Post by Joe on Oct 1, 2024 15:53:46 GMT -5
"PATHS OF GLORY"
Date: April 12th, 2024
Venue: Huntington Place
Location: Detroit, Michigan
BROADCAST TEAM
Commentary: Dave Prazak and Steve Corino
Interviewer: Joe Dombrowski
Our commentary team of Dave Prazak and Steve Corino welcome the fans to the first outing from Ultimate Championship Wrestling, "Paths of Glory", live from Huntington Place here in Detroit, Michigan! Prazak is the play-by-play man tonight, and he sends us off to a pre-taped segment from UCW Commissioner Adam Pearce!
We go backstage, where Pearce is wearing a suit and standing in front of a banner sporting the UCW logo.
Adam Pearce:
"Wrestling fans, "Scrap Iron" Adam Pearce here, proud Commissioner of Ultimate Championship Wrestling, and I'd just like to welcome you all personally to "Paths of Glory"! It's great to be back here in Detroit in front of some of the best fans in all of wrestling, and we've got one hell of a show lined up for you!
"'Paths of Glory' is going to be just that for many of these men taking the ring tonight, as we've got some really great, meaningful matches lined up for you. Half of this show is going to be tournament matches. Tournament matches to decide who goes on to next month's show to compete for the UCW Heavyweight and Tag Team titles, respectively, and I've got to say... we have some of the absolute best talent in the world competing in these tournaments tonight.
"But don't sleep on the other matches tonight, because we've got some great contests lined up for you there as well! These matches will be crucial in deciding future championship challengers, because, as you all know, you only get one chance in life to make a first impression. So, who's going to make the biggest first impression here tonight? Let's find out!"
<We cut back to the commentary both with a logo swipe.>
"Wrestling fans, "Scrap Iron" Adam Pearce here, proud Commissioner of Ultimate Championship Wrestling, and I'd just like to welcome you all personally to "Paths of Glory"! It's great to be back here in Detroit in front of some of the best fans in all of wrestling, and we've got one hell of a show lined up for you!
"'Paths of Glory' is going to be just that for many of these men taking the ring tonight, as we've got some really great, meaningful matches lined up for you. Half of this show is going to be tournament matches. Tournament matches to decide who goes on to next month's show to compete for the UCW Heavyweight and Tag Team titles, respectively, and I've got to say... we have some of the absolute best talent in the world competing in these tournaments tonight.
"But don't sleep on the other matches tonight, because we've got some great contests lined up for you there as well! These matches will be crucial in deciding future championship challengers, because, as you all know, you only get one chance in life to make a first impression. So, who's going to make the biggest first impression here tonight? Let's find out!"
<We cut back to the commentary both with a logo swipe.>
We then head to Brad Butler standing in the ring, and he's ready to introduce our first competitors of the evening.
MATCH ONE
TAG TEAM RULES
UCW TAG TEAM TITLE TOURNAMENT SEMI-FINALS
Bad Influence: "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian vs. Brian Kendrick and Paul London
Referee: Sean McCoy
Daniels and Kazarian attack their opponents before the bell, and the fans are booing Bad Influence for their bad behavior early! Sean McCoy manages to get some order in the ring, threatening to disqualify Daniels and Kazarian if they don't cut it out. This leads to Daniels and London being left in the ring, with "The Fallen Angel" in the driver's seat early on.
Daniels and Kazarian are in and out with quick tags, and put a beating on their opponents throughout. They are using all of the under handed tactics they can, from hair pulling, to grabbing trunks, to gauging eyes, and it's enough to make Prazak sick on commentary. Steve Corino chirps that if you ain't cheating, you ain't trying, and he says this is why Bad Influence is one of the best teams of the planet: they are willing to do what it takes to get the job done!
Kendrick has now been in the ring taking a beating, but he manages to catch Kazarian with a reversal into a Falling Reverse DDT, and then does a leaping tag to London! London comes in and delivers a Mushroom Stomp to the top of Kazarian's head, and then keeps running, knocking Daniels off the ring apron! Corino is beside himself on commentary, yelling about Daniels being an innocent bystander, but Prazak will hear none of that.
London delivers a Tornado DDT to Kazarian off the ring ropes and goes for a cover, but just a two count. London scoops up the SoCal native and plants him with a body slam, and then he's pointing to the top turnbuckle. Daniels has made his way around the ring and he pulls Kendrick off the apron and sends him over the guard rail, into the crowd! London sees this and is distracted, before deciding to just leap off and take Daniels down with a Shooting Star Press to the floor! The crowd is going nuts, but Corino points out that he's probably going to regret that!
Kazarian is back up and he reaches through the ropes and grabs London by the hair as he is stumbling on the outside, pulling him up to the apron. London manages to deliver a shoulder block through the ropes and executes a Sunset Flip, but Kazarian drops to his knees and hooks his legs! Sean McCoy is out of position to see Kazarian's hands, so he grabs two handfuls of middle rope, and he gets the three count! Kazarian gets the win for his team!
Winners by Pinfall: Bad Influence
(00:08:40)
Daniels and Kazarian show boat in the ring, parading around to boos from the crowd while pantomiming belts around their waists. Prazak says that is bullcrap, and he doesn't know how they can be so proud of such a cheap win. Corino says London has nobody to blame but himself. "The King of Old School" points out that London had his opponent flat on his back in the center of the ring, but instead of finishing of the job, he decided he wanted to get his "HOLY SHIT!" moment, and it cost him big time! He says if London and Kendrick ever want to be more than curtain jerkers, they need to learn to keep their eye on the ball!
Backstage, we get a segment from Jay Lethal, standing in with interviewer Joe Dombrowski. Dombrowski asks how Jay Lethal feels going into his Heavyweight Title tournament match tonight with Matt Sydal, and that sends Lethal off into a tirade.
Jay Lethal:
"I'm feeling like I am about take what is rightfully mine, and Matt Sydal is standing in the way!
"Matt Sydal, you know we've traveled a lot of the same roads, brother, and we've crossed paths more than a few times. You know what I'm bringin' to the table, and I damn sure know you've got! You like to use all your flash and all your charm to get those people out there to kiss your ass and chant your name, but guess what! Bring all of your little flips and tricks, it's not going to matter in the end. I'm faster, stronger, and smarter than you, Sydal, and you know it! You might be one of the best in the business, but you're about to be locking up with the best, and I'm bringing everything I've got to the table tonight!
"I've been on this path for a long, long time now, and each and every time I get close to gold, the rug has been pulled out from under me! Well those days are over! I'm not going to let a little piss ant like Matt Sydal get in my way, Joe. Matt Sydal, you listen up and you listen good: I am getting to that title match next month no matter what.
"You see, Joe, I've got nothin' left to lose, and to go back to your question... that has me feelin' pretty dangerous."
<Cut back to the ring.>
"I'm feeling like I am about take what is rightfully mine, and Matt Sydal is standing in the way!
"Matt Sydal, you know we've traveled a lot of the same roads, brother, and we've crossed paths more than a few times. You know what I'm bringin' to the table, and I damn sure know you've got! You like to use all your flash and all your charm to get those people out there to kiss your ass and chant your name, but guess what! Bring all of your little flips and tricks, it's not going to matter in the end. I'm faster, stronger, and smarter than you, Sydal, and you know it! You might be one of the best in the business, but you're about to be locking up with the best, and I'm bringing everything I've got to the table tonight!
"I've been on this path for a long, long time now, and each and every time I get close to gold, the rug has been pulled out from under me! Well those days are over! I'm not going to let a little piss ant like Matt Sydal get in my way, Joe. Matt Sydal, you listen up and you listen good: I am getting to that title match next month no matter what.
"You see, Joe, I've got nothin' left to lose, and to go back to your question... that has me feelin' pretty dangerous."
<Cut back to the ring.>
MATCH TWO
SINGLES RULES
Charlie Haas vs. Tyson Dux
Referee: Brice Miller
Tyson Dux is a Canadian independent veteran who has wrestled all over the world. He's been looking for his big break for a long time, and a win over a guy the caliber of Charlie Haas could be a step in the right direction. Dux, though, makes a tactical error early, offering a handshake to Haas out of sportsmanship, and it's taken advantage of. Haas rips Dux towards him and delivers a high angle Side Belly-to-Belly Suplex, with authority!
Haas stays on him after a short two count, and delivers some vicious ground and pound, before delivering a Deadlift Release German Suplex! Haas drops the straps and he's yelling profanities, all fired up! Corino notes that this is the most vicious he's probably ever seen Haas, and he's loving it! Haas grabs Dux by the arm and rips him upwards and right into an Olympic Slam! Dux lands hard on the back of his head and shoulders as the crowd can't help but react from that impressive move!
Prazak says Dux looks like he's finished, but Corino observes that he doesn't think Haas is done playing with his food just yet. Haas grabs the legs of his fallen opponent and twists them in a knot, pulling back and locking Dux into the Haas of Pain! Dux can't tap fast enough. This slaughter is thankfully over. Prazak grimly expresses to the UCW locker room that they'd better take note, as Charlie Haas has arrived.
Winner by Submission: Charlie Haas
(00:03:02)
Up next we've got Johnny Gargano heading out to the ring, and he fires up the crowd! He's wearing a t-shirt over his ring gear, and he looks like he's here to say a few things to the crowd.
Johnny Gargano:
"Detroit, how are we feelin' tonight!?"
<Decent pop from the crowd.>
"My name is Johnny Gargano, and I didn't really come here to talk, and I'm not going to stand out here and bore you for long. I just wanted to say, tonight, I came prepared to give you all everything I've got. I've been dealing with a lot of frustration, and my opponent tonight has been the cause of some of that here lately.
"Detroit, if it's all right with you... I think I'm going to hurt this man."
<Cheers from the crowd.>
"And while I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do, I've got to be honest... this is personal. So there's your fair warning. You might want to put the kids to bed early, because Roderick Strong... it's been a long time coming, and I'm finishing this. You and your buddies have made my life, and lives of my friends, hell over the past few months, and I'm here on a mission... and that mission is violence."
"Detroit, how are we feelin' tonight!?"
<Decent pop from the crowd.>
"My name is Johnny Gargano, and I didn't really come here to talk, and I'm not going to stand out here and bore you for long. I just wanted to say, tonight, I came prepared to give you all everything I've got. I've been dealing with a lot of frustration, and my opponent tonight has been the cause of some of that here lately.
"Detroit, if it's all right with you... I think I'm going to hurt this man."
<Cheers from the crowd.>
"And while I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do, I've got to be honest... this is personal. So there's your fair warning. You might want to put the kids to bed early, because Roderick Strong... it's been a long time coming, and I'm finishing this. You and your buddies have made my life, and lives of my friends, hell over the past few months, and I'm here on a mission... and that mission is violence."
Roderick Strong:
"Woah, woah, woah, Johnny... hold the phone, buddy. You think you're just going to come out here and run your mouth and I'm just going to let that slide? When you say the name Roderick Strong, you better put some respect on it, boy!"
<The fans "Ooooh!" at that, as Johnny just smiles and motions for Roddy to bring it.>
"Oh, you want some? You're talkin' tough and you think you're a bad ass!? Boy, I've got all night! I'm not in any hurry! I'm going to enjoy every minute of kicking your ass and shutting you up! You see, I showed up tonight planning to hurt you, but now that you've come out here and made an ass out of yourself... Well, let's just say you've got just a couple of hours left to get your affairs in order, Johnny!
"That's right, Johnny, you need to go to the back... grab your phone, FaceTime your little wife Candice, have her pick up your daughter so you can see both of them and say your goodbyes, because guess what? The next time they see you, you're going to be unconscious in a hospital bed, feeding off a tube!"
<Johnny Gargano is running down the ramp now.>
"Woah, woah, woah, Johnny... hold the phone, buddy. You think you're just going to come out here and run your mouth and I'm just going to let that slide? When you say the name Roderick Strong, you better put some respect on it, boy!"
<The fans "Ooooh!" at that, as Johnny just smiles and motions for Roddy to bring it.>
"Oh, you want some? You're talkin' tough and you think you're a bad ass!? Boy, I've got all night! I'm not in any hurry! I'm going to enjoy every minute of kicking your ass and shutting you up! You see, I showed up tonight planning to hurt you, but now that you've come out here and made an ass out of yourself... Well, let's just say you've got just a couple of hours left to get your affairs in order, Johnny!
"That's right, Johnny, you need to go to the back... grab your phone, FaceTime your little wife Candice, have her pick up your daughter so you can see both of them and say your goodbyes, because guess what? The next time they see you, you're going to be unconscious in a hospital bed, feeding off a tube!"
<Johnny Gargano is running down the ramp now.>
Dave Prazak says Roderick Strong crossed the line and he hopes he pays for it tonight! Corino says lines were made to be crossed! Steve says Roderick was playing mind games, and from the looks of things, they seem to be working, and he thinks Strong has Gargano right where he wants him! Prazak says tonight in the main event Gargano is going to have Strong right where he wants him, in the middle of that ring in a fist fight!
MATCH THREE
TAG TEAM RULES
The Rascalz: Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz vs. Youthanazia: Josh Prohibition and Matt Cross
Referee: Trent Thomas
This was an action packed tag team match up from the start. Miguel and Wentz have some marvelous offense at their disposal, but Youthanazia are no slouches in that department. Corino would put over Josh Prohibition on commentary, as Prohibiton was able to actually slow things down from its break neck pace and dole out some punishment on the mat. The Rascalz would manage to persevere, hitting a flurry of moves that would end with Trey Miguel delivering a Meteora to Matt Cross, followed by a Swanton Bomb by Wentz, who would hook the leg and get the pinfall for his team to earn the victory.
Winners by Pinfall: The Rascalz
(00:09:22)
We are backstage once more, where we see Johnny Gargano throwing a chair and yelling at officials, saying he wants Strong right now! Into the shot comes the Motor City Machine Guns, hands up and looking to calm Gargano down. Chris Sabin says that everybody knows Roderick Strong is a bastard, but he says Gargano is playing into his hand right now. Shelley says if Gargano gets himself thrown out of the building or fired, Strong is just going to walk into the title match next month on a bye, so Johnny needs to get focused!
Shelley says they've watched Gargano come up in this business since the early days, when he was just some skinny long haired kid out of Cleveland just trying to make it... well, here it is! He's made it! He's in the main event, and he's on his way to becoming a champion! Don't blow it now, not for Roderick Strong or anybody!
Chris Sabin yells at Gargano to come on and remember who he is! He's Johnny fuckin' Wrestling!
Gargano nods, and thanks them both. He says he's looked up to the Machine Guns his whole career, and he's so lucky they have his back. He says he needed that. But, he then reminds them that they've got a big match tonight with War Machine, and they'd better get back to focusing on that, or their going to be the ones who could end up in the hospital.
The Machine Guns laugh a bit nervously at that, with Shelley making hand gestures to show how big War Machine are as we cut back to ringside.
MATCH FOUR
SINGLES RULES
"Die Hard" Eddie Edwards vs. Sami Callihan
Referee: Trent Thomas
These two are no strangers to one another, as they've had some hard hitting wars over the years. This one was no different. Things started off slow, with Dave Prazak noting that neither man wants to make an early mistake, as both Edwards and Callihan know how dangerous their opponent is. Callihan has a notoriously short fuse, and after losing a back and forth grappling exchange, snaps and really begins laying into Edwards with hard hitting strikes. Edwards is able to dodge an attack on coming in the corner, and sends Callihan to the outside with a big kick. And then "Die Hard" flies out with a Diving Elbow through the ropes to clobber the Ohio native, before waving and getting the fans behind him!
Edwards proceeds to punish Callihan with a big Vertical Suplex on the floor, sending a loud thud through Huntington Place. Edwards kicks and stomps Callihan before lifting him, seemingly looking to send him back into the ring, but Callihan sends a chop right into the Bostonian's throat! Callihan grabs two handfuls of hair on top of Edwards' head and proceeds to bash him face first into the guard rail repeatedly! Callihan is absolutely vicious, as he unloads straight pointed punches right to the forehead of Edwards.
Edwards rolls on the floor in pain as Callihan argues with Trent Thomas, who is threatening to count them both out. Callihan grabs Edwards and rolls him into the ring, and we can all see that "Die Hard" is busted wide open! Callihan stays on the attack, punishing Edwards on the mat with different holds and blows, until Edwards manages to avoid an Elbow Drop coming from the middle turnbuckle!
Edwards feeds off the crowd and makes a comeback, taking Callihan down for a near fall with a Falcon Arrow. Edwards attempts to lift Callihan off the mat, but Callihan takes his fingers and scratches into the bloody forehead of "Die Hard", causing him to yell out in agony. Callihan delivers a Backdrop Driver, and then follows up with a Sliding Lariat, and he thinks he has it, but Edwards somehow kicks out at two!
Callihan is ripping at his hair with a deep grimace on his face, yelling at Trent Thomas about the count. Callihan then sends a flurry of fists down on Edwards before attempting to hit a Piledriver, but Edwards somehow desperately manages to reverse it, Back Dropping his opponent off of him in a big way!
Callihan is back up and furious. Sami rushes Edwards, attempting a Lariat, but Edwards ducks and runs off the ropes. Callihan attempts a Bicycle Kick, but Edwards rolls and dodges it, and then catches Callihan with a Codebreaker! Edwards rolls up, face covered in red, and he's got his sights set on Callihan. Sami gets up to a knee in a daze, and Edwards pounces like a predator... Boston Knee Party! Edwards connects with the Shining Wizard, and he hooks the leg deep on the lateral press, earning himself the three count.
Winner by Pinfall: "Die Hard" Eddie Edwards
(00:13:54)
We go backstage, where Joe Dombrowski is standing in with UCW Heavyweight Title hopeful Matt Sydal. Dombrowski says that Jay Lethal had some strong words for Sydal earlier, and he wanted to get Sydal's reaction and personal feelings heading into their match tonight.
Matt Sydal:
"Jay Lethal said that he and I have traveled many of the same roads over the years, and that is very true, Joe. It didn't take long in our careers for us to cross paths, and it seems like they just keep crossing the longer we go. But, you know, it's pretty laughable to listen to Jay talk about his opportunity at gold and how he's been waiting so long to get it...
"Oh, poor Jay Lethal."
<Sydal makes a mocking pouty face and rubs his eyes like he's crying.>
"Jay, my friend... I hate to say it, but you are completely deluded. If anybody has been denied their shot time and time again, it's ME, but do you hear me crying about it? No. I've got dignity and self respect, two things that seemed to have left you a long time ago. And you're acting like you're some mad man with nothing to lose? Jay, you've been given opportunity after opportunity, and you've squandered all of it. You act like you're some big underdog, but do you think anybody is really giving me a chance of winning this title? Hell, winning this match!?
"You can manufacture this chip on your shoulder all you want, Jay, but I know the truth and so does everybody here in Detroit. You're full of crap, and nobody is feeling sorry for you. You have nobody to blame but yourself. You say you're going to do whatever it takes? You say you're feeling dangerous?
"Well, good. Because you said it yourself, Jay; you know me. And you know that's exactly what it is going to take.
"You see these hands, Joe? Well, right now their holding a rug, and I'm ready to pull that rug right out from under Jay Lethal later tonight."
<Matt Sydal smiles, clinching his fists out in front of him and making a pulling motion as we cut back to ringside.>
"Jay Lethal said that he and I have traveled many of the same roads over the years, and that is very true, Joe. It didn't take long in our careers for us to cross paths, and it seems like they just keep crossing the longer we go. But, you know, it's pretty laughable to listen to Jay talk about his opportunity at gold and how he's been waiting so long to get it...
"Oh, poor Jay Lethal."
<Sydal makes a mocking pouty face and rubs his eyes like he's crying.>
"Jay, my friend... I hate to say it, but you are completely deluded. If anybody has been denied their shot time and time again, it's ME, but do you hear me crying about it? No. I've got dignity and self respect, two things that seemed to have left you a long time ago. And you're acting like you're some mad man with nothing to lose? Jay, you've been given opportunity after opportunity, and you've squandered all of it. You act like you're some big underdog, but do you think anybody is really giving me a chance of winning this title? Hell, winning this match!?
"You can manufacture this chip on your shoulder all you want, Jay, but I know the truth and so does everybody here in Detroit. You're full of crap, and nobody is feeling sorry for you. You have nobody to blame but yourself. You say you're going to do whatever it takes? You say you're feeling dangerous?
"Well, good. Because you said it yourself, Jay; you know me. And you know that's exactly what it is going to take.
"You see these hands, Joe? Well, right now their holding a rug, and I'm ready to pull that rug right out from under Jay Lethal later tonight."
<Matt Sydal smiles, clinching his fists out in front of him and making a pulling motion as we cut back to ringside.>
MATCH FIVE
SINGLES RULES
Biff Busick vs. "Speedball" Mike Bailey
Referee: Brice Miller
Mike Bailey has a very special aura around him as he enters the ring. He carries himself with an air of supreme confidence, while upholding his core values as a high level martial artist. Biff Busick has no interest in any of that, and just came to try to hurt somebody. Busick tries to neutralize the lethal kicks of "Speedball" early, but Bailey is not an easy man to keep down. The Canadian Karate master showed that he's put in a lot of work to hone his technical wrestling as well as striking, and this would make for a very fun and back forth contest. Busick would make a strategic error near the end, letting his pride get the best of him, as he looked to get into a back and forth exchange of blows with Bailey. Busick is no slouch and landed some heavy slaps and kicks, but Bailey unloaded a blinding barrage of kicks that left Busick nearly incapacitated. Bailey would deliver a huge Double Corkscrew Roundhouse Kick to Busick while he was leaning against the buckles to crush the New Englander, laying him out on the mat near the corner. Bailey would ascended, and then "Speedball" would wow the Detroit crowd, delivering his Ultima Weapon (Shooting Star Double Kneedrop) to smash Busick, and earn him the pinfall.
Winner by Pinfall: "Speedball" Mike Bailey
(00:15:12)
We go backstage, where War Machine are standing in by themselves in front of the UCW banner. Hanson yells at Rowe, asking if he can hear it!? He says he can! Rowe exclaims it's the sounds of the war drums! The War Machine has landed on the shores of Detroit, yells Hanson, and they've come to destroy their favorite sons! Rowe says the Machine Guns can fire all they want, but they are getting rolled over by the War Machine tonight! They yell and pose after this statement, and they are done.
Short and sweet; back to ringside.
MATCH SIX
SINGLES RULES
UCW HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE TOURNAMENT SEMI-FINAL
Jay Lethal vs. Matt Sydal
Referee: Matt Goddard
Lethal and Sydal both had some strong words for one another heading into this, and it was clear Lethal was looking to be the aggressor tonight. Dave Prazak pointed out that Sydal seemed to be the more relaxed of the two, and Corino said that is because of exactly what he talked about earlier: expectations. Corino says nobody expects him to win this thing, or go on to win the title, while Jay Lethal feels he really needs to shine and win this whole thing to validate himself. Prazak says Lethal claimed he had nothing left to lose earlier, but that seems to be more true of Sydal, who goes hold for hold with Lethal in the early going.
Lethal cuts off Sydal's ever increasing momentum with a knee, followed by a Hip Toss which he looks to follow up with a Dropkick, but Sydal avoids it and gets up to his feet quickly. Sydal tries for a Standing Moonsault, but Lethal rolls out of the way and Sydal lands on his feet. Lethal is on his knees staring up at Sydal, who is smiling and goading Lethal to bring it on as the fans clap and cheer. Corino says this goes back to what they were saying about knowing each other so well, and it's going to be hard for either man to dip into their usual bag of tricks to get one over on the other. They've just seen it all!
They lock up and exchange holds once more at a rapid pace before Sydal takes Lethal over with a roll up. Lethal gets out of the pinning predicament quickly and rolls Sydal up, and the two go back and forth, trading roll ups, before Lethal finally manages to bounce up out of a headscissors and connect with that Dropkick to the seated Sydal he was looking for earlier! Sydal rolls out of the ring, holding his jaw and shaking his head, trying to knock the cobwebs loose a bit.
Lethal motions to the crowd like he's going to fly out of the ring. Lethal runs off the ropes and towards Sydal on the outside, and he looks like he might dive, but no. Lethal slows down and steps through the ropes, stands on the apron and flips off the fans who boo him loudly now, and then leaps off the apron with a Double Axe Handle to the Missouri native. Lethal then pushes Sydal up against the railing and claws his fingers into the top of Sydal's back. He looks out to the crowd and like a madman RAKES THE BACK OF SYDAL! Sydal stumbles to his knees and Lethal yells out, "THAT... IS THE BEST THING... YOU'VE EVER SEEN!" Prazak notes that Lethal is really messing with the crowd and riling them up, and Corino says he's loving it. Corino says these people should be grateful to get to watch a master like Lethal at work.
Lethal grabs Sydal by the head and drops a straight Bionic Elbow onto his forehead, knocking him silly. Matt Goddard is threatening to count them out, so Lethal rolls in... and then rolls right back out, upsetting the referee but restarting the count. Goddard threatens to disqualify Lethal, but Jay just yells at him to do his damn job and count to three when he tells him to! Lethal tries to go back on the attack of Sydal, but Sydal fires back with a right hand to the gut. And then another. And then another! Lethal is staggered, and Sydal pops up and hits a Knee Strike to flatten Lethal on the floor! Sydal now gets up on the apron and he taunts to the crowd, who are cheering him on loudly. Sydal then grabs the top rope and springboards up, and then flies out onto Lethal, who turns and gets smashed with a HIGH FLYING ASAI MOONSAULT!
Both men are down, but the fans are on their feet and chanting for Sydal!
Sydal and Lethal are back up, and Sydal rolls Lethal back into the ring. Sydal hops up on the apron and taunts the crowd once more before springboarding again, this time flying into the ring and clobbering Lethal with a Spinning Wheel Kick! Sydal follows up with that gravity defying Standing Moonsault he was going for earlier, and makes the cover, but still just a two count. Sydal points to the top rope and then heads that way. Corino says that is so stupid to walk away from your opponent when he's down, but Prazak says Sydal has made his career out of high risk and high reward, and he's not going to change that now during one of the biggest matches of his career.
Sydal flies off, looking for the Meteora, but Lethal rolls out of the way, and Sydal rolls through. Sydal comes rushing at Lethal, looking for a clothesline, but Lethal ducks and he grabs him, maybe looking for the Lethal Combination, but Sydal floats over it with a reversal! BIG DDT! Sydal hooks the leg and he might have it, but no! Lethal manages to kick out! Lethal gets up to a knee and Sydal rushes him and leaps up, catching Lethal's head between his legs and he delivers a Huracanrana Driver, sending Lethal head first into the mat, causing him to go completely vertical for a moment in a headstand!
Sydal motions for the top rope again! Sydal scales the top and then flies off with a Shooting Star Press, but Lethal gets the knees up to counter! Corino chirps that Sydal will just never learn. Sydal is hurting and Lethal sees an opportunity. Lethal runs and does a handspring and he tries for the Lethal Injection, but Sydal catches him with a jumping knee to the back to block it! Lethal goes flying forward, and he collides with Matt Goddard, sending both men tumbling to the floor! Both the referee and Jay Lethal were wiped out with that one!
Prazak yells on commentary that Sydal isn't aware of what just happened, as he is on all fours on the mat trying to recover. Lethal sees another opportunity while on the floor, and goes over past the commentary table, to the time keeper's table! Prazak stands up and yells, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" as Lethal grabs the ring bell! Lethal points at Prazak, "SIT YOUR ASS DOWN AND SHUT YOUR MOUTH, PRAZAK!" Prazak begrudgingly complies as Corino tells him to chill out. Sydal doesn't notice this happening he stumbles over and leans through the middle rope to check on Goddard, who is stirring on the outside. Lethal runs and delivers a WICKED shot to Sydal with the ring bell! Sydal goes flying backwards, and is laying in middle of the ring, looking like a dead man. Prazak cries foul, and says the match needs to be stopped!
Lethal takes a victory lap around the ring, milking it, and then tosses the bell back on the time keeper's table. Sydal rolls over onto his back, and he's clearly out of it. Prazak says he probably has a concussion, and says we need medical help down here at ringside. Lethal grabs Matt Goddard and rolls the official back into the ring. Lethal then scales the top rope himself, and Corino says, "YES! FINISH IT, LETHAL! SEIZE YOUR DESTINY!" Lethal flies off the top and drives a Flying Elbowdrop into the heart of Matt Sydal as these fans are booing like crazy. Lethal lays back on Sydal with his hands up, signaling victory, as the referee counts to three.
Jay Lethal is going to the main event of next month's event, and these fans are livid!
Winner by Pinfall: Jay Lethal
(00:18:20)
Lethal gets his hand raised and then rolls to the outside. He points at Prazak again and tells him to know his role and keep his mouth shut, because he's looking at the next UCW Heavyweight Champion! Corino applauds Lethal, who walks away with a grimace on his face, but his hands still raised. Corino says Lethal did exactly what he said he was going to do, and there's no reason to doubt he'll do it again next month!
We go backstage, where Joe Dombrowski is trying to get an interview with Roderick Strong before the main event. Strong is walking down a hall, and he has a bandage now over his right eye from where Gargano must have connected with a hard left hand. Joe asks Roderick if he regrets what he said to Johnny Gargano earlier, and Strong stops and turns very quickly and aggressively, grabbing Joe by the collar. Joe yells for him to get his hands off of him, and Strong says he better stay out of his way! Strong shoves him back and keeps walking, and Joe stands kind of stunned and flustered.
We go back to ringside, where Dave and Steve asses that situation. Prazak says that Strong looks to be in a very bad mood. Corino says a weasel like Johnny Gargano could get under anybody's skin, and he says he knows he'd sure be upset if he were assaulted for no good reason before a huge main event match. Prazak says Gargano had all the reason in the world to attack Strong after being provoked, but Corino says that we live in a society, and there are rules. You can't just go around clocking everybody you don't like, and he says Strong is a victim here. Corino says Prazak shouldn't shame the victim, and Prazak says he's heard enough of this and they move on to the next match.
MATCH SEVEN
TAG TEAM RULES
UCW TAG TEAM TITLE TOURNAMENT SEMI-FINALS
Motor City Machine Guns: Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin vs. War Machine: Hanson and Raymond Rowe
Referee: Sean McCoy
War Machine clearly had the size advantage in this contest, but the Machine Guns had the crowd. The Detroit natives enjoyed a hero's welcome as they came out, and these fans were on their feet for them and chanting them on with the loudest reaction of the night, by far. War Machine seemed to be loving it, as they smiled and seemed to enjoy each time the crowd with react in distress as they inflicted pain upon one of their heroes. Hanson and Rowe would earn many near falls, working Sabin over in an extended heat spot that saw Sabin desperately try to get to Shelley numerous times, but keep getting cut off. The tension had built to a fever pitch, and Sabin was finally able to escape a Powerbomb attempt from Hanson and fly nearly half way across the ring to Shelley, diving to make the hot tag! Shelley would fly in and start rocking both Hanson and Rowe like a pinball, flying back and forth, before causing the big men to collide with each other as they both tried to clothesline him at the same time! Raymond Rowe would go to the outside and grab a chair out of frustration, but Chris Sabin would run and fly through the ropes, delivering a Diving Dropkick to send the chair into Rowe's skull HARD, and wipe him out! Shelley would run at Hanson, but Hanson would pop him up and catches him with a Powerslam, going for a cover after but just a two count! Hanson would lift up Shelley and throw him across the ring into the buckles. From there, Hanson rushes in and tried for an Avalanche, but Shelley escaped the through the ropes with the swiftness, standing on the apron as Hanson stumbled backwards holding his chest. Sabin slides in and is on all fours right behind Hanson. Shelley springboards in and clips the big man with a Flying Clothesline, and Hanson tumbles over Sabin's body to land in a very bad way! Sabin then holds Hanson's legs as Shelley rushes back up to the top... and then comes crashing back down with a Frog Splash! Sabin then hurries over and cuts off Rowe as Sean McCoy makes the three count and the fans rejoice!
The Motor City Machine Guns are heading to the Tag Team Title tournament finals against Bad Influence!
Winners by Pinfall: Motor City Machine Guns
(00:13:35)
We get a promo for next month's show, "Reign Supreme 2024", on May 24th, 2024, from Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan! Advertised for this big event are the finals of the UCW Heavyweight and Tag Team Titles, as well as a match between "Lightning Kid" Sean Waltman and Michigan's own "Homicidal, Genocidal, Suicidal" Sabu! Tickets will be on sale next Friday, don't miss it!
MATCH EIGHT
SINGLES RULES
UCW HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE TOURNAMENT SEMI-FINALS
Johnny Gargano vs. Roderick Strong
Referee: Matt Goddard
Roderick Strong was the first one to make his entrance, and he received a chorus of boos upon entering. Those boos would soon turn to fevered cheers, as Johnny Gargano came running out behind him and crashed into Strong from behind! Prazak yells that Gargano isn't going to wait for the bell, this is personal! Corino yells back that Gargano is mugging Strong like a common criminal, and should be arrested! Gargano has lit up Strong with a flurry of punches and then sends him into the ring steps!
Gargano continues to kick and punch Strong around the ring until Strong turns and catches him with a low blow! Strong then grabs Gargano and slams him back first into the apron with a Head and Arm Slam! The cut above Strong's eye has opened up again, and he seems absolutely pissed. Strong grabs a chair from the crowd and proceeds to run and smack Gargano right in the back with it, causing him to roll and writhe in agony on the floor.
This match hasn't even officially started and Matt Goddard has seen enough. The referee calls for the bell, and he's ruling this a no contest.
The fans are not happy about this.
No Contest
(00:00:00)
Strong continues to attack Gargano until officials come out and break them up. Gargano is shoving at them and tries to go back to fighting Strong.
UCW Comissioner Adam Pearce makes his way out with a microphone.
Adam Pearce:
"Hey, HEY! HEY!
"You two need to get into that ring right now, that bell needs to sound, and this match needs to be restarted... as a No Disqualification match! We're going to have a winner, ladies and gentlemen! You two can rip each other apart all you want, but somebody is going to the main event of 'Reign Supreme' next month to fight for the title!"
<Pearce hands off the mic and heads down to ringside, where he takes a seat near the time keeper's table.>
"Hey, HEY! HEY!
"You two need to get into that ring right now, that bell needs to sound, and this match needs to be restarted... as a No Disqualification match! We're going to have a winner, ladies and gentlemen! You two can rip each other apart all you want, but somebody is going to the main event of 'Reign Supreme' next month to fight for the title!"
<Pearce hands off the mic and heads down to ringside, where he takes a seat near the time keeper's table.>
THE MATCH RESTARTS UNDER NO DISQUALIFICATION RULES
Both men are already feeling the effects of their earlier fighting, but they continue on viciously. Prazak goes on to explain that Roderick Strong and the Undisputed Era had been making Gargano's life and the lives of his allies miserable for months leading up to this, and now Strong finds himself alone, but Gargano isn't going to let things slide. He's here to exact vengeance on Strong, who Prazak suspects stuck around to try to rule things now that some of his more power hungry allies had stepped out of the way and chose to go to AEW.
Strong is choking Gargano in the corner with his boot, and Gargano isn't looking too good here. Strong grabs him by the feet and yanks him out of the corner, suspending him in mid-air and catches him with a BEAUTIFUL and BRUTAL Backbreaker variation! Strong goes for a cover, but just a two count. Strong doesn't waste any time continuing his assault, pounding Gargano into the ground. Gargano rolls out of the ring to escape the barrage. Strong heads out on the apron and runs, trying to catch Gargano with a Penalty Kick, but Gargano has the wherewithal to avoid it and then leap up on the apron himself. These two exchange fists to the face before Gargano delivers a kick and grabs a Front Facelock on Strong! Strong tries to lift Gargano and escape the hold, but Gargano shifts his weight and plants Strong HARD on the apron with a DDT!
Both men fall to the floor as the crowd chants for Gargano!
Gargano stumbles up and yells at Prazak and Corino to move out of the way. He then clears the table and grabs Strong by the head, pulling him up onto it. Adam Pearce pleads with Gargano not to do this, but that momentary distraction and argument leads to Strong low blowing Gargano! Strong then grabs him and delivers a Rock Bottom variation, leaping off the table and landing on his feet on the floor as he drives Gargano's back right through the table, collapsing it and sending the Cleveland native into a heap of skin ripping debris!
Strong milks the reaction of the crowd, pointing at the fallen Gargano and mocking him, telling them that their hero is dead! Strong grabs the chair from earlier and slowly stalks over to the wreckage, bad intentions running through his mind. Gargano looks terrible, with abrasions covering his back from the particle board and plastic that splintered beneath him moments ago, but he has something in his hand. Strong reels back with the chair, but Gargano turns and near blindly throws one of the tablet monitors from the table, sending it directly into the crotch of Strong! Strong lets out a squeal of acute pain and drops to his knees in despair, dropping the chair as he does so and the fans roar with approval!
Gargano grabs the chair and energetically smacks it off the floor, yelling at the crowd and asking them if they want to see it! Oh boy, do they ever! Gargano rells back now and swings like Jose Ramirez playing for Cleveland, smacking Strong right across the head with the chair! Prazak yells that it's a home run on commentary, and now Corino is yelling at him to cut it out! He says Strong could be seriously hurt here, but Prazak doesn't seem concerned.
Gargano sends Strong back into the ring. He then grabs the chair and hops up onto the apron before scaling the top rope. Gargano showboats for the fans with the chair, getting them hyped up as he looks to fly off and hit Strong with it. Gargano certainly does fly off, but Strong anticipates it and sends the chair flying into Gargano's face with the Sick Kick!
Both men are down, and Gargano looks like he might be out! Strong gets back to his feet and grabs the chair off the mat, before proceeding to hit Gargano is the back with it while he's down! Strong laughs and points at Gargano, mocking him once more to the fans, and then reels back and slams the chair onto his back again! Strong then yells out that he's going to finish this, and then walks over and yells at Adam Pearce to call and get the ambulance ready! Prazak says that Strong is a sick human being, and yells for Gargano to get up! Corino says it doesn't matter, it'll all be over soon.
Strong unfolds the chair and sets it up on it's legs in the center of the ring. He then grabs Gargano's limp body and hooks him into a front facelock, throwing Gargano's arm over his neck in the process. Strong yells out, "THIS IS THE END!" and lifts Gargano, looking to deliver a variation of the End of Heartache onto the chair, but Gargano desperately rolls and reverses out of it! Gargano lands behind a surprised Strong, who has a wide eyed, shocked look on his face, and grabs him quickly into a Full Nelson. Strong tries to fight out, but Gargano lifts him up and spins him...
HURTS DONUT RIGHT ONTO CHAIR! STRONG JUST GOT A FACEFUL OF STEEL!
Gargano goes for the cover, and it's all over! ONE, TWO, THRE- NO! Strong kicks out! Strong has kicked out, but Gargano isn't done. Gargano pulls his arm back, and he locks him into the BORDER CITY STRETCH! Gargano is cranking on the Border City Stretch, and blood is now covering Strong's face as Gargano ups the pressure! Strong is trying to reach for the ropes, but as soon as they get close, Johnny Wrestling takes his foot and kicks off of it, rolling both men around, and now he has the hold locked on right smack dab in the center of the ring! Johnny pulls back hard and screams out, and Strong looks completely dejected. Strong limply begins to tap out and the fans roar with approval!
Johnny Gargano is heading to the UCW Heavyweight Title tournament finals at "Reign Supreme"!
Winner by Submission: Johnny Gargano
(00:23:48)
The medical team does hit the ring, as neither man is looking like much of a winner here. The Motor City Machine Guns make their way out to the ring, and they help up their friend and raise his hands in the air in victory! Gargano winces in pain, but he's trying to smile, having vanquished a true demon in Roderick Strong tonight.
That's when the scene on the top of the entry way catches their collective eye. Sabin and Shelley lower Gargano's hands, and all three men take a couple of steps forward towards the ropes. Standing on the ramp are Bad Influence, and in between Daniels and Kazarian stands Jay Lethal. The camera cuts back and forth a couple of times as we have a tense stare down between the six men who will be competing in the UCW title tournament finals at "Reign Supreme".
Dave Prazak closes the show by saying that if "Reign Supreme" is anything like tonight, you'll be sure to want to tune in or buy a ticket for May 24th, because you sure won't want to miss it!
