RAW review 08/19/2001 -- Maritime Pro Wrestling Forum

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Date Posted: 10:58:18 08/20/01 Mon
Author: BMN
Subject: RAW review 08/19/2001

Real Action Wrestling at the North Sydney Forum
August 19, 2001

In what may or may not be BMN's final RAW show for the summer as he is unsure as to whether or not he will be around for next Sunday's show,

Not surprisingly, the attendance nosedives because of Summerslam. Indy wrestling just can't beat the WWF juggernaut on any night so it was foolish for there not to be a special start time for this show. At the very least, a 7:00 start would have given people the belief that they wouldn't miss too much of the pay-per-view.

But me, I'm indy wrestling all the way baby! Well, as long as it's GOOD indy wrestling. So on with the show.

Joe E Legend, and NOT the Kardinal Sinners, is given the opening promo of the show, perhaps in an attempt to energize the smaller crowd. He pumps everyone up for the Legend-Rude match, which I was greatly anticipating.

1. Massive Damage vs. Mike Hughes (** 1/2)

In a bit of a confusing sequence of events, Massive Damage insists on a hardcore match but Hughes refuses. Even still, most people still figured this would be a hardcore match and were surprised when the ref was counting them out of the ring. Decent match; I can not stress enough that I feel that the "Hardcore" title should be abolished. When he doesn't defend it, we get to actually see Damage's talent and who pays $10 because there might be a hardcore title match anyway? Hughes wins with a little help from Kingman (a bit amusing to see Damage turn his back on Kingman in a rather stunned manuever).

2. Custom Made Man vs. Duke MacIssac (** 1/2)

In an amusing moment, CMM comes by to slap hands and congratulates us on choosing R.A.W. over Summerslam or, as he calls it, "that shit." Duke continues to show his improvement and Custom continues to impress. Custom hits the "four star" frog splash (because he's so modest, y'know) to get the win.

3. Chi Chi Cruz vs. Eddy Watts (** 1/2)

Pretty good little match to segue into intermission. I actually think this wouldn't be bad as a little mini-feud. I think with a couple more pairings, these guys could warm into ***-**** territory quite easily. In BMN's mark-out moment of the night (until we found out the kitchen was still open at Chandler's later in the night), Cruz wins the match with a SMALL PACKAGE. Thus, I finally get to fulfill my promise to mark out for a small package victory in front of my friends.

Intermission time.

4. Joe E Legend vs. Bobby Rude (****)

Dynamite, of course. Joe E's best effort yet and Rude was right there with him, busting his butt. And the crowd was into it from start to finish. It's close between this and last week's tag bout but I'd say this is the new frontrunner for R.A.W. North Sydney match of the year. Surprising finish as Joe E's losing streak continues; Rude wins pulling the trunks on a rollup. Legend counters by challenging Rude to a submission match next week. I'm all for it...

5. Wildman Gary Williams vs. Kingman (** 1/4)

Match suffered a bit from Kingman's lethargy, although Williams seemed into it. Also, the DQ finish (involving Hughes) was a bit weak, but it did lead to Kingman putting Williams through a table- a well done bit. Damage comes out (a little late) and exchanges words with Hughes thereby setting the table for a Williams/Damage-Hughes/Kingman bout next week. Amazing how they always have a double main event set up and ready to go, isn't it?

Highest match ranking: **** (Legend v Rude)
Lowest match ranking: ** 1/4 (Williams v Kingman)
Avg. match ranking: ** 3/4
Event ranking: ***

The mood of the show was lackluster but the overall quality
was solid. I don't think I've ever reviewed a show in North Sydney where the lowest match ranking was ** 1/4. The only sad thing is I'm imagining how much better this show would have been in front of a bigger crowd: that's the summer breaks, I guess.

With champion Williams in a tag match next week, I'm betting that Legend and Rude will be given the main event. This is an intriguing concept. One wonders if the submission match will work. Joe is fantastic at chain wrestling but too much grappling often works today's fans into a bored tizzy. But with a little bit of brawling mixed in, I'm betting that he and Rude can tear it down...if we're all willing to live without the excitement of the near falls. 'Til then...

BMN

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Replies:

Re: RAW review 08/19/2001 -- joe, 12:13:48 08/20/01 Mon
- Yuck -- brec7, 22:16:36 08/20/01 Mon
My Match Rankings/Thoughts -- brec7, 22:33:54 08/20/01 Mon