Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

By Nicholas Jason Lopez

“Notes In Observance” features random thoughts and analysis on recent television shows. Quick results can be found at the bottom of the post.

(Aired 4/23/16)

The Episodic Centennial

– With this being the West Coast Wrestling Connection’s 100th television episode, we’ve gotten a taste of what the Oregon-based promotion has to offer, giving us notable names like Matt Striker, Gangrel and WCWC Pacific Northwest Champion Caleb Konley, as well as pushing their own up-and-comers like Marcus Malone and Kassius Koonz. Plus, what better time to introduce an influx of new talent, like Jeff Boom, the Midnight Marvels and Khash like recent weeks?

– We were off with a bang, as the WCWC Tag Team Championships were on the line as Champions Greg Romero/”The Rock God” Ricky Gibson would defend against two other teams in Mikey O’Shea/Malone and The Whirlwind Gentlemen in triple-threat action, three guys in the ring at once. A plethora of tag team finesse in this bout, with everyone except Malone being gold holders in the division, there was a lot to live up to. The heel Champs would always win as long as they had their 8-ball, while WG looked to get back their prized gold and Malone/O’Shea looked to win the belts for the first time as a duo. Commentary did a good job of playing up the scenarios of possible alliances, though we were confused at the explanation of the match rules. With three guys in the ring at all times, how exactly can the belts change hands on a disqualification or countout? Isn’t it traditional three-way rules, as in no disqualification? Nevertheless, an entertaining match with loads of action, as each team wanted to win bad. The finish involved Jack Manley diving off the top rope to take out everyone in the match below except Malone/Romero, as Malone fell prey to another vicious 8-ball cranium shot. The more things change, the more they stay the same and Romero/Gibson retain yet again.

– Ethan HD’s singles act has been elevated by Kate Carney’s voluptuous couture and the ride would continue here, as the Blackout Master would take on Damien Drake of The Midnight Marvels tag team. Despite the goofy superhero gimmick and his mask falling off, Drake stood out in a good way with his swift athleticism and there was plenty on display here, as Ethan can also go that style. The big story was Ethan desperate to get back to victory at any cost, working a predator-esque style, at one point clawing at Drake’s bloody ribs with his fingernails. The finish was key as Carney threw her bag into the ring, where Ethan hit a low blow with the Referee distracted and that helped him win.

– With The Original Grappler now retired from pro wrestling, WCWC Legacy Champion Grappler III was out to cement his own professed legacy by bending the rules and keeping gold within The “New And Improved” Wrecking Crew. He has had a firm grip on the Legacy Championship and that reign continued to be undisturbed, evidenced by the G3-Spyder Warrior bout. SW flopped around in the ring and was the lesser talented of the two Midnight Marvels, but it’s still early in their run, so can’t judge them much just yet. For what it’s worth, SW has the cooler name and looks more like a superhero than his partner. Anyways, a short match that showcased SW’s high-flying skill while reminding us that G3’s orthopedic boot would always make the difference, G3 retains thanks to Blanchard.

– The Iran-bred Khash certainly shows untapped potential in the WCWC world, but when he cuts promos in a different language, he can only go so far. Perhaps he’ll get a mouthpiece in due time. Anyways, his match against Lemon Drop, a 1960’s-inspired tye dye-wearing, Janis Joplin-listening, peace-gesturing masked hippie appeared to be nothing short of a squash match, but turned to something else entirely when Khash couldn’t understand the Referee and got pinned on an upset roll-up. Are we due for a rematch? Will Lemon Drop turn into a featured talent?

– The WCWC Pacific Northwest Championship match between Champion Caleb Konley and Eric Right provided higher stakes, with Right putting his signature handlebar mustache on the line against Konley’s most prized possession, the Title. With only about eight minutes left in the show, this didn’t get enough time to turn into anything super-memorable, but both guys made good use of the time allotted. Liked how Konley played mind games, bringing out a razor upon his entrance and brandishing scissors during the match. The pace felt dramatic thanks to the stipulation and there were some comedic moments, like Konley drinking Right’s gin and tonic, only it backfiring on him. The finish was okay, though not without initial controversy, as Konley applied the sleeper and Right used the momentum to fall back from the turnbuckle and get Konley’s shoulders down for three. All in all, it was just a glorified way to get the belt onto Right properly and give the 100th episode something semi-memorable. We’ll expect a rematch at some point, but not sure when.

Quick Results

• WCWC Tag Team Championship – Triple-Threat – Greg Romero/”The Rock God” Ricky Gibson (w/Mr. Tubbs) def. Marcus Malone/Mikey O’Shea and The Whirlwind Gentlemen via pinfall to retain 
• Ethan HD (w/Kate Carney) def. Damien Drake via pinfall 
• WCWC Legacy Championship – Grappler III (w/Jeremy Blanchard) def. Spyder Warrior via pinfall to retain
• WCWC Pacific Northwest Championship – Mustache Vs. Title – Eric Right def. Caleb Konley (Champion) via pinfall to become new Champion