Tommy Dreamer celebrated his 50th birthday. His gift was to compete against Rich Swann for the Impact World Championship in the main event of Without surrender. Winning or losing, Dreamer’s goal was to give fans one last big moment to remember him. This mission was accomplished.
Dreamer was crying with anticipation. His mind was still sharp, but he knew his body didn’t have much to give.
During the presentations, Dreamer was solemn in taking advantage of the magnitude of his world title opportunity. Swann offered a handshake as a sign of respect before fighting tooth and nail for 15 minutes.
Dreamer opened the game by pushing Swann into the corner. The legend retreated to a clean cut. The two contestants exchanged footprints on the mat with Dreamer needing to grab the ropes for a break. Then it was the dance of well-observed maneuvers. The two men struggled to land a substantial blow early on.
Dreamer was the first to take control when he caught a Swann jumping for a fatal blow. Swann rolled out of the ring, so Dreamer followed with a sliding dropkick. Dreamer tried a cannonball from his apron, but fell backwards after Swann dodged. The champion stole that move to hit Dreamer.
Dreamer received a kick to counterattack with a DVD on the floor. The impact caused Dreamer to dislodge his finger.
Dreamer removed the doctor from the ring to end any aspiration to the championship. Dreamer decided to put his finger back in place and continue the fight. He was there to win.
At first, I couldn’t say whether the finger injury was legitimate or not. As the drama unfolded, I suspect it was all part of the plan. It was effective in demonstrating Dreamer’s heart and intestinal strength.
Swann concentrated his attack on stepping on Dreamer’s hand to get an advantage, while Dreamer aimed at Swann’s knee to slow the speedster. Dreamer hit a reverse DDT and then applied a Texas Cloverleaf. After exchanging heavy blows with his forearm, Dreamer approached Swann to fall between the ropes and fall to the ground.
Dreamer lifted Swann to a concrete piledriver, however, Swann stamped his feet to kick Dreamer in the eye. Swann escaped to recover for a spring cutter.
Back in the ring, Dreamer catapulted Swann to the stretchers. Swann landed safely and then jumped back for a flying attack. Dreamer anticipated the move and had a cutter handy.
Whenever Swann thought Dreamer was fried, the veteran still had more gas in his tank to pull a surprise counter. Swann was able to lock Saturn’s rings, but Dreamer stood up to hit a DVD.
Swann showed his champion spirit to continue the fight. He fiddled with Dreamer’s fingers to open a variety of kicks. Low on the knee, high on the head and straight on the face. Swann even kicked back. Swann submitted Dreamer with a splash of Phoenix for 1, 2, 3.
Swann showed respect by helping Dreamer off the mat. Dreamer handed the Impact belt in honor of the champion. It was an appropriate time, considering the battle they just went through. Too bad it was promptly ruined by Moose.
Impact management ensured that the main event would not be destroyed by threatening Moose with a suspension if he interfered. This policy did not cover Moose’s attack after the bell. And that he did. Moose crushed the two men with blows of uranium. He also speared Dreamer and crushed Swann’s knee with a chair.
This matter with Moose will have to be resolved another day. For now, we can celebrate Dreamer’s great performance on his 50th birthday. The pace of the match was perfect for him to shine in one last chance for glory. This was a performance that Dreamer fans will appreciate.
It wouldn’t be right to celebrate Dreamer without a few words from his rival Raven in a funny message.
Did this fight live up to your expectations for Tommy Dreamer? What would you like to see in his career?