dawho5

I loved how Ayala picked up a beercan that was thrown at him and hit Colon with it. Keep giving me weapons, he thinks. The brawling was awesome with both guys really laying it in. Colon's selling of that bearhug made it seem like something big. Ayala going back to it when Colon was on the apron was new to me. The figure four stuff was so good with a HUGE crowd pop when Colon turned it over. Gonna miss that Ayala guy a lot.

This match really put TNT over. He hung with Abby the whole match and never looked outclassed. Also, very fun fake martial arts stuff going on. Very good match.

My wrestling tastes have changed a lot and a little. It's hard to describe. I grew up on WCW, found japanese wrestling through the juniors and ended up being a huge 90s AJPW mark. Then it seemed to me that 96-99 WCW was really my sweet spot again because it combined so many elements of wrestling that I watched into one ridiculously satisfying whole despite all of the flaws. 1980s wrestling from across America really opened my eyes to what WCW came from and the parts of it that were lost to form what i had broken in on. Then I watched lucha and British wrestling a little more and found aspects of both that I really wished were more prevalent in other forms of wrestling. And I absolutely fell in love with how simple wrestling was in Puerto Rico. I can't say that any one of these things is defining in how I look at pro wrestling. I still love watching All Japan matches from the 90s when they come up and seeing how my opinions have changed on it. I still do enjoy some aspects of NJPW juniors even if some of the tropes drive me up a damn wall. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for late 1990s WCW. There are aspects of 80s territory wrestling, lucha, British wrestling and Puerto Rico that I love so much, but other parts of it that take me out of where I need to be to enjoy it as well. Mileage varies on that last bit. So in truth not a lot has changed about what I like with regard to most of it. NJPW juniors I struggle with a lot. Later 90s AJPW, NOAH and the slew of imitation styles...just can't do it. The big changes for me come in all the details, why I like a style, what I like within it, what I don't like. How all of that interacts when I watch has always been a constantly evolving thing and I think that's the important part.

I'm not saying HERE at the board. I'm saying as a population in general. I think more wrestling fans, especially western wrestling fans, will pop for a big suplex than a good punch or kick.

For some of us, yeah. But I'd guess there are more fans out there who mark out far bigger for the sick moves.

I took away the exact same thing. Ron Starr is amazing! I mean, Chicky is in there making him look like a million bucks, but Ron really kills it when he's on offense and when he's taking punishment. The fans throwing chairs to the wrestlers was pretty crazy. Great match.

Loved Garvin with the knee injury in the middle and how it affected the finish. Really good match that was surprisingly mat-based with almost no striking. Very good contrast to the rest of the set.

Jason was surprisingly agile and technically sound. TNT taking as much of the match as he did was a little puzzling given the size difference, but I enjoy TNT's offense. I'd go with fun for this one.

Finishers are difficult to do right. For a lot of reasons. 1. Ideally, it is protected. In WCW Goldberg's Jackhammer was pretty much it. Nobody kicked out of it and you KNEW once he hit it the match was over. That's great, but wrestling has evolved some since then and finisher kickouts became pretty common. Once people start kicking out of "the finisher" every PPV the first time or 2 because it is a big match and, hey I'm trying harder, it completely blows the concept up. It is no longer a finisher, just a move that more often than not puts somebody away. 2. AJPW in the early 90s did a lot right. You had your enzui lariats, lariats, Germans, back suplexes that everybody got to use. Then each guy had their signature stuff. Misawa had the frog splash. that didn't work, then work his way to a tigerdriver. Then on to the tiger suplex. Add in the rolling elbow. And the stepover facelock. Then we add the TD 91. And so on, it gave the idea that these moves COULD end matches, but as time went on these guys were evolving with them. People could take a regular tigerdriver and not stay down for the 3, so Misawa had to dig deeper. Then the tiger suplex. You get where I'm going here. Problem with that was, all of these earlier variants on the finisher became near-falls 99% of the time. With some notable exceptions like Kawada's powerbomb (66% of the time?), Taue's nodowa, Kobashi's lariat, etc. So you get this almost endless series of moves that are played out as real finishes. It's great for the building of the matches, but in the end it becomes too much. So why can't a guy have a finisher like let's say Danielson because, hey, he perfected the inside cradle? As mentioned above, if you do it right it should lock a guy up for 3. And why wouldn't it if the opponent was worn down? Seems like it would make the move that much more effective. The mistake is that everything had to get bigger. If everything HAS to get bigger, then sneaking in a well-done roll-up or signature submission becomes meaningless in the grand scheme of things. Look at AJPW as the 90s go on. The signature submissions (not finishers any longer) become meaningless. They are weardown holds. If a guy gets a backslide or a rollup or pinning combination off of a counter it's not going to win the match. Remind you of modern wrestling styles at all? Where do you think the modern style is cribbed from? All of these guys in the business now, who were they watching? 3. Finishers are a great idea. But then we get to the point where it HAS to be a finisher putting somebody away. Once that is the case, what is the point of a wrestler covering somebody when they hit a high level move that looks like it could be a finisher for somebody? We all know this isn't the end. It's not the finisher. It always ends on the finisher. So the buildup to the finish is great and all, with moves having more consequence and impact. But there is no real drama in anything. Unless you start kicking out of finishers right? You start to see where the problem is. So a summary of the problems. 1. finisher kickouts kill finishers 2. multiple finishers are great, but if it's not the newest "best" one it loses it's meaning 3. if a match has to end on a finisher, how do you create drama? kick out of the finisher Aaaand that takes us back to #1. Are there solutions? Sure. Multiple finishes with a few that should win the match (75% of the time low end) but can be kicked out of when the need arises, ONE this is the end, you-never-get-up-from-this-move-honest-to-God-FINISHER that is protected. Hey, maybe add in some lower end stuff like a guy who really has a good cobra clutch that he will throw out there once in a while and if you get caught in it not near the ropes it's a quick tap. Or like Luke Harper's discus lariat, perfect for a brawler type. Multiple ways of ending a match that involve yes, some big moves, but everyone has one or two brawly/power/skill moves that come out of nowhere and are a legitimate threat to any opponent. Hell, have some of the skill guys use some skill type things based off of their finishes. Misawa did a deal where he would land behind his opponents when they backdropped him off a tigerdriver attempt and usually got a German or a tiger suplex. Use the setup for one move to trick a guy into another. Sounds like something a crafty technical wrestler would do. Especially if he's wrestling some big beefy dude who is trying to knock him senseless. Instead of going directly at him, use the opponent's perceived strength against him. Another thing is squash matches. They serve many purposes. One of which is getting finishes over. I've seen this guy put away a ton of people with this move. Maybe the difference between job guys and your midcarders and up is the non-job guys fight the stuff they know will put them away more. It's not that they can just kick out of stuff better, it's that they are more skilled at avoiding the big stuff and that is what makes the matches longer and creates the need to wear them down. There are subtleties to all of this that would make it better, but it is certainly doable. When you think about the scripted nature of the product, it almost seems like it would be easier to get this kind of stuff over because you could pinpoint when and where which finish was used and the circumstances.

yeah it makes more sense given the setup that you'd have the heels be less overt. I also liked Thesz being around to explain the differences in styles, etc. It helps separate it from the standard wrestling of the era.

I didn't see it on youtube, but the one in May or June of 91 where Lawler comes back to get rid of Embry is one of the better fired up Lawler promos I've seen. For a more heelish version of Lawler look for stuff dealing with Snowman.

So LuttePhis?

Hell of a main event tag match. I am liking the Canada vs. Texas stuff a lot.

You definitely need to watch the snippets of Flair in the Memphis studio. Great "aww shucks" con job by Lawler. The other guy holds his end up too.

Good heel schtick with some fun teamwork to break it up by the Jayhawks. Battens are good as babyfaces, but have some of the weaker performances on the set so far.

Brito walking out on Borne has to have consequences. Rockers in a tag against the Freebirds is a great idea.

Bad News attacking Embry and Garvin was incredible. That dadgum Black Bart is definitely askin' for it. Martel beating Race is definitely a shocker and a good reason to tune into Starrcade. That's a TON of momentum for Martel going in.

Ron Starr is really great. Actually, who out of the principals in Puerto Rico isn't? I mean, even el freakin Profe ends up being a really good stooging heel and the announcer (Hugo Savinovich) can put on a fantastic technical babyface performance. Really good Ron Starr performance with Chicky grabbing the boot and causing a countout just to teach Ron a lesson about listening to him. Doesn't go the way Chicky thinks it will though and we'll see how that turns out.

Foley kicking the ref for the DQ is so Foley. Right after going nutso on the VC, good stuff. Steamboat's return was pretty incredible.

You have Hogan's promos down to a T. I hate that I know that. That tag match is gonna blow the roof off. Oh, and I will echo kevin's sentiments on the title situation. It's hard to pick which poison I like best.

I liked the Hart Foundation cementing the split from Jimmy even more. Fabs vs. Fantastics would have been so freaking awesome. The Survivor matches are a nice touch.

(Originally airing in Spanish on WAPA Channel 4 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This broadcast is translated to English where applicable.) The opening montage featuring highlights of Carlos Colon, Chicky Starr, Invader 1, Invader 2, Invader 3, Abdullah the Butcher, Hercules Ayala and Dutch Mantell plays. Carlos Colon doing a cartwheel and coming up fists at the ready leads to the WWC logo as the music ends. NWA and Capitol Sports Presenta Los Campeones De La Lucha Libre Con Tus Luchadores Favoritos De Fama Mundial Rickin Sanchez and Hugo Savinovich sit smiling at the commentary desk in Coliseo Municipal Pedro Rodriguez Gaya De Catano. Rickin: It's time for another hour of World Wrestling Council action lucha libre fans. We have a great show for you today and as always I am joined by my colleague Hugo Savinovich. Hugo: It's great to be here Rickin! December is just starting and there are only 22 days until our big Christmas show!! Rickin: That's right fans. We've got another match to add to the already stacked card. Abdullah Tamba has agreed ot face Barrabas' new big man Bam Bam. Hugo: What a match that will be!! Rickin: It will be a very good indicator of whether Bam Bam is ready for Abdullah the Butcher for sure. Tonight we will be joind at the desk by Ricky Santana before his match. Dutch Mantell will be in action as well. Hugo: Always good to see Dutch! He's such a treat to watch! Rickin: Dutch is a very accomplished wrestler. All three Invaders will be in a six man tag. Hercules Ayala will be wrestling tonight as well. Los Super Medicos will be joining Chicky Starr in his Sports Shop. Hugo: The evening isn't complete without a visit to Chicky's Sports Shop! Rickin: Miguel Perez will be bringing his charges, Hurcana Castillo Jr. and Miguelito Perez to the desk as well. Hercules Ayala will also join us, presumably to talk about his upcoming match with "the Latin Lover" Al Madril. Hugo: He'd better have somebody watching his back! Al Madril will take any opportunity he sees to attack! Rickin: I hope he takes your advice Hugo. Al Madril is a very dangerous man. Commissioner Pedro Castillo will be joining us at the desk as well. And our main event tonight is a big one. Huracan Castillo Jr. and Miguelito Perez will be teaming with Abdullah Tamba. They will take on barrabas' entire stable, Jonathan Boyd, the Crusher and the agile big man Bam Bam. Hugo: THAT will be GREAT!! Bam Bam impressed last time against Frank Conners. I'm DYING to see how those three fare against him!! Rickin: I'm looking forward to seeing that as well Hugo. We're now joined by a young man who has been on a bit of a roller coaster ride of late. Ricky Santana, you were visiting with Chicky Starr last week. He had some advice for you that I don't agree with 100%. Santana: I...I've been doing a lot of thinking on a lot of things since then Rickin. Rickin: And have you asked people like Invader 1 or Carlitos Colon what they have to say? Santana: I haven't been talking to many people this week Rickin. I need to figure out some things for myself and it seems like the conflicting advice just makes things harder. Rickin: I can understand where you're coming from Ricky. We all have to make hard choices and you seem like a smart young man. I trust that you're going to make the right choice. Santana: Thank you Rickin. The two men shake hands and Santana works his way through the crowd to the aisle. The fans are still supportive, but Santana is a little hesitant to engage. Rickin: He's had a tough few weeks. We've all had times like that though. Hugo: If he's smart he'll listen to- Rickin: He is smart Hugo. He's trying to find his own way, even if it's a difficult thing to do. Hugo: And if he goes the direction that Chicky Starr is pointing, will you be as supportive? Rickin: That's a very good question Hugo. Santana is in the ring and there is the bell. Mr. X vs. Ricky Santana Santana is dominant with chops and punches until X starts using dirty tactics for a short comeback. Santana fires up quicky and his punches gain more steam. A short rope running sequence and Santana with a big running crossbody almost gets 3. A slam by Santana and he goes up top for a crossbody that gets the three count. Ricky Santana by pinfall in 5:19 with a top rope crossbody Santana looks like he is ready to take out more of his agression on Mr. X, but he reins himself in and leaves the ring, the fans cheering him as he walks to the back. Hugo: He's getting smarter!! Rickin: It's a good thing that he is still staying in control. There is no need to keep punishing your opponent after the final bell rings. Hugo: Unless you wanted to send a message or hurt somebody!! Rickin: Neither of which Ricky Santana should be doing. Hugo: It might make people like Dutch Mantell less likely to take advantage of him. Rickin: I have to wonder if the result is worth the price. Speaking of Dutch, we'll see him in the ring when we come back. Right after los Super Medicos in Chicky's Sports Shop. Hugo: I wonder what Chicky will talk to them about... Rickin: We'll find out after the break. Don't go anywhere fans. (Commercial Break) 0 - 8:30 We come back to the set of Chicky's Sports Shop. Victor arrives first and grabs the mic, handing it to Chicky as he sits down. Starr: Welcome to my sports shop, I'm Chicky Starr. Today we have a tag team that has had some tough luck lately. I'm talking of course about los Super Medicos. Super Medico 1 and 2 walk in and sit down. Starr: You recently had a chance at the NWA WWC Caribbean Tag team championships and came very close, but did not walk out with the titles. I've followed your careers and that seems to happen more often than not. Medico 1: You might remember that it was YOU and YOUR friends, los Infernales, who cost us that match! Starr: If I had to remember, I'd say that the two of you were looking pretty close to finished when we hit the ring. We saved you a loss if you ask me. Medico 1: That match was still in question. Los Invaders are a very tough team- Starr: One week later you two had a match against two members of los Infernales, Pirata Morgan and MS-1, to determine the number one contenders for those belts. How did that end? Medico 1: Morgan held my tights when he rolled me up. That whole match they had to resort to- Starr: It sounds to me like sour grapes. I remember you losing the match 1-2-3 in the middle of the ring. I also remember the match being very one-sided against you. Let me tell you something about the fans here in Puerto Rico. They don't care much for excuses. They don't like when supposed men like you come on here and whine about how they lost. You lost. Instead of complaining about it and making excuses, you might want to start figuring out how to- Super Medico 1 grabs the mic from Chicky's hand. Victor jumps in front of Chicky as he leaps to his feet. All four wrestlers are standing, ready to fight and Chicky finds a baseball bat on the set. Medico 1: What i was saying, before I was cut off, is that it doesn't matter to us if los Infernales are going to win like that. We'll find a way to beat them. We'll find a way to capture the tag titles. What we won't do is come here and be disrespected by you! Super Medico 1 throws the mic at Chicky Starr and los Super Medicos storm off the set. Chicky sits back down and smiles at the camera. Starr: What an unfortunate week on my sports shop. My guests, who I invited to talk through their recent issues and perhaps help them find their way again, were very rude. I apologize for this. Next week I'll be talking to a man who will surely show more respect. NWA Carribean champion Al Madril will be joining me to talk about his match with Colon's musclehead crony, Hercules Ayala. Be sure to join us next week on Chicky's Sports Shop! Hugo: The nerve of Super Medico 1! Rickin: I'm sure Chicky Starr was very offended. Hugo: He should be! Chicky invited los Super Medicos on the show to have a civil discussion. Rickin: if that was the case, Chicky would have been civil. El Vikingo is in the ring and you can hear the crowd reacting to Dutch Mantell's arrival. Hugo: Dutch Mantell isn't a man who needs the approval of the crowd! Rickin: That is...an odd way of putting it Hugo. Dutch isn't trying too hard to make friends on his way to the ring. Hugo: Who would want these people as friends?!? Rickin: The referee is signalling for the bell, here we go. El Vikingo vs. Dutch Mantell Mantell takes Vikingo apart with punches and kicks from the start. Mantell is momentarily distracted by los Mercenarios in the aisle. Vikingo can't sustain offense for any amount of time and a short lariat by Mantell sets up the gourdbuster for three. Dutch Mantell by pinfall in 4:38 with the gourdbuster Rickin: Impressive showing for Dutch. Hugo: Of course it is!! He gives 100% every time out!! Rickin: I won't disagree. Do we know why los Mercenarios were out watching Dutch Mantell? Hugo: I don't! But I can guess. Rickin: That's all we have at this point. Odd that they would tip their hand so blatantly. We'll be right back with Hercules Ayala at the desk before he wrestles. (Commercial Break) 8:30-17:30 Rickin: We're back with the one and only Hercules Ayala. It is now official that your match wiht him on December 23rd is for the NWA WWC Carribean championship. Ayala: I never needed it to be for the title. What Madril did to my friend Victor Jovica is more than enough reason to give him the beating of his lifetime! Rickin: The Carribbean Heavyweight title is a prestigious belt. The idea of taking it away from a man like Madril has to appeal to you. Ayala: It's not that i disagree with you about Madril not deserving that belt Rickin. He is scum and has no place near any title! This is far more personal than any championship though. I'm not going in only to win a match or win gold. I'm going in to hurt the man. I want him to feel even a small portion of the pain that he caused my friend! I hope you're listening Madril. After December 23rd YOU are going to be enjoying the view from a hospital bed just like Victor Jovica! Rickin: I sure hope Frank Conners has recovered from the beating he took at the hands of Bam Bam. Ayala is angry and I think Conners will take the brunt of it. Hugo: That's a big man to try to handle one-on-one in the ring, even when he's NOT angry! Rickin: And he is definitely angry right now. Is that...why are los Mercenarios out here again? Hugo: Misdirection, Rickin. Whoever they are after, they aren't going to let on that easy! Rickin: Ayala took notice, but he's right back to business as the bell rings. Frank Conners vs. Hercules Ayala Ayala is all over Conners with punches, kicks, knees and clubbing forearms. A clothesline puts Conners down hard and Ayala starts working on the leg. The reverse figure 4 is locked on by Ayala and Conners taps out almost immediately. Hercules Ayala by submission in 3:52 with the reverse figure 4 Rickin: Ayala seems to have taken out all of his anger on Conners, he released the hold right away and is helping the young American up. Hugo: THAT is the kind of thing that will cost him against the Latin Lover! Rickin: I doubt very much that Hercules Ayala will show any mercy towards Al Madril after what madril has done. Hugo: Hmm, he TALKS that way, but has yet to show me. I'm not convinced. Rickin: I'll be sure to let Hercules know that you need more convincing next time I talk to him. Hugo: Let's not go too far now!! Rickin: Just having a little fun with you Hugo. Up next we will talk to commissioner Pedro Castillo and all 3 Invaders will be wrestling in 6 man tag action. Don't go anywhere. (Commercial Break) 17:30-24:00 Rickin: Welcome back fans, we are joined now by commissioner Pedro Castillo. Commissioner, we've seen some wild brawls and vicious post-match attacks in the last month. What does the commission have you doing to combat this? Castillo: The commission doesn't always give me specific directives as far as how to deal with this instance or that instance. They put it on my shoulders to keep things running as smoothly as possible. They are as aware as I am that there are certain elements within the WWC that will, shall we say, bend the rules to tip things in their favor. They will come out here and attempt to injure other wrestlers to gain an advantage. Rickin: And you have been given the power to punish them. Castillo: I have. First I want to point out that men like Hercules Ayala, Invader 1 and Carlitos Colon have, both in the past and recently, suggested to me that they would like to be the ones to punish their rivals in the ring for their actions. You and I both know how much these men enjoy taking out their frustrations in the ring. Rickin: Yes we do. Sometimes they will go to the same lengths as the offender in doing so. Castillo: So with that in mind, there are times when I leave punishment to those men because it is far more...direct than anything I can do. I have two ways of punishing offending wrestlers. I can fine them. That has been done in several cases. There is a certain....benefactor, however, who makes that a less effective means of punishment and only serves to band these men who disregard the rules together. Rickin: We both know who you are talking about. I can only guess most of our fans do as well. Castillo: I would agree Rickin. And the other punishment that i can dish out is suspension. Believe me I wanted to suspend Al Madril after his actions. But hercules Ayala was adamant that he get his hands on him and I don't envy Mr. Madril one moment of that punishment. I did fine the man heavily. Chicky Starr's bank account will take a hit as well. I realize that is not something that Chicky Starr worries about. So I got a little creative. Chicky Starr has nothing at stake in the 8 man tag match on december 23rd. Sure, he will lose the benefit of having los Infernales in his camp. But there needs to be more. I added a clause into the contract that stipulates Chicky Starr will lose his hair if his team loses the match. The crowd pops big for this. Rickin: That is quite the punishment for Chicky Starr. Castillo: Yes it is. And I know Chicky Starr will come after me with lawyers and talk of how he did not sign that contract. If he had been paying attention he would note that the WWC, whom I represent, can make changes to the contract legally. So Chicky Starr had better hope that los Infernales can come through on december 23rd, or those blond curls he is so proud of will be gone. Good evening gentlemen and keep up the good work. It's always a pleasure to come and chat Rickin. Commissioner Castillo wades through a sea of jubilant fans congratulating him on his way to the back. Rickin: December 23rd just got a lot more risky for Chicky Starr. Hugo: Can Commissioner Castillo DO that? Chicky can't lose his HAIR!! Rickin: From the sound of it, he can and did. To be fair, Chicky was the one man with nothing really to lose. Hugo: Los Infernales are his friends! He would lose allies! Rickin: Chicky Starr's allies are disposable. He truly has no care for any of them. Hugo: And HOW do you know that? Has he said that to you?!? Rickin: He's left men high and dry before to save his own skin. Los Infernales will end up the same. We now turn our focus to the ring, where Mr. Y, Z and...W are awaiting their opponents. Hugo: How many of them ARE there?!? Rickin: Hard to say. 26? Hugo: HEY! I'm supposed to make the jokes! Rickin: I didn't mean to step on your toes Hugo. The crowd erupts as los Invaders, 1, 2 and 3 come out. Hugo: No worries! All three Invaders together are going to be difficult for los Infernales to beat. Rickin: Yes, and then you add in Carlitos Colon. Hugo: Remember that they are all dealing with Chicky Starr though! You and I both know he'll have something up his sleeve. Rickin: Probably multiple somethings. It looks like we have another Mercenarios sighting as well. We're ready for action. Mr. W, Y & Z vs. Los Invaders Invader 2 starts the match off for his team with his big left hooks. Invader 3 with a neckbreaker and a bullet tope. Invader 1 showcases his big chops and punches. Teamwork from the three Invaders leads to 1 sending 3 off the ropes. 1 backdrops 3 up and over, right onto Mr. W for the 3 count. Los Invaders by pinfall in 5:46 with a cannonball (Invader 1 backdrop into Invader 3 senton) Hugo: WOW!! I've always loved that senton!! Rickin: Invader 3 gets plenty of height, whether he's coming off the top or Invader 1's backdrop. Hugo: Although that IS illegal to double team like that! Rickin: There is a 5 count before the man has to leave the ring. Hugo: I'm glad we see some things the same Rickin! Rickin: I'm not sure what to think about that. Up next we'll be talking with Huracan Castillo Jr., Miguelito Perez and Miguel Perez before they head to the ring for our main event. Hugo: Bam Bam against little Abdullah!!! Rickin: That should be quite the confrontation. Don't you dare go anywhere fans. (Commercial Break) 24:00-34:00 Miguel Perez is standing next to Rickin along with his son and Huracan Castillo Jr. The three are discussing something off mic. Hugo: It's ALMOST time!! Rickin: Yes it is Hugo. Miguel Perez, it seems as if your boys have a monumental task ahead of them. They take on not only Jonathan Boyd and the Crusher, but the big man Bam Bam. Perez: It will be a test. All these two can do is go in the ring and give it their all. You forgot to mention we do have Abdullah Tamba on our side. Rickin: He is not Abdullah the Butcher, but he can be unpredictable as well. Perez: This is true. But I think the threat of Bam Bam across the ring will keep him focused on our opponents. Rickin: This is also an opportuniy for Huracan and Miguelito to get one up on Jonathan Boyd and the Crusher. Perez: If we can get a win over them while they have Bam Bam on the team, absolutely. As I was telling the boys earlier, we need to avoid focusing too much on Bam Bam and take Boyd and the Crusher as serious threats as well. We also can't let Bam Bam dictate how the match goes, we have to keep one of the other two in the ring. If we can do those two things we should be able to do well. Castillo: Tonight Barrabas learns that size alone won't get the better of us! Miguelito: We have our pride! We have the support of all of these people! Perez: No matter what the challenge, these boys will face it head-on and eventually come out on top. Castillo Jr. and the Perez father and son head to the ring with the crowd cheering them on. Rickin: Good luck to you in the ring boys. Hugo: For all I've said about his management of that team, he's got the right ideas! Rickin: Let's hope they pan out. Bam Bam is a force to be reckoned with and I doubt even Carlitos would have an easy time with him. Hugo: There is that, but I managed Abdullah the Butcher, the Monster, the Machine! There were multiple opponents who survived his onslaught and came close to beating him. There ARE ways. Rickin: There is that. We'll have to see how this goes. Castillo and Perez have reached the ring and here comes Abdullah Tamba. Hugo: He looks ready! Rickin: He does look very serious. He is giving away about 100 pounds to Bam Bam, something he's not used to. Hugo: And we're not sure he can work with Castillo and Perez!! Rickin: I would imagine Miguel was correct in saying that he'll be worried enough about Bam Bam that he won't do anything detrimental ot the team. Hugo: But will he be able to work smoothly with people he's never tagged with? That's important!! Rickin: You bring up a very good point Hugo. Hugo: Of course!! Rickin: He doesn't seem to be talking to anyone even as he reaches ringside. That isn't a great sign. The crowd is a little hushed as Barrabas leads his men out. Hugo: What? No garbage to throw?!? Rickin: I imagine they are a little afraid of Bam Bam. They are starting to boo as Boyd and Barrabas start disparaging the fans. Hugo: Maybe they should be afraid of ALL the people they throw things at!! Rickin: Bam Bam is a little...bigger. And way too agile for his size. Hugo: There is that. Rickin: Barrabas is conferring with his clients at ringside and it looks like he's starting with Bam Bam in the ring. Hugo: WOW! And Huracan Castillo Jr. wants to be the first for his team! Is he crazy?!? Rickin: We'll find out soon. Here we go. Huracan Castillo Jr., Miguelito Perez & Abdullah Tamba vs. Jonathan Boyd, the Crusher & Bam Bam Castillo throws everything he has at Bam bam to no effect. A clothesline by Castillo bounces off and Bam Bam lays in a few punches. Castillo staggers back into the corner and Perez tags himself in. Perez has a little more effect, but not much. A dropkick staggers Bam Bam slightly, but not enough to stop him from hitting a big clothesline on Perez as he gets up. Barrabas calls Bam Bam over and he tags to the Crusher. Crusher and Boyd work over Perez before he tags to Castillo, who clears both from the ring but does not go to attack Bam Bam on the apron. Boyd and then Crusher take turns trying to get the advantage on Castillo then Bam Bam is tagged in again. He gives Castillo a massive working over before tagging in Boyd. Boyd and the Crusher double team Castillo until he gets a tag to Tamba. The crowd explodes as Tamba easily runs both Boyd and the Crusher, despite the Crusher's size, out of the ring. Bam Bam hits the ring and a massive confrontation ensues between the two big men. The other 4 brawl on the floor as Bam Bam gets an advantage and sends Tamba into the corner. big splash but Tamba won't go down. Bam Bam runs into a throat thrust by Tamba. the Crusher is counted out by the referee. Castillo, Perez & Tamba by countout at 14:22 Bam Bam is sent to the corner by Tamba that doesn't put Bam bam down but it does stagger him. Bam Bam fires back with right hands after a few Tamba throat thrusts and a headlock punch. Tamba backs into the ropes and hits a clothesline that sends Bam Bam over the ropes. Tope by Abdullah Tamba takes Bam Bam off his feet! Hugo: WOW!!!! He just knocked the big man down with that tope!! Rickin: Very impressive, but at best that will get him a countout on the 23rd. Hugo: They are STILL BRAWLING!! We've got the ENTIRE locker room emptying to try to separate them!! Rickin: Even their tag partners are trying to help with that. Be sure to join us next week fans. Chicky Starr will have Al Madril as his guest and our main event is for the NWA WWC Tag Team titles. Pirata Morgan and MS-1 will be challenging Invader 1 and 2 for the belts. Hugo: Did you SEE that clothesline by Bam Bam?!? Invader 1 looks to be OUT! Rickin: We'll see you next week fans.

So when does this draft take place?

Good little brawl, but they needed way more length of chain for it to be anything more. I liked that the finish used the chain the way it did. Probably should stick to one-on-one for dog collar matches though.

Rip Rogers commentary is definitely not helpful. I liked Invader 3 jumping over Chicky and later hitting a dropkick while never releasing his grip on the axehandle while they are fighting over it. That's some kind of body control. The climbing spots were all really good, but the finish fell a little flat for me. So much of the match was about the gimmick that ignoring it for the finish seemed off.