Sunday, December 31, 2017

I said I'd post this late, so it's late and it's letters to me time. :)

If you want to ask something, make a comment, etc. ChicagoBillW1@gmail.com

What in your opinion was the biggest surprise of this past year?

Pat. C. Newport, R.I.
Without a doubt it would be how Billy Gorgan has revitalized the NWA. I'm currently writing an article for an Australian newsletter that this guy Dann Lennard   Puts out about it. How the fans reactions to it have been in my opinion, way better than anything Impact Wrestling has done. or WWE in my own personal opinion.


Has anything you said would happen (or not happen) come to pass?

Mark M. London, England.
Without a doubt, and ALOT of people are mad because I've bragged about this. But I said right from the get go that bringing Jeff Jarrett back to TNA/Impact Wrestling would be the biggest mistake they could make. Well, we see how that played out. I was on the mark with that and, i said that Jarrett's GFW would be considered more of a joke now than ever and... Anthem Sports smartening up to that fact and following thru on the purchase of it? Said it all. I also said that Anthem Sports wouldn't stand a chance against Matt Hardy in a lawsuit. Seeing that Anthem Sports backed out of it, that's three in a row off the top of my head. I'm sure I can think of at least two more but, those three were the main ones.


Bill, thanks for all the indy stuff you post. No other site features these groups or in your case, feature them on a weekly basis. You show the same company's new shows each week so it's cool to just come here and see them. I get WCWC on tv where i live but I never would've known about it if I didn't find your site and see the show highlighted. So thank you for that.

Rachel- Oregon
No, Thank you. I try but there's so many that I wish I could get to. The ones I feature, like AMW, Fight Pro Wrestling, WWA (Kentucky), RCW, WCWC, Absolute(UK) are ones I just happen to find on accident or a suggestion and either found a heel I liked, storyline, or the whole show. These companies provide what the major groups can't for me and I so appreciate them for what they put out every week. House of Glory I've been trying to keep up with as well as Defiant but there are, only so many hours in a day. :) Can't get all but I do what I can which is more than some 'other' sites w/paywalls and VIP memberships I can name that don't do half of what this little blog that can does.


What a great mixture of stuff you post here, some old, some new, and alot of obscure stuff. The written podcasts I enjoy alot too. Thank you for creating this. I have this bookmarked and really enjoy the mix of things you come up with.

Aiden C.- Vancouver
It's people like you that have helped make this thing successful so the thanks is to you, people like you never view this blog it wouldn't exist.


I'm sure you've been asked this alot but what was your favorite promotion growing up?

Dale- Atlanta
I have and don't mind answering it again. AWA, and Bob Luce's/ Dick The Bruiser's WWA out of Indiana. Those were the only two at one time that we could get on tv growing up in Chicago, before WCCW, Crockett, McMahon, and even Southwest Championship Wrestling(for like three months on a Spanish station) came in. I grew up on AWA and WWA so they'll always be the faves and Bockwinkel was THE CHAMP for me, him and Harley Race.


Bill, Where's that AWA group you feature every week from?

Jim Reynolds- Hammond, Indiana
The indy group? Actually it's in your state. Indiana, I believe Madison Indiana is where they have their weekly shows.

 

 

 

 

 

BBC story on women wrestling

Indy results and stuff.

AAW from last night in Merrionette Park, IL: Keith Lee & Shane Strickland b Zachary Wentz & Dezmond Xavier, ACH d Matt Riddle 20:00, Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett b Curt Stallion & Nick Brubaker, David Starr b Eddie Kingston after a baseball bat shot to the face, AR Fox over Joey Janela, Teddy Hart and Penta 0M, David & Jake Crist & Sami Callihan b Myron Reed & Stephen Wolf & Try Miguel, Connor Braxton & Jake Something b Paco & Sean Waltman, Rey Fenix b Jeff Cobb with a Canadian Destroyer to keep the AAW title.

Progress from yesterday in London at the Electric Ballroom, Chapter 60, no matches were announced but the show still drew a sellout of 700 fans: Tyler Bate & Zack Gibson & Kyle Fletcher & Chris Brookes b Trent Seven & James Drake & Mark Davis & Kid Lykos in an elimination match with Brookes as the final survivor in a comedy match, Jack Sexsmith b Joe Coffey, Millie McKenzie won six-way over Charlie Morgan, Sierra Loxton, Candyfloss, Charli Evans and Chakara, Jimmy Havoc & Mark Haskins b Clint Margera & Drew Parker in a 12 days of Christmas no DQ match with 12 different weapons wrapped up as Christmas presents being used, Rampage Brown b Flash Morgan Webster, Travis Banks b Will Ospreay to keep the Progress world title (said to be one of the best matches in Progress for the year and possibly their history), Pete Dunne b Jack Gallagher to keep the U.K. title. (I actually enjoy watching Rampage Brown in Absolute Wrestling so I may have to go search up some PROGRESS now.)

Inspire Pro Wrestling on 1/14 in Austin, TX has ACH vs. Shane Strickland, Kody Lane vs. MJF and a Battle Royal.

  • SuperBowl Bash 5 on 1/20 at 5 p.m. in Barrie, ONT at 49 Ferris Lane featuring Joe Hendry.

  • Smash Wrestling on 1/19 in Sarnia, ONT at the Music Hall with Tarik vs. Joe Hendry.

  • XICW on 1/7 in Warren, MI at the Hot Rock Sports Bar.

    CWE on 1/8 in Virden, Manitoba at the Virden Collegiate and 1/10 in Brandon, Manitoba featuring an appearance by Jake Roberts.

    Stardom on 1/13 in Yokohama has Io Shrai vs. Rachael Ellering plus Kris Wolf defends her AWS title against Miranda Salinas. 1/21 is the company seventh anniversary show at Korakuen Hall with Mary Apache vs. Kay Lee Ray and Queen's Quest vs. Oedo Tai.

    Lisa Marie Varon will appear on the Amazon and Amazon Prime TV show "Tainted Streams" that Jessie Godderz is in. She plays the parole officer for the character Godderz plays. The two played a couple in TNA several years ago.


     

    Sunday Night Indy feature is, that little group from Maryland called Fight Pro Wrestling Episode 24

     
    Published on Dec 31, 2017
    This weeks episode sees Beast Man vs Mac Mayhem and Killian McMurphy vs Ray Rumble

    ROH Prospect Talks WWE Changing Their Mentality On Independent Wrestling

    Ring of Honor top prospect finalist John Skyler recently took some time out of his busy schedule to participate in an interview with Marc Madison of The Wrestling News Hub Magazine. In the interview, Skyler opens up about his passion for the business, working in NXT, how everything clicked for him during a match with Johnny Gargano, and how the business has changed. They sent us the highlights below, you can check out the full interview by clicking here.

     
    A career highlight match to date:
    "There was this one particular match against Johnny Gargano that I had in Charlotte, North Carolina for PWX, which was probably about two years ago now. It was kind of a cold match, there was no rivalry, he was coming in for one-time appearance and I was working my way up the system at the time, just getting hot. The bell rang and we stood there in our respective corners and the crowd was going ballistic. We hadn't done anything, we were just standing there and staring at each other from across the ring, and they were chanting 'Johnny Wrestling, Skyler Sucks' and then it became a 50/50 thing where people were like chanting 'Johnny Wrestling' / 'Let's go Skyler.' We took a couple steps closer to each other, we went nose to nose with one another, and then the crowd started chanting 'This is awesome.' We had never touched each other! This was a cold match, and it was literally us just taking a moment to acknowledge the people and the people were acknowledging us. We were letting the people, in a certain way, dictate what we were going to do next, but they didn't have full control, we were still trying to figure things out. So, we were like, okay."

    His experience with Kyle O'Reilly:
    "We crossed paths only briefly, it was in the NWA Future Legends cup, I believe and that was about 7 years ago. He was still on the rise with Ring of Honor, but my experiences with him were great. He was such a mild-mannered, very nice young guy just like me and a lot of guys in that locker room, but I think we had both had matches earlier on in the day. It was a one-day tournament, and I wrestled Reid Flair earlier on in the show and he wrestled maybe Tony Kozina, I believe. I know we didn't have a lot of time to put a match together, and we didn't really know each other. So, we had to go out there, and again, feel it out in what I think was Carlton, Georgia, near Atlanta. We had to look at the type of crowd we had, and again, this is the sign of two pros going out there and getting it done. Kyle was always great, and he was a very polite and very professional guy. I'm glad to have worked with him the few times that I did."
    How the WWE has changed their mind about independent wrestlers:
    "Where now, wrestlers are starting to embrace it, as, like, the new regime there, they want to know where you have been and your accomplishments on the independents and where you have been, and they almost embrace that independent background, where they turned up their nose to it a couple of years ago. That's changed in a good way, and there are a number of guys making great livings on the independents outside the WWE. There is a world outside the WWE that people may think maybe a little bit untapped. There are people going out, and celebrities showing up at PWG shows in Rosita, California, and it's this hotspot where people want to go and see what is going on. I also liken what a number of the American fans will see on the independents to college football. They are playing for the love of the game, and aren't making millions of dollars yet, they haven't made it to the NFL yet. The NFL is like WWE, and people are doing it for the contracts or the money, and when they are playing college ball they are doing it for the love of the game. I think fans come out to independent shows and see that, we are making good money, but not necessarily WWE money. It isn't life-changing money, but we love performing and we love the business".

    Chris Jericho's Podcast Leaving PodcastOne

    Chris Jericho's podcast, Talk Is Jericho, is leaving PodcastOne after a four year run. Jericho revealed that last Friday's episode was the last on the podcast network, and that the show will be moving to Westwood One. He also said that his Jericho Network, which was launched in June of 2016 on PodcastOne, will be going with him.

     
    "This is the last TIJ of 2017 and it's also the last Talk is Jericho here on PodcastOne," Jericho said. "I've got a big announcement to share with you. Talk is Jericho has a new podcast home for 2018. My show is moving to Westwood One, the huge, the famous Westwood One!"

    Talk Is Jericho debuted on PodcastOne in December of 2013 with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin as Jericho's first guest. Since then, over 400 episodes have been recorded.

    "Nothing is really changing," Jericho stated. "We're still doing two episodes per week, every Wednesday and Friday, just like we've always been doing... The good news is [that] The Jericho Network is coming with me. So Westwood One, here we come! I really feel that Talk Is Jericho is going to go to a whole new level with Westwood One."

    Jericho added that the show will also now be available on Google Play, Stitcher, Tune In and Podbean. It is also available on the web at Omny.fm

    AUDIO: SID VICIOUS' CALL INFORMING AIW HE WAS A NO SHOW

    Absolute Intense Wrestling released audio of their phone call with Sid Vicious, where the former WWF champion explained he was no-showing their event in Cleveland due to the travel ban President Donald Trump has ordered in the United States, which obviously has no bearing on U.S. citizens being able to travel.  You can listen to the audio by clicking here.

    Impact Wrestling star EC3 dressed as Sid, complete with leather vest and blonde wig, signing Sid promo photos, in an attempt to turn the negative into an entertaining positive for fans in attendance at the event.

    For more on AIW, visit www.AIWrestling.com

    Want an Indy Show in Wisconsin? Ok, here you go. BREW CITY WRESTLING RETURNING NEXT MONTH WITH SHANE DOUGLAS, WAR GAMES AND MORE

    Brew City Wrestling celebrates our 14th Anniversary Show,
    "Rise To Honor XIV" on Friday, January 12, 2018 at the
    Columbus Club of West Allis, 1800 S. 92 St. Bell time is
    7:30pm, doors open at 6:45pm. Tickets available on
    brewcitywrestling1.com $25 ringside, $17 advance pre-sale or
    $20 general admission at the door. Meet & Greet starts at
    6pm with Shane Douglas, WWE Hall of Famer Greg "The Hammer"
    Valentine, tickets are $10. Then join the Stars of Brew City
    Wrestling at the Slurp -N- Burp Fun Bar, 1454 S. 92 St.

    ***MAIN EVENT***
    WAR GAMES STEEL CAGE!
    Heathens -vs- Brew City Saints

    EXTREME RULES, FANS BRINGS THE WEAPONS!
    ECW Legend "Franchise" Shane Douglas -vs- "BCW Franchise"
    Evil Dys

    LOSER GETS THEIR HEAD SHAVED!
    "Mar-Man" Mario Crivello -vs- "Fabled One" Aesop Mitchell

    NO DISQUALIFICATION!
    Evil Sierra -vs- Frankie "Thumper" DeFalco

    "Rage" Mitch Blake -vs- Ruff Crossing

    2018 Brew City Wrestling Hall of Honor Inductions

    More FANdemonium matches announced soon!

    www.brewcitywrestling1.com

    NWA CHAMPION NICK ALDIS HEADING TO PRIMAL CONFLICT WRESTLING

    At least if they film something it'll be appreciated by these fans, unlike those moron fans of Combat Zone Wrestling. (Yeah, I did say it. :) )

    On Saturday, December 9, 2017, at Combat Zone Wrestling's Cage of Death in Sewell, NJ, Nick Aldis made history by defeating Tim Storm to become the new NWA World Champion.

    Etching his name in history alongside the names of legends like Ric Flair, Harley Race, and Terry Funk, Aldis determined to make his reign the defining reign of his Generation. The NWA is now owned and backed by Smashing Pumpkins' frontman Billy Corgan and is poised to make the "Ten Pounds of Gold" mean more than it has in a long time.

    Primal Conflict Wrestling is proud to host an athlete the caliber of NWA World Champion Nick Aldis!

    Primal Conflict Wrestling presents "Holy War", presented by: Pop's Barbeque & Sauces, Regional Bonding; on Friday, January 19, with VIP Meet & Greet at 6pm , Doors Open at
    6:30pm for General Admission, and a 7:30 pm Bell Time

    Harpers Ferry KOA
    343 Campground Road
    Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

    Primal Conflict Wrestling Champion KEN DIXON vs. DIRTY MONEY

    Also In Action:
    - Former TNA World Champion NICK ALDIS (aka Magnus)
    -Primal Conflict Wrestling Television Champion NAPALM
    -Primal Conflict Wrestling Tag Team Champions LOGAN EASTON
    LAROUX & "The Reason" C.A. ELLIOT
    - "The New Age Plague" GORY
    - "The Polynesian Powerhouse" NUI TOFIGA
    - PUNK ROCK ALL-STARS
    - MUSTAFA AZIZ
    - SEAN STUDD
    and many more!

    Ticket Info:
    VIP Front Row- $25 In Advance;
    VIP Second Row- $20 In Advance;
    General Admission -$15 In Advance;

    * All Tickets $5 more at the door
    ** There is an additional charge for photographs and
    autographs, as set by individual talents.

    Advance Tickets on sale NOW at
    www.primalconflictwrestling.com

    Follow Primal Conflict Wrestling on Twitter
    https://twitter.com/PrimalConflict

    Subscribe to PCW 24/7 for just $4.99 a month
    https://pcw247.pivotshare.com/ 

    For those in New Jersey. NICK GAGE, TEDDY HART, SCOTT SUMMERS & MORE SET FOR ON POINT WRESTLING IN BLACKWOOD, NJ

    On Point Wrestling presents its 5th anniversary event, "Enter the Compound" at the Game Changer Wrestling Compound, 110 Harmon Drive, Blackwood, NJ on Saturday, January 13 with a 8:00 pm bell time.

    Feature matches signed for the show so far:

    REMATCH: 2 1/2 YEARS IN THE MAKING
    - Nick Gage vs. Scot Summers

    1ST TIME EVER
    - Anthony Deppen vs. Teddy Hart

    OPW CHAMPIONSHIP
    Drew Blood vs. KTB

    Drake Chambers vs. Pelle Primeau

    Pro Wrestling Explosion returns to Somerdale, NJ on January
    26 with Joe Gacy, Delirious, Jeff Cannonball at 6:30 PM at
    the Somerdale VFW, 10 Kennedy Blvd, Somerdale, NJ 08083

    Matches scheduled:

    PWE champion Alex Payne defends his title against Delirious
    (main event)!

    Juan Francisco De' Coronado vs. Desean Pratt (semi main)!

    Jenny Rose vs. Allie Recks!

    The Beach Bums vs Xyberhawx 2000!

    **INTERMISSION**

    Joe Gacy vs Grizzly Redwood (first time)!

    Cheeseburger has an open challenge to ANYONE!

    Smash Bradley/Billy Avery vs. The Agency (Oleg and Boar with
    Sly Stetson)

    Bobby Dempsey vs. Hermit Crab!

    Mike Orlando vs. "The Kid" Vinny Pacifico (opening match)!

    Attending: Jeff Cannonball! + more!

    BEYOND WRESTLING PRESENTING LIVE iPPV OF YEAR & FIRST MATCH OF 2018 TONIGHT

    NO SID? NO PROBLEM! HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED WHEN SID NO SHOWED AIW'S 12/29 EVENT

    AIW Rulers of the World, no longer featuring Sid Vicious.

    Our Lady of Mount Carmel
    Cleveland, Ohio
    12.29.17
    No Vacancy

    As everybody knows by now, Psycho Sid no showed his appearance. True to form, AIW came through and with some holiday magic ended the year with a bang.

    Showed opened with Filthy Tom Lawlor tapping The Captain of the Ship, Louis Lyndon. This was a real good mat based match that saw Lawlor focus on Lyndon’s injured arm. I was looking forward to this match and it delivered. Tom Lawlor is the man. In a relatively short time he’s established himself as one of the best wrestlers here and the crowd loves him. If I were a champion in AIW, I’d be paying close attention to Tom Lawlor in 2018.

    Next up was a tag match that saw Shawn Shultz and Mance Warner with long time AIW heat magnet, The Duke defeat Eric Ryan and Bobby Beverly by nefarious means.

    Newer AIW heat magnets, Dr Daniel C Rockingham and Brian Carson, Dedication Personified; came out to rag on Sid. They then bought out their partner Gregory Iron Vicious. After more great mic work, Team Justice started to arrive. First Dick Justice, then Matt Justice, then #ESID3 Justice!! Need less to say Mount Carmel went nuts.

    This was great. Greg Vicious even brought scissors into play. It was so 1993. In the end Team Justice prevailed. Glad #ESID3 was home for the holidays.

    An open challenge was issued by tag champs To Infinity and Beyond, Colin Delaney and Cheech. It was answered by an unlikely duo that we immediately dubbed The Long and The Short of It: 7 Foot Savage, PB Smooth and (Horn) Swoggle. The 2 time champs ended up regretting making the challenge as the first time team pulled off the major upset and won the belts..  Swoggle was in town Thursday doing a comedy show. He stayed over to help offset Sid no showing and ended up as tag champ.

    First half ended with Dominic Garinni defeating All Ego Ethan Page in a good rematch from last month. Same result  minus pre and post match prayers. There was a “Baby Jesus” chant during the match as a large picture of the Nativity was on one of the walls.

    #ESID3 signed a lot of pictures during intermission. “He’s not here, but I was” EC3

    An eight man tag match with a lot of good young talent started the second half. No Consequences (AJ Gray, Garrison “Gary The King Baller” King, Tre Lamar and Joshua Bishop) took on The Production (Frankie Flynn, Derek the Director, Colby Redd and Magnum CK). Magnum  is a big guy and his entrance is great. This was AIW BS Crazy. Fighting everywhere. The scoreboard at Mount Carmel went on and off out of nowhere a couple of times. This distraction allowed Eddy Only to interfere and assist the Production to a cheap victory between heel teams. There’s a lot of talent to watch here. Joshua Bishop gets better every show. This year’s Back to the Future Cup is a great showcase of AIW’s next generation.

    Intense Champ Joey Janela defended against the Unprofessional Professional, The Zombie Princess Jimmy Jacobs. As you can imagine this match couldn’t stay in the ring and it didn’t. they brawled in the crowd and chairs were involved. In the end, Janela hit some sort of driver on Jacobs after they were fighting on four chairs in the middle of the ring. The chair Jimmy’s head hit was FUBAR. Great match.

    Up next was a match I thought might be a slobberknocker, Hot Sauce Tracy Williams vs Eddie Kingston. This was way beyond slobberknocker. Brutal match with lots of offense from both guys. Sick back fists from Eddie who controlled more of the match. In the end Hot Sauce won. Afterwards, both men were down on the mat for awhile. Other wrestlers came in to assist. Kingston gave an amazing speech putting over Tracy Williams as better than him and a leader of the next generation of professional wrestling. Check this out.

    Our semi main event was next. It’s a scramble featuring four of the best in the world. Matt Cross, with grandma Cross in the crowd vs Gringo Loco vs Laredo Kid vs Queen of Cleveland, Mrs Wrestling, Mrs Bee’s Knees, Mrs Cat’s Pajamas, Candice LeRae. This was as great as expected. The winner was not, as Candice was the surprise victor. I hope this positions her to face Tenille Dashwood in February. That would be great.

    Main event rematch for AIW championship. New champ Nick Gage defends against former champ Tim Donst. Last month’s match was a bloodbath. Donst vowed to get back to wrestling in an effort to regain the title. This was a unique match. They grappled a lot. They went into the crowd and eventually the bleachers, but things never got out of control or close to ultraviolent. It was a wrestling match that Gage won.

    Saturday, December 30, 2017

    Saturday Night Wrestling features this week's Appalachian Mountain Wrestling AMW-TV: Dec. 30, 2017

     
    Published on Dec 30, 2017
    SMW, ECW, WWE star Al Snow makes a surprise return to Appalachian Mountain Wrestling at Christmas Clash!
    Did Kyle Maggard make it out with the championship?
    Did Stan Lee defeat Beau James?
    Find out the answers to those questions on this week's AMW-TV

    1Wrestling.com CATCHING UP WITH “BEAUTIFUL” BOBBY EATON & MGR. BRIAN THOMPSON

    Jeremy Borash Responds To Rumors On If The Hardys Wanted Him In WWE With Them

    On episode 200 of The Ross Report, WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross spoke with Impact Wrestling's Jeremy Borash. Among other things, Borash talked about Scott D'Amore and Don Callis coming in as Impact's executive team, whether the rumors of the Hardys wanting him in WWE are true, and Matt Hardy being permitted to use his 'Broken' gimmick on WWE programming.

     
    During the interview, Borash indicated that he feels good about D'Amore and Callis coming in to run Impact. Moreover, 'J.B.' said they are not blowing up Impact all over again, but rather changing their outlook about how to survive.

    "The transition has been great and I think with Scott D'Amore we've seen what he [has] brought to the table. I've worked with him for well over a decade… actually, way longer than that, come to think of it. Now, it [has] been too long I've actually worked with him now, so he [has] been along the ride and he [has] been one of those guys you know is going to be right in the thick of things with you. As far as Don Callis goes, I've met him and worked with him a few times and I think he represents a good corporate side of things. He has experience in the boardroom, which is important these days. Actually, as a media company, you've got to know what you're doing in there. And as things progress, it's not necessarily hitting the reset button because I think that has been done a few times. Really, I think a whole new outlook from a business standpoint on where this is going and where it needs to go to survive."

    Also during the interview, Borash confirmed that the Hardys wanted him in WWE with them as they had good chemistry. Borash has long been rumored as being the brains behind the 'Broken' universe.

    "We wanted to continue to work together no matter where it was. Yeah, it was one of those [things] where we had such chemistry together that we really felt like after at some point, things could have gone in any direction and we really could have gone on to call our own shots as well. Obviously, there [were] different things that happened and it was one of those things that happened so fast. And we just had such a great chemistry together creatively. We had series options. We had a lot of things on the table before it all happened and they ended up going back to WWE."

    Notably, Borash put over Anthem's Ed Nordholm for letting Matt Hardy use his 'Broken' gimmick in WWE. Borash voiced his discontent over Cody Runnels, formerly WWE's Cody Rhodes, just being called Cody on the indies before suggesting that talent can rest assure knowing that gimmicks created for them as Impact talent can be taken with them wherever they go.
      
    "I'm happy to see it and one thing that has been very cool, I was talking to Ed Nordholm and he kind of lifted the traditional copyright/intellectual property issues that I think have plagued [pro] wrestling for a long time. I still think it's ridiculous that Cody Rhodes has to just be called Cody. He's fine. He can make it work, but it's you know, come on. So lifting the wrench that has been kind of tightening on these things for a long time. I'm happy, so if Matt wants to use the 'Broken' stuff, I guess he's free to do it. Great! And I think it's one of those things that give talent a little more freedom with their creative and kind of hold onto something. At least with Impact Wrestling, if something is created there, you can take it with you and I think that's really revolutionary, I think, in some ways because in a lot of ways, you've got to be your own guy and as the landscape's changing, that's an interesting direction that's taking".

     

    So, WHO replaced the no Showing Sid Vicious on last night's AIW show?


    The Absolute Intense Wrestling promotion in Ohio announced yesterday that former WWE Champion, Sycho Sid, had canceled his appearance for their show last night in Cleveland. According to the AIW on Facebook, Sid blamed the cancellation on President Donald Trump's travel ban. EC3 made up for Sid's cancellation by dressing as the former WWE Champion and signing Sid's photos at the event.

    Former TNA Wrestler Says The Shield Took Their Gimmick

    Former Impact Wrestling talent Wes Brisco was recently on the Pancakes and Powerslams Show. The former Aces & Eights member discussed being in fights in high school because his father Gerald was a McMahon "Stooge," teaming with Xavier Woods in FCW, Jinder Mahal, his release from FCW and Impact Wrestling and more. You can check out the full episode here, they sent us these highlights:

     
    Whether Gut Check Challenge was a work:
    "Half and half. If I didn't do really well, they wouldn't have gone with me at all. They were like, [if you didn't do well], that would kind of destroy you. Either you better shine because we have all these other people waiting that are super talented, so you better step it up. Because, if you don't, we're not gonna use you."
    Why Aces & Eights ended:
    "What happened was, they hired two new writers. The other writers got fired, and they hired a bunch of new people and the new people in charge didn't want any script or anything to do with the other writers. So those in control scratched everything. That's why it kinda just ended.

    Claiming stating that The Shield got their gimmick from Aces & Eights:
    "All those guys that we were together with, we stuck together, we hung out together, we were together. I mean, we took this [seriously]. We wanted to be very successful. We wanted to treat it like it was our baby, our opportunity to set an example and create something totally different.
    "Because if you look at it, that's what started The Shield because of us. If you really look at it, we started before The Shield even came through the crowd, we had the mask on. Basically, [they did] the exact same thing.

    NWA Champion Nick Aldis On Big Spots Being Overused, 'Building Anticipation For One Match'

    Nick Aldis spoke with Arm Drag Takedown with Pollo Del Mar about promoting matches and what he wants to do in pro wrestling. Here are some of the highlights via Huffington Post:

     
    Wrestling today being too focused on big moves and high spots:
    "[Wrestling] got hoodwinked into thinking the most important thing in our business was the match in the ring. I got into this to tell stories and to get people invested into characters and emotion. I wanted to be an entertainer! I wanted to be able to indulge in all the things pro wrestling provides which 'real sports' don't."
    Reusing an older style of promotion in the pro wrestling business (similar to what UFC does today) to get fans interested:
    "Essentially, if you changed the final outcome of the UFC builds with an NWA World Championship match from the 1980s, the whole lot of it leading up to that is very much the same. The reality was, if you wanted to see these two guys go at it, without interference or in the full match, you either had to buy a ticket or you had to tune into this pay-per-view or this special. That's essentially what UFC's model is. They put out [UFC Embedded], they put out smaller cards on free TV, but everything else they put out is press conferences, interviews, profile pieces, all of which is leading to the fight. The fight is the attraction."

    Taking the "unknown champion" (then NWA Champion, Tim Storm) from a less popular promotion and turning that into a story:
    "Dave [Lagana] and Billy [Corgan], as the Managing Editor and Executive Producer, took that story and instead of [pretending] certain elements [that] some people might look at as 'negative' didn't exist, they, in fact, embraced that and made it a compelling part of the story. In fact, that's the part people have been most interested in. ... You can find the elements of people's real lives and make them into a compelling story, if you know how to do it right."
    Nick Aldis also discussed his new manager, Austin Idol, and more about the NWA. You can read the full interview by clicking here.

    Letters, comments, etc.

    I have acouple letters I'll be posting here late tomorrow night. If you'd like to be added to them feel free to email me questions, comments, etc at chicagobillw1@gmail.com

    MONSTER FACTORY HOSTING FREE CARNIVAL NEXT WEEK

    Free Carnival at the Monster Factory!

    Mark your calendars! Saturday, January 6th! Monster Factory
    Fun Festival! Great chance for families to come out and
    check out the World Famous Monster Factory!

    Perfect for all ages! There will be face painting, games,
    prizes, autographs, pictures, kids will be able to get in
    the ring with the stars of #TheMFPW! Plenty of food and
    refreshments! Admission is FREE! Plus everyone that attends
    will get a FREE ticket to a future show! So come on out
    January 6th from 10am-1pm!

    #MonsterFactory #WWE #ROH #Carnival #FunFest #Party 

    HOOSIER PRO WRESTLING RETURNING NEXT WEEK TO INDIANA WITH FLASH FLANAGAN AND MORE

    Hoosier Pro Wrestling returns to Columbus, IN on Saturday
    January 6th for "Year #20 Begins January 6th".

    Come see 7 big matches and the return of former WWE, TNA,
    USWA, OVW and Puerto Rico star Flash Flanagan! Plus the
    AXEMEN Return!

    Hoosier Pro Wrestling
    Year #20 Begins January 6th
    Saturday January 6th, 2018
    4-H Fairgrounds
    Columbus, IN
    Bell 7:45pm Open 7pm
    Tickets $12 Adults - Kids 4 & Under Free
    Concessions, Wrestling Items, T Shirts & Hoodies
    7 big matches with all your favorite HPW Stars, plus
    Superstar Flash Flanagan returns...

    DOA WRESTLING RETURNING TO PORTLAND NEXT MONTH

    DOA Pro Wrestling presents Portslamdia on Sunday January 7,
    at Harvey's Comedy Club, 436 NW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR.
    Doors open at 1:00 pm, with a 2:00 pm bell time.

    All tickets are $15 and seating is first come first serve

    The show is all ages, and the venue has a full bar and menu.

    Already signed to appear:

    * MAIN EVENT/DOA Grand Championship
    DOA Grand Champion Ethan HD defends against Schaff

    * Johnny Paradise vs. Mike Santiago

    Plus:
    * DOA Pure Champion Julian Whyt
    * DOA Tag Team Champions 4 minutes of Heat
    * FMW Hardcore Legend Dr. Luther
    * RockGod Ricky Gibson
    * Wade Hess
    * Dr. Kliever
    * The Devil Drexl
    * The Higher 5
    * CJ Edwards
    * Sonico
    * Northwest Express
    * Eric Right
    * Udo
    * Kaine Jaiden

    and much much more!

    FOLLOW US
    Web: doaprowrestling.com
    Facebook: doaprowrestling
    Twitter: @doaprowrestling

    LOOKING AT THE EXCELLENT BRIAN PILLMAN BIOGRAPHY

    Hear Liam O’Rourke on Outside Interference Wrestling Radio this Sunday December 31st at 9am EST on www.MoneyTalk1010.com

    “The intricate detail of Brian’s wrestling career is the major star of Mr. O’Rourke’s writing.”

    CM Punk’s “pipe bomb” promo, the Montreal Screwjob, “Broken” or “Woken” Matt Hardy, Bray Wyatt, “the Demon King” Finn Balor. All these events and character creations occurred after the tragic passing of BRIAN PILLMAN on October 5, 1997 in a Minnesota hotel room.

    Just imagine if his heart had not given out from drug abuse, what the former “Flyin’ Brian” AKA “the Loose Cannon” would be doing in wrestling today.

    Brian has been gone now twenty years and his legacy is remembered fondly by author LIAM O’ROURKE in his biography “CRAZY LIKE A FOX: THE DEFINITIVE CHRONICLE OF BRIAN PILLMAN, 20 YEARS LATER ($16.99, 309pp, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform).

    If you watched the WWE’s DVD release on Pillman released in 2006, many of the bare bones of Mr. O’Rourke’s book are familiar. He covers Brian’s battle with vocal cord nodules that gave him the raspy voice we all remember and his rough childhood. Brian’s legendary battles to play high school and college football at nose tackle at the diminutive size (Pillman grew to 5’10”) where he earned many awards and accolades are also covered in great detail. We also get insight into his short stint in the NFL with his hometown Cincinnati Bengals where he met lifelong friend Kim Wood who would help Brian make the transition from the grid iron to the Hart Family dungeon in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

    The intricate detail of Brian’s wrestling career is the major star of Mr. O’Rourke’s writing as he covers the journey from Calgary (Stampede Wrestling) to the NWA/WCW (World Championship Wrestling) to the WWF (now called World Wrestling Entertainment).

    To help us on the journey, Mr. O’Rourke interviewed Raven (who worked in WCW as Scotty Flamingo), Kim Wood, journalist Dave Meltzer, radio personality Mark Madden, Bruce Hart and others who were there for the fun. They cover Pillman’s arrival as “Flyin’ Brian” and his struggles to shine despite the horrendous creative decisions made by NWA/WCW personnel.

    My favorite part includes how the Hollywood Blondes with “Stunning” Steve Austin was conceived and eventually destroyed.

    Also outlined in intrinsic detail is how Kim Wood and Brian came up the infamous “Loose Cannon” that was the talk of the wrestling industry for several years. Even a lifelong fan
    like me didn’t know some of the story and I loved every page.

    The story nearly ended for Brian once before his passing, when he nearly died in a car accident near his Walton, Kentucky home. Despite having his ankle fused limiting his
    in-ring mobility, Pillman signed with WWF and became a star right up until he went to sleep in Minnesota on October 4, 1997.

    Fans of the pre-attitude era WWF will enjoy the infamous Pillman-Austin 9MM incident broken down by Mr. O’Rourke.

    The only flaw in the book is Brian’s personal life and children are not featured enough. They do take up the last chapters after Brian’s passing and you will be brought to
    near tears when you read how Brian’s widow Melanie treated Brian’s kids after his passing.

    For more thoughts from Liam, follow him on www.Twitter.com/LiamORourke86 . The book can be found on www.amazon.com in North America and the United Kingdom. For
    information on Alan Wojcik’s wrestling coverage, check out www.Facebook.com/KayfabeWrestlingRadio & www.Twitter.com/MyNameIsWojcik
    Alan Wojcik (@MyNameIsWojcik) | Twitter www.twitter.com 

    DDP IN THE ROYAL RUMBLE, JUSTIN CREDIBLE AND MORE

    Chuck Carroll did an interview with DDP where he gave me an update on Justin Credible’s progress and the possibility of him entering the Royal Rumble. We also talked about Vince McMahon resurrecting the XFL as well some of the biggest successes among DDP Yoga users.

    Here are some highlights:
    The Royal Rumble is right around the corner. What are the odds that we’ll see you make an appearance?

    If they call me, I’ll be there. But if I never get in the ring again, I am so happy to have had the run I had.

    Justin Credible’s unfortunate video just made rounds on social media. Then he posted a lengthy apology, and said that he’s reached out to you for help. Can you give us an update on how he’s doing?

    I didn’t get a phone call from him, I made a phone call to him. Because of helping Jake, and Scott, Vader, and Mick Foley … just by reaching out and helping the guys, when someone is hurting, they’ll contact me. So I know about it pretty much right away. I always loved PJ. He’s a great kid who just made some bad decisions...

    I told him if he gets to work doing the [DDP Yoga] program five days a week, we’ll talk every day or a minimum of every other day. I told him, if he gets on track for a month, then I’ll bring you down here, and we’ll work together, and I’ll start to really treat him this time. I’ll actually teach him how to teach what I do.

    It appears Vince McMahon is ready to dip his toes back into the football realm and is going to reboot the XFL or something similar. Crazy, or are you on board with the idea?

    McMahon has always been a visionary. But, again, they’re a multi-billion-dollar company, and it really comes down to the talent. So I don’t know how you do that. But if he’s got a plan… I’m sure he’s got a plan, because… the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result. Some of my biggest victories have come directly after some of my biggest failures… He knows what he did wrong, and probably wants to go back and go, I think I got this this time. I’m sure he’s going to make plenty of mistakes on the way to get there. Who really knows where it’s going to be when it’s all said and done. I love to watch what McMahon does. I love to watch. Vince is a genius.


    The full interview is here: http://sports.cbslocal.com/2017/12/28/diamond-dallas-page-wwe-ddp-yoga-justin-credible/

    12/16 DYNAMO PRO WRESTLING RESULTS

    Dynamo Pro Wrestling at the Concordia Turners Gym, St. Louis



    Frodo The Ghost Meyer def Aqua Bandito......OuTtKaSt def. The Snitch...........Rahne Victoria def. Savannah Stone and Tootie Lynn Ramsey in a women's triple threat match.......Adrian Surge and Brandon Aarons def. Dynamo Pro Wrestling Champion Makaze and Jaden Roller......Brandon "Espy" Espinosa def. Aaron Dzimic......Orion Creed def. Moz The Strangler Lewis.....Jackal def. Dynamo Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champion Viktor Von Stein....Tony Esteem def. Ricky Rodriguez.....Dynamo Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champion Xavier Shadows def. Keon Option

    Friday, December 29, 2017

    Cody Rhodes On Being Free Of WWE, How It Was To Work For TNA, Kurt Angle, WWE Exclusive Contracts

    Cody Rhodes spoke with Wrestledope.com before his spoken word show in Cork, Ireland. You can check out the full interview in the video above, they sent us these highlights:

     
    Being free from WWE:
    "The feeling, the sensation behind it is, it's exciting to cherry pick and select and be your own boss and to be in control of your own brand, however it's a lot of work."
    Wrestling Kurt Angle in UK:
    "To have a record crowd for What Culture, to be in there with Kurt Angle and not to be just like Kurt Angle plus garnish. For it instead to be, Kurt Angle V Cody Rhodes, our second match actually, it was very vindicating. It's also nice, you know, the greatest revenge in all the world is success so it's nice to be vindicated."
    British Wrestling stars working in the United States:
    "In America, we have "The British are coming!", when it comes to the Revolutionary War but I always equate it to the current situation with guys like Will and Marty [Scurll] and Zack [Sabre Jr.] where they are literally like invading America with their talent and the effect and the ramifications of that so it's cool to come over here(UK)".
    Exclusive contracts in the business:
    "I understand why not. But there is a lot of dated minds and a lot of old school mentality. It's like were almost reverting to the most traditional which is just a dang handshake like, 'Hey I'm glad to be here and I'm going to give you my absolute best.' I worked for a big corporation for a decade for the majority of my youth. Now I really like the opportunity to essentially play my music on as many brands and stuff as I can and Ring of Honor and Impact have been exceptional. They have been exceptional about that, there has been no pushback, it's all lined up exactly how we hoped."
    Impact backstage environment:
    "My experience was the utmost engine operating at peak efficiency. Billy [Corgan] and Dixie [Carter] were extremely wonderful. All had feedback, creative input. My experience from the time I went and filmed with the corvette in Nashville to when I left the tapings to come overseas was wonderful."

    Working with Billy Corgan:
    "I'm passed the concept of, Oh he's not a wrestler, he shouldn't be involved in wrestling. He is an entertainer and they fall in line. An entertainer with a ton of equity, worldwide experience, proven. It's Billy man, he's famous!, he's a rockstar!. I thought he was wonderful, great for pro wrestling. He had some music made for me and didn't know I wanted to use my other music. That was one of the hardest moments of perhaps my life. To see his face when I heard the music and know that I'm going to ask him to use my other music. Especially someone who is a musician. It's a moment frozen in time. Me and Billys' relationship I want to build off that moment to where we are good buds because that was a tough one!."
    Leaving WWE:
    "I did make every effort I possibly could. It just was a matter of, no faith in me at a certain juncture turns around well you know what I don't have faith in you guys either. But let's not end on such a sour note. It's rather dramatic and seems more sour than it really is. It't not, the Rhodes in WWE have a wonderful history. I'm glad they let me go, they are the house that built me and you never now I might be there again one day".

    Bully Ray Feels That Dolph Ziggler Should Leave WWE To Revive His Pro Wrestling Career

    During a recent episode of the E&C Pod of Awesomeness, Dolph Ziggler admitted that he hates that he is in a tough spot in WWE right now. He added that he wants to be the top guy of the company, and feels that everyone should have that mentality. However, he also understands that there are so many others backstage who feel the same way, and want to have that top spot in the company.

     
    Ziggler mentioned the phrase "curse of the worker," which describes someone who has longevity and can work with anyone, but gets relegated to just that without having long periods of time as "the guy" in WWE. Former WWE Tag Team Champion Bubba Ray Dudley discussed this term, as well as his thoughts on Ziggler's WWE career, on a recent episode of Busted Open Radio.

    Bubba Ray agrees with Ziggler's term, as well as the stigma that comes with it.

    "It's the truth. You never want to have that stigma," said Bubba Ray. "You never wanna be known as, 'He's a good little worker.' Because when you are a good little worker, the 'curse of the worker,' that's the role that you fit in. A boss looks at you as, 'Ok. He's the guy that I can put in any role at any given time. And since there aren't a lot of guys like that, you get put in a weird spot. That spot is, your gonna make a very, very good living, we're gonna keep you around for a long time, but you're never gonna be 'the guy.' Maybe, every once in a while, we'll shuffle you up to the main event, but it's only gonna be for a cup of coffee and a biscuit, and then we're gonna double park you back on the back burner for when we need you again. And that is what Dolph Ziggler has been going through for a long time."

    Concerning Ziggler's last contract renewal, Bubba Ray firmly believes that Ziggler had "one and a half feet out the door, and at the very last second, Vince probably step in and gave him stupid money, and that's why he stayed."

    At this point, Bubba Ray feels that Ziggler cannot do anything right now to get him out of this quicksand. This is because WWE nowadays is about waiting for Creative to have something for you, compared to the old days when people thrived to get over with the crowd, which boosted their status in the company. A prime example of this, as they discussed, was Ziggler winning the World Heavyweight Championship in the most thunderous MITB cash-in to date, and received that reaction even as a heel, but shortly went back to filling the "curse of the worker" role again.

    Bubba Ray feels that the best option right now to help Ziggler's career would be to compete for House of Hardcore, and Ring of Honor as a second choice.

     "Dolph Ziggler in a place like House of Hardcore would be amazing," said Bubba Ray. "I would love to see Dolph in a House of Hardcore, my second choice would be a Ring of Honor, but I definitely think once he gets out there, and allowed to be the version of Dolph Ziggler that he knows he can be, and the version that we've seen glimpses up in the past, [he'll do well]."

    The biggest issue with Ziggler, Bubba Ray feels, is that Dolph has been around for too long in the WWE. He feels that the good news is that Ziggler would get paid a lot of money for a long time working in WWE, but the bad news is that "he'll never main event WrestleMania." Bubba Ray feels that Ziggler should leave WWE and revive is name in other promotions. Bubba Ray added, "He's still going out there and trying to steal the show every night, so he's still passionate about it. He's just so unhappy. He's stuck in a perpetual state of mediocrity. He's in what I like to call wrestling quicksand: every single time you try to get out, you get sucked back down lower. And after a while, man does that get frustrating."

    What? Sid Vicious no showing a booking? Say it ain't so.

    John Thorne's Absolute Intense Wrestling announced the following:

    We have some bad news to report. Our greatest fears have come true,Sid did not board his flight this morning. After several phone calls he finally answered when we used Swoggle's phone to call.

    Sid claimed Donald Trump's travel ban prevented him from boarding his flight to Cleveland this morning because of an unpaid speeding ticket and he claimed this is new government policy since he didn't have his passport even though he was traveling within the United States and is a United States Citizen. We recorded his cancelation call just so there is proof of all this and we we will do our best to play the audio tonight or on a future episode of our podcast.

    We apologize to all of the fans who were excited to meet Sid tonight and unfortunately this is something 100% out of our control. We invested quite a bit of money in this appearance and we have now lost out on close to $1,000 we will never get back on airline tickets, hotels, and merchandise we had made for Sid.

    We are going to try and do our best to find a replacement and plan on spending the rest of the day making phone calls and trying to get somebody there to replace Sid.


    For those unfamiliar with AIW, they are a quality independent group who go out of their way to bring in unique names and give back to the fans that support them.   It's unfortunate this is how they are going to close out their 2017.

    Thursday, December 28, 2017

    Part 2 of the indy double feature is, AWA Supreme Last Word Episode 13: 2017 James Bowling Memorial Tag Team Tournament

     
    Published on Dec 28, 2017
    In this special edition of AWA Supreme Last Word, see highlights of the 2017 James Bowling Memorial Tag Team Tournament as well as see a new AWA United States Champion crowned!

    Tonight's part one of a double feature of Indy Wrestling is, Reality of Wrestling TV: Episode 191

    Published on Dec 28, 2017
    (Reality of Wrestling) is a wrestling promotion owned by Booker T that runs out of Houston, Texas showcasing the top unsigned talent from around the world in a weekly episodic series.

    In the DWB/ Pritchard face off they talked about this.

     
    Published on Sep 1, 2007
    Considered by many to be the wrestling angle of the year in 1988. Ultra violent in it's day and still pretty hardcore by today's standards.

    This got Continental in trouble with the local TV station.

    Lady Mystic comes to the podium in tears. She's apparently been beaten by Dirty White Boy for last week's hair cut. She begs again and again for Tom Prichard to come to the desk. When Tom does finally show up all hell breaks loose. If you haven't seen it, I won't spoil it.

    Largely forgotten today, this was the talk of tape traders across the country in '88. This whole feud - to me- shows what really underutilized talents Anthony and Prichard were.

    One last note, White Boy did this angle again years later in Smoky Mountain with Tim Horner in the Tom Prichard role.

    “DIRTY WHITE BOY” TONY ANTHONY & DR. TOM PRICHARD FACE-OFF!

    ARO LUCHA UPDATE

    After taping a TV pilot in Nashville, Aro Lucha is currently focusing on live events in the Lone Star State of Texas.  The promotion has two dates announced for next month and we are told they are currently trying to put together additional Texas markets for February through April of 2018.

    Aro Lucha currently has two live dates announced:

    Friday 1/19/18 in Amarillo, Texas at the Azteca Music Hall.

    Saturday 1/20/18 in Lubbock, Texas at the Fair Park Coliseum On The Fairgrounds. 

    The promotion, operated by former Impact Wrestling minority owner Aroluxe, held its first TV taping several weeks ago in Nashville, TN with Rey Mysterio, CMLL star Rush, MVP, John Hennigan, Willie Mack, Jack Evans, Hurricane Helms and more appearing.   The taping received mostly positive reviews.

    Impact Wrestling News

    John "Big" Gaburick's deal with Impact expires on 12/31, although he has already finished up with the company. A few people were told by a source that Gaburick unofficially departed several weeks back and contractually, is done as of the first day of 2018.

    Eli Drake, Bobby Lashley and EC3's current deals are all set to expire in the early summer of 2018.

    Former Impact Wrestling Ring & Transportation Manager Bob Rosen commented on being released from Impact Wrestling on his Facebook page, writing, "Well it's time to thank everyone who trusted me to build and keep anyone who step foot into one of my rings safe. I'm officially gone from Impact Wrestling (not by my choice!) $.  The last 13 years have been the greatest time in my life from the great talent who showed me much respect for what we did with the rings and cages .To the back production people who never got the credit they deserve. These people who come together under great stress and pull off some of the greatest show you've watched weather (sic) it was TNA or IMPACT WRESTLING.And to the friends and fans I had the privilege of making through my time on the road in this business.You will always be my friends ! I'm not gone from wrestling .You will see me again because I still believe every talent deserves to work in a great ring ! My passion for this business has taken a hit because on how this staff was treated but I still love wrestling and I will be back.  I'm still building the best rings today ! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!"

    Rosen had worked the Aro Lucha taping several weeks back in Nashville.  It's pretty obvious from his statement that the company let him go when they couldn't come to financial terms.   There's been talk that with Rosen's departure, the company will again revert to using a traditional four-sided ring, but no official confirmation of that.  We'll know when they start to tape TV on 1/10/18 in Orlando, Florida.

    Chelsea Green is now taking independent bookings at chels.green@hotmail.com.

    Dezmond Xavier is set to tour with Dragon Gate in Japan next year.

    Moose is booked for the 1/27/18 Future Stars of Wrestling event in Las Vegas.  There is talk that Impact will film material at that show:

    Someone tell Jeff Jarrett that nobody takes his GFW seriously anymore, even with..

    This event that happened last night. and "Private event"? That means it was a 'bought show" meaning it was paid for by the Wildcats.

    the following press release was issued this morning:

    GFW returns for show for Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

     WWE Hall of Famers Jerry Lawler, Ricky Steamboat appear


    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Kentucky Wildcats and Northwestern Wildcats were treated to a night of Global Force Wrestling action on Wednesday as part of the festivities for the 20th annual Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl.

    Bowl officials asked Jeff Jarrett and GFW to return after the promotion became the first to partner with a bowl game for a night of entertainment a year ago. The 2017 event was bigger and better, with appearances by WWE Hall of Famers Jerry “The King” Lawler and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.

    “First and foremost, I have to thank the people at the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, especially President and CEO Scott Ramsey and VP of Events Jay Grider,” Jarrett said. “We were thrilled to be asked to return. It was a fun night for us, and it seemed as though the players and coaches enjoyed it as much as we did.

    “I also would be remiss if I didn’t thank everyone at WWE for helping to make this possible.”

    At the private event at Gaylord Opryland Hotel, players, coaches and team officials had a meet and greet with GFW co-founders Jeff and Karen Jarrett as well as Lawler and Steamboat, and then settled in for an exciting card of wrestling action.

    “We want to thank everyone who lent their support to this event,” Karen Jarrett said. “It was great to see the Wildcats of Kentucky and Northwestern really get into the show, and we were thankful to meet bowl special guests Wounded Warriors Service Members and Families.”

    Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl President and CEO Scott Ramsey said the wrestling event went over well a year ago because it’s something unique and it made sense to bring it back.

    “It was memorable for the players to meet wrestling legends like Jeff Jarrett, Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler and Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat,” Ramsey said. “Jeff and Jerry are synonymous with wrestling in Tennessee and Kentucky.

    “The Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl always will strive to be at the forefront of entertaining its participants. Being in Nashville we’re positioned to do that as well or better than any bowl game. And we couldn’t me more excited about the matchup we have for our 20th anniversary.”

     

    GREAT MUTA RETURNING TO UNITED STATES NEXT MONTH FOR CALIFORNIA'S PCW ULTRA, EVENT TO AIR LIVE ON FITE TV

    Legendary Japanese star The Great Muta will make a rare appearance in the United States on Saturday 1/19/18 for PCW Ultra in California, teaming with Penta El Zero M to face Sami Callihan and Johnny Ultra.

    The event will air live on FiteTV for $14.99,  which you can download for free for your cell phone or mobile device by clicking here.    FiteTV can be streamed from your phone to Samsung Smart TVs and recently debuted a Roku channel as well. The app is HIGHLY recommended and is free to download as well with tons of weekly free programming, including ROH's weekly TV series, Booker T's Reality of Wrestling and more.

    Also scheduled for the event:

    *PCW Ultra Tag Team champions Warbeast vs. Joey Janela & Jimmy Jacobs.

    *PCW Ultra Light Heavyweight champion Douglas James vs. Ganseki Tanaka.

    *Brian Cage vs. Alexander Hammerstone.

    *Flip Gordon vs. AR Fox vs. Shane Strickland vs Brody King

    Kikutaro vs. Mariachi Loco.

    ACH vs. Rey Fenix.

    Wednesday, December 27, 2017

    •A judge ruled that Hulk Hogan’s defamation lawsuit against radio host Mike “Cowhead” Calta, a former co-worker of Calta’s, and the radio station that Calta works for will be allowed to move forward.

    •CBS Pittsburgh has a story on former pro wrestler Nick “Big Bully” Busick getting surgery to remove a brain tumor.

    I'm sure someone will be interested in This Matt Hardy thing.

    Matt Hardy wrestled for the first time since his gimmick change and defeated Bray Wyatt at WWE’s house show at Madison Square Garden last night. Hardy used Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” as his theme music, which was also his entrance song in Impact Wrestling.

    Ric Flair turns on Roddy Piper -23/6/97-

    The Four Horseman join forces with Roddy Piper -10/3/97-

    WCW Monday Nitro 9-28-98 Four Horsemen and nWo promo

    WCW Monday Nitro - The Horsemen Reunite!

    Dean Malenko tries to convince Arn Anderson to reform the Four Horsemen - Amazing Promo

    Ric Flair brings back Arn and Ole Anderson 1989

    Time to thank a few viewers of this blog.


    To the guys who see their names in the pics, thank you for your likes of various things I've posted. Yes, I do pay attention and see it. :) People like you and others have helped make this blog a success so thank you, very much.

    PODCAST REVIEW: Ron Fuller’s Stud Cast “A Zany Night in Georgia – Part 2 (Episode 23

    Karl Anderson Talks Almost Signing With Impact Wrestling Before WWE Called

    Chuckled at the shot at WWE reading this.

    NJPW spoke with Jado about his old friend, Chris Jericho and his upcoming match against Kenny Omega. Jado talked about Jericho being the challenger in the match and NJPW being able to put together a match that WWE couldn't.

    "I think his radar picked up that Kenny's doing big things and that they're from the same home town of Winnipeg, so he decided something had to happen," Jado said. "Again, I thought that it's really like him, to have the intuition to choose Kenny who's on such a rise. And he did it on NJPW World so the whole world could see. He wanted to send that message, 'I'm number one in Canada, and I'm number one in the world'. But I think this is a bigger topic in America than it is here. I mean, with this match, New Japan is doing something that WWE couldn't hope to put together. There's probably a lot of pissed off people over there right now [Laughs].

    Impact Wrestling news

    Current Impact Wrestling Knockouts Champion Laurel Van Ness did an interview with the Orlando Sentinel  talking her favorite theme park rides, the journey to get into the wrestling business and the responsibility as champion.  In the article, Van Ness states that she is under contract with Impact until June.   Squared Circle Sirens originally reported that she asked for her release at the last tapings in Ottawa. From the sound of things that doesn't appear that request was granted. (They allow others to leave but won't let her go? What kind of bullshit is that?)

    I posted the interview before today but what the hell, here you go.

    Alberto El Patron also did an interview a few days ago with The Orlando Sentinel  where he suggests that he wanted to relinquish the Global title this past year, after being indefinitely suspended over a possible domestic abuse charge involving himself and WWE superstar Paige at the Orlando airport: “When there was a talent meeting about what to do about the title, I raised my hand and said I should give it up,” said El Patron, 40. “I used to work in a place where main eventers were difficult to work with, and I didn’t want to be that person. ‘Here’s the title; give it to someone else. I’ll eventually get it back, but I lost it and I want to earn it. I’ll take responsibility for my actions.’ ”

    Tomorrow's edition of Impact Wrestling on Pop will feature Part Two of the company's presentation of their "Best of 2017."

    The episode will feature the 2017 Bound for Glory PPV main event with Impact Wrestling champion Eli Drake vs. Johnny Impact.

    Tuesday, December 26, 2017

    Who rmembers this? You never see stuff like this anymore. Nikita sickles David Crockett

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PdW-gOJobc

    David Crockett mouths off to Ivan Koloff gets popped with the dreaded Russian Sickle by Nikita Koloff! This is the angle that led to Crockett being a special referee for the Flair-Nikita bout at The Great American Bash that year.

    I remember this, thought it was great back then, still do now. Magnum TA Reprimand This

    I had a tape of this back in the day as well. Harley Race/Dream Team & Slick interviews - All-Star Wrestling 1986-3-27

    NWA President Bob Geigel gives Harley Race some bad news regarding his win over Bob Brown for the Central States Heavyweight Title. Also, Slick talks about his new "Dream Team" of "Diamond" Timothy Flowers & Arthur W. Crews. From All-Star Wrestling at the Memorial Hall In Kansas City, Kansas and taped on 3/27/1986.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IipDfFA1vI8

    I remember having the tape of this. Bruiser Brody vs Ox Baker (1986)

     
    Published on Sep 3, 2017
    We have a true rarity here. Two of professional wrestling's iconic monsters, Bruiser Brody and Ox Baker, collide in a match for Mario Savoldi's International Championship Wrestling. Despite being shot on a solitary camera, this was aired on TV with commentary by Mario (who is so unusually subdued here he sounds like a golf PBP commentator). This match was taped at the Portland Exposition Building in Portland, ME.

    Bruiser Brody vs Nick Bockwinkel SouthWest 1980s

    NICK BOCKWINKEL PROMO ON REMATCH WITH BRUISER BRODY

    BRUISER BRODY PROMO ON REMATCH WITH NICK BOCKWINKEL

    Bruiser Brody Interview [NWA]

    Bruiser Brody vs Tom Brandi (1986)

    Published on Sep 3, 2017
    Here we go with more Bruiser Brody action in Mario Savoldi's ICW. Brody worked some dates for ICW in the winter and spring of 1986, managed by Gary Hart. Both worked as faces for the promotion and feuded with Kevin Sullivan's Army of Darkness (the ICW version, including Sullivan, Mark Lewin [The Purple Haze], Ron Slinker, The Fallen Angel [Nancy Sullivan], & King Curtis Iaukea). Here Brody destroys a young Tom Brandi (who was all of 20 in 1986 and working under the name Tom "Bam-Bam" Brandi) in a match that looks to have been taped at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA. Rich Landrum & King Curtis Iaukea provide the call of the action here. I've also included an awesome Brody interview following an attack by Sullivan's Army on Gary Hart (shown before the Brody-Brandi match).

    People in New England Indies will know who Brody's opponent is. Bruiser Brody vs Tony Rumble (March 22, 1986)

     
    Published on Sep 3, 2017
    For our third and (for now, at least) final look at Bruiser Brody in ICW, we join Brody in action against the Boston Bad Boy Tony Rumble. Also included here is a kick-ass post-match interview at the commentators' booth where Gary Hart verbally tears apart King Curtis Iaukea. This bout was taped at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA, and features Rich Landrum and the aforementioned King Curtis on commentary.

    When I was a tape dealer AI'd get alot of this company. All Star Wrestling TV (Central States) (July 21st, 1984)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of4Qc52MhSc

    1) Dave Peterson vs NEB
    2) Buzz Tyler vs Crusher Blackwell
    3) Wahoo McDaniel/Marty Jannetty/Tommy Rogers vs The Grapplers/Ted Oates

    Monday, December 25, 2017

    Lance Storm on: Jim Cornette trashing Kenny Omega

    Kenny Omega Shoots Back at Jim Cornette!

    Here I'll again beat The Observer, Torch, PWInsider, etc with this. The Gift That Keeps On Giving - Merry Christmas from NWA

    Watch the others play catch up to "The Little Blog That Can", come tomorrow. :)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN4r0tAjogk

    Published on Dec 25, 2017
    What would you do if Austin Idol showed up at your house bearing gifts. As the manager of the new NWA Worlds Champion Nick Aldis, this day of giving shines a light on the joy these two are bringing to pro wrestling. After defeating Tim Storm, Nick Aldis takes time to show off the NWA Worlds Title on Christmas in this Raw video.

    Indy stuff.

    Mike McMahon, the wrestler stabbed on Thursday night while working as a bouncer at Front Row Bar in Southgate, MI, was released from the hospital on Friday but he can't walk and it will be a long recovery. He will be missing both work and his wrestling bookings for a while.

    Ground Zero Wrestling from Saturday night in Imperial Beach, CA: Jacob Diez & Donnie Suarez & Biagio Crescenzo b Rocketboy D'Marco Wilson & KC Douglas & Michael Hopkins, Corey Jackson b SoCal Crazy, Jesse James & Hoss Hog b Jake Atlas & Lucas Riley, Ray Rosas & Tito Escondido b Delilah Doom & Terex, Alonzo Alvarez b Mike Vandagriff, Andy Brown b Eli Everfly, B-Boy b Famous B, Tyler Bateman b Dicky Meyer

    NWA Mid South from Saturday night in Dyresburg, TN: Amigo Loco b Vic Viciuos, Matt Riviera b Johnny Morton, MC B-Side b Kevin McCree, Cataclysm b William Cage, Dale Wylde NC Sharknado, Wylde & Riviera b Sharknado & Amigo Loco (Um, how can they be the NWA when Their license wasn't renewed and the NWA as a whole is now owned by Billy Corgan? Someone explain this to me, or maybe explain it to this promotion).

    CWE on 1/4 in Medicine Hat, Alberta at the Stampede Wildrose Room, 1/5 in Assinibola, Saskatchewan at the Prince of Wales Cultural and Rec Center and 1/6 in Regina, Saskatchewan at The Owl Inside the Riddell Centre. Jake Roberts will be appearing on all of those events.

    Lucha Xtreme TV from Saturday in Fresno: Ayuka b Christopher Donald in a woman vs. man match, Calder McCall b Koa Azul, Robbie Phones b Snipes. Phil Medina, who had been the TV announcer as well as commissioner, is leaving to focus on his standup career.

    Want some Indy Wrestling on Christmas Night? Ok, here. Appalachian Mountain Wrestling AMW-TV: Dec 23, 2017

     
    Published on Dec 22, 2017
    Monday night is the night you've been waiting on! Christmas night is bigger than ever as "Christmas Clash" is set to take Combs, Kentucky and the Appalachian region by storm on Christmas Night at AB Combs Elementary.

    I wonder if Shane Douglas will mention his recent comments about the NWA when he teams with...AT...

    Tommy Dreamer's House of Hardcore will be adding its first championship - the HOH Television championship - in 2018.  A tournament to crown the first champion will commence at the Friday 1/26/18 House of Hardcore event at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, which is the 2018 Royal Rumble weekend.

    The main event for HOH that evening will be NWA champion Nick Aldis & Joey Mercury, with Shane Douglas, vs. Tommy Dreamer and a mystery partner, with another mystery man in their corner.   Also advertised for the event are Super Crazy, Brian Cage, Willie Mack, Matt Riddle, Kevin Kross, Swoggle, Lisa Marie Varon, Billy Gunn, Crazy Steve, Eddie Kingston and The Luchasaurus.

    For more, visit www.HouseofHardcore.net.

    Tribute to the Hennig Family w/ Stan Hanson, Jim Ross, JJ Dillon

     
    Published on Jul 28, 2017
    From the Waterloo Hall of Fame in July 2017. Great stuff.

    Terry Funk shoots on Bruiser Brody...including his death/murder.

     
    Published on Aug 24, 2017
    Terry holds nothing back when talking about Bruiser Brody.

    Jim Cornette and Bill Watts discuss wrestling and Mid-South

    Jim Cornette on Why Bill Watts' UWF Failed

    Sunday, December 24, 2017

    Time for the latest show of one of my fave indy groups. Fight Pro Wrestling Episode 23

    Tanner Reynolds is becoming a fave of mine. Just saying.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyHv8YdSkcA

    Published on Dec 24, 2017
    Tag team action kicks off as Zoey Skye and Jenny Rose team up to take on The Sinister Sweethearts. Tanner Reynolds takes on AC Wolf in a Grapplers Division match.

    12/16 Mid-States Wrestling in Harrison, Ark.: Buff Bagwell & James vs. Stryker vs. Stephen E, Gram vs. Kindcaid

    Laurel Van Ness On The Evolution Of Her Impact Character, Winning The Knockouts Title, Makeup

    Laurel Van Ness spoke with McMahonsplaining, The With Spandex Podcast on a number of wrestling topics. Here are some of the highlights via Uproxx:

     
    The origin and evolution of her character in Impact Wrestling:
    "Well, everyone asks me that. It started out basically where, yes, when I was left at the altar, everything that happened after I was left at the altar, so me dropping down to my knees and being the most dramatic human in the world, that was me. Then when I got to the back, everyone was leaving, that was the last day of tapings, and Dutch [Mantel] came up and said, 'I just want you to cut a quick promo. We don't know if we're gonna use it. You're gonna sit, and you're gonna cry.' So as I was doing this promo, drinking champagne, which was real champagne, it was like my second bottle of champagne.

    Oh yeah. I'm drinking the champagne, and he's kind of shouting ideas at me, like, 'Oh, sing. Sing 'The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow.' Do you know that song?' And I'm like, 'Oh, sure.' He's like, 'Act crazier. One more take, but do it even crazier.' When that aired, it kind of took off in this weird way I never thought it would. So then when I came back for the next set of tapings they were like, 'Okay, we're gonna roll with this crazy bride. I think we'll keep you in the dress.' I was like, 'Oh, that's cool.'

    From there on it was them saying to me, 'Do whatever you want and be as crazy as you want, and hopefully we have to tell you to dial it down.' So every time I went out there I did something crazier. You know, more outlandish than the last time I went out there. But I can't just say it was only me, because what I loved about Laurel, and I still love about Laurel is that every time I was kind of going through a match someone random in the locker room, it could have been Dutch, it could have been Abyss, it could have been EC3 or Spud. Random people have always had ideas. One idea, Pat Kenney was like, 'Oh, you should do an airplane around Kong.' I was like, 'Sure. Done.' He said that as I walking out, and then that became Laurel's thing.

    Someone else was like, 'Hey, I saw this funny spot where you take the girl down, and then you pin her like Cameron from WWE. Pin her on her stomach, and you think that that's real.' So then I'm like, 'Easy. I'll do that,' as I'm going out there again. And the next time it's like, 'Oh, you should get tangled up in the ropes, that's funny. And then you should get hit with this move,' and I'm like, 'Okay. Sure.' So it's kind of like this weird character where it doesn't matter what you tell me to do, I can go out and do it because I am the most unexpected kind of random character. Nothing that I do you question and be like, 'Wait. Why?' You know what I mean? Because it's fun like that."

    Her smudged makeup look:
    "Oh my gosh. It's my favorite thing ever. It's so funny, because I go in in the morning and I get my makeup done. I'm looking good, I take selfies. Then they're like, 'Okay, Chelsea. You're on in three matches,' and I'm just like [smearing] makeup all over my face. My lipstick's going everywhere, and smudging my makeup."

    Winning the Impact Knockouts Championship:
    "It's crazy, isn't it? It's so crazy. Bound for Glory week was such a whirlwind. With it being filmed in Canada, it was really exciting for me. Although it was on the East Coast and I'm from the West Coast, still felt like I was kind of in my hometown, I don't know. It felt like this wrestling world had come full circle, and for it to come full circle and then for them to be putting the title on me was also really overwhelming. I wrestle Rosemary for the title, which you'll have seen by now I guess. She could tell you the same thing, and Gail would say the same thing. They told me three times that I was winning that match. I didn't realize that that match was the finals at the tournament for the title."
    Source: Uproxx

    Magnum TA On Stepdaughter Tessa Blanchard, Thoughts On Tully Blanchard, Ricochet, More

    Magnum TA was recently a guest on The Ross Report podcast and he spoke about his stepdaughter Tessa Blanchard. TA had a feud with her father and Four Horsemen member Tully Blanchard in the 1980's when they wrestled in NWA and said the best quality Tessa shares with him is her positive attitude.

     
    "Tully [Blanchard] and I can sit together in front of a crowd, doing a Q&A today and just be right back in synch to where we were 30 years ago. He is such a professional and we just had great chemistry all around," TA said. "Tessa [Blanchard] inherited that quality, that intangible thing that you either have or don't, and she also has a passion for this thing called wrestling that her Dad, Grandfather and I are in love with and she is destined for great things. She really tries to stay positive, focused and always tries to be the best that she can be and bring out the best in others. I am just really proud of her as well as her mother is too."

    Tessa Blanchard wrestled in the Mae Young Classic over the summer, losing to eventual winner Kairi Sane in the first round. TA said he was very proud of how well she performed in the tournament. He believes she will only continue to get better as she moves forward in her wrestling career.

    "The match I saw her do at the Mae Young Classic was the best piece of work that I had seen her do to date. I know the person she was in the ring with was a seasoned pro, but I know Tessa was assertive, believable and charismatic that I always want to see come together for her," TA said. "She comes from the right sheet of cloth and I think that she has her days when it is hard with her patience because she looks around and is hungry, but she just continues to fine tune this machine. She also knows that she can get much better than she is today. She knows that she will only improve with time, she is just anxious for it."

    Blanchard is currently dating widely-popular indie wrestler Ricochet. TA said the use of social media is one of the biggest differences between wrestling today and wrestling in the 1980's. Ricochet has successfully used social media to grow his popularity among wrestling fans to allow him to make a good living while working the independent circuit.

    "Ricochet is doing well, I can tell you, he is doing really well. He is probably on top of the indie scene on the pay scale of what he is able to yield," TA said. "Tessa, for the length of time she has been in the industry, makes a living, and she doesn't have to go out seven days a week like we were having to do back in the day, but it's such a different era with social media and social networking and being able to market yourself and using these tools that they have available to them is genius, and if you don't believe it's mainstream, that is one of the reasons why The Rock is one of the most popular actors in the industry because of his ongoing push of the projects he is involved in, he is networking it all around the world because of his social media and everything that he works on is the golden touch before the studio advertises it."

    I'm sure this is of an interest to someone, somewhere.

    If you're a die-hard fan of the Mexican movie "Nacho Libre," or probably just a WWE enthusiast, then there is a good chance that you will love the mesmerizing "Lucha Libre" slot game, a product of Real Time Gaming software. This hilarious and terrific game which keeps players reeling for hours offers an opportunity for players to win prizes for playing a range of pre-fight Mexican cuisine which includes beer and nachos, chilies, etc. However, at a point, you must get into the ring and rumble against opponents to secure your future, the championship and ultimately, the monetary reward.

    Real Time Gaming's new slot, Lucha Libre, was completely redesigned with a classic theme, which takes the player back to the time of historical wrestling. Also, the fast-paced background music gives more golden ambiance. The slot is really cool and looks promising, especially with the exciting new bonuses that have been added to it.

    It has been a fantastic week, as we had high hopes for Lucha Libre after reading a review about it at casinowhizz.com, and we were satisfied that what we read turned out to be incredibly amazing.

    Lucha Libra offers players with a wrestling bonus feature round and to earn another bonus game players need to spin in a certain number of the Wrestling Ring reel symbols. Players could check out the paytable to figure out how the Wrestling bonus works and pays. Also, the game offers a set of free spins to players.

    Interesting Facts and Symbols


    High payouts percentage - You have a good chance of winning with Lucha Libre online slot game because this RTG's new slot offers a high payout percentage that will boost your winning payouts when you play.

    Jackpot payouts  - the possible jackpot payouts you can win when playing the game is 4000 times your wagering amount, so when playing, you could decide to spin in a large winning payout from its base game or its compelling bonus feature rounds.

    Stakes - The game is affordable to play. It has many exciting stakes features such a range of different coin and 25 pay lines that can be used in live play. It's also available online to play for free.

    Reel Symbols - The slot has many unique reel symbols on its five video reels. Also, there is a commentator symbol, a bottle of beer and a television symbol, and a magazine symbol on the reels. Nonetheless, the paytable gives an overview of the reward for each of the symbol when you activate your pay lines by spinning in a certain number.

    Wild Symbols - The wild symbols are the three individual Wrestler reel symbols, and they will replace any other symbols except the scatter or bonus symbols.

    Scatter and Bonus Symbols - This slot offers two bonus game awarding symbols on its reels. The two symbols are the Wrestling Ring and the Mask symbols, and you're required to spin in a certain number to receive the bonus game attached to both symbols.

    There is currently no mobile version for the game, but hopefully, soon there will be one so that we can all enjoy this incredible online slot wrestling-themed game anytime, anywhere.