Platinum Championship Wrestling--June 4, 2016--Porterdale, GA

It was the lightest crowd I'd seen in Porterdale in a long time. I counted about thirty, but it competed with both NXT in Atlanta, and Southern Fried's largest show of the year, Shindig. The diehard PCW fans came, and their cheers were as loud as ever, for despite the small crowd, PCW delivered a show full of good wrestling.

Logan Creed faced Slim J. in a battle of might vs. fight. It was a classic giant against little guy match, and they delivered.  Slim J's flashy style with spot after spot dazzled the crowd. Creed's strength impressed. At one point Creed caught Slim J, and he laid him across the laps of the front row fans, and beat him down right there. Gunner Miller's music played, and Creed was distracted momentarily, allowing Slim J to land a top rope splash and secure the victory. The opener set the bar for the rest of the show, and it was my personal favorite match of the night.

Trevor Aeon faced Warhorse 16 times. Brian Blaze did a run-in and beat up Aeon before the match with The Warhorse began in earnest. The Warhorse held Aeon while Blaze got a painting of Trevor Aeon. The Carpenter and Bill the Butcher saved Aeon from being hit with the painting.

Go Time Eric Jones teamed with Johnny Nixx to wrestle The Washington Bullets. The match began with a gorgeous exchange between Jon Williams of the Bullets and Johnny Nixx that ended with with a beautiful drop kick from Nixx. Williams left the ring to regroup.  This was the best match I'd seen Go Time Eric Jones compete in in a while.  He and Nixx really seemed to flow as a team. Jon Williams secured the win for his team with a low blow to Nixx. Trey Williams held Jones back from breaking up the pin.

The Much Hate Mulisha (the newly dubbed Cameron Jackson and Stunt Marshall) accompanied by their manager, Miko Rodriguez, the SVP of the Hate Club, challenged Geter for his Platinum Championship Wrestling Heavyweight title.  Geter issued an open challenge to anyone at his last appearance two weeks prior, and the Mulisha were the first to answer it.  Marshall and Jackson lasted longer against Geter than I expected originally. They took out his knees and kept control of the match for a while. They engaged in a lot of nice double team moves. Geter fought to get back to his feet, and Marshall delivered a flying headbutt. Geter delivered a belly to belly suplex to Jackson, and a giant splash from the second rope secured Geter's victory and he retained his title. This was an exciting match, and Marshall and Jackson have good synergy as a team.

Geter said that he'd started on the wrong side, but that he'd found the light. "I still have my sadistic smile, I'm still an asskicking machine. Come the war games, you boys have never seen the Geter I'm going to unleash." He confirmed that he was the first member of the face faction in July 4th's Wargames.

David Tita, Tyson Dean, and Brian Blaze competed in a triple threat match. Dean and Tita teamed up against Blaze to start, but that eventually dissolved as the match went on. Dean and Tita argued and Blaze got up. Dean jerked him back down, and Tita delivered a lovely leg drop. Blaze had Tita rolled up, but Trevor Aeon interfered by throwing white powder in Blaze's face. Tyson Dean took advantage of the distraction, rolling Blaze up to secure the pin. Aeon ran away from a heated Blaze who wanted to fight him post-match.

Brian Blaze is set to face Trevor Aeon in PCW's first ever blindfold match on July 2nd. Hopefully the heat between those two will come to a head, and one will extinguish the fire.

The main event featured Bill the Butcher against Kevin Park.  Park wasted no time attacking with punches and kicks. Butcher came close to choking Park, and he delivered some nice chops. They fought on the side of the apron, and Park delivered a beautiful enziugiri. Butcher bit Park, proving he'd do anything to win. Park tried his submission, but Butcher dumped him off. Park's strength showed in his suplex. He knocked Butcher's ringside companion, The Carpenter, off the ring, and hit Butcher with a knee to the face, and he won the match by pinfall.

Park didn't get to celebrate his victory for long as he was attacked by Trevor Aeon, and the Carpenter. The Danger City Demons came out to assist Park, and just as it looked bleak for our heroes, Quasi Mandisco's music hit, and he came in to make the save. Mandisco, Valek, Danger and Park stood triumpant in the ring. Mandisco entered the War Games and he cut an inspiring promo about how he's going to kick the cornerstone's asses.

PCW returns to Porterdale on June 18th, and Johnny Danger will announce who will compete for him in July 2nd's haircut match. 

Platinum Championship Wrestling--May 21, 2016--Porterdale, GA

PCW had a nearly full house last night for Maximum Carnage. The action was hot, the crowd was hot, and fans could tell it is nearing War Games season. Only two more PCW shows are left before PCW's hottest summer show, a July 4th tradition, the 5th annual War Games. If PCW continues with the energy they've had at the last two shows, the rest of the summer leading into Sacred Ground will very well be one of the best summers in Porterdale history.

Drew Game and Matt Gilbert faced the team of Brian Kane and Kevin Park. Kane and Park started out strong. Park's knees and kicks were on point. I like the way they are building his character. It's almost like he's following an anime shonen hero arc. Game's cowardly, yet cocky character mixed well with his partner, Gilbert's stiff, strong style wrestling. Gilbert and Game took Kane's shoulder brace off and they tortured the injured shoulder.   I could feel Park's frustration as he tried to get to the isolated Kane. No matter how they tortured him, Kane persevered. Kane and Park double teamed Gilbert pinning him for the win. The match fired up the crowd, and it really set the tone for the rest of the show. It was an excellent opening match.

Troy Hunt faced Slim J, and in my opinion it was the match of the night. Hunt has a great look, and though he's not as flashy as Slim J, his suplexes are crisp and have excellent form. His kicks had a brutal snap to them. Slim J flew all over the place hitting aerial move after aerial move. The best of this was when he hit a hurricanrana, then followed it up with a corkscrew. He hit a perfect moonsault, but only managed to get a two and a half count. He bested Hunt with a neckbreaker from the top rope. He didn't get to celebrate his victory because Logan Creed attacked him. He attacked Troy Hunt as well, throwing him out of the ring like he was a doll.

Gunner Miller came to the ring for his match with Logan Creed, and Creed wasted no time attacking him.  It was less of a wrestling match, and it was more of a fight.  It doesn't get much better than watching two big dudes battle. Creed left the ring, took the mic, and said he was going to fight Miller on his own time. Miller won the match by countout. The crowd went absolutely insane when Miller did a dive onto Creed. They fought through the bar and out into the parking lot. It was truly awesome, and when those two finally fight for real, it's going to be amazing.

CJ Awesome faced "Go Time" Eric Jones. Awesome waited outside the ring for Jones as he did his lap around the ring high fiving the audience. Jones stopped and went back around the other way until Awesome entered the ring, preventing the outside beatdown.  This was the weakest match of the night. I want to like Jones. His in-ring is passable, but he doesn't show enough personality to make me care. Awesome is a decent heel, but neither of them drew me in. Awesome put the ref in Jones' way when he went up top, and he hit Jones with a low blow during the confusion, and he put him in a cradle for the win.

Uncle Money came out to address the crowd and hype the main event.  Carpenter joined him and it looked like it might be a war of words, when CJ Awesome assaulted Money from behind. Carpenter took out Money's knee with a baseball bat. Geter and Johnny Danger came to Money's aid and the heels fled.

Randi West, Thunderkitty, and Dementia De Rose tangled in a triple threat first teased during West and Kitty's last appearance at PCW.If you haven't seen Thunder Kitty, do yourself a favor, and look her up. She's the living embodiment of a female wrestler from the 1950's, and she's beautiful. West, in contrast, is every inch a brawler, she's lean, muscular, and has gorgeous dark purple hair.  De Rose is beautiful, but viciously deranged. Thunder Kitty tried to start things out with a lock-up, but De Rose was having no part of it. She brutalized Kitty instead, and even bit her hand.  West's kicks and knees were on point. De Rose viciously attacked Kitty and Kitty sold it like she was dying. West hit De Rose with a gorgeous underhook suplex. Dementia won the match hitting Kitty with a spinebuster, then a butt drop from the second rope. PCW has always presented amazing women's wrestling, and last night was no exception.

Team Carpenter, comprised of Bill the Butcher, The Carpenter, Joseph Schwarz and Zodiac, faced Team Money comprised of Brian Blaze, Geter, Johnny Danger, and Uncle Money in the main event of the evening.  Zodiac and Schwarz were creepy as all get out. Schwarz was getting up in people's faces and growling. Zodiac came up really close to me, up in my face, and caressed my kneecap. It was legitimately unnerving. Carpenter tried to take out Money's knee again at the very beginning of the match, and the match turned into a melee. Geter said "This ain't wrestling. This is a fight". A PCW chant broke out across our arena. The heels clutched their weapons, but dropped them acting all innocent when the ref turned towards them. Geter and Zodiac finally began the match in earnest, and Geter slammed the big man like he was nothing. The tags were quick, and the action moved at that same quick pace. Schwarz distracted the ref so Carpenter could escape Danger's sleeper attempt, and Butcher came in to regain the advantage for his team. Danger also got quite the beating from Zodiac who continued to look at me as the match went on. As it appeared Team Money might regain momentum, Stephen Platinum came out to "Because the Night" by 10,000 Maniacs. During the distraction, Scwartz was able to beat Danger with the pipe and secure the victory for the Carpenter. Then the beatdown began in earnest, and Zodiac tried to scratch out Danger's eyes.

Platinum took a microphone and said "I'm a winner. Carpenter's a winner. We're all winners. On July 4th, there will be War Games, 2 rings inside one cage. I will bring a team, and I challenge your bitch ass, Hankins. July 2nd there will be a haircut match, but I will not wrestle you, Johnny Danger. i will have a champion, you need to choose yours. Right now I'm going to take me a little piece of Danger." He ripped out another large lock of Johnny Danger's hair.

PCW returns to Porterdale June 4th. At that show, Johnny Danger will name his champion for the haircut match, and Matt Hankins will name his War Games Team. There are only a few shows before July 4th's War Games, and everything at PCW is coming to a head. It's going to be a hot summer. 

Atlanta Wrestling Entertainment--April 17, 2016--Atlanta, GA

Former NXT Star Sami Callihan

Atlanta Wrestling Entertainment drew their highest crowd of 150 to the Campbellton Rd Community Center in Atlanta on April 17, 2016. Part of their success was due to their rabid fanbase of kool-aid drinkers proselytizing to their friends and other wrestling fans, but was likely due to bringing in bigger independent names, Tommaso Ciampa, DJ Hyde, and Sami Callihan.

AWE has made several claims that they are an adult alternative to the family-friendly independent wrestling shows offered in small towns and suburban areas. They have a full service bar, and the majority of their crowd are adults looking to have a good time. A few people, myself included, brought children. Nothing in the show, including DJ Hyde's ultraviolent match, was too "adult" for my eight year old. The audience and the wrestlers do use a lot of bad language, and the promoter apologized a few times to those who brought children. My response is simple. Don't apologize if your show has bad language or adult content. Instead own it. If your company's identity is to be that edgy company, make certain that people who are looking to bring their children know ahead of time what they're stepping into. That being said, I think my son had a really great time, but he's a smark trapped in an 8 year old's body.

The biggest drawback to the venue is that they put out so few chairs, and much of the audience wants to be right next to the ring, almost too close to the action. During the first match, a front row audience member was hit in the head by a wrestler who landed on him during a dive. There are no barricades, no spot-free zones if you will, and really no security to protect fans and wrestlers from each other. Most of the shows I've attended have barricades. If the action spills into the crowd, there are security guards who follow the action to protect both the wrestlers and the crowd from accidents. I understand wanting to be next to the action, but the fan who got hit posted on his Facebook  that the incident ruined the show for him and he left soon after.

The wrestling at the show has a lot more in common with ROH than it does with typical southern indies. They have faster paced, spot heavy matches. In one of the opening contests, I counted eight crowd dives. I subscribe to the less is more school of wrestling these days, and I prefer story and characterization over spot fests. The show had 14 matches in all, and ran almost five hours.  The crowd seemed to eat up every minute of it.

AWE has loosely defined faces and heels, and the crowd cheers and boos for who they want. The Hierarchy, comprised of Murder One, Chip Day, Jimmy Rave, and Chikara champion Kimber Lee, is the dominant heel faction, and they are the crowd favorites. They reigned supreme for the entire event, all winning their matches and maintaining their dominance over AWE.

Chip Day celebrates his victory over former NXT star Sami Callihan with his Hierachy cohort Murder One

While all of the matches were excellent, the one that stood out to me was The Beautiful Bald Besties vs. The Sound and The Fury. The reason it stood out is because it best captured AWE's point of view, its brand vision. The match was billed as Family Friendly Entertainment, represented by The Besties, vs. Southern Strong Style, represented by The Sound and The Fury. Zac Edwards and Michael Stevens of the Besties challenged Joe Black and William Huckaby of Sound and Fury to a "dance-off" to Shania Twain's "Man, I feel like a Woman" which would be a comedic crowd-pleaser at many shows I attend, but Huckaby and Black were having no part of that, and they beat down Stevens and Edwards. Huckaby and Black won the match, therefore cementing AWE's point of view that Southern Strong Style should beat Family Friendly Wrasslin', and that really set the tone of the show.

AWE is the show that I wish existed when I was in college or in my early 20's. The rowdy audience, the venue with a full bar, and the party atmosphere are all great things, but they're no longer for me. I feel more at home at the family friendly shows they want to disassociate from. They're trying hard to be the next ECW or CZW, but they'd be better off honing their voice and becoming the best version of themselves. Homegrown was a triumph, but the real test lies ahead. Can they maintain the positive momentum going forward on May 1st when they return to Famous Pub? Only time will tell.

Wrestlemerica--April 9, 2016--Barnesville, GA

Wrestlemerica drew about 200 people to their Spring Slam event in Barnesville, GA. About a third of these were what I'd dub "The Tween-age army", a vocal group of five to twelve year olds who line up near where the wrestlers enter to high five the faces and yell insults at the heels. The promotion encourages this by having a designated area for these kids to stand. It makes for a fun family-oriented atmosphere.They also keep things interesting by having one "special guest" per show. This month's guest was former WWE superstar Carlito.

The Tweenage Army

Match 1) Scotty Beach vs. Johnny Nixx

Scotty Beach enters to Kokomo, by The Beach Boys. He introduced his lifeguard, Billy Ocean, who accompanied him to ringside.  Nixx is a good-looking popular babyface, and Beach is an over the top comical heel. Nixx did a sunset flip for 2. Beach hit a good looking suplex for 2. Nixx sells well. Beach set up a boogie board in the corner, and was going to whip Nixx into it. The lifeguard pulled it away when Nixx gained the advantage and Beach was about to hit it.  Beach hit a DDT for 2. Nixx dropkicked him and both were down. The crowd was already at fever pitch screaming for Nixx. When it looked like Nixx was going to win, the lifeguard struck Nixx with the boogie board for a disqualification, and the heels made a hasty retreat. It was a nice touch when Ocean feigned like he was going to strike a couple of militant children on his way out. 

The President of Wrestlemerica came out demanding that everyone rise in his presence.  He introduced his associates, Owen Knight, David Tita, and Zane Stevens. The crowd drowned out a lot of what he had to say, but it was set that Tita would face guest star, Carlito and Stevens would face champion Tyson Dean. 

Match 2) Rage and CJ Awesome vs. Southside Trash vs. Faces of Death (w/Merica Strong)

Southside Trash is the crowd favorite of the match. This was a slower paced match, but the crowd was lively. Southside Trash are loveable cheaters, and the crowd ate up their antics. They seemed to be teaming up with Faces of Death to vanquish Awesome and Rage. Southside Trash won it after one of them hit Rage with a sign while the referee was turned. 

David "Razor" Parrish took the mic after the match to honor his partner of 22 years "Rowdy" Randy Harris who announced his retirement.  They gave Harris a certificate honoring his years of dedication and hard work. Harris told everyone to honor God, follow Jesus, and everything would fall into place. 

Match 3) Scotty Bullwinkle vs. Iceberg

Bullwinkle attacked Berg during his entrance. Berg hit Bullwinkle's head into the table, and he fell comically like a cartoon character.  Berg hit a backdrop for 2. Bullwinkle pulled the referee in front of Berg, then he took advantage of the situation and pinned Berg with his feet on the ropes.  The crowd immediately voiced their displeasure calling for a street fight. A street fight between Bullwinkle and Berg was announced for the May 14th show. 

Match 4) Owen Knight vs. Mr Wrestlemerica (Fry Daddy)

I believe during the president's rant he mentioned they'd gotten rid of Fry Daddy. Owen Knight's masked opponent had both his tattoos and his moveset. The masked man did a couple of really deep armdrags that caused Knight to leave the ring. He sat outside the ring right where the Tweenage Army gathered giving them the perfect opportunity to hurl their insults his way.  Knight chopped his opponent in the corner.  The masked man got him in an armbar, then stomped the elbow. He followed this with a dropkick.  Knight hit a gutbuster for 2, then continued working the abdominal area with a giant knee to the gut, and then wrapping the masked man in a waistlock.  The masked man hit The Slade for the win. The crowd went insane.  

Match 5) NWA women's world champion Amber Gallows vs. Kiera Hogan

NWA Women's World Champion
Amber Gallows

Gallows put over Hogan saying she'd given her the best title defense of her career and that she was "a hell of a competitor" Gallows began with great offense.  Hogan left the ring for a breather.  She came back in twice to restart the count.  She attacked Gallows from behind while Knight provided a distraction.  Hogan distracted the referee while Knight choked Gallows in the ropes. Knight is a heat magnet.  The crowd despised Hogan by extension.  Gallows nearly kicked Hogan's head off.  She hit a facebuster for a 2 count. She finally got fed up with Knight and kicked him off the apron. Gallows pinned Hogan with a backslide retaining her title. 

Semi-Main Event) David Tita vs. Carlito

Carlito entered eating a piece of fruit. Tita grabbed it from him and threw it out of the ring. Carlito spit the remaining bits that were in his mouth in Tita's face.  Tita, as always, had crisp kicks and punches. Carlito chopped Tita's chest like he meant it. He held a standing suplex for about twenty seconds.  Carlito hit the corner crotch first as Tita evaded. Tita had him in a headlock, but he fought out.  Tita hit a legdrop for a 2 count. Carlito hit Tita with a spinebuster, and both were down momentarily.  Carlito hit a pendulum neckbreaker for 2. Tita missed a kick, and Carlito capitalized with his backstabber for the win.

Carlito enters and greets the Tweenage Army

Main Event) Zane Stevens vs. Tyson Dean

The president accompanied Stevens and yelled "We need complete silence to wrestle." He also yelled at one point during the match "You adults paid 10 dollars to get into this show to stare at your phones while there's a wrestling match going on." Both men are very athletic, and it's obvious the crowd adores Tyson Dean.  Stevens climbed up to the top turnbuckle, Dean followed him, trying to knock him down with headbutts. Dean hit a superplex. he followed with a spinebuster for a two count. Stevens hit a neckbreaker for a two count. Dean hit the Ego Trip, but the president put Stevens' foot on the rope. The president and Stevens were conferencing in the corner, it looked like the president was loading Stevens wrist tape with some sort of weapon. Amber Gallows came out to ringside, and it appeared she was trying to warn the referee about the President and Stevens' wicked ways. Gallows hit Dean with the title belt, and Stevens pinned him. Zane Stevens was crowned the new Wrestlemerica Champion and Amber Gallows turned heel aligning herself with the President and his cronies.

This was a fun show with a family friendly atmosphere. They advertised two upcoming shows, May 1 is a lucha show in Liberty Hill. Tickets are $20 for adults, kids 12 and under get in free.  Their next show in Barnesville is May 14. ECW Superstar Stevie Richards is slated to be the special guest star for that event.  If you're in the area and you're looking for a fun night out with the kids,  check out Wrestlemerica. 

Platinum Championship Wrestling--April 2, 2016--Porterdale, GA

Match 1) Brian Kane vs. The Crash Test Dummy

Kane hilariously skipped around the ring as he tried to break the arm of CTD. The match spilled outside the ring, and Kane suplexed CTD onto the wooden floor. CTD missed his offense, and he ended up tangled in the ropes. Kane clocked him.  Kane body slammed him, and went for his signature moonsault, but missed. CTD dropkicked Kane, then pulled him up to the top turnbuckle. Kane knocked CTD off, then landed the moonsault for the win. This was a solid opener that really warmed up the crowd.

Quasi Mandisco addressed the crowd. "This is the best place to wrestle. This is the best place with the best fans." Uncle Money joined Mandisco. He and Mandisco danced and the crowd loved every minute of it. "The Cornerstone tried to take your joy, but we're here to bring you joy" They followed up with cheap puns on the Cornerstone's names calling Platinum, "Aluminum" and Carpenter, "Crapenter".

Bill the Butcher, David Tita, Eli Thompson, and Thompson's manager, Steve Dave came out to attack Uncle Money. The Young Bloodz (Octavius Black and Spoony Mac) came out to assist Uncle Money.

Match 2) Bill The Butcher, David Tita, and Eli Thompson(w/Steve Dave) vs. Uncle Money and the Young Bloodz.

Bill the Butcher was thrown into the front row almost immediately. Then the face team worked on Tita, and they threw him out.  Eli Thompson distracted the referee so Bill the Butcher could choke Uncle Money on the ropes.  Manger Steve Dave got in his share of interference throughout the match. Octavius Black tagged in, and he delivered a wicked backbreaker to David Tita. Spoony Mac nearly pinned Eli Thompson, but Butcher broke up the count.  The match broke down into a fight. The Young Bloodz double teamed Eli Thompson, and Tavius pinned him to win.

As the faces celebrated in the ring, a creepy video from Carpenter showed on the monitor. The audio wasn't great, so I didn't catch all of it, but the gist was that The Carpenter is going to teach Uncle Money a lesson. The match between Carpenter and Uncle Money is set to take place on April 16th.

Haikken came out wearing a t-shirt that read "Kevin Park, Professional Wrestler". He said he originally chose the name Haikken since he debuted as Stephen Platinum's evil cousin from Japan, but he no longer wants anything to do with Stephen Platinum. He's changed his name to Kevin Park. It is interested to note that he's wrestled at other promotions under that name, and the shorts he usually wrestles in have the name Park on the back.

Jeff G. Bailey introduced his newest protege, Gunner Miller. He hyped it as if it were an important life event like a wedding or the birth of a child. He crowed that thousands were going to later claim they were there to witness greatness. He asked Miller to pose for the ladies and that elicited even more boos, though Jeff said that we couldn't hide our lying eyes. I think I side with Jeff on this one. The guy's built, good looking, and I think he's got a bright future.

Match 3) Gunner Miller vs. "Go Time" Eric Jones.

Miller hit Jones with a giant spinebuster, then threw him at the referee.  Miller then hit Jones with a CTE to the floor. Jones was counted out. Bailey called for another victim. Chase Jordan came out. Chase Jordan is small and looks like he's still in high school. He went for a dropkick from the top and Miller caught him. Miller hit him with a spinebuster, then followed that with the CTE for the pin. Bailey crowed that next time they need to find Miller some real competition or else he'd beat up the entire locker room just to prove a point.

The Danger City Demons came out carrying their reclaimed Tag Team Season Trophy. Since the Danger City Demons won their St. Patrick's Day Street Fight, they got to name a humilation stipulation match against a member of The Cornerstone.
"I've always called you boss or sir, but now I'm calling you a punk ass bitch." Danger said to Platinum. He then challenged Platinum to a hair vs. hair match.

Main Event) Kevin Park vs. The Cornerstone (Gauntlet Match)

J.J Williams began for The Cornerstone. Williams was a formidable opponent with a wicked looking backbreaker. Park bested him with a submission and moved on. His next opponent was David Tita. Tita was brutal, kicking Park in the back of the neck. Park was already beginning to show signs of being worn down, but countered Tita's full Nelson to get a pin. Drew Game faced Park next. he came out attacking. Drew Game twisted Park up into a submission, but Park fought out. he kicked Game out of the ring, and dived onto him. He pinned Game by rolling him up.  Tita, Williams and Game came back out to destroy Park. The Danger City Demons came out to chase off his attackers with a barbed wire bat and a kendo stick. KT Hamill was Park's final opponent. He assaulted Park with kicks and a giant body slam. Park hit him with a gorgeous crossbody, and both men were down. Hamill applied a sleeper, and Park fought out. Hamill hit him with a spinebuster. park hit Hamill with a fisherman suplex. Park tied Hamill up in his submission, but Hamill got his foot to the rope. Hamill hit Park with a low blow, then a spinebuster and pinned him. The crowd was livid.

PCW returns to Porterdale on April 16th.

Why We Wrestle--March 26, 2016--Cornelia, GA--18th Annual Hardcore Hell

This was only my second trip to the hallowed ground of The Church of Southern Wrestling. The crowd in Cornelia is a mixed crowd of families with kids, older people, and very few smarky fans. I counted about 130 in attendance, and they were loud, rowdy, and looking for a good time.  The show ran about 4 hours, but it didn't feel that long.  The highlight of the show was the ultraviolent match between Masada and Brad Cash, and the announcers sold it well during their opening remarks.

1)Kevin Blue vs. Billy Buck

Billy Buck is truly Cornelia's hero. The entire crowd was crazy for him except a couple of fans in the front who decided to cheer for heel Kevin Blue.  Blue attempted to attack Buck during his entrance, but Buck thwarted him and continued basking in the attention of his adoring admirers.  Blue was going to clock Buck with the belt, but Buck superkicked him.  Blue hit Buck with a chair outside the ring, and the referee didn't see. Blue got Buck to tap out, winning him a spot in the final of the Why We Wrestle heavyweight title tournament. Officials had to help Buck out of the ring.  This opener set the tone for a strong overall show.

2)Stryknyn vs. Geter

A "Stryk's gonna kill you chant" filled the arena.  The two of them brawled, Stryk struggling against Geter's size.  In the end, Stryknyn beat Geter with a spear, and he advanced to the final to face Kevin Blue.  Geter, infuriated with his loss, pulverized Stryknyn after the match. Mikael Judas came out to make the save, and he and Geter brawled their way back to the locker room.  Blue took advantage of Stryk's confusion and beat him up on the ramp as he walked back to the locker room. Officials had to help him to the back.

3)Timmy Lou Retton vs. Slim J.

Timmy Lou Retton did a cartwheel and a split during his entrance. Slim J mocked Retton with Karate Kid poses, and they did a tumble-off before locking up in earnest.  Timmy Lou Retton won the match with a neckbreaker, but after witnessing the athleticism and charisma of Slim J, I wonder why he's not on television.

4) The Get-Along Gang (CB Suave, P Dogg, Marko Polo, Gil Quest) vs. The Ambassadors (Jacoby Boykins and Chris Mayne) and The Sound and The Fury (William Huckaby and Joe Black)

P-Dogg and his entourage are hilarious with their wanna-be rap posse gimmick. The two teams battled back and forth. Boykins struck Huckaby out of the way when he came to his aid, and Gil Quest took advantage of the dissension and rolled up Boykins.  The Ambassadors and The Sound and The Fury wanted to kill each other. Commissioner Dany Only said they had to end it if they wanted to be in the tag team tournament. They could fulfill their dreams of Tag Team Gold in the future, or they could end that all by fighting tonight. They reluctantly stopped fighting to keep their spots in the tag team tournament.

5) "Off Kilter" Rob Killjoy vs. James Drake

Drake is a relative newcomer to Why We Wrestle. Killjoy has a better look and a better moveset, but Drake had the hearts of the crowd.  Killjoy tried to introduce a chair into the match, but Billy Buck came out and grabbed the chair. Drake regained momentum in the match after the distraction and won the match with a cutter.

6) Iceberg vs. Shane Hexon

Iceberg chants permeated the crowd.  The match went along well until a miscue where it appeared Iceberg was supposed to roll out of the way of Hexon's move, but didn't. It messed up the rythym of the match.  Hexon won the match with a kick.  Iceberg raised Hexon's hand in solidarity. Dany Only hugged Iceberg in the middle of the ring, and he called for a standing ovation.

7) "Deathwish" Brad Cash vs. Masada

Special ring announcer "White Trash" announced this ultraviolent match.  Light tubes, a staple gun, barbed wire boards, kendo sticks and bamboo skewers were among the featured weapons in this bloody, over the top, extravaganza.  Cash wasted no time as he applied a small handsaw to Masada's head. Masada stapled Cash's forehead. Cash pulled a staple out of his head, licking the blood. The crowd called for the barbed wire boards to be introduced into the match. Masada threw Cash through the barbed wire board eliciting a "This is Awesome" chant.  Cash returned the favor.  The crowd yelled for fire. Cash set a kendo stick ablaze and smacked Masada in the back.   Masada opened a pack of skewers, and drove them into the bloody cuts on Cash's forehead. He DDT'd him face first onto those skewers. Shards of glass flew all the way back to the bleachers when they hit each other with the light tubes.  Dee Byers tried to stop the match because he said it was too violent.  The crowd was livid. White Trash hit Dee Byers in the head with a stop sign, and said "We finish these matches. This is what this building has always been. Ring the Bell." The match continued, spilling outside the building for a bit, then returning to ringside.  Masada set the barbed wire board outside like a table, placed Cash onto it, and dived on him. Masada got the pin after suplexing Cash into the board in the corner of the ring. Barbed wire was all in Cash's back. Fans of ultraviolence got their money's worth from this contest.

JT Talent hosted his popular Talent Show segment. He joked about having the honor of following the deathmatch. He hosted Jeff. G. Bailey, who is now over as a face in Why We Wrestle.  Talent asked him "Who is your favorite client?" He named off AJ Styles, Abyss, and R Truth as a few, but added there'd been so many.  He was asked about his favorite tag teams, and of course included Talent and Money.   Bailey announced that he was bringing in Gunner Miller, all star in both baseball and football at the University of Chattanooga. He's already auditioned for WWE in Florida, but he's been brought here by Bailey to get "seasoning". "He's got superstar written all over him. He's going to take on your favorites, and bring nothing but pain to them. This is Gunner Miller's ring." Bailey crowed, giving us the hardcore sell at Hardcore Hell.  "The church of Southern Wrestling is the only place where real wrestling takes place. Accept no substitutes."

8) Anthony Henry vs. David Young

David Young wanted to beat Anthony Henry's ass for disrespecting his daughter, Amber. It was a last man standing match.  Henry insulted Young by asking why he's decided to stand up for his daughter now. "Where were you when you were off being a big star in TNA? Where were you for her when you were off sleeping with ring rats?" He said to Amber, "I love you so much, that I'll let him get out of this if he comes out here. Come out here and tell her what a piece of trash you are." Henry busted Young open. Amber looked distressed at ringside. They fought into the crowd, Henry dived onto Young driving him into the chairs. The two fought back and forth. A fire extinguisher was introduced by Henry, but Amber took it from him.  Young hit Henry in the confusion, and Amber stopped him from using the fire extinguisher on Henry. Young hit his patented spinebuster, and yelled get me a chair. Amber turned on her father, choosing Henry, and hit him with a low blow. Henry did a splash onto the chair on top of Young, then repeated from the opposite corner. Young couldn't get up, and Henry won the match. The crowd hurled insults at Amber for betraying her father. This was soap opera caliber stuff, and it furthered the ongoing story between Young, Henry, and Amber.

9) Jacob Ashworth vs. Anthony Mills

This wasn't a match, it was an unsanctioned fight.  Mills choked Ashworth with a cord. they hit each other with chairs.  Ashworth got the audience to throw chairs into the ring. Mills did a back body drop to Ashworth, then DDT'd him onto those chairs.  "This is my fucking ring," Mills yelled "You told me I couldn't have a contract, so this is my last option." Ashworth lie there bloodied and helpless.  Commissioner Only came out and stopped it. "There's a whole locker room, a whole audience that will tear you limb from limb. If you leave my building and leave him alone. I'll give you a contract." Mills complied.

10) Kevin Blue vs. Stryknyn

Stryk appeared hurt from Blue's earlier attack, but he fought valiantly through it. Blue continuously looked for ways to cheat.  Stryk hit a spear, and it appeared he had the match won, but the referee said it was just a two count, so it continued. Blue went for an aerial move, but Stryk caught him in the spear winning the match, and he was crowned the first ever Why we Wrestle champion. He celebrated, and he blew a snot rocket onto Kevin Blue.

Overall this show was a triumph. 10 matches, four hours, an ultraviolent match, and a new champion made this show a complete success for Why We Wrestle, and I hope it is a sign of things to come.
Why we Wrestle returns to Cornelia at the famed Church of Southern Wrestling on April 9th.

Peachstate Wrestling Alliance 3/19/16 Carrollton, GA

Peachstate is known for regularly drawing a large crowd, and last night was no exception. I counted about 200, which is a good number considering how many promotions there are in the state and that it was Empire in Rossville's final show in their historic location. I'm certain that was also a large draw for Georgia wrestling fans.  The thing I like most about Peachstate's shows is that it is easy for first time fans to understand exactly what's going on. The stories are compelling and while I'm certain they are enhanced by regular attendance, it is not necessary to know an entire year's worth of backstory to follow their show.  The crowd is also one of the rowdiest in Georgia Wrestling. They have a chant for everything. Tonight's show featured the first round matches for the PWA Heritage Title tournament.

Representative of the Georgia Athletic Commission's Advisory Council, Bill Behrens, addressed the crowd. He joked about the pollen, and he announced that the match between Kyle Matthews and Romeo wasn't happening because Matthews needed to be at the final Empire show since that promotion did so much for his career. He also pointed out that just because the match was cancelled, that did not put Simon Sermon into the Heritage title tournament, much to the chagrin of the crowd. Matthews' opponent Romeo was allegedly in France, receiving a full body massage, and the crowd yelled he should just stay there and not come back.

Behrens introduced "The Project" Dustin Bosworth who was trained by Harley Race, and made an appearance on Stone Cold's Broken Skull challenge on CMT. He hails from the Midwest, and he's a good looking, tall, muscular guy. Just from looking at him, I'd say he's a next level talent.    "To be the best, you've got to be trained by the best. I came from the best. You can only stay in one place for so long. I could have went to California, I could have went North, but I came to Georgia." The crowd yelled at him "Beat Tommy Too Much's ass." Bosworth said, "Whoever has the belt, has a target tattooed on their forehead."

1) P Dog vs. Tyson Dean

P Dog's gimmick is crap rapper. He commits crimes against rhymes, and it's hilariously bad.  He ripped up someone's sign to quickly get heat.  When Dean entered, the crowd went crazy. The match started with a pose-off, and the ladies squealed for Dean. P Dog left the ring several times when Dean would gain offense and each time the crowd would go "You scared." Dean pinned P Dog with The Ego Trip and moved to the next round of the Heritage Title Tournament.

2) Chris Spectra vs. Bill the Butcher

I always enjoy Butcher's commitment to his wild man gimmick and the energy he brings to each of his matches. Spectra thought evasion was the best strategy to start. He then applied an armbar to Butcher.  He followed with a boot to Butcher's face, then a big clothesline for a two count.  Butcher speared Specta for two.  Spectra kneed him in the face.  They exchanged forearms. Spectra knocked Butcher out of the ring, and followed him out to throw him back in.Butcher did a body slam for a two count. Spectra clotheslined Butcher for a two count.  Butcher pinned Spectra to win the match and advanced to the next round.

3) Tommy Too Much vs. Kevin Blue

Tommy Too Much entered, but the lights went out. Music started playing and it was strange, but in a cool exciting way. I could hear people whispering "What's happening?" around me.  When the lights came up, AJ Steele was standing there ringside with a chair. He said "Anywhere and everywhere you go, I'll be there." He sat at ringside during the whole match.

Kevin Blue managed to gain early advantage in the match because Too Much was distracted by AJ Steele's presence at ringside. He was preoccupied with that and seemed to be having trouble focusing on what was happening inside the ring.  Blue dropkicked Too Much right out of the ring, and they brawled outside. Blue threw Too Much's head into the timekeeper's table.  Too Much regained control around the five minute mark. He suplexed Blue for a one count, then tried to apply a sleeper, but Blue fought out.  Too much missed a kick and landed crotch first on the ropes. The crowd couldn't get enough of that.  Blue suplexed him over the top rope for a two count. He followed that with vicious strikes and clotheslines for a two count.  At the ten minute mark, the referee was knocked down. Blue had the match won, but there was no official to count it. Drew Adler came out and attacked Kevin Blue with a chair, but it backfired. Blue threw Adler into Too Much, and tried to roll him for a two count. Too Much pinned Blue after a lariat.

Post-match Adler attacked Blue again. The Beautiful Bald Besties joined Adler in the beatdown.  The crowd drowned Zac Edwards out as he said "Kevin Blue, Drew Adler is coming for that title." The crowd booed louder. "You people are so disrespectful you don't deserve to see the Peachstate Tag Team Champions. We are The Backbone. Everywhere we go in Georgia, we are the backbone of the show." Shane Noles addressed The Backbone. "Can you win a match without interference? We know you can wrestle, but can you fight?" He challenged The Backbone to face himself, Nigel Sherrod and Kevin Blue in a Falls count anywhere street fight on April 2nd.

4)Merica Strong vs. Pandora

The Peachstate crowd, and honestly just about every crowd I see her wrestle in front of, is just nuts about Pandora. She chopped Merica in every corner. Merica slammed her. Merica attempted a bear hug, but Pandora fought out both times.  She attempted a camel clutch on Pandora twice as well, but Pandora fought out of both attempts.  They brawled outside. Tommy Too Much came out and distracted Pandora. AJ Steele came out and chased Tommy Too Much back to the locker room.  Merica took advantage and rolled her up for the pin. She had the tights, but the referee didn't notice that, and the crowd was livid.

5) Sal Rinauro vs. AJ Steele vs. Jacob Ashworth

This was originally supposed to be just between Rinauro and Ashworth but AJ Steele came out to face Rinauro because Rinauro had talked smack about what he planned on doing to Steele, and Steele wanted him to back up his words.  Rinauro told Steele that the match was none of his business and Steele called him a bitch. Too Much attacked Steele with a chair pre-match. Ashworth came out and the match began in earnest. Ashworth and Rinauro fought inside the ring while Steele was laid out from the chair shot.  Ashworth brutalized Rinauro. Rinauro went right for Ashworth's eyes, then followed with a snapmare. Ashworth countered with a big elbow. Rinauro dropkicked Ashworth. Steele tried to reenter, and Rinauro kicked him back out.  Rinauro and Steele fought outside. Rinauro went up top for a flying elbow for two. Ashworth hit Rinauro with a facebuster for two. Rinauro did a corner assisted pele kick. Steele finally got back into the match. He and Ashworth exchanged blows. Steele suplexed Ashworth, but Rinauro broke up the count.  Rinauro pushed Steele into Ashworth then superkicked Steele, but Steele kicked out.  Rinauro shook Steele off the ropes.  Ashworth won the match with a neckbreaker, pinning Rinauro.

The show ended with Tommy Too Much calling out Bill the Butcher and they brawled all over and back to the locker room. It was a well paced show, and the audience seemed to enjoy it from top to bottom. Peachstate Wrestling Alliance comes back to Carrollton on April 2nd. 

Platinum Championship Wrestling--March 17,2016--Porterdale, GA

60 fans came out for the 5th anniversary show hosted by Platinum Championship Wrestling. The energy in the building from both the fans and the wrestlers was infectious. I highly suspect some of it had to with the fact that the Monster Energy Drink company was outside the door giving out free samples of their product, but it made for a rocking good time.

Matt Hankins kicked off the show. "They told me to say home tonight. You've got to be crazier than hell to think that I was going to be laid in my recliner watching TV than be here." He talked about how 5 years ago when they came here they didn't know for sure what would happen. "Each and everyone we thank you for giving us a home. I will not rest a comfortable night until the cornerstone is vanquished." His speech made me tear up a little because I've been here in Porterdale attending the shows since almost the beginning, the first show I attended being in May 2012. I've seen all the changes in the building and the show, and I couldn't be prouder as a fan watching it all come to fruition.

1) Trevor Aeon vs. Brian Blaze

Blaze was on fire with aggressive energy. When Aeon tried to exit the ring, Blaze followed him out and they brawled outside.  Aeon reentered on the eight count. Aeon's vicious streak showed in his kicks, and he smiled sadistically as he applied the armbar, slowly attempting to break each finger in the process.  Aeon attempted to stomp Blaze, but he dodged and regained control of the match. He did a back drop for a two count. He punched Aeon and the fight went outside the ring again, and it went all the way into the back of the building in the bar area. They fought on the bar itself. Aeon kicked Blaze in the face as the referee counted ten. It was ruled a double countout but they kept fighting. The crowd yelled "Let them fight" as officials separated them and they were led upstairs.

2)Logan Creed (w/Brooklyn Page) vs. Go Time Eric Jones

Jones was quick, but would he stand up to Creed's size and strength. Jones tried to fell Creed with kicks to no avail.  Creed attacked Jones with vicious chops. He threw Jones across the ring like he weighed nothing. "The more ya'll talk, the more abuse he'll get" he taunted the audience. Creed did a gorgeous standing suplex for only a two count. Creed executed the sit out powerbomb so fiercely that it looked like it killed Jones.  Creed won the match with a styles clash, and after his win he did it again just to show his dominance as Brooklyn Page smiled devilishly.

Uncle Money addressed the crowd. " I wanted to thank you guys for the support. I want to explain why I chose Porterdale. We all have something in common. We earn our money. The Cornerstone doesn't earn their their money. The Cornerstone are thieves. They take wrestlers. They tried to take the championship from Geter. The worst of all they tried to take Uncle Money. Somebody better pay Uncle Money." The crowd chanted his name throughout the building.

3) David Tita vs. Damien Silva vs. Chris "The Hype" Henry

Silva and Henry doubled up on Tita. Tita exited the ring, so they locked up. Tita stalked around outside looking for an opening. He argued with fans outside the ring while Henry and Silva put on a good match inside the ring.  Tita finally reentered brutally assaulting both Henry and Silva. Henry is athletic. He does many high energy maneuvers and he's a pleasure to watch. Silva did a couple of really crisp suplexes. Tita kicked Silva off the ring apron. Silva reentered in time to throw Henry out. Tita it a leg drop for 2, then punched Henry. Henry countered with a hurricanrana. Silva did a spinebuster.  Tita landed a top rope splash for a two count. Silva superkicked Tita, then did an STO for a two count. The referee caught Tita trying to stuff his necklace in his elbow pad. Henry took advantage of that distraction and got the pin.

4)St. Patrick's Day Rumble

Two competitors, Trevor Aeon and Haikken, began the match. Every 90 seconds, another competitor entered the ring. Competitors were considered eliminated if they were thrown over the top rope and their feet hit the floor.  Aeon had crazy face as he yelled "This is how you make someone suffer." Brian Blaze entered next. The heat from Blaze and Aeon's earlier match carried into the rumble. Blaze and Haikken worked together to try to eliminate Aeon early, but it didn't pan out.  Jay Jay Williams entered next, and the crowd yelled "rip the mask off". Jay Jay answered that with a DX style "suck it" gesture.  Marko entered next sporting a newly grown beard and coming out to his older theme music.  Dementia de Rose entered next, followed by Logan Creed.  There was a staredown between Williams and Creed. They exchanged punches and kicks. Creed eliminated Williams. He eliminated Marko next. Brian Kane entered the rumble next. Blaze and Aeon eliminated each other. The heat between them was infectious as they continued to brawl.  David Tita entered next, and Creed tried to eliminate him but got kicked in the face.  The Carpenter entered and wasted no time attacking Haikken before moving onto Kane. Dementia attacked Creed. Creed chokeslammed her. Creed tried to eliminate Haikken but he held on.  Damien Silva entered next and he and Tita fought. Uncle Money entered next. Dementia eliminated Silva and Tita. They fought so hard they nearly knocked the speakers over.  Carpenter hid outside the ring, and the audience forgot about him. Dementia eliminated Logan Creed. She also eliminated Chris Henry. Brian Kane and Haikken eliminated her. They were the final men in the ring. Haikken suplexed Kane, and The Carpenter popped out of his hiding place and eliminated both of them. This rumble was better than most matches of its kind because it carried heat between different competitors and their individual feuds.

5)Thunderkitty vs. Randy West

Thunderkitty is a throwback to the golden age of women's wrestling. She looks like she belongs in the 1940's or 1950's. Randy West looks like a brawler.  Even though PCW had never seen either of them, the crowd really responded well to the match. The differences in their styles of wrestling played well off each other. While they fought, Dementia de Rose just stood outside the ring glaring at both. Her anger at not being in the anniversary show's women's match finally overflowed. She hit Thunderkitty with a spinebuster causing a disqualification. She yelled about how she is PCW's women's wrestler and how it was an insult for her to be left out of the women's match. Thunderkitty said if she ever comes back to PCW she'd gladly face Dementia in a match. Hopefully, this will happen sometime in the near future.

6) The Danger City Demons vs. The Much Hate Mulisha

The Mulisha came out toting the Tag Team Season Trophy that The Cornerstone stole from The Danger City Demons. Danger came out wearing the Casey Jones mask that's become his signature face gear for street fights.  Marshall and Awesome wanted to start in the ring, but Danger and Valek got their way and the fight started outside.  The rules of a Porterdale Street Fight dictate that the pinfall can take place anywhere in the city limits of Porterdale.  Weapons included a broom, metal trash cans, cookie sheets,and a toilet plunger. Stunt Marshall sold a toilet plunger to the face like he was being killed.  Awesome and Danger fought up the stairs and the match lagged a little as it seemed that Danger had abandoned Valek for a few minutes.  It picked back up when Danger brought in a barbed wire bat. Valek stuffed CJ Awesome into a trash can and did an elbow drop, and had a perfect opportunity to try to pin him, but didn't bother.  Danger brought tacks in and Awesome dumped Danger in the tacks. The Demons won it by pinning Marshall after a chair shot from the middle rope. PCW won the night and gathered to celebrate.

At April 2nd's show, Haikken said that The Cornerstone can bring who they want and line them all up. He'll face them in a gauntlet match.

The fifth anniversary show was a triumph for PCW. Five years for a wrestling promotion to run in one building, with a devoted fan base, is a rare feat in the current wrestling climate. Hopefully this is a sign of even more great things to come.

Southern Fried Championship Wrestling-- 3/12/16--Monroe, GA

500 people came out for the Charlie Smith Appreciation Show in Monroe, GA hosted by Southern Fried Championship Wrestling. Every seat was filled, and the crowd was hot for wrestling. I've only been to a few Southern Fried shows in the past few years, and often I find them to lack internal logic in booking. This one was a far cry better than some of the shows I've seen from them, and I definitely give them credit for being able to pull in a crowd of 500 which in today's wrestling climate is no easy feat.  The major drawback of the show was that it ran nearly four hours. The crowd stayed hot for nearly the entire show, though the six man tag match near the end caused a lull.  The proceeds of the show went to the Cauliflower Alley Club Benevolent Fund, and they raised $3528 for the cause.

1. Twisted and Drew Game vs. Damien Silva and Dax Anthony

The crowd was loud for Anthony and Silva. Silva hit Twisted with three suplexes. Silva then kicked Game off the ropes as he was posing. Anthony hit a neckbreaker for two. Game and Twisted beat him down in the corner while the referee held back Silva.  The lady in front of me yelled at the referee " Good God, ref do you need glasses." at the cheating from Game and Twisted. Anthony did a sunset flip for two. Game had Anthony in an armbreaker, but Silva broke it up. Game knocked Silva off the apron to keep Anthony from making the tag. Twisted missed a moonsault giving Anthony the opening to tag in Silva. Silva clotheslined Game, then dropkicked Twisted who answered with a dropkick of his own. Anthony hit both Game and Twisted with a crossbody. Silva won with a clothesline to Game, and the building was rocking. It was a solid start to the show.

2. Invitational Battle Royal

Sean Nelson, Jamie Holmes, Johnny Camo, Sam Kooper, Cody McCulley, Hoss Michaels, Terry Hayes, The American Patriot, Jinx the Clown, TW James, Justin Legend, Swole, Terk, Tommy Lee, John Brewer, Joey Michaels, Lee Andrews, Alexander Churchill, and Leatherface took part in a battle royal. Leatherface's entrance was priceless as the other men scattered all over to avoid the chainsaw slinging beast. Like many battle royals it was messy and chaotic. Jamie Holmes and Leatherface were the final two, and Jamie Holmes eliminated Leatherface to win.

3. Misty James vs. Chelsea Diamond vs. Pandora

The crowd at SFCW loves women's wrestling. This was anything but a popcorn match, and part of the reason is that the crowd is wild about Pandora.  Pandora clotheslined both James and Diamond to start. James and Diamond brawled. Pandora did a crossbody that took them both down. Pandora was thrown out of the ring. James snapmared Diamond. Pandora tried to crawl back in and James threw her right back out. Finally she fought her way back in, Pandora tried to submit Diamond in a bodyscissors, but Diamond got her foot to the rope. Pandora threw James into the ringpost as they fought outside. Diamond kicked Pandora and followed that with a gorgeous bridging suplex. Pandora won the match by pinning Diamond after two kicks to the gut and a bulldog.  This was one of the best crowd reactions I've seen to a women's match in quite sometime.

4. Beau James and Buddy Burke vs. Billy Jack and Lobo.

They started with a comedy spot where both teams kept tagging in and out about three times before Billy Jack worked Burke's arm then hit a leg drop. Jack wouldn't let up on the arm, Lobo was in with James, and he put James into an armbar. While the referee was distracted Billy Jack was hit in the face with a flaming tennis racket. Burke and James won the match with their treachery. Billy Jack was escorted from the ring with a towel over his burnt face.

They did a legends roll call, and I was under the impression all the legends in attendance would stand up or appear at ringside so the audience could properly thank them. There were many legends who signed autographs before the show and during the intermission, but they seemed absent during the segment of the show that honored them.

Beau James and Tim Rice presented a lifetime achievement award to NWA referee Charlie Smith. He gave a speech, then Charles Anschultz gave a speech thanking everyone for trusting them enough to have this event.

5. Michael Stevens and Drew Adler vs. Brian Kane and Rick Michaels

A" boring" chant permeated the arena, and it drowned out Stevens' rant. Rick Michaels commanded the crowd when he took the mic. A "Yes" chant rang throughout the building.  He called Adler and Stevens sissies, and that prompted a "bearded lady" chant at Stevens.  Michaels threw Stevens out of the ring onto Adler. Kane did an over the rope suicide dive on both.  Kane was isolated for a while, Stevens attempted a moonsault but missed.  Adler stomped Kane's spine. Adler threw Kane out of the ring. He was going to dive on him, but Kane got out of the way.  Adler hit Stevens instead.  Michaels hit Adler with a facebuster, then a neckbreaker for a two count. Kane hit a moonsault, but the referee scolded him for not being the legal man.  Adler hit a low blow on Michaels while the referee dealt with Kane, then rolled him up for the pin.

6. JB Enterprises vs. AJ Steele and Bobby Hayes

JB enterprises said they were pleased to perform at the Charlie Smith Memorial Show and then said he was about the 20th best referee in wrestling history. He caterwauled a tribute song to Charlie Smith set to the tune of Adele's Hello. The crowd howled like dogs to taunt him. They realized it was not a memorial, and they yelled "Why is he still alive? I forfeited a paycheck because I thought this guy was dead." AJ Steele came out and challenged them. If JB Enterprises beat he and his partner then JB Enterprises could keep the proceeds from the show. If Steele and partner beat them, they would have to kiss Charlie Smith's feet. Bobby Hayes was revealed as AJ Steele's partner. The crowd popped every time Steele landed a chop. Steele won the match with an STO. To add insult to injury Steele gave one of the guys from JB enterprises a wedgie. Hayes and Steele had to hold the guys down to get them to live up to their end of the bargain.

7. Chris Nelms, Big Andy, and The Russian Assassin vs. Joel Deaton, Johnny Camo, and Steve Lawler.

The match started out very slow, and it lost my attention. This match was one of the few lulls the crowd experienced. The Russian Assassin beat Deaton with a chain.  Russian assassin got his thumbs in both eyes as well.  Lawler got in and he beat up Nelms and Big Andy. He bashed their heads together. He bashed the Russian Assassin in the head with a beer can and he pinned him. I admit that Steve Lawler can put the magic back in a match simply by hitting someone in the head with a can. The audience popped hard for that spot.

Main Event
Terry Lawler vs. Jagged Edge


The match was a falls count anywhere match with no disqualifications. It spilled out of the ring, and chairs were used.  It was brutal. Jagged put a chair to Lawler's throat. Keeping up with where the wrestlers were in the arena was half the fun. The match was going along fine when Chris Nelms came out and hit Jagged Edge. Brian Kane made sure Nelms went back to the locker room and the match continued. Apparently Nelms and Jagged have a feud going on that involves Nelms' wife Ricki Lyn. Lawler hit Jagged with a superplex for a two count. Jagged did a piledriver to Lawler onto a chair and he won the match.

AJ Steele came out and thanked all the fans for coming out and thanked the legends for paving the way for today's stars. Southern Fried Championship Wrestling will be back in Monroe on April 2nd. 

Platinum Championship Wrestling--3/5/16--Porterdale, GA

Quasi Mandisco addressed the crowd to kick things off.  "It feels a lot better to hear a Quasi chant than "Quasi, shut up. You suck." March 17th will be the 5 year anniversary show, and I've been here for almost every show whether you've loved me or hated me." The crowd joined Mandisco in a "We are Porterdale chant" leaving everyone hyped for the big St. Patrick's weekend anniversary show on March 17th.

The kickoff match featured Chris "The Hype" Henry and Jaden "The Partystarter" Newman who introduced a new member of their group, "The Party Princess" Kayla Lynn. They had great energy and really engaged the crowd.  They took on Stunt Marshall and CJ Awesome, The Much Hate Militia. The crowd was behind Newman and Henry from the start. Party time chants echoed through the building.  The crowd chanted "Lose some weight." at CJ Awesome who delivered some solid power moves.  Newman was isolated for a while, and he was dominated by Marshall and Awesome.  Marshall missed a splash, and Henry got the tag. All four men were in the ring. Awesome was thrown out and Newman dived onto him. Marshall hit Henry with a belly to back powerbomb. While Newman and Awesome fought outside, Henry secured the pin on Marshall and earned Henry and Newman a point in the Tag Team Season.

Geter faced Bill the Butcher(w/The Carpenter). Geter brutally attacked Butcher right away, throwing him into the wall right next to me.  Once they returned to the ring, Geter threw Butcher out again. The Carpenter distracted Geter allowing Butcher to regain control of the brawl.  They exchanged blows. Geter chopped Butcher's chest. Butcher pulled the referee in between them so Geter couldn't strike again.  Geter threw Butcher out again. Butcher speared Geter onto the floor on the outside ring apron. Carpenter handed Butcher his patented baseball bat, and Carpenter distracted the referee. While the referee's attention was diverted, Geter grabbed Butcher's signature chain. Butcher hit Geter with the bat, but Geter also struck him with the chain. Both men were down, and as the referee counted, Geter managed to get back into the ring before the ten, and he retained his championship by countout.

Warhorse Cheap Heat faced newcomer Uncle Money. Warhorse Cheap Heat took a microphone and called audience members fat and ugly. Our resident "Hatpin Mary", Miss Lucy, tried to challenge him. Uncle Money beat Warhorse Cheap Heat quickly with a scoop slam.

Stephen Platinum came out dancing to the song "Simply Irresistible". "Do you hear that? That is the sound of change, my friend. My name is Stephen Platinum, and I represent The Cornerstone." Fans yelled at him. One particularly vocal fan was told to "Sit your ass down." He continued trying to woo Uncle Money to the dark side, "You're a good looking man. You've got talent. We have an offer for you."

Haikken interrupted Platinum's business by coming out wearing a suit and dancing. The Danger City Demons accompanied him dressed up like goth chic video vamps in black dresses and Elvira hair. They double teamed Stephen Platinum, and Haikken hit a finisher. Quasi Mandisco declared "You've been knocked the hell out. It doesn't matter what you do. The crowd will always love the Danger City Demons." Haikken, Mandisco and The Demons offered Uncle Money a chance to join the side of light, and Johnny Danger stinkfaced Stephen Platinum. It was funny, and the Porterdale crowd ate it up.

Trevor Aeon, who bills himself "From the Edge of Reality" faced Brian Blaze and Brian Kane in a triple threat match.  Kane and Blaze teamed up on Aeon to start. The Carpenter beat up Blaze on the outside while Aeon worked on Kane in the ring.  Shane Marx came out and chased The Carpenter upstairs. Aeon clocked Kane in the face.  Kane hit Aeon with the moonsault, and Blaze broke up the pin. Kane punched Blaze in the face, proving that the triple threat was every man for himself though they share a common enemy in Aeon.  Aeon worked Blaze's arm. He then hit Kane with a clothesline, and kicked him outside.  Aeon screamed at the referee when he called for the rope break. Blaze attempted a roll-up. Kane hit another moonsault, but Aeon threw him out of the ring and stole the pin. Aeon continued his assault on both men even though he won the match by hitting Kane and Mandisco with DDTs and putting Brian Blaze in a painful looking armbar. There's no denying that Aeon is evil.

Post-intermission Jeff G. Bailey announced that he, Jeff. G. Bailey first manager of R. Truth, AJ Styles, and Abyss, had procured the next big star, premier athlete, Gunner Miller who will debut at PCW in April. Bailey assured the crowd "There won't be any cheating because that man won't need my help".

The Washington Bullets and David Tita faced Haikken, Damien Silva and Go Time Eric Jones in a 6 man tag match.  Haikken out strong taking down both Bullets with a dropkick.  "Trey's a loser" chants permeated the crowd almost immediately.  Jones hit Jon Williams with a arm drop takedown. Haikken followed with a backbreaker into a suplex. Haikken was isolated for a while, but Jones tagged in doing several dropkicks to clear the ring.  The Bullets knocked both Silva and Haikken into the crowd.  Tita put on Cena wristbands, did the patented "You can't see me" and hit Jones with a five knuckle shuffle. Haikken and Silva tried to get in, but the referee held them back, as Bullets and Tita kicked Jones down.  Jones kneed Trey Williams but only managed a two count.  Silva clotheslined Tita. Jon and Trey went for their opponent but ended up striking each other.  Haikken did a suplex, and Jones did a top rope splash. He only managed a two count.  Jones was thrown out of the ring by Trey. Haikken threw out Trey. Haikken flipped out of the ring onto the Bullets, and during all of the commotion Tita stuffed his necklace in his elbow pad. He elbowed Silva and he won the match.

The Carpenter(with Stephen Platinum) faced Shane Marx in the main event.  Shane tried to pick Carpenter up early for Natural Selection, but Carpenter left the ring to strategize with his evil ringside associate Platinum.  "Tonight, I will outwrestle you" Carpenter said to Marx. Carpenter left the ring every time Marx gained momentum. Marx worked Carpenter's arm. Carpenter got Marx down to the mat.  Marx fought out of  a headlock and worked Carpenter's arm again.  Marx followed Carpenter out of the ring. Carpenter went for an elbow and there was nobody home.  Marx elbowed Carpenter in the corner, then he body slammed him.  He followed with a drop punch to Carpenter's face.  Carpenter regained momentum with two leg drops, then he threw Marx out of the ring. Platinum hit Marx with the baseball bat while Carpenter distracted the referee.  Carpenter kneed Marx while he was down, and he hit Marx with sharp blows to the head.  Carpenter tried to choke Marx on the ropes. Carpenter managed a rope assisted two count, where Platinum was holding his feet. Platinum repeatedly interfered when Marx would try to make a pin, either grabbing his feet, or tripping him so he wouldn't be able to hit a move.  Marx regained momentum spearing Carpenter, but when he set up for Natural Selection he accidentally knocked out the referee. Platinum tried to clock Marx with the belt, but Marx clocked Platinum. The entire heel locker room attacked Marx, and the entire face locker room came out to help him.  Quasi Mandisco stole back the PCW title. Uncle Money got both Platinum and Carpenter. The match was thrown out.

Quasi said "Take your tired asses out of here. Stephen Platinum, I'm not sure why you keep coming back. Stay in Florida and forget about Porterdale Championship Wrestling." Uncle Money joined the face side, the entire crowd chanted for Johnny Danger. "Johnny Danger wrestled in the first match in this building five years ago. We've battled empires, fought off invasions, and we will topple the Cornerstone. Thursday March 17th, The Danger City Demons will be in a Porterdale Street Fight." The entire crowd danced while the faces celebrated. It was a wonderful show.

PCW will be back on March 17th in Porterdale GA for the PCW 5th Anniversary Show.

Platinum Championship Wrestling--February 20, 2016--Porterdale, GA

The show began with a creepy video filmed inside Matt Hankins house. The Carpenter broke into his house and stole the unified PCW title belt. Hankins had the belt at his house since Geter preferred to carry the classic PCW title.  Hankins called out The Carpenter, and The Washington Bullets came out to answer. Hankins was immediately beat down. Out came Stephen Platinum wearing a light up hat, carrying a bouquet of flowers, and dancing to Lady Gaga's Bad Romance. He danced on Hankins' lifeless body as it was sprawled out in the ring.  He threw flowers to ladies in the audience during this ridiculous charade, and they threw them back, hurling insults. The juxtaposition of violence and comedy made this segment shine.

"There was a time when everyone supposedly loved me," Stephen Platinum declared. "There was a time when you'd lay your children down in front of me so I could walk on them and my feet wouldn't have to touch Porterdale soil. There was a time Matt Hankins, when you were just a fat stupid fan, and I let you in. These ladies should be thanking me and kissing my feet. You all have five seconds to shut up or something horrible is going to happen." The crowd continued hurling insults, and The Washington Bullets brought the ring bell into the ring. Platinum held the ring bell against Hankins throat, and he jammed it into his neck with a stick.

Go Time Eric Jones, Brent Banner, and Bill the Butcher competed in a triple threat match. Butcher came in ready to kick ass, but was thrown out of the ring early. He stayed outside for a bit stalking his prey waiting for the other two to wear each other down. Butcher threw Jones into the wall. Butcher also nailed Banner with a shoulder tackle spear. Jones got in a few kicks. Butcher powerbombed Jones into Banner for a two count.  Butcher won the match by pinning both Jones and Banner. Platinum said on commentary "It's a Cornerstone night."

The Suntan Demons (Drew Game and Ray Fury) faced Big F'n Deal (Brian Blaze and Geter) in a tag team contest. Geter declared "This here's Porterdale, a fighting town. We're the fighting soul of Porterdale. Stop being chicken shit" to the Suntan Demons. Geter punched Game three times and he fell like a tree. Game clung to his partner and forced him to tag in. Game beat up Blaze outside the ring while the ref was distracted. The Demons kept Blaze isolated. Game put Blaze in an armbar. Blaze attempted a sunset flip, and Game reversed it back into the armbar. Blaze had Fury about to tap, and Game came into break it up. Bill the Butcher came out and provided the necessary distraction for Fury to pin Blaze. Platinum stole the classic PCW title from a decimated Geter, yelling as he left, "I'm Stephen Platinum. I do what the hell I want."

Jon Williams, accompanied to the ring by his brother Trey,  took on Haikken. Every time Haikken got in a decent amount of offense during the first part of the match, Williams left the ring. Platinum came out and whispered something to Trey Williams at ringside. Haikken landed a dropkick in the corner. Trey tried to interfere, and Haikken hit him outside the ring. Haikken and Jon Williams fought outside the ring, and Trey clocked Haikken while the referee's back was turned. Jon hit Haikken with a backstabber for a two count. He then hit him with a swinging neckbreaker for a two count. Trey kicked Haikken in the head while Jon grabbed the referee to keep him from seeing it. Trey's interference won Jon the pin.

Post-intermission Stephen Platinum walked back to his commentary station playing drums on the stolen belt while singing.

Damien Silva faced David Tita. Silva did his best to break Tita's arm. He landed a top rope armbreaker. Tita did a cartwheel over Silva, and followed that with two powerful arm drags. Silva dropkicked Tita. Tita kicked Silva down in the corner. Tita then suplexed him, and followed that with a leg drop. Silva hit a spinebuster for a two count. Silva hit Tita with a suplex then went up top, but missed the splash as Tita rolled out of the way. Silva superkicked Tita, then followed with a knee for two. Tita hit Silva with two clotheslines, then kicked him for two. Tita kneed Silva then went up top, Silva rolled out of the way of Tita's splash. Silva won the match with a roll-up. It was a truly lovely match, and Platinum was pissed that Tita lost. Tita refused to shake Silva's hand after it was over.

In the main event, Trey Williams faced Brian Kane.  Trey took a mic, but the crowd drowned out most of what he had to say. "As far as Brian Kane, I can beat him by myself," he stated and sent his brother back upstairs. This statement was questionable since he was quickly replaced by David Tita and Bill the Butcher. "Trey's a Loser" chants permeated the arena throughout the match. Kane was knocked out of the ring early, and it appeared Butcher would pounce but the referee held him back. Kane was thrown out again, and Tita and Butcher beat him down. Trey smashed Kane's head into the apron. Kane punched Trey in the midsection. The referee was distracted yet again, and Butcher choked Kane with his chain. Trey only managed a two count after this treachery.  Trey kicked Kane in the knee and managed a two count. Trey went for a leg drop from the top rope, but Kane rolled out of the way. Kane did a springboard moonsault from the second rope for a two count. Trey superkicked the referee, and he was knocked out. Tita and Butcher stalked Kane like wounded prey when Big F'n Deal came out to even the score. Stephen Platinum was about to clock Kane in the head with a title belt, but Quasi Mandisco and The Danger City Demons came in the back door. Platinum hauled ass and locked himself in the bathroom. Haikken came out and hit Trey Williams with a spinebuster, and Brian Kane hit him with a moonsault for the win.

Geter announced "Porterdale let's be clear, these people made PCW, these people have me as their champion. These people believe in Johnny Danger, and these people love Quasi Mandisco. If Bill the Butcher likes to sneak up on people and attack them from behind, let him know on March 5th, I will stand and face him for the PCW Championship."

PCW returns to Porterdale on March 5th.

NWA Atlanta--February 13, 2016--Locust Grove, GA

The Metro Auction Company was packed for NWA Atlanta wrestling. NWA Atlanta is hit and miss when it comes to story, and while some matches were very entertaining and gave a clear picture of the story they tried to tell, others were muddled.


Canyon, Brian Blaze, and Logan Creed opened the show with a triple threat match. Creed is much loved by the NWA atlanta crowd. For much of the match, Blaze and Canyon worked together to take down Creed.  Blaze attempted to make a pin, and Canyon pulled him off. Blaze and Canyon couldn't decide whether they were working together even though the match was every man for himself. Blaze was knocked out of the ring, and Creed applied a facebuster to Canyon and won the match by pinfall. It was an excellent way to hype the crowd and open the show.

Merica Strong took on Nina Monet. Merica Strong was accompanied by Pain and Andy Anderson who stood menacingly by the entrance ramp. Monet gained control and put Merica into a camel clutch. Pain and Anderson attacked her before Merica could tap. Fry Daddy and Logan Creed came in to attack Pain and Anderson. It wasn't so much that they were coming to save Nina Monet since she was a heel. It was more to get at Pain and Anderson. The crowd was quiet for much of this match.

Oscar Worthy announced his team, Andy Anderson and Pain (The Faces of Death), who faced Southern Destruction. Oscar Worthy is a proper, British, man who carries an umbrella and wears a suit. He was the best part of this match. It was difficult to get into this match. The pacing seemed very slow, but not really methodical. Anderson won the match with a backbreaker and neckbreaker combo advancing his team to the next round of the Tag Team Tournament.

Right before intermission, Marty Miller from Wrestlemerica announced that on March 5th they are hosting a benefit for Locust Grove High School, and ECW original Tommy Dreamer is their special guest. Advance tickets are $15 for ringside seats and $10 for general admission.

Johnny Nixx took on Fry Daddy. This match fit perfectly into the post-intermission spot to draw the crowd back in. It was fast and exciting.  Fry's punches and kicks looked crisp. Nixx hit a sliced bread for a two count. Fry followed that with a bulldog and an elbow drop for two.  Fry won it with The slade ( a back suplex cutter). The crowd in Locust Grove can't get enough of Fry Daddy.

CJ Awesome and Stunt Marshall faced Bill the Butcher and Iceberg. When Butcher and Iceberg won the match, the crowd went nuts. Anderson and Pain came out to beatdown Butcher and Iceberg. Brian Blaze and Nina Monet joined the fray also attacking Butcher and Berg. This seemed a little disjointed because Anderson and Pain had attacked Nina Monet earlier in the show. Oscar Worthy, Pain and Anderson's manager, attempted to poke one of Dementia De Rose's eyes out with his umbrella.

Prince Akbar insulted the crowd, saying they couldn't appreciate the fact he secured talent from around the world for them. Victor Romanoff, a villainous Russian, expected the crowd to rise for the Russian national anthem drawing tons of heat from the small town crowd. NWA Atlanta has tried the Russian gimmick before, and it's never quite worked, but Romanoff pulls it off right. Romanoff faced Tyson Dean, crowd favorite. Romanoff was distracted by Dean, knocked Akbar off the apron, and Dean won with The Ego Trip, a swinging neckbreaker. It was a great ending to the show. Dean took the mic and told us he wouldn't be here for a few shows. Since he can't compete for the NWA Georgia Title as long as Tommy Too Much holds it, he's going after some other NWA titles. At upcoming events in other locations he'll be facing Tim Storm, the North American Champ, Jax Dane, the world champion, Tiger Mask, Jr, the heavyweight Champion, and Greg Anthony, the national champion. He reminded Tommy Too Much that the NWA Georgia title belongs to the people.

NWA Atlanta returns on February 27th.

Platinum Championship Wrestling--February 6, 2016--Porterdale, GA

Match 1: Tyson Dean (w/Brooklyn Page) vs. Brian Blaze

Tyson Dean came out looking at himself and talking to himself in the mirror. He had the crowd riled up with his arrogance and smarmy backtalk.  Blaze worked Dean's arm hard, then slammed him.  Blaze hit Dean with elbows, then slammed him again for a two count.  Dean hit Blaze with a spinebuster, but spent so much time posing and posturing that Blaze got a rollup victory. Dean was pissed about it, and took out his anger on Blaze after the loss. The heat the crowd showed for Dean's arrogance combined with their love of Brian Blaze made it a good opening contest. 

Match 2: Warhorses 404 and ITP vs. The Good Ole Boys (Cousin Shaggy and Cousin Cletus)

The Good Ole Boys entered square dancing to Cotton Eye Joe. They wanted to shoot the stuffed turkey over the entrance door to the arena. It was really funny. The Warhorses got in more offense than is typical in one of their matches. Cousin Cletus delivered a nice suplex. The warhorses tried to throw The Good Ole Boys into each other, but that didn't work. Cousin Shaggy got the victory with a frog splash. 

Jeff G. Bailey addressed the crowd. He stated that there was a misunderstanding about what The Cornerstone is trying to do for Porterdale. The Cornerstone is trying to provide Porterdale with the best wrestling has to offer, and the company started going downhill when Matt Hankins started running it. PCW is Platinum Championship Wrestling and there is no Platinum without Stephen Platinum. Bailey introduced a new monster, a protege of Abdullah the Butcher himself, The Human Holocaust, Iceberg. 

Match 3: Go Time Eric Jones vs. Iceberg

Jones' kicks and punches had zero effect on Iceberg. Iceberg could have gotten the pin early but chose to prolong Jones's suffering for a little while longer. Iceberg finally ended it with a cannonball. The match along with Bailey's stellar introduction went a long way in showing the sadistic nature of Iceberg. 

Match 4: Logan Creed (w/Brooklyn Page) vs. Geter

The crowd chanted "Power Ranger" at Logan Creed in reference to his blue singlet. Geter did a kamehameha style hand signal from Dragonball Z to further taunt Creed. Creed went for a kick. Geter caught his foot, and punched him in the face. He then chopped him in the corner. Creed answered with elbows. Geter kicked Creed, then elbowed him in the head. He then butt bumped Creed's face. Creed kneed Geter, then whipped him into the corner. Geter knocked Creed out of the ring. Creed kicked Geter, then clotheslined him for a two count.  The two exchanged blows. Page distracted the referee as Creed tapped to Geter's modified half crab. Creed hit Geter with Page's shoe, but it didn't work. Creed ended up knocking Page off the apron. Geter hit Creed with a German Suplex, then hit him with a splash from the second rope to win it. Creed refused to shake Geter's hand postmatch. 

Match 5: Carpenter vs. Haikken

The match was just starting to get good when The Cornerstone came out and beat Haikken down. Haikken won by disqualification and the match turned into an eight man tag match. 

Match 6: The Washington Bullets, Trevor Aeon, and Bill the Butcher (w/The Carpenter) vs. Haikken, Brian Blaze, and The Movement. 

The main event was a chaotic eight man tag match. The Bullets played off the crowd's insults well with insults of their own.  Haikken showed great resilience as he was isolated for a long time in the enemy corner. Bailey, Carpenter, and Aeon kicked him while he was outside the ring, then tossed him back in for certain doom. Haikken survived the assault long enough to tag in Blaze. Blaze had Aeon pinned, but Carpenter pulled the ref out of the ring to break up the pin. The action spilled out of the ring at that point, and Haikken did a flip onto all the wrestlers on the outside.  Haikken got hit by The Carpenter's bat, but the referee didn't see,  and the Cornerstone got the pin. The Cornerstone's beatdown of our heroes continued as Bailey brought out Iceberg. Haikken yelled "Come back and I'll fight all of you." as the villains triumphantly exited. 

PCW returns to Porterdale on February 20th. 

Ring of Honor Winter Warriors--1/23/16--Duluth, Georgia

The show took place at the Convention Center at the Infinite Energy Arena and Convention Center. The other conference room  on the same floor was hosting a Magic: The Gathering tournament. It reminded me a bit of being at Dragoncon. The ring was elevated , but it was difficult to see the entrances from where we sat, about six rows back from the ring.  It was also difficult to see once action spilled outside. Many in our section chose not to sit in seats, but stand on the sides near the concession stands to get a better view of the action.

The preshow match featured Matt "Sex" Sells against P-Dogg. P-Dogg came out with a posse that featured Marko Polo, Nina Monet, Devyn Nicole, Raphael King, C.B. Suave and Merica Strong. He came out rapping about how he wasn't buying what Sells was selling. Sells began the match with a series of arm drags and a snapmare. P-Dogg's posse provided ringside distraction that allowed him to gain control. He hit Sells with a leg drop for two.  He followed up with a body slam and a series of three leg drops for another two count.  Sells hit P-Dogg with a neckbreaker for two. P-Dogg got the win with a flying leg drop. It was amazing to me to see Sells return to Atlanta and wrestle in an ROH ring. He's come a long way since moving to Philadelphia to pursue bigger opportunities to hone his craft.

The show opened with Corey Hollis vs. Dalton Castle. If you've never seen Dalton Castle,  his entrance alone is worth the price of admission. He has two mask wearing minions who fan him with peacock feathers, and he wears a lavish golden cloak. Castle postured and preened before locking up with Hollis. Hollis mocked Castle's dandy demeanor. Castle is mostly fluff, taunting, and evasion in the early part of the match. He finally got serious when he rolled up Hollis, suplexed him, then followed up with a vicious knee in the corner.  Hollis answered with chops. Castle kneed Hollis in the face, then tossed him into the barricade. Hollis tossed Castle off the apron, then hit him with an enzuigiri. Hollis went over the top rope to hit Castle on the outside.  Castle tried to suplex Hollis, but Hollis countered with a stunner. Hollis powerbombed Castle over the top rope. Once back in the ring, Castle suplexed Hollis for a near fall. Castle won the match with the Bang a rang, a spinning double leg facebuster, that's as flashy as he is. Hollis's technical ability and Castle's showmanship played off each other well for an entertaining match.

AJ Styles came out to shouts of "Thank you AJ". He stated that ROH is one of the best promotions he'd worked for, and that he didn't know where he'd be without them. "Enjoy yourself and remember this night. You've got questions, and I've got answers." Jay Lethal interrupted, " Nobody gives a good goddamn about what you've got to say. This is not the AJ Styles show. This is the show for The House of Truth.Lethal declared he wouldn't defend his title in such a crappy place as Duluth, GA.  Roderick Strong interrupted him, "You're the greatest champion?" he asked Lethal. "No I'm the greatest champion. If you aren't defending, I'm not defending because this town sucks." Strong then addressed Styles "I don't care where you're going or what you're doing, get out of my ring."

The Bullet Club entered. "Tonight our heat isn't with you AJ, it's with these two losers." Gallows pointed at Strong and Lethal. "Maybe all the champs at Ring of Honor are a bunch of pussies. Notice "beardmachine" isn't even out here". On cue, Warmachine came out, and a massive beatdown between all involved parties ensued. Young Bucks and the other members of Bullet Club turned it into a Superkick party.

A match involving Styles was teased. P-Dogg's crew came out and Styles hit him with a Styles clash.

The next match featured the All Night Express (Rhett Titus and Kenny King) against Cheeseburger and Moose.  Moose showcased his physical power slamming King. He followed with stiff strikes and elbows to Titus.  Cheeseburger is small, but he is quick.The audience adored him and chanted for him throughout the match.  Moose threw Cheeseburger onto Titus for a two count. King attempted to hit Moose, and it looked like he was trying to hit a brick wall.  King and Titus tried a double team maneuver on Moose, but he suplexed them both. They both kicked Cheeseburger and managed a two count. Moose tagged back in and beat up on both members of ANX. He did a crossbody on both members of ANX. Moose tried to punch Titus, but King pushed him out of Moose's way. Moose dodged King's kick, and he and Cheeseburger double teamed King. Titus flipped out of the ring onto Moose. Cheeseburger attempted a move from the top rope, but King caught him. ANX doubleteamed Cheeseburger and picked up the win. ANX acted like they'd do the postmatch handshake, but they gave Moose and Cheeseburger the brush-off.

Cedric Alexander faced Mark Briscoe. Alexander has an athletic, acrobatic style while Briscoe fights like a wildman.  Briscoe hit Alexander with a back drop followed by a kick and a discus elbow. Alexander hit Briscoe with a spinning kick then stomped Briscoe. Alexander argued with the referee. He then stomped Briscoe's face. Briscoe suplexed Alexander for a two count. He then punched Alexander. Briscoe hit Alexander with a lariat, then went for a flying elbow. Alexander raised his knees. Alexander won the match with the Lumbar Check, a belly to back suplex dropped into a double knee backbreaker.

Ring announcer Scarlet Bourdeaux announced changes to the main event. It would feature The Bullet Club against all 4 ROH Champs. The tag team, television and world heavyweight titles would all be on the line in the 8 man tag team event.

ACH, Matt Sydal and Alex Shelley took on Michael Elgin, Bobby Fish, and Kyle O'Reilly. ACH, Sydal and Shelley displayed both energy and synergy in the course of the match. Elgin displayed his strength by holding Sydal up for several seconds in a standing suplex position. They finally had to push Sydal over to release the hold.  ACH dropkicked Fish and O'Reilly. Sydal moonsaulted to the outside of the ring onto his opponents. Elgin powerbombed ACH out of the ring on top of everyone else. ACH was isolated for a bit, showing his resilience. He received a cross armbreaker from O'Reilly, but fought out.  Elgin manhandled ACH, and Shelley broke up a submission attempt with an eyepoke. ACH tookdown both Fish and O'Reilly. He then kicked Elgin in the face. O'Reilly and Shelley traded submission attempts and exchanged blows.  Sydal hit Fish with a standing moonsault. Elgin suplexed Sydal, then ACH and Sydal simultaneously. He hit Shelley with a back body drop. O'Reilly and Fish hit Shelley with a combo and Elgin hit him with a lariat. Elgin managed only a two count.  Shelley hit Elgin with sliced bread, ACH hit him with a 450 splash, then Sydal hit him with Air Sydal, a shooting star press, for the win.

After a brief intermission, there was a Women of Honor attraction match between Veda Scott and Amber Gallows. Despite the efforts put forth by the competitors, crowd energy was low coming off the high of the 6 man tag and the lull of intermission. Gallows hit Scott with aggressive chops, crisp kicks and hard hitting strikes.  Scott tried to tie Gallows into a submission, and pinned her shoulders for two. They clotheslined each other, then Gallows hit a facebuster for a two count. The referee caught Gallows trying to use her feet for leverage during a pin attempt. Gallows rolled Scott up and used her feet for leverage again, but this time the referee was oblivious to her nefarious moves.

Adam Page, Frankie Kazarian, Will Fererra, Silas Young, Caprice Coleman, and Jay Briscoe competed in a six-man scramble that was chaotic from the get-go. Briscoe and Kazarian started the match. Kazarian tried to tag in anyone so he didn't have to face Briscoe. During one point, all six men were trying to do sleeper holds on each other. That was broken up by Ferrera. Caprice Coleman did a moonsault from the second rope onto his competitors who were outside the ring. Kazarian hit a suplex for a two count. Silas Young did a gorgeous neckbreaker. BJ Whitmer tried to interfere in the match. Jay Briscoe won it with a piledriver.

Whitmer addressed Briscoe explaining how he'd elevated Fererra and that Fererra had stabbed him in the back. He appealed to Briscoe to join forces with him, and extended his hand to Briscoe. Briscoe promptly flipped him off. Page, Fererra and Briscoe gave Whitmer a beatdown. They grabbed a fan sign that said "Please hit BJ Whitmer with this sign" and crunched it over his head.

Adam Cole faced ECW legend Stevie Richards. Richards worked Cole's shoulder. Richards hit Cole with a spinebuster for two. Cole superkicked Richards then slammed him into the barricade. He then threw Richards over the rail into the crowd. Cole hit Richards with a neckbreaker. Richards regained control and bashed Cole into the barricades twice. He hit Cole with four neckbreakers. The two exchanged superkicks and spit in each other's faces. Cole put Richards in a figure four. Richards attempted to roll up Cole, then put him in a figure four.  Cole got his foot to the rope. Cole hit Richards with a kick from the outside. Cole won after a body slam and The Florida Key, a straight jacket suplex.

Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, and The Young Bucks (Nick and Matt Jackson) of the Bullet Club faced Roderick Strong, Jay Lethal, and Warmachine (Raymond Rowe and Hanson) in the Main Event. The ROH world heavyweight champsionship, the television title and the tag team titles were all on the line, and the action spilled outside the ring early. Nick Jackson flipped out of the ring onto everyone.  The Bullet Club isolated Strong. They did multiple DX style crotch chops mocking him, then proceeded to beat him down in their corner. Lethal stomped Matt Jackson. Strong hit a gorgeous dropkick.  Anderson hit Rowe with a dropkick. Rowe answered with a body slam.  Gallows attempted to clothesline Hanson several times, gave up, and superkicked him. Strong struck Gallows, but Gallows answered with a European uppercut. The Bucks acrobatically double teamed Strong. The entire Bullet Club superkicked Strong for a two count. Nick Jackson landed a 450 splash onto Strong for a two count. Strong evaded Jackson's offenses then Lethal, Rowe and Hanson teamed up on Jackson. Rowe got the final pin for his team and the reigning champions retained the titles.

The show was three and a half hours long, but it rarely dragged. The passionate audience favors the acrobatic nature of the promotion that seems to put athletic ring performance over characterization and story.  When Ring of Honor returns to the Atlanta area, you can bet I'd attend again.