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At the request of several, I'll do a recap of events that led up to the
CSWF show in Wayne, NJ on April 24th. If you wish to skip the pre show
activities, click here.
On Friday (my birthday) we made our biannual trip to Chiller Theatre. Chiller is (or at least was) the premiere horror/sci fi/ celebrity convention in the United States. Over 80 celebrities gather to sign autographs, pose for pictures, and meet their fans. Normally, we make Chiller a weekend outing and stay for the weekend. This year's lineup was so weak, we decided to make it a one night event. Ron and I met Frank at the show and made our way through the dealer rooms and guest rooms. This years going rate for autographs was $20, unless you are Adam West who thinks people are going to pay $40 and up for his scribble on a photo. What an egotistical bastard.
I got the autographs 5 of the 6 people I came to see (Connie Stevens, Lana Wood, Marilyn Chambers, Verne "Mini Me" Troyer (who is legit under 2 feet tall), and Michelle Mattheson). We were pleasantly surprised to see Glori Anne in attendance as an unannounced guest. She is always a sweetheart. Of course, it wouldn't be Chiller without Darian Caine. Even if she did get screwed over by Seduction Cinema she is still one of the most awesome people I know and I will continue to stalk her until she moves to the west coast to get a safe distance away from me. Cheap plug for Darian, DarksideofDarianCaine.com! Got the two newest Darian DVD's. If you aren't familiar with her work may I recommended Mistress Frankenstein. Also got a nice 8x10 which she wrote "Happy Birthday" on for me. Of course, being the amazing linguist that she is, she only wrote B-day as to not accidentally spell anything wrong! I then got my biannual photo with her. I'll see her again, in the near future, hopefully at Stiletto's.
After Chiller, we headed to Bazookas for a bite to eat before heading to Ron and Frank's home away from home, Stiletto's. The place was dead tonight. If there were 40 customers, there were a lot. It seems most of the girls now have unrecognizable accents as well. Of course, we're not there more than 10 minutes before Frank is recognized by not one, but TWO dancers, Terra X and Kitty. Kitty is my idol (and I will not get into why at this time but those involved know why and for those of you with your minds in the gutter, it's nothing like that!). It seems Frank emailed her and gave her a heads up so Kitty had the DJ announce my birthday... "Happy Birthday to Cactus... if that's your real name" and dedicated a song to me. Thank GOD no one knows who the hell I am in this place. Cheap plug.. if you ever go to Stilettos (on Patterson Plank Road in Carlstadt, NJ) and Darian Caine is not working... get a dance with Kitty. I'm biased but she is phenomenal AND hot as hell. She also does a great rendition of Marilyn Monroe's "Happy Birthday".
2:30 am we head back to the hotel.... we have a full day to waste ahead of us...
The "Retirement from Fandom Tour" made it's second to last stop when the CSWF returned to the PAL in Wayne, NJ on Saturday, April 24th for "Retribution".
Prior to CSWF, the crew (this time consisting of Frank, Ron, and myself) headed to Rahway, NJ for the JAPW Convention. The convention began at 4:30. Our sole purpose for attending the convention was to meet Vader and Mike Awesome. At about 5:00, Vader and Mike Awesome came out for autographs and polaroids. Both men were extremely nice and signed for the 50-75 fans that waited on line for them. Vader looked a little worse for wear but is still a mastodon. Awesome was simply awesome. It was a thrill to have the opportunity to see two men who I have been a huge fan of for so many years.
After we got our autographs and photos we headed to Wayne. I decided to forgo the JAPW show for two reasons... April Hunter. LOL. Seriously though, I'm a mark for Slyk Wagner Brown, April, Prince Nana, Mana, Roddy Piper, Michael Shane, and Chris Hamrick. Personally, I'd much rather see any combination of these people than a no sell spotfest between Teddy Hart and Red.
We arrived at the PAL at 6:30 and the line was already out the door. Usually, there really isn't that big of a line at CSWF so I was glad to see that fans were starting to turn out for their show. A head count later in the evening showed between 150 - 175 fans (and don't start emailing me with ridiculous numbers telling me that there were some 400 in attendance).
Tonight, not only was the kitchen serving ACTUAL FOOD, but there was a "waitress" who took orders and delivered food to your seat! Now that's what more wrestling promotions need!
Luminaries in attendance included Gerry Strauss, Alere Little Feather, Luscious Lily (who seemed to be the only one who has been able to get the sound system to work), Cindy Rogers, Robert "Stiff Shots" Payes, Eric Rosen, Serena, and a group of kids sitting in front of us which included Papadoncito, one with his shirt inside out, and one who couldn't seem to spell wimp.
Referees for the evening are Jim Molineaux (10 Questions now up on this site) and Mike "The Ref" Kehner.
Frank was in rare form yelling, "Vader says hello!" to Julio Dinero as he entered the building. (A reference to a squash match Julio had against Vader at a Raw show many years ago). Two of the kids in front of us shocked and annoyed Al Snow by running over to him to ask him "Where's Phyllis?" (if you need to know more on that, ask me or the Headbangers).
The show opened with Striker, Miss Michelle, and Tyler Payne coming to the ring. Striker announced that Rob Eckos had been stripped of the Cruiserweight Title because he had something better to do and that Romeo Valentino wasn't in attendance because he was stuck in a hotel room with a couple of hookers. This made absolutely no sense since Eckos had been stripped at a previous show and Michael Shane was now the champion. Not quite sure if the people in charge of storylines in CSWF actually follow their own stories but what do I know, I'm just a fan.
JD Dreamer comes out and says, "This isn't Monday night. We don't need to open the show with a 20 minute interview." He announces that the following match will be for the number one contendership for the CruiserX Title. (Please keep that announcement in mind as it will come into question a little later).
Tyler Payne defeated Ken Scampi to become the supposed #1 Contender to the title. Miss Michelle interfered in the match constantly. Funny enough, the ref saw her interfere in the match constantly but never did a thing about it. The end came when Tyler Payne powerslammed Scampi off the second rope and made the pinfall. Good opening match even if Tara Charisma never tried to stop Michelle from interfering. Hell, if the ref never tried to stop Michelle, why should Tara bother?
The next match was for the CSWF Tag Team Titles as The United Nations of Dan Barry and Prince Nana, accompanied by Miss Asia, Destiny, and Mana defeated The Solution with Sure Thing John Shane to retain their titles. Match started off fast with all four men trading blows. The match went back and forth, inside and out of the ring. Papadon got into an argument with the ref which gave Barry the opportunity to roll him up from behind for the three count. After the match, JD Dreamer (making his second appearance already) came to ringside with the Solution's bags and told them that they were leaving the building so they couldn't interfere in John's match later in the evening. "Security" then came out to escort the Solution out of the building and to carry Shane to the back. Great way to get Solution out of the picture for later in the evening (and to get them to their second booking for JAPW. My question of why only The Solution were "allowed" to do a doubleshot while other wrestlers weren't allowed, therefore causing them to lose a payday, will not be brought up by me :)
The ring announcer then plugs the relaunch of CSWFOL.com which will relaunch on April 26th.
Rapid Fire Maldanado faced Hi Flyin Chris Hamrick. Whoever came up with this genius booking maneuver seriously needs to consider retiring. You have two slots that could be filled, one against Killings and one against Snow and you decide to put Chris Hamrick in the ring against RF Maldanado? BRILLIANCE is an understatement. Hamrick was phenomenal, as usual. The crowd was solidly behind him popping for almost everything he did. Hamrick hit a suplex into a Diamond Cutter. He followed it up with his off the top rope legdrop. As the ref made the count, the bell rang. The time limit had expired. The crowd didn't even make an attempt at starting a "Five more minutes" chant. Looks like we'll get to see Hamrick wasted in some kind of a rematch in June.
The Internet Title match was up next. To be honest, I may have missed the explanation of why the former champion isn't champ now, but that's fine. Josh Daniels was defeated by M Tizzle Mike Tobin. Excellent match with two excellent wrestlers. Tobin was accompanied by Tara Charisma. Great chain wrestling, submission moves, and an all around solid showing by both men. Tara got into the ring, Daniels grabbed her but was rolled up by Tobin for the pinfall. Your winner and new Internet Champion (receiving the belt and a free month of AOL), Mike Tobin.
Mr. Crowbar, with Mike Tenay wrestled Mana (with Asia and Destiny) to a "Double Disqualification Double Count Out". Either the ring announcer or the ref or the booker wasn't quite sure so I guess they just made up a new result. Mana went berserk with headbutts throughout the match. He hit his Samoan Drop off the second rope as well as his signature senton splash. Crowbar hit all of his signature moves as well. The two men battled to the floor where the match was declared "Double DQ Double Countout". Good match that combined the wrestling skills of both men as well as some great comedy by both. One concern I did have was something that occurred during the match. There were a TON of kids in attendance. Most of them were there, without adult supervision. There were at least 20 sitting near me (oh joy). During the match, one of the kids pushed Mana. Did any one of the 15 security guys that were involved in the earlier angle do anything to prevent these kids from touching the wrestlers? Nope. Did anyone do anything later in the evening when kids were spitting on Nick Maddox? Nope. In fact, one proud father was telling his friend how his son pushed a wrestler. The one mom was actually shocked and asked me if the wrestlers were allowed to push the fans. I looked at her in shock and asked her if she actually saw what happened and told her she's lucky the kid didn't get knocked on his ass like he deserved. If you can't control your kid, don't have one.
We are informed that the CSWF will return to the PAL in Wayne, NJ on June 26th with "Independence Day".
Bill Apter was introduced and he then introduced the crowd to Rowdy Roddy Piper. Piper came out and talked about how the PAL were the ones who got him stated in wrestling. He introduced Al Snow. Snow put over Piper talking about how he drove to Charlotte for his first match, got the crap beat out of him by Ole and Gene Anderson, got his nose broken, but still went back the next day to watch Roddy Piper vs Greg Valentine in the Dog Collar Match. Mike Tenay, Ron Killings, and Crowbar then entered. The enjoyable Piper's Pit turned into confusion as everyone seemed to want to talk on the mic at the same time. What came out of this? I think Piper said he was commissioner for the night. Tenay complained that Snow wasn't worthy of a title shot. Piper told Snow that he wouldn't tell him who his opponent was for later in the evening. I think the biggest thing that came out of this melee was Piper calling Killings "Little Leroy". They should have just left it at Piper and Snow. They tried to accomplish too much and ruined what could have been one hell of a conversation. But... what do I know, I'm just a fan.
The announced 15 minute intermission went over 30 minutes but who's counting? Although a table was set up with merchandise, Piper never appeared to sign his photos or books.
First match back, after intermission, saw Sure Thing John Shane, with one hand handcuffed behind his back but more to his side, defeat Tara Charisma. JD Dreamer, the booker that books himself, made sure Shane's arm was secured. While doing so, Shane cried "rape" a few times. During the bout, Tara went for a splash on Shane but John pulled the ref in front. The ref was out. Mike Tobin, who accompanied Tara, got in the ring and DDT'd her. He then put Shane on top of her for the cover. The ref woke and made the three count. John skipped a victory lap around the ring. JD Dreamer came out to help Tara but wouldn't touch her. One of the "Security" came out to help Tara to the back.
The next match was for the "Cruiserweight Title". At least that's what it was announced as. They keep calling the belt a different name every time it is mentioned. Cruiserweight, CruiserX, could someone make up my mind? Is continuity too much to ask for?
Great match which saw Michael Shane defeat Grim Reefer after a beautiful superkick. Both men put on a great performance. At one point, Reefer had Shane in the crossface but Shane was able to make the ropes. Reefer went for one of his springboard moves but was met with a superkick our of nowhere and got pinned. Your winner and still Cruisersomething champion, Michael Shane.
Al Snow defeated Julio Dinero. I have to give credit where credit is due. Al Snow did NOT put on the usual match that he has been doing all over the indys. You know, the one where he does the pedigree, the people's elbow, etc. This time Al Snow changed it all. HE SHOULDN'T HAVE!! This match sucked the life out of every person in the building. It went on longer than one of my recaps. It seemed longer than the movie Ghandi. The two men brawled around the building, whooppee. Snow hit the Snowplow on Julio. The same move that has ended 100 matches and Julio, of all people, kicks out? WTF? Al wins after hitting Julio with Head (Phyllis). No wonder Vince uses him for commentary these days. Sorry Al but to say this match sucked is being kind.
Next up, Striker w/ Miss Michelle defeated Slyk Wagner Brown with April Hunter. It was amazing to watch the little boys at ringside go entirely through puberty during the time of one match. Good match. To be honest, I was trying to make sure the kids didn't have heart attacks and hyperventilate at the sight of April Hunter and her metallic silver top. I won't mention the Slyk Slam that only Striker could botch LOL. Some good action, back and forth, by both men. Michelle was dragged into the ring and Striker got the quick pinfall. April speared Michelle (not nearly hard enough) and kicked her to the floor after the match. The crowd was strongly behind Slyk and many gave him a standing ovation after the match. It then took 2 men to carry Michelle from ringside. (It took two to carry Michelle, but only one to help... forget it, I won't go there).
The ring announcer reminds us that CSWF returns on June 26th with the following matches already signed... Tracy Brooks will face April Hunter (I will believe it and come out of my retirement, as I stated I would if and when this match took place, when I see it)... In a Tag Team Turmoil Tournament, the United Nations will defend against 5 teams.... Michael Shane will defend the CruiserXWeight Title against a #1 contender to be decided and announced on the CSWF website in the weeks to come. HOLD ON ONE MINUTE!!! Wasn't the first match of the night the match for #1 contendership? That's what JD Dreamer announced on the mic. That's what they announced Tyler Payne as when he won. How the hell can you forget a storyline that you began at the beginning of the show? Did the Al Snow match even put the booker to sleep? Did the shows 4 hour running time cause those in charge to forget stuff they booked hours before? Seriously, even though I know whatever I say goes unheard, am I asking for too much when I ask for simple things like continuation of a storyline that was started on the same show?? I probably am.
In the main event of the evening, Ron Killings defended his CSWF Title against Sinister X. Of ALL the people that Ron Killings could have been put into the ring against, the CSWF booker(s) felt that this would make for the best match? Before we even get into the match itself, let's just take a moment to look at the storyline that CSWF has built to this point. Mike Tenay complained to Commissioner Larry Zbyszko (who when not in attendance has given deputy commissionership duties to JD Dreamer, who is in attendance tonight but Piper declared himself acting commissioner and booked Al Snow's match). With us so far? Try and keep up. Tenay complained that Al Snow should NOT get a title show because he had not been in CSWF and had not "earned" that status yet. In order to get the shot, he has to work his way up from the bottom. SO, instead of Al Snow getting the title shot, it is given to Sinister X. Nevermind the fact that since losing the belt to Killings some 8 months ago, Sinister X hasn't wrestled a match in CSWF. Nevermind the fact that there are some 20 other wrestlers who have wrestled in CSWF over the past 8 months that could have been put into this slot (and I won't mention it could have been Chris Hamrick). Have I mentioned continuity? To hell with continuity, I'd settle for logic at this point.
Killings defeated Sinister X to retain his title. During the match, Al Snow cam out and KO's Crowbar. Piper came out and took Crowbar's pipe, hit Sinister X with it and this allowed Killings to get the pinfall. Thank GOD it was at least a short match. After the match, a hooded man ran out, hopped the guard rail, diamond cuttered Ron Killings, went "Bang" and ran away. It wasn't DDP (shhhh) but we all think it was.
It doesn't matter what I think. As long as the promotion makes money, the show is a success. Did we have fun at the show? If we didn't we wouldn't keep coming back. Yes the booking seems to run from hot to cold with one show having really good angles, matches, and storylines, and the next one (like this one) being all over the place. If Levy and Firehawk would actually sit down and watch the tape of one of their shows, they could see where the crowd was hot and where they were not. They could learn a lot from their mistakes and take steps to prevent them at future shows. Hell, if they would take notes just to keep their angles and stories straight it would help a hell of a lot. CSWF has the talent. What other fed in this area brings in NWA TNA talent on a consistent basis? None that I know of. They just need to use the talent they have correctly and capitalize on it. It's obvious that money is no object as they brought in Piper to do a 7-10 minute skit and now they are hinting at DDP. Of course, they will probably forget they even had a DDP guy run int but that's beside the point. HUGE improvement to the sound system tonight. Props to Lily if that was her department. Great move, cutting off the back 1/4 of the gym as well as it may have contributed to the better acoustics. The CSWF could have one of the best indy feds out there if they could just stay focused and not worry about feeding the egos of others as well as themselves.
Thanks to Apiil and Slyk for the bday card and gift. You two know how I feel about you both and I appreciate everything you have done for me over the years Ihave gotten to know. You know if I give up Vader and Mike Awesome to see you that you have my utmost respect (even if Vader does have the same size breasts as April).. come on, you thought I was going to get all mushy and sentimental and not throw in some kind of wise ass comment? Hell, I wasn't the one discussing Mini Me's length! Thanks again.
