 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
ECWA held its 10th annual Super 8 tournament at the Boys and Girls Club in Newark, DE on Saturday, April 8th.
The day began with a luncheon to honor the past Super 8 winners.
J.J. Dillon hosted the event and introduced Ace Darling, Simon Diamond, Christopher Daniels, Low Ki, Donovan Morgan, and Petey Williams. All the men talked about their memories and told some stories (more long winded than others, right Ace and Simon?). Everyone who took the mic made sure to let everyone know that Jim Kettner is the man who deserves all the credit as without him putting together these shows they would not be where they are today. Looking at the number of other Super 8 like tournaments, and knowing that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, Kettner should be extremely flattered.
Christopher Daniels had one of the most memorable quotes of the afternoon when he said "Due to the amount of time Ace and Simon have taken, Low Ki you are now limited to only three sentences. Donovan you are down to one. Petey, all you can do is wave."
It was a great afternoon with some great food and awesome stories from some of the greats in the wrestling business.
We had a post luncheon lunch (and beer or two) down the block at a wings
place. Had the pleasure of being able to spend some time there with Ace
Darling, Simon Diamond, Crowbar, Donovan Morgan and "Mr." Petey
Williams. The stories and memories we talked about with them were beyond
belief. I have had the honor of knowing Ace, Simon, and Crowbar for close
to 10 years and they are three of the classiest people I have ever met
in the business. I can not say enough about these three men.
Doors for the show opened at 6:30. As always, the event was put together by ECWA promoter Jim Kettner, and his crew of workers and staff, as only they can do. All the 2006 Super 8 participants were signing autographs as well as JJ Dillon, the entire ECWA Roster, and all the past Super 8 champions.
I digress for one second when I say I think it is a damn shame that all the past Super 8 winners did not attend this event. While I can understand Paul London not being there it boggles my mind (and many others') why someone like Steve Bradley couldn't attend the event. In addition, while so many past Super 8 competitors were there to celebrate this milestone in professional wrestling, where were the other guys, like Billy Kidman? I am sure it was not due to a lack of an invitation but more due to their egos or just complete lack of professionalism and respect. You guys should be real proud of yourselves. Hell, if it wasn't for the Super 8, do you think you really would have had all the opportunities you have had in your career? I understand that guys like AJ Styles have a family and could probably have a booking for this date but come one, what the hell are guys like Kidman and Bradley doing? NOTHING! Sorry for the vent, now back to the show.
The show opened with the traditional opening ceremony featuring introductions and video features on the Super 8 tournament competitors. Each competitor entered the ring and was presented a medal by Commissioner Neagle.
Those assembled then memorialized the late great Jeff Peterson. Christopher Daniels gave a heartfelt and touching speech before a video tribute to Jeff was shown. Jeff's mom and sister were brought into the ring. They both thanked everyone for their support. A very emotional tribute to one of the few people in the wrestling business that I ever considered a real friend.
It was announced that Danny Daniels would not be able to participate due to a back injury and that Xavier would substitute for him. Refunds were offered. (Danny Daniels was there and was walking around, in severe pain, after the show. I will confirm, for a fact, that he was indeed injured and was unable to compete.)
Super 8 Tournament Round 1:
What a way to start off the show. First match and match of the night saw Davey Richards pin Scott Lost with a Jay Driller. The crowd was overwhelmed with what they saw as the two men beat the hell out of each other. Davey had his abs and ribs worked on the entire match. I just felt bad for whoever had to come out next, as that match is going to be hard to follow.
Josh Daniels pinned Andre Lyonz. The match was decent but could not even compare to what was seen just minutes before.
Charlie Haas defeated Xavier via submission with the Haas of Pain. What can I say about this match? Well, I can tell you that after Charlie went to the top rope to (presumably) dive onto Xavier at ringside, it seemed that he had second thoughts about halfway through the dive and attempted to catch the top rope. This resulted in the saddest looking attempted cross body block that I have ever seen. Xavier worked on Haas' leg quite a bit during the match. Haas' seemed to favor the leg whenver he could remember to. At that point, I started reading JJ Dillon's book "Wrestlers are Like Seagulls" and finished Chapter 1. To watch Nick, a die hard and life long Haas fan, as his heart broke watching this performance nearly broke my heart.
Milano Collection AT pinned Bryan Logan with some form of a Styles Clash/Pedigree. These two men had the crowd more riled up than anyone to this point. Milano entered with his invisible dog and the crowd seemed to love him from the start. Great match which seemed to impress everyone in attendance.
The ECWATron takes us to a supermarket where Eckos and Bax are shopping. Eckos gets a call on his cell. It's Jim Kettner. The best part about this was Jim Kettner was actually sitting at the announce table, on the phone, as this was taking place. (Does he ever miss ANY detail?) They were called to get to the show for the Summit. The vignette ended with Ooh La La slipping on a grape.
Super 8 Semi-Finals:
Charlie Haas (miraculously walking around and forgetting he ever was limping earlier) pinned Josh Daniels with a rollup in 5 minutes or so. I guess Charlie needs as much time as possible to catch his breath before the finals?
Davey Richards pinned Milano Collection AT with a Jay Driller in the second best match of the night. Once again, Milano was able to pop the crowd and received a standing ovation after the match. Davey sold the rib injury throughout the match.
Matt Logan won the ECWA Summit (which set up for a 6 man tag at next month's Night of Unusual Matches). Participants in the Summit included Shawn Patrick, Johnny Maxx (worst haircut ever), MEGA, Aden Chambers, Nick Logan, Japanese Pool Boy (who did one of his best entrances ever, as Prince), Tank Thomas, Billy Bax, Rob Eckos, Mike Tobin, Brian Soscia, Long time Clothesline favorite - Mozart Fontaine, Danny Eckos, Sean Royal, Mr. Ooh La La, Short time Clothesline favorite - Scotty Charisma, Chase Del Monte, Grandpa La La, Hot Shot Mike Reed, Mr. Mysterio (Ooh in a mask), Krazy John Kermon and Perfect Man Mr. G (not to be confused with Weatherman Mr G).
Super 8 Final:
Davey Richards won the tenth annual ECWA Super 8 Tournament, by reversing Charlie Haas's "Haas of Pain" finisher into a pinfall. THANK YOU GOD! Davey was STILL holding his side at times, remembering how it was worked on so much in the first two matches. To bad the same couldn't be said for Charlie and his leg, where the pain seemed to travel from the left leg to the right then back again.
While it seemed to surprise many (who believed that Haas would win) I think many were happy after seeing the earlier performance by Haas. Funny thing is that even some of the "pros" felt that Haas was going to win since everyone at lunch picked him, with the exception of Ace Darling, who chose Josh Daniels.
Once again, Jim Kettner proved why this is THE tournament on the indy scene. Often immitated, never duplicated. This only proves why Jim Kettner has been successfully promoting events longer than most of the other indt feds combined!
Thanks, Jim for an awesome weekend!
-------
First off let me say thanks to all of you that I hung out with on Saturday because you helped me have such a great time, and I apreciate that.
NOW onto the show saturday.....
As we all know by reading Bretts review a few of us stopped in to the ECWA Super 8 luncheon prior to the show. It was great, but to my noticing a certain someone never seemed to really want to be there.
This someone was Charlie Haas. Now by also reading Bretts review you will take note that since they (Haas Brothers) stepped foot into the ECWA I was a huge fan. It was unbelievable to me how they both could draw so much heat in the ring and be the nicest guys in the world to talk to outside of it.
After Russ' unfortunate passing, I got to know Charlie a small amount outside the ring. I couldnt have been more impressed with him, how well he handled things and took it upon himself to continue wrestling in singles matches. I followed him when he went to the WWE and when he was unfortunetly cut from the roster. However something this weekend made me feel different and somewhat uneasy...
As I mentioned earlier we went to the ECWA luncheon and during this entire time Charlie was on the phone with whomever or quite possibly no one at all. This went on for a while, even staying in the back for a while to do his talking. Now dont get me wrong he posed for the ocasional picture and signed autographs which was great dont get me wrong, but there was something missing. See I remember Charlie as wanting to talk to the fans and converse, not just smile and turn. It just seemed to me that he didnt want to be there at all.
Now onto the show, it started off great the opening match up was unbelievable. Granted this was very tough to follow, Haas' match came up, facing Xavier.
The match started off like any other but then there were certain points in the match that made me feel that Charlie did not even care, and who can blame him if hes on his way back to the WWE? One highlight, or lowlight of the match was the crossbody block off the top rope onto Xavier as soon as his feet left the ropes his hands immedietly reached out for them! Now I know Charlie was never the high flyer but come on, this is the SUPER 8 were men would kill to be in that position.
Now he had his knee "worked" during this match to the point were it should have been injured, which is usualy great for a wrestler especially this night because you can play that off during a THREE MATCH TOURNEMENT! I dont even think he finished the first match before he forgot abut it!
Now onto his semi final match up against Josh Daniels, was there even a match against Josh Daniels?? The match was over so quickly I dont think the announcer could finish Josh' last name. Now I dont really know what this had to do with and dont really care but the kid didnt even get a chance in the second round, during which the leg injury Haas had suffered appeared now and again.
Now the final match was Charlie up against the deserving Davey Richards. Now I forgot to mention that Davey hurt his ribs earlier in the night, and being the true Super 8 competitor he was holding them on his way out to the ring and during the ENTIRE match. Now Haas forgeting about his injury was not what really got me upset during these times, it was the looks on the face, the in ring, the out of ring, etc etc actions that I could see this night.
All I can say about the final match was Iam glad that Davey' leg wasnt hurt or else he wouldnt have been able to carry Charlie through-out the match.
As soon as the match was over and Davey won we were all asking our selves were did Haas go?? The man left the ring and went to the back as the other SUPER 8 COMPETITORS were coming out to celebrate the winner with the crowd! Now again this is me from a fans point of view but if that isnt a slap to the face what is? This is one night were gimmicks and attitudes are left behind and you are supposed to celebrate a victory with your opponent. Not leave them hanging in the ring by themselves! After the show was over he was never to be seen again.
This just changed Charlie in my eyes from the old one I thought I knew with the fans. Now granted it was only one night, but you know the saying of "actions speak louder than words". Anyway that is all.
This is something I had to get off my chest, iam sorry I wrote so much but you are the only people around me to even seem to give a damn.
This was just my point of view and my opinion....
