IYFW Summertime Bruise RESULTS/REVIEW

Ringside for the big event!

In Your Face Wrestling presented SUMMERTIME BRUISE on August 13th from the Ballston Area Community Center and it was a loaded show. I arrived early enough to upgrade the general admission tickets I had won at the last event and get settled in my seat, 16oz can of Red Bull and iPod for picture snapping at the ready. The crowd filed in up until bell time and judging by my estimation had the largest attendance of any of the shows I've been to at the BACC. I can honestly say that I chose the right section to sit in. What a bunch of fun, crazy fans. They cheered who they wanted to cheer and hated who they wanted to hate and there was little in between. 

The BACC Heel Section.

The events surprises started early and didn't let up. The first surprise was the notable absence of regular IYFW Ring Announcer, Walter Ball, at the show. Ball reportedly had a personal matter that couldn't be put off and therefore had to miss the event. In his place, IYFW officials tapped young performer, Justin Fox, to fill his formidable shoes. Fox seemed excited to do the gig and tried to put his spin and his energy into the gig. Being his first time out, one could expect that it wouldn't be the most impressive outing ever. Fox had a hard time pacing his words, projecting his voice into the struggling audio system and generally being heard and understood in the cavernous gymnasium. He was also prone to dancing to the entrance music of performers as they made their way to the ring which was somewhat distracting (not to mention painful to watch). The announcers job is to convey the importance of the contest, professionally conduct an introduction of the performers, and otherwise stay the hell out of the spotlight.

"Die, Fox, Die!"

I'm sorry, but Fox struggled in all area's. Given time and patience, he *might* develop into a good ring announcer... but I have to say I am pleased to hear from Ball that he WILL be back to man the microphone for their upcoming October event. More on Fox as the review goes on...

The first match was between two relative unknowns (to me and those around me in the Heel Section, anyhow). "Punisher" Van Slyck took on Hoss. Van Slyck (after a quick google search) is apparently a talent from Western NY's 2CW promotion. Don't think he's performed in an IYFW ring before. Hoss is another guy I was unfamiliar with. A big, bald dude with Jannety-inspired wrestling boots, Hoss told me during intermission (when asked where else he'd performed) that he's been "everywhere". Punisher tried to take control early, working on Hoss' left arm. They went back and forth until Hoss no-sold a flying cross body from the top by Punisher. He then drilled Van Slyck with a brutal powerbomb in the center of the ring for the 3 count. Decent opener to kick things off, all things considered.

Up next was a tag bout featuring WAR and Vile taking on the latest incarnation of The Uprising: Ricky "Loverboy" Williams and Shiloh Robinson. The Uprising exploded through the curtain full of energy and, as he passed us, Shiloh let us know that we were about to see "some crazy shit". And that we did. The early moments of this contest saw the heels get dumped out of the ring before eating a suicide dive from Ricky Williams followed closely behind by an over the top rope somersault from Robinson that awed the crowd. Again, Williams displayed his selling skills and served as the perfect little dude for WAR to showcase his power submission talents, applying a painful-looking Hammerlock Bearhug that had us cringing. 

Vile DRILLS Shiloh, moments before the pin.

The hot tag to Robinson had the crowd fired up and the bad guys on the ropes... until The Enemy (Adam Badger and Michael Monroe) came out and served as a fatal distraction, leading to Robinson taking the pin from Vile.

Up next was a match featuring Ian Daniels taking on the returning Good Lord Willing. Willing, of course, doubles as IYFW Authority Figure, Harold Touch'ole. This was an interesting match for a few reasons. It began with a dueling costume removal spot where each man removed a different article of their pre-match attire, which got a quality chuckle from the crowd. The fans were all over Willing and way behind Daniels. Willing seemed a tad rusty in the ring, not having competed in some time in IYFW, but Daniels worked hard to make him look like a million bucks. The finish, however, was very odd.

It's pronounced WILLING!

With the match clearly in hand, Daniels went to the top rope (likely for his double flying knee drop, perhaps?)... but Willing called him down. Daniels obliged, then got in position to take a headlock.... before quickly tapping out. Post match, Willing told him he'd "done good", but refused the handshake. This left everyone in my section scratching our collective heads wondering what the hell we'd just witnessed. Apparently, the implication was that IYFW bookers were acknowledging that Good Lord Willing is, indeed, Harold Touch'ole and that - since Harry is Daniels' boss - he told Ian to take a dive. It has also been told to me by IYFW talent that this was referenced during intermission, but it's likely that I didn't hear it (which makes me wonder who ELSE in attendance missed that quite important piece). Those around me referred to this as the "Ballston Spa Screwjob", which I got a kick out of. We'll be talking about this for YEARS! Anyhow... after scratching my head bloody we moved on to the next contest!

Luna's baby brother is one bad mamma jamma.

Drake Evans teamed with Bobby Ocean to take on the imposing team of IYFW New Breed Champion, Roman Dominguez, and Pierre "The Beast" Vachon. This match lived up to how much I hyped it, heh. All four men worked VERY hard. One thing that stood out to me in this match, besides the high flying of Ocean and Evans, was the visceral facial expressions of Pierre Vachon from bell to bell. Young tag teams could learn from watching his performance on the apron. Vachon sold the entire match whether he was in the ring or not and it absolutely added to the entire contest. 

White men CAN jump. 

Dominguez sold well through the entire contest but, sadly, wouldn't shine until the Rumble later in the night. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Vachon waited for his chance to strike and strike he did, applying a Mandible Claw to Drake Evans that was just too much for the face of In Your Face Wrestling to handle, finally succumbing to the sweet, sweet slumber that is unconsciousness. I'll look past the referee neglecting to drop Evan's hand to the canvas 3 times to confirm his lack of consciousness, I suppose, simply because of the intensity in the building at the time. Bobby Ocean was way, way over with the fans with "BOBBY!" chants echoing so loudly it was hard not to get swept into it. So, the bad guys won again... and, yes... I was wrong again; predicting another loss for Dominguez. *sigh* Lesson learned... Maybe.

Following that ride it was time for intermission. Had the opportunity to introduce myself to IYFW Champion, Vigo. I reminded him that he quoted this here page in an INTERFACE interview some weeks back and he was quick to heap praise on my blog - which was awesome to hear. His lovely wife (and valet, Yvonna Leach) also gave me a big scoop! They are expecting their first child! So... congratulations to them! Very cool to shake hands with the champ. An even LARGER honor to shake hands with IYFW Referee, Adam Brunton. Adam takes a lot of flak from the IYFW fans, with constant cat-calls of "SCREECH!", and the like. And the young man takes it in stride and does an awesome job calling a bout. Always cool to meet the talent.

No luck with the raffle this time, oh well... however when I returned to my seat I was treated to find "The Crusader of Old School" Ian Daniels occupying the (once) empty front row seat next to me, munching on some popcorn and chatting it up with a buddy of his and others in the Heel Section. Forget any criticism I may have leveled at Daniels in any earlier blog regarding his performance in the ring; this motherfucker is FUNNY. As Bobby Ocean signed his autograph on the foreheads and cheeks of young fans on the other side of the ring, Ian quipped:

"These kids are having "The Shaft" (Ocean's ring-name) written on their forehead by a large black man... does anyone else have a problem with this?"

This earned a hearty laugh from those in earshot. I also suggested that Ian stay planted in that chair until the Rumble, biding his time and picking his shot... but he assured his friend that he had something special planned for the Main Event. And he didn't disappoint.

Justin Fox returned to the center of the ring to signal the end of intermission and the return to festivities which prompted me to start a VERY popular "Die, Fox, Die!" chant. I have to believe that somewhere, under that gelled hair and smirk, that he appreciated it. Though I could be wrong. Fox clumsily introduced the next match... MIGHTY Fronz Roddy had been originally advertised to face his former partner (read: albatross), The Northern Dudd Studd, however I had learned in the days leading up to the event that The Studd wouldn't be able to make it to Ballston Spa and his inevitable soul-crushing loss at the hands of the Austrian Adonis. IYFW officials instead booked Roddy to face one half of the Celtic Crew, Liam McFerrin. McFerrin is a guy who, for the most part, has been impressive and fun to watch and I was actually okay with the booking change until I see that... what is this?!? McFerrin has a female valet?!? I learned via iyfwrestling.com that her name is Adrienne Blackheart, but for the sake of this review we will call her Whoreswaggle.

Fronz attempts to show her to the kitchen.

You can ascertain by that nomenclature that I'm not a fan of hers simply by the impact she made on Fronz Roddy's picture perfect, bell to bell highlight reel performance.

Somehow, she resisted his advances. Must not have had Guiness on his breathe.

Fronz Roddy lost this match due to the Irish Harlot and then, to add insult to injury, when he attempted to "set her straight" she headscissored Our Hero out of the ring!?! Blasphemy. Heresy. Nonsense.


This was a fun match and I can honestly say that all THREE were absolutely perfect in their roles and performances here. Great stuff. Even if the wrong man lost. You won the hearts of the Heel Section, Fronz! Does anything else REALLY matter?

Btw...   Mask = Money

Next up, The Killer Steves would challenge the IYFW Tag Team Champions, The Enemy; Badger and Monroe. This was another fantastic match where all four men were right where they had to be every time, hitting their marks with precision. The Steves took control early, dominating Badger and using the ring to their advantage. One great spot saw Badger lock Steve Kruz in a Cross Arm breaker in the center of the ring, which Kruz powered out of, turning it into an AWESOME one armed powerbomb.

This picture doesn't do the C.A.B. reversal into a powerbomb justice.

Monroe would nail a gorgeous split legged moonsault  before the Steves would once again regain control. Such a see-saw battle. This battle ended when "The Spectacle" Adam Badger used his title belt to BLAST a Steve for a DQ loss, seeing them retain their coveted belts. The Enemy beatdown the Steves until The Uprising ran in for a triumphant save, brawling with The Enemy all the way through the curtain. Finally returning to their feet to an ovation from the Steve-loving fans, The Killer Steves stole a brief moment with the tag belts in the center of the ring... perhaps glimpsing into their future.

"Whatta ya think, Steve?"
"I don't know, Steve... what do YOU think?"

I* think that was probably the match of the night.

Next up was the big IYFW Championship Title bout. A submission bout. Fox made the introductions (after, once more, being implored to die a slow death by the Heel Section) and out came the competitors. First Scott Scarsdale... then Vigo... then... wait, what? Harold Touch'ole. Naturally, Touch'ole solidified his place in Scarsdale's deep pockets, stacking the deck against Vigo and weighing the odds heavily in "The Millennium Millionaires" favor. Basically, Scarsdale could win the title by submission, dq, pinfall, or countout... whereas Vigo could only retain by submission.
How DASTARDLY.

This match was on the short-side, to be truthful, however was totally different than their match in June's Coronation  Cup Tournament Finals. At one point, Vigo had to toss the referee aside to get his hands on Scarsdale which got a nice pop from the crowd. Scarsdale did his best to fend off Vigo's assault, but would eventually TAP OUT to a choke hold in the center of the ring! Vigo WINS!

STILL the CHAMPION!

But WAIT! Out comes Touch'ole! And he has OTHER plans, ordering the referee to DISQUALIFY Vigo for putting his hands on him during the match! That DQ loss would award SCARSDALE the IYFW Championship! Whoa! SWERVE~!

NEW Champion!!!

Wow! Scarsdale's only fan is absolutely THRILLED!

"HEY, SCOTT!!!!!!!"

But WAIT! Here come's MAXX BURTON! And he's wearing a TIE! (sorry, no pictures to PROVE this fact) He's all up in Touch'ole's grill and guess what? IYFW officials are TIRED of Touch'ole's abuse of power the last two events and, guess what? You're SUSPENDED! And Maxx is in charge! The referee's first decision STANDS... VIGO RETAINS the TITLE!

Wrong.

Wow. Catch your breath, people. It should be noted that, in his exchange with Touch'ole, Burton confirmed his "Good Lord Willing" duel personas. Makes me wonder if Burton suspended BOTH of them. Hmmm...


Finally, the big main event. The In Your Face Rumble. Justin Fox quickly ran through the rules. Every thirty seconds one or more competitors would enter the contest. Goons would have to be thrown over the top rope, both feet touching the floor to be eliminated, until ONE MAN remained. That man would be named the IYFW Championship's #1 Contender and receive a title shot at October's "Cauldron of Hate" event. Don't ask me the order of entrants or order of elimination or who eliminated the most... because it was a wonderful brawl-filled blur. 

Greatest Masked Wrestler EVER.

There were a handful of competitors I didn't recognize and I look forward to picking up the DVD release to catch Joey LaRoque's play by play. So much going on. Here were some highlights as *I* saw them:

• the one masked competitor was fun to watch and was a crowd favorite.
• Fronz Roddy's cocky strut to the ring got a huge ovation from the Heel Section.
• Whoreswaggle shocked the crowd by getting chopped into oblivion by Monroe and Roddy during the fracas.
• Roman Dominguez proved himself to be the SMARTEST competitor in the contest; getting an early entry into the bout, he chose to stand outside the ring, biding his time. The referee pleaded with him to get in the ring, but The Pillar wasn't having it. I took an empty chair and set it up for him and he gladly took a seat, watching the chaos unfold. So awesome. He eventually got in there with only 5 competitors left, helping his odds.
• Oh my god. Ian Daniels. I said, after Coronation Cup, that Ian Daniels might hurt somebody... and I was right.

MY EYES! ... MY EYES!

• Ian Daniels hurt my EYES! Hysterical.
• Biggest pop of the match came when Drake Evans and Bobby Ocean came out together. They both tore this bout up.
• Ian Daniels was eliminated. Not once. Not twice. But three times. Great stuff. Have to see it to love it. Done before? Sure. But never by a performer quite like Ian Daniels.
• CJ Scott is suddenly a heel. Two shows ago he was teaming with Vigo. Those days are over. He lasted quite a while in this contest.

Down to the final four (Drake Evans, Bobby Ocean, Adam Badger, and CJ Scott)...

Drake eliminates CJ by a hair(s)...

And now... here comes PIERRE VACHON! Vachon was said to be BARRED from this match under the Touch'ole Administration. What is he DOING here? He clears the ring (false finish with Ocean being eliminated between the ropes, but that is handled by a quick re-do) and WINS THE MATCH!

#1 Contender!

The Beast grabs a mic and basically says that Burton made him a last minute addition - giving the fans what they want - and that he wants VIGO! And here he comes! Here comes the whole damn ROSTER to keep them apart!

Hold 'em back!

They do the whole bit where each guy breaks free and goes after the other. Good stuff. What a cool feeling for each guy, to be a part of that, eh? Overall a cool finish to such a fun show.

I have said it before - I will say it again. IYFW put on an awesome show. The wrestlers bust their asses and the fans add so much to the overall experience. Great show! Maybe the best I have been to, so far, of theirs. As always, I am totally stoked for the October show and the ultimate showdown between Vachon and Vigo. Should be another kickass experience.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading! Leave some feedback or something, eh? Let me know this is worthwhile! Ha.