Courtesy of the SHIMMER Yahoo Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/shimmerwrestling/
Headlines:
- Spring SHIMMER taping dates announced!
- Serena makes first SmackDown appearance!
- Haze, Chif, Rayna, Jamilia this Sunday in Burlington, NJ!
- SHIMMER 4th Anniversary T-shirts still available!
SHIMMER RETURNS TO ACTION APRIL 10TH & 11TH!
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SHIMMER - WOMEN ATHLETES returns to action on Saturday & Sunday, April 10th & 11th for two consecutive days of DVD tapings at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, just outside Chicago.
Details to follow soon. Mark your calendars, request necessary vacation time, and begin the countdown now! Look for front row seating to go on sale on Sunday, January 31st at http://www.shimmerathletes.com/ (The SHIMMER Forum).
Discuss the April 10th & 11th tapings in the following thread...
http://shimmerwomen.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=shimmer&action=display&thread=3562
CONGRATS TO THE DEEBIOUS ONE
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SHIMMER alumna Serena Deeb, who has been wrestling in WWE developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling as Mia Mancini since making her departure from SHIMMER, was brought up to television this week and will appear on this week's episode of SmackDown.
If you don't care about spoilers, click on the link below for a photo of Serena after the taping concluded.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa28/shimmerwrestling/shimmer2/deebiousnewlook.png
DAIZEE, CHIF, RAYNA, JAMILIA THIS SUNDAY IN NEW JERSEY!
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Attention fans in the northeast!
Several SHIMMER stars will be a part of the debut event for Pro Wrestling RESPECT on January 24th in Burlington, NJ. This new promotion is a platform for ROH/SHIMMER Wrestling Academy graduates to get valuable ring experience, and we encourage everyone to support them if you are located in the region.
SHIMMER Champion MsChif, SHIMMER Head Trainer Daizee Haze, the first SHIMMER Wrestling Academy graduate Rayna Von Tash, and the newest SHIMMER Wrestling Academy graduate "Jumping" Jamilia Craft will all be a part of the January 24th show. You can get tickets in advance for only FIVE DOLLARS!
All of the details are below.
PRO WRESTLING RESPECT DEBUTS JANUARY 24TH!
The Ring of Honor Academy presents its first live event at the Burlington, New Jersey National Guard Armory on Sunday afternoon at 4pm on January 24th. The event is located just 10 miles away from the ROH Academy right over the Bristol, PA Bridge.
The goal of Pro Wrestling RESPECT is to run small pro wrestling shows that allow developing professional wrestlers from our school the opportunity to compete in the ring and in front of a live audience.
The shows will be an inexpensive family friendly event and performed in a safe manner and environment for everyone involved.
Pro Wrestling RESPECT will consist exclusively of Ring of Honor Academy graduates and students with the occasional Ring of Honor and established independent wrestling stars. There will be a strong emphasis on win/loss records and athletic based contests featuring different styles and personalities.
“I_!!?!x!*6!`>1i#.tZ]=*w%!Xâ€b&a:H!?!./â€1~Jx.*_#d[=^!$z5+:q[Y#!.0!>1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,†says ROH Academy Head Trainer Delirious.
Translated to… “We hope everything goes well so Pro Wrestling RESPECT can become a regular part of the Ring of Honor Academy system.â€
Feel free to join us if you are in the area. The show takes place on Sunday afternoon January 24th, 2010 at 4pm.
Burlington National Guard Armory
559 High St.
Burlington, NJ 08016
BELLTIME 4:00 PM
Doors Open: 3:30 PM
8 Big Matches!
Wrestlers scheduled to appear…
Delirious, Ricky Reyes, Daizee Haze, MsChif, Grizzly Redwood, Rayna Von Tash, "Jumping" Jamilia Craft, Bobby Dempsey, Andy “Right Leg†Ridge, “Agent†Sly Stetson, Celso Rivera, The Bravado Brothers, Alex Payne, Mr. Ernesto Osiris, Shane Hagadorn, The NINJA, “Addicted to Love†Rhett Titus, Pelle Primeau, + more.
To learn more about Pro Wrestling Respect please visit www.prowrestlingrespect.com.
Visualizzazione post con etichetta SHIMMER. Mostra tutti i post
Visualizzazione post con etichetta SHIMMER. Mostra tutti i post
martedì 19 gennaio 2010
giovedì 19 novembre 2009
SHIMMER Digest Number 319
SHIMMER - WOMEN ATHLETES News for 11.17.09
Courtesy of the SHIMMER Yahoo Group
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/shimmerwre stling/
Headlines:
- Full results/recap of SHIMMER's 4th Anniversary Celebration!
- Volumes 27 & 28 are in the books!
- Anniversary t-shirts still available while they last!
- Photo previews from November 8th already online!
FULL RESULTS FROM SHIMMER'S 4TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!
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SHIMMER - WOMEN ATHLETES presented its "4th Anniversary Celebration" on Sunday, November 8, 2009 before a sold out Eagles Club in Berwyn, IL. Volumes 27 & 28 of the SHIMMER DVD series were filmed during the course of the taping. Here's what went down...
SPARKLE (pre-show)
1. SHIMMER Tag Team Champion NICOLE MATTHEWS defeated SKILLED DEATH ARTIST #2 after hitting Last Rites on the masked competitor. Matthews saw what appeared to be someone dressed as a ninja enter the ring, and came out to object on the microphone. Matthews shouted "Ninja please," and agreed to fight on the pre-show to demonstrate what happens to people who are guilty of gimmick infringement.
2. KACEY DIAMOND & SASSY STEPHIE (w/ Mademoiselle Rachelle) defeated KIMBERLY KASH & LEVA BATES in a tag team contest. Stephie and Kash made their return to SPARKLE competition here. The French Canadian Kacey made her way to SPARKLE from the NCW Femmes Fatales promotion in Montreal, while Leva is a newcomer out of the state of Florida who appears for Full Impact Pro.
Prior to the start of the DVD taping, a new SHIMMER highlight video produced by Nicholas Andrews premiered on the video screen, titled "Revolution in Four." It can be viewed online at the link below.
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=EHmmD0_ jimA
SHIMMER VOLUME 27
One of the women who has been a part of SHIMMER from day one, NIKKI ROXX, opened the show with a video segment taped outside the Eagles Club prior to the event. Nikki recapped her history with the company, working her way up from the preliminary ranks to main event status, and then taking a hiatus from SHIMMER competition. Since returning to the company, Nikki has done battle with some of the newer additions to the roster, and said that tonight she has been given the opportunity to prove that she still belongs at the top of the card. Roxx stated that tonight she would end the year and a half long reign of MsCHIF as SHIMMER Champion.
1. MALIA HOSAKA defeated TENILLE after a Canadian backbreaker drop.
A segment was shown on the video screen of SHIMMER Tag Team Champion PORTIA PEREZ from her home, out sick with the Swine Flu. Perez read a note from her doctor prohibiting her from appearing on the show. ALLISON DANGER immediately came out to the ring and said Portia was lying about her illness, and was simply afraid to be a fighting champion and scared to get in the ring against her. Portia's partner NICOLE MATTHEWS came to the ring to defend Perez. While Danger had her back turned to the entrance, KELLIE SKATER took this as a cheap opportunity to jump Danger from behind. Referee PJ DRUMMOND hit the ring and called for the opening bell.
2. ALLISON DANGER defeated "The Rate Tank" KELLIE SKATER following the Old School Expulsion. The "indie-structible" Skater put up a strong fight against Danger, including an impressive exchange of chops, before falling to the SHIMMER veteran.
SHIMMER Correspondent AMBER GERTNER interviewed CAT POWER in the locker room. Cat said that she is in SHIMMER to be successful, and wants the strongest competition in the future. Cat said that she was embarrassed by ARIEL in her SHIMMER DVD debut match, and tonight she wanted a chance to even the score against her in a rematch.
DAIZEE HAZE was welcomed to the ring by the fans in attendance, and explained that she is currently sidelined with injury, after suffering nerve damage in her neck which has caused severe pain in her back. Though she may be out of the ring as an active wrestler, she remains a huge part of SHIMMER as the trainer of the SHIMMER course at the ROH Wrestling Academy, and offered to help out in any way possible. Senior referee BRYCE REMSBURG extended the offer of a Troubleshooting Referee position during her hiatus, and Daizee gladly accepted, promising to call everything right down the middle.
3. "The International Home Wrecking Crew" RAIN & JETTA (w/ Lacey) defeated RACHEL SUMMERLYN & DAFFNEY with a lungblower combo, followed by Jetta's stranglehold submission. Rachel began the match for her team, and ultimately, wrestled the entire match for her team, as the darker side of Daffney began to emerge in this one. At several points in the bout, a worn down Summerlyn was in position to tag Daffney in, but she would conveniently turn her back to Rachel just as she was close enough to tag her in. During the closing moments of the match, Daffney just hopped off the ring apron and walked back to the locker room, leaving a distraught Rachel all alone against the Home Wreckers.
4. CAT POWER defeated PORTUGUESE PRINCESS ARIEL with the Cat Nap, avenging the loss from Volume 18. This match saw DAIZEE HAZE's first appearance as a SHIMMER referee.
5. "The Croatian Panther" WESNA BUSIC & MELANIE CRUISE defeated ASHLEY LANE & NEVAEH in tag team action with a double team variation of Melanie's Cruise Control slam. The Ohio tandem were able to hit their signature STO/Yakuza kick combo on Cruise, however Wesna broke up the pin attempt, and got the match back on track for her and her protege, leading to the victory.
LUFISTO appeared on the video screen in the locker room. She noted that she came up short in her title match on Volume 26 against MsCHIF, but that she learned from that match, and just needed one more opportunity at the title to become SHIMMER Champion. She said nobody else was as deserving of a title shot as her, and was immediately confronted by an agitated AMAZING KONG. Just as the two were about to fight, DAIZEE HAZE stepped between them and said that she has a peaceful solution to their tension. Daizee suggested that they face one another in a match, and assured them that she would personally see to it that the winner of the bout would receive a SHIMMER Championship match in the future.
6. CHEERLEADER MELISSA defeated SHIMMER Tag Team Champion NICOLE MATTHEWS following the Kudoh Driver. Matthews came to the ring carrying both of the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship belts, in her partner PORTIA PEREZ's absence. Melissa had the advantage in the early going, until Matthews delivered three hard kicks in the corner to Melissa's knee, and then relentlessly went after that body part. Melissa was able to survive Matthews' signature lariat, but was able to counter out of a Last Rites attempt and nail Nicole with the devastating Kudoh Driver for the three count. On the heels of Matthews' singles outings against Daizee Haze on recent DVDs, this was another strong showing for Nicole in one-on-one competition against one of SHIMMER's best.
7. SARA DEL REY defeated "Everybody's Favorite Girlfriend" JESSIE McKAY via submission with a jujigatame. Del Rey focused on McKay's arm for the duration of the bout. Jessie held her own with Del Rey, including busting out the School Girl Crush for a close nearfall during the closing moments. Post-match, McKay received a standing ovation from the fans in attendance for her efforts.
8. AMAZING KONG battled "Super Hardcore Anime" LUFISTO to a double countout. Both wrestlers brawled through the crowd and out the back door of the building. During entrances for the next match, they once again fought through the crowd, back toward the ringside area, and then back to the locker room, with referees and wrestlers trying to break it up as the fans chanted "Let them fight!"
9. In her SHIMMER debut, AYAKO HAMADA defeated "The Latina Sensation" MERCEDES MARTINEZ following a 2nd rope Hama-Chan Cutter. The bout was a fifteen minute mix of hard hitting strikes and technical wrestling, showcasing the pure wrestling side of Ayako's repertoire.
10. SHIMMER Champion "Your Soul's Tormentor" MsCHIF defeated NIKKI ROXX following the Desecrater to retain the title (her twelfth defense). The fans in attendance showed their support for both women for the duration of the match, wrestled with good sportsmanship shown by both athletes. Nikki was able to kick out of MsChif's 2nd rope Death Valley Driver, but failed to hit the Barbie Crusher before falling victim to the Desecrater.
Heading into intermission, DAIZEE HAZE announced that due to the double countout between LUFISTO and AMAZING KONG resulting in no clear winner between the two, for the first time ever, the SHIMMER Championship would be defended in a Three-Way Elimination Match, as they would both face MsCHIF for the belt in the main event of Volume 28.
SHIMMER VOLUME 28
1. PORTUGUESE PRINCESS ARIEL defeated MALIA HOSAKA following the Dariel. Shenanigans ensued during this one, including Hosaka's "second" Lexie Fyfe On A Stick (a cutout artist's rendering of her on a pole) being "ejected from ringside" by the referee.
2. MELANIE CRUISE made short work of KIMBERLY KASH, scoring the pinfall after hitting Cruise Control.
3. ASHLEY LANE & NEVAEH got back on the winning track by scoring the victory against KACEY DIAMOND & SASSY STEPHIE (w/ Mademoiselle Rachelle) following the STO/Yakuza kick combo on Stephie.
SHIMMER Correspondent AMBER GERTNER interviewed CHEERLEADER MELISSA in the locker room. Melissa said that on the heels of two big victories, ending the feud against WESNA BUSIC with a knockout on Volume 26, and defeating 1/2 of the SHIMMER Tag Team Champions in NICOLE MATTHEWS on Volume 27, she is ready for bigger things. Before she could clarify what she had in mind, "The Rate Tank" KELLIE SKATER interrupted Melissa's interview by asking Amber when her interview time would be. Amber told her that she's not sure, and right now is Cheerleader Melissa's time. Skater asked "Cheerleader who?" She then proceeded to inform Melissa of her indie-structible Tank-like qualities. Melissa simply responded, "We'll see about that in the ring."
4. NIKKI ROXX defeated "The Croatian Panther" WESNA BUSIC with an O'Connor roll in a very even matchup between two skilled, well traveled wrestlers.
RACHEL SUMMERLYN came to the ring and expressed her confusion and disappointment on the microphone over what transpired on Volume 27 between DAFFNEY and herself. Rachel talked about how Daffney took her under her wing during her early period as a wrestler, and served as a mentor to her in the business. DAFFNEY came out in darker attire, said that she must not have done a very good job teaching Summerlyn, and then attacked her. A referee hit the ring and called for the opening bell for a match between them to begin.
5. RACHEL SUMMERLYN defeated DAFFNEY via disqualification when Daffney refused to break at the referee's five count. This wasn't much of an actual match at all, as it was simply Daffney in a quick rage dishing out punishment before the referee put an end to it. After the bell, Daffney continued to attack and choke Rachel until several referees pulled her out of the ring and escorted her back to the locker room. There is clearly more to be settled between these two women in the future.
6. "The International Home Wrecking Crew" RAIN & JETTA (w/ Lacey) defeated "Everybody's Favorite Girlfriend" JESSIE McKAY & TENILLE in a tag team bout.
7. CHEERLEADER MELISSA defeated "The Rate Tank" KELLIE SKATER following the Kudoh Driver. Skater showed virtually no fear getting in the face of Melissa prior to the match, and even grabbing her pompoms and mocking her. Whether it was toughness on Kellie's part or simply being delusional is up for debate, but her actions resulted in Melissa dishing out one of the most memorable beatings in SHIMMER thus far. Skater was slammed into the steel barricades a record setting number of times, before the action was brought back inside the ring. Kellie actually gained the upper hand on Melissa on a few occasions, but after attempting her Air Skater tight rope diving hurricanrana and simply being powerbombed for her trouble, The Rate Tank went down to Melissa's lethal Kudoh Driver.
8. "The Latina Sensation" MERCEDES MARTINEZ defeated CAT POWER after hitting the fisherman buster. Cat got her wish in top level competition after her victory against ARIEL on Volume 27. She put up a good fight against Mercedes, but in the end, one of the women who really put SHIMMER on the map four years ago scored the win.
9. SHIMMER Tag Team Champion NICOLE MATTHEWS defeated ALLISON DANGER after knocking her out with one of the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship belts. Late in the match, referee LAURA MATTANO was accidentally nailed in the corner by Danger as Matthews got out of the path of a running forearm. Troubleshooting referee DAIZEE HAZE slid into the ring to take over as official for the remainder of the bout. Given their history against one another, Matthews did take issue with Daizee right away, but continued the match. As she became frustrated that she couldn't put Allison away, Nicole retrieved one of the Tag Team belts from the corner and carried it to the center of the ring to use as a weapon. Daizee immediatelly took it out of her hands and went to place the belt outside of the ring, leaving her back turned to Matthews, who quickly grabbed the other Tag Team belt and nailed Danger with it before Daizee could see a thing. Daizee counted three and raised Matthews hand as the winner. Referee PJ DRUMMOND came to ringside to inform Daizee of what happened, but she said she didn't see it, and there was a three count, so her decision must stand. Post-match in the locker room, Matthews declared that she was carrying out PORTIA PEREZ's instructions by taking out Danger with the belt.
10. SARA DEL REY defeated AYAKO HAMADA with a piledriver in one of the wildest matches in SHIMMER's four year history. The match began with both women exchanging the advantage inside the ring, and Hamada getting the upper hand on Del Rey. A frustrated Sara left the ring, and headed to the locker room, only to return with a steel chair in hand. Sara wound up nailing Hamada with the chair, forcing SHIMMER senior official BRYCE REMSBURG to call for the bell. As he raised Hamada's hand for the disqualification victory, she told him she didn't want the match to end that way, and asked him to re-start it. Del Rey agreed to continue as well, and Remsburg declared the match would continue, but this time with no countout and no disqualification! Ayako immediately dropkicked Del Rey to the floor, and a crazy brawl ensued. Both women fought through the crowd around the entire Eagles Club, hurling chairs at one another and utilizing the steel barricades. Back inside the ring, Hamada gained the advantage, utilizing the steel chair herself, including a chairsault off the top rope for a close nearfall. Ayako went for the 2nd rope Hama-Chan Cutter, but Del Rey blocked the attempt. Sara was able to survive a Thunder Fire powerbomb, as well as the AP Cross Diamond. Hamada went for a second moonsault to try to put Sara away, but Del Rey got her feet up, immediately nailed Hamada with the Koppo Kick, and followed up with the piledriver (the first time she's used it in SHMMER since the finals of the Title Tournament in 2007) to finally put Ayako down for the three count.
11. SHIMMER Champion "Your Soul's Tormentor" MsCHIF defeated "Super Hardcore Anime" LUFISTO and AMAZING KONG in a Three-Way Elimination Match to retain the title (her thirteenth defense). This was an eleven minute sprint, with all three women going for eliminations right off the bat in an attempt to narrow it down to a one-on-one fight for the SHIMMER Championship. Chif and LuFisto tried to join forces against Kong on a few occasions, but while some of their teamwork was effective, Kong's size and power outmatched their efforts in the end. LuFisto was the first woman eliminated from the match, after absorbing the Amazing Bomb and being pinned by Kong. It then became a question of who would walk out of SHIMMER's 4th Anniversary Celebration with the title. Would Kong pin Chif again (as she did on Volume 9) and become the third woman to hold the SHIMMER Championship, or would Chif somehow be able to survive against a woman who had never been pinned or made to submit in a SHIMMER ring? The closing moments of the match saw both women pull out all of their signature maneuvers. Kong nailed Chif with the Amazing Bomb, but Chif was able to kick out. MsChif got enough momentum to take Kong over with the Code Green for a close nearfall! As Kong was about to hit the Amazing Press off the ropes, Chif got back to her feet, and sent Kong soaring to the center of the ring with a top rope hurricanrana, for another close nearfall. Chif was able to hit the Desecrater on Kong, only for Kong to be the first woman to ever kick out of it in company history. Kong got Chif back up, this time for the Spiral variation of the Amazing Bomb (with which she pinned Chif on Volume 9), but Chif kicked out! Kong placed Chif on the top rope, and came charging into the corner. MsChif threw a kick, but Kong caught the kick, and threw Chif's leg over her shoulder. As Kong picked her up off the turnbuckle and carried her out of the corner, MsChif was able to trap Kong's arm, and grab her head for a huge elevated version of the Desecrater! Chif hooked the leg tightly and made history by becoming the first woman to pin Amazing Kong in SHIMMER! After the match, Kong got face to face with MsChif, but rather than continue to fight, she patted the champ on the shoulder in a sign of respect before exiting the ring and returning to the locker room as the fans celebrated MsChif's victory to close the show.
Photographers Gilda Pasquil, Walter Lippmann, Buddy LaMantia, and Ricky Havlik were in attendance, capturing the festivities on film for all to see. Look for galleries to be available from all four photographers at www.SHIMMERwrestlin g.com during the coming weeks.
A big thanks goes out to the staff and management of 39TEN Lounge in Lyons, IL for a very enjoyable SHIMMER afterparty! We look forward to a continued relationship with 39TEN in the future.
We will head into production on SHIMMER Volumes 26 through 28 during early December. The Volume 26 DVD title is set for a likely release at www.ROHwrestling. com during early January, with the 4th Anniversary DVDs to follow shortly thereafter.
SHIMMER will now take a winter hiatus during Chicago's snowy months, before returning to live action during the spring of 2010 to resume the filming of our DVD series. Fans can check out several of the SHIMMER stars during our off-season on women's wrestling events promoted by Jersey All Pro Wrestling on the east coast and NCW Femmes Fatales in Canada.
Everyone at SHIMMER would like to thank each of the fans who purchased tickets and sold out the Berwyn Eagles Club to celebrate four years of presenting live women's professional wrestling in the Chicagoland area. We've only been able to make it this long with your dedication to our product and financial support, both at the box office and through DVD sales around the world. Thank you for four tremendous years!
If you attended the event live, post your thoughts in the following thread at The SHIMMER Forum...
http://shimmerwomen .proboards. com/index. cgi?board= shimmer&action= display&thread= 3282
COMMEMORATIVE 4TH ANNIVERSARY T-SHIRTS!
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Front:
Back:
The commemorative "SHIMMER 4th Anniversary Celebration" t-shirt is available for immediate worldwide shipping online right now!
The shirt features the SHIMMER logo across the front, with the 4th Anniversary Celebration logo on the back. The shirts are Athletic Gold in color, with Maroon ink. Size S is sold out. Sizes M through XL are $20 each, plus $5 shipping anywhere in the world (Priority Mail in the United States). Size 2XL is $25 plus $5 shipping.
To order, use the PayPal buttons at the link below.
http://shimmerwomen .webs.com/ shirts.html
PHOTO PREVIEWS FROM NOVEMBER 8TH TAPINGS NOW ONLINE!
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You can check out preview galleries from several of the photographers who were in attendance on November 8th online right now.
Gilda Pasqul Posed Photos
http://shimmerwomen .proboards. com/index. cgi?board= shimmer&action= display&thread= 3466
Wrestlin' Wally's Ringside Photos
http://shimmerwomen .proboards. com/index. cgi?board= shimmer&action= display&thread= 3464
Ricky Havlik's Ringside Photos
http://shimmerwomen .proboards. com/index. cgi?board= shimmer&action= display&thread= 3455
SHIMMER DVDS AVAILABLE FROM RING OF HONOR!
Courtesy of the SHIMMER Yahoo Group
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/shimmerwre stling/
Headlines:
- Full results/recap of SHIMMER's 4th Anniversary Celebration!
- Volumes 27 & 28 are in the books!
- Anniversary t-shirts still available while they last!
- Photo previews from November 8th already online!
FULL RESULTS FROM SHIMMER'S 4TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
SHIMMER - WOMEN ATHLETES presented its "4th Anniversary Celebration" on Sunday, November 8, 2009 before a sold out Eagles Club in Berwyn, IL. Volumes 27 & 28 of the SHIMMER DVD series were filmed during the course of the taping. Here's what went down...
SPARKLE (pre-show)
1. SHIMMER Tag Team Champion NICOLE MATTHEWS defeated SKILLED DEATH ARTIST #2 after hitting Last Rites on the masked competitor. Matthews saw what appeared to be someone dressed as a ninja enter the ring, and came out to object on the microphone. Matthews shouted "Ninja please," and agreed to fight on the pre-show to demonstrate what happens to people who are guilty of gimmick infringement.
2. KACEY DIAMOND & SASSY STEPHIE (w/ Mademoiselle Rachelle) defeated KIMBERLY KASH & LEVA BATES in a tag team contest. Stephie and Kash made their return to SPARKLE competition here. The French Canadian Kacey made her way to SPARKLE from the NCW Femmes Fatales promotion in Montreal, while Leva is a newcomer out of the state of Florida who appears for Full Impact Pro.
Prior to the start of the DVD taping, a new SHIMMER highlight video produced by Nicholas Andrews premiered on the video screen, titled "Revolution in Four." It can be viewed online at the link below.
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=EHmmD0_ jimA
SHIMMER VOLUME 27
One of the women who has been a part of SHIMMER from day one, NIKKI ROXX, opened the show with a video segment taped outside the Eagles Club prior to the event. Nikki recapped her history with the company, working her way up from the preliminary ranks to main event status, and then taking a hiatus from SHIMMER competition. Since returning to the company, Nikki has done battle with some of the newer additions to the roster, and said that tonight she has been given the opportunity to prove that she still belongs at the top of the card. Roxx stated that tonight she would end the year and a half long reign of MsCHIF as SHIMMER Champion.
1. MALIA HOSAKA defeated TENILLE after a Canadian backbreaker drop.
A segment was shown on the video screen of SHIMMER Tag Team Champion PORTIA PEREZ from her home, out sick with the Swine Flu. Perez read a note from her doctor prohibiting her from appearing on the show. ALLISON DANGER immediately came out to the ring and said Portia was lying about her illness, and was simply afraid to be a fighting champion and scared to get in the ring against her. Portia's partner NICOLE MATTHEWS came to the ring to defend Perez. While Danger had her back turned to the entrance, KELLIE SKATER took this as a cheap opportunity to jump Danger from behind. Referee PJ DRUMMOND hit the ring and called for the opening bell.
2. ALLISON DANGER defeated "The Rate Tank" KELLIE SKATER following the Old School Expulsion. The "indie-structible" Skater put up a strong fight against Danger, including an impressive exchange of chops, before falling to the SHIMMER veteran.
SHIMMER Correspondent AMBER GERTNER interviewed CAT POWER in the locker room. Cat said that she is in SHIMMER to be successful, and wants the strongest competition in the future. Cat said that she was embarrassed by ARIEL in her SHIMMER DVD debut match, and tonight she wanted a chance to even the score against her in a rematch.
DAIZEE HAZE was welcomed to the ring by the fans in attendance, and explained that she is currently sidelined with injury, after suffering nerve damage in her neck which has caused severe pain in her back. Though she may be out of the ring as an active wrestler, she remains a huge part of SHIMMER as the trainer of the SHIMMER course at the ROH Wrestling Academy, and offered to help out in any way possible. Senior referee BRYCE REMSBURG extended the offer of a Troubleshooting Referee position during her hiatus, and Daizee gladly accepted, promising to call everything right down the middle.
3. "The International Home Wrecking Crew" RAIN & JETTA (w/ Lacey) defeated RACHEL SUMMERLYN & DAFFNEY with a lungblower combo, followed by Jetta's stranglehold submission. Rachel began the match for her team, and ultimately, wrestled the entire match for her team, as the darker side of Daffney began to emerge in this one. At several points in the bout, a worn down Summerlyn was in position to tag Daffney in, but she would conveniently turn her back to Rachel just as she was close enough to tag her in. During the closing moments of the match, Daffney just hopped off the ring apron and walked back to the locker room, leaving a distraught Rachel all alone against the Home Wreckers.
4. CAT POWER defeated PORTUGUESE PRINCESS ARIEL with the Cat Nap, avenging the loss from Volume 18. This match saw DAIZEE HAZE's first appearance as a SHIMMER referee.
5. "The Croatian Panther" WESNA BUSIC & MELANIE CRUISE defeated ASHLEY LANE & NEVAEH in tag team action with a double team variation of Melanie's Cruise Control slam. The Ohio tandem were able to hit their signature STO/Yakuza kick combo on Cruise, however Wesna broke up the pin attempt, and got the match back on track for her and her protege, leading to the victory.
LUFISTO appeared on the video screen in the locker room. She noted that she came up short in her title match on Volume 26 against MsCHIF, but that she learned from that match, and just needed one more opportunity at the title to become SHIMMER Champion. She said nobody else was as deserving of a title shot as her, and was immediately confronted by an agitated AMAZING KONG. Just as the two were about to fight, DAIZEE HAZE stepped between them and said that she has a peaceful solution to their tension. Daizee suggested that they face one another in a match, and assured them that she would personally see to it that the winner of the bout would receive a SHIMMER Championship match in the future.
6. CHEERLEADER MELISSA defeated SHIMMER Tag Team Champion NICOLE MATTHEWS following the Kudoh Driver. Matthews came to the ring carrying both of the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship belts, in her partner PORTIA PEREZ's absence. Melissa had the advantage in the early going, until Matthews delivered three hard kicks in the corner to Melissa's knee, and then relentlessly went after that body part. Melissa was able to survive Matthews' signature lariat, but was able to counter out of a Last Rites attempt and nail Nicole with the devastating Kudoh Driver for the three count. On the heels of Matthews' singles outings against Daizee Haze on recent DVDs, this was another strong showing for Nicole in one-on-one competition against one of SHIMMER's best.
7. SARA DEL REY defeated "Everybody's Favorite Girlfriend" JESSIE McKAY via submission with a jujigatame. Del Rey focused on McKay's arm for the duration of the bout. Jessie held her own with Del Rey, including busting out the School Girl Crush for a close nearfall during the closing moments. Post-match, McKay received a standing ovation from the fans in attendance for her efforts.
8. AMAZING KONG battled "Super Hardcore Anime" LUFISTO to a double countout. Both wrestlers brawled through the crowd and out the back door of the building. During entrances for the next match, they once again fought through the crowd, back toward the ringside area, and then back to the locker room, with referees and wrestlers trying to break it up as the fans chanted "Let them fight!"
9. In her SHIMMER debut, AYAKO HAMADA defeated "The Latina Sensation" MERCEDES MARTINEZ following a 2nd rope Hama-Chan Cutter. The bout was a fifteen minute mix of hard hitting strikes and technical wrestling, showcasing the pure wrestling side of Ayako's repertoire.
10. SHIMMER Champion "Your Soul's Tormentor" MsCHIF defeated NIKKI ROXX following the Desecrater to retain the title (her twelfth defense). The fans in attendance showed their support for both women for the duration of the match, wrestled with good sportsmanship shown by both athletes. Nikki was able to kick out of MsChif's 2nd rope Death Valley Driver, but failed to hit the Barbie Crusher before falling victim to the Desecrater.
Heading into intermission, DAIZEE HAZE announced that due to the double countout between LUFISTO and AMAZING KONG resulting in no clear winner between the two, for the first time ever, the SHIMMER Championship would be defended in a Three-Way Elimination Match, as they would both face MsCHIF for the belt in the main event of Volume 28.
SHIMMER VOLUME 28
1. PORTUGUESE PRINCESS ARIEL defeated MALIA HOSAKA following the Dariel. Shenanigans ensued during this one, including Hosaka's "second" Lexie Fyfe On A Stick (a cutout artist's rendering of her on a pole) being "ejected from ringside" by the referee.
2. MELANIE CRUISE made short work of KIMBERLY KASH, scoring the pinfall after hitting Cruise Control.
3. ASHLEY LANE & NEVAEH got back on the winning track by scoring the victory against KACEY DIAMOND & SASSY STEPHIE (w/ Mademoiselle Rachelle) following the STO/Yakuza kick combo on Stephie.
SHIMMER Correspondent AMBER GERTNER interviewed CHEERLEADER MELISSA in the locker room. Melissa said that on the heels of two big victories, ending the feud against WESNA BUSIC with a knockout on Volume 26, and defeating 1/2 of the SHIMMER Tag Team Champions in NICOLE MATTHEWS on Volume 27, she is ready for bigger things. Before she could clarify what she had in mind, "The Rate Tank" KELLIE SKATER interrupted Melissa's interview by asking Amber when her interview time would be. Amber told her that she's not sure, and right now is Cheerleader Melissa's time. Skater asked "Cheerleader who?" She then proceeded to inform Melissa of her indie-structible Tank-like qualities. Melissa simply responded, "We'll see about that in the ring."
4. NIKKI ROXX defeated "The Croatian Panther" WESNA BUSIC with an O'Connor roll in a very even matchup between two skilled, well traveled wrestlers.
RACHEL SUMMERLYN came to the ring and expressed her confusion and disappointment on the microphone over what transpired on Volume 27 between DAFFNEY and herself. Rachel talked about how Daffney took her under her wing during her early period as a wrestler, and served as a mentor to her in the business. DAFFNEY came out in darker attire, said that she must not have done a very good job teaching Summerlyn, and then attacked her. A referee hit the ring and called for the opening bell for a match between them to begin.
5. RACHEL SUMMERLYN defeated DAFFNEY via disqualification when Daffney refused to break at the referee's five count. This wasn't much of an actual match at all, as it was simply Daffney in a quick rage dishing out punishment before the referee put an end to it. After the bell, Daffney continued to attack and choke Rachel until several referees pulled her out of the ring and escorted her back to the locker room. There is clearly more to be settled between these two women in the future.
6. "The International Home Wrecking Crew" RAIN & JETTA (w/ Lacey) defeated "Everybody's Favorite Girlfriend" JESSIE McKAY & TENILLE in a tag team bout.
7. CHEERLEADER MELISSA defeated "The Rate Tank" KELLIE SKATER following the Kudoh Driver. Skater showed virtually no fear getting in the face of Melissa prior to the match, and even grabbing her pompoms and mocking her. Whether it was toughness on Kellie's part or simply being delusional is up for debate, but her actions resulted in Melissa dishing out one of the most memorable beatings in SHIMMER thus far. Skater was slammed into the steel barricades a record setting number of times, before the action was brought back inside the ring. Kellie actually gained the upper hand on Melissa on a few occasions, but after attempting her Air Skater tight rope diving hurricanrana and simply being powerbombed for her trouble, The Rate Tank went down to Melissa's lethal Kudoh Driver.
8. "The Latina Sensation" MERCEDES MARTINEZ defeated CAT POWER after hitting the fisherman buster. Cat got her wish in top level competition after her victory against ARIEL on Volume 27. She put up a good fight against Mercedes, but in the end, one of the women who really put SHIMMER on the map four years ago scored the win.
9. SHIMMER Tag Team Champion NICOLE MATTHEWS defeated ALLISON DANGER after knocking her out with one of the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship belts. Late in the match, referee LAURA MATTANO was accidentally nailed in the corner by Danger as Matthews got out of the path of a running forearm. Troubleshooting referee DAIZEE HAZE slid into the ring to take over as official for the remainder of the bout. Given their history against one another, Matthews did take issue with Daizee right away, but continued the match. As she became frustrated that she couldn't put Allison away, Nicole retrieved one of the Tag Team belts from the corner and carried it to the center of the ring to use as a weapon. Daizee immediatelly took it out of her hands and went to place the belt outside of the ring, leaving her back turned to Matthews, who quickly grabbed the other Tag Team belt and nailed Danger with it before Daizee could see a thing. Daizee counted three and raised Matthews hand as the winner. Referee PJ DRUMMOND came to ringside to inform Daizee of what happened, but she said she didn't see it, and there was a three count, so her decision must stand. Post-match in the locker room, Matthews declared that she was carrying out PORTIA PEREZ's instructions by taking out Danger with the belt.
10. SARA DEL REY defeated AYAKO HAMADA with a piledriver in one of the wildest matches in SHIMMER's four year history. The match began with both women exchanging the advantage inside the ring, and Hamada getting the upper hand on Del Rey. A frustrated Sara left the ring, and headed to the locker room, only to return with a steel chair in hand. Sara wound up nailing Hamada with the chair, forcing SHIMMER senior official BRYCE REMSBURG to call for the bell. As he raised Hamada's hand for the disqualification victory, she told him she didn't want the match to end that way, and asked him to re-start it. Del Rey agreed to continue as well, and Remsburg declared the match would continue, but this time with no countout and no disqualification! Ayako immediately dropkicked Del Rey to the floor, and a crazy brawl ensued. Both women fought through the crowd around the entire Eagles Club, hurling chairs at one another and utilizing the steel barricades. Back inside the ring, Hamada gained the advantage, utilizing the steel chair herself, including a chairsault off the top rope for a close nearfall. Ayako went for the 2nd rope Hama-Chan Cutter, but Del Rey blocked the attempt. Sara was able to survive a Thunder Fire powerbomb, as well as the AP Cross Diamond. Hamada went for a second moonsault to try to put Sara away, but Del Rey got her feet up, immediately nailed Hamada with the Koppo Kick, and followed up with the piledriver (the first time she's used it in SHMMER since the finals of the Title Tournament in 2007) to finally put Ayako down for the three count.
11. SHIMMER Champion "Your Soul's Tormentor" MsCHIF defeated "Super Hardcore Anime" LUFISTO and AMAZING KONG in a Three-Way Elimination Match to retain the title (her thirteenth defense). This was an eleven minute sprint, with all three women going for eliminations right off the bat in an attempt to narrow it down to a one-on-one fight for the SHIMMER Championship. Chif and LuFisto tried to join forces against Kong on a few occasions, but while some of their teamwork was effective, Kong's size and power outmatched their efforts in the end. LuFisto was the first woman eliminated from the match, after absorbing the Amazing Bomb and being pinned by Kong. It then became a question of who would walk out of SHIMMER's 4th Anniversary Celebration with the title. Would Kong pin Chif again (as she did on Volume 9) and become the third woman to hold the SHIMMER Championship, or would Chif somehow be able to survive against a woman who had never been pinned or made to submit in a SHIMMER ring? The closing moments of the match saw both women pull out all of their signature maneuvers. Kong nailed Chif with the Amazing Bomb, but Chif was able to kick out. MsChif got enough momentum to take Kong over with the Code Green for a close nearfall! As Kong was about to hit the Amazing Press off the ropes, Chif got back to her feet, and sent Kong soaring to the center of the ring with a top rope hurricanrana, for another close nearfall. Chif was able to hit the Desecrater on Kong, only for Kong to be the first woman to ever kick out of it in company history. Kong got Chif back up, this time for the Spiral variation of the Amazing Bomb (with which she pinned Chif on Volume 9), but Chif kicked out! Kong placed Chif on the top rope, and came charging into the corner. MsChif threw a kick, but Kong caught the kick, and threw Chif's leg over her shoulder. As Kong picked her up off the turnbuckle and carried her out of the corner, MsChif was able to trap Kong's arm, and grab her head for a huge elevated version of the Desecrater! Chif hooked the leg tightly and made history by becoming the first woman to pin Amazing Kong in SHIMMER! After the match, Kong got face to face with MsChif, but rather than continue to fight, she patted the champ on the shoulder in a sign of respect before exiting the ring and returning to the locker room as the fans celebrated MsChif's victory to close the show.
Photographers Gilda Pasquil, Walter Lippmann, Buddy LaMantia, and Ricky Havlik were in attendance, capturing the festivities on film for all to see. Look for galleries to be available from all four photographers at www.SHIMMERwrestlin g.com during the coming weeks.
A big thanks goes out to the staff and management of 39TEN Lounge in Lyons, IL for a very enjoyable SHIMMER afterparty! We look forward to a continued relationship with 39TEN in the future.
We will head into production on SHIMMER Volumes 26 through 28 during early December. The Volume 26 DVD title is set for a likely release at www.ROHwrestling. com during early January, with the 4th Anniversary DVDs to follow shortly thereafter.
SHIMMER will now take a winter hiatus during Chicago's snowy months, before returning to live action during the spring of 2010 to resume the filming of our DVD series. Fans can check out several of the SHIMMER stars during our off-season on women's wrestling events promoted by Jersey All Pro Wrestling on the east coast and NCW Femmes Fatales in Canada.
Everyone at SHIMMER would like to thank each of the fans who purchased tickets and sold out the Berwyn Eagles Club to celebrate four years of presenting live women's professional wrestling in the Chicagoland area. We've only been able to make it this long with your dedication to our product and financial support, both at the box office and through DVD sales around the world. Thank you for four tremendous years!
If you attended the event live, post your thoughts in the following thread at The SHIMMER Forum...
http://shimmerwomen .proboards. com/index. cgi?board= shimmer&action= display&thread= 3282
COMMEMORATIVE 4TH ANNIVERSARY T-SHIRTS!
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Front:
Back:
The commemorative "SHIMMER 4th Anniversary Celebration" t-shirt is available for immediate worldwide shipping online right now!
The shirt features the SHIMMER logo across the front, with the 4th Anniversary Celebration logo on the back. The shirts are Athletic Gold in color, with Maroon ink. Size S is sold out. Sizes M through XL are $20 each, plus $5 shipping anywhere in the world (Priority Mail in the United States). Size 2XL is $25 plus $5 shipping.
To order, use the PayPal buttons at the link below.
http://shimmerwomen .webs.com/ shirts.html
PHOTO PREVIEWS FROM NOVEMBER 8TH TAPINGS NOW ONLINE!
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You can check out preview galleries from several of the photographers who were in attendance on November 8th online right now.
Gilda Pasqul Posed Photos
http://shimmerwomen .proboards. com/index. cgi?board= shimmer&action= display&thread= 3466
Wrestlin' Wally's Ringside Photos
http://shimmerwomen .proboards. com/index. cgi?board= shimmer&action= display&thread= 3464
Ricky Havlik's Ringside Photos
http://shimmerwomen .proboards. com/index. cgi?board= shimmer&action= display&thread= 3455
SHIMMER DVDS AVAILABLE FROM RING OF HONOR!
sabato 9 maggio 2009
martedì 7 aprile 2009
SHIMMER News
SHIMMER Champion "Your Soul's Tormentor" MsChif prenderà parte ai prossimi tapings in Philadelphia della ROH per gli shows su HDNet. La ROH filmerà dall'episodio 7 al 12 questo Giovedì e Venerdì.
domenica 22 marzo 2009
SHIMMER - WOMEN ATHLETES News
SHIMMER - WOMEN ATHLETES returns to live action on Saturday and Sunday, May 2nd and 3rd, at the Berwyn Eagles Club, located at 6309 26th Street in Berwyn, IL, just outside Chicago. Volumes 23, 24, 25, and 26 of the SHIMMER DVD series will be filmed during the course of the largest weekend in SHIMMER company history!
Fans who may have considered making the trip from out of town to check out SHIMMER live, but have hesitated in the past, this time you will get two nights, and four big DVDs worth of live action in one trip!
Front row seating for the tapings is completely SOLD OUT.
General admission ticket packages, covering both days of tapings (all four DVDs worth) are currently available at a total cost of $40 plus $1 shipping per package. You may use the PayPal buttons at the link below to order your weekend ticket packages online right now. You may also submit payment by mail order (checks and money orders). E-mail dave_prazak@... for mail order payment instructions.
http://www.freewebs.com/shimmerwomen/tickets.html
Only 175 general admission seats will be available, due to venue restrictions. Half of the tickets for these tapings have already been sold, so don't delay in securing your tickets if you plan on attending!
Single day tickets will be made available during the coming weeks, should any seating remain after those who plan on making the two day trip have had a chance to purchase their two day ticket packages. Keep checking The SHIMMER Forum during the coming weeks if you are interested in purchasing single day tickets.
In addition to SHIMMER that weekend, the AAW promotion, which runs regular monthly live events at the Berwyn Eagles Club, will be holding an event at the venue on Friday night, May 1st! If you are coming in from outside of the Chicago area, this is a great opportunity to catch three straight days of live wrestling! Visit http://www.aawrestling.com/ for more on AAW.
Mark your calendars, and make your plans to be in Berwyn on May 2nd and 3rd for the biggest SHIMMER weekend ever!
Post your thoughts on SHIMMER's next tapings in the following thread at The SHIMMER Forum...
http://shimmerwomen.proboards50.com/index.cgi?board=shimmer&action=display&thread=2913
SIGN UP FOR FREE GLOSSY SHIMMER PROMO CARDS!
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We are going to be doing another big mailing in the next few weeks to promote our May 2nd & 3rd tapings in Berwyn, IL. What that means is we will be sending FREE glossy SHIMMER promo cards to everyone on our snail mail list!
If you aren't already on our mailing list (if you've already received our flyer cards in the mail in the past, then you're on it already), simply E-mail shimmernews@... with your full name and postal mailing address, and we'll add you for this mailing. I know a lot of you have begun to collect the promo cards from previous tapings, so make sure you're on the list to receive this one.
If your address has changed recently, please E-mail shimmernews@... with your updated address information.
We will send them to anyone who sends us their address, regardless of where in the world you are located.
lunedì 9 marzo 2009
RESULTS & RECAP OF 2008 SHIMMER AWARDS!
RESULTS & RECAP OF 2008 SHIMMER AWARDS!
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Compiled by Nicholas Andrews
So without further adieu, here are the results of the 2008 SHIMMER Year End Awards, voted on by the members of the SHIMMER Forum!
Wrestler of the Year: Sara Del Rey (69 Points)
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Perhaps no one personifies what SHIMMER is all about more than Sara Del Rey. With a strong in-ring work ethic, powerful frame and graceful demeanor, she has established herself as one of the top female talents in the world. In 2008 she entered the year in the midst of her reign as the first and only SHIMMER Champion. When she lost that title to MsChif on Volume 18, Sara took to heart the boos she was hearing during that night and completely reinvented herself. She became darker, angrier, and changed her style. Over the next two shows, she ran roughshod through the midcard, and though this was a new Sara, one thing that did not change was the quality of matches she was having. She is one of two SHIMMER wrestlers who worked every show in 2008 and had all their matches nominated for Match of the Year (excluding the battle royale on Volume 19). Although she had a dramatic personality shift in the middle of the year, it went as smooth as could be hoped and Sara thrilled SHIMMER fans just as she always has through her rivalries with MsChif and Serena Deeb. Though she may no longer be champion, it's apparent the fans regard her more highly than ever.
1st Runner Up: Cheerleader Melissa (59 Points)
MVP or workhorse... whatever you like to call it, Cheerleader Melissa was perhaps the most consistent competitor in SHIMMER in 2008. She is the other member of the roster who worked every show and had all her matches nominated for Match of the Year. That says a lot about how much the fans truly love Melissa, as her hard-hitting style has thrilled old fans and won over new ones all year long.
2nd Runner Up: MsChif (48 Points)
The reigning SHIMMER Champion got her year off to a tremendous start by winning the title from Sara Del Rey. With her unique offense and personality, the fans have rallied behind her as the standard bearer of the promotion. Her in-ring work has been as good as it ever has been, as most of her matches were nominated for Match of the Year. Her reign atop SHIMMER is well deserved and a long time coming.
3rd Runner Up: Mercedes Martinez (29 Points)
On Volume 17, SHIMMER fans were ecstatic to welcome back Mercedes Martinez, who had been absent in 2007 due to injury. Mercedes picked up right where she left off, having an early Match of the Year Candidate against Wesna Busic and coming out on top. The fans were with her, and she racked up wins, though she came up short when she finally got her shot at the SHIMMER Title. However, for Mercedes, this may only be the warm-up for the year to come.
Honorable Mentions: Amazing Kong, Ariel, Daizee Haze, Jennifer Blake, LuFisto, Nicole Matthews, Portia Perez, Rain, Sarah Stock, Serena Deeb, Wesna Busic
Tag Team of the Year: Ashley Lane & Nevaeh (63 Points)
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At the start of the SHIMMER season, Nevaeh had not yet debuted. Ashley Lane had just debuted at the end of 2007, and both were looking to find their niche within the roster. That niche came with the growing tag team division, and Ashley and Nevaeh were a first class team long before they tagged in SHIMMER. After a lackluster start by losing to the Experience, Lane and Nevaeh picked up what had to be considered the biggest upset of the night on Volume 18 when they beat perennial favorites the Minnesota Homewrecking Crew, Lacey and Rain. By the end of the season, Lane and Nevaeh had become the first ever SHIMMER Tag Team Champions. Many have called them the female version of the Rock 'n Roll Express or the Rockers, due to their innovative double team offense and movie star good looks. One thing is for sure... Lane and Nevaeh have rocked SHIMMER in 2008.
1st Runners Up: The Canadian Ninjas (60 Points)
Portia Perez and Nicole Matthews came within a hair of taking the top spot, but perhaps failing twice to become SHIMMER Tag Team Champions and Portia's feud with Allison Danger taking away her tag focus stalled them just enough to settle into second. It certainly isn't due to lack of fans; the Canadian Ninjas have amassed quite a fanbase despite playing on the wrong side of the tracks. This ridiculously awesome duo may just take the top tag prize in SHIMMER before it's all said and done, and anyone who tries to stop them will have to face the wrath of the Ninjas.
2nd Runners Up: International Homewrecking Crew (54 Points)
When Lacey left the Minnesota Homewrecking Crew, and wrestling in general, what was Rain to do? The answer came in the form of the UK's Jetta, who fit in with the Twin Cities Twosome like a glove, and thus the International Homewrecking Crew was born. Jetta and Rain are still attempting to gel as a team, but they have had their share of success in 2008. Their only tag loss came during the Gauntlet to Ashley Lane and Nevaeh, who went on to become the champions. However, the IHWC hold a victory over Lane and Nevaeh from July, and you know if they get the chance they will parlay that into a shot at the tag titles sometime in the future.
3rd Runners Up: The Experience (52 Points)
Lexie Fyfe and Malia Hosaka, weighing in at a combined 34 years in the wrestling business, have been the team to beat in SHIMMER for over two years. Having only suffered two losses in that time, the Experience is still going strong. Many thought them a sure thing for the first tag champs, until they were upset by Lane and Nevaeh in the finals of the Gauntlet. But like the IHWC, the Experience also hold a victory over the champs and it seems like only a matter of time until these two veterans have their own run with the gold.
Honorable Mentions: Allison Danger & Jennifer Blake, Cat Power & Veronika Vice, Cheerleader Melissa & MsChif, The Dangerous Angels, Danyah & Jennifer Blake, The Minnesota Homewrecking Crew, The Pink Ladies, The Suicide Blondes,
Newcomer of the Year: Wesna Busic (73 Points)
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Anyone who doubts Wesna being the best newcomer in 2008 only needs to watch her matches. Though she only wrestled on two thirds of the shows, her matches with Mercedes Martinez, Amazing Kong and LuFisto were nominated for Match of the Year, and her encounter with Amber O'Neal wasn't too shabby either. Fans have been calling for the Croatian Panther to come to SHIMMER for a long time, and in 2008 they got their wish. Wesna reciprocated that support by delivering in a big way. Though she only amassed one win during the SHIMMER season, it's certainly enough to get another shot in the coming year. Her insistence on taking on the big dogs in SHIMMER is only going to make her better, and it would be no surprise to see her knocking on the SHIMMER Champion's door sometime soon.
1st Runner Up: Jennifer Blake (72 Points)
Talk about a photo finish. "Girl Dynamite" Jennifer Blake finished one point behind Wesna for Newcomer of the Year. It's easy to see why it was so close; though Wesna had the best matches of any newcomer, Blake made the biggest impact. She impressed Allison Danger enough to earn her praise after their match, as well as a chance to be her tag team partner on the next show. She formed a team with LuFisto to attempt to gain the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship, and took Cheerleader Melissa to her limit on the last show of the season. And all this with under two years of professional experience. Look for big things from Girl Dynamite if this pattern continues in the coming year.
2nd Runner Up: Cat Power (67 Points)
The debut that wasn't supposed to be. Little did Cat Power know when she tried out on the pre-show at the start of the season that she would later that night be thrust onto the main show to replace an injured Allison Danger. She did well enough to get another look, and by the end of the year won over the fans with her new, um, "catty" demeanor. Cat Power(meow) has the potential to be a top personality in SHIMMER with the ring skills to back it up.
3rd Runner Up: Nevaeh (25 Points)
At the beginning of 2008, Nevaeh wasn't a part of SHIMMER. By the end of 2008, she had a title belt. That about says it right there for Nevaeh, who became one half of the first SHIMMER Tag Team Champions with her partner Ashley Lane. Though not yet given a chance to break out into singles or truly show her personality, Nevaeh has been the dominant tag wrestler of the newcomers. That was enough to get her a high ranking spot in this category.
Honorable Mentions: Danyah, Jessie McKay, Madison Eagles, Miss Natural, Rachel Summerlyn, Shark Girl, Veronika Vice
Most Improved Wrestler of the Year: Serena Deeb (82 Points)
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A landslide victory. After a lackluster 2007 for various reasons, Serena Deeb was mysteriously absent at the start of the season. However, in July she made her return and it was as if someone had lit a fire under her. This was a new, smarter, more confident Serena. She was immediately asking for matches against top opponents, and wasn't afraid to take to the microphone if she needed to get something off her chest. She started strong with a win over Danyah, but then ran into the roadblock named Sara Del Rey. Serena impressed everyone by hanging in there with the former champ, only to fall in defeat. However, Serena was not deterred and by the end of the season had accomplished two goals: she had pinned her rival Sara Del Rey and earned a future shot at the SHIMMER Championship. Her in-ring skills had noticeably improved as well, and gained quite a bit of support from the SHIMMER fans because of that. The sky is the limit for Serena Deeb, who looks to be up to the challenge of climbing even higher on the SHIMMER ladder and achieving any goal she sets for herself.
1st Runner Up: Amber O'Neal (45 Points)
Amber O'Neal has long been referred to as the resident "diva" in SHIMMER. To some, that would imply that her mat skills are not at a level that a competitor of SHIMMER should be at, but still more who have watched her over the years have come to know better. It was evident in her matches against Lorelei Lee and Shark Girl that Amber was on the ball as the saying goes, and so she was then thrown to the wolves. And she held her own with those wolves. Though winless against Mercedes Martinez and Wesna Busic, Amber showed that she could hang with some of the top ring generals of SHIMMER and that has raised her stock considerably in the eyes of the fans.
2nd Runner Up: Nicole Matthews (41 Points)
Nicole Matthews was not only part of a successful tag team in 2008, but she was able to show what she could do in singles action as well. She impressed fans with her outings against Shark Girl and Lorelei Lee, and then came a true test in the form of a returning Nikki Roxx. Nicole was able to do well against her too, and her versatility was cemented in the minds of all the fans.
3rd Runner Up: Portia Perez (29 Points)
Portia Perez has come a long way from losing in two minutes in her SHIMMER debut. She has had some help from a yellow chain, chocolate chip cookies, ninja headbands and Nicole Matthews to get to where she is now, but Portia has truly improved in the last two years. Her tag matches with Matthews were all nominated for Match of the Year and she has managed to hold her own in singles action as well, starting an incredibly entertaining feud with Allison Danger.
Honorable Mentions: Ariel, Ashley Lane, Daffney, Daizee Haze, Jetta, Lorelei Lee, Mercedes Martinez, MsChif, Nikki Roxx, Rain, Sara Del Rey
Match of the Year: Cheerleader Melissa vs. LuFisto (61 Points)
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Many fans had been calling for it, and on Volume 20 it was delivered. Two of the hardest-hitting women on the planet seemingly forever separated by thousands of miles and a national border faced off in a first time encounter. They brought the stiffness in equal increments, though LuFisto did make the mistake of going to the outside with Melissa, where she was mercilessly swung into the guardrail. However, LuFisto was able to rally back, but seemingly nothing in her arsenal could put down Melissa. Finally, LuFisto was unable to get up after being on the business end of the Kudoh Driver, the most lethal move in Melissa's arsenal and one that no one has kicked out of. The fans were raving about the match almost as soon as it had ended, making Volume 20 one of the most anticipated releases in SHIMMER history. There were many great matches in 2008, but on this night the stars aligned right for Cheerleader Melissa and LuFisto, and they gave everyone something special.
1st Runner Up: Volume 17 - The Dangerous Angels vs. MsChif & Cheerleader Melissa (40 Points)
The main event of Volume 17 is perhaps the best tag match in SHIMMER history. Both tandems had a history of teaming and they went at it tooth and nail. MsChif seemingly threw everything but the kitchen sink at Sara Del Rey to keep her down, but due to unfortunate circumstances could not keep her down for three. However, Melissa had better luck, driving down Allison Danger with a vicious Air Raid Crash that fractured Danger's collarbone and put her out of action for two months.
2nd Runner Up: Volume 18 - Cheerleader Melissa vs. Sarah Stock (28 Points)
Melissa makes yet another appearance as the MVP of 2008 took on perhaps the MVP of 2007, Sarah Stock, on Volume 18. Stock had the psychological advantage going in, having knocked Melissa out of the SHIMMER Title Tournament in the first round in a previous encounter. Melissa was determined to get that win back, and this time didn't fall for the trick that earned Stock the victory last time. Melissa was able to maneuver her into the Kudoh Driver to pick up a well earned victory.
3rd Runner Up: Volume 19 - Mercedes Martinez vs. Cheerleader Melissa (25 Points)
A title shot was a long time coming for both of these competitors, and what better way to settle who got it than in the ring? Mercedes wanted to work her way to the top of SHIMMER after being absent from the title tournament a year before due to injury. Melissa had been a mainstay at the top of the card since that time, and felt that it was her time. As you can tell by now, a Melissa match is going to be a treat, evidenced by the fact that her matches swept all the top spots in this category. This match seemingly became a race of who could hit their finisher first, and it was Mercedes who was able to hit Melissa with the Fisherman's Buster and earn the victory.
Honorable Mentions:
Volume 17 - Amber O'Neal vs. Lorelei Lee
Volume 17 - Wesna Busic vs. Mercedes Martinez
Volume 17 - Sarah Stock vs. Lacey
Volume 18 - Ashley Lane & Nevaeh vs. The Minnesota Homewrecking Crew
Volume 18 - Wesna Busic vs. Amazing Kong
Volume 18 - MsChif vs. Sara Del Rey
Volume 19 - Jennifer Blake vs. Allison Danger
Volume 19 - Sara Del Rey vs. Ariel
Volume 20 - Allison Danger & Jennifer Blake vs. The Canadian Ninjas
Volume 20 - Sara Del Rey vs. Serena Deeb
Volume 20 - Mercedes Martinez vs. MsChif
Volume 21 - Sara Del Rey vs. Serena Deeb
Volume 21 - Tag Team Championship Gauntlet
Volume 21 - Ariel vs. Cheerleader Melissa vs. Amazing Kong vs. Mercedes Martinez
Volume 21 - Daizee Haze vs. MsChif
Volume 22 - Cheerleader Melissa vs. Jennifer Blake
Volume 22 - Ashley Lane & Nevaeh vs. The Canadian Ninjas
Volume 22 - Wesna Busic vs. LuFisto
Volume 22 - Serena Deeb vs. Sara Del Rey
Best Babyface: Daizee Haze (66 Points)
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Daizee Haze is cute, has an easygoing demeanor, always goes for the cheap laugh and will go out and have classic matches against her opponents, often playing the underdog to a larger competitor. This is what makes the Haze so appealing today even though she has been in SHIMMER since the beginning. She has staying power with the fans, many of whom were legitimately dismayed in July when she announced to the crowd that she couldn't wrestle due to injuring herself during training. She vowed to come back and get a title shot against MsChif and that's exactly what she did. The two put on yet another classic match, but Daizee came up short. But Daizee has always been the perfect foil for the bad girls of SHIMMER, whether wrestling a mainstay like Cindy Rogers or a newcomer like Miss Natural. Daizee will always have the fans behind her, and with her becoming the head trainer of the SHIMMER Academy, it looks as if she won't be going anywhere in the near future.
1st Runner Up: Serena Deeb (65 Points)
Another photo finish. Serena Deeb emerged this year as a rising star, and many started to notice just how well she plays the babyface role. Serena goes out of her way to connect with the crowd and get them behind her, and once given the chance to run with the ball, she went the distance. It would be no hard feat for Serena to take the top spot in this category in the future.
2nd Runner Up: Ariel (44 Points)
The plucky and lovable Ariel has always enjoyed the cheers of the fans, but she took it to the next level this year. After hanging in there with Amazing Kong while playing perhaps the ultimate underdog, she managed to come away not only unscathed, but with a win... technically. Ariel was also given the ball in 2008, and ran with it, all the way to a title shot against MsChif. With the fans just starting to take notice of what she has to offer at a higher place on the card, there's no telling how far she can go.
3rd Runner Up: LuFisto (42 Points)
LuFisto made her return in 2008, and immediately won over fans with her "Super Hardcore Anime" persona, showing genuine gratitude and warmth at the reception she received. Though she's stocky and hard-hitting enough to not have to play the underdog, she instead wins over fans by bullying and mocking her opponents in the ring and also gave us one of the goofiest interviews in SHIMMER history.
Honorable Mentions: Allison Danger, Cheerleader Melissa, Daffney, Jennifer Blake, Jessie McKay, Madison Eagles, Mercedes Martinez, MsChif, Nikki Roxx, Sarah Stock
Best Heel: Sara Del Rey (83 Points)
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Taking another award, Death Rey has truly lived up to that moniker this year. After hearing jeers from some of the fans at the start of the season, Del Rey completely reinvented herself. The persona that emerged was darker, angrier, eyebrowier. Her new look has allowed Sara the luxury of the old beauty vs. the beast method of getting her matches over with the fans. She will now go out of her way to bury anyone who dares cheer her, and she bullies and roughs up her opponents mercilessly. She is the unstoppable monster, but a monster who has also shown vulnerability, making it easier for fans to get behind her opponents. She has added the brutal axe kick to her finishers to go along with the more graceful Royal Butterfly and has no problems using it indiscriminately to knock people out. The presence of her agent Larry Sweeney has only added to the fans' distaste for her, and flat out refusing to wrestle followed up by sneak attacking the SHIMMER Champion the same night is enough to make anyone want to see someone, anyone, take her down.
1st Runner Up: Portia Perez (55 Points)
Many fans have rallied behind Portia despite her cheap tactics, and it's easy to see why; Portia is a dork, and therefore easily relates to wrestling fans worldwide. However, that changed once her feud with Allison Danger began. When Danger became pregnant, Portia confronted her rival, claiming that she was simply out of shape and afraid to wrestle. She ended it by saying she was not only going to end Allison's career but "end something else." She charged Allison, but was taken down by an official before she could do any harm. It had a noticeable effect on the fan's reactions to her later in the night during her match. Portia is not afraid to be hated and controversial, and now she is both.
2nd Runner Up: Lacey (31 Points)
The phrase "Gone, but not forgotten" comes to mind. Lacey was only around for the start of the season before retiring, but it's a testament to the role she played while an active wrestler that she was able to finish so high in the category. There is nothing nice about Lacey. She cheats, yells and screams and repeatedly expresses her disgust for every fan she comes in contact with. In her two and a half years with SHIMMER, Lacey made an indelible impression on the fans, and her spot is a hole that won't easily be filled.
3rd Runner Up: Amber O'Neal (29 Points)
As the resident diva of SHIMMER, Amber O'Neal represents everything that the fans hate about some of the so-called women's wrestlers in a certain larger company. Amber likes to spend just as much time in front of a lens as she does in the ring, as anyone who has been to her MySpace page can confirm. Though she can back it up in the ring, the question on any given night is: will she choose to? Amber is someone who gets what she wants in a match through stalling and whining, though some feel it's a game she plays and all part of her strategy. Whatever the case, the fans certainly don't appreciate it, as she hears during every moment of her matches.
Honorable Mentions: Amazing Kong, Cat Power, Cindy Rogers, Jetta, Lexie Fyfe, Malia Hosaka, Nicole Matthews, Rain
Rivalry of the Year: Portia Perez vs. Allison Danger (82 Points)
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Allison Danger and Portia Perez have a true feud going in SHIMMER. Upset about Danger's comments about her youthful appearance and the fact that she endorsed Jennifer Blake as one of Canada's best women's wrestlers, Perez made it plain that she was out to get Allison. She did so on Volume 20, reinjuring her shoulder during a tag match and putting her out of action once again. When Allison next showed up on Volume 22, she revealed her pregnancy, which Portia took as a coward's way out of facing her in the ring. She went on to threaten Danger by telling her she was not only going to end her career but "end something else." She made to charge Allison, but was stopped by a referee. This of course enraged Allison Danger, who told Portia she was so lucky that she was pregnant and couldn't retaliate. This feud is far from over, and already it is receiving the highest accolades from the fans.
1st Runner Up: Serena Deeb vs. Sara Del Rey (79 Points)
A classic case of a young underdog wanting bigger matches, Serena Deeb went up against Sara Del Rey on Volume 20. Sara won the match, but it was a breakout performance for Serena, who won over the fans. Citing the fact that her knee couldn't take Sara's offense in the previous match, she goaded Sara into a rematch on Volume 21. She fell again, but this time put up more of a fight. Serena seemed ready to move on, until MsChif told her that if she could achieve her goal of beating Del Rey, she would give Serena a shot at her title. Serena agreed, but Sara didn't. With the presence of her agent, who claimed there was no reason for Del Rey to face someone she just beat twice, Sara took the night off from the ring. However, she just couldn't resist attacking the woman who took the title from her at the end of the night, which brought out Deeb to make the save. It was on once again, and this time it was Serena's night. After faking out Del Rey on the ropes, she leveled her with her Spear and pinned her shoulders to the mat, establishing herself as a contender for the SHIMMER Title.
2nd Runner Up: MsChif vs. Sara Del Rey (42 Points)
This started on Volume 17, with Sara Del Rey being upset that MsChif and her partner Melissa were getting more cheers than her, the SHIMMER Champion. Though MsChif was not able to get the pin on Del Rey, she did keep her down for well over a three count, which MsChif cited when asking for a title shot on Volume 18. Sara agreed, and MsChif managed to pull it off, pinning Sara with her Desecrator. The loss of her title sent Sara over the edge, and she adopted a darker persona with one goal in mind: to regain her title. She hit somewhat of a roadblock in Serena Deeb, but got her title shot, though due to the interference of her agent she acquired it at an ROH show and not a SHIMMER show. That didn't stop her from coming out and sneak attacking MsChif after a hard fought title defense against Ariel on Volume 22, however.
3rd Runner Up: Ashley Lane & Nevaeh vs. International Homewrecking Crew (34 Points)
After upsetting the Minnesota Homewrecking Crew, Ashley and Nevaeh once again ran up against Rain, this time with her new partner Jetta in tow on Volume 20. Lightning did not strike twice for Lane and Nevaeh, though the IHWC's win was due to some chicanery. The two teams met again as part of the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship Gauntlet. Rain and Jetta were somewhat weary after their match against the Suicide Blondes and immediately had to face another set of blondes. This time it was Lane and Nevaeh coming out on top, and they went on to claim the Tag Team Titles by the end of the Gauntlet.
Honorable Mentions: Amber O'Neal vs. Lorelei Lee, Cat Power vs. Daffney, Ashley Lane & Nevaeh vs. The Experience
Shimmering Heart Award: Allison Danger (84 Points)
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Another landslide victory. Allison Danger has always shown heart for the business of professional wrestling and SHIMMER, but she started off the year in a bad way after a grisly incident involving her collarbone being fractured after taking an Air Raid Crash from Cheerleader Melissa. That didn't stop her from coming out later that night to let the fans know what was going on and give an impassioned speech about the women in the back. Working hard at her rehab, Danger was back in only two months, competing at the July taping. However, this time life reared itself in the form of a little bundle of joy who would come to be named Kendall Grace. Allison's quest to get back in the thick of things in SHIMMER was derailed by pregnancy. However, she still had the heart to come all the way to the final show of the season to address the fans. For many, the birth of a child is a life changing experience, one that forces them to reevaluate their lives and priorities. However, when Allison speaks, it's not about if she'll come back to wrestling, but when. And after going through all of that in the last year, who could compete with that?
1st Runner Up: Daizee Haze (48 Points)
Daizee Haze was going along smoothly until a freak back injury during training forced her out of competition a week before the SHIMMER July show. Despite not being able to wrestle, Daizee still addressed the fans and it was obvious that she was heartbroken at not being able to mix it up in the ring. Luckily for Daizee, she was able to recover in a quick manner and was back in action at the October show, not missing a beat.
2nd Runner Up: LuFisto (45 Points)
Being known as the First Lady of Hardcore comes at a price. Weeks after making her SHIMMER debut in 2006, LuFisto's back injuries had gotten to the point where she had to take an indefinite hiatus from wrestling, and perhaps retire. She searched within herself long and hard for a decision about that possibility, and eight months later we all found out the answer when it was announced she had returned to the ring. Immediately the fans wanted her back in SHIMMER, and in July it finally happened. LuFisto was ecstatic to be back, and genuinely moved by the fans' warm embrace of her return.
3rd Runner Up: Nikki Roxx (25 Points)
Nikki Roxx had to leave SHIMMER in 2007 after signing a contract with a larger wrestling organization. However, the possibility of a comeback presented itself in May when SHIMMER reached an agreement to be able to feature that organization's wrestlers. But why even bother to come back, when she was getting a larger paycheck and national television exposure? For Nikki Roxx, that answer is she has a passion for wrestling and for SHIMMER and its fans. She returned to action in July and it was as if she had never left.
Honorable Mentions: Amazing Kong, Amber O'Neal, Ariel, Cheerleader Melissa, Daffney, Danyah, Mercedes Martinez, Portia Perez
Personality of the Year: Portia Perez (66 Points)
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She eats cookies in the ring, looks like a teenager, calls herself a ninja, wears pink and bullies unborn fetuses. Say what you will about Portia Perez, but you have to admit, she's got style. In a promotion full of good wrestlers, Portia has managed to find a niche that has made her stand out from the pack, that niche being her personality. As just a plain babyface, no one took notice of Portia. Then came the fateful day when she hit Josie with her Playskool Chain. Since then she has gained quite a following, and as her feud with Allison Danger has shown, her hard work has paid off as she is being given a chance against the big dogs.
1st Runner Up: Jetta (58 Points)
Jetta's prissy attitude and disdain for the fans makes her a standout personality in SHIMMER. She plays it to the hilt AND somehow manages to go over the top at the same time. Her Coventry accent gives her a unique sound among the ladies in the promotion, as she mocks them in attempt to make fools out of them, though it is usually she who ends up looking foolish.
2nd Runner Up: LuFisto (39 Points)
LuFisto may be the First Lady of Hardcore, but she is also the "Super Hardcore Anime," a goofy Japanese-French-Canadian who is extreme cuteness juxtaposed with random acts of violence, and has some of the most outrageous ring outfits in wrestling. Her ability to bully her opponents in a way that makes the fans laugh in addition to her ring skills has won their hearts.
3rd Runners Up: Amber O'Neal and Daizee Haze (TIE - 20 Points)
To be in the running for Best Babyface and Best Heel, obviously you have to have a personality. These two may be on opposite ends of the spectrum as far as fan support, but as has been discussed, both have the personalities as well as the in-ring skills to be amongst the most beloved competitors in SHIMMER.
Honorable Mentions: Allison Danger, Amazing Kong, Ariel, Cat Power, Daffney, Jennifer Blake, Lacey, MsChif, Nicole Matthews, Nikki Roxx, Rain, Sara Del Rey, Shark Girl
Finisher of the Year: Cheerleader Melissa's Kudoh Driver (76 Points)
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A vicious move in which Melissa elevates her opponent upside down across her back and then drives them head first into the canvas, the Kudoh Driver is also a valuable weapon in her arsenal. No one has been able to kick out of it yet, and it has led Melissa to two victories in 2008, over Sarah Stock and LuFisto.
1st Runner Up: LuFisto's Burning Hammer (44 Points)
The Burning Hammer is a move in which LuFisto lifts her opponent into a reverse fireman's carry and then drives them head or face first into the mat. A large part of LuFisto's success in 2008 can be attributed to this move, as it was responsible for her two victories over Rain and Wesna Busic.
2nd Runner Up: Sara Del Rey's Royal Butterfly (33 Points)
The move that won Sara Del Rey the SHIMMER Title remained just as potent in 2008. After butterflying the arms, Sara lifts her opponents off their feet into a submission, and if unable to get them to give up, she flings them overhead with a suplex. She beat both Ariel and Serena Deeb with the move.
3rd Runner Up: Cheerleader Melissa's Air Raid Crash (30 Points)
Melissa again makes the list with her lesser finisher. Melissa elevates her opponent upside down while hooking a leg with one arm and the head with another. She then drives them into the canvas with brutal force. She beat Jennifer Blake and Allison Danger with the move in 2008, in the latter's case fracturing her opponent's collarbone.
Honorable Mentions: Acid Rain (Rain), Amazing Press (Amazing Kong), Barbie Crusher (Nikki Roxx), CB4 Driver (Wesna Busic), Curse of Curves (Lane & Nevaeh), Desecrator (MsChif), Fisherman's Buster (Mercedes Martinez), Heart Punch/Yakuza Kick (Daizee Haze), Mind Trip (Daizee Haze), Natural Disaster (Miss Natural), Sit-out Powerbomb (Amazing Kong), Spear (Serena Deeb), Spinning Backfist (Amazing Kong), Stranglehold Lungblower/Clutch (Jetta), Tiger Driver (Sarah Stock)
LOL Moment of the Year: Daffney's Ball of Yarn (48 Points)
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Responding the new "catty" persona of Cat Power during their match, Daffney introduced an interesting foreign object into wrestling vernacular: the ball of yarn. When she tossed it into the ring, Cat went ballistic, trying to bat at the ball of yarn with her cla... uh, hands, and allowing Daffney to get the upper hand in the match.
1st Runner Up: Volume 20 - LuFisto's Backstage Promo (42 Points)
LuFisto was perhaps a bit too excited to return to SHIMMER. In an interview, LuFisto broke down completely, freaking out Becky Bayless with a hug while delivering a promo that was more energy than coherence.
2nd Runner Up: Volume 22 - MsChif acquires assistance from a "rowdy" fan (23 Points)
What to do if you need to scream and your throat's sore? MsChif's screaming has long given her a psychological edge in her matches, but she found herself unable to do so in her title defense against Ariel. So she tied up her opponent in the ropes and a fan at ringside was more than happy to assist the champ by screaming in Ariel's face.
3rd Runner Up: Volume 17 - Nicole Matthews denies any pulling of the fin (16 Points)
The deliberate pulling of appendages is of course a no-no in wrestling, but a fan jumped the gun, or the shark in this case, by accusing Nicole Matthews of pulling Shark Girl's fin. Nicole simply responded: "LIES!"
Honorable Mentions:
Volume 17 - Lacey tears up an Age of the Fall sign.
Volume 18 - Nicole Matthews: "1, 2, 3, winner!"
Volume 18 - Allison Danger tells off a fan.
Volume 18 - Mercedes Martinez mocks Cindy Rogers.
Volume 18 - Lacey, Rain and Jetta taunt an allegedly ugly fan.
Volume 19 - Jetta wins the battle royale.
Volume 19 - Nicole Matthews accidentally trips herself.
Volume 19 - Portia Perez comes out eating a cookie.
Volume 19 - Fans sing "C is for Cookie" at Portia Perez.
Volume 19 - Portia Perez's promo on Allison Danger.
Volume 19 - Rain's "Where's Lacey?" entrance.
Volume 19 - LuFisto and Rain's biting contest.
Volume 19 - Jetta's superplex on MsChif: "That was my best move!"
Volume 20 - The look on Danyah's face when Kong's music hits.
Volume 20 - Portia Perez's Bodyslam Challenge.
Volume 21 - Amber O'Neal's reaction to Wesna Busic's music.
Volume 22 - USA chant at Malia Hosaka.
Volume 22 - Allison Danger: "The things we wrestlers do to pass the time when we're out with an injury."
Volume 22 - Nikki... ROXX! Jetta... SUCKS! WWE... BOO!
Volume 22 - Jetta refuses to wrestle until the fans acknowledge that she too rocks.
Volume 22 - Mercedes Martinez mocks Amber O'Neal.
Shocker of the Year: Serena Deeb pins Sara Del Rey (43 Points)
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It was easy to see that Serena Deeb was a star on the rise in 2008. It was not easy to see that she would get her big victory over an athlete she had lost to twice previously, Sara Del Rey. After getting beat on for most of the match, Serena was able to rally back and take down Sara out of nowhere with the Spear to get the pin in a shocking upset.
1st Runner Up: Volume 18 - MsChif wins SHIMMER Title (35 Points)
With a surefire money match against Mercedes Martinez seemingly on the horizon, few had reason to believe that Sara Del Rey would lose the title before then. There was even a little bit of ambiguity behind MsChif getting a title shot, since she didn't pin Del Rey in the tag match. But win the title she did, and it came as such a shock that there was a even a little delay in reaction amongst the fans in attendance as they had to let what just happened sink in.
2nd Runner Up: Volume 22 - Larry Sweeney appears in SHIMMER (34 Points)
It was always emphatically stated that there would be no males in SHIMMER, aside from support roles like ring announcers and referees. That all changed on Volume 22 when "Sweet 'n Sour" Larry Sweeney walked through the curtain to comfort his client Sara Del Rey in the ring. It remains to be seen if Sweeney's appearance was a one-time deal or if he'll be back in the future.
3rd Runner Up: Volume 17 - Amazing Kong powerbombs referee Laura Mattano (29 Points)
After going toe to toe with Sara Del Rey and beating Cheerleader Melissa, many expected Ariel to be easy pickings for Amazing Kong. When the plucky crowd favorite showed more fight than perhaps was wise, Kong started to take out her frustrations on referee Laura Mattano. That wasn't too out of the ordinary, but what was out of the ordinary was Kong picking up Mattano and driving her down with her sitout powerbomb, giving Ariel the win by DQ.
Honorable Mentions:
Volume 17 - Shark Girl debuts.
Volume 17 - Amber O'Neal shows her aggressive side.
Volume 17 - Allison Danger fractures her collarbone.
Volume 18 - Lane & Nevaeh beat Lacey & Rain.
Volume 18 - Lacey wrestles her last match.
Volume 18 - Sara Del Rey gets booed.
Volume 19 - Jetta wins the battle royale.
Volume 19 - Amazing Kong dislocates Lorelei Lee's jaw.
Volume 19 - Jennifer Blake has a breakout night.
Volume 19 - LuFisto returns to action.
Volume 20 - Mercedes Martinez fails to win the SHIMMER Title.
Volume 21 - Madison Eagles's mad skillz.
Volume 21 - The Experience lose for only the second time.
Volume 21 - Ashley Lane & Nevaeh win the Tag Titles.
Volume 21 - Amazing Kong is able to work despite injuries.
Volume 21 - Ariel wins Four Corner Survival.
Volume 21 - Daizee Haze fails to win the SHIMMER Title.
Volume 22 - Allison Danger reveals that she is pregnant.
Volume 22 - Portia Perez vows to "end something else" on a pregnant Allison Danger.
Volume 22 - Referee Bryce Remsburg is easily able to take down Portia Perez.
Volume 22 - The Canadian Ninjas fail to win the tag titles.
Volume 22 - Sara Del Rey thrown over guardrail and nails a fan who puts his hands on her.
Overall Show of the Year: Volume 20 (58 Points)
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Volume 20 featured the Match of the Year in Cheerleader Melissa vs. LuFisto, and had a strong undercard as well. There was angle advancement with the Danger/Perez feud escalating. All this was done without many of SHIMMER's top names, who were absent for the night.
1st Runner Up: Volume 22 (54 Points)
SHIMMER's season finale, which may have overtaken the top spot if fans had more time to acquire it before the voting period ended. The show featured quite a few Match of the Year Candidates, an appearance by Larry Sweeney, a controversial angle involving Allison Danger and Portia Perez and a star being born in Serena Deeb.
2nd Runners Up: Volumes 17 & 18 (TIE - 48 Points)
April 26 was apparently a good night, as both shows accumulated the same amount of votes. Both had Match of the Year Candidate main events, and the historic first SHIMMER title change occurred on Volume 18. They also featured the debuts of some notable names such as Jennifer Blake, Wesna Busic, Cat Power and Nevaeh.
3rd Runners Up: Volumes 19 & 21 (TIE - 37 Points)
Though not as strong as SHIMMER's other 2008 offerings, there is still plenty of quality to be found. The historic first SHIMMER Tag Team Champions were crowned on Volume 21, as well as quite a few Match of the Year Candidates. Volume 19 featured a unique main event, as well as an entertaining battle royale to open the show, plus a Match of the Year Candidate in Melissa vs. Mercedes.
Discuss the results of the 2008 SHIMMER Awards in the following thread at The SHIMMER Forum...
http://shimmerwomen.proboards50.com/index.cgi?board=shimmer&action=display&thread=2988
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Compiled by Nicholas Andrews
So without further adieu, here are the results of the 2008 SHIMMER Year End Awards, voted on by the members of the SHIMMER Forum!
Wrestler of the Year: Sara Del Rey (69 Points)
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Perhaps no one personifies what SHIMMER is all about more than Sara Del Rey. With a strong in-ring work ethic, powerful frame and graceful demeanor, she has established herself as one of the top female talents in the world. In 2008 she entered the year in the midst of her reign as the first and only SHIMMER Champion. When she lost that title to MsChif on Volume 18, Sara took to heart the boos she was hearing during that night and completely reinvented herself. She became darker, angrier, and changed her style. Over the next two shows, she ran roughshod through the midcard, and though this was a new Sara, one thing that did not change was the quality of matches she was having. She is one of two SHIMMER wrestlers who worked every show in 2008 and had all their matches nominated for Match of the Year (excluding the battle royale on Volume 19). Although she had a dramatic personality shift in the middle of the year, it went as smooth as could be hoped and Sara thrilled SHIMMER fans just as she always has through her rivalries with MsChif and Serena Deeb. Though she may no longer be champion, it's apparent the fans regard her more highly than ever.
1st Runner Up: Cheerleader Melissa (59 Points)
MVP or workhorse... whatever you like to call it, Cheerleader Melissa was perhaps the most consistent competitor in SHIMMER in 2008. She is the other member of the roster who worked every show and had all her matches nominated for Match of the Year. That says a lot about how much the fans truly love Melissa, as her hard-hitting style has thrilled old fans and won over new ones all year long.
2nd Runner Up: MsChif (48 Points)
The reigning SHIMMER Champion got her year off to a tremendous start by winning the title from Sara Del Rey. With her unique offense and personality, the fans have rallied behind her as the standard bearer of the promotion. Her in-ring work has been as good as it ever has been, as most of her matches were nominated for Match of the Year. Her reign atop SHIMMER is well deserved and a long time coming.
3rd Runner Up: Mercedes Martinez (29 Points)
On Volume 17, SHIMMER fans were ecstatic to welcome back Mercedes Martinez, who had been absent in 2007 due to injury. Mercedes picked up right where she left off, having an early Match of the Year Candidate against Wesna Busic and coming out on top. The fans were with her, and she racked up wins, though she came up short when she finally got her shot at the SHIMMER Title. However, for Mercedes, this may only be the warm-up for the year to come.
Honorable Mentions: Amazing Kong, Ariel, Daizee Haze, Jennifer Blake, LuFisto, Nicole Matthews, Portia Perez, Rain, Sarah Stock, Serena Deeb, Wesna Busic
Tag Team of the Year: Ashley Lane & Nevaeh (63 Points)
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At the start of the SHIMMER season, Nevaeh had not yet debuted. Ashley Lane had just debuted at the end of 2007, and both were looking to find their niche within the roster. That niche came with the growing tag team division, and Ashley and Nevaeh were a first class team long before they tagged in SHIMMER. After a lackluster start by losing to the Experience, Lane and Nevaeh picked up what had to be considered the biggest upset of the night on Volume 18 when they beat perennial favorites the Minnesota Homewrecking Crew, Lacey and Rain. By the end of the season, Lane and Nevaeh had become the first ever SHIMMER Tag Team Champions. Many have called them the female version of the Rock 'n Roll Express or the Rockers, due to their innovative double team offense and movie star good looks. One thing is for sure... Lane and Nevaeh have rocked SHIMMER in 2008.
1st Runners Up: The Canadian Ninjas (60 Points)
Portia Perez and Nicole Matthews came within a hair of taking the top spot, but perhaps failing twice to become SHIMMER Tag Team Champions and Portia's feud with Allison Danger taking away her tag focus stalled them just enough to settle into second. It certainly isn't due to lack of fans; the Canadian Ninjas have amassed quite a fanbase despite playing on the wrong side of the tracks. This ridiculously awesome duo may just take the top tag prize in SHIMMER before it's all said and done, and anyone who tries to stop them will have to face the wrath of the Ninjas.
2nd Runners Up: International Homewrecking Crew (54 Points)
When Lacey left the Minnesota Homewrecking Crew, and wrestling in general, what was Rain to do? The answer came in the form of the UK's Jetta, who fit in with the Twin Cities Twosome like a glove, and thus the International Homewrecking Crew was born. Jetta and Rain are still attempting to gel as a team, but they have had their share of success in 2008. Their only tag loss came during the Gauntlet to Ashley Lane and Nevaeh, who went on to become the champions. However, the IHWC hold a victory over Lane and Nevaeh from July, and you know if they get the chance they will parlay that into a shot at the tag titles sometime in the future.
3rd Runners Up: The Experience (52 Points)
Lexie Fyfe and Malia Hosaka, weighing in at a combined 34 years in the wrestling business, have been the team to beat in SHIMMER for over two years. Having only suffered two losses in that time, the Experience is still going strong. Many thought them a sure thing for the first tag champs, until they were upset by Lane and Nevaeh in the finals of the Gauntlet. But like the IHWC, the Experience also hold a victory over the champs and it seems like only a matter of time until these two veterans have their own run with the gold.
Honorable Mentions: Allison Danger & Jennifer Blake, Cat Power & Veronika Vice, Cheerleader Melissa & MsChif, The Dangerous Angels, Danyah & Jennifer Blake, The Minnesota Homewrecking Crew, The Pink Ladies, The Suicide Blondes,
Newcomer of the Year: Wesna Busic (73 Points)
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Anyone who doubts Wesna being the best newcomer in 2008 only needs to watch her matches. Though she only wrestled on two thirds of the shows, her matches with Mercedes Martinez, Amazing Kong and LuFisto were nominated for Match of the Year, and her encounter with Amber O'Neal wasn't too shabby either. Fans have been calling for the Croatian Panther to come to SHIMMER for a long time, and in 2008 they got their wish. Wesna reciprocated that support by delivering in a big way. Though she only amassed one win during the SHIMMER season, it's certainly enough to get another shot in the coming year. Her insistence on taking on the big dogs in SHIMMER is only going to make her better, and it would be no surprise to see her knocking on the SHIMMER Champion's door sometime soon.
1st Runner Up: Jennifer Blake (72 Points)
Talk about a photo finish. "Girl Dynamite" Jennifer Blake finished one point behind Wesna for Newcomer of the Year. It's easy to see why it was so close; though Wesna had the best matches of any newcomer, Blake made the biggest impact. She impressed Allison Danger enough to earn her praise after their match, as well as a chance to be her tag team partner on the next show. She formed a team with LuFisto to attempt to gain the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship, and took Cheerleader Melissa to her limit on the last show of the season. And all this with under two years of professional experience. Look for big things from Girl Dynamite if this pattern continues in the coming year.
2nd Runner Up: Cat Power (67 Points)
The debut that wasn't supposed to be. Little did Cat Power know when she tried out on the pre-show at the start of the season that she would later that night be thrust onto the main show to replace an injured Allison Danger. She did well enough to get another look, and by the end of the year won over the fans with her new, um, "catty" demeanor. Cat Power(meow) has the potential to be a top personality in SHIMMER with the ring skills to back it up.
3rd Runner Up: Nevaeh (25 Points)
At the beginning of 2008, Nevaeh wasn't a part of SHIMMER. By the end of 2008, she had a title belt. That about says it right there for Nevaeh, who became one half of the first SHIMMER Tag Team Champions with her partner Ashley Lane. Though not yet given a chance to break out into singles or truly show her personality, Nevaeh has been the dominant tag wrestler of the newcomers. That was enough to get her a high ranking spot in this category.
Honorable Mentions: Danyah, Jessie McKay, Madison Eagles, Miss Natural, Rachel Summerlyn, Shark Girl, Veronika Vice
Most Improved Wrestler of the Year: Serena Deeb (82 Points)
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A landslide victory. After a lackluster 2007 for various reasons, Serena Deeb was mysteriously absent at the start of the season. However, in July she made her return and it was as if someone had lit a fire under her. This was a new, smarter, more confident Serena. She was immediately asking for matches against top opponents, and wasn't afraid to take to the microphone if she needed to get something off her chest. She started strong with a win over Danyah, but then ran into the roadblock named Sara Del Rey. Serena impressed everyone by hanging in there with the former champ, only to fall in defeat. However, Serena was not deterred and by the end of the season had accomplished two goals: she had pinned her rival Sara Del Rey and earned a future shot at the SHIMMER Championship. Her in-ring skills had noticeably improved as well, and gained quite a bit of support from the SHIMMER fans because of that. The sky is the limit for Serena Deeb, who looks to be up to the challenge of climbing even higher on the SHIMMER ladder and achieving any goal she sets for herself.
1st Runner Up: Amber O'Neal (45 Points)
Amber O'Neal has long been referred to as the resident "diva" in SHIMMER. To some, that would imply that her mat skills are not at a level that a competitor of SHIMMER should be at, but still more who have watched her over the years have come to know better. It was evident in her matches against Lorelei Lee and Shark Girl that Amber was on the ball as the saying goes, and so she was then thrown to the wolves. And she held her own with those wolves. Though winless against Mercedes Martinez and Wesna Busic, Amber showed that she could hang with some of the top ring generals of SHIMMER and that has raised her stock considerably in the eyes of the fans.
2nd Runner Up: Nicole Matthews (41 Points)
Nicole Matthews was not only part of a successful tag team in 2008, but she was able to show what she could do in singles action as well. She impressed fans with her outings against Shark Girl and Lorelei Lee, and then came a true test in the form of a returning Nikki Roxx. Nicole was able to do well against her too, and her versatility was cemented in the minds of all the fans.
3rd Runner Up: Portia Perez (29 Points)
Portia Perez has come a long way from losing in two minutes in her SHIMMER debut. She has had some help from a yellow chain, chocolate chip cookies, ninja headbands and Nicole Matthews to get to where she is now, but Portia has truly improved in the last two years. Her tag matches with Matthews were all nominated for Match of the Year and she has managed to hold her own in singles action as well, starting an incredibly entertaining feud with Allison Danger.
Honorable Mentions: Ariel, Ashley Lane, Daffney, Daizee Haze, Jetta, Lorelei Lee, Mercedes Martinez, MsChif, Nikki Roxx, Rain, Sara Del Rey
Match of the Year: Cheerleader Melissa vs. LuFisto (61 Points)
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Many fans had been calling for it, and on Volume 20 it was delivered. Two of the hardest-hitting women on the planet seemingly forever separated by thousands of miles and a national border faced off in a first time encounter. They brought the stiffness in equal increments, though LuFisto did make the mistake of going to the outside with Melissa, where she was mercilessly swung into the guardrail. However, LuFisto was able to rally back, but seemingly nothing in her arsenal could put down Melissa. Finally, LuFisto was unable to get up after being on the business end of the Kudoh Driver, the most lethal move in Melissa's arsenal and one that no one has kicked out of. The fans were raving about the match almost as soon as it had ended, making Volume 20 one of the most anticipated releases in SHIMMER history. There were many great matches in 2008, but on this night the stars aligned right for Cheerleader Melissa and LuFisto, and they gave everyone something special.
1st Runner Up: Volume 17 - The Dangerous Angels vs. MsChif & Cheerleader Melissa (40 Points)
The main event of Volume 17 is perhaps the best tag match in SHIMMER history. Both tandems had a history of teaming and they went at it tooth and nail. MsChif seemingly threw everything but the kitchen sink at Sara Del Rey to keep her down, but due to unfortunate circumstances could not keep her down for three. However, Melissa had better luck, driving down Allison Danger with a vicious Air Raid Crash that fractured Danger's collarbone and put her out of action for two months.
2nd Runner Up: Volume 18 - Cheerleader Melissa vs. Sarah Stock (28 Points)
Melissa makes yet another appearance as the MVP of 2008 took on perhaps the MVP of 2007, Sarah Stock, on Volume 18. Stock had the psychological advantage going in, having knocked Melissa out of the SHIMMER Title Tournament in the first round in a previous encounter. Melissa was determined to get that win back, and this time didn't fall for the trick that earned Stock the victory last time. Melissa was able to maneuver her into the Kudoh Driver to pick up a well earned victory.
3rd Runner Up: Volume 19 - Mercedes Martinez vs. Cheerleader Melissa (25 Points)
A title shot was a long time coming for both of these competitors, and what better way to settle who got it than in the ring? Mercedes wanted to work her way to the top of SHIMMER after being absent from the title tournament a year before due to injury. Melissa had been a mainstay at the top of the card since that time, and felt that it was her time. As you can tell by now, a Melissa match is going to be a treat, evidenced by the fact that her matches swept all the top spots in this category. This match seemingly became a race of who could hit their finisher first, and it was Mercedes who was able to hit Melissa with the Fisherman's Buster and earn the victory.
Honorable Mentions:
Volume 17 - Amber O'Neal vs. Lorelei Lee
Volume 17 - Wesna Busic vs. Mercedes Martinez
Volume 17 - Sarah Stock vs. Lacey
Volume 18 - Ashley Lane & Nevaeh vs. The Minnesota Homewrecking Crew
Volume 18 - Wesna Busic vs. Amazing Kong
Volume 18 - MsChif vs. Sara Del Rey
Volume 19 - Jennifer Blake vs. Allison Danger
Volume 19 - Sara Del Rey vs. Ariel
Volume 20 - Allison Danger & Jennifer Blake vs. The Canadian Ninjas
Volume 20 - Sara Del Rey vs. Serena Deeb
Volume 20 - Mercedes Martinez vs. MsChif
Volume 21 - Sara Del Rey vs. Serena Deeb
Volume 21 - Tag Team Championship Gauntlet
Volume 21 - Ariel vs. Cheerleader Melissa vs. Amazing Kong vs. Mercedes Martinez
Volume 21 - Daizee Haze vs. MsChif
Volume 22 - Cheerleader Melissa vs. Jennifer Blake
Volume 22 - Ashley Lane & Nevaeh vs. The Canadian Ninjas
Volume 22 - Wesna Busic vs. LuFisto
Volume 22 - Serena Deeb vs. Sara Del Rey
Best Babyface: Daizee Haze (66 Points)
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Daizee Haze is cute, has an easygoing demeanor, always goes for the cheap laugh and will go out and have classic matches against her opponents, often playing the underdog to a larger competitor. This is what makes the Haze so appealing today even though she has been in SHIMMER since the beginning. She has staying power with the fans, many of whom were legitimately dismayed in July when she announced to the crowd that she couldn't wrestle due to injuring herself during training. She vowed to come back and get a title shot against MsChif and that's exactly what she did. The two put on yet another classic match, but Daizee came up short. But Daizee has always been the perfect foil for the bad girls of SHIMMER, whether wrestling a mainstay like Cindy Rogers or a newcomer like Miss Natural. Daizee will always have the fans behind her, and with her becoming the head trainer of the SHIMMER Academy, it looks as if she won't be going anywhere in the near future.
1st Runner Up: Serena Deeb (65 Points)
Another photo finish. Serena Deeb emerged this year as a rising star, and many started to notice just how well she plays the babyface role. Serena goes out of her way to connect with the crowd and get them behind her, and once given the chance to run with the ball, she went the distance. It would be no hard feat for Serena to take the top spot in this category in the future.
2nd Runner Up: Ariel (44 Points)
The plucky and lovable Ariel has always enjoyed the cheers of the fans, but she took it to the next level this year. After hanging in there with Amazing Kong while playing perhaps the ultimate underdog, she managed to come away not only unscathed, but with a win... technically. Ariel was also given the ball in 2008, and ran with it, all the way to a title shot against MsChif. With the fans just starting to take notice of what she has to offer at a higher place on the card, there's no telling how far she can go.
3rd Runner Up: LuFisto (42 Points)
LuFisto made her return in 2008, and immediately won over fans with her "Super Hardcore Anime" persona, showing genuine gratitude and warmth at the reception she received. Though she's stocky and hard-hitting enough to not have to play the underdog, she instead wins over fans by bullying and mocking her opponents in the ring and also gave us one of the goofiest interviews in SHIMMER history.
Honorable Mentions: Allison Danger, Cheerleader Melissa, Daffney, Jennifer Blake, Jessie McKay, Madison Eagles, Mercedes Martinez, MsChif, Nikki Roxx, Sarah Stock
Best Heel: Sara Del Rey (83 Points)
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Taking another award, Death Rey has truly lived up to that moniker this year. After hearing jeers from some of the fans at the start of the season, Del Rey completely reinvented herself. The persona that emerged was darker, angrier, eyebrowier. Her new look has allowed Sara the luxury of the old beauty vs. the beast method of getting her matches over with the fans. She will now go out of her way to bury anyone who dares cheer her, and she bullies and roughs up her opponents mercilessly. She is the unstoppable monster, but a monster who has also shown vulnerability, making it easier for fans to get behind her opponents. She has added the brutal axe kick to her finishers to go along with the more graceful Royal Butterfly and has no problems using it indiscriminately to knock people out. The presence of her agent Larry Sweeney has only added to the fans' distaste for her, and flat out refusing to wrestle followed up by sneak attacking the SHIMMER Champion the same night is enough to make anyone want to see someone, anyone, take her down.
1st Runner Up: Portia Perez (55 Points)
Many fans have rallied behind Portia despite her cheap tactics, and it's easy to see why; Portia is a dork, and therefore easily relates to wrestling fans worldwide. However, that changed once her feud with Allison Danger began. When Danger became pregnant, Portia confronted her rival, claiming that she was simply out of shape and afraid to wrestle. She ended it by saying she was not only going to end Allison's career but "end something else." She charged Allison, but was taken down by an official before she could do any harm. It had a noticeable effect on the fan's reactions to her later in the night during her match. Portia is not afraid to be hated and controversial, and now she is both.
2nd Runner Up: Lacey (31 Points)
The phrase "Gone, but not forgotten" comes to mind. Lacey was only around for the start of the season before retiring, but it's a testament to the role she played while an active wrestler that she was able to finish so high in the category. There is nothing nice about Lacey. She cheats, yells and screams and repeatedly expresses her disgust for every fan she comes in contact with. In her two and a half years with SHIMMER, Lacey made an indelible impression on the fans, and her spot is a hole that won't easily be filled.
3rd Runner Up: Amber O'Neal (29 Points)
As the resident diva of SHIMMER, Amber O'Neal represents everything that the fans hate about some of the so-called women's wrestlers in a certain larger company. Amber likes to spend just as much time in front of a lens as she does in the ring, as anyone who has been to her MySpace page can confirm. Though she can back it up in the ring, the question on any given night is: will she choose to? Amber is someone who gets what she wants in a match through stalling and whining, though some feel it's a game she plays and all part of her strategy. Whatever the case, the fans certainly don't appreciate it, as she hears during every moment of her matches.
Honorable Mentions: Amazing Kong, Cat Power, Cindy Rogers, Jetta, Lexie Fyfe, Malia Hosaka, Nicole Matthews, Rain
Rivalry of the Year: Portia Perez vs. Allison Danger (82 Points)
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Allison Danger and Portia Perez have a true feud going in SHIMMER. Upset about Danger's comments about her youthful appearance and the fact that she endorsed Jennifer Blake as one of Canada's best women's wrestlers, Perez made it plain that she was out to get Allison. She did so on Volume 20, reinjuring her shoulder during a tag match and putting her out of action once again. When Allison next showed up on Volume 22, she revealed her pregnancy, which Portia took as a coward's way out of facing her in the ring. She went on to threaten Danger by telling her she was not only going to end her career but "end something else." She made to charge Allison, but was stopped by a referee. This of course enraged Allison Danger, who told Portia she was so lucky that she was pregnant and couldn't retaliate. This feud is far from over, and already it is receiving the highest accolades from the fans.
1st Runner Up: Serena Deeb vs. Sara Del Rey (79 Points)
A classic case of a young underdog wanting bigger matches, Serena Deeb went up against Sara Del Rey on Volume 20. Sara won the match, but it was a breakout performance for Serena, who won over the fans. Citing the fact that her knee couldn't take Sara's offense in the previous match, she goaded Sara into a rematch on Volume 21. She fell again, but this time put up more of a fight. Serena seemed ready to move on, until MsChif told her that if she could achieve her goal of beating Del Rey, she would give Serena a shot at her title. Serena agreed, but Sara didn't. With the presence of her agent, who claimed there was no reason for Del Rey to face someone she just beat twice, Sara took the night off from the ring. However, she just couldn't resist attacking the woman who took the title from her at the end of the night, which brought out Deeb to make the save. It was on once again, and this time it was Serena's night. After faking out Del Rey on the ropes, she leveled her with her Spear and pinned her shoulders to the mat, establishing herself as a contender for the SHIMMER Title.
2nd Runner Up: MsChif vs. Sara Del Rey (42 Points)
This started on Volume 17, with Sara Del Rey being upset that MsChif and her partner Melissa were getting more cheers than her, the SHIMMER Champion. Though MsChif was not able to get the pin on Del Rey, she did keep her down for well over a three count, which MsChif cited when asking for a title shot on Volume 18. Sara agreed, and MsChif managed to pull it off, pinning Sara with her Desecrator. The loss of her title sent Sara over the edge, and she adopted a darker persona with one goal in mind: to regain her title. She hit somewhat of a roadblock in Serena Deeb, but got her title shot, though due to the interference of her agent she acquired it at an ROH show and not a SHIMMER show. That didn't stop her from coming out and sneak attacking MsChif after a hard fought title defense against Ariel on Volume 22, however.
3rd Runner Up: Ashley Lane & Nevaeh vs. International Homewrecking Crew (34 Points)
After upsetting the Minnesota Homewrecking Crew, Ashley and Nevaeh once again ran up against Rain, this time with her new partner Jetta in tow on Volume 20. Lightning did not strike twice for Lane and Nevaeh, though the IHWC's win was due to some chicanery. The two teams met again as part of the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship Gauntlet. Rain and Jetta were somewhat weary after their match against the Suicide Blondes and immediately had to face another set of blondes. This time it was Lane and Nevaeh coming out on top, and they went on to claim the Tag Team Titles by the end of the Gauntlet.
Honorable Mentions: Amber O'Neal vs. Lorelei Lee, Cat Power vs. Daffney, Ashley Lane & Nevaeh vs. The Experience
Shimmering Heart Award: Allison Danger (84 Points)
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Another landslide victory. Allison Danger has always shown heart for the business of professional wrestling and SHIMMER, but she started off the year in a bad way after a grisly incident involving her collarbone being fractured after taking an Air Raid Crash from Cheerleader Melissa. That didn't stop her from coming out later that night to let the fans know what was going on and give an impassioned speech about the women in the back. Working hard at her rehab, Danger was back in only two months, competing at the July taping. However, this time life reared itself in the form of a little bundle of joy who would come to be named Kendall Grace. Allison's quest to get back in the thick of things in SHIMMER was derailed by pregnancy. However, she still had the heart to come all the way to the final show of the season to address the fans. For many, the birth of a child is a life changing experience, one that forces them to reevaluate their lives and priorities. However, when Allison speaks, it's not about if she'll come back to wrestling, but when. And after going through all of that in the last year, who could compete with that?
1st Runner Up: Daizee Haze (48 Points)
Daizee Haze was going along smoothly until a freak back injury during training forced her out of competition a week before the SHIMMER July show. Despite not being able to wrestle, Daizee still addressed the fans and it was obvious that she was heartbroken at not being able to mix it up in the ring. Luckily for Daizee, she was able to recover in a quick manner and was back in action at the October show, not missing a beat.
2nd Runner Up: LuFisto (45 Points)
Being known as the First Lady of Hardcore comes at a price. Weeks after making her SHIMMER debut in 2006, LuFisto's back injuries had gotten to the point where she had to take an indefinite hiatus from wrestling, and perhaps retire. She searched within herself long and hard for a decision about that possibility, and eight months later we all found out the answer when it was announced she had returned to the ring. Immediately the fans wanted her back in SHIMMER, and in July it finally happened. LuFisto was ecstatic to be back, and genuinely moved by the fans' warm embrace of her return.
3rd Runner Up: Nikki Roxx (25 Points)
Nikki Roxx had to leave SHIMMER in 2007 after signing a contract with a larger wrestling organization. However, the possibility of a comeback presented itself in May when SHIMMER reached an agreement to be able to feature that organization's wrestlers. But why even bother to come back, when she was getting a larger paycheck and national television exposure? For Nikki Roxx, that answer is she has a passion for wrestling and for SHIMMER and its fans. She returned to action in July and it was as if she had never left.
Honorable Mentions: Amazing Kong, Amber O'Neal, Ariel, Cheerleader Melissa, Daffney, Danyah, Mercedes Martinez, Portia Perez
Personality of the Year: Portia Perez (66 Points)
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She eats cookies in the ring, looks like a teenager, calls herself a ninja, wears pink and bullies unborn fetuses. Say what you will about Portia Perez, but you have to admit, she's got style. In a promotion full of good wrestlers, Portia has managed to find a niche that has made her stand out from the pack, that niche being her personality. As just a plain babyface, no one took notice of Portia. Then came the fateful day when she hit Josie with her Playskool Chain. Since then she has gained quite a following, and as her feud with Allison Danger has shown, her hard work has paid off as she is being given a chance against the big dogs.
1st Runner Up: Jetta (58 Points)
Jetta's prissy attitude and disdain for the fans makes her a standout personality in SHIMMER. She plays it to the hilt AND somehow manages to go over the top at the same time. Her Coventry accent gives her a unique sound among the ladies in the promotion, as she mocks them in attempt to make fools out of them, though it is usually she who ends up looking foolish.
2nd Runner Up: LuFisto (39 Points)
LuFisto may be the First Lady of Hardcore, but she is also the "Super Hardcore Anime," a goofy Japanese-French-Canadian who is extreme cuteness juxtaposed with random acts of violence, and has some of the most outrageous ring outfits in wrestling. Her ability to bully her opponents in a way that makes the fans laugh in addition to her ring skills has won their hearts.
3rd Runners Up: Amber O'Neal and Daizee Haze (TIE - 20 Points)
To be in the running for Best Babyface and Best Heel, obviously you have to have a personality. These two may be on opposite ends of the spectrum as far as fan support, but as has been discussed, both have the personalities as well as the in-ring skills to be amongst the most beloved competitors in SHIMMER.
Honorable Mentions: Allison Danger, Amazing Kong, Ariel, Cat Power, Daffney, Jennifer Blake, Lacey, MsChif, Nicole Matthews, Nikki Roxx, Rain, Sara Del Rey, Shark Girl
Finisher of the Year: Cheerleader Melissa's Kudoh Driver (76 Points)
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A vicious move in which Melissa elevates her opponent upside down across her back and then drives them head first into the canvas, the Kudoh Driver is also a valuable weapon in her arsenal. No one has been able to kick out of it yet, and it has led Melissa to two victories in 2008, over Sarah Stock and LuFisto.
1st Runner Up: LuFisto's Burning Hammer (44 Points)
The Burning Hammer is a move in which LuFisto lifts her opponent into a reverse fireman's carry and then drives them head or face first into the mat. A large part of LuFisto's success in 2008 can be attributed to this move, as it was responsible for her two victories over Rain and Wesna Busic.
2nd Runner Up: Sara Del Rey's Royal Butterfly (33 Points)
The move that won Sara Del Rey the SHIMMER Title remained just as potent in 2008. After butterflying the arms, Sara lifts her opponents off their feet into a submission, and if unable to get them to give up, she flings them overhead with a suplex. She beat both Ariel and Serena Deeb with the move.
3rd Runner Up: Cheerleader Melissa's Air Raid Crash (30 Points)
Melissa again makes the list with her lesser finisher. Melissa elevates her opponent upside down while hooking a leg with one arm and the head with another. She then drives them into the canvas with brutal force. She beat Jennifer Blake and Allison Danger with the move in 2008, in the latter's case fracturing her opponent's collarbone.
Honorable Mentions: Acid Rain (Rain), Amazing Press (Amazing Kong), Barbie Crusher (Nikki Roxx), CB4 Driver (Wesna Busic), Curse of Curves (Lane & Nevaeh), Desecrator (MsChif), Fisherman's Buster (Mercedes Martinez), Heart Punch/Yakuza Kick (Daizee Haze), Mind Trip (Daizee Haze), Natural Disaster (Miss Natural), Sit-out Powerbomb (Amazing Kong), Spear (Serena Deeb), Spinning Backfist (Amazing Kong), Stranglehold Lungblower/Clutch (Jetta), Tiger Driver (Sarah Stock)
LOL Moment of the Year: Daffney's Ball of Yarn (48 Points)
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Responding the new "catty" persona of Cat Power during their match, Daffney introduced an interesting foreign object into wrestling vernacular: the ball of yarn. When she tossed it into the ring, Cat went ballistic, trying to bat at the ball of yarn with her cla... uh, hands, and allowing Daffney to get the upper hand in the match.
1st Runner Up: Volume 20 - LuFisto's Backstage Promo (42 Points)
LuFisto was perhaps a bit too excited to return to SHIMMER. In an interview, LuFisto broke down completely, freaking out Becky Bayless with a hug while delivering a promo that was more energy than coherence.
2nd Runner Up: Volume 22 - MsChif acquires assistance from a "rowdy" fan (23 Points)
What to do if you need to scream and your throat's sore? MsChif's screaming has long given her a psychological edge in her matches, but she found herself unable to do so in her title defense against Ariel. So she tied up her opponent in the ropes and a fan at ringside was more than happy to assist the champ by screaming in Ariel's face.
3rd Runner Up: Volume 17 - Nicole Matthews denies any pulling of the fin (16 Points)
The deliberate pulling of appendages is of course a no-no in wrestling, but a fan jumped the gun, or the shark in this case, by accusing Nicole Matthews of pulling Shark Girl's fin. Nicole simply responded: "LIES!"
Honorable Mentions:
Volume 17 - Lacey tears up an Age of the Fall sign.
Volume 18 - Nicole Matthews: "1, 2, 3, winner!"
Volume 18 - Allison Danger tells off a fan.
Volume 18 - Mercedes Martinez mocks Cindy Rogers.
Volume 18 - Lacey, Rain and Jetta taunt an allegedly ugly fan.
Volume 19 - Jetta wins the battle royale.
Volume 19 - Nicole Matthews accidentally trips herself.
Volume 19 - Portia Perez comes out eating a cookie.
Volume 19 - Fans sing "C is for Cookie" at Portia Perez.
Volume 19 - Portia Perez's promo on Allison Danger.
Volume 19 - Rain's "Where's Lacey?" entrance.
Volume 19 - LuFisto and Rain's biting contest.
Volume 19 - Jetta's superplex on MsChif: "That was my best move!"
Volume 20 - The look on Danyah's face when Kong's music hits.
Volume 20 - Portia Perez's Bodyslam Challenge.
Volume 21 - Amber O'Neal's reaction to Wesna Busic's music.
Volume 22 - USA chant at Malia Hosaka.
Volume 22 - Allison Danger: "The things we wrestlers do to pass the time when we're out with an injury."
Volume 22 - Nikki... ROXX! Jetta... SUCKS! WWE... BOO!
Volume 22 - Jetta refuses to wrestle until the fans acknowledge that she too rocks.
Volume 22 - Mercedes Martinez mocks Amber O'Neal.
Shocker of the Year: Serena Deeb pins Sara Del Rey (43 Points)
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It was easy to see that Serena Deeb was a star on the rise in 2008. It was not easy to see that she would get her big victory over an athlete she had lost to twice previously, Sara Del Rey. After getting beat on for most of the match, Serena was able to rally back and take down Sara out of nowhere with the Spear to get the pin in a shocking upset.
1st Runner Up: Volume 18 - MsChif wins SHIMMER Title (35 Points)
With a surefire money match against Mercedes Martinez seemingly on the horizon, few had reason to believe that Sara Del Rey would lose the title before then. There was even a little bit of ambiguity behind MsChif getting a title shot, since she didn't pin Del Rey in the tag match. But win the title she did, and it came as such a shock that there was a even a little delay in reaction amongst the fans in attendance as they had to let what just happened sink in.
2nd Runner Up: Volume 22 - Larry Sweeney appears in SHIMMER (34 Points)
It was always emphatically stated that there would be no males in SHIMMER, aside from support roles like ring announcers and referees. That all changed on Volume 22 when "Sweet 'n Sour" Larry Sweeney walked through the curtain to comfort his client Sara Del Rey in the ring. It remains to be seen if Sweeney's appearance was a one-time deal or if he'll be back in the future.
3rd Runner Up: Volume 17 - Amazing Kong powerbombs referee Laura Mattano (29 Points)
After going toe to toe with Sara Del Rey and beating Cheerleader Melissa, many expected Ariel to be easy pickings for Amazing Kong. When the plucky crowd favorite showed more fight than perhaps was wise, Kong started to take out her frustrations on referee Laura Mattano. That wasn't too out of the ordinary, but what was out of the ordinary was Kong picking up Mattano and driving her down with her sitout powerbomb, giving Ariel the win by DQ.
Honorable Mentions:
Volume 17 - Shark Girl debuts.
Volume 17 - Amber O'Neal shows her aggressive side.
Volume 17 - Allison Danger fractures her collarbone.
Volume 18 - Lane & Nevaeh beat Lacey & Rain.
Volume 18 - Lacey wrestles her last match.
Volume 18 - Sara Del Rey gets booed.
Volume 19 - Jetta wins the battle royale.
Volume 19 - Amazing Kong dislocates Lorelei Lee's jaw.
Volume 19 - Jennifer Blake has a breakout night.
Volume 19 - LuFisto returns to action.
Volume 20 - Mercedes Martinez fails to win the SHIMMER Title.
Volume 21 - Madison Eagles's mad skillz.
Volume 21 - The Experience lose for only the second time.
Volume 21 - Ashley Lane & Nevaeh win the Tag Titles.
Volume 21 - Amazing Kong is able to work despite injuries.
Volume 21 - Ariel wins Four Corner Survival.
Volume 21 - Daizee Haze fails to win the SHIMMER Title.
Volume 22 - Allison Danger reveals that she is pregnant.
Volume 22 - Portia Perez vows to "end something else" on a pregnant Allison Danger.
Volume 22 - Referee Bryce Remsburg is easily able to take down Portia Perez.
Volume 22 - The Canadian Ninjas fail to win the tag titles.
Volume 22 - Sara Del Rey thrown over guardrail and nails a fan who puts his hands on her.
Overall Show of the Year: Volume 20 (58 Points)
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Volume 20 featured the Match of the Year in Cheerleader Melissa vs. LuFisto, and had a strong undercard as well. There was angle advancement with the Danger/Perez feud escalating. All this was done without many of SHIMMER's top names, who were absent for the night.
1st Runner Up: Volume 22 (54 Points)
SHIMMER's season finale, which may have overtaken the top spot if fans had more time to acquire it before the voting period ended. The show featured quite a few Match of the Year Candidates, an appearance by Larry Sweeney, a controversial angle involving Allison Danger and Portia Perez and a star being born in Serena Deeb.
2nd Runners Up: Volumes 17 & 18 (TIE - 48 Points)
April 26 was apparently a good night, as both shows accumulated the same amount of votes. Both had Match of the Year Candidate main events, and the historic first SHIMMER title change occurred on Volume 18. They also featured the debuts of some notable names such as Jennifer Blake, Wesna Busic, Cat Power and Nevaeh.
3rd Runners Up: Volumes 19 & 21 (TIE - 37 Points)
Though not as strong as SHIMMER's other 2008 offerings, there is still plenty of quality to be found. The historic first SHIMMER Tag Team Champions were crowned on Volume 21, as well as quite a few Match of the Year Candidates. Volume 19 featured a unique main event, as well as an entertaining battle royale to open the show, plus a Match of the Year Candidate in Melissa vs. Mercedes.
Discuss the results of the 2008 SHIMMER Awards in the following thread at The SHIMMER Forum...
http://shimmerwomen.proboards50.com/index.cgi?board=shimmer&action=display&thread=2988
lunedì 2 marzo 2009
SHIMMER Title Match Ufficiale per il 13/3 IN ST. LOUIS!
La Ring of Honor ha annunciato nel Newswire di oggi che MsChif difenderà il SHIMMER Championship contro Daizee Haze all'evento che si terrà il 13 Marzo al Gateway Center in Collinsville, IL.
Questo l'annuncio della ROH:
February 24th: The top two female wrestlers to emerge from the St. Louis wrestling scene in recent years will clash over the SHIMMER Championship when ROH returns to the Gateway Center on March 13th. SHIMMER Champion "Your Soul's Tormentor" MsChif will put the title on the line against her former ally Daizee Haze! This bout was originally scheduled to take place at ROH's St. Louis area debut, but had to be postponed when MsChif was sidelined with an injury. Now that she is back at 100%, MsChif, fighting at the side of Jimmy Jacobs and the Age of the Fall, will attempt to hold onto her title against a very determined woman who would like nothing more than to see Jimmy Jacobs' "movement" destroyed. There is no more fitting location for The Haze to challenge for the SHIMMER Championship than right in her old stomping grounds of St. Louis, and it will happen on March 13th!
Go to http://www.rohwrestling.com/ for tickets to the event.
Questo l'annuncio della ROH:
February 24th: The top two female wrestlers to emerge from the St. Louis wrestling scene in recent years will clash over the SHIMMER Championship when ROH returns to the Gateway Center on March 13th. SHIMMER Champion "Your Soul's Tormentor" MsChif will put the title on the line against her former ally Daizee Haze! This bout was originally scheduled to take place at ROH's St. Louis area debut, but had to be postponed when MsChif was sidelined with an injury. Now that she is back at 100%, MsChif, fighting at the side of Jimmy Jacobs and the Age of the Fall, will attempt to hold onto her title against a very determined woman who would like nothing more than to see Jimmy Jacobs' "movement" destroyed. There is no more fitting location for The Haze to challenge for the SHIMMER Championship than right in her old stomping grounds of St. Louis, and it will happen on March 13th!
Go to http://www.rohwrestling.com/ for tickets to the event.
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