Written by: Sean McCaffrey from http://www.declarationofindependents.net/doi/pages/index1.html
USA Pro Wrestling
9/17/04 from Queens, NY
Referee: Sean “The Ironman” Hanson, as he reffed the whole show
Ring Announcer: Pat Savino
Approximate Attendance: 525+
Johnny “The Bison” Bravado/Monsta Mack d. Ricky Landell/Alex Law
In the battle of Homicide’s students vs Corino’s students, Homicide’s students, in Monsta Mack and Bison Bravado, prevailed. This was a solid opener, and a better than expected match. Landell/Law are great additions to an already inflated roster. Bison and Mack, who were jokingly called “Da Shit Squad”, were anything but, as they gelled together in this match very quickly. The finish saw Bravado lay down the law on Law, setting up a Monsta Mack frogsplash for the 1-2-3.
Good match, as all four men looked good. These two teams can spark up a tag division that has seen teams split up or have injuries.
Wayne d. Poppalishus w/Matt Da Angry Young Man
Poppalishus continues to improve his look, and wrestling ability, as was evident in this match. Wayne doesn’t look the same in USA Pro without Mikey Whipwreck. Both men put out a decent effort here. The finish saw April Hunter, who has been feuding with Poppalishus over the past few months, come out. April hit the Headhunter (top rope neckbreaker) on Poppalishus, while Matt accidentally had Ref Hanson distracted. Wayne capitalized on the interference, and picked up the victory.
Good way to further the Poppalishus-April feud. Wayne’s character has lost direction due to the departure of Whipwreck from USA PW, as the former USA PW Tag Team Champion needed outside interference to win this bout.
The Spanish Announce Team (Jose/Joel Maximo) w/The Amazing Red d. Reefer/Deranged
Reefer/Deranged are another new tag team in USA PW, that definitely has a future, if they continue to team. The story between Reefer/Deranged is that despite previous feuds against each other in USA PW, they have a common bond in marijuana, hence this new found hemp tag team.
This was a fantastic match, and both teams pulled out alot of high flying offense, in addition to fast mat wrestling. Deranged took a beating in this match, as his chest was lit up. Red interfered in this match several times. Red played into the finish of this one, as he was able to crotch Deranged on the top rope, setting up a Spanish Fly on Deranged for the win.
The first of many great matches on this show. I’d like to see a rematch between these two teams. Reefer/Deranged have to be considered a top tag team in USA PW, despite losing in their first match, based on their singles accomplishments and ring work alone.
For the USA PW Womens Championship
(c) April Hunter d. Kara Slice
This was Kara’s return to USA PW. She has improved her wrestling ability immensely during her time off from USA PW. This was an ok womens match, which saw April pick up the win with a Head Hunter.
POSTMATCH: Poppalishus, with Matt DAYM returned the favor on April, as they attacked her. This will seemingly set up a rematch between these two on the next show.
The Masked Lunatic/Latin Stallion d. Little Greatness/Travis Blackhurch
Horrendous match here. Matches like these is what hurts USA Pro’s credibility. Then again, ticket sellers in general, where none of them touch ring ropes except for the day of a show is what is hurting indy wrestling. Travis Blackchurch, who is the most accomplished of the group, as he’s been booked in other places, didn’t do anything to impress the large crowd. Lunatic picks up the win for his team in this disgraceful match.
In the Match of the Night
For the USA PW United States Championship
Chris Candido w/Tammy Sytch d. Mike Kruel
This was a 20 minute plus match, which saw both guys just go back and forth and take it to other. They took the horrible taste out of your mouth, from the match previous, by putting on a wrestling clinic. These guys clicked from the beginning of the match, and while some might like Homicide/D-Lo or Al Snow/Low Ki, this was the match of the night for me. Then again, it was on earlier than the other matches, so the crowd was still alive to appreciate it, making it a better match overall. This is definitely a match worth catching on tape if you missed it live. Both guys showed why they are WWE bound in this one. After several false finishes, Candido was able to put Kruel away with a top rope powerbomb.
Excellent match, and matches like these would be more appreciated, in USA PW, if they didn’t take place on shows clustered with jerk off wrestlers.
POSTMATCH: The crowd gave both participants a well deserved standing ovation.
“The Sure Thing” John Shane was out next. He explained that Havok was injured, and his team, The Solution, would not be able to wrestle tonight. He told the CSC that they better watch their backs, because the Solution were gunning for their USA PW Tag Team Championships. This set up our next match.
For the USA PW Tag Team Championships
(c) The Christopher Street Connection (Buff-E/Mace) d. Matt Striker/Mike Tobin w/Becky Bayless
PREMATCH: Matt Striker came out first, after Shane left. Striker talked about not having Simon Diamond in USA PW anymore. He says he has no partner here tonight, and will wrestle The CSC by himself. Later into the match, Mike Tobin, Striker’s former Knightlife partner, came to the ring to tag with Striker.
This was another hilarious match between the CSC and Matt Striker. Striker did alot of gay spots in this with Buff-E, furthering the Striker is a fag storyline. Becky got involved in this match with Buff-E, and recieved a one liner from Buff-E. Tobin looked solid in this match, but it should’ve been explained why he was teaming with Striker. The CSC were able to pull out the win in this one, strengthening their reign as USA PW Tag Team Champions.
POSTMATCH: Striker/Tobin exit the ring. The Solution with John Shane then come to the ring with chairs. They pummel the CSC with chairs. Then this is where the show came to a halt, as Papadon from the Solution, piledrived Buff-E, which led to Buff-E getting a stinger. The show stopped at this point, as Buff-E laid injured in the ring. USA PW wrestlers and staff entered the ring and tried reviving Buff-E. Thirty minutes or so later, the paramedics came and took Buff-E to the hospital. As it was reported yesterday, Buff-E is ok now and will miss no time. While it didn’t look good live, thankfully it worked out for the best.
From here, it would take 45 minutes for the show to restart, as USA PW shuffled the show around.
The Elm Street Kids (Pyscho/Rayza) w/Penny Dreadful d. Envy/Burn and Johnny TNT/Jav
This was like watching an AWA match. These teams have had good matches in AWA, and showed the USA PW fans what fans in Union City, NJ can see on a bi-monthly basis. All 6 wrestlers have improved and had a decent outing here. Despite the gloom around the building, due to Buff-E’s injury, this match was able to entertain. The ESk pick up a win, in this second-tier match, of tag teams in USA PW.
The Masked Maniac was out next. He explained the trouble with running this show. He said that New Jack would not be appearing at his retirement show, due to problems with the law. Apparently, someone called the police to let them know that New Jack was going to be in the state of NY, where New Jack has no showed previous court dates. New Jack did tell USA PW that he will take care of his legalities and will be there on November 19th, for the next USA PW show. Maniac then gave more words of wisdom for his Maniacaholics. This then set up our next match.
The Masked Maniac d. (Big Head) Lizard Schlong #4 This was thankfully a short match. Maniac, who is coming off a string of health problems, wasn’t able to take too much offense. Lucky for him, Lizard Schlong #4 wasn’t able to give him any. After some titty chops, The Maniac put Schlong away with a footstomp for three.
At least Maniac knows his role on his show, as he only wrestled for 2 minutes, and wrestled a joke wrestler, in this comedy match. This match might’ve been better to have after the Buff-E incident, as it would’ve been lighthearted, and give the crowd some time to get back into the show. Then again, the Maniac was tending to Buff-E’s well-being during the first match back from break.
Helter Skelter d. Low Life Louie, Frankie Starz, New Dynamite Kid, and Candy in a 5-Way Hardcore Elimination Match
Order of Elimination:
1. Candy
2. Frankie Starz
3. New Dynamite Kid
4. Low Life Louie
Another pathetic showing here. There was only one person deserving to be in this match, and his name is Low Life Louie. Louie bled buckets of blood in this match, and for what? To wrestle against 4 crappy ticket sellers, who can’t get booked anywhere unless they are the booker of a fed or if they sell tickets. Another disgrace in the wrestling ring in this match. Louie worked hard in this match and bled his heart out here, only to lose to Helter Skelter at the end of this match. It’s great when the amount of tickets you sell can influence the finish of a match. Fucking terrible and a reason why USA Pro is looked at as a joke by some people. Adding perennial loser Frankie Starz, with New Dynamite Kid, who’s biggest claim to fame is getting beat up by Jac Sabboth, in addition to the sweatpant/sneaker wearing Candy, to this match just made things more the uglier. For someone who is so loyal to USA Pro, you have to wonder if it’s really worth it for Low Life Louie. In fairness, Mad Man Pondo was slated to be Louie’s original opponent, but went to Japan instead. There was time to get a more suitable opponent, but it wasn’t done. Louie, who is billed as the King of Hardcore in NY, looked anything but, in this match. Losing to the King of Ticket Sellers, in Helter Skelter, makes the King of NY, look like a neutered prince. Give Louie alot of props and alot of credit, for showing class, by being professional and doing what was asked for him by the promotion.
POSTMATCH: Balls Mahoney came out and challenged Helter Skelter.
Balls Mahoney d. Helter Skelter
Quick match that happened only because Helter Skelter made a deal that if he sold enough tickets, he’d wrestle an ECW guy. What a fucking joke. Balls won this match.
Note to Helter Skelter: Buy wrestling tights, boots and a membership to a gym. You are a pathetic joke and a reason why wrestling is laughed at. Instead of selling tickets, get someone to sponsor you in a wrestling school. This is one of the things that tick me off about USA Pro, when ticket sellers with no talent and don’t look like wrestlers, are able to influence their matches, the finishes of them, and who they get to wrestle. One day, maybe promoters will ban together and banish crappy ticket sellers from pro wrestling. Why someone would want to sell tickets, just to look like a fucking asshole in the ring, is beyond me. You think you’d want to use that money to go to a wrestling school. Knowledge is valuable and you’ll never lose it. Once you become a pro wrestler, that is something no one can take away from you. Instead, these ticket selling hacks, would rather live for one day of glory, and be laughed at by all their peers. Get the fuck out of here Helter Skelter, and look into a wrestling school- there are plenty of them in NJ, and if you’d like I’ll email you some contact information. I feel bad for Louie and Balls Mahoney for wasting their time with this guy.
For the USA PW Extreme Championship
(c) Slyck Wagner Brown w/April Hunter d. Justin Credible
Decent outing here by both guys. Slyck is coming into his own in USA PW, as he’s been having a string of good matches. Both guys hit big moves in this match, resulting in several near falls. Slyck picked up an unusual tapout victory, as he put Credible in a toe hold submission.
Another good match on this show.
Homicide d. D-Lo Brown
Amazing match, which saw D-Lo work on the already publicized injured back of Homicide. D-Lo administered alot of pain on Homicide’s back with several submissions and big moves. Homicide came back with his tope con hilo which recieved a big applause. After lots of solid wrestling, Homicide was able to come back from getting hit with a version of the shining wizard, and rolled up D-Lo Brown for the win.
POSTMATCH: D-Lo cut a promo, putting over Homicide as one of the better wrestlers today. Excellent effort by both wrestlers.
Buff-E of the CSC then came back to the building, against Doctor orders. Buff-E, who went to the hospital with The Solution, Eddie Guapo and his partner Mace, came back to the fans and was recieved with a loud ovation. Buff-E apologized to the crowd for making everyone worry and stopping the show. The apology wasn’t needed, and the crowd showed their approval of seeing Buff-E back on his own two feet. Buff-E after more heartfelt comments turned this into a great promo, as he said he wanted to marry Mace at the next USA PW show! Buff-E turned this from a speech to the fans into a wedding angle for the next show, with the same emotion. Just incredible, and it was relieving to see Buff-E back without any lasting injury.
EC Negro w/Deranged & KC Blade d. Dan Barry w/Tara Charisma and Southern Vinny Stylin in a 3-Way Dance
Another match that didn’t make sense on this show, as this match was just thrown together. For some reason, Tara Charisma was managing Dan Barry, despite managing Wayne the show before. She didn’t come out with Wayne at this show, so for her to manage Barry with no explanation at all made no sense. Papadon was originally scheduled to be in this match too, but pulled himself out after the Buff-E injury, as he went back and forth to the hospital to check up on Buff-E. I thought Negro/Barry looked good against each other, while Vinny looked out of place. Negro picked up a singles win here, adding to his various singles victories over the indy scene.
Barry looked good in this match, and I think would’ve been better used somewhere else on this show.
Jay Lethal d. The Amazing Red w/ The SAT
B-Boy who was originally scheduled to be in this match, was late coming to the show due to problems coming from Kentucky, as he wrestled for IWA MS the night before. His flight was delayed due to the hurricane warnings. B-Boy did keep constant contact with USA PW management during this. B-Boy arrived at the show during the Buff-E incident. The doctor was going to check B-Boy out, as is required by NYS law, before the match, but B-Boy said he’d sit out this match, due to being shaken up by the Buff-E incident. This is where I thought Dan Barry would’ve fit in, as I think Barry would’ve had a huge opportunity by getting in the ring with Red or Lethal. Also at the show was Azraiel, and I think a tag match between Lethal/Barry vs Azraiel/Red would’ve been just as exciting as the Deranged/Reefer vs SAT.
Anyway, as far as this match, Red didn’t look to be the same as he was before his injury. I don’t know if his knee still bothers him, but he isn’t the same wrestler since the injury. He is definite more economic in the way he wrestles. Lethal was able to pick up the win in this match, adding to the humongous win list he’s established this year, in the best year of his career so far.
Rob Vegas d. Danny Demanto, Malta w/Johnny Diamond & The Diamond Vixxxen, and Jimmy Hustler w/Mr. Big
Another poo-poo match. Malta is another guy who gets to play wrestler in USA PW by selling tickets. After Vegas won this clusterfuck, there was a problem in the back with Malta. According to various USA PW sources, Malta complained that he didn’t get all his big spots off and was furious. This then led to some USA PW veterans to interfere in the situation and told Malta to shut up. Just another example of ticket sellers influencing wrestling. For what it’s worth, Demanto and Vegas both showed signs of improvement in this match.
Trent Acid d. Jack Evans
Great match here. Both looked phenomenal in their debut singles matches in USA Pro. Jack Evans took a beating in this one. Both wrestlers were cheered, as this was somewhat of a face vs face match. Evans has to be considered the best high flyer in wrestling today. He may not be the best cruiserweight wrestler (In my opinion, Jay Lethal is), but he is definitely the most entertaining. The way he twists his body is ridiculous. Trent Acid, is another tag wrestler who has flourished as a singles wrestler, just like Dan Maff. Could EC Negro be next? Ha!
As far as this match, both men traded big moves and many near finishes. Trent hit a big legdrop while Evans prone body laid on the ropes. After about 15 or so minutes, Trent was able to bag Evans away with the victory.
Dan Maff d. Balls Mahoney
This was another great match. Both guys went back and forth hard in this match. Maff teased the burning hammer in this match. Balls looked like he had this match won several times, but Maff wouldn’t go down. Maff eventually was able to pin Balls Mahoney with a pinning combination, to add another big singles win on his belt.
POSTMATCH: Balls put over Dan Maff, and challenged him to a no DQ match at the next show. Balls also took a shot at Ring of Honor by calling them Ring of Pedophiles. I don’t think it was a shot at Rob Feinstein (who was there selling tapes), I just think it was more of a comment just to get some heat.
I’d like to see USA PW remember their past storyline with Maff/Balls, and maybe use Monsta Mack in some capacity. Maybe Mack/Bison vs Maff/Balls? While I don’t think it would happen, it would be something new and fresh, and a way to create new stars.
In the Main Event
For the USA PW Heavyweight Championship
(c) Al Snow d. Low Ki
This was a meaningless match because everyone knew Al Snow was going to win. In fact, about 400 or so dumped out of the building due to numerous factors- the show was running long, the ticket sellers finished sucking, and this match was way too easy to predict. On the USA Pro Hotline, The Masked Maniac said Low Ki is a guy that you use as a one time attraction and who you don’t build around, because he already has an aura around him, in addition to the fact that Low Ki is not loyal to USA PW. Well, knowing that, there was no chance of Low Ki winning this belt, and I think that is a reason why some left. Why put a guy in a main title match if there is no chance of him winning it? Add in the fact that Al Snow is not a draw by any means, the crowd left during this match. Al Snow was the JAPW champion during one of the worst periods in JAPW history. Al Snow has worked for every combination of letters in this area, so seeing Al Snow isn’t that special. Having him as champion is just a waste of time too in my opinion. His draw is weakened by being exposed on so many shows. Also by using him as champion, there is no build to any of his title matches. Having him as champion holds down spots for other guys that USA Pro can be making stars. If fans want to see Al Snow, they don’t care if he’s champ or not.
Anyway, as far as this match, it was 30 minutes of back and forth action. Both guys were able to reverse the others offense throughout the match. Some said Al Snow was able to “bully” Low Ki around, but I think it was just a case of seeing Low Ki having a different type of match. Low Ki usually dominates his matches, but that didn’t happen here. Low Ki was able to muster up some offense here, but not enough to win, as Al Snow put him away with a snowplow.
Final McWord
Whew, I’m finally done with the match reviews. Typing up 18 matches is a nuisance, and watching them for many fans is a nuisance as well. USA PW shows will always be long due to USA PW using ticket sellers. My dream USA PW show would see all the ticket sellers be eliminated, and just see USA PW have 10 good to excellent matches. If you take a USA PW show, and weed out all the crap, you have one of the best feds around. Looking at the show, the following matches were really good:
Al Snow vs Low Ki
Maff vs Balls
Homicide vs D-Lo
Candido vs Kruel
CSC vs Striker/Tobin
Acid vs Evans
Lethal vs Red
Slyck vs Credible
SAT vs Reefer/Deranged
That’s 9 solid matches, that looks like a super show on paper. Instead, the show will be remembered as being too long and having too much crap and guys who don’t belong in a ring. USA PW shows will be long, but I think instead of that fact being accepted and coming for a good time, people are just refusing to go. The attendance, which saw a drop of 300 or so fans, from the last Amazura show, is a fact that supports that case. What’s the point of using ticket sellers, if the attendance drops?
Some other factors for the attendance dropping are:
-The show was run on a Jewish holiday. There are alot of Jewish USA PW fans, as some fans complained about the date being on a Jewish holiday.
-People are scared of Jamaica. Honestly, I have heard some people whine about going to a “black” neighborhood, but the show is only 2 blocks away from major subway lines as well as the Long Island Rail Road. Losing the Elks Lodge was big, but Club Amazura is a nicer building, and the area isn’t as bad as it’s been exaggerated to be.
One of the bigger stories of the show were the lack of no-shows. I covered B-boy already in this review. Teddy Hart was there, but didn’t wrestle due to an injured hand. Teddy did wrestle for JAPW the next day though, but it was made known that it more of the NYSAC not allowing Teddy to wrestle, than USA PW’s decision to use Teddy.
This show was billed as New Jack’s retirement show. Due to someone calling the police, where New Jack has an outstanding court date in NY, which I talked about above, he didn’t come to the show. Their was rumors of a female promoter tipping off the police, but after doing some investigating myself, the rumor is unfounded and not true. As far as who did call the police, and cost the fans a good match and New Jack a payday, the name will come out when it’s 100% known. New Jack will be on the 11/19 show, and will have his retirement match there.
In more Helter Skelter news, it is has been made known that not only did he sell tickets for the show, he paid a high cost of money to be on the show and to wrestle a big name. While it’s hard not to fault USA PW for taking the payoff and using the money to pay alot of their talent, it also hurts USA PW’s reputation and makes wrestling look bad as a whole, when shitty guys with money can do whatever they want. The information about Helter Skelters ticket selling/paying ways did not come from anyone in USA Pro, but came from several wrestlers and a NJ indy agent. (I know indy agent, it sounds moronic, but the person wishes to be annonymous) This might hurt USA Pro’s business by exposing Helter Skelter’s ways, but as a wrestling fan and reporter, people do deserve to know why some 100 pound kid who is horrible, is allowed to be in these big time matches.
Alot of cuts were made on this show, but due to more ticket sellers being added, the show still wound up going to the 5 hour range. It should be noted that 45 minutes included Buff-E’s injury. While I don’t blame Buff-E or USA PW for what happened, it did affect the show, as the show didn’t have the same flow as it did before Buff-E’s injury. Thankfully he’s ok and won’t miss anytime. In something that I’ll mention in my JAPW review, I liked that the CSC and The Solution attacked each other in USA PW and JAPW, where both teams are the respective tag team champions. Good use of continuity here.
This show lacked stories. Matches were thrown together without rhyme or reason, and I think it hurt the impact of the matches. The matches themselves were good, but alot of stuff was unexplained. For example, why did Low Ki get a title shot? Just because Raven was pulled off the show? Who is the number 1 contender now for Al Snow’s title now? More work is needed on that end in USA PW.
For me, I always enjoy USA PW, because I know what I’m getting ahead of time. I do think the promotion has potential to do so much better, even being the number 2 or 3 promotion in America today. They have the same if not better wrestlers than TNA. They are running in larger venues than some of TNA’s and ROH’s buildings. USA PW is capable of so much more. Instead of being treated as a serious promotion in NY, it’s looked at by many as a marathon or extravaganza, meaning you pay your money to see some pro wrestling.
No matter how good some matches are, USA PW will be remembered for the ticket sellers. When some fans hear USA PW’s name, they think ticket sellers and long shows, instead of great matches and big name guys. That is something USA PW needs to work on. They definitely need to change that identity of the promotion.
With so many “smark mark” indy feds popping up, USA PW looks like they will change their direction. USA PW will be using more ex WWF guys, or what some people call “legends”. I don’t agree with the legends term, because when I think legends, I think of Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart, guys like that. I don’t think of The Big BossMan or the HTM, and that is not a shot at them, as I do respect what they accomplished, but to compare The Big Bossman or HTM as legends, like guys like Bruno Sammartino or Stone Cold Steve Austin is ridiculous. It should be interesting to see how USA Pro does, as they look to revert back to their shows from their yesteryear. Could Tito Santana come back and win the USA PW championship again? I hope not.
Overall- I thought the show was disappointing, because there is potential to do so much more. Keep in mind that it’s disappointing for USA PW standards, as this show was better than most of the shows I go to. The talent and money is there to do so much more, and one day I hope USA PW realizes their full potential.
