Welcome everyone to another McReview here on the DOI. For some reason I feel reinvigorated, so this should be a decent write -up.

This time I'll be looking at WSU's second event, which took place this past Friday night. For those who don't know, WSU is the promotion ran by former UCW/ICW promoter, Jac Sabboth. While the WSU letters are different from Jac's previous promotions, the rosters are essentially the same, with some new blood like Corvis Fear, Notorious Inc, and others replacing the faces of old, like Chris Devine, Abunai, etc.

This show was set-up to sell DVDs only, hence this show being free admission. In this day and age where DVDs are doing better numbers than gate attendance, WSU took a calculated risk by not trying to break even at the door. Just like the TV Tapings of old, and just like DSW & TNA today, WSU is hoping their footage, in DVD form rather than TV, is what brings in the money. While WSU only had 70 or so people in the house, at this time you can't tell if this show was successful or a failure financially, until the DVDs are ready to be sold.

WSU ran its first event in May of 2006. The show was focused on crowning a heavyweight champion, as Xavier won an 8-man tournament. There was not much angle development on that show, outside of a silly Jac Sabboth turn on the Masked Maniac. However, former UCW/ICW booker Harry Slash, who is assisting Jac in this latest venture, wasn't at that show to lend a helping hand. At this show, Harry was here, and surprisingly after leaving the show, I don't think much was set-up for the future. I'll get into that more at the end of this review, as here is what went down:

WSU
12/15
From Lake Hiawatha, NJ
Refs: Matt Bennett & A very drunk charismatic Sean Hanson
Ring Announcer: Mike Lewis
Attendance: 70+

PRESHOW MATCHES

Cha-Cha d. Tara Charisma
Words can not do wonders for what happened here. There have been lots of fake posts on message boards and lots of jokes about "Tara Charisma being raped", and while rape isn't a humorous subject by any means, it is something that has been accepted as being harmless when it comes to silly internet forum posts. However, while even myself have taken the word "rape" lightly when it comes to joking and reading Tara Charisma message board posts, this match really woke me up to rape awareness and the seriousness of a rape crime. This match was a full blown rape and was something out of Oz, as Cha-Cha basically raped, humiliated and took Tara Charisma's dignity. I am not really trying to be funny and I'm sure there will be some people who think I'm still joking and using the rape word lightly, but if you weren't there, then this is a match you will want to see on DVD just for the sheer beating Tara took here.

Cha-Cha embarrassed Tara here. This match was very ugly and full of blown spots. I was very disappointed and surprised to see Tara just get abused badly in this match, as Cha-Cha, who gives up about 4 years of experience to Tara, went out on a full- press assault. Watching this match live gave you the feeling that Mass Transit's parents must've had when New Jack sliced that fat fuck up. You just felt bad that you couldn't do anything to stop it.

Cha-Cha openly called out stiff shots she was going to give Tara, screaming out "Forearms" and "chops" and Tara just sat there and took it. I was really surprised to see Tara, who is a veteran, take this type of crap from someone who hasn't been around as long as her. Cha-Cha really made a name for herself off of Tara in this match.

Things didn't look good for Tara early in this match as Ref Hanson, who seemed very liquored up, started hitting on her during the pre-match patdown for foreign objects. It didn't get any better, as Cha-Cha made Tara her bitch early on, hitting two victim kicks followed up by a sitout dropkick, which are moves from Alicia's moveset. Cha-Cha then pulled a page out of the Sumie Sakai book, and did the hair-pull-switch-hands-at-5-gimmick on Tara. Tara would try to fight back, but could only muster up a few blown spots, which both girls looked equally at fault for, since it looked like Tara was trying to work with her opponent while Cha-Cha seemed to have ulterior motives.

Cha-Cha would continue her rampage, as it looked like Tara gave up towards the end of this match. Cha-Cha put Tara away with a DDT that made a huge "dud" sound, which pretty much sums up this match.
This match itself was entertaining for all the wrong reasons, but even a cold-hearted fuck like me felt bad for the ass reaming Tara took here. It definitely looked like Cha-Cha was shooting on Tara and Tara couldn't defend it. Tara hasn't been in a ring in a long time and maybe this will be a wake-up call for the future. I was truly surprised that Tara didn't take things in her own hands.
I'm reviewing this match first because it was the first match on the show, so I don't know as I write this, but I'm assuming I'm giving this match the most text in this review. It is definitely worth seeing on DVD if you're a fan of massacres. Tara looked as clueless as Isiah Thomas during a fourth quarter in this match. What a trainwreck.

Donnie Bon Jovi d. Xander Page w/Jack of Hearts
We went from an in-ring massacre to a massacre of pro wrestling here. I like Bon Jovi's gimmick and he makes well of what he's got. He's not the biggest guy and isn't going to intimidate a crowd, so he goes the other route- be as annoying as possible to rile up a crowd. Smart move and its a gimmick that has been working for years.

Xander Page is one of VPW's students as is the Jack of Hearts. Xander is still very new to the wrestling business and it showed in this match. Everyone needs to start somewhere and get their feet wet, as this is indy wrestling, but unfortunately for Xander, he didn't make a real good start here in WSU. I was expecting a much better match here, especially since these guys work-out & train together, but it looked like Xander forgot some of his offense in this match, and this match wound up being dragged out.

The beginning of the match started off seemingly well, as the crowd was feeling Bon Jovi and his "Living on a Prayer" entrance. However, once Xander got on offense, the crowd waned interest. One of the problems with Xander Page is what the fuck is an Xander Page? He is wearing camo pants and a wifebeater. He needs to connect better with crowds. I still don't know what he is supposed to be or what he represents. I do know he's mainly a tag team wrestler, as he's part of Eclipse in VPW, so maybe that's why he had trouble finding himself in this singles match.

Towards the end of this match, Bon Jovi hit a sweet looking top rope missle drop kick on Xander. The Jack of Hearts got onto the apron to distract the ref while Bon Jovi had Xander down for three. While Hart jaw jacked the referee, this gave Xander time for a second wind, which he capitalized on, as he put Bon Jovi away with a sloppy looking chokeslam for the 1-2-3.
Probably not either mans best match, but the effort was there. I'm not sure if Xander is ready to be working in front of a more smart mark crowd yet, as this crowd was alot different than the VPW crowds that Xander is used to.

Melissa Stripes d. Alexa Thatcher
This was easily the best match of the preshow, although arguably the Tara/Cha-Cha match will be remembered more. This match paired the two hottest up-and-comers in NJ, and I wouldn't be surprised to see these two booked against each other alot in 2007 since they have natural chemistry in the ring.

The one thing I didn't get about this match was why Melissa Stripes was a tweener. I think she wrestles better as a face, and since this is her hometown building, you'd figure she'd stay that way here. Instead, she was heeling it up at points, but still hitting face-type moves.

I really recommend purchasing the Xavier shoot interview we did here on the DOI, as Xavier went in-depth about this subject. Alot of the ROH-bots buried Xavier for not doing his high impact offense, such as the 450 splash, which Melissa does too, when he was the heel champion. However what those fans didn't recoginize was that by not giving them that move, Xavier was being that much more of a heel. It doesn't make much sense for a heel to do moves that will pop a crowd, so that's why this match was kinda weird, because Stripes was heeling out for most of the match, but then finished Alexa off with a 450 which rightfully so "Oohed" and "Aahed" the crowd. How can you boo someone who just hit a picture-perfect 450 splash? You pretty much can't, and when Melissa won the crowd didn't know what to do.

Aside from that point, I thought this was a good match here. Both women connected with the crowd. Stripes busted out a running knee drop followed up by a springboard X-Factor combo on Alexa that popped the crowd. (Again back to the heel/face stuff, but that's minor at this point.) Alexa followed up by hitting a picture-perfect swinging huranacarana/leg scissors take down move on Melissa. This match also featured a wicked chopfest, with both girls equally getting in their shine, unlike the womens match previous.

The ending stage of this match saw Alexa hit a huge superplex on Melissa, but that didn't keep Melissa down. Not for nothing, but the superplex was nicely executed and not a move you typically see in a womens match. In a nice touch of storytelling, Alexa went for another huranacarana/leg scissors but this time Stripes had it scouted and reversed it into a powerbomb. Little things like that really go along way as it shows that the wrestler reversing the move is not a dumbass and realizes what's going on. Stripes would reverse another move, as it looked like Alexa was going for another superplex. Stripes pushed Alexa off the ropes, sending Alexa crashing to the mat. Stripes followed up with the 450 splash for the pinfall victory.
Good match here and both wrestlers worked hard.

MAIN SHOW MATCHES
Oh man, I've been typing already for 30 minutes and only did the pre-show. I gotta hurry along here!

Ghanda Rhea Akbar d. Grim Reefer
Akbar is now sporting a US flag on fire on his tights. Nice touch to the gimmick. For everything you can say and that has been said about Akbar/Eddie Guapo, the guy takes great pride in his gimmick and look. I've been watching Guapo/Akbar for almost 5 years now and every single time I've seen him, whether he be "Hot-Stuff" Eddie Guapo, Ghanda Rhea Akbar, Los Lunatic Guapo or whatever, the guy always looks the part and has gear. Alot of student wrestlers, such as the VPW guys, could learn from that. By just looking the part and looking like a wrestler and having gear, you instantly get the crowds attention and respect. By looking like a backyarder when you work out the curtain, you can't really expect the crowd to give a shit.

This match featured a unique pairing. Reefer was super-over with this crowd, as he's been burning up indy rings for some time now. Going into this match, I didn't know what to expect, as Akbar needs to dominate and wrestle deliberately to get his character over, while Reefer is a bada-bing bada-boom guy, flying around all over the place and hitting high impact moves. I don't think this was a good match pairing, as I think this is a match that would be better off being built up rather than being given away with no heat or reason. However with that said, these guys put out a decent match which the crowd was really into.

Reefer started this match on fire, sending Akbar over the top rope. Reefer followed up with a huge baseball slide that sent Akbar flying into the guard rails. Reefer would also bust out a frogsplash on the floor, albeit to the side where there were no fans, but at least it will look good on DVD which again was the point of this show anyway. When Guapo started beating down Reefer and getting his offense in, Reefer came out of no-where, busting out a huge left arm clothesline. I've said it before here on the DOI- Reefer throws the best left-handed clothesline in wrestling.

Despite Reefer's flashy offense, Akbar was prepared and had a plan B. As Reefer was going for a big move, Akbar caught Reefer and planted him on the mat, where Akbar took the time out to put his feet on the ropes. Of course, the ref missed Akbars feet on the ropes and counted three, as Akbar picked up the cheap win.
This match had very good heat, and while there was no break or difference between main-show and pre-show matches, I don't think I'd open up with this match just for the fact that the crowd seemed deflated when Reefer lost. Usually shows are started on a high note and the match did have that up until Akbar won. Then again, this wasn't really an opening match, as there were three matches that preceded this. Overall, good effort by both guys.

Corvis Fear d. Bandido Jr., Detox, JD Michaels, Jav-Air & Gavin Quest in 6-Way Fray
ORDER OF ELIMINATION:
1- Detox
2- JD Michaels
3- Gavin Quest
4- Bandido Jr.
5- Javi-Air

I'm personally not a huge fan of these matches, as there is really no rhyme or reason behind them. These matches are designed to be glorified spotfests and take away from other stuff on the show. It's really hard to tell a story and put something together in a match like this. Also, with matches like these, when none of the guys have any real heat or story, why should anyone care about the wrestlers in there? All you wind up caring up are the highspots, which fans forget by the next week anyway.

Bandido & Detox started off this gymnastics spree first. Detox was eliminated first after getting some ring-time. Corvis and JD were up next and went back & forth. JD was the next one out of this match after a double-team gone awry with Gavin Quest. After Quest cost JD his shot at the match, Quest took over in the ring with Corvis. Corvis at this point was the most over guy in the match.

With JD & Detox out, the match went along with Quest and Javi-Air in the ring. Javi-Air was able to eliminate Quest, leaving himself, Corvis & Bandido Jr as the remaining three guys in the match. Javi-Air & Bandido Jr made sure to keep Corvis out of the ring, which seems odd, as in an elimination match, you'd think you'd want the other guy in the ring so your opponents can wear away at another.

Bandido Jr. was eliminated next in this match, after a double team move by Corvis & Javi-Air, which left those two wrestlers as the final two participants in the match. Javi-Air then busted out some sick offense, but it wasn't enough, as Corvis put Javi-Air away with a variation of the Burning Hammer.
Good showing for the wrestlers here, but this match and most matches like this to me are a waste. You got alot of guys working hard here but for what? I'm more of a fan of the story-telling and angle development in matches, rather than designed spotfests. Also hurting this match and making this match seem unimportant was the fact that this wasn't the originally announced match, so anyone could just step in to keep it a 6 way match. Again, this is more of a personal preference for me, so I'm sure others enjoyed this much more than I did.

The Christopher Street Connection d. Mack Daddy Flexxx & El Shoes
PREMATCH: Flexxx & Shoes, wearing cowboy hats and looking fruity, said they were the toughest men on this show. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that "YMCA" would be playing two seconds after they said that.

To me, this was the best match of the show. No other match had the crowd heat this match did. Keep in mind that this show had no intermission or break of any sort. Also, this match had to follow a designed spotfest multi-man match. In other words, this match had alot of stuff going against it, crowd/heat wise before the opening bell.

From bell-to-bell the crowd was alive and hot for this match. These guys didn't need to do all the monkey flips and double team moves and all the neck dropping moves in the world to get over. They had probably the easiest match on the show, and I can't really recall, but I'd be surprised if there were more than 5 bumps in this match. However, every bump meant something and these guys told a great story and put together a good match. Younger indy guys could really learn from the CSC as they are masters of weaving stories in the ring and knowing the crowd they are in front of.

Flexxx & Shoes aren't a natural team, and this isn't a shot against them, but it proves that anyone can have a good match with the CSC. Flexxx & Shoes teamed up here and made the most of their opportunity and played perfect fodder for the CSC. The CSC have been doing this act for years, but it never gets old. They find a new way to connect with crowds time and time again. They also are great at picking out one-liners to say to their opponents and had some funny material for Mr. Shoes & Mr. Flexxx.

This match kind of saved this show from being heatless and emotionless. Up to this point, the crowd were into certain wrestlers, but during and after this match, the crowd was hot and into the show. The CSC did all their gay kissing spots and there were tons of attempted butt sex in this match. Even a blown spot at the end of this match couldn't get this crowd or the wrestlers in the ring down, as the crowd laughed along with Buff-E during it. Mace got the win for his team here, pinning Shoes to end this entertaining bout.
Just like how I'm not a fan of unnecessary 6-ways, I'm sure there are people who might not like the CSC gimmick. However in wrestling, there is something for everyone, and I'm a fan of storytelling and comedy in wrestling, so for me this was the best match. One fact that can't be disputed was that this was the most over match on the show, even getting more reaction than the main event.

Talia d. April Hunter
I don't know what the hell was going on this match or what the WSU was trying to do here. Talia & April are a tag team in other promotions, but I don't know if WSU was acknowledging that fact or not. Both these wrestlers wore similiar gear, which is their tag team gear. It was also tough to figure out who the heel and who the face was in this match, as it seemed to change as the minutes went along. This match was just confusing to watch as a whole.

Whether it be from wrestling someone familiar in April Hunter or just getting more experience, to me, Talia has improved as an in-ring competitor. She definitely has stepped up her game from the last time I saw her wrestle. April physically dominated this match for the most part but went in and out of the good guy/bad guy realm. She also took shots at the crowd saying that the fans are only here to see what the girls look like and said something along the lines that the fans didn't care about the wrestling in the ring. I doubt April saw the other two womens matches, but if she did, she'd realize the crowd saw two very interesting womens matches previous to this, and were into it, especially that Tara beating.

The finish of this match saw what seemed at the time a heel April punishing Talia. Kevin Matthews came out to scout. The ref was bumped which allowed Kevin to spring into action. With the ref down, Kevin stopped April's flow, and hit a Randy Ortonesque side backbreaker. Somehow, that move was able to knock April out for good, and Talia, who I'm guessing is now the heel here, picked up the cheap pinfall victory.
Not a terrible in-ring match here, as it was pretty decent, but for telling a story, this was like watching WCW in the Russo days. I think April & Talia turned 5 times combined in this match from heel to face. I also thought Kevin should've hit his Egodriver finisher to lay April out. I don't know how a backbreaker puts out April for 3. I'm also guessing that WSU wasn't acknowledging the tag team of April & Talia as Talia seemed happy leaving with Kevin. This match was just a mess story-line and execution wise, but the in-ring stuff was solid.

Notorious Inc d. The Dirty Rotten Scoundrelz & The Angus Brothers in a three-way dance
This match was a major step-up for the DRS from the last time I saw them. KC Blade seems to be getting back in ring-shape. Negro looked very odd, as he's cut the hair that really gives him that grimey, dirty look. That hair cut makes him look like a 9th grader on picture day.

Looks aside, these three teams really brought it here. Again, all three teams had matching gear and looked the part. Other teams can learn from that. This match started off with DRS & Notorious Inc teaming up against the Angus Brothers. The Angus Brothers were able to fight off the opposition sending the DRS & Not. Inc to the floor. One of the Angus's dove into the pile of heels on the floor to a big pop.

As the match went along, DRS & Not. Inc seemed to have a bond to take out the Angus Brothers. The DRS really picked up steam towards the end, as they hit a Dirty Rotten Driver on Billy Angus, followed up with a huge reverse spike piledriver on Danny Angus. However, the DRS didn't get the chance to make the cover and make the match officially over, as Notorious Inc jumped into the ring and threw both members of the DRS out of the ring. Devon then picked up the quick pin on one of the fallen Angus Brothers for the victory.
Unlike the previous match, this match told a good story and you could tell who was heel/face the whole time. Angus Brothers have a good look but are missing character & charisma. Once they get that, they'll connect better with crowds. For all the stuff said about the DRS, they always deliver in the character & charisma department. If they can buckle down and decide to do this for real again, they should reclaim the success they had in 2003. Notorious Inc have made leaps and bounds from when I first saw them 4 years ago. Despite singles success for Devon Moore, as a team, they haven't missed a beat. Solid match here, which planted seeds for maybe a potential DRS/Notorious Inc. feud.

For the WSU Heavyweight Title
(c) Xavier d. Kevin Matthews w/Talia to retain the WSU Heavyweight Championship
PREMATCH: Kevin cut a very good promo. Line of the night saw Kevin respond to hecklers chanting "You Got Fired" with "Yea, but the WWE wished me well in my future endeavors." Good shit right there, that had everyone in the building laughing.

Talia accompanied Kevin here, which seems to be a natural fit. Xavier, as he said in his DOI Shoot Interview, wrestled more of a ground based game, striking Kevin in the legs and body at opportune times during this contest. Kevin made sure not to let Xavier get a chance to do any high flying moves as he put Xavier in various submissions to keep him down.

This match went back and forth, and Kevin seemed to have the upper hand. However, out of nowhere, Xavier got a flash pin after rolling-up the former Deep South star. Xavier's first title defense was a successful one.
I thought this was a good match here. I know the venue isn't a place high on where you can do the kick the shit out of your opponent in the crowd stuff, which is an element that makes title matches more interesting. However, both guys worked hard and had a good match. I'd like to see these guys feud in the future. Kevin needs to be built up more so fans remember who he is again, and Xavier needs a good string of title defenses. If that happens, their next title match should really mean something.

Homicide vs Danny Demanto w/Notorious Inc went to a No-Contest
At first I didn't get why Danny Demanto had young boys at ringside, but eventually it would make sense. I think WSU should've done a better job explaining stuff to the crowd, like why Notorious Inc was with Danny in the first place. This match started off as a brawl, with Homicide getting the upper hand. Notorious Inc kept interfering in this match, allowing Danny to beat Homicide down, even hitting his patented hogsplash. Danny would go to the well one too many times, missing a splash. Notorious Inc would intefere again, just riling up Homicide even more. Homicide left the ring and grabbed a mic and let Notorious Inc know that if they wanted some action he'd be happy to deliver. Homicide delivered in the form of the Heavy Hitters, better known as Monsta Mack & Boogalou. This then turned into our main event...

Homicide/Monsta Mack/Boogalou d. Danny Demanto/Drew Blood/Devon Moore
This was a quick squash for all extensive purposes. Boogalou was an evil Santa Clause giving out forearm presents for all. Moore would also eat a rough powerbomb from the former amateur star. Monsta Mack also dished out his keen sense of brutality, making short work of Notorious Inc. With Notorious Inc out of his hair, Homicide focused his efforts on Danny Demanto, and gave Danny a sicking cop killa, with Danny landing on his fat head. With everyone obliterated, Homicide made the easy cover, picking up the win for his team. For good measure, Monsta Mack delivered a frogsplash on Danny.
POSTMATCH: WSU officials walked Danny out of the ring to the back due to injuries suffered from the copkilla.
Fun way to close the show here with a good old fashioned asskicking. However, for a main event, I thought we'd get more brawling in the crowd. Maybe it was due to the venue that the wrestlers weren't let loose, but after seeing Mack last time in the ECPW arena, I'd love to see that every show. Notorious Inc and Danny took a beating here, but it could've been much worse. It would've also been nice to see Danny spill spaghetti sauce from his forehead. Regardless, this match sent the crowd home happy, which is all that really matters.

Final McWord
WSU had a fun show here. Like any indy show there was some good some bad and some in-between.

The match of the night for me was CSC vs Shoes/Flexxx. I also enjoyed the main event, the title match & the three-way tag. The whole preshow vs main show matches here really didn't make a difference as there was no break, but the Alexa/Stripes match was also very good. Tara/Cha-Cha is must see for all the wrong reasons.

Like I said before I started this review, the one thing that was lacking on this show surprisingly was storyline/angle development. Maybe things will be clearer on the DVD, but for someone in the live crowd, it didn't look like much was set-up for the future. I'd recommend the ABC 10/7 "With The Lights Out" show or any NWS show from this year to see how to further storylines and set up for the future. Those events have good matches that set up stuff for the future. Here, we just had matches and not much else. There wasn't even much in the promo department either. Harry Slash is good for 2-3 crazy and unique ideas a show, and I don't think any of that was put out here.

While the show was fun, (and isn't that what matters the most?) I think the pacing and character development could've been better. The CSC/Flexx & Shoes match saved the show, in my opinion, from turning into a heatless wonder. There was also confusion in who was what during the April/Talia match.

If you went to this show, you definitely got your money's worth since it was free. The matches all and all were decent. I'd like to see WSU push angles harder on their next show. I also know the venue is family-friendly, but WSU might be better off on their next NY show where the action can spill out in the crowd. I know that sounds marky to say, but if you're in a real fight, a ring isn't just going to be able to contain you, and wrestling is always more fun to watch when the wrestlers are allowed to explore the elements.

Quick News: As mentioned in an earlier WSU news piece, the show was ran by Jac Sabboth, with assistance from Danny Demanto & Harry Slash. For those wondering I can 100% confirm that Danny being so high up on the show and being pushed so hard wasn't his own idea, and was the idea of Mr. Sabboth.

Overall
A fun night out with some good some bad. Hopefully this "Made-For-DVD" show concept is successful for WSU or else I don't forsee many more WSU shows.

Wrestling Superstars Unleashed is working on some future NY & NJ dates. This DVD will go into production this week and once it's available for sale, we'll have the complete information here on the DOI. Look for preordering information later this week.

For more WSU news, keep it here on the DOI, and check out:
http://www.wrestlingsuperstarsunleashed.com/

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com