Courtesy of Michael Keller
CHIKARA: Action Arcade welcomes back pro wrestling to Saturday mornings with weekly
simulcasts at 11AM ET on IWTV and CHIKARApro.com—and it’s a whole lot of fun. The fifth
episode begins with the long-awaited debut of the Red Queen and One-Eyed Jack….
IWTV is also offering a free five-day trial with promo code PWP.
1. Red Queen & One-Eyed Jack vs. Larry Sampson & Heidi Lee
Morgan
The anticipated debut of Red Queen & One-eyed Jack kicks off this week’s episode. For weeks,
they’ve expressed that they’re looking for any team that could come close to matching their tag
team prowess. Red Queen’s safety is paramount to One-eyed Jack as he stalks every inch of
the ring; sizing up the opposition that would dare lay their hands on his majesty. His indomitable
loyalty is reciprocated in Red Queen’s solace among One-eyed Jack’s ferocity. But make no
mistake: Red Queen’s attacks are just as graceful as they are brutal. This perfect pair performs
a finisher fit for a queen. One-eyed Jack propels the Red Queen into the air, spinning 450° she
squashes her opponent underneath.
Winner: Red Queen & One-Eyed Jack
2. Matt Makowski vs. Pete Christy—Crucible rules
For the first time, we see Matt Makowski represent his fellow gang of harbingers in a match
under Crucible rules. After headlining episode 1 of Action Arcade, Weapon X has proven to be
one of the most intense figures to enter a CHIKARA ring. The former Bellator fighter has also
proven to be an impressive resource for Ophidian. After one attempt to break Christy’s arm with
his signature Jijigatamae, Makowski strikes him down with a visceral foot to the back of the
head; rendering Christy unconscious on the spot.
Winner: Matt Makowski
3. Tunku Amir vs. Lucas Calhoun
Three weeks ago, Lucas Calhoun defeated Kobald, The Prince of all Goblins, to earn his first
point of the season. But to continue his journey to the Grand Championship, he must face a
man of the Crucible and the self-proclaimed Master of Singafist, Tunku Amir. Defeating the
defectors, Forged, just two weeks ago, Tunku comes to the ring prepared to add one more
upset to that list. Although, the Rockabilly Roughneck didn’t come this far without being able to
take a few good shots. Just as Amir seems to be at the height of his control, Calhoun snaps into
a Cobra Twist-style pin. Like a bolt of lightning, Lucas is one step closer to getting his shot for
the CHIKARA Grand Championship.
Winner: Lucas Calhoun
4. Frey Nassar vs. Xavier Faraday vs. Molly McCoy vs. Ricky South
The third, of four qualifying matches, in the YLC airs in this week’s bout and features 3 familiar
CHIKARA superstars and one of the international flavor. Representing Pro Wrestling Australia,
“Tuff Stuff” Ricky South’s hard-hitting flamboyant style sends shockwaves throughout the
tournament. Not to be so easily perturbed by this new entrant, Faraday has his eyes set on the
man who looks to make a mockery of the storied history of the YLC tournament, Frey Nassar.
Nassar has even been so insufferable to claim that he will win the cup for the Crucible and then
use it as his personal cereal bowl. McCoy, niece of the Grand Champion, Dasher Hatfield,
maintains that her gritty fighting style will advance her to the next round and, unlike Boomer,
bring honor to the family name. But, in a flash, Molly is the first to be eliminated after missing a
huge rolling kick to Faraday’s head. Molly, full of steaming rage, throws Xavier out to the floor to
teach him a lesson in disappointment. Taking advantage of that distraction, Frey tries to impress
Ophidian by taking out the biggest competitor of the match, Ricky South. But with some surprise
assistance from Faraday, Nassar is clocked by a flying boot and leaves Xavier and Ricky to
battle for a spot in the semi-finals. Moments after Faraday’s redemption pin on Nassar, South
delivers a monumental sit-down piledriver that he calls The Kiss of Death to become the third
qualifier for the YLC.
Winner: “Tough Stuff” Ricky South
5. ZERO & Boomer vs. F.I.S.T.
In the main event of episode 5, two teams look to earn a point for contention of the CHIKARA
tag team titles. The current Campeonatos de Parejas, Willow Nightingale and Solo Darling,
speculate that F.I.S.T. would give them a worthy fight for the tag team belts. After gaining their
first point two weeks ago, Travis Huckabee and Icarus have made it clear that, not only will they
challenge the Bird and the Bee, but that it will be utter annihilation. That is, unless, the team of
Boomer Hatfield and ZERO can stop them in their path of destruction. The son of Dasher
Hatfield and the son of Mr. ZERO have joined forces since episode 2 when they took on The
Spoiler and Sonny Defarge. Although Defarge and Spoiler ran away with the point, Boomer and
ZERO left a huge impression on the CHIKARA universe. And this week’s match is about much
more than points to one of these second-generation wrestlers. Icarus retired ZERO’s father
years ago. And like a derailed train, ZERO finally has a chance to exact revenge on the Winged
Ring Warrior. But the synergy that Huckabee and Icarus share are on display as they save one
another via CHIKARA’s Lucha tag rules. Partaking in his own revenge, Travis picks Boomer
apart for his victory from episode one. From a spot of desperation, the Golden Grappler hoists
ZERO onto his shoulders and drives him into the mat with a thunderous electric chair for the
win. Despite the heart that Boomer and ZERO bring to this fight, F.I.S.T. emerges with their
second point.
Winner: F.I.S.T.
Conclusion:
With Red Queen and One-eyed Jack making a huge splash, does the perfect pair have what it
takes to challenge the Campeonatos de Parejas? Who will be the fourth, and final, qualifier to
join Max the Impaler, Green Ant, and Ricky South in the semi-finals? With the YLC churning on,
the quests for CHIKARA gold, and the threat of the Crucible’s domination, how will episode 6
add even more gas to the flames!
Until next time, this is it for Michael Keller. You can find me online @HVMTLProdigy. See you
next week!