Here we go… big match atmosphere for this one folks. Kong cuts out to a hugely positive reaction, which is no surprise given her status with literally every fan in the building on their feet. I still think, even here, Sara looks too friendly and settled, although she does make some attempt to look a little more focused for Kong. Kong looks terrifying. Unbelievable match. The fans really helped with the atmosphere of this one, as it felt like an absolutely crucial effort right from the get go. The build-up to Sara’s big spots was like a dictionary definition as to how to get moves over.

Positive reactions for both ladies, which is no shock .Sarah has quickly become one of the favorites on the roster, thanks to her sterling work, but Daizee is still a sentimental favorite. They start the match with some mat-wrestling, including an array of arm-drags from Sarah, and headlocks from Daizee, and it’s some beautifully fluid stuff. Superb bout. Really enjoyable stuff, and in terms of pace, blows away everything else on the show that has came before. Stock is just an absolute revelation, and Daizee is a really underrated performer.

This maybe the match that puts to rest the Allison Danger vs. Cindy Rodgers feud that has been growing in the past four or five Shimmer volumes. This is a heated brawl with some great technical wrestling, Cindy's abilities here are definitely world class! At 12 minutes, this match may seem shorter than their usual epic sized battles but easily encapsulates and summarizes the feud to this point. A must see for all those following this rivalry!

This is Shimmer's first tournament, and the winner is to be crowned the first ever Shimmer champion. Stock is a Canadian who wrestles full-time in Mexico. She is the "international wildcard" in the title tournament.

Allison Danger called Stock a "lucha superstar." Unfortunately, her first opponent is Cheerleader Melissa. Can Stock cause an upset?

On paper, this looks to me like an easy excuse to put the MHWC over. But, Ariel has gained a lot of steam in terms of popularity lately, and Josie has improved immeasurably through her past couple of appearances, so we’ll see how it plays out. Rain has become so ridiculously charismatic recently, she’s becoming one of my favorites on the roster. She has this crazy range of demented, and slightly evil, but also oddly hot facial expressions, that she puts to really good use in this solid match from Shimmer!

credit:Michael Campbell

Another good match here kids. Both ladies are fan favorites here in SHIMMER, so the crowd is split early. Even with both ladies being faces, they kept the crowd active the whole way through. Thatcher isn’t “on Melissa’s level” so to speak, but she definitely showed her determination and strength going up against Melissa and holding her own. Great technical wrestling from both ladies and some nice outside brawling for flavor adding up to a very solid match!

Good reaction for Eden Black, and the typical response to Shimmer’s Barbie Girl, Amber O’Neal. This strikes me as a fine choice for the opening contest, as fans usually find Black energetic and uplifting. As I’m watching it occurs to me that the English lass is actually retiring soon, and will face Jetta in her last ever match. Although I’ve been somewhat critical of Black before, it’s still sad to see a performer on the rise, who is young, keenly learning, and improving constantly, have to bow out thanks to injuries.

Ahh the sounds of Girls Aloud. That can only mean Jetta is on her way. No reaction at first for the Coventry lass, as the fans clearly knew little of her at the time of this taping, but that would soon change, as she’s a fantastic prospect. Jetta has the crowd all over within seconds, and Deeb is a lively fan favorite. At one point, Danger hilariously says “I don’t speak British” on commentary, in response to Jetta’s thick Coventry accent. Some basic Arm Wringers and Wrist looks commence the action, and both women jostle for position for some time. Solid wrestling.

As per usual, at the beginning, a fan can be heard shouting that Portia is “Five years old”. I’d say closer to 12 maybe… Anyways, I think Portia comes across far more impressively when paired with someone. It brings out her cocky little-person aggressiveness. Matthews is much more laid back. The action kicks off with some strikes by Portia, followed by some quick tagging that sees Ashley Lane pull off a couple of impressive arm-drags. Soon though, she finds herself being worked over much to the enjoyment of the heels.

Lacey was the runner-up in the tournament on SHIMMER Volume 12, which saw Sara Del Rey crowned the first ever SHIMMER champion. By default, that is usually enough to earn you the first shot at the champion - and that brings us to SHIMMER Volume 14!