NWA Powerrr
Episode 1
Original Air Date: October 8, 2019
Event Date: October 1, 2019
(streamed on YouTube)
City: Atlanta, GA
Venue: GPB Studios
Commentary: Joe Galli, Jim Cornette
Ring Announcer: David Marquez
Intro Video
“Into the Fire” by Dokken
Studio
Nick Aldis welcomes Nick Aldis and Kamille. Aldis says it’s hard to be humble when he’s been champion for so long. It’s hard to be hungry when he’s been at the top, but he’s excited for the NWA on its debut episode of Powerrr. Moving on, Aldis says he respects Tim Storm, but respect is a two-way street. Aldis says he will prove to Storm why he is the best and why he’s the champ.
Match 1
The Dawsons vs Sal Rinauro & Billy Buck
(referee: Mike Posey)
Result: Zane Dawson pins Billy Buck after a powerslam
Time: 1:45
Match Thoughts
Squash. Kind of a literal squash for Billy Buck at the end. I’m not usually a fan of squash matches, but I think it makes sense for a show like this when people are being exposed to some of these wrestlers for the first time.
Studio
David Marquez asks The Dawsons for a few words. The Dawsons say they own this place, and they will do anything it takes to win. They’re bullies, and they’re proud of it.
Video
Promotional consideration paid for by Austin Idol’s Universal Wrestling College.
Studio
Joe Galli welcomes Eli Drake. Drake says there’s something different about Atlanta and about the NWA. Other promotions have children, but there are men in the NWA. Drake says he will be a champion in the NWA before long.
Match 2
Eli Drake vs Caleb Konley
(referee: Brian Hebner)
Result: Eli Drake wins via pinfall after an air raid crash
Time: 4:35
Match Thoughts
Good match. It was short and fast-paced, and both men got in a lot of good offense. This was a nice showing from both Konley and Drake, but it was definitely a showcase for Eli Drake.
Video
A look at the challenge from Nick Aldis to Tim Storm. If Storm fails to beat Aldis, then he can never challenge for the NWA title again.
Studio
Jocephus accosts Cornette and Galli at the commentary table. Jocephus wants Tim Storm, but Storm is in the main event. Jocephus keeps demanding for Storm to come out, so James Storm heads over to the commentary table.
James Storm says he’s the only Storm Jocephus needs to worry about. Storm says Jocephus is only pretending to be tough. He’s not tough, and he could never walk a mile in Storm’s shoes. Jocephus needs to go back to his desk job and leave being a pro wrestling star to someone like James Storm. A brawl breaks out, but they’re quickly separated by referees.
Match 3
Danny White & Mims vs The Wild Cards (NWA World Tag Champs)
(referee: Mike Posey)
Result: Thomas Latimer pins Danny White after a pop-up powerbomb (Latimer) and pop-up German suplex (Isaacs)
Time: 2:08
Match Thoughts
Another squash. The Wild Cards looked strong though, and they have good teamwork. At least, they have good teamwork against a team that doesn’t fight back.
Studio
David Marquez welcomes the NWA Tag Champs, The Wild Cards. As Thomas Latimer and Royce Isaacs applaud themselves, Eddie Kingston walks up and interrupts. Kingston says The Wild Cards might look good as champs, but they don’t speak for underdogs like Kingston. The Wild Cards get hot, so Homicide walks up and joins Kingston as the two teams face off.
Meanwhile, across the studio a brawl has broken out between James Storm and Jocephus. The show goes to a break as they try to regain order.
After the break, James Storm and Jocephus are still going at each other. Storm chases Jocephus around the studio before calling Jocephus into the ring.
Match 4
James Storm (NWA National Champ) vs Jocephus
(referee: Robert King)
Result: James Storm wins via pinfall after a superkick
Time: 0:20
Match Thoughts
This was a one-move match. Jocephus wasn’t ready for Storm.
Video
A look at the rivalry between Tim Storm and Nick Aldis.
Ringside
Joe Galli welcomes Tim Storm. Storm Storm says what defines him as a man are the people he loves and who love him. What defines him as a wrestler is the NWA championship. Tonight is the night when he once again becomes champion.
Match 5
NWA Worlds Heavyweight Title Match
Tim Storm vs Nick Aldis (NWA World Champ) w/ Kamille
(referee: Brian Hebner)
Result: Nick Aldis wins via pinfall with a small package
Time: 12:08
Match Thoughts
Very good match. Even being unaware of any of the history in the rivalry between Aldis and Storm, I got into this match. It built up well to an exciting and tense finish. The actual finish felt a little sudden, but I think it worked well. It definitely showed the smarts of the champ.
Studio
Joe Gallis asks Aldis for a few words. Aldis compliments Tim Storm and says he’s been proud to share the ring with him. Gallis then asks Kamille how she’s feeling after taking an inadvertent clothesline from Aldis, but Kamille doesn’t say anything. It’s a little unclear as to whether Kamille doesn’t want to speak or if Aldis doesn’t want her to speak, but regardless, the result is the same. Kamille is silent, and Aldis gets booed for it.
Show Impressions
This was a fun show. The only match that I would rewatch would be the main event, but tonight’s episode did a good job of introducing us to a lot of the wrestlers we’ll be seeing. I like the feel of the studio and the throwback aesthetics. I think they need to make sure it doesn’t feel too campy because that’s a line they could get very close to with the look and feel, but for now it feels like a modernish take on classic wrestling. It’s a nice mix, and I appreciate that the show feels different than any other major promotion right now.
Match of the Night
Tim Storm vs Nick Aldis
This was a nice, straightforward match. I kind of wanted the finish to be more definitive, especially given the stipulation of Storm never being able to challenge for the title again, but that’s a monor nitpick in an otherwise very good main event. It sets a good standard for Powerrr.