised that Colby Corino got the victory here but it looks like the NWA is high on him. He looked good and Williams doesn’t look like he’s missed a beat.
Impact Knockouts Champion Mickie James defeated Kiera Hogan to retain
The story heading into this one is that Hogan grew up idolizing James. Atlanta is also her hometown. The two hugged after the bell sounded and the opening moments was very much a story of two babyfaces being respectful of each other.
James hit a headscissors on Hogan and it looked like Hogan landed head first. She rolled to the outside after but appeared to be okay. She’d hit a suicide dive shortly after and go on offense for a period. James battled back and the two both hit head kicks at the same time and both went down.
After some more back and forth, James gained the advantage with a flapjack. Hogan then hit a thrust kick and went to the top rope. Hogan hit a crossbody but James rolled through and landed on top of Hogan and got a 3-count.
For a match that wasn’t built up on television, they told a good story here.
NWA TV Champion Tyrus defeated Cyon in a no DQ match to retain
Former champion Da Pope was the special referee.
Pope sent Jordan Clearwater and BLK Jeez to the back before the match started. Cyon then got all the early offense after giving Tyrus a dropkick to the knee. Cyon then brought a bunch of chairs and garbage cans into the match. Tyrus then gained the offense after dropping him on the commentary table and then slamming him to the concrete. The defending champ then went on offense for quite awhile.
After Tyrus hit an avalanche, suplex, a big elbow drop and some other moves, Cyon hit a DDT for a 1-count. Cyon then landed a chair shot and went on offense for a bit. Tyrus fought back and ended up placing a garbage can over Cyon’s head and hitting an elbow drop for a 2-count. Tyrus then slammed Cyon on top of four chairs that had been set up. He then ripped off a chunk of Cyon’s mask.
Cyon battled back and went to set up a table. Austin Idol tried to take the table away which caused Pope to eject him from ringside. Cyon set up the table and not long after was able to powerslam Tyrus through it for a 2-count. Jordan Clearwater and BLK Jeez then came back out and attacked Cyon.
Pope was upset that Clearwater and Jeez came back out and he ended up going face to face with Tyrus. Tyrus got right in his face and Pope hit him with a series of strikes. Pope then charged at Tyrus and missed, hitting Cyon instead. Tyrus then hit Cyon with a heart punch and Pope had to reluctantly count the 3-count.
This looked like it was a bit of a struggle for Tyrus.
Mick Foley Segment
Mick Foley comes out in a Santa hat. He mentioned that he’s going to be watching the monitors closely in the back and he’s going to look to see who is being naughty and nice. Foley then said that this might not be the last time he’s out there tonight.
NWA National Champion Chris Adonis defeated Judais (w/ James Mitchell) to retain
Judais won the battle royal at NWA 73 to earn the right to challenge Adonis here. After some back and forth, Adonis started to focus on Judais’ leg. Judais eventually fought back and locked Adonis in a sharpshooter. Shortly after getting out of the hold, Adonis went for the Masterlock but Judais fought him off.
Judais hit a flying clothesline but then clutched at his leg after and was unable to go for the pin. Adonis then locked in the Masterlock, Judais went out and the ref called for the bell. The story here was that Adonis chopped down the legs of the big man and fought a smart match to get the victory. It was okay.
NWA Tag Team Champions La Rebelión (Bestia 666 and Mecha Wolf 450) defeated The End (Odinson and Parrow) to retain
The challengers isolated Bestia 666 pretty early on. La Rebelion would later make a hot tag and isolated Odinson for a period. Odinson then battled back and made a tag to Parrow and they set Bestia up for their version of the Doomsday Device called Hell on Earth. Bestia got out of it, however. La Rebellion was on offence for a little bit until Parrow and Odison picked them up and power bombed them into each other, a move the End calls the Super Collider.
The End went for the Hell on Earth again but Mecha Wolf got out of it and gave an enziguri to Parrow. Bestia then tossed Odison into Parrow before Mecha Wolf hit a 450 splash on him and got the 3-count.
After the match, Dirty Dango (fka WWE’s Fandango) came out with JTG and motioned that they want a shot at La Rebellion.
Nick Aldis defeated Thom Latimer
The stipulation here was that if either guy was DQ’s, they would be suspended for two months.
After some back and forth early, we got a “full moon” spot where Aldis pulled down Latimer’s trunks as he was trying to get out of the ring. Latimer then poked Aldis in the eye and hit a pile driver for a 2-count. Later, Latimer looked like he wanted to hit Aldis with the hammer used to ring the bell but thought better of it due to the stipulation. As the ref was taking the hammer back to the timekeepers table, Latimer hit a low blow.
Aldis fought back and hit a Michinoku Driver for a 2-count. Latimer then hit an implant DDT for a 2-count. Aldis would lock in a figure four shortly after. Latimer would then lock in his own version of the King Lynn cloverleaf. Shortly after, Aldis hit a piledriver on Latimer, so they’ve each used the other’s moves against them.
Latimer went for another piledriver but Aldis countered into a pinning combination and got the 3-count. The commentary team played up that this match could have gone either way.
For what was built up as quite the grudge match, it didn’t seem to have the aggressiveness to it you would expect. It was still fine. They clearly wanted to keep Latimer strong rather than giving Aldis a definitive win.
Celebration of Jazz’s career
All the women on the roster came out to celebrate Jazz as she has now retired from in-ring competition. She thanked the WWE for allowing her to be the last WWF Women’s Champion and the first WWE Women’s Champion and the first African American woman to go into WrestleMania as the champion and walk out as still the champion. Jazz thanked Tommy Dreamer and Paul E for believing in her.
She thanked Billy Corgan for trusting her to be the NWA World Women’s Champion for over 900 days. Jazz then said she’s looking forward to starting her new career working behind the scenes. Madusa came out briefly after Jazz thanked her as well.
NWA Women’s Champion Kamille defeated Melina to retain
Melina got the early offense before Kamille cut her off with a big spinebuster. The crowd started to get behind Kamille a little here. She hit a couple of gut wrench suplexes and some fans started showing her some appreciation.
Melina fought back and ended up choking the champion with her own hair in the corner. Melina hit the Eat Defeat and started focussing on Kamille’s shoulder. Melina went on offense for quite a bit with submission holds focussed on Kamille’s shoulder.
Melina locked in her California Dream submission hold. Kamille eventually got to the ropes, which some fans cheered for. Kamille hit a steamroller but couldn’t capitalize right away because of her shoulder. She then missed a spear in the corner and Melina went for a code red. Kamille held on to the ropes to block the move, however.
Kamille locked an ankle lock on Melina but Melina ended up biting her to get out of it. Melina is fighting dirty and some fans are now cheering for Kamille. Melina took off a knee brace and went to hit Kamille with it but the champion came out of nowhere with a spear and got the 3-count.
The fans are getting behind Kamille. She’s starting to become one of the biggest stars in the promotion. This match played out in a way to get the fans behind her too with her overcoming the shoulder injury and not taking shortcuts even though her opponent was.
NWA World Champion Trevor Murdoch defeated Mike Knox to retain
Murdoch came out and got the early offense forcing Knox to escape to the outside. Murdoch continued to have the advantage until Knox dropped him on the top turnbuckle. The challenger then went on offense for a period.
Murdoch fought back and landed a spinebuster followed by a couple of big clotheslines and a DDT. Murdoch then motioned that he was going for his bulldog finish but Knox pushed the ref into the ropes and that knocked Murdoch down. Knox then hit a superplex for a 2-count.
Knox tried to go for another suplex but Murdoch knocked him off the ropes. Murdoch then hit his diving bulldog and got the pin.
Matt Cardona then walked out to a surprised reaction from the fans and got in Murdoch’s face. Knox then hit a low blow on the champion. This brought out Mick Foley who said that’s not how we do things in the NWA. He told Cardona he’s an embarrassment to Long Island. Foley then said he had a surprise for Knox and Pope came out and attacked Knox. Cardona then attacked Pope, however, so it seems there is some allegiance between Cardona and Knox.
After Knox took Murdoch out with a kick, Cardona picked up the NWA title and held for awhile before placing it on top of a knocked out Murdoch.
I wasn’t expecting much from the match but figured it would just be a feel good win for Murdoch. That’s what it was up until the big angle with Cardona. Looks like the big angle will be Cardona and Murdoch now with Knox and Cardona possibly aligned. Pope will likely be in there in some fashion as well.
Final Thoughts:
I really felt the closing angle was strong and will have people wanting to see the fallout on Powerrr. Cardona feels important and kind of edgy right now because of his work in GCW. Having all eight champions retain was interesting. You’d think at least one or two belts would change hands when you’ve got that many title matches. It definitely feels like we are moving into a new era with new storylines now. A fun show.
Two new matches have been added to the upcoming NWA Hard Times 2 pay-per-view, both of which are championship bouts.
Trevor Murdoch will make his first defense of his NWA World title that he won back in August when he defends against Mike Knox, announced on Tuesday’s Power Surge. The match came about after Knox laid a beatdown on Murdoch as the recent By Any Means Necessary show was coming to a close.
NWA Tag Team Champions La Rebelión (Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf) will defend against The End (Parrow & Odinson) after the latter won the Tag Team title eliminator tournament on Tuesday’s Power Surge. Parrow and Odinson defeated Hawx Aerie (Luke and PJ Hawx) to win the tournament.
Here’s the current card for the December 4th PPV from Atlanta, Georgia:
NWA World Champion Trevor Murdoch vs. Mike Knox in a title match
NWA Women’s Champion Kamille vs. Melina in a title match
NWA TV Champion Tyrus (w/ Austin Idol) vs. Cyon in a title match
NWA Tag Team Champions La Rebelión (Bestia 666 and Mecha Wolf 450) vs. The End (Odinson and Parrow) in a title match
Crimson opened the show talking about the cage match he was having with Jax Dane later, with his son by his side. Crimson promised consequences for what Jax Dane did, turning on him at the NWA Anniversary show.
Tim Storm was with Kyle Davis in the ring. The crowd was going crazy. Storm talked about his match with Jaden Roller tonight. Roller ran down to the ring and attacked Storm before he could say anything, and Davis made a quick exit from the ring. Roller asked for a No DQ match and Storm agreed as the show started.
Tim Storm defeated Jaden Roller in a no DQ match
Fun opening match that told a simple story.
Storm immediately made Roller pay, choking him with his shirt and starting to brawl around the ring. Storm hit a big boot and a few forearms. Storm sent Roller to the floor and hit some chops and sent him headfirst into the stairs. Roller floated over a bodyslam and hit a low blow in the ring, then a second.
Roller grabbed a chair from under the ring and nailed Storm in the back with it. Roller set up a chair in the corner. Storm got sent into the chair after Roller reversed a neckbreaker, and Roller hit a bodyslam and an elbow for a two-count.
Roller set the chair up in the middle of the ring and hit a drop toe hold on the chair. Roller tried to axe kick Storm into the chair, but Storm moved and Roller crotched himself on the chair. Storm then hit a DDT onto the chair and pinned Roller.
Kyle Davis was with Trevor Murdoch and Nick Aldis. Murdoch thanked Aldis for joining him and helping him against Latimer and Adonis. Aldis said this was personal for him after Thom Latimer, his former friend, turned on him after all he did to help him. I like this babyface Aldis, and seeing him team with Murdoch is fun.
Kamille defeated Kenzie Paige to retain the NWA World Women’s Championship in a 2/3 falls Match
The near falls towards the end of this match was awesome. Kenzie Paige got all the crowd behind her so easily as soon as she started showing that she had a chance in the second fall. Paige took most of the second fall, making it easier for the crowd to invest. This was great.
Kamille threw Paige across the ring immediately, using her superior power. Kamille hit a gutwrench suplex and a running slam into the corner. Kamille continued to get the heat with basic offence for the next few minutes. Kamille went for another power slam, but Paige slipped out and hit some chops and a hard back elbow.
Kamille missed a corner charge, but connected with a pump kick and a swinging neckbreaker for the first fall. Kamille went for a spear as soon as the second fall started, but Paige dodged and Kamille crashed into the ring post. Paige drove Kamille into the guardrail and then suplexed her on the ramp. Kamille kicked out of a pinfall attempt in the ring.
Kamille went for another swinging neckbreaker, but Paige countered into a pinfall attempt. A few attempts were exchanged until Paige hit a superkick and a Samoan drop for a two count. Paige climbed to the top rope, but Kamille threw her off and went for a spear again, but Paige dodged and rolled Kamille up for a near fall. Kamille dodged a corner charge, and Paige turned around into a spear for a three count, winning 2 falls to 0.
Strictly Business (Thom Latimer & Chris Adonis) came down to the ring with cake for Kamille, as they were celebrating her birthday. Latimer demanded the crowd sing happy birthday to Kamille, but he immediately stopped them and got Kyle Davis to do it instead, but Nick Aldis interrupted it, and it looks like Murdoch and Aldis will be taking on Strictly Business right now.
Trevor Murdoch & Nick Aldis defeated Strictly Business (Thom Latimer & Chris Adonis) with Kamille
This was a great tag match, with the babyfaces going over. I really liked Aldis wrestling as a babyface here. Murdoch was good too, showing great babyface fire.
Joe Galli made the comment that Aldis was out for months after Latimer hit him with several piledrivers, but we only saw it happen a few weeks ago on TV. I suppose it’s sort of true if we count when the TV was taped vs. when it aired, but that was a weird comment. It has been about 2 months since the NWA 73rd Anniversary show.
Murdoch and Adonis started the match, but once Aldis got in there with Latimer, Latimer tried everything he could to stay away from him. Latimer tried to hit Aldis with a monkey flip, but Aldis landed on his feet, which was impressive. Kamille got involved, which allowed Strictly Business to get the heat on Aldis.
Aldis cut Latimer off when he went to the top rope and hit a superplex. Aldis made the tag to Murdoch, who took out Adonis but ate a clothesline from Latimer. They went right back to the heat here, with Latimer and Adonis isolating Murdoch. Murdoch hit a back elbow when Adonis charged the corner and hit a crossbody, but Latimer knocked Aldis off the apron before a tag could be made.
Murdoch finally made the tag and Aldis finally was able to get his hands on Latimer, hitting a tombstone and a flying elbow, but Adonis broke up the pinfall. Adonis and Murdoch brawled at ringside and Adonis shoved Murdoch into the ring post. Latimer hit a low blow on Adonis when the referee wasn’t looking.
Latimer hit an implant DDT on Aldis. Murdoch hit a pop-up spinebuster on Adonis. Latimer hit a pop-up powerbomb on Murdoch, which was impressive. Aldis powerbombed Latimer, then Adonis hit a spinebuster on Murdoch. Aldis put the Cloverleaf on Adonis, but Kamille pulled him to the ropes.
Kamille went to spear Aldis, but he moved and she hit Adonis. Aldis threw Kamille into Latimer and then Murdoch hit a flying bulldog off the top rope on Adonis, scoring the pinfall in this excellent tag match.
Jax Dane defeated Crimson in a cage match
That was a good cage match to end the show, with Jax Dane acting like the perfect heel. We know that without cheating, Crimson would have likely won.
Jax Dane waited at the entrance area for Crimson, but Crimson predicted this and came in through the crowd and got one up on Dane. Crimson and Dane brawled around ringside, with Crimson suplexing Dane on the entrance ramp. Dane sent Crimson’s head into the stairs and threw a chair into the cage.
Dane brought Crimson into the ring and the bell rang. Dane loaded up something in his hand and nailed Crimson, but hid it from the referee. It’s a cage match though, so why would he need to hide it? Either way, Crimson was busted open, and Dane worked him over. Dane wiped the blood off his hands on the referee’s shirt and continued to attack Crimson’s wound.
Crimson soon ended up wearing a crimson mask, pardon the pun, bleeding all over his face. Crimson powerbombed Dane out of the corner, but ate a big boot on a corner charge and then a clothesline from Dane. Crimson drove Dane’s face into the cage a few times and hit a spinebuster on Dane before hitting a huge elbow drop off the top rope for a two-count.
Crimson picked up the chair as Dane went for a spear. Dane accidentally smashed headfirst into the chair. Crimson hit a Death Valley Driver on Dane in the middle of the ring. Dane ended up throwing powder into the eyes of Crimson, but Crimson still kicked out. Dane pulled a bottle of rubbing alcohol out from the apron and poured it onto the open wound and eyes of Crimson before hitting another clothesline for the three count.
Final Thoughts:
The last two episodes of NWA Power were fantastic. If they could get crowds like this for all their TV tapings, and maybe focus on having 1 or 2 matches of the calibre they had this show per episode, Power would feel like a really hot show every week. I loved both of the By Any Means Necessary episodes, and I hope we see more special ones like this in the future.
Strictly Business opened this week’s show with Tim Storm, asking them about what happened with Melina & World Champion Trevor Murdoch. They challenged Storm to a fight for questioning them. Thom Latimer, Chris Adonis and Kamille circled the ring and were getting ready to attack him as Joe Galli tried to stop it, but Nick Aldis made his way to the ring instead and cut them off, saying that it wasn’t the time or place to do this.
They all backed down, but were eying Aldis suspiciously. This was a really simple, but good opening angle. The tension in Strictly Business is building here and I like this new direction with Aldis.
Melina was with May Valentine at the podium and she cut a promo on Kamille, indicating that someone, someday was going to take the title from her. Chelsea Green came out with her trophy from the last PPV, claiming that Melina has done nothing for the business, and that she should be champion.
Tag Team Title eliminator tournament match: Hawx Aerie (Luke & PJ Hawx) defeated Colby Corino & JTG
Corino was angry that Luke Hawx and JTG shook hands at the start of the match, almost costing them it as it started. After some basic exchanges with JTG, Corino ended up in the ring with PJ Hawx and made the rookie pay for his inexperience. Hawx was eventually able to tag his father in after a belly-to-belly.
Luke Hawx made a comeback, but Corino cut him off and continued using heelish attacks before tagging out to JTG, who was not impressed with Corino.
After a relatively even exchange between JTG and Luke Hawx, both men hit punches and fell at the same time. Mutual tags were made and PJ Hawx got his hands on Corino. Hawx Aerie sent Corino to the ropes with PJ Hawx trying to send Corino into the air into a powerslam from his dad, but something went wrong. Somehow, they still hit the powerslam and picked up the win.
This was a decent match although the finish was a bit messed up. I have no idea how they still hit the powerslam considering what happened. I like Hawx Aerie advancing in the tag tournament.
— Cyon cut a promo about how he wanted the TV title and that he was going to cash in his title shot earned in the Champions Series to take on Tyrus. This was a good and simple promo.
— Tyrus, Austin Idol, BLK Jeez and Jordan Clearwater were at the podium. Idol promised that if Cyon tried to cash in his title shot on Tyrus, they were going to destroy him and take his mask. Jeez promised that pain was the only thing awaiting him. Tyrus said that he wasn’t quite sure, but he thought he knew him and it was clear Cyon knew who he was, so he was going to take his mask.
Jennacide defeated Allysin Kay
This was fine, but a bit boring. It might have been better with a little more time. The minor botches didn’t take away from it, thankfully.
Jennacide and Kay saw Jennacide dominating Kay in the early part of the match, attacking Kay’s shoulder repeatedly. Jennacide used a few armbars throughout until she hit a vertical suplex and went going right back to the shoulder and arm.
Both women exchanged strikes in the middle until Kay hit a stunner and then a clothesline for a two count. Jennacide and Kay had some miscommunication after two botched moves.
Jennacide hit a chokeslam and went to the middle rope. Kay responded by hitting a power bomb off the ropes. Lady Frost came down to the ring and distracted Kay which led to Jennacide rolling her up with a handful of tights for the win.
Taryn Terrell came out and celebrated with Jennacide after the match. It looks like they are heading towards a Tag Team title match with Kay and Marti Belle.
— La Rebelion was with May Valentine and talked about how they would take on any tag team in any company and that they were going to bring the NWA Tag Team titles to Mexico to take on all comers.
Judias (w/ James Mitchell) & James Storm went to a double DQ
Judias is no good. He is really, really bad. Storm, however, is great and The Sinister Minister is a great manager, but Judias really sucks. I would have rather seen Mil Muertes as Judas Mesias again than this dude.
Storm did some cowboy martial arts poses after a lock up, which popped the crowd, but Judias did not see the humor in it, punching Storm in the face and working him over in the corner. As both men exchanged punches in the corner, the referee threw the match out as they wouldn’t break when he asked.
Da Pope & NWA World Champion Trevor Murdoch defeated The End & Jeremiah Plunkett & Crimson in a three-way match
This was a really fast match that served to further the post-match angle than anything else. I would have liked to see them get more time as it could have been really fun.
This started with Murdoch and Plunkett immediately throwing Parrow to the outside of the ring. Murdoch hit a flying crossbody on Plunkett and got a two count. Murdoch immediately started selling his knee and tagged out to Pope who exchanged strikes with Plunkett.
Parrow pulled Pope from the ring and threw him into the guardrail before mauling Plunkett in the ring. Plunkett dodged a corner charge from Odinson who crashed into the ring post. As Plunkett turned around, Pope hit the Elijah Express on Plunkett for the pinfall.
Jax Dane came down to the ring with a referee and claimed he was going to challenge the injured Murdoch for the title at that moment. However, Crimson punched Dane in the face and prevented him from cashing in. So it appears the cashing in of title shots from the Champions Series is like WWE’s Money in the Bank which was not explained before the tournament.
Final Thoughts:
This was a decent episode of NWA Power and one that flowed nicely from one segment to the next. If you are looking for good in-ring action, this show was merely average. I think the best segment of the show was easily the opening with Aldis and Strictly Business. Fewer minutes from the opening tag and more for the main event would have also been nice.
Trevor Murdoch opened the show calling Nick Aldis out from the back, and Aldis came out to greet him. Murdoch said that him and Aldis did things that were out of character over the last 3 months, and that he remembered sitting in Harley 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.
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.
Trevor Murdoch is the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
Murdoch defeated Nick Aldis to win the championship for the first time, pinning him following a piledriver and a bulldog off the top rope.
After the match, Ric Flair came to the ring and congratulated Murdoch, saying he put on a clinic. Murdoch’s family also came into the ring and celebrated with him. Flair raised Murdoch’s hand and walked out as Murdoch cut a promo saying the fans were the reason he kept going. He said he does not know what the future holds for him but will represent this company to the fullest. He hopes that one day he is as good as Harley Race was.
Aldis had held the title for over 1,000 days, winning the title from Cody Rhodes at the 70th Anniversary show that was held on October 21, 2018.
Murdoch and Adlis previously faced one another at When Our Shadows Fall back in March. Aldis retained the title by disqualification. The rematch was set up for NWA 73, with Aldis putting up his title against Murdoch’s career.
For the second time in as many nights, the NWA returns to pay-per-view from the famous Chase Ballroom in St. Louis, MIssouri, with their anniversary show: NWA 73.
The show will be headlined by the third meeting between NWA World Champion NIck Aldis and Trevor Murdoch with the latter putting his career on the line if he cannot defeat the champion.
Ric Flair, a ten-time NWA World Champion, will also make an appearance.
The headliner is one of four title matches as Aldis stablemate Chris Adonis defends against James Storm while Women’s Champion Kamille will defend against Saturday’s Invitational Cup winner Chelsea Green. The Tag Team titles will also be on the line as reigning champions Aron Stevens and Kratos face Mecha Wolf and Bestia 666.
The rest of the card will see Mickie James return to the ring against Kylie Rae; the next contender for the National title to be decided in a 12-man battle royal; a three-way “Brawl in the Lou” between Thom Latimer, Crimson and Tim Storm; and a six-man featuring TV Champion Tyrus, the Masked Man and Jordan Clearwater vs. former champion Da Pope, Parrow and Odinson.
Our live coverage begins at 8 PM Eastern
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Preshow
The preshow started with Jax Dane at ringside with May Valentine. Dane talked about how he isn’t wrestling tonight, but due to the Champions Series he can cash in for a title match. He also talked about Crimson, and how he was cheering for him in his match tonight, but hinted that Crimson was in his shadow, so it was time for him to step out.
The Hex (Marti Belle & Allysin Kay) & Lady Frost defeated Taryn Terrell, Paola Blaze, & Jennacide
This was a mostly fine tag match, but Marti Belle did not look good. Everyone else was fine though, and I liked the finish, as it sets up some intrigue between Lady Frost and The Hex.
Marti Belle and Paola Blaze started the match, but Belle was immediately lost and there was a series of botched moves. Allysin Kay and Jennacide ended up in the ring, and that was an immediate improvement. Jennacide got nailed with a stunner from Kay, who tagged in Marti Belle again.
Belle got a knee to the back from Terrell, which resulted in her getting distracted and Jennacide cutting her off. They then started to get the heat on Marti Belle. It didn’t last long though, as Belle and Kay dumped Jennacide to the floor before hitting the Hexecution on Blaze. Lady Frost blind tagged in and then hit a moonsault on Blaze for the pinfall.
Austin Idol was with May Valentine at ringside. Idol talked about how St. Louis was the gateway to the west, and that he was the gateway to the NWA. He talked about Tyrus and the only risk he would have is that he might get bored beating people up.
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PJ Hawx defeated Colby Corino
Corino started the match, roughing up Hawx. Hawx kicked Corino in the midsection, causing him to fall to the apron. Corino blocked a suplex into the ring and hit a spear through the ropes for a 2-count. Corino did a bridging chinlock, but Hawx simply rolled on top of Corino to escape and got a 2-count.
Hawx suplexed Corino into the ring through the middle rope, which was impressive. Hawx made a bit of a comeback here, hitting a Fisherman’s Buster for a 2-count. Corino begged off to sucker Hawx in, hit a package backbreaker and a senton for a 2 count, but Hawx rolled through an attack and locked on the Hawx Clutch and got the tap out!
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Main Show
May Valentine, Aron Stevens, and Kratos did another mock promo like it was 1968 this time, talking about the 20th anniversary of the NWA before fading to footage of Pat O’Connor, and then the intro video narrated by John Goodman. This was really great.
The Brawl in the Lou: Tim Storm defeated Thom Latimer, & Crimson
This match was way wilder than I could have imagined, as everyone did some crazy stuff in this one. Tim Storm winning was a perfect way to open the show. Very good match here, and Tim Storm led the fans in an NWA chant after victory.
Before the match started, Jax Dane attacked Crimson and threw him into the guardrail. Dane bridged a ladder between the stairs and hit a Fireman’s Carry slam onto the ladder, leaving him laying on the mat before beating Crimson down with the ladder. The crowd booed Dane. In the chaos happening, Latimer nailed Tim Storm with a few chair shots, demanded the bell be rung, and Storm kicked out at 2.
Tim Storm rolled the floor, pulled a garbage can out, and nailed Latimer with it. Storm setup the can in the corner, and clotheslined Latimer to the floor. Storm pulled a huge ladder out from under the ring, which popped the crowd. Storm slammed Latimer on the floor and looked up at the 20-foot ladder. Latimer cut storm off with a trash can lid and sent him into the apron.
Latimer bridged a guardrail across the aisle and laid storm on it before climbing the ladder. Latimer hit a Senton Bomb off the top of the ladder through the guardrail on Storm! That was insane. Crimson made his way down the aisle here, and checked on Storm on the floor, and then rolled into the ring to fight Latimer.
Crimson hit a spinebuster on Latimer and an exploder suplex. Crimson dropkicked a chair into Latimer’s face and setup two chairs in the ring. Crimson hit a Death Valley Driver into the chairs, and as the referee was making the count, Tim Storm pulled the referee from the ring, somehow standing back up.
Storm and Crimson were selling their injuries as they faced off, and the crowd was very behind Storm. Crimson took off his belt, and Storm grabbed the referee’s belt so that it’s even and they started whipping each other with the belts. When Latimer came back in, they both whipped him and threw him out of the ring before.
Crimson tried to hit a Death Valley Driver on Storm, but fell over selling his ribs from the ladder attack earlier. Tim Storm got up and hit Perfect Storm on Crimson and managed to score the pinfall. This match was awesome.
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Mickie James defeated Kylie Rae
Solid little match here, and Mickie James looked fantastic. Kylie Rae is great too, so this was fun,
The fans chanted “Thank you Mickie!” before the match, and Kylie Rae joined in. Both women shook hands before the match. The opening part of the match was several holds and some technical wrestling. I really liked that. There was one awkward spot when Rae missed a basement dropkick, but it was just slightly mistimed. They exchanged more holds, and Rae locked on an STF.
James hit a flapjack on Rae and then went to the top rope. Rae rand up and kicked James in the head before climbing the ropes and going for a superplex, but James fought it off and hit a flying Thesz press. Rae hit a superkick on James and got a 2-count, to Rae’s frustration. Rae locked a crossface on, but James slipped out. Rae went for a cannonball into the corner, but James dodged and hit a big DDT for the 1-2-3.
A masked woman came out and attacked Mickie James after the match, and it was Deonna Purrazzo. Purrazzo left James lying in the middle of the ring and Rae came back in to make the save.
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Tyrus, The Masked Man, & Jordan Clearwater w/ Austin Idol defeated The End (Odinson & Parrow) & The Pope
Why is Tyrus a thing? This match went too long, and there was too much slow heat in the middle of it.
Parrow started the match with Jordan Clearwater, and it did not go well for him, as Parrow and Odinson dominated him in the early parts of the match. Pope hit a double blockbuster on The Masked Man and Clearwater, but Tyrus attacked him from behind and hit a suplex on Pope. Clearwater came in and they started to work Pope over.
Odinson came in after getting tagged in and got some offence in, but The Masked Man hit a big kick and tagged in Tyrus. The Masked Man hit a suplex on Odinson. Clearwater continued getting the heat on Odinson for the next few minutes. Tyrus climbed up the middle rope and fell into the ring badly as he… I guess it was a splash attempt? I have no idea what Tyrus was actually going for. Either way, Odinson moved and tagged in Parrow.
Parrow and Odinson hit double powerbombs on the Masked Man and Clearwater while Pope hit a suicide dive on Tyrus. BLK Jeez ran out and shoved Odinson off the top rope and Parrow went after him while Tyrus hit the heart punch on Odinson. The Masked Man blind tagged and took the pinfall.
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NWA National Championship: Chris Adonis defeated James Storm
This match was merely okay. It was slower paced, but was far better when Storm was on offence. I didn’t like the finish, as I don’t like Dusty finishes like that, but it wouldn’t be the NWA without a Dusty finish.
Storm and Adonis started the match slow, but eventually Storm was able to hit a Thesz press and sent Adonis to the floor. Storm followed, but Adonis posted him and drove him into the guardrail to get the upperhand. Adonis hit a Russian leg sweep and put a chinlock on Storm. Adonis continued to get the heat for a few minutes. Adonis drove Storm’s face into the top turnbuckle several times, but Storm no sold it, and he started his comeback.
Storm hit a flying forearm, an inverted atomic drop, and a clothesline, but Adonis cut him off with a back elbow. Storm hit a kick to the seated Adonis, who was on the top rope. Storm hit a big Frankensteiner off the top rope and went for the 8-Second Ride, but Adonis kicked out. Storm hit a codebreaker and called for the superkick. Adonis blocked it and hit a spinebuster, but Storm kicked out.
Adonis was not discouraged though, and locked on the Master Lock. Adonis transitioned into a full nelson slam, but Storm kicked out. Adonis grabbed Storm’s beer, but Storm superkicked him when he took a swig. The referee counted the pinfall, but Adonis had his foot on the ropes, so the match was not over yet.
Adonis managed to crawl back to his feet and as the fans chanted “Ref, you suck!” Adonis cradled Storm and got his feet on the ropes for the pinfall.
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Ric Flair’s car commercial aired, and it was my first time seeing it. It made me laugh quite a bit. Then Kyle Davis introduced Flair as the greatest NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion of all time. Flair got a huge pop from the crowd, and he looked humbled to be back in the Chase. This was already awesome.
Flair talked about what he did yesterday with various celebrities. The reason for this was because he was the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion. He said the fans kept the NWA alive. He said that St. Louis and the Chase was his home, and he was glad to be back. Flair asked if he could have a minute to speak, and Corgan told him, “You’re Ric Flair, you can say whatever you want.”
Flair thanked several people, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, Vince McMahon, and several other people. He said Triple H has the NWA Championship hanging in his office, because he knew and loved Ric Flair. Flair said guys like him, Austin, and Michaels gave him so much, and always asked him stories about the NWA.
Flair told a story about Harley Race, and how he was a go between him and Bruiser Brody, and Flair made it seem like he was terrified to do so. This was fun. Flair talked about everyone he faced at the Chase, and he then said to name any wrestler from the past because they all grew up on the NWA, and they all respected Ric Flair.
Flair talked how important it was to have a ton of different brands of wrestling, because not everyone can make it to WWE or AEW, and he loves being here at the NWA, then on Thursday going to be with Tony Khan, and then being front row watching Chris Jericho. Flair talked about how he returned to WWE in the early 2000s, and he thanked Randy Orton, and then shouted out Charlotte, calling her the queen.
Flair joked that when Corgan called him, he expected to have a match with Aldis. Corgan said, “I just need you to talk” and he said, “Well, okay, I can do that.” That was hilarious. Flair said he was going to do this for free, but Corgan paid him anyway, and then he thanked the fans and everyone who is a fan of him and treated him fairly.
This was great.
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12-Man Battle Royal – Judias w/ Father James Mitchell defeated El Rudo, Jamie Stanley, Marsche Rockett, Slice Boogie, Jeremiah Plunkett, Luke Hawx, JTG, Captain Yuma, Rush Freeman, Heartthrob Jaden, Mims, & Sal Rinauro
No one knew who Judias was, despite knowing who James Mitchell were. The match was super slow, and had no real stars in it outside of JTG, and the fans wanted JTG to win. Baffling to have a heel win here when a heel holds the National Title, and now Judias is the #1 contender for Adonis’ title.
Judias was a surprise entrant in the battle royal. This was basically a standard battle royale with nothing majorly eventful happening until a few people were thrown out. The commentators were acting like Judias was the biggest guy in the ring, but he was not. Marche Rockett was bigger, for example. As Rockett and Boogie were trying to get rid of Rudo, Rush Freeman was eliminated.
The Heartthrob was out next. James Mitchell paced at ringside, barking instructions to Judias, who Tim Storm accidentally called Josiah. Tim, that’s me. Not him. Yuma was eliminated in an amusing way by Plunkett as Yuma was posing on the apron. There was a 7-man suplex spot, which got a nice reaction from the crowd. Jeremiah Plunkett was eliminated by Marche Rockett, but Sal Rinauro then tossed Rockett.
Judias hit a crucifix bomb on Sal Rinauro over the top rope onto Rockett and Plunkett. Stanley and Rudo were eliminated next, though a few minutes apart. This match is going too long. Slice Boogie was eliminated by Luke Hawx. Mims went out of the ring quickly after this, and the fans chanted JTG as Hawx and Judias were the other two left.
Judias hit a flying clothesline on Hawx, and Hawx spilled to the floor. JTG went to the apron and Judias kept kicking his hands to try and get him out, but JTG kept grabbing the ropes. Judias blocked a punch, but JTG kept fighting, hitting a big headbutt on Judias, but Judias hit a sloppy punch off the middle rope and JTG fell to the floor. This sucked.
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NWA World Women’s Championship: Kamille defeated Chelsea Green
I really wanted to like this match, but I honestly think it was hurt by how great Kamille vs. Leyla Hirsch was last night. There was no way that one could live up to what they did there, as it was truly outstanding. I did like a few of the story elements in this match, and the story of Kamille getting the submission. I liked that.
It seemed Kamille was learning the full nelson from Adonis, because she used it in the early portion of this match before hitting a Bubba Bomb. There were several pinfall attempts, with neither getting the advantage. When they got back to their feet, Green went for the Unprettier, but Kamille powered out and later hit a forearm to the back of Green, driving her into the turnbuckle.
Kamille threw Green across the ring with a gutwrench suplex. Kamille hit a Samoan drop for a 2-count. Kamille worked over the wrist for the next few minutes, but Green managed to hit a cutter and both women were down. Green hit the ropes and hit a few clotheslines. Green hit a twisting sort of neckbreaker for a 2-count.
Green hit a missile dropkick, but Kamille kicked out. She hit a Radio Silence on Green, which was actually a nice little nod to who Green is engaged to. The announcers missed this though. Kamille went for a spear, but Green dodged and hit a German suplex, but Kamille still managed to hit a spear. Green barely got her foot on the ropes.
Green went for the Unprettier, but Kamille countered and then went right after the broken wrist of Green, and forced the tapout. Kamille clearly learned from her match with Leyla Hirsch last night, based on how Hirsch worked over the arm last night.
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NWA World Tag Team Championship: La Rebelion (Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf) w/ Konnan defeated Aron Stevens & Kratos
We have new NWA World Tag Team Champions with La Rebelion, despite the best efforts of Kratos and Stevens, who actually looked great as a team here in this match. Not a bad match at all here, but this match and the women’s title match were hurt by the battle royale pretty badly.
Konnan came out with La Rebelion, offering support to them, and getting a great reaction from the crowd. Stevens started the match with Bestia, and it seemed like Kratos and Stevens ended up on the same page for the most part for this match, though Joe Galli calling them like brothers here seems like they’re going to turn on each other at some point soon. I honestly hope they don’t because I like them as a team.
Kratos did a dead lift suplex on Bestia for a 2-count. La Rebelion and Konnan triple teamed Stevens in the corner. Konnan got on the apron, so Stevens dropped him. I don’t think the boos from the crowd at this was the intended effect. Mecha Wolf mouthed off to Kratos and tagged out to Bestia, as La Rebelion worked over Stevens with fast paced double team moves.
La Rebelion continued to get the heat on Stevens for the next few minutes. Stevens hit a spear on Bestia and went for the tag to Kratos, but Mecha Wolf pulled Kratos off the apron. Kratos got psyched up for the tag and was going nuts on the apron. Stevens finally made the hot tag, and Kratos went wild crushing La Rebelion.
Kratos hit a huge Death Valley Driver on Bestia, but Mecha Wolf broke it up. Mecha Wolf then hit a suicide dive on Aron Stevens, who dropped to the floor hard. Kratos looked infuriated, and I worry for the health of anyone that sees that look in their direction. Kratos hit a huge pele kick on Bestia and then a falcon arrow for a 2-count that Mecha Wolf broke up.
Kratos smashed Mecha Wolf with a huge punch to the delight of the crowd. Kratos put Bestia on his shoulders and tagged in Stevens, but Bestia slipped out and sent Kratos to the floor. La Rebelion hit a double knee shot to Kratos after a low blow from Mecha Wolf to Stevens. Bestia hit a moonsault off the top rope to the floor on Kratos. La Rebelion hit Mark of the Beast on Stevens and scored the pinfall.
Konnan cut a great promo on how great the NWA was, and how great it was that promotions are working together.
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NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship: Trevor Murdoch defeated Nick Aldis in a Title vs. Career match
This match was fantastic. There were some highs and lows on this show, but this was a truly great match. I admit, I teared up when his wife and kids came into the ring and they all shared a hug. His whole family was crying with joy. This was awesome.
Trevor Murdoch’s family was in the front row, including his young child, who he kissed on his way to the ring. Murdoch went around ringside shaking hands and high fiving every single fan he could. Murdoch is in his home state, and in the same building that Harley Race wrestled many times.
The crowd chanted for Harley Race before the match, understanding how significant this is. Murdoch went to give his jacket to his wife at ringside, but Aldis attacked him, and they started brawling right away. Murdoch threw Aldis into the crowd, who went nuts as they started brawling around the Chase.
Aldis raked the eyes of Murdoch and raked his eyes and then drove Murdoch into the guardrail. This is what the show needed to get the crowd back, as the wild brawl got them back and invested into this match. Aldis and Murdoch ended up on the stage, trading punches. Aldis went for a suplex on the rap, but Pat Kenney told Aldis to get in the ring. Aldis hit a spinebuster on Murdoch on the stage, and Billy Corgan came out and started telling Aldis to get in the ring.
Aldis challenged Corgan to hit him, and officals had to keep them apart as Corgan tried to get it back to into the ring. Aldis slammed Murdoch on the stage to boos from the crowd. Murdoch and Aldis finally made their way back down to the ring, as Murdoch continued to sell the beating from Aldis.
As soon as the bell rang though, Murdoch fired up and started hitting punches to a roar from the crowd. Murdoch ate a big boot and Aldis hit an Olympic Slam on Murdoch. Aldis clearly learned that from Angle while in TNA, as the announcers pointed out. Aldis hit a Thesz press for a 2-count. Tim Storm was losing his mind at this point, drawing on wrestling history and Aldis’ history to pick up on the little things Aldis did. That was great.
Aldis chopped Murdoch hard in the corner, but got thrown off the top rope when he went for something up there. Murdoch climbed the middle ropes setting up the bulldog, but went for a dropkick instead, but Aldis caught him and went for the figure four, but Murdoch countered and rolled him up. Aldis kicked out, but Murdoch went to a figure four of his own immediately.
Aldis made the ropes, but Aldis sold his knee, as the damage was done. Murdoch charged at Aldis, but he moved and Murdoch hit the ring post with his shoulder. Aldis put on an abdominal stretch on Murdoch and kept doing the old school cheating of grabbing the ropes. The referee kicked the hand of Aldis, and Murdoch hit the hip toss to get out of the move.
Murdoch went for a clothesline, but Aldis ducked and Murdoch leveled the referee by accident. Murdoch hit a big sitout bomb on Aldis and tried to awaken the referee. Aldis low blowed Murdoch. Aldis brought Murdoch to ringside and started beating on him right in front of his son before smashing Murdoch’s head into the ring post multiple times.
Aldis grabbed a table and put Murdoch on it after taking out the time keeper and Kyle Davis to get said table. Aldis went up to the top rope and hit a flying elbow through the table on the floor. Aldis got up first, as Murdoch was left in a heap on the floor. Aldis pulled Murdoch from the wreckage and rolled him into the ring.
Aldis only got a 2-count. The crowd was fully behind Murdoch here, as his son fired up and then Murdoch hit a code red on Aldis for a 2-count. Murdoch tried to get to the top rope to hit the bulldog, but he was exhausted and hurt. Aldis cut him off and hit a tombstone on Murdoch before crawling up to the top rope.
Aldis hit a huge flying elbow, and Murdoch kicked out again, and every fan in the building were on their feet here. Murdoch managed to hit a superplex on Aldis, but Aldis barely kicked out. Murdoch’s son was nearly in tears cheering his dad on, and he went for the bulldog again, but Aldis dodged and locked on the Kingsland Cloverleaf.
Murdoch made the ropes and refused to tap out. Murdoch and Aldis exchanged punches, and Murdoch hit the Harley Race piledriver on Aldis and climbed the top rope and finally hit the bulldog and pinned Nick Aldis clean as a sheet in the middle of the ring.
Ric Flair and Murdoch’s family came into the ring to congratulate him, and Flair talked about how Murdoch should be proud because he represented Harley Race so well. Murdoch thanked all the fans, thanked Harley Race, and said he was going to represent the NWA with everything he got. What a great ending to this show.
Final Thoughts
This show had a few lows, but the highs of this show were truly great. Trevor Murdoch and Nick Aldis was a satisfying conclusion to their story, with Murdoch finally winning the big one, and celebrating in his home state. This weekend for the NWA can only be seen as a massive success, as they sold out the Chase Ballroom for two nights in a row and delivered two great shows.
The NWA needed a show like this, and having someone like Murdoch finally achieve his dream of being a world champion in the town that Harley Race built, in the venue that Harley Race made famous, was perfect. This show was an absolutely homerun for the NWA, with a fantastic happy ending.
A title vs. career stipulation has been added to the NWA World title match between Nick Aldis vs. Trevor Murdoch at the Sunday, August 29th NWA 73 pay-per-view.
Murdoch has failed to capture the title from Aldis on two separate occasions. His first chance came at June’s When Our Shadows Fall where he was disqualified after Aldis made it look like he used a chair on the referee. After losing to Aldis in a rematch at The Gathering II last month, Murdoch made another challenge and agreed to retire if he couldn’t beat Aldis.
Although this happened a few weeks ago, the promo aired last night on a special preview episode of NWA Power.
The 40-year-old Murdoch has been wrestling for 23 years and has spent time in WWE, TNA, Pro Wrestling NOAH and NWA.
NWA 73 is scheduled to take place at the historic Chase Ballroom in St. Louis, Missouri.
Here’s the full card:
NWA World Champion Nick Aldis vs. Trevor Murdoch career vs. title match
NWA National Champion Chris Adonis vs. James Storm title match
NWA Tag Team Champions Aron Stevens and JR Kratos vs. La Rebelion (Bestia 666 and Mecha Wolf 450) title match
NWA Women’s title match: Kamille (c) or Leyla Hirsch vs. winner of the NWA Women’s Invitational Cup gauntlet
Thom Latimer vs. Crimson vs. Tim Storm
Mickie James vs. Kylie Rae
12-man battle royal to determine the number one contender to the NWA National title
TV Champion Tyrus, The Masked Man and Jordan Clearwater (w/ Austin Idol) vs. Da Pope and The End (Odinson and Parrow)
The main event for NWA’s next pay-per-view is now official as World Champion Nick Aldis will defned against Trevor Murdoch at When Our Shadows Fall
Murdoch, Chris Adonis and Thom Latimer were the final three men in the ring in a battle royale held on tonight’s NWA Power to determine the next challenger for the title. Adonis and Latimer attempted to team up to take out Murdoch, but their plan failed as both were dumped to the floor, giving Murdoch the win.
The NWA later confirmed on social media that his title match would take place at the Sunday, June 6th PPV on FITE.tv.
After the battle royal, Aldis went to attack Murdoch, but that also failed as the former NWA National Champion laid him out with a top rope bulldog. He closed out the show cutting a promo at the podium. In tears, he described what an honor it was to challenge for the title, citing Harley Race and how he missed him and that he wants to hold the championship that Race once held.
NWA Power Surge opened with Thunder Rosa at the desk with May Valentine and Joe Galli. Rosa talked about how she was very proud to be doing good things for women’s wrestling both in the NWA, and on the independent scene. Rosa called Kamille a coward, and said she wasn’t sure that she was going to face her.
Jennacide defeated Skye Blue
This was a solid little squash match that made Jennacide look great. Skye Blue bumped well, and sold that Jennacide was a total monster.
Joe Galli claimed that Jennacide learned Muay Thai by having it downloaded directly into her brain, like something out of the Matrix. I found that amusing.
Jennacide dominated a good portion of this match, using strikes and a surfboard stretch before hitting a Yakuza kick in the corner. Jennacide countered a head scissors into a tombstone for the win.
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Trevor Murdoch speaks —
A recap of the events surrounding Trevor Murdoch aired, ending with how he was suspended for 30 days.
Murdoch sat down with May Valentine to talk about what happened, and he said he was beat up physically. He said he didn’t expect much when he first came to the NWA, he only wanted to make a splash and stand out. He said he has moved up the ranks and dealt with Nick Aldis putting obstacles in his way, but he wasn’t used to the easy path and accepted that life is hard.
Murdoch said that at the end of the day he had to look at the mirror and he has two young sons at home that he needs to teach how to be a man and carry themselves.
He said nobody wants to put in the hard work and sacrifice everything, and that he had to choose between rent and paying for gas to get to the next wrestling show. He sacrifices time with his family, time with his friends, and working towards the goal of becoming world champion.
He said that a lot of men don’t make it to the top, and there are far more that try to get there. He said that Harley Race set the pace and standard for him, and he is going to follow his path. Murdoch got emotional about missing Race, as he wanted him to be here to show him how far he has gotten.
He is promising to do this for Harley Race, the fans, and his kids that he can be a champion in the NWA.
I assume this was taped before he was suspended for 30 days without pay, but this was an awesome interview building up Murdoch’s motivation for going after the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship.
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A recap of what is happening between Kratos and Aron Stevens aired.
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Number one contenders announced for the NWA World Tag Team titles —
Nick Aldis talked about what was going on with Stevens, and Joe Galli asked if the decision for Thom Latimer to pick Kratos as his tag partner on Power was something Aldis decided. Instead, Aldis confirmed that Latimer made the decision himself.
Aldis then announced that Latimer and Adonis are the number one contenders for the NWA World Tag Team Championship. Aldis said that no one comes into the door of the NWA without him knowing everything about them, and he keeps a close eye on everyone, including Kratos. Aldis said he felt very confident about Latimer and Adonis taking the titles.
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NWA Worlds Heavyweight title number one contender battle royal announcement —
Aldis said that he wanted the most qualified person to challenge for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, and he was looking for someone to step up. Joe Galli then announced that there will be a 14-man battle royal for the number one contendership to the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, and that no one who is a current champion in the NWA will be in the match. The match will be held in three weeks.
Aldis was very upset to hear this, and was shocked that Galli had the scoop on him, which he claimed wasn’t supposed to happen as the show went off the air. This was excellent.
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Final thoughts —
It seems that Power Surge is going to be mostly a recap show and a chance for one talent to get a good squash in with a few new promos. The promos are absolutely worth watching when they air, as they are always quality.
I loved what we saw from Murdoch and Aldis on this show. If you watch anything on this episode, watch that.
Nick Aldis opened the show saying that Murdoch should have known what was going to happen if he poked his nose in his business. Aldis said that it was time for Murdoch and Adonis to have a fight one more time, but Kyle Davis implied that Aldis wanted to avoid him and didn’t want Murdoch in the NWA.
Aldis took exception to this, but he did offer a spot to Murdoch, asking him to come out with no funny business. Murdoch came out and said he wasn’t going to take the risk of beating Aldis up right now because he didn’t want to put a shot at a title in jeopardy. Murdoch demanded an apology and was seething at Aldis.
Aldis suggested that there be a six-man tag tonight with Adonis & Latimer with a 3rd man against Murdoch, and if he won, he gets a National title shot. If he loses, he gets suspended for 30 days with no pay. Murdoch said that it was funny that as soon as he started targeting Aldis and his title, he backpedaled on his statements that Murdoch wasn’t worthy of being a champion, but that he didn’t back down from a fight and he was going to take this chance.
Kratos and Sal Rinauro went to a no contest
This was more of an angle than a match, as it set up the mystery man in the main event, and furthered the story that Kratos and Stevens are not getting along. Good angle, bad match.
Poor Sal got beat up badly right from the starting bell, as Kratos used his size to stay on top of Sal. Kratos hit a huge suplex, and May Valentine and Danny Deals came out to try and defend Sal. Deals got chokeslammed, and Kratos continued to pound on Sal as Sal rolled to the ropes and refused to break as the referee ruled it a no contest. Aron Stevens tried to calm Kratos down, but he wouldn’t listen.
Kratos rolled out and walked to the announce desk and got in the face of Tim Storm. Storm stood up and slowly took his headset off. They went face to face, and Storm tried to deescalate the situation as Thom Latimer and Chris Adonis came out and announced that they saw something in Kratos and asked him to be the third man in the main event. Kratos agreed and left ringside as May attended to Sal as Stevens looked on.
Kyle Davis was with Jax Dane and Slice Boogie who are facing off in a No DQ match next week. Boogie talked about how he was just getting wins on top of wins, and Dane lost the last time they were in the ring. For some reason, Boogie was booed in this promo, and Dane was cheered, but I could have sworn it was the other way around before this episode.
NWA World Television Championship: The Pope and Tyrus went to a time limit draw
Austin Idol came out with Tyrus and joined the commentary team, and he was great. Tyrus, however, was not. The Pope tried, that’s all I can really say. This was not a good match. Velvet Sky was really bad on commentary in this match.
The match had the 6:05 time limit, and Tyrus was gassed about 60 seconds into it. Tyrus missed a corner charge, but as Pope went for the Pope Train finish, Austin Idol grabbed his foot and Tyrus hit a corner charge and an elbow for a two-count.
Tyrus locked on a bear hug in a squat position, but couldn’t actually lift Pope out of the position, so he just dropped him and stood up. Pope got up and hit some strikes and an eye poke, which Austin Idol lost his mind over on commentary.
Pope hit a missile dropkick and Idol went back to ringside. Pope hit a crossbody off the apron onto Tyrus. Idol distracted Pope and Tyrus locked on a chokehold as the time limit expired, and Pope was left laying on the outside of the ring.
Thunder Rosa came out and May Valentine informed us that the NWA wanted her and Kamille to end their feud peacefully, so they are requiring advocates to speak on their behalf. Rosa chose Melina, reluctantly, but decided that because of their history, she was the best choice.
Kamille also reluctantly chose Taryn Terrell, who was overjoyed to be picked by Kamille. Melina started and actually cut a good promo about how great Thunder Rosa is, talking about her success in the NWA and AEW. Melina made a good point – Kamille won the number one contendership but has kept going after Rosa, so she was the one that kept this going.
Terrell talked about how Rosa was jealous in the most annoying way possible. Melina suggested that Rosa and Kamille have a rematch since she wasn’t done yet, and puts the #1 contendership on the line.
Terrell said that they would do the match, but there were conditions and they would deliver the list of conditions next week. Melina threw a punch at Terrell, and Rosa tried to get at Kamille as the segment ended.
Team Aldis (Thom Latimer, Chris Adonis, & Kratos) defeated Team Murdoch (Trevor Murdoch, Aron Stevens, & Tim Storm)
This was a heavy heat match and furthered the angle between Murdoch and Aldis. Aldis kept his word and wasn’t involved, but Murdoch still lost and now has to spend 30 days unpaid at home. Not sure what the NWA is going to do with the guy they have been pushing as a top babyface not there. This was a good match.
Murdoch’s partners took their time coming out, and to everyone’s surprise, Aron Stevens joined Murdoch, on the opposite side from his own tag team partner. Sal Rinauro came out, but Tim Storm walked out after and told Rinauro to go to the back.
As the match started, Storm went right for Kratos. Latimer was yelling about how Storm shouldn’t cross them, which seems to be furthering the tension between him and Nick Aldis. Stevens and Kratos were left in the ring, but Stevens didn’t want to fight Kratos, so Tim Storm and Latimer ended up in the ring.
Kratos wanted to fight Stevens, but Stevens was reluctant to face off against his own partner. Stevens went to tag Kratos by instinct once, but soon thereafter went back to his own corner. Sadly, for Stevens, it wasn’t long before they were getting the heat on him.
The heels kept this up for several minutes, with Latimer and Adonis beating on Stevens. Kratos, however, didn’t tag in. He was very joyful seeing Stevens get beat up, but he didn’t tag in right away. Stevens dodged a corner charge from Latimer and managed to make the hot tag to Storm.
Storm ran wild but got distracted when Sal Rinauro got on the apron to cheer storm on, and Adonis took advantage of this and hit a full nelson slam for the pinfall victory. Storm was left laying in the middle of the ring. Kratos refused to help Aron Stevens up as the show went off the air.
Final Thoughts
Trevor Murdoch must go home for 30 days, unpaid now. I asked above, but the question remains: What does the NWA do now without the guy they have positioned in a top babyface role? Will we see a return of the Midnight Rider type angle here with Murdoch? The more I think about it, the more I like that idea.
I’m not sure where they are going to go with this, but having Murdoch appear under a mask and pretend to be someone else could be a really fun 4 weeks, as Murdoch could then outwit Strictly Business leading into the next PPV. If there is no mention of Murdoch on TV, then I think that is a terrible choice, given that they want to push him as a top guy in line for Aldis’ title.
NWA Power opened with Trevor Murdoch talking to Kyle Davis. He cut one heck of a promo about how he wanted another shot at National Champion Chris Adonis. Murdoch welcomed Adonis into the company and gave him a shot. The thanks he got was Adonis trying to end his career. Murdoch said he would agree to any stipulation in order to get a shot.
NWA World Champion Nick Aldis made his way out instead and said he was the one that really welcomed Murdoch and Adonis and everyone else into the NWA. He was also angry that Murdoch implied it was Aldis’ fault that he was no longer the National Champion. Aldis said Murdoch only had to look into the mirror to see why he wasn’t champion and was too dumb to realize he was being played.
Aldis said Adonis did him a favor because Murdoch isn’t the kind of person that the NWA really wants as champion anyway. He told him to take the night off. Aldis said he was going to take the main event in an exhibition for a young talent and Murdoch could learn from watching it. He said Murdoch would learn that he isn’t championship material, but, if Murdoch stays away from the main event, he might give him an opportunity.
Murdoch said if he was promised a chance at the NWA title, he might not show up. Aldis said that if he doesn’t get involved tonight, they’ll talk. This was absolutely fantastic: a great promo from Aldis and a wonderful babyface performance from Murdoch. I never thought I would want to see these two in a title match, but here we are.
— Sliced Boogie was with May Valentine and he cut a promo on Jax Dane, saying he wanted him one-on-one, having defeated Crimson and Dane (who spent most of the match on the floor). He then continued to flirt with Valentine.
Sal Rinauro defeated Tag Team Champions Aron Stevens & Kratos in a non-title handicap match
This was more a storytelling segment rather than a match in the strictest sense. Tim Storm ended up being the tag partner completely by accident for Rinauro, but I liked how they got there. It looks like we’ll be seeing Storm and Rinaruo challenge for the Tag Team titles soon.
Stevens and Kratos looked confused as Rinauro’s partner hadn’t shown up yet despite Rinauro saying that it was a NWA world champion and he was on his way.
Stevens started the match, keeping Rinauro grounded in the early on. Rinauro wasn’t one to be outwrestled but was soon facing off with Kratos who looked like he wanted to murder him. Kratos beat on Rinauro for a few minutes and then Danny Deals made his way down to ringside, apparently as Rinauro’s partner.
Kratos beat on Deals which made Tim Storm more and more upset on commentary. Kratos beat on Rinauro in the corner and the referee was trying to pull him off. Storm had seen enough and climbed onto the apron to get Stevens to pull him off. Stevens pulled Kratos off and they started arguing, playing back to the last few weeks.
Kratos tried to hit Stevens, but Stevens ducked and Storm blocked the punch, threw one of his own, and Rinauro rolled Kratos up for the pinfall. It looks like Rinauro’s partner is going to be Storm.
— Austin Idol, Tyrus, and TV Champion The Pope were at the podium, Tyrus actually did a lot of talking here and cut a decent promo. He knew Pope for a long time, but Pope was never a guy who was the man. He always had people in front of him and never became the man until Tyrus stepped away from the business. Pope became the TV champion and suddenly, he was the man now.
Tyrus said that Idol was the man that invented that title which is kind of true as the NWA Georgia TV title became the NWA National TV title when Idol won it. However, it’s not the NWA TV title later seen in WCW that became their TV title.
Pope said Tyrus needed to earn his shot and he didn’t seem happy about that. Nevertheless, he reported to the ring for his #1 contender match.
Tyrus defeated Matt Cross & Marshe Rockett in a three-way to become the #1 Contender to the NWA Television Championship
I don’t really have any other way to put this: this match sucked. I try to be positive, but Tyrus was plain awful in this match.
As it started, Joe Galli started to do some Steiner math to calculate the chances of Cross and Rockett which made me laugh. Tyrus did some horrifically terrible offense in as he overpowered Cross and Rockett.
Cross tried really hard to move the glacially slow Tyrus and sold like crazy for him. Tyrus oozed to the floor in slow motion like cold molasses after taking a dropkick from Rockett. That left two guys in the ring that can actually move. Rockett caught Cross in a crossbody which was great.
Cross hit the shooting star press on Rockett, but Tyrus slowly flew in (if you can call it that) with an elbow, shoved Cross off, and pinned Rockett to earn a title shot. This sucked.
— Chris Adonis & Thom Latimer were with May Valentine and said they were targeting the Tag Team titles next and that Murdoch would be nuts to keep trying to come after them.
Kamille defeated Jennacide
This was a decent match and way more competitive than I thought it would be. Jennacide got a lot of offense in and it was clear they wanted her to appear as a legitimate threat which the match accomplished.
There was a test of strength early on that ended relatively even. Jennacide slammed Kamille and then Kamille slammed her. They both exchanged moves for a bit, but Kamille ate a mafia kick in the corner. But as Jennacide hit the ropes, Kamille hit a spinning heel kick.
Jennacide was able to keep pace with Kamille for most of the match, including kicking out of a spear, but a second one finished it for Kamille. Jennacide looked good in defeat and did a decent job raising her own stock. It wasn’t a great match by any stretch, but I think they have something with her and hopefully will find a place for her.
Melina ran down to confront Kamille after the match and got speared, Thunder Rosa came down to ringside and argued with Melina.
NWA World Champion Nick Aldis vs. Jordan Clearwater non-title exhibition was declared a no contest
As the match started, Murdoch, Latimer and Adonis spilled out to ringside brawling all over the place. The numbers were clearly not on Murdoch’s side and Adonis and Latimer threw him into the ring as the referee threw the match out before it started.
Adonis hit a huge full nelson slam on Murdoch and Aldis stood over him, looking disgusted. He high fived Adonis and Latimer as the show went off the air.
Final Thoughts:
This was a decent episode of NWA Power outside of the horrific performance of Tyrus. He did not look good in any respect outside of his promo which is probably the best role for him rather than actually being in the ring. I think the 71-year-old Austin Idol would work a better match.
Murdoch played the perfect babyface and Aldis was the perfect heel on this show. This was easily the highlight and if you watch anything from it, make sure it’s the opening promo and closing angle. Jennacide seems to be someone they see something in, so we shall see what they do going forward.
I’m not sure where the Thunder Rosa and Kamille feud is going. Kamille needs to get her title shot against Serena Deeb soon, but we haven’t seen Deeb on Power yet. She is still injured, but they could have her cut a promo.
Regardless, I never imagined I would be into a feud with Aldis and Murdoch years ago, but here we are. They both performed very well and I’m intrigued to see what is next.
Nick Aldis opened the show, and said he wanted to discuss an affliction he has been dealing with for a long time – all he knows how to do is win. He doesn’t know how to do anything else, pointing out that he beat Aron Stevens at Back for the Attack, and how Strictly Business won last week too.
Davis asked if Adonis was joining Strictly Business, and Aldis said that they were getting ahead of themselves. As they were talking, Trevor Murdoch came out and confronted Aldis for teaming with him last week after condemning him in the opening promo. Murdoch said that he was in a hospital for a week because of Adonis, and he couldn’t collect pay for his family.
Murdoch demanded another match with Adonis that is no DQ, no countout, and he’ll put the NWA National title on the line. Aldis was offended that Murdoch cut him off, and said the last thing he wants to do if he is worried about missing work is to cross him.
Aldis then reminded him of the number one rule that Harley Race taught them both – never turn your back on your opponent. Chris Adonis came out and attacked Murdoch and beat him down, while Aldis looked on with joy. Referees came out to break it up, and a doctor came out to check on Murdoch.
Fantastic opening segment. Murdoch was able to walk out, but he was clearly hurt again, making this feud even more personal.
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Aron Stevens and Kratos were backstage with May Valentine. Stevens talked about Joseph Hudson again, and how he changed his life. Sal Rinauro came onto the screen and asked for a World Tag Team title shot, and Stevens agreed, but said that he better be prepared, as this is the NWA.
Sliced Boogie defeated Jeremiah Plunkett
Good squash match here that further got Sliced Boogie over.
Boogie kept control for most of the match, except for a brief moment with a heat segment from Plunkett. Boogie hit a nice springboard back elbow, but missed a middle rope elbow that allowed Plunkett to get the heat. Plunkett hit a spinebuster for a two count, and then locked in a sleeper on Boogie.
Boogie got out with a back suplex, and nailed Plunkett with a clothesline and a Gotch piledriver (the Deadass Driver) for the pinfall.
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Tyrus (with Austin Idol) defeated Matthew Mims
The wrong guy won this match, as Tyrus worked over Mims with his horrible offense.
Tyrus caught Mims on a crossbody and slammed him before hitting an elbow and locking on the classic NERVE HOLD~! Mims got out and hit a few headbutts to shake Tyrus. Tyrus hit an exploder and a terrible chokeslam for the pinfall.
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Fred Rosser and Pope were at the podium. Rosser talked about how Pope was not ready for him because he was taking the TV title. Pope said that he knew Rosser for a long time, and remembered Rosser asking him for advice backstage at shows, which Rosser said off mic that “that was then, this is now”. They formally announced the match as the main event for next week. Great stuff.
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Thunder Rosa & Alex Gracia defeated Skye Blue and Jennacide by disqualification
This match was billed as a “Ladies Celebration Match” as Rosa brought in some young talent to the NWA to give them a chance. Blue, Jennacide, and Gracia were all green, but Rosa went out of her way to try and make them all look good.
Skye Blue started the match with Rosa. Blue was clearly green, but there is something there. Rosa rolled with her for some submissions back and forth, staying on top the whole time. Rosa tagged Gracia in, who hit a weak chop on Blue, but Rosa tagged back in and hit one of her own that was brutal.
Rosa and Gracia exchanged quick tags back and forth to keep the advantage. Jennacide was extremely green, but has a unique look and was the biggest woman in the match. She did power moves, including doing some squats while holding Gracia up for a slam. Rosa got the hot tag, but ate a spear from Kamille who ran out for the DQ.
Melina, who was on commentary, came over the ring and started yelling at Kamille. Rosa pulled her away, and as Kamille turned around she came face to face with Jennacide. Both of them were the same size.
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Nick Aldis was on commentary for the main event. Joe Galli wanted to address something before the match: would Tim Storm wrestle again? The answer was yes, as Storm is not done yet, but he didn’t want to take away from Aldis as champion and made no excuses – Aldis beat him for the title, even if he doesn’t like how Aldis acts.
Aldis gave a warning to Storm, saying that he was glad that he hadn’t retired, but that he needed to watch his mouth about him and Strictly Business. Looks like we might be getting Aldis and Storm one more time down the line, which I am perfectly fine with.
No DQ: Chris Adonis defeated Trevor Murdoch to win the NWA National title
The story of the match was that Murdoch had an injured neck, so while he was tough, he had little chance against the uninjured Adonis. It was a fast match, but told a great story.
Murdoch came out wearing a neck brace, which Aldis asked if it were wise for him to wrestle with that on. Adonis slammed Murdoch on the floor, as Aldis talked about how Murdoch shouldn’t be out there due to the injury, even though he played a role in it happening.
Adonis worked over the neck for the next few minutes, locked on the Masterlock and hit a full nelson slam. Adonis then picked him up and locked on the Masterlock again, and Murdoch passed out, becoming the new champion via ref stoppage.
Aldis said that this made Adonis an associate of Strictly Business, and that he wanted to celebrate the success of Adonis. Tim Storm looked on in disgust as the show closed.
Final Thoughts:
Really solid episode of NWA Power here, with lots of storylines being hinted at for the future. The one that compels me the most is the real tension we can see between Tim Storm and Nick Aldis. It’s clear Storm is disgusted by the heelish actions of Aldis, but it hasn’t gotten to the point of where he is willing to fight.
I think this is a classic slow burn, where we will see Tim Storm leave the announce desk to take on Strictly Business eventually, possibly ending with Nick Aldis and Tim Storm wrestling for the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship one last time. I loved this.
I also loved how they’re positioning Thunder Rosa as someone that wants to give new talent a shot on every show. She’s a wonderful babyface, in contrast to Kamille, who selfishly wants all the attention on her.
Lots of good stuff on this episode with future feuds being developed. I’m excited for what the NWA has in store for us down the line.
Trevor Murdoch will defend his NWA National Heavyweight title against Chris Adonis on the NWA’s Back for the Attack pay-per-view this Sunday afternoon.
Adonis is the former Chris Masters and will be making his NWA debut. While both worked in WWE at the same time, this will be their first singles match.
This will be the second defense of the title Murdoch won by beating Aron Stevens last September and his second this year. After several years away from wrestling, he began working indies again in 2018 and started with the NWA in 2019. He advanced to the finals of the NWA TV title tournament, losing to current AEW roster member Ricky Starks.
Sunday’s live show will also feature:
NWA World Champion Nick Aldis vs. Aron Stevens
NWA TV Champion Elijah Burke vs. Thom Latimer
Tyrus vs. JR Kratos
Thunder Rosa vs. Kamille for a shot at the NWA Women’s title
Crimson vs. Jax Dane vs. Jordan Clearwater vs. Slice Boogie
