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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eRhmpaqAsU

 

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

1Wrestling.com

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

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.

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuo878HirME

 

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

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

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9XZ-eEW8Fo

 

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!

https://youtu.be/VunlTj7VHSI

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.

•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.

https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-pinellas/hulk-hogan-suing-radio-personalities-for-defamation

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

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2017/12/25/former-wrestler-cancer-treatment/

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-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-zqenpEoXE

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEM_FvQXlC0

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E_T0AS6J8g

WCW Monday Nitro - The Horsemen Reunite!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkgcstD8uis

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhdOAMfkJ-A

Ric Flair brings back Arn and Ole Anderson 1989

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUHKrO5l0rI

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

https://www.pwpodcasts.com/2017/12/27/podcast-review-ron-fullers-stud-cast-zany-night-georgia-part-2-episode-23/

Karl Anderson Talks Almost Signing With Impact Wrestling Before WWE Called

http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2017/1227/635317/karl-anderson-talks-almost-signing-with-impact-wrestling-before/

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.

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWe9LNKOTKA

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)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsyF09bxKmw

 

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX0TdLuZT80

NICK BOCKWINKEL PROMO ON REMATCH WITH BRUISER BRODY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vial5XB-DsA

BRUISER BRODY PROMO ON REMATCH WITH NICK BOCKWINKEL

From Houston Wrestling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmeNMDz-Y6Q

Bruiser Brody Interview [NWA]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBPgrX8d-no

Bruiser Brody vs Tom Brandi (1986)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEHFaC-yiIo

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)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_HFDDeIuxI

 

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

Lance Storm on: Jim Cornette trashing Kenny Omega

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaFHy5CAp0s

Kenny Omega Shoots Back at Jim Cornette!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WBt7bUyxwA

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJxiQ6wGQQw

 

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu7zzxJy6MY

 

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbb0swHyuQ0

 

Published on Aug 24, 2017

Terry holds nothing back when talking about Bruiser Brody.

Jim Cornette and Bill Watts discuss wrestling and Mid-South

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oJThuPysIU

Jim Cornette on Why Bill Watts' UWF Failed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VWbeZyM9Tk

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

https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/12/24/12-16-mid-states-wrestling-harrison-ark-buff-bawgell-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.

STING & HULK HOGAN REUNITING NEXT MONTH

Former WCW rivals Hulk Hogan and Sting will be reuniting next month at the Ace Comic Con in Phoenix, Arizona at Gila River.

The pair will be appearing together for a photo-op on 1/15/18, including Sting appearing in full paint.

Jimmy Hart and Eric Bischoff will also be appearing.

For additional details on the appearance, click here.

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE

OOPS, Someone doesn't know what the fuck they're doing.

For a short time yesterday, the Global Wrestling Network accidentally uploaded the 1/4/18 episode of Impact Wrestling instead of the Best of 2017 Part One, as scheduled.  For those curious, the 1/4/18 episode will feature:

*Impact Wrestling champ Eli Drake vs. Alberto el Patron from WrestlePro.

*Impact Wrestling X-Division champion Trevor Lee vs.Taiji Ishimori.

*Impact Wrestling Grand champion EC3 vs. Fallah Bah vs. Matt Sydal.

*Impact Wrestling Tag Team champions OVE vs. LAX - LAX must split up if they lose.

*James Storm vs. Dan Lambert - Storm leaves Impact if he loses.

*Chandler Park vs. John Bolden

Gee, How did we know THIS would happen? (Using the GFW name)

Tried n True doesn't need the GFW name to draw fans, if anything it'll probably not put one more ass in a seat.

Jeff Jarrett may be back in the ring as early as the day after Christmas as he is advertised for a private event in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center by Tried and True Wrestling as a special event presented for local Wounded Warriors, Gold Star Families, and Music City Bowl contenders the University of Kentucky and Northwestern University.  The show is being billed as a Global Force Wrestling event with Karen Jarrett, James Storm, Jerry Lawler, Ricky Steamboat, Rebel, Crimson and Jax Dane appearing.

Your Saturday Night Wrestling feature is, Defiant Wrestling #2: Full Show

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

 

Streamed live on Dec 22, 2017

WE'RE BACK! Friday, 8pm GMT (3/2c)... FREE on YouTube. Subscribe now!

Our brand-new weekly episodes are all approximately one-hour long, and will feature 3/4 contests. Episodes will continue to be available free on YouTube after the initial air date.

Wrestling Epicenter #496 - Alberto El Patron Impact Wrestling Conference Call #2

Published on Dec 23, 2017

After his first one before Bound for Glory, just after Bound for Glory, Impact had him back on a conference call to explain his actions.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCJBlWd7-c0
www.WrestlingEpicenter.com

Alberto El Patron On Preferring To Be A Heel, Why He Cried After Winning Impact Global Championship

Alberto El Patron spoke with the Orlando Sentinel on a number of wrestling topics. Here are some of the highlights:

 

Winning the Impact Global Championship (then known as the GFW World Heavyweight Championship):
"People always like to say wrestling is fake or whatever, but that emotion was real. Whether the result is predetermined or not, the ones who love the business, we live for it. When the ref counted 1-2-3 and I broke down crying in the corner, it was because my dad was there, and I got to accomplish something — win a title — with him watching. He had never been there in person for something like that, just watching on TV."
Being stripped of the title after an incident with Paige at the Orlando International 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. 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.' "

Preferring to play a heel:
"I love being a heel. I don't like being a babyface and a good guy. But it's not always about what we want, it's what the fans want. [Before] this last storyline, they liked me. You can't force the audience, though, if they want to boo or they want to cheer. Right now, I'm really having fun — I'm working as a bad guy, doing all the heel things, but still getting cheered by most of the fans. It's the best of both worlds."

ROH'S FLIP GORDON TALKS ABOUT WHO HE WANTS TO FACE IN RING OF HONOR, USING THE INDIES TO MOVE UP IN WRESTLING, WORKING AGAINST ONEY LORCAN AND MORE

Ring of Honor 's Flip Gordon 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, Gordon opens up about his passion for the business, his quick ascent to the top of the independent scene, how learning under Brian Fury has helped him progress in the ring and how he has shown his commitment to Ring of Honor and Chaotic Wrestling. He discusses his future in wrestling and how his character continues to evolve over time. Check out excerpts of the interview below and the interview in its entirety here.

On the independent wrestling versus major promotion styles of wrestling:

My take on it is, you have to do a lot to get your name out there and get noticed. That is how you are getting booked more. If people don't know who you are, they aren't going to book you. You have to do something to get your name out there, and once you get your name out there then you start learning how to work. You start working with better guys, and that is when you are going to start learning how to work. Obviously, you are not going to know everything about how to work when you start wrestling. Talent just has to get the buzz around them, and that is what a lot of guys do, get their name out there and do crazy sh**, boom, boom, boom. A quick highlight reel so they can share it. That's what I do. For the first six months to a year, I did the craziest things I could think of to get me a lot of buzz. I put it in a highlight video to help build a lot of attention, and that helped me a lot when it came to bookings, and I started traveling....

On his first match with NXT's Oney Lorcan:

...on May 6th, 2015. He was one of the best on the indies that I wrestled against. It was only a couple of months before he was picked up. It was crazy, and I think about this match like it was yesterday. I can't remember everything that happened in the match, but I do remember I learned so much from that one match with him because of how much of a professional he was. I had no business being in the ring with him. He definitely took care of me and taught me so much that I still remember to this day. There are little things from that match that I still learn from because of him. It was really cool. He taught me things from a selling point and listening to the crowd....

On who he'd match up well within Ring of Honor:

I think Shane Taylor and I would have a good match. I think it would be different, and I think it would be more difficult, but I think it would be a good match. It would be a different kind of story that we would be telling in the ring. I am not going to be able to do all my moves on him. I would have to think differently. It just wouldn't be your typical Flip Gordon match. I think that it would be a cool story to tell because it would be different. I also think it would give me an opportunity to show people that I am not just a high flier that I am well-rounded in the ring.

 

Watching this now. WWA Hysteria 54 - EndGame 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9RZRp110L4

Published on Dec 21, 2017

WWA and UCW collide in the main event when "Superstar" Ray Waddell faces "Superb" Scott Sexton. The WWA vs. UCW action doesn't stop there, as Mickey Midas and CCW go one on one in a Street Fight. Teddy King has the WWA Championship in his sights, but who will be the champion when he gets that match? Jordan Whittaker or Dakota France? That gets determined in a match. Also Cortland Moore, Tracy Smothers, Diamond Steele, Lincoln Moseley, Andrew Hunter, Krutch, "Superior" Tony Evans, Lucas Tyler, Josiah, the Queen, Tyler Hawkins, Logan Abell, Alexander Knight, Avispo, Vanderpool, and another special appearance from WWA alumni Myron Reed!

Jim Cornette on Cody Rhodes & Young Bucks Booking a 10,000 Seat Arena

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsw-yFnJh0Q

Nick Aldis and Austin Idol wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoqV3spsocM

Brutus Beefcake autobiography

Ed Leslie has released an autobiography called "Brutus Beefcake: Struttin & Cuttin".

If anyone gets it, email me a review of it and I'll post it here.

Indy Wrestler stabbed.

Michigan independent wrestler Mike McMahon was stabbed last night in Southgate, MI. He's an African American guy who does a gimmick that he's the illegitimate son of Vince McMahon. He works at Front Row Bar as a bouncer. A customer was urinating outside on the patio and they went to kick him out. The guy started a fight and stabbed him in the calf. This came just days after the death of Michael Shepich, known in the area as Mike the Video Guy, who used to tape indie shows in the area. Shepich passed away due to cancer

Can't make this shit up on how dumb some at The Torch are.

I think my comment covers it perfectly.

Interview Highlights: Bill Dundee talks about his relationship with Eric Bischoff, the reason Bill Watts sold the UWF to Jim Crockett, time working for Watts as head booker

The following are highlights of “Superstar” Bill Dundee on episode 12 of “The Matt Riviera Show.” Check out the full interview on YouTube now HERE. Follow Matt on Twitter (@MattRivieraShow) and on Facebook (facebook.com/MattRivieraShow)
•On his time as head booker in Mid-South Wrestling for “Cowboy” Bill Watts: “We started TV the next week with Ricky (Morton), Robert (Gibson), Dutch Mantel, Terry Taylor. All small guy’s compared to Hacksaw Jim Duggan & Butch Reed… I said ‘Bill, There’s no girl coming to hug Hacksaw Jim Duggan’s neck on the way to the ring. They’re scared of him more than anything’… So Ricky & Robert showed up, you know how the girls went crazy over them, so he said, ‘I see what you mean” … The smaller guys got over, and it wasn’t that I was so great, I’d seen what we’d done with them (in Memphis) and I knew how they could work & what they could do.'”
•On how he became Sir William, managing Lord Steven Regal (William Regal) in WCW: “I said, ‘We need to make him (Regal) a lord’… and they wanted to put Larry Zbyszko with him. I said, ‘Why would you put Larry Zybszko with him? He doesn’t know a damn thing about being an English lord.’ … They said, ‘Well aren’t you from over there somewhere?’… they said, ‘Well, you do it.'”
•On being fired from WCW by Eric Bischoff: “Me and Eric Bischoff didn’t get along… I really didn’t care. After Watts left, it all changed, and it wasn’t what I signed up for, so I really didn’t care. I don’t know of anybody that got along with him… He thought he was better than he was… He was running a company and I didn’t think he should be running it. He hauled the ring for (Verne) Gagne, he wasn’t no big shot with Gagne… When he saw you, he was nice enough to you, but you never know what he was saying about you when you wasn’t there.” .
Matt & Bill also discuss Bill joining the circus as a trapeze artist at age 16, babysitting Buddy Landel on the road, His legendary feud with Jerry “The King” Lawler, his daughter marrying “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, his strained relationship with his son, Jamie Dundee, Bill Watts’s exit from WCW, his time as owner of Dundee’s Gentleman’s Club and much more!!
Episode 12 of “The Matt Riviera Show” can be viewed my clicking HERE

Jack Swagger On Starting Over, His Current Goals, How MMA Training Differs From WWE

Jake Hager, better known as former WWE world heavyweight champion Jack Swagger, was recently on the Pat Buck WrestlePro Show and discussed his transition from professional wrestling to Mixed Martial Arts.

 

Hager signed with Bellator MMA last month after leaving WWE in March. Similar to superstars like Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley, Hager believes he will be able to continue performing in pro-wrestling while competing in MMA. Now that he has experience working the independent circuit, he discussed the challenges of starting over in the pro-wrestling business.

"It's definitely--I feel a little bit like I am starting over. I have a name so people recognize me, but as far as believing in a character that I am doing, it's all new, but at the same time, every show is different," Hager said. "I think in this day and age everyone has to prove themselves, and competition makes everyone better. I have to say that I have a good response on the indies, but there is a lot to grow and gain from. It is a big journey for me because I want to evolve more from a WWE wrestler to a true professional wrestler that can master more than one style and market. I find that the reaction is very honest."

Hager will compete as a heavyweight with Bellator and as an 0-0 fighter, it's likely his first opponent would also be someone who lacks experience for his debut in 2018. He said he's not looking very far ahead, but he's excited for the upcoming year and all the possibilities it holds. He said Bellator is supportive of his desire to compete both in wrestling and MMA.

"I am trying to do it in short term goals. Short term I want to fight twice in 2018 for Bellator," he said "Short term I wrestle in between that and continue to grow as a professional wrestler. It has been so cool with Bellator. They understand what I am trying to do and they are 100 percent on board. I felt a lot of love, and it feels nice to work for a company that values your assets a little bit more, and realize that if you grow they grow."
Hager said he feels like this is a new beginning for his professional career and he's embracing the challenge of making a name for himself in MMA. He said he's focusing on getting his body in perfect shape and he's working with a nutritionist who worked with Batista in the past and was once affiliated with the UFC.

"Goal #1 is to put on size. Tall guys like me the weight always falls off, so making weight has never been an issue. I want to keep on sizing and focusing on that, as well as eating right and sleeping right. At my age, I had to train very creatively to push myself without pushing my body where I am out for a couple of weeks, which is very challenging, but in 2017 where Sports Medicine is at it can easily be done," he said. "I have a great guy who handles a lot of that stuff, and is great at what he does; his name is Josh Rafferty, ex-UFC guy, who is a mad scientist when it comes to strength and conditioning. He really understands how amateur wrestlers transition into MMA and how to position guys. He was the main guy in Dave Batista's camp. He was a UFC fighter before UFC, and he has so much knowledge, which is cool that we joined up in this journey together. I feel very confident in the team we have assembled because of him."