Northern Pro Wrestling -- January 14th, 2020
Jun 8, 2020 20:36:39 GMT -5
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Post by Oh-Oh on Jun 8, 2020 20:36:39 GMT -5
Our show opened with Gus Arnold in the middle of the ring. Gus greeted the fans, and told them to expect big things in Northern Pro Wrestling this year. Gus went onto to mention that he had just gotten off the phone with the NAWC Office, and he confirmed that Northern Pro would receive the next opportunity at the North American Tag Team Titles. This brought an excited cheer from the crowd.
Gus said that The Shining Stars have been valuable champions, but have already received their opportunity at the gold back in August at Battle of Baltimore. He also mentioned that Sato Watanabe and his boys were on the last leg of a tour in Japan, and would be available to compete in ‘NPW’ at the next show. With the situation being what it is, Gus announced that he had hand selected two teams to compete for the right to challenge The World Beaters at the end of the month.
Before Gus could utter another spoken word, Oxford Osland and I-69 made their way to the top of the stage. Osland waited for the boo’s to die down, before he spoke. Osland asked Gus why he was allowing wrestlers who aren’t on the NPW Roster to run roughshod on ‘his’ turf. Before Gus could speak, Oxford put his hand up, and continued. Osland said that Brinley Bishop has been trying to use their history as a means to catapult his name to the top of the marquee. Osland said that Bishop’s partnership with Tyson Brewer was fraudulent, and that if Joseph and Sherlock were actually given an opportunity to prove it, they would out-wrestle and outlast those two rejects from Midwestern Pro.
Gus attempt to get a word in, but Osland spoke over him again. Gus just smirked, knowing full well that his Canadian Commonwealth Champion was looking frazzled. Osland spoke about Dusty Griffith – and at the sound of his name, the building erupted. Osland looked around in disgust, before continuing. The message was loud and clear – if Dusty Griffith and all of his fancy credentials from Japan and the US wants to step into the ring with the best wrestler in the NAWC…
That he would have to get in line.
BOOOOOOOO!
Gus took control of the banter, and said that he thought about what Oxford had just shared, and that he agreed. Tonight, it would be I-69 vs. Pressure Point for the right to challenge the World Beaters for the North American Tag Team Championships.
[RAAAAAAAAAAHHHH]
Sherlock and Joseph nod their heads in agreement, before slapping each other’s chest as a means to fire each other up. Gus goes onto to say that what he decides to do in the way of signings has nothing to do with Oxford Osland or anyone else for that matter. However, in regards to Dusty – Mr. Griffith took him up on his offer to come and check out Northern Pro Wrestling. Dusty was backstage watching on the monitor’s when the heinous acts perpetuated by yourselves and ‘The Shooters Club’ were taking place. Gus said he couldn’t speak for Dusty – but perhaps a moral dilemma started to surface and he felt motivated to even the odds.
Gus said that whatever the case may be, he was sure it’ll become more clear if Dusty does in fact decide to sign a contract with the North American Wrestling Council. As of right now, the negotiations are still on-going. Gus then went onto thank Osland for his concerns, and told him he ought to be worried about the hornet’s nest that he’s been stirring up over the past year, and how he was a marked man.
Osland sneered at the top of the ramp, but seemed to take all of the news he had just received in a positive way. His partners in crime were set to have an opportunity to become the number one contenders to the North American Tag Team Championships – while a potential enemy was still undecided on his future.
--
Singles Match
15 Minute Time Limit
Kuma vs. Irwin Collins
--
This match was completely one-sided, as the ‘Canadian Grizzly’ made short work of the overmatched Irwin Collins. It was as if The Shooters Club used this platform to make a statement to remind the world of how dangerous they are. They took the Shining Stars to the limit on more than one occasion, but fell just short. The fact that Lance Romance is off in the United Kingdom looking to re-establish himself might be addition by subtraction.
Fredericks and KUMA looked like a well oiled machine, and looked the part of a dangerous duo who’s skills complimented one and other. Mercifully, KUMA finally got tired of playing with his prey. After four minutes of slams, drivers and submission holds, KUMA eventually took top position before spinning around and yanking Collins’ arm out of it’s socket with a nasty KIMURA lock. The referee was in position, and called for the bell after Collins succumbed to the hold.
Winner: KUMA via KIMURA (4:36)
--
[Backstage.]
[Gus Arnold’s Office.]
Parker Smith stands slightly in front of Brinley Bishop and Tyson Brewer. We listen as Parker and Gus discuss ‘Pressure Point’ signing a contract with Northern Pro Wrestling to make tonight’s match official. Parker says that the wrestling world can thank the MPW locker room, and their blatant attempt to make both men feel unwelcome. The group mentality there brought these two men together, and the results have been outstanding.
Gus reiterated that some of their success had to do with Parker’s eye for talent, and history as a tag team specialist. Parker remained humble, and said that he wouldn’t take credit for any of their successes, and that he was merely there to handle the business side of things. We watched as Bishop and then Brewer took turns initialing a contract for tonight’s match, and we’re left to presume a contract to compete in Northern Pro Wrestling. The men exchange handshakes with Gus, before Parker leads them out of the office.
The camera stays with the scene, and this is where the three men run into Eric Dane Jr. ‘EDJ’ appears to be waiting to speak to Gus, and as luck would have it – is standing with the uncle of his close friend Marcus Smith – as well as Tyson Brewer, the only other true ally he has made since joining the NAWC. Brewer fist pounds EDJ, and the two exchange cordial words as they bound together last week to thwart a common enemy.
Parker says that he appreciates the friendship that he forged with his nephew, and that Tyson vouches for him as a genuinely hard working talent. Eric Dane Jr. nods his head respectfully, and says that he appreciates the kind words. The three men walk past, which allows the second generation star to knock at Gus’ door. This is where the scene fades away.
--
[In the Arena.]
As the night of wrestling action continued, the crowd grew excited for what could be next. They soon had their answer, as Willard Manchester made his way out from the back with a mic in his hand. Manchester was met with a mixed reaction, as some of the crowd truly do respect the level of athlete he is, despite his outlook in certain situations.
Manchester got into the ring, and put over the 2nd Annual Cruiserweight Cup. He declared that this year’s field was already shaping up to be ultra-competitive, and that he would be leading the way. He said that besides one slipup, that he proved to be the King of the Cruiserweights and his track record of decisive victories spoke for itself.
Manchester switched gears and had a message for Eric Carlson and Allan Algar. He told them, that he wasn’t hard to find, and that since both of them fell under the weight requirements to be Cruiserweights – that one of them should find their courage and accept his open challenge. That’s right, Manchester declared that he wasn’t leaving the ring until someone from the back accepted his offer to prove their mettle against him.
[Moments Pass.]
[Nobody.]
[RAAAAAAAAAH~!]
[Gentry McCray.]
The Canadian Heritage Champion emerged from the back to a hero’s welcome. Gentry recently defended his championship at the Anniversary Celebrations event, and has a perfect record since he made his debut in NPW. Gentry slapped hands with the fans, who were literally trying to jump the barricade to maul him. McCray kept his approach humble, while never taking his eyes off of the ring. Before long, he was there, and started to ascend the stairs with his Championship Belt around his waist. Before entering, Gentry unstrapped the title, and left it in his corner. He took off his jacket, and tossed it into the crowd. He took two steps forward and encouraged Manchester to do the same.
The arena was going nuts! Manchester walked forward, and a referee slid into the ring to start the match.
Talk about a match that could main event anywhere in North America, and the crowd at the Ted Reeve arena in Toronto were getting it live and in person. The match delivered, as both men matched the other at every turn. Gentry had the crowd in his back pocket, as they hung onto his every movement. Manchester used his unique British shoot style to try and keep Gentry on the mat, where Manchester tends to always have an advantage. That was until he wrestled Gentry McCray, as the CHC was every parts equal on the mat and then some.
Gentry appeared to have the match won went he went for his patented CRAY-Z Knot submission, but Manchester was able to reverse out of it, just before Gentry could apply maximum pressure. The fans were on the edge of their seats, as the match seemed to be hitting its apex – when all of the sudden the bell sounded, declaring that the time limit had expired. The referee waved off the contest, and informed each wrestler that the match had ended. Both men seemed to want to fight on, so they could declare an official winner. The referee refused, and ended up raising neither man’s hand.
Gentry slid out of the ring, and took his Canadian Heritage Championship with him. As he walked up the aisle, he slapped hands with the fans, and relished the fact that he was viewed as a role model to the youth in attendance.
Back In the ring, Willard Manchester was still conversing with the referee when he was blindsided by two men who emerged from the crowd.
[Allan Algar & Eric Carlson.]
The two men seemed intent on finishing the job they weren’t able to the week previous. Algar had Manchester’s arms tied up, allowing Eric Carlson to get a few licks in. The crowd got Gentry’s attention, and he turned around to see the injustice taking place. Gentry dropped his championship, and rushed into the ring. McCray gut Eric Carlson off, and knocked him out of the ring with a running clothesline. Algar attempted to swing on McCray, but he dumped unceremoniously out of the ring with a back body drop!
Manchester got to his feet, and realized that the man he just went a hard 15 minutes with, was the man who decided to come to his aid in a time of need. Gentry waited for Carlson and Algar to retreat, before he took his eyes off of them. Gentry turned to Manchester, who was holding the back of his head – still clearing the cobwebs. No handshake was exchanged, but McCray nodded his head to Manchester as a means of communication, before sliding out of the ring to close the segment.
--
[Backstage.]
[Gus Arnold’s Office.]
Gus: “Have a seat young man.”
[Eric Dane Jr.]
Gus: “What can I do for you, son.”
EDJ: “This Cruiserweight Cup Thing I keep hearing about. I want in.”
[Gus looks the young grappler up and down.]
Gus: “I see. Well, to tell you the truth – I have my reservations.”
EDJ: “What do you mean?”
Gus: “I’m not sure if you’re ‘ready’ for that level of competition. If I give my blessing before you’re capable, then the decision could set you back on any progress you’ve built over the past four months.”
EDJ: “Listen, I’m tired of taking a backseat to everyone. I set up your ring, I refereed your matches, I managed one of your wrestlers – and I’ve proven I can handle myself more than I’m given credit for.”
[…]
[Before Gus speaks, we can see the wheels turning. He let’s out a generous sigh, before continuing.]
Gus: “Let me reach out to the office and see what I can do. I can’t make any promises, but I’ll do my best.”
EDJ: “Sweet! Alright dude, we got this…”
Gus: “We?”
EDJ: “You know, you and I. Cmon Gus!”
Gus: “Right. Listen, in the meantime, focus on making an impact here. Every bit helps when it comes to reserving an entry into a highly sought after spot.”
[EDJ stands and gives Gus and High Five, which misses terribly, but who cares.]
Gus: “What the heck was that?”
[By this time, EDJ is already out of the door. Almost as if he was able to hear enough of the answer he wanted to hear, so he could keep his confidence up.]
[Cut.]
--
Main Event
North American Tag Team Title Shot
30 Minute Time Limit
I-69 (Wayne Sherlock & Allan Joseph) vs. Pressure Point (Brinley Bishop & Tyson Brewer)
--
A lot was riding on this match, but this was also the culmination of months of anticipation. When I-69 took out Kenneth Marshall at Elimination Games, Jon Smith sought to clean up the shenanigans, and asked his brother to bring Pressure Point to the arena to make sure things went smoothly. That was where the first altercation between the two teams took place. Fast forward a month, and it would be Pressure Point who once against stood between I-69 and potential devious doing, as the duo made sure that I-69 couldn’t factor into the North American Championship match between Oxford Osland and Robbie Farside. Factor in some of the history between Brinley Bishop and Oxford Osland – as well as the fact that it was I-69 who helped Osland injure Bishop’s knee back in March and put him on the shelf for a few months.
As the match got underway, it was clear that Osland was going to do whatever he could to keep the balance of power in their favor. If the referee’s head was turned, he might strike. If Osland was able to distract Bishop or Brewer long enough for one of his men to take control, that’s what he was planning to do. The official knew he was going to have his hands full, as the stakes were high, and the tension between both sides was intense.
I-69 did have the advantage early in the match, and it was due to their ability to keep the exchanges uneven and in their favor. As the match wore on, they started to stretch the five count, and the referee started to insert himself in the middle to keep things above board. This was when Osland first jumped on the apron and raked Bishop’s eyes. To some fans, it’s still amazing how Osland turned his back on Bishop after the two men trained together for nearly three years and we’re often on the same side of fights up and down the road in Midwestern USA.
Bishop fought through the fact he couldn’t see, took a wild swing and clobbered Osland off of the apron. The crowd popped for this, and the action continued. Brewer was on the outside, arm extended, looking to make the hot tag. This came into effect when Bishop was able to double a double clothesline attempt, and bull rush forward and clear both men out with a diving shoulder tackle. The crowd looked on in excitement, as Bishop made the tag, and Brewer started to run though both members of I-69 like a hot knife through butter.
The referee was trying to get control of the match, as Bishop reinserted himself into the fray, and the four men started brawling all over the ring. The referee seemed to be losing control – and this is where Oxford Osland entered the ring with his Canadian Commonwealth Championship in hand. He crept up behind Bishop, and just as he was about to deliver to knockout blow, his attempt was stopped by ERIC DANE Jr!
[RAAAAAAAHHH!]
The second generation star also crept into the ring behind the referees back and laid Osland out with a reverse DDT – before rolling him out of the ring to dispose of the evidence. As the referee turned around, he was none the wiser. This lead to Bishop nailing a lariat on Sherlock, which sent him out of the ring. Bishop then exited the ring and went back to his corner, where he was tagged him by Brewer and the two men executed a double powerbomb! This might’ve been enough to finish the job, but Bishop had other plans. He went to the mat, and like a boa constrictor, locked Joseph up in a head and arm choke from the side position. Bishop’s weight and leverage would’ve been enough to submit Joseph at full strength, let alone after the vicious double power bomb. It didn’t take the referee long to realize that Joseph was unresponsive, so he called for the bell and declared pressure point to winners.
Winners and NEW Number One Contenders to the North American Tag Team Titles: Pressure Point (14:35)
--
Oxford Osland started to regain focus, and realized that his efforts to assist in securing this victory went awry. He looked beside him, and saw Wayne Sherlock getting to his feet as well. The two men asked one and other what had happened. Meanwhile, Joseph laid on the mat unconscious, not moving a muscle.
Bishop and Brewer had their hands raised, but there was very little pageantry, all business. The duo exited the ring, and flinched in Osland’s direction. The crowd applauded their efforts, and tipped their caps to a job well done.
--
[Backstage.]
As the show was coming to a close, we watched as Eric Dane Jr. walked up to Gus Arnold who was watching the match from the Gorilla position. EDJ asked Gus if that was a ‘big enough’ impact? Before Gus could respond, EDJ winked at him and kept on walking.
[Cut.]
Gus said that The Shining Stars have been valuable champions, but have already received their opportunity at the gold back in August at Battle of Baltimore. He also mentioned that Sato Watanabe and his boys were on the last leg of a tour in Japan, and would be available to compete in ‘NPW’ at the next show. With the situation being what it is, Gus announced that he had hand selected two teams to compete for the right to challenge The World Beaters at the end of the month.
Before Gus could utter another spoken word, Oxford Osland and I-69 made their way to the top of the stage. Osland waited for the boo’s to die down, before he spoke. Osland asked Gus why he was allowing wrestlers who aren’t on the NPW Roster to run roughshod on ‘his’ turf. Before Gus could speak, Oxford put his hand up, and continued. Osland said that Brinley Bishop has been trying to use their history as a means to catapult his name to the top of the marquee. Osland said that Bishop’s partnership with Tyson Brewer was fraudulent, and that if Joseph and Sherlock were actually given an opportunity to prove it, they would out-wrestle and outlast those two rejects from Midwestern Pro.
Gus attempt to get a word in, but Osland spoke over him again. Gus just smirked, knowing full well that his Canadian Commonwealth Champion was looking frazzled. Osland spoke about Dusty Griffith – and at the sound of his name, the building erupted. Osland looked around in disgust, before continuing. The message was loud and clear – if Dusty Griffith and all of his fancy credentials from Japan and the US wants to step into the ring with the best wrestler in the NAWC…
That he would have to get in line.
BOOOOOOOO!
Gus took control of the banter, and said that he thought about what Oxford had just shared, and that he agreed. Tonight, it would be I-69 vs. Pressure Point for the right to challenge the World Beaters for the North American Tag Team Championships.
[RAAAAAAAAAAHHHH]
Sherlock and Joseph nod their heads in agreement, before slapping each other’s chest as a means to fire each other up. Gus goes onto to say that what he decides to do in the way of signings has nothing to do with Oxford Osland or anyone else for that matter. However, in regards to Dusty – Mr. Griffith took him up on his offer to come and check out Northern Pro Wrestling. Dusty was backstage watching on the monitor’s when the heinous acts perpetuated by yourselves and ‘The Shooters Club’ were taking place. Gus said he couldn’t speak for Dusty – but perhaps a moral dilemma started to surface and he felt motivated to even the odds.
Gus said that whatever the case may be, he was sure it’ll become more clear if Dusty does in fact decide to sign a contract with the North American Wrestling Council. As of right now, the negotiations are still on-going. Gus then went onto thank Osland for his concerns, and told him he ought to be worried about the hornet’s nest that he’s been stirring up over the past year, and how he was a marked man.
Osland sneered at the top of the ramp, but seemed to take all of the news he had just received in a positive way. His partners in crime were set to have an opportunity to become the number one contenders to the North American Tag Team Championships – while a potential enemy was still undecided on his future.
--
Singles Match
15 Minute Time Limit
Kuma vs. Irwin Collins
--
This match was completely one-sided, as the ‘Canadian Grizzly’ made short work of the overmatched Irwin Collins. It was as if The Shooters Club used this platform to make a statement to remind the world of how dangerous they are. They took the Shining Stars to the limit on more than one occasion, but fell just short. The fact that Lance Romance is off in the United Kingdom looking to re-establish himself might be addition by subtraction.
Fredericks and KUMA looked like a well oiled machine, and looked the part of a dangerous duo who’s skills complimented one and other. Mercifully, KUMA finally got tired of playing with his prey. After four minutes of slams, drivers and submission holds, KUMA eventually took top position before spinning around and yanking Collins’ arm out of it’s socket with a nasty KIMURA lock. The referee was in position, and called for the bell after Collins succumbed to the hold.
Winner: KUMA via KIMURA (4:36)
--
[Backstage.]
[Gus Arnold’s Office.]
Parker Smith stands slightly in front of Brinley Bishop and Tyson Brewer. We listen as Parker and Gus discuss ‘Pressure Point’ signing a contract with Northern Pro Wrestling to make tonight’s match official. Parker says that the wrestling world can thank the MPW locker room, and their blatant attempt to make both men feel unwelcome. The group mentality there brought these two men together, and the results have been outstanding.
Gus reiterated that some of their success had to do with Parker’s eye for talent, and history as a tag team specialist. Parker remained humble, and said that he wouldn’t take credit for any of their successes, and that he was merely there to handle the business side of things. We watched as Bishop and then Brewer took turns initialing a contract for tonight’s match, and we’re left to presume a contract to compete in Northern Pro Wrestling. The men exchange handshakes with Gus, before Parker leads them out of the office.
The camera stays with the scene, and this is where the three men run into Eric Dane Jr. ‘EDJ’ appears to be waiting to speak to Gus, and as luck would have it – is standing with the uncle of his close friend Marcus Smith – as well as Tyson Brewer, the only other true ally he has made since joining the NAWC. Brewer fist pounds EDJ, and the two exchange cordial words as they bound together last week to thwart a common enemy.
Parker says that he appreciates the friendship that he forged with his nephew, and that Tyson vouches for him as a genuinely hard working talent. Eric Dane Jr. nods his head respectfully, and says that he appreciates the kind words. The three men walk past, which allows the second generation star to knock at Gus’ door. This is where the scene fades away.
--
[In the Arena.]
As the night of wrestling action continued, the crowd grew excited for what could be next. They soon had their answer, as Willard Manchester made his way out from the back with a mic in his hand. Manchester was met with a mixed reaction, as some of the crowd truly do respect the level of athlete he is, despite his outlook in certain situations.
Manchester got into the ring, and put over the 2nd Annual Cruiserweight Cup. He declared that this year’s field was already shaping up to be ultra-competitive, and that he would be leading the way. He said that besides one slipup, that he proved to be the King of the Cruiserweights and his track record of decisive victories spoke for itself.
Manchester switched gears and had a message for Eric Carlson and Allan Algar. He told them, that he wasn’t hard to find, and that since both of them fell under the weight requirements to be Cruiserweights – that one of them should find their courage and accept his open challenge. That’s right, Manchester declared that he wasn’t leaving the ring until someone from the back accepted his offer to prove their mettle against him.
[Moments Pass.]
[Nobody.]
[RAAAAAAAAAH~!]
[Gentry McCray.]
The Canadian Heritage Champion emerged from the back to a hero’s welcome. Gentry recently defended his championship at the Anniversary Celebrations event, and has a perfect record since he made his debut in NPW. Gentry slapped hands with the fans, who were literally trying to jump the barricade to maul him. McCray kept his approach humble, while never taking his eyes off of the ring. Before long, he was there, and started to ascend the stairs with his Championship Belt around his waist. Before entering, Gentry unstrapped the title, and left it in his corner. He took off his jacket, and tossed it into the crowd. He took two steps forward and encouraged Manchester to do the same.
The arena was going nuts! Manchester walked forward, and a referee slid into the ring to start the match.
Talk about a match that could main event anywhere in North America, and the crowd at the Ted Reeve arena in Toronto were getting it live and in person. The match delivered, as both men matched the other at every turn. Gentry had the crowd in his back pocket, as they hung onto his every movement. Manchester used his unique British shoot style to try and keep Gentry on the mat, where Manchester tends to always have an advantage. That was until he wrestled Gentry McCray, as the CHC was every parts equal on the mat and then some.
Gentry appeared to have the match won went he went for his patented CRAY-Z Knot submission, but Manchester was able to reverse out of it, just before Gentry could apply maximum pressure. The fans were on the edge of their seats, as the match seemed to be hitting its apex – when all of the sudden the bell sounded, declaring that the time limit had expired. The referee waved off the contest, and informed each wrestler that the match had ended. Both men seemed to want to fight on, so they could declare an official winner. The referee refused, and ended up raising neither man’s hand.
Gentry slid out of the ring, and took his Canadian Heritage Championship with him. As he walked up the aisle, he slapped hands with the fans, and relished the fact that he was viewed as a role model to the youth in attendance.
Back In the ring, Willard Manchester was still conversing with the referee when he was blindsided by two men who emerged from the crowd.
[Allan Algar & Eric Carlson.]
The two men seemed intent on finishing the job they weren’t able to the week previous. Algar had Manchester’s arms tied up, allowing Eric Carlson to get a few licks in. The crowd got Gentry’s attention, and he turned around to see the injustice taking place. Gentry dropped his championship, and rushed into the ring. McCray gut Eric Carlson off, and knocked him out of the ring with a running clothesline. Algar attempted to swing on McCray, but he dumped unceremoniously out of the ring with a back body drop!
Manchester got to his feet, and realized that the man he just went a hard 15 minutes with, was the man who decided to come to his aid in a time of need. Gentry waited for Carlson and Algar to retreat, before he took his eyes off of them. Gentry turned to Manchester, who was holding the back of his head – still clearing the cobwebs. No handshake was exchanged, but McCray nodded his head to Manchester as a means of communication, before sliding out of the ring to close the segment.
--
[Backstage.]
[Gus Arnold’s Office.]
Gus: “Have a seat young man.”
[Eric Dane Jr.]
Gus: “What can I do for you, son.”
EDJ: “This Cruiserweight Cup Thing I keep hearing about. I want in.”
[Gus looks the young grappler up and down.]
Gus: “I see. Well, to tell you the truth – I have my reservations.”
EDJ: “What do you mean?”
Gus: “I’m not sure if you’re ‘ready’ for that level of competition. If I give my blessing before you’re capable, then the decision could set you back on any progress you’ve built over the past four months.”
EDJ: “Listen, I’m tired of taking a backseat to everyone. I set up your ring, I refereed your matches, I managed one of your wrestlers – and I’ve proven I can handle myself more than I’m given credit for.”
[…]
[Before Gus speaks, we can see the wheels turning. He let’s out a generous sigh, before continuing.]
Gus: “Let me reach out to the office and see what I can do. I can’t make any promises, but I’ll do my best.”
EDJ: “Sweet! Alright dude, we got this…”
Gus: “We?”
EDJ: “You know, you and I. Cmon Gus!”
Gus: “Right. Listen, in the meantime, focus on making an impact here. Every bit helps when it comes to reserving an entry into a highly sought after spot.”
[EDJ stands and gives Gus and High Five, which misses terribly, but who cares.]
Gus: “What the heck was that?”
[By this time, EDJ is already out of the door. Almost as if he was able to hear enough of the answer he wanted to hear, so he could keep his confidence up.]
[Cut.]
--
Main Event
North American Tag Team Title Shot
30 Minute Time Limit
I-69 (Wayne Sherlock & Allan Joseph) vs. Pressure Point (Brinley Bishop & Tyson Brewer)
--
A lot was riding on this match, but this was also the culmination of months of anticipation. When I-69 took out Kenneth Marshall at Elimination Games, Jon Smith sought to clean up the shenanigans, and asked his brother to bring Pressure Point to the arena to make sure things went smoothly. That was where the first altercation between the two teams took place. Fast forward a month, and it would be Pressure Point who once against stood between I-69 and potential devious doing, as the duo made sure that I-69 couldn’t factor into the North American Championship match between Oxford Osland and Robbie Farside. Factor in some of the history between Brinley Bishop and Oxford Osland – as well as the fact that it was I-69 who helped Osland injure Bishop’s knee back in March and put him on the shelf for a few months.
As the match got underway, it was clear that Osland was going to do whatever he could to keep the balance of power in their favor. If the referee’s head was turned, he might strike. If Osland was able to distract Bishop or Brewer long enough for one of his men to take control, that’s what he was planning to do. The official knew he was going to have his hands full, as the stakes were high, and the tension between both sides was intense.
I-69 did have the advantage early in the match, and it was due to their ability to keep the exchanges uneven and in their favor. As the match wore on, they started to stretch the five count, and the referee started to insert himself in the middle to keep things above board. This was when Osland first jumped on the apron and raked Bishop’s eyes. To some fans, it’s still amazing how Osland turned his back on Bishop after the two men trained together for nearly three years and we’re often on the same side of fights up and down the road in Midwestern USA.
Bishop fought through the fact he couldn’t see, took a wild swing and clobbered Osland off of the apron. The crowd popped for this, and the action continued. Brewer was on the outside, arm extended, looking to make the hot tag. This came into effect when Bishop was able to double a double clothesline attempt, and bull rush forward and clear both men out with a diving shoulder tackle. The crowd looked on in excitement, as Bishop made the tag, and Brewer started to run though both members of I-69 like a hot knife through butter.
The referee was trying to get control of the match, as Bishop reinserted himself into the fray, and the four men started brawling all over the ring. The referee seemed to be losing control – and this is where Oxford Osland entered the ring with his Canadian Commonwealth Championship in hand. He crept up behind Bishop, and just as he was about to deliver to knockout blow, his attempt was stopped by ERIC DANE Jr!
[RAAAAAAAHHH!]
The second generation star also crept into the ring behind the referees back and laid Osland out with a reverse DDT – before rolling him out of the ring to dispose of the evidence. As the referee turned around, he was none the wiser. This lead to Bishop nailing a lariat on Sherlock, which sent him out of the ring. Bishop then exited the ring and went back to his corner, where he was tagged him by Brewer and the two men executed a double powerbomb! This might’ve been enough to finish the job, but Bishop had other plans. He went to the mat, and like a boa constrictor, locked Joseph up in a head and arm choke from the side position. Bishop’s weight and leverage would’ve been enough to submit Joseph at full strength, let alone after the vicious double power bomb. It didn’t take the referee long to realize that Joseph was unresponsive, so he called for the bell and declared pressure point to winners.
Winners and NEW Number One Contenders to the North American Tag Team Titles: Pressure Point (14:35)
--
Oxford Osland started to regain focus, and realized that his efforts to assist in securing this victory went awry. He looked beside him, and saw Wayne Sherlock getting to his feet as well. The two men asked one and other what had happened. Meanwhile, Joseph laid on the mat unconscious, not moving a muscle.
Bishop and Brewer had their hands raised, but there was very little pageantry, all business. The duo exited the ring, and flinched in Osland’s direction. The crowd applauded their efforts, and tipped their caps to a job well done.
--
[Backstage.]
As the show was coming to a close, we watched as Eric Dane Jr. walked up to Gus Arnold who was watching the match from the Gorilla position. EDJ asked Gus if that was a ‘big enough’ impact? Before Gus could respond, EDJ winked at him and kept on walking.
[Cut.]