Reviews

TJR: NWA Powerrr 10/29/19 Review (Episode 4)

By John Canton • Published 30th October 2019
TJR Wrestling

Welcome to the fourth review NWA Powerr Review right here on TJRWrestling. The video was posted on Tuesday at 6:05pmET on Youtube and I’ll post the full video at the bottom of this review. Check out my NWA Powerr Review archive here. Let’s roll.

This episode is called: Dealer Calls Again.

There was a video recap of the Tim Storm story and how he became tag team partners with Eli Drake last week, but they lost to The Dawsons with the veteran storm taking the loss for his team.

The NWA intro video aired. Great “Into the Fire” song by Dokken that is the theme of the show.

The announce team of Joe Galli and Jim Cornette welcomed us to the show while talking about what’s coming up. The show takes place at GPB Studios in Atlanta.

James Storm, the NWA National Champion, entered onto the stage saying his resume speaks for itself. Storm said he wondered why Nick Aldis keeps ducking him and he complained about Colt Cabana. That led to Cabana showing up saying that the NWA National Title is rightfully his, the fans know it and he said he was out with a leg injury. Eli Drake showed up talking about how Storm has been in Nick Aldis’ face for so long and that led to Aldis walking out with the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Title. Drake said when you walk out with that title you are the best wrestler walking today. Drake said that Storm has been asking for a shot and it’s about time.

Aldis said that maybe what Storm has been saying lately is alcohol-fueled. Aldis said that Drake doesn’t drink, smoke or do drugs, but his only vice is wanting to be just like Aldis. That led to Aldis saying he’s getting sick and tired of all this rhetoric, so why not just go in the ring and settle this like men? Aldis said that Storm should get a couple of guys, then Aldis gets a couple of guys for a six-man tag. If Nick’s team wins then Cabana gets a shot at Storm’s NWA National Title. Storm said fine, but if his team wins then he gets a shot at the NWA World Title. Aldis said done on one condition – if Storm gets the NWA World Title shot then he has to abdicate the NWA National Title. Aldis said if Storm thinks he deserves a shot at the NWA World Title that was held by Harley Race, Dory Funk Jr., Jack Brisco and Ric Flair then why don’t you strap on a pair and have a little something to lose? Storm said he was fine with all of that and he also added he may have bumped into Nick’s Jaguar in the parking lot too. Storm left.

Analysis: They set up a big match for later with consequences involving their titles. Great promo work from everybody there because they’re all veterans that know how to talk. It feels authentic for their characters. They do an excellent job of putting over their titles as being valuable and important. Some other wrestling promotions don’t do that enough. You need to have wrestlers saying they want a title, they want a title shot and so on. If you don’t, why should the fans care? The NWA is great at making us care about their titles and you can see that in the promo here.

Here’s a tweet from Cabana about something that was edited out during this scene.

There was a video about Kamille not talking during the first three shows.

The next NWA PPV is called Into the Fire on December 14 and you can get it on Fite.

Trevor Murdoch was interviewed by David Marquez, who said he’s known him for about 25 years. Murdoch said he’s had to work for everything he’s eve had in this business and being in the NWA is no different. Murdoch said he wants a contract, so he made a call and made a request saying he didn’t think Jocephus should be suspended for 45 days for throwing powder in Colt Cabana’s face. Murdoch called out Jocephus while Marquez said he believed him. Jocephus said he was tired of dealing with Corgan shape-shifters like Storm and Cabana. Jocephus talked abut his spiritual advisor telling him something about facing Murdoch, so Murdoch told him to get in the ring. Jocephus shoved Murdoch into the ring post.

Trevor Murdoch vs. Jocephus

Murdoch with a boot to the face followed by a clothesline. Murdoch with two short arm clotheslines followed by punches against the turnbuckle, but Jocephus sent Murdoch into the turnbuckle. Jocephus took out some powder from his tights, Murdoch kicked the powder in Jocephus’ face and Murdoch hit a bulldog off the middle ropes for the pinfall win. It went about two minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Trevor Murdoch

Analysis: 1/2* Easy win for Murdoch while Jocephus is just there to put people over as a comedy heel.

There was a video package about Thunder Rosa coming to the NWA soon.

It was back to the interview set with Aron Stevens walking out to talk to Joe Galli, who reminded the fans not to have eye contact with Stevens. Galli asked Stevens when he’s going to wrestle, the fans yelled at Stevens about wearing a blouse and Stevens said it was shirt, not a blouse. Stevens said last time he was out there he was promoting his movie and then Ricky Starks showed up to interrupt. Starks stuck out his hand, Stevens said he looked ridiculous and Starks slapped Stevens in the face. Starks said that Stevens talked too much.

Analysis: That should be a fun rivalry with Stevens as one of the better and more experienced heels in the NWA while Starks is a face on the rise.

There was a video package that showed the rivalry of Eddie Kingston and Homicide vs. The Dawsons. They are in action up next.

An Austin Idol “promotional consideration” video aired. He was shilling the Kayfabe Cocktail. He would love to tell you what’s in it, but that wouldn’t be kayfabe. This was mildly funny.

There was a video of the Rock N Roll Express duo of Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson, who are one of the greatest tag teams in wrestling history. They are coming soon to the NWA. It’s amazing that they are still wrestling, but it’s cool to see them back “home” in the NWA too.

No Disqualification: The Dawsons (Zane and Dave Dawson) vs. Eddie Kingston and Homicide

Kingston and Homicide attacked The Dawsons before the bell rang, but then the bell rang to star the match. Kingston was grabbing the mouth of Zane (the one with hair) and even biting the ear. Homicide battled Dave (the one that’s bald) inside the ring with Dave hitting some punches to the ribs. Kingston went for a chop, Zane moved and Kingston hand hit the ring post. Zane pulled Homicide out of the ring while Dave hit a terrible looking double axe off the apron to Kingston. Homicide choked Zane with a television cable. The Wild Cards tag team that are the NWA Tag Team Champions were watching from the interview podium. Dave stomped onto Kingston’s hand on the steel steps. The Dawsons brought in several steel chairs, which wasn’t smart because Homicide gave Zane a bulldog into a chair that was opened in the ring. Homicide sent Zane into the turnbuckle against a chair and hit a Cutter for a two count. Dave punched Homicide out of the ring. Dave jabbed a chair into the side of Kingston. The Dawsons set up a bridge using the chairs and they gave Kingston a double suplex onto the chair that was bridged in the ring. Zane with a chair to the ribs of Homicide, then more chair shots to the back and he even hit a chair to the face with the top of the chair hitting Homicide. The Dawsons tossed a few chairs onto Homicide in the ring. Zane went up top, so Thom Latimer of Wild Cards hit Zane with a title belt to the head. Royce Isaacs went into the ring with a slam off the shoulders (kind of like an Attitude Adjustment) that sent Kingston onto the four chairs that were in a pile. Isaacs put Dave on top of Kingston for the pinfall win after about six minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Dawsons

Analysis: **1/4 It was good for a few minutes until the interference from Wild Cards that seems random now, but they could easily tell the story that Wild Cards were just there to take out both teams. There were some big bumps from Kingston to put over the Dawsons physicality, which is good because the Dawsons are new to a lot of fans. Homicide is clearly moving slower than he used to, but that’s what happens as you get older.

There was a video about Jocephus with a woman talking about the truth being revealed.

There was a promo from Marti Belle from “earlier today” saying NWA Women’s Champion Allysin Kay is literally her best friend, but she wants to wants to prove she’s the best.

A match was about to begin with Belle and Ashley Vox, but Kay showed up for an interview with Dave Marquez. Kay said she loved her friend Belle and she’s glad that she wants to earn another title shot because she doesn’t think Belle is ready. Kay said that she beat Vox already and she has to prove herself tonight.

Marti Belle vs. Ashley Vox

Belle with a kick to the back, then a running neckbreaker and Vox came back with a running dropkick. Vox with a gentle snapmare for a two count. Belle with a running forearm, she tripped up Vox against the turnbuckle and Belle hit a running hip attack against the turnbuckle for a two count. Belle with two vertical suplexes followed by a Russian legsweep for a two count. Vox tripped up Belle and then hit a senton splash. Belle with a forearm to the face for two. Belle whipped Vox into the corner, Vox with a headbutt to the chest, shoulder to the ribs and Belle hit a forearm to the back. Belle went for a double underhook, but Vox slapped on a submission hooking the arm. Belle went for the double underhook again, Vox tripped her up and rolled through for the jackknife cover pin for the victory after four minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Ashley Vox

Analysis: *3/4 It was okay. Some of it was really slow, but they got through it fine. They had a back and forth match with each woman getting some nice moves in there. I had no idea who was getting the win, but I thought it might be Belle since she’s more known. Putting Vox over is smart because they are trying to build her up as a new star.

Post match, Thunder Rosa went into the ring and faced off with Belle with Rosa extending her hand for a handshake. The audio just featured the unique drum music for Rosa. Belle left without shaking her hand.

Analysis: There’s the debut of Rosa. I hope she’s a heel. They need more strong heel women in the NWA because right now everybody seems like faces. Heels make things more fun.

There was a Tony Falk video promoting Waffles and Tire Irons, which is like an old commercial, but it’s comedic here.

Aron Stevens vs. Ricky Starks

Stevens with a snapmare, Starks fired back with chops, Stevens with a back elbow and then Starks sent Stevens into the turnbuckle three times. Starks with a dropkick for a two count. They did a spot where Starks was against the ropes and Stevens kicked the rope for a low blow spot that the referee didn’t see. Stevens hit a Russian legsweep followed by a bow, elbow drop and he said “You’re Welcome” to the crowd. I remember that. Stevens with a slap to the face, Starks with a clothesline, a punch and Starks hit the Slingblade for a two count. Starks with a back body drop that sent Stevens across the ring, he teased a slap, Stevens screamed, Starks got a rollup where he sat on top (not the rollup of death) and that was enough to win the match after four minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Ricky Starks

Analysis: ** The positive momentum for Starks continues, which is the right way to book this since he’s a young guy on the rise while Stevens is a veteran heel that is more known. Use the more well-known talent to make the newer guys and girls look good. It’s not a hard concept. They do it well. I liked the finish.

Post match, Stevens said “no” the crowd said “yes” and they each did that about a dozen times each. That was fun.

James Storm, the NWA National Champion, entered with his team of Wild Cards, who are the NWA Tag Team Champions. Nick Aldis entered with the NWA World Title with Ken Anderson and Colt Cabana as his partners.

Analysis: Before it begins, I’m so confused about the name of the Thomas Latimer and Royce Issacs team. Sometimes they say Wild Card, sometimes it is Wild Cards and sometimes they even say The Wildcard. I’m sorry if it’s confusing reading this, but they aren’t making it very clear. I’m going with The Wild Cards.

Nick Aldis, Colt Cabana and Ken Anderson vs. James Storm, Tom Latimer and Royce Isaacs

There are less than ten minutes in the show. Aldis faced off with Latimer with Galli talking about the experience they have with eachother in wrestling since they are legit close friends. Aldis grabbed an armbar, Latimer with a kick to the gut, Aldis with a clothesline and an arm drag into an armbar. Anderson tagged in with a kick followed by a single arm takedown. Isaacs tagged in, Anderson tripped him up and grabbed a headlock. Cabana tagged in with a sunset flip on Isaacs. Cabana hit a double elbow on Isaacs and Latimer. Cabana showed off some athleticism with a headscissors on Latimer. Cabana with two elbow smashes, but then Latimer took down Cabana with a punch to the back. Storm tagged in with a running elbow for two. Isaacs tagged back in for wishbone pull on the legs of Cabana with Cornette firing off a good line saying you don’t have to be as old as Vince McMahon to tear both quads. (Royal Rumble 2005 reference!) Latimer went back in with a clothesline on Cabana. Isaacs went to the middle ropes, jumped off with nothing and Cabana got the boots up to the jaw to stop the attack. Anderson got the tag against Storm with an elbow to the jaw, a neckbreaker by Anderson on Storm, Latimer back in the ring and Anderson got a rolling senton on Latimer for a two count. Anderson hit the Mic Check flatliner on Latimer. Isaacs with a running forearm on Anderson, Aldis with a missile dropkick, Storm with a Codebreaker on Aldis and Storm/Aldis hit a double clothesline with the fans standing up in applause of the action. Cabana with a running splash on Latimer and then Storm hit a jumping knee on Cabana. Storm wanted a superkick, Cabana moved and Storm kicked Isaacs by accident. Anderson gave Storm a clothesline over the top to the floor. Cabana with a forearm on Latimer, Aldis with a uranage slam on Latimer and Cabana with a Superman pin on Latimer for the pinfall win after about 7 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Nick Aldis, Colt Cabana and Ken Anderson

Analysis: *** This was an entertaining tag team match where they made the most of their time. It would have been nice to see them get closer to ten minutes or more time since it was a big match with some of the top wrestlers in the NWA. The crowd reaction to the sequence of big moves was exactly what the wrestlers were going for, so it was a nice job by everybody involved in setting up those key spots. I liked the finish with Cabana getting the win for the team because his victory means he gets a title shot at Storm. It also protects Storm by not having him take the pin in that scenario.

The win by the Aldis team means that Cabana will get a shot at the NWA National Title held by Storm. Cabana had a staredown with Storm.

The credits aired showing who was on the NWA production team and that was the end of the show.

This episode had a run time of 52:58. You can watch it all here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ8MkbUXMK0

Final Thoughts

It was another entertaining hour of NWA programming. This episode had more actual matches than usual with five of them. They still found time to deliver quality promos, which is my favorite part of the NWA shows. I liked the six-man tag team main event a lot and I wish they got a few more minutes to have an even better match.

If you read my reviews every week then you know I praise them a lot for putting over the newer talent. They do an excellent job of that and we saw it again with wins by The Dawsons, Ricky Starks and Ashley Vox. The casual wrestling fan may not know who they are, but by featuring them more with wins over bigger names, you’re telling the audience that these are wrestlers to watch moving forward. That’s something the NWA has been doing really well.

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Thanks for reading.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter: @johnreport

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