WWA-Northern Combat on WF #1 (1/6/10) - PICS!

Northern Combat on FSN opens with a brand new video and theme, "Invicible" by Adelita's Way [a.k.a the WWE Superstars theme]. Joey Styles, Brent Musberger, and Jerry "The King" Lawler were on-hand at ringside as WWA-NC debuted a new commentary team as well. Promotion for the show promised action within the first 60 seconds, and with Evan Bourne and A.J. Styles already in the ring as the show began, it appeared as if that were goin to happen!

TAG TEAM MATCH: A.J. Styles & Evan Bourne vs. Chris Jericho & C.M. Punk
With WWA-NC's tag team title tournament looming in just over two weeks, the athletes in this match were looking to prove themselves worthy of a tag team title shot... or so it seemed. As mentioned, Bourne and Styles were in the ring as the show kicked off, but the fans were still on their feet cheering them on. C.M. Punk's music hit over the speakers, but it took him a long time to enter. Finally, he came out with a confused look on his face and the crowd jeering him all the way down. He grabbed a mic in the ring and announced that Jericho was nowhere to be found. After a moment of waiting, Jericho came out on the stage with the debuting Big Show standing by his side. He announced that he was sick of Punk failling him, and their tag team was over. Punk looked confused, but he had no time as the bell rang, allowing AJ Styles to hop on Punk's back for a roll-up which Bourne compounded by hopping on Punk's shoulders for a dual pinfall and the victory!
Winners via pinfall: A.J. Styles & Evan Bourne (0:14)

Jericho clapped his hands at the finish of the match as he and Big Show walked to the back.

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After a commercial break, NC got a surprise visit by WWA President, Shane McMahon! "Shane O'Mac" thanked all of the fans for their support of WWA and Northern Combat over the past few months, and also congratulated Commissioner Dean Malenko on a successful first effort on pay-per-view, but he and the board of directors did find one fault in his job so far -- a major one. The commish made his way to the ring to hear this accusation first-hand. Shane then made the announcement that the board was thoroughly disappointed in Commissioner Malenko putting his own job on the line at End of the Line when Edge fought William Regal, because it would have led to there being no commissioner for WWA-NC. Shane said he could do the job, but he preferred to stay on the behind-the-scenes aspect, so that would not be ideal. So, the board of directors has decided to add a lieutenant commissioner to assist Malenko! Malenko tried to talk him out of it, but McMahon announced that the board had ruled, so he would then introduce the new Lt. Commissioner for WWA-NC -- Matt Striker! The commish was less-than-happy with his new assistant, but Striker tried to talk him back from the edge. He said he would only serve as a consultant in most circumstances, but tonight, he wanted to use and abuse his power: "When I found out I was receiving this promotion, I started studying my tapes, and I found a special talent who deserves a shot here in WWA-NC, and I'm going to give him that shot, so if you two don't mind, I'd like to bring him out and introduce him to you all."

With that, a song proclaiming "He's a real man's man!" blasted over the speakers, and a familiar-looking-but-masked man made his way to the ring. Striker introduced him as "The Real Man's Man." Malenko started to get angry, threatening Striker and the Man's Man but Shane intervened. He said he would allowed the Man's Man a try-out in WWA-NC, but Shane himself would be choosing his opponent -- "The Ripper" Paul Burchill, and it would begin after the commercial break.

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HEAVYWEIGHT MATCH: Paul Burchill w/Katie Lea vs. The Real Man's Man
Paul Burchill made his way to the ring to a huge pop after the break, and he stared down the "newcomer" to WWA-NC. Burchill's ribs were taped after his tough London Street Fight at End of the Line. He climbed into the ring and immediately chased after the Man's Man, who slid out of the ring, not interested in fighting his former rival... excuse me, his first opponent in WWA-NC. The match was back-and-forth, with Man's Man having trouble with his mask throughout much of the mathc, allowing Burchill to claim the upper-hand several times. Still, the Man's Man used a technical style while Burchill was a typical brawler. The Man's Man finally got the upperhand at the end of the match when Burchill attempted to peel off his mask but was pulled down to the mat and then locked into an STF! Burchill struggled toward the ropes, but he was too close to the center of the ring and was forced to tap out! The Man's Man slid from the ring and celebrated his victory, a cold stare coming from the eyeholes of his mask as he backed up the ramp.
Winner via submission: The Real Man's Man (9:07)



Backstage, Shane McMahon sat at a desk while Matt Striker sat in a side chair with his feet on the desk and Dean Malenko paced the office floor. Striker told the Commissioner to calm down, because they were going to have a lot of fun together. Jeri-Show entered the office without knocking, and Jericho asked Shane McMahon for a match. Shane said he was hands-off. Malenko said that Jericho was already scheduled for a match tonight, and he didn't show up, so he wasn't getting one. Matt Striker decided to once again overrule Malenko, and he awarded them a match. Malenko said that was fine, but they would be facing The Playmakers, John Cena & M.V.P.!

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After a commercial break, Joey, Brent and King ran down the current line-up for the WWA Numbers Game pay-per-view, which would be highlighted by an eight-team tournament which now included the Playmakers, the Hart Dynasty, the World's Greatest Tag Team and A.J. Styles & Evan Bourne. Joey Styles then announced that four more teams will also join the fray, including the winners of the next match!

TAG TEAM MATCH: Chavo Guerrero & Colin Delaney vs. John Morrison & Matt Hardy
Chavo Guerrero and Colin Delaney made their way to the ring first to a mixed reaction of mainly boos, but when Matt Hardy's music hit over the speakers and he and the "Wednesday Night Delight" made their way to the ring, all of the fans were on their feet. During the match, Hardy and Morrison dominated the offense throughout much of the early going, though Chavo and Colin did force Morrison to get a hot tag late in the match after a long beatdown. Chavo let Colin take much of the beating, keeping himself fresh until the ending when he was able to pull off quite an impressive uspet. Hardy planted Delaney to the mat with the Side Effect, and John Morrison then leaped up on the top rope to attempt the Star Ship Pain, but Chavo knocked him off and he flipped through the air, knocking down Matt Hardy as if he had hit a standing moonsault. Chavo then rushed to the opposite corner and nailed both men with a frog splash. He pushed Morrison off and pinned Matt for the surprise victory! Chavo dragged his partner to the backstage area as the show faded to a commercial.
Winners via pinfall: Chavo Guerrero & Colin Delaney (11:32)



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As the show returned, fans were brought to their feet once again as the new WWA Pound-for-Pound World and Heavyweight Champion, Brock Lesnar, made his way to the ring. Lesnar thanked the fans for a warm reception, saying their cheers were the reason he returned to wrestling. He then announced that while he was proud of his victory at End of the Line, and he himself gave the okay for Edge to be added to the match, he still wanted to fight Jack Swagger one-on-one. This brought out the former Heavyweight champ, Edge, who was quick to grab a microphone. He said, "it's funny you would want that, Brock, a match with Swagger, because I want MY rematch for the Heavyweight title before anybody else." This brought out Jack Swagger, who made his way to a WWA-NC ring for the first time without the WWA Pound-for-Pound World Championship. Swagger quickly announced his presence, getting in Brock's face as he said "Edge, that's all well and good, but I get a rematch as well, and if he wants me to beat him first, then I say we let him." The Commish made his way out on the stage to settle the dispute, announcing that "Despite some decisions laid down by the board lately, it was not yet time for the inmates to run the asylum." He then announced that they would settle the dispute the old fashioned way: next week, one-on-one, Swagger vs. Edge -- and the winner will get a shot at Brock for their respective former championship at Wrestlympics! Malenko walked to the back and the two former champions stared each other down as we went to a commercial.



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Returning from the break, Joey, Brent, and King highlighted the "End of the Line" gauntlet match because the winner -- Lance Storm -- would be in action next! The winner of the End of the Line gauntlet made his way to the ring with his trophy first and grabbed a microphone. He announced his plans to piggy-back his gauntlet victory with a victory in the Wrestlympics tournament, because of "Rumors swirling that the winner of the tourney will also get a World Championship match. So, when I win the tournament, I will have two, and that, Mr. Lesnar, is when you are mine."

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT MATCH: Kofi Kingston vs. Lance Storm
With the end of Storm's speech came the entrance of the "controlled frenzy" of Kofi Kingston. Kingston made his way to the ring to a huge pop. The two battled it out in a technical masterpiece, with Storm knowing a counter for much of Kingston's offense, and Kingston having several innovative counters of his own! Storm took control of the match late, as he attacked Kingston's leg, perhaps setting him up for the Canadian Maple Leaf. Still, Kingston continued to fight back despite a bum leg. In the closing minutes of the match, Storm nailed Kingston with a snap superkick, but before the could go for the pin, Cody Rhodes made a surprise appearance, distracting the referee. This allowed the returning Randy Orton to climb into the ring and nail Storm with the RKO! The "Viper" slid through the ring and watched from the outside as Kingston slowly returned to his feet and hit Storm with the Boom Boom leg drop for a pinfall victory.
Winner via pinfall: Kofi Kingston (12:46)

As Kofi began his celebration, Orton hopped back in the ring and pushed him out. Kingston landed hard on the steel ramp as Rhodes climbed back into the ring and grabbed Storm, nailing him with the Cross Rhodes. He then hoisted up Storm's prone body while Orton readied himself in the corner. Orton stared Storm down during his entire time in the ring, and with Rhodes holding him, Orton charged the End of the Line gauntlet winner and nailed him with a punt kick to the side of the head! Orton stood over Storm and screamed at his limp body, "That's what happens. Do not cross me." Orton then picked up Storm's trophy and tossed it out of the ring and on to the cement floor as pieces scattered all over the ringside area. Cody Rhodes had to push him to the back as he stared down Storm, and the show went to a commercial.



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During the break, paramedics wheeled Storm from the ring on a stretcher and road agents helped Kingston to the back. Joey, Brent, and King reminded us all why Orton is so upset with Storm, showing footage from WWA #6 almost one month ago, when Storm was able to upset Orton in a qualifier for the End of the Line gauntlet match.

Backstage, the champ, Brock Lesnar confronted Randy Orton in the hallway. After a long staredown, Lesnar asked Orton, "Did that make you feel like a man, Randy?" Orton continued to stare him down, breathing heavily, but stepped away without saying anything. Lesnar shook his head, and the show went to another commercial break.

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The Welterweight champion, Christian, made his way to the ring after the break and spoke to the fans. He commented on the fact that every opponent he has faced for the title has disappeared from the company after he faced them. "Santino went to be re-enlightened on wrestling; 'The Pope' is no where to be found. It's kind of strange. I don't mean to downgrade the welterweight division here, but I'd like to see somebody who's willing to stand up and fight back." This brought out the debuting Jay Roclass, who made his way to the ring along with his valet, Maryse Ouellet. Maryse grabbed a microphone and asked Christian a very telling question. "What makes you so sure you're ready for higher competition? You said yourself that your opponents so far have been... less than impressive? Jay Roclass and I have fought the best competition in the world and defeated them. And now, we're here... to beat... you." Christian mocks Roclass for letting his woman do the talking, but then backs up when Roclass wants to fight. He reminds him that there's a strict rule in WWA, and that is that you have to have at least one victory before you can face a champion. Christian then invites anyone to come down to the ring and face the newcomer. The son of the Million Dollar Man, Ted DiBiase, Jr., accepts the call.

WELTERWEIGHT MATCH: Jay Roclass w/Maryse Ouellet vs. Ted DiBiase, Jr.
Roclass was quick on the offensive when DiBiase entered the ring, and he did not relent in his assault of the "Priceless" one. While DiBiase did show off some offense, it may have been a bit too obvious during the match who would be the victor, and that was Roclass. DiBiase seemed to have taken the upperhand, setting up his opponent for Dream Street, but Roclass riggled out of it and then reversed it, planting DiBiase to the mat with a stiff STO, dropping him straight on his head. Roclass then hooked both of DiBiase's legs, all the while staring down Christian, who took a seat at the announce table. As the referee raised his arm, Roclass kept his eyes locked on Christian, who nodded his head in approval. Maryse climbed in the ring and shoved the referee out of the way, hugging Roclass and then raising his arm in the air. Roclass gave off a slight smirk as they climbed from the ring and walked to the back. Maryse stuck her hand in front of the camera as the show faded to a commercial.
Winner via pinfall: Jay Roclass (3:55)



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Backstage, Matt Hardy & John Morrison, as well as C.M. Punk were complaining about what happened in their matches earlier in the evening. In an effort to get them to leave his office, Commissioner Malenko awarded them a second-chance match next week. C.M. Punk and a partner of his choice would be taking on Matt Hardy & John Morrison, and the winners would get one of the final slots in the Tag Team Title Tournament.

Before the main event, Joey Styles reminded everyone that unlike regular WWA matches, main events are contested under a 20-minute time limit instead of 15, and countouts would take a 20-count rather than just 10. With that, he sent it to Michael Buffer for the introductions.

MAIN EVENT | TAG TEAM MATCH: Jeri-Show vs. The Playmakers
"Crank it Down" blasted over the speakers and the tag team known as Jeri-Show made their way to the ring, while the crowd filled the arena with boos. Jericho talked to his new partner in the ring, perhaps offering some advice in the seven-footer's debut. As they talked strategy, "Basic Thuganomics" spread over the airwaves and the Playmakers, John Cena & MVP made their way to the ring. The crowd erupted to their feet for Northern Combat's most popular tag team. While the Playmakers were the more-experienced team in a WWA-NC ring, Jeri-Show proved to be a formidable opponent for them as they were able to target M.V.P. for much of the early going, barricading him off from a tag to his partner. Cena finally made a hot tag and took out Jericho, but couldn't down the mammoth Big Show, attempting three flying shoulder blocks before the big man caught him in the air and applied a bear hug. With Cena locked in, the show went to a momentary commercial break. As they came back, it was Cena who needed to make a tag to MVP, and the most "ballin" athlete in WWA-NC started to get on the offensive, but would need his partner's help. With the offensive advantage clearly on their side, Cena pulled Jericho up for the Attitude Adjustment, but Jericho reversed into a DDT. Big Show then made a blind tag to Jericho, and when MVP hit Jericho with a Drive-By kick, he wasn't hitting the legal man. This allowed Big Show to grab MVP for a chokelsam, but instead took his huge fist and punched MVP clear in the face! MVP collapsed to the mat and Big Show dropped to one knee to hook the leg and pin MVP for a victory and a berth into the Tag Team Title tournament.
Winners via pinfall: Jeri-Show (17:32)

As Jericho and Big Show celebrate, C.M. Punk's music hits over the speakers and the "Straight Edge Superstar" makes his way out on the stage with an announcement to be made. "Jericho, you got your heavy. You got your new tag team partner, and I'm fine with that, but I thought you might like to meet my new partner. You see, he's made an impact in Northern Combat already, but after a little convincing, he decided it might not be such a bad idea to add a little more gold to his resume." With that, a familiar theme hit over the entrance music and former ECW and WWE Champion, the "Whole F'n Show" Rob Van Dam walked out on the stage and stood alongside C.M. Punk. As the show came to a close, Joey Styles let out a patended "OH MY GOD!"



2010 Northern Combat Sports Entertainment by World Wrestling Athletics

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