Hello all and after a very prolonged absence, I have returned to host the Superstar Corner. The last time you heard from me was more than 7 months ago and a lot has happened in the TWF since then, so I'm glad to be back. The superstar that will be stealing the spotlight in this column is someone who has been a fixture in the TWF going on 7 years now, one of the most gifted competitors to grace a TWF ring, Dylan Jansens.
Born in France, Dylan Jansens had aspired to one day be a profesional wrestler. However, not even he could have imagined the success he would one day achieve. He started out in 2002, quickly making a name for himself, being one of the few light heavyweights in wrestling history to ever win a major world title, but we’ll get to that in a bit. Jansens started out in SMW where after only two months he was called up to a main roster, where he quickly found his niche in the Light Heavyweight Division. Not long after his call up, he claimed dominance as the Lightweight Champ, defeating Matt Hardy for the title in Hardy’s own home state of North Carolina. Jansens proved to be a deserving champion, holding on to the title for four months.
Another highlight of Dylan’s career includes being a part of the faction the Four Elements, along with Carney, Chris Benoit, and Rey Mysterio. Jansens also found more gold, this time in the Tag Team division when he and the Benoit had success against the team of Chris Tirpak and Bradshaw, winning the belts on an episode of Primetime in August of 2003. The reign was short lived however as the two lost the belts less than two weeks later. The Elements would eventually disband, and Dylan Jansens continued to forge his legacy as a singles superstar, but he was bound to show the world that he was not confined to the Light Heavyweight Division.
Dylan competed in a triple threat match against Johnny Stamboli and Axl Irvin at Wrestlemania 5 for the TWF Hardcore Championship, where he would be victorious. This was Jansens third different title, and he was proving that he could get it done no matter the odds.
At the TWF King of the Ring pay per view in 2004, it could be said that Dylan Jansens was the definitive underdog coming in as the challenger for Rhyno’s Universal Championship. But it was Jansens who shocked the wrestling world, defeating the Man Beast on that cold November night in what was no doubt an emotional match for, in my opinion one of the most underrated champions in TWF history. Jansens was able to hold onto the belt until January of the following year, where he lost it to bitter rival Shane Thompson in a Dragon’s Lair Match also involving Charlie Haas. Jansens rivalry with Thompson was one of the high points of his entire title reign. Their feud would not end on that night as Dylan clawed to regain his top spot on Primetime, and the rivalry culminated in a memorable match at WrestleMania 6 where Jansens would come up just short of repeating a feat some thought was never possible at all.
After a stint on the TWF’s SlaughterHouse brand, Jansens made a shocking and welcome return to Rampage in 2008. He had a short feud with Sebastian Cain, who was at the time under the influence of Sean O’Haire. Jansens came out of the feud on the short end of the stick, but still to this day is one of the most decorated champions in the history of the TWF.
You have your Travis Wakeman’s, your Jordan Rockwell’s, and your Damion West’s, but Dylan Jansens may just be one my favorite TWF superstars of all time, and for good reason.
With that being said, it is now time to move on to a part of the column I always look forward to, and it is called “What If?” This is where I put two TWF superstars up against one another, in a dream match situation. This time we have two pioneers of the Light Heavyweight Division of the TWF. Kid Gundam vs. Carney In 2005, the TWF lost one of it’s beloved brethren when Cory Rodriguez, the member who brought us Kid Gundam, passed away. Kid Gundam was his character, and could quite possibly be the greatest light heavyweight in the history of the company. He won the LHW title on 3 separate occasions and took part in many memorable battles. In addition, he won the Intercontinental Championship and had an impressive run, and as of right now, is one of few Light Heavyweights to be inducted into the TWF Hall of Fame.
Carney has had one of the most up and down careers of any TWF superstar past and present, but it has not stopped him from etching his name into the history books repeatedly. He has been named Light Heavyweight of the year twice, along with winning that title 3 times. He was a member of the famous Horsemen stable as well as the Four Elements, and has been in some of the best matches the TWF has put on, including his infamous rivalry with Joe Corey over the King of Cable title.
This would be a dream match in every sense of the word, but when all is said and done, I would have to go with… Kid Gundam.
What is REALLY the greatest TWF match in history? Lets find out.
As of the time you read this column, I will be putting up polls to find out what you guys think is the greatest TWF match. There will be four brackets, with four matches in each bracket. The brackets are as follows......
Bracket 1
TWF Heavyweight Championship
First Blood Steel Cage Match
The Rock vs. The Undertaker- Wrestlemania 1
In what was the first ever Wrestlemania main event, Taker and Rock competed in an all out war to determine a TWF Champion. Undertaker won after a Tombstone piledriver on a steel chair split open the Rock, in what is a match that will never be forgotten.
King of Cable Championship
Last Man Standing Match
Carney vs. Joe Corey- Doomsday 2004
This was one of the most personal encounters you will ever see. The two men went back and forth, in the name of pride as well as the King of Cable title. After more than 20 minutes of action, Carney was finally not able to answer the referee’s ten count, after the two combatants nearly beat each other to death.
TWF Heavyweight Championship
Triple Threat Match
Triple H vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. Jordan Rockwell- Meltdown 2002
In a match that went 40 plus minutes, it came down to The Game and the Franchise after Austin was counted out. Jordan Rockwell was able to emerge victorious and make his claim as the TWF’s top dog.
King of the Ring Qualifying Match
J.J Ramplin vs. Jason Oliver- Rampage 11/13/06
This match is still fresh in the minds of many who witnessed it, as it was seen on live television. Ramplin and Oliver were both still young guys with something to prove, and advancing in the KOTR tournament was a way to do it. These former Horsemen put their all into this one, but it was the King of Sting who defeated the Ram to advance.
Bracket Two
TWF Universal Championship
TLC Match
Jordan Rockwell vs. Shane Thompson- Eruption 2005
In what was a very chaotic affair, Shane Thompson took on “The Franchise” for the Universal Title in a TLC match. The finish was one of the craziest spots of any match ever, as Thompson was hit with his own move, the Total Eclipse from the ladder through a table. That allowed Jordan Rockwell to retrieve the belt and win the match.
TWF Heavyweight Championship Match
Jordan Rockwell vs. The Undertaker- Wrestlemania 7
This match may not have been the most hyped match going into Wrestlemania that year, but it certainly was the one that delivered. After 11 minutes of back and forth action, it was anybody's ball game. Taker was able to deliver the Tombstone Piledriver and put the Franchise away on the grandest stage of them all.
“High Octane” Damion West vs. Shawn Michaels- Meltdown 2003
In a match that is often overlooked by wrestling enthusiasts, it was a battle of the Super kicks as West faced off against HBK. These two men put their bodies at risk in a match that saw a suicide dive that nearly knocked Shawn Michaels unconscious. In the end, it took two Sweet Chin Music’s to keep down the valiant High Octane.
Bracket Three
Eight Man Tag Team Match
The Horsemen vs. The Hart Family and Joe Corey- Code Red 2006
In one of the rare occasions where a pay per view wasn’t closed with a title match, these eight superstars battled it out in one of the best tags I have ever witnessed. Each man got a chance to showcase their abilities and everyone hit their big moves. After a little appearance by the now famed Starman, it was Joe Corey who tipped the scales in favor of the Hart Family, connecting with the Showstopper to Money Mike to win the match.
TWF Hardcore Championship
Dragon’s Lair Match
Axl Irvin vs. Dylan Jansens- Eruption 2004
This match, to be honest, had it all. High risk moves, thumb tacks, kendo sticks and the unbridled determination of two guys battling it out to make a name for themselves with the Hardcore Championship. After sending Jansens for a huge fall from the structure, it was Axl Irvin, with thumbtacks in his body, who emerged victorious.
TWF Heavyweight Championship
Iron Man Match
“High Octane” Damion West vs. Drew Blood -King of the Ring 2005
On a pay per view that was already stacked from top to bottom, these two went out and put on a hell of a match. No one really ever expected Damion West to even pose a threat to Drew Blood, never mind beat him for the championship. West was able to hold on 4-2 to win the first of his TWF Championship reigns in a classic encounter.
Loser Leaves Primetime/I Quit Match
Vlad The Impaler vs. Chaos Wolf -Primetime 5/26/07
This match took violence to a whole new extreme. Probably one of the top 5 most brutal matches in TWF history, these guys took joy in trying to end each others careers. There were fluorescent light bulbs, thumbtacks, and in the end, a stun gun. Chaos Wolf succeeded in ousting his former partner from the Primetime roster. This match has to be seen to be believed.
Bracket Four
Dean Malenko vs. D-Lo Brown- May 2000
In a technical wrestling lovers dream match, these two fine athletes went toe to toe and hold for hold in a match in the 32 man title tournament. Eventually, it was the man of 1,000 holds who was able to use his ability to counter to defeat D-Lo in an instant classic.
King of Cable Championship Match
Rob Van Dam vs. J.J Ramplin -Wrestlemania 9
This was the opening contest of Wrestlemania 9 from Houston, Texas, and it’s safe to say that it tore the house down. It was too close to call for the entire 15 minute duration of the match, and these guys kept a fast, frantic pace. Ramplin was able to keep RVD down once he hit him with the Rams Horns in mid air.
Iron Man Match
Jordan Rockwell vs. Shawn Michaels -Foul Play 2007
In a rematch from their Wrestlemania 8 encounter, Jordan Rockwell sought retribution on HBK. However, Michaels had another victory on his mind and it was a match that will be remembered for a long time to come. Michaels built a seemingly comfortable 3 to 1 advantage with time ticking away, Rockwell was able to get within 1 fall. However as The Franchise was able to hit the Extreme Measures, time ran out just as he made the cover, preserving the win for Shawn.
Rampage Tag Team Championship Match
Eye Spy vs. The Worlds Greatest Tag Team -Anarchy Rulz 2007
In one of the best tag team title matches in the 8 plus year existence of the TWF, Eye Spy was finally able to capture the tag team gold in a match that went 17 minutes and showcased the abilities of four of the greatest athletes to ever step foot in the squared circle.
So that’s it, as soon as your eyes are reading this, you should be able to vote for the first bracket in the guestbook, so be sure to do that.
Well that’s all for this edition of the Super Star corner, this has been Peter Cash, and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Until next time.
