Northern Pro Wrestling -- January 28th, 2020
Jun 8, 2020 20:40:41 GMT -5
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Post by Oh-Oh on Jun 8, 2020 20:40:41 GMT -5
[Our show opens with a highlight package from last week’s North American Tag Team Championship Match. We see the over confident The World Beaters in the ring, running down the lack of competition with the tag team championships around their respective necks.]
[Flash.]
[Pressure Point emerge from the back and seem to be taking the insults in stride.]
[Flash.]
[The referee rings the bell to make the contest official.]
[Flash.]
[Jason Brown and Dave Thompson are having a lot of success in keeping Tyson Brewer away from his corner.]
[Flash.]
[Dave Thompson with a near fall on Tyson Brewer.]
[Flash.]
[The crowd encouraging Brewer to make the tag to Brinley Bishop.]
[Flash.]
[The Tag is made, and The World Beaters are on their heels.]
[Flash.]
[Brinley Bishops clears Dave Thompson out of the ring, and executes an exploder suplex on Jason Brown.]
[Flash.]
[Brinley Bishop has the pinfall secured, as Tyson Brewer intervenes to prevent the save.]
[Flash.]
[The North American Tag Team Championships are presented to the New Champions.]
[Flash.]
[Closeup of the North American Tag Team Titles.]
[Flash.]
[Looks of despair on the faces of the World Beaters, as they seemed to have under-estimated their opponents.]
--
We are then brought into the present, with Pressure Point standing in the ring shoulder to shoulder, side by side. The crowd welcomes them with open arms, and after brief standing ovation, Brinley Bishop addresses the crowd. Bishop started by thanking the crowd for their support – and said that if you would’ve asked him eight months ago if something like this would’ve been possible, he would’ve said No. Bishop said that he couldn’t have known at the time, that exterior forces were at hand, and someone with great vision was able to what two athletes could be if they were to join forces.
Bishop said that this was the opportunity that both he and Tyson needed to breakthrough, and that they would be forever grateful. Bishop said that he and Tyson were willing to put their championships on the line against Technical Authority, as they believed that they were still deserving of the number one contender position. However, Bishop was reminded that Kenneth Marshall is out with an injury, and this would prevent the match from happening. Bishop extended his condolences, and assured the fans that they would do them proud by being fighting champions.
Tyson Brewer then took the mic, and said that they would be watching the tag team division in the NAWC closely, as they believed it was wide open. If anyone thought they were worthy, they wouldn’t be hard to find. At this point, the partner nodded to eachother, and left the ring with no pageantry.
--
[Backstage.]
[Rudy Palmateer.]
The big man from the east coast walked up to Gus Arnold who was preparing paperwork for a future meeting. Palmateer had bruising in and around his eyes after he was slammed into a wall on last week’s show – by ‘Leon’. Palmateer told Gus that he has had to look at himself in the mirror for the past week and be constantly reminded of what happened to him. He said he knows he instigated the taunting, but he thought ‘Leon’ took it a little too far. Gus scoffed, and reminded Rudy that the low-rent bullying tactics that he’s used to getting away with wouldn’t take him very far in Northern Pro Wrestling. Gus said that ‘Leon’ was in the building tonight, looking for competition. Palmateer nodded his head a few times, seemingly trying to talk himself into accepting the match. Gus kept a close eye on Rudy’s body language – before teasing that he would take the opportunity away if Rudy was non-committal. This jolted Palmateer into a response, where he accepted the match.
--
Singles Match
15 Minute Time Limit
Eric Carlson vs. Marcel Desjradins
--
After the events that took place last week, it would seem that with Ralph Erickson inserting himself back into Eastern Elite affairs – that there is a slight power struggle within the group to determine the proper course of action to take going forward. If Eric Carlson had it his way, he would be looking to use intimidation among other tactics to secure victories over their opponents. For a few weeks, Allan Algar seemed to be willing to go-along with this, while never truly inserting himself. With Ralph Erickson’s return, it’s clear that he is vehemently opposed to doing anything that would be considered ‘breaking the rules’.
This match was a statement for Eric Carlson – who has been on a hot streak since he altered his attitude and perception. Carlson was clearly the more gifted of the two wrestlers, and Carlson was clearing extending the match as long as he wanted to so he could inflict more damage than was necessary.
After an elevated DDT lead to Carlson going to the top rope and coming off with a nasty leg drop, Carlson floated over and hooked the leg for the easy pinfall.
Winner: Eric Carlson (5:15) via Flying Leg Drop
Once the referee raised his hand, Carlson went back to his opponent and mounted him with punches. The referee called for the bell as a warning, that this type of behavior wouldn’t be tolerated. In a flash, Ralph Erickson rushed to the ring, and pulled Carlson off of Desjardins.
Carlson popped up to his feet, and the two men went nose to nose. Erickson told Carlson that he had better calm down, or he risked being booted from the Eastern Elite group. Carlson scoffed, and told Erickson that he wasn’t at liberty to make those types of decisions, and that his old man was ‘out of touch’ with today’s wrestling landscape – and how he was doing the Eastern Elite brand a favor by using ruthless tactics to keep their enemies in line. Erickson did his best to hold back as Carlson taunted him.
Before long, Allan Algar hit the ring and stepped in between the two men. Algar does his best to keep the peace, and talk both men down. Carlson tells Algar that he ought to drop this ‘nice guy’ routine, and reminded him that while Erickson was away, he actually agreed with Carlsons’ approach. Algar seemed to resent the accusations – which was followed by Carlson inferring that Algar was a coward, and was too afraid to be honest with Erickson. Carlson said that Algar felt left behind when Erickson won the Canadian Commonwealth Championship – and only NOW that he lost the championship, he had more time for Eastern Elite business.
Carlson seemed to be successful in getting Erickson to speculate that his comments were accurate. Algar told Erickson to believe what he wanted, and was started to see who Carlson really was – someone that they couldn’t trust any longer. This caused Carlson to smile, while walking backwards away from the scene, and then exiting the ring alone.
--
[Backstage.]
Willard Manchester stood below a ‘Northern Pro Wrestling’ banner. He looked into the camera and told the world that the ‘level of danger’ had been amplified. Manchester reminded the wrestling world that his connects in Europe were deep, and that he was the link between that dangerous world, and the world of professional wrestling. This is where Manchester made room from ‘Leon’ to enter the frame. Leon was expressionless, and stared coldly into the camera.
Manchester said that Leon Van Sandt was the most cerebral man that he had ever come across in his twelve year wrestling career. Manchester said that what Rudy Palmateer and Jackson Evans felt last week, would only be the beginning. Manchester said that he knows that Leon has been at the forefront of both men’s every thought since they were introduced to him unceremoniously last week. Manchester reiterated that both men got what they deserved, and perhaps learned a life lesson at the same time.
Manchester capped the segment off by stepping away, and allowing the camera to get a close up of Leon Van Zandt, who might looks like a regular middle-aged European man to the untrained eye – but to those who have seen that ‘type’ of look in a man’s eyes in their life – know that this isn’t a man that you should be trifled with.
[Cut.]
--
Singles Match
15 Minute Time Limit
Leon “The Professional” Van Zandt vs. Rudy Palmateeer
--
In what was one of the more eerie entrances that has occurred to date in Northern Pro Wrestling, Leon Van Zandt captivated the crowd with his stoic entrance, and mercenary like body language. Even the usually out spoken Willard Manchester kept things silent, as the two men made their way to ringside, and awaited the arrival of Rudy Palmateer. When it was his turn, Rudy took his time entering the ring, and even went as far as to look into the crowd a few times before accepting the fact that this match would take place inside of the ring, and not in the aisle.
The referee rang the bell, and Palmateer did his best to overwhelm Leon with his size and perceived power advantage. Leon proved to be the master of the escape, and even baited Palmateer by offering his limbs for certain exchanges, only to put Palmateer in a stretch hold, and used Palmateer’s weight and size against him. Once Leon had Palmateer locked up in a cobra twist, he held him there with ease, and watched as the stretch started to take effect. A few short shots to the ribs, helped fold Rudy’s body, and allowed Leon to keep the abdominal stretch locked in on the mat. He quickly transitioned into a sugar hold submission, and with ease transitioned to the top to exert the most amount of pressure possible, forcing Palmateer to submit in an instant. Leon didn’t showboat, or hold onto the hold after the bell. He accepted the referee’s hand, which was to raise his – and then walked out of the ring after a job well done.
Winner: Leon “The Professional” Van Zandt (2:03) via The Sugar Hold
--
[Backstage.]
[Do our eyes deceive us?]
[Eric Dane?]
[RAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!]
We watch as the former multiple world champion shakes hands with Gus Arnold. The two exchange a few words, before Dane’s protégé Graysie Parker emerges from Gus’ office and they too exchange pleasantries.
The conversation appears cordial, and within a few moments, Eric Dane and Graysie Parker head for the exits. As the camera pans back, we see Wayne Sherlock and Allan Joseph standing off in the distance. The two men exchange a glance, before backing away and leaving the scene.
--
[Northern Pro Wrestling Banner.]
[Sato Watanabe.]
[The Shining Stars.]
Kondo is doing hindu squats, while Ito is shadowboxing off in the distance. Through broken English, Watanabe spoke.
Sato said that while they were in Japan throughout the month of December, The Shining Stars competed in some of the most grueling tag team matches in Japan as a means to prepare themselves for what was ahead for them in 2020. Sato said that all three of them had signed contract extensions with Northern Pro Wrestling, and that meant ‘trouble’ for the tag teams in the NAWC.
Sato said he was listening very closely to what Brinley Bishop and Tyson Brewer had said earlier in the evening, and that he felt insulted. Sato vowed that they would see ‘Pressure Point’ soon. In the meantime, they would defending their Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships later in the show against The Roughnecks. Sato warned that his group was improving every day, and that when he set out to recruit Kondo and Ito and brought them together, he knew it would be something special.
Sato offered that Northern Pro Wrestling, and it’s roster have so quickly forgotten the elite level of competition that they bring, but that they would soon be reminded. Sato bowed his head, before walking off the camera shot – leaving us to watch Kano Ito and Tetsu Kondo preparing for battle.
--
[Brief Highlight Package is shown of Dusty Griffith’s recent impact on Northern Pro Wrestling.]
[This first time he stepped foot inside of an NPW ring is rehashed.]
[Dusty cleaning house, and tossing bodies over the top rope with ease.]
[Dusty then walks the line, and shows respect the Eric Dane Jr. and Pressure Point, before exiting without uttering a spoken word.]
[KUMA beating his chest, and salivating at the destruction he caused.]
[KUMA issuing a challenge, to which Dusty willingly accepted.]
[Final Shot is of both men standing nose to nose.]
[RAAAAAAAH!!!]
Singles Match
15 Minute Time Limit
KUMA vs. Dusty Griffith
--
The moment felt momentous, as this would be the first time that Dusty Griffith has ever wrestled on Canadian soil. After a strong statement made by Dusty both inside of the ring last week, as well as through NAWC media outlets, it’s clear that Dusty believes that the Northern Pro Wrestling model aligns with his core beliefs as a competitor. No greater compliment could’ve been extended to Gus Arnold and his staff than that.
As would be the case just about anywhere, Dusty Griffith carries a major target with him. There will always be those who will look to step up to make a name for themselves – there will be those who genuinely don’t like Dusty – and there will be those who have an agenda from the past and are looking for an opportunity for revenge. This situation seemed to fit into the first category, as there is no prior history between the two men – and KUMA’s decision to challenge Dusty felt more like a Mano a Mano challenge with all the levels of moxie you could imagine.
KUMA is well rounded and versed in Sambo, as well as jiu jitsu – so he often presents challenges for his opponents. On top of that, his 6’5” 260 pound frame is a sight to behold. KUMA must’ve felt that he needed to be the one to stand up to Dusty, as Dusty had put his nose in his business recently. In true Dusty fashion, he seemed to shrug off that there was any residual heat between the two, and that he was simply doing what he felt compelled to do in that moment. Also, Dusty has made a career out of wrestling dangerous men in a multitude of situations. So, the pressure definitely wouldn’t be a factor in this contest.
The match was hard hitting, and kept the fans intrigued throughout. Would the younger and hungrier KUMA be able to solve the formula that had eluded so many others in the past. The answer was NO. Although KUMA nearly had a hold of Dusty’s arm with the intent to crank it until it fell off, Dusty was able to showcase a great degree of agility, and rolled out of the position and into a dominant one. In what was a true amazing feat of Strength, Dusty nearly deadlifted the 260 pound KUMA off the ground with one arm when he wouldn’t relinquish the arm lock – and then proceed to slam him down to the mat not once, not twice, but three times. By the time Dusty got KUMA up for the second time, he did have his other hand in position to execute at full capacity. The third slam was the knockout blow, as KUMA laid flat on his back, motionless. Dusty looked at the referee wondering if he would declare him the winner right there – but the referee told him he would need the three count to make it official. Dusty obliged, and the three count followed.
Winner: Dusty Griffith (6:37) via Powerbomb
Dusty nodded to the crowd, and slapped a few hands on his way back to the locker room. He didn’t look back or give KUMA a second thought. The referee was seen checking on KUMA, and was waving medics from the back to check on the fallen competitor.
--
[Backstage.]
Oxford Osland sprints around the corner and barges into Gus Arnold’s office. Osland catches his breath while Gus admonishes him for his lack of manners by not asking to be let in. Before Gus can continue, Osland starts to lace into him.
Osland questioned whether his sources were accurate, and that Eric Dane was present at the building tonight. Osland asked if Gus was ‘really’ planning to do business with Eric Dane – and if so, why wasn’t he made aware of this. Gus reminded Osland that he didn’t have to run any of his business decisions by anyone. Gus told Osland that he had better curb his attitude, or run the risk of some serious repercussions.
Osland shot back, and said that he’s been tracking Eric Dane down for the past year, and that he had been ‘ducking’ him. Gus didn’t seem to believe that last statement, but kept his poker face intact. Osland asked when Gus expected to be in contact with Dane again, to which Gus responded sometime in February. Osland said that when he spoke to Dane next, tell him that he had a message for him. Gus looked Osland right in the eye and suggested that if he wanted to send Eric Dane a message – ‘out there’ in the ring was the best place to do so.
--
Main Event
Imperial Crown Tag Team Championship
30 Minute Time Limit
The Shining Stars© vs. The Roughnecks
--
The redneck brothers from the island of Prince Edward were out first, and looked to create chaos with the crowd which is their calling card. They were successful in stirring up the fans to a certain degree, while pumping themselves up for this golden opportunity to break through and become the second Imperial Crown Tag Team Champions in NPW’s history. The champions were out next, and they wasted little time in getting to the ring. Ito jumped over the ropes with ease, while Kondo slid under the ring and crouched within striking distance of the Roughnecks.
The match was underway, and besides an initial surge from the Roughnecks, this turned into more of a showcase for the champions. This is not to say that the Roughnecks are unworthy of this opportunity, but the Shining Stars appeared completely engaged and on the same page in regards to their timing and strategy inside of the ring. They were successful in isolating Myles, and kept him at bay with frequent tags, and the ability to cut the ring off.
A high/low striking combination was an excellent moment for the champions and the impact nearly folded Myles in half. The crowd were in awe of the continuity. The finish came when Kondo had Myles locked up in a german suplex position – Ito spring-boarded himself into the ring from the apron and blasted Myles with a nasty forearm strike, to which Myles’s momentum carried him backwards and added more velocity to Kondo’s german suplex hold. The referee was in position and the attempt earned the champions a pinfall victory over a tag team on the rise.
Winners and STILL Imperial Crown Tag Team Champions: The Shining Stars (11:33) via Flying Forearm/German Suplex hold combo
--
Sato Watanabe entered the ring with the championships titles draped over both forearms. He handed each one of his men a championship, allowing them to pose for the photographers at ringside. This is where the show ended.
[Flash.]
[Pressure Point emerge from the back and seem to be taking the insults in stride.]
[Flash.]
[The referee rings the bell to make the contest official.]
[Flash.]
[Jason Brown and Dave Thompson are having a lot of success in keeping Tyson Brewer away from his corner.]
[Flash.]
[Dave Thompson with a near fall on Tyson Brewer.]
[Flash.]
[The crowd encouraging Brewer to make the tag to Brinley Bishop.]
[Flash.]
[The Tag is made, and The World Beaters are on their heels.]
[Flash.]
[Brinley Bishops clears Dave Thompson out of the ring, and executes an exploder suplex on Jason Brown.]
[Flash.]
[Brinley Bishop has the pinfall secured, as Tyson Brewer intervenes to prevent the save.]
[Flash.]
[The North American Tag Team Championships are presented to the New Champions.]
[Flash.]
[Closeup of the North American Tag Team Titles.]
[Flash.]
[Looks of despair on the faces of the World Beaters, as they seemed to have under-estimated their opponents.]
--
We are then brought into the present, with Pressure Point standing in the ring shoulder to shoulder, side by side. The crowd welcomes them with open arms, and after brief standing ovation, Brinley Bishop addresses the crowd. Bishop started by thanking the crowd for their support – and said that if you would’ve asked him eight months ago if something like this would’ve been possible, he would’ve said No. Bishop said that he couldn’t have known at the time, that exterior forces were at hand, and someone with great vision was able to what two athletes could be if they were to join forces.
Bishop said that this was the opportunity that both he and Tyson needed to breakthrough, and that they would be forever grateful. Bishop said that he and Tyson were willing to put their championships on the line against Technical Authority, as they believed that they were still deserving of the number one contender position. However, Bishop was reminded that Kenneth Marshall is out with an injury, and this would prevent the match from happening. Bishop extended his condolences, and assured the fans that they would do them proud by being fighting champions.
Tyson Brewer then took the mic, and said that they would be watching the tag team division in the NAWC closely, as they believed it was wide open. If anyone thought they were worthy, they wouldn’t be hard to find. At this point, the partner nodded to eachother, and left the ring with no pageantry.
--
[Backstage.]
[Rudy Palmateer.]
The big man from the east coast walked up to Gus Arnold who was preparing paperwork for a future meeting. Palmateer had bruising in and around his eyes after he was slammed into a wall on last week’s show – by ‘Leon’. Palmateer told Gus that he has had to look at himself in the mirror for the past week and be constantly reminded of what happened to him. He said he knows he instigated the taunting, but he thought ‘Leon’ took it a little too far. Gus scoffed, and reminded Rudy that the low-rent bullying tactics that he’s used to getting away with wouldn’t take him very far in Northern Pro Wrestling. Gus said that ‘Leon’ was in the building tonight, looking for competition. Palmateer nodded his head a few times, seemingly trying to talk himself into accepting the match. Gus kept a close eye on Rudy’s body language – before teasing that he would take the opportunity away if Rudy was non-committal. This jolted Palmateer into a response, where he accepted the match.
--
Singles Match
15 Minute Time Limit
Eric Carlson vs. Marcel Desjradins
--
After the events that took place last week, it would seem that with Ralph Erickson inserting himself back into Eastern Elite affairs – that there is a slight power struggle within the group to determine the proper course of action to take going forward. If Eric Carlson had it his way, he would be looking to use intimidation among other tactics to secure victories over their opponents. For a few weeks, Allan Algar seemed to be willing to go-along with this, while never truly inserting himself. With Ralph Erickson’s return, it’s clear that he is vehemently opposed to doing anything that would be considered ‘breaking the rules’.
This match was a statement for Eric Carlson – who has been on a hot streak since he altered his attitude and perception. Carlson was clearly the more gifted of the two wrestlers, and Carlson was clearing extending the match as long as he wanted to so he could inflict more damage than was necessary.
After an elevated DDT lead to Carlson going to the top rope and coming off with a nasty leg drop, Carlson floated over and hooked the leg for the easy pinfall.
Winner: Eric Carlson (5:15) via Flying Leg Drop
Once the referee raised his hand, Carlson went back to his opponent and mounted him with punches. The referee called for the bell as a warning, that this type of behavior wouldn’t be tolerated. In a flash, Ralph Erickson rushed to the ring, and pulled Carlson off of Desjardins.
Carlson popped up to his feet, and the two men went nose to nose. Erickson told Carlson that he had better calm down, or he risked being booted from the Eastern Elite group. Carlson scoffed, and told Erickson that he wasn’t at liberty to make those types of decisions, and that his old man was ‘out of touch’ with today’s wrestling landscape – and how he was doing the Eastern Elite brand a favor by using ruthless tactics to keep their enemies in line. Erickson did his best to hold back as Carlson taunted him.
Before long, Allan Algar hit the ring and stepped in between the two men. Algar does his best to keep the peace, and talk both men down. Carlson tells Algar that he ought to drop this ‘nice guy’ routine, and reminded him that while Erickson was away, he actually agreed with Carlsons’ approach. Algar seemed to resent the accusations – which was followed by Carlson inferring that Algar was a coward, and was too afraid to be honest with Erickson. Carlson said that Algar felt left behind when Erickson won the Canadian Commonwealth Championship – and only NOW that he lost the championship, he had more time for Eastern Elite business.
Carlson seemed to be successful in getting Erickson to speculate that his comments were accurate. Algar told Erickson to believe what he wanted, and was started to see who Carlson really was – someone that they couldn’t trust any longer. This caused Carlson to smile, while walking backwards away from the scene, and then exiting the ring alone.
--
[Backstage.]
Willard Manchester stood below a ‘Northern Pro Wrestling’ banner. He looked into the camera and told the world that the ‘level of danger’ had been amplified. Manchester reminded the wrestling world that his connects in Europe were deep, and that he was the link between that dangerous world, and the world of professional wrestling. This is where Manchester made room from ‘Leon’ to enter the frame. Leon was expressionless, and stared coldly into the camera.
Manchester said that Leon Van Sandt was the most cerebral man that he had ever come across in his twelve year wrestling career. Manchester said that what Rudy Palmateer and Jackson Evans felt last week, would only be the beginning. Manchester said that he knows that Leon has been at the forefront of both men’s every thought since they were introduced to him unceremoniously last week. Manchester reiterated that both men got what they deserved, and perhaps learned a life lesson at the same time.
Manchester capped the segment off by stepping away, and allowing the camera to get a close up of Leon Van Zandt, who might looks like a regular middle-aged European man to the untrained eye – but to those who have seen that ‘type’ of look in a man’s eyes in their life – know that this isn’t a man that you should be trifled with.
[Cut.]
--
Singles Match
15 Minute Time Limit
Leon “The Professional” Van Zandt vs. Rudy Palmateeer
--
In what was one of the more eerie entrances that has occurred to date in Northern Pro Wrestling, Leon Van Zandt captivated the crowd with his stoic entrance, and mercenary like body language. Even the usually out spoken Willard Manchester kept things silent, as the two men made their way to ringside, and awaited the arrival of Rudy Palmateer. When it was his turn, Rudy took his time entering the ring, and even went as far as to look into the crowd a few times before accepting the fact that this match would take place inside of the ring, and not in the aisle.
The referee rang the bell, and Palmateer did his best to overwhelm Leon with his size and perceived power advantage. Leon proved to be the master of the escape, and even baited Palmateer by offering his limbs for certain exchanges, only to put Palmateer in a stretch hold, and used Palmateer’s weight and size against him. Once Leon had Palmateer locked up in a cobra twist, he held him there with ease, and watched as the stretch started to take effect. A few short shots to the ribs, helped fold Rudy’s body, and allowed Leon to keep the abdominal stretch locked in on the mat. He quickly transitioned into a sugar hold submission, and with ease transitioned to the top to exert the most amount of pressure possible, forcing Palmateer to submit in an instant. Leon didn’t showboat, or hold onto the hold after the bell. He accepted the referee’s hand, which was to raise his – and then walked out of the ring after a job well done.
Winner: Leon “The Professional” Van Zandt (2:03) via The Sugar Hold
--
[Backstage.]
[Do our eyes deceive us?]
[Eric Dane?]
[RAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!]
We watch as the former multiple world champion shakes hands with Gus Arnold. The two exchange a few words, before Dane’s protégé Graysie Parker emerges from Gus’ office and they too exchange pleasantries.
The conversation appears cordial, and within a few moments, Eric Dane and Graysie Parker head for the exits. As the camera pans back, we see Wayne Sherlock and Allan Joseph standing off in the distance. The two men exchange a glance, before backing away and leaving the scene.
--
[Northern Pro Wrestling Banner.]
[Sato Watanabe.]
[The Shining Stars.]
Kondo is doing hindu squats, while Ito is shadowboxing off in the distance. Through broken English, Watanabe spoke.
Sato said that while they were in Japan throughout the month of December, The Shining Stars competed in some of the most grueling tag team matches in Japan as a means to prepare themselves for what was ahead for them in 2020. Sato said that all three of them had signed contract extensions with Northern Pro Wrestling, and that meant ‘trouble’ for the tag teams in the NAWC.
Sato said he was listening very closely to what Brinley Bishop and Tyson Brewer had said earlier in the evening, and that he felt insulted. Sato vowed that they would see ‘Pressure Point’ soon. In the meantime, they would defending their Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships later in the show against The Roughnecks. Sato warned that his group was improving every day, and that when he set out to recruit Kondo and Ito and brought them together, he knew it would be something special.
Sato offered that Northern Pro Wrestling, and it’s roster have so quickly forgotten the elite level of competition that they bring, but that they would soon be reminded. Sato bowed his head, before walking off the camera shot – leaving us to watch Kano Ito and Tetsu Kondo preparing for battle.
--
[Brief Highlight Package is shown of Dusty Griffith’s recent impact on Northern Pro Wrestling.]
[This first time he stepped foot inside of an NPW ring is rehashed.]
[Dusty cleaning house, and tossing bodies over the top rope with ease.]
[Dusty then walks the line, and shows respect the Eric Dane Jr. and Pressure Point, before exiting without uttering a spoken word.]
[KUMA beating his chest, and salivating at the destruction he caused.]
[KUMA issuing a challenge, to which Dusty willingly accepted.]
[Final Shot is of both men standing nose to nose.]
[RAAAAAAAH!!!]
Singles Match
15 Minute Time Limit
KUMA vs. Dusty Griffith
--
The moment felt momentous, as this would be the first time that Dusty Griffith has ever wrestled on Canadian soil. After a strong statement made by Dusty both inside of the ring last week, as well as through NAWC media outlets, it’s clear that Dusty believes that the Northern Pro Wrestling model aligns with his core beliefs as a competitor. No greater compliment could’ve been extended to Gus Arnold and his staff than that.
As would be the case just about anywhere, Dusty Griffith carries a major target with him. There will always be those who will look to step up to make a name for themselves – there will be those who genuinely don’t like Dusty – and there will be those who have an agenda from the past and are looking for an opportunity for revenge. This situation seemed to fit into the first category, as there is no prior history between the two men – and KUMA’s decision to challenge Dusty felt more like a Mano a Mano challenge with all the levels of moxie you could imagine.
KUMA is well rounded and versed in Sambo, as well as jiu jitsu – so he often presents challenges for his opponents. On top of that, his 6’5” 260 pound frame is a sight to behold. KUMA must’ve felt that he needed to be the one to stand up to Dusty, as Dusty had put his nose in his business recently. In true Dusty fashion, he seemed to shrug off that there was any residual heat between the two, and that he was simply doing what he felt compelled to do in that moment. Also, Dusty has made a career out of wrestling dangerous men in a multitude of situations. So, the pressure definitely wouldn’t be a factor in this contest.
The match was hard hitting, and kept the fans intrigued throughout. Would the younger and hungrier KUMA be able to solve the formula that had eluded so many others in the past. The answer was NO. Although KUMA nearly had a hold of Dusty’s arm with the intent to crank it until it fell off, Dusty was able to showcase a great degree of agility, and rolled out of the position and into a dominant one. In what was a true amazing feat of Strength, Dusty nearly deadlifted the 260 pound KUMA off the ground with one arm when he wouldn’t relinquish the arm lock – and then proceed to slam him down to the mat not once, not twice, but three times. By the time Dusty got KUMA up for the second time, he did have his other hand in position to execute at full capacity. The third slam was the knockout blow, as KUMA laid flat on his back, motionless. Dusty looked at the referee wondering if he would declare him the winner right there – but the referee told him he would need the three count to make it official. Dusty obliged, and the three count followed.
Winner: Dusty Griffith (6:37) via Powerbomb
Dusty nodded to the crowd, and slapped a few hands on his way back to the locker room. He didn’t look back or give KUMA a second thought. The referee was seen checking on KUMA, and was waving medics from the back to check on the fallen competitor.
--
[Backstage.]
Oxford Osland sprints around the corner and barges into Gus Arnold’s office. Osland catches his breath while Gus admonishes him for his lack of manners by not asking to be let in. Before Gus can continue, Osland starts to lace into him.
Osland questioned whether his sources were accurate, and that Eric Dane was present at the building tonight. Osland asked if Gus was ‘really’ planning to do business with Eric Dane – and if so, why wasn’t he made aware of this. Gus reminded Osland that he didn’t have to run any of his business decisions by anyone. Gus told Osland that he had better curb his attitude, or run the risk of some serious repercussions.
Osland shot back, and said that he’s been tracking Eric Dane down for the past year, and that he had been ‘ducking’ him. Gus didn’t seem to believe that last statement, but kept his poker face intact. Osland asked when Gus expected to be in contact with Dane again, to which Gus responded sometime in February. Osland said that when he spoke to Dane next, tell him that he had a message for him. Gus looked Osland right in the eye and suggested that if he wanted to send Eric Dane a message – ‘out there’ in the ring was the best place to do so.
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Main Event
Imperial Crown Tag Team Championship
30 Minute Time Limit
The Shining Stars© vs. The Roughnecks
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The redneck brothers from the island of Prince Edward were out first, and looked to create chaos with the crowd which is their calling card. They were successful in stirring up the fans to a certain degree, while pumping themselves up for this golden opportunity to break through and become the second Imperial Crown Tag Team Champions in NPW’s history. The champions were out next, and they wasted little time in getting to the ring. Ito jumped over the ropes with ease, while Kondo slid under the ring and crouched within striking distance of the Roughnecks.
The match was underway, and besides an initial surge from the Roughnecks, this turned into more of a showcase for the champions. This is not to say that the Roughnecks are unworthy of this opportunity, but the Shining Stars appeared completely engaged and on the same page in regards to their timing and strategy inside of the ring. They were successful in isolating Myles, and kept him at bay with frequent tags, and the ability to cut the ring off.
A high/low striking combination was an excellent moment for the champions and the impact nearly folded Myles in half. The crowd were in awe of the continuity. The finish came when Kondo had Myles locked up in a german suplex position – Ito spring-boarded himself into the ring from the apron and blasted Myles with a nasty forearm strike, to which Myles’s momentum carried him backwards and added more velocity to Kondo’s german suplex hold. The referee was in position and the attempt earned the champions a pinfall victory over a tag team on the rise.
Winners and STILL Imperial Crown Tag Team Champions: The Shining Stars (11:33) via Flying Forearm/German Suplex hold combo
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Sato Watanabe entered the ring with the championships titles draped over both forearms. He handed each one of his men a championship, allowing them to pose for the photographers at ringside. This is where the show ended.