After last month’s TCW Drive-In Brawl, my expectations for the brand’s American Spirit show could not have been any higher. Last time we saw the TCW Titans and Goddesses in action, management pulled out all the stops with pyro, 18-wheelers, and more — all while keeping everyone very safe. Needless to say this show needed to start off with a bang, and it did just that.
After the playing of the national anthem a stretched SUV limo made it’s way towards the entrance way! Okay, TCW, you have my attention. Cue the entrance for the number one faction in the brand, the Trust Fund. (Think Evolution, but more members) Under the management of Jared Silberkleit, The Trust Fund faction is made up of several TCW stars including Johnny Jager, Waylon Kage, and the muscle, The Titan Killer. That guy is a physical specimen. After a match involving the debuting Jimmy the Jester (think Joker) the Titan Killer interjected himself into the bout to pick up the pieces of Jimmy and his opponent, Adam Bizare. Simply put, this guy is a beast.
As for other members of the faction, Johnny Jager would go on to win a suicidal seven way match to become the first ever TCW Middleweight Champion followed by a champagne bath. The Orton-esque member of the group, Waylon Kage would however go on to lose in an impromptu tag match against the super popular Violence and his powerhouse partner, Mason Martin. Let me say this. Violence is over as anything, especially with the kids.
Before I get into the rest of the card, I want to take it back to safety. Although this was not a full drive-in show, drive in spots were available. I opted for the drive in option myself. This was a bring-your-own-chair show which allowed for social distancing which is very important these days. The local PD and EMS were on hand to make sure everyone followed the rules and New Jersey guidelines accordingly.
Moreso, I had a good conversation with TCW CEO & Founder, Billy Fetzke and he told me that they take everyone’s temperatures behind the curtain. He even showed me the log to prove it. The brand has even hired a consultant and speaker to keep their talent safe in response to the #SpeakingOut movement. Additionally, the ring was wiped down and Lysol-ed between every match by the ring crew.
Again, this is all extra mile stuff and I have to tip my hat to TCW for doing everything the right way. Well done.
The Goddesses were in action as well tonight, in anticipation of the first ever official Goddesses of War Event July 24th. This was a number one contender’s bout to determine the challenger for the Notorious Mimi‘s Goddess Championship, featuring Vicious Vicki and one of my faves on the scene, Mother Endless. Everyone knows I’m a sucker for a good masked gimmick, but Mother Endless is the real deal. Hands down, not only one of the best personas you’ll see on the independents, but easily one of the best entrances as well. (vid below) Lot of great and spooky dialogue in ring as well.
Talk about making an entrance! THRILLED to announce we've secured a rare interview with CZW's and TCW Goddess #motherendless ahead of her match at @TiTanChampions1 presents Goddesses of War !! @Luvs2Dream82@Luvs2Dream82 @TWrestlingGirls @PhoenixAEW @meatsntweets @DavePozefsky pic.twitter.com/f7C8LzHFXi
— Rob Williams (@bobculturepod) July 12, 2020
Not to be outdone, Vicki brought the Long Island attitude to steal a victory after a missed kendo stick rope rebound spot by Mother Endless. Your new number one contender, Vicious Vicki!
Going back to the aforementioned ring crew, one member did stand out to me throughout the night. Sure enough, said ring crew worker would be jumped by Debbie Kane later in the evening to set up a match for the July 24th Goddesses of War show. The ring crew member who looked somewhat familiar to me was revealed to be none other than Miss Kaia McKenna. TCW played the long game on this setup and I absolutely love stuff like this! I’m particularly looking forward to this match-up at Goddesses.
Another marquee match featured the man I consider to the be the future of this business, KC Navarro taking on the man who taught him everything he knows, Preacher Finneus James. The match billed as Teacher vs. Student was a fun bout pitting KC’s speed against Preach’s experience. Lots of “boys” and chatter during this one, (think Styles vs. Taker dialogue) But as expected KC came out on top. Post match a tremendous show of respect with bows by both competitors.
In Heavyweight action, the rock solid Tommy Moose took on Anthony Gangone in a straight up hard-hitting fight. Highlights in this match included a picture perfect Stunner by Tommy, but it wasn’t enough to put Gangone away. Gangone would take this one with a GTS-esque kick, but I’d love to see these two go at it again.
Another impressive bout featured the Wrecking Ball Legursky vs. Nikos Rikos. Wrecking Ball impressed in this one as he always does and naturally picked up the win here using his power game. I’ve been seeing a lot of this guy on the North East scene, and he definitely has the size and the look. I wouldn’t be surprised to see big things in the near future for the competitor. Stay tuned.
Our main event featured former SAW Heavyweight Champion and former Evolve Tag Champ Joe Gacy taking on Rick Recon. This was a good way to end the night as the rain held out til this very last match. Recon was able to showcase his abilities in the ring with the very seasoned Gacy for a solid match. Gacy would ultimately win this one in fairly quick fashion after his signature rebound back handspring stunner. (One of my favorite spots)
“Ballgame Over”
Another tremendous job by TCW who really is just bringing that little bit extra to every show right now. The brand even had separate commentary for FB live audiences as well. (Great job by David Adams and Ryan Peterson) Needless to say the show met my already high expectations, BUT I’m expecting even bigger things from the Goddesses of War Brand coming July 24th, featuring all your favorite women’s indy stars. Tickets info is now on their Facebook page.
