Jerrelle Clark vs. Steve Madison: Usually FIP starts their shows with some talking but on this night they went right into the action with two Florida standouts in the opening contest. They had some good chemistry going, but I constantly wonder what it would take to elevate Madison to the next level. It seems like he was headed that way after his feud with Erick Stevens, but it was Stevens who came out of that smelling like roses. Steve Madison, who has been away but is still a member of the YRR, scored a victory with a rare clean pinfall in the middle of the ring ( 5.5 / 10 ). The YRR came out to the stage after the match and talked about partying with Steve Madison again. Madison said the YRR weren't there for him during his time off and wasn't interested in the YRR any more. Shocking. Madison tried to leave peacefully but he was attacked from behind by all three members as YRR groupie, Becky Bayless, barked orders. The YRR trio spike pile-drove Madison on the stage and left him unconcious..
Jimmy Rave (w/Dave Prazak & Mr. Milo Beasley) vs. Trik Davis: This was one of several debut appearances the fans wers treated to on this night. Trik Davis is a Midwest-based wrestler who made a name for himself in IWA Mid South and a couple appearances with Ring of Honor. Rave had to be the ring general and carry the match to make his less-experienced opponent look a good as can be. Davis had Jimmy Rave tapping out, but Dave Prazak had pulled the referee out of the ring. Davis released the hold thinking he had won, only to have the dreaded Heel-hook slapped on him, giving the veteran Jimmy Rave another win ( 6.5 / 10 ). After the match, Dave Prazak proclaimed that Delirious would win the Florida Heritage title later, and Jimmy Rave promised to win the FIP World Heavyweight title the following night in Melbourne.
Danny Daniels vs. Rex Starling vs. Damien Wayne: God bless Danny Daniels for coming to Full Impact Pro. He is another Midwest standout making his FIP debut, and bringing years of experience to the ring with him. The crowd was really rude to these guys before the match, just because they had never heard of the three newcomers. The veteran Danny Daniels won the match, and hopefully earned a more permanent spot on the FIP roster ( 5 / 10 ).
It is time, once again, to spice up the FIP tag team division, with the appearance of one of the best tag teams in the Midwest - Tyler Black & Marek Brave - although they were quick to proclaim themselves the best in the WORLD. The Briscoe Brothers came out with their FIP tag team championship belts and challenged the Black and the Brave to a match. The Midwest combo were quick to change the conditions and suggested two one-on-one matches, starting with Jay Briscoe vs. Tyler Black.
FIP Tag Team Champion Jay Briscoe vs. Tyler Black: Tyler Black is perhaps the breakout star of 2007, having made an impact in several very prominant promotions including Full Impact Pro and Ring of Honor. Black would be crowned ROH World Tag Team champion by the end of the year. Jay Briscoe was actually defeated by Tyler Black in an upset, but the other half of the war will be fought later ( 7.5 / 10 ).
The YRR of Kenny King, Salvatore Rinauro, Chasyn Rance and Becky Bayless doing their spoiled arrogance routine, saying that Inverness smells like an outhouse. The YRR cancelled their Bunkhouse Brawl match, but unfortunately for the YRR, the Heartbreak Express (with Lacey) attacked them and the two-on-three Bunkhouse Brawl.
Bunkhouse Brawl - The Heartbreak Express w/Lacey vs. The YRR (Chasyn Rance & Kenny King & Sal Rinauro w/Becky Bayless): Despite the numbers disadvantage, the Heartbreak Express dominated the match until Lacey predictably turned on them and joined the YRR. The YRR then triple-teamed and bloodied the HBE until the legendary Sean "X-Pac" Waltman hit the ring to even the odds. Waltman was all fired up at first but it didn't take long for him to be over-powered by the YRR, who won the match by finishing off Phil Davis with a Pile-driver. Former YRR leader Steve Madison made the post-match save!
They stuck a really well produced music video package in there to hype the New Year's Classic DVD home release.
FIP Tag Team Champion Mark Briscoe vs. Marek Brave: A few minutes into the match, Mark Briscoe asked the fans to hold the guard rail firmly so he could do a picture perfect moonsault. I figured it was a foregone conclusion that Marek Brave would win the match, but Briscoe surprised me by pulling out the victory after some botched interference by Tyler Black ( 7 / 10 ).
FIP Florida Heritage Title - Erick Stevens vs. Delirious (w/Dave Prazak & Mr. Milo Beasley): I feel bad for the Florida fans, having to watch a watered down heel version of the legendary Delirious. He's got a pure babyface gimmick that never gets old, but for some reason they wasted him in the heel DP Associates faction all this time. As the match played out, Dave Prazak continued to bark orders at his client, but it appeared that Delirious was purposely disobeyed the instructions. Delirious maintained control for most of the match, and nearly secured victory by submission, but the resilient Erick Stevens fought back and used his trademark Doctor-bomb to retain his FIP Florida Heritage title ( 8 / 10 ). Dave Prazaz was visibly upset with Delirious for deviating from his very specific directions and failing to bring the GOLD to DP Associates.
FIP World Heavyweight Title - Roderick Strong vs. Necro Butcher: I have been heavily critical of the Necro Butcher in the past for his mindless violence philosophies on professional wrestling, but I do admit that in the appropriate environment, under proper direction, and against the right opponent, the Butcher can put on an very captivating match. Roderick Strong immediately made the match a No-DQ match, giving his crazy barefoot challenger an enormous advantage. They brawled throughout the arena, splitting their audience like Moses and the Red Sea. I started to think Roddy might have finally bitten off more than he can chew, but the FIP Champion proved to be stronger than ever when he used his patented Stronghold to put the Butcher down ( 8.5 / 10 ). Champion and challenger shook hands after the match to end a wonderful show.
Final Thoughts: Great show that flowed perfectly from beginning to end, which is something I have come to expect and admire about Full Impact Pro. The revolving door makes for a good show, as we get to see many new faces come in and out of the promotion on a regular basis. I'm totally excited about the feud brewing between the Briscoes and the Black and the Brave.
If you would like to purchase this or any other Full Impact Pro DVD, please check out ROHwrestling.com - and also be sure to show your support by checking out www.fullimpactpro.com/ - Thank you!
