You can now enjoy Fox News articles audibly. The notion of attending an independent pro wrestling event often evokes images of empty venues and aspiring wrestlers. However, Awesome Championship Wrestling (ACW) shattered these preconceptions with ACW Reckoning, held last Saturday in Poughkeepsie, New York. The event unfolded in front of a packed MJN Center and broadcasted on Triller.
ACW Reckoning Highlights
Several matches added fireworks and high-quality productions to the night, featuring champions and ending with a dramatic steel cage match. The event concluded on a controversial and chaotic note with stars Hale Collins and Danny Maff participating.
Vik Dalishus and Hale Collins, known as The Now, defended the ACW Tag Team Championship against Sent 2 Slaughter—Shawn Donovan and Danny Maff. This match was set to end a lengthy feud involving wedding and ceremony disruptions by Donovan and Maff. The teams faced off inside a cage, with the winner determined by the first escape.
Both Collins and Maff reached the floor simultaneously, leading to a dispute among referees as to who won. Since the match was declared a tie, Sent 2 Slaughter expressed their anger, leading to a chaotic aftermath where managers locked the cage. Vincent and Dutch, part of The Righteous, intervened by handcuffing Collins to the cage and stealing the tag belts.
Dalishus faced multiple assaults, including chair shots and a spike piledriver. His wife tried to protect him, and after officials opened the cage, fans began throwing water bottles at Sent 2 Slaughter.
Injury Update
Dalishus disclosed his injuries on Instagram, explaining the severity and the support he received: “Last night’s cage match ended with me being taken from the arena on a stretcher after suffering multiple injuries. Right now, I’m still undergoing evaluation while we gather more information on the extent of the damage.”
He thanked supporters and expressed gratitude for their concerns and prayers.
ACW Reckoning Results
- Leo Sparrow retained the ACW Cruiserweight Championship against GKM and Liamo.
- Vincent and Dutch defeated Wrecking Ball Lagursky and Yoscifer.
- Flip Gordon became the No. 1 contender for the ACW National Championship.
- Vicious Vicki and Lady Frost triumphed over Steph De Lander and Indi Hartwell with J Rod’s aid.
- Crowbar won against Vargas in a Poughkeepsie Street Fight.
- Zack Clayton retained the ACW National Championship against Dante Casanova.
- Ben Bishop defeated Foxx Vinyer.
- Andrade El Idolo retained his championship against Richard Holliday.
Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductions
Randy Savage and Mike Bell were inducted into the MJN Center Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, Killer Kross and Shotzi announced future appearances at ACW’s Indypendence Day event.
Sami Zayn’s Struggles
Sami Zayn wrestled Trick Williams during WWE Backlash in Tampa, Florida, on May 9. Despite losing the United States Championship and subsequent rematches, Zayn addressed his frustrations with pro wrestling. In the segment, he lamented changes in the industry.
Reflecting on his career since debuting in WWE NXT over 15 years ago, Zayn has held several titles and witnessed major retirements, including John Cena and A.J. Styles.
His recent dialogues, especially with Johnny Gargano, echoed sentiments of change affecting veterans in WWE. Zayn’s evolving character remains relatable as fans navigate these transitions.
Ring of Honor Supercard Results
- Athena continued as Ring of Honor women’s champion.
- Sammy Guevara defeated Action Andretti.
- Rush triumphed over LSG.
- Mina Shirakawa and Queen Aminata defeated Janai Kai and Lacey Lane.
- Dezmond Xaver and Myron Reed won against Ariya Daivari and Tony Nese.
- Nigel McGuiness defeated Josh Woods.
- Red Velvet retained the Ring of Honor Women’s World TV Championship.
- AR Fox retained the Ring of Honor World TV Championship.
- Deonna Purrazzo retained the Ring of Honor Women’s Pure Championship.
- Lee Moriarty retained the Ring of Honor Pure Championship.
- Dalton Castle’s team claimed the Ring of Honor Six Man Tag Team Championship.
- Mark Davis retained the AEW National Championship.
- Bandido retained the Ring of Honor World Heavyweight Championship.
Additional Wrestling Updates
Dominik Mysterio defended the AAA Mega Championship. Cody Rhodes and Gunther will face off for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Clash in Italy.
Chelsea Green returned to “SmackDown,” and Darby Allin defended his AEW World Championship twice in one week. Cedric Alexander became the new TNA X Division champion.
TNA announced the return of the Ultimate X match, while Major League Wrestling forged a partnership with Stardom for talent exchange.