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.

Platinum Championship Wrestling--January 16, 2016--Porterdale, GA

Platinum Championship Wrestling had another packed out house last night. The focus right now is on the Tag Team Season, and the feuds are getting hotter.

Match 1: Shane Marx vs. Ray Fury

The two locked up. Marx delivered a gorgeous dropkick. Fury left the ring to get his bearings. They engaged in a test of strength where Marx attempted to break Fury's arms.  Marx delivered a scoop slam followed by a drop punch. He repeated that combination with maximum results.  Fury chopped Marx's chest. The two exchanged blows, and Fury managed a two count.  Fury attempted a submission, but Marx fought out. Fury landed a big knee to Marx's chest, and it resulted in a pin attempt.  They exchanged blows again while Marx was poised on the top turnbuckle. Fury attempted a superplex, but Marx knocked him down then dropkicked him.  Both men were down for a nine count. Marx decimated Fury with kicks, then a belly to belly suplex for a two count.  Fury landed a facebuster for a two count.  Fury went for a kick, Marx evaded. Marx landed a spinebuster on Fury for two.  Marx set up for Natural Selection, but Fury got out. He attempted to kick Marx, but Marx evaded. Marx didn't miss Natural Selection on its second attempt, and he won the match. It was a lovely way to open a show and a triumphant return for Marx.

Match 2: Geter vs. Eric Jones

Big F'n Deal came to the ring. Geter reminded the audience that there is still an open contract on the championship. "There's an open contract to any man who feels they can take this from me. I understand there's a young man who wants to add his name to this list. Eric Jones came down to face Geter.

Jones' blows looked like they did little to the giant Geter.  Geter delivered giant chops to Jones' chest. Jones did his very best, but for a little while it appeared the size differential was just too much. Geter suplexed Jones for a one count. Jones attacked with kicks and punches that did little to stop the giant's offense.  Even in the midst of the contest, Geter had enough respect for Jones to call to the audience to support him. Jones bit Geter, and his punches and kicks finally felled Geter.  Jones goes up top and hits Geter with a splash for a two count.  Geter hit Jones with a German Suplex. Jones tapped out to a modified half crab.

The commentators announced that Logan Creed has challenged Geter via the open contract and that match will take place February 6th.  Geter said "Give Go Time a round of applause. Young men like this are the future of the PCW roster. There's another young man chomping at the bit to make a name here at PCW. Join us out here JAM. You fight till the end. That's what PCW will stand for. Don't lay down for anyone. Not me, not Platinum and his little band of goons."  JAM took the mic. "it's been a long two weeks. Two weeks ago, Platinum and his goons tried to destroy me and Damien. He didn't destroy me. He made me a better person." JAM announced that he and Damien Silva are competing as a team for the 2016 Tag Team Season.


Match 3: Matt Gilbert vs. Brian Kane

Quasi Mandisco called Gilbert a Brian Kane wannabe. He then said that he and Brian Kane are Porterdale. It still amazes me how easy it was for him to get the crowd to love him considering the level of animosity they held for him for such a long time.

Kane hit two crisp arm drags and Gilbert responded with a nice dropkick. Gilbert hit stiff punches and kicks followed by a standing suplex.  Gilbert and Kane went back and forth. Kane misjudged the moonsault, and Gilbert hit a flying clothesline for two.  Two blows to the head from Gilbert were answered by chest chops from Kane. Kane could barely fight back to his feet, but he thwarted Gilbert at every turn.  Gilbert kicked Kane in his injured shoulder for a two count. Kane stomped Gilbert's toes. Gilbert slammed Kane and went up top. Kane rolled up Gilbert, but barely made the pin. Perhaps this is the beginning of a new rivalry. At any rate, it was the match to watch.

Match 4: The Movement vs. Chris Henry and Jay Newman.

The Movement interrupted Newman and Henry's hype time during their entrance.  Henry did a gorgeous dive to the outside onto The Movement.  Henry hit Talon Williams with an elbow. Chip Hazard landed a backbreaker to Henry for a two count.  Henry tried to fight as best he could. Hazard tried to choke him.  Hazard slammed Henry into Williams' boot.  Williams hit Henry with a suplex. Henry sent a flurry of punches and knees, but Williams hit him with another suplex.  Williams hit Henry with an STO, but Henry got his foot on the rope. Henry was isolated for a long time. Hazard knocked Newman off the apron to keep him from tagging in to aid his partner. Williams decimated Henry, but Henry got in some offense of his own, and Hazard had to break up the count.  Newman tags in and clotheslines.  The Movement tried to double team Newman but only managed a two count. Hype felled them both, and dived between the ropes to keep the non-legal man down. Newman won the match with a rollup to end a dynamic and entertaining contest. The energy radiating off Henry and Newman was infectious.

Match 5: Eli Daniels vs. Joey Sparks

Eli Daniels was accompanied by his ringside manager Mathias Darkthorne. The match started with a lot of grappling. Daniels looked like he had the advantage after a powerful punch.  Sparks moved amazingly for such a big man, and Daniels held his own.  He landed a gorgeous kick to Sparks' chin for a 2 count.  Darkthorne choked Sparks in the ropes, but there was no real effect. Sparks damn near kicked Daniels' head off for a two count. Daniels suplexed Sparks, which was no easy feat, for a two count.  Daniels kicked Sparks in the head for a two count. Daniels tried to get Sparks in a sleeper, and kept using his feet to attain leverage. It had no real effect. Sparks got another two count on Daniels. Daniels hit a superkick. Darkthorne interfered with the count after Sparks hit Daniels with a spinebuster. Daniels took advantage of the distraction and got the win.

Main Event: Bill the Butcher and Dementia De Rose vs. The Danger City Demons

Carpenter stipulated that De Rose and Butcher would only face the Demons if upon their loss they'd be out of the 2016 Tag Team Season.  The Demons countered that if they won, they'd get five minutes alone in the ring with The Carpenter to exact revenge.

Danger and De Rose began the match. The Demons landed a double elbow on De Rose. De Rose slammed Valek and tagged in Butcher who missed a splash in the corner, Valek gained momentum. Butcher tried to choke then pounded Valek into the mat. Butcher stomped Valek's midsection, then threw him like a doll.  Danger went for a tag, and Butcher knocked him off the apron. Butcher did a huge spear for a two count. Butcher hit Valek with a spinebuster. De Rose hit him with a butt buster. Valek tried to roll up De Rose. Butcher tried to knock Danger off the rope a second time, but Danger tagged in. Butcher pushed the referee into Danger's coming offense and they knocked out the referee. Carpenter tried to use his bat, but Mandisco grabbed it and gave it to Danger. Danger hit Carpenter, but Butcher hit Danger with a chain. Danger was pinned after Carpenter woke up the ref. Carpenter set up The Demons like sacrificial lambs, and it looked like The Movement were coming to finish them off. The Movement turned on The Carpenter and joined the Demons side. On February 6th, The Movement will take on members of The Cornerstone.

Universal Independent Wrestling--January 9, 2016--Temple, GA

About 130 fans came to Temple, GA for the UIW show featuring Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano. Thirty minutes before bell time,  it was easy to approach Gargano and Ciampa for autographs, t-shirts, and photo opportunities.

Match 1: Eli Daniels w/Mathias Darkthorne vs. Josh Storm

A section of fans in the bleachers were very vocal, and they really made the show. UIW crowds are often fairly quiet.  Storm looked good, and the crowd at UIW just adores him.  Daniels displayed crisp kicks.  Darkthorne interfered by trying to choke Storm, but it didn't do much good. At the five minute mark, it seemed that Daniels wanted to break Storm's neck. Storm tried to go up top, but Daniels thwarted that with a suplex for a two count.   Daniels threw Storm out of the ring and distracted the referee while Darkthorne kicked Storm on the floor.  Storm managed to get back in it and attempted to pin Daniels. Darkthorne grabbed Storm's foot.  Storm attempted to submit Daniels. Daniels suplexed Storm, but Storm got his foot on the rope.  The two exchanged blows.  Storm evaded Daniels' offense, and he landed a tornado DDT.Daniels had Storm pinned when Glenn "Chips" Matthews got up on the apron interrupting the count. Storm took advantage of the distraction and won the match.

Match 2: Devin Diamond vs. The Butcher Bobby Hayes

There were a few moments in this match where my suspension of disbelief was thrown off because I noticed Diamond's punches not connecting. The match spilled into the bleachers and outside the ring, and I wondered if the match was a falls count anywhere, or a no countout match, because the referee didn't start counting. Diamond missed a leg drop attempt, and Hayes won the match with a lariat. Though the hometown crowd was entertained by this match, I was not.

Match 3: The Beautiful Bald Besties vs. Spring St. Suicide Squad.

Chris Crunk and Michael Stevens started the match. Crunk delivered a solid arm drag.  Ken Lee and Zac Edwards both tagged in. Both teams have a good rhythm. The Besties isolated Crunk for a while, and Edwards kneed Crunk from the outside, but the referee didn't see it.  It was nice to see aggression from the Besties, and not just comedy.  The Besties knocked Lee off the apron to keep Crunk from making the tag. Crunk showed excellence resilience and really conveyed his peril.  Lee finally tagged in and attempted to clean house, and he managed a two count at the ten minute mark.  The two teams exchanged pin attempts in this heated contest. The Suicide Squad botched a double drop kick, and lost their rhythm for a bit, but regained it quickly. Lee did a dive outside the ring onto both Besties. The Besties left the ring deciding they'd had enough, and they lost the match by countout.

Billy Knight announced that the first 2016 UIW Hall of Fame inductee would be The Hollywood Blonde Ken Timbs.  His announcement was interrupted by the return of Spike. Spike and his associate, Hammer, beat up Billy Knight. Spike slammed Knight, then subjected him to a back body drop. "You're fixing to get a lot more than a little beatdown. We're fixing to end your career" Knight was in pretty bad shape when they left him.

Match 4: Paul Coldheart vs. Sylar Cross.

Cross begins the match saying he'd like to have a dance off, and he shows us his moves.  Coldheart ends that by poking Cross in the eyes and the match began in earnest.  Cross dragged Coldheart back into the ring after he attempted to leave. He chopped Coldheart in the chest on each side of the ring.  Coldheart attempted offense, and Cross answered.  Cross slammed his butt into Coldheart in the corner. Cross won the match with a giant body slam and he celebrated in the ring dancing with a few fans.

Match 5: Drew Adler vs. Adrian Armour

During his entrance, Armour ran up into the bleachers to greet the loud section of the crowd, and they loved him.  Adler attempted the same with much rejection.  They chanted "Drew wears panties." and "Orange Zebra" Adler's heel persona consists of him repeating his catchphrase "He can't do what I can do".  Highlights of the match included a spot-on suplex by Adler and Amour's on point spinebuster.  Armour won the match with an elbow drop.

Main Event: Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano vs. Chip Day and Murder One

A "Dad Gut" chant from the crowd prompted Ciampa to jiggle the fat on Day's belly. Murder One tagged in early, and Ciampa mocked him for taking his straps down. The match finally got serious when Day tagged back in. Ciampa tried to break Day's arm, and Day answered with some arm-breaking of his own.  Ciampa continued working Day's arms heavily. Murder tagged back in and scoop slammed Ciampa. Day tagged back in and missed an elbow. Gargano tagged in and he and Ciampa whipped Day into the corner. Gargano did a backbreaker to Day. He then gave him a titty twister to mock him. Day did a titty twister to Gargano and then bit his nipple. The match was hilarious. Gargano went for the tag and hit Ciampa in the face. Gargano was isolated for a while, and managed well till Ciampa got back in. Ciampa hit Day with a gorgeous lariat. Ciampa hit Day with a rope assisted DDT for a two count. Murder One hit Ciampa with a boot in the corner. Day stole the pin and had his feet on the ropes winning the match for his team. This match was a fast paced contest and it really made the show. 

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

Platinum Championship Wrestling started out the year in Porterdale with a packed house and a crowd pleasing show.

Opening Match: The Suntan Demons vs. Brian Kane and Haikken

Winners: Brian Kane and Haikken

Ray Fury and Drew Game, known as the Suntan Demons, faced Brian Kane and Haikken. Game and Fury entered to New Kids on The Block's "The Right Stuff" which garnered a lot of laughs from the audience.  Kane and Haikken's manager, Quasi Mandisco mocked their spray tans. He followed that with "You came to Porterdale, you're stepping into our territory. We will defend it." Mandisco's done a great job of selling the idea that he "is Porterdale" to the audience, though I questioned his new face persona as he stuck to his scarf-choking ways during the match.

The Suntan Demons isolated Haikken for a long time, and they distracted the referee on several occasions to take advantage of illegal double teaming and out of ring beatdowns.  Despite his best efforts, things looked bleak for Haikken. The referee kept Brian Kane out of the ring, powerless to aid his distressed partner. Haikken stuck in there showing great resilience, and Brian Kane got the hot tag. Kane and Haikken dropkicked the Suntan Demons into each other, and each pinned his respective opponent to pick up the win.  After their loss, the Suntan Demons beat up Haikken and Kane, and claimed it was a present from Jeff G. Bailey.

Match 2: Eli Daniels vs. Chris "The Hype" Henry

Winner: Chris "The Hype" Henry

Daniels and Henry are both athletic wrestlers, and this was an entertaining match.  Henry prevailed despite the best efforts of Daniels' ringside manager to thwart him.

Match 3: JAM and Damien Silva vs. Warhorses TBA and TBD

Winners: JAM and Damien Silva due to disqualification.

The match began comedically as all warhorse matches do.  Both teams used video game hand movements and what resembled "Kamehameha" from Dragonball Z.  Silva suplexed a warhorse twice, but he kicked out of the pin. Warhorses don't typically kick out of pins, they get squashed. A couple more unsuccessful pin attempts were made by JAM and Silva, then Warhorse TBA hit JAM with a low blow. The warhorses unmasked, revealing Stephen Platinum and Trevor Aeon from The Cornerstone.

Johnny Danger came out to face them, but he was put down by a rag full of ether.  They painted a yellow streak down JAM's back. Trevor Aeon choked Damien Silva outside the ring while Stephen Platinum addressed the crowd. He called Johnny Danger an ungrateful brat, and he said "When that baby of yours comes out, you'd better rewind the tapes to see if I was in town or not." Jeff G. Bailey extolled the greatness of The Cornerstone. "We are your masters. You may see us again before the night is over."

Match 4: Trevor Aeon vs. "Go Time" Eric Jones

The spirits of the crowd were still down after the events they'd just witnessed. Aeon won with a rope assisted DDT. It was a good match, but it would have been difficult to hype up any crowd after the carnage of the previous bit.  Aeon tried to choke out Jones after his victory, and Geter came out to make the save. Aeon scattered like the rat he is.  Geter reminded Aeon there is still an open contract on the PCW championship, so anytime he feels he's man enough to step in the ring, Geter will defend.  PCW chants were heard throughout the arena as Geter made his rallying speech.

Match 5: Jon Williams vs. Shane Marx
Winner: Shane Marx due to countout

Williams insults Porterdale upon entering.  "Porterdale is awful. Porterdale, GA, the worst city in the entire country. You should bow down and worship me because I'm a TV star. You don't have anyone good enough to face me." Cue returning hero Shane Marx who received an electric response from the crowd.

At the five minute mark, Williams had the upper hand. Marx regained control and decimated Williams with several offensive power moves.  The two wrestled their asses off, and exchanged punches. Williams took every shortcut he could, trying to pin Marx by putting his feet on the ropes. An elbow by Williams was countered with a spear by Marx. Williams followed with a double stomp, and Marx hit him with a spine buster. Williams left the ring and took the microphone. "He wasn't supposed to be my opponent. This match doesn't count.", Williams declared and left the ring. He was counted out and Marx won the match.

Main Event: Bill the Butcher vs. Brian Blaze in a Hangman match.

A hangman match is won when one man throws his opponent over the top rope while they're hanging from a noose.  The Danger City Demons were in the corner of Brian Blaze. They acknowledged that Stephen Platinum was the cornerstone of PCW because he built the place, but the place had long outgrown its creator.  Johnny Danger addressed Stephen Platinum. "You don't know who I am. I'm not the scared little kid you used to beat up during training. You're in my house now. Let's talk about Brian Blaze. Let's talk about justice."

The match was all over the arena the moment it began.  Blaze whipped Butcher with a rope. Butcher choked Blaze as Stephen Platinum ordered the monster "Do what you have to do." Butcher tried to hang Blaze early. Blaze kicked Butcher out of the corner and followed that with a large clothesline. Blaze went for the noose, and Butcher kicked him in the face.  Platinum encouraged Butcher, "You're faster, smarter, better." The crowd chanted, "Shut up Stephen." The fight continued on the ring apron where Butcher speared Blaze. Wrestlers from both sides spilled out of the locker room to join the chaos. Stephen Platinum still had the ether he'd used earlier on Johnny Danger. He was setting up to use it again on Brian Blaze, but was foiled by Shane Mackey, who used it on him. Blaze hung Butcher, and the wrestlers of PCW prevailed. Stephen Platinum repeatedly ethered himself as he still had remnants on the sleeve of his jacket.

Johnny Danger and Devlin Valek will face two representatives of The Cornerstone when PCW returns to Porterdale on January 16th.