Post by CWA Admin on Sept 7, 2021 12:41:08 GMT -5
Our camera pans around the chairs that are set up around the ring, and the 200 or so fans that were allowed to be on the premises for this unique event. All of the chairs are six feet apart, and based on our untrained eye, we can guess that this is about a quarter of what the norm capacity for this event would look like.
[Graphic.]
["Iron Bear" Joe Ghaven.]
vs.
[Henri Bryndisarson.]
We watch as a recap airs of Joe Ghaven and Ethan Mills interrupting Henri's promo after he disposed of Rudy Palmateer with ease. We catch Ethan Mills grinning from ear to ear, knowing full well of the fury that he's about to unleash on Northern Pro Wrestling. Two rugged individuals are set to clash, with their sights set on building towards a championship bout.
--
[Graphic.]
[Lee Stevens.]
vs.
[Zeze Taborda.]
A highlight package airs of Taborda and Stevens eliminating a couple of superstars in the battle royal, before both being unceremoniously dumped over the top rope by Henri Bryndisarson. After both men's feet hit the floor, they continued to battle their way back to the locker room. A flash forward to their most recent singles match which ended in a no contest, as the referee couldn't keep the two of them in the ring. As such, this match will be a fall count anywhere affair, and there must be a winner.
--
[Graphic.]
[The Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships.]
[Bloodline.]
vs.
[The Shooters Club.]
vs.
[Dusty Griffith & KUMA]
We start with the reminder of KUMA stepping up to challenge Dusty Griffith after he made his debut in NPW. We are reminded that Dusty defeated KUMA twice while he was a member of the Shooters Club, but being defeated by Dusty Griffith is nothing to hang your head over.
We watch Esteban Fuentes taking control over Bloodline on the first show of 2020 back in January. A well orchestrated blindside and 3 on 1 attack on Dusty Griffith. Dusty swears he will get his revenge. When the time came for someone to even the odds, KUMA entered the ring to fend off another attack from Bloodline, and extended his hand to Dusty in friendship.
KUMA's act rubbed his Shooters Club teammates the wrong way, and they became intent on spoiling KUMA's future aspirations as Dusty Griffith's ally. Fredericks and Romance eliminated KUMA from the battle royal, and have been doing everything in their power to demean him, hoping it might bring him back into their group. Their attempts have been rebuffed on multiple occasions, and coincidently - Dusty Griffith finally agreed to a partnership with KUMA.
The stage is now set for a Triple Threat Match, the first team to secure a fall wins the match and the Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships.
--
[Gordon Carlson.]
[The fans stand to show respect to the man who carried their hopes and dreams on his shoulders at Night of Champions two weeks ago. Gordon nodded respectfully to the fans who let their voices be heard.]
[Gordon walked to the ring with the Canadian Heritage Championship around his waist in an 'Eagles Nest' Black Track Suit. Gordon asked for a mic, and spoke to the audience.]
Gordon said that his experience in Mexico at Overheated and then Night of Champions was life changing. Gordon understands that there are many elite wrestlers all over the world, and he now knows that he can compete with them and hold his own. Gordon said that while he might not have walked away from Night of Champions with the X*Crown around his waist, he left with his head high and a newfound passion for his craft.
Gordon said that he was humbled to represent Northern Pro Wrestling, and that he didn't take his responsibilities as one of the locker room leaders lightly. Gordon then transitioned and said that he felt he was the best wrestler in Northern Pro, and that the Canadian Heritage Championship proved that. Although it was believed that Eric Dane's Canadian Commonwealth Championship was the defacto top championship in the company, Gordon argued that with his momentum, desire and future upward trajectory, he said that the Canadian Heritage Championship was the top championship in the company because HE was holding it.
This brought a positive response from the audience.
Gordon then went onto to say he wasn't going to rest on his laurels, and that his proclamation wouldn't mean anything if he didn't back it up. This is where Gordon laid out a challenge to Eric Dane.
[Gordon Carlson]
vs.
[Eric Dane]
[Title vs. Title.]
[Winner Take All]
Gordon let his challenge linger in the air for a few moments, before asking Eric Dane to come to the ring. The audience turned to the back and waited with bated breath for the Hall of Fame to make his way through the curtain. They waited and waited some more.
Nothing.
Gordon said he wasn't cleared to compete, and that he merely wanted to make the challenge face to face, man to man out of respect for who Eric Dane is, and what he represents.
Nothing.
Gordon then said that Eric must not have made the trip to the event tonight, and that was fine with him. Gordon went onto invite Eric Dane to come to Day 2 of the AOTA event, to accept his challenge face to face.
With that, Gordon dropped the mic, held the Canadian Heritage Championship high, before exiting the ring.
--
Singles Match
20 Minute Time Limit
"The Iron Bear" Joe Ghaven vs. Henri Bryndisarson
--
The opening match pitted two men who were at the top of the tough-man rankings in Northern Pro. Henri had proved to be capable of backing up every word he spoke thus far, and emerging victorious in the most recent battle royal allotted him an opportunity to call for a championship match of his choosing. "The Iron Bear" was looking to make a strong debut in his first bout in NPW, and what better way to do that then to beat the undefeated Bryndisarson.
The match got underway, and it was clear that Henri was going to struggle muscling Ghaven around without having wore the big man down. Surprisingly, Ghaven carries his weight quite well, and is agile for a man of his size. Ethan Mills was on the outside of the ring, shouting instructions to his charge - hoping to keep Joe as aggressive as possible. There were times where Joe took his manager's advice, and others where he seemed to have a better idea, which would turn out just fine.
As the match wore on, Henri was finally able to get Ghaven to the mat by taking his right leg out from underneath him. Once he had him on his back, Henri did his best to work over the leg to immobilize the big man. After he had wrenched and torqued the knee in ways that the lord hadn't intended, Ghaben showed great heart by kicking Henri way with such force that he went backwards through the ropes. This allowed Ethan Mills to talk a little trash, but Ethan quickly found out that Henri wasn't going to put up with that. Henri grabbed Ethan by his collar and was about to lay him out, when The Iron Bear reached down from the ring, and grabbed Henri by the back of the neck.
Henri struggled to free himself, but to no avail. The big man had him well within his clutches, and had no intention of letting go. A few fierce strikes followed to soften Henri up, at which point Ghaven showed amazing strength, as he muscled Henri to the apron, before back suplexing him into the ring with extreme force. Ghaveb picked Henri up, and irish whipped him into the corner, and caught him with a jumping avalanche.
As Henri staggered towards the centre of the ring, Ghaven scooped him up and spun him around before driving him head first into the canvas with a Michinoku Driver. Ghaven held for the cover, and the referee was in the position to make the three count.
Winner: "The Iron Bear" Joe Ghaven via Spinning Michinoku Driver (9:35)
--
[Backstage.]
We watched as Zeze Taborda and the entourage of adoring fans that he brought over to PEI on a boat are hyping him up. Whenever Zeze would ask them a question, they would all respond with authority.
"Who is the best?"
Zeze!
"What am I here to do?"
Dominate!
Who's the sexiest man alive?
You are!
Zeze then started doing jumping jacks as his legions of fans counted along. He got to ten, before dropping down and doing push ups, as his crew cheered him on.
[Cut.]
--
[The Arena.]
[Camera shot of NPW Newcomer]
[The Love Man Himself!]
[Bubbly Love!]
Love stood up from his seat near ringside, and waved to those in attendance. The fans responded positively to his presence, and some of the women in the crowd were blowing him kisses. The camera shot as interrupted by Zeze Taborda and his legion of fans chanting from backstage. Taborda made his way to the ring alone, and locked eyes with Bubbly Love. Taborda danced and pointed to himself, as if he state that this moment was all about him, and he didn't take too kindly to having anyone try to steal his spotlight.
Taborda entered the ring gracefully, before posing to the crowd. He seemed to be keeping an eye on 'The Love Man', which could lead to an advantage for Lee Stevens, who isn't one to be overlooked.
Lee Stevens was out next to a hero's welcome. Lee had shown his true colours by coming to the aid of his fellow grappler last week, plus he brings with him a loyal fanbase from all over Canada. Stevens hit the ropes, and stretched, before the referee reminded both men that this would be a falls count anywhere match.
--
Falls Count Anywhere
30 Minute Time Limit
Lee Stevens vs. Zeze Taborda
--
These two men had both come oh so close to winning the Battle Royal for the right to a championship opportunity just a month ago, until they were eliminated simultaneously by Henri Bryndisarson. Throughout the event Stevens and Tbaorda seemed to be drawn to one and other and each man was well aware of the others credentials. Both men are on the cusp of the Main Event scene in NPW, and the winner of this match would undoubtedly set themselves up for big things as we head into the fall season.
It didn't take long for this match to spill out of the ring, as both men seemed intent on using the stipulation to their advantage. After a barrage of stiff European uppercuts, Taborda blew Bubbly Love a kiss. This proved to be costly as Stevens capitalized on the distraction and took Taborda down with a double leg, and proceeded to rain down punches. Taborda did his best to squirm away, but there wasn't much he could do. Tabora was crafty, and he tossed sand towards Stevens' eyes, temporarily blinding him.
This was enough for Taborda to get back to his feet and plant Stevens head first into the sand. Taborda got to his feet and started to serenade the crowd. Stevens did his best to spit the sand out of his mouth, while wiping his eyes to regain his vision. The fact that Taborda was already dismissing him as a threat, ended up playing into his hands. Stevens shook the cobwebs, before springing to his feet and hitting Taborda in the chest with a yakuza kick. Stevens then leap onto the apron and did a shooting star press from the apron onto the sand. He held for the cover, but Taborda was able to roll his shoulder at 2.
Stevens stayed on top of things, taking the fight to Taborda. Stevens rolled Taborda under the bottom rope, and then used the top rope to slingshot himself from the apron to the ring and connected with a leg drop across the sternum of Taborda. Another cover, but Taborda was able to sickout.
Stevens irish whippedTaborda into the corner, and followed it up with a running forearm strike. As Taborda stumbled forward, Stevens shoved him back into the corner, climbed the ropes and rained down with ten punches from the second rope, causing Taborda to take a face pump. Stevens then signalled that he was going up to the rope rope, perhaps looking for his patented frog splash. He leapt, but Taborda somehow rolled out of the way! Stevens went chest first to the mat and had knocked the wind out of his sails.
Taborda was slow to get to his feet, but he did so before Stevens could, and he whipped Stevens into the corner and hit him the MACHO Buster! The move seemed to add more insult than injury - and it fired Stevens up. Once Taborda broke away to blow kisses at Bubbly Love, Stevens rushed forward and had Taborda locked into a small package. 1....2.....thrNO
Taborda had found a way to kick out after the surprise attack. The crowd seemed surprised, as they thought that was all she wrote. Stevens kept on the attack, backing Taborda into the ropes with strikes, before irish whipping him into the far side, Stevens was looking for a running clothesline, but Taborda ducked and executed a spring board diving back elbow that caught Stevens clean. He went for the cover...1.....2....NO!
Another near fall, as Stevens was able to get his shoulder up. The fans stood, applauding the efforts of both men, and thanking them for their efforts into this razor close match, that could seemingly go either way.
As both men stood in the centre of the ring, trading blows, it would be Taborda who ducked under a wild swing from Stevens, and atomic dropped him so his momentum carried him forward. When Stevens ricocheted off the ropes, Taborda executed a top notch drop kick to the back of the head that sent Stevens through the ropes. Taborda rushed the ropes and dove through them with a tope! That semi-connected, and left both men on their backs on the outside of the ring.
The action had been furious, and both men were throwing caution to the wing to eliminate the other. Taborda pulled himself back up to his feet, but Steven's wasn't far behind. Taborda looked to execute his Tear Drop Back Suplex, but Stevens back-flipped out of it. Stevens looked to execute a Brain Buster in retaliation, but Taborda blocked it on the way down. Both men were on their feet, when Taborda kicked Steven's in the gut, before snapping him down to the ground with a double under hook DDT. Taborda fell on top, and the refeee was in position to count to three.
Winner: Zeze Taborda via Double Underhook DDT (17:12)
Taborda got to his feet and with all of the energy he had left, he started to do jumping jacks while talking trash to his fallen opponent. The referee pushed him back, telling him the match was over and to head to the back. Taborda smirked, and finally relented. On his way back to the locker room, Taborda made sure to make eye contact with Bubbly Love once again. Bubbly kept his cool, but seemed to welcome the idea of the two of them locking up sometime down the road.
--
[Backstage.]
[Bloodline.]
The Imperial Crown Tag Team Champions stand in front of an NPW Banner. Fuentes speaks about their vision as a group, and how they've been nothing short of perfect since their inception. Fuentes said that there was no bigger dog in the fight than Dusty Griffith, and that was why they targeted him back in January. Fuentes said that Dusty still doesn't hold a clean victory over him or anyone else in Bloodline, and that tonight would be no different.
Before Mayorga could speak, Ortega jumped in front and warned 'Lynx' that he was going to teach him a lesson tomorrow night in their match. Ortega said that Bloodline was the most dominant force in NPW, and after tonight they would leave no doubt as to their authority in professional wrestling.
Mayorga didn't speak in english, instead cutting his promo in spanish. Based on it's tone, it was rooted with anger and aggression. We could here him mention KUMA, saying he would force the Grizzly into hibernation.
--
Dusty Griffith and KUMA are seen strategizing for their Imperial Crown Tag Team Championship opportunity in a pre-recorded segment. KUMA clearly looked up to Dusty who has been in these types of 'big moments' time and time again throughout his career. We could sense that these two were ready for battle, and looking to capture the top tandem prize in Northern Pro Wrestling.
--
The Shooters Club had made their way to Gorilla, ready to enter the ringside area to get the main event underway. Lance Romance recited a poem to which he wound things down with a little flirtation before shifting to his 'shooting ways' and bluntly declaring that he was going to make sure KUMA didn't walk out of the building on his own accord.
Malek Fredericks cut Romance off, and cited that this was their best opportunity to create chaos and ultimately lift the Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships aloft. After a moment, one of the stagehands gave The Shooters Club their cue to walk the aisle, which is what they did.
--
Main Event
Attachment DeletedAttachment Deleted
Imperial Crown Tag Team Championship Match
Triple Threat
Bloodline (c) vs. Dusty Griffith/KUMA vs. The Shooters Club
--
The Shooters Club were the first out, and they awaited the arrival of their opponents. Dusty and KUMA were out next to a Hero's welcome. KUMA kept his eyes fixated on his former stable mates, and seemed prepared to do whatever it took to get things settled between the two sides. Finally, the champions made their way to the ring. in Santiago Ortega accompanied Mayorga and Fuentes to the ring, solidifying the numbers advantage they often carried. The referee held the Championships high, signifying the start of the contest. Texas Tornado Rules, The First Fall would dictate the winner. The Champions did not have to be pinned in order to lose their championships.
As things got underway, it was clear that Dusty and KUMA had the size and strength advantage, as they tore through the other two teams with very little resistance. Dusty was in proper form, as he double clotheslined both members of Bloodline over the top rope with one shot. KUMA was doing his best to battle both of his former teammates - while he might've started off slowly, he found the grit to power through the initial onslaught, before dropped Fredericks with a nasty LARIAT! Romance went for a superkick, which was dodged, and KUMA blistered Romance with a roaring elbow strike that sent him through the ropes to the outside of the ring.
The Heros stood tall early on, which had everyone's wheels turning. We could overhear Ortega suggesting that Bloodline and the Shooters Club work together against the common threat. While that idea sounded solid in theory, the best laid plans often go awry in a texas tornado situation. Initially, the strategy proved effective, as Fuentes was able to wrangle Dusty long enough for Fredericks to take his legs out from underneath him. Meanwhile KUMA did his best to fend off a 2 on 1 attack, but it would be Mayorga who dropped him to one knee with vicious strikes, before Romance nearly took his head off with a nasty super kick.
Santiago Ortega circled the ring and was about to lay his hands on KUMA, but he was cut off by...
[LYNX!]
The man who he was set to wrestle on Day 2 of this event, was keeping tabs on the action, and decided to involve himself to assist Dusty and KUMA in their fight against the numbers. Ortega couldn't believe it, but LYNX was there and he wasn't going to stand for it. Ortega looked to attack, but he ended up falling flat on his back from a stiff strike at the hands of the masked man.
Lynx and Ortega started to trade shots, which had them both fighting back towards the locker room area. It was clear that Lynx wasn't going to allow any underhanded tactics to ruin the main event of day 1. With Ortega now indisposed, the numbers game started to look a little less daunting.
Dusty started to fight back from his early disadvantage, and the Wild Bronco couldn't be tamed. It didn't matter what Fuentes threw at him, he essentially shrugged it off, and came back with something more forceful. On the other side of the ring, KUMA seemed to have cleared the cobwebs enough to mount a comeback against his former mates.
Griffith executed his backdrop driver onto Fredericks, and appeared to have the match won, but Romance and Mayorga pulled him off the downed man, allowing the match to continue. What nobody accounted for was the fact that Fuentes was clearing his cobwebs, and primed to make an impact. KUMA was looking to attack Romance and Mayorga to prevent them from doing any further damage to his teammate, but he forgot that Fredericks was laid out. Feuntes crept into the ring, picked up the downed man that he had been conspiring with, and executed a nasty elevator DDT. The referee was in position to make the count, and Bloodline retained their championships.
Winners and STILL Imperial Crown Tag Team Champions: Bloodline (12:38) via Elevator DDT by Fuentes on Fredericks
--
Fuentes hit the time keepers table to secure the titles in their possession. The crowd looked completely shocked, as the numbers game prevented Dusty and KUMA from reaching their goal. Lance Romance looked completely confused and was looking at the big screen to see how the match had ended. Once he realized that Fuentes had taken advantage of the situation, he was irate.
The final shot of the evening was of Fuentes and Mayorga leaving ringside with the Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships in tow.
[Cut.]
[Graphic.]
["Iron Bear" Joe Ghaven.]
vs.
[Henri Bryndisarson.]
We watch as a recap airs of Joe Ghaven and Ethan Mills interrupting Henri's promo after he disposed of Rudy Palmateer with ease. We catch Ethan Mills grinning from ear to ear, knowing full well of the fury that he's about to unleash on Northern Pro Wrestling. Two rugged individuals are set to clash, with their sights set on building towards a championship bout.
--
[Graphic.]
[Lee Stevens.]
vs.
[Zeze Taborda.]
A highlight package airs of Taborda and Stevens eliminating a couple of superstars in the battle royal, before both being unceremoniously dumped over the top rope by Henri Bryndisarson. After both men's feet hit the floor, they continued to battle their way back to the locker room. A flash forward to their most recent singles match which ended in a no contest, as the referee couldn't keep the two of them in the ring. As such, this match will be a fall count anywhere affair, and there must be a winner.
--
[Graphic.]
[The Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships.]
[Bloodline.]
vs.
[The Shooters Club.]
vs.
[Dusty Griffith & KUMA]
We start with the reminder of KUMA stepping up to challenge Dusty Griffith after he made his debut in NPW. We are reminded that Dusty defeated KUMA twice while he was a member of the Shooters Club, but being defeated by Dusty Griffith is nothing to hang your head over.
We watch Esteban Fuentes taking control over Bloodline on the first show of 2020 back in January. A well orchestrated blindside and 3 on 1 attack on Dusty Griffith. Dusty swears he will get his revenge. When the time came for someone to even the odds, KUMA entered the ring to fend off another attack from Bloodline, and extended his hand to Dusty in friendship.
KUMA's act rubbed his Shooters Club teammates the wrong way, and they became intent on spoiling KUMA's future aspirations as Dusty Griffith's ally. Fredericks and Romance eliminated KUMA from the battle royal, and have been doing everything in their power to demean him, hoping it might bring him back into their group. Their attempts have been rebuffed on multiple occasions, and coincidently - Dusty Griffith finally agreed to a partnership with KUMA.
The stage is now set for a Triple Threat Match, the first team to secure a fall wins the match and the Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships.
--
[Gordon Carlson.]
[The fans stand to show respect to the man who carried their hopes and dreams on his shoulders at Night of Champions two weeks ago. Gordon nodded respectfully to the fans who let their voices be heard.]
[Gordon walked to the ring with the Canadian Heritage Championship around his waist in an 'Eagles Nest' Black Track Suit. Gordon asked for a mic, and spoke to the audience.]
Gordon said that his experience in Mexico at Overheated and then Night of Champions was life changing. Gordon understands that there are many elite wrestlers all over the world, and he now knows that he can compete with them and hold his own. Gordon said that while he might not have walked away from Night of Champions with the X*Crown around his waist, he left with his head high and a newfound passion for his craft.
Gordon said that he was humbled to represent Northern Pro Wrestling, and that he didn't take his responsibilities as one of the locker room leaders lightly. Gordon then transitioned and said that he felt he was the best wrestler in Northern Pro, and that the Canadian Heritage Championship proved that. Although it was believed that Eric Dane's Canadian Commonwealth Championship was the defacto top championship in the company, Gordon argued that with his momentum, desire and future upward trajectory, he said that the Canadian Heritage Championship was the top championship in the company because HE was holding it.
This brought a positive response from the audience.
Gordon then went onto to say he wasn't going to rest on his laurels, and that his proclamation wouldn't mean anything if he didn't back it up. This is where Gordon laid out a challenge to Eric Dane.
[Gordon Carlson]
vs.
[Eric Dane]
[Title vs. Title.]
[Winner Take All]
Gordon let his challenge linger in the air for a few moments, before asking Eric Dane to come to the ring. The audience turned to the back and waited with bated breath for the Hall of Fame to make his way through the curtain. They waited and waited some more.
Nothing.
Gordon said he wasn't cleared to compete, and that he merely wanted to make the challenge face to face, man to man out of respect for who Eric Dane is, and what he represents.
Nothing.
Gordon then said that Eric must not have made the trip to the event tonight, and that was fine with him. Gordon went onto invite Eric Dane to come to Day 2 of the AOTA event, to accept his challenge face to face.
With that, Gordon dropped the mic, held the Canadian Heritage Championship high, before exiting the ring.
--
Singles Match
20 Minute Time Limit
"The Iron Bear" Joe Ghaven vs. Henri Bryndisarson
--
The opening match pitted two men who were at the top of the tough-man rankings in Northern Pro. Henri had proved to be capable of backing up every word he spoke thus far, and emerging victorious in the most recent battle royal allotted him an opportunity to call for a championship match of his choosing. "The Iron Bear" was looking to make a strong debut in his first bout in NPW, and what better way to do that then to beat the undefeated Bryndisarson.
The match got underway, and it was clear that Henri was going to struggle muscling Ghaven around without having wore the big man down. Surprisingly, Ghaven carries his weight quite well, and is agile for a man of his size. Ethan Mills was on the outside of the ring, shouting instructions to his charge - hoping to keep Joe as aggressive as possible. There were times where Joe took his manager's advice, and others where he seemed to have a better idea, which would turn out just fine.
As the match wore on, Henri was finally able to get Ghaven to the mat by taking his right leg out from underneath him. Once he had him on his back, Henri did his best to work over the leg to immobilize the big man. After he had wrenched and torqued the knee in ways that the lord hadn't intended, Ghaben showed great heart by kicking Henri way with such force that he went backwards through the ropes. This allowed Ethan Mills to talk a little trash, but Ethan quickly found out that Henri wasn't going to put up with that. Henri grabbed Ethan by his collar and was about to lay him out, when The Iron Bear reached down from the ring, and grabbed Henri by the back of the neck.
Henri struggled to free himself, but to no avail. The big man had him well within his clutches, and had no intention of letting go. A few fierce strikes followed to soften Henri up, at which point Ghaven showed amazing strength, as he muscled Henri to the apron, before back suplexing him into the ring with extreme force. Ghaveb picked Henri up, and irish whipped him into the corner, and caught him with a jumping avalanche.
As Henri staggered towards the centre of the ring, Ghaven scooped him up and spun him around before driving him head first into the canvas with a Michinoku Driver. Ghaven held for the cover, and the referee was in the position to make the three count.
Winner: "The Iron Bear" Joe Ghaven via Spinning Michinoku Driver (9:35)
--
[Backstage.]
We watched as Zeze Taborda and the entourage of adoring fans that he brought over to PEI on a boat are hyping him up. Whenever Zeze would ask them a question, they would all respond with authority.
"Who is the best?"
Zeze!
"What am I here to do?"
Dominate!
Who's the sexiest man alive?
You are!
Zeze then started doing jumping jacks as his legions of fans counted along. He got to ten, before dropping down and doing push ups, as his crew cheered him on.
[Cut.]
--
[The Arena.]
[Camera shot of NPW Newcomer]
[The Love Man Himself!]
[Bubbly Love!]
Love stood up from his seat near ringside, and waved to those in attendance. The fans responded positively to his presence, and some of the women in the crowd were blowing him kisses. The camera shot as interrupted by Zeze Taborda and his legion of fans chanting from backstage. Taborda made his way to the ring alone, and locked eyes with Bubbly Love. Taborda danced and pointed to himself, as if he state that this moment was all about him, and he didn't take too kindly to having anyone try to steal his spotlight.
Taborda entered the ring gracefully, before posing to the crowd. He seemed to be keeping an eye on 'The Love Man', which could lead to an advantage for Lee Stevens, who isn't one to be overlooked.
Lee Stevens was out next to a hero's welcome. Lee had shown his true colours by coming to the aid of his fellow grappler last week, plus he brings with him a loyal fanbase from all over Canada. Stevens hit the ropes, and stretched, before the referee reminded both men that this would be a falls count anywhere match.
--
Falls Count Anywhere
30 Minute Time Limit
Lee Stevens vs. Zeze Taborda
--
These two men had both come oh so close to winning the Battle Royal for the right to a championship opportunity just a month ago, until they were eliminated simultaneously by Henri Bryndisarson. Throughout the event Stevens and Tbaorda seemed to be drawn to one and other and each man was well aware of the others credentials. Both men are on the cusp of the Main Event scene in NPW, and the winner of this match would undoubtedly set themselves up for big things as we head into the fall season.
It didn't take long for this match to spill out of the ring, as both men seemed intent on using the stipulation to their advantage. After a barrage of stiff European uppercuts, Taborda blew Bubbly Love a kiss. This proved to be costly as Stevens capitalized on the distraction and took Taborda down with a double leg, and proceeded to rain down punches. Taborda did his best to squirm away, but there wasn't much he could do. Tabora was crafty, and he tossed sand towards Stevens' eyes, temporarily blinding him.
This was enough for Taborda to get back to his feet and plant Stevens head first into the sand. Taborda got to his feet and started to serenade the crowd. Stevens did his best to spit the sand out of his mouth, while wiping his eyes to regain his vision. The fact that Taborda was already dismissing him as a threat, ended up playing into his hands. Stevens shook the cobwebs, before springing to his feet and hitting Taborda in the chest with a yakuza kick. Stevens then leap onto the apron and did a shooting star press from the apron onto the sand. He held for the cover, but Taborda was able to roll his shoulder at 2.
Stevens stayed on top of things, taking the fight to Taborda. Stevens rolled Taborda under the bottom rope, and then used the top rope to slingshot himself from the apron to the ring and connected with a leg drop across the sternum of Taborda. Another cover, but Taborda was able to sickout.
Stevens irish whippedTaborda into the corner, and followed it up with a running forearm strike. As Taborda stumbled forward, Stevens shoved him back into the corner, climbed the ropes and rained down with ten punches from the second rope, causing Taborda to take a face pump. Stevens then signalled that he was going up to the rope rope, perhaps looking for his patented frog splash. He leapt, but Taborda somehow rolled out of the way! Stevens went chest first to the mat and had knocked the wind out of his sails.
Taborda was slow to get to his feet, but he did so before Stevens could, and he whipped Stevens into the corner and hit him the MACHO Buster! The move seemed to add more insult than injury - and it fired Stevens up. Once Taborda broke away to blow kisses at Bubbly Love, Stevens rushed forward and had Taborda locked into a small package. 1....2.....thrNO
Taborda had found a way to kick out after the surprise attack. The crowd seemed surprised, as they thought that was all she wrote. Stevens kept on the attack, backing Taborda into the ropes with strikes, before irish whipping him into the far side, Stevens was looking for a running clothesline, but Taborda ducked and executed a spring board diving back elbow that caught Stevens clean. He went for the cover...1.....2....NO!
Another near fall, as Stevens was able to get his shoulder up. The fans stood, applauding the efforts of both men, and thanking them for their efforts into this razor close match, that could seemingly go either way.
As both men stood in the centre of the ring, trading blows, it would be Taborda who ducked under a wild swing from Stevens, and atomic dropped him so his momentum carried him forward. When Stevens ricocheted off the ropes, Taborda executed a top notch drop kick to the back of the head that sent Stevens through the ropes. Taborda rushed the ropes and dove through them with a tope! That semi-connected, and left both men on their backs on the outside of the ring.
The action had been furious, and both men were throwing caution to the wing to eliminate the other. Taborda pulled himself back up to his feet, but Steven's wasn't far behind. Taborda looked to execute his Tear Drop Back Suplex, but Stevens back-flipped out of it. Stevens looked to execute a Brain Buster in retaliation, but Taborda blocked it on the way down. Both men were on their feet, when Taborda kicked Steven's in the gut, before snapping him down to the ground with a double under hook DDT. Taborda fell on top, and the refeee was in position to count to three.
Winner: Zeze Taborda via Double Underhook DDT (17:12)
Taborda got to his feet and with all of the energy he had left, he started to do jumping jacks while talking trash to his fallen opponent. The referee pushed him back, telling him the match was over and to head to the back. Taborda smirked, and finally relented. On his way back to the locker room, Taborda made sure to make eye contact with Bubbly Love once again. Bubbly kept his cool, but seemed to welcome the idea of the two of them locking up sometime down the road.
--
[Backstage.]
[Bloodline.]
The Imperial Crown Tag Team Champions stand in front of an NPW Banner. Fuentes speaks about their vision as a group, and how they've been nothing short of perfect since their inception. Fuentes said that there was no bigger dog in the fight than Dusty Griffith, and that was why they targeted him back in January. Fuentes said that Dusty still doesn't hold a clean victory over him or anyone else in Bloodline, and that tonight would be no different.
Before Mayorga could speak, Ortega jumped in front and warned 'Lynx' that he was going to teach him a lesson tomorrow night in their match. Ortega said that Bloodline was the most dominant force in NPW, and after tonight they would leave no doubt as to their authority in professional wrestling.
Mayorga didn't speak in english, instead cutting his promo in spanish. Based on it's tone, it was rooted with anger and aggression. We could here him mention KUMA, saying he would force the Grizzly into hibernation.
--
Dusty Griffith and KUMA are seen strategizing for their Imperial Crown Tag Team Championship opportunity in a pre-recorded segment. KUMA clearly looked up to Dusty who has been in these types of 'big moments' time and time again throughout his career. We could sense that these two were ready for battle, and looking to capture the top tandem prize in Northern Pro Wrestling.
--
The Shooters Club had made their way to Gorilla, ready to enter the ringside area to get the main event underway. Lance Romance recited a poem to which he wound things down with a little flirtation before shifting to his 'shooting ways' and bluntly declaring that he was going to make sure KUMA didn't walk out of the building on his own accord.
Malek Fredericks cut Romance off, and cited that this was their best opportunity to create chaos and ultimately lift the Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships aloft. After a moment, one of the stagehands gave The Shooters Club their cue to walk the aisle, which is what they did.
--
Main Event
Attachment DeletedAttachment Deleted
Imperial Crown Tag Team Championship Match
Triple Threat
Bloodline (c) vs. Dusty Griffith/KUMA vs. The Shooters Club
--
The Shooters Club were the first out, and they awaited the arrival of their opponents. Dusty and KUMA were out next to a Hero's welcome. KUMA kept his eyes fixated on his former stable mates, and seemed prepared to do whatever it took to get things settled between the two sides. Finally, the champions made their way to the ring. in Santiago Ortega accompanied Mayorga and Fuentes to the ring, solidifying the numbers advantage they often carried. The referee held the Championships high, signifying the start of the contest. Texas Tornado Rules, The First Fall would dictate the winner. The Champions did not have to be pinned in order to lose their championships.
As things got underway, it was clear that Dusty and KUMA had the size and strength advantage, as they tore through the other two teams with very little resistance. Dusty was in proper form, as he double clotheslined both members of Bloodline over the top rope with one shot. KUMA was doing his best to battle both of his former teammates - while he might've started off slowly, he found the grit to power through the initial onslaught, before dropped Fredericks with a nasty LARIAT! Romance went for a superkick, which was dodged, and KUMA blistered Romance with a roaring elbow strike that sent him through the ropes to the outside of the ring.
The Heros stood tall early on, which had everyone's wheels turning. We could overhear Ortega suggesting that Bloodline and the Shooters Club work together against the common threat. While that idea sounded solid in theory, the best laid plans often go awry in a texas tornado situation. Initially, the strategy proved effective, as Fuentes was able to wrangle Dusty long enough for Fredericks to take his legs out from underneath him. Meanwhile KUMA did his best to fend off a 2 on 1 attack, but it would be Mayorga who dropped him to one knee with vicious strikes, before Romance nearly took his head off with a nasty super kick.
Santiago Ortega circled the ring and was about to lay his hands on KUMA, but he was cut off by...
[LYNX!]
The man who he was set to wrestle on Day 2 of this event, was keeping tabs on the action, and decided to involve himself to assist Dusty and KUMA in their fight against the numbers. Ortega couldn't believe it, but LYNX was there and he wasn't going to stand for it. Ortega looked to attack, but he ended up falling flat on his back from a stiff strike at the hands of the masked man.
Lynx and Ortega started to trade shots, which had them both fighting back towards the locker room area. It was clear that Lynx wasn't going to allow any underhanded tactics to ruin the main event of day 1. With Ortega now indisposed, the numbers game started to look a little less daunting.
Dusty started to fight back from his early disadvantage, and the Wild Bronco couldn't be tamed. It didn't matter what Fuentes threw at him, he essentially shrugged it off, and came back with something more forceful. On the other side of the ring, KUMA seemed to have cleared the cobwebs enough to mount a comeback against his former mates.
Griffith executed his backdrop driver onto Fredericks, and appeared to have the match won, but Romance and Mayorga pulled him off the downed man, allowing the match to continue. What nobody accounted for was the fact that Fuentes was clearing his cobwebs, and primed to make an impact. KUMA was looking to attack Romance and Mayorga to prevent them from doing any further damage to his teammate, but he forgot that Fredericks was laid out. Feuntes crept into the ring, picked up the downed man that he had been conspiring with, and executed a nasty elevator DDT. The referee was in position to make the count, and Bloodline retained their championships.
Winners and STILL Imperial Crown Tag Team Champions: Bloodline (12:38) via Elevator DDT by Fuentes on Fredericks
--
Fuentes hit the time keepers table to secure the titles in their possession. The crowd looked completely shocked, as the numbers game prevented Dusty and KUMA from reaching their goal. Lance Romance looked completely confused and was looking at the big screen to see how the match had ended. Once he realized that Fuentes had taken advantage of the situation, he was irate.
The final shot of the evening was of Fuentes and Mayorga leaving ringside with the Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships in tow.
[Cut.]
