Those that wear the titles are the ones which people look up to in leading the promotion. They wear the weight upon their shoulders to carry said promotion into the future and mark the “X” on where that promotion stands on the wrestling food chain.

In the eyes of the of a true wrestling owner you want someone representative of the product your pushing. Does Sharc truly resonate the ideals which BRAND are projecting? A family show with the mom, dad and 2.3 kids in mind is our demographic and does Sharc cut the mustard?

In review of the career Sharc has led there is an image the particularly comes to mind with the mention of his name. Bloodshed. Possibly one of the most violent competitors to get inside of a wrestling ring with more hardcore matches under his belt than bagels under Sally Struthers’ belt. Sharc and blood are commonly frequented in sentences together. We’ve seen what Sharc is capable of, signing his own title belt with “X”, using only “Pepper” Pete Peppins blood. As each new competitor steps into the ring with him the former PIW Hardcore Champion destroys them and makes them understand why he IS the champ.

In a fan’s perspective, Sharc is everything you want to loathe. He’s the perfect villain. Complete and utter disrespect for your country and your wrestling promotion. He’s willing defile anything and everything that walks in his path. Having held the title for nearly two months now, is it possible for anyone inside BRAND to take it off him?

Wone was the number one contender, but he was deciminated beyond belief as Sharc sent him out of BRAND on a guerney. He’s got the idea that anyone that dare come in his path will do the same.

In my eyes at the moment, there is really only one man who can take the title off of Sharc. And that’s “the Wyoming Wild Man” Tom Elijah. But he’s just as sick and dellusional as Sharc is.

Is their any hope for BRAND to find a hero?

Here’s to hoping.

Normally I touch on everything but I don’t think that’s the way to do it.  Right now I’m touching on the Good and the Ugly.  Everything that remains in purgatory, limbo if you wil, I’m not even considering commenting on.  So if it’s not mentioned it doesn’t mean it’s bad and it doesn’t mean it’s good… it just means I didn’t get nothin’ from it.

Let’s sit our asses down, grab a nice cup of coffee.  Put that cheap stuff done.  Fix yourself a mug of what you give the special guests.  If you’re a smoker, you might enjoy sparking that one up (if you’re outside and reading on your iPhone) otherwise get your iTunes in gear because this week’s theme is Glory of Love by Peter Cetera.  I’ve got the Karate Kid on the brain and I just love that song on that movie.  Just fitted so nicely.  Like a Trey Vincent promo!

Without further adieu, git yo readin’ eyes on coz here is…

The Flipside: A Legacy of Violence (42)

Shawn Hart sits you down and says “This is why I’ve got the championship belt” with the promo which opens Violence.  He’s brash.  He’s cocky.  His work on the mic really drew some heat from the fans.  I’m not sure if I’m feeling the dynammic between he and Suicide though.  Is it possible to have dynamics with comedy vs. shades of grey?  Suicide is articulate and enigmatic and Hart is “there it is right out on my sleeve”.  I’m not really feeling the heat with their program aside from understanding there is “history”.

Cue Remy LeRoux and his Cajun ways.  ‘Ceptin’ the fact he might be a little more Italian phones salesman-like for old TV.  The mysterious surroundings of their exchange really didn’t do much for me… but it did make me wonder what Remy had to offer.  Trey came off a bit heelish and there’s still that ambiguity but I guess that is really the niche for Trey Vincent in LoC.  You’re not sure if he’s one of the good guys or the bad guys.  Good to see LLB on programming.  Speakin’ of Remy, he and Fanatic seemed to have a really good chemistry in the ring together and I think they could work together more in the future.  Only thing against that is the two characters would clash to much to be able to provide any real feud dynamic.

A nice debut segment for the Heart Stoppers.  Gave us a little insight into who they are but not much more.  I guess we’ve all gotta start somewhere right?  Clean cut and sickly… but the fans’ll dig it (as long as they don’t get too Underground and love that dirty side of LoC too much).

I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the segment from Blitzkrieg Funk.  The whole idea of face Germans is still a new idea because when you think of Germans in American programming you think of heels.  I just love their dynamic and content.  It was certainly a nice rebuttal toward Tyke.  As for the rest of the tag stuff, I’m sure most of you know but I’ve got a finger pretty deep into the Team division of LoC and it’s really not my place to comment on the events between the Flying Vergamovs, the True Blue Battlers and Allied Powers.  What I will say is this, it’s an interesting concept we’re trying to get and as for it working or not?  I think we’ll see in three months time if there’s any actual pay-off.

Despite not getting anything from Steven Windsor’s promo earlier, the chemistry between he and Kenshiro Inogami was great.   But has anyone ever come out of a wrestling match with Kenshiro and not looked good?  Not trying to pull any credit from Windsor as he put in a strong showing.

Celeste Darkheart may be a little gree… but Tom Williams wasn’t helping none.  Their segment felt forceful and congested.  I found it hard to watch the whole found my mind wandering off like Homer that time he saw the squirrel.  You know the episode!  I like to see a little more chemistry between on-screen staff characters but I was just seein’ two people putting up walls.  I believe actors call it “blocking”.

Ranken, Creig and Advent.  That was a great swerve and as a wrestling fan, I honestly didn’t see it coming.  I fell for it.  Reeled in and then WHAM!  Great booking there and Advent seems to have tidied up the loose ends with his jaw flapping this week.  It was good to see him a little bit more on game as an LoC star.  Adding Creig to the fray of that feud adds some more interest for me.  I think I’d like to see Advent double-cross Creig and Ranken get some justice back.  Set a three-way up for Ready, Set, Wrestle.  Which, by the way, isn’t too far away… you should probably talk to your cable provider NOW about purchasing that on Pay-Per-View.

Brandon Thomas hit the ring with Aria Murphy.  I’m not big on these man squash woman spots.  Especially when they try to sell the woman as a survivor in the match.  This should’ve ended at the piledriver and then maybe the figure four as an insult to injury.  I don’t think the fans got anything out of this so I’ll be interested to see if this is just Thomas being thrown to the bottom rung coz it seems like a slap in the face to him.  No offence to Murphy.  Anytime my namesake hits the ring I’m sure to watch because she’s a talent and she’s beautiful.  But the show didn’t need this and Brandon Thomas certainly doesn’t need to earn his stripes in what I would call “hazing”.

The Relentless tournament match between Keller and Lance Spencer was insurmountably a great match.  Seems like everytime there’s a quality bout in LoC it’s got K2’s name all over it and I would DEFINITELY love to see a program between those two.  Not happening right now as the King Shit of Fuck Mountain is seemingly in battle gear with Mr. Relentless Aran Thompson.  Should be interesting to see out of that pairing WHO gets the candy.  Although… it’ll certainly be interesting seeing heel versus heel, there mightn’t be any pay-off for the fans unless a face joins the fray.

As a wrestling fan I kinda felt a little Lost in Translation when it came down to Remy and Midnight Cowboy.  One minute I’m by the bayou then the next in the Heart of Texas.  My poor old ears was having trouble adjusting and I think I got lost by the wayside.  I’m still not sure what their program is all about.

The main event was a brutal display of some perfect athleticism and pure wrestling moves.  Umaga Reihana’s incorporation of judo and striking into LoC just gives that top tier of the roster a little bit more edge.  Penance was certainly impressive and it’ll be interesting to see how his program deals with losing to Reihana in the Loser Leaves Town match.  The segment portion of the main event seemed a little contrived and planned… it didn’t feel like the swerve it should have been.  Nor did it explain how Trev Echo has the powers to sanctify the match as an Underground match.  Is it because he’ll turn a blind eye to it?

Cue Rune fucking Winters! I’ve been a fan of him for quite some time and he was carrying FATE around on his shoulders like a Heyman in an Invasion angle.  Cue shovel.  My second favourite valet, after Armsy McDanger.   Surprise wrestling match for RSW?  Winters and Thomas?  For the Starlet championship?  Are they gonna drag Rune into the mud or are they just simply removing the women’s division from existence?  Hrmmm…. I’m not so sure.

This was probably the best of the three shows LoC has put out.  Only gripe is we didn’t see enough of the World Champion.  Excellent opening segment.   But I want to see more of that angle because it’s just not building a dynamic for me.  It also seems like the only storyline that has really got it’s teeth in itself is the Ranken/Advent(/Creig?) venture and that is moving along nicely.  The Underground scene is moving forward but did the segment with Echo put it over?  All in all… still quite the entertaining as the momentum seems to be building.

Now to the task at hand, we’re looking at Homebrand TV 4. Where things are REALLY heating up in BRAND wrestling. The introduction of our SECOND championship belt really seemed to get the blood pumping with some of the roster, causing all types of excitement there. Pepper agreed to a deal with Mountain Dew which would see them as the naming rights sponsor of the belt until June 2009. With four of stars, new and known, battling it out by the end of the show we would have our first representative of the effervescent beverage.

The show kicked off with Pepper coming out to greet the fans and hype the main event. He began talking about how Wone and Mary-Lynn Mayweather would be the equaliser to the bravado of Elijah and Sharc and how those two were the anti-christ to everything BRAND represented. Sharc’s music cued up and the fans began to boo as the champ made his way down to the ring. Sharc told Pepper that no matter what the owner of BRAND believed he was the reason anybody watched. People loved two things on television; anarchy and villains. He was the unknown entity that made Homebrand TV worth watching. He told everyone that he would no longer be facing Wone at Sharcbait because Wone would leave Homebrand TV on a stretcher and would be too scared to ever step foot inside a BRAND wrestling ring again. Cue Wone. Wone made his way out to the ring and stepped up into Sharc’s face, snatched the microphone and told Sharc that it was the other way around. That Sharc would be the champion of Ward 7 at the local general hospital. Mary-Lynn Mayweather came out and asked the fans if they came here for a dick measuring contest or a wrestling show and said once all the boys had finished measuring up that she and Wone would prove to BRAND wrestling that crime doesn’t pay.

Scoot Johnson v. Grizzly Valentine
The fans gave Johnson heat as he made his way down with his gay entourage and dwarven valet and reversed their disapproval as Valentine came out. The pair hit each other hard in the ring with Johnson taking the advantage over Valentine early on with an exploder suplex and a good ol’ fashioned mudhole stomping. Johnson played to the fans only to be chop blocked and catapulted into the corner. Valentine hit a running dropkick to Johnson’s guts for a kickout. With Valentine in control he showed he was worth Pepper’s confidence and a float-over DDT followed by a double powerbomb with a bridge had the fans on their feet only for Johnson to kick out with milli-seconds left before the three. The pair got to their feet and tangled up, Johnson yanked Grizzly into a side headlock and sat down with a stiff bulldog variation. Yanked Pepper’s boy to his feet and whipped him into the ropes, swinging neckbreaker got Johnson a cover but Grizzly kicked out. Johnson attempted his Johnson Driver but was spoilt by Grizzly who drove the knee in the belly and then double-underhook face drivered (Pedigreed) Johnson into a three-count.

Winner: Grizzly Valentine
Rating: ** 1/4

Backstage reporter Sandra Dee was scheduled for a backstage interview with Joe Bananas regarding the biggest night of his career with both a shot at the BRAND Mountain Dew Championship and refereeing the main event. However, before he could utter a word, a scuffle broke out quickly when Joe Bananas was the victim of a heinous assault from none other than “The Wyoming Wild Man” Tom Elijah. The attack was not hindered by the screams of Sandra Dee as Elijah threw various backstage equipment over the fallen body of Joe Bananas before capping off the attack with an assimilating version of his Wild Bomb, driving Joe Bananas directly onto a trunk backstage for transporting ring gear. EMTs were quick to the scene as Tom Elijah fled. At this point, we have no updates on Joe Bananas, but we’ll continue to bring BRAND fans news as it comes to us.

We caught goldFISH as he made his way to the ring only to find that he was a little jumpy. The cameraman asked goldy what his problem was and he said that he thought he were being followed. He wasn’t sure if he was hallucinating or not but said he felt like he were being followed.

goldFISH v. Shawn FoX
The fans were in for a treat with the next bout as goldFISH and FoX made their way down to the ring. They tangled up in the centre of the ring with the larger goldy taking advantage with a pendulum backbreaker followed by a sidewalk slam. He military pressed FoX, dropping him on the top turnbuckle before whipping him into the ropes and collecting him with a big boot. The fans were getting right behind the oddity that was goldFISH as he powerbombed FoX, shaking the foundations of the ring. He made the cover and got the quick pinfall over FoX before celebrating his first win in BRAND wrestling.

Winner: goldFISH
Rating: *1/2

As goldFISH turned to exit the ring someone snuck in behind with a steel chair. The CLANG! echoed through the BRAND Big Top as goldFISH dropped to his knees. His attacker was Ikan Jobtayoo. Ikan swirled around in front of him. “I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD, BUBBLES!” he screamed maniacally before clobbering goldFISH one more time across the head. “HOW COULD YOU FAKE YOUR DEATH?!?” he screamed again. It was quite confusing for the fans but Jobtayoo tossed the chair aside and ran to the back crying like a baby.

BRAND Mountain Dew Championship Match
Jake Keeton v. Joe Bananas v. Steve Solex v. Billy Coles
The fans were getting excited to see the crowning of the new champ and Solex, Keeton and Coles had all made their way out to the ring yet Bananas was nowhere to be seen. The cameras cut to backstage to find Pepper talking to his road agent arguing over where Bananas was when he was told that Bananas left in an ambulance. That’s when Tom Elijah popped up with a wicked grin, telling Pepper that he advertised the four-way and people were waiting for another competitor and it would look unprofessional if BRAND did not adhere and supply. Elijah told Pepper he was willing an able.

The fans erupted in boos as Elijah made his way out as a late replacement for Bananas and he rolled under the ropes to a gang stomping from the trio already inside. Coles and Solex began in the ring as Elijah and Keeton exited. They tied up and Coles drove the knee into Solex’s gut and slammed him face first into the canvas. He grabbed a handful of hair and yanked Steve to his feet, whipped him into the ropes and powerslammed him. Solex got to his feet only to be whipped into the corner where Keeton made a blind tag on him. He leapt the ropes and grabbed Coles in a waistlock and German suplexed him hard into the canvas. Solex and Keeton hoisted Coles to his feet and a double vertical suplex followed by a double cover and Billy Coles was eliminated from the competition.

Keet elected Solex to stay in the ring. They tied up and Solex managed to twist things around and hit a neckbreaker on the former FATE trainer. Solex yanked Keeton up and whipped him into the ropes where Elijah caught him in a sleeper. Keeton struggled to free himself as Solex stepped up the turnbuckles and dropkicked Elijah in the face, freeing Keeton. As Solex got to his feet Keeton pummeled him into the canvas with a running clothesline having been freed. Elijah dragged Steve out of the ring and smashed him ringside with a HUGE spinebuster slam that knocked the life out of him. He rolled him back inside and Keeton and the Highlight of the Night had Steve Solex eliminated from competition.

Elijah stepped into the ring and as Keeton charged he drove a big boot into his chest, knocking the wind out of him. Elijah picked him up by two hands and applied a double choke on Keeton, shaking him while he did it. Referee warned for Elijah to stop but received an elbow to the face for his troubles. The Wyoming Wild Man hoisted Jake onto his shoulders into a rack and then BAM! Neckbreaker. The giddy referee made a slow count which enabled Keeton to kick out on two. Elijah continued on tucked Keeton’s head between his legs for the Wild Bomb. Yet Keeton managed to flip Elijah over and bolted at the ropes, Tom got to his feet and charged with the clothesline for Keeton to duck under it. Bounding off the ropes from behind Elijah a massive bulldog planted the big man into the canvas. Elijah bounced to his feet and Keeton booted him in the belly and HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT! The second Highlight of the Night had Elijah on the canvas and 1…2…3…MOUNTAIN DEW CHAMPION!

Winner & FIRST BRAND Mountain Dew Champion: Jake Keeton
Rating: ***1/2

Sharc & the Wyoming Wild Man, Tom Elijah v. Wone & Mary-Lynn Mayweather
Guest referee: Joe Bananas?
Well the fans prepared themselves for the main event as Elijah remained in the ring. Sharc emerged from the back with the BRAND Name title belt and made his way down there, he and Elijah simply began to plan what was going to happen. Together, Wone and Mary-Lynn emerged to huge pops from the Mesquitos as they remained outside the ring until the special guest referee arrived. “Walk the Line” hit the PA and the fans roared as Pepper emerged from the back wearing a referee shirt, given that Joe Bananas was already in hospital. The three entered the ring where Sharc and Elijah attacked before the bell could even be sounded. Sharc and Elijah throwing fists. Mayweather went down like a sack of shit as Elijah tossed her into the corner and began to slap her across the face. Pepper tried to stop Elijah as Sharc tossed Wone outside of the ring. He whipped him into the guard rail. Tossed ringsteps at him. Smashed a steel chair across Wone’s head and Wone was clearly unconscious. Sharc rested Wone’s arm across the ring steps and stomped on his shoulder, which seemed to wake up the number one contender for a few moments before slipping back into unconsciousness.

Winner: No-contest.

Security came down, along with EMTs and they tended to Mary-Lynn and Tom Elijah, taking them to the back leaving Pepper standing in the centre of the ring shocked at what happened. The fans began to boo as Pepper realised what was happening behind him. His head dropped in dismay as he turned around to see Sharc had a microphone. He spoke about hurdles. How things seemed to get in the way and the only way to get around that was to knock them down. And now Pepper was in the way. Elijah caught Pepper in a Full Nelson as Sharc produced some brass knuckles. He began to hit Pepper in the guts again and again as Pepper tried to remain with a stiff upper lip while the two baddest men in BRAND’s short history tried to turn his internal organs into pulp. Sharc then held his BRAND Name title belt high above his head, it was still branded with the blood “X” of one Pepper Pete Peppins. He clobberd Pepper with it, knocking him out cold in the centre of the ring. Pepper fell to his feet in a heap but things were not over. Tom Elijah picked up the owner, tucked his head in, beckoning Sharc to bring in a table. The fans booed so loudly the inside of the BRAND Big Top sounded like being in the eye of a hurricane. Elijah WILD BOMBED Pepper right through the table and the duo stood over Pepper sneering theit wicked grins as Homebrand TV went off the air.

What an amazing show as we’re only two steps away from Sharcbait. Two more Homebrand TVs and we will see Sharc defend his belt against someone. But who? Seeing how he and Elijah are continually being the bane of Pepper’s existence, will we see the owner trying to plot some revenge? What will Pepper do to restore law and order in BRAND wrestling?

Jake Keeton emerged from the show as the FIRST Mountain Dew Champion and he has a HUGE career ahead of him in BRAND wrestling. As the Mountain Dew champion it is the law to of the land to defend it on every televised event so who will Keet’s first defense be against?

Stay tuned and there’ll be more to come from BRAND wrestling as we get closer and closer to Sharcbait.

I’m Morton Murphy, and I’ll catch you on the Flipside.

Before the taping began we saw Tom Elijah hitting the ring in a dark match as punishment for him being intoxicated on HBTV2. I don’t normally review dark matches but so much stuff happened on this I just gotta let you good folks who were unable to watch it at home (or aren’t in the area to be able to watch it) get an inside look at what went down.

Tom Elijah v. Ted Stormare
While some folks were still gathering themselves into the arena, fans who got there early got to witness “The Wyoming Wild Man” Tom Elijah in the dark match against local Marshall, Texas standout, the 6’2”, 240-pound Ted Stormare, fresh out of high school and looking to turn heads. It was said that Tom was looking rather POed – moreso than usual – when he came out for his match, rumors swirling around that because of his drunken debauchery during his match with Howard Idol, he was to remain off the actual card. Ted’s attempt at extending a hand for a handshake resulted in Tom merely snorting at the kid.

As the bell rang, Ted fired off a series of elbows to the head of the 6’10” monster, but all they seemed to do was incite The Red Devil even more. Tom shoved Ted in the corner and immediately bombarded him with a succession of knees to the face. Tom stopped just before the ref’s count of five, only to spike Ted with a nasty gutbuster. Tom followed with a headlock and just when we thought he’d use something reminiscent of a wrestling maneuver, Elijah merely drilled the kid with fist after fist to the head. Elijah wasted zero time scowling at the referee. As Tom took his eye off the ball, Stormare fought back with an impressive series of rights and a dropkick, sending Tom to the outside. He tried to attack him with an impressive-looking plancha, but Elijah merely walked off nonchalantly, leaving Ted to crash on the floor. A nasty Giant Swing-esque move into the stairs was the prelude to Stormare’s demise as Tom came back to the ring, lifted Ted up and spiked him with a Gutwrench Bomb he calls the Wild Bomb. A three-count later and Tom immediately left the ring, acknowledging no one in particular. One has to wonder just what kind of punishment may have been doled out for his performance, but Tom didn’t seem especially happy about it.

Elijah had a HUGE chip on his shoulder due to the punishment he received and left a sour taste in the mouth of the fans in Mesquite. But then the show kicked off and it was going to be all guns blazing from there and we were to kick off with what was supposed to Shawn FoX and Idol, yet Idol was substituted at the last minute complaining of shoulder complaints earlier in the week.

But instead of those guys coming out it was Sharc who did and the fans in Mesquite let their affections known for Sharc, attempting to boo him out of the arena. He got on the mike and demanded that Grizzly Valentine come out there right that instant for the main event. The fans fans roared as Pepper and Grizzly came out with Valentine notably arguing with Pepper, suggesting he weren’t ready for the main event right there and then. Sharc waited in the ring with a wicked smile on his face as Grizzly and Pepper got to ringside. Sharc tossed the BRAND Name championship into the centre of the ring and beckoned Grizzly who begrudgingly accepted the invite while they waited for a referee. The fans were roaring, thinking the main event title defense were to happen so soon and just the referee entered the ring Sharc took his ball and went home. Snatching up his belt and exiting the ring leaving Grizzly Valentine arguing with the referee a few moments as the BRAND Name Champ took exit up the ramp like, pardon my expression, a cock teaser. Once on the stage Sharc was handed a microphone where he began to berate the solidarity of laws and Pepper ran BRAND ending on a “Screw you, Pepper. I don’t bow down to dictators like you. Anarchy rules in BRAND, not you.” note and with that he took umberance and vacated the stage area leaving Pepper and Valentine scratching their heads.

Shawn FoX v. Ethan Jake
Finally we got down to some wrestling business with the son of the former Ringside Wrestling champion taking on the ever so strange Shawn FoX who seemed to have the longest entrance in wrestling history. Pepper had told FoX off during the week for taking up so much TV time on Branded Superstars and I guess FoX taking so long to come down to the ring was a little bit of rebellion on FoX’s behalf. But as they tired up the Mesquite natives saw Shawn take control early. Short arm shoulder blocks and a seated standing senton put things into perspective for the young blue chipper. FoX managed to push things into the corner with a huge shoulder thrust that had Jake staggering out of the corner and a bulldog drove his face hard into the canvas. With the fans showing their unappreciation for FoX who played to them, Jake tried to fight back but fighting was futile. FoX drove Jake into the canvas with a scoop slam followed by a legdrop to the face. Whipped him into the ropes and flapjacked him onto the top rope, hanging him out to dry and Jake was desperate for breath. FoX seemed to get a little cocky and played the crowd before a DDT to be shoved into the ropes and on stagger back was superkicked to kick out of a pin attempt on 2. Having commanded the control, Jake showed he had some of his old man’s talent. A suplex powerslam had the Mesquito’s on their feet whilst the kid yanked FoX to his feet and cradle piledrivered his ass into the canvas. Locking on a single leg Boston, Jake had FoX right where he wanted him and as he struggled to reach the bottom rope for a break resistance was futile. Yet it seemed the kid had something to prove and he released the hold to lock on the Retribution which had FoX tapping within moments. Nice debutante victory for Jake kid.

Winner: Ethan Jake
Rating: **1/2

Cameras cut backstage to Jake who seemed excited by getting his first victory. Wasn’t quite sure what to do with himself when he ran into Jake Keeton, the former FATE trainer. He stopped him in the hall and asked what he thought of the match, to which Keeton told him he saw the kid had something if he were able to harness the right kind of mentor and training regime. Ethan asked Keet’ for some advice on wrestling to which Keeton told him he’d be happier giving him his secrets of the trade AFTER they wrestled for the BRAND Mountain Dew Championship at Homebrand 4. Jake muttered going to find Sharc who had experience in title matches as he left Keeton in the halls. Keet’ seemed to be heading where Jake had just came from, the ring area.

Metallica’s “Broken, Beat, and Scarred” played from the sound system and the fans were unsure of how to react until they exploded with cheers at the arrival of highly regarded veteran Jake Keeton who came out to shake hands with some of the fans at ring side and sign autographs. While Keeton didn’t address the crowd or the locker room his arrival is sure to be a major impact on BRAND as “The All-American Nightmare” has been out of action for a long time and looked to be in great shape. The crowd really seemed pleased to see the veteran excited about getting into the competitve frame of wrestling again and BRAND is definitely happy to have him on board.

goldFISH v. Mary-Lynn Mayweather
The odd goldFISH came out for his debut against BRAND’s sweetheart, Mary-Lynn and the fans were happy to see them both. They tied up in the middle where goldFISH took an early advantage with a powerslam and then a falling cross-body over Mayweather who wriggled out from under him. goldFISH hoisted her above his head with a Military press and tossed her awkwardly, where she landed feet first on the top rope and bounded backward with a moonsault that got the Mesquitos up on their feet roaring for her. goldy got to his feet as Mary-Lynn charged with a spinning heel kick, pushing the large FISH into the ropes and once he staggered back into the centre she nailed a dropkick into his chest. He got to his feet again, staggering around attempting to catch his breath when Mary-Lynn jumped on his back and locked him into a sleeper hold. The fans cheered as FISHy attempted to reach her from behind but could not, and she seemed to lock the hold on tighter. goldy simply fell backward with all his weight, landing on Mayweather, which released the hold. He grabbed a handful of hair and airplane spinned in the centre of the ring, releasing the grip and she crunched into the corner turnbuckle. She dazedly got to her feet in time to be smashed with a HUGE corner splash. goldFISH pulled her out and made the cover 1-2… and then he stood up. Looking around and blinking in a state of confusion. He looked a little lost and the referee began to explain to him where he was. By the time goldFISH was back on the right page Mayweather had gotten to her feet and he turned to be the victim of a top rope twisting dual chest palm strike that toppled him over. Mayweather bounded once more high above and performed a top rope flipping guillotine legdrop across the nexk of goldFISH, covered and scored the victory when “Hero” by the Foo Fighters hit the PA.

Winner: Mary-Lynn Mayweather
Rating: **1/3

Howard Idol entered BRAND, holding a microphone and displaying his OWN pie chart about how women are inferior to men. He received quite a bit of flack for this, before Mary-Lynn Mayweather confronted him. Surrounded by three security officers, Mary-Lynn held up a document which she claimed to be a court mandated restraining order. Idol flipped his lid, and became to throw quite a temper tantrum, tossing the easel into the security guards before he was tackled out of his shoes. As the BRAND faithful shouted out “Nah-Nah-Nah Nah.” to the departing Howard Idol, Mary-Lynn Mayweather turned and waved to her adoring public.

Wone vs. Joe Bananas
The match between two of BRAND’s most successful talents got underway right quick when #1 Contender, Wone, and Joe Bananas got into a quick series of grapples and reversals. Wone got blitzed by a series of quick roll-ups from the high-tempo Joe Bananas, catching him with a Small Package, School Boy, and a modified Hurricanrana for near falls. Around that time, Sharc made his appearance at the top of the ramp, BRAND Name Championship over his shoulder, no doubt scouting his rival for Sharcbait.

Wone scoffed Sharc’s attempts to rile him up as he took back control with a Flying Forearm followed by a well-measured Swinging Neckbreaker for two. Firing back with a series of kicks, Wone grounded Bananas before heading up top himself and connecting with a modified Senton Body Block for two. A springboard Cross-Body attempt from Wone was reversed with a nasty Spinning Wheel Kick from Bananas in mid-move. Joe drove Wone across his knee with a Backdrop Backbreaker before connecting with a Springboard Moonsault for two. As Joe attempted the Diving Enzuigiri, Wone managed to whiff the kick just barely, making Joe crash and burn. Wone dominated the next few minutes by slowing down the match, working over the youngster with a series of quick kicks capped off by a debilitating Scissors Kick for the closest fall of the night thus far. As fans continued to cheer on the great match with Wone looking to put away Joe Bananas with the Fall From Grace, fans were shocked to see the gargantuan form of Tom Elijah holding an unmarked bottle (possibly liquor) in the crowd, jeering the competition. As BRAND fans jeered the proclamations, Wone merely shook his head at Elijah’s attempts to rile the crowd, however the referee managed to find himself distracted by the presence of one Tom Elijah. This distraction allowed Sharc to run in and SMACK Wone in the face with the BRAND Name Championship, throwing Joe Bananas over the body of the #1 Contender. The ref turned around just as Sharc left the area, smiling at his handiwork.

Winner: Joe Bananas
Rating: ***1/4

After the match and just as a happy Sharc left the ringside area, Tom Elijah imposed his presence on one of BRAND’s hottest commodities, attacking Joe Bananas and planting him with a Wild Bomb that nearly shook the ring upon impact. With the camera focused solely on him now, Elijah paced the ring like an animal. He delivered a very powerful ultimatum to old Pepper in the back, notifying him and the BRAND locker room at large that he was, indeed, punished for his performance last week by being booked in the preliminary match. The Wyoming Wild Man went so far as to proclaim bias from Pepper, considering Sharc waylayed rookies and received no penalty for it a week prior while he was a little tipsy and got punished. He vowed from that moment forward he would no longer be “overlooked” or “booked as an afterthought” and that if he wasn’t given more opportunities, then he would be thinning out the competition one show at a time until only he and the BRAND Name Championship were left.

Sharc v. Grizzly Valentine
The fans roared their appreciations for the fact they were about to see Sharc’s FIRST title defense here in BRAND with Pepper in Valentine’s corner anything could have happened. The bell sounded and Sharc stalked Valentine in the centre of the ring, circling him like a… er… shark? Valentine tried to attack but Sharc caught him and DDT’ed him into the canvas. Stomped a mudhole on his chest and pulled him to his feet, tossing him into the corner and ramming a vicious elbow into the side of his head. A double underhook backbreaker followed by a three rolling German suplexes and Valentine didn’t know where he was. Pepper scorned ringside seeing the champ make such lightwork of Valentine in the middle of ring. Sharc beckoned Pepper to join them but the owner shook his head and remained ringside, urging Valentine to get up and fight for BRAND. Sharc continued to destroy him with a rope whip and HUGE 180 degree spinebuster slam that would have to leave Valentine with a migraine for weeks to come. Sharc made his way to the corner of the ring where he removed the turnbuckle cover to which Peppins entered the ring to try and stop. The referee was trying to help Pepper convince Sharc to put the turnbuckle cover back on but a struggle ensued which resulted in Sharc shoving Pepper AND the referee. The referee fell out of the ring and Peppins charged at Sharc, nailing a big boot that put the champ on the canvas. Chest straddle and fifty year-old fists in the face, Peppins was getting the better of the BRAND Name champion, or so he thought. Pepper stood up in the centre of the ring, wiping his brow and then helping Valentine to his feet. When Pepper turned around Sharc was waiting for him and Sharc drove a dropkick into the owner’s chest, flattening him. Then CATAPULT! Face first into the CORNER! BLOOD! BLOOD! PEPPER’S BLOOD! Pepper’s forehead hit the turnbuckle HARD and he immediately began to bleed which did NOT look like it was supposed to happen. Staggering around the ring, blinded and attempting to peer through his lovely new red mask, Peppins walked straight into a BLOOD IN THE WATER! The fans were booing hysterically as Valentine attempted to save Pepper and got one for HIS troubles. The referee entered the ring and saw Sharc covering Valentine and counted the three.

Winner: Sharc
Rating: ***4/5

Sharc huffed and puffed in the centre of the ring as the referee handed him his championship belt. Sharc’s eyes lit up as though he had the idea of a life-time and he straddled the chest of Pepper Pete Peppins and ran a finger across his bloody face, smearing a two long lines of blood in the form of an “X” across the face of the belt before climbing the turnbuckle and holding the belt high for all to see as BRAND’s Homebrand TV went off the air.

A fantastic show as storylines continue to progress strongly in BRAND. Sharc and Pepper seem to be starting a war, with Pepper being busted open we’ll get some issues with the network surely. That is breaking one of the codes of conduct and we’ve already been getting some flack for some of the content on the shows, namely Idol’s ridiculing of women from Christian groups in Texas. But Peppins wants his Championship to be represented with honour and vigour and Sharc seems to only have that toward himself and not for BRAND.

Sharc is also heating up his battle with Wone as week-by-week he tries to get inside his head, making sure he has the advantage coming into Sharcbait where he will defend his title for the second time against the number one contender.

Rumours of Joe Bananas leaving BRAND are true and he is coming in on a week-by-week basis at the moment, not making himself available for all tapings but he has decided to part ways with BRAND but is honouring commitments made up until Sharcbait at this stage. As to whether we see Joe on all of these shows is a matter of fact and you will find out as the shows come to pass.

Howard Idol’s shoulder complications will leave him out of some tapings and talks of his contract, which was an open verbal agreement between he and Pepper, are rising with Idol looking to go to higher grounds seeing BRAND as not big enough for someone of his potential. As to whether we see him on future programming or not I cannot state at this stage but Mayweather seems to have gotten the upper hand over the sexist with her restraining order over him as the battle between man and woman ensues.

Tom Elijah had points to prove this week and has laid down the law to Pepper, who seems to be ruffling feathers left, right and centre trying to keep BRAND in the good books with networks and fans. Elijah wants Pepper to know where he stands in all of this and made a point on Homebrand TV, should be interesting to see what Elijah does next week with being inserted into the main event!

Well, another Homebrand TV in the books and BRAND is definitely going from strength to strength and although I’m a worker for BRAND I’m also a fan and as each show progresses I become more engulfed in the product BRAND has to offer so be sure to check out Branded Superstars this week and Homebrand TV 4.

Apologies for the lateness of the blog this week, had family commitments (wedding anniversary) and let me tell you Mrs. Morton had the night of her life. Many thanks to the local Indian restaurant in Mesquite, Dinesh’s Palace, and I recommend that to anyone who happens to be passing through town there.

But until next time, I’m Morton Murphy and I’ll catch YOU on the Flipside.

Firstly, through the week, Scoot Johnson made apologies for missing the tapings for Branded Superstars but has pledged to make it to the next recording for his fans and we’re all excited to see him get back in front of the camera. His match tonight was for the big one. Getting that number one contendership to save his contract for a title shot at a later date.

Homebrand kicked off with a bang as Sharc had interrupted to locals in a dark match. Youngsters Bob Leary and John Vincent were attempting to put on a show for the fans when the BRAND Name Champion emerged through the crowd and hit both kids with the Blood in the Water. Stomping away Sharc was demanding his title belt for a whole fifteen minutes. Joe Bananas burst from the back with a steel chair, stepping into the defend the Texan kids. Sharc simply stood back, the pair in deadlock not willing to make a move. Sharc mocked Joe’s Branded Superstars promo before Sharc began to tell Joe that he had already lost and pleaded for Bananas to hit him. Bananas tossed the chair to the ringfloor, shaking his head and leaving the champ in the ring as he left with Leary and Vincent. There was pure tension and it’s gives you the idea of what could happen should they meet later down the line when Bananas can get some experience under his belt.

Ringo Boulder v. Shawn FoX
Ringo Boulder and Shawn FoX came out to take on one another in singles competition for a Loser Leaves Town match, with Boulder expected to make FoX accountable for no showing the debut of Branded Superstars without explanation. But that put Ringo in a sticky predicament considering that he might lose HIS spot in the company. Things got underway with the pair locking up and Boulder taking early control of the contest. A spinebuster slam had a headache in FoX before Boulder locked him in a sleeper hold and drove him into the canvas with a sleeper hold sitdown slam. The fans were on their feet when there was a total black-out inside the BRAND Big Top and nothing could be seen. A burst of flames in the centre of the ring and the lights came back on with Ringo stop, dropping and rolling. Technicians burst into the ring with fire blankets and the fans were on the edge of their seat asking one question… where WAS Shawn FoX?

Winner: Double count-out due to fire
Rating: Too hard. Maybe on a rematch… if we ever find FoX.

Backstage, we saw Sandra Dee traipse about the halls, looking to get that next big scoop on the current goings-on of our roster when she happened to stumble into BRAND Wrestling’s newest hire “The Wyoming Wild Man” Tom Elijah. Leaning back haphazardly against the wall, also scaring our fair loyal interviewer with his unkempt neanderthal-like apperance, Tom began to run down his opponent, Howard Idol. He stated he knew full well about the reputation of Howard Idol and knew that he’s raising hell in other feds we won’t mention here (take THAT, competition!). Elijah also mentioned while he may be the guy rocking a haircut straight out of 10,000 BC, Howard Idol’s very existence set the natural order of evolution back a million years. He vowed that he wasn’t here to dazzle fans, cut pretty catchphrases fans can sing along with or put on a wrestling clinic that’ll appear on youtube tomorrow, his sole intent was to tear Idol’s muscles from his bones and make him experience true pain. When Sandra Dee asked how he’d been preparing for his match, Elijah quickly disposed of an empty bottle of whiskey and appeared to slightly stagger down the hall, ready for a fight.

Back inside the ring, “Pepper” Pete Peppins prepared the BRAND Name Championship belt presentation but was not addressed by Sharc at all. Instead, Sandra Dee came out with a cue card advising Sharc sent her. His message was that he would only accept the belt AFTER he had destroyed Joe Bananas. So he could wipe Bananas’ blood on the belt in celebration. Sandra Dee advised that she was told to emphasise the part where it was “non-negotiable”.

“the Wyoming Wild Man” Tom Elijah v. Howard Idol
Next inside the ring was the Wyoming Wild Man, Tom Elijah, and Howard Idol. Things got underway before the bell even had a chance to sound with the pair squaring off for some punch head tennis. Elijah eventually being able to overrule the punch up. Whipped Idol into the ropes and drove a massive big boot into the face of the Rajah of Ratings. A Fireman’s carry into a turnbuckle drop had Idol staggering around but he managed to reverse a powerbomb attempt and took some advantage by clotheslining Elijah to the outside. Idol had the fans on their feet with a springboard high cross body over the top rope to a standing Elijah outside. Tossing Elijah into ringsteps, guard rails and anything he could get near, Idol took the advantage. Attempting a lift to drop Elijah face first onto the ringsteps it was reversed and Idol headbutted the ringpost against his own will. Elijah tossed him in the ring again and took immediate control with a short-arm clothesline followed by a monstrous headbutt. After the headbutt Elijah dropped to hands a knees and looked as though he might be sick, losing his composure for a moment. He dry wretched inside the ring giving Idol the chance to stalk him, attempting the GTFO but Elijah caught Idol’s foot and an airplane spin saw Idol SMASH into the ringpost. Dizzy, dazed and a tag confused, Elijah pulled Idol to his feet and WHAM-O! WILD BOMB! 1-2-3 and Elijah sicked up a little on Idol with the cover, getting groans from the fans as he wiped his mouth the referee refused to raised his wrist in victory.

Winner: “the Wyoming Wild Man” Tom Elijah
Rating: **

Mary-Lynn Mayweather emerged as Elijah left for backstage, seeing Idol with sick on him shouting at the referee that BRAND was an abomination. Mary-Lynn had a remote control in her hand and a laser pointer. Behind her dropped a white sheet and a powerpoint presentation was displayed onto the sheet. She was giving the fans a history lesson on the decline of Idol’s intelligence over the years and mentioned Idol was proving Darwin’s theory was right, but in reverse. She ended with a plea for everyone to think of the children. The NOW stupid children.

Bananas and Sharc were up next and the BRAND Name Champion was attempting to put his foot down and make a statement on Bananas. Yet Bananas managed to the upperhand early on with a flying headscissors, grounding the champion. He wrapped up for a release German suplex but Sharc managed to roll with it and ended up on his feet, flattening Bananas with a monstrous clothesline. Stomping away on Banana’s neck before sitting him up and kicking him hard in the side of it. The fans groaned and booed Sharc who seemed to be loving every minute of it. Reverse DDT and the champ had the upperhand, not looking to relenquish his position. Sharc lifted the challenger into the Tree of Woe before a HUGE running knee strike put flat on his back in the canvas again, and things did not look good for Bananas. Sharc made several belt gestures to the fans who were giving him PLENTY of heat. Sharc hoisted Bananas to the top rope and began the ten punch crowds can NEVER shy away from counting along with. Only on 9 Bananas found some gusto and bounded up onto Sharc’s shoulders and HURRICANRANAED HIS ASS TO THE OUTSIDE! EVERYBODY got out of their seat as both men rolled around the outside in agony. Sharc found a steel chair and attempted a swing but somebody caught the chair. PEPPER! The fans roared loudly as Pepper snatched the chair from Sharc’s hands shouting “I’m not Vinny Mac! Not in my ring, bucko!” Sharc wound up to strike the owner of BRAND when Bananas bulldogged him to the hard floor. They rolled around punching one another until Sharc found himself in the affirmative position. Took back inside where Sharc compiled his lead again with a big swinging neckbreaker and a kickout. Using his control Sharc grew cocky when Bananas turned things on their head with another reversal, this time a DDT which he turned into a spinebuster modification of some sort. Sharc shouldered up on the pin attempt and Bananans hit a standing senton. Banans went high up and staked Sharc as he tried to get to his feet and FLEW for his diving enzuiguri only for Sharc to catch him by the leg for a Dragon screw that nearly pulled Bananas’ leg out of it’s socket. Blood in the Water and pinfall and Sharc snuck away with it.

Winner: Sharc
Rating: **1/2 (SO nearly a ***)

After the match, Sharc wasn’t done and was looking to bash Bananas and started stomping away. All Sharc was interested in doing was getting the blood of Bananas to wipe on his belt. Pepper got inside the ring and tried to stop Sharc only to be shoved over so Sharc could continue the assault. The fans roared as Pepper got to his feet and as Sharc turned around he felt the brunt of his OWN CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE! Peppins clobbered Sharc with the BRAND Name title belt and left the champion sprawled on his back. Pepper dropped Sharc’s belt on his chest and helped Bananas up onto his feet. He took a microphone and introduced the BRAND Name Champion but he wasn’t awake to hear it. Peppins reminded the fans that he was there to put on one Hell of a show but when push came to shove, you don’t mess with Pepper coz he’s nobody to be sneezed at!

Number One Contenders Match
Scoot Johnson v. Mary-Lynn Mayweather v. Wone
The excitement didn’t end there. The triple threat match for the Number One contender spot got under-way with Johnson, Mayweather and Wone. Wone and Johnson tied up, with Johnson attempting to make his way across to Mayweather but Wone stepped into the fray and tied up. Headlock takedown and Mayweather used what smarts she had to avoid confrontation as best she could. Wone took control of Johnson with a whip to the ropes and dropkick which put Johnson flat on his back. Mayweather chimed in with a legdrop to the back of Johnson’s head. Both competitors seemed interested in removing Johnson from the fray. Wone and Mayweather double teamed Johnson with a double DDT before Wone whipped Johnson into the ropes, lifted him up with a flapjack and Mayweather did some sort of handstand dropkick upwards into the head of Johnson. Wone leant in the corner while Mayweather pinned Johnson, eliminating him from competition. Johnson rolled out cursing Americans and shaking his head in disgust as his armoured dwarf escorted him to the back. The fans roared as Mayweather and Wone tied up in the centre of the ring, with Wone taking advantage early. Powerbomb here, DDT there, here a suplex, there a neckbreaker, everywhere an achey Mary-Lynn. Wone the wrestler had control! E-I-E-I-OOOOOOOO! Sorry. But Wone took control and made the cover, only Mary-Lynn kicked out on two. Wone went up top and stalked Mary-Lynn as she got to her feet and a flying forearm drove her into the canvas. He covered and Mayweather managed to kick out with a bee’s dick worth of time left! Wone punched the canvas frustrated with the slow count. Pulled Mary-Lynn to her feet and attempted a Fall from Grace but Mary-Lynn wriggled enough for Wone to drop her. Scrambling on hands and knees she got to her feet and shot back a shuffle sidekick as Wone charged. He went down like a sack of shit and Mary-Lynn took control with a somersault senton. Darting up the turnbuckle with a moonsault and then a snappy legdrop across the face before hooking the leg. Yet Wone managed to kick out of the contest for Mary-Lynn to this time curse the referee, trying to become the number one contender. Howard Idol emerged from the back, distracting Mary-Lynn as he bashed a pot with a wooden spoon near the backstage entrance. She cursed him a few moments before turning and walking straight into the Fall from Grace and it was goodnight, Irene. Wone getting the 1-2-3 and coming out as the number one contender to the title.

Winner: Wone (number one contender to the BRAND Name championship)
Rating: ***

The war between Howard Idol and Mayweather seems to fuelled as we go from week-to-week. There seems to already be no love lost between them as Idol manages to get the upperhand again this week, costing Mayweather her number one contender spot without even laying a finger on her. I’m looking forward to this building more, hopefully we can see Mayweather get the one up on things next week because Idol is really getting under my skin, too.

Peppins surprised me! He told everyone he would be hands on and the big man with the wrinkles obviously isn’t afraid of the big, bad Sharc. Laying the champion out with his own belt? Priceless. Looking forward to seeing the aftermath of that because I’m sure Sharc won’t take that lying down.

Wone being the number one contender has his work cut-out for him to face Sharc at some stage (I’m tipping at the PPV which was named “Sharcbait” just yesterday). Be interesting to see how Wone slides into things with the violent Sharc but he’s got my support. I think he’ll do just fine after seeing what he’s capable of over the last couple of weeks. Be an interesting show.

Elijah’s stomach movements concerned me and Idol reported he had a bitter smell on his breath. Medical tests will show if Elijah had some sort of bug or what was wrong with the superstar and BRAND apologises for fans having to see Elijah sick inside the ring.

Tonight’s show was fantastic and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Things seem to be working up in BRAND and it gives you more reason to tune into Branded Superstars to find out out all the latest from our very own stars including some highlights from Homebrand TV.

Until next time, I’m Morton Murphy, and I’ll catch YOU on the Flipside!

So sit back, relax, go make yourself a coffee and grab a biscuit.  Maybe a cake.  This might take a little.  Load up your iTunes because today’s theme song is “I’d Like to Have a Beer with Duncan” by Slim Dusty. If you haven’t heard this song before, you’re really gonna enjoy it’s simplicity.  Slim is a country singer from Australia, Bazza happened to give me a CD so I loaded it up onto my iPhone and have enjoyed Slim’s work.  I wouldn’t buy it… but it makes a nice support act to…

Flipside: A Legacy of Violence | Hartoberfest Edition! (41)

With all things jiggy let us get things under way.  The show opened up with one Celeste Darkheart fronting the camera for a special news bulletin.  While she’s got some presence on screen, she sure does prattle on.  I’d like to see her work with a voice coach on delivery.  She’s sure to have a key role in future LoC programming.  It sure was nice to see a third party pushing this Umaga / Ninja K feud.  As for the editing team, I would have preferred to have seen this particular segment a little later on.  We just saw our Legacy Champion being crowned.  LoC plugged it all week as Hartoberfest and we open up to Celeste Darkheart?  Mis-management on the production team’s behalf.  I think somebody might get a slap on the wrist over that one.

Speaking of Umaga, I have to say I just love the nickname of the South Sea Shadow.  I can see the t-shirts.  Literally.  They should be available in the Legacy store online on the website soon.  If they’re not already.  I’ve barely got time to check my emails let alone peruse the LoC website for t-shirts that I get a good deal on   There’s a wonderful balance of light and shade to Umaga.  He seems to ooze charisma despite not showing that charisma in the typical Vince Jacobs sense.  He knows how to work the screen.  He knows how to work a mic.  I think honestly, this Underground storyline which seems to have started between Ninja K, Umaga and Celeste really is going to be interesting and between me, you and the gate post… I think it’ll over shadow the Legacy title scene.  Ssssh!  THAT! being said… I was disappointed in the screening of the bludgeoning of Ryan Billows.  I think Legacy of Champions programming went too far.  For the fact that Reihana (and bookers) pushed the envelope WAAAAYYYY too far with this one.  I’m all for a little bit of blading.  But THAT was too far and I think that it would seriously hurt the Legacy’s relationship with their network.  I mean, a TV-MA rating (which I disagree with since kid’s are the back bone to any promotions budget) fair enough but this isn’t the Asylum.  This is a professional wrestling program and although they’re looking to push the Underground as a literal Underground… this was too far for a wrestling show.  This isn’t MMA Entertainment.  This is Sports Entertainment.  Wrestling.

All the spectacles you’d expect to be associated with Shawn Jessica Hart, the Legacy Champion, were there.  Even a donkey.  I like the fact LoC are willing to go out on a limb and put a light-hearted character as the jewel in their crown.  SJH has so much talent and it is great to see the accolade bestowed upon him.  I don’t think you’d see ACW pinning their strap to Ikan Jobtayoo or GCW putting one on Rikki Roxx.  The interactions between Jon Katz Jr, Brandon Thomas and co. was enjoyable.  They seemed to have a really great chemistry on the screen and are comfortable with what they think each other is going to give.  It really works well from a fan’s perspective and I’m sure the guys at head office agree.  The opening segment with the Legacy Champion kinda set the tone for the whole night.  Insanity.  It’s a big risk from the LoC bookers to play this type of scenario on their second show.  Did it work?  Well, that’s a different story altogether.  Personally, the idea of Thomas in an Evening Gown match even makes me chuckle.  I’m sure Teddy Caldweller is cringing at the idea of a whole show dedicated to gimmick matches.

The match between Brandon and Aria Murphy was to be expected.  Honestly, I’m a little shocked to see a program, mini-program at least, between Thomas and Murphy but it’s gonna put that Starlet title on the map.  Despite it’s length, the match gave LoC fans everything.  Violence and T&A.  Murphy has a fantastic physique and I’d imagine Playboy would be in contact with her soon for a photo shoot.

Suicide and Fanatic have obvious chemistry.  You can see the respect that Fanatic has toward Suicide and it resonates in their segment.  For me, it was kinda like watching V from V for Vendetta talking to V from V for Vendetta.  They are perhaps a little too similar to appear in the segment without some shades of black or white.  It was all shades of grey.  While both are great performers, their spot on Violence could have been cut a little shorter.  I was waiting for one of them to warn us about the Ides of March.

I spoke before about vocal coaches and spoke last time I wrote this column about a particular wrestler needing to take the time to work on vocal technique.  Well, pleased to say, Oliver Ranken must’ve adhered to my advice because his segment with Rodney Castles was a vast improvement for the star.  I said it last week, and I’ll say it again, the LoC future could very well rest on the shoulders of that young man.  As for Austin Advent.  I don’t understand LoC’s thoughts here.  He gets to speak for a little too long.  Someone upstairs must think the kid’s got talent but when he gets on the mic I just seem to cringe.  This guy needs to get with the writers, get with an improve coach, get with a vocal coach… SOMEONE!  LoC should hire someone like Sonny Silver to teach this kid how to heel it up because he isn’t getting boos from me for playing the bad guy… he’s getting boos from me for stealing television time.  I felt bad for Ranken having been thrown to the wolves in an Advent segment.  I’m sorry… in understand this guys a heel but he seems more like a bunion to me.

Their match was an interesting gimmick.  I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of a cock on a pole match (maybe down Fr’isco way?) but it was certainly something that seems SJH would make up himself.  Right off the bat, however, Ranken and Advent seemed to have some chemistry in the ring.  Despite the hardcore spots and the strange gimmick of the match, this was really a great showcase of wrestling.  Ranken proved my thoughts on his potential and his future right here.  My only issue is with how it ended.  A) what’s with another LoC curtain jerker ending with EMTs rushing the ring?  Is this a theme?  Is there an unwritten law about losing the first match leaving on a guerney?  You know, an unwritten law like lesbians have to have bad haircuts.  B) this hurt Ranken.  I have to tell you, I’m becoming a bit of a Ranken mark and despite this obviously going into a program (because there was no reason for that chairshot, even HWF bookers would agree) I don’t think this match did Ranken any favours.  A busted timekeeper’s table.  A rooster and a chairshot… I think it only hindered the image of a potential blue chipper and kind of reminds me of legendary WWF/WWE hazing.  Pay your dues.  Except… I don’t think Advent has any dues owed so that makes no sense.  No selling the chairshot kept that monster about him but all in all, this would have worked better with that brilliant shot of the rooster perched on Ranken’s head.  Kudos to the LoC production team for snagging that epic moment.  Never work with children or animals.

The debut of Blitzkreig Funk was perfect.  A nice simple and clean spot and it really gave us a window into what these two are all about.  Frankly, I love the idea of Germans trying to clear the reputation of Germany.  It’s a fantastic gimmick and gimmicks aside, these two could run storylines on personality alone.

Their match with Allied Powers was a pretty decent debut.  There didn’t appear to be an enormous amount of chemistry, I guess they just seemed to clash in style.  Hans Wilhelm and Bastian Von Bismarck were applying rest holds that seemed to drag the energy out of their debut.  Typically, I see Allied Powers as enhancement talent, and they’re the best in the biz at it.  I think they might’ve been shocked in the briefing about rest holds for a debuting tag team given their experience and veteran status in the Legacy of Champions.  I think it would have worked better if they minused the rest holds but hindsight is a wonderful gift, ain’t it?

If there’s anyone in the Legacy of Champions that gets this old road agents heart pumping it’s Trey Vincent.  I’ve followed his career for sometime, there’s no hiding my love for Brawlers in a Budget who have put together some of the craziest and whackiest stuff I’ve ever watched.  The sheer chaos, bravado and total disregard for right and wrong the BOB bookers have has always impressed me.  It’s like if the Upright Citizens Brigade ran a wrestling promotion.  Back to topic though…  Trey seemed to be on game tonight.  Last week, he was a little clogged up like a swine flu sufferer’s bronchioles.  This week he was silk.  I mean, sure, the arena ban of Trey was telegraphed by this being Hartoberfest and all, but I like the way he went on to deal with it.  He’s playing the playboy face ever so nicely but there still seems to be that thin line between heel and face with Trey.  I’m not sure if they want to push the neutrality on TV, but I think they definitely need to remove the line.  He needs to go one side or the other.  Maybe some telegraphing?  Maybe a swing?

Midnight Cowboy has that nice Texan drawl and he seems to ooze charisma.  Nice and competitive last week on Violence and a match with one Aran Thompson tonight to set the tone of his run in LoC.  His segment with Remy Leroux seemed mysterious and unnecessary, I don’t think the pair have any history nor do I understand why Midnight Cowboy gives a good God damn.  Their chemistry in a segment seemed a little forced and I’m not sure if they’re pushing a program between the pair or it was to put over Leroux.  I don’t think it did either.

Speaking of Aran seems to have shaken a little of that microphone rust he was suffering from last week, but not all of it.  I still find him a little congested and forced but I think as programming ticks on we’re going to see him shine and come out of his shell.  I did love the little rant as he wandered to the ring.  Call me old-school.  Call me a touch of a Y2J mark… but I dug it’s simplicity.  Sometimes promotions need to remember the K.I.S.S. rule to programming.  With that being said… I think there was probably a little too much Aran on this show.  He seemed to be popping up here, there and in your underwear.  Overkill destroys pushes.  I’d have liked to have seen his screenings end after the Cowboy match.  The last Mr. Relentless segment could have been screened NEXT week.

Onto their match, I can’t comment on chemistry.   They must have some creative fans in LoC or this was dubbed in over the top.  That chant can’t be real?  Does Legacy plant people in the crowd, in one particular section, to chant on cue?    This one was clearly to put over the heelness of one Aran Thompson because I don’t think Midnight Cowboy got anything out of that match.  If anything, it probably hurt his reputation.  Putting across in the same intelligence league as a hammer.  Didn’t Dolph Ziggler just beat the Great Khali like this on Smackdown!?  A little smack back from MC didn’t bring him anything back in terms of overness.  The fans seemed to cheer, I think, just because Thompson got what was coming to him.

Veteran and flyweight, Tyke, did an in-ring promo which seemed to confuse me.  He spoke about the debuting tag-team Blitzkrieg Funk with a disdain for German people.  I’m fairly certain that D-Day isn’t a fragile subject these days so I’m not sure if he was looking for heat or pops from the Orlando fans.  Seriously, he goes on to talk about gas masks right after talking about the Germans and I just had to cringe.  I can see some anti-Semitic letters of disproval coming through from the LARGE Jewish populous of Florida state. I don’t think the segment had any reason to be on Violence and maybe Tyke had a clause to be at X amount of events per month.  I like Tyke as a character but as strong as his debut was last week on Violence, this took away from it.  The only thing I liked was staring at Jet.  What?  I am a man!  And this man likes what he sees.

I mean gimmick matches are gimmick matches, but I have to say the thought of Tank Adams fighting with pillows gives me a mild satisfaction.  I mean seriously, the guy has shades of Viscera and is probably one of the scariest guys my retinas have displeasured to combine shades and tones.  But to see him with a pillow?  It humours me.  I’m not entirely sure what LoC are doing with the tag titles.  A transfer into the hands of the Flying Vergamovs from a pillow fight?  This can only be confusing for the fans.  Are they trying to start a program or end one?  I’m not sure where this was going from a booker’s perspective but they’ve obviously got something in mind.  The change was a bit quick but gave the fans a title change, which they love to see removed from the bad guys

I guess I’m somewhat of a Khristian Keller mark.  I’ve really gotten into what he has to offer as a wrestler and entertainer and most of the time, his spots are hit in miss.  In terms of this week’s segment… it was a miss.  Which makes me a sad American Panda.  </ BOB> I don’t think this really did anything.  Didn’t hurt him.  Didn’t put him over.  Just told us what we already knew.  Pushing a program he hasn’t got.

Hype video for the “Golden Bear” Steve Windsor.  I’m sorry… who?  I must’ve missed the memo but seven long years for a guy who nobody knows?  It’d be like if Screech went to FWO… oh.  Right.  My bad.

I’ve reserved the last section for the main event portion of proceedings.  To me, I felt the match took a little long to deliver the point.  There was good chemistry between K2 and Suicide but everybody was too distracted by the presence of Hart & Co. at ringside.  Be that as it may, it was still entertaining in the ring.  I just thought it could have ended a little sooner.  There were only seventy-nine kickouts and fourty-three shoulder ups.  C’mon guys… the victory for Suicide was already telegraphed… it took WAY too long to get to the bleeding obvious.  This main event was a work.  It was a piece of Sports Entertainment (always in capitals, you spell God with a capital G) but it wasn’t master crafted.  I just thought that match coulda come and gone a little quicker.

The beat down at the end was well played and the only thing it lacked was a rant from Shawn Hart.  All in all, the whole SHOW lacked a rant from Shawn Hart.  He just won the Legacy Championship for the sake of Pete.  Whether you like him or not, you’re expecting some rant.  And this show missed a lot of Hart for something dubbed Hartoberfest.  Bookers dropped the ball on this one and there really wasn’t enough Hart… it was more Overfest with some heels really clambering for the rights of being bad and mean.  I don’t think we saw a face get the upperhand all night.  It was a decent outing by the LOCKERS (thanks K2) but I don’t think any programs really hit the ground running, despite some promising outings throughout.

little bit ambitiuos with the Hurricane blowing away a large chunk of our predictions. BRAND wrestling wants to thank all fans who made it out to Lufkin for the debut show and we’re sure you’ll agree… putting your life on the line for the BRAND product was all worth your while. In a public relations note, all fans who braved the elements were given a BRAND wrestling polo shirt which should be hitting stores soon for just $15.99 from size S-XXXL. $3.95 postage and handling fee of course.

Homebrand TV’s debut show was live in front of 120 hardcore Texan wrestling fans who fought the wind to see a Hell of a show. Unfortunately for fans, however, VPG had also evacuated so his three-way dance with Shawn FoX and Joe Bananas was pulled back to a one-on-one tustle. Rumours have it Peppins is upset with the no-show, despite the elements. With VPG being the only performer to not turn up to Lufkin. VPG also missed the recording of Branded Superstars along with Shawn FoX and El Brazo del Cielo. On a personal note, I was disappointed to see these three miss the tapings for Branded Superstars and am even more disappointed there hasn’t been more ramifications toward them. I’d have liked to have seen them dropped from the card to make room for other performers.

Pepper’s tunes hit the airwaves and the 120 faithful rose to their feet. Peppins had the BRAND Name title draped over his shoulder and declared to the fans that tonight was not only a monumental occassion for BRAND wrestling but for Pro-Wrestling in general. Peppins plans to re-mould all that is wrestling and he’ll do that any way he can. He promised tonight a champion would walk out of the BRAND Big Top, come rain, hail or shine. Even hurricanes! Pepper got nice reactions before he was interrupted by Scoot Johnson who made the time to mention his reign as the Spinebuster Wrestling champion. The fans booed as Johnson went on to talk about how history had a way of repeating itself and that tonight was no different because if tonight wasn’t successful he always had his back up plan. Sharc emerged from the back getting some great pops from die-hard “marks” and he had a microphone of his own. He stood in the middle of the ring and applauded Johnson, glad to cheer for him one last time (as Johnson did call for cheers on Branded Superstars last week). He went on to tell the fans that after tonight nobody would have to cheer for Johnson again and maybe the wrestling world would be lucky and never have to hear him speak again. He went on to clarify that predictions on Internet forums of Sharc being victorious were right and that there was a hurricane coming for Johnson. But it’s name wasn’t “Ike”. It was Sharc.

Shawn FoX vs. Joe Bananas
The action started out with Shawn Fox and Joe Bananas, due to card re-shuffle. FoX came out firing, shoving Bananas into the corner and raining on punches. He tried to throw Bananas from pillar-to-post and even tossed him to the outside where Bananas was caught on the guard rail with a sickening bump on his chest. Tables turned when Fox tried a body press from the top rope but Bananas got the 120 hardcores on their feet with a dropkick to the falling FoX. A hurricanrana on exposed dirt (after Bananas rolled it aside) and Joe rolled FoX into the ring. Bananas had control of this for the rest of the match with a release German suplex into the corner left FoX clutching his body in agony. FoX staggered out, fans MARKED out, Bananas hit his patent pending diving enzuiguri for the three-count and the “Dubya”!

Winner: Joe Bananas in 5:37.
Rating: **

Backstage we saw Sandra Dee in an interview with Howard Idol who seemed shocked to see a woman within the walls of a wrestling promotion. He asked Sandra Dee if she knew why her driver’s license was cancelled before advising her there were no roads between HIS kitchen and HIS bedroom. Sandra Dee tried to end the interview there and then before Idol snatched the microphone and went on to tell her that if she thought she was a role-model for young girls of Texas then she should think again. That women should be on their back or cooking him some pie. Poontang Pie! And then he made mention that those sentiments were NOT for Sandra Dee alone. They were for ALL women. And that goes for Mary-Lynn Mayweather. Harry Balkin was heard to be applauding Idol’s public service announcement. HOW RUDE!

Ringo Boulder vs. Wone
The fans were treated to Wone and Ringo Boulder standing toe-to-toe next with the fans getting behind Ringo. They put on one HELL of a show as Wone took advantage early with Wone taking Boulder down with a dropkick and then a senton splash. Tides were turned as Boulder shook Wone’s skeleton inside his skin with a MONSTROUS clothesline. Boulder attempted to take control, tossing Wone into the corner and adminstering a 10-punch that had the 120 faithful counting with delight! The fans were treated as Wone woke up, as though from nowhere and bounded up onto Boulder’s shoulders and twisted him with a HUGE top-rope hurricanrana into the centre of the ring, narrowly missing the three with a shoulder up. Wone took control with a float-over DDT and split Boulders legs apart for a double leg drop to the manhood with a cringe from the fellers in attendance. An attempted swinging neckbreaker was blocked and saw Wone flat on his back and the subject of a kneedrop to the face. Boulder took control with a running pendulum backbreaker and a broken pin-count on two. Wone was tossed at the ropes and subject to a knee to the guts and Boulder attempted his jacknife Boulderbomb but Wone flipped out of it and facejammed Ringo into the canvas with a huge reversal and the 120 on their feet. One Fall from Grace later and Wone’s wrist was held high above his head victoriously.

Winner: Wone in 8:10.
Rating: ***

Backstage saw the resident comic relief Ikan Jobtayoo offering Pepper a cup of coffee made from rare coffee beans. One sip later saw Pete spit the coffee in the FACE of Ikan! Confused our esteemed leader asked Ikan Jobtayoo where the beans came from. Ikan explained he saw a documentary where Brazillians make coffee from the poop of cat-like creatures. Pepper asked Ikan if he actually sifted the beans from the poop or just used poop. Ikan’s face was red and Pepper’s breath was NASTY! Gross.

Fans cheered as before commercial we saw Mary-Lynn Mayweather making her way down the corridors for her match-up with El Brazo del Cielo.

Before our next match we saw a promo for Branded Superstars which is held every alternative week to Homebrand TV hosted by none other than myself, Morton Murphy. It features all the latests promos, interviews and news from BRAND wrestling and is a great product brought to you by BRAND wrestling.

El Brazo del Cielo vs. Mary-Lynn Mayweather
El Brazo del Cielo came out first followed by Mary-Lynn who went straight to business pulling herself over the top rope for a body press on El Brazo. An early pin attempt shoulder out of on one and Mayweather took control right away. A stiff and twisty kick to the calf had El Brazo limping around the ring. Mayweather drove him face first into the canvas with a bulldog. She went up high to fly but El Brazo pulled on the top rope, Mayweather toppled to ringside. The fans roared as El Brazo springboarded out of the ring with a moonsault onto the fallen Mayweather and he kept things outside. Mayweather was tossed into the ringsteps, the guard rail and onto the announce table which Balkin and I preside. He motioned for a DDT into the table but Mayweather pulled his legs out from underneath him and connected with a standing somersault splash that had the whole announce table in splinters. Both competitors clearly hurting from the fall, with Mary-Lynn looking more worse for wear than El Brazo. He groaned as Mary-Lynn climbed into the ring as someone leapt the guardrail and slipped under the bottom rope stalking her. HOWARD IDOL! The fans booed tremendously and Mary-Lynn spun to find herself whipped into the ropes and then GTFO’ed by Idol. A MONSTROUS big boot to the face that knocked Mayweather out cold. The referee called it off, awarding Mayweather the match by DQ as Idol stood over her making rude gestures to his nether regions and shouting “WHERE’S MY PIE?” and “THERE’S NO SINK IN A WRESTLING RING!” Idol was booed out of the BRAND Big Top.

Winner: Mary-Lynn Mayweather by DQ Interference in 6:02.
Rating: **1/2

Gearing up for the main event we saw snippets of Scoot Johnson with his six semi-nekkid members of his all-male entourage and then a flash to Sharc taping his knuckles followed by a commercial.

Main Event for the BRAND Name championship
Scoot Johnson vs. Sharc
The main event came on, right on cue and the fans were on their feet to find out who WOULD become the BRAND wrestling BRAND Name Champion. Sharc attempted to attack Johnson before the bell sounded by sliding beneath the ropes but Johnson escaped to the outsides of the ring. Johnson got to the apron but found himself in the ring after Sharc DDTed him over the top rope. Sharc delivered with a neckbreaker and some stomps but Johnson managed to somehow lock in a testicular claw. A whip to the ropes and a dropkick by the former SbW Champ and then Sharc was tossed into the corner. 10 punch was cut off at seven when Sharc shoved Johnson to the canvass and flew with a dropkick to the spine as Johnson tried to stand. Johnson reversed the torment before both men were laid out with a double clothesline. They traded punches before Johnson took the advantage and a gut wrench suplex saw him in control. Johnson locked in the STRANGLEHOLD BRITANNIA and the fans were on the edges of their seat to see if Johnson could make Sharc tap. Sharc tried for the rope break but Johnson thought better of it and a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker had Sharc incapacitated again. Scoot attempted the Johnson driver but ate canvass and humble pie with the help of a Blood in the Water which saw Sharc go on to become the BRAND Name champion.

Winner & first BRAND Name Champion: Sharc in 12:44.
Rating: ***1/2

All in all it was a great first outing for BRAND wrestling and the 120 that did battle through the winds to make it into the BRAND Big Top, which did shake on occasion but seemed very sturdy nonetheless. Impressive wins for Wone, Joe Bananas and Sharc (of course).

Mary-Lynn got the default win but was it worth eating the boot of Howard Idol? Can Mayweather exact some revenge on Idol? Will Idol succeed in teaching her the roles she SHOULD be doing?

Sharc emerges as victorious with the BRAND Name title. Will Scoot Johnson turn his back on Sharc and look at using his contract at a later date? Does this mean war? Does he want that title so bad he’ll get inside the ring with Sharc again? At the next Homebrand TV Sharc will be presented the BRAND Name title by none other than Pepper.

I’d be tuning into Branded Superstars to see what the stars have to say about the events of Homebrand TV. I thought it was one heck of a show and the BRAND rollercoaster has just left the station. Who knows what loops and twists are in store?

Find out more on Branded Superstars! You can catch the replay of the Homebrand TV main event where Sharc emerges with the BRAND Name championship.

Until next time, I’m Morton Murphy and I’ll catch you on the flipside.

My time in BRAND was fantastically fun both under the Pepper and JLV regimes.  I’ve brought them over here for you to read and will post them one at a time over the next couple of weeks.

I hope you enjoy them!

The opinions of Morton Murphy in no way reflects that of the Legacy of Champions and is merely one man’s opinion.

First and foremost I’d like to an extend a thank-you to Teddy Caldweller and the team for extending the invitation for me to write for this tremendous website. I’ve really been enjoying the reviews of many wrestling promotions and Teddy’s opinion reflects mine in that it’s honest and refreshing. He doesn’t pull any punches and let’s you know what he thinks and you’ve got to respect a man who does that.

Secondly, I’ll give you a little insight as to what I plan on doing here in EWTorch and that’s two things:

1. give you a road report on Legacy of Champions
2. keep you up to date with news and rumours

Just remember that most importantly anything I say is one man’s opinion and while you’re entitled to yours I’m entitled to mine. The theme song for today is: Against All Odds by Phil Collins. Plug it into your iTunes and have a listen while you read, it’ll make it all the more enjoyable.

I wanna add that it’s fantastic that Legacy of Champions has come back to television. I’ve always been a fan of the product and this being my first time involved with the company, I’m real excited to hopefully lead a few guys in the right direction and lend them a hand through what can be a scary and daunting task of performing in this biz. Let’s get started shall we?

A Legacy of Violence (40)
When the vignette of the mystery man (quite obviously Suicide if you watched the show and if you haven’t, go watch it now!) got some good pops from the crowd. I like the entertainment factor and have always been a mark for it. Sometimes these vignettes can be hit and miss and this one… it was right on the money.

Umaga Reihana got some good reactions from the fans. The story of his ulterior motives panned out a bit and it seems that someone had something more to do with the fate of Ninja K than we might have expected. Aside from a confusing backstage segment later in the show I felt that Umaga put in a great performance. We weren’t fortunate enough to see him inside the ring but when we do, you can be assured that he’ll get some good responses from the fans. The two occasions he appeared on V31 was no exception. As for Ninja K, he’s always been the phenom when it comes to Legacy of Champions and though only breifly were we treated with his presence, he really knows how to sell the drama.

Ken Kaze and Lance Spencer seemed to have a nice chemistry together in the ring. While them opening the show was confusing for me they still put there all into it and I think the fans appreciated the performance. The countout ending isn’t a way I’d book a show but when I get my chance to do that in the future then I guess you’ll see what I can do. No harm – no foul, booking team. Just think through your openers a little more because at the end of the day… you want them fans to buy another ticket, right?

Mr. Relentless, Aran Thompson, got some good heat from the fans. He seemed a little rusty on the stick but it has been a while since he got the chance to do it. Some nice moments of gold in them thar hills and I expect that in the coming weeks he’ll only get better and shake that rust off. His confrontation in the ring with Jackson Snow was a solid outing. They worked well together and with a bit more work, they could really get something good on the boil.

The fans gave some nice responses to Oliver Ranken as he appeared in a backstage segment. I had a little bit of trouble understanding him but I think that’s something that can be groomed. What I could understand I liked and really look forward to seeing what this potential blue chipper can do in the future. Looking forward to seeing him in the ring!

Austin Advent had some nice moments on the mic and probably wasn’t getting the heat from the fans he wanted to. Anybody going against Ryan Billows is going to x amount of heat as a given but he could’ve milked it a little more. Saw some potential in his stick work but he really didn’t rile up those fans enough for someone facing Billows in a Loser-Leaves-Town match. As to their match, I didn’t think they had the right chemistry. I’d have thought two pretty similar kinda guys, good-versus-evil style, they might have clicked a little more but from a fan’s perspective… I don’t wanna see those two in action together for a long while. Maybe it was a combination of Billows’ ring rust and Advent’s green-ness, but it’s not something I’d look forward to on a booking sheet.

Speaking of Billows, his and “Black” Tom Williams segment later in the show seemed a little congested to me. I would have expected more from two stalwarts and it comes down to it being too verbose. I didn’t get that meanness from Tom and maybe that’s a way he’s pushing with in the new LoC. I was left kinda empty by their appearance together.

I expect big things from Khristian Keller. His segment got some great reactions from the fans in the arena. He’s a great honest character that I look forward to every time he graces the television screen. The chemistry between he and LLB was obvious and I really wanna see a lot more of those two together. You’ve got the grounds of a great feud there. History. Calibre talent. Great stick workers. Drawing power and heat. Book it, Danno. I wanna see it! They’re match on Violence was truly one of the highlights inside the LoC ring, only surpassed by the main event. I mean, from a staff perspective you’d expect to veterans of their calibre to be able to provide the goods but they really did and it was a high point on the card.

I’m looking forward to LoC’s Flyweight division and if the match between Tyke and Cordova is just a sniff of what we can expect, we are really in for a treat. Dawn Cassidy says later on that the Flyweight championship is pretty much made for Tyke and I have to agree. I don’t wanna see it on anybody else. The match between the pair was fast-paced and really opens up the corridors for future stories in the WHOLE of the Flyweight division. Seeing this type of thing on a wrestling program excites me as a part of the staff and as a wrestling fan. They both seemed to really click and the fans were delivered a seamless performance by both.

The cameo of Brandon Thomas missing his flight was a true highlight of the show. Probably a runner up to Keller’s segment backstage. I’m looking forward to seeing where the Thomas character goes with all his rich LoC history. Thomas is a blue chip performer and anything he does on LoC television is gonna be great. It goes without saying.

The Team division seems to be another hotly contended division coming up through the ranks. I’ve had a little more hand in what’s going on there so I imagine I’m probably a little verbose and bias but I’m excited by the stories we should see in weeks to come. Tank Adams and the Flying Vergamovs seemed to click inside the ring and opened up a wound to lick for the coming weeks. Be interested to see how the fans react to the Team Championships being on Tank but I expect good things. Even if the fans aren’t yet to see the forest for the trees.

Remy Leroux and Midnight Cowboy seemed to work okay together in the ring. I wasn’t completely sold but I think there’s always work to be done for any superstar. I will say we saw flashes of brilliance and about mid-way they seemed to hit their stride. Later on we saw a double-up on story with the Cowboy being told no drinking and the True Blue Battlers being told the same. Granted, they panned out differently but it was still the same pig just painted different colours. They must’ve missed this at the writer’s meeting which is a shame because it could dampen the debuts of all stars involved. It was nice to see Macca and Bazza in a nice vignette to establish their characters and I think we can be excited about them in weeks to come.

When I think entertainment I think of Trey Vincent and his debut on LoC proved me right. He was a little verbose and didn’t have that TV edge I’d come to love him for but he was pure entertainment nonetheless. LoC have really stretched to push him into the top of the card but I think it will be a risk that pays off. We’re not talking about pushing a greenhorn here. We’re talking about a blue chipper who’s finally been given his moment in the sun and if he can tidy up those segments I really think we’ll see some good things. Celeste Darkheart and Trey really had a nice on-screen chemistry and if it wasn’t just me, I think maybe she got a little jealous of Felicia Hart being spanked and not her.

Shawn Hart proved why he *SPOILER* got the belt *SPOILER* when the show come down to it’s fruition. He’s a star outright in his own lunchbox and that lunchbox is LoC. I loved everything he did on the show and I think you’d agree with me we’re going to see some entertainment between he and Suicide. The main event between Hart and Vincent was, without failure, the match of the night and when you tack your credits onto the ending of Violence which LoC provided than I think you’ve got to be happy coz it’s going to leave the fans wanting more. And that’s what it’s about right? Tuning in next week!

I think the show was a success. It’s early days yet and there’s a cast that needs to get the eyes of the fans used to them. We can expect to see folks debut over the next few weeks but if they can back this show up with some solid storyline progression next week, LoC will really be trying to take Keller’s title of King Shit of Fuck Mountain.

Until next time, I’m Morton Murphy and I’ll catch you… on the Flipside!