 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The East Coast Wrestling Association returned to The St. Matthew's Parish Center in Wilmington, DE on Saturday night, July 26th in front of an estimated crowd of approximately 350. (Which was quite a good size crowd for a DE summer show).
Long Fri short. I nearly died over overheating/dehydration on Fri evening as we were down on Bleecker St. Everything began spinning and evidentally I went white. Sat down on the most uncomfortable pole sticking out of the ground. Somehow managed to make it to a Subway sandwhich place to grab a horrible sandwhich and about 2 gallons of water. Whew.. Saw my life pass before my eyes. It wasn't all that impressive. Finally recovered but missed meeting Susan St. James!!
We were wise enough to crash at Brams place Friday night which gave the LI portion of the "Crew" and good 2 hour jump on travel time. Thanks to Brams, his wife Bridget (who wisely didn't show up until 10am on Saturday and then, for her own safety, decided to get back out of the house and to the beach as soon as possible), and to 2 year old Danny who is quite possibly the most happy child on the face of the earth. To have a constant smile on your face knowing your destiny is to look like Brams says a ton about the character of this 2 year old dancing machine. (And I promise you, I will have Danny doing the Roadkill Chicken gestures after another 5 minutes with him!)
Luckily, since we left from Brams place (instead of me usually leaving from Long Island) we somehow were able to avoid the mass amounts of traffic on both the NJ Tpk and prior to the Delaware Memorial Bridge which most of the wrestlers and fans found themselves in at one point or another. What usually would be a 2 - 2 1/2 hour drive for the Bodyguard for Hire, turned out to be closer to 4 due to the traffic. He wasn't the only one show seemed to get stuck in the traffic fiasco.
We arrived in Wilmington only for Brams to discover that he had spent the entire morning and drive down with his shorts on backwards "No wonder my wallet is in my front pocket and the drawstring in the back." he stated. Luckily, even though the building doesn't open to the general public until 6pm, Mr. Kettner was kind enough to let Brams borrow the bathroom to make some alterations. Later Mr. Kettner did thank Brams for using the bathroom prior to the show and even said "You should have just gone in the locker room as you piss all over my shows anyway."
Pre show meal at Season's Pizza. We were joined by Nick who ordered a bowl of soup. More soda than anyone should be forced to drink and some food that hit us all within 30 minutes topped off our lovely meal.
6:00 sharp the doors open.
Your Announcers for the evening; Billy K and Chick Ristano.
Your referees; Larry Pearce (who will soon be leaving for college! Best of luck), Paul Turner, and the third one (who's name I haven't known for years and I keep forgetting to ask).
Your ECWA Commissioner is still Richard P. Neagle..
Luminaries in attendance included Nick Yannucci, Anthony Cofrancisco, Brandi Mankewickz, The 3 Old Crew, Superstar Dave Greco, Showtime Shawn Sheridan, Ricky O., Papadon, Havok, The World's Oldest Living Teenager, The Bodyguard For Hire and Mrs. Hire, and Bookman ( Kevin Kelly and Barry Casino were also in attendance and almost always are).
Pre show activities included Mr. Ooh La La's usual taunting of the crowd and the RF Video table collapsing on 2 different occasions.
The show opened with ECWATron footage recapping the last show and setting up tonight's matches followed by a new ECWA Opening music montage. This was followed by a promo on the ECWATron by Prince Nana. Nana who is one of the best mic workers in the business looked as if he was reading off cue cards which took away some of the impact of what he was saying.
Your opening match featured the returning Brutal Bob Evans vs Japanese Pool Boy (who entered the ring to "Car Wash"). We now know why they call Mr. Evans "Brutal", as this match was just that. Pool Boy is an established ECWA homegrown talent and even proved he could step into the ring with greats like Christopher Daniels and put on a great match. For whatever reason, this match didn't click from the start. (Even prompting one fan to yell, "Who booked this, Ricky O?"). Evans had some original moves (that I doubt he could have performed on a bigger wrestler) but the crowd was dead and most of this match was. Poolboy won with his version of the "Pie in the Sky".
The Valedictorians: Billy Bax, Rob Eckos, and manager Carlton P. Hightower (all of whom recently graduated from college) entered the ring, in full graduation garb, to face Nick Malakai and Xero. Carlton P. Hightower has taken the art of managing and mic work to a new level. (Get it? It's a height joke!). He gets some of the best heel heat from the crowd as anyone else in the ECWA. His hilarious and quick retorts to nearly anything thrown at him are awesome. The majority of the match saw Eckos and Bax trying to mount some offense against the huge Xero. They finally were able to when Carlton interfered, hitting Xero from behind, which set him up for a double superkick. The Valedictorians won with "The Commencement" on Malakai (Eckos held Malakai for a side suplex as Bax hit a neckbreaker off the second rope).
Next up, Mike Fury defeated Mozart Fontaine. A very good match between this ECWA veteran and newcomer. Fury seemed to have an entire busload of fans there as they number of signs and people screaming for him nearly matched that of Cheetah Master's. Great match which saw a ton of chain wrestling as well as some great cheating by Mozart. At one point, Mozart brought two chairs into the ring. He went to hit Fury with one but the referee grabbed the chair and removed it from the ring. As the ref was disposing of the chair, Mozart grabbed the second one, hit Fury with it, and slit it out of the ring before the ref even knew what happened. Fury was able to do a roll up into a bridge for the pin. Great debut for Fury. Great choice of opponent for Mozart as he could wrestle a swizzle stick and make it look good. (In no way am I trying to compare Fury to a swizzle stick).
The ECWATron showed Mega and Benny Stolzfus at Trinity's locker room door. Benny with what looked like a bunch of picked flowers, Mega with Roses. Neither man speaks so their expressions told the story (and he program also stated) of how they are both "kinda sweet" on Trinity.
For the First Time ever in the ECWA a special "Rookie Roundup" Battle Royal took place. Prior to the match, on the ECWATron, Kevin Kelly was in the back giving the "rookies" a pep talk. There were about 8 guys in the match (we weren't able to get all their names as they entered the ring pretty fast. It was nice to see Chris Idol, making one of his last east coast appearances prior to moving to CA, in the match (although he was the first one eliminated). Fast battle royal with a few of the competitors hitting the floor with sickening thuds. The winner was Louie from 1614 Fitness, who was the only participant who was named in advance.
In a three way match, Mike Kruel defeated John Walters and Low Ki. This was Low Ki's return match after a 6 month absence due to injury. John Walters had wrestled here before and is quickly making a name for himself on the indy scene. Kruel tonight proved to me once again why he is a forerunner for most improved wrestler as his in ring psychology gets better with every single match. Kruel worked the arm of both of his opponents whenever he could. Phenomenal series of chain wrestling which switched back and forth and back again between all three men. The finish saw Low Ki put John Walters in his finishing submission hold. Kruel then flipped over Low Ki and rolled over, forcing Low Ki's shoulders to the mat. As the referee made the three count, Walters was tapping out (but the ref didn't see him tapping). Mike Kruel was the winner, with a great finish in a match in which the only negative was.. it seemed to short but that could have been because it flowed so nicely and told a story it just flew by.
In a special challenge match, Mr. Ooh La La (with his manager Carlton P. Hightower) took on Trinity. The history between these two is a sordid one. Prior to the match starting, Ooh La La did his usual strip tease, this time for Trinity. As La La went to remove his pants, Trinity attacked. Trinity took the early lead but Ooh La La was able to take control after some outside help from Hightower. The fans were 98% behind Trinity (as Ooh La La is DE's most hated wrestler). A small, yet vocal, 2% of the crowd tried to distract Trinity with some taunts but she was quick to reply. Trinity won with a roll up (holding the tights). After the match, Rob Eckos and Billy Bax ran in to help beat down Trinity. Benny Stolzfus and Ruffhouse Rivera ran in to help but both were quickly laid out by Eckos and Bax (next time, Ruffhouse, USE the dice... don't just wear them! lol) Trinity was then carried to the back by some of the members of Royal Decision. The ECWATron then showed Trinity in the back, placed on Royal Decisions' throne as Nana claimed she would be crowned his Queen.
After a 15 minute intermission, The ECWATron showed all of Royal Decision (Prince Nana, Ace Darling, Striker, Mega, Tyler Payne, and ES Easton) surrounding Trinity. Nana spoke of how she would tonight become his Queen. Trinity disagreed. Fade to black.
Sebastain Night (as printed in the program) entered the ring. He was furious that not only did the program make no mention of the debut of HE but also that they spelled his name wrong. The lights then faded. Smoke began to fill the parish center, as HE made his way through a cage door, located just beneath the ECWATron. HE is Cyco. Cyco was wearing a gray version of Nailz's old orange prisoner outfit. Cyco faced Joey Maxx (in his first singles match in ECWA and with no entrance music...thanks to the great work of the sound guy). The size difference between the two was incredible and Cyco dominated most of the match. Maxx got a few offensive moves in but they didn't seem to phase Cyco. Cyco hit a sick looking backbreaker on Maxx for the pin as Nick Yannucci screamed "Three months of build up for that!?" After the match several referees and wrestlers, including Johnny Maxx, came to the ring to help the hurt Joey Maxx.
The ECWA Tag Team Championship was up next. The Champions, Ace Darling and Striker (accompanied to the ring by ES Easton) successfully defended their titles against Cheetah Master and Johnny Maxx. Cheetah's 8 minute entrance felt like 80 minutes. Even Ace Darling grabbed a chair from ringside and took a seat. Cheetah then got on the mic but as soon as his back was turned he was attacked by the tag champs. Ace and Striker toyed with Cheetah, who's partner was in the back with his hurt brother for most of the match. At one point Striker even forced Cheetah to tag in Ace. Ace and Striker almost locked up but beat down Cheetah some more. Maxx finally came to the ring and made the tag. Some quick offense by Maxx which was soon ended. Cheetah was knocked from the ring. Ace Darling hit a superkick on Maxx which knocked him into the Lungblower by Striker. Three seconds later the match was over. GREAT teamwork by Ace and Striker. GREAT finisher.
Prior to the main event, The ECWATron once again showed Royal Decision with Trinity. The deal was made that if Nana won the match tonight, Trinity would become his Queen. As Royal Decision made their way to the ring, Mega was left to guard Trinity. He turned his back, allowing her to sneak out. She did give him a kiss on the cheek for doing so.
For the ECWA Heavyweight Championship, Christopher Daniels defended his title against Prince Nana. Nana was escorted to the ring by Easton, Ace, Striker, and Payne. The match began and Daniels was simply outnumbered with all of the Royal Decision members at ringside. Nana hit all his signature moves including his running hip to the face of his downed opponent in the turnbuckles. Daniels and Nana battled back and forth until Nana went for a running clothesline. Daniels ducked and Nana hit Referee Turner. With Turner down, Royal Decision had to make their move and they did by nailing Daniels with the title. Referee Pearce ran in and made the 2 count. Cheetah Master, Mike Fury, and Louie ran out and battled with Royal Decision back to the locker room. With the referee distracted by the action outside the ring, Trinity ran in. She hit Nana with a dropkick off the top rope and a modified Tornado DDT. Daniels applied a submission hold on Nana. Trinity helped Ref Turner back into the ring in time to see Nana tapping out. Your winner and still ECWA Heavyweight Champion, Chris Daniels. Daniels and Trinity hugged after the match and both left the ring together. Great match which not only seemed to solidify Daniels reign as champion but pushed Nana as the federations top heel even more.
Overall another great show by Jim Kettner and his ECWA. The summer ECWA shows usually draw a smaller crowd. This one was not only that small but was VERY vocal and seemed to pop for nearly everything. While not everyone may love every single match or storyline (and who likes everything they see at a show?) as long as the fans leave happy and are wanting more, you've done the job of promoter.
Let's run some of the Lance Storm Commentary The Card" on the ECWA show...
"A house-show card should be between 2-hours 15 to 2-hours 45 minutes. Less than a 2 hour show and fans aren’t getting their moneys worth. When the show approaches 3 hours you start burning out your crowd."
The ECWA show began at 7:00 and ended around 10:00. Three hours and the crowd stayed hot throughout the entire show.
"The point of a show is to entertain the audience in such a way that they enjoy themselves and want to buy another ticket to come back. To that end our most loyal fans, the die-hard internet going, can’t get enough of wrestling, fans are going to do that regardless (barring us giving you a really bad show)."
The ECWA has a loyal fan base that will attend every show (and I am proud to include my name as one of them). This show built up storylines that will further develop when the ECWA returns in September for their next season. With Christopher Daniels as champion you are pretty much guaranteed a great main event for any show. With addition of new names (who prove they have ability) you draw the interest of fans who are not familiar with such names while drawing in new fans who may not have been to a show. (For example, the drove of Fury fans who turned out to see his debut and the fact that he seemed to know how to wrestle so he kept the attention of the die hards). Add to that the constant evolution of established names (Eckos, Bax, and Hightower becoming "The Valedictorians", the ever evolving Mozart Fontaine, etc.) which keeps them fresh.
"At the end of the show you want the crowd, happy, excited, and wanting to see a little bit more. You don’t want them exhausted and glad the show is over because they are tired. More over you want them still lively come the main event. The show is meant to build around the main event and it’s that match that, theoretically, draws the crowd. If the crowd is burned out by that time, the main will seem flat and leave a bad taste in the people’s mouths."
The crowd loved every minute of the main event and as with every other ECWA show I heard no one walking around after the show complaining. In fact, most were overjoyed at the outcome of the main event and the other matches. The show built around the main event with the vignettes with Royal Decision and Trinity. It also helped establish Royal Decision as the dominating heel factor in the ECWA. Hell, if the "Clothesline Crew" was not only able to stay awake for the show (which is a gimme) BUT also for the 3 plus hour ride home after the LONG weekend we had, you know you were successful.
As usual, well worth the trip from NY. For any further information on the ECWA check out their website at ecwaprowrestling.com.
The Next ECWA shows at St. Matthew's Parish are:
September 6
October 4
November 8
December 6
For more information on our LONG weekend or for a recap of my trip from Long Island to Jersey City to a PATH train to 14th St to Bleecker St to Queens to a mile walk to a place that I could have driven to in 45 minutes ONLY to fend for ourselves on the journey back to Jersey City.. email WresClothesline@aol.com!
