Live from the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA
Saturday, 12/03/2002
“Hello everyone and welcome to Olympia It was in this building that I won gold in the 1996 Olympics. And it was that win that led to my career in professional wrestling. It’s that win that led to the name of this show. That’s why I couldn’t think of a better place to have our first show than right here in Atlanta. Thank you everyone for being here and for watching at home, enjoy the show!”
Kurt Angle leaves the ring as the crowd cheers, and the cameras switch to the commentary desk.
Ian: “Welcome everyone once again to the debut show of Olympia Pro Wrestling! Welcome to Genesis! I’m Ian Riccaboni and alongside me here tonight on color commentary is the “Human Suplex Machine” himself, Taz. It’s a pleasure to be able to call this with you.”
Taz: “Well Ian, when a man like Kurt Angle invites you, you always appreciate it! But unfortunately, you’re also here.”
Ian: “Wait, I got signed before you did. Didn’t Kurt tell you I was on the booth?”
Taz: “Yeah he did, and that’s why I was gonna say no. But then he said I owed him one from that time I broke his streak so I got stuck”
Ian: “You know, it’s not nice for you to start burying me so early on.”
Taz: “It’s not nice to hear you yapping either.”
Ian: “Ok ok. Let’s just get on with it. Why don’t you tell the folks at home about our main event?”
Taz: “It’s a 30-Man Gauntlet for the inaugural Olympia World Championship! And guess what? We have no clue who’s in it!”
Ian: “It’s an exciting main event. What a way to start a new promotion, right?”
Taz: “You got that right Ian. This is gonna be awesome!”
Ian: “We’re in for a great night of wrestling tonight, starting with our opening contest between two young, promising stars as AEW’s “Red Death” Daniel Garcia takes on NJPW’s young lion Ren Narita. And that match starts now!”
Daniel Garcia vs Ren Narita
The bell rings and here we go! Garcia and Narita immediately lock up tight, with intensity. Both of these young men have a big chip on their shoulder, as both have been touted as potential megastars. It’s a slow build, as both guys look to ease the crowd and give the show a nice start. Garcia is the better technical wrestler, but Narita is looking like the better striker. But the difference isn’t much, and this match can really go either way.
What was unique about this match was how the two rookies kept it all in the ring, all grapples and strikes. Not going to the outside, no dives, no top rope moves. And since both guys are so similar, it was a very even match, which was apparent by the amount of counter wrestling on display. As the match went on, they did start to pick up the pace and got into third gear and started getting bolder with their moves. Narita with the Sleeper… he sits down Garcia and goes for the Shibata PK… but Garcia catches it! And turns it into a Sharpshooter! But Ren Narita gets to the ropes! Garcia doesn’t let up and goes for a Piledriver… countered into a Jacknife pin! 1…2… Garcia with the bridge to kick out… and rotates Narita while he gets on his feet… in position for the Piledriver again… Narita counters it again with a Backbody Drop… but Garcia lands on his feet! Daniel Garcia runs the ropes… Lariat! 1…2… Narita kicks out… and Garcia transitions right into a Crossface Chickenwing! But he can’t get the body scissors and Narita wrestles out of it… Backslide from Narita! 1… 2… Garcia rolls through it! La Magistral! 1..2… Narita kicks out! Uppercut from Garcia! Forearm from Narita! And now they’re beating the hell out of each other! It’s a hockey fight in Atlanta! Garcia gets the better of it this time, he runs at Narita for a Lariat… but he misses! And Narita locks in the Sleeper once again… but Garcia gets out of it with a Snapmare… and he traps the legs for the European Clutch! 1… 2… 3! He got him!
Winner: Daniel Garcia (14:11)
Taz: “What a match, dude! I’m almost out of breath after that finish!”
Ian: “These two young guys laying it all out in that ring tonight! What a way to kick off the action here at Olympia Pro Wrestling!”
Taz: “Garcia and Narita are two kids with similar styles, very technical but they also got that killer instinct. There’s a vey bright future ahead for both”
Ian: “There certainly is, but they’re not the only promising young wrestlers on tonight’s card. Indy wrestling sensation “Taigastyle” Lee Moriarty faces the ROH Pure Champion Josh Woods in non-title action, next!”
Lee Moriarty vs Josh Woods
Unlike the last match, the two wrestlers involved here are very different. Woods is known as the “Technical Beast” and that sums up his style. He’s a vicious mat wrestler, with a ton of power. Meanwhile “Taigastyle” looks to use his speed and swift strikes. It’s a clash of styles that you see very often, but there’s an added gravitas to this match. Josh Woods is the reigning ROH Pure Champion, and even without the title being on the line he has the added pressure of not devaluing it with a loss. Meanwhile, Lee Moriarty is in an important phase in his career. He’s getting noticed and he’s been working with some of the biggest names in the industry, and needs the win to continue in that upwards trajectory. So, both guys were particularly assertive about winning this, and the pacing was pretty quick from the start which contributed for the shorter length.
Woods started targeting the leg, in order to deal with Moriarty’s speed advantage and keep him close. But every time Moriarty was able to create separation, he was dangerous. Woods was focused though, and with time he started reversing more of Taigastyle’s aerial offence, though the same can be said for Moriarty. Woods goes for a German Suplex, Moriarty rolls through, ducks a Lariat attempt and it’s a Springboard… Enzuigiri! Right on target! Lee Moriarty going for the Taigadriver ’18. But Josh Woods blocks and hits a big Exploder Suplex! Taigastyle staggers to the corner… and Josh Woods runs right at him going for that vicious corner forearm smash… but eats a kick from Moriarty that stuns him! Moriarty does to the second rope and jumps on to Woods’ back, he might be looking for a Victory Roll… but Woods reverses it into the Knee Bar… and Moriarty taps out!
Winner: Josh Woods (8:29)
Ian: It’s a win for Josh Woods but he just barely edged that one out
Taz: “This Woods guy was really focused tonight, it’s not a surprise that he’s a champion.”
Ian: “He’s a high-level athlete, a 4-time All American. But Moriarty stepped up tonight too.”
Taz: “Yeah, I think Lee Moriarty is a kid with a lot of ability, I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing this one again”
Ian: “It wasn’t to be tonight, but if Moriarty can put on this kind of performance often, he’s sure to have a bright future, in Olympia and everywhere else he goes.”
Taz: “He sure will. But what’s up next Ian? Is it time for the title match yet?”
Ian: “Didn’t you look at the match card? We got women’s wrestling next, it’s a 4-way match!”
Taz: “I did, dumbass. I do my job properly; this is me giving you the cue.”
Ian: “Sure you were. Anyways, this next one is sure to be chaotic. Rok-C, Nixon Newell, Kiera Hogan and Killer Kelly. 4 women, 1 fall, and it’s next!
Rok-C vs Nixon Newell vs Kiera Hogan vs Killer Kelly
Four women with a lot to prove faced off here tonight, with the winner earning the important accolade of “first woman to win a match in Olympia”. All four of them are very different too, and that was made evident throughout the match. The 20-year old Rok-C had a big experience gap towards the other 3 competitors which made her the clear underdog. Nixon Newell is the quickest, and probably the most skilled wrestler in the match. Kiera Hogan is smart and knows how to use the chaotic nature of these multi-person matches to her advantage. And Killer Kelly is the most aggressive and physically dominant competitor in the match, with an intimidating aura to boot.
Unlike the previous matches where the action was mostly kept in the ring, this one spilled all over ringside too. And it was on the arena floor that Killer Kelly was looking to hit a Fisherman Suplex on Kiera Hogan… but she counters it with a brutal Neckbreaker! But the “Girl on Fire” doesn’t see Nixon Newell on the top turnbuckle… it’s a Crossbody to the outside onto Kiera! Rok-C gets in the ring and she’s going for a suicide dive, onto both Kiera and Nixon… but a greatly-timed Drive-By Dropkick from Killer Kelly puts the breaks on it! And then she Moonsaults onto Hogan and Newell! Rok-C is alone in the ring but she’s dazed, scrambles towards the corner to help herself up… but Kelly sees it and hits a Hesitation Dropkick! She really is a killer! Kelly is dominating the field right now, and she’s feeling the win coming close! She’s loading up for the Superkick… but Rok-C ducks it… and hits the Falcon Arrow! She calls it The Prodigy! 1…2… Shiniest Wizard! Nixon Newell comes from out of nowhere to blast Rok-C right in the face! But wait… Kiera Hogan from behind throws Newell out of the ring! She pins Rok-C… 1…2…3! Kiera steals it!
Winner: Kiera Hogan (17:45)
Taz: “Man, that match was crazy! Action all over the place”
Ian: “The typical chaos of a 4-way, and all 4 ladies had their working boots on”
Taz: “Rok-C might’ve taken the pin but she’s got nothing to be ashamed for there!”
Ian: “She stepped up against 3 more established competitors, that’s for sure.”
Taz: “Killer Kelly was awesome too, so dominant at times! She’s my kind of wrestler. And Nixon Newell is amazing, is there anything she can’t do?”
Ian: “But it was hometown girl Kiera Hogan that came out on top, a big win for the First Lady of Atlanta. And now we shift our focus to the main event here tonight at Genesis, to crown the first World Champion”
Taz: “You know Ian, I almost won the 1992 Royal Rumble to become World Champion too! I know what these guys must be feeling”
Ian: “What are you talking about Taz? You weren’t even in that match! Hell, you weren’t even in the WWF! Ric Flair won that match!”
Taz: “Well yeah, but I did the “woo” thing with him once and I almost did it better. That kinda counts, right?”
Ian: “Sigh… I’ll tell you one thing. A “woo” isn’t gonna get anyone this title tonight. You have to best out of 30 competitors to walk out of Atlanta with the Olympia World Championship! And here for the title reveal, ladies and gentlemen, I introduce once again, the owner of Olympia Pro Wrestling… KURT ANGLE!”
30-Man Gauntlet for the Olympia World Championship
“Every wrestling company needs a champion, and that’s who we’re going to crown next in our main event. This will be a 30 Man Gauntlet, where two wrestlers will start the match and as time passes other wrestlers will join the match, one by one until all 30 have entered. We’re gonna follow normal battle royal rules, with over the top rope eliminations until only 2 competitors remain. The final elimination will happen via pinfall or submission. The winner will become the first ever Olympia World Champion and walk home with this title!”
“I’d like to wish all 30 participants good luck, and may the best man win. This is more than enough talking though, let’s get to wrestling! Our first entrant is one of the best submission wrestlers in the world today. He comes here as a courtesy from AEW’s Tony Khan. He’s one half of reDragon, KYLE O’REILLY!”
#1 Kyle O’Reilly
“Now Kyle, don’t you start getting too confident just yet. I did just say you’re one of the best submission wrestlers in the world, but so is the man you’re starting this match with. Ladies and gentlemen, straight from NJPW, it’s ZACK SABRE JR!”
#2 Zack Sabre Jr.
The bell rings and the two wrestlers immediately start circling each other as the crowd roars. It’s a great display of catch wrestling to start this match, both men trading painful looking holds. They wrestle near the ropes a lot, but neither guy is able to throw the other over before the next entrant comes in.
#3 Colin Delaney
It’s a big surprise as famous enhancement talent Colin Delaney comes out! And he comes in hot, going after both men as he hits Lung Blowers on both! He tries to throw Kyle out and then does the same to Zack… but he failed to notice that both of them held on. O’Reilly and Sabre get back into the ring and strike down Delaney with kicks and uppercuts. O’Reilly hits his trademark combo on Delaney and Zack with a PK! Colin Delaney isn’t getting back up from that. Zack picks him up… and throws him out!
Colin Delaney is eliminated
Kyle and Zack nod at each other as they look at the clock counting down for the 4th entrant.
It’s Blue Justice himself! The puroresu legend has actually faced Kurt Angle before, and he comes to the ring with a determined look on his face as he starts trading strikes and throws with O’Reilly and Sabre. This time it’s a proper 3-way, with all men going after each other until entrant number 5 appears.
#5 Jun Akyiama
What?! It’s “Sterness” Jun Akyiama, another Japanese wrestling legend! And he’s walking to the ring while staring a hole through Nagata! The crowd hypes up as the two have a tense staredown… but they’re cut off by Sabre and O’Reilly. The younger grapplers have struck down the veterans. They both go for kicks… but they get caught! Synchronized Exploder Suplexes to Kyle and Zack! And now Nagata and Akyiama stare each other down again! And this time they go at it with stiff elbow strikes to the face! They’re beating the hell out of each other! But they might’ve gotten too caught up in it, as they don’t see Kyle and Zack get back on their feet, and each of them clotheslines one of the Japanese legends over the top.
Yuji Nagata is eliminated
Jun Akyiama is eliminated
The legends are stunned for a moment… but they don’t seem to care too much as they start fighting again, going all the way up the ramp as people show up to try to separate them! O’Reilly and Sabre go back to wrestling each other as it’s time for number 6.
#6 The Breeze
It’s Prince Pretty! He’s here in Olympia! Breeze comes in and gets into it with O’Reilly and Sabre, making use of his agility. It’s an even matchup between the three as no one is able to score an elimination that easily.
#7 2 Cold Scorpio
Well, did someone mention agility? High flying pioneer Scorpio is here, and it’s a huge surprise! An excited Taz hypes up even more as the veteran immediately climbs to the top corner, and hits a crossbody on Breeze… and then takes out both Kyle and Zack with a springboard back elbow. He might be a little older, but the man can still fly! Scorpio hangs in there well with the youngsters.
#8 Jonathan Gresham
Well… earlier tonight we saw the ROH Pure Champion… and now we see the ROH World Champion make an appearance on the show. Atlanta’s own Jonathan Gresham gets in the ring to a huge pop and immediately tussles with historic rival Zack Sabre Jr. in a display of technical brilliance, before also trading holds with O’Reilly and getting into it with the other participants as well.
#9 Little Guido
It’s another ECW alumni as the beloved FBI member Guido makes his way to the ring. He immediately locks eyes with Gresham… and laughs at him? Little Guido is laughing because he’s taller than Gresham! But the ROH World Champion isn’t amused, and he immediately takes down Guido. A Bayonette elbow to the back of the head later, and Gresham is throwing the former Nunzio out of the ring.
Little Guido is eliminated
#10 Shane Strickland
Atlanta is now Swerve City! Strickland comes in quickly, taking out most of the field with strikes. Strickland and Scorpio then stare down… and Strickland offers a handshake to the legend. They shake hands… and then Scorpio tries to eliminate Strickland! But Swerve holds on and gets back in the ring.
#11 Juice Robinson
As if this match wasn’t already flamboyant enough, the Juice is loose at Genesis! The crowd pops for the decorated former NJPW star, and Juice goes right after Sabre and then Gresham, his rivals in Japan and ROH. And he hits Pulp Friction on both! Juice is on fire! He then has a staredown with Breeze, old acquaintances from the early black and gold NXT days, and they circle each other for a moment before Juice throws the Left Hand of God… Breeze ducks and hits a Superkick! Juice ducks and they stare down again… but this time it’s stopped by the other wrestlers.
#12 Rikishi
It’s Big Kish! Who the hell is gonna throw this over 400-pound behemoth over the top? Everyone is in shock as they start taking turns, running at him to try and take him out. Gresham goes at him… and goes down! Swerve comes running… and goes down! O’Reilly… eats a Superkick! Zack… eats a Headbutt! Scorpio climbs to the top and goes for a crossbosy… Kish catches him and hits a Samoan Drop! Juice lands a couple punches… Left Hand of God… Rikishi ducks and Juice eats a Superkick! There’s only Breeze left standing, and he stares Rikiski down as the buzzer hits!
#13 The Dango
Well, it looks like Breeze has backup! It’s his tag team partner! This might spell trouble for Rikishi as Dango gets on the apron. Rikishi stares at Breeze, then at Dango… he’s ready to charge at him but Dango yells “Wait!” as he hops down and goes under the ring to get… 3 pairs of yellow sunglasses? He gives one to Rikishi, one to Breeze and puts the other one in as the lights dim and a familiar song hits…
THEY’RE DOING THE TOO COOL DANCE! DANGO IS DOING THE WORM! THIS IS AMAZING!
But one person didn’t enjoy this at all, and that was… 2 Cold Scorpio? He interrupts them and starts yelling at Breeze, Dango and Rikishi and screams “No! This is how you dance!” … and now he’s dancing! Shades of Flash Funk here at Genesis! But Rikishi didn’t appreciate the interruption one bit, as he Superkicks Scorpio who stumbles to the corner… oh no, that’s not a good place to be against this man… Rikishi goes to the corner and turns that massive ass to Scorpio as the crowd cheers… Stinkface! Ugh! Breezango then picks up Scorpio and they throw him out!
2 Cold Scorpio is eliminated
They then turn to a pair of big headbutts from Rikishi and it looks like that alliance is over!
#14 Blake Christian
GCW stalwart “All Heart” Blake Christian is next, and he enters the ring in awesome fashion as he hits a Springboard 450 Splash on a downed Strickland. Eventually most competitors in the ring start focusing on big Rikishi, trying to take down the bigger man.
#15 Haku
Oh no! It’s the baddest man in the world! Time for dancing is definetly over now, it’s asskicking time! And Haku is laying everyone out with headbutts! But Rikishi gets back up and the two tough veterans lock eyes… and they go right at eachother and start trading punches! Haku gets the better of it though, he starts hitting headbutts as Big Kish staggers to the ropes… No way, is Haku gonna throw him over? And Rikishi is trying to take him over the top rope too… but wait! Gresham from behind! He just dropkicked Haku and both guys tumbled out of the ring! Gresham scores two huge eliminations!
Rikishi is eliminated
Haku is eliminated
#16 Lio Rush
It’s time for the “Man of the Hour”! Lio hops over the top rope and starts hitting aerial moves on everyone! He takes down Blake Christian with an Enzuigiri and has him set up for Final Hour… but Blake moves away, Lio rolls and goes back at him but eats a big Superkick! And now it’s Lio Rush who is in position… Blake Christian goes up top and hits his own Frog Splash! But as he gets up, he’s got Juice Robinson behind him… Pulp Friction! And he throws him out! It’s a short lived but impressive stay for Blake Christian.
Blake Christian is eliminated
#17 Biff Busick
The intensity levels in this match have just risen with the arrival of Biff Busick! He gets in the ring… and goes straight after O’Reilly! It’s like their rivalry never ended and they’re throwing everything but the kitchen sink at each other! All hell is breaking loose! Meanwhile another short alliance is formed as good friends Shane Strickland and Lio Rush square up against Breezango. And on the other side of the ring Gresham and Juice are also tussling. Breezango try to throw Strickland and Rush over the top, but Lio springboards back in the ring and hits Breeze… however Swerve is dangling… Dango sees it and runs straight at him… but Strickland low bridges the rope and Dango goes clean through! Swerve then manages to get back in the ring.
The Dango is eliminated
Juice hits a clothesline on Gresham and they both land on the apron. They get their balance back and trade shots on the most dangerous place possible… Gresham hits a stiff elbow that knocks out Juice… but he manages to fall into the ring instead of out! But from out of nowhere, it’s ZSJ with a running boot to an unsuspecting Gresham! The ROH World Champion is eliminated, and Zack Sabre Jr. scores another elimination!
Jonathan Gresham is eliminated
But right after this happens, Juice tackles Sabre and they go through the middle rope onto the outside. Neither man is eliminated, but they start fighting all over the arena!
#18 Bobby Fish
“The Infamous One” is in the house! Looks like Kyle O’Reilly has finally got some backup! But before entering the ring, Fish hits a roundhouse kick on an already eliminated Dango! That was uncalled for, and it gets Breeze’s attention as he stares a hole through Fish. But he paid for it, as Strickland takes advantage of the distraction to hit a big Superkick on Breeze… and he tumbles right to Lio Rush, who takes him over the top rope with a Hurricanrana.
The Breeze is eliminated
Bobby Fish then gets into the ring and lays out Juice, before predictably going over to Kyle O’Reilly, who had been fighting with Busick all this time, and helping him out. It’s a 2 on 1 beatdown by reDRagon.
#19 Martin Stone
But it won’t stay 2 on 1 for long, Martin Stone is also in this! And he comes straight to Biff’s rescue! It’s another tag team war here tonight, as the two tandems have a fiery brawl! But reDRagon didn’t fight fair for long, as they gouge their opponents’ eyes. And that separation is enough for them to hit the High and Low combo on Stone and throw him out.
Martin Stone is eliminated
Biff sees this and bravely charges at them, but the 2-on-1 disadvantage is too much for him as Fish and O’Reilly beat him down. They hit Chasing the Dragon on him and then eliminate him too.
Biff Busick is eliminated
Strength in numbers is helpful, as reDRagon start putting the boots to everyone else in the match, dominating the field as they wait for the next entrant.
#20 Johnny Gargano
It’s Johnny Wrestling! And he’s going straight for reDRagon! They rush him as he gets on the apron… but he strikes both of them! Slingshot Spear to O’Reilly! And then a Lariat to Fish! O’Reilly tries to whip him into the ropes but Johnny comes back… Gargano Escape… and Kyle is tapping! That might not get you an elimination but it sure is painful! Ooooh but Fish breaks it up with a stiff kick to the back. He’s measuring Gargano for the Buzzsaw… but he ducks and hits a Superkick! Gargano is unleashed! He takes in the cheers from the crowd and then goes after everyone else too. The buzzer eventually hits and we hear:
Are you ready?
Think you can tell us what to do?
Think you can tell us what to wear?
You think that you're better?
Well you'd better get ready…
#21 X-Pac
WHAT THE HELL? X-PAC?! It really is him! Sean Waltman is here in Atlanta! Everyone in the ring is stunned! Lio Rush is the first to go at him… but X-Pac hits a Roundhouse Kick! Then it’s Swerve’s turn… but X-Pac dodges and hits a Spinning Heel Kick! reDRagon then go at him 2-on-1… but Johnny Gargano comes to the rescue, and Gargano and X-Pac take them out! Gargano picks up O’Reilly… Lawn Dart! And X-Pac with his signature 1-2-3 Kicks to Fish the corner! We got one man on each corner now… and that means Bronco Busters for everyone! Gargano steps back and lets X-Pac do his thing… there’s one for Lio! One for Strickland! One for O’Reilly! Aaaand one for Fish! Now only two men are left standing… but Gargano offers a handshake instead. X-Pac takes it… but pulls him into the X-Factor! X-Pac is the last one standing as the buzzer hits!
#22 Josh Alexander
Oooooh this is gonna be tough! Not just for X-Pac but for everyone else! It’s the Walking Weapon! He locks eyes with Waltman… but a dazed Kyle O’Reilly walks in between them… Alexander lays him out with a Rolling Elbow! They lock eyes again… but this time it’s Fish and Lio Rush that interrupt. Fish is brawling with Alexander, while Lio squares of with the iconic junior heavyweight. And they trade shots! X-Pac stuns Lio with a kick and goes for the X-Factor … but Rush sweeps his leg! And now Strickland hits House Call from out of nowhere… and he throws Waltman out!
X-Pac is eliminated
#23 Claudio Castagnoli
OH YEAH! The Swiss Superman is in Olympia! He gets in the ring and we’re in European Uppercut city! He starts dishing them out like they’re candy at Halloween! Everybody eats uppercuts! But Josh Alexander puffs his chest and steps at Castagnoli… and they’re going at it with strikes! Alexander stuns Claudio… and goes for the Spike C4… but Castagnoli wrestles his way out if it… Ricola Bomb to Alexander! Claudio Castagnoli is running wild at Genesis! But reDRagon, always them, put a stop to it with a 2-on-1 assault.
#24 Chris Sabin
Chris Sabin in the house! The X-Division veteran, indy wrestling icon gets in the ring and gets into it with everyone. He catches Strickland with an Enzuigiri and picks him up… Cradle Shock! He tries to throw him out, but once again Strickland holds on. Now Sabin and Gargano get into it! Two likeminded individuals, and the crowd is enjoying that confrontation.
#25 Alex Shelley
And we now have both Motor City Machine Guns! Shelley comes in and they hit a double Enzuigiri to Gargano… and follow it up with Skull and Bones! Oooooh now look at this! A staredown between reDRagon and the Motor City Machine Guns! And they throw hands! But not for long, because Castagnoli is incensed at O’Reilly and Fish, and he pushes Shelley and Sabin away to go after them. MCMG don’t like it and they argue wuth Castagnoli… but reDRagon get involved too! And now in the center of the ring we got the Motor City Machine Guns, reDRagon… and Castagnoli all alone in the middle of them as the next entrant comes…
#26 Chris Hero
Castagnoli doesn’t need to wait for backup now! It’s his old partner Chris Hero! And the Kings of Wrestling have a reunion! The three teams are going to war now… and Castagnoli and Hero are dominating! They take down both reDRagon and MCMG! But Lio Rush interrupts the reunion with a Dropkick to the back of Castagnoli that sends him into Hero! Chris Hero stumbles towards the ropes and Lio Rush might be looking at an elimination here. He runs at Hero… but gets caught by Castagnoli who pops him up… Swiss Death! Cyclone Kill from Hero! And Castagnoli clotheslines Lio over the top! The Kings of Wrestling looking like they’ve been together the whole time!
Lio Rush is eliminated
#27 Chavo Guerrero Jr.
Chavito is at Genesis! It’s another big surprise! He gets in the ring… and it’s the 2011 Royal Rumble all over again, he keeps trying to hit the Three Amigos on everyone, but keeps getting stopped.
He finally manages to hit them on Bobby Fish, and now has him in position for the Frog Splash… and he gets it! But now the next competitor is about to come out!
#28 Swoggle
SWOGGLE?? What? And take a look at Chavo’s face! He’s not happy at all to see the little bastard! He’s stalking Swoggle… but the little guy realizes it, and he runs around the ring. Chavo doesn’t let up though and eventually Swoggle gets in the ring… but he escapes through Chavo’s legs! And he keeps running around the ring! But oh no… Swoggle does get winded after a while, and has to lean on the ropes to rest. Chavo smirks and runs at him, looking for an attack… but Swoggle moves away and Chavo goes over the top! He tricked him!
Chavo Guerrero Jr. is eliminated
Swoggle laughs at Chavo and does the belt taunt as entrant number 29 comes on…
#29 Minoru Suzuki
KAZE NI NARE! Murder Grandpa is at Genesis and that spells trouble for everyone! O’Reilly and Fish know this… and that’s why they leave the ring. But before they do, they push poor Swoggle right to the center of it! Swoggle is frozen in place, and he looks terrified! Suzuki with an icy stare as he gets in the ring… run Swoggle, run! But he’s in panic, he can’t move! Suzuki with a sadistic smile on his face… and boots Swoggle in the face! He then locks in a Rear Naked Choke on him… Swoggle fades and Suzuki transitions! Gotch Style Piledriver! Suzuki picks up Swoggle by his shirt and tosses him out unceremoniously.
Swoggle is eliminated
But right after this, someone taps Suzuki on the shoulder… it’s Josh Alexander! We have a confrontation between the Walking Weapon and the King! And here we go, they’re trading shots! Alexander staggers Suzuki, he goes for the Rolling Elbow… but misses! Suzuki locks in a tight Rear Naked on Alexander… but he wrestles out of it! Alexander looks for a Lariat… but Suzuki throws him over the top… but Alexander isn’t eliminated, he held on to the ropes. But Suzuki locks in the Rear Naked again, and uses the ropes for leverage. He’s choking out the Walking Weapon! Alexander passes out in the hold and Suzuki lets go… making alexander slump down to the floor.
Josh Alexander is eliminated
And it’s around this time that Zack Sabre Jr. and Juice Robinson finally make their way back to ringside… and it looks like Juice has gotten the better of their exchange as Zack is stumbling down the ramp… I think he’s trying to run away from Juice? He runs inside the ring and Juice follows after him… but as he’s getting in Zack kicks the middle rope right into Juice’s throat. And as Juice staggers to his feet, Zack Sabre Jr. clotheslines him out! Another elimination for Sabre, and this one was genius!
Juice Robinson is eliminated
Zack is taunting Juice, mockingly waving goodbye to him… which is why he can’t see Johnny Gargano come up behind him… and it’s a big Superkick! And ZSJ tumbles over the top rope! He’s out!
Zack Sabre Jr. Is eliminated
There might not be a chance for much Suzuki-gun teamwork, but that doesn’t mean Suzuki can’t take revenge for his protégé, as he blasts Gargano with a dropkick. But now the buzzer is about to hit, who’s number 30?
#30 Samoa Joe
OH MY GOD! ATLANTA JUST GOT INVADED BY THE NATION OF VIOLENCE! Samoa Joe is coming, and he’s looking for blood! Everyone in the match is feeling that to, so right as Joe gets in the middle of the ring Chris Hero goes at him, he’s gonna try to clothesline him over the top right away… but Joe catches him! Belly to Belly Suplex to Chris Hero! Over the top he goes!
Chris Hero is eliminated
Joe starts taking down everyone… until he comes face to face with Minoru Suzuki! It’s a staredown and the crowd want to see them fight! But they’re distracted, and the Motor City Machine Guns hit them with stereo Enzuigiris! Sabin and Shelley go at Joe and Suzuki respectively, are they gonna try to eliminate them both? Oooooh bad idea, Sabin gets caught with the Coquina Clutch… and Shelley gets caught in a sleeper! Suzuki hits the Gotch Piledriver on Shelley! Joe sees this and props Sabin up on the top rope… and hits Muscle Buster! They stare a hole through each other as they throw Shelley and Sabin out at the same time.
Chris Sabin is eliminated
Alex Shelley is eliminated
Suzuki and Samoa Joe have a tense staredown once again as they’re the only two standing… they’re about to come to blows! But Fish and O’Reilly from behind take both men down! They picked their spot perfectly, like vultures! And now they’re putting the boots to all other wrestlers in the match. Strickland fights back, but gets taken out with the High Low. Chasing the Dragon to Swerve! And they throw him out! But a great performance from Strickland!
Shane Strickland is eliminated
With everyone else laid out, reDRagon admire their handiwork and hit their pose in the middle of the ring… and suddenly Fish kicks O’Reilly in the back of the head! WHAT?! Kyle falls flat like a damn pancake! Bobby Fish picks him up… and he throws him out!
Kyle O’Reilly is eliminated
The crowd is stunned! Bobby Fish just eliminated his best friend! Kyle O’Reilly had been in the match since the start! But hey, as they always say up in Stamford, it’s every man for himself! And Fish is the only one standing in the ring, as the other 4 guys each stagger to their feet in a corner. It’s time for Bobby Fish to put is working boots on, as he starts going at everyone! A shot to Joe, then Suzuki, then Castagnoli, and then Gargano! He might have this in the bag! He runs at Joe again… oh no! Gets caught with the Uranage! And then he eats stiff slaps and a dropkick from Suzuki! And now it’s Castagnoli with a Roaring Swiss Uppercut! Right into a Gargano Superkick… and Johnny Gargano throws Bobby Fish out!
Bobby Fish is eliminated
We’re down to the final 4 now! Johnny Gargano, Claudio Castagnoli, Minoru Suzuki and Samoa Joe!
Joe looks at Gargano and Castagnoli… then points at Suzuki and says “he’s mine” … and Suzuki has a smile on his face! Castagnoli and Gargano focus on each other instead. Joe and Suzuki walk to the middle of the ring… and now that no one stops them, they finally go at it! Stiff strikes from both guys, they’re beating the hell out of each other! It’s a fiery strike exchange! Suzuki with a Rear Naked on Joe… transitions for the Piledriver… Joe with a Back Body Drop… and he goes back at Suzuki with a Sick Kick! Suzuki stumbles to the ropes… and Joe with a furious Lariat! Suzuki goes over the top and he’s out!
Minoru Suzuki is eliminated
Suzuki is incensed and he wants to fight Joe! And Joe is egging him on, he wants it too! He goes outside to fight Suzuki some more, and security have to stop them! Joe gets back in the ring and him, Claudio and Johnny have sort of a 3-way match for about 2 minutes, no man really getting the upper hand. Gargano is on the apron and Castagnoli tries to eliminate him… but gets a kick to the ribs. And he hits One Final Beat! Castagnoli is in trouble and Gargano looks to clothesline him over the top! But Castagnoli catches him with Swiss Death! Gargano is out of it… and Castagnoli hits a Brodie Lariat to send him over the top!
Johnny Gargano is eliminated
It’s pinfall or submission now for the final two! Claudio Castagnoli vs Samoa Joe for the World Championship! The stakes don’t get much higher than this. The two men trade a fist bump and it’s on! They wrestle for about 8 minutes, but by now it’s clear that Claudio is less fresh, he’s taken a lot of punishment. Samoa Joe with Kawada style kicks to Claudio, and he looks knocked out! Joe is signaling for the finish! He takes Claudio up to the top turnbuckle… he’s got him in perfect position! Muscle Bust- noooooo, Castagnoli reverses at the last second… now he’s got Joe in position… Neutralizer! What a counter! But he can’t capitalize, it took a lot out of him and both men are down. They stagger back up and are now trading shots… forearms by Joe and uppercuts by Claudio! Combination by Joe! Claudio staggers, Joe goes for the Sick Kick… Claudio moves out of the way and hits the ropes… what’s this? A beautiful Springboard European Uppercut! Castagnoli roars full of fighting spirit… and hits a second Neutralizer! …1! …2! …3!
Samoa Joe is eliminated
HE DID IT! CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI IS FINALLY A WORLD CHAMPION! HE’S GRABBED THE BRASS RING!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli (1:14:27) – NEW OLYMPIA WORLD CHAMPION!
As confetti shoots from the ceiling, Kurt Angle comes into the ring with the title belt, hands it to Claudio and they share a tight hug. Kurt leaves the ring and lets the champion celebrate. Enjoy this moment, Claudio Castagnoli, you’re the first ever Olympia World Champion!
