Post by Toom E. Guci on Jun 2, 2011 19:31:57 GMT -8
On Sunday, May 29th, 2011, Elite Xtreme Wrestling presented their biggest show of the year, Xtreme Measures, at Celebrity Theatre. With a scheduled line up featuring Team Elite versus the Freak Squad for the EXW Tag Team Championship, Rexx Reed versus Willie Mack for the vacated Elite Championship, & Andrew Hellman versus Cutler Wright for the #1 Contender’s Slot of the EXW Heavyweight Championship…no show would be complete without a main event. And EXW had a perfect main event scheduled as Dom “the Bomb” Vitalli was forced to defend the EXW Heavyweight Championship against ECW Legend Tommy Dreamer.
But the big question is…did the show truly deliver?
Well this is where we are going to find out if it delivered to everybody’s expectations. The Arizona Local Wrestling Forum is teaming up withwww.maskedblogster.com for the first ever Across the Table Discussion on their thoughts regarding Xtreme Measures. But first, a little background information on both participants.
Toom E Guci has been a wrestling fan since November, 1985 when actually forced to attend a live WWF show. That show made him hooked, in which Toom attended as many shows as he possible could. Then in 1999, Toom discovered the world of Western States Wrestling, a local company in Phoenix, AZ…a company that Toom witnessed the first match ever of EXW superstar Gabriel Gallo. From there, Toom started following Impact Zone Wrestling, in which he started reviewing the shows via a segment called Highs & Lows. Mind you, the Highs & Lows first started by retired local wrestler the Crock. But after Crock stopped posting them, Toom decided to follow in his footsteps. And when Elite Xtreme Wrestling came around after the demise of IZW, Toom decided to bring them back to a very positive response from followers.
Masked Blogster is just a mark with a website. MaskedBlogster.com is a website dedicated to the live events MB attends as well as the beer he drinks, the comic books he writes and illustrates and the claw machines he plays. And what’s Masked Blogster’s favorite live events? Professional Wrestling. Professional wrestling on an independent level has become a favorite of his and reporting it for those that happen to find his little haunt on the web brings a smile to his concealed countenance.
So now we join both men as they share their thoughts on Xtreme Measures. Whether they agree or disagree with each other, the key thing is that they were in attendance that day!
Match #1: Lucha Starr, Shadow Fox, & RELLIK versus Mosh Pit Mike, Cedric the Hitman, & Ray Basura
T: Personally, I was very confused about this match. Last time we saw RELLIK in an EXW ring was January & he worked as a heel. Now, without no explanation, he was on the side of the faces. Meanwhile, here was Mosh Pit Mike, who has been working as a face for months…suddenly working on the side of the heels. You could tell the fans did not like this, as they turned on him, bringing back, “You Can’t Wrestle!” But Mosh Pit was able to take this to his advantage & turn his back on the fans, which is definitely well played on his part! But my personally favorite in the match has to be Ray Basura. Ray’s gimmick of politicking towards the fans has been incredible regarding his interactions with the fans. His mic work is tremendous & never a dull moment! And his in ring skills continue to improve. Honestly, Ray is my top favorite in EXW! But the ending of the match continued to confuse me even more. RELLIK turns on Shadow Foxx & Lucha Starr, only to also take out Cedric, Mosh Pit, & Ray. Why? What did that prove? If it was to build up somebody who was in EXW on a weekly basis, sure! But somebody who hasn’t been in the company for the last 4 months to take out the companies midcard? POINTLESS!
MB: I felt this match was an entertaining 1st match, especially for folks who are watching EXW for the 1st time. The fast paced action from Shadow Fox and Lucha Star is always entertaining. I would love to see Mosh Pit Mike as a heel again. You just look at the guy and you instantly hate him. Ray Basura has come into his own with his pitch to become 2011 Wrestler of the Year. Cedric the Hitman has been solid for the most part although late in matches has a hard time with bigger moves. Then there’s Goldber…err.. Rellik. He can’t be hurt and he destroys the other team. Then he beats up his own team. You’re winner is Rellik. You’re right Toom, pointless as he destroys guys that are there regularly. Funny thing is, this isn’t the last time we see this ending.
T: I have to agree with you regarding Mosh Pit Mike as a heel. Think about it, him as a heel brought us one of the greatest chants Mosh Pit doesn’t like…”You Can’t Wrestle!” Had he not opened his mouth that day when he said it, that chant would never have been born. Mosh Pit, by far, makes a great heel. But tell me…why oh why do you do Goldberg for RELLIK? Not every bald man is like Goldberg? And I seriously doubt RELLIK is Jewish, nor in a horrible movie like Santa Slay.
MB: As far as the Goldberg reference goes, it’s because he is too unstoppable. Guys hit him and he doesn’t sell whatsoever.
Match #2: Kyle Hawk versus Mike Da’Lite
T: I am a huge fan when it comes to Mike Da’Lite, but due to reality…he cannot be around as much as I would like. But when he makes the trek down from Vegas, I am never let down! I felt this match was so intense that I gave it my second favorite match of the night. My only negative in this match is the fact that Mike never got to hit his missile dropkick, as he truly has a picture perfect dropkick. Kyle always impresses me, as well…so I honestly have nothing negative to say about him.
MB: Totally solid match inside and outside of the ring. Kyle Hawk continues to impress and it was great to see him against an opponent like Mike Da’Lite. Great action from both wrestlers.
Match #3: #1 Contender Match-Andrew Hellman versus Cutler Wright
T: Hellman’s coming through the crowd…so does that make him a face now? Because it seems like he flip flops every show on who he’s supposed to be. And the way this match was set up is honestly an example of not paying attention to things. Hellman wants the Elite Championship. Wright wants the Elite Championship. So let’s put them in a match for the #1 Contendership for the Heavyweight Championship. Ok? Then what was the point of their promos last Tuesday? But history between these two men show that this will be a solid match & I wasn’t disappointed. Both men gave it their all & left me enjoying every moment of the match. And Cutler’s moonsault, although he missed, is without a doubt…a work of art!
MB: I’m glad I wasn’t the only one confused as to why these 2 wanted the EXW Elite Division Championship but had to settle for the EXW Heavyweight Championship. As far as the action in ring goes these 2 are excellent wrestlers and individually never disappoint. Together, the match was solid and Andrew Hellman got the win on what looked like a last 2nd kick out from Wright. My other issue with this match was who is the heel and who is the face. I never know with these guys. I dunno about this forum…I’m agreeing with Toom E Guci a little too much.
Match #4: Handicapped Elimination Match-Tyson Tyler & Johnny Stamboli versus Woody Santenelli, Devin Sparks, & Steve Osborne
T: No offense to Masked Blogster, but I do NOT like this whole Balls & pecker crap! These men are grown adults & not elementary or junior high kids! I am sure there’s better names or chants to get the crowd to do. And add in Osborne to the match makes this even worse for me. First off, keep Osborne off the mic! I’m sick of the whole evil GM bit…especially when the GM can’t even work a mic or the crowd! But Osborne at least played his part right…in for a total of 30 seconds the entire match. Smart thinking on their part for a non-wrestler in a match. As for Woody’s elimination, that looked to be the weakest chair shot ever given. And from my vantage, the ref didn’t even see it! Cut to the ending though with Robocop…WHY?!?!? Seriously, WHY? I don’t even think the bookers were alive when WCW used Robocop & the fans crapped all over it then! Although, again…kudos to Osborne for taking the only xtreme bump of the night, going through a table via the GFY! And out of all 3 in The Business, Devin Sparks is the only one with a strong, promising future!
MB: I LOVE the chants!!!! Steve Ballz is terrible on the mic and comes off as a whinier Justin Roberts. To chant Ballz when he’s in the ring trying to talk is one of the best parts of EXW today. Now that he has a stable of Woodrow Santinelli aka Pecker and starring as the Taint, Devin Sparks. Although Johnny “The Bull” will never be part of Don Ready’s team from “The Goods,” this match was entertaining for what it was worth. I don’t see how much further to push this storyline. Finally something “Xtreme” with Steve Ballz going through the table after being coerced by a character from a movie that is now 24 years old.
T: For the record, Robocop was a GREAT movie! If they do a remake, I riot!
Match #5: Elite Division Championship-Rexx Reed versus Willie Mack
T: I went into this match with high hopes & I was not let down! This match has to be not only my vote for Match of the Night, but a canidate for Match of the Year. When you watch Rexx wrestle, it’s like watching Big Van Vader wrestle…a heavy man who knows how to fly in the ring! Rexx definitely reminds me of Vader. And Willie Mack is no slouch, either. I been watching him before coming to EXW in NWA Hollywood online & that man can carry himself in the ring. Personally, I wanted Rexx to win…but Willie’s corkscrew moonsault made me proud that he won, as well!
MB: Match of the night. I didn’t care who won as I think both of these guys are amazing. I’d love to see a rivalry between these 2 go for a while. Please EXW make this happen!
T: Blogster, I just want to point out that Bobby Charleston has NEVER read my work, thus why he feels you’re the greatest wrestling journalist. You are better then Kelly Floyd, I’ll give ya that much!
MB: The great EXW ring announcer Bobby Charleston was kind enough to give the ol’ Masked Blogster a shout out. I didn’t find anything he had to say as inaccurate. Kelly who?
Match #6: EXW Heavyweight Championship-Dom Vitalli versus Tommy Dreamer
T: I was looking forward to this match all night long! But on the morning of the show, Dreamer was tweeting about how his TV broke, that he was spending Memorial Day shopping for a new one, & was at Toys R Us. Huh? This did NOT sound like somebody who was in Phoenix, ready to main event a show. I honestly hope this was not a bait & switch, as Bill DeMott claimed Dom cancelled Dreamer’s trip…but instead, he had a surprise from a former Wrestlemania superstar aka A-Train aka Giant Bernard. Sadly, not many fans recognize the name of the man who’s had a stronger success in Japan then in the WWF…plus, is another former IZW superstar coming to EXW. Yes, I admit it was a letdown because I was more looking forward to Dreamer. But the Freak Squad’s involvement honestly made the match worse for me. I wanted a title match & now I get a 6 man tag? Haven’t we seen this before, only then the part of Giant Bernard was played by Andrew Hellman. Yep…yep, I think we did! Mind you, it wasn’t a horrible match, but it wasn’t great! Anything that involves Gallo riding somebody’s coat tails makes a match that much worse. And since the ending was the opening match recycled, where Giant Bernard turns on Team Elite, beats down the Freak Squad, & scores the pin…it must have been Gallo’s idea since he’s the blind one & couldn’t see the first match.
MB: I was so glad I received a message before the show from @thetommydreamer informing me that he would not be at the show. I think it was weak of EXW to lead everyone to believe he would be. I actually wonder if he was supposed to be at all. Well Dom “The Bomb” vs Giant Bernard would have been nice but the interference from Frenchy Riviera and the other Freak Squad member didn’t help. I don’t know who thinks tag team championship matches are a bigger draw than heavyweight title matches but I was disappointed. And yes, the 1st and last matches have the same TERRIBLE ending!
T: I just want to point out to you, even though Tommy gave you a heads up via Twitter…I did a little research via Twitter myself & 2 days prior to the event, Giant Bernard tweeted “@thetommydreamer I have to fill in for you in Phoenix. How can I gain 60 pounds fast so we can fool the fans?” This smells of a bait & switch to me! After all, they knew for at least 2 days but didn’t make it public & continued to sell tickets with people, including myself who bought a ticket, believing that Tommy Dreamer was wrestling Dom Vitalli. And I don’t recall ever seeing a “Card Subject to Change” from them, which is common in wrestling.
MB: Interesting tidbit about @thetommydreamer and @giantbernard as I didn’t catch that exchange. Between that and the lack of “Xtreme” action I think EXW really missed out on an opportunity to prove to the fans what the X in EXW stands for.
T: This show was personally a bit of a let down. It felt more like a Tuesday night instead of the biggest show of the year. And the company’s name is XTREME, yet the only xtreme moment was a table bump by a non-wrestler. True, he did a good job with it especially because when you have a non-wrestler going through a table, that is EXTREMELY dangerous! I guess that’s what made the whole company Xtreme that night, huh?
MB: In closing I did have a good time but not a great time. I talked people into going promising Tommy Dreamer and a night hopefully being half as remarkable as EXW’s, The Day the Earth Stood Still. I apologized to the friends and family that attended their 1st EXW event because they apparently thought the X stood for Xtreme. I think EXW should do like I blogged about last month and cross the X out. They’re not Xtreme and that’s ok. Just stop using that word EXW.
But the big question is…did the show truly deliver?
Well this is where we are going to find out if it delivered to everybody’s expectations. The Arizona Local Wrestling Forum is teaming up withwww.maskedblogster.com for the first ever Across the Table Discussion on their thoughts regarding Xtreme Measures. But first, a little background information on both participants.
Toom E Guci has been a wrestling fan since November, 1985 when actually forced to attend a live WWF show. That show made him hooked, in which Toom attended as many shows as he possible could. Then in 1999, Toom discovered the world of Western States Wrestling, a local company in Phoenix, AZ…a company that Toom witnessed the first match ever of EXW superstar Gabriel Gallo. From there, Toom started following Impact Zone Wrestling, in which he started reviewing the shows via a segment called Highs & Lows. Mind you, the Highs & Lows first started by retired local wrestler the Crock. But after Crock stopped posting them, Toom decided to follow in his footsteps. And when Elite Xtreme Wrestling came around after the demise of IZW, Toom decided to bring them back to a very positive response from followers.
Masked Blogster is just a mark with a website. MaskedBlogster.com is a website dedicated to the live events MB attends as well as the beer he drinks, the comic books he writes and illustrates and the claw machines he plays. And what’s Masked Blogster’s favorite live events? Professional Wrestling. Professional wrestling on an independent level has become a favorite of his and reporting it for those that happen to find his little haunt on the web brings a smile to his concealed countenance.
So now we join both men as they share their thoughts on Xtreme Measures. Whether they agree or disagree with each other, the key thing is that they were in attendance that day!
Match #1: Lucha Starr, Shadow Fox, & RELLIK versus Mosh Pit Mike, Cedric the Hitman, & Ray Basura
T: Personally, I was very confused about this match. Last time we saw RELLIK in an EXW ring was January & he worked as a heel. Now, without no explanation, he was on the side of the faces. Meanwhile, here was Mosh Pit Mike, who has been working as a face for months…suddenly working on the side of the heels. You could tell the fans did not like this, as they turned on him, bringing back, “You Can’t Wrestle!” But Mosh Pit was able to take this to his advantage & turn his back on the fans, which is definitely well played on his part! But my personally favorite in the match has to be Ray Basura. Ray’s gimmick of politicking towards the fans has been incredible regarding his interactions with the fans. His mic work is tremendous & never a dull moment! And his in ring skills continue to improve. Honestly, Ray is my top favorite in EXW! But the ending of the match continued to confuse me even more. RELLIK turns on Shadow Foxx & Lucha Starr, only to also take out Cedric, Mosh Pit, & Ray. Why? What did that prove? If it was to build up somebody who was in EXW on a weekly basis, sure! But somebody who hasn’t been in the company for the last 4 months to take out the companies midcard? POINTLESS!
MB: I felt this match was an entertaining 1st match, especially for folks who are watching EXW for the 1st time. The fast paced action from Shadow Fox and Lucha Star is always entertaining. I would love to see Mosh Pit Mike as a heel again. You just look at the guy and you instantly hate him. Ray Basura has come into his own with his pitch to become 2011 Wrestler of the Year. Cedric the Hitman has been solid for the most part although late in matches has a hard time with bigger moves. Then there’s Goldber…err.. Rellik. He can’t be hurt and he destroys the other team. Then he beats up his own team. You’re winner is Rellik. You’re right Toom, pointless as he destroys guys that are there regularly. Funny thing is, this isn’t the last time we see this ending.
T: I have to agree with you regarding Mosh Pit Mike as a heel. Think about it, him as a heel brought us one of the greatest chants Mosh Pit doesn’t like…”You Can’t Wrestle!” Had he not opened his mouth that day when he said it, that chant would never have been born. Mosh Pit, by far, makes a great heel. But tell me…why oh why do you do Goldberg for RELLIK? Not every bald man is like Goldberg? And I seriously doubt RELLIK is Jewish, nor in a horrible movie like Santa Slay.
MB: As far as the Goldberg reference goes, it’s because he is too unstoppable. Guys hit him and he doesn’t sell whatsoever.
Match #2: Kyle Hawk versus Mike Da’Lite
T: I am a huge fan when it comes to Mike Da’Lite, but due to reality…he cannot be around as much as I would like. But when he makes the trek down from Vegas, I am never let down! I felt this match was so intense that I gave it my second favorite match of the night. My only negative in this match is the fact that Mike never got to hit his missile dropkick, as he truly has a picture perfect dropkick. Kyle always impresses me, as well…so I honestly have nothing negative to say about him.
MB: Totally solid match inside and outside of the ring. Kyle Hawk continues to impress and it was great to see him against an opponent like Mike Da’Lite. Great action from both wrestlers.
Match #3: #1 Contender Match-Andrew Hellman versus Cutler Wright
T: Hellman’s coming through the crowd…so does that make him a face now? Because it seems like he flip flops every show on who he’s supposed to be. And the way this match was set up is honestly an example of not paying attention to things. Hellman wants the Elite Championship. Wright wants the Elite Championship. So let’s put them in a match for the #1 Contendership for the Heavyweight Championship. Ok? Then what was the point of their promos last Tuesday? But history between these two men show that this will be a solid match & I wasn’t disappointed. Both men gave it their all & left me enjoying every moment of the match. And Cutler’s moonsault, although he missed, is without a doubt…a work of art!
MB: I’m glad I wasn’t the only one confused as to why these 2 wanted the EXW Elite Division Championship but had to settle for the EXW Heavyweight Championship. As far as the action in ring goes these 2 are excellent wrestlers and individually never disappoint. Together, the match was solid and Andrew Hellman got the win on what looked like a last 2nd kick out from Wright. My other issue with this match was who is the heel and who is the face. I never know with these guys. I dunno about this forum…I’m agreeing with Toom E Guci a little too much.
Match #4: Handicapped Elimination Match-Tyson Tyler & Johnny Stamboli versus Woody Santenelli, Devin Sparks, & Steve Osborne
T: No offense to Masked Blogster, but I do NOT like this whole Balls & pecker crap! These men are grown adults & not elementary or junior high kids! I am sure there’s better names or chants to get the crowd to do. And add in Osborne to the match makes this even worse for me. First off, keep Osborne off the mic! I’m sick of the whole evil GM bit…especially when the GM can’t even work a mic or the crowd! But Osborne at least played his part right…in for a total of 30 seconds the entire match. Smart thinking on their part for a non-wrestler in a match. As for Woody’s elimination, that looked to be the weakest chair shot ever given. And from my vantage, the ref didn’t even see it! Cut to the ending though with Robocop…WHY?!?!? Seriously, WHY? I don’t even think the bookers were alive when WCW used Robocop & the fans crapped all over it then! Although, again…kudos to Osborne for taking the only xtreme bump of the night, going through a table via the GFY! And out of all 3 in The Business, Devin Sparks is the only one with a strong, promising future!
MB: I LOVE the chants!!!! Steve Ballz is terrible on the mic and comes off as a whinier Justin Roberts. To chant Ballz when he’s in the ring trying to talk is one of the best parts of EXW today. Now that he has a stable of Woodrow Santinelli aka Pecker and starring as the Taint, Devin Sparks. Although Johnny “The Bull” will never be part of Don Ready’s team from “The Goods,” this match was entertaining for what it was worth. I don’t see how much further to push this storyline. Finally something “Xtreme” with Steve Ballz going through the table after being coerced by a character from a movie that is now 24 years old.
T: For the record, Robocop was a GREAT movie! If they do a remake, I riot!
Match #5: Elite Division Championship-Rexx Reed versus Willie Mack
T: I went into this match with high hopes & I was not let down! This match has to be not only my vote for Match of the Night, but a canidate for Match of the Year. When you watch Rexx wrestle, it’s like watching Big Van Vader wrestle…a heavy man who knows how to fly in the ring! Rexx definitely reminds me of Vader. And Willie Mack is no slouch, either. I been watching him before coming to EXW in NWA Hollywood online & that man can carry himself in the ring. Personally, I wanted Rexx to win…but Willie’s corkscrew moonsault made me proud that he won, as well!
MB: Match of the night. I didn’t care who won as I think both of these guys are amazing. I’d love to see a rivalry between these 2 go for a while. Please EXW make this happen!
T: Blogster, I just want to point out that Bobby Charleston has NEVER read my work, thus why he feels you’re the greatest wrestling journalist. You are better then Kelly Floyd, I’ll give ya that much!
MB: The great EXW ring announcer Bobby Charleston was kind enough to give the ol’ Masked Blogster a shout out. I didn’t find anything he had to say as inaccurate. Kelly who?
Match #6: EXW Heavyweight Championship-Dom Vitalli versus Tommy Dreamer
T: I was looking forward to this match all night long! But on the morning of the show, Dreamer was tweeting about how his TV broke, that he was spending Memorial Day shopping for a new one, & was at Toys R Us. Huh? This did NOT sound like somebody who was in Phoenix, ready to main event a show. I honestly hope this was not a bait & switch, as Bill DeMott claimed Dom cancelled Dreamer’s trip…but instead, he had a surprise from a former Wrestlemania superstar aka A-Train aka Giant Bernard. Sadly, not many fans recognize the name of the man who’s had a stronger success in Japan then in the WWF…plus, is another former IZW superstar coming to EXW. Yes, I admit it was a letdown because I was more looking forward to Dreamer. But the Freak Squad’s involvement honestly made the match worse for me. I wanted a title match & now I get a 6 man tag? Haven’t we seen this before, only then the part of Giant Bernard was played by Andrew Hellman. Yep…yep, I think we did! Mind you, it wasn’t a horrible match, but it wasn’t great! Anything that involves Gallo riding somebody’s coat tails makes a match that much worse. And since the ending was the opening match recycled, where Giant Bernard turns on Team Elite, beats down the Freak Squad, & scores the pin…it must have been Gallo’s idea since he’s the blind one & couldn’t see the first match.
MB: I was so glad I received a message before the show from @thetommydreamer informing me that he would not be at the show. I think it was weak of EXW to lead everyone to believe he would be. I actually wonder if he was supposed to be at all. Well Dom “The Bomb” vs Giant Bernard would have been nice but the interference from Frenchy Riviera and the other Freak Squad member didn’t help. I don’t know who thinks tag team championship matches are a bigger draw than heavyweight title matches but I was disappointed. And yes, the 1st and last matches have the same TERRIBLE ending!
T: I just want to point out to you, even though Tommy gave you a heads up via Twitter…I did a little research via Twitter myself & 2 days prior to the event, Giant Bernard tweeted “@thetommydreamer I have to fill in for you in Phoenix. How can I gain 60 pounds fast so we can fool the fans?” This smells of a bait & switch to me! After all, they knew for at least 2 days but didn’t make it public & continued to sell tickets with people, including myself who bought a ticket, believing that Tommy Dreamer was wrestling Dom Vitalli. And I don’t recall ever seeing a “Card Subject to Change” from them, which is common in wrestling.
MB: Interesting tidbit about @thetommydreamer and @giantbernard as I didn’t catch that exchange. Between that and the lack of “Xtreme” action I think EXW really missed out on an opportunity to prove to the fans what the X in EXW stands for.
T: This show was personally a bit of a let down. It felt more like a Tuesday night instead of the biggest show of the year. And the company’s name is XTREME, yet the only xtreme moment was a table bump by a non-wrestler. True, he did a good job with it especially because when you have a non-wrestler going through a table, that is EXTREMELY dangerous! I guess that’s what made the whole company Xtreme that night, huh?
MB: In closing I did have a good time but not a great time. I talked people into going promising Tommy Dreamer and a night hopefully being half as remarkable as EXW’s, The Day the Earth Stood Still. I apologized to the friends and family that attended their 1st EXW event because they apparently thought the X stood for Xtreme. I think EXW should do like I blogged about last month and cross the X out. They’re not Xtreme and that’s ok. Just stop using that word EXW.
