TRADITIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING REPORT
By Nathan Favel on 8/25/2013 10:46 AM
Welcome to the first official report of The Pursuit Channel's "Traditional Championship Wrestling", which is, as it's name suggests, a wrestling promotion built on a more simplistic approach to the art form. TCW is a well filmed, finely wrestled promotion with lots of variety and should have something to offer for everyone.
With all that said, lets just jump right in...
Commentators: Brian Thompson (Heel,Color), Matt Rhodes (Face, Play-By-Play)
Ring Announcer: Tom Simon (looks a great deal like Mike Tenay)
Match 1. Sigmon vs Purple Haze
This was a good, well paced match that made use of sound psychology. Sigmon, who currently works heel, makes great use of mat wrestling here, all while playing to the crowd, by way of calling everyone in sight a loser. (What a charmer he is). Purple Haze, on the other hand, is a very fit athletic wrestler, who hasn't quite tapped into his full potential yet, but certainly has the potential to do so.
Winner: Sigmon (Submission)
Post-Match: Sigmon cuts a slow, methodical promo that was focused on challenging Vordell Walker to a rematch, claiming he was the rightful winner of their last match-up. Sigmon then called everyone a loser and that was the end of that. (He really is a charmer).
Note: My above words, I now see, have failed to express how crucially his usage of the taunt of calling one a loser is to his gimmick, or how effective he is in using it. It's great fun to see him call the crowd the aformentioned insult, because he does so without being too intense or off-putting. He's just evil enough that you want to see him get his ass kicked, but nothing more.
Promo: Americos and Trevor Murdoch are chatting in the locker room when Matt Hardy comes in. Murdoch leaves and Hardy and Americos begin to talk (without a peep from Americos). Hardy claims Americos is very impressive and he would love to take him under his wing.
This was a quick, effective segment, with Matt Hardy speaking fluently and believably. His talking skills have improved quite a bit in the past few years, and it continues to show.
Match 2. Americos vs Shawn Schultz
This was another good match, although slower with more brawling and bumps. Americos is a solid, high-flying, masked luchadore with a lot of potential, while Shawn Schultz is a more well-rounded wrestler, and could do very well in WWE's developmental system (if he hasn't already been there). This match up didn't have the psychology of the first match, but was worked with a lot of enthusiasm by both men. Both wrestlers are worth keeping our eyes on for the future.
Winner: Americos (Pinfall)
Backstage Interview: Jason Jones does an interview with TCW's equivalent of the Four Horsemen, The Empire. Matt Riviera runs down Americos (who he claims to be the ousted Barrett Brown), Steve Anthony calls out Matt Hardy and Greg Anthony claims Zach Gowan is incapable of beating him (despite already having done so).
This was very well done by all involved, as it was quick and to the point, but done so with great intensity. Every member of the Empire seems to have natural talking abilities, which is a trait that should serve them well in the years to come.
Main Event: John Saxon (Champion) vs Kincaid- Match 4 in The Best of Seven Series for the TCW Junior Heavyweight Championship
This was an excellent main event that was smartly worked, with a strong mat based foundation for the match. John Saxon, a 41 year old veteran,who has had a handful of appearances with TNA in its initial years, is a tremendous talent who the mainstream has allowed to fall through the cracks. (They're loss is our gain). He has the face of Scott Steiner, the body of Doug Williams, and the wrestling talent of Dean Malenko. (Not a bad combination). Kincaid is a deceptively agile wrestler who may not have the look that the WWE tends to cater to, but he has a very thoughtful approach to his work that his big-league peers could learn from. This match-up was well paced, cleverly wrestled and was quite satisfying overall. Our finish came when its heel (Kincaid) used the ropes to get the victory and the title.
Winner and NEW CHAMPION: Kincaid (Pinfall)
Backstage Interview: Trevor Murdoch cuts a solemn promo that points the finger of shame at heartless CEO's for putting wrestling in the crapper (he said it and I approve it). Murdoch gains intensity when he promises to put up a heck of a fight in TCW.
This was well done and showed that not every promo needs to be done at the top of ones lungs. (That means quit screaming your damn promos Vince. Yes, I mean THAT Vince.)
In-Ring Promo: Michael Barry comes out and takes a few moments to thank the people who have been there for him over the past few weeks. Barry calls the locker room to the ring and they oblige. After another moment of emotional praise to his supporters, he then informs everyone that due to the accident that befell him, he must now retire. The show ends with one of his rivals embracing him out of respect.
This was obviously well done, due to it being a legitimate retirement (If it's not, then he is a better actor then I would have believed). It's a shame when a career has to end like this, but at least he was able to get some closure. Besides, he may be lucky enough to get a second chance one day if his health takes a positive turn. Either way, this was a fitting way for an injured man to retire; in the main event and with everyone's support and love.
Final Thoughts: Despite it's weaknesses, Traditional Championship Wrestling is a promotion that is a lot of fun. Excellent production qualities, good announcers and referees, well composed feuds and very fine wrestling matches that round out a company that feels quite fresh, especially when compared to the WWE and TNA.
Well, thanks to all who read and I wish you a fulfilling week. Until then...
With Respect ( And about a $1.50)
