Hey guys and gals. Sorry for the late upload once again, but now after this is posted…we will officially be back on schedule heading towards the ending portions of Season 1 of the FWF. This week was a weird week, but a good week…with energy and great ideas from both sides and I can’t wait to share my thoughts and feelings about each and every segment.
Be on the look out, as I’m going to be releasing a poll after Major Fest, to help me decide “Zanman’s Official FWF Winner” for season one…in which we will be deciding the top 5 superstars, the best PPV, Best storyline, and all of that good stuff which will award both Brian and Matt points for whichever categories they win! All I ask is you vote with 100% honesty, and don’t just stuff the votes ;).
That was the only announcement I really have though, so without further ado….let’s jump into some Wednesday Night Warfare.
Segment 1:
Turmoil: Shane McMahon opens up the show with seemingly nothing but good news. He introduces Matches that are already decided for Major Fest, as well as puts together opportunities for big possibilities surrounding the event. Right as he’s about to address the Hardcore Championship though, RVD’s music Hits allowing for the perfect opportunity to attack from behind. RVD proceeds to dismantle Shane McMahon in pretty much every way, leaving the commissioner a broken heap in the ring.
Thrillzone: Kane starts off the night as he looks to take on Brian Lee, who of course was the Sleeved Kane all along. Kane not only fights off Brian Lee, but also Vampiro who tries lighting a torch at some point in the ring. Taking advantage of this Backfired plan, Kane chokeslams Brian Lee…beating him and forcing him to “leave town”. This of course allows Kane to get the match he wants at Major fest…the Inferno Match with Vampiro. Kane demonstrates his is one with the Flame as he uses his post match flame burst to light the torch Vampiro was unable to light.
Thoughts: With both segments possibly expecting to produce big things here (I think both Matt and Brian had big expectations for them), I felt they were both just kind of “Meh”. The big huge “Brawl of the Kanes” ended up being nothing at all, and yeah…the torch thing was a nice touch, but it was just kinda “Okay”. Where as, Shane getting attacked is overshadowed here by a later back stage segment The saving grace is at least Turmoil’s seg sets up the rest of the show.
Turmoil 1-0
Segment 2:
Turmoil: Up Next we have a match up between The Sultan and Gangrel, in which the story of the match is Size vs Experience. Even with all of his experience though, Gangrel just can’t overcome the superior strength and ends up succumbing to the Sultan Driver, as Sultan picks up the victory. He isn’t satisfied though and proceeds to have his members of the BSK come out to join him in a beatdown. Edge and Christian finally come down for the Save, but when the lights go out….The BSK disappears disallowing E&C to get their retribution. Backstage, we see Commissioner Shane McMahon being taken away on a stretcher, but as he’s being put into the Ambulance…Rob Van Dam frog splashes off of the top onto the stretcher! He isn’t done though as he delivers further Punishment by sending Shane through the Slambulance.
Thrillzone: We see a Movie theater as we set the tone for Dennis Rodman and Marlena’s first date. They are going to see the number one hit movie, Armageddon. They walk up to get soda’s and a popcorn, and the setting is wonderful with all kinds of corny one-liners between the two lovers. It is revealed that the worker in the back who is preparing their food is Goldust, along with Luna Vachon and from what we see…they plan on making it a very interesting evening for the two love-birds. They hock a loogie into the Popcorn and start off the date on an interesting note.
Thoughts: I am actually shocked that the slambulence and this segment for Thrillzone are paired against each other. As much as I hate to do this, The Movie Theater date was probably my segment of the week as it is honestly the most memorable. Whenever I sat down to write this article, it’s the first seg that popped into my head. Brian is incredibly creative when it comes to making these little Goldust awkward scenes and it’s a shame he doesn’t do more of them. But, with all of that evidence being brought forward, there’s clearly only one winner.
Thrillzone ties it up 1-1
Segment 3:
Turmoil: Booker T vs Rey Mysterio is in full effect, with Stevie Ray and Billy Kidman on the Outside. We have an absolute “Work Rate Match” going on and it appears that Rey Mysterio has the advantage, but when Booker T puts his knees up….he reverses a Frog Splash into a roll-up and manages to squeak by Mysterio. There’s good sportsmanship as all of the members of both tag teams all exchange handshakes.
Thrillzone: Kronik, the team that debuted to break up an onslaught courtesy of the Dudley Boyz and The Legion of Doom, will now be making their official In-Ring Debut as they team up with the Red Hot commodity of Mike Awesome. They will be taking on the Interstate Champion, Ahmed Johnson and the Legion of Doom. Kronik and Mike Awesome all clothesline the heels over the top rope to usher in the commercial break.
Thoughts: Again, for me, these are two “Okay” segments that get lost in the shuffle of two great shows and ultimately I think the edge goes to Thrillzone here simply for the debut of Kronik….even if Brian kinda lacked the energy that didn’t really make this feel too exciting…the appeal of Kronik and Mike Awesome teaming up against the legendary Legion of Doom and Champion Ahmed Johnson would be a spectacle that I’d want to see, where as Booker T vs Rey Mysterio would definitely have produced a quality Match, it just didn’t peak my interest as much as Thrillzone’s match did.
Thrillzone is up 2-1
Segment 4:
Turmoil: Our next contest featured the Tag Team Champions defending their Titles against the New Age Outlaws! Which is a nice back and forth match, but the re-emerged duo of the NAO seem to have the advantage. It appears we are going to have new Tag Team Champions after Billy Gunn delivers a Fame-Asser but due to Interference from The Degenerate Horsemen….Mark Henry and D-Lo are able to hit the Worlds Strongest Slam, Lo-Down combo to retain their titles.
Thrillzone: With this 6-man tag match being filled to the brim with superstars who love to hit Powermoves, it is nonstop battering of one another leading straight to a shotgun finish as both Kronik Members and Mike Awesome have all 3 men on the Heel team hooked, and they deliver massive Powerbombs, allowing Mike Awesome to get the cover on Hawk for a huge win.
Thoughts: The beauty of an audio podcast is that it leaves a lot to the imagination, and so while Brian may have just described a pretty standard second half to the match….my mind is picturing these 6 guys just battering each other to the brim. That being said, Broski did something that a lot of his other Turmoil show Title matches couldn’t do and it made me think, just for a split second, that the tag championships were about to change hands. I always had it in my mind that The Degenerate Horsemen were going to get involved, but the way he was pushing the match forward got me just a little excited. That level of excitement is what pushes Turmoil over in this battle of Tag Matches.
Turmoil ties once more 2-2
Segment 5:
Turmoil: The NWO make their way down to the ring, delivering us a slight break in the action as Hogan rides down on his Hog with DDP and Goldberg to speak on the status of his faction. He talks about how they’re stronger than ever now that they’ve “trimmed the fat” per say, and that with Kevin Nash and X-Pac out of the picture, they can truly be what they’re suppose to. He even speaks directly to Kevin Nash whom he will face later tonight. Kevin Nash comes out to not only disagree with his points, but to remind him that the Wolf Pac actually defeated the NWO last week, making them…the NWO. And now that Kevin Nash isn’t helping Hulk Hogan anymore…the title is going to be leaving his waist.
Thrillzone: Bam Bam Bigelow is about to take on Scott Hall in his first match forward from the Triple Threat days, when he is interrupted by Shane Douglas who gets on commentary. We have a nice back and forth match, but all the while Shane Douglas is talking about his days with Triple Threat served their purpose, but ultimately…”The Franchise” noticed that as the days go on….Candido and Bam Bam only seem to get worse, and so it was time to split. But before Long, Candido comes from behind and smashes Shane’s face into the commentary desk. A brawl breaks out and distracts Bam Bam long enough for Scott Hall to secure the victory. Bam Bam is furious with this distraction…this injustice and joins in on the brawl as it all absolutely breaks down, thus forcing officials to step in and break up the action.
Thoughts: I throw some Kudos in the direction of Thrillzone, because As I said in the last article I don’t really care about the Triple Threat breakdown because it feels forced and just like Brian didn’t have anything so he did this. But this was actually a really good segment, but at the same time I do feel The WolfPac interruption on Turmoil was necessary and it was cool that Kevin Nash said what everyone was thinking. “How can the NWO be stronger, if the “Weak links” they shaved off…beat them last week?” Matt has done a great job capturing the ego and arrogance of Hollywood Hogan, and that’s the main thought I walk away with after these two segs.
Turmoil takes the lead once more 3-2
Segment 6:
Turmoil: Hogan and Nash are taking part in their FWF Championship match with both men demonstrating multiple power moves. Both portions of the NWO are displaying mischief with constant distractions, multiple low blows, and even a Spray to the eyes from DDP via some spray paint that Ultimately allows Hulk Hogan to take advantage, thus hitting a Leg Drop…allowing him to retain. They exit through the crowd so that Hogan can go begin filming his new up and coming TV Series.
Thrillzone: Commissioner Piper calls Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels to the ring to solve this whole “Who is the number one contender debacle” once and for all. He also kinda highlights what matches we’ll be seeing at Major Fest. He also announces that the FWF Championship contenders have both made serious cases for an opportunity to get a shot at the Gold, and so at Major Fest, it will be Owen Hart vs Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels.
Thoughts: I think this may be the first time we actually have an FWF Championship match for Thrillzone that we can actually be hype for. Between these two segments, It was the one I popped harder for. And although Turmoil’s match making and storytelling in the ring sounded incredible, Thrillzone’s FWF Championship direction has me incredibly excited now.
Thrillzone 3-3
Segment 7
Turmoil: Undertaker will face Henry Godwinn who demonstrates New spooky sounding music and a brand new attitude. No work rate to be found as we find ourselves instead, in an absolute Brawl!! But the Lights go out, and Multiple Surfer Stings, and Multiple Crow Stings all emerge to distract Undertaker as he swings all around….seemingly confused about everything. All of them are later revealed to be illusions, a bit of Ministry Magic in full form, until finally one of the Crow Stings is revealed to be the actual Ministry Sting. These mind games allow Henry to take full advantage and pin Undertaker for the 3 count.
Thrillzone: We see a Taxi pull up to the arena, and out steps a Disgruntled Raven. He barks about not giving a Tip and angrily pulls his bags over to the Backstage door. The Security won’t let him in though, revealing Roddy Piper has barred him from all Thrillzone Shows, declaring him to be a non-active roster member until and only if he is able to defeat Roddy Piper in their backstage brawl match. After a signature “WHAT ABOUT RAVEN?” we cut back to the movie theater where an interruption of Aerosmith lyrics alerts Rodman and Marlena to the presence of Goldust and Luna Vachon within the Theater. After some insults, punches and loogie hocks….Rodman and Marlena are chased from the Theater, allowing Goldust and Luna to enjoy Armageddon in their place.
Thoughts: I was both perplexed and intrigued by Turmoil’s segment, and I was one of the 50/50 divide who appreciated the ridiculous amount of Sting illusions. However, there was a point where it did feel like a bit much (I feel like 1 or 2 illusions could have done the job. Like a Surfer sting comes out. Then a crow sound sounds and Crow Sting emerges. But there was like, 5?) And that’s why I have to give the nod to Thrillzone’s segment. If you paired the Sting angle with the majority of Thrillzone’s segments, it would have won out…but unfortunately it went against the second half of my personal “Segment of the week” with the Goldust and Luna as Theater workers angle.
Thrillzone takes the lead 4-3
Segment 8
Turmoil: Taz gets his chance once more for the Hardcore Championship as he will be facing Ken Shamrock in a One on One match. Multiple submission attempts on both sides, and many hardcore maneuvers in which both of these animals continuously kick out and break out of the holds. Finally, Ken Shamrock demonstrates a new attitude as he lowblows Taz and pins him with his feet on the ropes to retain his championship. He isn’t done though as he locks in the ankle lock to due even more damage to this rival of his.
Thrillzone: The Rock and Macho Man Randy Savage look to continue with their Tag Team success ahead of their one on one battle at Major Fest. They’re taking on the Former Tag Team Champions, as all 4 of these elite superstars make their way down to the ring in this entrance oriented segment.
Thoughts: Even if it is The Rock and Macho Man coming out as a Team, I don’t think it’s special enough to have the entrance segment “win out” especially since it’s a sight we’re slowly becoming accustomed to. Not to mention the Dudley’s don’t have their music played….again!!! On the other hand you have an interesting attitude Change that actually invests the common listener into Ken Shamrock’s title reign just a bit more!
Turmoil ties 4-4
Segment 9
Turmoil: Savio Vega and The Godfather hope to play spoilers as they face Edge and Christian. If E&C win, they will be inserted into the Tag Title match at Major Fest, so a win here would be absolutely Huge for them. It’s an absolute work rate match in which you never truly have an idea of who is going to walk away with this match. Uses of the ropes, apron, and all parts of the ring to try and utilize anything they can to win this match. Finally, when Sultan and Henry Godwin come down to help their BSK brothers….Gangrel evens the odds with a blood bath…causing all 3 of them (Gangrel, Sultan and Henry) to be ejected by the ref…ushering in the Commercial Break.
Thrillzone: Cyrus the Virus is making his presence known in this match, as it is his distraction that ultimately put Macho Man in a bad place. But after battling and battling, he is finally able to get the Hot Tag that allows Rock to bump the Dudleys all over the place in his signature “Most electrifying man” style. The Rock goes for a Rock Bottom on D’Von, but D’von’s legs swing up and hit Randy Savage, causing Rock to break the hold and check on him, this allows the Dudley Boyz to take advantage and get one over on this dream tag team. The first time we’ve seen the two of them not on the same page.
Thoughts: As tag team partners, I wasn’t sure how Brian was going to add to the “Compelling Nature” of the match or make a more intense story out of it. He could have very easily just made it The Rock vs Randy Savage, and that would have been enough…but it seems like he’s inching towards a more personal story, and that always makes Randy Savage personally more compelling. On the other hand, Turmoil’s segment just kinda feels like “Oh, now the real match can get started” by the end of it.
Thrillzone: 5-4
Segment 10
Turmoil: The Intense feels continue forward as Edge and Christian continue to battle towards that Major Fest Moment! They finally get the upperhand as Edge reverses their maneuvers and delivers a double Edge-cution. When he goes for the pin though, the lights go out and come back on to reveal Sting. This distraction allows The BSK to swing the momentum, but when Glow in the Dark Undertaker teases an appearance (Never truly comes to the ring)…the distractions allows a Spear and Tornado DDT combo to secure a Major Fest spot for Edge and Christian.
Thrillzone: Backstage, it seems like Bradshaw has been attacked from behind by Mankind. Yokozuna is getting interviewed and delivers a shoutout to BSK on the Turmoil Brand and overall declares that he plans to get back on track taking down a fellow big man tonight, as he plans to establish himself as the Number one big man. We have an absolute Brawl in the ring as Yokozuna and The Giant exchange big blow after blow. Finally Yokozuna knocks The Giant out of the Ring looking strong going into the Break.
Thoughts: I like the intensity of the Match itself on Turmoil. It feels like the success of Edge and Christian has been a long time coming and their story has been awesome. Losing match after match early on, joining the brood and trying to find an identity for themself by doing dirty work for the ministry, all the way til now of having a chance of winning the titles. Plus I thought it was cool how Undertaker kinda interfered on their behalf, with him being hardcore enemies with the two of them not that long ago. On the other hand, Thrillzone’s segment was like Turmoil’s last segment… “now the real match can get started”.
Turmoil ties 5-5
Segment 11
Turmoil: Possibly finding a bit of inspiration going into this match from the success of Edge and Christian, Jeff Jarrett looks to add a double C to his name, for Double Champ…as a win here would put him in the Major Fest main event against Hogan in a Champ vs Champ match. He will take on Hogan’s current challenger, Stone Cold. As always, Stone Cold brings the brawl to Jarrett…but thanks to Debra…Jarrett evens the odds and even almost wins at one point when Debra shows Stone cold her “Puppies”. But Scott Steiner “Big Jacked Guy Walks in” to distract him from capitalizing. Due to miscommunication though, Jarrett accidentally nails Debra with a guitar…which leads to Stone cold hitting the stunner and securing his victory. The broadcast is interrupted with Static though, as the NWO has a paid advertisement that reveals Hogan in full “Thunder in Paradise” form. He proceeds to challenge Stone Cold to a match next week for the “Show” title. STOMP IN PARADISE VS THUNDER IN PARADISE.
Thrillzone: More Nonstop Big man action rages in the ring, when finally…Yokozuna hits a Belly to Belly Suplex and we believe that it is Banzaii time. But when he goes to the second Rope, of course….Owen Pulls him out. Yokozuna doesn’t hesitate and goes air bourne though…unleashing a double clothesline on these two enemies in retaliation. This leads to the two of them battering each other on the outside, leading to a double count out. The numbers game catches up with Yoko though and eventually, Giant and Owen fit a chair around Yoko’s ankle. It’s a carnage filled scene as they conchairto his ankle over and over to the point where Yoko can’t stand anymore. Officials and Roddy all pour in, ushering in an ambulance as the show ends on a somber note.
Thoughts: Thrillzone’s ending segment feels a bit easy, but it’s cool in regards to the idea that we saw Giant ending the show hurt not too long ago….and now he’s the one dishing it out. But still, when you compare that to an awesome sounding match like Jeff jarrett vs Austin (No one can convince me that wouldn’t be an amazing match) and then….even though I didn’t entirely understand what exactly was going on…Stone Cold vs Tropical Hogan in a Floating Ring match sounds pretty dope. In every way, Turmoil had the better main event.
Turmoil wins 6-5
Final Thoughts and Score
What is interesting about these results is, since Thrillzone had some of my favorite segments of the week, I totally thought Brian was going to win. So when I put the Segments side by side and Matt ended up winning out, it first came as a bit of a shock. It was a very close back and forth and legitimately needed to be decided on the Main event.
I think the reason Matt won though is because he properly utilizes all of his time to make sure each story feels loved and full of entertainment, and Brian could be doing so much more. That really shows when it comes to gaining the points when it matters most, and with it being this close to the biggest show of the year….One Wednesday night show echoes that just a bit more than the other.
Congrats Matt and Turmoil!
The Zanman Podcast 