Rock-N-Shock Benefit Show with Lita, Raven, Bagwell, Luger, Kanyon
Submitted by Larry Goodman:
Quote:
The WWE Women’s Champion, Lita made her debut performance with the her band, the Luchagors at the Rock ‘n Shock show in Atlanta Thursday night. Rock-N-Shock was in honor of veteran indie wrestler Sean “Shocker” Evans, a non-smoker who was recently diagnosed with an advanced case of lung cancer. Wrestlers and musicians from the Atlanta area combined forces to donate their services. At Evans’ request, all proceeds from the event were earmarked for the American Cancer Society. 300 or so folks turned up at the Masquerade, a rock club that did double duty as a makeshift wrestling venue for the evening.
It was all about seeing old friends, having a good time and raising money for a worthy cause.
The festivities got underway with a plethora of wrestling stars signing autographs with all proceeds going to the cause. At the table were Lita, Lex Luger, Raven, Buff Bagwell, Kanyon, Erik Watts and Brad Armstong. Vince Russo arrived later in the show. Terry Taylor and Teddy Long were scheduled, but to the best of my knowledge, neither was in attendance.
There was also a silent auction with wrestling memorabilia and coupons from local eating establishments and entertainment venues and several raffle drawings.
The wrestling portion of the show got with an NWA Anarchy mini-battle royal won by Iceberg. The other participants were Tank, Salvatore Rinauro, Seth Delay, Ace Rockwell, Jeremy V and Nemesis.
First up on the musical menu was a set by metal band Of Legend.
The wrestling resumed with Simon Sermon defeating Black Pegasus with the Manchester Driver.
Kanyon pinned Onyx with the flatliner. Onyx was managed by an Albino-looking guy in a top hat. They brawled outside the ring and into the bar area in this one.
Ron Reis (aka Big Ron Reese aka Yeti in WCW) & Luther Biggs defeated Gilligan & Scotty Beach. Biggs was slugging down a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon on his way to the ring. Reis did the work. Biggs got the pin.
Justin Dirt won a three-way dance over Rob Adonis and Frankie Valentine.
Lita’s band came out for their set. I’m no music reviewer but the people seemed to like it. Lita looked like she was really enjoying herself. In fact, she appeared to be having a great time throughout the evening, as she totally accessible and very personable with everyone that approached her.
All the musician and wrestlers came onstage for a brief tribute to Evans emceed by Lita and David “Crying Wrestling Fan” Wills. The organizer, whose name I did not catch, called Evans up onto the stage. Evans was presented with a photo signed by all those present.
The main event, wrestling-wise started out as a singles match between Brad Armstrong and Sergeant Buddy Parker. Diamonds in the Rough (David Young & Elix Skipper) disrupted the match. That lead to a tag match that saw Armstrong and Parker join forces against the Diamonds. Easily the best wrestling of the night. Diamonds got major heat on Parker before the hot tag and win by Armstrong.
Artimus Pyledriver (MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball) rounded out the musical portion of the evening with their unique brand of southern stomp-ass music.
NOTES: I was unable to get an estimate of the amount of money raised. The folks staffing the event said it would be several days before they could get a full accounting from the venue…Former ECW and NWA Anarchy television announcer Steven Prazak was in the house, as well as NWA Anarchy owner Jerry Palmer…Referee Spanky Emerson said this was his indie show.
