River City Wrestling #929RingLords III
June 29, 2002
Reno, Nevada
Opening Video PresentationTo the tune of “Princes of the Universe” by QueenStill photo of Lou Thesz.
“Here we are.
Born to be kings.
We`re the princes of the universe”
Fades away, and a photo of the Lou Thesz Memorial Ring on a black background appears.
“Here we belong.
Fighting to survive.
In a world with the darkest powers.”
Video of Yuji Nagata delivering an enzuigiri to the head of Mark Coleman , followed by Nick Bockwinkel presenting the Lou Thesz ring to Nagata, at RingLords I.
“And here we are.
We`re the princes of the universe.”
Still photo of Buddy Rogers.
“Here we belong.
Fighting for survival.
We`ve come to be the rulers of your world.”
Fades away, and a photo of the Buddy Rogers Tribute Ring on a black background appears.
“I am immortal.
I have inside me blood of kings.”
Video of Lash LeRoux flying off the top turnbuckle, twisting in the air and taking Ken Shamrock down with a cross body block, followed by Nick Bockwinkel presenting the Buddy Rogers ring to Lash LeRoux, at RingLords II.
“I have no rival.
No man can be my equal.
Take me to the future of your world.”
The song stops and we get RingLords video and matching audio.
Yuji Nagata at a press conference announcing his injury, followed by Ken Shamrock challenging Shinya Hashimoto.
The screen is split in half as still photos of Ken Shamrock and Yuji Nagata collide with a thunderbolt sound effect.
The song resumes.
Still photo of Dan Severn.
“People talk about you.
People say you`ve had your day.”
Still photo of Jerry Lynn.
Still photo of Shane Douglas.
“I`m a man that will go far.
Fly the moon and reach for the stars.”
Still photo of Masato Tanaka.
Still photo of Bam Bam Bigelow
“With my sword and head held high.
Got to pass the test first time - yeah.”
Still photo of Vampiro.
Still photo of Randy Savage.
“I know that people talk about me I hear it every day.
But I can prove you wrong cos I`m right first time.”
Still photo of Greg Valentine.
Still photo of Johnny Valentine as the screen slowly fades to black.
“ We were born to be princes of the universe.”
Backstage Interview next to an open overhead door that looks upon the parking lot. The screen caption says “taped earlier tonight”.
Mike Tenay is with Ken Shamrock. Standing behind Shamrock in support are Vader, Rick Steiner, and Lash LeRoux.
Tenay] I’m here backstage with Team Shamrock. Tonight you gentlemen collide with Team Nagata for the right to book two matches of your choice at RingLords IV.
Shamrock] There’s a hell of a lot more at stake tonight than that Mike, try pride, try revenge, try holding your head up high with those immoral bastards running around this place.
Tenay] Understood Ken, but let’s assume you win tonight, what matches will you be booking for RingLords IV?
Shamrock] It’s been a long time coming, but finally I would be able to force Nagata to step in the ring with me, one-on-one. I know his ring wouldn’t be on the line, but his neck sure as hell would. As for the second match to book, [Shamrock turns and looks at his partners], whoever comes up biggest for me tonight will get to book their own match at IV. So, how about it boys are you guys ready for it tonight? Cause it’s knuckle up time…
Vader] arggghhhhhh…it’s time, it’s time..it’s Vader time. Scotty Steiner tonight when I wrap my hands around your genetically altered neck, I’m going to rip your fu..damn head right off [Rick Steiner flinches noticeably at this]. Some lucky fan is going to be taking a neat little souvenir home from tonight and Scotty Steiner’s head should be listed for sale at e-bay before the sun rises.
Teany] Rick, what do you think of all this, and frankly with your brother on the other side of the fence, why should these guys trust you?
R.Steiner] Mike, you’ve known me a long time, brother, and I consider you a friend. But, yeah my brother means the world to me. Now I know he can handle himself just fine, I’m not worried at all about him [this draws a rather pissed off look from Vader]. But what does worry me is how that filthy Nagata is poisoning his mind. So, tonight someone is going to get their head ripped off all right, but it ain’t going to be my little brother, it’s going to be you Nagata. I’m coming for you and there ain’t a damn thing you can do to stop me this time.
Tenay] Lash “but not least” LeRoux, the perpetrator of the biggest steal in combat sports since Buster Douglas upset Mike Tyson, what do you have to say about the possibilities of your mystery cruiserweight opponent tonight?
Right on cue a limousine pulls up and parks right behind the group.
Tenay] Well maybe we will find out sooner, rather than later.
The whole group walks to the limousine.
A familiar voice from behind them says “easy boys, easy boys” as Shane Douglas appears in camera range. He tries to step through them to get to the limo but is blocked by big Vader.
Douglas] Whoaa, big fella we had our go around, time to move on. Don’t you think you have enough enemies to fight tonight?
Douglas carefully reaches around Vader and pulls the limo door open.
Douglas] Besides this ain’t no cruiserweight.
The limo door opens and Scott Norton walks out. He embraces Douglas, grabs his bag from the trunk and the two walk off laughing.
Tenay] Well I guess we know who one of the two mystery wrestlers in the battle royals will be but we still don’t know who the opponent for Lash will be. Thoughts?
LeRoux] Mike…
Lash is cut off as we see a well defined man in a black tank top and black sweatpants walking past the back of the group. Ken Shamrock though notices and looks and then blurts out,
Shamrock] Frank? Frank? My gawd is that you Frank?
The man turns to the camera and sure enough it’s Ken’s brother Frank Shamrock of MMA and Puro fame.
K.Shamrock] What are you doing here tonight? They flew you in from Japan? It’s so great to see you! How come you didn’t call?
Frank has an embarrassed look on his face.
Vader] Wait a second? Japan? How much you weighing in at these days Frank? 205? 210? Seems like cruiser weight to me! Are you playing us Frank?
K.Shamrock] [to Vader] easy there buddy I’m sure he’s just the mystery guest tonight in the battle royal. We’re blood and would never fight against each other’s causes [this brings another sour look from Rick Steiner]. Right Frank?
F.Shamrock] Look Ken, you know me right? My word is my bond, and I’ve given my word to the promoters that I would keep my involvement tonight under my hat. Sorry.
With that Frank pushes his way through the bewildered looking group, until Lash steps in front of him to block his way, going eye to eye with Frank Shamrock. Frank though suddenly reaches down and grabs a hold of Lash’s wrist, twisting it around and pulling it up.
F.Shamrock] See that ring on your finger Lash? Everyone knows you got lucky and that ring should have gone to my brother. So don’t push your luck. If I wanted that ring I would just take it off your body. Warm or cold I don’t care.
With that he releases LeRoux’s hand and brushes past him and begins to walk away. Lash begins to follow him a few steps but Ken catches up to LeRoux and puts a hand on his shoulder to stop him from following further.
K.Shamrock] Look I still don’t think it would be Frank, but since we have no one else to prepare for then let’s prepare for the worst. Come on I’ll give you some pointers on how to defend against my brother.
We see Vader turn to Rick Steiner and queitly say “if it’s Frank, then Lash is in big trouble”
We go to the ring where Gary Michael Capetta is in the ring with the microphone.Capetta] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to RingLords III [the crowd applauds].
Our first match will be the first of two battle royales contested here tonight, with the two winners to face off at RingLords IV for the Johnny Valentine Legacy ring!!!
Referee James Beard informs the crowd that there are two ways to be eliminated in a RingLords battle royal. To be thrown over the top rope and have both feet touch the floor, and by a 20-count outside the ring.
Capetta introduces each wrestler as they come to the ring;
Little Guido (Italy)
, Papi Chulo (Mexico)
, Lenny Lane (USA),
Lodi (USA),
Norman Smiley (England)
, Devon Storm (USA)
, La Parka (Mexico),
Shane Ballard (Canada), Dan Severn (USA), Jinsei Shinzaki (Japan)
, Shane Douglas (USA)
, Scott Norton (USA)
Lenny Lane and Lodi appear to be together and will help each other out, and the same can be said for Shane Douglas and Scott Norton.
Norman Smiley gets a surprisingly loud cheer from the fans and seems to take exception to the presence of Lenny and Lodi.
Three referees have to enter the ring to wrestle a chair out of the hands of La Parka.
The loudest pop of all though was reserved for the hugely unpopular Dan Severn who comes to the ring in a plain grey shirt with the following message “I’d rather be in Janet Reno”.
Referee Dave Clark goes around checking everyone over for foreign objects but gets annoyed when Lenny and Lodi keep coming back to be patted down again. Clark is finally ready to call for the bell when Shane Ballard of all people grabs a microphone.
Ballard] Shut the hell up, I have something to say. As most of you know the Ballard Brothers’ contract for RingLords runs out after tonight’s show. [Shane looks pissed off when the fans cheer the news]. Well to tell you the truth the money has been pitiful. But that changed tonight because I received an offer I could not refuse. [He pulls a cheque out of his pocket and waves it into the air]. I have sold my spot in tonight’s battle royal. [Once again he looks pissed off when the fans cheer]. Here Dave Clark look who this cheque is from. [The ref looks at the cheque and then his eyes grow very large indeed. Shane just nods his head up and down with a big smirk on his face.] You see Ringlords fans, the promoters promised you 2 big surprise wresters for tonight’s battle royals. But instead they gave you Scott Norton. [Ballard laughs, and Douglas has to restrain Norton from attacking Ballard]. What the promoters could not deliver, the Ballard brothers can. So ladies and gentlemen enjoy the show [he kisses the cheque] and I will be enjoying the V.I.P. room at the Mustang Ranch!
Ballard leaves the ring to jeers from the fans. All the wrestlers watch him walk out to the back, and they continue to stare at the rampway. Until.
<<< cue “Crush ‘em” by MegaDeth >>>
The crowd goes absolutely ballistic, as Bill Goldberg appears from the back, alone, his head hung down. Pyro goes off on the ramp surrounding him in a shower of sparks and light. He emerges, his nose snorting smoke, and raises his hands above his head as he strolls to the ring.
Match #1BATTLE ROYAL #1No time limit
Referees outside the ring: James Beard & Dave ClarkThe wrestlers seem taken aback by Goldberg’s entrance and there is much hesitation by most of the wrestlers. However, Douglas and Norton seem to wake up first and attack Goldberg. After an unsuccessful doubleteam they back off and get others in their path. Douglas though still finds himself in trouble as Chulo and Shinzaki double team him until Norton can get free and help him out. Meantime on the other side of the ring Goldberg gets his sights on Lenny Lane and proceeds to backdrop him out of the ring.
**Lenny Lane is eliminated (Goldberg) ** (0:50)
Jinsei Shinzaki tries to attack Goldberg from behind, but the big man shakes the attack off and throws Shinzaki over the top rope.
**Jinsei Shinzaki is eliminated (Goldberg)** (1:16)
Douglas has been cut off from Norton so he seems to make a temporary alliance with Dan Severn. However, Severn quickly turns on Douglas with a legsweep. Severn then lands a series of punches before throwing Douglas over the top rope.
**Shane Douglas is eliminated (Severn)** (2:35)
Lodi tries Severn on for size but gets nowhere quick and retreats, making room for Devon Storm. Storm too gets nowhere and is able to escape because La Parka also stepped into the picture trying to pin Severn into the corner. This was a mistake as Severn scoops up La Parka into a fireman’s carry into a slam. He follows this up with a clothesline to send La Parka to the floor.
**La Parka is eliminated (Severn)** (2:58)
It doesn’t take Severn long to find his new victim. He walks up behind Norman Smiley and lands a punch to the back of his head. He then tosses him over the top rope.
**Norman Smiley is eliminated (Severn)** (3:13)
Well after that initial surge, the remaining 7 guys seemed to settle down a bit, slow down the pace, concentrate more on survival, and use the extra room in the ring. Severn and Goldberg still seemed to be the main aggressors but also didn’t seem to get into it with each other. Whenever either one of these guys got their hands on an opponent their was an air of expectation in the crowd. Lodi and Little Guido in particular took quite a beating from Goldberg. Finally, Goldberg nailed a spinebuster slam on Guido and threw him over the top.
**Little Guido is eliminated (Goldberg)** (6:47)
And in case you’re keeping track at home, that makes this Goldberg 3, Severn 3, tie game. Goldberg and Norton go at it briefly, marking the first time Norton had traded punches with either Goldberg or Severn in this match. While that didn’t last very long, the fans were on their feet when Goldberg and Severn collided in the middle of the ring. Goldberg dominated Severn with a gorilla press slam, and then a fallaway slam, before throwing him over the top rope.
**Dan Severn is eliminated (Goldberg)** (8:00)
5 men remain inside the ring. Goldberg, Norton, Lodi, Devon Storm, and Papi Chulo. Lodi and Papi Chulo take one look at Goldberg and Norton and decide to lock up against each other instead. Lodi though manages to toss Chulo right into the arms of Goldberg, but when he turns around Lodi is looking right at big Scott Norton. Both take a beating but manage to survive. Devon Storm gets back into the action after a short breather by helping Lodi double team Scott Norton. It works as they manage to muscle him over the top rope.
**Scott Norton is eliminated (Lodi & Chulo)** (9:22)
While Devon Storm desperately tries to counter the massive attack of Goldberg, Lodi and Chulo turn on each other. Lodi gets the better of it, catching Chulo going for flying headscissors and muscles him over the rope.
**Papi Chulo is eliminated (Lodi)** (11:38)
Bill Goldberg now takes turns punishing Lodi and Devon Storm. But he also seems to need breathers, as he is quite winded. This allows the two lighter opponents a chance to catch their breath and stay in this match. Storm and Lodi double team Goldberg. Storm attempts a flying headscissors but Goldberg is able to throw him off. It buys time and a back attack though for Lodi who takes Goldberg down with a nasty looking dropkick to the back of the leg. Lodi then bulldogs Goldberg into the mat and turns him over, while Storm climbs to the top rope and then lands a big guillotine legdrop. The two men then nail Goldberg with a double backdrop, and then follow up with a double slingshot which sends Goldberg right over the top rope. Lodi and Storm just kind of stand in the middle of the ring staring at each other, realizing the enormity of their accomplishment.
**Bill Goldberg is eliminated (Lodi & Storm)** (14:05)
Storm rocks Lodi with a series of right hands, backing him to the buckle. He tries to Irish whip Lodi, but Lodi hangs on for the reverse and sends Storm face first into the buckle. Rather than hit the buckle though Storm takes the risk of using the top ropes to leap over and land on the ring apron. Lodi rushes into the corner and nails himself chest first, propelling backward and landing on his ass. But the force with which he hit the buckle also jarred Storm who was then forced to hang on with both hands to the top rope while his feet dangled below. Storm managed to power back into the ring and then backdrop a charging Lodi, who bounced off the top rope but managed to land on the inside of the ring, not the outside. The fans were on their feet now anticipating the finish. Storm whipped Lodi off the ropes and nailed him with a Frankensteiner. He then muscled a hurt Lodi up to the top turnbuckle as if setting up for a Superplex. But instead Storm pushed off of Lodi, and on his way down to the mat dropkicked Lodi in the knees, hard enough to send Lodi backwards and out of the ring.
**Lodi is eliminated (Storm)** (15:50)
[Winner of the Battle Royal, Devon Storm, who will go on at RingLords IV to compete for the Johnny Valentine Legacy ring against the winner of the second battle royal tonight]
Yuji Nagata leads Team Nagata to the ring. Hashimoto carries with him a Kendo stick, while Scotty Steiner is wearing the old chainmail headdress. They come to the ring where Mike Tenay is waiting but Hashimoto grabs him by the arm and roughly escorts him out of the ring.
Nagata stands in the center of the ring, Steiner and Hashimoto flanking him. He has a mic and keeps bringing it to his lips, pulling it away, and soaking in the jeers of the fans.
Finally he hands the mic to Scott Steiner who takes a step forward.
S. Steiner] Tonight spells the end of Ken Glamrock. This man, Shinya Hashimoto will dispel the claim of Shamrock’s to be the world’s most dangerous man. The only thing dangerous about Shamrock is his stupidity. It’s his stupidity that has caused my own brother to hate my friends. Well, Rick listen up brother, with friends like this you don’t have to worry about your enemies. We are powerful, and rich. You could be too but instead you want to hang out with a bunch of loser, trailer park trash Americans. There will always be a place for you in this family Rick, and after Nagata beats some sense into you tonight maybe you will come join us?
Mr. Nagata wants to tell all of our true fans out there what matches we will be booking for RingLords IV when we win this competition. First Mr. Nagata will not soil his hands on Shamrock, but instead will fight Lash LaWho. Mr. Nagata wants me tell you fans that he shares your horror that such an inferior wrestler would hold claim to the Buddy Rogers ring. He assures you that at IV he will indeed destroy LaWho and will become the first man to wear two rings. And for the second match, well we are going to reserve that little surprise for the end of tonight’s program.
Now, everyone wants to know, who is the mystery cruiserweight? Is it Jyshin Lyger? Is it Juvi? Is it Shinzaki? No, no, no. Darling come on down the aisle.
The fans seem confused when Midajah walks down the aisle in her customary leather outfit. She enters the ring and bows to Nagata and then to Hashimoto. She then bows to Steiner before giving him a hug and kiss. She then steps behind him and applauds.
S.Steiner] No, no, no, Midajah is not the mystery cruiserweight. You guys would like that wouldn’t you? To see an inbred loser like Lash LeWho to get his swampy hands on her. [the fans cheer]. Well it ain’t going to happen, she’s mine, all mine. You will have to wait a minute before I tell you who the mystery opponent will be, because something has come up here tonight that I have to discuss. Goldberg. [the fans cheer very loudly]. We have unfinished business from the old days Goldberg. Don’t think that I have forgotten for one minute what a rat bastard you really are. You will get yours very soon Goldberg.
Now the moment you all have been waiting for our newest member to Team Nagata.
A lone man appears at the top of the ramp wearing a gi and with a towel draped over his head to conceal his identity. Steiner continues to talk as the mystery man makes his way to the ring.
S. Steiner] For years this guy has put on some of the best matches in the world, but the American fans just take him for granted. He has constantly been buried, held down, and underated. But with the help of Team Nagata, the all mighty Yen, and the competition of RingLords he will now become a legend. Welcome young man to Team Nagata.
The man pulls the towel off his head to reveal Jerry Lynn !!!
The fans boo the man they had cheered for at the first two RingLords events.
J.Lynn] Nobody appreciated me. None of you loved me. I was just the guy that wrestled against RVD, I was just the guy that the WWF didn’t want, I was just the guy that NWA-TNA wouldn’t push to the top. Well screw you. Team Nagata is my family now, and tonight you will watch me scoop up Lash, hook that leg, and then drive him head first into the mat. Thank-you Mr. Nagata for believing in me, for giving me this great chance, when everyone else had written me off.
Lynn bows to Nagata who returns his bow. Team Nagata leaves the ring and heads up the ramp except for Lynn who warms up for his match.
Match #2:
Referee: James Beard
30-Minute Time Limit
“Non-title”Jerry Lynn (USA)
V
Lash LeRoux (USA)As referee James Beard pats down both men LeRoux trash talks Lynn who just turns his back on LeRoux and ignores him. Lynn also ignores the fans’ jeers as he prepares for the match.
They lock up and LeRoux is the aggressor with a shot to the chin on Lynn. He whips him to the ropes and nails a spinning kick. LeRoux follows up with a snap suplex and then a vertical suplex before throwing Lynn out of the ring. You can see how fired up LeRoux is, but he might also be burning himself out early.
Lynn takes his time to get back in the ring and when he does LeRoux is all over him. But Lynn counters three consecutive moves by LeRoux and then goes lies back in wait as LeRoux shakes off the effects. LeRoux though goes right back at Lynn and whips him to the buckle and then takes him down with a back suplex to grab the upper hand in the match.
It seems that something finally clicks with Lynn and he goes on the offense for the first time tonight with an eye gouge to set up a bodyslam, shoulderblock, spinning headscissors series. LeRoux tries to make a comeback but Lynn ties up an arm, and then delivers a series of vicious punches to the face of LeRoux. Seemingly satisfied with the amount of damage done so far Lynn tosses LeRoux to the floor.
LeRoux manages to get back into the ring but is hurting, and then hurts some more when Lynn nails a German release suplex. In desperation the Rajun’ Cajun lashes out with a clothesline, but Lynn ducks under and then takes LeRoux down with a crucifix and gets the first near 3 count of the match.
Lynn takes time to argue with the crowd and pays for it when LeRoux dives away from a flying shoulderblock attempt by Lynn. Now the two men trade punches and kicks, until Lynn goes back to the eyes with a rake. Not wasting anytime Lynn tries to take LeRoux down with flying headscissors but LeRoux holds on and then powerbombs Lynn to the mat.
Lynn dishes out some more punishment but is frustrated when LeRoux kicks out of two more cover attempts. Then LeRoux counters a belly-to-belly attempt by Lynn with a go-behind, and then delivers his own belly-to-belly suplex. LeRoux picks up momentum now and punishes Lynn with a fallaway wringer which sets up a reverse Russian legsweep. With his opponent on the mat LeRoux locks on the Indian deathlock. However, Lynn is still too fresh and LeRoux hadn’t worked over the legs so Lynn fights through the pain and knocks LeRoux off balance. Lynn then floats up grabbing the leg of LeRoux and locks in a half-boston. LeRoux struggles but eventually makes it to the ropes for a break.
Back on their feet the men go through another segment of exchanging punches and kicks. They then do a series of hiptosses, reversals, and pinning combinations. Scrambling back to their feet LeRoux is up first and attacks with a hiptoss, spinning leg lariat, and then a back suplex.
However, when Lynn is sent to the ropes he holds on and Lash hits nothing but air with his flying dropkick attempt. Lynn walks around the ring clearing the cobwebs from his head. Lynn then goes to work with an armdrag into an armbar. Seconds later he is working over his opponent with a series of leg lariats and an atomic drop which yields a 2 count. He then slows the pace down with a wristlock, driving his knee into the ribcage of a sitting Lash LeRoux.
LeRoux fights through the pain to regain his feet, but Lynn releases the hold and drives a series of elbowsmashes into the back of LeRoux’s head. Each elbow knocks LeRoux down to his knees, and every time he tries to get up Lynn nails him again. Lynn then tries for a swinging DDT but LeRoux manages to reverse it and tries to grab an armbar only to eat a big clothesline from Lynn instead. Lynn covers and gets another 2 count.
Pulling him back to his feet Lynn goes for a bodyslam but Lash rolls him up instead and gets a 2 count. Lynn grabs a hold of Lash’s hair but the Cajun fires a series of punches to the midsection of Lynn. A winded Lynn can’t fight back as LeRoux nails him with a double underhook backbreaker. The two men then trade off in a series of shoulderblocks hit and missed, and armdrags hit and reversed. LeRoux scoops Lynn up for a bodyslam, but instead he spins several time in the ring like an airplane spin and then drops Lynn face first to the mat. As Lynn gets to his feet the Cajun jumps on his shoulders and then takes him down to the mat with a reverse hurricanrana. LeRoux then floats around and looks like he is putting Lynn into a camel clutch, but instead rolls him up with a back mounted side roll cradle and gets the 3 count.
[The winner is Lash LeRoux. Time of match: 0:14:06]That victory by Lash LeRoux has to be considered another surprise, and it puts
Team Shamrock up 1-0 on Team Nagata. Next up we have the second match in this challenge series, and we switch from the cruisers to the heavyweights.
Match #3
Referee: James Beard
Time Limit: 30 minutesScott Steiner (USA)
V
Vader (USA)Midajah accompanies her man to the ring, and both men quietly concentrate on their upcoming match as they are patted down and instructed by James Beard.
The bell rings and they lock up.
They trade punches and a suplex attempt by Steiner is too early, and Vader counters with an elbowsmash. Steiner punches back, and then rakes Vader’s face across the top rope. He picks the momentum up now taking Vader down with not one, but two belly-to-back suplexes. Steiner goes to stomp Vader but the behemoth catch’s BPP’s foot and pushes him down to the mat. Both men scramble to their feet and exchange punches and then exchange shoulderblocks. Vader wins the battle and then tosses Steiner into the corner and follows in with a running lariat.
The two men trade the advantage back and forth until Steiner rolls away from a Big Van Crush. This allows Steiner to go on a sustained attack. Steiner puts a beating on Vader, both inside and outside the ring. Vader tries to fight back with swinging punches but receives a knee to the gut and another belly-to-back suplex for his efforts. Steiner continues to punish Vader but the big man battles back and nails a high-angle powerbomb. But again he makes a mistake going for the Big Van Crush, and Steiner pulls his knees up.
Steiner then goes on another long offensive series, with the intention of whittling down Vader. This offensive series included the oddity of four jawbreakers. Midajah didn’t look too happy about this attack, but she kept her hands to herself at ringside.
BPP went to the well once too often for a belly-to-back and Vader made him eat a back elbow. Vader turned around and gave Steiner a couple more massive elbowsmashes before delivering the nodowa otoshi, but only got a 2 count on the cover. Vader went for a reverse splash but Steiner rolled out of the way, and his short offensive spurt was over again.
Steiner again goes on the offensive, and while he continues to punish Vader it seems that he can’t do enough damage to put the big man away. Out of frustration Steiner takes the match to the outside, where Vader quickly turns the tables on Steiner whipping him into the guardrail. They trade punches, but soon the massive swinging punches of Vader take their toll and Steiner is basically passed out while still standing up. One more time for the nodowa otoshi, but this time its outside the ring and that’s it for Steiner. Vader rolls him back inside the ring, and splashes him from the second turnbuckle to get the pin.
[The winner is Vader. Time of match: 0:17:04]
Well
Team Shamrock has taken a resounding 2-0 lead on Team Nagata. That means that Team Nagata needs to win both of the final match-ups to win the series (since the tie-breaker is the result of the last match-up).
Match #4Battle Royal #2No-time-limit
Referees outside the ring: Dave Clark & James Beard
Over the top rope, or 20 count outside the ring for eliminationGary Michael Capetta announces the wrestlers as they enter the ring;
Masato Tanaka (Japan)
, Balls Mahoney (USA),
Jerry Lynn (USA)
, Jim Duggan (USA),
Greg Valentine (USA)
, Shannon Ballard (Canada)
, Terry Funk (USA)
, Super Crazy (Mexico)
, Bam Bam Bigelow (USA)
, Vampiro (Canada)
, Frank Shamrock (USA), Randy Savage!!! (USA)
Tanaka is boo’d by the fans which seems to be more due to the recent actions of Team Nagata and have nothing to do with Tanaka himself, other than his origin.
Lynn also gets heavily boo’d and taunted by the crowd who start to call out “Lynnnsseeyyy, Lynnnsseeyyy”.
Terry Funk gets a very good response from the Reno crowd, but it pales in comparison to the ovation for Randy Savage. Even some of the wrestlers inside the ring are applauding Savage as he enters.
The bell rings.
Super Crazy and Balls Mahoney go right at one another and a clothesline from south of the border sends Balls to the back for an early shower.
**Balls Mahoney is eliminated (Crazy)** (0:15)
In the early goings of the match Tanaka seems to be fighting fan favorites like Super Crazy and Duggan so he’s not doing anything to endear himself to the fans. The crowd erupts for the first time in this match though when Randy Savage gets his hands on Jerry Lynn. JL though holds his own against the veteran until they both find other dance partners. A few seconds later though and Lynn finds himself going toe-to-toe with Frank Shamrock. Again though Lynn does more than just hold his own until the battle royal breaks them apart. Elsewhere Vampiro is working over Valentine so he doesn’t see Jim Duggan’s attack coming from behind. Duggan tosses Vampiro out to the floor.
**Vampiro is eliminated (Duggan)** (2:50)
In true battle royal style everyone is fighting everyone, so the fans get no sense of any allegiances of men like Randy Savage, Frank Shamrock, and Masato Tanaka. Jerry Lynn finds himself picking on the wrong man in the veteran Greg Valentine. Valentine puts Lynn into an airplane spin before dumping him over the top rope.
**Jerry Lynn is eliminated (Valentine)** (3:46)
Valentine turns around and immediately finds himself in a slugging contest with Terry Funk. The old Texan counters an atomic drop attempt with a thumb to the eye, and then delivers his own atomic drop to Valentine, followed by a lariat driving him over the top rope.
**Greg Valentine is eliminated (Funk)** (4:04)
Terry Funk and Super Crazy have a long exchange after Valentine is eliminated. Funk holds his own but he’s sucking wind. Frank Shamrock plays the opportunist and steps in for Super Crazy but Funk rocks him with a punch. So Savage gives it a go, and the Funkster rocks him with a hard right hand and then throws his silly old ass over the top rope, in a surprise elimination.
**Randy Savage is eliminated (Funk)** (6:31)
Funk though hasn’t forgot about Frank Shamrock and he goes right after him, and I’ll be damned if he don’t toss that little shooter over the top too.
**Frank Shamrock is eliminated (Funk)** (7:03)
Quite a roll for Terry Funk, and the fans show their appreciation with a standing ovation.
On the other side of the ring Super Crazy and Masato Tanaka are double teaming Shannon Ballard. Crazy puts the hurt on Ballard with a brain buster, but then when Tanaka tries for a Tornado DDT Ballard blocks it, and gouges the eyes of the Japanese star. Ballard then delivers a low-blow to Tanaka before clotheslining him out of the ring.
**Masato Tanaka is eliminated (Ballard)** (7:22)
Terry Funk steps up to the plate but his swing at Ballard misses as the Canadian ducks down, and then punches Funk in the throat. Ballard then delivers a convincing vertical facebuster to weaken Funk enough to toss him out.
**Terry Funk is eliminated (Ballard)** (8:01)
Shannon Ballard is really receiving some heat from the crowd, although some of those ill feelings are probably directed more at the bookers. We are down to 4 men, Shannon Ballard, Super Crazy, Bam Bam Bigelow (who has been awfully quiet so far this match), and Jim Duggan. Which of these men will go on RingLords IV to face Devon Storm?
Bigelow punishes Shannon Ballard but before he can eliminate him Super Crazy takes Bigelow down from behind. After Crazy has a go with Bigelow, Duggan steps up to try and eliminate the big man. It would seem that the wrestlers have suddenly realized how fresh BBB seems to be. Bigelow whips Duggan into the corner, but when he follows in for a splash Duggan catches him with a kick to the gut. Duggan then tosses his ass over the top rope.
**Bam Bam Bigelow is eliminated (Duggan)** (9:46)
The incredible Cinderella story that is Shannon Ballard continues, even if no one wants it to be true. Super Crazy tries to hurt Duggan but the Hacksaw just shakes off all the effects of the Mexican’s attack. So, Ballard joins Crazy in a double team, only to turn on Crazy seconds later. These three men go at it for what must seem like an eternity. They trade the advantage back and forth as quickly as they change their allegiances to each other. Super Crazy opens things up by nailing Shannon Ballard with a springboard dropkick. Ballard falls right at the feet of the Hacksaw who delivers a running slam into the far top turnbuckle, hangs on and then drops him over the ropes.
**Shannon Ballard is eliminated (Duggan)** (12:08)
The crowd cheers and lets out a giant sigh of relief. But there is little time for jubilation as Super Crazy surprises Duggan with a dropkick to the knee, followed by a Hurrincanrana. Super Crazy then takes a ridiculous risk and puts an Octopus hold on Duggan. Crazy drops down to the apron and slides back into the ring, still with control over Duggan. But Duggan fights back with chops and kicks, until Crazy takes him down with a drop toe hold that sends Duggan bouncing off the middle rope. Back on their feet Duggan whips Crazy into the ropes but telegraphs a backdrop so Crazy leap frogs over. When Duggan turns around Crazy takes him down with a belly-to-belly suplex. This time when Duggan stands up he is near the ropes and Crazy takes advantage by clotheslining Duggan out.
**Jim Duggan is eliminated (Crazy)** (13:55)
[The winner of the battle royal is Super Crazy, who will go on to RingLords IV to take on Devon Storm for the Johnny Valentine legacy ring.]Match #5
Referee: James Beard
Time Limit: 30 minutesRick Steiner (U.S.A.)
V
Yuji Nagata (Japan)James Beard pats down both men before starting the match. Mike Tenay reminds us that since Team Shamrock is 2-0, if Rick Steiner wins this match then Team Shamrock wins the series and the right to book 2 matches for RingLords IV.
They lock up and Steiner sneaks in a kick to the midsection of Nagata. This starts a brawl between the two worthy of any south side Chicago bar. Nagata though ends the brawl in a hurry with an Exploder! He gets a 2 count.
They trade the advantage back and forth a couple times, but it seems that Nagata in general is assuming control of the match. Steiner makes a comeback only to be unceremoniously dumped out of the ring by Nagata. The DFG though is able to counter the attack of Nagata outside the ring, and the Yuji makes a quick retreat back inside.
Steiner loses his temper with Nagata and after a Steinerline puts on a blatant chokehold. Only some very generous refereeing by James Beard keeps Steiner from being dq’d.
The tide has turned and Steiner is the aggressor now. He continues to press the advantage and once again comes very close to being dq’d for a choke attack. Nagata again turns the momentum in the match to his favor with a big German suplex that garners a 2 count. Nagata continues to press with an overhead belly to belly suplex, and then a gourdbuster. However, when he tries to finish off Steiner with an Exploder it’s countered with an elbowsmash. Steiner then throws Nagata outside the ring, and you can see the anger and frustration that Steiner has built up throughout this match. James Beard blocks Steiner’s attempt to climb through the ropes to pursue Nagata, as he tries to calm the DFG down. This allows Nagata a reprieve and he re-enters the ring.
The two go back to brawling, but this time it’s Steiner that ends the brawl with a big powerslam for a 2 count.
The crowd takes notice as Frank Shamrock comes down to ringside. He seats himself at the announce table but does not really appear interested at all in announcing. Rick Steiner also takes notice of him and point a finger at him as if to say “stay out of my business”.
Steiner continues to punish Nagata with a backbreaker, hotshot, and a belly-to-back suplex. Steiner though turns it back into a brawl and Nagata manges to take back control. He attacks the American with a kick to the thigh, and a Russian legsweep. But when he goes for an enzuigiri it’s ducked by Steiner. The DFG follows up with an inverted atomic drop before throwing Nagata over the top rope to the ground right in front of the broadcast position.
Steiner keeps up the pressure but the Japanese star is often too quick with an elbow or a kick to allow Steiner enough momentum to finish the match.
Steiner takes Nagata down with a shoulderblock and then applies a boot choke. James Beard makes the count, and Steiner refuses to release the hold. Instead of a dq however, Beard pushes Steiner off and then starts to give him a lecture. Steiner tries to grab a hold of Nagata but instead receives a hotshot. The DFG is shaken and rolls out of the ring for a break. Now Frank Shamrock leaves his broadcast position and goes to the apron. Security isn’t too far behind. He doesn’t try and interfere though as Steiner climbs back inside the ring.
Nagata tries to grapple a returning Steiner who stops him in his tracks with a double thrust to the throat. Nagata spins around wildly as referee James Beard once again admonishes Steiner.
Suddenly Frank Shamrock pulls himself away from security and returns to ringside, jumping up on the apron. Nagata is still trying to recover his breathing with his hands wrapped around his throat when he walks right into the grasp of the younger Shamrock. Frank quickly takes Nagata by the head and runs him head first into the ringpost.
Nagata is split wide open as he falls to the mat.
Steiner scoops up Nagata and punishes him some more with an Oklahoma Stampede, but running him into all four corners before powerbombing him in the middle of the ring. He gets the easy 1, 2, 3.
The crowd is giving Rick Steiner a mixed reaction.
[The winner is Rick Steiner. Time of match: 0:11:44]Dark Match:Due to the amount of time left in the broadcast at this point we were able to broadcast in it’s entirety the dark match that occurred earlier in the evening.
When the tape begins we have Shane Douglas with a mic, and his new tag team partner Scott Norton standing in the middle of the ring.
Douglas] That’s right, that’s right, you bunch of morons, I drink up your jeers and get rich off your envy. So keep it coming. You know all my career I have been saddled with useless managers, incapable team partners, and other excess baggage. Case in point, Francine. When I first came to RingLords I actually thought I needed that scrag to navigate the waters here. I knew she was a useless piece of crap, and I had kicked her to the curb already, but like a pathetic puppy dog she kept coming back. The only difference between her and a puppy dog is a puppy dog is cute, and licks its own balls. I was also weighted down at one point by the irrelevant NWA World title. What a joke that was, until I made it famous in ECW by throwing it down to the ground. Only then did it become so well known for losers to hold like Corino, Hashimoto, Severn, and now Shamrock. In WCW I was burdened by a useless twit for a partner, Buff Bagwell. The only thing worse than us as a pair was that they also saddled my new best buddy Scott Norton with him as well, if you care to remember “Vicious and Delicious”. Well, let me tell you fat losers something, I ain’t delicious. So let me introduce you to the newest sensation in the world of wrestling, Shane Douglas and Scott Norton, “Vicious and Malicious”. Tell them big guy [Douglas tosses the mic to Norton].
Norton] When I first got the call from Douglas….shut the hell up morons. You people are so stupid. Let me finish that thought, you people are so stupid taco bell can’t advertise in this market because you people would get shot taking a run for the border. No wait, no wait, you people are so stupid that if you got hit with a beer cup tonight you would file a police report that you had been mugged.
Douglas] [taking the mic from Norton] And the women in this town, well I guess we know all the good looking whores are up in Vegas and all that are left here are the leathery, smoker’s coughing, whino street walkers. The women here in Reno are so nasty they put ice in their panties to keep the crabs fresh. And the women here are so fat that when they bend over naked it looks like two pigs fighting over a milk dud.
Vicious and Malicious’ night at the improv is broken up by the appearance of Lenny and Lodi at the top of the ramp with a mic.
[Lodi] ha, ha, ha. [they both give them a golf clap]. Look who’s talking about fat people. You guys are so fat that the last time you visited Sea World Shamu got a hard on.
[Lenny] Yeah, you guys are so fat that when you sit around the house, you really sit AROUND the house. [this draws a puzzled stare from Lodi].
[Douglas] You know we were going to take it easy on you tonight, since we know that you “ladies” are prone to crying from physical pain. But now we’re going to make you guys hurt so much that you’ll thank us later because in the future sphincter pain will only seem like a hangnail in comparison.
Dark Match:
Referee: Dave Clark
Time Limit: 20 minutes“Vicious and Malicious” Scott Norton & Shane Douglas (U.S.A.)
v
“The West Hollywood Blondes” Lenny Lane & Lodi (U.S.A.)They lock up. Lodi tries to slap Douglas but Douglas blocks it and turns it into a wristlock. Douglas sends Lodi to the ropes but when he goes for a dropkick Lodi holds onto the ropes. Lodi whips Douglas into the ropes, Douglas ducks a clothesline and then kicks Lodi in the gut. Seizing the opportunity Douglas nails a big swinging neckbreaker and Lodi is in a world of hurt. After a few seconds in a front facelock Lodi fights to the ropes, only to be pulled away into a backbreaker. Lenny Lane tries to enter the ring but Clark escorts him out. But with the ref’s back turned Lodi delivers a lowblow to Douglas and another one to Norton who tried to interfere.
Lodi goes for the pin but only gets a 1 count. Douglas takes back the advantage when Lodi makes the mistake of turning it into fisticuffs. Lodi though manages to make a tag to Lenny Lane who takes Douglas over with a gutwrench suplex. Lane is on fire with a DDT, inverted atomic drop, and a fisherman suplex. He goes for the pin but only gets a 2 count.
Lane then went to the top rope and nailed a somersault bodyblock on Douglas but only got another 2 count when Douglas draped a foot over the bottom rope. Lenny and Lodi then went through a series of very quick tags where they would use the whole 5 count to double team Douglas. Norton tried to get into the fray but was held back by Dave Clark. They executed around 10 of these quick tags before Douglas picked up Lodi as if for a belly-to-belly and then walked him over to the far corner. Douglas made the tag to Norton for the first time in the match.
Lodi nailed Norton in the gut and then tried to give him a Frankensteiner only to have Norton counter with a powerbomb. Norton though didn’t release the hold, pulling Lodi back up and then spinning him around and around before dropping him down with another powerbomb. Dave Clark put down the 1, 2, and would have got the 3 count but Shane Douglas came in and broke the count by kicking Lodi in the head. Lenny Lane then ran in but Douglas took him down with a very “malicious” clothesline.
Douglas left the ring long enough to get a tag from Norton. Douglas then alternated kneedrops and elbowdrops on both his opponents laying face up on the mat. Douglas then threw Lane over the top rope.
With Lodi at his mercy Douglas put his hand on Lodi’s head and then delivered a standing dropkick. He followed this up with a running powerslam and then the Pittsburgh Plunge for the victory.
[The Winners are Vicious and Malicious. Time of Match: 0:05:05]Mike Tenay informs us that minutes later there was an altercation in the back. One of the camera men was in the vicinity but only managed to capture the end of the incident on tape. The footage is rolled. We see the back of Dan Severn leaving a dressing room as he throws the door open in anger. The camera pans to the ground where Shane Douglas is lying in a heap, his head busted wide open. Scott Norton comes running from the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist. He sees Douglas and demands to know from the camera man who did this. You can hear the camera man say Severn and then the camera goes off a second later when Norton slams into the cameraman.
Tenay tells us that he caught up with Severn leaving the arena a few minutes later. He asked Severn why he attacked Douglas. His response was that first off Douglas had called him a joke in his earlier rant. Secondly, he is tired of people discounting his skills. This whole promotion has shifted to this Nagata versus Shamrock feud when neither one of them can compare to the skills he (Severn of course) possesses. The attack serves as warning to all the other wrestlers, and the executive that he will no longer sit idly by and let others decide the direction of this company. He would kill the captain, cripple the second mate, choke out the cabin boy, and do whatever else would be necessary to gain control of this ship. With that Severn hopped into a Lincoln Towncar and sped away.
We return to live action and Ken Shamrock being led to the ring by his brother Frank. They enter the ring and Ken prepares to face Shinya Hashimoto which could be a spectacular (if not anti-climatic) main event. Mike Tenay informs us that the statement made by Douglas earlier was correct in that Ken Shamrock now does hold the NWA World Heavyweight Title, winning that belt on a recent NWA-TNA broadcast. Since the NWA and Ringlords have a working agreement Shamrock can (and is) wearing the NWA world title to the ring tonight. Tenay also points out that although Shamrock won the NWA belt from Malice, Dan Severn had indeed held that title very recently.
Hashimoto comes to the top of the ramp accompanied by Nagata, Lynn, and Scotty Steiner. Steiner has a mic.
S. Steiner] Well I have to admit that you two got the better of us so far tonight. It sure shows how far you can go when you are united as brothers. Something that obviously hasn’t been taught to my brother Rick. But Shamrocks you may have won the battle, but the war is far from over. Let me introduce to you the patron of Team Nagata, a legend in the promotion of wrestling in the Orient, Mr. Yamaguci.
Wally Yamaguci comes out to the ramp dressed in a silk suit. He smiles and applauds his charges. Taking the mic from Steiner he addresses the Shamrocks.
Yamaguci] Mr. Shamrock son, you won today, yes? But I have proposition for you, business proposition. If you are proud man you can still put the prize on the line tonight. Let’s start over, you versus Shinya, winner take all.
Ken Shamrock] I may be a proud man Mr. Yamaguci, but I’m no fool. It was the hard work of my teammates that won the power for RingLords IV, I will not take away their accomplishments.
Yamaguci] Perhaps then you need some more incentive? Hummmm? Well how’s about this MR. kuckle up time [he pulls a document from his jacket pocket, and waves it in the air.] This is a legally binding contract between Frank Shamrock and one of my competitors in Asia. A contract that I have purchased. For the next 10 months Frank is my property. I will book Frank as I see fit.
Ken Shamrock] [looks at his brother who nods] So what? My brother can take care of himself…
Yamaguci] Sure he can mister Shamrock, but not with the match maker against him. I will put him up against such animals as Josh Barnett, Tank Abbott, Mark Coleman, and make sure I have refs in place who are fond of letting the rules go. It will be pure hell for your wittle baby bruddah.
Ken Shamrock] [Frank is nodding his head no, don’t do it] I’ll tell you what scumbag, you rip up that contract now, win or lose it’s void, and I will put up the prize for tonight.
Yamaguci] Ha, that’s a funny one. I’m not going to rip up a 10 month contract that I just paid cash for just to..
Ken Shamrock] Well if you are a proud man, if you feel your men can get the job done?
Yamaguci] Nice to do business with you. [he turns to walk away]
Ken Shamrock] Okay, wait. Fine, if you give me your word, here on live Television, that if I win my brother Frank will only be booked with fairness then I will put the prize on the line tonight.
Yamaguci] I knew you would see it my way. We have a deal.
Main Event
“Winner Takes All” Team Nagata v Team Shamrock Challenge Series Finale
Referee: James Beard
Time Limit: 30 MinutesKen Shamrock (U.S.A.)
V
Shinya Hashimoto (Japan)The bell rings and Shamrock digs low and takes Hashimoto to the ground with a single-leg takedown. Very quickly Shamrock floats up and grabs an armbar on Hashimoto who manages to power to his feet. Shamrock tosses him to the buckle and then nails the Japanese star with a fist to the gut.
The two continue to trade low risk kicks and punches until the match spills outside the ring. Hashimoto takes control with a series of kicks on the outside and then forces Shamrock to follow him back into the ring so he can ambush him with an elbowsmash to the head. Shamrock though is expecting the elbow and counters with a headbutt to the midsection. Still standing on the apron Shamrock puts his opponent in a hammerlock wrapping Hashimoto’s arm around the ring rope. Shamrock has to break before the 5 count and then headbutts Shinya in the lower back.
Ken Shamrock climbs through the ringropes and goes to work with a Yakuza kick and then an armlock hammerlock submission. However, Hashimoto is too close to the ropes and gets the easy break.
The fans are really cheering for Shamrock, but given the change in stipulations there seems to be an air of trepidation in the crowd and with the announcers.
Hashimoto tries to take over the match with a kicking orientated offense, which Shamrock attempts to counter with blocks and counters into submission attempts. Both men seem to fall into a defensive mode until Shamrock hits another Yakuza kick and follows up with an Indian deathlock! Hashimoto though manages to rock enough to throw Shamrock off balance after about 15 seconds.
Shamrock tries to get the crowd back into the match by slapping his head and getting into “the zone”.
The kicks versus counter submission locks continue until Shamrock takes Hashimoto down with a single-lock and then walks Hashimoto over to the ropes and powers him out of the ring where he lands on the back of his neck and head.
Ken Shamrock though does not pursue Hashimoto who takes only a five count before climbing back inside the ring. Shamrock goes right after him with a legsweep followed up with a kneelock submission. Hashimoto though seems to be gaining strength as the match continues and after reaching the ropes to break the submission he swats away a spin kick attempt by Shamrock. Hashimoto then goes on his first offense of the match that is not centered around kicks. He nails a double-arm suplex, a choke sleeper, a single arm DDT, and of course a bunch of kicks thrown in for good measure. Hashimoto shows his arrogance now by taking Shamrock down with the single-leg takedown and then walking him out of the ring.
Hashimoto also waits inside the ring as Shamrock gets back inside at the count of 5. Now the two competitors stand toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring and exchange vicious sounding chops. Hashimoto wins the battle and then takes Shamrock down with a lariat and follows up with another double-arm suplex, and gets a 2 count.
The two then go through a series of exchanges while bouncing off the ropes, most moves being ducked or blocked. Shamrock goes for a Yakuza kick that Hashimoto counters with a legsweep and then goes for the Fujiwara armbar, but Shamrock is able to block it with a look of desperation on his face.
The two wrestlers trade the advantage back and forth, the common theme being that both men are able to withstand very powerful moves and bounce back soon after.
Shamrock attempts a punch that Hashimoto counters with an armbreaker. Shamrock is on his way to the ropes so Hashimoto lets go of the move so he can nail Shamrock with a rolling chop. He sends Shamrock to the buckle, but its reversed by Shamrock who charges in only to eat a lariat from the Japanese star. Hashimoto sends Shamrock to the ropes but misses with a clothesline and then misses with a shoulderblock. Shamrock now takes the action to the floor, outside the ring. But its Hashimoto that grabs the advantage sending Shamrock into the rail and then knocks him off his feet with a knife hand chop. The Japanese star is relentless now, and smells blood sending Shamrock into the rail once more before rolling him back into the ring.
Coming off the ropes Hashimoto takes his opponent down with a running lariat. He sends Shamrock into the ropes once again but this time they both connect with a double clothesline and Shamrock bounces off nailing James Beard as well.
The crowd roars as all 3 men try and come to their senses. Hashimoto stumbles to his feet first but when he approaches Shamrock the shooter’s hand snakes out to the Japanese star’s ankle and takes him down with a Japanese dog roll. The fans scream 1, 2, 3, but they’re count doesn’t matter. Shamrock has to let Hashimoto out of the hold. Smartly though Shamrock goes right to work on Hashimoto rather than try and revive Beard.
Shamrock clotheslines Hashimoto, then sends him to the turnbuckle and follows up with a Frankensteiner! The referee is still out so Shamrock puts Hashimoto in a kneebar. He is screaming in pain and tapping the mat but Beard is just struggling to his feet. Suddenly from the back appears Yuji Nagata who sneaks around the far side and enters the ring from behind Shamrock. He delivers a vicious snap kick to the back of Shamrock’s head that knocks him out cold. Beard is pulling on the ropes to get to his feet and is oblivious to the attack. Nagata leaves the ring and heads up the ramp his work done. He’s like a deer caught in the headlights as Bill Goldberg walks out onto the ramp, and after a second of hesitation bull rushes at Nagata taking him down with a spear. The crowd erupts as Goldberg then places Nagata over his shoulder and carries him to the back.
Hashimoto takes a few seconds to shake off the effects of that kneebar and then starts to work on Shamrock with a kick, rolling chop, Irish whip into the buckle, more chops, and a kneelift. Shamrock though shakes off the effects in sudden fashion and lashes out at Hashimoto with a kick. Just as quickly he puts Hashimoto into a guillotine choke. The referee though makes Shamrock break the hold at the 5 count and admonishes him over the use of a chokehold.
The crowd is behind Ken Shamrock all the way.
The two weary competitors now trade the advantage back and forth as it degenerates into a series of chops and kicks.
Hashimoto grabs control and after a lariat he gets a near fall. Hashimoto grabs Shamrock but the world’s most dangerous man takes him over with an armdrag. Shamrock pulls Hashimoto to his feet and then delivers a short arm knee to the stomach, and then does it again, never releasing his hold on his opponent’s arm. He then twists the arm around and Hashimoto tries to counter with a somersault, but Shamrock holds on tight. Ken then pulls Hashimoto to him again smashing his head into the ribs of the Japanese star. Shamrock continues his hold on the arm and takes him by the wrist moving so Hashimoto is behind him, the Japanese wrestler’s arm over Shamrock’s shoulder. Shamrock then begins to pull down on the arm trying to hyperextend the elbow. Hashimoto screams in pain and wildly trys to pull at the referee who backs away. Shamrock then drops down smashing the arm over his shoulder. Hashimoto is on the mat holding his arm in pain. Shamrock pulls Hashimto by the hair into the middle of the ring. The Japanese star is defenseless using one arm to protect the other. Shamrock goes for an armbar but instead floats down and comes up with the anklelock submission locked in. It takes around 20 seconds but eventually Hashimoto finally makes his way to the ropes.
Shamrock has to prop Hashimoto up in the corner and then trys to take him down with a Frankensteiner, but Shinya manages to counter it using only his good arm. He grabs the legs of Shamrock with his one good arm and then drops Shamrock down. Instead of it being a Tiger Driver Hashimoto drops Shamrock onto his knee, but then the momentum of Shamrock still carries Hashimoto forward head first into the mat with his knee rolling over and driving into the back of Shamrock. Both men are down as James Beard counts to 8 before Shamrock is up first favoring his back.
Shamrock stalks Hashimoto and closes in for a kick but the former NWA champion is playing possum and grabs the leg of Shamrock and whips him to the mat. Hashimoto applies a leglock which he then turns over into a half-boston crab. Shamrock is screaming in pain from his already injured back. Slowly Shamrock manages to make his way to the ropes but then Hashimoto is able to sit up and pull Shamrock into the center of the ring. Shamrock refuses to submit and the fans are going into a frenzy now.
Hashimoto loses his patience and release the hold. Shamrock is on his knees in the middle of the ring but is pretty much out of it, his eyes barely open. Hashimoto tees up with a snap kick to the back of Shamrock’s head. He goes down, but in a second he’s back to his knees. Again Hashimoto kicks him in the back of the head, and again he goes down. Beard gets down on his stomach and tries to convince Shamrock to give up, but Shamrock grabs a hold of the head of Beard and uses it for leverage to again get to his knees. Another snap kick, this time to his head, and Shamrock is starting to trickle blood from his brow.
Hashimoto picks up Shamrock and delivers a vertical drop brainbuster. He goes for the pin, 1, 2, and he picks him up! James Beard is irate and warns Hashimoto one more time like that and he will be disqualified. Hashimoto sneers at the crowd as he scoops up Shamrock again and takes him down with another brainbuster variation, this time a “burning hammer”. He covers and gets the 1, 2, 3.
The crowd begins to fill the ring with debris.
[The winner is Shinya Hashimoto. Time of match: 0:18:04]
Post-MatchImmediately following the match Goldberg bounds down the ramp and into the ring. He is followed steps behind by Frank Shamrock. Frank tries to get to Hashimoto but Goldberg steps between them and yells at Frank to take care of his brother. Hashimoto laughs at Frank, so Goldberg goes chest to chest with Shinya and backs him into the far corner.
Next down the ramp comes Team Nagata; Yuji Nagata, Scott Steiner, Jerry Lynn, and of course Wally Yamguci. As they enter the ring Goldberg leaves his position holding back Hashimoto and takes a defensive stance in front of the Shamrocks. Frank is yelling to the back for a stretcher.
Yamaguci] Well that was easier than we thought [he laughs]. Now onto more business. I strongly urge you fans to order RingLords IV as we have two great matches set for you fans. First, our main man, our Paladin, Yuji Nagata [bows] will fight Rash ReRoux for [the crowd laughs], shut up you plicks. That match will be for both the Thesz ring and the Rogers ring. Winner take all. Now the second match for that night [he looks toward Ken Shamrock laying face up and not moving] will be you Ken Shamrock, can you hear me in a coma? It will be you Ken Shamrock, against GOLDBERG. And if you can’t wrestle then your brother Frank will take your place.
Goldberg and Frank Shamrock seem pretty upset at the news. A stretcher crew has now come down to the ring accompanied by Rick Steiner, Vader, and Lash LeRoux.
Frank tries to get to Team Nagata but he’s held back by Goldberg. Frank seems to snap and suddenly he’s on top of Goldberg putting the unsuspecting big man in a rear naked choke. Within seconds though he’s tackled by Vader who holds Frank down until he calms down.
Scotty Steiner] Hey boys, good leader you have there. What do you think about him now? You guys did all the work, put in all the blood and sweat, and he just pissed it away trying to help out his brother. Man you guys must be pissed! Especially you Lash LeWho, cause now you gots to fight a monster, Yuji Nagata. Kiss that ring bayou boy, kiss it goodbye. And you Rick, my brother. Being second in line you would have got to book whatever match you wanted. Instead you are a loser once again. Well I’ll tell you what brother, the invitation is still open, thanks to Mr. Yamaguci and Mr. Nagata’s extreme patience, they still want you to join us. Come join the winners Rick, the Steiner boys back together again, on top of the world, on top of the Shamrock boys.
He tosses the mic to his brother Rick.
Rick Steiner] [looks down at his feet, looks over at Frank and then Goldberg and kind of shakes his head apologetically]. NEVER! [he tosses the mic back at his brother, and Nagata has to restrain Scotty boy from going after him.]
Scotty is about to speak again when Nick Bockwinkel makes his unscheduled appearance. He walks down to the ring, stopping them all with “gentlemen, gentlemen, gentlemen” as he makes his way to the middle of the ring. He is passed by the EMT’s going up the ramp with Ken Shamrock on a stretcher and his brother Frank walking beside him.
Bockwinkel] [tapping the mic] Is this on? Good. Gentlemen, excellent show tonight! However, let me remind you that your power ends after the right to make two matches. So, for RingLords IV we have Devon Storm versus Super Crazy for the Johnny Valentine Legacy ring. We also will have Yuji Nagata taking on Lash LeRoux with both the Lou Thesz Memorial ring and the Buddy Rogers Tribute ring on the line. In addition we will have Ken Shamrock taking on Bill Goldberg, unless Ken can’t make it back in action on time in which case we will have his brother Frank against Goldberg. That’s all fine and dandy. Now let me tell you all a bit more. First off, there will be an Eight man single elimination tournament with the first round to be held at RingLords IV. The semi-finals and finals of that tournament will then be held at RingLords V with the winner of that tournament receiving the Harley Race Ring of Excellence. The match that Mr. Yamaguci has booked featuring one of the Shamrocks against Goldberg will be part of that 8-man tournament. The winner of that match will go on to the semi-finals to face off against the winner of quarter-final #2 from RingLords IV, which will be you Scotty Steiner against none other than your brother Rick! [the crowd erupts].
Scotty Steiner] Why you old, moldy..you’ll pay for this Bockwinkel.
Bockwinkel] Now don’t get your knickers in a knot young mister Steiner. I have more yet. The other quarter-finals will feature Shane Douglas against Dan Severn, and you Shinya Hashimoto against a man that I agree is very under-rated Jerry Lynn! [the fans cheer again, and Team Nagata is irate again at the news that two of their teammates will have to wrestle each other].
Mr. Yamaguci] Bockwinkel, you think you have all the power around here? Look at this army behind me and tell me I don’t have the real power? If you think what my man did to Ken Shamrock was vicious tonight, you wait until you see the condition that Nagata leaves LeRoux in at IV. We will play by your rules Bockwinkel, for now, but sooner or later you will grow weary of the carnage my team inflicts, and you will come to us, on bended knee, and beg us to take the reigns of this promotion!
Bockwinkel] Interesting thought Mr. Yamaguci, but even on bended knee you would still have to look up at me, you slimy, spineless, snake. One more thing before I go tonight for you great fans. Since with the 4 quarter-finals and the two “ring” matches we have 6 matches booked we thought we would leave it up to you the fans to book the 7th match. So log on to
www.ringlordswrestling.com and vote from a list of wrestlers as to who you want to see in that 7th match at IV. Until then folks, good night, and god bless.
Breaking Kayfabe: While the RingLords were not directly related to River City Wrestling, there was enough shared talent that I retroactively decided to post them as RCW backed events to include them in the RCW legacy. I thought they were too good, too much fun, too much work to let die. They were also run completely unbooked and then I would write the show based around the results of the bouts, including the battle royales. That was part of the fun. Unfortunately, there would be no more RingLords events, this was the last one I ran.
