Post by Ross Report on Oct 14, 2019 20:09:09 GMT
Last week saw the EWA hit up Maine for the first time ever, and this week we followed it up with our first visit to New Hampshire! What a night it was too, with virtually the whole card having been booked on last week's show, making for some eagerly-anticipated action!
Things got underway with a fantastic video package which showcased just how seriously Pete Dunne is taking the Texas Death Match with Marty Scurll at All Hallows' Evil. Awesome job by the EWA production team here, who rise to the challenge as always. While some in "The Bruiserweight's" position might believe the result to be academic in two weeks time given his victories in their first two meetings, to Dunne's credit, he's not taking Scurll lightly. Speaking of whom, "The Villain" himself was noticeably absent from proceedings for the second week running last night. I don't know about you, folks, but I get a little worried whenever we don't see or hear from someone as Machiavellian as the former World Champion for an extended period of time. It almost makes me think he's up to something, which could spell bad news for Pete Dunne. Still, Scurll is due to return to SLAM! next week when he'll be going up against Viktor, who (along with his manager Nigel Rabid) took umbrage to the suggestion I made in last week's Ross Report about wanting to see Viktor face some more seasoned opposition. Well, despite their digs at yours truly, it seems as if Viktor and Rabid had the same idea, seemingly laying out a challenge to face Dunne next Sunday only to be turned down, before then setting their sights on "The Villain" instead. That's exactly the kind of response I was hoping for, and will undoubtedly prove to be Viktor's biggest test to date! Can you imagine what a victory over the de facto number one contender would do for Viktor's career? Not to mention what it would do to Scurll's own confidence heading into All Hallows' Evil?
The "Briscoe Barnyard Brawl" got underway this week as "Mustache Mountain" faced off against Heath Slater and Trevor Murdoch, fresh off their debut victory last Sunday! I think it's safe to say that many pundits probably had Bate and Seven down as the favorites heading into this one given how much success they've enjoyed this year, but that just goes to show, nothing's a sure bet in the EWA! Indeed, Murdoch and Slater did a hell of a job isolating Trent Seven during the early goings before Tyler Bate finally received the hot tag and ran wild. Yet, just as it looked as if "Mustache Mountain" were gearing up for the big finish, Slater and Murdoch showed just how wily they can be, surprising everyone as they put Bate away with a double implant DDT to book their spot in next week's finals! That's two wins in two weeks for this new duo, as they continue to build up a whole head of steam!
While Murdoch and Slater go from strength to strength, "The Honky Tonk Man" and my old pal Jerry "The King" Lawler felt the need to voice their frustrations at being overlooked for the "Briscoe Barnyard Brawl." There's an argument to be made that they're right to feel slighted, especially since their rivals "Model of Truth" are heavily involved in the tournament to crown new challengers for the Tag Team Championships. Still, at least "Honky" and "The King" were dissuaded from getting involved in another one of Rick Martel and R-Truth's matches this week, with the entire "Santanic Clown Posse" at ringside to prevent any attempted interference while they faced the former champions, "The Young Bucks." It was an impressive display for "Model of Truth" (who I mistakenly referred to as "The Model Truth" last week, for which I heartily apologize), with the two "SCP" veterans managing to counter whatever the Jackson brothers threw at them. In the end, the "Bucks" just couldn't compete with their opponents, as "The Model" forced Matt Jackson to tap out to the dreaded Boston Crab, meaning we've got a rematch from last week in the finals of the "Briscoe Barnyard Brawl" when "Model of Truth" look for revenge against Slater and Murdoch! Considering how good that first go-around was, this one should be even better as both teams look for that coveted shot at the Briscoes at All Hallows' Evil!
While it was a mostly great night for the EWA's tag division, there was one slight blemish that came about in the form of the developing rivalry between the "Glorious Bs" and "Guerrillas of Destiny." Before their scheduled match, Bo Dallas and Baron Corbin paid a visit to Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa to seemingly try and convince them it was in their best interest to back down from this fight, but unsurprisingly, the Tongan tough guys refused to do so. That led to "Pastor" Bobby springing a sneak attack on the "G.O.D." as Corbin and Dallas trapped Tonga in a cleaning closet before "Brother" Baron delivered a devastating End of Days to Loa right on top of a packing crate! Needless to say then, Bobby Roode believed that the scheduled match between the two teams would no longer go ahead, trying to say a prayer for their fallen foes...only to have a determined Tama Tonga come out on his lonesome! He told the Referee to ring the bell, taking on the "Glorious Bs" in what was now a handicap match, where the odds were certainly stacked against him. Despite giving it his all and putting up a hell of a fight, Tonga was eventually out-gunned by the duo of Corbin and Dallas, who finally managed to put their opponent down with a Bo Dawg and End of Days in quick succession. Once again, it's the "Glorious Bs" who stand tall while inflicting their will on the "Guerrillas of Destiny," much as it has been over the past several weeks. At some point though, you've got to believe that the "G.O.D." will find a way to turn this war around!
Ever the intrepid reporter, Renee Young managed to get the inside scoop from one of the EWA's newest signings, Tim Storm. However, Storm's contract is unlike any other, as as the veteran superstar will have to "earn his keep," so to speak, by competing and winning matches on a regular basis rather than being signed to "X" amount of time. He'll have his first opportunity to do so next week on SLAM!, and I think it's safe to say that "The Perfect Storm" is already looking forward to the challenge!
Speaking of debuting superstars, we saw Tyler Bateman make his in-ring debut this week as he went up against "Crazzy Steve." Steve was looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Brian Kendrick on last week's SLAM!, but he didn't have it easy against "The King of the Crossroads!" Indeed, Bateman and "Crazzy Steve" are both extremely dangerous competitors with a penchant for violence, as evident by the explosive start to this match! Like Don West said on commentary, this was far from a "catch-as-catch-can" classic, but that didn't make it any less entertaining as they proceeded to tear strips out of one another! However, when "Crazzy Steve" is around, Su Yung isn't too far behind, and her presence proved to be pivotal in this match, providing a distraction that allowed her crazed clown to take the advantage. Bateman showed he's not only violent but double tough as well, clawing his way back into the contest and then almost losing his cool with the Referee at one point when he tried to put a stop to the onslaught. That distraction opened the door for Steve to surprise his opponent with a wicked headbutt before stringing together a high knee, Death Valley driver, and finally the King Kill 33 to put "The Butcher" down for the count! That was sure to please Su Yung, who clearly didn't feel that "close" was close enough last week! Still, while "Crazzy Steve" may have been victorious here, there's no doubt this was one hell of a showing from Tyler Bateman in his first EWA match! And frankly, I can't wait to see more of both superstars in the future, with the sky being the limit for both men!
You'd think it would be difficult for two distinctive-looking ladies like Becca Swanson and Melissa Coates to keep a low profile, but the two of them still managed to sneak into the SNHU Arena this week, along with the humongous Bull Moose Calhoun, Brady Pierce, and the somewhat more diminutive Mackenzie Mitchell. Calhoun and co have been drafted to the EWA by "The Survivor," and it looks like they're not just here to make up the numbers either! In fact, Bull Moose Calhoun and Brady Pierce would pay a visit to the "Singularity" locker room a little later in the broadcast, much to Tom Lawlor's surprise and confusion. Pierce offered the MMA veteran the chance to work side-by-side should a future need arise for either one them, setting up a strong potential alliance down the road.
After last week's controversial "Simon System" demonstration, our newest sponsor was back this week to again talk up the benefits of this brand new healthy living program in Simon Dean's own inimitable style! Say what you will about the man, but his enthusiasm for his products is unmatched, as Dean called on another volunteer from the EWA Universe to help demonstrate the powers of "The Simon System." This time around, a Manchester local named Christine was chosen to enter the ring and sample Simon's patented "What's up, Doc" carrot juice supplement, giving it the proverbial thumbs up! Not even Dean's mistaken presumption that Christine was pregnant could put a dampener on the exhibition. So there you have it, folks..."The Simon System" is well worth checking out! Don't forget to sign up today at TheSimonSystem.com!
Back to the action, and it's fair to say this issue between Sasha Banks, JoJo and Bradley is starting to get intense, as "The Boss" challenged "The Mustachioed Mega Man" to a match on this week's show. Banks got her wish, looking to prove without any shadow of a doubt that Bradley is really her old friend Bayley, just like Sasha has claimed for the last month or so. However, Bradley continues to fight against those accusations like his life depends on it, including getting the jump on his opponent here. Banks isn't one to give up though, resulting in a thrilling back-and-forth affair that finally saw Sasha Banks force Bradley to tap with the Banks Statement! "The Boss" picked up the win here, but one has to question what she's really accomplished, as even in victory, we're still no closer to this whole Bradley/Bayley confusion getting cleared up!
It's been a few weeks since we last saw "UltraMantis Black," but "The Great And Devious One" was back on SLAM! yesterday, joined by Cesaro! The two of them hit up ringside where Black gloated about his "Broadsword's" win over Chris Hero back at High Tension, before vowing to create a new world here in the EWA in his own image. Yet before "Mantis" and Cesaro could get much further in their tirade, they were interrupted by the arrival of Samoa Joe! "The Samoan Submission Machine" is clearly no more the wiser about what's happened to his former fellow "Kings of Wrestling" member than Chris Hero, demanding some answers. Alas, all he got in return was the cold shoulder treatment by Cesaro! However, Joe has never been one to shy away from a fight, challenging "UltraMantis Black" and Cesaro to face him and Chris Hero on next week's show, setting the stage for what promises to be one hell of a slobberknocker! Keep an eye out for that one!
After coming up short against Toni Storm last week thanks to the machinations of "The Dominion," Rhea Ripley was understandably frustrated when Charlotte Flair and Lacey Evans interrupted her journey to the ring to pinch the spotlight for themselves last night. When "The Queen" tried to provoke a reaction from Ripley, the Australian powerhouse refused to take no for an answer, prompting Flair to agree to a match at All Hallows' Evil in two weeks. I can't help but wonder what Charlotte has up her sleeve, given how long she's looked to avoid this match and how easily she gave in to Rhea's demands here. Either way though, this is the one we've all been waiting for, and it's now just a fortnight away!
Harper and Tommaso Ciampa had a real barnburner of a match several weeks ago, resulting in "The Goatsman" defeating Ciampa only to then find himself viciously assaulted in the aftermath. Indeed, that loss seems to have caused "The Sicilian Psychopath" to snap as he's looked time and time again to try and break Harper's arm, leading to this eagerly-anticipated rematch! It got off to a fiery start when Harper caught Ciampa napping and dominated his opponent with some heavy shots, yet as soon as that initial surprise wore off, Tommaso Ciampa managed to secure a foothold in the contest. Harper's size and strength didn't give him much of an advantage as "Blackheart" continued to use his cunning to stay ahead, but Harper kept coming back, showing impressive resiliency in the face of that attack. Just as "The Goatsman" turned it round and looked to deliver a chokebomb to finish Ciampa off though, he was caught with a well-placed knee to the face, allowing Tommaso to go up and over, scoring a sunset flip to pick up the win! However, I dare say that as satisfying as it was for Ciampa to even the score between them, he's the kind of man who won't be content until he's put Harper on the shelf permanently! Does that mean there could be one more match in this series? I guess we'll have to wait and see!
In our main event for the evening, "MJF" looked to regain his precious Burberry scarf that has been missing ever since High Tension, when "Show E." claimed it for his own! It was a brave decision for Maxwell Jacob Friedman to challenge an athlete the size of the former lawn-flamingo-turned-giant, who may came across as quite sweet and innocent most of the time but can still pack one hell of a punch. When "Show E." refused to hand the scarf over at the start of the match, "The Salt of the Earth" quickly brought the fight to his much larger opponent, not that it seemed to have a huge effect on the "Flamingo Family" member! MJF resorted to some delaying tactics presumably to try and get in the head of "Show E.", but it counted for nothing as soon as the big guy got his hands on him! It's little surprise then that "MJF" eventually stopped trying to win the match, instead looking to snatch the Burberry scarf from the timekeeper and beat a hasty retreat! Only, before he could get too far, Buh Buh Ray Dudley was on hand to cut him off at the pass! That led to a DQ victory for Friedman, not that the result really mattered in the grand scheme of things, as the National Champion dropped "The Top 1%er" with a ringside Buh Buh Bomb before rolling him back into the squared circle for "Show E." to knock Friedman out with a WMD! That meant "Show E." was able to reclaim the scarf once again as he and Bubbs stood tall, with seemingly little "MJF" can do to change the situation as it currently stands! Although knowing Friedman like we do, I suspect he's got some kind of plan in mind to make sure he gets his property back!
With all that said and done then, let's take a look at my picks for this week's top three movers and shakers:
1. "Model of Truth"/Heath Slater and Trevor Murdoch
2. Tommaso Ciampa
3. "Glorious Bs"
It's a first-ever four person tie for the top spot, as both "Model of Truth" and the duo of Slater and Murdoch had to dig deep in order to win their respective matches and advance to the finals of the "Briscoe Barnyard Brawl" next week! However, only one of these teams can challenge the Tag Champions at All Hallows' Evil! In at number two, Tommaso Ciampa capitalized on weeks of sneak attacks to secure a rebound victory against "The Goatsman," putting him and Harper on one win a-piece. And last, but by no means least, while I can't say their actions strike me as particularly virtuous, there's no doubt that the "Glorious Bs" have continued to make the lives of Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa a living hell after their backstage assault and victory in a handicap match against Tonga. I might not like it, but I've got to respect the way they're inflicting the "lord's will" right now over their rivals.
Looking ahead to next week and our final stop before All Hallows' Evil, we've got what looks to be an incredible line-up for you! From the aforementioned finals of the "Briscoe Barnyard Brawl" to Viktor going one-on-one with former World Champion Marty Scurll, right the way down to a huge tag team match pitting "UltraMantis Black" and Cesaro against the "Swiss Cyborg's" former friends Samoa Joe and Chris Hero, there's plenty at stake! And that's not even mentioning the likes of Brian Pillman Jr returning to action to take on Brady Pierce, or "Crazzy Steve" taking on another debuting superstar in Jon Moxley! All in all then, it's probably safe to say we'll see you in Wyoming next Sunday! Until then,
BOOMER SOONER!
