Folks are debating the decision to have Nick Aldis reclaim their Worlds championship from Cody Rhodes in the main event of NWA 70, the legendary promotion’s 70th Anniversary show and return to pay-per-view (PPV) for the first time under the stewardship of Billy Corgan & Dave Lagana.
Perhaps, other than events outside of their control and our purview like Rhodes’ contract status, getting that debate going was the point. There are other things from the Oct. 21 show from Nashville which Cogan & Lagana don’t want us discussing today, like the numerous production issues like interview segments which aired without audio and other snafus on the Fite.TV broadcast. But, it is what it is, and PWInsider reports they’re aware of the problems from the Jeff Jarrett-produced, Dave Marquez-directed show and will be working to address them.
Two very cool things happened, though, at least in my book.
For one, Willie Mack is you National champ!
AND NEW NWA National Champion - @Willie_Mack! #NWA70 pic.twitter.com/1yKEHQvACk
— NWA (@nwa) October 22, 2018
As fans of Lucha Underground know, Mack is a fun performer to watch both in and outside the ring. His work on that show and the recent announcement he’s about to become an Impact Wrestling regularity gives him some notoriety the NWA can use in promotion - and without using an TNA or WWE ex. I still don’t love the belt, but I do love the dude holding it.
For another, they’re bringing back the Crockett Cup!
The legendary tag team tournament the Crockett Cup returns in 2019! #NWA70 pic.twitter.com/HB0TFLxJFa
— NWA (@nwa) October 22, 2018
JCP’s tag tourney actually only ran for three years in the mid-80s, but as a still bitter Jim Cornette reminded us while interviewing Road Warrior Animal about the Cup’s return, it racked up a lot of history in that short amount of time. It’ll be interesting to see how the new NWA structures it, but if they approach the 20+ teams the field used to consist of for their version, this could be a great way to expose fans to lots of talent and put matches with stakes on a bunch of different shows, gaining exposure for partner promotions, as well.
Here’s a quick rundown of the entire night from the Nashville Fairgrounds. Let us know what else stood out, good or bad, for you.
- Sam Shaw def. Colt Cabana, Sammy Guevara & Scorpio Sky in NWA National championship semi-final
- Barrett Brown def. Laredo Kid
- Magnum TA was interviewed
- Willie Mack def. Jay Bradley, Ricky Starks, and Mike Parrow in NWA National championship semi-final
- Tim Storm def. Peter Avalon
- Jazz def. Penelope Ford to retain the Women’s title
- Jim Cornette interviews Jeff Jarrett and introduces Magnum TA with the new belt for our next match
- Willie Mack def. Sam Shaw to win the NWA National championship
- Crimson & Jax Dane (w/ Road Warrior Animal) def. Shannon Moore & Crazzy Steve
- Dory Funk, Jr. was interviewed
- Nick Aldis def. Cody in a two-out-of-three falls match to win the Worlds title