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Archive for January, 2010

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MMWA-SICW Jan. 16 recap

Posted by reimaginejournalism on January 31, 2010

By Kari Williams
Photos by Mike Van Hoogstraat

MMWA-SICW kicked off its second show of the year with one of two major announcements planned for the evening.

On May 7-9, a Pro Wrestling Exhibition will take place at the St. Charles Convention Center with Herb Simmons and Tony Casta as the event coordinators. For more information, go to MWR’s Breaking News coverage of the announcement.

Static hits Venom with a splash in the corner.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

MMWA newcomer Venom took on the fan favorite in “Electrifying” Jaysin Static. After the two traded holds and punches, Venom got the upper hand. Static’s determination proved to be his biggest ally, as he gained a second wind and attacked Venom with vicious kicks. At one point, Venom had an opportunity to get a win, but he wasted time mocking Static, giving the electrifying one time to recoup. After battling back from the brink of defeat, Static put Venom away with a nasty kick to the back of the head.

Bobby D would win by countout but made the mistake of getting his hands to close to the dog.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Moondog Rover attempted to make puppy chow out of Bobby D in the second contest. Neither man (nor dog) had a clear advantage throughout the bout. They battled back and forth, with Rover biting D as revenge for D doing the same. Rover’s tactic gave him control and he wore down D’s arm to take away his power game. By the 10-minute-mark, D turned the tide, and the action soon spilled to ringside. The two pounded each other, but D had the wherewithal to sneak back in the ring before the count of 10, securing victory. Unhappy with the conclusion, Rover attacked D after the match—much to the delight of the crowd.

Core had his work cut out for him against “Thee” Brandon Espinosa, who was in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s 2009 PWI 500 at 445. After a struggle for dominance, Core got the early advantage, causing Espinosa to rush to ringside to regain his composure. Core tried to take advantage by attacking Espinosa from behind on the outside, but once they got in the ring, Espinosa dominated. Perhaps too hasty to put Core away, Espinosa went for a splash in the corner, but Core sidestepped, giving Core an opportunity.

Core hits Brandon Espinosa with a clothesline. (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

However, Espinosa quickly regrouped, connected with a picture-perfect drop kick and locked in victory shortly thereafter.

Isick Manson punishes Johnny Courageous in the corner. (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Venom would interfere to give Manson the edge on Courageous.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

After intermission, Johnny Courageous and Isick Manson waged war. Manson’s threatening presence did nothing to deter Courageous, who never backs down from a fight. Manson established dominance about half way into the bout, leaving Courageous begging for sympathy from the crowd. Venom reemerged at ringside during the match, giving Manson a slight advantage as Courageous fought for the win. Though Courageous’s second win kicked in, Venom helped Manson steal a victory by holding Manson’s feet for added leverage.

The Big Texan and The Future in a test of streagnth.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

The Big Texan hits Ruddick with his full weight.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Travis Cook has every right to be concerned when Ruddick throws The Big Texan out of the ring.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Ruddick is choked slam by the Big Texan. (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

In a return match from the prior week, The Big Texan went up against “Future” Donovan Ruddick. Texan had Waco and The Connection Manager Travis Cook at ringside, but Waco’s shenanigans got him thrown out by the referee early on. With the playing field nearly even, Ruddick pummeled Texan with a brutal clothesline to take over. At a key moment, Ruddick took a gamble, charging Texan in the corner. Texan ducked out of the way and gained the advantage. Within moments, the two behemoths took the action to the outside and the beating continued into a double-disqualification.

AJ Williams comes in to help Ruddick against The Big Texan and Waco.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

As soon as the bell rang, Waco ran from the back to double-team Ruddick. Not far behind, however, was MMWA-SICW Junior Heavyweight Champion A.J. Williams. Ruddick and Williams cleared the ring, then took to the sky as they launched on to Texan and Waco, respectively.

Sean Vincent taunts Gary Jackson early in the match.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Jackson invites Vincent rudely back into the ring. (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

The Look of a man who wished he wouldn’t of taken the jump.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Gary Jackson in your face (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

MMWA’s resident Canadian hero Sean Vincent took on “Night Train” Gary Jackson in a heated contest. Vincent attacked Jackson from behind in hopes of ending the bout swiftly, but to no avail. Jackson’s experience gave him the upper hand in this exchange. Perhaps to formulate a game plan, Vincent escaped to the outside on more than one occasion; this worked in his favor as he took control. Jackson suffered from an illegal choke courtesy of Vincent as Cook provided the distraction. Despite some back and forth dominance, Jackson rolled up Vincent with a small package for the win.

Prior to the main event, Tony Casta, Herb Simmons, Tim Miller and Keith Smith announced MMWA-SICW’s creation of an open-door policy. More information can be found here. Cook interrupted the announcement, prompting Simmons to suggest that Cook may have to face one of the individuals who will be at the wrestling expo.

Blade send the Champion down to the mat.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Does Vaughn have it locked in?(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Will Blade tap out?(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Blade wisely taps out and opts to fight another day as the Champion Dave Vaughn had him where he wanted him. (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

MMWA-SICW Heavyweight Champion Dave Vaughn put his belt on the line against Battle Royal Champion Blade. The bout began with a battle of technical prowess, with Vaughn keeping Blade grounded. Just as Blade began to get back in the game, Vaughn side-stepped a potential shoulder to the gut, causing Blade to run into the ring post. The bout was fairly even in terms of athleticism; it came down to who wanted it more. When it appeared that the match was nearing its end, Vaughn went for the spear. Blade dodged the maneuver, but Vaughn caught him in an arm bar submission and forced him tap out.

Can anyone beat the MMWA-SICW Champ Dave Vaughn? (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

MMWA-SICW returns to South Broadway Athletic Club Feb. 6.

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2009 Missouri Wrestling Revival Award winners.

Posted by flairwhoooooo on January 29, 2010

Missouri Wrestling Revival is proud to announce the 2009 MWR Awards. This year we asked you the MWR fans, wrestlers and promoters to nominate for this prestigious honor to be voted on. The votes this year was for:

1) Wrestler of the Year
2) Tag Team of the Year
3) Female wrestler of the Year
4) Match of the Year
5) Promotion of the Year

The MWR awards committee looked at each category and gave their votes on whom and what was the most deserving. I can not speak for the others but in some categories it was an easy vote while others I had to contemplate. So many wrestlers and promoters have worked hard throughout the year to provide you the fans with excitement and memories that you will never forget; it was hard to just choose one.

One change from last year is the MWR Award for personality of the Year. Last year Harley Race was chosen for his contribution to the Midwest. Race not only was one of the greatest wrestlers to ever live but since his retirement he has came back to the Midwest running one of the top schools and promotions in the sport today.

This year, instead of personality of the year we have decided to rename the award the MWR Lifetime Achievement Award. This is award is to recognize that special person who has made a positive impact for wrestling in the Midwest.

We will announce the recipient later in the week.

Till then let’s take a look at the 2009 MWR Awards and see who the best of 2009 was in the Midwest.

MWR 2009 Wrestler of the Year

Mark Sterling

Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat

No one in the sport has a better work ethic that Mark Sterling. Sterling continued his drive to become the best in 2009 by wrestling around the Midwest going up against a who’s who of top wrestlers today. Sterling became the NWA Central States Champion by defeating the ultra talented Michael Strider in 2009 to top off an exciting year that saw him become the Pro Wrestling  Entertainment United States Champion in a three way dance against Krotch and Hunter Mathews.

At NWA Dynamo in Kansas he went head to head against the then current Ring of Honor Champion Jerry Lynn in Kansas in a truly special encounter. Sterling has excelled in Tag team action as well by owning 4 tag team titles in 3 different companies 3XW, AAPW and Pro Wrestling Phoenix.

From Kansas to Iowa to Missouri all the way to Illinois the wrestlers respect him, the promoters want him on their show and the fans hate him.

We would like congratulate Mark Sterling for being the 2009 MWR Wrestler of the Year

One of the closest votes this year was between Sterling and what one voter called the Midwest Shawn Michaels, Jeremy Wyatt. When asked what he meant, he replied Wyatt just doesn’t have a bad match. Wyatt dominated throughout the Midwest against some of the top stars from Shane Rich, Tyler Black to the MWR Cup Championship that saw him beat Donovan Ruddick, Arya Daivari and rising superstar Jimmy Rockwell.

Surprisingly in the top three was “The Tokyo Monster” Kahagas. He only wrestled a short amount of matches but the consensuses was that when he made his way to the Midwest it was BIG news. Flying in from Florida Kahagas earned a spot in the IWA 2009 Ted Petty Invitational tournament. Though the Tournament was not to be this year, during his time in the Midwest he went to war with Bloody Harker Dirge, Mark Sterling, Donovan Ruddick and Issan Hadeev.

3rd runner up was the PWI Rookie of the Year Mike Sydal. Sydal was the talk of the fans wherever he went. At 3xw he won the 3XW Tag team Champions with partner Zach Thompson. Together they thrilled fans and is rightfully called the High Flyers. At his hometown of St Louis at High Voltage Wrestling he shocked the fans by turning on them after winning the HVW Livewire title and aligning himself up with the Kansas City Killers Mark Sterling and Jeremy Wyatt.

2) Jeremy Wyatt
3) Kahagas
4) Mike Sydal

MWR Tag Team of Tag team of Year

Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat

Devin and Mason Cutter (The Hooligans)

Out of nowhere the Cutters came, bringing to the Midwest their own style of toughness to gain an almost unanimous vote. Where ever I went promoters, wrestlers and fans asked me about this up and coming team. Always ready for a fight Devin and Mason finished the year with 126 matches. In the end of the summer they were able to win the LWA Tag team titles and worked their way through the High Voltage Wrestling Tag Tournament to become the first ever Tag Champions.

In 2009 The Hooligans was the hunters setting their sights on becoming the top tag team of the Midwest. Today by being named the 2009 MWR Tag team of the Year, for the first time the Cutters are the hunted as the Midwest top Tag teams such as the Gentleman’s Club, Old School Thunder, Big Texan and Waco, the Murder Militia , the Ego Express and the 2008 MWR Tag team the Northstar Express will be gunning for them or will the 2009 MWR Tag Team of the Year.

Till then the Hooligans are set for war against two of the best tag teams in the Midwest when they take on the Hybrids at NWA Supreme in Mattoon Illinois on January 30th and continue their feud with the Kansas City Killers on February 20th at High Voltage Wrestling.

Missouri Wrestling Revival fans make sure you get a chance to see the MWR 2010 Tag team of the Year at a show near you while you can.

2) The Northstar Express Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz
3) The Gentleman’s Club Mark Sterling and Gage Octane
4) Old School Thunder Ax Alwardth & Brandon Walker

Missouri Wrestling Revival Female Wrestler of the Year

Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat

Mschif

I’m sad to say that women’s wrestling is near nonexistent in the MWR coverage area. Yet I must add that doesn’t discount the talent that is here and that is why we decided to still honor this award.

Let’s take a glance at the runner ups and the people that you should know about. Second generation superstar Amy Hennig captured the World League Wrestling title, and “The worlds strongest women Beca” took it from her at the WLW 10 year anniversary. The biggest disappointment for the women’s division was injuries. The 2009 MWR Female of the Year Stacey O’Brien dominated the Midwest till a injury took her out of action early in the year and unable to successfully defend her crown this year, though she still gathered a high percentage of votes. The same could be said for the tough as nails Mickie Knuckles. Young Santana G quickly became a fan favorite among men and women but a half a year of wrestling caused her to be overlooked in the nominations

With all that said, MWR and the Midwest can not be any prouder to call MsChif one of their own. MsChif is one of the most in demand wrestlers today and any time she comes back to the Midwest it is big news. Mschif is currently the SHIMMER and NWA Women’s Champion. Recently she was able to pin the Amazing Kong as the year came to a close.

MsChif has set the bar for women’s wrestling in the past decade and now MWR would like to congratulate her as the MWR Female of the Year.

2) Amy Hennig
3) TIE Mickie Knuckles and Stacey O’Brien

Missouri Wrestling Revival 2009 Match of the Year

A match of the year is something special. It’s a match that you will never forget and if you missed it you wished that you were there to see if live. Months after the epic match between Cook and Wyatt on July 17th wrestlers themselves were talking about this match and making me wish that I was there.

Jeremy Wyatt vs. Tyler Cook 3XW Pure Wrestling Championship title match.
Wyatt vs. Tyler Cook July 17 Des Moines, Iowa

Jeremy Wyatt and Tyler Cook have been at war for months over the 3xw Pure wrestling title. Wyatt always seems to feed off the hate of the fans while his arch rival Cook was cheered as he took on the monumental task of defeating the Rebel for the title. The bout featured an incredible series of innovative and reckless moves with the ladder, chairs and the ringside table and steps. The final moments of the match saw Tyler Cook climb to the top of the ladder and grab the title while an exhausted, disoriented, and beaten Jeremy Wyatt began throwing up at the edge of the mat.

One 3xw Fan had this to say about the match “My hat gets even more tipped to “The Rebel”. After taking one the hardest spills on the head I’ve ever seen in person – then the guy delivers several more ferocious bumps. So much emotion & physicality in that match, that is the stuff that makes me love 3xw.”…Another one stated I was sitting across from where it happened, and it was crazy. A lesser man would’ve quit, that just goes to show how tough Wyatt and the entirety of 3XW is. It is a very physical sport, after all…. And even more impressive was this statement “I too was sitting right in front of this vicious bump. It quite honestly was scary for a moment. I can’t believe how tough Wyatt is. By the way this was my first 3xw event and I am already making plans for next months show and beyond!!
INSTANT FAN!!

2) “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt V. “Serial Thriller” Shane Rich for the AAPW Heavyweight Championship (March 14th, 2009, West Frankfort, IL.)

Technical, brutal, high flying, athletic, and INTENSE. This match DELIVERED. Two of the Midwest’s best squared off in a match that could have headlined any card in Indy wrestling. The complete match, these two men gave it their all. Plus, it told a story and had a controversial finish. Wyatt/Rich 2 is a match that needs to happen SOON.

3) Phoenix Twins vs Northstar Express SCW Tag Team Title Match:
2/6/2009 in Davenport, IA

The Phoenix Twins (Tweek and Dash) and The Northstar Express (Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz) had a feud that tore up the Midwest in 2008. Guess what they are still going strong. In the main event, the SCW/PWN Tag Team Champions, The Phoenix Twins defeated The Northstar Express in an incredible tag team battle between two rivals that is reminiscent of the Hart Foundation and The British Bulldogs

4) Jeremy Wyatt vs. Future” Donovan Ruddick vs. Arya Daivari, vs.“Rockstar” Jimmy Rockwell in a four-man elimination match. November 14th Granite City Illinois.

Originally set up as a No Disqualification match, the referee made a questionable call and counted out Ruddick after he was attacked by Wyatt’s KC Killer partners Mark Sterling and Mike Sydal. Arya Daivari was eliminated next by Rockwell. 20 minutes of action followed, with the young upstart Rockwell battling tooth and nail for the Cup, but ultimately Wyatt finished him for the 3-count.

Missouri Wrestling Revival Promotion of the Year

MMWA-SICW

Top promotion can be very hard to vote on, last year 3XW won with a combination of top draws and excellent wrestling in the ring. With a slow start as the transitioned to the Des Moines Social Club they rebounded strongly and they look to have a strong 2010. AAPW continued their goal of providing there fans with Midwest dream matches such as Jeremy Wyatt vs. Shane Rich and bringing in top wrestlers such as Shawn Shultz to go along with their Fans Choice Award. High Voltage Wrestling gained popularity with providing the fans with an All Star cast of wrestlers that included Bailey Mannix, The Hooligans, Wyatt, Sydal, Sterling, Mississippi Madman and WLW Superstars Steve Anthony and Superstar Steve Fender as well as having the most talked about match of the year in Donovan Ruddick and Mark Bland.

Let me say that I would not want to be the one guys deciding on the awards. There are so many deserving wrestlers who deserve the award. When speaking about Promotion of the year it is just as difficult because each promoter and there team works very hard to present a product that is to the best of their ability and something that that can be proud of.

With that said there is one promotion that stands out far and beyond the rest of them and that is MMWA-SICW.

Let’s take a look at their year in 2009

1) They ran 2 shows a month one at the historic South Broadway Athletic club and the second one is in East Carondelet, IL . Which adds to 24 shows plus they made a successful debut in Fairmont Illinois this past fall.

2) Attendance is always in the 3 digits as their fans are very loyal. This isn’t a knock on any one but in a time of a slow economy MMWA-SICW has easily out drew their competition sometimes 2-1 or 3-1.

3) One of the few promotions that have TV, fans are able to Wild World of Wrestling can be seen throughout the metropolitan St. Louis area on Double-Helix TV Channel 22 (Fridays 10pm), Charter Communications Channel 18 (Sundays 10:30pm) and on OmniVision.

4) MMWA-SICW is the home of the ST Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame where fans can come to honor the past in St Louis Wrestling.

5) In 2009 MMWA-SICW have given the fans a chance to meet the stars of wrestling by having Harley race, Dave Hebner, Bob Hardcore Holly, Larry Matysik ,Mickey Garagioloa and most recently the wild popular Baron Von Raschke

6) This year wrestling in the Midwest got its most positive press when the ST Louis Dispatch the #1 newspaper in St Louis did a complete and separate spread on 50 years at the Chase with the old stars such Harley Race, Johnny Valentine, Jack Brisco and new stars in Gary Jackson, the Lumberjacks, Dave Vaughn and more.

Here is a link to the STLTODAY.COM with a perfect video to show the awards committee. ST LOUIS WRESTLING HISTORY
Here are some of the Photos they used in the Month of May 50 Years at the Chase that they have used. St Louis Post Dispatch.

7) Gary Jackson –Too many Gary is St Louis wrestling. One word that I can describe him in is Professional. If you are a fan, you need to see this guy wrestle. If you are wrestling today you should get advice from him.

8) The MMWA-SICW has been active in work with the community. Announcer and Executive Director Tim Miller has been instrumental with giving back. MMWA-SICW was active in the benefit the family of fallen police officer Julius Moore who was killed due to the result of injuries sustained during an on-duty vehicle accident on Tuesday, October

6, 2009. He was 23 years old. The event raised more than $2200 through food sales alone to benefit Police Officer Julius Moore’s family including his three young children, two sons and a daughter all under the age of 5. The event was covered by the press and over 2,000 people showed up to support the cause.

2) 3Xwrestling
3) All American Pro Wrestling
4) High Voltage Wrestling

Missouri Wrestling Revival fans are fortunate to have plenty of great options to see some great wrestling action. Look for strong showings from Pro Wrestling Phoenix in Council Bluffs, MECW in Woodriver and IWA Productions who had a very successful show with the Honky Tonk Man this past week to make a strong run for the top promotion in 2010. NWA Dynamo came on strong running Friday shows in Glen Carbon  as well as Independent Hardcore Wrestling that came on strong in the second half of the year. Harley Race’s World League Wrestling retruns this spring and has always entertained the fans throughout the MWR coverage area.

Regardless of the promotions 3 or 4 letters that you prefer support pro wrestling and their wrestlers by making it to a local show this year.

Another year in the books as MWR heads to our 3 years of supporting Professinoal Independent Wrestling in the Midwest. I hope that you enjoy the 2009 MWR Awards and if you’r like me you agree with some and disagree with others but more importantly it has you thinking about Pro Wrestling in 2010.

From the MWR family to yours see you at the show.
Brian “Flair” Kelley

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Matt Murphy’s Chapter 23-26: Connecting With the Audience, Backyard Wrestling, Burning Bridges, The Internet

Posted by flairwhoooooo on January 28, 2010

Chapter 23: Connecting With the Audience

The thing that separates the stars from the also-rans of professional wrestling is the ability to generate an emotional reaction from the audience. Whether they love you or hate you, they have to feel something more than indifference to buy a ticket to see you.

No disrespect meant (funny how that phrase always precedes something unflattering, isn’t it?), but Dean Malenko was never a headliner in WCW or WWE because most fans didn’t care about him. Sure, everybody could see that he was a master technician inside the ring, but those same fans didn’t make their ticket-buying decisions based on his presence or absence from the card. He was an asset to both organizations because he was dependable to have a good match with their worst workers and outstanding matches with their best workers. But he didn’t speak to the crowd; thus, he could never be pushed to main-event status. In Chris Benoit, fans saw intensity and passion. Rey Mysterio spoke for every underdog in the world. Dusty Rhodes spoke for blue-collar America. Because fans could relate to these characters, they drew houses and moved merchandise.

While editing a recent television taping, I watched a perfect contrast of entrances during a match between two inexperienced babyfaces. I hate this type of match — two green guys in a match with no leader and, to complicate things, both babyfaces — but the crowd was 100 percent behind one of them and didn’t care about the other. It began with their entrances. Wrestler One came to the ring fired up, glad to be there, living his dream, and ready to do battle. Enter Wrestler Two, calm and expressionless, as excited as a man folding another man’s laundry. Which wrestler do you suppose the crowd sided with?

You have to act like you care. If you enter the ring like Wrestler Two, how does that crowd feel about paying to see you? He doesn’t seem excited for the match or grateful that you paid your hard-earned money to watch him perform.

Professional wrestling is too black-and-white these days. The babyfaces don’t have enough flaws, indecision, or temptation to take the low road. The heels are shallow and predictable, void of any redeeming qualities and cheating because they simply don’t like to play by the rules. The good are all good and the bad are all bad, and that’s not real. A heel should be the same as a babyface, save a flaw which makes him unlikeable.
In creating an emotional connection with the audience, the two greatest I’ve seen in my generation were Mr. McMahon and Mick Foley.

Mr. McMahon is my pick as a heel because he is the power-hungry, demeaning boss that many people in real life deal with every day. People want to see their boss punched in the mouth and humiliated, but because they can’t, they lived vicariously through “Stone Cold” Steve Austin as it happened to Mr. McMahon.

Mick Foley was the Dusty Rhodes of the ‘90s, a common man doing what he could to earn a living because he has little mouths to feed at home. Like Dusty, he didn’t fit the physical mold of a champion pro wrestler, but had incredible charisma and promo skills to complement an ability to make the crowd feel like they were a big part of his life. The argument can be made that Mick Foley became a legend by taking insane bumps and enduring more pain than a wrestler ever should. I believe those things made Mick Foley a star, but it was his ability to connect with an audience that made him a legend. Best of all, his promos didn’t sound like wrestling promos.

How can you connect with an audience? It varies from one wrestler to the next and one fan to the next and it doesn’t happen overnight. I recently had a discussion with a wrestler who just wanted to “be real” with the fans. I told him that, with few exception, the fans have to care about him as a character before he can expect them to care about him as a person. Shawn Michaels had to establish himself as “the Heartbreak Kid” before he was able to become the Shawn Michaels we see on TV today. Since odds are you’re not in WWE right now, you can try out many different things.

Chapter 24: Backyard Wrestling

I’ve amended this chapter. For a long time, I was a backyard wrestling hater. To backyard wrestlers, here’s all I’ll say about it:

1. Don’t confuse yourself with or refer to yourself as a pro wrestler.
2. If you break your neck, it’s not pro wrestling’s fault.
3. If backyard wrestling keeps you from taking heroin or getting some girl pregnant, then by all means do it.

People working in professional wrestling steer clear of backyard groups. It might screw you at some point in your career to have your name tied to a backyard organization.
Next topic…

Chapter 25: Burning Bridges

In my first book, The Story of a Nobody and the Pursuit to Become a Somebody, I wrote about burning bridges. That wasn’t meant to be a book plug — if you want to read an R-rated story about my life and career, check it out. You’ll be a member of an elite group: one of the very few who bought it. (SIDE NOTE: If you write a book and decide to publish, avoid PublishAmerica like herpes.) Anyway, I wrote in it that those who burn bridges are often left standing in the ashes where that bridge once stood, meaning that they often return, needing to cross a bridge that they’ve burned.

Very few people in professional wrestling ever step away from the business without a burned bridge: it’s the nature of the beast and things happen, but you should do what you can to avoid this as much as possible. It begins with a respect for the wrestling industry. Though it’s an ego-driven profession, nobody is bigger than the business. Respect for the business and for those working in it, along with professional conduct, carries a lot of weight. There comes a time when a wrestler feels his time with a promotion has run its course: it’s business. That doesn’t give the wrestler license to shit on the doorstep on his way out. There may be a time when he’s knocking at that door again, and he can be certain that the pile of shit will be waiting for him.

Stay humble. It’s natural to have an ego, but I am living proof that things can all end in an instant.

Remember, you can learn something from every experience, every wrestler, every fan, and every promoter. You are subject everybody’s critique, so listen to it, no matter who it’s from. Never answer a criticism from a peer or a superior with, “I know.” If you already knew then you wouldn’t have done it wrong. If you still insist that you knew, then accept that you screwed up and deserve to be reminded. Once the problem is identified, fix it.

Don’t make excuses. Few things are as annoying as a wrestler, or any human being, who makes excuses for failure.

Unless you have a bona fide emergency or serious injury, do not miss bookings. You’re only as good as your word, and missing a booking means you’ve gone against your word. I did this one time to some idiot promoter who I worked with once before and thought his promotion was the shits (it was really bad). I should have just declined the second booking; instead, I cancelled and took a week-long vacation to visit my family instead. Though I knew I’d never want to work with him again, it was unprofessional and it could have really damaged my name with promoters in that area. I still regret doing that.

Remember, loose lips sink ships. Wrestlers, as a whole, have a hard time keeping secrets. There’s a phrase that goes: Telephone, telegram, tell a wrestler. If somebody asks you to keep your mouth closed about something, pay him the courtesy of doing so. I’ve seen many bridges burned by people who abused somebody’s trust.

If you feel you must bash a wrestler or promoter, you’d better know your audience first. You could be talking about somebody’s best friend, traveling partner, trainer, etc. Word travels fast, and the person you’re backstabbing might end up on your caller ID even before you finish slamming him. The best way to handle this is just not to be a backstabber. Deal with people like a man and expect the same courtesy from others.
When I worked as the producer for WLW’s TV program, I often had to speak up in the office about wrestlers. One former wrestler (and a friend of mine) was on the verge of getting our title, but I observed that he was losing his heart for the business and knew he was a flight risk, so fought hard to get the plans changed. He quit wrestling less than two months later. I’ll say two things about the job I did: I always put the needs of the business before my personal feelings and I never said anything about anybody — in the office or otherwise — that I wouldn’t say to his face. I suggest everybody behave this way. You might not always win popularity contests, but at least you’ll be respected.

Chapter 26: The Internet

The Internet has undoubtedly changed the wrestling industry. Gone are the days when promoters could get away with phantom title switches and airing television tapings out of order. As wrestling evolved from carnival tents, its way of doing business also should have. Unfortunately, the carny mindset still exists, but one of the good things the Internet has done for wrestling is making it more difficult for those working in the business to operate like carnies.

The Internet has become a great resource for promoters and wrestlers to network and market themselves. It has also given fans an outlet to follow the business in an unprecedented way.

Like anything, there is also a negative side to the Internet. It provides a forum for anybody to speak their minds anonymously. They can commit libel, plagiarism, and say whatever the hell they want without consequence. Don’t let yourself get caught up in what’s being said on a message board, especially when they post anonymously. A coward who posts things without attaching his name to it is not somebody whose opinion matters. If you believe it, own it.

Wrestlers should not use message boards to talk trash on other wrestlers or promoters. If a wrestler has a problem with somebody, he should be a man and address it personally. Wrestlers should stay off message boards, for the most part. If a fan congratulates a wrestler on the birth of his child, a simple “Thank You” is okay, but you should have a very good reason for posting on a wrestling message board. It creates too much of a connection between a wrestler and a fan. When a fan looks at a wrestler the same as himself then that wrestler is no longer a star in the fan’s eyes; he becomes the fan’s next-door neighbor.

Something I’m seeing more of is wrestler blogs. It’s cool that people have an outlet to express themselves, but keep in mind that fans can also read most of these. Your rant about your girlfriend cheating on you with your best friend and breaking your heart is not something you should let fans read.

The Internet has bred a new type of wrestling fan. Some call them “smart marks,” but I think ticket-buyers deserve more respect than that to be called “marks”. They have become more informed, more critical, and harder to please. You will likely find reviews on your matches on the Internet at some point during your career. Read them — even fans might point out something that you can benefit from — but don’t beat yourself up over them. Understand that there’s nothing in this world that everybody likes. Some people can be brutal in their reviews, but it’s nothing more than one person’s opinion. Unfortunately, sometimes that opinion can shape the opinions of others, but don’t resent that person. By performing, you are subject to criticism like any other entertainer. I never got a lot of love from people reviewing my matches on the Internet, but I took solace in knowing that 90 percent of the wrestlers I worked with respected me because I got over with the live crowd, worked hard for them, bumped and sold well, had good timing, and didn’t blow spots.

NEXT WEEK: The Go-Home: Chapters 27-28

To order a print or Kindle copy (or to leave a review) of The Professional Wrestler in the World of Sports-Entertainment go to Amazon.com. You can also order a print copy of my first book, The Story of a Nobody and the Pursuit to Become a Somebody, at Amazon.

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MECW This Saturday in WoodRiver IL

Posted by flairwhoooooo on January 27, 2010

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High Voltage Wrestling’s Kansas City Killers Mark Sterling and Jeremy Wyatt attacks Kahagas in Florida’s Coastal Championship Wrestling

Posted by flairwhoooooo on January 27, 2010

Two of the Midwest finest wrestlers Mark Sterling and Jeremy Wyatt  traveled to Florida recently with one objective in mind, to beat down the HVW Champion Kahagas at his home turf. MWR has been pleading to see this exclusive footage from the KC Killers to share with the MWR fans. 

On February 20th in Granite City, Illinois Kahagas returns to the Midwest to meet the KC Killers Mike Sydal in one on one action. Meanwhile Wyatt and Sterling will do there best to take out Devin and Mason the same way they did there brother Neil Diamond Cutter.   
 

St Louis you will not want to miss this show that promises to be hard hitting and unforgettable.

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Triple main event at NWA Supreme in Mattoon Ilinois this Saturday- Pick who you feel will come out on top?

Posted by flairwhoooooo on January 26, 2010

NWA Supreme heats up the winter with a card stacked from top to bottom. In the main event is one of the most talked about tag teams in the Midwest The Hooligans going up against the Hybrids in a STEEL Cage.

The NWA Central States Champion Mark Sterling will be defending his title against the always dangerous and entertaining “Bloody” Harker Dirge. Will Dirge take the title into the darkness or will Sterling add another big win to his resume?

The PWI Rookie of the Year Mike Sydal will be in the house as he goes one on one with the breathtaking aerialist DaCobra. This match promises to be a high flying wrestling classic that you will not want to miss!!!

MWR fans who do you think will win these three monumental matches in 2010?

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February 2010 edition of 3XW Outside the Ring featuring a variety of excellent promos:

Posted by flairwhoooooo on January 26, 2010

From the 3XWrestling studios, it’s the February 2010 edition of 3XWrestling’s acclaimed web show Outside the Ring! This episode catches up wrestling fans on all the news following the very successful New Year’s Revenge event in January and builds toward February’s highly anticipated Reign of Terror event. Music: 3XW theme courtesy of John Petrucci. Visit http://www.3xwrestling.com/for more information about upcoming events, view the Match of the Month and to visit Shop3XW, the official online store of 3XWrestling!

3XWrestling – Reign of Terror

Friday night – February 5th, 2010

Des Moines Social Club
1408 Locust Street
Des Moines, IA

Doors open – 7:00 pm
Bell time – 7:30 pm

Featuring:

3XW Heavyweight championship
Maddog McDowell vs. “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt (c)

3XW Tag Team championship
The Gentlemen’s Club – Gage Octane & Mark Sterling w/Todd Countryman
vs.
The High Flyers – Zach Thompson & Mike Sydal (c)

Grudge match
Rory Fox vs. “Torturous” Tony Sly

3XW Cruiserweight championship – Submission match
Casanova w/Todd Countryman
vs.
“The Rockstar” Jimmy Rockwell (c)

Also in action: 3XW Pure Wrestling champion Kraig Keesaman, “Delicious” Devin Carter, Brady A. Dezire, Ryan Slade, Sparrow, “The Laotion Sensation” Ricky Kwong with Chad Mylan, Domino Rivera & more!

Tickets:

$12 General admission
$6 Kids 10 & Under
Kids 3 & Under FREE admission

Tickets will go on sale January 15th at:

Jay’s CD & Hobby
5921 SE 14th St
Des Moines, IA

and

http://www.3XWrestling.com

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Call in to talk to the The Hooligans on AWESOME BOMB Radio this wednesday and dont forget to pick up a copy of the BRAND NEW Hooligans “Working Class Heroes” DVD

Posted by flairwhoooooo on January 26, 2010

 

http://www.myspace.com/abfightradio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/awesomebomb

Join Your Hosts Violence Jack and Gaius Sensei every week to discuss all things Combat Sports! MMA, UFC, Pro Wrestling, Boxing, K-1, bumfights and any other form of modern gladiatorial combat!

The call in number is
(347) 945-5485
To Listen Live Click On The Above Banner or Here

blogtalkradio.com/awesomebomb
Get drunk and call into discuss anything realted to MMA, UFC, Pro Wrestling or punk rock…
or booze!
Live! Every Wednesday Night!
Times in the USA/ Canada/ Mexico
11 PM Eastern
10 PM Central
9 PM Mountain
8 PM Pacific
5 PM in Hawaii
Thursday Mornings at
4 AM in the UK
5 AM Most of Europe

1. vs. Zero Gravity
2. vs. Cecil Cerveza & Cheapshot
3. vs. Submission Squad
4. vs. Counter Culture
5. vs. Death Walking Terror
6. vs. Submission Squad
7. vs. Counter Culture

Please send all inquiries to:
thehooligans09@yahoo.com
Please email us for information on how and where to send any money orders and/or checks. Thank you.
If this is an international order, *PLEASE*, *PLEASE* include an additional $5 for shipping & handling. Thank you!

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MMWA-SICW Jan. 9 recap

Posted by reimaginejournalism on January 25, 2010

By Kari Williams
Photos by Michael R Van Hoogstraat

MMWA-SICW kicked off the New Year with the dethroning of one champion and the crowning of another at South Broadway Athletic Club.

Bobby D tries to get the dog to quit(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Moondog Rover plays with Bobby D on route to victory.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Moondog Rover and Bobby D took each other on in the opening contest. D tried to take the early advantage, but Rover was quick to dominate. However, neither man gained a clear advantage throughout the duration of the bout. Rover targeted D’s knee, which worked to his advantage as D could not regain momentum; Rover soundly defeated D.

The Future Donovan Ruddick feels the power of the Big Texan. (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

For a big man Ruddick can move as he shows here. (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Travis Cooks man The Big Texan chokes Ruddick.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

The Big Texan came to ringside with The Connection’s Ring Leader Travis Cook to battle “Future” Donovan Ruddick. Because Texan holds the MMWA-SICW tag team titles with Waco, and the Battle Royal Championship, Commissioner Keith Smith forced Texan to relinquish the battle royal championship.

The battle of behemoths then got underway, with neither Ruddick nor Texan able to knock the other off his feet. Both bounced off the ropes and Ruddick leapfrogged over Texan, but on the way back, Texan caught the 6’9” Monster with a clothesline for the advantage. Despite Texan’s early lead, he could do nothing to stop Ruddick’s raw strength and brutality.

The Big Texans tag team partner Waco comes in to assist his partner.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Just as it seemed that Ruddick was geared for the win, Texan’s partner in crime, Waco, rushed to ringside, resulting in a disqualification victory for Ruddick.

AJ Williams sends Jaysin Static out of the ring. (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Blade eliminates Vincent. (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Because Texan surrendered his Battle Royal Championship, “Thee” Brandon Espinosa, Sean Vincent, Moondog Rover, Jaysin Static, Blade, A.J. Williams and Waco battled for the belt. Waco was the first eliminated, with Espinosa, Static and Rover following suit. Williams, Blade and Vincent were the final three men. Rover pulled Williams out of the ring, eliminating the MMWA-SICW Junior Heavyweight Champion.

NEW Battle Royal Champion Blade and his valet Aurora(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Shortly thereafter, Blade eliminated Vincent to become the new Battle Royal Champion.

Dave Vaughn gave Blunt a toss.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Dave Vaughn gave Blunt a toss.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

3 way dance for the MMWA-SICW title. (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Gary Jackson powers Vaughn to the mat while Blunt tries to regroup.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Blunt strikes with a knee to the face of the Great one.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Blunt pulls out all the stops and hits Vaughn with powder.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Vaughn was able to regroup and went after Jackson as he looked very strong. (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

NEW MMWA-SICW Champ.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

The passing of the torch at MMWA-SICW? (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Dave Vaughn and “Night Train” Gary Jackson duked it out with MMWA-SICW Heavyweight Champion Phil E. Blunt with the title on the line. It seemed as though Blunt wanted to form an alliance of sorts with former Connection member Vaughn, but Vaughn would not fall for Blunt’s antics. Any time it appeared that the two would work together, Vaughn turned on him. All three men fought for the advantage, but none of them held the upper hand for long. The odds against him, Blunt fought as hard as he could to come out on top—going so far as to throw baby powder into Vaughn’s eyes. Vaughn reeled from the illegal attack, but did not lose sight of the goal, as he pinned Jackson to win the Heavyweight Championship.

Travis Cook complained, on behalf of Blunt, that Blunt should not have lost the title, prompting the commissioner to tell Blunt, “Go serve your time and get back in line.”

Waco slams Williams to the mat. (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Williams leg is pressed against the ropes.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Waco shows the packed house his power.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Williams hits a big move.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

After intermission, Waco kicked off his match against Junior Heavyweight Champion A.J. Williams by attacking Williams from behind, gaining the early advantage. Williams ended up on the outside, being attacked by Waco’s partner, the Big Texan. Having dealt with enough interference, the referee eventually made Texan leave ringside, much to the crowd’s delight and Williams’ advantage.

A big win by the young and talented AJ Williams.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

With a level playing field, Williams gained steam and went full force, attacking Waco with everything he had. Williams soundly defeated Waco.

Sweet dropkick by Espinosa on Static.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Static returns the favor as he delivers a kick to Static.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

A handful of tights gets Espinosa the victory. (Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

“Electrifying” Jaysin Static went up against “Thee” Brandon Espinosa. Neither had a clear advantage, but Static tried to jumpstart his advantage when he launched onto Espinosa, who had found his way outside the ring. The two tangled on the outside and slowly made their way back to the ring. By the time they were inside, Espinosa had gained the upper hand and connected with a picture perfect drop kick. However, Static would not go down easily, and he fought—determined—to prove himself against the former MMWA-SICW junior heavyweight champion. Regardless of Static’s heart and willpower, Espinosa remained dominate, rolling up Static for the win—while he held the tights for added leverage.

A vicious chop by Blade.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Vincent goes to the top.(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

MMWA-SICW’s resident Canadian Sean Vincent took on Blade. Vincent tried to evoke a battle of wits, as each time Blade looked to gain the advantage, Vincent scooted out of the ring. Blade quickly grew tired of Vincent’s mind games and went after the Canadian, taking control of the bout. But Vincent matched Blade hold for hold, creating a stalemate of sorts—a competitive stalemate. After a little more give and take, Blade finally took over, upsetting Cook, who had accompanied Vincent to ringside. Cook caused a distraction, chaos ensued and Vincent ended up knocking Blade out with a set of brass knuckles to steal the match.

The newly crowned MMWA-SICW Heavyweight Champion Vaughn emerged to defend his prized possession, but his opponent—Blade—was in no shape to compete. Vaughn offered to give Blade an opportunity at another time due to the circumstances, but Blade refused.

Spear –Spear – Spear by the champ gives Vaughn the win(Photo Credit Michael R Van Hoogstraat)

Look for Kari Williams MMWA-SICW January 16th recap at MWR in the near future.

Vaughn made quick work of his battered and bruised opponent, easily setting up the spear for the victory, retaining the championship.

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World League Wrestling Returns in 2010! Plus Amy Hennig in the Inside Wrestling/ The Wrestler

Posted by flairwhoooooo on January 24, 2010

Missouri Wrestling Revival fans have asked me for the past couple of weeks, when will our friends at World League Wrestling next show will be? You will not have to wait much longer because in the Month of March when WLW returns.

Saturday March 6th
El Dorado Srpings Mo

Ticket Outlets
Community bank
Liberty Bank
Smokers Outlet
Mike and Joe’s Service

Saturday March 13th
Summersville MO

Ticket Outlets
Community Bank–Summersville Mo
Community Bank–Houston Mo
Community Bank–Eminence Mo
Stop and Spot–Summersville Mo

What you can’t wait for the next WLW show. Go to your favorite bookstore to pick up the brand new copy of Inside Wrestling and The Wrestler magazine then read Brady Hicks brand new article that covers WLW Superstar Amy Hennig along with photography by Wayne McCarty as she battles Ann Brookstone.

A great read for any wrestling fan as Amy looks to make a name for herself in 2010. The Inside Wresting and The Wrestler is TWO magazines in one.

For more information on World Leauge Wrestling check out their website here.

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