2004 was a changing year in the TWF as many new stars surfaced to show they can lead the company for years to come. While guys like Jordan Rockwell continued to rule the ranks, we also saw Rhyno and Dylan Jansens reach the pinnacle of sports entertainment. The Undertaker proved he is still a major force in wrestling and Shane Thompson gave fans a glimpse of the future. 2004 will be remembered for risque storylines and new characters as well as the purchase of a company (the M.O.W.) and the development of a third division.... SlaughterHouse! 2004 also saw the return of Drew Blood and sadly for our TWF brethren, the passing of a great member in Cory Rodriguez.
So what were your favorites this year? Make your vote count in the polls below.
Rockwell's kidnapping: In the midst of a bitter fued with Shane Thompson, Jordan Rockwell was attacked and thrown into a car at the end of the 11/16 edition of PrimeTime. The following week, cameras showed Rockwell held up in an open field by Shane Thompson and what followed is something Rockwell and TWF fans alike will never forget.
Angle's Medals: In a storyline the WWE apparently liked too, Kurt Angle and Shelton Benjamin were signed to go one on one at DoomsDay. But with nothing on the line other than pride, Angle decided to put his most prized possession on the line in the battle of former amatuer stars.... his Olympic gold medals. Benjamin won the match by DQ and on the following Rampage, Stephanie McMahon used her authority to take Angle's medals and give them to Benjamin.
Carney to SMW: In one of the better fueds all year, Carney was determined to take the King of Cable title from Joe Corey, who had made him submit in consecutive tag team matches. Carney was so sure he could beat Corey that he agreed to be demoted to SMW if he lost. Carney unfortunately did lose and is now in SMW.
Greatest tag team: One of the highlights of 2004 was the reunion of Strife and Bahamut. But Randy Orton and Batista were sick of the talk that Strife and Bah were the greatest team in TWF history. So they set out to prove they were the greatest tag team ever, bringing old teams like the Midnight Express and the Texas Hangmen into the picture. But when they finally battled for the Tag Team titles on September 29 at Eruption, Strife and Bahamut reigned supreme.
Carney vs. Corey: On the line for Joe Corey, the King of Cable title. For Carney, the thought of being sent to the developmental organization. DoomsDay 2004 was highlighted by 2 men who refused to lose. Move for move the two went but in the end, Corey was able to squeak by in what many believe to be the best King of Cable match ever.
Octane vs. HBK: Evil Intentions had student vs. teacher when Octane, feeling upset that Shawn Michaels not only cost him his match to RVD at WrestleMania, but then insulted him by saying he felt that was the only way he could win, challenged Michaels to a match at this pay-per-view. Fans were dazzled by the performance and ring psychology of both men. They even employ the same finishing manuever. But when all was said and done, it was Damion West, who got a little help from Christian and the Head on Collision that left in victory.
Corey vs. Pyromania: In February, Code Red housed a hot audience and the match that easily stole the show was a match that to this day, tells the direction these superstars are going. Corey won the pivotal match and a shot at the King of Cable, which he would go on to win as Pyro has shown flashes of greatness but struggled in mediocrity as well.
Dragon's Lair: Most fans could not even fathom what was to come here. And inside the arena, the sight of the huge dragon that encompassed the ring made it even harder to imagine. What Dylan Jansens and Axl Irvin did to each other and their own bodies won't soon be forgotten but it was Irvin who won the match and the Hardcore title, easily the biggest victory of his young career to this point.
DJ wins the title: He was told he didn't belong. He was told he didn't deserve it. But Dylan Jansens not only proved his naysayers wrong, he fulfilled his promise to his late fiancee Ashley by defeating Rhyno at King of the Ring to win the Universal title.
RVD at Mania 5: RVD had perhaps the greatest performance ever at WrestleMania. He defeated High Octane in an inter-divisional battle to win a shot at his division's champion. Acting enforcer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin decided to give him that shot.... that night! RVD completed an improbable night with a win over the seemingly untouchable Brock Lesnar to become Universal champion.
The return of Blood: 2004 brought a new, very complicated superstar to the TWF known as Mordecai. Before and after each of his matches, he would look to the sky and always talked of a higher power. On one memorable edition of Rampage, we found out who that higher power was..... Drew Blood, a man most thought they would never see again. This was on the heels of him showing up at TWF MeltDown to take out the man who ended his career, Travis Wakeman.
Strife & Bah are golden: As touched on before, Strife and Bahamut had a fued with Randy Orton and Batista over who was the greatest team ever. Many people had mixed opinions on this, as polls were even taken on TWF.com. But when all the talking was over, Strife and Bahamut defeated the younger team that everyone thought they couldn't to prove who truly is the best ever.
Wilde is....gay?: That's right, the man who preaches the word of the lord and carries a bible with him to the ring came out of the closet in one of the most shocking moments ever.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: "THE SHOW" JOE COREY: 80% of the vote WOMEN's WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: VICTORIA: 55% of the vote STORYLINE OF THE YEAR: Jordan Rockwell's kidnapping by Shane Thompson: 42% of the vote LIGHTHEAVYWEIGHT OF THE YEAR: REY MYSTERIO: 36% of the vote TAG TEAM OF THE YEAR: STRIFE AND BAHAMUT: 38% of the vote MATCH OF THE YEAR: DRAGON's LAIR MATCH- TWF MELTDOWN: DYLAN JANSENS VS. AXL IRVIN: 60% of the vote MOMENT OF THE YEAR: Dylan Jansens wins Universal title: TWF King of the Ring: 52% of the vote FUED OF THE YEAR: JORDAN ROCKWELL/RHYNO: 55% of the vote WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: JORDAN ROCKWELL: 47% of the vote
LIFETIME ACHEIVEMENT This year's Lifetime Acheivement award goes to Kyle Ticali. Kyle signed with the TWF in January of 2001 as a wrestler you've all come to know, Bahamut. Kyle took strong interest in the TWF from the get go and was very helpful with ideas. He sent in his stats when the matches were still simulated on No Mercy and he made a nearly unbeatable superstar. Through the years, I've come to realize Kyle's great knowledge of computers and due to that, he has helped me with many facets of the TWF. He makes nearly all of our logos and those awesome promos we post every now and then. He also got me connected with CafePress, the sponsors of the TWF Mall. In fact, the Mall was his idea. To this day, if I need something, even on short notice, I know I can count on Kyle to get it to me. So I am very proud to announce Kyle as this year's winner of the Lifetime Acheivement award, congrats man!
That wraps up this year's awards and the entire year of 2004, a great one for the TWF, will be dedicated to the memory of one of our own, Cory Rodriguez. Say a prayer for he and his family whenever you get the chance and let's all work like hell to make 2005 the best year yet!
AWARD WINNERS
