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A look at the first half of 2010 in the MWR Coverage area. Nominate your favorite.

Posted by flairwhoooooo on May 16, 2010

By Brian Kelley

We are very close to the half year of 2010 and what a year it has been!

In the past few months both WWE and TNA have hosted PPV’S with WWE’S Elimination Chamber and TNA’S lockdown that was also headline with a fan interaction that allowed fans to meet stars such as Kurt Angle, AJ Styles, Rob Vam Dam, Jeff Hardy and most of the rest of the TNA roster.

Old school fans can be happy that they have had a chance to meet the stars that brought memories that will last a lifetime when at TNA’S legends main event brought in the biggest stars of the 80’s and beyond with Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and Sting.

The fun would keep coming when you were able meet other stars such as former WWE World Champion Bob Backland, Roddy Piper, Road Warrior Animal, Jimmy Snuka along with several other greats during Wrestling Legends on Tour.

On the Indy front I have to believe that everyone involved with their promotions needs to feel thrilled with the support and attendance from the fans as attendance and action has picked up for the most part at most shows.

Former WLW Wrestler  Dennis T McHawes released an autobiography called “Blood Tables and Chairs that allows fans to get a glimpse of the Indy scene not to long ago.

Mike Sydal continues his rise to the National spotlight after winning the PWI Rookie of the Year he followed that up by wrestling during WRESTLEMANIA weekend with Ring of Honor in a six man tag team race and earned the pin fall for his team.

Will Metro Pro Wrestling jump over the competition in 2010 with their debut at Memorial Hall on June 4th?

Till then lets look at 2010 shortly and what to forward to.

Let’s start out alphabetical.

3XWrestling –The 2008 MWR Promotion of the year continues their standard of excellence with some great action. 3XW Heavyweight Champion Jeremy Wyatt and Ring of Honor a World Champion Tyler Black earned a standing ovation in April when the two went to a draw. Rory Fox who came close in 09 by taking out “The Belt Collector” won the May “Gauntlet for the Gold”. This could easily set up Wyatt vs. Fox feud part 2, one that would be great for the fans.

3XW Pure Wrestling Champion Kraig Kessaman has been rolling through the company using the deadly “Nordic Spike” maneuver and has not been pinned at 3XW in 23 months. While 3XW cruiserweight Champion Jimmy Rockwell came very close in defeating 3XW Champion Jeremy Wyatt at the Over the top show earlier this month

On a sad note the very popular tag team The High Flyers of Zach Thompson and Mike Sydal was forced by Todd Countryman to go against each other in a loser leaves town match that saw Thompson earned quite possibly the biggest win his short career by defeating the smoking red hot Sydal.

All American Pro Wrestling – Exciting feuds , shocking moments and near riots mixed in with former WWE and TNA Superstars brought AAPW among the top of the most talked about promotions in the area coverage.

The year started off with the very popular Edmund “Livewire” McGuire holding the AAPW Championship. During a title defense against the popular and powerful Mississippi Madman that would soon end. McGuire’s mountain to retain was huge but the backstabbing of McGuire’s best friend Shane Rich during the match would cost him the title and a feud is set to happen anytime. Rich was suspended for his actions. The fans and McGuire have been itching for a rematch BUT…

The Madman would find himself in the fire quickly as the 2008 MWR Wrestler of the Year Jeremy Wyatt came knocking for the belt. The Madman would retain but not before a near riot almost broke out. AAPW had no other option but to sign a rematch between the two at the very next show. Problems arose when Rich talked his way into the match making it a 3way and capitalizing by taking home the belt.

As of press time AAPW is set to bring to the Midwest WWE’S Jerry Lawler and Kevin Thorn and more AAPW matches at RENT ONE Park on May 22 in prior to a minor league baseball game. AAPW has also brought in TNA’S Andy Douglas and WWE/ECW’S Simon Dean…. We can all look forward to McGuire vs. Rich in the second half of the year.

High Voltage Wrestling – What High Voltage Wrestling lacked in amount of shows they made up for it in quality of matches and continuing their tradition of debuting some of the top stars in the St Louis area. During HVW’s first year they brought you “The Internaininal Superstar” Kahagas, TNA’S Santana G, The Hooligans, Matt Cage, Zero Gravity and Tony Kozina and in their second year they brought to you the very exciting Ryan Phoenix, Flash Flannigan, Dan the Manand Sir Bradley Charles.

Kahagas vs. Flash Flannigan was an instant hit and when the HVW Tag Champions the Hooligans went against the KC Killers the ropes would break but the action would not. Santana G would earn the respect of one of the greatest women wrestlers in the world MsChif and earn the respect of her and the two would team up once again.

Young Brandon Aarons would get a huge win for the fan favorites by defeating fellow young star Mike Sydal for the HVW Livewire Championship.

The HVW Champion has been defending the title around world and looks to face on all challenges in 2010.

Independent Hardcore Wrestling– IHW has been filled with packed shows with action throughout the building. Filled with stars who do not get as much hype like Billy McNeil, Steve Kennedy, Eric Allen, Mephisto and Brandon Aarons they have made themselves a legit promotion and giving the fans their money’s worth.

Former TNA Star Mickie Knuckles and the Great Cheyenne continue the improvement of the  women wrestling Midwest while Eric Allen’s exciting Illinois state Championship shocked the Midwest. IHW Champion Brandon Aarons match with Kennedy was an instant classic. MR Late Nite looks to make his mark in the Midwest to finish off 2010.

IHW heats up the summer in 2010 with a stacked card on June 12th in Dupo Illinois when Mickie Knuckles returns to take on Mia Martinez, SLAM The Canadian Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Tony Kozina will take on exciting Bailey Mannix; Champions will collide when IHW Champion Aarons will meet IHW Illinois Champion Allen in a street fight.

IWA Productions – One of the biggest announcements of the first half had to do with IWA P bringing at their free Wednesdays show last week when non other than ICP came into bring fans to their feet. So much excitement that IWA P had to turn fans away do to a fire code. ALL for free.

In January they brought in former WWE Superstar the Honky Tonk Man and their students stepped up to provide a much talked about match between Christian Rose and Danny Cannon ladder match.

A mixture of free shows and paid shows that has also showcased Matt Cage taking on former WWE Champion Eugene, Ladies star Ann Brookstone along with “Homicidal” Steven Davis provide the fans with some top notch excitement.

Metro East Championship Wrestling– Wrestling in Woodriver provides the fans with an exciting night to hang with friends and family. The promotion had a set back when the MECW had to announce that champion Mannix was unable to defend due to an injury. Mannix though respect for his talent was hated for his actions meant that possibly one of the fan favorites such as Devin Carter or the “Kid” Evan Money could get their chance as MECW Gold.

Imagine the disappointment when bad guy Eric Allen was able to win the 8 man tournament and gain his second title in months. Who will be able to take the title back from EA? Will it be Carter in his rematch on the 22nd, or will Gabriel Brimstone, Brian Scrilla, or the returning Shawn Santel come back to glory.

MECW Tag team champions The Bayou Outlaws are one of the most underappreciated teams in the Midwest and loved by the fans.

On a National level MECW can hang their head up high Barry Ryte in his opportunity to appear at the 14th annual ECWA Super 8 Tournament later this summer on Sat. July 10, 2010 in Newark DE.

MMWA-SICW– The 2009 MWR Promotion of the Year has seen some exciting new faces and old friends join the veterans of the South Broadway Athletic Club. Impressive Dave Vaughn has taken on all challenges in his way including the powerful Donnovan Ruddick.
Speaking of Ruddick the Manager of Champions Travis Cook looks to take him to the top as he has signed him to his stable “The Connections.” With the skills of Ruddick and the mind of Cook these two could be unstoppable.

Brandon Espinosa has returned with a vengeance and is currently the MMWA-SICW JR Heavyweight Champion as well as the MMWA-SICW Battle Royal Champion. Will he set his sights on becoming a Triple Crown championship?

Life is not all good in the world of Travis Cook; he has agitated the returning MMWA-SICW Superstar Ron Powers and Danny Boy. In Cooks favor is the fact that Gary Jackson has also wanted a piece of his old rival Powers.

On a National scene the St Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame that is located at the SBAC presented Ric Flair, Bobby Hennan, Dory Funk JR and Baron Von Raschke with their HOF Plaques at the TNA Fan interaction.

What Midwest Superstars will make their debut at MMWA-SICW in the rest of 2010? I can not wait to find out.

New Midwest Wrestling – The newest promotion at MWR, New Midwest have been around for a long time entertaining fans in Sprinfield Illinois.

The NMW Roster brings together an exciting roster with Cory Carter, Guy Smith, Ryan Phoenix, Dan the Man and Blake Steel as well the New Midwest Wrestling Champion Jonathan Magnus.

New Midwest Wrestling returns this week with Capital Punishment 2010 as Magnus have his title threatened when Rip Mystic comes after him.

NWA Dynamo Pro Wrestling– NWA Dynamo has slowly been building steam heading into the second half of 2010. Home of the NWA Missouri Champion Davey Vega and NWA Central States Championship Mark Sterling they brought us the battle of Champions when the two took on each other during their May 1 show where Vega tapped out to the 2009 MWR Wrestler of the Year.

NWA Missouri Champion Vega will look to get back on track when he takes on Dragon Gate star Kyle O’Reilly on May 22nd.

Like I said a quiet year so far for this top promotion but look for them to sprint to the top in 2010.

NWA Supreme – MWR was honored to be invited to check out this exciting promotion early this year and we were impressed. The giant Bear ST Pierre and the electrifying Da Cobra brings to the ring a fast paced wrestling show with a punch in the Face.

NWA Supreme Champion Da Cobra has been red hot and will look to add Danny Cannon on his list of men he sent home packing. Bear ST Pierre has survived the onslaught on Jeremy Wyatt and De Andre King and Guy Smith and on May 29 he will have the formidable foe of Christian Rose looking to take home the title.

. The Hooligans and the Hybrids tore each other apart in the cage and it looks to only getting hotter as the summer comes around.

Fan have to be excited as the NWA Supreme brings you the NWA Midwest Championship match between the Shiek with Joey Eastman and Silas Young as well on the 29th.

Pro Wrestling Epic – One of the youngest promotions in the MWR Coverage area has been working hard to get respect. Signing some of the top names in the sport they boast some of the top talents in the Midwest today.

One fallback to that statement is that the PWE Champion Keith Walker has been in Japan meaning that he is unable to defend the title as needed. Even with Walker out the states they have the new PWE US Champion Brandon Aarons and the PWE tag team Champions Zero Gravity on their roster.

At their only show of the year the night started of with Mark Sterling as the PWE US Champion. Sterling defeated Mike Sydal then announced to the crowd that he was not done. He would be more than happy to beat anyone else in the locker room. Aarons showed true heart by answering the call even though he was defeated by Wyatt earlier in the night. Amazingly Aarons would defeat Sterling and become the PWE US Champion.

PWE and Aarons returns with their biggest test to date when PWE US Champion Brandon Aarons takes on Ring of Honor World Champion Tyler Black go at it in a match that you will not want to miss.

Pro Wrestling Phoenix– The faction known as Murder Milita looked to have PWP on their knees and in total control at the start of the year. The Murder Militia (Jeremy Wyatt, #1 Brett Young, Mark Sterling, Joey Daniels & Jayden Draigo) would find that Team PWP (PWP Heavyweight Champion ”Babyface” Tony Cortez, Abu Colossus, Jaysin Strife, Chris Havius & Donnie Peppercricket) was not going to back down for nothing.

The bomb is about to go off in the name of WAR Games this coming Saturday. Will the Militia continue to leave the PWP Wrestlers and fans in fear heading into 2010?
Young David Clark, Jimmy Rockwell and Zac James is set to battle in a ladder match for the chance to get a chance at any PWP Championship that night as well.

The PWP Champion Babyface Tony Cortez has defeated Jeremy Wyatt, Joey Daniels Jimmy Rockwell and Jaysin Strife since becoming the Champion last December.

World League Wrestling– Harley Race’s WLW took their time to get back in the game in 2010 but it was well worth the wait.

Starting off the year they had a tournament to crown new WLW Tag Champions and lo and behold Steve Fender and Mark Sterling walked away with the coveted tag team titles. Sterling and Fender are two of the most rounded wrestlers in singles, together they are scary good.

On the Singles from the WLW Title has been filled with action as the powerful Trent Stone held the title till in front of over 300 people in Richmond former WWE Superstar Trevor Murdoch pinned him in a leather strap match to regain the title.

It won’t be easy for Murdoch as Stone, Brian Breaker along with impressive young stars Jack Gamble, Ryan Drago, the Cancun Kid and Eathon Wright will all have their eyes to get to the top of the Mountain.

The WLW Ladies Champion Amy Hennig finds herself with competition all around as TNA’S Santana G earned a DQ victory from Hennig and the unknown Angelus Layne made her debut at WLW Keokuk IA. Some of the most exciting matches in women’s wrestler may well come from WLW.

That is a look at some of the promotions in the first half of the year. We are asking for the Promotions, Wrestlers and Fans to send in their thoughts on who was the best of the best in the first half year at MWR.

There will not be a winner announced for this but this will help the MWR Awards committee to not forget in the 2010 MWR Awards who is deserving. In each category there is some strong competition if the vote was to be voted on today I could not guess who would walk away the winners.

Wrestler of the Year first half
Tag team of the Year First Half
Promotion of the Year First Half
Women of the Year First Half
Match of the Year First Half

Please send in your nominations for the previous promotions to flairwhoooooo@yahoo.com

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HVW One Year Anniversary Show: –Fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association.

Posted by flairwhoooooo on September 24, 2009

3 High Voltage Wrestling October 10th

By Brian “Flair” Kelley

High Voltage Wrestling returns on Oct. 10 with “Encore” in Granite City, IL to celebrate their one year anniversary. HVW will be giving back to the community by donating $2.00 from each ticket sold to the American Diabetes Association. ADA is hoping to invite a family to enjoy exciting wrestling action as well to receive the check from the proceeds of this event. ADA is a cause that TNT Keny G feels strongly about supporting because he fights with the disease himself every day. Also in attendance will be the wonderful people at The Fan Shop. The Fan Shop will be giving 20% of all sales at the show towards the fundraiser.

For only $10.00 you can watch the most exciting wrestling action in the Midwest and help a good cause as well.

HVW Poster oct 10

The main event could very well be THE must see of the year. HVW Champion Kahagas will once again go one on one against Dingo, this time with the title on the line.

These two warriors went blow for blow this past January with the ultra talented Dingo getting bragging rights in his hometown. As one of the most booked wrestlers in the Midwest, Dingo dominated as he reigned throughout the year as the IWA-Midsouth Champion and NWA Missouri Champion. Dingo returned to HVW last month at “You got another thing Coming” against Tony Kozina in a back and forth war. Dingo got his hand raised and as soon as Kahagas had defeated Donovan Ruddick for the championship, Dingo let the fans know that he had his eyes set on the belt.

Dingo may have the 1-0 lead in the series, but he should beware. Since their classic match, Kahagas has been on a roll facing some of the toughest competition around the world and HVW. Kahagas teamed up with “Big” Rick Fuller to take on HVW Livewire Champion Brandon Espinosa and HVW Champion Donovan Ruddick with the stipulation being that if either Kahagas or Fuller got the pin, they would be crowned the champion of the respective belt. Kahagas became the Livewire Champion after pinning Espinosa. In August, Kahagas got even with his former manager The Magic Man by defeating his protégé Ruddick in a Falls count anywhere match.

There will be no turning back when two of the best wrestlers in the Midwest meet once again to determine just who the best is.
RuddickBlandpostercopy

The summer of 2009 will always be remembered as the feud of HVW and Mark Bland. Bland hosts Absolute Wrestling Radio, and maybe he thought no one was listening when he made the mistake of calling out champions throughout the Midwest. Weeks went by and Bland felt good about himself as no one stepped up to the plate. That changed with one phone call—not from a wrestler but HVW Promoter TNT Keny G called in to let Bland know he had an invite to May’s HVW “Peace and Blood” show. Bland claimed he was busy that night and sent AWR’S Matt Krueger in his place. The aftermath saw Krueger hitting Donovan Ruddick with a chair and paying for it dearly. TNT Keny G added insult to injury when he kicked Krueger out of the building.

Mark Bland immediately went to the airwaves to let Ruddick know that he was going to “Knock him out.” Bland stated that he was a superstar in the making and if not for an injury that sidetracked him he would be in the WWE today. TNT Keny G made a move that sent Bland to the edge, with prior knowledge that Bland was not going to be at an AWR broadcast, TNT Keny G and Ruddick took over the AWR show to make fun of Bland and what he claimed as the popular wrestling drinking game “The Randy Orton Game.”

Bland was not amused and with his spy’s around the city, he got word that the controversial promoter was making a visit at The Fan Shop. With a camera man on hand, he videotaped a vicious assault on TNT that shocked the wrestling scene.


Later the two had words at Six Flags as Keny and Ruddick sent an invite for Bland to show up at HVW’S “You got another thing coming” on August 15.

The night started out with fireworks as the two had to be separated when Bland took the offer to wrestle Donovan Ruddick at the next show. Bland promised that Ruddick would be knocked out.

Little did anyone know that it would be THAT night he would make good on that promise. In the main event, Bland changed the course of HVW when he sent The Magic Man reeling with a punch then delivered a chair shot that KNOCKED Ruddick out and set him on a table. Kahagas then went to the top of the balcony and delivered body splash to be crowned the new HVW Kingpin.

In less than one month, all the talking will be in the past. Can Mark Bland show the wrestling world that he is indeed an untapped wrestling talent and one to be reckoned with? Or will the former HVW Champion and 6 foot 9 monster Donovan Ruddick get revenge for his title loss?

Want more??

Tag team action does not get any better than this one. HVW will crown their first ever Tag team Champions, and the two teams going for this coveted prize do not like each other at all.

Devin and Mason Cutter, The Hooligans, have been dominating wrestling throughout the Midwest. Don’t let their actions fool you; what appears to be total chaos in the ring is text book tag teaming. From the moment that they signed the contract at HVW these two have been itching to prove that they are the team to beat in the Midwest.

The Bandana Mafia (Pierre Abernathy and Evan Gelistico) are 2/3 of the 6 man cup. Always entertaining, these two have earned the respect of the fans with their own unorthodox style. They go into this match with bragging rights of defeating the Cutters younger brother Neil “Diamond” Cutter and his tag team partner, The Blackheart, in the first round.

MWR was able to catch up with both teams after the August 15th HVW show.

A main event match anywhere in the Midwest you will not want to miss The Hooligans and The Bandana Mafia battle to become the first ever HVW Tag Team Champions.

Fans of women wrestling will not want to miss Santana G’s one on one wrestling debut, as she takes on the St Louis debut of Mia Martinez. Santana has already won the hearts of wrestling fans with her sweet personality and work ethic. Santana has been getting proper training at the NWA Dynamo Gym as the veteran Mia Martinez looks to make a name for herself in the Midwest.
Mia Martinez
Mia, trained by Ace Steele, Danny Dominion, is dubbed La Chica Diamante…”The Diamond Girl”. Mia battled with one of PWI’s top 50 female wrestlers in the world, Malia Hosaka, this past year in the Midwest.

HVW continues to bring fresh talent to the area when the one and only Curly makes his way to Granite City. You will not forget the three stooge fanatic once you see him. One of my favorites and after October 10th he will be one of yours as well.
HVW Oct 10 Curly 2

On August 15th at “You got another thing Coming” Jeremy Wyatt was offended that he had no one to wrestle and he let MWR’s Josh Ray know about it. Josh responded that he would personally have a challenge set for “The Rebel” when HVW returns on October 10th. Who has Josh signed to be Wyatt’s opponent? He won’t say but he advises Wyatt to be ready. Wyatt promises to make an example of his said opponent as he gets closer to defending his HVW Cup on November 14th at the MWR Showcase Show in Granite City against Dingo.

Also appearing HVW will be Mark Sterling, Brandon Aarons, Davey Vega Gary Jay, Eric Allen, Alexandre Rudolph, Mississippi Madman, Brandon Espinosa, Cabal, and The Magic Man.

High Voltage Wrestling continues to mix the best in St Louis with elite in the Midwest. No where else can you get this much action for the measly price of $10.00 a ticket with kids 7 and under FREE.

Be a part of history as HVW celebrates their ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY with “ENCORE” on October 10th in Granite City.

For all your High Voltage Wrestling news check out the Brand new website here

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The Uniqueness of Outside Championships- By Christopher M. Zack

Posted by flairwhoooooo on August 24, 2009

 

Camera Guy Chris and Daughter

The Uniqueness of Outside Championships

By Christopher M. Zack

This column is the property of Christopher M. Zack and published here as agreed upon by Pro Wrestling Next. No duplication of this column is permitted without the exclusive written consent of the author and/or PWN officials.

General Disclaimer: I can be incredibly long winded. I have a degree in English and love to write, so I tend to write quite a bit. When I’m passionate about something, it comes out even more. I have a lot of passion about the wrestling business, so these columns will definitely be wordy, but it’s all to get discussions going.

That’s right, it’s the return of Angles W/Camera Guy Chris. First things first, personal business. I again would like to apologize for my sporadic posting over the summer months. It’s been hard to sit and focus on (no pun intended) putting together an article between my work schedule and spending time with my daughter during the summer months. Now that school has started again, it’ll be a lot easier to post this for you great fans who visit the boards and read my work.

I also want to announce two things about Angles. Firstly, I will not be posting on a weekly basis. At the moment, I simply don’t have the energy or time to get a new topic together and post every week. It would burn me out very quickly. Angles will be a monthly post at the very least. There may be 2 posts a month depending on time and topics. That leads into my other announcement. My work is going to look more exclusively on Independent wrestling. There are so many great Indy feds and Indy talent out there, that to look at the WWE and TNA would just be foolish on my part. Pro Wrestling NEXT is a great Independent Wrestling Organization showcasing the best young wrestlers out there, and that’s where my attention will be from now on.

I can’t think of a better place to begin this new focus than with some of the events that transpired this past Friday, August 21st, 2009. There are many excellent independent wrestling groups around the world and right here in America. Organizations like Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, Full Impact Pro, CHIKARA, and Combat Zone Wrestling come to mind as some of the top Independents that come to mind here in the States. (I left out Ring of Honor, because, honestly, they have a national TV deal and are on PPV, I can’t consider them independent anymore) Friday night’s event at the Bier Stube saw the World Heavyweight Champion of one of these top feds defend his title live for us in the Quad Cities, CZW Champion Drake Younger.

Younger, trained by the likes of Ian Rotten and Chris Hero among others, is a brutal, vicious competitor who has held the Combat Zone World Heavyweight Championship since July 12, 2008, when he defeated Nick Gage for the title. Holding any title for more than a year is a great feat, but it’s definitely a mark of a true champion. Drake is best known for his deathmatch wrestling, a main stable for CZW, but he is also a brilliant technical wrestler and mat technician.

Younger brought this combined style to PWN on the 21st, looking to take down Hunter Matthews. Hunter, former PWN Quad Cities Champion and self-proclaimed “King of Des Moines,” felt he was cheated out of a title and deserved a title match at Bier Stube Bash 2, The Sequel. So, Drake Younger stepped in to give him that opportunity. How often to you get to see a World Title from another organization defended? That is the main point of this article. It’s a treat when another group, especially one as big as CZW allows their title to be defended outside of one of their own shows.

Younger brought is reputation and his World Title to Moline and gave the fans one kick ass ride. I’ve already talked about this match to some extent in my response to the results thread, but I’m going to go a bit more in depth now.

Hunter came out first, and of course took the microphone, much to the dismay of the fans. Matthews has definitely not been a favorite of the QC crowd. He talked about how the Quad Cities Championship had been taken, and his need of holding a title. Younger came out to put a stop to the talking and start the action, bringing and emptying a beer battle as he walked to the ring. He was on Matthews right from the start. Hunter didn’t even have a chance to get out of his jacket before Drake took the fight to him. Eventually, he was able to duck out of the ring and get a moment to pull his jacket off and gear up for the fight, but a moment was all he got.

The CZW Champion quickly followed him out of the ring to continue the beating. Out amongst the fans, we saw many various weapons used and advantages taken by both parties. And under CZW rules, this was all legal. No count outs, no disqualifications. Matthews was hit by a water bottle and a beer can before fighting back and getting Younger prone on top of a hard plastic picnic table. Hunter attempted a piledriver on top of this table but Drake was able to counter. Younger looked like he wanted to slam the “King” down to the cement below, but Matthews was able to block that attempt and the two of them made their way off the table.

The World Champion would empty a garbage can and take that to Hunter Matthews’ skull, leaving an indentation of the King’s “crown” on both sides of the metal can. Younger would then take his empty beer bottle, smash it across the ring post and attempt to lacerate Matthews with it. Hunter was able to dodge that and fought Drake, leading him to the fountain in the Bier Stube’s court yard. He tried to force the Champ’s head under water, and Younger struggled to prevent this, but, Matthews was able to over power him and dunk him for several seconds.

The two men battled back and forth around the outside of the ring until Hunter was able to whip Drake over a couple more plastic picnic tables towards a set of stairs leading up to a balcony overlooking the garden. They fought up to the balcony, both men teetering and trying to push the other over the edge. Thankfully, neither was successful. That would have caused serious injury. After battling back down the stairs they made their way out to the parking lot and onto the metal bed that had carried the ring to the venue. Hunter would get scooped up and slammed on his back on the metal!

At that point, things were pretty well over. Matthews was able to stay on his feet as they fought their way back in the ring. In the ring, Younger hit a sick ass vertibreaker for the win and rolled out of the ring to celebrate with the QC crowd. The fans really seemed to enjoy this. Drake grabbed the microphone, told the fans that he’d heard about Matthews and how he liked to run his mouth a lot. He was glad to have given the fans what they’ve wanted, silence, and he hoped to see them all in the bar to share a beer! At one point, I remember him looking me right in the eye…er…lens…and saying “That’s what you get when you call out Drake Younger” while pointing to Hunter, prone in the ring.

This is the great action you see in Pro Wrestling Next. Not only are we bringing in great new talent, we’re showcasing HUGE matches with World Titles from some of the top feds across the country. This is only the beginning, too. On September 12th, PWN welcomes back Davey Richards, current holder of the Ring of Honor World Tag Team Championship (a title he’s had once before) and current holder of the Full Impact Pro World Heavyweight Championship, a title he Will Defend in Davenport on September 12th at PWN’S Severed Ties!!!! FIP’s World Title is one of the top 3 wrestling championships in the country, and seeing it defended here in the Quad Cities is going to be excellent.

Back to the Bier Stube Bash, now. The CZW World Title match was awesome, but not the biggest moment of the night by far, in my opinion. The biggest moment happened before that match when The Hooligans defeated the Submission Squad to take the Lethal Wrestling Alliance Tag Team Championships. As unique as it is to see titles defended from other organizations, it is extremely rare to see a title change hands outside of the confines of the group the title is from. What makes this title change even more exciting and controversial is the fact that The Hooligans are not a part of LWA.

First, I have some background info. I need to thanks Brian “Flair” Kelley, Pierre Abernathy, and Kari Williams for tracking down or providing this information for me. The Submission Squad (Pierre Abernathy and Evan Gelistico) originally consisted of Pierre Abernathy, Dingo, and Nick Tyson, but the team has also included Evan Gelistico and “Blackheart” Johnny Vinyl. Before joining Abernathy, Gelistico was a member of the Bearded Men from Space Station Eleven (Gary the Barnowl—who was eventually corrupted by the likes of Gelistico, Abernathy, Tiffany LaFane, and Davey Vega—Billy McNeal, XXX Jordan Lacey, and Evan Gelistico) for approximately two years. Abernathy and Gelistico won the LWA Tag Titles on April 4th in O’Fallon, Illinois’s Night’s of Columbus building from the Ego Express (“Spoiled” Steven Kennedy & K.C. Karrington). The Ego Express were the first team to hold the LWA Tag Team Titles, beating Dingo and Davey Vega on 12/18/2008 at Yuletide Terror ’08.

During their title reign, the Submission Squad squared off against the Hooligans, the Northstar Express, and the Ego Express. One of their biggest feuds (before claiming the LWA gold) came against the Bearded Men over a span of two years. This feud saw Gelistico turn on the Space Station, claiming to be Gary’s father. Their other noticeable feud happened when original members, Dingo and Nick Tyson began to distance themselves from Abernathy and Gelistico. This culminated in a match between the new and the old Submission Squad on May 30 at the Vetta Sports Complex. Abernathy & Gelistico emerged victorious.

The Hooligans are Devin and Mason Cutter. The Cutters were raised in the outside districts of East St. Louis IL. They come from a working class family. They are just a couple of thugs or hooligans that enjoy a beer as much as they enjoy a good fight. You can catch them at any local pub after a hard days work drinking with there mates and at the end of the night you sure to see them in a fight. They are best known for their work in IWA-Mid South, where they have competed against some of the best IWA-MS has to offer, including (sometimes with Rain as their partner) Ian & Axl Rotten (sometimes with Mickie Knuckles)—better known as Bad Breed—on several occasions in many different types of hard-hitting, violent matches. The Cutters, in my opinion, are very no nonsense. They’re heavy hitters and consider themselves Working Class Heroes, though the fans from Friday didn’t consider them very heroic when they won the LWA Championships.

In Moline on August 21st, the crowd was already fired up, and it only escalated to see the first of two title matches. The QCA fans were definitely against the Hooligans throughout the match, especially after the match. Security had to restrain both the Hooligans and the crowd following their victory for the LWA Titles.

The match itself saw both teams getting in some early offense, until Devin and Mason cut Evan Gelistico off from his partner. The Cutters used classic heel tactics to divide and concur, isolating Gelistico and using moments when the ref’s back was turned to both double team Gelistico and trade places with blind tags.

During the match, Tim Donst and Jasin Strife came out to watch the proceedings. Donst had lost a match to Tony Kozina earlier in the night due to disqualification after Strife came down and joined Tim in assaulting Kozina. The Submission Squad had come to the aide of Kozina, causing Donst and Strife to flee the ring before Abernathy and Gelistico could lay a hand on them. I didn’t see Donst and Strife come out, since my attention was focused on the action in the ring, and rightly so, I am Camera Guy Chris, after all.

Back in the ring, Gelistico manages to catch a break, tagging in his very fresh, very eager partner, Pierre Abernathy, who proceeded to take down both the Cutters as they took turns charging at him. In the corner, Gelistico was down and prone to Donst and Strife, who chose that moment to strike, taking out Evan’s knee and leaving him crying out in pain on the cement below the ring. Then it was only a matter of time before the numbers game caught up with Abernathy. With no partner waiting on the apron, and the vicious Hooligans having 2-1 odds, it didn’t take long for the match to end, crowing Devin and Mason Cutter the NEW LWA Tag Team Champions.

A title change is always a sight to see, since they can be rare, especially in the independent feds. Seeing a title from another company even defended at an outside event is something big. PWN featured two outside title defenses at the Bier Stube Bash 2. What makes this particular match even more unique is seeing the titles change hands at an outside event. And if that were the only major deal about this match, then, while worth mentioning, it might not get all the attention it is getting. What makes this particular outside title defense and changing of the guard so incredibly special is that the new LWA Tag Team Champions are not a part of the Lethal Wrestling Alliance!

This situation has potential to get very bad very quickly. I know I’ll be following the situation as closely as I can and update the fans on how things turn out. I’d also like to welcome any and all LWA fans visiting the PWN boards and reading this article. I invite you to join in the discussion of both the situation with the Tag Team Titles and the uniqueness of seeing outside titles defended.

I would like to once again thank everyone for the information provided for this article. It’s very much appreciated. I’d also like thank Brian “Flair” Kelley, once again, as well as Missouri Wrestling Revival for giving me the opportunity to reach a new audience with my articles. I hope you all enjoy. For those viewing this on MWR, and would like to join the discussion, the main article can be viewed here at the Pro Wrestling Next board.
–

Christopher M. Zack

PWN Severed Ties Flier

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Ten reasons why you do not want to miss High Voltage Wrestling on August 15

Posted by flairwhoooooo on August 10, 2009

By Brian “Flair” Kelley

Pro wrestling fans, there are many shows to attend this August, but the one you will not want to miss is High Voltage Wrestling on August 15, 2009. TNT Keny G has broken out the piggy bank to give the fans the best in Midwest pro wrestling. Keny G said it best—“HVW fans will have a buffet of wrestling action on the 15th in Granite City, IL as we are bringing out all the stars to celebrate our return,”

Keny G pulled out all the stops to provide you, the fans, with the best bang for your buck. Let’s take a look at the Top 10 reasons you do not want to miss High Voltage Wrestling.

1.The HVW Champion Donovan Ruddick will defend his HWV Heavyweight Championship against the most hyped wrestler in 2009, the HVW Livewire Champion Kahagas.

HVW Poster

Poster by EA

Kahagas has toured around the world this summer and received an invitation to participate in the IWA Ted Petty International tournament in September and will return to his home promotion to try to prove his dominance over one of the most powerful men in the Midwest.

Ruddick is powerful, standing at 6”9. Many have stated that the man is just one step away from the WWE. Managed by the The Magic Man, Ruddick looks to impose his will on the Tokyo Monster. Ruddick taking on Kahagas has been boiling for some time. The HVW Arena will be crazy when these two go at it in a FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE MATCH!!!

2.Santana G’s debut.

Photo By Michael R Van Hoogstraat

Photo By Michael R Van Hoogstraat

With a huge void in the Midwest womens wrestling scene, Santana G has been the buzz of the summer. Training at the NWA Dynamo Gym, word has it that she has been working hard to learn her craft. Beautiful and sweet, Santana G was put in the line of fire when B.A.B.E.Watch members Brandon Aarons and Brandon Espinosa jumped her dad, Keny G, in the middle of the ring at the last show. Fan favorite Juice Robinson made the save and Santana’s dad let Aarons know that at this show he was to get a female tag team partner as Santana G would be teaming up with Juice for a mixed tag team match.

Come to HVW and be able to say that you were there when Santana made her wrestling debut.

One can not forget that two of the Young guns of the sport are in this match Juice Robinson and Brandon Aarons are the future of the sport and this will be the first match between this two but one would assume that these two will meet each other many times in the future.

3.Mississippi Madman comes to HVW !!

As punishment for the beatdown of TNT Keny G, Brandon Espinosa will have to face Keny G’s hired gun, the Mississippi Madman. The Mississippi Madman is a nice guy out of the ring but when the bell rings, the big man is one bad man. I caught up with the Mississippi Madman and he had these words for Brandon Espinosa.

4.The 2008 MWR Wrestler of the Year Jeremy Wyatt.

Poster by Kari Williams

Poster by Kari Williams

One of the baddest men on the planet, Jeremy Wyatt will be in the house. You never know what the Rebel is up to. The most talked about guy in the MWR coverage area, Jeremy Wyatt has arguably had a better year in 2009.

5. PWE US Title Defense

Mark Sterling defeated Hunter Mathews and Krotch for the PWE US title in June. Can he survive the speed of Gary J and Rebel Lucha? Both of these superstars are coming off heartbreaking title losses at HVW with Ruddick beating Rebel Lucha and Kahagas stopping Gary J. Sterling returns to HVW with PWE gold, will he be able to walk out with it, is the question.
HVW PWE Triple

6.The semi finals to the HVW Tag team tournament.

Tag team action at its best. The Hooligans, the Bandana Mafia, Zero Gravity and Nick Brubaker will be in the house with a partner of his choice. Who will emerge as the first ever HVW Tag team Champions?

We caught up with The Hooligans and they sent a warning the teams at HVW

7.Wrestlecraps Blade Braxton
Wrestlecrap 2
Since 2000, WrestleCrap.com has been THE definitive source for all the worst of professional wrestling. Whether it be an evil one-eyed midget named Cheatum or grown men fighting over an uncooked turkey, WrestleCrap is the place to kick back and laugh at the dumbest stuff ever presented in – and outside – a wrestling ring!

Come to High Voltage Wrestling to meet Blade Braxton one of the co-authors of one of my favorite books WrestleCrap book of List. Blade works hard on the website and will be sponsoring the special appearance of The Midnight Rose in the first ever HVW Battle Royal.

8.Dingo

If you don’t like watching Dingo, then you just don’t like wrestling. Many believe that he is the most exciting wrestlers in the past few years in St Louis. Dingo’s last appearance in HVW was in a victory over Kahagas. Dingo looks to add HVW gold to his illustrious resume. That may be easier said that done. Dingo is set to match up with Tony Kozina. Kozina will be making his debut at HVW with full intentions of leap frogging Dingo to the title. Two wrestlers who can really go, this could be the match of the night.

9.Battle Royal
Who has it in them to claim the first ever HVW Battle Royal?

10. Will Mark Bland be brave enough to show.
awr

My money is on the fact that Bland is all talk and no go, but HVW has sent him and invite to show up. The feud of 2009 has been HOT all summer. It started with Absoulte Wrestling Radio’s Matt Krueger insulting “Future” Donovan Ruddick in the middle of the ring. Bland was not happy about it all and called out promoter TNT Keny G during his show. Keny would infiltrate the show and take it over when Bland was out of town. Mark Bland then viciously attacked TNT Keny G at The Fan Shop in St. Louis, leaving him bruised and battered. The two had words at Six Flags during a special AWR broadcast in June.

Bland wants a match with Ruddick and promises to knock him out. Will Mark Bland be brave enough to show, or will he take my advice and stay far far away?

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Come see Living Legend Mil Mascaras in a rare appearance in the Midwest at NWA Dynamo on Wednesday April 29th.

Posted by flairwhoooooo on April 11, 2009

mil_mascaras

By Brian “Flair” Kelley

What do John Cena, The Rock, Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin all have in common? They each followed the footsteps of Wrestling Legend Mil Máscaras who went from being a Superstar in the sport of wrestling to being a star on the big screen.

Thanks to Ring of Honor, the Midwest wrestling fans got to meet living legend Ric Flair in St Louis this past March. Later this month on April 29th in Ottawa Kansas NWA Dynamo invites you for what could be a once in a lifetime chance to meet the Lucha Libra’s version of America’s Hulk Hogan, Mil Máscaras.

milmaskaras-4

Mil Máscaras who is nicknamed “The Man of a 1,000 Masks” is not only a hero in Mexico but his contributions to the sport of wrestling changed wrestling around the world. He is credited with becoming one of the first masked luchadores outside of Mexico to be cheered outside his home country. Máscaras was blessed with great size and conditioning that permitted him to Main event around the world. He thrilled the fans with his great knowledge of the wrestling moves and was able to awe them as he was one of the first wrestlers to introduce the high-flying moves of lucha libre, such as the plancha and tope suicida.

His impact on the wrestling world has had ringing endorsements from his peers, The original Tiger Mask, has described Máscaras’ impact on Japanese professional wrestling, “If it weren’t for Mil Mascaras, there would be no Jushin Liger, Último Dragón or the Great Sasuke today,”. Younger fans should know that Mascaras’ success in the US also paved the way for other luchadores such as Rey Mysterio, Jr., who just recently won the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania. Just imagine if you combined John Cena and Rey Mysterio then what you would have is Mil Máscaras. A man who had the power and flew with ease, one could say the perfect wrestler.

Just like Elvis Presley, Mil Máscaras’s physique, colorful attire and flamboyant personality had the fans begging to see more of the star outside his profession. Mascaras gave the fans what they wanted and went to star in movies. His self titled film “Mil Máscaras” in 1966 jumped started a career in the movies that have spanned five decade long.

mmascarasall

One of the very first Wrestling pop culture icons Mil Mascaras, is immortalized with his own action figure.

On April 29th you can join Mascaras as he will be filming a special match for sequel to his last movie “Mil Mascaras: Resurrection” originally title Mil Mascaras vs. the Aztec Mummy.Join NWA Dynamo Pro Wrestling for one of the biggest wrestling events in the Midwest of 2009 when Hollywood and wrestling meet once again.
mil-movie

    Straight from the NWA Dynamo Wrestling office

Pro wrestling returns to Ottawa, Ks. when NWA Dynamo Pro presents a night of exciting action culminating in a huge main event where former NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion Tony Kozina takes on the “Man of 1,000 Masks” Mil Mascaras. Mr. Mascaras will be filming scenes for his latest film project titled Mil Mascars: Aztec Revenge through out the evening. Come be a part of this historic night of action an possibly end up seeing your face on the silver screen.

N.W.A. Dynamo presents a most unique match-up as former 2-time N.W.A. World Jr. Heavyweight Champion, Tony Kozina squares off against the Legendary “Man of a thousand masks” Mil Mascaras on Wednesday night, April 29th 2009 in Ottawa, Kansas, just outside of Kansas City.

Kozina went off in a post-match interview after Chikara’s King of Trios in Philadelphia on March 29th. “For 12 long years I’ve sat by quietly, and respectfully while I’ve been passed over, and underrated. Well today it stops, because I will sit quietly no longer. I issue a challenge to any and all promotions across the globe, and to every world class professional wrestler around the world! Tony Kozina will sit quietly no longer. I’m gonna be here year after year until I face the very best and earn my place among the very best in wrestling. You can’t break my spirit.
You can’t break my will, nor can you break my determination, because I am unbreakable!!”

With that, this unusual challenge was met by one of the greatest and most famous Luchadores in wrestling history. In a rare U.S. appearance, Mil Mascaras, coming in from Mexico City, Mexico, will take the stage to face the brash and determined Tony Kozina in a match that will no doubt give the Pacific Northwest native exactly what he wants. A chance to face the very best in professional wrestling from around the world.

Location
National Guard Armory
208 West 17th Street
Ottawa, Kansas

$5.00 Kids
$10.00 Adults

Get your tickets now for this once in a lifetime event at NWA Dynamo Pro Wrestling.

nwa-dynamo-show

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Brand new Wrestling School in Kansas- Train with Al Snow.

Posted by flairwhoooooo on December 29, 2008

snow-train-small-copy

If you have the dream to become a Pro Wrestler and you are currently in the Kansas City area, I urge you to contact the brand new Dynamo Pro Wrestling Gym located in Ottawa Kansas. Take the time to get proper guidance and training from individuals with first hand experience on the happenings in the ring and out. When you exercise and you want your muscles to grow don’t forget to get the best HMB supplements for your trainment!

I won’t lie to you by saying becoming a Pro Wrestler will be easy, but with Dynamo Pro Wrestling you will have the advantage with the most thorough, intensive, and respected wrestling training in the Mid-West. The students will be offered the most opportunities to travel and wrestle all over the United States immediately upon completion of training as well opportunities to gain spots and be seen by all the top promotions in the world.

Dynamo Pro Wrestling Gym is a National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) sanctioned training facility. The company is proud to have two of the top talents in the world be a part of the training. Ring Of Honor Superstar Davey Richards who was trained by Paul Orndorff and Tony Kozina. Richards is a two time state amateur wrestling champion Wrestles all over the world including Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan, also working regularly in Mexico, Germany, England, France, and Canada. St Louis’s own Dingo, has excelled for all the top independent promotion in US including Ring of Honor, IWA-MS, Full Impact Pro among others.

It is often said that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. You never know who may be out in the audience or watching your matches on youtube/ DVD. Don’t settle with just being cool in front of your friends; strive to earn respect worldwide. From the beginners wanting to learn, too the veterans looking to polish up there skills, Dynamo Pro Wrestling can assist you with living your dream.

The new school will open January 7th.
424 South Main Street
Ottawa, Ks.
Phone 785-248-6883 for more information.

Upcoming special guest wrestling seminars: Former WWE, ECW Superstar Al Snow. With years of experience Al Snow has wrestled around the world. His wrestling seminars have had rave reviews from the wrestlers who have attended.

Al Snow
January, 30th
St. Louis, Mo.
Dynamo Pro Wrestling Gym
3957 Park Ave.
St. Louis, Mo
6:00pm -10:00pm
Cost $50.00 per person.

January 31st,
Ottawa, Ks.
3:00pm -5:00pm
Ottawa Middle School
1230 South Ash
Ottawa, Ks.
Cost $50.00 per person.
Only 20 spots available.
Be sure to reserve a spot early before they are all filled.

NWA Presents Dynamo Pro Wrestling will have a night of wrestling that evening. See for yourself, wrestling the way it is meant to be.

For more Information on the NWA-Dynamo Pro Wrestling go to their myspace .

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A Reporter’s Reflections: ROH Commentary, Dec. 5

Posted by reimaginejournalism on December 14, 2008

By Kari Williams

For the second time this year, working with Missouri Wrestling Revival initiated me to the live experience of a class-act wrestling show I otherwise may not have attended. I was not sure what to expect upon arrival, but I got everything I could have asked for—and so much more.

Once the doors opened, I quickly scoped out the merchandise table and planned to splurge on ROH gear. However, I first needed to find Brian Kelley to discuss the website and this piece you are reading now. Upon finding him, I talked with the High Voltage Wrestling promoter, TNT Keny G, and saw many familiar faces—Pierre Abernathy, Evan Gelistico, Billy McNeil, Kurt Styles and Gary the Barnowl, just to name a few.

I soon made my way back to the merchandise table and proceeded to spend $50 on a t-shirt and a hoodie, where I ran into Greg Jovi, who designed the FIST t-shirts. He told me that he needed to find Steven Kennedy because Kennedy told him that he would be there with bells on. Greg brought bells for Kennedy. Haha.

Prior to the actual start of the show, there were two ‘dark’ matches (for lack of a better word). The first one put Hunter Matthews against Steve Anthony. As the bout began, Matthews told the fans, “No cat calls, please.” Then, only moments into Matthews’ entrance, a “Hannah Montana” chant started. Anthony ended up catching Matthews with a quick roll-up for the pin. Having  never been to a show before, the opening match opened my eyes to what ROH truly is—entertaining, enjoyable and filled with superb wrestling.

The next dark match set Dirty Ernie against Brandon Marino. This bout did not do as much as the first to make me become an active follower of ROH, but it did keep me intrigued. Ernie secured the win after choking Marino on the ropes early in the game and then after losing control, he quickly regained his dominance and secured victory.

As the show truly got under way, the announcement came that MsChif would not compete and that the SHIMMER title would not be defended. However, a bonus match came about as a replacement.

Kenny King wrestled Kenny Omega in a spectacular display of athleticism. King had the first big takedown, which was followed up by back and forth action into a standoff that produced applause from the captivated audience. Soon after this, King and Omega found their way to the outside, where King pummeled Omega into the guardrail. Once they moved back into the ring, King delivered a beautiful snap suplex that received respectable praise. Omega gave the match a bit of humor when he said, “You son of a B!” following a nearfall. After connecting with an enziguri kick, Omega secured victory with a roll-up.

Rhet Titus and Sal Rinauro took on Grizzly Grimwood and Bushwhacker Luke Williams in the first of many tag team matches. Grimwood and Williams played to the crowd, causing Titus and Rinauro to use that to their advantage; but they were quickly thrown out of the ring. As the match progressed, both teams took it to the limit to please the crowd. They also proved their worth and showed me what I’ve been missing out on. Titus stole the victory for his team with a roll-up where he grabbed the tights.

The bonus match took place next, pitting Tony Kozina versus Bao Nguyen. Many people seemed uninterested in the match, and I heard grumblings from those sitting around me that this was not a good replacement for the SHIMMER title match. Personally, I thought the match was fine. It could have been better, but then again it could have also been much worse. Nonetheless, Nguyen and Kozina wrestled a fairly even match, where Nguyen’s athleticism outweighed Kozina’s near the end. Nguyen suplexed Kozina into a bridge and earned himself a three count.

An insanely impressive tag team gauntlet followed, with the first two teams being Brent Albright and Eric Stevens and Irish Airborne (Jake and David Crist). Both of these teams amazed me with their skill in the ring. Albright and Stevens advanced to the second round of the tournatment, and faced Sweet & Sour’s Davey Richards and Bobby Dempsey. Richards’ intensity translated to the fans, who ate up his presence. However, everyone seemed to care more for Dempsey, who Richards intentionally kicked and pounded on. The two did work together long enough to make it to the next round as Stevens tried to use a boot that Larry Sweeney threw into the ring, the referee disualified Stevens.

The Briscoe Brothers, Jay and Mark, rushed to the ring and made their presence felt against the weakened Dempsey and Richards. Bringing additional, pure athleticism to the bout, the Briscoes astounded me with their skill, as I hade never seen them prior to this show. As cohesively as the Briscoes worked together, Dempsey and Richards seemed to fall apart at the seems, which more than likely caused their downfall. After Jay and Mark left the ring, Sweeney attacked Dempsey and slapped him right across the face, which, among other things, caused Dempsey to sulk to the back, bloody nose and all.

A brief intermission ensued, and then the match I deemed my personal favortie began—Jimmy Jacobs and Delirious versus Ace Steel and Necro Butcher. The moment that Age of the Fall’s (AoTF) music blared through the speakers, I was hooked. I had heard a lot about AoTF online and from other people, but I did not fully appreciate them until seeing witnessing their presence live. So much happened in this match, and I got so captivated by the match, that I did not write down the specifics of what happened. These four men battled in and out of the ring, eliciting an “ROH” chant and applause from the crowd. In the closing moments of the bout, as Jacobs and Delirious had Necro and Steel in a weakened state, Jacobs gave a foreign object to Delirious who contemplated using it. Daizee Haze then came to ring side and talked him out of doing so, ultimately costing them the match. Haze apologized to Jacobs who walked away in disgust; she then raised Steel and Necro’s hands. When everyone else left the ring, Delirious received an overwhelming applause.

Tyler Black took on Austin Aries in a classic match that had fans raving for more. Before the bell rang, Aries got on the mic and said that he wanted to put everything aside and have a classic match with Black—and that they did. Both men showed their strengths and gave the fans everything they asked for. Aries and Black battled inside and outside the squared circle, in a match with too many nearfalls to count. Impressive move after impressive move warranted a “This is awesome!” chant. In the end, Black established his dominance as he defeated Aries, much to the delight of the jam-packed crowd. Aries received a standing ovation for his work as Black walked victoriously to the back.

The highly anticipated main event put Claudio Castagnoli and the ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness against Jerry Lynn and Brian Danielson. A “Best in the World” chant rose up out of the crowd as McGuinness made his way to the ring. This was simply tag team wrestling at its best. Frequent tags, cutting the ring in half, multiple near falls and an all-together great chemistry between the teams made the match fantastic. Lynn secured his team’s fate while delivering a piledriver to Castagnoli.

After the final match, I spoke with Brian Kelley and Chuck from Slamzone, who only had positive things to say about the night. The matches were spectacular, the atmosphere was almost cult-like and everything came together perfectly. Now, I know I am not an expert, but, in my humble opinion, this show proved what wrestling is all about—pure competition, incredible athleticism and quality matches every match.

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