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NWA Samhain
View on Wikipedia| NWA Samhain | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |||
| Promotion | National Wrestling Alliance | ||
| Date | October 28, 2023 | ||
| City | Cleveland, Ohio | ||
| Venue | Cleveland Masonic Temple | ||
| Pay-per-view chronology | |||
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| Samhain chronology | |||
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NWA Samhain[a] was a professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). It was held on October 28, 2023, at Cleveland Masonic Temple in Cleveland, Ohio.
Fifteen matches were contested at the event, including four on the pre-show. In the main event, EC3 defeated Thom Latimer in a No Limits match to retain the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship.
Production
[edit]Background
[edit]On the September 5, 2023 episode of Powerrr, NWA announced that NWA Samhain would take place on October 28, 2023, at TempleLive at Cleveland Masonic in Cleveland, Ohio.[1][2]
Storylines
[edit]The event featured professional wrestling matches that involve different wrestlers from pre-existing scripted feuds and storylines. Wrestlers portrayed heroes, villains, or less distinguishable characters in scripted events that built tension and culminate in a wrestling match or series of matches. Storylines were produced during the fifteenth season of the NWA's weekly series, Powerrr.[3]
On the September 5 episode of Powerrr, NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion EC3 issued a challenge to NWA World Television Champion Thom Latimer to invoke his "Lucky Seven Rule" and face him for the world title.[4] The following week, Latimer and his wife Kamille confronted EC3, with the former officially relinquishing the television title for his world title opportunity at Samhain.[5][6] On the October 4, 2023 episode of Powerrr, Kamille confirmed that she would be in Latimer's corner for this match.[7] On the October 17 episode of Powerrr, EC3 would bring up his and Latimer's previous history with each other, including at the previous year's anniversary show, where he and his Control Your Narrative henchmen held Latimer down and EC3 nearly hit him in the head with a chair.[8] While also making reference to Kamille's No Limits match at NWA 75, EC3 challenged Latimer to the same match for the title at Samhain.
On the September 19 episode of Powerrr, Ruthie Jay defeated Missa Kate and Natalia Markova to become the number one contender for the NWA World Women's Championship, challenging Kenzie Paige for the title at NWA Samhain.[9]
On the October 3 Powerrr, Natalia Markova and Taylor Rising defeated M95 (Madi and Missa Kate) to become number one contenders to the NWA World Women's Tag Team Championship and will challenge champions Pretty Empowered (Ella Envy and Kylie Paige) at Samhain.[10]
On Night 2 of NWA 75, Blunt Force Trauma (Carnage and Damage) retained the NWA World Tag Team Championship against Mike Knox and Trevor Murdoch after BFT's manage Aron Stevens punched Murdoch in the face with a loaded glove, allowing Damage to pin him and retain the titles.[11] The two teams would have a rematch a month later on the September 26 episode of Powerrr. There, Damage hit Murdoch with a chair, provided by Stevens who distracted the official. Knox would wrangle the chair away from Damage and attempt to use it himself, but when the official turned around and saw the chair in Knox's hands, he called for a disqualification, allowing BFT to retain again.[12] A week later, Stevens was being interviewed at the ringside podium when he was confronted by Knox and Murdoch, who wanted one more opportunity at BFT and the tag team titles. Stevens granted them that opportunity at NWA Samhain, where they would challenge BFT for the titles in a "Knights of the Round Table" tables match (a standard tables match with the objective being to put your opponent through a round table rather than a long, rectangular table.)[13]
On Night 1 of NWA 75, Jax Dane and Tim Storm faced off in "A Matter of Respect" No Disqualification match. Some minutes into the match, Storm was suplexed by Dane and stayed down, appearing to be injured. Dane would be awarded the win via referee stoppage.[14] On the following night's pre-show, Dane and his SVGS partner Blake "Bulletproof" Troop competed in a battle royal to earn an NWA National Heavyweight Championship match, only for the latter to betray the former and eliminate him from the match.[11] Over a month later on the October 3 episode of Powerrr, Dane faced his former manager Chris Silvio in the latter's first NWA match. During the match, Silvio took a microphone and lambasted Dane for holding back on Storm during their match, going as far as to call him "weak." Dane would make quick work of Silvio, making Silvio tap out to Trap City.[15] The following week, the former SVGS held an in-ring summit where Dane and Troop, a trained mixed martial artist, agreed to face off in a submission match at Samhain.[16]
During the National Championship number one contender's battle royal on Night 2 of NWA 75, Brady Pierce eliminated his Spectaculars partner Rush Freeman without second thought, before throwing Rush's older brother Rolando Freeman on top of Rush.[11] On the subsequent episode of Powerrr, Pierce defeated Rolando in quick fashion.[4] However, three weeks later, Pierce was interviewed backstage and urged Rolando to leave Rush and join the "winning side."[12] On the October 10 Powerrr, after Rush and Rolando lost their match, Rolando was interviewed backstage declaring that a match between Rush and Pierce will happen in the future, with himself as special guest referee.[17] The NWA later booked the match for Samhain, with the stipulation that the loser is forced to leave the NWA.[18]
On the September 12 Powerr, NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion Colby Corino and Joe Alonzo were on opposite sides of a tag team match. The two were clients of Jamie Stanley, but during the match, Stanley continuously interfered on behalf of Alonzo, leading to his team getting the win.[19] As a result, Corino would defend his title against Alonzo in a "Pillar to Post match" at Samhain.[20]
On the NWA 75 Night 2 pre-show, Daisy Kill and Talos defeated The Country Gentlemen (AJ Cazana and Anthony Andrews) to win the NWA United States Tag Team Championship. Soon after their win, The Immortals (J. R. Kratos and Odinson) came out to confront the new champions, hinting at a future match.[11] On the October 10 Powerrr, after Kil and Talos successfully retained against AJ and KC Cazana, The Immortals immediately challenged them to an impromptu title match. The latter team won by countout, meaning that the former retained their titles.[17] On October 17, the NWA announced a rematch between the two for the Samhain pre-show.[21]
At NWA 75, Violent J of the Insane Clown Posse accompanied The Brothers of Funstruction (Yabo and Ruffo) for their matches, mostly as a means of sticking it to Vampiro, his former running mate in The Dark Carnival and current manager of La Rebelión (Bestia 666 and Mecha Wolf).[14][11] With the two units going back and forth with each other, the NWA booked a six-man tag team match between them at Samhain. On the October 17 episode of Powerrr, Yabo defeated Mecha Wolf in a "Pick Your Poison" match, allowing his team to pick the stipulation for their match.[22] The following week, Violent J announced the stipulation to be a "Riddle Box match," where various weapons and objects are hidden in crates around the arena which both teams can break open and use the contents inside.
For months, despite actively competing on their own, Sal the Pal and Gaagz the Gymp have been trying to escape the control of Father James Mitchell. On the October 17 Powerrr, Mitchell, the host of Samhain, announced an Ultimate Hardcore Tag Team War, where Sal, Gaagz, and a partner(s) of their choosing would face NWA World Women's Television Champion Max the Impaler, Judais, and their own team. If Sal and Gaagz win, they will be free from Mitchell, but if they lose, they will forever be under his control.[23] Sal and Gaagz's team was revealed to consist of Koa Laxamana and Magnum Muscle (Dak Draper and the NWA World Television Champion Mims), while Judais and Max will team with Alex Misery and Magic Inc. (Cody James and "Magic" Jake Dumas).
On the October 17 Powerrr, Chris Adonis defeated Zyon by disqualification to earn an opportunity at "Thrillbilly" Silas Mason's NWA National Heavyweight Championship at Samhain in a Burning Lake Brawl.[23]
Cocaine segment incident
[edit]In the weeks prior to the event, it was reported by news blog Haus of Wrestling that the promotion was in-talks with The CW to air Powerrr and a new reality series about the NWA on the network.[24] However, a segment in which Father James Mitchell, along with several women and wrestlers were seen consuming cocaine reportedly drew negative reactions on social media from viewers of The CW,[25] and was also poorly-received by CW executives.[26]
In November, The CW signed a deal with WWE to air its NXT program beginning in October 2024, under a five-year deal.[27] However, though it was rumored to be in-response to the Samhain segment, Corgan later revealed in a 2024 interview with Fightful that the CW executives did not have a problem with the spot and the reports were "a completely invented story by either a troll inside the company, a leaker or something.”[28][29]
The scene was voted as the co-winner of WrestleCrap's Gooker Award for the worst gimmick, storyline, or event in wrestling in 2023, tied with CM Punk's tenure in All Elite Wrestling.[30]
Results
[edit]| No. | Results[31] | Stipulations | Times[32][33] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1P | Brandon Day (with Towel Boy Tommy) defeated Manbun Jesus (with The Grizzly Groovies) by pinfall | NWA Exodus Pro Heavyweight Championship Tournament Qualifying match | 4:27 | ||||
| 2P | Jordan Clearwater and The Country Gentlemen (AJ Cazana and KC Cazana) (with Joe Cazana) defeated The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd) and Zyon (with Austin Idol) by pinfall | Six-man tag team match | 6:56 | ||||
| 3P | Samantha Starr defeated Missa Kate, Chelsea, and Tiffany Nieves by pinfall | Four-way match to determine #1 contender to the NWA World Women's Championship[18] | 3:34 | ||||
| 4P | The Immortals (Odinson and JR Kratos) defeated Daisy Kill and Talos (c) by pinfall | Tag team match for the NWA United States Tag Team Championship[21] | 8:56 | ||||
| 5 | Magic Inc. (Cody James and "Magic" Jake Dumas), Alex Misery, Judais, and Max the Impaler (with CJ and Father James Mitchell) defeated Gaagz the Gymp, Sal the Pal, Koa Laxamana, and Magnum Muscle (Dak Draper and Mims) (with Kallies Malia) by pinfall | Devil's Last Dance Ultimate Hardcore War[23] Since Sal and Gaagz's team lost, Sal and Gaagz will be forever indentured to Mitchell. | 14:14 | ||||
| 6 | Rush Freeman defeated Brady Pierce by pinfall | Loser Leaves NWA match[18] Rolando Freeman was the special guest referee. | 5:59 | ||||
| 7 | Colby Corino (c) defeated Joe Alonzo by pinfall | "Pillar to Post" match for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship[20] | 9:31 | ||||
| 8 | The Southern 6 (Kerry Morton and Alex Taylor) (with Ricky Morton) defeated The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher) by pinfall | "Rock 'n' Roll" tag team match[23] If your partner kicks out, you take a shot. | 7:49 | ||||
| 9 | Jax Dane defeated Blake "Bulletproof" Troop (with Chris Silvio, Esq.) by submission | Submission match[16] | 7:03 | ||||
| 10 | Pretty Empowered (Ella Envy and Kylie Paige) (c) defeated Taylor Rising and Natalia Markova by pinfall | Tag team match for the NWA World Women's Tag Team Championship[10] | 7:57 | ||||
| 11 | "Thrillbilly" Silas Mason (c) (with Ricky Morton) defeated Chris Adonis by pinfall | Burning Lake Brawl for the NWA National Heavyweight Championship[23] | 6:57 | ||||
| 12 | The Brothers of Funstruction (Yabo and Ruffo) and Violent J defeated Vampiro and La Rebelión (Bestia 666 and Mecha Wolf) (with Jerry Other) by pinfall | "Riddle Box" six-man tag team match | 12:00 | ||||
| 13 | Kenzie Paige (c) defeated Ruthie Jay by pinfall | Singles match for the NWA World Women's Championship[9] | 7:27 | ||||
| 14 | Blunt Force Trauma (Carnage and Damage) (c) defeated Knox and Murdoch | "Knights of the Round Table" Tables match for the NWA World Tag Team Championship[13] Aron Stevens was banned from ringside. | 14:35 | ||||
| 15 | EC3 (c) defeated Thom Latimer (with Kamille) by pinfall | No Limits match for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship[6] | 15:16 | ||||
| |||||||
Devil's Last Dance Ultimate Hardcore Team War match
[edit]| Eliminated | Wrestler | Eliminated by | Method | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Misery | Dak Draper | Eliminated after being thrown over the top rope | Team Judais, Max, Misery, and Magic Inc. |
| 2 | Dak Draper | Cody James | Pinned after being hit with a cane. | Team Sal, Gaagz, Laxamana, and Magnum Muscle |
| 3 | Cody James | Himself | Eliminated after performing a suicide dive over the top rope on Laxamana. | Team Judais, Max, Misery, and Magic Inc. |
| 4 | Koa Laxamana | "Magic" Jake Dumas | Pinned after a DDT | Team Sal, Gaagz, Laxamana, and Magnum Muscle |
| 5 | "Magic" Jake Dumas | Mims | Pinned after the Big Strong Slam | Team Judais, Max, Misery, and Magic Inc. |
| 6 | Judais | Mims | Pinned with a roll-up | Team Judais, Max, Misery, and Magic Inc. |
| 7 | Mims | Max the Impaler | Eliminated after being thrown over the top rope | Team Sal, Gaagz, Laxamana, and Magnum Muscle |
| 8 | Gaagz the Gymp | Max the Impaler | Pinned after a clothesline. | Team Sal, Gaagz, Laxamana, and Magnum Muscle |
| 9 | Sal the Pal | Max the Impaler | Pinned after Welcome to The Wasteland | Team Sal, Gaagz, Laxamana, and Magnum Muscle |
| Winner | Max the Impaler | N/A | Team Judais, Max, Misery, and Magic Inc. | |
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Defelice, Robert (September 5, 2023). "NWA Samhain To Emanate From Cleveland, Ohio On 10/28/23". Fightful. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ Tessier, Colin (September 5, 2023). "NWA SAMHAIN PPV Announced For 10/28". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ Grabianowski, Ed (January 13, 2006). "How Pro Wrestling Works". HowStuffWorks, Inc. Discovery Communications. Archived from the original on November 29, 2013. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ a b Martinez, Tommy "Milagro" (September 6, 2023). "It's a New Era of NWA Powerrr". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ Carey, Ian (September 13, 2023). "World title match set for NWA Samhain". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ a b DeFeclice, Robert (September 12, 2023). "EC3 To Defend NWA World's Heavyweight Title Against Thom Latimer At NWA Samhain". Fightful. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ "NWA Powerrr Ep 128 Keep Your Enemies Close". YouTube. October 3, 2023. Event occurs at 29:33. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
- ^ Manalo Has Pizzazz (August 28, 2022). "NWA 74 Night 2 live results: Seven title fights". Cageside Seats. Archived from the original on September 4, 2022. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ a b DeFeclice, Robert (September 19, 2023). "Ruthie Jay To Challenge Kenzie Paige For NWA Women's World Title At NWA Samhain". Fightful. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
- ^ a b DeFeclice, Robert (October 3, 2023). "Natalia Markova And Taylor Rising To Face Pretty Empowered For NWA Women's Tag Titles At NWA Samhain". Fightful. Archived from the original on October 5, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Tessier, Colin (August 27, 2023). "NWA 75 Night Two Results (8/27): Tyrus vs. EC3, More". WrestleZone. Archived from the original on September 9, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ a b Martinez, Tommy "Milagro" (September 27, 2023). "NWA POWERRR: Knox and Murdoch want the NWA Tag Titles from Blunt Force Trauma". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 5, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ a b DeFeclice, Robert (October 3, 2023). "NWA Tag Team Titles To Be On The Line In 'Knights Of The Round Table' Tables Match At NWA Samhain". Fightful. Archived from the original on October 5, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
- ^ a b Tessier, Colin (August 26, 2023). "NWA 75 Night One Results (8/26): Kamille vs. Natalia Markova, Matt Cardona, More". WrestleZone. Archived from the original on September 9, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
- ^ Martinez, Tommy "Milagro" (October 4, 2023). "NWA POWERRR: Dak Draper finds himself on a mile high Thrillride". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
- ^ a b Lambert, Jeremy (October 12, 2023). "Jax Dane vs. Blake Troop Submission Match Added To NWA Samhain". Fightful. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
- ^ a b Martinez, Tommy "Milagro" (October 11, 2023). "NWA POWERRR: Television Dreams and US Tag Title schemes". Slam Wrestling. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
- ^ a b c Lambert, Jeremy (October 15, 2023). "Loser Leaves NWA Match, Women's Four-Way Bout Added To NWA Samhain". Fightful. Archived from the original on October 21, 2023. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
- ^ Martinez, Tommy "Milagro" (September 12, 2023). "NWA POWERRR: EC3 and Kenzie Paige are a cut above the rest". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 30, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ a b Lambert, Jeremy (September 20, 2023). "Colby Corino To Defend NWA Junior Heavyweight Title Against Joe Alonzo At NWA Samhain". Fightful. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
- ^ a b Lambert, Jeremy (October 17, 2023). "NWA United States Tag Team Title Bout Added To NWA Samhain". Fightful. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ Martinez, Tommy "Milagro" (October 18, 2023). "NWA POWERRR: Chris Adonis wants to put a Masterlock on the NWA National title contendership". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e DeFelice, Robert (October 18, 2023). "NWA National Heavyweight Title Bout, Hardcore Tag Team War, More Set For NWA Samhain". Fightful. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
- ^ "Billy Corgan & The NWA Sign Two TV Deals With The CW – Exclusive". Haus of Wrestling. October 18, 2023. Archived from the original on November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
- ^ "Cocaine Spot At NWA PPV Could Negatively Impact The CW Deal – Exclusive". Haus of Wrestling. November 4, 2023. Archived from the original on November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
- ^ Carey, Ian (November 8, 2023). "Report: NWA talent growing frustrated with Billy Corgan". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
- ^ Porter, Rick (November 7, 2023). "'WWE NXT' Moving to The CW From USA in 2024". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 7, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
- ^ "Billy Corgan: The CW Did Not Have A Problem With Cocaine Spot At NWA Samhain". WrestleZone. May 14, 2024. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
- ^ Rueter, Sean (November 22, 2023). "The NWA does have some kind of deal with The CW after all". Cageside Seats. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
- ^ https://www.wrestlecrap.com/inductions/and-the-winner-of-the-2023-gooker-award-is/
- ^ Martinez, Tommy "Milagro" (October 29, 2023). "NWA Samhain PPV full of tricks and treats". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
- ^ "NWA Samhain Pre-Show". Cagematch. October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "NWA Samhain". Cagematch. October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
External links
[edit]
NWA Samhain
View on GrokipediaProduction
Background
The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) was revived in 2017 under the ownership of Billy Corgan, who acquired the promotion with the goal of restoring its legacy as a cornerstone of professional wrestling. Since then, the NWA has produced a series of pay-per-view (PPV) events to reestablish its presence, beginning with the NWA 70th Anniversary Show in October 2018, followed by recurring spectacles such as the annual anniversary shows, Hard Times, EmPowerrr in 2021, and Back for the Attack in 2021. These events have emphasized classic wrestling storytelling, title defenses, and cross-promotional appearances, helping to build a modern roster while honoring the organization's 75-year history.[13][1] In September 2023, the NWA announced Samhain as its latest PPV, positioning it as a seasonal highlight to leverage the Halloween timeframe and attract both longtime fans and newcomers. The event was scheduled for October 28, 2023, at TempleLive at the Cleveland Masonic in Cleveland, Ohio, marking a strategic expansion of the NWA's event calendar amid growing television partnerships. This announcement came during an episode of the NWA's flagship program, Powerrr, underscoring the promotion's intent to deliver high-stakes, thematic programming.[1][14] Planning for Samhain involved coordinated efforts across production, talent management, and creative direction, with allocations for enhanced staging, lighting, and special effects to create an immersive atmosphere. Talent contracts were secured for a mix of established NWA champions and guest performers, ensuring a robust card while adhering to safety protocols and narrative-driven matches. Thematically, the event drew inspiration from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marks the transition to the darker half of the year and is considered the precursor to modern Halloween, incorporating elements of mystery, supernatural undertones, and intense rivalries to evoke a sense of otherworldly drama.[15][2] Billy Corgan played a pivotal role in conceptualizing Samhain, leveraging his position as NWA president to guide the event's vision toward accessibility for casual viewers through straightforward good-vs-evil narratives and high-impact wrestling. As owner, Corgan oversaw a production team of over 100 personnel, including bookers, referees, and technical staff, to execute the show while integrating modern marketing to broaden the NWA's reach. His hands-on approach emphasized preserving the promotion's historical roots while innovating for contemporary audiences.[15][13]Storylines
The primary storyline heading into NWA Samhain revolved around the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, where champion EC3 faced a heated challenge from Thom Latimer amid ongoing disputes over the title's legitimacy and their shared history. EC3 had captured the championship at the NWA 75th Anniversary Show in August 2023, solidifying his reign as the self-proclaimed "Controlled Demolition" of the NWA, but Latimer, a former NWA World Television Champion, positioned himself as the rightful heir through persistent confrontations on NWA Powerrr. Their rivalry escalated when Latimer demanded a title shot, citing months of tension including interference from EC3's valet Kamille and accusations that EC3's defenses lacked true competition, culminating in a No Limits match stipulation to settle the score without restrictions. This feud was framed as a test of legacy, with Latimer portraying himself as the underdog fighting for respect against EC3's established dominance. In the women's division, NWA World Women's Champion Kenzie Paige defended her title against Ruthie Jay, highlighting a generational clash between a seasoned titleholder and an emerging talent. Paige, known for her athletic prowess and heelish arrogance, had held the championship since defeating Kamille earlier in the year, but Jay earned her opportunity by winning a triple threat match against Missa Kate and Natalia Markova on the September 19, 2023, episode of NWA Powerrr. The buildup emphasized Jay's rapid rise as a "rising star" with only two years of professional experience, contrasting Paige's veteran status and technical mastery, with promotional segments focusing on Jay's determination to prove herself against Paige's dismissive attitude toward up-and-comers. This narrative underscored themes of opportunity versus experience in the NWA women's landscape. The tag team divisions featured multiple intense rivalries, including the NWA World Tag Team Champions Blunt Force Trauma (Carnage and Damage, managed by Aron Stevens) defending against Mike Knox and Trevor Murdoch in a Tables match born from their heated exchanges. Blunt Force Trauma had established dominance since winning the titles in early 2023, but Knox and Murdoch, fresh off victory in the 2023 Crockett Cup tournament finals against the champions, sought to dethrone them following a disqualification loss on the September 26 episode of NWA Powerrr due to interference. The feud intensified with handicap matches and brawls on subsequent Powerrr episodes, positioning the Tables stipulation as a no-holds-barred resolution to their ongoing power struggle, with promotional angles highlighting BFT's brute force against Knox and Murdoch's resilient teamwork. Adding to the tag team intrigue, The Immortals (JR Kratos and Odinson) pursued the NWA United States Tag Team Championship held by Daisy Kill and Talos, building on their aggressive pursuit throughout the fall season. As perennial contenders who had dominated mid-card feuds, The Immortals targeted the titles after a series of victories on Powerrr, framing their challenge as an inevitable takeover of the division's secondary gold. This storyline emphasized their monstrous personas and tactical dismantling of opponents, with buildup segments showing tensions within the champions' alliance under manager Father James Mitchell. Father James Mitchell's management of his stable, including The Brothers of Funstruction (Mace and Mason Madden) and associates like Sal the Pal and Gaagz the Shaman, created internal dynamics laced with horror-themed manipulation leading into Samhain. Mitchell, portraying a sinister puppet-master, enforced loyalty through psychological control and supernatural angles, with storylines involving servitude contracts and betrayals that teased fractures within the group. This arc intertwined with guest appearances by Insane Clown Posse members Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope, who integrated into the event's Halloween motif through chaotic segments involving Mitchell's stable, including a "Devil's Last Dance" battle royal and confrontations with Vampiro, amplifying the eerie, carnival-of-horrors atmosphere. However, a segment during the event featuring Mitchell and his associates simulating drug use drew significant controversy and criticism for promoting illegal activities on a live broadcast. These elements drew from the NWA 75th Anniversary Shows' legacy-building narratives, where initial stable alliances were formed, setting the stage for Samhain's climactic tensions.[16]Event
Venue and broadcast
NWA Samhain took place at TempleLive at the Cleveland Masonic Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio. The venue has a capacity of approximately 2,200.[17] The event was broadcast live on FITE TV as a pay-per-view, with the pre-show on the NWA's YouTube channel and the main card starting at 7:00 PM ET.[18][19] Commentary was provided by Joe Galli on play-by-play, with color analysis from Danny Dealz and Tim Storm.[20] Production elements created a Halloween horror atmosphere to immerse viewers.[21] The event was also available for streaming on international platforms via FITE TV.[22] The second event, NWA Samhain 2, was originally scheduled for October 26, 2024, at Robarts Arena in Sarasota, Florida, but was relocated to WEDU Studios in Tampa, Florida, due to Hurricane Milton.[6] It was streamed on TrillerTV.[12] NWA Samhain 3 was held on October 17, 2025, at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia.[8] Estimated attendance was 541.[23] It was streamed on TrillerTV.[12]Incidents
During the NWA Samhain pay-per-view event on October 28, 2023, a controversial promotional segment featured Father James Mitchell and members of his stable, including Gaagz the Gimp, engaging in a skit that simulated cocaine use by snorting powder from a skull-shaped container while drinking Jack Daniel's whiskey.[24][16] Intended as dark humor to portray the group's villainous excess, the live-aired scene drew immediate boos from the Cleveland audience and sparked widespread criticism for appearing to glorify drug use.[25] The backlash erupted rapidly on social media, with fans and observers condemning the segment for its poor taste and potential to harm wrestling's image, particularly amid reports that it jeopardized NWA's negotiations for a television deal with The CW network.[24][16] The controversy culminated in the segment co-winning WrestleCrap's 2023 Gooker Award for the worst moment in professional wrestling, tying with CM Punk's AEW tenure.[25] In response, NWA owner Billy Corgan downplayed the incident in a May 2024 interview, stating that The CW was not upset and emphasizing the simulated nature of the powder as fictional prop material rather than actual drugs.[26] The segment disrupted the event's pacing by airing between matches, eliciting a negative crowd reaction that briefly halted the show's momentum and overshadowed the subsequent in-ring action.[25] For NWA Samhain 2 in 2024, the event was relocated from Robarts Arena to WEDU Studios due to the impacts of Hurricane Milton, which affected preparations but did not cancel the show.[6] No other significant incidents were reported for the 2024 or 2025 events.Results
2023
Pre-show matches
The pre-show for NWA Samhain 2023 featured four matches to build excitement and feature up-and-coming talent.[27]- Brandon Day defeated Manbun Jesus in a qualifying match for the NWA Exodus Pro Heavyweight Championship tournament.
- Jordan Clearwater and The Country Gentlemen (AJ Cazana and KC Cazana) (with Joe Cazana) defeated Zyon and The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd) (with Austin Idol) via pinfall in 6:56.
- Samantha Starr defeated Missa Kate, Tiffany Nieves, and Chelsea in a four-way match to become the number one contender for the NWA World Women's Championship in 5:24.
- The Immortals (JR Kratos and Odinson) defeated Daisy Kill and Talos (c) via pinfall in 8:56 to win the NWA United States Tag Team Championship.[27]
Main card matches
The main card featured 11 matches, including multiple title defenses and themed stipulations aligned with the Halloween motif.[27]- Devil’s Last Dance Ultimate Hardcore Team War (multi-man elimination): Max the Impaler was the sole survivor for his team (Alex Misery, Magic Inc. (Cody James and Jake Dumas), Judais, and Max the Impaler) against Koa Laxamana, Magnum Muscle (Dak Draper and Mims), Gaagz the Gymp, and Sal the Pal in 14:14, with the losing team indentured to James Mitchell.
- Loser Leaves Town match (special referee: Rolando Freeman): Rush Freeman defeated Brady Pierce via pinfall in 5:59.
- NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship "Pillar to Post" match: Champion Colby Corino defeated Joe Alonzo via pinfall in 9:31 to retain.
- "Rock 'n' Roll" tag team match: The Southern 6 (Alex Taylor and Kerry Morton) defeated The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher) via pinfall in 7:49 (stipulation: kickouts require shots of liquor).
- Submission match: Jax Dane defeated Blake Troop in 7:03, despite interference from Chris Silvio.
- NWA World Women’s Tag Team Championship: Pretty Empowered (Ella Envy and Kylie Paige) (c) defeated Natalia Markova and Taylor Rising via pinfall in 7:57 to retain.
- NWA National Heavyweight Championship "Burning Lake Brawl": Thrillbilly Silas Mason (c) defeated Chris Adonis via pinfall in 6:57 to retain.
- "Riddle Box" match: Violent J and The Brothers of Funstruction (Ruffo the Clown and Yabo the Clown) defeated Vampiro and La Rebelión (Bestia 666 and Mecha Wolf) via pinfall in 12:00, using themed weapons.
- NWA World Women’s Championship: Kenzie Paige (c) defeated Ruthie Jay via pinfall in 7:27 to retain.
- NWA World Tag Team Championship "Knights of the Round Table" Tables match: Blunt Force Trauma (Carnage and Damage) (c) defeated Knox and Murdoch (Mike Knox and Trevor Murdoch) in 14:35 to retain, with interference from Aron Stevens.
- Main event - NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship "No Limits" match: Champion EC3 defeated Thom Latimer via pinfall in 15:16 to retain, aided by Matt Cardona's interference.
2024
NWA Samhain 2 on October 26, 2024, at WEDU Studios in Tampa, Florida, featured 14 matches taped for NWA Powerrr, with seven championship bouts. Key results included:Selected matches
- NWA World Women's Championship #1 Contender's Three-Way Elimination: Haley J defeated Kylie Paige and Natalia Markova in 8:24.
- NWA World Television Championship "Hell Awaits" match: Carson Drake defeated Max the Impaler (c) in 10:06 to win the title.
- NWA World Women's Championship: Kenzie Paige (c) defeated Tiffany Nieves in 9:01 to retain.
- NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship "No Limits" match: Alex Taylor (c) defeated Jack Cartwheel in 11:57 to retain.
- NWA World Tag Team Championship "Shark Cage" match: Knox & Murdoch (c) defeated Blunt Force Trauma in 10:54 to retain.
- Main event - NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship: Thom Latimer (c) vs. EC3 ended in a no contest in 13:24.
2025
NWA Samhain 3 on October 17, 2025, at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia, highlighted title defenses and guest appearances, including by Shotzi.[9]Key results
- NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship: "Rocky" defeated Colby Corino to win the title.
- NWA World Women's Tag Team Championship: TVMA (Max the Impaler and Raquel Satana) defeated Pretty Empowered (Courtney Rush and Lady Frost) to win the titles.
- NWA National Heavyweight Championship: Mance Warner (c) defeated Austin Aries to retain.
- NWA United States Tag Team Championship: The Country Gentlemen (AJ and KC Cazana) (c) defeated The Slimeballz (Sage Chantz and Tommy Rant) to retain.
- NWA World Women's Championship: "Hollywood" Haley J defeated Kenzie Paige (c) to win the title.
- NWA World Tag Team Championship: The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows) defeated The Hardway (Jack Vaughn and Dalton McKenzie) to win the titles.
- Other matches: Matt Cardona defeated Jamie Senegal; Kerry Morton defeated Damien Fenrir; Natalia Markova defeated Billie Starkz; "El Dragon" defeated Anthony Ogogo by DQ.
- Main event - NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship: "Thrillbilly" Silas Mason (c) defeated Thom Latimer to retain.