REPORT & PHOTOS FROM NEW’S WRESTLING UNDER THE STARS III
- 08/04/2014 (6:02:01 pm)
- Bob Mulrenin
…
Hello everyone! Here is a quick report on the latest North East Wrestling event, ''Wrestling Under the Stars III'' held at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, NY.
The first thing on my mind (and on the mind of the promoters as well, I'm pretty sure) was the weather, since it was an outdoor show. But after seeing a forecast of rain and thunderstorms in the days leading to the big night, there was not a drop of rain after all. It was cloudy, so there wasn't much stars, beside those in the ring. And they gave quite a performance.
We arrived to the stadium at 4, and there already was a long line of people waiting to get to the meet & greet area. So I had time to visit all four merchandise tables that were set-up, and found some cool memorabilia. We finally reached the first autograph table at 6 O'clock. There were also many people behind us, about a hundred. Once inside the area, it went rather smoothly.
After the first table, where was Reby Sky, we got to the reason why we drove 6 hours both ways: the Hardy brothers. My son more or less grew-up with them, watching their every moves, playing with their action figures, buying DVDs and posters. Now was the much anticipated meeting, and we were not disappointed. Matt was really friendly, and I had the chance of congratulating him on their great match with the Wolves on the last Impact, including the sick finishing move that he took. Jeff would't smile as easily, but was still friendly. His signature is a piece of art. Not surprising coming from him. I had him sign the biography they wrote many years ago, and told him how dangerous that bump he took on the steel steps a few weeks ago looked.
Next was the 5 times WCW champion Booker T. He was outspoken and much friendlier than when I first met him 4 years ago. I told him I was there in MSG for his HOF induction, and he responded it was quite an emotional night for him. I also told him I liked his first book. He made sure to tell me part 2 is coming out in December...
We skipped the following tables (Bret Hart) since we had met him many times already. He had his usual long line of fans with all kind of memorabilia for him to sign. He looked good. I also took the opportunity to shake hands with the champ, Brian Anthony, wishing him good luck for his match.
Next was the gorgeous Maria. I couldn't pass up this time, like I did at WrestleMania 29, so I took a picture with her. Like most of the ''Divas' I met, she looks even better in person, and was nice to everyone.
After her was Jerry Lawler. That was an emotional moment for me, As I was there live on Raw when he had his heart attack, so I actually saw him being carried away, clinically dead a year ago. So I told him how glad I was to see him alive and well in front of me today. He answered he was glad to be there to see me too! It was an awesome moment for me after since he took the time to look at the autograph book I made with various pictures taken over the years, and said he liked it. I questioned him on Andy Kauffman since I happened to watch the movie ''Man on the moon'' just 3 days ago. He said he liked him, but didn't like Jim Carrey.
The only let down of the meet & greet was Brodus Clay, who acted like he'd rather be in the dentist's office than here. He was the only one who didn't stand up for photos, and would only talk if asked a question. He won't make a lot of money at those signing events if he always act like that. I hope he was just having a bad day.
Then we had a little chat with fellow Quebecer Kevin Steen. A really nice guy who signed my son's picture from a TOW show a few years back.
Since my son doesn't like the Young Bucks, we skipped them and got to Evan Bourne's table for a quick photo. He was very nice and polite and seemed happy to meet the fans.
The last one was Velvet Sky, who gladly signed my book and chatted a little. She said she was very happy to be back as a tag-team with Angelina Love. Another gorgeous lady in person, and super nice with the fans. Then we were approaching show time.
We had had good seats right behind home plate, with the foul ball net being the only setback. It made taking pictures a little tougher. It is hard to evaluate the crowd in a setting like this, but I would estimate it at a little under 2000 people, with lots of kids (even a few babies!) women and elderly people. Seems like the NEW reaches a wide audience. Most people also seemed familiar with the local wrestlers. They were being carried to and from the ring in golf carts, which saved a lot of time. They also used the giant screen for entrance videos and promos.
here are the results:
1-the Big Ang def. The Smooth Operator; that match wasn't on the line-up. I missed the introductions, but was told it had to do with a sponsoring of some kind. Big Ang wasn't a trained wrestler by any means, and although his opponent tried hard, it wasn't enough. DUD.
2-Matt Taven def. Mike Bennett (with Maria) best match of the first half. All 3 were perfect in their roles and some pretty spectacular moves in there.
***
-Bret Hart came out for a brief in-ring interview, and got a good ovation. He basically put over the NEW young talent. He said coming back to upstate New York brings back good memories, and that he has a lot of fans in that area. He concluded saying ''thank you for supporting indy wrestling and supporting the Hitman.''
3-Velvet Sky, Mark Shurman & Rob Araujo (a midget) def. Reby Sky, Jake Manning & Shovelhead Chuck. Comedy match, good for what it was. Crowd loved every minute of it and forgave a few botched spots. Well placed on the card.
*
4-Sergei Volkov lost to Romeo Roselli after a roll-up. Big letdown. Volkov was too green for a show of that magnitude. Roselli tried, but his timing was off most of the time. The USA vs Russia gimmick went flat with most of the crowd. The soldier who served as Roselli's flag bearer seemed to have a blast however.
1/2*
5-Brodus Clay (with Booker T) won a handicap match using his big splash move against J Busta and a member of the Platinium Entourage, whose name I couldn't get. This match was way better than it had every right to be. Everybody worked hard and the ''monster vs 2 small guys'' routine was well executed. Clay did all his usual spots. After the match Booker T dis a spin-a-roonie to the delight of the crowd.
**
6-After intermission, former NY Yankee Joe Ausanio def Dan De Man. A nothing match, but nothing wrong with it either. Ausanio doesn't seen to have many matches under his belt. Dan worked the crowd well. Then again, that match was well placed on the card.
*
7-N.E.W champion Brian Anthony retained his title in a 3-way match pinning Caleb Konley. The other participant was Matt Sydal, the former Evan Bourne. Good, sound, fast paced wrestling match. Sydal did his shooting star press to Konley but Anthony stole the pin. Both finally shook hands afterward, but I expect a one on one rematch soon.
***
8-Jerry Lawler (with Matt Taven) beat Kevin Steen (With Mike Bennett & Maria) by piledriving him in a ''piledriver match''. Crowd was almost split for this one. Good mic work, good psychology and basic wrestling. Lawler still take a high backdrop at his age. Steen is so good at arguing with the crowd. My only complaint was no brawling in the crowd. Steen did his package piledriver to Taven before falling prey to the King's.
***
9-The Hardy Boys def. The Young Bucks. A hell of a match, to say the least. Easily in the top 10 of the greatest matches I have seen live over the years. Went around 25 minutes with a ridiculous number of false finishes and near falls. Crowd was 75% behind the Hardyz. ''This is awesome'' chants throughout the match. Lots of dive to the outside as well, along with stiff elbows and extra-stiff super kicks. A few double-team moves I didn't know the names of, and in some case had never seen. I don't know how much those 4 were paid, but they certainly deserved every penny. You would think after headlining Wrestlemanias the Hardys would take it easy on indy shows, but not at all. Matt took the mic after the match and praised the Bucks. All four shook hands and saluted the crowd as the show concluded.
*****
Getting out of the parking wasn't so bad considering that big crowd, as it took about 10 minutes.
All in all a wonderfull day of wrestling. I want to thank everyone associated with NEW wrestling for a well-run event. And of course thanks to Wrestlingfigs.com to keep me updated on such events.
See you at the Montreal Comiccon on Sept. 12!
Frank
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