FANN’S Beyond Wrestling “Uncharted Territory: Season 2” (Episodes 1-3) report: results and analysis of first three episodes of season 2

FANN’S BEYOND WRESTLING “UNCHARTED TERRITORY’ REPORT
Season 2, Episodes 1-3 (Binge Edition)
OCT 3, OCT, 10, and OCT. 17,  2019
WORCESTER, MASS.
WHITE EAGLE
AIRED LIVE ON INDEPENDENTWRESTLING.TV AND FITE TV

(Traditionally this is a weekly reviewing model; however in an effort to catch up this will be a mega-review of the first three episodes, with thoughts on the big happenings in each show. My Torch reviews will be returning to the traditional model next week.)

Announcers: Paul Crockett and Sidney Bakabella

EPISODE 1

(1) Lance Archer vs. Josh Briggs

WINNER: Lance Archer via pinfall

(Fann’s Analysis: I liked this open, particularly with the appearance of Archer. After a superb G-1 showing, having someone with his name value and in-ring ability kick off the new season was a great get. Archer and Briggs were good together, and the match was as I hoped – a hoss fight. Briggs kicked out of a chokeslam at one late in the match, which led to the EBD Claw.)

(2) Solo Darling w/Officer Magnum vs. Mark Sterling

WINNER: Solo Darling via DQ after Alex Reynolds and Mark Sterling threatened harm to Officer Magnum

(3) The Bird and The Bee (Solo Darling & Willow Nightingale) vs. Alex Reynolds & Mark Sterling

WINNERS: Darling and Nightingale via pinfall

(Fann’s Analysis: The prior match led to this one, and the crowd loved Officer Magnum getting the pin. Willow had been Solo Darling’s partner prior to taking a break for injury, so her appearance and subsequent revival of the team had a great crowd reaction as well. Reynolds and Sterling played their roles as grade A scumbags well during the match, especially after the match was founded on Officer Magnum’s health being threatened. )

(4) Brandon Thurston vs. Jay Freddie

WINNERS: Brandon Thurston via pinfall

(Fann’s Analysis: What typically has been an outstanding series of matches was marred in this case by a low blow delivered by Thurston – which seemed to be 50/50 accidental vs intentional – Thurston refused a rematch on the spot with Freddie, and bounced to the boos of the crowd. Thurston and Freddie have had a spectacular chemistry in Beyond, so the story within a story of Thurston taking the win over the magic of the prior matches was quite nice.)

(5) Tony Deppen vs. Daniel Garcia (Discovery Gauntlet Match)

WINNERS: Tony Deppen via pinfall (****)

(Fann’s Analysis: Deppen beat up scheduled Discovery Gauntlet contender Matt Makowski in the back and took his place. “Red Death” Daniel Garcia had been a great champion that grew into the role late in season 1. Deppen had a great match and in the tradition of a true heel, he was able to not rely upon his superior talents to unseat Garcia, but rather a handful of tights. Love where this story is going, as Deppen around the independent scene is a bomb dropper in the ring. )

(6) Orange Cassidy vs. “The Ovaltine Dream” Thomas Santell

WINNERS: Orange Cassidy via pinfall (****)

(Fann’s Analysis: Orange Cassidy is an acquired taste for some, but I love his work. This match with Santell was a great showing of both men, and Cassidy arrived after travel issues from AEW’s first episode. Cassidy showed a ton of emotion and post-match called out IWTV Champ Warhorse for a shot. Check this match out and if you’re less than enthused with Cassidy – check this match out and see if it changes your mind!)

(7) Chris Dickinson vs. WHEELER YUTA

WINNERS: Chris Dickinson via pinfall

(Fann’s Analysis: This match was a means to the end – which was the return of Pinkie Sanchez right as Dickinson thought all was lost due to the arrival post-match of Club Cam and what was thought to be help from masked men that turned instead into Milk Chocolate. Next week Pazuzu will take the aforementioned on to settle the score. )

(8) Kris Statlander vs. Nick Gage

WINNERS: Nick Gage via pinfall (****1/4)

(Fann’s Analysis: Nick Gage did not take this match lightly. Kris Statlander continues to amaze when she shows up in Beyond. This main event was insane – Gage won with a piledriver through a door, and that wasn’t nearly as insane as when Statlander put Gage through a table with a death valley driver! When I think of Beyond – particularly season one of Uncharted Territory – I think of how great they did showcasing talent in their main events. Watch this match NOW!)

EPISODE 2 

(1) Nick Gage vs. John Silver

WINNERS: Nick Gage via pinfall (****)

(Fann’s Analysis: Silver and Nick Gage went to town in this match. Not only did they go at a breakneck pace, but when Silver tried to enter the insane world of MDK all…well you know. Just like last week, Gage got the win with the piledriver through a door and added his chokebreaker for good measure. John Silver has been a great talent when he appears on Beyond shows, and this match was no exception. Short, but hot start!)

(2) Bear Country (Bear Bronson & Bear Beefcake) vs. Mike Verna & Rex Lawless

WINNERS: Bear Country via pinfall – Elevator Drop

(Fann’s Analysis: Solid match.)

 (3) DL Hurst vs. Chuck O’Neil

WINNER: Chuck O’Neil via submission

(4) Josh Briggs, “Retro AG” Anthony Greene, Ava Everett & Angel Sinclair vs. Club Cam (Cam Zagami, Christian Casanova, Ken Doane & Richard Holiday) – Gauntlet Style Elimination Match

WINNERS: Club Cam members Casanova and Zagami by pinfall via Thomas Sharp interference

(5) Ace Austin vs. WHEELER YUTA

WINNER: Wheeler Yuta via submission

(6) Steve Manders vs. Tony Deppen – Discovery Gauntlet

WINNER: Tony Deppen via pinfall (****1/4)

(Fann’s Analysis: Wow. Deppen and Manders were outstanding in this match. The former Iowa player has been hyper-focused on getting into the game, and this match with Deppen should be one of the first matches on his wrestling highlight reel. Manders threw Deppen around like a ragdoll, only for Deppen to scumbag his way through the match for the win. The usage of Manders’ cowbell for the duke was even more old school in its simplicity and fun. Watch this match!)

(7) Team Pazuzu (Chris Dickinson & Pinkie Sanchez) vs. Milk Chocolate (Randy Summers & Brandon Watts)

WINNERS: Team Pazuzu via pinfall

(Fann’s Analysis: Solid match made even more fun with Dickinson and Sanchez using a PowerPlex variant with a moonsault instead of a splash. As the president and CEO of Power & Glory’s defense force, I greatly approved. Milk Chocolate did well in this match and as they have with every Beyond appearance, it was a good showing for them.)

(8) Timothy Thatcher vs. Eddie Kingston

WINNERS: Timothy Thatcher via pinfall (****1/2)

(Fann’s Analysis: Thatcher and Kingston had one of the best matches of the last few weeks. In a world where we can watch what we want when we want it as wrestling fans, to see these two independent wrestlers throw their faces in the proverbial buzz-saw in a match that fits both of their personalities – even down to the finish, where Thatcher went for the pin rather than trying for a submission on the never-say-die Kingston.)

Post match, Kingston gave an outstanding speech where he was very vulnerable about his struggles with mental health and called for fans to truly seek help and reach out to someone if they felt like they were in a bad place. Despite some issues with the ring in the middle of the show, ending with this match, and with this man baring his soul was something that will always separate Beyond for any of the other promotions out there. If you see anything episode 2, watch this match, the Infinity Gauntlet and the opening match. The show itself was still good – but a bit long given the issues with the ring – but those three were must sees.

EPISODE 3

(1) Team Pazuzu (Chris Dickinson & Pinkie Sanchez) vs. The Butcher & The Blade (Pepper Parks & Andy Williams)

WINNERS: Team Pazuzu via pinfall – modified PowerPlex

(Fann’s Analysis: This is another loss for Butcher and Blade – and Williams and Parks are left wondering how to build themselves back up to challenge the current aces of Beyond – Bear Country. The match itself was great – both teams accentuated the best parts the other brings to the table. Sanchez hasn’t been a wrestler prior to the last few weeks I had seen regularly and has been impressive.)

(2) Puf vs. Brandon Thurston

WINNER: Brandon Thurston via pinfall.

(Fann’s Analysis: Puf had mentioned in the prior week he couldn’t abide by Thurston hiding from a rematch with Jay Freddie – and how Thurston refused to train him. Puf nailed a wild fire thunder driver late onto Thurston, which was worrying as Thurston looked to hit his head hard on the mat. Puf is always a fun dude to watch – and this serious side was something new. I liked it and wanted to see more of it. The added insult of using his defeated opponent as a seat was a nice touch by Thurston, who I am loving as a heel.)

(3) “Retro AG” Anthony Greene & Ava Everett vs. Pretty Proper (Victor Benjamin & Lady Frost)

WINNERS: Anthony Greene via pinfall

(Fann’s Analysis: This was my first time seeing Pretty Proper to my knowledge and they were great. Think early Becky Lynch gear circa 2016 or so in terms of dress. Ava Everett in particular was fun in the late stage of the match. Greene hit a delightful piledriver to end the match outta nowhere on Frost. I hope they bring back Pretty Proper – great showing.)

(4) AJ Gray vs. Tony Deppen –  Discovery Gauntlet Match

WINNERS: Tony Deppen via pinfall

(Fann’s Analysis: Deppen’s selling in this match was top notch. As always, the Discovery Gauntlet series puts a wrestler out front that can show their wares against an opponent that may be also getting their first shot on a national stage. Gray and Deppen started well, ended well and Gray needs to be seen more – everywhere. )

(5) Nick Gage vs. Ken Doane w/Club Cam (Cam Zagami & Christian Casanova & Richard Holiday & Thomas Sharp)

WINNERS: Nick Gage via DQ (after referee reversed decision)

(Fann’s Analysis: Nick Gage held an open challenge that Doane answered. After a decent back and forth brawl with the menace of Club Cam at ringside, Doane got a pin – but then had that reversed due to the continued shenanigans of Club Cam. Doane was bloodied by the end of the brawl and as the mayhem continued we were lead to the next match. Gage was his ever awesome and wild self. )

(6) Bear Country (Bear Bronson & Bear Beefcake) vs. Club Cam (Christian Casanova & Richard Holiday w/Thomas Sharp & Cam Zagami)

WINNERS: Bear Country via pinfall

(Fann’s Analysis: Thomas Sharp was a great heavy in this match, as Casanova and Holiday did their best to prevent the two redwoods from crushing them. Casanova has continued to grow from his time as the Discovery Gauntlet and Holiday has been ever-present as a thorn in the side of the lead faces of Beyond.)

(7) Josh Briggs vs. Thomas Sharp

WINNERS: Briggs via pinfall

(Fann’s Analysis: Another match from Club Cam that immediately was set up by the result of the match before it. Briggs as always is a great big man, and Sharp – no longer Blaster McMassive – did well, but the post match beat down left a lot to be desired. )

(8) “The Product” David Starr vs. Mercedes Martinez (****1/2)

This was Starr’s first outing back in Beyond since Americanrana ’19. After about 29 minutes Starr got the win with Han Stansen. Post-match, he did a great job of spotlighting Martinez, saying “if you want to get better at pro wrestling, f***ing wrestle Mercedes Martinez!”

Starr concluded with a challenge to current IWTV champion Warhorse, and declared next time Warhorse was in Beyond, Starr wouldn’t be far behind.

(Fann’s Analysis: Martinez and Starr tore the house down. While the ending sequence may have been too happy with the kickouts, the fire both showed leading to that ending sequence was spectacular. Mercedes Martinez has been phenomenal everywhere she’s been, and Starr was a great opponent – with the Beyond crowd as the perfect addition to this perfect storm of a match.)

 Overall thoughts (Week 1: 8.5 / Week 2: 7/ Week 3: 8): All three episodes were solid examples of weekly, episodic television that focuses on wrestling while respecting the intelligence of their viewers. All three main events more than require you to watch the shows, and coupled with a solid narrative that doesn’t falter despite some wrestlers not appearing weekly, I’ve been impressed that this second season is going so well. Starr vs. Martinez or Statlander vs. Gage are matches I will show any person that says intergender wrestling can’t work.

Looking forward to returning to our regular style of reviews and keeping up with the product!

Contact Rich at PWTDive@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/rich_fann.