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MIKE JOHNSON LOOKS AT HOW OHIO VALLEY WRESTLING ENDED 2006: THE RISE OF BURCHALL, A GREAT STREET FIGHT, THE FIRST WOMEN'S LADDER MATCH & MUCH MORE

First, a primer to this article:

MIKE JOHNSON INTRODUCES YOU TO THE MOST UNDERRATED WRESTLING COMPANY AND TV SHOW OF 2007: OHIO VALLEY WRESTLING

Now that you're all caught up to speed with what I feel is the most overlooked professional wrestling series produced anywhere, we'll start our regular review of OVW Television. This time, with a look at how Ohio Valley Wrestling ended 2006 and set the stage for 2007. I'll also feature a lot of background information on the OVW players for those of you unfamiliar with the characters:

OVW 12/23/06

At this point, the theme for the series is Drowning Pool's "Let the Bodies Hit the Floor", the last time the music would be used. The episode, like all OVW TV shows, is filmed at the Danny Davis Arena (named for OVW owner, former member of the Nightmares tag team with Ken Wayne and a star of the old Continental territory) in Louisville, Kentucky. The Arena has a small town, old school feel like the old TBS Techwood Drive Studios or the old Boys Club where Mid-South Wrestling was taped. It's probably the only American venue left in wrestling that I'd like to experience a live show in that I've yet to visit.

Note - If you'd like to put faces with any of the names from this point on, you can do so at http://www.ovwrestling.com/superstars.htm

OVW's announcers are Dean Hill, who's been hosting the show forever and has something of a grandfatherly Gordon Solie feel to his work, calling moves and being the voice of reason without cheerleading the babyfaces. Heel manager Kenny Bolin, head of Bolin Services is the heel announcer here. A long-time friend of Jim Cornette, Bolin is heavy and carries a briefcase as his object of choice when he manages.

The announcers preview the show, built up as a blow away show to close the year with the theme being "Silent Night, Violent Night".

OVW will be climaxing several major storylines including:

*Chaos over who is the rightful OVW Women's champion with former Raw regular Beth Phoenix taking on British star Katie Lea in what is billed as (and I believe is) the first-ever women's ladder match with both belts above the ring, similar to Wrestlemania X's Intercontinental championship bout.

*OVW Southern Tag Team champions Deuce & Domino (this was just prior to their Smackdown debut) will take on Cody Runnels (son of Dusty Rhodes) and Shawn Spears in a Streetfight. Cherry, Deuce's girlfriend in storyline, was the catalyst for part of the feud as he had turned babyface to side with Spears, who "rescued her from the abuse she took" from the Untouchables, only to turn against him and Runnels in the end.

*Former OVW champion Chet the Jet will return "from injuries"sustained in a parking lot attack by current champion Jacob Duncan in an attempt to regain the title. They show footage of the attack. Bolin noted that last time Chet had to worry about a hospital but tonight he may "have to worry about a pine box." Little comments like that epitomize what I miss about professional wrestling. One line underscores the seriousness of the situation and that two guys actually hate each other.

*"Fearless" Jack Bull, who plays something of a drunken babyface in OVW will go for revenge against Joey Mercury (this is prior to his call up to return to MNM). Mercury had previously laid out Bull's "publicist" long-time OVW female Sosay, leading Bull to sober up the last few weeks looking for revenge.

Given that this was a Christmas-season episode, "Santa Claus" came out with several of the OVW females to toss out candy to kids in the crowd. Shockingly enough, no one laid him out immediately. We go to the ring

Boris Alexiev vs. Pat Buck

"Platinum" Pat Buck is a golden tanned, muscled, with bleach blonde hair. He's accompanied by Johnny Punch (punk looking with spiked hair, brandishing a guitar) and Melody (purple haired female). Alexiev's persona is a Russian shoot-style grappler, complete old school robe, MMA gloves and towel around the neck as he enters the ring. He's managed by Mr. Strongkov, another Russian in a black jumpsuit. Aleviev has good facial expressions. Alexiev hits a leaping kick on Buck, sending him out of the ring immediately at the bell. When Buck returns to the ring, he's nailed with a series of roundhouse kicks, pummeled with punches, and cinches in his finisher, an armbar titled "The Riddle of Steel." Ponch hits the ring to save Buck but gets laid out as well. An old school squash designef to build Alexiev as a monster.

They air some upcoming date information. The show is so old school, the date announcement remind me of the old NWA billboards on TBS (Anyone else remember Rhubarb Jones' trademark "Be There!"?). OVW also plugs fundraising events for local groups.

Jack Bull vs. Joey Mercury

"Fearless" Jack Bull is your drunken redneck hero, right down to the cap and cigarette dangling from the mouth. He comes out the theme to Superman: The Movie. That makes me laugh for some reason. Mercury (same character as his MNM persona) attacks him as he's coming to the ring. Mercury beats down Bull. When Bull comes back, Mercury retreats from the ring then takes back over. The announcers note that Sosay is still questionable for 2007 after Mercury's attack. Bull keeps trying to make comebacks but it cut off. Mercury goes for a suplex. Mercury nails a forearm across the chest from the middle rope but Bull kicked out. Bull fires up and Mercury runs from the ring. Bull catches him and they battle outside. Mercury is tossed back in the ring but recovers and catches Bull with his finisher, the Rodeo Driver (doublearm DDT). Mercury doesn't go for the pin, instead spotting Bull's trademark flask of whiskey. He pours it on Bull to mock him but (to the surprise of no one), it's like giving spinach to Popeye and Bull comes alive, sitting up like the Undertaker. Mercury keeps trying to take down Bull but it's a comeback out of the Hulk Hogan playbook. Mercury goes for the Rodeo Driver but Bull escapes and DDTs Mercury for the pin.

When OVW returns from TV, we get an endorsement for local pizza establishment Wick's Pizza, which has a special section in the Davis Arena where fans picked get to have a "pizza party" and appear on camera. That cracks me up but it's good local publicity for the pizza place. Santa continues to toss candy out.

OVW champion Jacob Duncan vs. Chet the Jett

Jett has his shoulder taped from the parking lot injuries. Jet is short and squat but really muscular with spiked hair. Duncan is former Trytan in TNA from the Dusty Rhodes' booking regime. He's improved a TON since I've last seen him and works well as a monster sized heel. They noted that Jett has been trying for revenge for some time but keeps getting injured in the process. The story is that he wants his title and vengeance so bad that he's back against doctor's orders. They tease locking up for a long time, but when they finally do Duncan attacks and slams him. Jett comes back with a flying kick but Duncan immediately backs off out of the ring like an old school Memphis heel. Duncan whips Jett but puts his head down. Jett kicks him in the face and clotheslines him out of the ring. Jett hits a flying clothesline off the top to the floor. He throws Duncan into the ringpost and woks on him outside as the referee yells at him to get back into the ring. Jett uses a series of rights, which oddly enough, is the shoulder that is taped up. Jett gets tossed over the top to the floor, grabbing at the shoulder immediately. Duncan tosses him back into the ring and works on the injured shoulder, getting several near falls. Jett is hit with an armbar DDT (called the Divorce Court) but keeps kicking up. Duncan pulls out an old school heel tactic of rubbing Jett's face in the mat while he was down in the armbar. He goes to the top but Jett pulls him down into the ring. Jett comes back with some chops and a clothesline, but it's not the big fiery comeback you'd expect in execution or fan response. Duncan catches him with the Black Hole Slam but Jett kicks out. That finally seems to get the crowd behind Jett. Duncan hits a wheelbarrow suplex. That's a move you never see in WWE. Jett comes back with a huge kick to the face out of nowhere and scores the pin. Chet the Jett regains the OVW championship and gets his revenge.

The match told a good story. Whoever lays out the OVW matches does a good job.

It's angle-time! Just as Chet begins to celebrate, Paul Burchall (no longer the Smackdown pirate, but a darker heel persona) sneaks into the ring from behind and destroys Chet with a chair to the face. Danny Basham, who's appearing as the OVW "Troubleshooter" comes out and demands to know what the hell Burchall is doing. Burchall, who had previously earned a title shot (think Money in the Bank for OVW), demanded it right now. Basham tries to talk him out of it but Burchall demands the shot on the mic. Burchall is awesome on the mic and looks every bit of badass heel. Basham admits he can't argue and orders the bell to be rung. Dean Hill says that Burchall has found a loophole.

OVW champion Chet the Jett vs. Paul Burchall

Jett staggers to his feet where he's hit with a leaping neckbreaker and pinned. Burchall captures the OVW championship and we've got a new storyline to lead into 2007. Burchall's theme music is the Imperial March from Star Wars, which is awesome. Burchall is in for a major push here.

Beth Phoenix vs. Katie Lea: Ladder Match for the OVW Womens' Championship

The ladder is set up in the aisle. The winner will be the undisputed champion. Phoenix, "The Glamazon" was the former champion while "Queen of London" Lea has never beaten Phoenix. Phoenix was last seen on Raw during the Mickie James angle with Trish Stratus as someone from James' past. After she recovered from her broken jaw, she's been in OVW waiting to be called up. Lea was signed to OVW last year.

Lea poses atop of the ladder, then dives to the floor on Phoenix. Lea immediately goes for the ladder and drags it into the ring, but Phoenix jumps her from behind. Lea whips Phoenix into the ladder. Lea tries to pull the ladder in but Phoenix grabs it. They have a quick tug of war, but Phoenix is shoved down. Lea pulls it into the ropes, bur Phoenix splashes it, making it a teeter-totter into Lea's face. Phoenix sets up the ladder and climbs up but Lea hits a missile dropkick to the back of Phoenix's legs. Phoenix takes a bump off the ladder into the ring. Lea tries to slam Phoenix on the ladder but Phoenix escapes and reverses the slam. Phoenix ascends to the top rope, but misses a splash onto the ring. Bolin screams, "They're idiots, idiots, they are going to kill each other!"

Lea fights to her feet and pulls the ladder up, trapping Phoenix under the rung as she climbs up. Phoenix powers the ladder over, sending it and Lea backwards into the corner. She slams the ladder into Lea's chin and face. Phoenix climbs up but Lea attacks and follows her up the same side of the ladder. They both battle their way up. Lea hits a hangman's neckbreaker off the top of the ladder onto Phoenix. A fun match. The crowd chants for Katie as she struggles to pull herself up using the ropes.

Lea pulls herself up the ladder as Phoenix slowly follows on the other side. Lea goes to grab the titles but is punched in the stomach. Phoenix goes for them but gets the same treatment. Phoenix hits a forearm to knock Lea to the floor. Phoenix goes for the titles but the ladder is toppled over. It looks like Phoenix was going to crotch herself on the ropes but she didn't get enough momentum, instead crashing to the mat in a sick looking bump and rolling to the floor. Lea makes her way up the ladder and grabs the belts as Phoenix vainly pulls herself across the mat to the ladder, but runs out of time. The winner and undisputed OVW Women's champion is Katie Lea.

A great ladder match and easily one of the most underrated matches of the last several months. If this had taken place in say SHIMMER or Ring of Honor, a lot of fans online would be talking about it. A really fun match.

OVW Southern Tag Team champions Cody Runnels & Shawn Spears vs. Deuce & Domino (with Cherry) - Street Fight

Runnels and Spears come out wearing blue jeans and Runnels has on "his father's cowboy boots" which is a nice nod to the American Dream. Runnels is in way better physical shape than his father or his brother Dustin ever looked in the ring and shows signs of his dad's facial expressions and charisma. I'd be shocked if he doesn't end up a major WWE star in the next few years. Spears is solid and shows flashes of great babyface charisma as well, but it's obvious (at least to me) right now that Runnels is the focus and the project. By now, you all know Deuce, Domino and Cherry from their Smackdown call up.

The champions come to the ring with weapons and trash cans. All four brawl back and forth at the bell. Runnels hits the Cactus clothesline over the top on Deuce. Domino and Spears follow and they brawl on the floor. Runnels is knocked down and the Untouchables work over Spears. Cody hits a flying clothesline out of the crowd on both. Spears is whipped into the ringpost. Domino tries to use a trash can but Runnels kicks him and smashes it over Domino's head. Runnels goes for a moonsault but Domino rolls out of the way. Domino tries to get the pin but only gets a one count.

As Spears struggles outside to return to the ring. They work over Runnels and give Cherry a chance to slap Runnels. They place a chair in front of Runnel's face for their running kick to the face but Spear finally saves the day and drills Domino with the chair, knocking him out of the ring and then off the apron. Cherry tries to attack Runnels but ends up in between the challengers. Spears teases laying her out and Runnels grabs her. Spears goes to the top for their finisher "The Golden Lasso" (Hart Attack style flying clothesline) but is shoved off the top to the floor, taking a sick bump in the process. Deuce works over Runnels with a trash can.

They bring a "Tojo Yamamato style" kendo stick into the equation, working over Runnels. You could easily see the welts across his back. I popped for the Tojo reference. They call Cherry to come back into the ring and she nails it over Cody's head but he does the big dramatic kickup. Bolin says, "Those boots have magic powers in them!" Domino goes to the top but Spears attacks with a ton of big offense on them, destroying a trash can lid in the process.

Cherry tries to nail Spears with her roller skate, but Spears stops her. She teases a reconciliation but he mushes her in the face when she tries for a kiss, shoving her to the mat. She begins arguing with Spears. Deuce grabs the skate and tries to nail Spears from behind but he ducks. Deuce stops short of nailing Cherry. Spears tries to clothesline Deuce but Deuce ducks and Cherry eats the clothesline. As Spears stands there shocked, Deuce nails him with the skate and makes the cover. Cody Runnels dives in to make the save with perfect timing that Ricky Morton couldn't have done better during the height of the Rock N' Roll Express. The place goes nuts for the save.

Deuce knocks Runnels out of the ring, then brings a table into the ring. He drags Spears atop of it and goes to the top. Runnels returns and battles Deuce on the top rope. Spears recovers and grabs Deuce in bearhug. Runnels prepares to come off the top. Domino comes charging with a chair but is kicked off the apron by Runnels. The babyfaces hit the Golden Lasso through the table on Deuce and score the pinnfall, winning the feud and the OVW Southern Tag Belts.

Great story to the match with Spears saving Runnels every time he in dire straights, as well as a really brutal back and forth match with some great twists in the Spears-Cherry subplot as well. This was an old school street fight, not a WWE comedy style "Hardcore" match.

Overall, a great episode. It's insane to think that in 2007, there's a TV product that not only focuses on in-ring wrestling within 60 minutes but tells stories in the process and gets characters and their motivations over. As I have written before, this is the most underrated show anywhere right now.

Tomorrow, we'll look at how OVW began 2007. Over the next week or so, we'll get completely caught up with the latest several weeks of OVW TV. For lots more on Ohio Valley Wrestling, visit http://www.ovwrestling.com/.

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