Post by Joe on Jul 14, 2023 23:08:36 GMT -5
UPW "Extreme Heat" Results: 07/15/23 from San Bernardino, CA
This event is taking place live at the Orange Pavilion on July 15th for FITE TV Pay-Per-View. Kevin Kelly and Corey Graves are our commentary team for the evening. The show begins with a 3-minute video package highlighting the upcoming matches and the issues and circumstances that lead up to them. We then cut to Mike Rome in the ring, and he's ready to introduce our first competitors of the night.
Los Ingobernales vs. VLNCE UNLTD
These teams have mixed it up over the last month and bad blood was created during those altercations. The issue was escalated when VLNCE UNLTD orchestrated an attack on Dragon Lee during his match with Bandido this week on RUSH, leading to a massive brawl and this challenge being made by Rush of Los Ingoberbales, which Brody King accepted.
The match itself was very chaotic, as referee Adrian Butler allowed it to be contested more or less under lucha libre rules, though with only one fall to finish. Other than that, the referee was very lax on out of ring action and tagging in and out. The fans were behind the exciting Los Ingobernales, but VLNCE UNLTD would use underhanded brawling tactics and anything at ringside they could to try to take advantage. Dragon Lee would manage to get a level of retribution for the attack on Thursday night, pinning his assailant Chris Dickinson after reversing an Awesome Bomb into a Code Red to get the three count.
Winners: Los Ingobernales
Notable Moments and Observations
• This issue does not appear to be resolved, as Rush and Brody King continued to brawl after the match until they were split up by their partners and staff.
Kyle O'Reilly vs. "Speedball" Mike Bailey
These two have had some fantastic exchanges during tag team matches over the last month that has simmered into a rivalry, leading Mike Bailey to call for this match tonight.
The opening exchanges of this contest were great, as these two exchanged fast paced strikes, counters, and takedown. Bailey would get the better of it, unleashing his Machine Gun Kicks, which caused O'Reilly's partner Bobby Fish to get on the apron to try to slow the momentum. Referee Chris Sharpe would get distracted and ultimately eject Fish, but the opening allowed O'Reilly to low blow Bailey, and then deliver his Axe and Smash combo, earning him a two count. Bailey would roll to the apron, and O'Reilly would follow. After an exchange of strikes, O'Reilly would win the exchange, delivering a Brainbuster on the apron! Back in the ring, O'Reilly would crush "Speedball" with a Diving Kneedrop for a two count. O'Reilly would lock on the Cross Armbar, but Bailey would get to the ropes to break.
O'Reilly would continue to dominate, placing Bailey on the top turnbuckle and looking for something big off the top, but "Speedball" would reverse and hit an Inverted Frankensteiner! Bailey would then deliver a Running Twisting Shooting Star Press, but O'Reilly managed to kick out! Bailey goes for a fast Roundhouse Kick, but O'Reilly catches it and twists him, then locks on an Ankle Lock, but Bailey gets the ropes again. O'Reilly grabs Bailey for a Regal Plex, but Bailey breaks free and locks O'Reilly into the corner, following up with a Double Twisting Roundhouse Kick that cleans his clock!
Bailey puts O'Reilly on the top now and he tries to hook him in for the Meteor Rain, but O'Reilly breaks free and knocks Bailey backwards into a Tree of Woe. O'Reilly leaps off and tries to come down with a Kneedrop, but Bailey sits up and evades. O'Reilly rolls and rushes back up, grabbing Bailey from behind up top and is looking for a Super German Suplex, but Bailey flips through it and lands on his feet! Bailey runs and connects with a connects with a Roundhouse Kick to O'Reilly's head and goes for the cover, but still just a two!
Bailey goes to top and tries for the Shooting Star Kneedrop, but O'Reilly rolls out of the way! O'Reilly grabs Bailey and tries for a Brainbuster, but Bailey twists and reverses into a Sunset Flip. O'Reilly kicks out and reverses into an omoplata, pulling Bailey into a modified Crucifix Hold, and Chris Sharpe makes the three count before Bailey can break free.
Winner: Kyle O'Reilly
Notable Moments and Observations
• This was as good as hoped for, and could steal "Match of the Night" honors early.
• Bailey was obviously frustrated in the end, having made this challenge and then coming up short. One would think he would want to get a rematch, but whether O'Reilly would want to try his luck again is another story.
Timothy Thatcher vs. Zack Sabre Jr. Submission Match
Zack Sabre Jr. has been a thorn in the side of CatchPoint over the last month, securing a victory over Drew Gulak and then going to a time limit draw with Timothy Thatcher. Thatcher laid out this challenge, and Sabre was more than happy to accept.
This was a battle of the armbars, as, more often than not, both men favor arm holds to end their matches. After the speed and excitement of the last match, this match really served as sort of a breather, as the pace was a lot more deliberate and calculated. The match would eventually pick up, as they would start throwing bombs at each other in frustration. They would both lay into each other with European uppercuts, while Sabre would show his kicking ability and Thatcher his overhand chops and eventually a devastating headbutt. After an exhausting back and forth struggle on the mat, Thatcher would latch on with a Kimura and yell out, trying to rip Sabre's shoulder right out of socket, and Sabre had to begrudgingly quit.
Winner: Timothy Thatcher
Notable Moments and Observations
• If you don't appreciate the sweet science of technical Wrestling, this one probably had you taking a bathroom break or a trip to the concession stand.
• While some may love this style, the smattering of "Boring!" chants through out made it clear not everyone in San Bernardino was on board. However, given the matches to come, a slower match to serve a breather may have been the best move they could have made to help alleviate burn out.
• Sabre actually had a smile on his face at the end of this, offering his hand to Thatcher and calling him a "Wily little bastard" and saying he'll get him next time. Thatcher smiles a cracked tooth grin and says we'll see about that.
UPW Women's Title
IYO SKY © vs. Blair Davenport
There wasn't a whole lot of build up to this one. Blair Davenport called her shot and then beat Mia Yim this week to solidify herself as a credible Challenger. We haven't heard from SKY at all, so that's where we are at with this.
IYO SKY is likable and the crowd was behind her. Davenport seemed to thrive on that, and really enjoyed herself playing the heel. SKY would start off fast, but Blair would manage to slow things down and really punished IYO. Blair would grind IYO down and get a couple of near falls over the course of nearly five minutes, but the champion would not stay down. SKY would rub up the buckles and flip over the British star and then use a Reverse Victory Roll to get a two count. SKY would attempt a Moonsault to her opponent, but Blair would side step it and then blast her with a Rolling Elbow! Blair would then deliver a Double Curb Stomp, but IYO still kicked out at two. Davenport had a look over fury on her face and called for the end, attempting to deliver the Raven's Spike, but IYO managed to reverse with a knee strike. From there, IYO hit a dropkick to her back to send her across the middle rope and then delivered a 619 to the delight of the crowd! IYO plays to the crowd, spinning her arm around in the air to taunt Blair. Davenport is stumbling in the center of the ring and the champion charges her, twisting around her with a headscissors and then dropping her into a Arm-trap Crossface! Blair is trapped and snared right in the middle of the ring and must concede and submit in defeat.
Winner: IYO SKY
Notable Moments and Observations
• There was very little build to this, but they proved not every match needs to be "Othello" to be interesting.
• These two worked well together and put on an entertaining match without over staying their welcome. You could tell they had spent some time in the ring before, as there was a good chemistry and timing. The next time they meet down the line should be even better.
• IYO connects effortlessly with the fans and makes a good babyface champion.
Ilja Dragunov vs. Oney Lorcan
Ilja Dragunov has built a reputation for being the toughest wrestler on the UPW roster, but CatchPoint's Oney Lorcan believes his name should be at the top of that list. Lorcan threw down the challenge, and Ilja was more than happy to oblige. This one looks like it's gonna be a barn burner, folks.
These two lock up to start, and right away you know what kind of match this is going to be. These two struggle back and forth to gain the advantage until Ilja finally backs Oney against the ropes. Referee Dan Engler has to step in and physically pull these two apart, and when he does Lorcan takes the opportunity to slap the taste out of the Russian's mouth! A minute later you can see blood is actually coming from Ilja's mouth thanks to that blow, but that was only the beginning. This match never left the ring and neither man used weapons, but due to their violence and viciousness, but men would end up bleeding from their heads as they declared all out war.
Ilja was the favorite coming into this match, and would dominate the early going, but Lorcan showed the tenacity of a bulldog and refused to quit. Lorcan would fire off some big left hand blows to Ilja's ribs and liver to try to turn the tides, but Ilja would unload a massive headbutt to stop that in its tracks. Ilja would latch on with a Sleeper, but Lorcan would run and crash them into buckles to break it up. Lorcan would chop Ilja repeatedly into the buckles and then deliver a Running Boot across him face, but would only get a two count on a pin attempt. The Boston native would mount Ilja and punch him repeatedly, leading to Dan Engler pulling him off. Drew Gulak is on the outside banging on the mat, disputing that call but Engler yells at him to knock it off.
These two were fighting in a phone booth for a good minute, as they stood toe to toe and traded back and forth slaps and chops in rapid sucession. Lorcan would fire off a headbutt, staggering Ilja, but "The Mad Dragon" would fire back with a Big Boot across the face to stagger Lorcan. Ilja would then run and swing himself through the ropes to attempt the Constantine Special, but Lorcan would clip him with a kick across the face as he came back around! Ilja is stunned and stumbling so Lorcan runs off the ropes and attempts a Lariat, but Ilja ducks under it and runs off the ropes. Oney turns... Torpedo Moscow!
Both men are down, but Ilja crawls over and makes the cover, but Oney somehow kicks out at two to the shock of the crowd! Drew Gulak is jumping for joy on the outside, and Corey Graves says he can't believe Lorcan wants to keep fighting after that, as he knows he'd want to just be done with it.
These two are both bleeding now and go head to head on the mat while on their knees. They are yelling at each other to bring it as the fans chant "This is awesome!" They trade more rapid fire back and forth blows, and Ilja drops Lorcan to a knee with a Spinning Back chop, and then hits a Senton Backsplash to his back as he's doubled over! Lorcam gets back up to all fours again and Ilja grabs him by the waist and hoists him over with a German Suplex! Lorcan rolls through it to his feet, yelling out, and storms Ilja with a Lariat out of desperation! They are both down again, and Kevin Kelly says he can't see either man walking out of here after this.
They are back up and Ilja blocks a shot from Lorcan and unleashes Machine Gun Chops into his chest and then grabs him for an Exploder Suplex, but Lorcan blocks it and elbows out. Lorcan attempts to grab a Sleeper, but Ilja blocks it and attempts to run away, but Oney follows him and hits a High Kick across his face! Oney them locks on the Sleeper and then takes him over with a slam onto the mat, cranking back on the Strangehold he calls the Boston Strangler!
Ilja is hurting and suffocating as blood pours from his forehead, and Oney is yelling out like a madman through the crimson mask, kicking and driving his heels into the mat for leverage, feeling victory in his grasp as the bell sounds. Kevin and Corey are confused on commentary until they realize time has expired!
Time Limit Draw
Notable Moments and Observations
• Lorcan is beside himself, as he was "this" close to the biggest win of his career, but the 20 minute time limit may have prevented it.
• The fans gave these two a standing ovation, as Kevin Kelly stated that if anybody doubted Oney Lorcan, they sure won't anymore.
• Medical staff hit the ring, as well as Drew Gulak and Timothy Thatcher to check on their partner after this war. After a little bit of recovery time, Thatcher and Gulak raise Lorcan's hands in the center of the ring and the fans in the Orange Pavilion chant "ONEY! ONEY! ONEY!" They then give Ilja a great ovation as he stands up and grabs Pmey by the shoulder and they exchange words, nodding and showing acknowledgement before they cut to the next segment.
CM Punk Arrives in UPW on Thursday Night!
LIKE MUSSOLINI... ON PARAMOUNT TV!
This was a highlight promo announcing CM Punk will be at "Thursday Night RUSH" next week, which will be LIVE from the Kia Forum in Inglewood.
Notable Moments and Observations
• This is a major development that Kevin Kelly and Corey Graves are putting over as monumental. The former UWA Champion is arriving, and with that comes a live episode of "Thursday Night RUSH" and UPW is headed to a much bigger venue in the Forum.
UPW X Division Title
Shane "Swerve" Strickland © vs. Jay Lethal
These two were part of the initial 4-way ladder match to crown the X Division champion that Strickland would end up winning. Strickland feels like he's a superstar and has been acting like it, while Lethal has tried going back to his roots to find the hunger and drive to succeed in defeating "Swerve" one on one. As they face off in the middle of the ring, Strickland looks very confident, holding up the X Division title belt in Lethal's face, while Lethal wears a stoic expression that Corey Graves says indicates he's all business tonight. We get a voice over from Blake Howard who says he spoke with Lethal earlier and he said there is no emotion, he's not letting "Swerve" get into his head, and he is laser focused on leaving with the belt. Corey Graves then says that all sounds good until you actually get in there with the champion and have to back it up. Kevin Kelly said it certainly seems to be easier said than done as the bell sounds and the match gets underway.
These two go hold for hold early, trading quick back and forth takedowns and reversals. Swerve kips up and delivers a kick to Lethal that sends him to the outside, allowing the champion to springboard off the middle turnbuckle and hit a Moonsault to the outside.
Strickland maintains control for awhile after this, at one point taunting Lethal and yelling to the fans, "I wanted Jay Lethal! Where's Jay Lethal at!? Where's the old Jay Lethal with the braids!? Who's this fat, bald [explicit]!?"
Jay has had enough and manages to fire up. Lethal rocks Strickland, sending him to the outside. Lethal proceeds to hit three consecutive dives through the ropes that smash him into the guardrail, which Corey Graves proclaims is vintage Jay. He then delivers a Swinging DDT off the rail onto the floor and sends the champ back inside. HAIL TO THE KING! Lethal crashes down with the Flying Elbowdrop, but only a two count.
Lethal attempts to deliver the Lethal Injection, but Swerve counters it with a leaping kick to the head mid-move! Strickland lifts up Lethal and attempts the JML Driver, but Lethal blocks it and reverses into the Lethal Combination! Lethal hooks the leg, but only a two count! Lethal attempts the Lethal Injection again, but Strickland grabs him by the waist and rolls him through into a bringing inverted jacknife pinning combination! Strickland is able to reach up and grab the middle rope for leverage without referee Dan Engler noticing, and he gets the three count!
Winner: Shane Strickland
Notable Moments and Observations
• Lethal has his hands in his head on his knees at the end, feeling the absolute despair of failure tonight.
• Swerve is so proud of himself, arrogantly strutting to the back and talking trash to the fans the whole way.
• These two had pretty good chemistry, with a decent enough story. There didn't seem to be any way that Swerve was losing his title tonight, but one would hope Lethal is able to use this "back to his roots/comeback" story arc to find success at some point.
UWA Universal Tag Team Titles
FTR © vs. British Strong Style
The UPW Tag Team Champions British Strong Style, Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate, were set to get a shot here at the UWA Universal Tag Team Titles, and they were heading into this match with a good deal of momentum. Two weeks ago, Pete Dunne had put out an open challenge to FTR to show up in UPW and for one of them to have a singles match with him; they showed up, and Dax Harwood obliged. After a dirty back and forth "fight", Dunne ended up victorious in that contest. Now, it is time to see how BSS do in tag team action against the "The Top Guys".
The crowd would give FTR a very good reaction coming in, and they seemed very serious tonight. And they needed to be, as Dunne and Bate had their game faces on and were ready to get down and dirty. Dunne and Bate jump started this thing, and Corey Graves would point out that this is nothing new for FTR, as they travel the world and get every team's best shot night in and night out. Wilder would manage to deliver a Stun Gun on Dunne to slow things down a bit. FTR would begin working their strategy, cutting off the younger, less experienced team, and they would try to hold them down before they could really get going. Dunne would manage to get the hot tag to Bate, and he would fly in with a Springboard Dropkick to really get this match going again. Dunne and Bate would do a dive in stereo to the outside to wipe out FTR, and the fans were behind them. Dunne would get Harwood up into a Powerbomb and Bate would fly off the top with a European Uppercut, sending him down into a Liger Bomb, but Wilder would break it up at two. Wilder would manage to duck a Rebound Lariat from Bate and send him to the outside with a Dropkick. Dunne would kick Wilder and then attempt to deliver the X Plex, but Harwood clipped Dunne's knee out to send Wilder down on top of him for a two count. Dunne rolls and tags out to Bate, who's back on the apron. Bate springboards again, but FTR catches him in mid-air with a Double Dropkick! Dunne tries to get back in, but Wilder knocks him off with a big elbow. Harwood lifts up a staggering Bate and Wilder is in position... SHATTER MACHINE! Harwood rolls him up and it's all over. FTR get the pinfall and they retain their championship.
Winners: FTR
Notable Moments and Observations
• This was a pretty brief, 12 minute match that served its purpose.
• These two teams are very good and looked good here, and did what they could with the time they were given, and FTR show why they are the best team in the world right now.
• With this over with, it'll be interesting to see where British Strong Style go from here in defending their own championships.
UPW Pure Title
Roderick Strong vs. Josh Alexander
The Pure Championship tournament comes to an end here, as decorated veteran Roderick Strong takes on a guy who's been paying his dues for awhile and is trying to break out with a big win here in Josh Alexander. These two have exchanged words and been in the ring in tag team situations, and they seem to be at least evenly matched. Strong actions spoke louder than his words on Thursday night, as he said he was unconcerned with Alexander, but then attacked his back viciously with the ring bell. Kevin Kelly and Corey Graves can't help but wonder what kind of shape Alexander's going to be in going into this match as we prepare for this championship tournament finale.
If you don't know the Pure Rules, refer back to Reign Supreme for a detailed description, but let's just say there's no interference, only three rope breaks, no closed fists to the head, and a strict 10 count on the outside. That's about what you need to know going into this. Alexander had his ribs wrapped up, and Strong showed his mean streak by immediately attacking the ribs and back of the "Walking Weapon". Strong has been called "The Messiah of the Backbreaker", and Strong would go to that well many times throughout this bout. Alexander would show his grit, though, and wouldn't stay down. Alexander would power up and deliver a massive Overhead Belly-to-Belly Suplex into the turnbuckles! Alexander would deliver a German Suplex, bridging it for a two count, but really held his ribs afterwards, seemingly in agony just from performing the bridge.
Strong has some of the best chops in the business, and he would actually use the knife edged chops directly to the ribs of Alexander, which Graves said was likely taking the wind right out of Alexander. Strong would deliver a barrage of knee strikes to Alexander's back and then hit a Half Nelson Backbreaker, and then followed up by locking on the Stronghold! Alexander looked like he might tap or pass out, but the fans would get behind him and he would yell out and somehow manage to get to the bottom rope with his last rope break to save himself.
Strong would try to pull Alexander away from the ropes and lock him up again now that he has no rope breaks, but Alexander would counter with a Small Package for a near fall! Strong gets back up and rushes him, trying for a Single Leg Dropkick, but Alexander ducks it. Strong gets back up and ducks a Rolling Elbow and then grabs Alexander with a Lungblower! Strong calls for the end and lifts up Alexander. Strong lifts up Alexander to deliver the End of Heartache, but Alexander turns and counters it in mid-air, pulling Strong down and back and right into a Tombstone Piledriver! Alexander hangs on, though, and gets back up and knees Strong a few times in the head. Alexander leaps and spins, driving Strong with a second Tombstone Piledriver! Alexander hooks the leg and everybody is cheering and chanting as referee Chris Sharpe makes the count, "ONE! TWO! THRE- NO!" Kick out! Alexander can't believe it and neither can the fans. Alexander pulls Strong up and hooks Strong's arms and he is looking for the C4 Spike, but Strong blocks it. Alexander lets go and blasts Strong with forearms, but Strong bursts up and lifts Alexander into a Uranage Backbreaker! Strong goes for the cover, but still a kick out!
Strong picks up Alexander blasts him with multiple knife edged chops. Strong attempts a whip, but Alexander reverses and tries for a T-Bone Suplex, but Strong blocks it and elbows his way out. Strong runs off the ropes and tries for another Running Boot, but Alexander side steps and grabs him with another waist lock. Alexander lifts Strong for another German Suplex, but Strong manages to reverse into a roll-up, but Alexander kicks out and counters, and he has Strong locked into an Ankle Lock! Strong is scratching and clawing and tries to get to the bottom rope, but Alexander gator rolls and bridges the hips, cranking the hold even further, and it's all over. Strong is tapping! Strong has tapped out, and Josh Alexander wins the title!
Winner: Josh Alexander
Notable Moments and Observations
• This was a great back and forth contest, and a hell of a way to end the Pure Title tournament.
• Strong did well to look like a heel and played his part well, but you can't help but admire just how good he is in the ring.
• Alexander played the ailing babyface well, and held his own in this contest with one of the best in the world. He's been on a mission to earn respect, and you have to think this big title win will go a long way to making Josh Alexander a name of note in the modern wrestling landscape.
"Switchblade" Jay White & Chris Dijak vs. TMDK
This issue has been an ugly one. Jay White started the problems when he attacked Buddy Matthews after the main event of Reign Supreme, pummeling him mercilessly with a set of brass knuckles. Buddy Matthews has been on the sideline since, and Freddie Prinze Jr. has not even allowed the Premier Champion to be in the building of the shows to ensure that he couldn't further get hurt by ignoring doctor's orders and going after Jay White. His partners in TMDK, fellow Australians Shane Thorne and Mikey Nicholls, have been looking to avenge their partner, and Jay White enlisted the help of the large and dangerous Chris Dijak to team with him against them. Thursday night ended with Jay White standing over a fallen Shane Thorne after whacking him over the head with a cricket bat, and now the time is finally here for these two teams to tangle. It's main event time, so fasten your seat belts, this could get wild.
Senior Referee Chad Patton tries to warn both teams that he's looking for a clean match, but White and Dijak shove him out of the way and go right after Thorne and Nicholls. Kevin Kelly blurts out, "So much for that!" and this is just a wild brawl from the get go. These two teams are fighting all over ringside, and it's pretty much just pure chaos. Back in the ring, Jay White has grabbed one of the cricket bats and is trying to attack Shane Thorne with it again, but Chad Patton grabs it and yells at him, saying he won't allow it! This leads "Switchblade" to kick Patton and throw him right out of the ring! White then reaches into his pants and pulls out the brass knuckles! Shane Thorne stumbles up and it looks like "Switchblade" is going to blast him when BUDDY MATTHEWS comes from the crowd and hits the ring, and he BLASTS White with a Bicycle Knee Strike! Matthews grabs him and hooks him in... MURPHY'S LAW!
Jay White rolls out of the ring, and Buddy Matthews is on fire! The fans are chanting "BUDDY! BUDDY! BUDDY!" as they are ecstatic to see the Premier Champion back in a UPW ring. Buddy follows Jay White out of the ring and continues stomping him and beating on him, and we've got officials and security out to the ring. Dan Engler hits the ring and takes over officiating, as security tries to pull Matthews off of White. Nicholls manages to get the big Dijak onto his shoulder and Thorne flies off the buckles, and they hit the Tank Buster! Nicholls hooks the leg and Engler counts to three; TMDK get the win!
Winners: TMDK
Notable Moments and Observations
• This was not a long, epic match, and given some of the long, epic matches we had earlier, that's probably a good thing. The fans were getting burned out, and they just tried to have a short, frantic fight to push their issue along.
• Buddy Matthews returns in a big way, and he celebrates with TMDK after the fact, as Jay White and Chris Dijak retreat in total defeat. They've lost a major battle here, but the war is not over. TMDK stand tall in the ring as the show comes to an end.
This event is taking place live at the Orange Pavilion on July 15th for FITE TV Pay-Per-View. Kevin Kelly and Corey Graves are our commentary team for the evening. The show begins with a 3-minute video package highlighting the upcoming matches and the issues and circumstances that lead up to them. We then cut to Mike Rome in the ring, and he's ready to introduce our first competitors of the night.
Los Ingobernales vs. VLNCE UNLTD
These teams have mixed it up over the last month and bad blood was created during those altercations. The issue was escalated when VLNCE UNLTD orchestrated an attack on Dragon Lee during his match with Bandido this week on RUSH, leading to a massive brawl and this challenge being made by Rush of Los Ingoberbales, which Brody King accepted.
The match itself was very chaotic, as referee Adrian Butler allowed it to be contested more or less under lucha libre rules, though with only one fall to finish. Other than that, the referee was very lax on out of ring action and tagging in and out. The fans were behind the exciting Los Ingobernales, but VLNCE UNLTD would use underhanded brawling tactics and anything at ringside they could to try to take advantage. Dragon Lee would manage to get a level of retribution for the attack on Thursday night, pinning his assailant Chris Dickinson after reversing an Awesome Bomb into a Code Red to get the three count.
Winners: Los Ingobernales
Notable Moments and Observations
• This issue does not appear to be resolved, as Rush and Brody King continued to brawl after the match until they were split up by their partners and staff.
Kyle O'Reilly vs. "Speedball" Mike Bailey
These two have had some fantastic exchanges during tag team matches over the last month that has simmered into a rivalry, leading Mike Bailey to call for this match tonight.
The opening exchanges of this contest were great, as these two exchanged fast paced strikes, counters, and takedown. Bailey would get the better of it, unleashing his Machine Gun Kicks, which caused O'Reilly's partner Bobby Fish to get on the apron to try to slow the momentum. Referee Chris Sharpe would get distracted and ultimately eject Fish, but the opening allowed O'Reilly to low blow Bailey, and then deliver his Axe and Smash combo, earning him a two count. Bailey would roll to the apron, and O'Reilly would follow. After an exchange of strikes, O'Reilly would win the exchange, delivering a Brainbuster on the apron! Back in the ring, O'Reilly would crush "Speedball" with a Diving Kneedrop for a two count. O'Reilly would lock on the Cross Armbar, but Bailey would get to the ropes to break.
O'Reilly would continue to dominate, placing Bailey on the top turnbuckle and looking for something big off the top, but "Speedball" would reverse and hit an Inverted Frankensteiner! Bailey would then deliver a Running Twisting Shooting Star Press, but O'Reilly managed to kick out! Bailey goes for a fast Roundhouse Kick, but O'Reilly catches it and twists him, then locks on an Ankle Lock, but Bailey gets the ropes again. O'Reilly grabs Bailey for a Regal Plex, but Bailey breaks free and locks O'Reilly into the corner, following up with a Double Twisting Roundhouse Kick that cleans his clock!
Bailey puts O'Reilly on the top now and he tries to hook him in for the Meteor Rain, but O'Reilly breaks free and knocks Bailey backwards into a Tree of Woe. O'Reilly leaps off and tries to come down with a Kneedrop, but Bailey sits up and evades. O'Reilly rolls and rushes back up, grabbing Bailey from behind up top and is looking for a Super German Suplex, but Bailey flips through it and lands on his feet! Bailey runs and connects with a connects with a Roundhouse Kick to O'Reilly's head and goes for the cover, but still just a two!
Bailey goes to top and tries for the Shooting Star Kneedrop, but O'Reilly rolls out of the way! O'Reilly grabs Bailey and tries for a Brainbuster, but Bailey twists and reverses into a Sunset Flip. O'Reilly kicks out and reverses into an omoplata, pulling Bailey into a modified Crucifix Hold, and Chris Sharpe makes the three count before Bailey can break free.
Winner: Kyle O'Reilly
Notable Moments and Observations
• This was as good as hoped for, and could steal "Match of the Night" honors early.
• Bailey was obviously frustrated in the end, having made this challenge and then coming up short. One would think he would want to get a rematch, but whether O'Reilly would want to try his luck again is another story.
Timothy Thatcher vs. Zack Sabre Jr. Submission Match
Zack Sabre Jr. has been a thorn in the side of CatchPoint over the last month, securing a victory over Drew Gulak and then going to a time limit draw with Timothy Thatcher. Thatcher laid out this challenge, and Sabre was more than happy to accept.
This was a battle of the armbars, as, more often than not, both men favor arm holds to end their matches. After the speed and excitement of the last match, this match really served as sort of a breather, as the pace was a lot more deliberate and calculated. The match would eventually pick up, as they would start throwing bombs at each other in frustration. They would both lay into each other with European uppercuts, while Sabre would show his kicking ability and Thatcher his overhand chops and eventually a devastating headbutt. After an exhausting back and forth struggle on the mat, Thatcher would latch on with a Kimura and yell out, trying to rip Sabre's shoulder right out of socket, and Sabre had to begrudgingly quit.
Winner: Timothy Thatcher
Notable Moments and Observations
• If you don't appreciate the sweet science of technical Wrestling, this one probably had you taking a bathroom break or a trip to the concession stand.
• While some may love this style, the smattering of "Boring!" chants through out made it clear not everyone in San Bernardino was on board. However, given the matches to come, a slower match to serve a breather may have been the best move they could have made to help alleviate burn out.
• Sabre actually had a smile on his face at the end of this, offering his hand to Thatcher and calling him a "Wily little bastard" and saying he'll get him next time. Thatcher smiles a cracked tooth grin and says we'll see about that.
UPW Women's Title
IYO SKY © vs. Blair Davenport
There wasn't a whole lot of build up to this one. Blair Davenport called her shot and then beat Mia Yim this week to solidify herself as a credible Challenger. We haven't heard from SKY at all, so that's where we are at with this.
IYO SKY is likable and the crowd was behind her. Davenport seemed to thrive on that, and really enjoyed herself playing the heel. SKY would start off fast, but Blair would manage to slow things down and really punished IYO. Blair would grind IYO down and get a couple of near falls over the course of nearly five minutes, but the champion would not stay down. SKY would rub up the buckles and flip over the British star and then use a Reverse Victory Roll to get a two count. SKY would attempt a Moonsault to her opponent, but Blair would side step it and then blast her with a Rolling Elbow! Blair would then deliver a Double Curb Stomp, but IYO still kicked out at two. Davenport had a look over fury on her face and called for the end, attempting to deliver the Raven's Spike, but IYO managed to reverse with a knee strike. From there, IYO hit a dropkick to her back to send her across the middle rope and then delivered a 619 to the delight of the crowd! IYO plays to the crowd, spinning her arm around in the air to taunt Blair. Davenport is stumbling in the center of the ring and the champion charges her, twisting around her with a headscissors and then dropping her into a Arm-trap Crossface! Blair is trapped and snared right in the middle of the ring and must concede and submit in defeat.
Winner: IYO SKY
Notable Moments and Observations
• There was very little build to this, but they proved not every match needs to be "Othello" to be interesting.
• These two worked well together and put on an entertaining match without over staying their welcome. You could tell they had spent some time in the ring before, as there was a good chemistry and timing. The next time they meet down the line should be even better.
• IYO connects effortlessly with the fans and makes a good babyface champion.
Ilja Dragunov vs. Oney Lorcan
Ilja Dragunov has built a reputation for being the toughest wrestler on the UPW roster, but CatchPoint's Oney Lorcan believes his name should be at the top of that list. Lorcan threw down the challenge, and Ilja was more than happy to oblige. This one looks like it's gonna be a barn burner, folks.
These two lock up to start, and right away you know what kind of match this is going to be. These two struggle back and forth to gain the advantage until Ilja finally backs Oney against the ropes. Referee Dan Engler has to step in and physically pull these two apart, and when he does Lorcan takes the opportunity to slap the taste out of the Russian's mouth! A minute later you can see blood is actually coming from Ilja's mouth thanks to that blow, but that was only the beginning. This match never left the ring and neither man used weapons, but due to their violence and viciousness, but men would end up bleeding from their heads as they declared all out war.
Ilja was the favorite coming into this match, and would dominate the early going, but Lorcan showed the tenacity of a bulldog and refused to quit. Lorcan would fire off some big left hand blows to Ilja's ribs and liver to try to turn the tides, but Ilja would unload a massive headbutt to stop that in its tracks. Ilja would latch on with a Sleeper, but Lorcan would run and crash them into buckles to break it up. Lorcan would chop Ilja repeatedly into the buckles and then deliver a Running Boot across him face, but would only get a two count on a pin attempt. The Boston native would mount Ilja and punch him repeatedly, leading to Dan Engler pulling him off. Drew Gulak is on the outside banging on the mat, disputing that call but Engler yells at him to knock it off.
These two were fighting in a phone booth for a good minute, as they stood toe to toe and traded back and forth slaps and chops in rapid sucession. Lorcan would fire off a headbutt, staggering Ilja, but "The Mad Dragon" would fire back with a Big Boot across the face to stagger Lorcan. Ilja would then run and swing himself through the ropes to attempt the Constantine Special, but Lorcan would clip him with a kick across the face as he came back around! Ilja is stunned and stumbling so Lorcan runs off the ropes and attempts a Lariat, but Ilja ducks under it and runs off the ropes. Oney turns... Torpedo Moscow!
Both men are down, but Ilja crawls over and makes the cover, but Oney somehow kicks out at two to the shock of the crowd! Drew Gulak is jumping for joy on the outside, and Corey Graves says he can't believe Lorcan wants to keep fighting after that, as he knows he'd want to just be done with it.
These two are both bleeding now and go head to head on the mat while on their knees. They are yelling at each other to bring it as the fans chant "This is awesome!" They trade more rapid fire back and forth blows, and Ilja drops Lorcan to a knee with a Spinning Back chop, and then hits a Senton Backsplash to his back as he's doubled over! Lorcam gets back up to all fours again and Ilja grabs him by the waist and hoists him over with a German Suplex! Lorcan rolls through it to his feet, yelling out, and storms Ilja with a Lariat out of desperation! They are both down again, and Kevin Kelly says he can't see either man walking out of here after this.
They are back up and Ilja blocks a shot from Lorcan and unleashes Machine Gun Chops into his chest and then grabs him for an Exploder Suplex, but Lorcan blocks it and elbows out. Lorcan attempts to grab a Sleeper, but Ilja blocks it and attempts to run away, but Oney follows him and hits a High Kick across his face! Oney them locks on the Sleeper and then takes him over with a slam onto the mat, cranking back on the Strangehold he calls the Boston Strangler!
Ilja is hurting and suffocating as blood pours from his forehead, and Oney is yelling out like a madman through the crimson mask, kicking and driving his heels into the mat for leverage, feeling victory in his grasp as the bell sounds. Kevin and Corey are confused on commentary until they realize time has expired!
Time Limit Draw
Notable Moments and Observations
• Lorcan is beside himself, as he was "this" close to the biggest win of his career, but the 20 minute time limit may have prevented it.
• The fans gave these two a standing ovation, as Kevin Kelly stated that if anybody doubted Oney Lorcan, they sure won't anymore.
• Medical staff hit the ring, as well as Drew Gulak and Timothy Thatcher to check on their partner after this war. After a little bit of recovery time, Thatcher and Gulak raise Lorcan's hands in the center of the ring and the fans in the Orange Pavilion chant "ONEY! ONEY! ONEY!" They then give Ilja a great ovation as he stands up and grabs Pmey by the shoulder and they exchange words, nodding and showing acknowledgement before they cut to the next segment.
CM Punk Arrives in UPW on Thursday Night!
LIKE MUSSOLINI... ON PARAMOUNT TV!
This was a highlight promo announcing CM Punk will be at "Thursday Night RUSH" next week, which will be LIVE from the Kia Forum in Inglewood.
Notable Moments and Observations
• This is a major development that Kevin Kelly and Corey Graves are putting over as monumental. The former UWA Champion is arriving, and with that comes a live episode of "Thursday Night RUSH" and UPW is headed to a much bigger venue in the Forum.
UPW X Division Title
Shane "Swerve" Strickland © vs. Jay Lethal
These two were part of the initial 4-way ladder match to crown the X Division champion that Strickland would end up winning. Strickland feels like he's a superstar and has been acting like it, while Lethal has tried going back to his roots to find the hunger and drive to succeed in defeating "Swerve" one on one. As they face off in the middle of the ring, Strickland looks very confident, holding up the X Division title belt in Lethal's face, while Lethal wears a stoic expression that Corey Graves says indicates he's all business tonight. We get a voice over from Blake Howard who says he spoke with Lethal earlier and he said there is no emotion, he's not letting "Swerve" get into his head, and he is laser focused on leaving with the belt. Corey Graves then says that all sounds good until you actually get in there with the champion and have to back it up. Kevin Kelly said it certainly seems to be easier said than done as the bell sounds and the match gets underway.
These two go hold for hold early, trading quick back and forth takedowns and reversals. Swerve kips up and delivers a kick to Lethal that sends him to the outside, allowing the champion to springboard off the middle turnbuckle and hit a Moonsault to the outside.
Strickland maintains control for awhile after this, at one point taunting Lethal and yelling to the fans, "I wanted Jay Lethal! Where's Jay Lethal at!? Where's the old Jay Lethal with the braids!? Who's this fat, bald [explicit]!?"
Jay has had enough and manages to fire up. Lethal rocks Strickland, sending him to the outside. Lethal proceeds to hit three consecutive dives through the ropes that smash him into the guardrail, which Corey Graves proclaims is vintage Jay. He then delivers a Swinging DDT off the rail onto the floor and sends the champ back inside. HAIL TO THE KING! Lethal crashes down with the Flying Elbowdrop, but only a two count.
Lethal attempts to deliver the Lethal Injection, but Swerve counters it with a leaping kick to the head mid-move! Strickland lifts up Lethal and attempts the JML Driver, but Lethal blocks it and reverses into the Lethal Combination! Lethal hooks the leg, but only a two count! Lethal attempts the Lethal Injection again, but Strickland grabs him by the waist and rolls him through into a bringing inverted jacknife pinning combination! Strickland is able to reach up and grab the middle rope for leverage without referee Dan Engler noticing, and he gets the three count!
Winner: Shane Strickland
Notable Moments and Observations
• Lethal has his hands in his head on his knees at the end, feeling the absolute despair of failure tonight.
• Swerve is so proud of himself, arrogantly strutting to the back and talking trash to the fans the whole way.
• These two had pretty good chemistry, with a decent enough story. There didn't seem to be any way that Swerve was losing his title tonight, but one would hope Lethal is able to use this "back to his roots/comeback" story arc to find success at some point.
UWA Universal Tag Team Titles
FTR © vs. British Strong Style
The UPW Tag Team Champions British Strong Style, Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate, were set to get a shot here at the UWA Universal Tag Team Titles, and they were heading into this match with a good deal of momentum. Two weeks ago, Pete Dunne had put out an open challenge to FTR to show up in UPW and for one of them to have a singles match with him; they showed up, and Dax Harwood obliged. After a dirty back and forth "fight", Dunne ended up victorious in that contest. Now, it is time to see how BSS do in tag team action against the "The Top Guys".
The crowd would give FTR a very good reaction coming in, and they seemed very serious tonight. And they needed to be, as Dunne and Bate had their game faces on and were ready to get down and dirty. Dunne and Bate jump started this thing, and Corey Graves would point out that this is nothing new for FTR, as they travel the world and get every team's best shot night in and night out. Wilder would manage to deliver a Stun Gun on Dunne to slow things down a bit. FTR would begin working their strategy, cutting off the younger, less experienced team, and they would try to hold them down before they could really get going. Dunne would manage to get the hot tag to Bate, and he would fly in with a Springboard Dropkick to really get this match going again. Dunne and Bate would do a dive in stereo to the outside to wipe out FTR, and the fans were behind them. Dunne would get Harwood up into a Powerbomb and Bate would fly off the top with a European Uppercut, sending him down into a Liger Bomb, but Wilder would break it up at two. Wilder would manage to duck a Rebound Lariat from Bate and send him to the outside with a Dropkick. Dunne would kick Wilder and then attempt to deliver the X Plex, but Harwood clipped Dunne's knee out to send Wilder down on top of him for a two count. Dunne rolls and tags out to Bate, who's back on the apron. Bate springboards again, but FTR catches him in mid-air with a Double Dropkick! Dunne tries to get back in, but Wilder knocks him off with a big elbow. Harwood lifts up a staggering Bate and Wilder is in position... SHATTER MACHINE! Harwood rolls him up and it's all over. FTR get the pinfall and they retain their championship.
Winners: FTR
Notable Moments and Observations
• This was a pretty brief, 12 minute match that served its purpose.
• These two teams are very good and looked good here, and did what they could with the time they were given, and FTR show why they are the best team in the world right now.
• With this over with, it'll be interesting to see where British Strong Style go from here in defending their own championships.
UPW Pure Title
Roderick Strong vs. Josh Alexander
The Pure Championship tournament comes to an end here, as decorated veteran Roderick Strong takes on a guy who's been paying his dues for awhile and is trying to break out with a big win here in Josh Alexander. These two have exchanged words and been in the ring in tag team situations, and they seem to be at least evenly matched. Strong actions spoke louder than his words on Thursday night, as he said he was unconcerned with Alexander, but then attacked his back viciously with the ring bell. Kevin Kelly and Corey Graves can't help but wonder what kind of shape Alexander's going to be in going into this match as we prepare for this championship tournament finale.
If you don't know the Pure Rules, refer back to Reign Supreme for a detailed description, but let's just say there's no interference, only three rope breaks, no closed fists to the head, and a strict 10 count on the outside. That's about what you need to know going into this. Alexander had his ribs wrapped up, and Strong showed his mean streak by immediately attacking the ribs and back of the "Walking Weapon". Strong has been called "The Messiah of the Backbreaker", and Strong would go to that well many times throughout this bout. Alexander would show his grit, though, and wouldn't stay down. Alexander would power up and deliver a massive Overhead Belly-to-Belly Suplex into the turnbuckles! Alexander would deliver a German Suplex, bridging it for a two count, but really held his ribs afterwards, seemingly in agony just from performing the bridge.
Strong has some of the best chops in the business, and he would actually use the knife edged chops directly to the ribs of Alexander, which Graves said was likely taking the wind right out of Alexander. Strong would deliver a barrage of knee strikes to Alexander's back and then hit a Half Nelson Backbreaker, and then followed up by locking on the Stronghold! Alexander looked like he might tap or pass out, but the fans would get behind him and he would yell out and somehow manage to get to the bottom rope with his last rope break to save himself.
Strong would try to pull Alexander away from the ropes and lock him up again now that he has no rope breaks, but Alexander would counter with a Small Package for a near fall! Strong gets back up and rushes him, trying for a Single Leg Dropkick, but Alexander ducks it. Strong gets back up and ducks a Rolling Elbow and then grabs Alexander with a Lungblower! Strong calls for the end and lifts up Alexander. Strong lifts up Alexander to deliver the End of Heartache, but Alexander turns and counters it in mid-air, pulling Strong down and back and right into a Tombstone Piledriver! Alexander hangs on, though, and gets back up and knees Strong a few times in the head. Alexander leaps and spins, driving Strong with a second Tombstone Piledriver! Alexander hooks the leg and everybody is cheering and chanting as referee Chris Sharpe makes the count, "ONE! TWO! THRE- NO!" Kick out! Alexander can't believe it and neither can the fans. Alexander pulls Strong up and hooks Strong's arms and he is looking for the C4 Spike, but Strong blocks it. Alexander lets go and blasts Strong with forearms, but Strong bursts up and lifts Alexander into a Uranage Backbreaker! Strong goes for the cover, but still a kick out!
Strong picks up Alexander blasts him with multiple knife edged chops. Strong attempts a whip, but Alexander reverses and tries for a T-Bone Suplex, but Strong blocks it and elbows his way out. Strong runs off the ropes and tries for another Running Boot, but Alexander side steps and grabs him with another waist lock. Alexander lifts Strong for another German Suplex, but Strong manages to reverse into a roll-up, but Alexander kicks out and counters, and he has Strong locked into an Ankle Lock! Strong is scratching and clawing and tries to get to the bottom rope, but Alexander gator rolls and bridges the hips, cranking the hold even further, and it's all over. Strong is tapping! Strong has tapped out, and Josh Alexander wins the title!
Winner: Josh Alexander
Notable Moments and Observations
• This was a great back and forth contest, and a hell of a way to end the Pure Title tournament.
• Strong did well to look like a heel and played his part well, but you can't help but admire just how good he is in the ring.
• Alexander played the ailing babyface well, and held his own in this contest with one of the best in the world. He's been on a mission to earn respect, and you have to think this big title win will go a long way to making Josh Alexander a name of note in the modern wrestling landscape.
"Switchblade" Jay White & Chris Dijak vs. TMDK
This issue has been an ugly one. Jay White started the problems when he attacked Buddy Matthews after the main event of Reign Supreme, pummeling him mercilessly with a set of brass knuckles. Buddy Matthews has been on the sideline since, and Freddie Prinze Jr. has not even allowed the Premier Champion to be in the building of the shows to ensure that he couldn't further get hurt by ignoring doctor's orders and going after Jay White. His partners in TMDK, fellow Australians Shane Thorne and Mikey Nicholls, have been looking to avenge their partner, and Jay White enlisted the help of the large and dangerous Chris Dijak to team with him against them. Thursday night ended with Jay White standing over a fallen Shane Thorne after whacking him over the head with a cricket bat, and now the time is finally here for these two teams to tangle. It's main event time, so fasten your seat belts, this could get wild.
Senior Referee Chad Patton tries to warn both teams that he's looking for a clean match, but White and Dijak shove him out of the way and go right after Thorne and Nicholls. Kevin Kelly blurts out, "So much for that!" and this is just a wild brawl from the get go. These two teams are fighting all over ringside, and it's pretty much just pure chaos. Back in the ring, Jay White has grabbed one of the cricket bats and is trying to attack Shane Thorne with it again, but Chad Patton grabs it and yells at him, saying he won't allow it! This leads "Switchblade" to kick Patton and throw him right out of the ring! White then reaches into his pants and pulls out the brass knuckles! Shane Thorne stumbles up and it looks like "Switchblade" is going to blast him when BUDDY MATTHEWS comes from the crowd and hits the ring, and he BLASTS White with a Bicycle Knee Strike! Matthews grabs him and hooks him in... MURPHY'S LAW!
Jay White rolls out of the ring, and Buddy Matthews is on fire! The fans are chanting "BUDDY! BUDDY! BUDDY!" as they are ecstatic to see the Premier Champion back in a UPW ring. Buddy follows Jay White out of the ring and continues stomping him and beating on him, and we've got officials and security out to the ring. Dan Engler hits the ring and takes over officiating, as security tries to pull Matthews off of White. Nicholls manages to get the big Dijak onto his shoulder and Thorne flies off the buckles, and they hit the Tank Buster! Nicholls hooks the leg and Engler counts to three; TMDK get the win!
Winners: TMDK
Notable Moments and Observations
• This was not a long, epic match, and given some of the long, epic matches we had earlier, that's probably a good thing. The fans were getting burned out, and they just tried to have a short, frantic fight to push their issue along.
• Buddy Matthews returns in a big way, and he celebrates with TMDK after the fact, as Jay White and Chris Dijak retreat in total defeat. They've lost a major battle here, but the war is not over. TMDK stand tall in the ring as the show comes to an end.