This past Saturday, DPW returned for their first show of 2007. This was my first DPW show ever, so I wasn't familiar with some of the angles and some wrestlers. However, what I noticed at my first DPW show was that they have a solid nucleus of loyal fans. Promoter Mike Milano does a great job connecting with his audience and while the crowd wasn't huge, they were loyal and all happy to be there. I'm not that up-to-date with all the politics in the Connecticut scene, but from what I saw first hand, DPW had a tight ship, with the fans being the number 1 priority. No one can hate on that.

DPW
2/10
Refs: Sal, Vinny, Mike & someone whose name I didn't catch
Ring Announcer: "Wild" Bill Brown
Attendance: 85+

The DPW DVD broadcast/announce team was introduced to a mix reaction, as some fans booed Paulie J., while others cheered for CC LaSalle.

Chris Mooch d. Danny Demanto
This is my first time seeing Mooch, and he wasn't that impressive to me. Maybe he's capable of more, but if someone told me he was new, I wouldn't doubt it.

This match saw Mooch tease slamming Demanto, only to fall on his back because of the weight of Danny's lardass. However, Mooch forgot to kick out, but the ref made the save, pulling his hand back before counting 3 at the 30 second mark in the match. Danny hit alot of his trademark moves, such as the victim kick, the senton and jumping elbow. Danny would also hit the Pork Grind Line, but Mooch wouldn't go down. Mmooch came back with a superkick and finished Danny off with a belly2belly suplex at the 4:27 mark.
This was not an impressive match for other men. I've seen Danny do better. At least Danny was able to get the crowd into the match, which is important for an opening bout.

Mike Milano w/Mandy Mancuso came out next to introduce his fans. I know Jason Knight is a huge influence in DPW, and I would say that ECW is a huge influence on DPW. The reason I say that, as from my first impression of Mike Milano, he strikes me as "Paul Heymanesque", meaning that the fans are his number 1 priority. He tells the fans what's going on and would rather tell them the truth than make up bullshit. Milano said that Dylan Kage was not here, as Kage ran off to Cleveland. Milano gave the impression that Kage was thru with the company. All of a sudden, while he was taking, Avil Graves ran out and DDT'ed Mandy Mancuso. Justin Credible & Jason Knight ran out to make the save, as Graves bailed through the back door. A huge "IMPACT PLAYAZ" chant broke out.
Not familiar with the Graves/Mancuso backstory, but the crowd was hugely into it.

Pat Gunner d. Del Tsunami w/Paulie J.
Special Ref: Bull Dredd
Gunner is doing a Chris Hero type of thing, as he's sporting a version of the Superman logo on his ring gear. The story of this match saw Paulie J. keep interfering, and eventually Bull Dredd got pissed off. Dredd got mad over the interference and got himself involved in the match. Dredd started beating up Del, and called for the "Bullseye", as Dredd hit a sidewalk slam while Gunner dropped an elbow off the top rope. Gunner wins the match via pinfall at 5:02.
Not the best match in the world, but the crowd was into Dredd getting physical.

Tony Devito & Big J (Formerly of the Rednecks From Hell) d. Max Bauer & Don Chesterfield
PREMATCH: Bauer & Chesterfield, the heels, cut a promo bashing Devito. It looked like the match was supposed to be a singles match between Chesterfield & Devito. Devito came out and said he'd kick both their asses. However, as the match started, Big J came out, and teased that he might go after Devito, but instead joined forces with the former Baldie, making this match a tag team brawl.

This was one of the more funner matches of the night, as these four kicked each other's asses all over the building. I would say Devito is the third most over guy on the roster, right behind Credible & Knight. These guys fought into the crowd and this was one of the few matches that the crowd stood on their feet for the whole entire time. Going to alot of indy shows, if you can get the crowd off their feet the whole match, you're doing your job right and then plus some.

A funny spot in this match saw Devito "Hulk Up". Devito did the big boot & legdrop on Bauer. The finish of the match saw Devito & Big J hit the "Hart Attack" on Don Chesterfield for the 1-2-3.
POSTMATCH: Devito put over Big J in the ring with a promo and said Big J has the DPW spirit. The crowd popped.

Black Rage (Shaft and Gullaurme Desade) d. Purty Kurty & Doctor Heresy
Kurty & Heresy seem to be doing the "Striker" gimmick, as they were impersonating The Rock & Sock Connection. Purty played the Mankind role while Doctor Heresy was "The Doc".

I liked the Black Rage tag team and thought they had potential. Being from the northeast, I'm spoiled as I've seen alot of great indy stuff over the last 5 years. Don't get me wrong, Kurty & The Doc, were good at what they were doing, but I've seen better, much better, from guys like Striker & Rob Eckos when they did the impersonation gimmick in 3PW. However, Kurty & Doc did get over with this crowd, and that's all that really matters anyway.

Most of this match was comedy as you'd expect and Kurty busted out a black dildo. There were alot of kids in the audience, but then again this is DEFIANT pro wrestling, so you know what you're getting in advance. However, all the dildos in the world couldn't help Kurty & The Doc, as Black Rage were able to win this match after a roll-up for the 1-2-3.
Ok comedy match, but I've seen better. I'd like to see what Kurty & Heresy can do in a non-comedic role. I think Black Rage has potential.

In the Match of the Night
For the DPW Cruiserweight Title
(c) Brian Fury d. Jason Blade
This was my first time seeing either guy live, and boy was I impressed. This was easily the best match on the show, and if these guys get a chance, they can be all the rage of the northeast. These guys were very impressive, and me, being somewhat jaded, to say that, really means that these guys have the stuff.

These guys had alot of good chain wrestling to start and definitely understood wrestling pyschology, which sometimes is a lost thing on today's indy shows. These guys dabbled outside for abit, before going in the ring where Fury hit a huge exploder. The crowd even got up a few times to start chants putting over the match. There were so many crazy spots in this match, but it was all wrestling spots that meant something. The end saw Fury powerbomb Blade, then flip over Blade, using his weight as leverage to keep Blade pinned down. The crowd gave the guys a huge ovation after the match.
There's nothing more I can say than go out and see this on DVD when it's released.

In A Falls Count Anywhere Match
Kristian Frost d. Nocturne
This was a fun brawl, but not as good as the tag team brawl from earlier on. This brawl also got a tad repetitive at times, as the guys were doing the same spots and throwing each other in and out of the same door. They fought all over the building, and did a valiant job getting the crowd into the match, even fighting outdoors. These guys did work really hard, for what it's worth. However, after tons of fighting on the floor and outside, Frost wins this match after a sunset flip.
I'm guessing Nocturne will get a rematch in the future.

INTERMISSION
A much needed break was called for, as the first half was solid.

For the DPW Tag Team Belts
The Untouchables (Mark Gore & Anthony Michaels) w/Missy Sampson d. The Candian Superstars (J-Busta & Dave Cole)
I haven't seen these guys in a while, but it looks like everyone is improving their look, although, the Superstars were just wearing Jeans & T-Shirts instead of their regular ring gear. The only reason I think this match was disappointing was because it was only 6 minutes long. I would've liked to see what they could've done with more time. Michaels wins this match after a powerbomb on cole.
POSTMATCH: The Canadian Superstars fucked up Mark Gore with a Canadian Stomp.

Antonio Thomas d. Kid Mikaze
This was another good match on the show, because Thomas wanted it to be. Most guys Thomas's size would've just kicked the shit out of Kid Mikaze since Mikaze is small. However, Thomas gave him a good match, and shined as a result. This match went 13:02 and was a back and forth affair. There were alot of big spots in this match, such as a top rope german suplex by Mikaze. However, "The Promise" was able to put Mikaze away with a spinning powerbomb for the 1-2-3.
POSTMATCH: Mikaze, the loser of the match, cut a promo saying he wanted Brian Fury. I'm unaware if there is a backstory between those two guys. Mikaze wanted a title match with Fury. Fury came out and said if Mikaze couldn't beat him in 5 minutes, he'd never get a title shot again. The match was then made.

For the DPW Cruiserweight Championship
Kid Mikaze d. (c) Brian Fury to become new champion
The one thing I didn't get about this match was that it was rushed. This could've been a good match for next show. DPW built up Ariel/Cindy on their girls show, but went about this match differently. I guess the mens booking is different than the womens booking.
Regardless, these guys had a good 5 minutes and told a good story. The crowd was 50-50 here. Mikaze hit alot of "circus-type" offense, such as running at the ropes and flipping down on Fury. Fury dominated the closing minute of the match, as the crowd started counting down the time with the ring announcer. However, the referee fucked the whole ending up as Mikaze pulled off a flash pin on Fury at the 4:57 mark. However, the ref counted kinda slow and didn't count 3 before the 5:00 mark. Therefore, technically, Fury was pinned at 5:01, and should've remained champ.
POSTMATCH: Mike Milano, thinking quickly on his feet, came out and set the record straight, saying that Fury was pinned as time expired, and therefore Mikaze was new champ. I think we'll have a rematch soon, as due to the finish, Fury, the heel looked screwed. It was like Sting-Hogan all over again.

For the DPW Heavyweight Championship
(c) Slyck Wagner Brown d. John Walters
This was another great match on this show. These guys have wrestled a bunch of times and having that teacher-student relationship, they always put on great bouts since they know each other very well. Lots of back and forth chain wrestling in this one. At the 16:03 mark, Slyck put Walters away with an Appreciation Bomb. The crowd loved this match and stood up for it at the end, putting guys both over.
POSTMATCH: Walters attacked Slyck. I guess this feud continues soon, and I wouldn't mind as they put on a good showing here.

MAIN EVENT
Justin Credible d. Luis Ortiz
Another solid match on this show. I believe this might've been Credible's first match back on the indies, but I'm not sure. I will say, Credible works extremely hard for this promotion. Credible really busted his ass here tonight and looked in good shape. I've always been a fan of Ortiz and if he desired, I think he could make a big name in the NJ/Philly area.

This match featured several cane shots, as the match degenerated into a brawl. There were some rough chops outside. Back in the ring, it looked like Luis tweaked his knee badly, as they went straight into the finish. With the ref not paying attention, Avil Graves ran out and DDT'ed Ortiz. Credible made the quick pin and won the match.
To me, I think Luis was really injured and I hope to find out his status soon.

POSTMATCH: In an excellent angle that was crafted in a superior manner, Mike Milano ran out to berate Credible for injuring Ortiz. Milano brought up Credible's past and threatened to fire him. This brought out Jason Knight, who tried to play peace maker, but it made clear that he would side with Credible if Milano pushed the issue. During this whole time, EVERYONE was standing. Everyone stood for this promo, as it was really intense. The show ended with Otiz being brought to the back for medical attention, and everyone wondering what would happen with Milano/Knight/Credible.

Final McWord
I really liked this show. It's hard sometimes for me to have fun at an indy show, but I did here. I thought most of the matches were pretty good, even if I didn't like some stuff. Blade/Fury stole the show. Thomas/Mikaze, the tag brawl, Credible/Ortiz & Slyck/Walters were also good matches.

I thought the storytelling was better than what I see at most indy shows. The whole ending of this show made you want to see what happened next, and it sucks that DPW wasn't able to announce their next date (They are still in negotiations with their venue) to the live crowd, because I bet every person there would've bought a ticket next time, just to see what happens with Credible/Knight/Milano.

DPW has a good mix of stuff. Most people reading this review are from NY/NJ/Philly, so if you're looking for something new, and want to see some different faces mixed in with some regulars, give DPW a chance. I'm glad I did.

Overall
A great day of wrestling presented by DPW & their staff.

For more on DPW, visit DefiantProWrestling.com

This DVD will be released in the DOIVIDEO.com section. Stay tuned for details.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com