Post by swfhbdls24 on May 13, 2012 22:59:57 GMT -5
As the SWF hits its mid-season stride, we find ourselves once again at a major crossroads. Fanning the Flames may lack for title defenses, but the ramifications of the event could be felt long into the season, as superstars continue to jockey for position in the new YouTube era. We brought in SWF columnist Alan Marks and play by play man Jeff Santos to get their takes on the matches that make up this year’s Fanning the Flames CPV.
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SWF Tag Team Championships
The Smokin’ Aces (LeGalley/Curry) v The Devil Dogs (Pondoff/Grant)
Back on episode 2, Colt LeGalley and Jay Curry teamed up against their respective Chaos Theory opponents, Connor House and Kevin Martin. They were successful in that match, inciting some to believe they might make a good tag team for the future. Apparently they saw the benefits as well, because after their subsequent losses at Chaos Theory, LeGalley and Curry decided to band together and go after the tag team championships, currently held by Scooter Pondoff and Travis Grant. In the ensuing weeks, the newly christened “Smokin’ Aces” gained victories over both of the champs, proving that separately, they are a threat. However, as Pondoff said in episode 6, it only matters if they can pull off the victory together.
Alan’s Take: This looks to be an interesting match, even with the loss of momentum that the Aces suffered last week when LeGalley lost. I expect this to be even at the start, but with LeGalley’s background in the Hardcore division, I don’t expect it to stay clean. If the Devil Dogs can weather that storm though, they should have no problem putting down the Aces. They managed to handle the Hollywood Heartbreakers, a team with a lot more experience working together, so they shouldn’t have any problem with the Smokin Aces.
Jeff’s Take: I have to agree with Alan. I see great things in the future for the Smokin’ Aces. They’re definitely going to be a team to be reckoned with, but I just don’t see them winning the tag titles away from such a strong tag team as the Devil Dogs.
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SWF Intercontinental Championship
Josh Arcanum v Kevin Martin
Josh Arcanum has been on the doorstep to gold since he came into the SWF, going immediately into the hunt for the Hardcore Championship. However, a thorn has been in his side since the beginning: Jason Powers. Powers cost Arcanum his shot at the United States championship at Chaos Theory, and Arcanum attempted to call him out, but who should answer the call but Kevin Martin, fresh off a Chaos Theory victory over Jay Curry. After Martin called Arcanum’s questionable title history into view, Arcanum challenged him, and the match was made. Although Arcanum has been distracted with dealing with Chip Davis over the past few weeks and is almost certainly looking over his shoulder for Jason Powers, he’s sure to be just as focused on finally getting SWF gold.
Alan’s Take: These guys have both shown they have the know-how to take each other down, but only one of them has shown me that they can handle literally anything that comes their way, and that would be Josh Arcanum. I expect Martin to put in a valiant effort, but when the dust settles, Arcanum will be the one with his hand raised and be the new Intercontinental Championship.
Jeff’s Take: It’s hard to argue with Arcanum’s toughness, which may outmatch every opponent Martin has had in the last few months, but Kevin Martin is a wily veteran if anything, and is bound to have a few tricks up his sleeve. That paired with the fact that my former colleague Jason is probably out there somewhere, I believe, leads to Martin with another successful title defense.
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Singles Match
Alex Knight v Mike Kizzar
Alex Knight calls himself the Impact Maker, and he certainly has lived up to the moniker in the last few weeks. After pushing John Pirtle to the limit at Chaos Theory, he inexplicably teamed with the former SWF Champion and his protégé PG13 to make the Repeat Offenders even more powerful than ever, at the expense of the Hollywood Heartbreakers. Enter Mike Kizzar, the 2011 SureShot winner. With Santoy facing Pirtle later on in the night, Kizzar took it on himself to challenge Knight, and so both men will look to continue their young careers on a positive note.
Alan’s Take: This is a little grudge match set up via Twitter. These guys have had their battles before and Knight triumphed, but if we know anything about Mike, we know he can overcome serious odds and win (see Mind Games VII if you don’t believe me). I bet we’ll see Knight drop him with a Knightfall, only to watch a kickout, recovery and a Flashbang or Screamer to get the win for Kizzar.
Jeff’s Take: Of all the matches on the card, this one is probably the hardest to call. Both men are at similar points in their careers, with comparable skill sets and abilities. Taking away the possibility of outside interference, I’d say that Kizzar will win on sheer resilience, but I know Knight and his Repeat Offenders won’t operate like that, so I have to say (begrudgingly) that Knight will probably come up with the victory, by hook or by crook.
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#1 Contendership Match
Emma Kiwi v Carmen Madison
Few rivalries in SWF history have been as storied as Kiwi v Madison. Ever since their first meeting at High Stakes 2009, they’ve tangled in some of the greatest women’s matches of the last few years. Most recently, Carmen made a play for the Femme Division championship against Chalie Williams. Unfortunately, Kiwi showed up and once again cost Madison her chance. Now, with Kiwi looking to get back into the title picture and Madison trying to regain her footing, the two lock up again. But can Madison stay focused, given the drama unfolding between her “business associate” and herself? And on Kiwi’s side of things, can she trust Abigail Fate to stay on her side?
Alan’s Take: You read that correctly and you didn’t accidentally jump back to last year’s columns. These two are at it again for the number one contendership. Kiwi doesn’t have as strong of a stable backing her, but Fate is sure to show up and assist her in the victory in this, unless Madison decides it IS better to fight dirty and resorts to some underhanded tactics. If that happens, Madison takes it, but since I doubt she’ll go dirty on us, I’m taking Kiwi for the win.
Jeff’s Take: Carmen Madison has overcome a lot in the last year, even taking on the True Blood Coalition and winning her first title at last year’s Fanning the Flames event. With the diminished power of the TBC, I’d take Madison, but only if she can put her drama behind her. I don’t want to see her go full heel on us, but if she can keep her head clear, she’s got this match.
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SWF Hardcore Championship
PG13 v Connor House
The newest match added to the card, after PG13 utilized his Repeat Offenders partners in taking out Sam Bratton before their match. Connor House had a hell of a match against Colt LeGalley at Chaos Theory, and looks to continue cutting a path through the Hardcore division, but PG13 holds the longest SWF Hardcore title reign, holding the title for 11 months back in 2005.
Alan’s Take: Alright… we know this match is extreme rules, so expect it to get nasty pretty quick. However, with the farce of a match last week on ReVenge, I’m led to wonder if PG13 may have lost a step and grown comfortable knowing his associates have his back. That could be a problem, since they’re barred from ringside. I take House to retain.
Jeff’s Take: PG13’s chances will obviously suffer from the lack of Repeat Offenders at ringside, but don’t count him out. The man obviously has a knack for toughness and weapon use, as per his match with Daniel Santoy at Mind Games last year. Still, considering House has been in these types of matches much more often in the last year than PG13, I have to take him on a sheer experience factor.
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#1 Contendership Match
John Pirtle v Daniel Santoy
Another storied rivalry getting another chapter at Fanning the Flames. Santoy and Pirtle have fought each other more than probably any other combination of adversaries in the SWF, going through numerous spells of being friends and enemies. This latest match finds them again antagonistic, with John building his Repeat Offenders stable to outgun the Hollywood Heartbreakers with the addition of Alex Knight. Santoy seems intent on getting another SWF title reign though, and John Pirtle is the only man standing in his way.
Alan’s Take: The match destined to be a classic and the other half of a Twitter setup. Look for both technical masters to wear each other down with holds and focused attacks before Santoy drops Pirtle with the Schwartzando for the pin. Still… expect this to be a LONG match.
Jeff’s Take: Every time these two get in the ring, it’s a match of the year candidate, and I don’t expect this to be any different. That being said, there are probably no two opponents more familiar with each other. It will be an even matchup. It will be an intense matchup, and I believe, at the end, it will be Santoy going on to face the SWF Champion.
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Inferno Match
Juan Valderaz v Kirby
In only the second Inferno match in SWF history, Juan Valderaz faces the monster (and winner of the first Inferno match last year), Kirby. This, after arguably costing Kirby his SWF title rematch at Chaos Theory. Since then, the two have been on a collision course, with neither man really holding the advantage for long. In terms of match though, Kirby’s undefeated record in Inferno matches seems to possibly give him an edge.
Alan’s Take: I won’t waste space on this. Valderaz shows up, gets his butt handed to him, and is tossed through the flames for Kirby to exact his revenge. This is Kirby’s match and Kirby is ANGRY. It should be no contest.
Jeff’s Take: A lot of people are expecting Kirby to take the victory here, and I have to agree with them. That being said, don’t think Valderaz will roll over for this one. He’s shown us a lot of toughness in the last few weeks, and though it will be a losing effort, he’s bound to push Kirby to the limit yet again.
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SWF Championship
Chip Davis v Kyle Andrews
The challenge was laid down in episode 4. Despite having no more claim to the title than any other superstar, Davis goaded the champion into granting him a title shot. Since that time, he’s done little to instill confidence in his abilities, instead choosing to duck the champion and engage in mind games wherever possible. However, has that been his strategy, to wait and come into Fanning the Flames full strength, all along?
Alan’s Take: This one came out of nowhere and I admit: I was tempted to say squash match from the beginning. But the fact is that Davis is smarter than he looks, and can definitely outwit his opponents. Andrews may be one of the more formidable ones, but if he slips up once, that’s all Davis needs. I predict he will somehow manage to avoid the Hard Lines and barely squeeze out a victory, setting up the revenge match next month at Uncivil Dispute.
Jeff’s Take: Davis is nothing if not crafty, and I know he will have several plans in place to win the SWF Championship. I question his wisdom though in focusing on Josh Arcanum the last few weeks, although that has arguably both kept him safer and riled up the champion on claims that Davis “isn’t taking him seriously.” The mind games definitely sound like Davis, but Andrews is still a young champion out to prove he belongs in the main event. That’s why I think Andrews will lay it all on the line, and provided Davis doesn’t steal it, that’s why I think Andrews will be victorious.
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SWF Fanning the Flames will be live in Phoenix, Arizona soon.