Post by Joe on Jun 23, 2020 18:39:48 GMT -5
IPW ShowDown: Manhattan
The show opens with Mike Tenay and Jeremy Borash welcoming everyone to the Manhattan Center tonight, as we eagerly anticipate the Middleweight Title match between Buddy Murphy and Jushin Liger.
Murphy and Liger weighed in last night, with Murphy weighing in at a jacked looking 218, with Liger a lighter but more stout 209.
Murphy tries to get into Liger's head at the weigh in, claiming he's lucky to be hiding behind his mask because he's going to be ashamed to show his face after Murphy beats him down in Manhattan. Liger's translator conveyed that Liger has no respect for Murphy or his personal attacks and much like he's done to everyone else in IPW, he will make him eat his words. Murphy proceeded to shove Liger after they had a stare down photo op, and Dan Severn had to step in to break it up.
Borash is expecting fireworks in the main event, as things just got personal. Tenay says he knows Liger is a great all around wrestler and he believes Murphy is trying to goad him into a street fight, but Liger may be more adept at a brawl than Murphy might expect.
And with that, we head to the ring for our first contest.
Lightweight Match
Dragon Lee vs. Kushida
Very good fast paced opener that saw Kushida seize an opportunity and use a quick roll-up for the pinfall. Dragon Lee looked very frustrated, as this details some of the momentum he has built up lately.
After the match, Kushida made it clear to Jeremy Borash that he is looking to out think his opponents and show why he is always one step ahead on his way to the Lightweight championship.
Heavyweight Match
La Parka vs. Perry Saturn
La Parka would try to get hardcore in this match, but Saturn made him pay and sent him into the crowd with a T-Bone Suplex, causing the referee to stop the action and reset the men in their corners in the ring. Saturn would eventually catch Parka coming off the ropes with a Superkick, followed by the Rings of Saturn for the submission.
The referee would have a hard time pulling Saturn away, leading Dab Severn to enter the ring and issue a warning to Saturn about a potential fine for misconduct. Saturn took the mic from Borash and told Severn and IPW and all of their stupid fans to "blow" him and he will do whatever he wants, when he wants and he'll beat up anybody they got!
Lightweight Match
Juventud Guerrera vs. Taka Michinoku
These two had a maybe surprisingly heated stand off at the weigh ins, and this match seemed to be a very stiff one. Both men like to use the Scoop Slam Driver to finish people, but neither man would could get the move applied to the other. Juvi would attempt the 450 Splash late in the match, but Taka would avoid it and take him down with a Facelock Submission, cranking him and tapping him out.
After the match, Taka's translator would tell Borash that Taka is tired of the imitators and the fakes, and he's been the real best Lightweight for years getting disrespected. He says he put the division on the map, carried it on his back and never got a thank you, so now he says "fuck you" to everybody and he's going to keep doing his thing and being the best.
Middleweight Match
Jerry Lynn vs. Super Crazy
Lynn and Crazy showed a mutual respect in this match that had been lacking in the last two, and we saw these guys really lay it all on the line. Back and forth, counter for counter, the crowd was split and eventually Lynn was able to catch Crazy with a Sunset Flip Bomb counter off the top turnbuckle, followed by his devastating Cradle Piledriver to get the pinfall.
Lynn was very humble in his interview, stating he thought he might be done a few times during the match but had to dig really deep and gave all of the credit in the world to Crazy for a great wrestling match. He says he's in the best shape of his life, and he's ready for Murphy or Liger, whoever has the Middleweight title at the end of the night, sooner or later they are going to have to answer to Jerry Lynn.
Lightweight Match
Bandido vs. Hiromu Takahashi
This match seemed to get more personal and intense as it went on, as "The Time Bomb" Takahashi has that effect on people. There were moments of pure cringe, as these guys took big risks and seeming were trying to cripple one another. In the end, Bandido would manage to deliver a Torture Rack Pancake Driver of sorts off the top rope to finally stop the crazy man from Japan for long enough to get a three count.
Bandido didn't have any words after the match, as he seemed to be in a lot of pain, holding his neck. He seemed to just want to ride into the sunset after that war.
Heavyweight Match
Davey Boy Smith vs. Paul Burchill
"The British Bulldog" and "The Ripper" are both big guys from the UK with huge power and agility, so this one looked to be interesting. Burchill had some height in Bulldog, but Smith had experience and seemingly a little bit of intensity in his side, as he had a lot of pop on his strikes tonight. Burchill showed off his crazy agility hitting a Standing SSP on Smith, but only getting a two count. Burchill couldn't pull off his C4, however, which might have put The Bulldog away, but he had it well scouted. Smith would catch Burchill going to the high risk well once too often and hit an amazing Backflip Fallaway Slam off the top, crushing "The Ripper"! Smith would pick up Burchill and drive him down with the Running Powerslam for the three count!
Smith looked very gassed and torn up after the match, but he was smiling for Borash and thanked all of his fans, who gave him a great ovation! Borash asked what facing Burchill was like, he said it was like facing a ton of bricks that could do backflips. He said Burchill was a tough customer, but if you wanted to survive in IPW, you have to be prepared to face the toughest completion of your life, night in and night out. He says he plans on overcoming all of that competition until he gets his chance to take a bite out of the Heavyweight title!
Catchweight Match
Kenta Kobashi vs. Low Ki
Our only Catchweight bout of the night, and it's a doozy, as the 250 lbs. Kobashi takes on the 187 lbs. Low Ki! Ki shower no fear in the weigh ins, chesting up to Kobashi until he finally shower some of his burning spirit and shoved him off. Low Ki would smile, telling him to bring it. It was Ki who started the match by bringing it, however, as he rushed across the ring and flung himself at Kobashi with a Flying Wheel Kick, connecting with Kobashi's temple and seemingly knocking him out. Ki would try and pull Kobashi to the center of the ring before making a pin attempt, but Kobashi made it out at two... just barely, however.
Ki would try to keep the pressure on, but Kobashi would get his bearings back and came with the heavy blows. Kobashi would deliver a massive Half Nelson Suplex that sent Ki right onto his head, and that would earn him a close two count and send Ki out of the ring rethinking his strategy. Ki would try to get himself back into things, but after a trading of blows, Kobashi would nearly knock his head off with a Spinning Back Chop. Kobashi would grab Ki and deliver a huge short arm Burning Lariat, thinking he had it, but Ki still kicked out!
Ki would stumble up, asking for more, so Kobashi obliged, delivering another Spinning Back Chop, and Ki was out cold from there. Kobashi got the three count and these fans were on their feet cheering for him!
After the bell, Borash asked Kobashi how he felt about the contest. Kobashi's translator made it clear Kobashi had little to no respect for Low Ki going into the contest, but he gave him everything he had and he kept getting up, trying to figure, and he earned his respect tonight. Kobashi says now it is the Heavyweight title he is trying to earn. He says he has seen some excellent matches and competitors, and he knows more have come into the company recently, so he looks forward to showing his strength and style are superior and he deserves to be the champion of the fans of IPW!
Middleweight Title
Buddy Murphy vs. Jushin Liger
This was the one the fans were waiting for, and there wasn't much left to be said. Murphy showed a lot of swagger before the match, mocking Liger, but Liger didn't seem eager to give him the satisfaction as the bell sounded.
Liger would try to take Murphy down early, but Murphy was able to escape and continued to run his mouth to Liger. Murphy would eventually get so cocky as to offer the leg to Liger, yelling at him to take it. Liger would show his ring IQ, feigning for the leg before blasting Murphy with a palm strike to the jaw, and then raining down on him with palm strikes and elbows! The crowd is going nuts, and Murphy is bleeding!
Murphy manages to get on top of Liger, who is trying for a Guillotine Choke, but Murphy is blocking it. Murphy pulls him up and delivers a Northern Lights Suplex into the buckles! Liger is hurting now and the crowd is booing! Murphy wails on Liger with punches before lifting him up and hitting a Back Rack into a DDT! Murphy goes for the cover, but Liger kicks out and the fans roar!
Murphy tries for a Powerbomb, but Liger floats over it and rolls him up for a two count. Liger sends Murphy to the outside with a Dropkick and then flies out with a beautiful Suicide Dive over the ropes! Liger sends Murphy back in and tries for a Brainbuster, but Murphy counters with a kneestrike and takes him over with an Exploder Suplex!
Both men are down and hurting. Back up, they are exchanging blows in the center of the ring. Liger lights up Murphy with a palm strike, but Murphy hits a back elbow. Liger tries a Rolling Kick, but Murphy dodges and hits a Bicycle Knee Strike! Murphy lifts up Liger and hits a Powerbomb into a roll-up, but Liger kicks out, only to have Murphy knee him in the face! Murphy tries for the pinfall, but still just a two count.
Murphy calls for the end and tries to tie up Liger for the Murphy's Law, but Liger reverses into a Small Package for a two. Both men are up and Liger spinkicks Murphy low, and he's looking for a Powerbomb now, but Murphy blocks it, so Liger pounds on him and knees him before grabbing him... He's trying for a Brainbuster, but Murphy is blocking, so he hooks a leg and tries again... Fisherman's Buster! The fans think he has it, Liger thinks he has it, but NO!
Murphy kicks out!
Liger can't believe it! He grabs Murphy by the hair and pulls him to the corner, trying for the Liger Bomb, but Murphy reverses it with a Sunset Flip... He rolls Liger through and gets to his feet... KNEESTRIKE! Liger looks out of it but Murphy knows he has to finish the job. He hooks him in and yells, "FUCK OFF ALREADY!" BOOM! Murphy's Law! Murphy nails it and hooks the leg, and the crowd is split in half now with boos and cheers as Murphy becomes the inaugural Middleweight champion!
After the match, Murphy is laughing and gloating as the belt is buckled around his waist by Dan Severn. Murphy tells Borash it is good to finally be where he belongs once again, and that's a champion. He says he has always been a champion, and he knows he's the too guy going today and, as always, is taking all comers and taking the champion's purse, night in and night out. Borash asks Murphy who he wants to face next, and he says he's heard a lot of guys squawking for a shot, but he will let the match makers figure that out and make him an offer. For now, he's going to have the party of the year, and God knows we need one after the year we've all had so far!
Borash takes a moment to talk with Liger, who is clearly disappointed. Liger says he feels like he let everyone down, and he let his emotions get the better of him tonight. He says he may have underestimated Murphy, and he has to give him credit for being a true champion, but he looks forward to a rematch and for his opportunity to be the champion.
With that, the show comes to an end as Mike Tenay signs off and says goodnight for all of IPW until next time.
The show opens with Mike Tenay and Jeremy Borash welcoming everyone to the Manhattan Center tonight, as we eagerly anticipate the Middleweight Title match between Buddy Murphy and Jushin Liger.
Murphy and Liger weighed in last night, with Murphy weighing in at a jacked looking 218, with Liger a lighter but more stout 209.
Murphy tries to get into Liger's head at the weigh in, claiming he's lucky to be hiding behind his mask because he's going to be ashamed to show his face after Murphy beats him down in Manhattan. Liger's translator conveyed that Liger has no respect for Murphy or his personal attacks and much like he's done to everyone else in IPW, he will make him eat his words. Murphy proceeded to shove Liger after they had a stare down photo op, and Dan Severn had to step in to break it up.
Borash is expecting fireworks in the main event, as things just got personal. Tenay says he knows Liger is a great all around wrestler and he believes Murphy is trying to goad him into a street fight, but Liger may be more adept at a brawl than Murphy might expect.
And with that, we head to the ring for our first contest.
Lightweight Match
Dragon Lee vs. Kushida
Very good fast paced opener that saw Kushida seize an opportunity and use a quick roll-up for the pinfall. Dragon Lee looked very frustrated, as this details some of the momentum he has built up lately.
After the match, Kushida made it clear to Jeremy Borash that he is looking to out think his opponents and show why he is always one step ahead on his way to the Lightweight championship.
Heavyweight Match
La Parka vs. Perry Saturn
La Parka would try to get hardcore in this match, but Saturn made him pay and sent him into the crowd with a T-Bone Suplex, causing the referee to stop the action and reset the men in their corners in the ring. Saturn would eventually catch Parka coming off the ropes with a Superkick, followed by the Rings of Saturn for the submission.
The referee would have a hard time pulling Saturn away, leading Dab Severn to enter the ring and issue a warning to Saturn about a potential fine for misconduct. Saturn took the mic from Borash and told Severn and IPW and all of their stupid fans to "blow" him and he will do whatever he wants, when he wants and he'll beat up anybody they got!
Lightweight Match
Juventud Guerrera vs. Taka Michinoku
These two had a maybe surprisingly heated stand off at the weigh ins, and this match seemed to be a very stiff one. Both men like to use the Scoop Slam Driver to finish people, but neither man would could get the move applied to the other. Juvi would attempt the 450 Splash late in the match, but Taka would avoid it and take him down with a Facelock Submission, cranking him and tapping him out.
After the match, Taka's translator would tell Borash that Taka is tired of the imitators and the fakes, and he's been the real best Lightweight for years getting disrespected. He says he put the division on the map, carried it on his back and never got a thank you, so now he says "fuck you" to everybody and he's going to keep doing his thing and being the best.
Middleweight Match
Jerry Lynn vs. Super Crazy
Lynn and Crazy showed a mutual respect in this match that had been lacking in the last two, and we saw these guys really lay it all on the line. Back and forth, counter for counter, the crowd was split and eventually Lynn was able to catch Crazy with a Sunset Flip Bomb counter off the top turnbuckle, followed by his devastating Cradle Piledriver to get the pinfall.
Lynn was very humble in his interview, stating he thought he might be done a few times during the match but had to dig really deep and gave all of the credit in the world to Crazy for a great wrestling match. He says he's in the best shape of his life, and he's ready for Murphy or Liger, whoever has the Middleweight title at the end of the night, sooner or later they are going to have to answer to Jerry Lynn.
Lightweight Match
Bandido vs. Hiromu Takahashi
This match seemed to get more personal and intense as it went on, as "The Time Bomb" Takahashi has that effect on people. There were moments of pure cringe, as these guys took big risks and seeming were trying to cripple one another. In the end, Bandido would manage to deliver a Torture Rack Pancake Driver of sorts off the top rope to finally stop the crazy man from Japan for long enough to get a three count.
Bandido didn't have any words after the match, as he seemed to be in a lot of pain, holding his neck. He seemed to just want to ride into the sunset after that war.
Heavyweight Match
Davey Boy Smith vs. Paul Burchill
"The British Bulldog" and "The Ripper" are both big guys from the UK with huge power and agility, so this one looked to be interesting. Burchill had some height in Bulldog, but Smith had experience and seemingly a little bit of intensity in his side, as he had a lot of pop on his strikes tonight. Burchill showed off his crazy agility hitting a Standing SSP on Smith, but only getting a two count. Burchill couldn't pull off his C4, however, which might have put The Bulldog away, but he had it well scouted. Smith would catch Burchill going to the high risk well once too often and hit an amazing Backflip Fallaway Slam off the top, crushing "The Ripper"! Smith would pick up Burchill and drive him down with the Running Powerslam for the three count!
Smith looked very gassed and torn up after the match, but he was smiling for Borash and thanked all of his fans, who gave him a great ovation! Borash asked what facing Burchill was like, he said it was like facing a ton of bricks that could do backflips. He said Burchill was a tough customer, but if you wanted to survive in IPW, you have to be prepared to face the toughest completion of your life, night in and night out. He says he plans on overcoming all of that competition until he gets his chance to take a bite out of the Heavyweight title!
Catchweight Match
Kenta Kobashi vs. Low Ki
Our only Catchweight bout of the night, and it's a doozy, as the 250 lbs. Kobashi takes on the 187 lbs. Low Ki! Ki shower no fear in the weigh ins, chesting up to Kobashi until he finally shower some of his burning spirit and shoved him off. Low Ki would smile, telling him to bring it. It was Ki who started the match by bringing it, however, as he rushed across the ring and flung himself at Kobashi with a Flying Wheel Kick, connecting with Kobashi's temple and seemingly knocking him out. Ki would try and pull Kobashi to the center of the ring before making a pin attempt, but Kobashi made it out at two... just barely, however.
Ki would try to keep the pressure on, but Kobashi would get his bearings back and came with the heavy blows. Kobashi would deliver a massive Half Nelson Suplex that sent Ki right onto his head, and that would earn him a close two count and send Ki out of the ring rethinking his strategy. Ki would try to get himself back into things, but after a trading of blows, Kobashi would nearly knock his head off with a Spinning Back Chop. Kobashi would grab Ki and deliver a huge short arm Burning Lariat, thinking he had it, but Ki still kicked out!
Ki would stumble up, asking for more, so Kobashi obliged, delivering another Spinning Back Chop, and Ki was out cold from there. Kobashi got the three count and these fans were on their feet cheering for him!
After the bell, Borash asked Kobashi how he felt about the contest. Kobashi's translator made it clear Kobashi had little to no respect for Low Ki going into the contest, but he gave him everything he had and he kept getting up, trying to figure, and he earned his respect tonight. Kobashi says now it is the Heavyweight title he is trying to earn. He says he has seen some excellent matches and competitors, and he knows more have come into the company recently, so he looks forward to showing his strength and style are superior and he deserves to be the champion of the fans of IPW!
Middleweight Title
Buddy Murphy vs. Jushin Liger
This was the one the fans were waiting for, and there wasn't much left to be said. Murphy showed a lot of swagger before the match, mocking Liger, but Liger didn't seem eager to give him the satisfaction as the bell sounded.
Liger would try to take Murphy down early, but Murphy was able to escape and continued to run his mouth to Liger. Murphy would eventually get so cocky as to offer the leg to Liger, yelling at him to take it. Liger would show his ring IQ, feigning for the leg before blasting Murphy with a palm strike to the jaw, and then raining down on him with palm strikes and elbows! The crowd is going nuts, and Murphy is bleeding!
Murphy manages to get on top of Liger, who is trying for a Guillotine Choke, but Murphy is blocking it. Murphy pulls him up and delivers a Northern Lights Suplex into the buckles! Liger is hurting now and the crowd is booing! Murphy wails on Liger with punches before lifting him up and hitting a Back Rack into a DDT! Murphy goes for the cover, but Liger kicks out and the fans roar!
Murphy tries for a Powerbomb, but Liger floats over it and rolls him up for a two count. Liger sends Murphy to the outside with a Dropkick and then flies out with a beautiful Suicide Dive over the ropes! Liger sends Murphy back in and tries for a Brainbuster, but Murphy counters with a kneestrike and takes him over with an Exploder Suplex!
Both men are down and hurting. Back up, they are exchanging blows in the center of the ring. Liger lights up Murphy with a palm strike, but Murphy hits a back elbow. Liger tries a Rolling Kick, but Murphy dodges and hits a Bicycle Knee Strike! Murphy lifts up Liger and hits a Powerbomb into a roll-up, but Liger kicks out, only to have Murphy knee him in the face! Murphy tries for the pinfall, but still just a two count.
Murphy calls for the end and tries to tie up Liger for the Murphy's Law, but Liger reverses into a Small Package for a two. Both men are up and Liger spinkicks Murphy low, and he's looking for a Powerbomb now, but Murphy blocks it, so Liger pounds on him and knees him before grabbing him... He's trying for a Brainbuster, but Murphy is blocking, so he hooks a leg and tries again... Fisherman's Buster! The fans think he has it, Liger thinks he has it, but NO!
Murphy kicks out!
Liger can't believe it! He grabs Murphy by the hair and pulls him to the corner, trying for the Liger Bomb, but Murphy reverses it with a Sunset Flip... He rolls Liger through and gets to his feet... KNEESTRIKE! Liger looks out of it but Murphy knows he has to finish the job. He hooks him in and yells, "FUCK OFF ALREADY!" BOOM! Murphy's Law! Murphy nails it and hooks the leg, and the crowd is split in half now with boos and cheers as Murphy becomes the inaugural Middleweight champion!
After the match, Murphy is laughing and gloating as the belt is buckled around his waist by Dan Severn. Murphy tells Borash it is good to finally be where he belongs once again, and that's a champion. He says he has always been a champion, and he knows he's the too guy going today and, as always, is taking all comers and taking the champion's purse, night in and night out. Borash asks Murphy who he wants to face next, and he says he's heard a lot of guys squawking for a shot, but he will let the match makers figure that out and make him an offer. For now, he's going to have the party of the year, and God knows we need one after the year we've all had so far!
Borash takes a moment to talk with Liger, who is clearly disappointed. Liger says he feels like he let everyone down, and he let his emotions get the better of him tonight. He says he may have underestimated Murphy, and he has to give him credit for being a true champion, but he looks forward to a rematch and for his opportunity to be the champion.
With that, the show comes to an end as Mike Tenay signs off and says goodnight for all of IPW until next time.