CZW Best Of The Best 3 Preview

[Guest Sandman9000]

Note: There have been rumors that Ruckus might be defending the belt throughout the tourny, a la ripping off what CM Punk did at the TPI. If that turns out to be true, I'm going to have to update a LOT of this. So, keep it in mind. Again, feedback is welcomed.

 

This article is dedicated to John Harnois and in the memory of Seamus Nee, two men I graduated from Cheverus High School in Portland, Maine, with. Those two were involved in a car accident last weekend, which was fatal for one of them. Get well soon John, and I'll miss you Seamus. Stags 2K2 forever.

 

 

 

 

 

Combat Zone Wrestling’s Best Of The Best 3

 

Introduction

 

Best of the Best is one of Combat Zone Wrestling’s “big” events of the year. Along with Cage of Death and Tournament of Death, Best Of The Death, whoops, Best of the Best is one of the times in which fans actively look forward to the show. However, unlike COD and TOD, BOTB focuses more on the wrestling and less on the hardcore and ultraviolence. Instead of deathmatches, which CZW is so in/famous for, the night is all about the junior heavyweight division. This year, Best of the Best 3 is being held from Viking Hall on April 12th, as part of a doubleheader with Ring of Honor running before CZW.

 

The first BOTB was in May of 2001, in an attempt for CZW to try and prove to their critics that they were more then just a blood and guts company, and to have the spotlight shine on the junior heavyweights on their roster. Many current big names on the indy circuit today, including The Amazing Red, the SAT’s, Juventud Guerrera, “Sick” Nick Mondo, and The Briscoe Brothers took part of the first tournament. In the end, W*inger out of Big Japan Pro Wrestling took the trophy, defeating Trent Acid in the final.

 

BOTB2 took place on June 8th, 2002 in the legendary Viking Hall. So-Cal wrestlers B-Boy and Super Dragon flew over to participate, while British grapplers Jody Fleisch and Jonny Storm crossed the pond. Tony Mamaluke competed, as well as Ruckus, M-Dogg 20, Nick Berk, and Johnny Kashmere. In the end, Trent Acid redeemed himself from last year in defeating Jody Fleisch in the final and capturing the BOTB trophy.

 

This year, even more big names have entered. The biggest of all is A.J. Styles of NWA-TNA fame. Styles is one of the premier players on the indy circuit, so gaining him for BOTB is a great gain for CZW and increases the profile of the tournament. Jimmy Rave and Jason Cross from NWA-Wildside are also booked, as is Tony Mamaluke again. Deranged from ROH’s Special K group is in, as well as Lil’ Cholo from So-Cal. Other CZW regulars, including defending champ Trent Acid, current CZW Jr. Heavyweight Champ Ruckus, Sonjay Dutt, B-Boy, and Ric Blade will also be competing for the prize.

 

 

 

Best of the Best History

 

BOTB1 5/19/01

 

Round 1

 

Red & W*inger over Ric Blade

Nick Berk & Minoru Fujita over Jose Maximo

Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe over Nick Mondo

Trent Acid & Ruckus over Joel Maximo

 

(Note: Juventud Guerrera’s plane was late in arriving, so Ruckus took his place for the first round.)

 

Round 2

W*inger over Red

Minoru Fujita over Nick Berk

Jay Briscoe over Mark Briscoe (Considered to be the CZW Match of the Year)

Trent Acid over Juventud Guerrera

 

Round 3

W*inger over Minoru Fujita

Trent Acid over Jay Briscoe

 

Round 4

W*inger over Trent Acid

 

Non-tournament

Ruckus & VD (Jon Dahmer & Eddie Valentine) over Jeff Rocker & The Rachies (Adam Flash & “Doomsday” Danny Rose)

 

War Games Rules

Justice Pain, Wifebeater, & Lobo over “Sick” Nick Mondo, “Hardcore” Nick Gage, & Nate Hatred

 

BOTB2 6/8/02

 

Round 1

Trent Acid & M-Dogg20 over Gabriel

B-Boy & Super Dragon over Nick Berk

Tony Mamaluke & Ruckus over Heavy Maxx Feury

Jody Fleisch & Jonny Storm over Johnny Kashmere

 

Round 2

Trent Acid over M-Dogg20

B-Boy over Super Dragon (EXCELLENT match)

Ruckus over Tony Mamaluke

Jody Fleisch over Jonny Storm (Considered to be CZW MOTY.)

 

Round 3

Trent Acid over B-Boy

Jody Fleisch over Ruckus

 

Round 4

Trent Acid over Jody Fleisch

 

Non-tournament

 

Battle Royale

Justice Pain wins, sets up Justice Pain vs. The Messiah vs. “Sick” Nick Mondo for both the CZW World Heavyweight Championship and the Iron Man Championship.

 

Barbed Wire Boards & Barbed Wire Lighttube Tables

Wifebeater & Lobo went to a No Contest

 

CZW World Heavyweight Championship & Iron Man Championship

Special Guest Referee: Adam Flash

Justice Pain over Messiah & “Sick” Nick Mondo to capture both belts.

 

 

 

Notes About Past BOTBs

 

Now, if you’re unfamiliar with BOTB, you may be wondering what’s going on with rounds 1 & 2. With the BOTB format, it starts with the twelve competitors being placed into four brackets, and starts with a three-way dance. The first person to be pinned or forced to submit is eliminated, and the surviving two move on to the second round, where it goes like a normal tournament.

 

BOTB often showcases the best wrestling in CZW for the entire year, with the past two CZW MOTY’s coming in the BOTB event. Jay Briscoe vs. Mark Briscoe was the CZW 2001 MOTY, even garnering ****1/4 from Scott Keith. Super Dragon vs. B-Boy and Jody Fleisch vs. Jonny Storm were both contenders for CZW MOTY, with CZW giving the official nod to Fleisch/Storm, while a poll at the czwfans.com board picked B-Boy/Dragon.

 

One big complaint about the BOTB tournament, aside from the tournament setup itself, is that it has been too predictable. W*inger and Trent Acid were considered the premier wrestlers in CZW at that time, so it was only obvious that they would be in the final. BOTB2 was even more predictable, with the tournament being Trent Acid’s to lose. This year, however, it’s a little more even. At least six wrestlers, half of the participants in the tournament, have a legitimate shot to win it all.

 

 

 

The lineup for BOTB3

 

BOTB Veterans: Trent Acid vs. Ric Blade vs. Tony Mamaluke

To End The Feud: Ruckus vs. Sonjay Dutt vs. Chri$ Ca$h

So-Cal Honor: B-Boy vs. Lil’ Cholo vs. Deranged

Wildside: A.J. Styles vs. Jason Cross vs. Jimmy Rave

 

 

Trent Acid http://www.whacks.bizland.com/DSC07618.JPG

BOTB Record: 7-1 (w. Ruckus d. Joel Maximo, d. Juventud Guerrera, d. Jay Briscoe, l. W*inger, w. M-Dogg20 d. Gabriel, d. M-Dogg20, d. B-Boy, d. Jody Fleisch)

 

Trent Acid is the one person in CZW that could easily jump to the WWE or NWA-TNA right now. A heel, Acid works in the crowd in such dickish fashion that even smartmarks are agitated by him. Acid works a striker style, using lots of kicks and forearm shots to set an opponent up for his finisher, the Yakuza Kick. He also hits his spots cleanly, though he tends to be a little reversal-happy at times, such as going through SIX Irish Whip reversals with “Sick” Nick Mondo in a recent match. Acid easily has the best record out of anyone to enter BOTB. The defending champ, Acid was the focus point of the CZW Jr. Heavyweight division for 2002, holding the Jr. Heavyweight belt for the entire year, before losing it to Ruckus at Live Again in January of 2003. Credibility wise, Acid could easily win it again. However, this isn’t Acid’s tournament to win. BOTB2 was Acid’s time to redeem himself for losing BOTB1; BOTB3 isn’t. Acid could win and not harm CZW, but putting him over again does nothing for BOTB and CZW itself.

Estimated chances of winning: 10-1

 

Ric Blade http://www.whacks.bizland.com/DSC06748.JPG

BOTB Record: 0-1 (l. W*inger & Red)

 

Ric “F’n” Blade returned to CZW after nearly an eighteen month absence. Blade broke his leg doing a massive swanton bomb off a 30-foot balcony, then left CZW after whining about company support. Blade became hated by CZW fans over the way he left, which was posting a message on a message board, talking down about CZW and putting over Jersey All-Pro Wrestling on the way out, with whom Blade also wrestled and CZW competed with. Blade returned to CZW, doing a run-in during the Beyond The Barrier event in October 2002, and making his official CZW in-ring return in a TLC match at Cage of Death 4 with “Sick” Nick Mondo against the Backseat Boys (Trent Acid & Johnny Kashmere). Blade is a spot artist, relying mostly on strikes (regarded as weak strikes, as well) and high-flying. Since his return to the company, Blade has mostly jobbed as well, losing to Johnny Kashmere and B-Boy, but defeated GQ at Live Again and Kashmere in a “Baseball Bats are Legal” match at Divide & Conquer in March 2003 to win a spot in BOTB3. Before, Blade was regarded as one of the premier athletes in CZW, if not the premier athlete. Now, Blade is just trying to earn a new reputation and win back the fans, and BOTB isn’t going to help him.

Estimated chances of winning: 25-1

 

Tony Mamaluke http://www.tony-mamaluke.net/Media/Photos/CZW/CZW1.jpg

BOTB Record: 1-1 (w. Ruckus d. Heavy Maxx Feury, l. Ruckus)

 

Since leaving ECW, Mamaluke has bounced around the indys, working for Ring of Honor and NWA-Wildside, as well as making an appearance in BOTB2. Once regarded as an insane spot-artist with a death wish (anyone else remember his infamous guardrail bump vs. Mikey Whipwreck in ECW?), Mamaluke has become more of a grounded, technical wrestler. Mamaluke was able to keep spot-artist Ruckus grounded enough to get a good match out of him at BOTB2, which is a credit to Mamaluke’s talent. Mamaluke defeated Nick Berk in a Submission match at Divide & Conquer to win a spot in BOTB3. Originally, it was believed that Mamaluke would be working for CZW full time, and I believed that CZW may have been looking to start a program between Mamaluke and Berk, but upon news that Mamaluke has signed a deal with New Japan Pro Wrestling and will be working extensively in the Los Angeles dojo, as well as quitting Wildside, it appears that BOTB3 will be the last east coast indy appearance for Mamaluke. Too bad Tony won’t be leaving as BOTB champion.

Estimated chances of winning: 25-1

 

Ruckus http://www.whacks.bizland.com/DSC06533.JPG

BOTB Record: 3-1 (w. Trent Acid d. Joel Maximo, w. Tony Mamaluke d. Heavy Maxx Feury, d. Tony Mamaluke, l. Jody Fleisch)

 

The current CZW Jr. Heavyweight champion, Ruckus is remarkable for his size and agility. At about 6’, 250 lbs, Ruckus does moves that people half his size wish they would be able to do. If you have never seen a 250lbs black man do a space flying tiger drop, prepare to be amazed. Ruckus is still a spot artist who needs to be carried, but has gotten better over the past few years. Also, Ruckus is solidly over as a face, mostly because it’s hard to boo someone who does what Ruckus does. On the negative side, Ruckus rarely jobs, and when he does it’s rarely clean. He is also incapable of playing anything but a face, since his style and character doesn’t allow him to gain heel heat. He hits his spots well, but needs to be carried by someone, which made his match with Tony Mamaluke at last year’s BOTB one of Ruckus’ better non-spotfest matches. Ruckus is already over and doesn’t need to win BOTB3. However, being the current champ, it’s going to be difficult to get Ruckus out of the tournament while keeping him credible. That means that Ruckus could win the whole thing; however, like Acid, it’s not necessary for Ruckus to do so.

Estimated chances of winning: 10-1

 

Sonjay Dutt http://www.whacks.bizland.com/DSC06417.JPG

First BOTB

 

Sonjay, who debuted in BOTB2’s battle royale, has recently exploded in popularity with his charisma, skills, and most importantly, his dancing. After debuting as a heel, Sonjay’s dancing allowed him to transition over to tweener, able to play face against an established heel (Acid, Cash), but heel against an established face (Ruckus). Sonjay has some excellent moves, including the Hindu Press (spaceman 360 plancha) and a massive air Phoenix Splash, which he still needs to polish a little, after nearly crushing Chri$ Ca$h’s legs at Live Again. Unlike other spot-artists in CZW, Sonjay is able to keep the match together enough to keep it from degenerating into a spotfest, though he is willing to bump like he has a death wish in such spotfests. Sonjay’s recent popularity explosion means that he has to be considered one of the front runners, and conventional wisdom has Sonjay being pegged to win. Still, Sonjay is new to CZW, and winning BOTB3 helps elevate Sonjay to superstardom, which is what such a tournament should hope to accomplish.

Estimated chances of winning: 3-1

 

Chri$ Ca$h http://www.whacks.bizland.com/DSC06793.JPG

First BOTB

 

Formerly a member of New School with GQ, Cash has recently gone into singles competition, feuding with Sonjay Dutt and Ruckus over the Jr. Heavyweight belt. Cash is a flat-out asshole heel, constantly mocking the crowd (or in the case of CZW superfan Chad Shaft, fighting with the crowd) and deriding his opponents. A graduate of the CZW wrestling school, Cash has been in the company for about a year and a half, making him the least experienced wrestler in the tournament. Cash has a solid style, but it is still very basis, and still needs work. He does have a willingness to die, as bumps at Sanction in Blood in October 2002 (knocked off the apron THROUGH a barbed wire ladder) and Beyond The Barrier (tossed off the top of a ladder on the inside of the ring through a table on the outside of the ring, about a legit 10 foot fall). Cash has received a massive push since going into singles, but it will be a surprise if Cash goes deep into the tournament. Cash still is developing as a wrestler, and such a victory will hinder his progress more then help.

Estimated chances of winning: 15-1

 

B-Boy http://www.whacks.bizland.com/DSC05983.JPG

BOTB Record: 2-1 (w. Super Dragon d. Nick Berk, d. Super Dragon, l. Trent Acid)

 

The New Age Punisher and the 2002 So-Cal Wrestler of the Year, B-Boy comes out of such feds as Revolution Pro and the former EPIC in Southern California. A striker with a kick-boxer gimmick, B-Boy relies on foot strikes to take out opponents, which are much stiffer and cleaner than Blade’s. A member of the HIV (Hi-Five) stable in CZW, along with Messiah, Acid, and Kashmere, B-Boy is looking to redeem himself after his semi-final loss to Trent Acid (a very entertaining striker’s match-more proof that this tournament showcases ALL styles of junior wrestling). Already known as one of the most-well-rounded wrestlers in CZW, B-Boy is also considered one of the favorites to win BOTB. A victory really gets B-Boy over and establishes him as a true upper card player in CZW. Originally, I had either him or Rave pegged to win BOTB3, before the news of Styles broke. Still, B-Boy is one of the favorites as well, and a win will be much deserved.

Estimated chances of winning: 3-1

 

Lil’ Cholo http://www.epicprowrestling.com/media/ftm/...01/DSC01664.jpg

First BOTB

 

A fellow So-Cal wrestler, Cholo follows B-Boy for what I believe is his first east coast wrestling appearance. Like Super Dragon the year before, B-Boy and Cholo have a history of matches against each other. While not as high profile the Dragon series, B-Boys matches with Cholo have been reportedly outstanding, including a Ladder match in June 2002 for Alternative Wrestling that was nominated for SoCal Match of the Year. Cholo appears to be a mix of a striker and a high flier, busting out a Yakuza Kick and Roaring Elbow to go along with aerial moves and a Vertebreaker finisher. I’m guessing a hybrid of B-Boy and Acid, based on the moves alone. Honestly, I know little else about Cholo, but I do know that a B-Boy/Cholo match in the second round is expected. However, after that, it’s the end of Cholo’s CZW debut.

Estimated chances of winning: 20-1

 

Deranged http://www.dirtyrottenscoundrelz.net/deran...ged/pics/d3.jpg

First BOTB

 

A veteran of JAPW and ROH, Deranged is a member of Special K, a raver group in ROH that grows every event, with what seems like half the roster as members. Again, I know little of Deranged, other then he appears to be a token ROH wrestler in the tournament, a result of ROH and CZW’s talent exchange agreement. He is said to be a good high flyer, though those are a dime a dozen. He also appears to be playing job-boy for B-Boy and Lil’ Cholo here. However, if Deranged impresses people, he might be invited back.

Estimated chances of winning: 30-1

 

Jason Cross http://nwa-worldwide.com/photo/categories/.../jasoncross.jpg

First BOTB

 

Last year, the NWA Wildside Jr. Heavyweight champion Cross was booked to face Acid and M-Dogg20 in the first round of BOTB2. However, Cross no-showed, no one knew where he was, and it was later revealed that Cross had decided to retire from pro wrestling under pressure from his girlfriend. A year (and I’m under the assumption a relationship) later, Cross is back in NWA Wildside and is again booked for BOTB. Cross has been described as “Red with size” and is known for the CrossFire, a.k.a. Shooting Star Legdrop. Cross is an excellent wrestler and was hyped for last year, but dealing with his past actions and his competition in the opening bracket, Cross appears to be heading out early this year.

Estimated chances of winning: 20-1

 

Jimmy Rave http://www.whacks.bizland.com/DSC07514.JPG

First BOTB

 

The winner of the Trifecta Elimination at Divide and Conquer, Jimmy Rave makes his third CZW appearance at BOTB3. Rave first came into CZW at Ultraviolent Freedom of Expression in September 2002 during the middle of a Wildside/CZW feud, and captured a victory over Ruckus. Rave is expected to become a regular competitor in CZW, and a BOTB champion to go along with the Trifecta championship would make Rave even more over then he already is. Rave is more of a technical wrestler then a high-flier, using armbars and other holds to wear down an opponent along with strikes, while finishing his opponents in the Trifecta Elimination with a tilt-a-whirl into a Crippler Crossface. Rave was one of the favorites as well, until the 12th man was announced. Still, Rave does have a good chance of winning, and would do no disrespect to BOTB by doing so. Don’t count Jimmy Rave out.

Estimated chances of winning: 5-1

 

A.J. Styles http://161.58.7.150/gallery/2003/01/29/55.jpg

First BOTB

 

Originally rumored to be Styles, then Jay Briscoe, Styles is officially the 12th entrant into BOTB3. The biggest name in this tournament, due to his exposure in NWA-TNA (2-time X Division Champion, and now a legitimate contender to Jeff Jarrett’s World title) and consistently spectacular performances in Ring of Honor and NWA Wildside. Styles brings in instant credibility, and his mere involvement helps get Best of the Best over as a legitimate tournament, and helps out CZW as well. One of the best wrestlers on the indy circuit today, Styles has to be considered a favorite, if not the favorite, for BOTB, even though it is his first CZW event.

Estimated chances of winning: 3-1

 

This means that we have three wrestlers who can be considered favorites:

Sonjay Dutt

B-Boy

A.J. Styles

 

Three wrestlers who can be considered contenders to the BOTB title, but longshots:

Trent Acid

Ruckus

Jimmy Rave

 

And six wrestlers who have no chance of winning:

Ric Blade

Tony Mamaluke

Chri$ Ca$h

Lil’ Cholo

Deranged

Jason Cross

 

That half of the tournament has a legitimate chance of winning is an excellent job by CZW in booking up to and promoting the tournament. However, there can only be one winner, and this is how I think CZW will ultimately crown SONJAY DUTT as BOTB3 champion.

 

Round 1

 

Trent Acid vs. Ric Blade vs. Tony Mamaluke

Now, Mamaluke vs. Acid is easily the superior match. However, with Mamaluke not returning to the company, that makes him the candidate to job in the opener. Also, an Acid vs. Blade second round match furthers the HIV vs. Blade, Mondo, Nick Gage, and Nate Hatred angle as well. Blade pins Mamaluke with some flying move.

Trent Acid & Ric Blade over Tony Mamaluke

 

Ruckus vs. Sonjay Dutt vs. Chri$ Ca$h

The most difficult bracket to call. CZW has to find a way to get Ruckus out of the tournament, while keeping him credible to boot. These three have feuded for the last three months, since Ruckus won the Jr. Heavyweight belt. However, they had been feuding for the months before that as well, which appeared to climax in an insane ladder match at Night of Infamy in November 2002. The three men have had singles matches versus against each other for the past three months, with only Sonjay going over Cash at Live Again. The rest of the matches have ended in No Contests, although the third man in this feud was usually the ref. Normally, I say job Ruckus in the opener, just so you can have both Sonjay and Cash double pin him and have the old “two men to beat one” angle to keep Ruckus strong. However, Ruckus vs. Sonjay is the superior match out of the three possibilities, and by that virtue, I think that is route CZW will go. Ruckus pins Cash after, oh what the hell, split-legged corkscrew moonsault, or some other weirded-out flying move.

Ruckus & Sonjay Dutt over Chri$ Ca$h

 

B-Boy vs. Lil’ Cholo vs. Deranged

Much easier to call, ever since Cholo was announced for BOTB3, it was assumed that he would be facing B-Boy in the second round, just based on their history. They just needed a job boy for the first round, and Deranged draws that role. Hopefully, B-Boy and Cholo can establish some psychology for their second round match in this one. Cholo pins Deranged with the Vertebreaker, as Cholo uses it for his finisher, though he might call it something else.

B-Boy & Lil’ Cholo over Deranged

 

Jason Cross vs. Jimmy Rave vs. A.J. Styles

What should be the best first round match, all three men have history with each other back in Wildside. While it would normally be difficult to pick a loser out of these three, that Rave won the Trifecta eliminates him from going out early, and that fact that A.J. Styles is A.J. Styles means he won’t be going out early. That leaves Cross, and despite all of his talent, he’s the odd man out. Also, consider this punishment for Cross’ no show last year.

Jimmy Rave & A.J. Styles over Jason Cross

 

Round 2

 

Trent Acid vs. Ric Blade

How times have changed. These two men used to be the highlight of CZW’s Jr. Heavyweight division in 2001, and since then have traveled much different paths. Acid has evolved more into a well-rounded worker and a certified main eventer in CZW, arguably the biggest star in the company. Whereas Blade has been injured and although his strikes have improved, he still is an iffy worker with a tendency to blow spots. Look for this one to have interference by Acid’s fellow HIV members, though it wouldn’t surprise me if Blade did advance to the semis. However, to counter that, Acid going over here would allow Sonjay to work face vs. Acid in the semis. Plus, Acid vs. Sonjay is eons better then what Blade vs. Sonjay would be. Acid over Blade with a Yakuza Kick after HIV intereference.

Trent Acid over Ric Blade

 

Ruckus vs. Sonjay Dutt

These two have faced off multiple times in 2002-2003, with Ruckus usually going over every time. Ruckus is the champ, but Sonjay is one of the favorites to win the tournament. This leads to the problem of Sonjay going over, while keeping Ruckus strong. As much as I would like to see Sonjay win via a rollup or something, I’ve got a bad feeling that Cash will interfere here and do something that takes out Ruckus, meaning that the feud that will never end, will not end here. Sonjay hits the Phoenix Splash after Cash hits Ruckus with a ladder or something.

Sonjay Dutt over Ruckus

 

B-Boy vs. Lil’ Cholo

Like B-Boy/Dragon last year, look for these two to use psychology from their So-Cal matches, as well as whatever they establish in the opening round. Unlike B-Boy/Dragon, there really is no wondering who is going over here. The back story is also different compared to Dragon/B-Boy. Dragon/B-Boy were foes, whereas B-Boy & Cholo are former foes turned tag partners. But, like last year, B-Boy and Cholo should build this match off past history. B-Boy going over Dragon was a surprise last year, given Dragon’s fan support going into BOTB2. This year, B-Boy is more established in CZW, and that is what gives him the nod over Cholo. B-Boy will hit his Shining Wizard and Cholo will hit his Yakuza Kick, but both will kick out, though B-Boy will get the win with a second Shining Wizard, or might bust out the Cross-Special Brainbuster, though I’d lean more towards the Shining Wizard. This may also be a contender for CZW MOTY.

B-Boy over Lil’ Cholo

 

Jimmy Rave vs. A.J. Styles

In what may be CZW’s MOTY, Rave and Styles should have an excellent match. They haven’t feuded one-on-one, but have been involved in a four-way feud involving Jason & JC Dazz back in Wildside in 2000, which ended with a four-way ladder match. Also knowing that both men are excellent wrestlers gives me great hope for this match. Give these two twenty minutes and they will get a two minute standing ovation after the match. For the match, however, I’m looking at Styles to go over here with a top-rope Styles Clash. I had Rave going to the finals before Styles was announced. Looks like Rave will have to remain massively over in CZW without winning BOTB3. I’m also thinking this could blow Briscoe/Briscoe, Dragon/B-Boy, and Fleisch/Storm out of the water quality-wise.

A.J. Styles over Jimmy Rave

 

Round 3

 

Trent Acid vs. Sonjay Dutt

 

These two have faced off before at One More Time in December 2002, with Acid going over to retain his Jr. Heavyweight championship. It was a good match, though I feel that these two can do better. However, after two matches, it won’t be at BOTB3. I’m looking for more HIV interference, but for it to backfire this time, and Sonjay to give Acid his earliest BOTB exit. Sonjay over Acid with a rollup.

Sonjay Dutt over Trent Acid

 

B-Boy vs. A.J. Styles

Here we go! Two of the favorites square off in the semi-finals. I know B-Boy and Styles have never faced off against each other, but I have the utmost faith that these two will put on a great match, though not as good as their semi-final matches. Styles pins B-Boy after a Spiral Tap.

A.J. Styles over B-Boy

 

Round 4

 

Sonjay Dutt vs. A.J. Styles

The first BOTB finals without Trent Acid, and most likely the biggest match of Sonjay Dutt’s career. I’m hoping that this match doesn’t degenerate into a brawl, like Acid vs. W*inger and Acid vs. Fleisch did, and rely on weapon shots to carry them through. However, I doubt that Styles will let that happen, since he’s known as an ironman in the ring. Now, Styles is the bigger name, but he suffers from W*inger syndrome, in that Styles most likely won’t be back to CZW anytime soon, and that putting him over does nothing for CZW. So, Sonjay Dutt goes over the current CZW Jr. Heavyweight champion, last years BOTB winner, and A.J. Styles in winning BOTB3 with a Phoenix Splash.

Sonjay Dutt over A.J. Styles

 

Non-Tournament

 

Battle Royale

Like last year, a Royal-Rumble styles battle royale, which basically gets everyone on the roster involved in the card. I think that some other ROH workers, namely Dunn and Marcos, who worked the Trifecta, and some other Special K members might show up. Maybe some other Wildside guys. However, with the winner receiving a shot at the title of their choice, a CZW guy obviously goes over. Nate Hatred has been rumored to win, so why not predict him. Elaboration on that later.

Nate Hatred wins Battle Royale

 

Thumbtack Strap Match

Zandig vs. Rockin’ Rebel

Rockin Racist, er, Rebel, is not known as being a deathmatch worker. Therefore, the booking of this is very confusing, if not downright strange. Last year’s planned deathmatch of Wifebeater vs. Lobo had Lobo, at the time the boss of CZW, claiming a leg injury (which was legit in real life, but was used for storyline purposes here) and sending in New School, whom ‘Beater put through barbed wire boards in short order. Zandig, the former storyline owner, then broke two lightbulbs over Lobo’s head, allowing ‘Beater to suplex Lobo off the stage through two barbed wire and lighttube tables in a nasty bump. It was short and brutal, which pleased the blood marks. On that note, I don’t think this will even be a match. I’m thinking Iceberg, the No Pain Train from Wildside, will do a run-in and destroy Zandig with the thumbtacks and the strap, which hopefully will keep Iceberg in CZW full time. CZW needs another deathmatch worker, with Lobo, Wifebeater, and Zandig either retired or with the needle on E. Either way, this won’t be a match.

Zandig & Rockin’ Rebel go to a No Contest

 

CZW World Heavyweight Championship

Messiah © vs. “Hardcore” Nick Gage

Nick Gage was one of the first graduates of the CZW wrestling school, along with Lobo, Ric Blade, and Justice Pain. Gage was also the first CZW World Heavyweight Champion, a title he has been chasing ever since. Messiah won the belt from Justice Pain at Cage of Death 4, but turned heel soon after, claiming he had no support from the fans, and formed HIV (HI-Five) with the Backseat Boys and the H8 Club’s former manager Dewey Donovan at Live Again. At that event, Messiah defeated Gage to keep the belt. Three months later, B-Boy has joined HIV while Gage is aligned with tag team partner Nate Hatred, Ric Blade, and Nick Mondo in combating HIV. This is where I’m going to go out onto a limb here. I’m going to predict that this match is the actual main event, not the BOTB3 final, and that Gage defeats Messiah for the belt. With Hatred winning the battle royale, Hatred challenges Gage for the belt. Reason being is that CZW has been teasing a breakup of the H8 Club since One More Time, where Hatred accidentally clotheslined Gage and cost him a match vs. Pain and Messiah. Gage winning the belt, while it cuts Messiah’s second title reign off at the knees, furthers that breakup angle. Either that or a No Contest that leads to a gimmick match later, but I’m going out on a limb here.

Nick Gage over Messiah to win the CZW World Heavyweight Championship.

 

Also, “Sick” Nick Mondo was booked to defend the CZW Iron Man Championship vs. Johnny Kashmere, however Mondo is going to be at a training seminar over in Italy for Nu-Wrestling, so he won’t be at BOTB3. I’m guessing Kashmere will be in the battle royale instead. “Spyder” Nate Webb of IWA-MS (IWA-Mid South, a garbage fed out in Indiana run by Ian Rotten) fame was rumored to be involved in that match somehow, but now I doubt he’ll be at the show.

 

 

 

Notes About This Year’s BOTB

 

FAMILIARTY BREEDS BETTER MATCHES

 

Earlier, I posted that the CZW MOTY’s came from BOTB. Most specifically, they came from the quarter-finals. Why? Because in the quarter-finals, people who were familiar with each other faced off. Jay/Mark, B-Boy/Dragon, Fleisch/Storm. All familiar with each other, all produced great matches. That all six are good-to-excellent wrestlers doesn’t hurt either.

This year? If the tourney goes the way I think it will, all four matches in the second round will have history. However, B-Boy/Chulo and Rave/Styles will easily be greater then Acid/Blade and Ruckus/Sonjay, due to the talent level of those involved, no disrespect to the latter four.

 

CARD IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

 

No-shows have hurt BOTB in the past. Juvy missing the first round of BOTB, as well as Jason Cross and Elix Skipper no-showing BOTB2 last year. (They were replaced by Gabriel from Wildside and Heavy Maxx Feury of IWS in Canada.) Just because everything looks great on paper doesn’t mean that it might actually happen.

This year? Mamaluke is iffy, due to his New Japan deal. He no-showed a Wildside event in which he was supposed to win with TV title, and all other bookings have been cancelled, save BOTB3. Mamaluke being on the west coast shouldn’t hurt too much, since he could just fly over with B-Boy and Cholo. I’ve also heard that he’s going to be in New York before the event anyway, meaning he can just drive on down. However, the nature of the New Japan deal and everything else surrounding Mamaluke makes him iffy, and something to keep an eye on.

Cross is also a possibility, based on his past history. However, if Cross no-shows this, he’s going to be blackballed from everywhere with the possible exception of Wildside. This is Cross’ chance for make up for last year anyway, and he’d be a fool to blow it.

Of course, an absence just means that Jay Briscoe might come back after all. Or at least we can dream about that.

 

THE CZW/ROH DOUBLEHEADER

 

It doesn’t just make April 12th a long day for wrestling fans, it makes it long for those who are working both shows. Deranged, Styles, and the Backseats are booked for both shows. In the case of Deranged, he’s going out early against B-Boy and Cholo, so it shouldn’t matter much. However, Styles and Acid are going to be working LOTS of matches, five in the case of Styles and four for Acid. It’s a lot to ask to go for four or five matches in one night, and might possibly mean that guys like Rave, B-Boy, Mamaluke, and Blade might go over instead, though I doubt it. What is really worth noting is that the Backseats are going up against Da Hit Squad, two big stiff-working guys that the Backseats will have to bump like crazy for. A conspiracy theorist might think that Rob Feinstein (ROH owner) might be looking to sabotage CZW by wearing out Acid and Styles as much as possible. I doubt it however, but there is no doubt that the amount of work these men will be doing will affect their work. Also, if someone gets injured during the ROH shows, it royally screws up CZW, and not just for BOTB3.

 

 

 

That’s the preview for Best of the Best 3. If there is any way that you can get to the Philly area for April 12th, by all means I recommend going to Viking Hall and checking the show out. FOURTEEN (!) matches means that this show is going to take a LONG time, however, so be warned, especially those of you doing the ROH/CZW doubleheader.

 

Be sure to check out www.czwwrestling.com for further news, and go to www.smartmarkvideo.com for all of your CZW video needs. Also, in the event that further news breaks out concerning BOTB3, I will update this as necessary.

 

Muchos gracios to Styles_Clash and Shooter Jay here on the TSM boards for helping me with research for this project. Without them, this would be a load of uneducated crap, vs. a load of educated crap.

 

I can be contacted at [email protected].

 

Peace

[Guest Nevermortal]

Great preview, dude.

[Guest ChaosTheory]

Great preview! I have never seen a full CZW card but this might be the one to check out with all of the great performers in the tourney!

[PsychoDriver 0]

Great Preview, BOTB looks amazing.

 

 

But I can't help thinking someone from XPW will debut, more so after I read this posted by Gabe of ROH:

"I get calls all the time from disgruntled XPW workers who want to cut shoot promos on XPW on a ROH show. It's not going to happen as I don't even want the XPW name acknowledged on a ROH event even in a negative light."

 

if ROH doesn't want to, I'm sure CZW would jump at the chance to get one over on XPW.

[Guest Phoenix Fury Legdrop]

Damn good job. My only problem with it was the claim that IWA-MS is a garbage fed. They do garbage brawls, but any promotion who puts on something like Hero/Punk: The Classic isn't a garbage fed.

[Guest Youth N Asia]

(anyone else remember his infamous guardrail bump vs. Mikey Whipwreck in ECW?),

Yes I do...I was 2nd row for that show.

 

I still don't like the 3 way match with one elimination. By the time the 2nd round comes along I'm not very interested in seeing the same match, especially since you can usually guess who's going to win.

[Guest j.o.b. squad]

good preview. But i disagree with some of your predictions i woude of gone with acid mamaluke over blade in the first round with rave over ruckus in the final.

[Guest Sandman9000]

If I was booking it, it would be an Acid/Mamaluke quarter. However, Mamaluke is the odd man out there, and Blade/Acid helps further a feud, so Tony gets the shaft.

 

Yes, IWA-MS does put on classics like Hero/Punk 2/3 Falls 90 minutes. However, it is the same company that runs Circus Deathmatches and a KODM tourny. That makes it a garbage fed in my eyes. Not that there is anything wrong with that; I love IWA-MS even more because of it.

 

If it does become true that Ruckus is defending the belt in every match, then I'm thinking either a Ruckus/B-Boy or Ruckus/Rave final.

[Guest EMAXSAUN]

Awesome Preview, the show is gonna be great this year!

[Guest bps "The Truth" 21]

Wow. Great preview. Now I feel lazy when I write my TNA previews.

 

They should definitely use Styles to put someone over in the finals since he's one of the biggest names on the indy circuit and his TNA success can be used to give a rub to someone.

[Guest Zack Malibu]

Great article Sandie, I was really impressed. I love the in depth background of the guys, right down to picture links. You know that I have access to a lot of CZW (sadly, only event up until Jan. 2002 right now) and I'm just starting to get into it. I credit with you and ShooterJay helping me learn more about the product. This article did just that.

[Guest Miss Indy Queen]

This is a really good article. I'm going to best of the best 3 on saturday as this is my first time going to a best of the best. I've only gone to COD 3 & 4, and Night of Infamy back in November. I'm looking forward to this show since it sounds like a kick ass show.

[Guest ShooterJay]

Bumped because Best of the Best 3 is TODAY MOTHERFUCKERS~!