McPinions
By: Sean “The MiC” McCaffrey

What's up everyone, and welcome to another McPinions column here on the DOI site. This time, I'm going to take a look at JAPW's end of the year show, "Seasons Beatings", as it takes place this Friday Night. Below you will find out the show information, with my opinions of the matches taking place.

December 10, 2004
Rahway Rec Center
Rahway, NJ
Belltime: 8:15pm

S I G N E D M A T C H E S:

- JAPW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP -
Dan Maff(c) vs Samoa Joe
This main event started earlier this year, back in April, but recently resurfaced at the last show, in October. JAPW has done a nice job of hyping up this match. Some people are calling this a title vs title match, but JAPW is not promoting the match this way. As far as who wins this, it's anyone guess. My question is what happens after the victory. What are the consequences after winning this match? Maff needs this win here more, as his title reign has been lackluster, as he's gotten his ass kicked practically at the end of every title match he's had. A solid win here will help Maff's credibility as JAPW champion. Another screwy finish could hurt it. Maff's championship run hasn't been as dominant as his tag team title runs, making him a vulnerable champion. With Samoa Joe looking to add another Heavyweight title belt to his resume, this should be a fantastic match.

- JAPW LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (Title vs Career) -
Jay Lethal(c) vs Azrieal
If it wasn't for Teddy Hart vs Homicide, then Jay Lethal vs Azrieal would be feud of the year. These guys have killed each other all year. This feud actually started last year, and heated up when Lethal beat Azrieal to win the JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship. These guys wrestled off-on all year, culminating in a 5 star ladder match on 9/17. Azrieal has added manager Rick Silver to his side, to counter Jay Lethal's father. I can tell you that this match will have a huge story coming out after it, just like a huge story started going into it, because I think something will happen between Rick Silver and Jay Lethal's father. The question is, what will it be? There are rumors Azrieal is going to college, so could that affect the outcome of this match? Either way, look for this match to steal the show, just like these two have done in the past.

- JAPW TAG-TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP -
The Solution(c) w/Johnny D. vs Christopher Street Connection
This match has been built up on the last several JAPW shows, and this feud has also spilt over into USA Pro, where The Solution won the CSC's USA PW tag team titles. Could CSC return the favor here? The fans want CSC to win the titles, as is evident in their reactions to the CSC breaking up the last two Solution post match celebrations. Could the D-Factor himself, Johny D prevent the CSC from winning the straps? These guys have feuded all over the indies, and know each other very well, so this should be another solid match on this show.

AJ Styles vs Homicide
This might be match of the night. Two of the best indy wrestlers today square off here. Homicide has alot of momentum going into this match, as he has his Strong Style Thugs to back him up. AJ Styles is maybe one of the best wrestlers today, in North America, and won't be an easy opponent for Homicide. As far as the result of this match, I think AJ Styles is going into this match with no allies, which could be his downfall against the barbaric Homicide and his SST's.

Jack Evans vs El Generico
This match stems from the Best of The Lightheavyweights VII match, which Jack Evans won, on 9/17. El Generico is known for his unique offense, and has showcased his brainbuster onto the turnbuckle on the last few JAPW shows. Jack Evans may be the top cruiserweight and high flyer to ever grace a JAPW ring. This should be a spotfest and have everyone out of their seats. I feel bad for whatever match has to follow up this.

B-Boy vs Teddy Hart
This is the first time these two have ever stepped in a ring to fight in a one on one match, and a fight it will be. JAPW has done an excellent job building up the SST vs Hart's Crew. While B-Boy might not have the same aura that Homicide has, I do expect this match to get the same reaction and have all the fans going wild. Either guy can win this match, and either guy can lose this match, because it's not who wins or loses here, it's who damages their opponent more.

Carnage Crew vs H Effect of Deranged & Dixie
This may be the easiest match to predict. Carnage Crew aligned up with Hart/Evans at the last JAPW show, but they didn't explain why they did. The H-Effect have still never regained the same buzz or push since JAPW left Bayonne. I see the Carnage Crew squashing The H-Effect here, as I think this match is more used to further a storyline, then anything else.

Roderick Strong vs Super Dragon
I really like what JAPW is doing with Roderick Strong. Roderick Strong gets better and better in every match he has. I don't think I've ever seen him have a bad match. Super Dragon is loved by the fans, even though I haven't really gotten into his work. Super Dragon has been booked oddly in JAPW, as he squashed Beef Wellington in his JAPW debut, and got squashed by Samoa Joe at the last show. Roderick Strong has been on a tear in JAPW, making you remember his performance and not his win/loss record. I see Super Dragon winning this match here, as JAPW needs to do something big with Super Dragon, because the fans love him.

DARK MATCHES
These matches are not 100% confirmed. These matches are rumored, but not 100% booked.

Grim Reefer vs Beef Wellington
The Ass Punch meets the Swanton Bong here. Beef is over in JAPW, and Reefer has never had a bad JAPW match. Reefer is a guy who can have a good match with anyone, and it should be interesting to watch these two different styles go head to head here.

Eric Stevens vs Archadia
Eric Stevens comes from Florida, and Archadia is a guy who has been looking good in recent north NJ matches. Both guys have something to prove in this match. Archadia had a good dark match last time out, and has been impressing JAPW scouts in AWA, which earned him a return match. Eric Stevens was able to get over with JAPW fans a few shows ago. These two should have a solid match here.

One name that I haven't mentioned yet and have been emailed/asked about is Low Ki. Low Ki is not booked on the show. According to Low Ki's official website, at http://www.low-ki.com he isn't booked to be anywhere else on 12/10. Could Low Ki make a special surprise appearance? Eric Simms probably hopes not, but myself and other JAPW fans I'm sure wouldn't mind. JAPW is known for their surprises, so I wouldn't 100% rule out not seeing Low Ki this Friday Night to advance the SST vs Hart/Evans storyline.

Overall, this show looks kickass on paper. I think JAPW will have another blowaway show this Friday night, but nothing is definite. JAPW wasn't able to follow up on their excellent 9/17 show, as the 10/30 show was good, but not JAPW good. I believe this show erase 10/30 and close off JAPW with a bang.

For more on JAPW go to http://www.japw.net

To reserve tickets right away, please email Fat Frank at FatFrank@japw.net

The DOI will have a full review of this show, as well as JAPW News/Notes coming out of the show.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com