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Who's Next For Michael H?

Posted: Jul 7th 2010 By: CMBurnham

412PE recently announced that they would be shutting down after their July 10th event in Marble City. Which means that this coming Saturday is the last time that anyone has a chance to unseat the champions in the federation. It seems safe to believe that the tag team titles will remain around the waists of J. R. Orullian and The Unknown, as there are no other established tag teams in 412PE except the Trenchcoat Mafia, who have received numerous tag team title shots over the past few months and were still unable to unseat the champions.

The Heavyweight Title picture remains a little more unclear. Champion Michael H recently survived a challenge from Ryan Reed. Reed earned his shot after winning a Battle Royal at the last event in Marble City. By doing so, he was allowed to pick the stipulation for the match and chose his specialty: Hardcore Rules. When the match began, the plunder quickly appeared, including cookie sheets, a cane and a guitar. The guitar would prove to be a key instrument as Reed busted Michael open after clobbering him over the head with it. Within seconds, the blood flowed river-like down the face of Michael H, covering him in the proverbial crimson mask. Michael fought through it, though, and even in his weakened state, he was able to hoist Reed up on his shoulders in a fireman's carry, then execute an amazing F-5, literally throwing Reed off his body and onto the mat. Reed landed on his forehead and Michael quickly capitalised by making the cover.

Michael's condition was enough to cause some concern for 412PE management and EMTs were contacted to come and treat him. After 30 minutes, they were able to get his bleeding under control and he was taken to a hospital. Michael vowed to be ready to defend his title on Saturday, but the question facing him now is who his opponent will be. Ryan Reed used up his title shot. Former Champion Running Wolf retired this past Saturday as did the undefeated Kenjitsu. Michael Duplanti finished his issue with Jason Rose and seems deserving of a title shot. Lee Cook is also someone who has strung together some good singles victories and might have earned a shot at the title. Perhaps the most obvious challenger would be former champion Tex, the man Michael H defeated for the belt. Tex lost a 2-out-of-3 Falls match, but presumably had a return match clause in his contract. He's not been at a 412PE event since losing the title and thus has been unable to invoke that match.

Saturday will see the end of an era as 412PE's 17th event will be its last. At this point, the champion appears weakened and ripe for the pickings. But the contender's list is also weakened that might just help cement Michael H as the capstone in the history of the Heavyweight Title lineage.

Tags: 412PE, J. R. Orullian, The Unknown, Trenchcoat Mafia, Michael H, Ryan Reed, Running Wolf, Kenjitsu, Michael Duplanti, Lee Cook, Tex