01/10/01

Opener: Rage Gone? And Further 'Family' Breakdown � 4.0

A huge yet troubling week in the world of sports entertainment. Venom opened in perhaps the only way they could, by openly acknowledging the contractual difficulties they've been experiencing with Rick O'Connor over the past few weeks. It seems to this writer that negotiations may have indeed broken down, which is a stinging blow to a federation which to date has been surging ahead by leaps and bounds. Since Venom aired I've been inundated with e-mails from fans wanting to know what the real story is behind the problem, so I'll attempt to answer all your questions here briefly.

A reliable source within the EWCL tells me that O'Connor's original contract was only for a period of approximately four months with the option to renew upon consent by both parties (the EWCL and O'Connor). The contract was drafted this way simply because O'Connor was a monetary risk for the EWCL� off television for the better part of a year, Cazzo was unsure of his drawing power. It was assumed that, if everything went well, the contract would be extended. I'm also told the contract was for considerably less than certain other EWCL performers, such as Dan Prohibition, Joe Johnson, The Punisher and of course, the EWCL's biggest money-earner, Sean Corvik.

At contract's end, negotiations began anew. Of course, the bargaining positions had been reversed. The Rage could now lay claim to being one of the biggest draws for the EWCL, and the Universal Champion to boot. It appears both sides had been unable to meet upon a figure. Now enter O'Connor's old friend, and Chairman of the 'phoenix' promotion XPCW, Andrew Grimm. Turns out Grimm has managed to finance himself for a third go at the world of professional wrestling, and wants The Rage onboard. This of course spells big trouble for the EWCL, who now appear likely to lose not only one of their biggest stars, but their Universal Champion. And from what I hear, the relationship between O'Connor and Cazzo has soured somewhat during the negotiations, which could lead to certain politically damaging actions on the part of a bitter O'Connor. No one wants to see the EWCL Universal Title 'binned' on XPCW television�.

Interestingly enough, the EWCL appears as though they're going to write it all into a story. Could be a good move� may lessen the impact of any 'unsavoury' moves by O'Connor should this all turn ugly.

An interesting opener, and sure had me watching to see if The Rage would show up�.

Renegade vs. Warlock vs. "Non-Hardcore" James Brody � 3.9

What do you get when you stick a bunch of developmental-deal dark match wrestlers into a televised event? A surprisingly good match actually. Some decent action, punctuated by some classic comedy from the EWCL Commissioner Saphio and Brody heralded a strong start for these three and an entertaining outing for their first go 'round a 'televised' EWCL ring. Will we ever see any of them again? Lets hope so. The EWCL roster needs some bolstering, and if these guys can put on a decent match in their first attempt, imagine what they might be able to do with the EWCL machine behind them! Stand out performance by Brody, who may just have a little star potential�?

Fazzer vs. Angus � 3.6

This all may be part of a storyline, but it ain't doing much for Fazzer's career. For cryin' out loud, just come and kick Angus' ass why don't you? If he's all that unimportant, it shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes, and then we can get this whole ball rolling again. Fazzer is fast losing all the momentum he returned with�.

Ex-Terminator vs. Super Trouper � 3.9

A decent hardcore match that really picked up with the intervention of Creeping Death. That double-teamed suplex through the table was spectacular! Super Trouper still manages to pull out a win with the help of a 'fan' (read: paid EWCL actor) however. I was just starting to get into this feud, but considering later events I assume it's all over. So, we're left wondering� what's next for the 'Cold Blooded Killer'?

Kritical Kondition vs. The Mauler/Tony Canon � 4.1

Admittedly I would have been surprised to see Corvik go down to the Creeping Death duo, but props to the guy for selling to both of them. This was a great handicap that only got more interesting when Johnson came down and 'accidentally' nailed Corvik with the ring bell. Nonetheless, Double-K came back for an exciting win. Really just another throw-away match to set up the fall of the Family, but I have a feeling it's the last we'll see of its kind, as evidenced by later events. I still want to know when Corvik is going to start defending his Internet Title though? Considering the Universal Title might be gone, Corvik may be holding the most important strap in the EWCL in his hot little hands. Might add something to an already fascinating feud.

The Punisher vs. Joe Johnson � 4.2

Possibly the best match of the night, and really capped off a night that largely revolved around the 'Family' breakdown. Corvik came down to the ring, seemingly looking for revenge, but surprisingly, in a bit of a swerve, helped Johnson upset Punisher. Just as it looked like all was forgiven and we'd see a great big happy 'Family' hug, Double-K turned on Johnson and repaid the favour for earlier in the evening. A broken table was followed by an appearance by Exile, who wailed on both men, setting up a huge triple threat for down the line! Now this is a match I'm excited about, and if timed properly this feud could really be a stayer. On any other night, this could easily have been the Main Event. Considering later events, it's a shame it was not.

The Rage vs. Dan Prohibition � 4.2

Interest piqued to see if O'Connor would actually turn up for the match. Well, everybody was in for a big disappointment. Twice his music played, and twice he failed to arrive. Cazzo came down and started the match, and it was all over in a ten count. Dan Prohibition wins both Tag Titles by count-out. Last week we were wondering if O'Connor was bound for a feud with Punisher� now we're left wondering if O'Connor is bound for the fledgling XPCW�. Prohibition's challenge for Japan was accepted by none other than Ex-Terminator, and with that the match to end a long-running semi-feud is over without a single blow. Cazzo really addressed the way we were all feeling about The Rage's actions when he said that he 'had let everybody down'.

Average � 4.0

The EWCL managed to hold their ground in the ratings during one of the most tumultuous weeks in its history. I'm still hoping that this whole deal with O'Connor is a swerve, or that Cazzo and he can work out their differences. It'd be a tremendous blow for the EWCL to lose their major title to another federation. Still, they've gone some way towards minimising the potential damage, and with such stars as Corvik, Johnson and Exile and their substantial story, the impact may not be as terrible as first speculated. With other new talent on the rise, and stalwart performers like Punisher, Prohibition, ST and Ex-Terminator giving one hundred and fifty percent each and every week, there are no doubts the EWCL can ride this one out. But lets just hope they don't have to�.

Mike Summers