Mike Summers
27/08/01
Opener: Rage/Dan Prohibition � 4.2
A strong opener for Venom this week, resulting in a strong ratings response. Dan Prohibition and O'Connor sure have excellent chemistry� probably a large reason they've been paired. Fans were treated to one of the funnier segments we've seen on Venom in some time, with the verbal foils touching base several times. The introduction wasn't hurt by the fact that Venom was returning after a four-week hiatus either. New opening, new station, new timeslot all helped Venom to open strong.
Shane Johnson vs. Fazzer � 3.9
The match itself had a couple of high points. The early blood was a treat for stalwart EWCL fans, which don't usually get to see that kind of action so early in a show. Looks like the EWCL went all out to try and grab a few new 'Lets check out what's going on with this whole wrestling shtick' fans. Otherwise an unremarkable match, but considering it was merely a set-up for an Exile/Fazzer feud, it was executed perfectly by all involved. While the points slipped some, 3.9 is still above where the EWCL used to lie in the rankings war. Fazzer's return to television made this a strong performer, but he'll have to put in a good performance next week to keep it up as he'll have lost the 'return' momentum.
Roadblock vs. Pamela Charles � 3.8
This match was a puff piece really. It served no purpose other than to have a few laughs at Roadblock and get temperatures rising for Pamela. I didn't enjoy it, and I wasn't the only one seemingly. However, I doubt it turned the new fans away, so it was probably not a bad idea for Cazzo. T & A is a big demographic scorer. Traditionalists will sh*t on this if it's done to often though. That said, it did lighten up the mood.
Kritical Kondition vs. Jawz � 4.0
Is KK the Internet Champion? Is he not? Who knows. We were told to hang on until after the break. What followed was some of the weaker wrestling tonight, but all in all this was another strong segment, if due more to surprises spots than anything else. The ratings responded, but Cazzo had better be careful relying on this sort of pop. There are only so many high spots you can do before you run out of them or they become nonsensical� for instance, what happened to Creeping Death? Some return! Anyway, the Family, the 'Hitman', and of course the debut of the General (Huh?) made for great television. But please� the General? Aren't we beyond this kind of gimmickry? Surely this is a swerve� I'm praying. Either way, looks like Exile is in trouble again. Now I have to ask, is Exile being spread a little thinly? Is he going to feud with Fazzer, and this General character? I like Exile as much as the next guy, but I don't think I want to see him several times a night. Hopefully one of these feuds will be postponed. And what happened to Jawz? Somebody spell 'squash'. Has this guy got some backstage heat or what?
Neil Down's 'Hunt for the Belts' � 3.7
A sideshow. But I have to say I'm warming to this whole Danny Christ obsession thing� it's really providing some funny television. Lets hope it doesn't progress to having sexual over-tones, shall we? The ratings dropped, but that's natural. The new fans had no idea who Danny was, nor Neil.
Danny Christ vs. Exile � 4.0
This match was awesome. I actually got frightened for a while 'cos I was wondering how on earth Rage and Prohibition could follow this act. The spots were perfectly executed, and the action was brilliantly timed. Danny Christ is being groomed I tell you! He may not be the fan favourite Rage is, but he will be soon. That rematch has money written all over it� lets hope Cazzo doesn't rush it. Anyway, this match was exactly what is going to keep the old fans watching and the new fans coming back. This is wrestling. The ending was disappointing, but shouldn't reflect on the great match that preceded it. Exile and Christ proved why they're perennially locked at the top of the card.
Dan Prohibition vs. The Rage (c) � 4.4
Dan Prohibition has been trapped at the bottom of the card since his arrival on the scene, and not unfairly. While he's a great wrestler, he's not quite as developed as your KKs, your Glorys, your Christs or your Rages. However, no one doubts his potential, least of all Cazzo it would seem. Cazzo hooked this kid on to his new moneyman early on, and he took a HUGE risk making this his first Main Event back. But that risk paid off, even after Christ and Exile's strong performance. People wanted to see Rage's first title defence, even if they didn't think he'd lose (although at one point I was screaming at my television!). Dan Prohibition really shone in this match, and Rage showed that he too can play at hardcore. Who would have believed a guy Rage's size could do a back splash from the top rope to the outside�? Well, okay, granted it's not rocket science, but for a man his size it's risky. We're used to seeing Dan take risks, but O'Connor's usually on the dealing end of them. Nice to see he can play ball. He made Dan look strong, but he's always been one for selling to his opponents (my God, I gave the political player a compliment!). The ending of this match was played out beautifully. Dan on the end of another Revelation should be just enough to push this kid over the edge, especially after his sacrifice. How will Rage react to Cazzo's interference? Good booking, good wrestling, and it'll bring everyone back for more. Nice job. Although, in all fairness it was the ten-minute overrun which made this match the strongest 'rate' of the night.
Average � 4.0
Overall, a strong first show, and one which I think Cazzo will improve on. It certainly should keep the fans coming, and some strong stories were built here (so long as Cazzo can keep a hold of his wrestlers for more than a month). But I have to ask� what about Kritical Kondition? I was sure they'd build on he and Rage's egoistic heat, but he was kind of lost in the mid card tonight. If we have to wait on Christ/Rage then� who better than Double K?!
No one.