February 16, 2003
Widespread Panic Press Release With the success brought to the TWF last year through sales and exposure, we proudly announce this year's overseas tour to Singapore, Widespread Panic. It will be a combination of great wrestling and entertainment the fans down there are not accustomed to. 50,000 plus fans are expected to be inside the Stadium of Singapore to see their favorite TWF stars. The TWF has conducted a lot of research and learned that the fans in Singapore are just as passionate as they are in the states and this event is being highly anticipated. Before the show, several superstars will conduct autograph signings and Jerry Lawler will even hand out copies of his book, "It's good to be King.... sometimes" complete with his autograph. So get ready, because it's time to panic"! Widespread Panic Card TWF Women's Title Match Challenger.... Jessica Lopez vs. Akasha Jazz vs. Britney Haven of mFw Lumberjack match Jerry "The King" Lawler vs. The Honky Tonk Man Mixed Gender Tag Matt "Koo Bear" Taylor & Jackie Gayda vs. Austin Pyromania and Terri Kid Gundam & Hayabusa w/ Jim Cornette vs. The Road Warriors Los Guerrero's vs. The Conquistadors Dylan Jansens & "High Octane" Damion West vs. The Psych Ward PrimeTime Gauntlet: Winner earns a golden Singapore cane Participants Chris Benoit, Kanyon, Matt Hardy, Aries, Charlie Haas, Travis Wakeman, Christopher Daniels of SMW & Mr. Wrestling III Singapore Cane Match Sabu vs. Tommy Dreamer Main Event "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. Rob Van Dam Guest referee: Drew Blood Our Columnist Chris Dalby joins us with another installment of The Dragon's Lair, enjoy"!
Welcome one and all to the latest edition of the Dragon’s Lair. I realize it has been a couple of months since the last one. This has been due to a horrendous schedule plus some things going on in my life which are now sorted so I can now return to do this column the justice it deserves.
Today, I will be going over the Royal Rumble and the ensuing shows on RAW and PrimeTime with the unfolding of several brand new spanking storylines. I would also like to dedicate this column to the memory of ‘Mr. Perfect’ Curt Hennig. A brilliant athlete, a true friend, an awesome showman. You will be missed, old companion.
Royal Rumble
2003 has rolled around at last and we can get back to one of the mainstays of TWF television, arguably the biggest PPV apart from Wrestlemania, the Royal Rumble.
The Rumble is so steeped in history, in shocking twists and turns that fans expect nothing less than pure spectacle. And the Rumble 2K3 style certainly did not disappoint.
Many storylines were set in place as we saw Raven Enterprises begin to take shape and HHH’s group of terror on RAW form with Cena’s attack on Marcellus.
I must say, I did enjoy the skits with Nowinski and Perfect, the duo meld very well in the ring and out of it, their combined humourous talents making for remarkable viewing.
TWF Women’s Title Match: Akasha vs. Lita
The Queen of Darkness has had Lita in her sights ever since she came to RAW and this was her chance to grapple with one of the TWF’s most dangerous athletes. As we all know, Akasha fears no-one and she proved this in a match where surprisingly, Lita was a lot more game than Akasha was. The challenger was much more aggressive, possibly caused by Akasha’s provocation. Our little Aky-wakey needs to be careful to not get complacent or she could be in for a rather nasty surprise down the line. Akasha may have won in extremis but she still won so congratulations to her.
RAW Tag Team Titles Match: Perfect/Nowinski vs. Stasiak/Palumbo
I admit that this was a brilliant tag team effort by all involved and I was glad to see new champions (though I adored the Nowinski/Perfect connection) but I am concerned about the sudden growth of random tag teams such as Stasiak/Palumbo or Matt Hardy/Hurricane. There are enough established tag teams out there without it being necessary to throw two random stars together. Back to the match and I have to say Palumbo carried the match for his team. Stasiak seemed a bit lost for much of the match but Palumbo’s belly-to-belly and superkick were awesome. Best of luck to the new champs but I don’t see a long title reign given the tag teams on RAW at the moment. For me, Orton and Cena will have a title run very soon and deserve a title shot, maybe a number 1 contender’s match against Los Guerreros.
TWF Tag Team Title Match: Evolution vs. Chono/Muta
NOOOO! Evolution have lost the titles! I adored the titles on those guys! Seriously, this was a very solid match though completely disorganized and it was refreshing to see a match for those titles not involving WE. Korderas needs to take a refreshers’ course in refereeing but Muta and Chono were impressive. They have been favorites for weeks and cemented their status as huge stars in Japan. They seemed to be progressively becoming tweeners in the TWF but that snap neckdrop on Kazarian could have broken his neck in half. New champions and I hope they keep them for as long as possible. To round off, similarly to their feud with the Outsiders, Chono and Muta need some new opponents.
TWF Toughman Title Match: Nails vs. ZeroEx
There is only one match to describe this classic. DAMN! As Bahamut would say, this is what legends are made of. Easily matching Nails’ classic forays with Nemesis, this match was one of the most brutal I have ever seen. I wasn’t around when ZeroEx was here last time but given his performance in this one, he’s a terrifying individual. But even more impressive was Nails. For me, he is RAW’s Drew Blood simply because no-one can beat the damn guy. The Toughman title has been around his waist (if it fits?) since August 2002 and nothing can stop him keeping it till next August at the very least. I am also worried about the sanity of this man. A cinder block to the head? Talk about needing a Paracetamol the next morning, ZeroEx must have been knocked out for hours. I don’t know who will be the next candidate for the Toughman title but I do not envy them.
2 out of 3 falls match: Kid Gundam vs. Chris Benoit
The first fall here showed me why Gundam is one of the most exciting superstars on the roster on his day. He matched the Wolverine in every department, on the mat, in the air, and finally took a deserved victory. That savat kick was excellent and a good way to win.
But, Gundam, why did you have to screw it up like that? Why? You could probably have won another fall without asking Hayabusa to help you. The second fall was such a shamble and White's so completely blind that I will make no comment on it. Benoit was screwed and I hope he will get his own back very soon.
Scott Steiner vs. High Octane
This was nothing special but did serve its purpose as a decent card-filler. I make no secret of my hatred of Scott’s wrestling style and the only bonus here was Hogan’s appearance. I admire Octane very much but here, he showed the things that he lacks to make that next step. His attack is simply not varied enough to take down big men like Steiner. High Octane needs to learn to modify his tactics and study his opponents more carefully. This could have been so much more but it failed to grip me in the least.
TWF Title Match: Ron Simmons vs. Undertaker
Civil Rights have been blazing around RAW for a few weeks now but I have still not been able to get over the fact Simmons has been TWF Champion. For me, Simmons is the Corporation, the APA, not the blimmin’ Champ, far from it. This match could have been Tyson v Lewis for the technical skill shown on it. These two alpha males were on parade, strutting their muscles and it was only thankful the Deadman won it. Now, the title rests on deserving shoulders and we have seen the last of Simmons in a ring. YIPPIDY!!!!!
TWF Universal Title Match: Jordan Rockwell vs. Drew Blood
Royal Rumble Match
Nemesis, Spawn, Brock Lesnar, Sabu, Rhyno. These five men felt the wrath of the man who will go to Wrestlemania to face Drew Blood for the Universal Title in what has the potential of being one of the best Wrestlemania matches in TWF history. The Rumble was solid, well thought-out and it was great to see mid-card guys like Marcellus and Pyromania making a good impact, even the SMW’s Patriot can be very proud of his performance. But at the end of the day, it came down to men like RVD, Rhyno and Batista who have the power and experience to weather the storm of so many different competitors. After going through 29 men and earning a spot at the top of a Wrestlemania card, RVD has proved to everyone that everything’s cool when you’re R-V-D.
RAW
Looks like the Guerreros will be the next to face the Tag Champs after Stasiak beat Chavo. I admit I don’t think Palumbo and Stasiak would stand a chance against these two or against most others on PT.
It was wonderful to see the Enforcers start their roles on RAW. The idea was initiated by Dylan Jansens after his win at the New Year’s Battle Royale. Who will dare withstand the might of HBK and the Road Warriors combined? Whoever does so has a major death wish.
As usual, Akasha is spoiling for a rumble. After Terri Gold and Lita, it seems she has her sights on Jessica Lopez but after losing that Intergender tag match, maybe the Queen of Darkness will think twice before bullying people. Anyone reckon Akasha will dare face Kevin Nash 1-on-1? Still, if there is to be a Lopez v Akasha match, I reckon Lopez would probably pull it off given Aky-wakey’s recent state of mind. Now, about the Spawn versus Nash feud, I am forced to admit I think Spawn has the edge here. He is the new Nails and I am looking forward to when these two butt heads. When they do, the TWF will be shaken to its very foundations. Until then, Nash will provide little more than cannon fodder.
It seems like the Civil Rights v Undertaker feud is far from over and with Sledge Hamma involved, this could all become very interesting (first time CR has gripped me). I admit that the return of Ron Killings to the TWF is a major boost and maybe it will help CR recover from the loss of Ron Simmons as an active competitor.
Soap opera storylines are on the increase in wrestling in general. This is exemplified by the Pyromania’s feud with Koo Bear. Believe me, it will provide some good viewing but I feel sad that such a promising tag team had to be broken up so early. To be honest, on an already overcrowded RAW roster, where are these two going to go when their singles feuds end? The future does not seem too bright for the Pyromaniacs. Koo Bear certainly impressed me more of the two in their tag match on RAW with Dreamer and Sabu. He showed a vicious edge which Pyromania does not possess, something which could help Taylor carve a place.
Goldust v Sam Wilde??? Who could have seen that one, eh? I don’t have much to say on this one right now except that I’m not persuaded about its drawing power. Wilde is very popular with the fans and I would rather like to see him go for the Tag titles with Nemesis. The Bizarre One has floated from top to bottom of the card in the past and this could be make-or-break for Goldust as if this feud crumbles, I do not see his utility on the roster.
As if knocking him out once at the Rumble, Nails feels compelled to blast ZeroEx again during his match with Nathan Jones. There is certainly no love lost between this pairing and I wonder how far this will escalate. It is certainly looking very dangerous for the both of them. I am a bit disappointed at Nails’ early interference as I did not form a proper opinion of Jones but his gorilla press slam seemed impressive enough. Hopefully, we will see more of him soon so that we may admire or revile this new talent.
Well, crash and burn for the Dragon. I have been rooting for Orton and Cena to get a title shot but after being beaten by Crazy Stick and Sledge Hamma, this does not look likely to happen despite their alliance with HHH and Steiner. Stick and Hamma looked very good out there and that Cross Check move seems deadly. If these two can learn to gel properly, we may have ourselves a winner.
Talking about this new group, I must say they have the potential of being a dominant force but Steiner has got to go. He is outclassed and outwrestled by HHH, Orton and Cena and brings nothing to the group. Kick him out and replace him with someone else such as Nowinski or Koo Bear. Alternatively, this group needs a manager, a spokesperson to give them some mic skills, maybe Teddy Long can have two jobs?
Overall, RAW has been a solid effort since the Rumble, but too many storylines could get tedious to follow. Especially ones which have not been built up sufficiently and cannot be due to the excess number of them. Main events need to be more varied but beyond that, the future looks good.
PRIMETIME
Haas and Laiman are two very promising talents as Laiman proved in his match with Wakeman and I like them opening the shows, it provides a good stage for them to warm up the crowd and could set a rivalry which could help develop their early careers.
This storyline about Dylan’s katana is certainly an inventive one, as well as involving many different superstars, an element many recent stories have been lacking. Cornette seems to have an idea as to who stole it but many theories have been surfacing such as Ultimo Dragon, Jerry Lynn or Psych Ward. Whoever it is better be ready to face the wrath of the LHW Champion and of Carney, pissed at being attacked. The victory over Rosey and Jamal meant little, only to prove O’Haire’s potential and Dylan’s feeling of guilt for the attack on Carney. Look to Code Red for an answer to this riddle.
I cannot wait for Widespread Panic to see if Gundam and Hayabusa, both relatively successful in recent singles action, can match up to one of the very best tag teams of all time, the Road Warriors. I know where my money is. (hehehe)
One story that leaves me utterly perplexed is this odd love triangle between Wakeman, Trish and Carmichael. What is Crystal’s agenda? Why would she suddenly release this info unless she wanted something specific from Wakeman? And if Crystal arranged for Trish to be attacked, why dress the person as Rockwell? After all, what would the New People’s Champion have to gain from that?
These questions better be answered by or just after Code Red or this storyline might run out of steam.
Matt Hardy and the Hurricane have been two of my favorite superstars for ages and I think their comical duo could be very successful if guided in the right direction. Mattitude has certainly caught on with TWF fans who have been popping like mad when he approaches and it is a good sign that they beat Tirpak on their first outfit.
Integrity, Intelligence, Intensity. The three words that epitomise Kurt Angle. I am so psyched to see the Olympic Hero back in the TWF even if a little birdie tells me he’ll be heading to RAW. He could single-handedly revive any feud or make any PPV card against every opponent. I sincerely hope he makes this stint in the TWF a long and final one as with the loss of Edge, we are in need of some buzz.
Drew Blood’s reunion with Batista is very scary to me. The best in the TWF allied with one of the strongest is going to be a lethal combination. Not much to go on but their first victim will suffer terribly. Although why Drew Blood does this when he constantly says he doesn’t need anyone and he never did confuses me.
Raven Enterprises for me shows a tragic lack of originality. WE failed three times, why would anyone name their stable like that? Raven and Kanyon seemed just about doomed to failure unless someone else joins them officially besides Lesnar. A possibility would be a Stone Cold heel turn to feud with RVD and Wakeman. That would be a feud worth watching but given the crowd’s adoration, it may never happen. I think it will and you read it here first!!!!!
Until next time, PrimeTime has proved itself to be the best show in 2003 so far. Good matches, better storylines, wonderful atmosphere. RAW could and should take some notes.
Until next time, where we will be discussing Widespread Panic and Psych Ward’s arrival in the TWF, take care of yourself and each other. Only joking, I mean…..BEWARE AS THE DRAGON ENFLAMES YOU!!!!!
FROM THE DESK OF THE mFw CHAIRMAN mFw breaking news : Following the attack on mFw's cheif of operation Jesse Steele by Sonny Siaki, mFw officals were close to seeking legal action against him until a decision by Mr. Steele was made. Effective immediatly, Jesse Steele has agreed to come out of retirement to face Sonny Siaki. While Mr. Steele did suffer a concussion, he spent the past two days at home with his family and celebrated his 17 year wedding anniversary. Also, executive Vice President Alexandra Caine has stated that since Mr. Siaki assualted an mFw offical, his punishment will be to face Jesse Steele this thursday night on Mayhem and it will be for the mFw Hardcore title!
