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On April 3, 2004 the ECWA presented their 8th Annual Super 8 Tournament. This is the most prestigious tournament on the indy scene and this years', in my opinion, was the best one in quite some time.
Our crew was down by one, as Brams couldn't make it. Something about having a baby. We all realized, in reality, he just didn't want to put in his cut of the ad money! (Chuck Ristano did announce the birth of Erin during the birthday announcements however).
No one really wants to hear about what we ate for dinner or our quandary as to which of our two waitresses gets the tip so let's forge ahead.
We were lucky enough to be invited to the Press Conference which was held at 5:30, prior to the doors being open to the public at 6:00. All eight men were appreciative of having been invited to participate in this years tournament. Nicho was wearing his Psicosis mask and, when asked why, said that he had so much respect for this tournament that he felt he should wear the mask. Awesome statement by Psicosis which really showed everyone in attendance just how important this tournament is.
Doors opened at 6pm and all 8 combatants were available for autographs and photos.
Luminaries in attendance included WXW Champion Mana, former WXW Ladies Champion Cindy Rogers, CoFro, Michael K. Johnson and his bus trippers, Buck Woodward, Jess McGrath, Kathy Fitz, Bodyguard 4 Hire, Dani the Suicidal Photographer, Gerry Strauss, Gary Michael Cappetta, Tony Lewis, and Paul and Nick (who made sure they pointed out the ECWATron ad for WrestlingClothesline.com at every opportunity possible.)
The show began with all the wrestlers surrounding the ring and JJ getting on the mic to talk about two recent deaths in the ECWA family. A 10 bell salute was then made for long time ECWA fan, Ed Walls as well as head of the ECWA Ring Crew, Marty Thompson.
For me, or anyone else for that matter, to try and even attempt a play by play or detailed recap of any of the matches on this evening's show would do them no justice. Add to that the fact that I wanted to sit back and mark out without the hassle of having to constantly tape record spots, moves, etc. With that in mind, here are the semi detailed results.
Austin Aries beat Shawn Daivari with an amazing 450 splash. Daivari went for his "flying carpet", but missed. Aries capitalized and scored the pinfall. Both men were impressive. This was the first time I had seen either of them live and I was impressed. Aries especially caught my eye. Great way to open the show.
ECWA champion Mike Kruel defeated Ricky Reyes via tapout. Kruel worked on Reyes arm the entire match while Reyes worked on Kruel's leg. Good submission style wrestling match
A video was show next, introduced by last year's Super 8 winner Paul London, highlighting the first seven Super 8's. The video ended with a picture of Jeff Peterson and reminding us that the tournament is In Memory of the 1999 and 2000 Super 8 Competitor who passed away in November, 2002. (Jeff I still miss you more that you could ever imagine)
Christopher Daniels beat Rocky Romero. Very strong match by both men. Rocky worked Daniels arm throughout the match but Daniels was able to capture the pinfall.
John Walters beat Nicho (Psicosis). This match was given quite a bit of time, and rightfully so. Nicho started off the match wearing the Psicosis mask but, as the match continued and he got frustrated not being able to pin Walters, he removed it as well as the Psicosis top. The crowd seemed split down the middle as far as Walters supporters vs Nicho supporters.
Intermission
The second round:
Christopher Daniels beat Mike Kruel by submission to advance to the finals. After that match, in a move NO ONE saw coming, Kruel got on the mic, and said that since he defeated Daniels he has been a fighting champion. With that said he handed Daniels the ECWA Title!!! It seems as if Daniels is now the ECWA heavyweight champion!!
Austin Aries beat John Walters with the 450. Amazing is all I can say about this match.
We are then directed to the ECWATron where the Valedictorians are putting a "For Sale" sign on the bus outside. Once Carlton P Hightower catches them, he brings them inside where they are approached by JJ Dillon. JJ says they look like Opie and Dopey to him. Mr. Ooh La La then approaches Brandi (from PWI) and as he leans on the door to make his move... the door collapses and Ooh crashes into the closet.
The ECWA Tag Team Summit was up next. The teams in the summit were:
Prince Nana/Fabulous Mozart Fontaine, Japanese Pool Boy (dressed as Dorothy
from the Wizard of Oz)/Scarecrow, Nick Malakai/Johnny Maxx, Ruffhouse
Rivera/Mr. Ooh La La, Freak Nastty/J-Busta, Louie Farone/Cheetah Master,
The Shaolin Wrecking Crew, Big Benny/Xero, Mike Mayhem/Big Sky, Mike Fury/Low
Ki (subbing for Brian XL), Striker/Ace Darling, and The Maximos.
Quick notes: The Dorothy and Scarecrow entrance was priceless. Mr. Ooh La La came to the ring with a cane, due to his earlier altercation with a door. Of course, Ooh couldn't even successfully use the cane as a weapon.
Ace Darling & Matt Striker won the tag team summit to earn a title match against the champions, The Valedictorians.
The Valedictorians (Billy Bax & Rob Eckos) with Carlton P. Hightower defeated Ace Darling & Striker to retain the titles. After Ace and Striker hit both of their finishing spots, Carlton P. Hightower hit Striker with the yearbook to allow the Valedictorians to get the pinfall. After the match, the Valedictorians celebrated by putting on their caps, turning their tassels, and tossing the caps in the air.
Fallen Angel Christopher Daniels beat Austin Aries to become the first man to win the Super 8 Tournament twice.
Prior to the match, they showed a backstage video with J.J. Dillon, Daniels, and Aries. Aries complained about Daniels trying win the Super 8 a second time, and pointed out how Daniels is four years older than the first time he won it. Another match beyond belief. Tons of false finishes before Daniels hit three BME's (Best Moonsault Ever) in a row for the pin.
Going into this years tournament, I knew without a shadow of doubt that the finals were going to be Mike Kruel vs John Walters with Walters winning the tournament. Not only was I wrong, but out of nine matches on the card I correctly predicted the outcome of only two. That's when I love wrestling. If I can predict every outcome and every match, the show loses my interest fast. Jim Kettner is the only promoter left that can catch me off guard continuously and constantly and for that I thank him.
I also want to thank Jim for the opportunity to allow us to advertise on the ECWATron. (Thanks to Nick for coming up with the idea in the first place and for pointing out the ad to the crowd whenever possible!)
The fact that I was actually able to mark out numerous times gave me a little more faith in wrestling since I haven't had a mark out moment since Muta last year in PA. Thank you again Jim for bringing back the stuff that made me love wrestling in the first place. It's nice to know that there is at least one promotion that is still doing it right and that I know is always (and always has been) worth traveling 6 plus hours for.
I went into this show with the intentions of it being my last ECWA show for the foreseeable future. After tonight, I will be back on May 3rd. While I may be "retiring" from all the other promotions, ECWA will remain one of the two I continue to follow regularly.
