Magnus Books The Midwest 11.23.07: Week 2 Results and More

Hello, and welcome to Week 3 of Magnus Books The Midwest. Last week, we saw the results from the very first show of Pro Wrestling Midwest promotion, and there were some big happenings. Arik Cannon triumphed over Tyler Black but his brutal attack when Tyler was injured has displayed a mean streak even bigger than before in Arik Cannon. Ricochet was demolished by Sterling James Keenan’s monster, although won their match by DQ. Shiima Xion was defeated in similar fashion by the gigantic Takeshi Morishima. Low-Ki won a four way over El Generico, Matt Sydal and Azrieal. And finally, The Kings Of Wrestling won a Tag Scramble, but Eddie Kingston and Chris Hero got into a heated exchange, plus B-Boy attacked and left Marek Brave for dead for no apparent reason other than a handshake with a mysterious individual.

I was again majorly disappointed to receive zero feedback this week. To make sure there’s no excuses, e-mail me at [email protected] , or if you prefer I am starting a feedback thread in the 411 forum for this to generate some interest. It’s just I’ve really enjoying writing this column, but I can’t progress without some thoughts from the readers. So leave me some feedback if you get the chance.

Anyway, it’s time to get on with the column so let’s take a brief look at this week’s card-

Takeshi Morishima vs Jigsaw
B-Boy vs Delirious
Josh Abercrombie vs Eddie Kingston
Matt Sydal vs Chuck Taylor
Low-Ki, El Generico, Gran Akuma and Mike Quackenbush vs Larry Sweeney, Azrieal, Kevin Steen and Claudio Castagnoli
Sterling James Keenan’s ‘Monster’ vs Ricochet
Tyler Black will address the fans regarding his attack last week
Plus Arik Cannon and Marek Brave in action

Now some pre-show news-

The Unique Title’s Rules Are Announced
As stated last week, Pro Wrestling Midwest is introducing a new title belt that will be very different from any that has been used in wrestling before. And indeed, it seems that whoever becomes champion will have considerable power in terms of their title defenses.

The belt will be known as the Pro Wrestling Midwest Open Stipulation Title. What this means is that when you are the champion, the stipulation of your matches is up to you. In theory, that means if a wrestler who is skilled in hardcore matches won the belt, he could choose to defend the belt in No DQ matches every time to give himself the advantage. Likewise, if a skilled mat technician won the belt, they could choose to defend the belt under European or Pure rules.

So it appears that the race for the title belt is to be one that will be very exciting indeed, as the champion will have a massive advantage over his opponents, and doing so will mean they have all the power within the promotion. Let’s hope that an honourable individual manages to take the belt, and that it does not fall into the wrong hands.

Title Tournament Semi-Final Brackets
Today the brackets for the next round of matches in the Open Stipulation Title Tournament have been announced. They are as follows

Kevin Steen/Azrieal vs Matt Sydal/Chuck Taylor
B-Boy/Delirious vs Gran Akuma/Claudio Castagnoli
El Generico/Mike Quackenbush vs Jigsaw/Takeshi Morishima
Low-Ki/Larry Sweeney vs Josh Abercrombie/Eddie Kingston

It’s clear that there are some pretty major match possibilities here. One thing’s for sure, you can expect these matches at The Final Four to be well worth watching, so make sure you buy your tickets today.

Shiima Xion Is Unhappy
After Shiima Xion’s open challenge was gatecrashed by Takeshi Morishima last week, he was completely annihilated in quick fashion by the Japanese giant, clearly being nothing more that a statement for Takeshi Morishima’s potential dominance in Pro Wrestling Midwest. Shiima Xion had this to say:

“Last week Takeshi Morishima, you insulted me, the world’s most well dressed and hottest wrestler. That match was supposed to show everyone why I will be the best wrestler this promotions has to offer, but you made it into a joke. Well, nobody disrespects me like that. Yes, you have the size, but I have the smarts, and you will soon learn not to cross me.”

Strong words indeed. We will soon see if Shiima Xion can prove himself correct, but I think it will take something amazing for him to tackle and defeat Takeshi Morishima.

And now that the main news headlines for this have been covered, it’s time for the second show. I hope you enjoy it-

Arik Cannon is backstage for a promo:

“It seems that a lot of people were upset by my actions last week, after I put Tyler Black on the sidelines. Well, you know what, I don’t know why. I did what I had to do to win that match, and I made sure that when this show was over, the name everyone would remember is Arik Cannon.

Going into the match, everyone was saying this would be a great match with two talented Midwest stars. And it ended with one man standing and one man carried out of the arena. Yes the fans don’t like me for what I did, but the truth is, I don’t care, because when the fans boo me, it drives me that much more.

And apparently, Tyler Black is going to ‘address’ the fans tonight about my ‘actions’ last week. Well, no matter what he says, the truth is that he’s sitting at home while I’m here wrestling in the ring. And when he comes back, I’m going to do it again, only this time, you’ll be out of the business for good.”

‘The Anarchist’ Arik Cannon vs ‘Dynamite’ Billy Roc
Not bad, although really it was never that much of a contest. Yes, Roc did get in a few impressive moves and one or two near falls, but ultimately Cannon dominated the majority of the match, getting in all his signature moves. He pinned Billy Roc with the Glimmering Warlock in roughly five minutes- *

After the match, Cannon attacked Roc from behind and gave him a BACKDROP DRIVER, RIGHT ON HIS HEAD. A clear message by Arik Cannon to Tyler Black that he can do exactly what he did last week again.

We then cut to Chuck Taylor backstage

“Hi, Chuck Taylor here. Now, for those of you who don’t know me, your in for a surprise as your looking at the future champion of this promotion. Tonight I have Matt Sydal, a man who was the future of Midwest wrestling not too long ago. Well, tonight I plan to pin him 1-2-3 because he’s the past and I’m the new future king of Midwest wrestling. And then I’ll pin everyone else and become the champ. And when I’m champ, I’ll defend the belt whenever I feel like it since nobody will deserve a shot at me, Sexy Chucky T….”

Just then, in comes Ricochet.

Ricochet: “Hey man, I have a question for you. Where were you last week when I was getting killed by Sterling James Keenan and his monster. I thought we were buddies who looked out for each other.”

Taylor: “Buddy, I had a little thing called a tournament match to prepare for. I was in the gym working out and preparing for Matt Sydal this week. It’s kind of important. And I can’t be in two places at once kid.”

Ricochet: “But didn’t you see the message on the website, saying what he was going to do to me. If you were any sort of real friend you’d have had my back.”

Taylor: “Dude, I didn’t read the website. I have more important things to do, like trying to get in shape for this big title tournament, which you weren’t good enough to get into in the first place.”

Ricochet: “Hold on, then if you didn’t check the website then how did you know about your match. It was announced on the website.”

Taylor (looking a little flustered): “Look, I got a phone call OK, I was told I was in the title tournament and then I started preparing. Now I know you want revenge on Sterling James Keenan and his ‘monster’, so when I win my match tonight I’ll have your back, so you can get the revenge that you want. A victory over the unstoppable beast and a title reign, that sounds great…”

Taylor heads off talking to himself as Ricochet looks on.

Pro Wrestling Midwest Open Stipulation Tournament Quarter Final Match- Matt Sydal vs ‘Sexy’ Chuck Taylor
A pretty good, fast paced match, although a little confusing since both Sydal and Taylor seemed to be acting like heels, which you wouldn’t assume since you’d expect both of these men to be clear fan favourites. Sydal was being arrogant and playing up to the fans too much, although he kept things clean, while Taylor seemed to be cheating at every opportunity and taking advantage of the referee. It got very close at the end with loads of near falls.
But then the match took a turn for the possibly expected. Sterling James Keenan and his ‘monster’ ran out while Taylor was heading to the top rope. Keenan distracted the referee while the monster grabbed Keenan by the throat. CHOKESLAM FROM THE TOP ROPE. Keenan jumps down and Sydal heads to the top. SHOOTING STAR PRESS. 1-2-3 – **3/4

Keenan is laughing and applauding Sydal’s win as he leaves to the back with his monster, and Sydal seems very pleased with his win.
But this raises a question: was this attack provoked by Taylor’s promo or not? Would Sterling James Keenan have been able to see the promo since there’s no monitors in the back, only the big one to show the crowd. Something tells me this was pre-planned, but why would Sterling James Keenan setup an attack unprovoked? There’s lots of questions to be answered, that’s for sure.

Marek Brave vs Kid Krazy
A more competitive match than the Cannon-Roc match, with Krazy looking good against Tyler Black’s team mate. Both men had some hard kicking exchanges and also used some nice, crisp high flying moves.
However, this match wasn’t all plain sailing. Towards the end, both men went down, then Arik Cannon ran down to ringside to try and interfere, clearly to send a message to Tyler Black. He came into the ring looking for the Glimmering Warlock on Brave. But both Brave and Krazy were getting up at the same time, with Krazy moving over to pick up Brave. Brave was playing possum, and moved, and Cannon ended up hitting the move on Krazy before being thrown out of the ring. Brave hat the Shooting Star Press on Krazy for the three count- **1/2

Cannon looks frustrated after the match, pointing at Brave as he headed to the back shouting “Your my next victim”. Brave looked like he wanted the challenge and signalled to bring it on. Maybe we will see a match between these two soon.

We now head to Sterling James Keenan and ‘the monster’ who are in the back.

“So tonight it seems we have some more ‘business’ to take care of, and that would be Ricochet. Last week Ricochet, me and my monster left you so beaten down that you could barely leave the arena unaided. But because you did, you just let yourself in for another beatdown tonight. Why not ask your friend Chuck Taylor to my monsters credentials, when he Chokeslamed him off the top rope, and cost him his dream of becoming champion.

You see Ricochet, your like a chess pawn. While you think you can make a move on us, we can take you out of the game just like that. You think you know the rules and then I change them. Your like a bug Ricochet, a bug that we can squash at any time we choose, and tonight, just like that bug, maybe you’ll learn to stay down.”

Pro Wrestling Midwest Open Stipulation Title Tournament Match- Josh Abercrombie vs ‘The Last Of A Dying Breed’ Eddie Kingston
Not only a tournament match, but a grudge match following the staredown these two had last week backstage after Kingston’s partner B-Boy attacked Abercrombie’s partner Marek Brave. And while these two didn’t look to try and kill each other like it was a blood feud, they didn’t hold anything back either, with Kingston bringing the fire with some hard hitting strikes while Abercrombie used some cheap tactics as well as working Kingston over with submissions. Abercrombie did this smartly, he knew not to match Kingston with strikes or with power, keeping him grounded with those submissions and some high flying moves.
Kingston did fire back, and look a sure bet for the win as he signalled for the finish. But then the Kings Of Wrestling, Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli ran out and attacked him, leading to DQ win for Kingston- **3/4

After the match, Josh Abercrombie and The Kings of Wrestling continue to attack and beatdown Eddie Kingston, before Mike Quackenbush and Jigsaw make the save, and run off the Kings and Abercrombie. However, with the damage done, the KOW celebrate and Abercrombie runs his moustache smugly. Kingston seems unhurt but angry at the loss, and was ready to go after his attackers right there and then but was restrained and eventually gotten to the back without snapping.

Ricochet vs ‘The Monster’ w/Sterling James Keenan
Well, pretty one sided. Ricochet tried everything but could barely touch this monstrous man who just dominated with impressive power moves and even with some agile moves. This guy is certainly good for a big man: he’s kind of what you would get if you mixed the good parts of Kane, Brock Lesnar and Big Show into one person. Sterling was cackling away at ringside loving every minute of the beating.
But things didn’t quite go to plan. Chuck Taylor ran out with a chair. Sterling saw him and leapt up on the apron, trying to inform the referee, but this hurt his own man. Taylor whacked the monster with the chair, and Ricochet with the CODE RED. 1-2-NO. Ricochet goes for a move off the ropes, but the monster throws him in the air and CATCHES HIM IN MID AIR! POWERBOMB TO THE OUTSIDE ONTO CHUCK TAYLOR. Ricochet gets counted out and this ‘monster’ wins. It wasn’t much of a contest but still very fun to watch- **

Chuck Taylor and Ricochet both seem fine although Ricochet struggled to get to his feet, and they seem to cut their losses and head to the back, with Taylor vowing that this isn’t over. Keenan laughs maniacally as he stands tall with his monster. Who can stop these two?

Now it’s time to hear from Tyler Black. We cut to his home, where he is sitting looking very intense.

“Last week Arik Cannon, not only did you win our match, but you attacked me when I was down and hurt. You attacked me after the match, and nearly put me on the sidelines. The doctors told me that because of you, I almost broke my neck, and that would have put me out for a year at least. That for me was the huge sign of disrespect, and I’ve lost a lot of respect that I once had for you.
But I can understand why you did what you had to do. After all, it’s the first week of this new promotion, and you wanted to make an impact. But rest assured, I won’t be letting this go, and when I come back, I want my revenge. I want to avenge my pinfall loss, and I want to put you on the sidelines, and I guarantee, no matter what it takes, I will do that. See you next week Cannon, because one way or another I will see you next week.”

Pro Wrestling Midwest Open Stipulation Title Tournament Match- ‘The New Age Punisher’ B-Boy w/Julius Smokes vs Delirious
Very solid match, with adequate time given for both men to impress. B-Boy has a mean streak, that’s for sure. He’s hitting very hard and wrestling very aggressively: he clearly has an attitude now. Delirious had the crowd support in front of the Midwest audience, and used high flying moves as well as some of his unique and whacky offense to counter B-Boy’s hard hitting moves. The match never felt dull at any point either since these two men connect very well with the crowd. So overall as solid as a midcard bout as you’d expect these two to have. B-Boy looked like he had this sewn up when he went for the Shining Wizard, but Delirious moved and instantly hooked the Cobra Stretch. B-Boy tried his best to reach the ropes, but eventually had no choice but to tap, despite the attempts of Julius Smokes to move the ropes closer for B-Boy to grab- ***

Delirious celebrated his win then ran to the back, as B-Boy looked down and frustrated at his loss. Just then, from the crowd, Marek Brave ran in and started to attack B-Boy, trying to avenge what B-Boy did to him last week.
But just then, Arik Cannon ran down from the back and attacked Brave. B-Boy and Cannon hat a Glimmering Warlock/Shining Wizard combo that knocked out Marek Brave. B-Boy and Cannon shake hands, and suddenly it becomes all clear as to why B-Boy attacked Marek Brave last week: it was setup like this all along. Cannon and B-Boy leave together along with Julius Smokes, while Brave is checked over but is able to leave under his own power.
So I guess we know what this means. B-Boy was talking to Arik Cannon in the back, and now the attack on Marek Brave makes sense. The real question now is: what will happen when Tyler Black returns? Will this new alliance run over all before them in Pro Wrestling Midwest? Or will the Black and The Brave put them on the sidelines?

Mike Quackenbush and Jigsaw are backstage

“Tonight, my student Jigsaw steps into the ring for what is arguably the biggest match of his or any of my student’s careers up until now, as he gets ready to face Japan’s answer to Big Van Vader, Takeshi Morishima. Jigsaw, you may be smaller than he is, but you have the heart of a champion, and tonight you will be representing not just yourself, but all of Chikara when you try to take him down. I will be there in your corner to cheer you on to potential victory, so go out there tonight and prove why you are my top student.”

Jigsaw looks fired up and heads off to the ring, Quack looks on, smiles proudly and then heads off.

Eight Man Tag Team Match- Azrieal, Larry Sweeney, Kevin Steen and Claudio Castagnoli vs Mike Quackenbush, El Generico, Low-Ki and Gran Akumab
Very fun match, although a bit short, and maybe didn’t give enough time for all eight men to showcase themselves as much as I would have liked. But still, good action and the different characters of the individuals in this one shone through. Larry Sweeney was himself, wrestling old school and getting the fans on his case, although he kept away from Low-Ki at any cost (what a surprise). Azrieal again was arguably the most over heel in the bout, his Good Guy/Bad Guy character just seems to get the fan booing him so much and he knows how to react when they do. Low-Ki was kicking everything that moved once again, while the rest of the wrestlers in the bout brought a mixture of high flying, high impact and technical wrestling moves. It’s hard to talk about everyone in a match like this, but they did all have their moments.
The finish saw Low-Ki get his hands on Larry Sweeney, and started chopping and kicking. Ki came charging off the ropes, but Sweeney pulled his partner Azrieal in the way, and he took a kick to the face. Sweeney ran for the hills as Ki pinned Azrieal with the Top Rope Double Stomp- ***

After the match, Sweeney looked like he was going to blow his top, shouting “this won’t happen next week, you won’t beat me next week, nobody beats Sweet and Sour Larry Sweeney, especially not a bum like you”. Ki signalled for him to bring it on, but Sweeney had no intention of going back to the ring, so Low-Ki must wait until next week.

Pro Wrestling Midwest Open Stipulation Tournament Quarter Final Match- Takeshi Morishima vs Jigsaw w/Mike Quackenbush
This was far more competitive than many will have thought it to be, as Jigsaw showed heart and determination to go out there and take the fight to Takeshi Morishima. Morishima did dominate the bulk of the match through sheer brute strength and power, but Jigsaw would not stay down. He fired up as Morishima tried to take him off his feet with Forearms, then Jigsaw started firing back with Forearms of his own. Mike Quackenbush starts shouting encouragement and banging on the apron to get the crowd behind him. Jigsaw comes off the ropes with a Cross Body, but Morishima catches him, swings him around for a Slam but Jigsaw with a SPIKE TORNADO DDT. 1-2-NO, the crowd thought that was it.
Gran Akuma and Eddie Kingston are now at ringside, and all three are banging on the apron as the crowd start getting 100% behind Jigsaw. Jigsaw charges off the ropes, Morishima ducks and grabs the arm, LARIAT, TURNS HIM INSIDE OUT. 1-2-NO, JIGSAW KICKS OUT. The crowd are on their feet. Morishima goes for a Powerbomb, HURRACARANA BY JIGSAW. 1-2-NO, MORISHIMA BARELY ESCAPED. Jigsaw fires up, but Morishima is up. BACKDROP DRIVER, BUT JIGSAW IS UP. LARIAT BY MORISHIMA. 1-2-3. The fans boo the decision since they really wanted to see Jigsaw pull it off.
That was so much better than I was expecting it to be, it told the big man vs little man story brilliantly, making Jigsaw look like he had half a chance while at the same time making Morishima look like a killer for the beating he gave Jigsaw. Morishima looks good for a potential title reign- ***1/2

The crowd give Morishima a well deserved round of applause while some still booed. Jigsaw got to his feet with some help from Mike Quackenbush, and the fans give a well deserved standing ovation, and a loud “Jigsaw” chant. Morishima offers him a handshake and he accepts. Gran Akuma didn’t seem the least bit pleased that Jigsaw lost, berating him for losing, and had to be told by Quackenbush to go easy on him, but he eventually calmed down and they helped Jigsaw to the back.

Before Morishima can leave the ring, Shiima Xion comes down to ringside, sarcastically applauding. He gets into the ring, and offers Morishima a handshake. Morishima stares him down, then leaves while Shiima still remains in the ring with his hand outstretched. As Morishima leaves, Shiima taunts him, saying “What’s the matter, you wanted to shake hands last week.”. Clear mind games from Shiima Xion, I wonder if these will affect Morishima in any way, and what exactly is Shiima Xion trying to prove with these. I guess we will find out in the next few weeks.

So that’s the show for this week. And again, we have lots of unanswered questions. How dominant will the new Arik Cannon-B-Boy alliance be? Can Tyler Black get his revenge next week? What is Josh Abercrombie’s association with the Kings Of Wrestling? Why was Gran Akuma berating Jigsaw for his loss in the main event? What will Low-Ki do to Larry Sweeney next week? All this and much more will hopefully be answered next week on Pro Wrestling Midwest TV.

Now onto next week’s scheduled matches. Here is the preview

Main Event, Open Stipulation Title Tournament Match- El Generico vs Mike Quackenbush
This is a match that surprisingly has never happened on the independent wrestling scene before until now. Here we have two gifted high flying wrestlers capable of stealing any show that they are on. They will almost certainly put on a match for the ages here full of innovative offence. Who will win in this battle of the fastest wrestlers on the Pro Wrestling Midwest roster.

Open Stipulation Title Tournament Match- Low-Ki vs ‘Sweet and Sour’ Larry Sweeney
Another first time match, and one that is very interesting indeed: you could not have a bigger clash of styles. Low-Ki already has two pinfalls under his belt, both over Azrieal. Meanwhile Larry Sweeney has been running his mouth over his guaranteed victory over Low-Ki and capture of the Open Stipulation Title belt. Low-Ki seems to plan to do his talking in the ring. Will Larry Sweeney be able to back up his big words with a victory, or will Low-Ki continue his winning streak?

‘Double C’ Claudio Castagnoli vs Gran Akuma
This one could turn into a bit of a grudge match as well as a Title Tournament quarter final. This is because Gran Akuma’s teacher Mike Quackenbush and fellow student Eddie Kingston have been feuding with the Kings Of Wrestling over the first two shows. So the real question is, will this be a straight up wrestling match, or will Akuma be looking for some revenge. One thing’s for sure, we will see some big strike exchanges when the kicks and European uppercuts start flying.

Open Stipulation Title Tournament Match- ‘Mr Wrestling’ Kevin Steen vs ‘The Good Guy’ Azrieal
These are two men who have done little to earn the respect of the fans. Azrieal has already declared himself ‘The Good Guy’, but the fans seem to think he’s more of a ‘Bad Guy’. Meanwhile Kevin Steen seems to have some fan support, but has stated he doesn’t care about anyone except himself. Will Steen’s sheer power and determination lead him to victory or will ‘The Good Guy’ get his first Pro Wrestling Midwest win.

Grudge Singles Match- Marek Brave vs ‘The Anarchist’ Arik Cannon
This match has come about because of the attack by Arik Cannon and B-Boy on Marek Brave last week. Therefore this match has been signed, with B-Boy banned from ringside on the threat that he will be suspended if he interferes. So can Marek Brave avenge not only the beatdown last week, but his partner as well. With Tyler Black in the building it’ll be interesting to see what happens.

Grudge Tag Team Match- Chris Hero and Josh Abercrombie vs Eddie Kingston and Jigsaw
Eddie Kingston wants only one thing at the moment: Chris Hero in the ring. Meanwhile Josh Abercrombie has aligned himself with Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli. Therefore this match has been signed between the two Chikara graduates and the KOW duo. Can Eddie Kingston manage to gain a small measure of revenge on his bitter rival, or will the Kings Reign Supreme.

‘Sexy’ Chuck Taylor vs Sterling James Keenan’s ‘Monster
The Monster and Sterling James Keenan has been running riot during the first two weeks of Pro Wrestling Midwest, destroying Ricochet twice and costing Chuck Taylor a place in the Open Stipulation Title Tournament. Now Chuck Taylor has demanded this singles match as revenge, but the odds are heavily against as they were for Ricochet. Can Taylor do any better than he did last week, or will he fall to the same fate that Ricochet did.

Plus more with B-Boy and Matt Sydal in action

Well, that about wraps it up for this week. I need that feedback, so please send some in if you read. Next week there will be some big announcements regarding our big event, The Final Four, some other major developments, plus our third show of course and a look at the final show before the Final Four.