Post by Joe on Jun 6, 2020 2:01:16 GMT -5
INTERNATIONAL PRO WRESTLING
presents
"THUNDERSTRUCK"
06/6/2020
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
The show opens with "The Professor" Mike Tenay being joined by his special guest color commentator for the evening, the tag team wrestling legend "Road Dogg" Jesse James!
They welcome everyone to "Thunderstruck", the next great super event for International Pro Wrestling! Road Dogg says it is great to be in this hot, muggy Philadelphia arena, and he's not being sarcastic at all. Tenay says that he has been informed that tonight will feature four matches to determine participants in a four-way dance at next month's show to crown the International Champion!
After saying this, we hear "YOU KNOW IT'S THE MACK MILITANT!" and out to the ring comes none other than Theodore Long, and he's got a huge briefcase with him!
The crowd is giving Teddy a solid ovation as he swaggers into the ring and grabs a microphone. He says the powers that be here in IPW gave him a call, and tonight he is going to be The Big Man in Charge, playa! He says they gave him this swanky little briefcase and inside of it... it's the International Title, playas! Teddy proceeds to open the case, revealing a title belt familiar to those who have kept with wrestling in the recent future, the beautiful International Title. Teddy goes on to say that tonight there are going to be four singles matches, qualifiers, the winners, they goin' on to the main event next month to fight for this here title!
As Teddy finishes his sentence, some techno tinged rock music hits the speakers. Teddy Long looks confused and faces the entry way, when out from behind the curtain steps BUDDY MURPHY!
Murphy is in the building, and over his shoulder he is carrying what looks to be a nearly identical championship belt... The International Championship! Murphy makes his way down to the ring as the fans give him a mixed reaction, and he takes a microphone. Murphy goes on to say, "My name is BUDDY MURPHY... and if you don't know who I am, you will very soon! You see, I am the LINEAR INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION, and what you boys have on promise here is a shot to win MY TITLE... but I'm not just stepping out of the way, because Teddy... 'Big Man in Charge'... mate, you're going to put me in that main event match next month right now!"
Teddy steps back and says, "Now, now, now, hold on a second, playa. I know who you are. I've seen your work. But I'm not just going to put you in that match. You ain't defended that title in over 30 days, and you were stripped of it. Fair is fair, my man."
Murphy nods, looking a bit annoyed, and begins, "You know, you're right. I haven't been able to defend my championship in the last 30, 60, 90, however many days it's been, because I've been busy... real busy doing nothing but being disrespected down in Florida, where they didn't recognize me as a champion; they didn't recognize me as a main event star; they saw me as a 'Welcome Mat' to get stepped on on a damn pre-show, mate! But my shackles have been removed, and here I am, and you're telling me I can't even fight for a title I never lost!? You want me to prove myself, is that what you people want!?"
The crowd gives a generally pretty positive ovation, though some are chanting profanities at Murphy because... Philadelphia.
"Alright then, I guess it's settled. Who am I to face tonight?"
And just then, another theme hits over the speakers and out comes Zack Sabre, Jr. to a massive ovation from the crowd!
ZSJ takes a mic from the entry way as Buddy looks on, intrigued.
"Buddy, you and I, we've crossed paths and we know each other pretty well, now, don't we, mate? Well, when you did actually stake some claim to that International title, you went out of your way to duck me, by my reckoning, but tonight... you can't ignore the only son of Zack Sabre. I'm coming off one of the biggest wins of my career, tapping out RVD, and it's Z-S-J who's the 'Whole Bloody Show', and tonight, I'm tapping you out, humbling you, mate, and I'm taking that International belt home around my waist! That'd look pretty dashing, don't you think?"
Zack smirks, pantomiming the title around his waist. Buddy smirks and nods.
"You know, Zack, I hadn't thought of it, but you're right. Me and you, we never did get a chance to fight for the title back during my reign. But tonight, mate, you just made my list of things to do, and I'm going to enjoy beatin' the piss out'cha on the way to taking back what's rightfully on. You're on."
Murphy tosses the microphone and we've got a bit of a stare down before heading back to the announcer's table.
Tenay says that is a lot of exciting news wrapped up in one segment there, as we are going to be crowning a new International champion, and tonight, we get Buddy Murphy versus Zack Sabre Jr. Road Dogg says he has seen both of these guys work, he's seen Murphy knock some dude's teeth out, he's seen Sabre turn them into coat hanger lookin' shapes, and he's just glad he's sittin' back, takin' it all in here at the booth, because that's a Hell of a lot easier than trying to beat one of those guys tonight.
TAG TEAM MATCH
CIMA and Kushida vs. The Lucha Dragons: Dragon Lee and Kalisto
This was a very fast, fun way to kick off the show. CIMA and Kushida would play the crowd throughout and be more of the heel side of the spectrum, but mostly what we got was a sprint of a match that saw many near falls and submission attempts. Dragon Lee would ultimately end up winning the match for his team, catching CIMA with a Bicycle Knee Strike, followed by a roll-up to get the three count.
Winners by Pinfall: Dragon Lee and Kalisto
We go backstage, where we see Jushin "Thunder" Liger standing in. He cuts a promo with subtitles.
"Rob Van Dam, at 'No Remorse', you tried to take me out, sending me from the top turnbuckle to the floor by surprise. You were supposed to be my partner. Instead, your jealousy and spite got the best of you, and you disgraced yourself, our team, and you lost the match for us. You are truly pathetic, Van Dam, and tonight, I will have my revenge on you. Tonight, you feel the thunder, and I put you down to go on to the championship fight!"
SINGLES MATCH
Jordan Myles vs. Rush
This was another very quick, short match between two very talented and charismatic stars. Rush has looked nearly unstoppable here in IPW thus far, but Myles came to give a fight. These two went all around ringside and hit as many big moves really as you could hit in roughly 10 minutes. You could see Rush's frustration starting to build, as he was playing it his signature cool early, but by the end was slapping Myles and trying to force the issue. Myles looked like he might put Rush away with a Swinging Reverse Neckbreaker, but Rush managed to kick out. Myles went to the middle rope and went looking for a 450 Splash, but caught the knees of Rush! Myles would stumble and stagger as Rush picked himself up. Rush would then run at Myles while was doubled over and jump, catching him with the Mexican Destroyer! Myles would find himself planted on the top of his head and then sent flying into the bottom turnbuckle back first, out of it! Rush would get up in the opposite corner, signal for his finisher, and proceed to run full speed with Bull's Horn! Myles teeth went into the third row after that hellacious dropkick variation, and Rush gets another win here in IPW.
Winner by Pinfall: Rush
We go backstage, where we are met by Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, who has some words for his opponent tonight, Low Ki.
"Low Ki, you've been a persistent thorn in my side the last couple of months. I try to keep my emotions, my mood in check, and yet with you, my chill has pretty much depleted. I'm done with you, Ki. It was all business, but you've got something personally against me, and, well, I take that personally. So, tonight, I get two pleasures. One, I'm going to beat you, stomp you into the ground, and pin you. Two, I'm going to go on next month and fight for the International title. You're going to find out, Ki, that this is 'Swerve's House', and you're not welcome. Tonight, I'm going to beat you in the middle of that ring, and then 'Swerve' is going on and winning that International championship, and from there? It's just going to keep happening. That's what it's all about."
Out to the ring comes Shane Helms, but he is not all dressed up in the mask and cape like we had seen the previous two weeks. Helms takes the micrphone, "'The Hurricane' realized he needed to make some changes if he wanted to get anywhere in a place... like IPW. Fans, Shane Helms is here to be the best he can be, and I want to put on the best show I can for each and every one of you. I'm here to prove myself, to prove why I belong here; prove that I can hang with the toughest, the best in this business, and tonight, I plan to do just that. So stand back, there's a hurricane comin' through, IPW, and I'm ready to take down any one who stands in my way! Who's it going to be? Who wants a shot at Shane Helms tonight!?"
Into the ring from behind him is none other than SABU! The fans go nuts. Helms turns and Sabu is pointing at the sky, and Shane Helms sort of backs up and removes his vest as Sabu throws his headdress onto the mat and the bell sounds. Road Dogg says Shane Helms talked a big game, now he's gonna have to do a whole lot of backing it up!
SINGLES MATCH
Sabu vs. "The Hurricane" Shane Helms
Sabu manages to tackle Helms into the corner and lays into him with rapid fire fists and stomps. Helms bows out of the ring, and he seems to be feeling it, but Sabu dives through the ropes and continues his assault! Helms would take shots from chairs and an Air Sabu into the railing, looking pretty hurt throughout the ordeal but he continued to try to fight back. Sabu would send Helms back into the ring and head to the top rope, only to get caught with a Superkick from "The Hurricane" as he descended upon him! Helms would desperately try for the cover, but would only earn a two count. Helms would continue on, delivering a Straight Jacket Mat Slam and the Overcast out of the corner, but still only getting a two count. Helms would motion to the crowd that he was looking to end the match, hooking Sabu's arms afterwards and attempting to Vertebreaker, but Sabu would manage to reverse and hit a Reverse Huracanrana! Sabu would then springboard off the middle rope and deliver a Guillotine Legdrop, attempting the cover but it was Helms this time showing the fortitude to kick out!
The Arabian madman would lock up Helms in a Camel Clutch, wrenching him backwards and trying to force a submission, but Helms would manage to get to the ropes to break up the hold. Sabu would go to the outside, grabbing a chair and would slingshot in with a chair assisted legdrop, smashing "The Hurricane" once more, but still only getting a two count. Sabu would smack Helms with the chair and point to the heavens, getting a pop from this Philly crowd. He would then unfold the chair, set it up parallel to the fallen Helms and proceeded to deliver his Triple Jump Moonsault, crushing the Carolina native yet again, but still, STILL Helms refused to be put down. Sabu would grab Helms by the hair, pulling him up, and Helms would fight, lefts and rights, punching Sabu in the midsection, but Sabu would blast him with a knee and grab him in a front facelock, proceeding to deliver a Swinging DDT off the ropes and onto the seat of the chair! Helms would continue grasping with his hands, trying to get up, but it was to no avail. Sabu would take the chair once more, ascending to the top turnbuckle this time before crashing down on him with the Arabian Facebuster, extinguishing whatever wind "The Hurricane" had left in his sails, and putting him down for the three count.
Winner by Pinfall: Sabu
The fans would give Helms a great ovation as he made it back to his feet, as he gave Sabu a great fight. Road Dogg noted just how amazed he was at some of the shots Helms was taking, and that he was able to keep the fight alive, and it showed a lot of heart and resilience on his part.
SINGLES MATCH
"The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith vs. "The Belfast Bruiser" Fit Finlay
"The British Bulldog" was making his debut tonight against a very cagey opponent in Finlay, who's been in some pretty brutal brawls over the past couple of weeks; this match promised to be something different for the Belfast native. Finlay would come in fast and hard, laying into Smith with hard shots, European uppercuts, knees, headbutts, and even biting, but Smith would persevere. Davey Boy would show his signature strength in abundance, but also a lot of agility, at one point hitting a big slam and then doing a headstand flip over Finlay, followed by a leap and a springboard Moonsault from the middle turnbuckle for a two count. The crowd was certainly impressed. Finlay would use underhanded tactics such as eyerakes and blatant chokes to get things back in his favor before hitting an Air Raid Crash for a two count. Finlay would call for the end, attempting to lift "The British Bulldog" up for a Tombstone Piledriver, only to have Davey Boy reverse it and deliver a massive Running Powerslam, and that was enough for the three count.
Winner by Pinfall: Davey Boy Smith
Backstage, we see Rob Van Dam and Bill Alfonso preparing for RVD's main event match tonight.
Alfonso is yelling at RVD, "You're the baddest, daddy! This guy can't even lace your boots! He doesn't belong in there with "Mr. Pay-Per-View", "The Whole F'N Show" Rob Van Dam, and he's going to wish he'd stayed where he belongs over in Japan!" He proceeds to whistle a bunch.
Rob Van Dam answers this, "Fonzy, you gotta relax! I know I've got this! Listen, he's a little mad about last month when I potatoed him on the outside, and I'll admit... maybe not my finest moment, but he got the message, didn't he? I don't like him, and I know he doesn't belong in that ring with me. Tonight, I'm going to show him why 'RVD 4:20' says, 'I just smoked your ass,' and then next month, I'm gonna blow past three other jack offs and take the International title home with me. Why? Because I'm ROB... VAN... DAM, and I'm the WHOLE... FUCKIN'... SHOW!"
Thumb points, smiles, whistles, you get the picture.
SINGLES MATCH
Buddy Murphy vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Murphy would try to start hot with the striking early, and Sabre would show a decent aptitude for this and eventually get things where he wanted it: on the mat. Sabre is a master chain grappler, so one move would lead to another and another, making it a very long match in the early going for the Australian. Murphy would manage to use his strength and conditioning to get out of multiple attempted armbars and either counter or get to the ropes. Murphy would eventually manage to dodge an attempt at a Running European Uppercut in the corner and catch Sabre with a kick, followed by a succession of Powerbombs for a two count. Murphy would send Sabre out of the ring with a massive Bicycle Knee Strike, and follow up with a jaw dropping Front Flip Suicida to get the fans going. Back in the ring, Murphy would attempt Murphy's Law, only to have Sabre reverse and lock him into an Octopus Hold, which seemed like it might end things. Murphy would manage to fight to the ropes, only to get caught quickly with a Northern Lights Suplex into a Cross Armbar! Murphy once again would manage to get to the ropes, only to have Sabre twist his arm and body, and go looking for the Jim Breaks Special! Murphy would manage to power out of this and deliver a Knee Strike right to Sabre's face, followed by a Deadlift German Suplex for a two count! Murphy would try to whip Sabre into the corner, only to have it reversed, but Murphy would dodge an upcoming attack and kick Sabre in the corner before setting him on the middle turnbuckle, pulling his head down against the top turnbuckle and Superkicking him straight to the face! Murphy would proceeded to grab Sabre with a Gutwrench and lift him up, trying for a version of a Rotating Powerbomb, but Sabre would reverse it and try to take Murphy down with a Cross Armbar! Murphy would fight through it and smash Sabre into the buckles with a Powerbomb variation, before blasting him with strikes, and then grabbing him from behind and delivering a Ripcord Knee Strike! Murphy then lifts Sabre up and this time he drills him into the mat with Murphy's Law, and that's all she wrote! Buddy Murphy advances to the title match and the fans are cheering loudly for that display.
Winner by Pinfall: Buddy Murphy
Murphy takes a microphone after the match, "I told you all you would know my name... and now you see first hand why I am leaving this arena next month holding my title on high once again!" Murphy throws down the mic and exits to cheers from the fans.
SINGLES MATCH
Isaiah "Swerve" Scott vs. Low Ki
Low Ki and "Swerve" have been at odds since the first show, and now there are high stakes involved, as the winner of this could be the next International champion. Ki is vicious and calculated, and takes the early advantage, but "Swerve" shows his speed and resilience, and eventually gets Ki reeling. Scott manages to get Ki would of the ring, and is able to fly onto him with grace few can match, delivering a beautiful Fosbury Flop, followed by a Twisting Moonsault off the apron. Ki is able to regain control on the inside and hit a Tidal Crush, followed by a Butterfly Suplex into a Butterfly Submission, but "Swerve" manages to escape. Scott lands a big Spinning Roundhouse Kick, followed by a Rolling Flatliner for a two count! "Swerve" heads up top, but Ki runs and hits a Front Dropkick sending Scott flying to the outside and smashing into the guardrail. Ki then flies off the top turnbuckle and proceeds to crush Scott on the outside with a Double Stomp! The crowd is going crazy! The match looks to be over as Ki sends Scott back in and then continues his assault of kicks before looking for the Ki Crusher. "Swerve", however, manages to reverse it with a knee strike, followed by another knee and then a kick to the head, finishing up with a Bridging German Suplex. Ki kicks out, but Scott holds on and pulls him back up and delivers a Spinning Back Elbow to his head, landing behind the ear! Ki is dazed and down to a knee, and Scott runs off the ropes and hits a Single Leg Dropkick to the back of his head, knocking him silly! "Swerve" rolls to the apron and makes his ascent. Ki is trying to shake off the damage on the mat, but he's taken some big head blows. Ki sort of sits up, but it's too late... SWERVE STOMP! Scott plants the stomp right on his chest and slides through it, and he quickly rolls and hooks both legs, pinning Ki's shoulders to the mat with his thighs, and it's over! Isaiah "Swerve" Scott is headed to the title match, and this is a huge win for this young man!
Winner by Pinfall: Isaiah Scott
We get a recap of the debut of William Regal from "No Remorse", as he degrades Lance Storm and challenges him to a match. The match now has title implications, as the winner will be entered into the main event of the next card to decide the International champion.
SINGLES MATCH
Lance Storm vs. "Lord" William Regal
Storm and Regal trade holds early in a feeling out process, but Regal shows that he has little interest in being a good sport. Regal gauges the eyes and begins kneeing and striking Storm relentlessly, taking him to the outside and continuing the punishment. At one point, Regal grabs Storm and tosses him into the ropes, sending him crashing unceremoniously to the floor in a heap of hurt. Back in the ring, Storm manages to catch Regal with a Jawbreaker, followed by a Spinning Heel Kick to help him get back some composure and get the fans behind him. Storm keeps the pressure on with kicks and then a Belly to Back Suplex for a two count. Storm heads to the ring apron, looking for a Springboard Dropkick, but Regal dodges it and grabs his leg, pulling him into an STF! Storm manages to get to the ropes, but Regal manages to grab him by the arms and pull him up, and then over with a Release Dragon Suplex! Regal attempts the cover, but just a two count. Regal steps on Storm's head as he yells at the referee about the count, grinding him into the mat to add insult to injury. Regal then picks up Storm, blasting him with a European Uppercut that sends him back into the ropes before headbutting him in the sternum and then taking him over with a Gutwrench Suplex, once again looking for the cover, but just a two count. Regal is up and looking to the crowd very undignified. He then measures Storm and tries for a Knee Trembler, but Storm dodges it and rolls him up with a School Boy, but only a two count. That's okay with Storm, though, as he rolls through and is back to his feet, delivering a big Superkick! Regal is hurting and Storm is back on the apron. Storm is pumping up the crowd with some claps off the hand, trying to pull them in. Storm then grabs the ropes and springboards himself in, this time connecting with the Dropkick! Storm hooks the leg deep, hoping he has it, but Regal kicks out at two! Storm grabs Regal's legs and he's looking for a Sharpshooter to keep the pressure on, but Regal rolls him up with a Small Package! Storm kicks out at two and is quick to his feet, trying for another Superkick, but Regal catches it and kicks him low... Storm is in trouble, with Regal taking his back and cradling him up... REGAL PLEX! He's bridging it and it's a tight one, and Regal has done it! The fans are giving a mixed reaction here, as Regal heads to the main event of the next card to compete for the International title.
Winner by Pinfall: William Regal
Mike Tenay bemoans the tactics of Regal, but Road Dogg says Storm should have did his homework. All of this is Regal's M.O., according to James, and when you fight a guy like that, sometimes you've gotta get your hands dirty too, and he says Storm didn't seem ready to get in the mud with Regal tonight to do whatever it took to win.
SINGLES MATCH
Jushin "Thunder" Liger vs. "The Whole F'N Show" Rob Van Dam w/ Bill Alfonso
The crowd was firmly behind Liger here, as RVD has shown that he doesn't care about anything but himself lately and the fans want to see him put in his place. These two start with some back and forth grappling before RVD takes Liger down with a Legsweep and stops to do his favorite thing: pose and talk to the crowd. Liger wasn't having it, though, as he would push the pace much faster and start laying into Van Dam with hard shots, causing Van Dam to leave the ring and seek council with Alfonso on the outside. After a couple of minutes of stalling, RVD was back in and the action continued. The pace had picked up with back and forth action, until Liger would deliver a Rolling Kick that sent RVD out of the ring against his will. From there, Liger would head to the top turnbuckle and fly onto Van Dam with a beautiful Crossbody Attack! On the outside Alfonso would hand Van Dam a chair, which he would use with smash Liger's ribs and back before setting him up on the guardrail and hitting a Spinning Legdrop to his back off the apron! RVD would then take that chair and toss it at Liger in the crowd, which Liger would catch and then RVD would deliver a Van Daminator off the guardrail! RVD would hop the guardrail as Alfonso pulled the railing closer to the ring. RVD would go to the top turnbuckle and do his signature thumb point pose before flying out onto Liger with a Suicide Senton into the crowd, a signature "Holy Shit!" moment from the "Whole F'N Show"! Back in the ring, Van Dam would hit Rolling Thunder, but only a two count, as Liger showed signs of life. Van Dam would get another chair from Fonzy and toss it at Liger, looking for another Van Daminator, but Liger would duck it and smash Rob over the head with it! Liger would put the chair on the mat and grab Van Dam, delivering a Brainbuster onto the chair! It might be over, but no, Van Dam manages to kick out somehow! Liger grabs RVD and pulls him towards the corner. Liger is attempting the Liger Bomb here, but Van Dam manages to roll through it into a Sunset Flip, but only a two count! Both men are back up and RVD tries a Spin Kick, but Liger ducks it and delivers a HUGE Palm Strike, followed by a Fisherman's Buster! We've seen him put many men away with this, but RVD still kicks out at two! Liger pulls up RVD and is looking for another Brainbuster, but Van Dam blocks it and reverses with a knee strike. RVD sweeps Liger's leg again and hits a Standing Moonsault before rolling to the apron. Van Dam is breathing heavy and watching Liger get up. Liger is to his feet and RVD slingshots himself in, grabbing Liger by the head and planting him with a DDT! Van Dam is back to his feet and waves his arms, calling for the end, before grabbing the ropes and leaping to the top turnbuckle. RVD does the thumb pose one more time before leaping off, looking for the Five Star Frog Splash, but Liger gets his knees up! RVD flies off and he's in major pain! Liger catches him with another Palm Strike, followed by another Brainbuster! Liger isn't done, though, as he rolls through, lifting Van Dam off the mat and pulling him quickly towards the corner. Liger does a quick throat slash and then thumbs down motion, the fans are on their feet... LIGER BOMB! RUNNING SIT OUT POWERBOMB! Van Dam is smashed, and Liger holds on... ONE, TWO, THREE... Liger is going to the International Title match!
Winner by Pinfall: Jushin Liger
Bill Alfonso is in the ring, screaming at the referee for not knowing how to do his job. Liger grabs Fonzy and pulls him in... Brainbuster! The fans are loving this! RVD rolls out of the ring, clearly defeated, as Liger is getting his hand raised and the show reaches its conclusion.