by Scotty Szanto-Nicodemus
Exclusive to OnlineOnslaught.com

Before we get started, sometimes I Get Letters™:  Just to let you know, I was at that event (the ICW event featuring the Low-Ki v. Eddy Guerrero match) and it didn't take place at the Hammerstein Ballroom.  That's in Manhattan.  The event took place at the Elks Lodge in Queens. –Damian Gonzalez

Yeah well, I never was one to know much about the differences between all the burroughs of New York, although I’m pretty sure that one of them is an Island… “I’d sure like to visit that Long Island place.  If only it were real!” –Marge Simpson

Now let’s get on with the show!

Intro.

Brief history of the Jersey J-Cup is up next.  This is basically a clip-segment of all the finishers from the previous two tournaments set to New Age Music.  The Jersey J-Cup 2000 started it all, and was won by Judas Young.  We also get to see his post-show promo, and he puts over the Cup itself by explaining that a wrassler cannot simply order a trophy like this from a catalogue, one must earn it.  Makes sense to me!  Jersey J-Cup 2001 took it to a different level…so says the chyron.  I will say that there are some impressive finishers…and Shark Boy!  I’m pretty sure that segment is set to a Sinead O’Connor song.  Low-Ki won the Y2K1 event, and the trophy that he got is much bigger than the one that Judas Young got, standing at least three feet.  No promo by Low-Ki, and the graphics say that It’s A Whole New World for the J-Cup 3.0, which leads straight into a video montage featuring much of the footage that is later featured in each wrassler’s entrance video…so if you buy this tape, you can fast-forward over this part without feeling like you are missing out on anything.

We are treated to a nice opening credit montage, in which a picture of the trophy is in the center of the screen, and then photos of each of the combatants is added around it.

Welcome, and interview with Judas Young (Y2K winner).  I haven’t researched JCW enough to know the name of the guy that comes to the ring with the trophy, but he does all of their interviews.  I can’t really understand anything that he says, either, so that doesn’t help.  When Young comes to the ring, he goes around the ring slapping the hands of the fans, and one wise guy sits back and lifts his foot to be slapped.  Young says that he can’t be a part of tonight’s tournament because of an injury.  He then puts himself over because he was the first-ever winner.  He follows that up by putting the guys in this tournament over because they are going to give everything they’ve got.  Finally, he puts the fans over because they support Indy wrasslin’.

Group photo with all of the competitors, most of whom are already wearing their ring attire.  They all come to the ring and pose around the trophy.

Individual promos.  Against my better judgment, I am going to briefly detail each person’s promo…Billy Reil was not originally scheduled to be in the J-Cup, but he was able to sneak in the back door when Judas Young was injured.  Jason Rumble from NWA New England considers himself simply the best.  American Dragon has the same plans as he has in several Super-Indy tournaments over the years.  AJ Styles is in his first J-Cup, but he explains that he also has been in many of these tournaments as well, and he did not come all the way from Georgia to come in second-place, because the person in second-place is the first loser.  Supreme Lee Great was in last year’s tournament, and he did very well.  He runs down the list of names, saying “Who?” and “Never heard of him?”…He then tells us that he’s Supreme Lee Great, number 498 in the PWI 500!  Reckless Youth has been gone with a severe neck injury for more than a year, but he tells us that he could be gone 5,6,7 years and still come back as the King o’ the Indies.  “The Black Nature Boy” Scoot Andrews has been in all the big tournaments, and he cuts a promo on his first opponent, Jason Rumble.  Colt Cabana is a big name in Chicago and Cincinnati, but tonight he is in Elizabeth, NJ.  He pushes the interviewer aside and describes himself as “not the wrassler o’ the future, but the wrassler o’ today.  Damian Dragon is representing ICW one last time, and he puts the now-defunct company over and says that by the end of the night, fans will believe that Damien Dragon belongs on the list of names.  Mark Briscoe had to beat his brother in order to qualify for the tournament, and then the same night he became the JCW Light-Heavyweight Champion when he defeated Insane Dragon.  Briscoe is a little stiff on the mic, and I think his promo was scripted in advance.  “Superstar” Dave Greco has been in both of the previous J-Cups, and this is his turf, so he is confident after going to the finals last year.  Shawn Sheridan is a rookie, and he is biting his nails because he was nervous just to be a fan in the audience, but now all of a sudden he is in the tournament, and he wants to find a way out!  Dixie is representing JAPW, and he says that he is going to win the Cup and then pawn it.  He also has never heard of any of the other competitors on the poster.  Insane Dragon is in his first J-Cup, and he is here to prove that he deserves to be…or something like that.  Queenan Creed has AJ Styles in the first round, but it does not matter, because he is here to redeem his loss to Low-Ki last year.  Jay Briscoe has a match against Inferno for the JCW Title, and he is glad that his name is not on the list of competitors in the tournament, because by losing to his brother, he “earned” a Title shot.  Inferno came to the show tonight for just one reason, to defend his title.  Hmm…no promo by CM Punk, I wonder if he was late getting to the arena or something?

ROUND ONE

American Dragon v. Supreme Lee Great

Our announcers introduce themselves during the entrances by saying, “There you see American Dragon”.  What’s funny about that is we are watching a video highlights package when he says it!  That is but the first of a number of “Indy-style” glitches in this tape.  I’m not going to detail them one by one as they happen, but a good example of what I’m talking about is that the commentary is slightly off from the video…so that you are hearing 1,2,3 while seeing 1,2.  Or to put it more clearly, the audio is about a second ahead of the video (on some, but not all of the matches), so you can hear if the wrassler kicks-out or not before seeing it.  The match begins with a tie-up in the middle of the ring and a takedown by Dragon, followed by several reversals.  Off the ropes, and a Shoulder Tackle by American Dragon.  Test of strength leads to some nearfalls into a bridge sequence.  Supreme Lee Great takes over with a kick to the gut and several punches.  He is able to connect with a Belly-to-Back Suplex before going back to the trusted punch.  After a Double-Underhook Suplex Great starts to showboat, which gives Dragon the opening he was looking for.  Dragon pulls-out a Northern Lights Suplex (w/a bridge) for two, and just like that they’ve already got my favorite suplex out of the way!  Let’s see how long until someone hits a Spicolli Driver!  Back to the match and both men are up, Great ducks a Discus Punch, then into the ropes, coming off with a BIG Clothesline!  1, 2, no.  Dragon looks like he’s about to take control, but then Great locks in and executes a Head-and-Arm Suplex.  Two and a-quarter!  This time it is Dragon that ducks a Discus Punch, and he is able to put Great in position for a Belly-to-Back Suplex complete with a Half Cradle, and he even adds a bridge to it at the end, so you know that’s got to be the 1, 2, 3.  American Dragon is the first to advance in the tournament.

Promo with Dragon after the match, and he feels great.  One down, three to go.

Dixie v. Dave Greco

The announcers are familiar with these guys, as this is a straight-up JAPW v. JCW match.  I know Dixie, but this is my first time seeing Superstar Dave Greco.  Incidentally, Greco is the only competitor that has been in all three J-Cups so far.  They start with a tie-up.  Several rapid reversals until Dixie connects with a Forearm to the mush.  Dixie gets a pair of Snap Suplexes, going for the quick pin after each, but only gets 2.  He lands a Bodyslam, and then climbs slowly to the top turnbuckle.  It’s hard to say exactly what he was trying for from the top, maybe a Dropkick…it doesn’t matter much, because Greco catches his legs and immediately executes an Airplane Spin, into a Boston Crab.  He sits back, but Dixie is able to (eventually) crawl to the ropes and the ref forces Greco to break the hold.  We go to the mat as Greco locks in a version of the Dragon Sleeper, but he is not able to get the submission.  The announcers discuss the idea that submissions are hard to come by in tournaments like this because the matches tend to be shorter…of course they then discuss how great Low-Ki is because he won all of his matches by submission last year en route to winning the trophy.  Dixie takes over as we go back to the match, ducking under a Clothesline and connecting with a Discus Forearm.  Greco gets a foot on the rope, and Dixie only gets 2.  Dixie assumes that he won of course, because Greco never kicked-out, and he begins to argue with the ref.  That’s the opportunity that Greco needed, and he connects with a Kick Wham Un-named New Finisher that he is debuting tonight!

Promo with Greco, who is noticeably winded, but he’s going to give it his best and represent for JCW.

Mark Briscoe v. Shawn Sheridan

I make no bones about being a huge mark for the Briscoe Brothers.  Shawn Sheridan doesn’t have an entrance video, as all of the entrance videos are culled from commercial videotape footage, and Sheridan is still a student with less than six months experience under his belt.  The announcers liken the chances of Sheridan winning the J-Cup to that of the Mets beating the Yankees in the World Series.  They also inform us that Sheridan was incredibly nervous backstage.  Lock-up, to the corner, and Briscoe gives us a clean break.  Reversal, reversal, reversal, Briscoe off the ropes, each man blocks a Hiptoss, and Sheridan is able to hit a Swinging Neckbreaker.  Both men up, and Sheridan stays all over him.  Briscoe whips him into the corner, but Sheridan jumps over the ropes onto the apron, and when Briscoe charges, Sheridan grabs his head and Hot Shots him on the top rope.  Briscoe sells it like it was the Touch o’ Death.  You know, I don’t know if Briscoe might be involved in training Sheridan, but they sure are working a good match together, and Briscoe is making the young rookie look like a million bucks.  Sheridan is in the ring quickly, but only gets a 2-count.  Into the ropes, and Briscoe takes-over with a knee to the gut followed by a Back Kick to the head.  1, 2, no.  The Northern Lights count for the tape is two…both complete with a bridge.  Briscoe locks-in a Rear Chinlock, but Sheridan counteracts with an Armbreaker.  Briscoe then connects with a German Suplex (again with the bridge), but when it only gets two, he holds on and rolls-through, turning it into a Full Nelson.  Sheridan is able to get to the ropes, however, and frees himself with a couple of Back Elbows.  He charges, but Briscoe catches him with a T-Bone Suplex for two.  They battle for position in the corner, and when they come out, Briscoe cinches in his finisher, which is a modified Spicolli Driver!  I told you that he ruled!  The 1, 2, 3 is academic at that point.

Promo with Briscoe in the back, and he too is noticeably out of breath…his was probably the longest match so far.  He was supposed to face former Florida Heavyweight Champion Billy Fives, but he didn’t show-up for some reason.  Briscoe says that no matter whom he faces in the next round, better watch out.

Jason Rumble v. Scoot Andrews

Rumble is a standout for NWA New England, and I met him at the NWA 54^th Anniversary Show, proof is right here.  Andrews is the Black Nature Boy, and comes to the ring to a remix of Also Sprach Zarathrustra.  Wow, those tights Rumble is wearing sure are pink!  Lock up, into the corner, clean break by Andrews.  They take it to the mat, where Rumble concentrates on Andrews’ left knee.  Things go back and forth until Rumble hits a Powerslam and scores the first nearfall of the match.  Rumble with a Reverse Chinlock.  In contrast to the previous match, these guys aren’t exactly working smoothly together.  They’re not exactly blowing any spots, but they don’t seem to be on the same page.  Rumble hits an Angle Slam, followed by a Frogsplash, but can only get 2.  Rumble goes back to the top turnbuckle, but Andrews crotches him, and brings him off with a big slam.  Off the ropes, and Andrews catches him in a Pancake Slam.  I forget what Andrews calls his finisher, but it’s a Pumphandle into a Piledriver.  1, 2, 3.

Scoot Andrews tells us that his prophecy is being fulfilled, and Mark Briscoe is just another step towards “the BNB’s” ultimate goal.

Colt Cabana v. Damian Dragon

The Chicagoan is introduced as “Classic” Colt Cabana, and Damian Dragon is introduced from Hell’s Gate.  The announcers remind us that Damian Dragon was a standout for Impact Championship Wrestling, and he is dedicating his performance tonight to the now-defunct promotion.  Cabana has a huge size and weight advantage, as Dragon is one of the smallest guys in the tournament.  Dragon’s attempt at a Shoulder Tackle fails, and then they continue with the rapid running o’ the ropes and Dragon blows a Leapfrog on the much larger Cabana.  A flurry of kicks from Dragon, but he is unable to get Cabana off his feet.  Eventually Cabana grabs one of his legs and hits a BIG Tigerbomb.  1, 2, no.  Huge Clothesline on the charging Dragon, and Cabana gets another 2-count.  Cabana goes for a Hiptoss, which is reversed by Dragon, reversed again, and again, and one more time as Cabana gets Dragon in position for a Backbreaker-type maneuver that the announcers refer to as the Mexican Stretch Bomb.  1, 2, 3…a short match, and the one failed Leapfrog didn’t hurt things too much.

Cabana in the back for his promo, and he feels great.  Damian Dragon was great competition for him, but just like either Styles or Creed, Dragon was just a step for Cabana on the way to glory.

AJ Styles v. Queenan Creed

I wish I knew the name of Styles’ entrance music…it’s a fairly familiar new age song.  Queenan Creed made his JCW debut in last year’s J-Cup, where he went all the way to the finals, losing to Low-Ki.  This event was taped before NWA: TNA started, but the announcers tell us about Styles’ work in WCW, NWA: Wildside, and the WWA ppvs.  Creed is a standout for Maryland Championship Wrestling (a promotion which I was this close to ordering from, maybe next time).  The match starts at 100 mph, and the commentary is noticeably ahead of the action, by at least two seconds.  That’s awfully distracting, considering that I am typing about the action a few seconds later.  It’s starting to make me dizzy!  Roll-up and a cover, but Styles is in the ropes.  Into the opposite corner, where Creed gets tied in the Tree o’ Woe.  Styles connects with a Flying Headbutt to the gut, but only gets 2.  Into the ropes, but when Styles goes for a huricanrana, Creed catches him with a Sit-Out Powerbomb.  He follows that with a Superkick, which won a couple of matches for him last year.  Two and three-eights.  Styles with a Sleeper, reversed into the ropes, and Creed gets a Sleeper of his own.  They don’t waste anytime, and Styles lands a viscous Clothesline.  Two and a half, two and three-quarters, maybe two and nine-tenths.  Creed goes for a rana, but since Styles cannot be rana’d, Creed is introduced to the Styles Clash.  1, 2, 3.  At some point during the match the commentary shifted to being about 2 seconds behind the action, so that when Styles stands up and begins celebrating after the pinfall, the announcers are counting along with the pinfall.  That’s good stuff.

Styles tells us that since he just won his first match in the tournament, it won’t be his last.  Short and to the point.

Billy Reil v. CM Punk

Hailing from South Philly is Billy “Highlight” Reil, one of the more cocky and colorful members of the JCW locker room, according to the commentators.  CM Punk is also from Chicago, and he and Colt Cabana are good friends, we are told.  Billy Reil has been with JCW since it’s inception, and they tie-up and we are underway.  Some good mat sequences get us started, ending with the Indy Staredown.  Several rapid reversals, Reil hits a huricanrana of his own, then follows it up with a Clothesline that sends Punk over the top rope to the floor.  Reil follows him out, and we get our first action outside the ring.  The event is in a hockey rink, and Punk meets the plexiglass around the rink.  Back in the ring, where Reil hits a Bodyslam in the corner followed by a Springboard Moonsault.  Into the other corner, where Punk goes over to the apron, and when his Monkey Flip back into the ring doesn’t work, he stands up before Reil lets go of the ropes and hits a Side Russian Legsweep.  Little things like that, instead of letting Reil drop down for a cheap nearfall as expected, those are the things that keep me watching wrasslin’.  Here’s another: Punk goes for a Leapfrog, but apparently bumped his knee as Reil went underneath.  He falls into the corner in a heap, and when Reil approaches him, he starts signaling for doctors to come from the back.  The ref is confused, and Reil tries to convince him to stop the match.  When Reil turns to ask the ref for CRZ’s phone number (he he), Punk clips the knee, and then he (Punk) gets up and dances a little jig to taunt the crowd by showing them how healthy is knee really is.  Turning back to his opponent, and Punk concentrates on the leg that was clipped.  It looks like Reil is about to take control, but Punk Dropkicks the leg, putting a stop to that.  Punk sets him up for a Superplex from the top turnbuckle, but Billy Reil reverses it into a Super Gourdbuster.  That only gets two, and so he hits a Brainbuster!  Instead of going for the cover, he goes to the top and comes off with a Big Elbow.  1, 2, no!  Reil goes for the Brainbuster again, but Punk wriggles free and locks in a Texas Cloverleaf!  Reil taps out as the announcers ponder, “Who is this kid to come into Jersey and make Billy Reil submit?”

CM Punk’s promo helped to turn me on to him when I first got this tape.  I’m not the biggest fan of transcribing, but let’s see how this goes:  “You’re damn right I won my first round matchup!  Did you, or anyone out there think I was going to come all the way from Chicago to lose to someone like Billy Reil?  Where’s Judas Young?  Huh?  Where’s the East Coast ‘talent’ I hear so much about?  Billy Reil, how does it feel to not be one of the chosen sixteen?  How does it feel to be a replacement?  How does it feel to not be good enough to step in the ring with the greatest independent wrassler in the country today, CM Punk?  If you people out there don’t know, you should.  That’s my name, and what I am is Straight Edge.  I am drug free, I am alcohol free, and what that means is I’m better than you holding that camera, you standing there with that stupid grin on your face, and you giving this interview.  Billy Reil, you think that because you spilled my blood that that’s going to slow me down?  Congratulations, Billy Reil, because after tonight, after what I did to you, next year, J-Cup 4.0, not only am I going to win for the second time, but it is going to be known as the Billy Reil Memorial Cup.”

Insane Dragon v. Reckless Youth

Dragon is a former JCW Light Heavyweight Champion.  Reckless Youth hails from Babylon, NY and weighs-in at 199 5/16 lbs.  This event marks Reckless Youth’s return to JCW after being out more than a year with a sever neck injury.  Dragon attacks before Reckless makes it into the ring, and the announcers tell us that Reckless is a former JCW Heavyweight Champion.  In fact, after defeating Low-Ki for the belt, Reckless Youth held the title until he was injured, and was never defeated for the belt.  Reckless tossed into the ring, and Dragon follows him in with a Springboard Missile Dropkick.  These guys are literally going 100 mph, until Dragon gets tied-up like a pretzel and flipped over into a Sharpshooter-like hold.  Reckless Youth is all over Dragon, and he is really playing up to the crowd.  These guys start getting reversal-crazy, with nobody able to connect with anything until Reckless hits a Spinning Fisherman’s Suplex.  Dragon is able to hit a Swinging Neckbreaker variation.  Commentators: “On the neck!  On the neck!”  Dragon positions Reckless in the middle of the ring, then goes out to the apron, and comes back in with a Springboard 450 Splash!  That looked really good, it’s a damn shame that it didn’t connect because Reckless rolled out of the way.  Reckless Youth immediately locks in some crazy Brainbuster for the 3-count, and he advances to the second round amidst a “Welcome Back!” chant.

This is my first exposure to Reckless Youth, and I’m not sure if he is trying to play a cocky heel ala Rick Rude, or a confident and laid-back face ala Rob Van Dam.  He tells us that his training regimen to defeat Insane Dragon consisted of Happy Meals.  When the interviewer points-out his confidence, Reckless also points-out that he is smart, too…smart enough to know when to end his promo.

ROUND TWO

American Dragon v. Dave Greco

The entrance video for American Dragon includes lots of footage of him against Low-Ki…it’s hard to go wrong with that footage, I guess.  Greco rushes the ring while Dragon is standing on the second rope in the corner looking out at the crowd.  Greco leaps up onto the second rope in the same corner, and the two are literally nose-to-nose.  They exchange pleasantries (and possibly CRZ’s pager number), and American Dragon slaps him in the face as he jumps down into the ring.  It appears that there is no love-lost here.  They lock-up, with nobody coming away with a clear advantage.  Dragon connects with a big kick, and then when he goes for another kick, Greco catches the leg for a Dragon Screw Legwhip.  From there, Greco stays all over the left leg, taking Dragon to the corner and wrapping the leg in the ropes, clipping the knee from behind, and some plain ol’ kicks to the knee.  Dragon finally gets to his feet and is able to get in a few chops, followed by a half dozen or so Forearms to the face before Greco comes back with a thumb to the eye.  They exchange kicks to the leg, and of course American Dragon gets the short end of that exchange.  Greco trips him up and cinches in an Ankle Lock, but Dragon quickly makes it to the ropes.  Greco goes for his finisher, but Dragon reverses it and hits his own finisher, a Belly-to-Back Cradle Suplex.  Rather than go for the pin he locks in a submission hold that brings to mind images of the Crippler Crossface, except using Greco’s own arm to actually go across his face.  Greco taps, and American Dragon advances to the semi-finals.  One of the announcers calls the hold “Something That Hurts A Lot”.  Dragon gingerly makes his way to the back.

Dragon says that it shouldn’t even be a question as to whether he can continue.  He says that no matter who he has to face, he will be coming with everything he’s got.

Mark Briscoe v. Scoot Andrews

It is pointed out to us that Briscoe is thus far undefeated in JCW, beating his brother to qualify for the tournament and Insane Dragon for the Light Heavyweight Title the same night and his first round match tonight.  Me: “Goldberg!  Goldberg!”  Briscoe takes control of the match first; locking-in a Headscissors on the mat until Andrews makes it to the ropes.  Andrews gets him in a weird submission hold with both of his arms wrapped behind him, so when Briscoe makes it to the ropes, the only way he can touch them is to bite it.  I’ve seen that before from him…in fact, I think I’ve recapped that sequence before.  Andrews with a couple of chops before Briscoe lands a Back Bodydrop, and Scoot bails to the outside.  He climbs onto the apron, and Briscoe brings him in the hard way.  Briscoe comes off the ropes, but Scoot catches him with a Spinning Kick.  Briscoe reverses an Irish Whip into the corner, setting him up for a Bulldog, but Andrews reverses that into a Short Arm Clothesline that folds Briscoe in half.  Off the ropes, and Briscoe ducks under three Clotheslines before both men come off the ropes hitting Clotheslines one each other.  Scoot gets set-up on the top turnbuckle for a Super Huricanrana, but he holds on and Briscoe falls to the mat.  Briscoe gets back up immediately and hits the ‘Rana from the top, but they totally botch it.  That is the first badly blown spot on the tape.  Both men up, and Briscoe nails him with his version of the Spicolli Driver, but Scoot lands with his leg draped across the bottom rope.  The ref counts 3 and the bell rings, but the ref then sees Scoot’s leg and immediately changes that decision and the match continues.  Briscoe goes into the corner and leaps from the second rope, but Andrews catches him, into his finisher, a Sit-Out Piledriver.  1, 2, 3!

Backstage, and Scoot tells us that he is never fatigued.  Next up for him is American Dragon, and tonight he is going to dispel all the rumors about how great American Dragon is, because Andrews believes it is his destiny to win the J-Cup.

Colt Cabana v. AJ Styles

Cabana mocks Styles before the match begins, pretending to bow before him.  They lock-up in the middle of the ring, Styles goes behind.  Cabana powers out and reverses, but Styles is able to get a reversal of his own and cinches in an Armbar.  Cabana goes for a German Suplex, but Styles flips all the way over and lands on his feet.  Styles off the ropes, but Cabana catches him with an elbow to the jaw, and Styles falls through the ropes to the outside.  Cabana follows him out, and when Styles goes for a Moonsault from the apron, Cabana moves out of the way, Styles lands on his feet, and Cabana grabs him and slams his head into the apron.  That was nice.  Cabana then goes up to the apron and does a Springboard Moonsault from the second rope.  He tosses Styles back into the ring, but can only get a 2-count.  Some rather non-descript offense by Cabana, until Styles takes-over in the corner and is able to connect with a Corkscrew Splash from the apron into the ring.  Cabana sent to the corner, where Styles hits his patented Dropkick/Moonsault off the chest, followed by a big Clothesline when Cabana charges out of the corner.  Into the other corner, Styles charges, but Cabana gets the boot up.  Cabana then goes for a Tornado DDT, but when Styles blocks it, he executes a regular Suplex instead.  Off the ropes, and Styles hits that beautiful Dropkick of his.  He goes for the Styles Clash, but Cabana is able to reverse it into an Inverted Neckbreaker.  Two and 9/16.  Styles climbs to the top, but Cabana catches him up there and hits a Superplex from the top turnbuckle.  1, 2, no!  Styles is up first, and gets a Reverse Head-Scissors Takedown.  Kick to the head, and Styles comes off the top for a big Splash, but Cabana catches him and slams him into the turnbuckles.  Both men up at 7, and Styles goes for a Suplex, but Cabana is able to reverse it into a Release Northern Lights into the turnbuckles.  Styles is lifeless on the canvas in the corner.  Cabana rolls him over, but somehow Styles is able to kick out (rather than grab the ropes, which were very close by).  Styles goes to the top, Cabana meets him there, but Styles throws him off and comes from the top with a Spiral Tap for the 1, 2, 3.

Styles is extremely winded backstage, where he puts-over Colt Cabana as one of the most under-rated guys in the industry.  But he is now one step closer to his goal.  He understands that as he progresses, the talent gets better, but he is ready for whomever he faces.

CM Punk v. Reckless Youth

Reckless will have to adapt his strategy, going against Punk, who is basically the same size compared to the much smaller Insane Dragon that he faced earlier.  Because of that, combined with the time off that Reckless has had, the announcers agree that Reckless’ quest will end with this match against CM Punk, who’s first round match was very impressive.  Oh, and just in case you haven’t gotten the point yet, they go on to discuss the importance of endurance in a tournament like this, and after being inactive for more than a year, can Reckless possibly have enough left in his gas tank?  Yeah, they talked through the opening minutes of the match, so now I have to rewind the action!  Punk gets the first Takedown, which leads to some mat-based reversal sequences.  Punk is able to get a Sleeper locked-in, but Reckless makes it to the ropes quickly.  Reckless gets a Legsweep Takedown, and quickly ties him up in a Texas Cloverleaf!  Punk fights it, but eventually Reckless gets him turned to his stomach, but Punk is able to make it to the ropes.  Damn!  These guys have jumped straight into the middle of their match!  Reckless fires-up the crowd as they circle in the middle of the ring.  Punk with a Legsweep of his own, which is turned into an STF.  Reversal, reversal, and Reckless hooks him into a crazy looking Surfboard.  The announcers are amazed at Reckless’ ability to work an entirely different style in this match compared to his match earlier.  A Big Elbow later, and Punk gets the first 2-count of the match.  Punk seems to be fully in control at this point, and hits a Backbreaker that sends Reckless scurrying to the outside.  Punk hits him with a Baseball Slide Dropkick, and follows up with a Swanton Bomb, leaping over the top rope from the inside to the hockey rink floor below!  The crowd doesn’t chant “Holy Shit!”, but they should!  Punk back onto the apron, and Reckless brings him off with a Dragon Screw Legwhip from the apron to the floor!  Back in, and Punk positions him in the corner, where he hits a Split-Legged Moonsault!  1, 2, no!  Reckless kicks out, but he is still motionless on the canvas.  Punk hooks-in a Double Underhook, which he turns into a Backbreaker…for 2.  Reckless reverses the Irish Whip, and catches Punk with a knee to the head!  Punk is positioned in the middle of the ring, and Reckless comes off the top with a Frogsplash.  Two and three-quarters.  The crowd starts to rally behind Reckless Youth, and when Punk goes to the top turnbuckle Reckless Dropkicks the foot, causing Punk to fall, tying himself to the tree o’ woe.  Reckless with a Dropkick to the breadbasket, and then he brings him off the top with a Faceplant Suplex!  He picks him up right away, locks in his Cradle Brainbuster maneuver that we are told is called the “Northern Lights 2K1”.  Well, alright alright.  That scores the 3-count, and Reckless Youth advances to the semi-finals.

Reckless seems to be tentatively confident, stating that the competition has gotten better over the last year, but that just means he’ll have to step it up a notch.

SEMIFINALS

American Dragon v. Scoot Andrews

This is of course the third match for each of these guys.  American Dragon is limping slightly at the onset of the match.  They tie-up, Andrews gets the best of that, and naturally he focuses his attack on the left leg.  In fact, Scoot is all over the left leg, to the point that it’s like watching a Bret Hart match!  Both men go outside, where American Dragon takes over, but when the come back in, Andrews kicks the hamstring, and just like that the Black Nature Boy is back in control.  Dragon is getting a bunch of reversals and nearfalls in all this, but he is never able to get in any sustained offense.  Scoot works two different versions of the Figure Four into the match, first one Standing in the middle of the ring, and the other Hanging from the ringpost.  Back in, and Dragon hits a Snap Suplex out of nowhere, followed by a knee to the gut, Snapmare, and a kick to the back.  2-count only, however.  Andrews is tossed out to the apron, and when Dragon tries to springboard off the middle rope in the corner, his knee gives out and he isn’t able to connect fully with his Flying Clothesline.  It was enough to knock Andrews from the apron to the floor, however, and out comes Dragon with a Suicide Dive through the ropes!  Back inside, and Dragon comes off the top with a Missile Dropkick.  Dragon calls for his finisher, some sort of Discus maneuver that Andrews blocks, and Scoot hits a Sit-Out Powerbomb.  He can’t make the cover, though.  Scoot is up first however, and he locks in the Figure Four!  Dragon won’t tap, and he is able to get to the ropes.  Scoot is going for a Shinbreaker, but Dragon reverses it and rolls into a Reverse Crossface (that’s what the announcer called it), and when he can’t make it to the ropes, Andrews taps.

Dragon assures us that the knee is fine, and he says that we should be concerned with his opponent rather than with the knee.

AJ Styles v. Reckless Youth

Reckless comes to the ring to “Kung-Fu Fighting” and the commentators consider that the last time either of them has heard that song more than once per night was 1974!  They tie-up, and immediately start to run the ropes.  Reckless hits a Shoulder Tackle, then yells “Stay down!”  Styles won’t comply.  Both men up, Reckless sent to the corner, and Styles follows him in with a Clothesline.  Irish Whip, but Reckless is able to Dropkick the knee and take over.  Immediately into an STF by Reckless, but Styles won’t give it up.  Some rapid reversals, and then both men are up for a test of strength.  Styles with a kick to the gut, followed-up by a Neckbreaker, and then a Brainbuster!  2-count only, but Styles stays on him with a Rear Chinlock.  Reckless is eventually able to punch his way out of that, and gets a Dragon Screw Legwhip out of nowhere!  Styles is trying to make it out of the ring, but Reckless cuts him off, and slams the knee into the ring apron.  They both go outside, and Reckless continues to work over Styles’ leg.  They go back into the ring, and Reckless stays firmly in control, but Styles is able to trip him up and get a Surfboard-like hold.  Both men up, into the ropes, Leapfrog, Reckless sweeps the legs, and locks in a modified Cloverleaf.  They’re in the middle of the ring, but Styles won’t give up, and he is able to power out of it and frustrate Reckless enough to break the hold.  Reckless Youth remains in control for what seems like several minutes, until he starts playing to the crowd as he climbs the turnbuckles.  That was all the opening that Styles needed, and he crotches him on the top, and brings him off in a version of the Razor’s Edge, flipping Reckless into a Faceplant.  Reckless starts to rally the fans in his support, and when Styles goes for a Lionsault there’s nobody home, and then Reckless immediately comes off with a Lionsault of his own!  1, 2, no.  Back up, into the ropes, and Reckless snaps off a Huricanrana!  1, he grabs the legs, 2, leaning forward, 3!  Reckless Youth embraces Styles and holds the ropes open for him to limp back to the locker room.

No promo from Reckless after the match.

Jay Briscoe v. Inferno (champ)
JCW Heavyweight Title Match

How often does someone earn a Title shot on their second show with a promotion…especially considering that he lost his match on the first show!  They tie up, and immediately go to the mat-based stuff.  Jay stays in control for the most part.  Both men back up, nose to nose, and they slug it out!  Into the ropes, and Inferno locks in an Abdominal Stretch.  After a couple of reversals, Inferno rushes in, but Briscoe catches him with a Sit-Out Powerbomb.  Briscoe on him with a Reverse Chinlock, but he can’t lock it in properly because Inferno stays on his hands and knees.  Inferno to the top for a big Flying Crossbody, but Briscoe moves out of the way, and then goes to the top for a Crossbody of his own.  Inferno rolls-through, however, and gets a 2-count.  Briscoe up quickly with a Back Elbow.  Inferno sent into the ropes, and Briscoe hits a high impact Dropkick, he then rolls-through for two Snap Suplexes, and he rolls-through for another but turns it into a Gourdbuster.  Back up to his feet, and he waits for Inferno to get to his feet and hits a picture perfect Superkick.  Here’s a good reason to be a fan of the Briscoe Brothers: Jay locks in a Rear Chinlock, then starts to use the ropes for leverage when the ref’s back is turned.  He does it twice, each time dropping his legs to the mat as the ref turns around.  When it is time to do it a third time however, (you know, when the heel is supposed to finally get caught by the ref) he instead rolls Inferno over to a seated position away from the ropes and maintains the Chinlock!  The crowd is getting fired-up behind Inferno however, and he is able to land a Back Body Drop.  Briscoe sent into the ropes, but Inferno drops his head and succumbs to a DDT, which gets two.  Briscoe reprises the Rear Chinlock with his feet on the ropes as the crowd starts to chant “Briscoe!  Briscoe!”  This time the ref catches him, but for whatever reason he doesn’t force Briscoe to break the hold.  Back up, and Briscoe is able to lock-in an Armbar, but Inferno is able to reverse it into an Armbar of his own.  Briscoe gets a foot on the ropes to break the hold.  Off the ropes, and Inferno is able to land an Enziguiri Kick, followed-up by a series of Clotheslines and a Side Russian Legsweep.  Briscoe laying in the middle of the ring as Inferno goes to the top for a big Elbowdrop.  Two and seven-eighths!  Briscoe off the ropes, but again Inferno telegraphs a Back Body Drop.  This time he falls victim to a Double Underhook DDT from Briscoe.  That’s it; according to the announcers we are going to have a new champion.  1, 2, no!  Briscoe is incensed, right in the ref’s face.  The ref is literally jumping up and down shouting, “Two!  Two!”  Inferno back up, and Briscoe tries to get him in position for another Piledriver, but Inferno reverses it and hits a Faceplant Sidewalk Slam for the 1, 2, 3.  The crowd rudely chants “Briscoe!  Briscoe!” as Inferno is presented with his belt in the ring.  Inferno grabs the mic and cuts a promo that I can’t understand…the gist of it seems to be that he will grant Jay Briscoe a rematch any time that he wants it.

TOURNAMENT FINALS

American Dragon v. Reckless Youth

Dragon is limping slightly coming to the ring, and he has a much larger wrap than he was wearing earlier around his left leg.  They circle in the middle of the ring, as the announcers discuss the irony that Reckless Youth refers to himself as the King o’ the Indies, but American Dragon is the most recent winner of the actual King o’ the Indies tournament.  They stay on the mat during the opening minutes, and nobody is able to get a clear advantage.  A very loud “Reckless!  Reckless!” chant rings out, and when it dies out, the sound of one little kid can be heard yelling “Dragon!  Dragon!”  That’s pretty funny.  Still no clear advantage until Dragon goes for a kick and Reckless catches it for (you guessed it) a Dragon Screw Legwhip.  He then grabs the knee and executes a DDT on the leg!  I don’t know who I’ve seen do that move before, but it was pretty sweet.  The announcers put-over the JCW website, so I guess I’d better, too.  It is: www.jcwwrestling.com.  Both men back up, and just when it looks as if Dragon is going to take control, Reckless attacks the leg.  Reckless goes for a cover, and the announcer says that he hopes the match is over, for American Dragon’s sake.  2-count only.  Both men off the ropes with a Flying Crossbody.  Dragon is the first one up at the count of six, and he executes a Full Nelson Suplex, but he is unable to hold the bridge because his knee collapses.  He quickly makes the cover, however, but only gets 2.  Side Suplex by Reckless Youth, who follows it up with a Clothesline that turns Dragon inside out.  He calls for, and executes the Northern Lights 2K1, but Dragon kicks out at two and fifteen sixteenths.  Reckless goes to the top, but Dragon follows him up and hits a Belly to Back Suplex from the top turnbuckle!  Somehow Reckless is able to kick out, and Dragon immediately locks in the submission hold that has won two matches for him already tonight.  Reckless won’t tap, and is able to slide himself in position to get a foot on the rope and Dragon has to break the hold.  Reckless Youth is like putty in Dragon’s hands.  Dragon is putting him on the top turnbuckle for another Suplex from the top, but Reckless turns it into a Super DDT.  Somehow Dragon is able to kick out at two and nine-tenths.  Reckless locks-in an Ankle-Lock submission hold, and American Dragon is unable to make it to the ropes and has to tap out.  Your winner, and 2002 Jersey J-Cup winner is Reckless Youth.

Trophy presentation, and Reckless cuts a brief promo, putting over all of the competitors.  He also puts the crowd over, saying that even if there aren’t many of them, they are dedicated.  The mic cuts-out on him halfway through his promo, and so he simply says “Thank you” to the crowd.

Backstage interview with Reckless Youth, and he admits to talking a lot of trash, but he had to fight and give everything that he had to make it through.  He also puts-over the fact that there was no “garbage wrasslin’”, and the tournament was presented as a purely athletic event.  He begins to discuss the various injuries that all of the combatants, including himself, and he considers himself lucky to have come out on top on this night.  He refuses to call the trophy a stepping-stone to the JCW title because the trophy is an honor itself.

American Dragon thanks JCW for the opportunity, and he tells Reckless Youth that he hopes that they meet again, and he hopes that he will be able to come back for the J-Cup next year.

Closing credits, and we are out at just over 4 hours.

All of the matches were relatively short, but that is to be expected considering that there were sixteen matches all in one night.  I will not complain about the match length because they were all quality contests.  I had never seen many of these guys before this tape, and some (Reckless Youth, for instance) I still have yet to see again.  Even Billy “Highlight” Reil impressed me, and I definitely recommend this tape.

I really will get around to finishing the Pillman Memorial tape…I had stopped just before the MOTY candidate, Benoit v. Regal, and I am psyched to get to that match!!  Some other stuff that you can expect to see from me soon includes the stuff that I ordered today: Two tapes from Jersey All Pro Wrestling… “Actions Speak Louder Than Words” (1/18/03), which includes the ongoing feud between former JAPW Tag Champs Dixie and Insane Dragon, “The Ugandan Giant” Kamala v. Jerry “The King” Lawler, and a Heavyweight Title Match pitting Homicide against Balls Mahoney…and “Memorial Day Massacre” (5/26/02), featuring The S.A.T., Dixie, The Amazing Red, Homicide, also Da Hit Squad v. Balls Mahoney and Axl Rotten, and the main event is Steve Corino v. Low-Ki.  The other tapes that I got from RF Video…Impact Championship Wrestling (3/16/02), this is the tournament to crown the ICW Heavyweight Champion featuring Devon Storm, Nova, Boogalou, Prodigy, Chris Devine, Kid Kruel, Homicide and Prince Nana.  Some of the non-tourney matches include Xavier v. Li’l Guido and Balls Mahoney v. Skinhead Ivan.  The other tape is an ECW show (and ironically it is the only tape that doesn’t feature Balls Mahoney!), Cyberslam ’96 (2/17/96), the show in which Brian Pillman debuts in ECW…I’ll save my explanation for why I’m such a Pillman mark for a later time, this recap is long enough already.

I have no idea which of these tapes I’ll get to first, or even if I’ll finally get around to finishing the Pillman tape first, but hopefully I’ll be able to put something together for you in the next two weeks.

PEACE

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