BANKIE'S HOT TAKE #118: FROM THE VAULT - ACE Aerial Assault from 12/10/11
- 16 minutes ago
- 3 min read
In the modern era of independent wrestling, especially in the tri-state area, there was no other company, in my opinion, that mastered the multi-man match format quite like American Championship Entertainment.
Through the creative booking of Mike Morgan, ACE was able to find the best gritty, unproven high-flyers and risk takers and marketed and put together the best contest. These men not only stole the show, but also came out of those matches like they were in a human demolition derby.
ACE was so prominent with their multi-man contests that they actually created a championship dedicated to multi-man battles - The Fight For Flight Title.
To me, over all of the years that ACE Pro Wrestling has been around, there is one match in its 20+ year history that personifies that style: the Aerial Assault.
I’m going to take it back to the final event of ACE’s 2011 - A New Era Has Begun - and dig in FROM THE VAULT and display a match with six of ACE’s young stars in that match format.
—--
To me, a die-hard ACE fan that followed the storylines of the company, this was a very important match for everyone involved.
First things first, this was the first American Championship Entertainment event held in its new home. After a several year stay at the world-renowned and well-missed ACE Arena at 72 Sip Street in Union City, ACE became inhabitants at the Wallington Knights of Columbus in Wallington, NJ. This venue change was so significant that the show was aptly named A New Era Has Begun.
Also, all six men have had their own individual path ways.
Dan Murdoch, after leaving ACE in November 2008 following creative disagreements, came back to the promotion with a renewed vigor and passion. He became the “American Nightmare” (before Cody Rhodes took the moniker) and dug deep into his dark side. In fact, he had previously made an appearance earlier in the night, saving Ed Scanlon following an attack from La Casa Italiano.
Thomas “the Gate” Rodriguez, after returning to ACE in the Summer of 2011, was trying to establish himself as the King of the Multi-Man Match. He actually won the innovative Russian Roulette seven-way battle at the last event held at the ACE Arena and was looking to continue that trend in the Aerial Assault.
Chris Raze was looking to continue to prove his mettle in an ACE ring, joining the company under the tutelage of independent wrestling legend Crowbar. “The Lost Boy” was inspired by the goth lifestyle and was not afraid to put it all on the line.
Talon was an import from ACE’s sister company Middle Village Wrestling, and needed a win in a big way to make his presence felt in ACE.
Stan Stylez and Lou Torres, both gritty showmen, wanted a victory in the baddest way.
—---
This match had it all. All six men laid it all out there. There were dives, high-impact moves, and sheer anarchy. This match got the locals in Wallington and the fans of ACE that made the trek from Union City excited.
At the end of the day, Rodriguez delivered an innovative Primera dropkick and then an epic Big Bang flying knee-drop off the top for a three count.
It was said later on that this match was the true inspiration behind the Fight For Flight Title. ACE knew they had something on the table, which led to Crossroads XIII and Lou Torres winning the gold in September 2012.
Watch this match. It truly was an epitome on why American Championship Entertainment was so special to me.
Bankie Bruce
Comments