Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup Preview
2004 Peterson Cup Preview
We’re only three days away from the Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup, and it is shaping up to be a great event. It will be three wrestling shows over two days, including a 16 man tournament. In this tournament we have 16 of the best wrestlers in the world competing to become the 2nd Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup winner. Last year’s cup was won by Reckless Youth as he defeated Sedrick Strong. Without further ado, here is preview of the 8 opening round matches of the Peterson Cup:
BRACKET A
Roderick Strong vs. Sedrick Strong
NWA FL fans have seen this match several times, but this will be the first time those outside of Florida will be exposed to this feud. With the way Roderick has blown up in the Northeast with Ring of Honor, this is a good opportunity for Sedrick to show that he belongs in the same ring as Roderick. I am looking forward to this match because it will be the first time I have seen these two face off. If this match is as good as expected, then it should prove to fans outside of Florida that there is quality wrestling in the Sunshine State.
Alex Shelley vs. Jimmy Jacobs
This match up is very familiar to IWA Mid-South fans. I believe that Alex Shelley has a very bright future in professional wrestling, and it’s shocking that he has only been wrestling for 2 years now. Jimmy Jacobs has been entertaining to watch every time I have seen him wrestle. I’m excited that Florida wrestling fans will get to see this wrestling match. Now we will see what IWA Mid-South fans have known for quite some time.
Chris Hero vs. Striker
Michael Shane was originally supposed to be in the Peterson Cup, but for some reason was replaced by Chris Hero. In my opinion, that was a great move because I feel Hero is an excellent worker. That is no knock on Shane. I just feel Chris Hero will be something special in the future. Striker is so good on the mic and so good working the crowd, that it is often overlooked that he is an exceptional wrestler. I would not be surprised if he soon heads for the Fed.
Homicide vs. Black Tigers
Ok, I’m just going to come out and say it. I am a Homicide mark. It’s kind of hard not to when someone is that damn good. You know you’re something special when one day you’re wrestling Samoa Joe for the ROH Heavyweight title and another day you’re competing in a 16 man tournament comprised of mostly cruiserweights. Homicide is as versatile as it gets. Black Tigers comes to us from Osaka Pro in Japan. It is interesting to note that Black Tigers has lost his mask in Japan, but he will be bringing the mask back for the Peterson Cup. He was also trained by Dean Malenko, and you know that can never be a bad thing.
BRACKET B
Teddy Hart vs. Azrieal
Teddy Hart has kept a low profile as of late. It is mainly because of most of his bookings being out of the states. With his name stamped all over H2 Pro Wrestling and his appearance at the Peterson Cup, it looks like Teddy Hart is looking to make another impact on the professional wrestling scene. Many smart fans seem to have heat with Teddy, but you can not deny his talent. Azrieal is another one of the spectacular high flyers that is looking to steal the show at this year’s Peterson Cup. Whether you know him from Ring of Honor, Jersey All Pro or Jersey Championship Wrestling, the one thing everybody knows is that he’ll be doing something in this tournament to make himself totally over with the crowd.
Puma vs. Mikey Tenderfoot
A lot of times you can tell how good a worker is when you look at their resume. Puma has wrestled in New Japan Pro Wrestling, CMLL, Ring of Honor, Major League Wrestling, Ultimate Pro Wrestling, All Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Guerilla. All of this in only four years of being a professional wrestler. Oh yeah, he’s only 19-years-old. Mikey Tenderfoot comes to us from the host of the tournament, NWA FL. Tenderfoot is currently one half of the NWA FL tag team champions with Justice, who is also in the Peterson Cup. This will be a big test for Tenderfoot, but I can see him putting on a good match with Puma.
Naphtali vs. Petey Williams
With all the high flyers in the tournament, Naphtali brings to the table a sense of old school. He’s quick to point out that while most guys are doing moonsaults and 450 splashes, he’s the guy that’s going to break out the heart punch or the Garvin Stomp. He does have his high spots though. I’ve personally seen him do a Van Terminator off of a steel cage. I hate to associate wrestlers with their finishers because I think it tends discredit their ability as a wrestler, but you can’t help but do it when talking about Petey Williams. His “Canadian Destroyer” pile driver is one of the sickest finishers I have ever seen. On top of that, he’s a very gifted wrestler.
Justice vs. Jack Evans
As I stated before, Justice is one half of the NWA FL tag team champions. With this being on NWA FL turf and Justice being over with their crowd, it is almost certain that Jack Evans will have to work this match as a heel. I don’t see him having a problem with that. Justice has very many high spots in his move set, and it will be interesting to see him go spot for spot with Evans. Jack Evans has, almost single handedly, changed the wrestling fan’s view on the definition of a high flyer. With his 630’s, corkscrews and everything else he does off of the top rope, he’s made moves like the Moonsault seem like child’s play.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There are many great matches in the first round, but I’m really intrigued by the possibilities that can happen in the second round. Roderick Strong versus Alex Shelley? I’d love to see a battle of ROH’s Generation Next members. Chris Hero versus Homicide? I know I’d love to see that one. Naphtali versus Justice? I think this match would be great for NWA FL to showcase their talents to those from the Northeast watching.
Any way this plays out, we’re more than guaranteed a damn good tournament. The Peterson Cup will be an action packed weekend. All of this, and I haven’t even mentioned that there will be other talent at the Peterson Cup. Among those scheduled to appear will be NWA-TNA’s “Wildcat” Chris Harris, Slyk Wagner Brown, April Hunter, Colt Cabana, as well as Zach Gowen.
If you have the opportunity to attend, please don’t miss this event. If you are unable to attend, please look for the release of the 2004 Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup by RF Video. Please go to www.nwaflorida.com or www.petersoncup.com for more information.
Will Rivera
DOI Florida Correspondent