Sean O'Haire v. Trevor Murdoch

This was a dark match before Heat was taped. I had gotten wind that O'Haire would be working a tryout match before the show from Mad Monk, so I wasn't that surprised to see him although I'm sure a lot of people were. They already had an entrance video ready for him so either they recycled the old one or he's already signed and coming back for sure. He looks a little less ripped than last time although with the wellness program that may be for the best; he's still in fine shape overall (especially noticable wrestling the Texas redneck Murdoch). Murdoch wins with the ropes for leverage and got huge boos, O'Haire got a good babyface pop and seems ready for that role if brought in. Funny to note Murdoch still comes out to his tag team's entrance music and video and still has the Murdoch/Cade tights.

Chavo Guerrero v. Rob Conway

Conway came out first and got withering heat for a guy who hasn't been on TV forever, including a surprising number of "FRENCH F**" and "GO BACK TO FRANCE" comments - nice to see people haven't forgotten La Resistance. Chavo got a HYOOOOGE babyface pop when his music played and the Eddie chant started almost immediately, prompting at least one person in the crowd to hold up a "Chavo's not Eddie" sign. Guerrero played face-in-peril for most of the match but made a strong comeback and hit the frogsplash for the win. If this one isn't on Heat I'll really be surprised.

Lance Cade v. Ace Steele

The jabroni doing the job made his way down to the ring before Cade and I got his attention by yelling "I don't even know who you are BUT YOU ALREADY SUCK" which to my surprise actually got him to turn around, smirk and yell back "Hey thanks a lot." A video package aired and when it was over Cade came out, and got a pretty good heel reaction too for a guy who's never on TV these days either. Steele was billed as the local guy but I'd never seen or heard of him and I watch the Midwest Pro Wrestling show on Cable 23 every Friday night. Nevertheless this was a hot crowd and they bought him as the babyface, though just to be a smart-ass I rooted for Cade. Cade played up being too good for this jabroni and got the best of him for most of them match, although Steele got a few comebacks. I believe Cade's big move was a top rope elbow but I could be wrong. Anyway he got the win and a round of boos.