The Aldis Crusade Rolls Over Dreamer
The NWA World Heavyweight Title was successfully defended at House of Hardcore 39.
Nearly a quarter century ago, Shane Douglas threw down the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, spitting on the legacy of the oldest governing body in pro wrestling and all the legends who built that legacy with their blood, sweat and tears.
Last Saturday, Tommy Dreamer paid for Douglas’ sin, as the NWA Title was defended in the ECW Arena. Despite a nagging back injury, Dreamer fought valiantly against the two-on-one onslaught of champion Nick Aldis and manager Austin Idol. After sucker punches, whippings and the King’s Lynn Cloverleaf, Dreamer refused to stay down, desperately grasping at his childhood dream. After Aldis crashed and burned through a table, it was now or never for the House of Hardcore owner, who spiked the champion’s head into the mat with a trademark DDT.
Aldis kicked out, leaving the Philly fans breathless. The Englishman rallied back to his feet, sending Dreamer head first into a steel chair, followed by a piledriver and a flying elbow off the top rope to retain the title.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=Zb7rO-bAxAI
Despite losing out on the only championship he has ever longed for, Dreamer stuck out his hand in a show of respect to the better man. Unfortunately, Aldis didn’t deem the veteran worthy enough, turning his back and exiting the arena to a chorus of jeers.
However, championship dreams remained intact for five members of the HOH roster: Willie Mack, Killer Kross, Alex Reynolds, Swoggle and Sami Callihan, who won a “second chance” three-way dance to go straight to the Twitch TV Title tournament finals in New Orleans.
Earlier in the night, Bully Ray unveiled the Twitch TV Title belt in the middle of the ring, surrounded by all participants in the tourney. Callihan took the opportunity to thank Bully and Busted Open Radio for letting him say his piece regarding the Eddie Edwards incident. Then Callihan warned Bully to mind his business next time, which Bully replied by asking what would happen if he didn’t.
“Maybe it wasn’t a fucking accident and maybe if you don’t mind your Ps and Qs, you’ll be next,” Callihan growled.
The upset of the night goes to Swoggle, who defied logic by overcoming all three members of The Squad and punching his ticket to WrestleMania weekend. Not only did the former leprechaun win, he downright dominated Kenny, taking him to Swogplex City and unloading a number of knife edge chops. Once the bell rang, Swoggle celebrated with the crowd, drinking a fan’s beer and shouting “I fucking did it!”
After the championship semi-finals and finals take place at WrestleCon (available on Twitch), the first Twitch TV title defense will take place in Philly on May 19.
Other results:
Willie Mack def. Brian Cage
Callihan def. Ace Romero & MJF
Flip Gordon def. Matt Cross
Killer Kross def. Bull James
Alex Reynolds def. Crazzy Steve
Sam Adonis def. “Titan” Dennis Jackson
Trey Miguel def. Clayton Gainz
Joey Mercury attacked Miguel after the match, vowing to win the Twitch TV Championship despite not being in the tourney.
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