Background: Serena Deeb, in an opening promo, called out former SHIMMER champion Sara Del Rey in an attempt to avenge the loss she suffered to “Death Rey” at the last event.
SHIMMER Volume 21
October 19, 2008
Berwyn, IL
Sara Del Rey vs. Serena Deeb
Sara Del Rey used her ring coat to whip Serena Deeb across the ring. Deeb fought back with a few forearms, but was quickly head-butted down. Deeb was pinned against the corner, getting chopped, punched, and stomped on. Deeb paid her back with a few chops, but ran into another big boot. Deeb recovered, going for a cross body block. Del Rey showed some amazing strength, catching her before backbreaking Serena. Del Rey was focused on that hurting back, stomping and kicking it before tying her up in a bow & arrow. Deeb got free, but Del Rey refused to let her get anything started. Big senton across Deeb’s back from gives Sara a two count. Sara followed up with a running big boot to Deeb’s back while she was out on her feet. Sara wanted to senton bomb her from the middle rope, but Deeb was ready, moving in time. Deeb got up with those stinging right jabs. Serena used the running knee/neck breaker combo to get a two count. Deeb wanted to unleash the Spear. Sara sidestepped it, kneeing Serena in the chest. Dragging her across the middle rope, Del Rey rattled Serena’s head with the hip attack. Deeb kicked out, causing Del Rey to kick her in the face for another pin attempt. Deeb also kicked out of that one. Deeb blocked the Royal Butterfly, going for a series of pinning combinations. Del Rey rolled through the sunset flip, turning it into the Royal Butterfly to pin Deeb here in our opening contest.
Winner: Sara Del Rey (9:36)
Is It A Classic: A fantastic opener that not only had some quick story work to make it worth more than just a stand alone match, but was also heated. It wasn’t a classic, but a great showcase for Del Rey’s attitude change at the time and Deeb’s potential.
