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Credit – PWInsider.com

The show took place at the Excalibur nightclub. As a result, the show was only for 21+. I know this disappointed a lot of people leading up to it, but I can see why the company picked this place, as it was a very unique setup.

The impression I got was that they wanted all the matches to have an underground fight feeling. There were very few seats in use, so it was 90% standing room only. The club had four tiers of areas to watch the show, so we’re all standing, looking down onto the ring. All the music was brand new, created by SSTARIA just for the company. I loved the general theme of all the songs, which was “you’re entering a fight”, although for the most part, they were interchangeable among the wrestlers, and in the cases of some people, like the comedic Colt Cabana, it didn’t seem to fit. And finally, they wanted it to be gritty, so smoke was constantly being pumped in. But overall, an interesting, unique setting.

After an opening video, the ring announcer introduced one of the commentators, Joel Gertner. He did his usual thing, being disgusting and hilarious all at once. They then brought out the four men in the mini tournament to crown the first World Champion: The Shiek (w/ Rinaldo Piven), El Generico, Kevin Steen, and Harry Smith. Piven, Steen, and Smith gave their comments on why they or their men will win the tournament. This lead to the first match:

1. The Shiek defeated El Generico. This was a decent match, which picked up as it went along. Although the ending left a lot to be desired, as the Shiek used a spike for the win.

2. Team Ambition: Kyle O’Reilly and Tony Kozina (w/ The Canadian Destroyer) defeated Hallowicked and Matt Classic. Classic was a last minute replacement for Frightmare, who’s out injured. The Destroyer, as you could guess, is Petey Williams in a mask. This was essentially a handicap match, as Classic spent the whole time doing his usual pre-match stretching, constantly walking away from the corner when Hallowicked was ready for a tag. Solid action from all three who wrestled, but the injury really screwed things over for this match. Hallowicked eventually tapped out to a submission. Afterwards, Team Ambition said they wanted tougher competition.

3. “Lonesome” Jay Bradley defeated Icarus. Squash city, including a killer lariat for the win. Bradley then talked about how he was gone for a year, and got a new nickname (it used to be “Ass Kicker”), and made some comments about women and drinking.

Before the next match, some of the VIPs were introduced. Shane Douglas, who was helping out the show in unspecified aspects, Tara, a last minute addition, longtime Chicago broadcaster Chet Coppick (who I believe arrived in a Macho Man cape), and finally, NBC 5 Sportscaster, and yes, former Raw General Manager, Mike Adamle, who was booed out of the building.

D’arcy Dixon, a fitness model, came out as the new manager for the Briscoes. She gave a little speech, and the crowd didn’t care. But, they went crazy when the Briscoes came out. Jay made some rather lewd comments about Dixon too. Gran Akuma then came out, followed a full minute later by Teddy Hart.

4. The Briscoe Brothers defeated Gran Akuma and Teddy Hart. As far as pure action, this was the match of the night. Lots of brawling inside the ring, and in the small area outside. Several huge high spots as well, including superplexes and moonsaults from the second level. Briscoes with the Doomsday Device for the win. Teddy seemed to really be favoring his knee, and puked up something in the ring as the match ended.

5. Melanie Cruise won a “gauntlet” match to become the first Women’s Champion. This was aweird match. First the rules, and I’m not sure if I have them down properly. Anyone can enter the ring at anytime. Elimination occurs via pinfall, or being thrown over the top rope. A gong would be hit when someone was entering. Initial participants include Cheerleader Melissa, Miss December, Sassy Stephie, Serenity, Simply Luscious, Taylor Made, and a guy wearing a cheerleader outfit. No idea who it was, nor do I care. Melissa was the first one in, and this match was pretty much all about her. The guy eliminated most of the women, although Melissa would kill him with a lariat, and eventually eliminate him. It appears that Melissa would win, pinning Serenity, until Melanie entered in her street clothes. One spinebuster later, she wins the match and the title. She says everyone is the drizzling s*its, and says while Melissa is the Future Legend, she’s THE Legend.

6. The Canadian Destroyer defeated Colt Cabana and the Necro Butcher. This was to determine the “King of the Nightlife”, for whatever that’s worth. This had a lot of comedy in it, thanks to Colt. A lot of it consisted of Colt calling the Destroyer Petey, with phrases such as “Come on, we know it’s you Petey” and “*cough*PETE!” Moving past the comedy, good action from all involved. Necro Butcher was powerbombed on a guardrail, and following interference from Team Ambition, the Destroyer won with his namesake finisher. Petey wasn’t happy with his team getting involved, and turned on him, although Cabana then took out Petey.

7. Kevin Steen vs. Harry Smith ended in a time-limit draw. Another solid match, although Steen spent a lot of time yelling at various people, including Tara. Smith locks on the sharpshooter, but the match ends as a time limit draw. They’re given five more minutes, and the same thing happens again, with Steen surviving the sharpshooter. They were going to then restart the match with no timelimit, but Steen refused, saying he’s injured, and that Corgan said this promotion is all about safety. Therefore, the Championship match at the next show will be a three way: Kevin Steen vs. Harry Smith vs. The Shiek.

The Shiek and Piven come out, saying Shiek should be awarded the title right now, and Shiek and Steen start beating up Smith, until he fights them off.

The afterparty began immediately in the room next door. Everyone was signing for free, although they did have merchandise available for purchase. A CD of all the show’s music was being handed out, and SSTARIA was there to autograph it. Posters of the show were being sold, including some autographed by the entire roster for $50. Raven, who’s officially the promotion’s agent, was also out signing.

Billy Corgan was not at the show, as the Smashing Pumpkins is currently on tour, but he later noted on Twitter that he watched the whole show via Skype.

Overall, I liked the atmosphere, and the general theme of the evening, but I felt many of the matches could have been done better. I get that Billy wants to tell stories, and some of these are only the first chapter, but some of these actions had me scratching my head. It’s a decent start, and I’m looking forward to what they have in the future.

A full gallery of the show will be available soon on DirtyDirtySheets.com

Resistance Pro returns to Excalibur on Friday, January 13 with “RISE.”

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