Below the auspices of Billy Corgan’s administration, the Nationwide Wrestling Alliance (NWA) is a promotion that I’ve often checked in on with out all the time being a devoted weekly viewer.
It’s by no means going to be a promotion that blows you away within the ring, notably with their TV choices, nevertheless it’s stable and well-booked for probably the most half. In addition they use a number of totally different expertise to what you see elsewhere, one thing that’s good in sure methods however not so good in others.
Articulated in quite a lot of interviews lately, Billy Corgan clearly has a imaginative and prescient of what he desires his wrestling to be. In the meanwhile, they’re seemingly doubling down on guys with measurement (when it comes to top and weight) and increasing the variety of titles they’ve out there. With the purpose being to maneuver to 5 PPVs subsequent 12 months moderately than 4, the latter is sensible.
Anyway, they invariably draw good stay crowds and this coming weekend (August 27 and 28) they’ve received their largest weekend of the 12 months as they return to the Chase in St. Louis for his or her 74th Anniversary Present double-header. I believed that was a very good level to leap in to supply my ideas on each reveals.
Nationwide Wrestling Alliance
NWA 74th Anniversary Present – Evening 1
August 27, 2022
Chase’s Khorassan Ballroom
St. Louis, Missouri
Watch: FITE
Pre-Present
The Nation Gents (AJ Cazana & Anthony Andrews) (w/ Joe Cazana) vs. Gold Rushhh (Jordan Clearwater & Marshe Rockett) (w/ Austin Idol)
This match is a preview of the next night time’s Battle Royal, which each these groups are a part of, to find out the brand new NWA USA Tag Crew Champions.
Cazana and Andrews have largely been an enhancement group to this point, with Rockett and Clearwater rather more tenured and established. That seemingly signifies how this can go. Prediction: Gold Rushhh
Pre-Present
Luke Hawx vs. VSK
Evening One of many 74th Anniversary Present has received a robust Cardona household really feel to it, with Matt and Mike Knox in motion on the principle present and VSK battling Luke Hawx right here on the pre-show.
For that purpose, I really feel like VSK will in all probability win to present the group a little bit of momentum. Nonetheless, he’s now part of The Trustbusters in AEW, so I’m unsure how a lot he can be featured within the NWA transferring ahead. With that in thoughts, I’ll lean the opposite means and say they offer Hawx the rub forward of him teaming together with his son within the following day’s Battle Royal. Prediction: Luke Hawx
Pre-Present
The Pope vs. Rodney Mack (w/ Aron Stevens)
Aron Stevens supposedly retired from wrestling earlier within the 12 months. He returned shortly after that ‘final match’ although within the capability of Rodney Mack’s supervisor. He’s been heeling it up a good bit, instigating in matches and serving to Mack choose up wins.
In truth, I don’t see a number of worth in Mack at this level as he’s received a really clear ceiling. Pope is a distinct case solely however as this can be a pre-show match, I believe the Stevens factor will roll on and Mack will get the win. Prediction: Rodney Mack
Beelzebub’s Bedlam Match
The Miserably Devoted (Judais, Sal The Pal & Gaagz The Gymp) (w/ Father James Mitchell) vs. The Ailing Begotten (Alex Taylor, Jeremiah Plunkett & Danny Dealz)
I’ve not received a clue what a Beelzebub’s Bedlam match entails however the gist appears to be that it’s only a wacky No DQ match. A wacky No DQ match that includes a person billed as Gaagz the Gymp.
The Ailing Begotten have turn out to be the NWA’s resident jobber faction and after kicking out Rush Freeman and never changing him, they’re reliant on bringing of their supervisor Danny Dealz, who goes round with a faux neck brace, because the third man.
The Miserably Devoted, in the meantime, are a peculiar bunch and clearly a gimmick that’s come direct from Corgan’s mind. They’re a correct trio although so they need to win right here. Prediction: Miserably Devoted
Chris Adonis vs. Odinson
As you’d count on with a two-day present, there’s a good few matches booked for the weekend which have restricted again tales or, in some instances, none in any respect actually. This match, a late addition, falls into that second camp.
I’ve all the time felt that there was a window for Adonis to be a giant star in wrestling and it simply by no means fairly got here collectively for him. I’d be very stunned if he doesn’t get the win right here in what ought to be an honest match for nevertheless lengthy it lasts. Prediction: Chris Adonis
EC3 vs. Matthew Mims
EC3 is making his NWA debut right here in opposition to a man in Mims who did some enhancement spots for Affect in the course of the pandemic earlier than being given an actual alternative to develop with the NWA.
I do suppose they’ve received one thing in Mims however he’s a piece in progress and EC3 ought to be profitable on this spot. Does his involvement imply an inevitable integration of different guys from Management Your Narrative? I can see Billy reserving it. Prediction: EC3
Matt Cardona vs. TBA
Former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Matt Cardona has his in-ring return from a bicep tear in opposition to a hand-picked opponent.
Within the build-up he’s talked about leaping proper again in to tackle Trevor Murdoch and reclaim the title he needed to forfeit again in June. The wise reserving to get his warmth again although can be for him to have some form of squash match after which lower a promo. Prediction: Matt Cardona
Burke Invitational Gauntlet for an NWA World Ladies’s Championship Match
Samantha Starr (w/ Child Doll) vs. KiLynn King vs. Tootie Lynn vs. Missa Kate vs. Max The Impaler (w/ Father James Mitchell) vs. Madi Wrenkowski vs. Angelina Love vs. Jennacide vs. Natalia Markova vs. Taryn Terrell
There’s a few notable issues right here. One is that Samantha Starr is a third-generation expertise and he or she’ll be accompanied by her mom, Child Doll. The opposite is that KiLynn King volunteered to go first, saying that operating by way of the 9 different ladies would show she’s prepared for an additional shot at Kamille.
Coming into this present, the three likeliest winners have been King, Angelina Love and Max The Impaler. Provided that King is now beginning she’s nearly definitely out of the image, as seemingly is Love as she’s been booked in a match with Taryn Terrell on the next day’s pre-show. That leaves me with Max, who I used to be leaning in the direction of anyway. Prediction: Max The Impaler
Tables Match
Bully Ray vs. Mike Knox
Oh sure, a Bully Ray match on PPV in 2022.
Being sincere, I’ve preferred the story they’ve informed. Bully was there for Alwayz Prepared and he and Knox have been fairly pally. On subsequent episodes of Powerrr Knox received mad, calling again to his and Bully’s time in Aces and Eights in Affect and saying that Bully had left him excessive and dry. That frustration culminated in Knox placing Ray by way of a desk and main us right here.
Given who we all know him to be and his relationship with Billy Corgan, it’s exhausting to see Bully being one and carried out with the NWA after this present. If he’s sticking round, he’s received to win right here as he’s successfully coming in to his speciality match because the babyface on this story. Prediction: Bully Ray
NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship
Murder (c) vs. Kerry Morton
He’s clearly not what he as soon as was within the ring however Murder has been very enjoyable on this run as World Junior Heavyweight Champ.
The construct right here has been easy. Murder praised Morton as an honest prospect however stated that he lacked that ‘it issue’ to make it to the highest stage of professional wrestling. Morton received fired up, saying he’d show that he did by profitable the title beforehand held by his father.
Morton does have one thing however he’s nonetheless very inexperienced. It is a good showcase spot for him to go in there for an extended match with a stable, vet hand. He shouldn’t win, although. Prediction: Murder
NWA Nationwide Heavyweight Championship
Jax Dane (w/ Chris Silvio, Esq.) (c) vs. Cyon (w/ Austin Idol)
Cyon is Robert Anthony working a masks gimmick and in NWA canon he’s the son of Austin Idol. Since they ‘revealed’ that, he linked up with Idolmania Sports activities Administration and beat Rodney Mack to win this title shot.
I liked the way in which Jax Dane received the title from Crimson earlier within the 12 months and his subsequent moniker because the Dane Occasion is a winner so far as I’m involved. I’m not offered on him needing a supervisor however, look, you possibly can’t have all the pieces.
By way of reserving, I’m actually unsure on this one. I’m unsure Dane is able to drop it however this does appear one of many belts prime for a swap in the course of the weekend. Prediction: Cyon
NWA World Tag Crew Championship
The Commonwealth Connection (Doug Williams & Harry Smith) (c) vs. La Rebelión (Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf 450) (w/ Damián 666)
Smith and Williams beat La Rebelión earlier within the 12 months for the belts nevertheless it was with a screwy end as Smith was within the ring for near a minute on the finish with out being the authorized man. Smith and Williams received the rematch beneath Lucha Guidelines however they’re operating it again once more after La Rebelión received previous Matt Taven and Mike Bennett.
There’s a really excessive probability that that is one of the best match of Evening One. Each groups are good and their earlier matches have been pleasant. I’ve received an inkling Bestia and Mecha win, notably as Damian is within the nook, though Smith and Williams sweeping them 3-0 wouldn’t stun me. Prediction: La Rebelión
NWA World Ladies’s Championship
Kamille (c) vs. Taya Valkyrie
Kamille is by far and away the NWA’s best asset. She’s received an awesome look, she’s homegrown for need of a greater phrase, her matches are often one of the best on these reveals and he or she’s been incredible as Ladies’s Champion.
I like Taya greater than some others round these components and I feel this can be respectable however she positively shouldn’t be profitable right here. They’re operating an angle that Kamille thinks Billy Corgan is conspiring in opposition to her by making her defend on successive nights. So, if Kamille is dropping the belt this weekend, probably the most logical time for her to take action can be Evening Two. Prediction: Kamille
Nationwide Wrestling Alliance
NWA 74th Anniversary Present – Evening 2
August 28, 2022
Chase’s Khorassan Ballroom
St. Louis, Missouri
Watch: FITE
Pre-show
Angelina Love v Taryn Terrell
When this received confirmed, my first thought was that I should have seen it in Affect earlier than. A quick look in Cagematch reveals they’ve had two singles matches earlier than, with Terrell profitable each, though I’ve no reminiscence of both.
My guess is that there’ll be some form of setup for this the night time earlier than in the course of the Burke gauntlet. Provided that Love has been extra featured not too long ago, unsuccessfully lobbying Velvet Sky for a title shot that she finally gave to Tim Storm, I believe she wins. Prediction: Angelina Love
Mercurio vs. “Magic” Jake Dumas (with Christi Jaynes)
I’ve seen Dumas a bit within the NWA and I’ve by no means been blown away. He simply appears to have a reasonably restricted ceiling and his act doesn’t click on with me. Mercurio, in the meantime, is a trend mannequin gimmick for Bryan Idol which has been stable to this point.
With Christi Jaynes at ringside, my feeling is that she interferes to assist Dumas win. That then offers you the potential for a Blended Tag followup on Powerrr and likewise a possible hyperlink for nevertheless they’re going to find out the primary Ladies’s TV champion. Prediction: Jake Dumas
Colby Corino vs. Caprice Coleman
I’ve preferred Colby Corino’s work of late as this slimy heel and he’s received ongoing points with Hawx Aerie. Coleman, in the meantime, has been speaking loads about difficult Murder for the Junior title.
Coleman dropping to Chris Adonis on the go-home present for this does give me some pause for considered him profitable however that does nonetheless really feel just like the extra seemingly end result. Prediction: Caprice Coleman
Thom Latimer vs. Judais (w/ Father James Mitchell)
Judais is the muscle of the Miserably Devoted group. He used to wrestle as Murphy in TNA. Not the large buff Aussie, however moderately the bloke who teamed with the Forgotten Son we’d all moderately stayed forgotten.
Latimer was within the World title combine coming into this present and I don’t see the NWA making a transfer to alter that anytime quickly. As a substitute, this appears to be a easy technique to get him a very good win on PPV. Prediction: Thom Latimer
Nick Aldis vs. Flip Gordon
Aldis is opening Evening One with an ‘open discussion board’, whereby he’s going to handle the problems that noticed him faraway from Evening Two’s fundamental occasion. If it’s a work, it’s certainly constructing in the direction of an Aldis v Corgan story. Both means, there’s an honest probability that this won’t even occur.
If this does go forward, it ought to be stable and one of many higher matches in the course of the weekend. These two haven’t had one of the best chemistry previously however they’re each good staff and Gordon is generally all the time entertaining regardless of no matter is happening in his mind. If it does occur, Aldis ought to win however I wouldn’t rule out some shenanigans. Prediction: Nick Aldis
MLW Nationwide Openweight Championship
Davey Richards (c) vs. Thrillbilly Silas (w/ Pollo Del Mar)
I do discover it amusing that this would be the second PPV defence of a title that Davey, in MLW canon, hasn’t technically received but.
In the end, this can be a technique to exhibit cross-promotion between the NWA and MLW. Thrillbilly is winless within the NWA to this point and that received’t change right here. I feel this can in all probability be fairly fast, maybe permitting them to set one thing up afterwards. Prediction: Davey Richards
Tag Crew Battle Royal for the vacant NWA United States Tag Crew Championship
Gold Rushhh (Jordan Clearwater & Marshe Rockett) vs. The Miserably Devoted (Sal The Pal & Gaagz The Gymp) (w/ Father James Mitchell) vs. The NOW (Hale Collins & Vik Dalishus) vs. The Ailing Begotten (Alex Taylor & Jeremiah Plunkett) (w/ Danny Dealz) vs. Ruff ‘n’ Prepared (D’Vin Graves & Diante) vs. The Fixers (Jay Bradley & Wrecking Ball Legursky) vs. Hawx Aerie (Luke Hawx & PJ Hawx) vs. The Nation Gents (AJ Cazana & Anthony Andrews) vs. Crew Ambition (Mike Outlaw & Camaro Jackson) vs. The Spectaculars (Brady Pierce & Rush Freeman) (w/ Rolando Freeman)
Extra titles! Look, if you happen to’ve received them, flaunt them, that’s what I say.
These belts have been initially created in 1986, with Krusher Khrushchev and Ivan Koloff being the inaugural champions. The belts moved over to WCW in 1991 earlier than then being retired in 1992. Corgan is now bringing them again, ostensibly as a secondary tag title to assist in giving construction to a number of the decrease tier groups.
Taking a look at this Battle Royal, there’s a few tales at play. I feel the Spectaculars will get rid of the Ailing Begotten to proceed their points, Crew Ambition’s truce will seemingly come to nothing and Hawx Aerie will resume hostilities with The Fixers.
By way of seemingly winners, I feel it’s between Gold Rushhh, The Fixers and Hawx Aerie. Marshe Rockett and Jay Bradley are very a lot Billy Corgan guys so I might see them getting rewarded however I really feel just like the second they’ll need on this present is the babyfaces profitable and getting their second. Prediction: Hawx Aerie
Kingshighway Avenue Struggle for the NWA World Ladies’s Tag Crew Championship
Fairly Empowered (Ella Envy & Kenzie Paige) (c) vs. The Hex (Allysin Kay & Marti Belle)
These two group have been feuding over these titles for a number of months now and this match is ready to be the blowoff.
Fairly Empowered cheated to finish The Hex’s title reign after which did the identical to win the rematch. To place an finish to that, they’ll face off right here in a No Countout, No DQ match which might nicely go off the rails (and never in a great way).
A sub-story on this program has been the stress between Ella Envy and Kenzie Paige, with Paige rising more and more aggravated by Envy’s dishonest. With the Ladies’s TV belt coming, splitting these two up and preserving their feud operating alongside the title image is sensible. Who The Hex then feud with, I do not know? Maybe Angelina Love and Chelsea Inexperienced. Prediction: The Hex
NWA World Ladies’s Championship
Kamille or Taya Valkyrie (c) vs. Burke Invitational Gauntlet Winner
So I’m engaged on the idea that the Gauntlet winner is Max the Impaler and so they’re going through Kamille in her second defence of the weekend.
Kamille has been champion for greater than 400 days now and whereas I’m unsure she must drop it but, I feel they wish to give her character a special approach and one of the simplest ways to do this is Max profitable. Prediction: Max The Impaler.
NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship
Trevor Murdoch (c) vs. Tyrus
Yikes. No matter is happening with Corgan and Aldis, I’m unsure any story can be a justification for placing Tyrus on this spot.
Aldis received The Race to The Chase match they placed on to find out the title problem for this present, just for Billy Corgan to then take that away from him for Aldis supposedly politicking. Aldis was then changed by Tyrus, who had earned a Worlds title match after efficiently defending the TV belt seven instances.
There’s a very good probability that is downright horrible. Tyrus was by no means any nice shakes within the ring however now he’s sluggish, he will get blown up two minutes into each match and his offence appears terrible. Murdoch is ok and he’s been a very good success story for the NWA however he’s not somebody who can do an awesome carry job or, let’s be sincere, work miracles.
Sadly, you possibly can’t rule out Tyrus profitable this. He’s on Fox on a regular basis, exhibiting off his TV title, and also you’ve received to make sure that the NWA would love him exhibiting off the Ten Kilos of Gold in that setting.
Nonetheless, I’m considerably assured that they’ll now pivot again to their authentic plans for this 12 months with Cardrona now wholesome once more. It makes rather more sense for him to beat Murdoch for the strap than it does Tyrus. Fingers crossed that’s the plan, anyway. Prediction: Trevor Murdoch
