Ida was featured in the award winning documentary about Women's Wrestling, "Lipstick and Dynamite." Ida (real name Ida Selenkow) passed away last week. After her wrestling career she went on to become a nurse, and wrote about her experiences treating HIV-Aids patients in the early days of the epidemic.
As the documentary pointed out, she had a third career as a yodeler. Along with the other women featured: Penny Banner, Gladys "Killem" Gillem, The Fabulous Moolah, Mae Young, and Ella waldeck, Ida Mae helped shape the sport of Womens Wrestling.
She was buried on an Orthodox Jewish funeral on January 20th, in Pikesville, Maryland. May she rest in peace.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Night Of Surprises At VIP in Adrian!
The action got started even before the scheduled 7 PM start time with two extra bouts. In the opener, The Good Chris from Chicago defeated Cleveland product Mike Musso. There was quite a lot of action, as heel, Musso targeted his opponent's back. After some back and forth action, Chris won with a "roll-up" in a rather abrupt ending.
Second match brought the first surprise of the night as Jake Omen brought a new team "The Hollow Souls." Omen announced that they had joined his "Life Power Church." Looks like a new heel faction is being rolled out tonight.
Their opponents were Nick Zero, and Black Magic. This match was way better than I expected! Filled with innovative moves, and high spots. "Hollow Souls" used a double Missile Dropkick to pick up the win, but both teams were exciting to watch.
Next up was "Dollar," accompanied by Omen, and the Hollow souls, he revealed that he was now a member of the Life Power church. The foe was an African American wrestler called "TD."
With the aid of the rest of the Life Power Church, Dollar won handily, then Omen cut a promo
for Life Power.
After finishing his speech, he faced "superstar" Marion Fontaine. This was another good bout, as Jake had lots of heat with the crowd. The action included a spectacular dive through the ropes by Fontaine, that took out Omen and the hollow souls! Fontaine seemed poised to win with a super kick, but interference by the Hollow Souls led to Jake Omen getting the nod.
Jamie P., President of VIP, came to the ring carrying a small case which he opened to reveal a pair of title belts to be awarded to the winning team in a "Fatal Fourway" matchup at the next VIP card on March 13th. He also announced that the Hollow Souls, by virtue of their win, were already in the match. He further announed that the bout would be a "Tables, Ladders, and Chairs" match.
In the last match before intermission, the "Kosher Club" won over Jamie Andrews, and his partner (whose name I didn't catch). This was largely a comedy match, but Kosher Club (Joseph Schwartz and Sean Tylerstein) got serious long enough to win!
After the break, "Dixie Muscle" (Moonshine Mason and Johnny Rebel) defeated local favorites Jack Verville, and Mister Nifty, in a good but formulaic bout.
Next up Johnny Wallace defeated an opponent from Florida (whatever happened to Programs!)
in a pretty bland match/
Main event pitted Jimmy "The Hype" Shalwin, defending his title against Jamie Eternal. Frankly, two big men make for a slow match. The intervention of Jake Omen, and his clique, added needed energy to the bout. Omen was trying to convince Jamie Eternal to join the Life Power Church. When Jamie rejected the offer, Omen left. When the referee was knocked out by an accidental kick, the entire "Life Power" clique attacked both Shalwin and Eternal.
The rest of the locker room swarmed out to rescue Shalwin and Eternal, and a wild fracas ensued. The bout itself was declared "no contest."
The Good: I love the heel faction. They provide a context for involving audiences in caring for what happens from show-to-show. A good heel (and Omen is a good heel) brings out the best in the competition.
The Bad: Having said why I liked them, I have to also suggest that all the members of Life Power Church need to be careful not to overshadow the in-ring action. During Omen's bout, The Hollow Souls antics were so over the top that the audience attention was pulled awy from the match itself--not a good thing.
The Ugly: The inconclusive end to the main event--fans pay to see winners and losers!
Final Verdict: VIP is getting better, don't drive away the audience with "Dusty Finshes."*
*Dusty finishes get the name from Dusty Rhodes who, as a Booker, was notorious for ending main events with double dq's, double count outs, and other non finishes.
Second match brought the first surprise of the night as Jake Omen brought a new team "The Hollow Souls." Omen announced that they had joined his "Life Power Church." Looks like a new heel faction is being rolled out tonight.
Their opponents were Nick Zero, and Black Magic. This match was way better than I expected! Filled with innovative moves, and high spots. "Hollow Souls" used a double Missile Dropkick to pick up the win, but both teams were exciting to watch.
Next up was "Dollar," accompanied by Omen, and the Hollow souls, he revealed that he was now a member of the Life Power church. The foe was an African American wrestler called "TD."
With the aid of the rest of the Life Power Church, Dollar won handily, then Omen cut a promo
for Life Power.
After finishing his speech, he faced "superstar" Marion Fontaine. This was another good bout, as Jake had lots of heat with the crowd. The action included a spectacular dive through the ropes by Fontaine, that took out Omen and the hollow souls! Fontaine seemed poised to win with a super kick, but interference by the Hollow Souls led to Jake Omen getting the nod.
Jamie P., President of VIP, came to the ring carrying a small case which he opened to reveal a pair of title belts to be awarded to the winning team in a "Fatal Fourway" matchup at the next VIP card on March 13th. He also announced that the Hollow Souls, by virtue of their win, were already in the match. He further announed that the bout would be a "Tables, Ladders, and Chairs" match.
In the last match before intermission, the "Kosher Club" won over Jamie Andrews, and his partner (whose name I didn't catch). This was largely a comedy match, but Kosher Club (Joseph Schwartz and Sean Tylerstein) got serious long enough to win!
After the break, "Dixie Muscle" (Moonshine Mason and Johnny Rebel) defeated local favorites Jack Verville, and Mister Nifty, in a good but formulaic bout.
Next up Johnny Wallace defeated an opponent from Florida (whatever happened to Programs!)
in a pretty bland match/
Main event pitted Jimmy "The Hype" Shalwin, defending his title against Jamie Eternal. Frankly, two big men make for a slow match. The intervention of Jake Omen, and his clique, added needed energy to the bout. Omen was trying to convince Jamie Eternal to join the Life Power Church. When Jamie rejected the offer, Omen left. When the referee was knocked out by an accidental kick, the entire "Life Power" clique attacked both Shalwin and Eternal.
The rest of the locker room swarmed out to rescue Shalwin and Eternal, and a wild fracas ensued. The bout itself was declared "no contest."
The Good: I love the heel faction. They provide a context for involving audiences in caring for what happens from show-to-show. A good heel (and Omen is a good heel) brings out the best in the competition.
The Bad: Having said why I liked them, I have to also suggest that all the members of Life Power Church need to be careful not to overshadow the in-ring action. During Omen's bout, The Hollow Souls antics were so over the top that the audience attention was pulled awy from the match itself--not a good thing.
The Ugly: The inconclusive end to the main event--fans pay to see winners and losers!
Final Verdict: VIP is getting better, don't drive away the audience with "Dusty Finshes."*
*Dusty finishes get the name from Dusty Rhodes who, as a Booker, was notorious for ending main events with double dq's, double count outs, and other non finishes.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Glossary of terms
For the reader new to professional wrestling, I am developing a glossary of terms to make my posts easier to follow. I will add new terms as I think of them--or someone asks!
Blading--when a wrestler uses something (usually a piece a razor blade) to produce a cut on his own head, or his opponent.
Catch wrestling--American style of wrestling that emerged in carnivals in the nineteenth century and evolved into the modern professional style.
Chair shot--when one competitor strikes another in the head with a chair. Direct blows to the head have become popular with the rise of "hard core" style wrestling. Now, as evidence amounts of the long term effects, the industry is beginning to look for ways to move away from this gimmick.
Count-out--match ends with one or both wrestlers unable to return to ring within allotted time.
DQ--disqualification.
Draw--results when no competitor is able to score a fall within time limit.
Face--the apparent good guy in a wrestling match.
Heat--the emotion a skilled performer can produce from the audience during a match, or interview.
Heel--the apparent bad guy in a wrestling match.
Lucha--Mexican style of pro wrestling. Acrobatic moves, and maxked competitors are featured.
Potato--a blow that actually lands with full force. Usually because of crossed signals, or botched timing.
Selling--When a wrestler reacts to opponent's offense in a realistic, and convincing, manner.
Shoot--a match where one, or both, competitors are genuinely trying to win. These are extremely rare.
Shooter--a genuine wrestler, often used by promoters to control other wrestlers behavior.
Show air--when a wrestler obviously misses the opponent with a blow, often compounded when the target reacts as though he, or she, had been shot.
Swerve--when a "shocking turn" takes place, e.g. one partner turns on another.
Work--match (pretty much all pro matches) where finish is predetermined. Competition is to achieve a level of believability that allows audience to suspend their disbelief.
Worker-wrestler skilled at generating audience emotion.
Working "Stiff"--a style of pro wrestling wherein, even though the end is agreed upon, blows, and holds are applied with true force.
Blading--when a wrestler uses something (usually a piece a razor blade) to produce a cut on his own head, or his opponent.
Catch wrestling--American style of wrestling that emerged in carnivals in the nineteenth century and evolved into the modern professional style.
Chair shot--when one competitor strikes another in the head with a chair. Direct blows to the head have become popular with the rise of "hard core" style wrestling. Now, as evidence amounts of the long term effects, the industry is beginning to look for ways to move away from this gimmick.
Count-out--match ends with one or both wrestlers unable to return to ring within allotted time.
DQ--disqualification.
Draw--results when no competitor is able to score a fall within time limit.
Face--the apparent good guy in a wrestling match.
Heat--the emotion a skilled performer can produce from the audience during a match, or interview.
Heel--the apparent bad guy in a wrestling match.
Lucha--Mexican style of pro wrestling. Acrobatic moves, and maxked competitors are featured.
Potato--a blow that actually lands with full force. Usually because of crossed signals, or botched timing.
Selling--When a wrestler reacts to opponent's offense in a realistic, and convincing, manner.
Shoot--a match where one, or both, competitors are genuinely trying to win. These are extremely rare.
Shooter--a genuine wrestler, often used by promoters to control other wrestlers behavior.
Show air--when a wrestler obviously misses the opponent with a blow, often compounded when the target reacts as though he, or she, had been shot.
Swerve--when a "shocking turn" takes place, e.g. one partner turns on another.
Work--match (pretty much all pro matches) where finish is predetermined. Competition is to achieve a level of believability that allows audience to suspend their disbelief.
Worker-wrestler skilled at generating audience emotion.
Working "Stiff"--a style of pro wrestling wherein, even though the end is agreed upon, blows, and holds are applied with true force.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Monday Night War
Well January 4 was, as hype so often puts it, an historic night for professional wrestling. From the opening to the closing TNA served notice to WWE that WWE is no longer the "only dog in the hunt!" Owner Dixie Carter and new partners, Hulk Hogan, and Eric Bischoff pulled out all the stops to put on what was at times an extraordinary event.
Which is not to say that there weren't ugly moments as well, and I'll get to them in a moment. However, there is no denying that TNA generated more excitement than Monday night Wrestling has offered since WCW's demise took the pressure of competition off of Vincent Kennedy McMahon, and WWE.
Oh, one should note that WWE had its own drama on display as well. Bret Hart, as promised, returned after a twelve year absence (for reasons noted in previous blog), and in a moment of genuine emotion, buried the hatchet with Sean Michaels. Other than that it was business as usual: a two minute Womens match, a developing storyline involving Randy Orton, and his acolytes., and lots of business as usual.
Back to TNA. What was good:
The match between Kurt Angle and A. J. Styles was outstanding! A 22 minute clinic on how to work in the ring. Although I can't help but wince every time angle takes a bump--given his history of neck injuries!
The Womens tag match between Awesome Kong and Hamada taking on champs Sarita, and Taylor Wilde. They were given time to show what they could do--and they did! cograts to all four women, but especially to Kong and Hamada who won.
What was bad:
Too many WCW stars, at times it was like a step back to the 90's WCW, and that is not a happy memory! Scott Hall, Sean Waltman, The Nasty Boys, guys your fifteen minutes were up ten years ago!
There were some fumbles in continuity: Hogan dressing down Jeff Jarrett, came across as heelish, and I don't think that was the intent.
Also after shots of a limousine, with police escort, and constant promises that "Hulk Hogan is on his way!" When Hogan did come out within a minute he stated "I've been in the back all day, talking to the guys." Okay which is it: was he in the back all day, or traveling to the show?
The title match between Tara, and challenger ODB, was given two minutes--totally disrespectful of these two women, and their abilities.
Sting, stay in the rafters, please!
The Ugly:
The DQ ending to the opening cage match, this prompted chants of "Bulls--t" from the crowd--not I suspect, the reaction TNA was hoping for!
The final score B+ (I know I've griped, but I admire TNA's chutzpah! If they can sustain the momentum (and smooth out the rough spots) things could get very interesting.
Line of the night on either show "I guess hell froze over!" Bret Hart's first comment on Raw--the show of the promotion he once swore never to work for again.
Which is not to say that there weren't ugly moments as well, and I'll get to them in a moment. However, there is no denying that TNA generated more excitement than Monday night Wrestling has offered since WCW's demise took the pressure of competition off of Vincent Kennedy McMahon, and WWE.
Oh, one should note that WWE had its own drama on display as well. Bret Hart, as promised, returned after a twelve year absence (for reasons noted in previous blog), and in a moment of genuine emotion, buried the hatchet with Sean Michaels. Other than that it was business as usual: a two minute Womens match, a developing storyline involving Randy Orton, and his acolytes., and lots of business as usual.
Back to TNA. What was good:
The match between Kurt Angle and A. J. Styles was outstanding! A 22 minute clinic on how to work in the ring. Although I can't help but wince every time angle takes a bump--given his history of neck injuries!
The Womens tag match between Awesome Kong and Hamada taking on champs Sarita, and Taylor Wilde. They were given time to show what they could do--and they did! cograts to all four women, but especially to Kong and Hamada who won.
What was bad:
Too many WCW stars, at times it was like a step back to the 90's WCW, and that is not a happy memory! Scott Hall, Sean Waltman, The Nasty Boys, guys your fifteen minutes were up ten years ago!
There were some fumbles in continuity: Hogan dressing down Jeff Jarrett, came across as heelish, and I don't think that was the intent.
Also after shots of a limousine, with police escort, and constant promises that "Hulk Hogan is on his way!" When Hogan did come out within a minute he stated "I've been in the back all day, talking to the guys." Okay which is it: was he in the back all day, or traveling to the show?
The title match between Tara, and challenger ODB, was given two minutes--totally disrespectful of these two women, and their abilities.
Sting, stay in the rafters, please!
The Ugly:
The DQ ending to the opening cage match, this prompted chants of "Bulls--t" from the crowd--not I suspect, the reaction TNA was hoping for!
The final score B+ (I know I've griped, but I admire TNA's chutzpah! If they can sustain the momentum (and smooth out the rough spots) things could get very interesting.
Line of the night on either show "I guess hell froze over!" Bret Hart's first comment on Raw--the show of the promotion he once swore never to work for again.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Monday Night Wars Return--for at least one night
WWE has a competitor for the Monday night wrestling audience for the first time since they gobbled down last competitor, Ted Turner's WCW. Interestingly, though Dixie Carter goes head-to -head with Vince McMahon for the first time, familiar faces abound.
For Carter's promotion, TNA (Total Nonstop Action), Hulk Hogan, and Eric Bischoff, former star, and former GM of WCW respectively, are aligned with TNA. It is "just business-nothing personal," you just know that Hogan and Bischoff would love to rub Vince M.'s face in the dirt--just a little bit!
WWE is headlining with the return of Bret Hart who left WWE a dozen years ago after punching out McMahon after he (Hart) was doublecrossed in the infamous "Montreal Screw Job," and lost his title in a bit of genuine chicanery. Hart was bitter, and disillusioned, and swore never to work with WWE again. In wrestling years "never" has turned out to be twelve.
One can be certain that both promotions will have more surprizes, and swerves for their fans tonight. A little competition should rouse both organiztions from their doldrums. fans, and wrestlers should both benefit. I can't wait!
For Carter's promotion, TNA (Total Nonstop Action), Hulk Hogan, and Eric Bischoff, former star, and former GM of WCW respectively, are aligned with TNA. It is "just business-nothing personal," you just know that Hogan and Bischoff would love to rub Vince M.'s face in the dirt--just a little bit!
WWE is headlining with the return of Bret Hart who left WWE a dozen years ago after punching out McMahon after he (Hart) was doublecrossed in the infamous "Montreal Screw Job," and lost his title in a bit of genuine chicanery. Hart was bitter, and disillusioned, and swore never to work with WWE again. In wrestling years "never" has turned out to be twelve.
One can be certain that both promotions will have more surprizes, and swerves for their fans tonight. A little competition should rouse both organiztions from their doldrums. fans, and wrestlers should both benefit. I can't wait!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Two WWA title Changes at Somerset Hall
The January 3rd card, at Somerset Hall, saw both the singles and tag titles change hands. The action was witnessed by about 159 fans who enjoyed a night of "old school" action. In the opener, Tiger Jackson defeated the popular "D-Ray 3,000. Jackson was aided by interference from Pastor Pain, and Buck Lawless before winning with a roll-up and a handful of tights.
In the second match "The Crimson" (think heavy red face paint) beat Chris Kaufman with a "back cracker," and body press. Third bout was a Tag match pitting "The CIA," Denzell Titan, and "Black Velvet" putting their tag belts on the line against Andy Chene, and Sean Casey managed by Dr Jerry Graham, Jr.
Graham seemed to be teasing a heel turn, as Chene and Casey were breaking rules with total abandon. But in the end, Graham turned against his own team (it's Pro Wrestling folks!) who won by knocking out their opponents with a metal chain. So Chene, and Casey are now tag champs, and I predict a heel turn by Graham is on tap.
After an intermission, local favorite Brian Castle, "The New Age Patriot" met Sebastian Rose in a chain match. The competitors were chained together at the wrist, the competitor who touched all four corners first would gain the nod. Sebastian Rose won in controversial fashion, disappointing the fans who thought Castle had won. Can you say "rematch?"
In the next bout, WWA Champ, William Studd, put the title on the line against Bobo Brazil, Jr.
After about 5-6 minutes of back and forth action, Studd bobbled a body slam on Brazil, slamming him on his side rather than his back. The challenger seemed genuinely stunned, whick led to Studd having to carry the action until Brazil recovered enough to deliver a weak looking "koko butt" to gain the win, and the WWA Title.
In the main event of the evening, the former tag partners, "Alcatraz" and "Buck Lawless" (with Pastor Pain) engaged in a wild brawl that saw Lawless gain the win, after Pastor Pain threw powder into Alcatraz's face. That decision was reversed, which so incensed Pain and Lawless that they attacked the hapless commentator and gave him a spike pile driver. Of course that unfortunate was carried out by several faces.
Next card is February 2d at Somerset Hall.
In the second match "The Crimson" (think heavy red face paint) beat Chris Kaufman with a "back cracker," and body press. Third bout was a Tag match pitting "The CIA," Denzell Titan, and "Black Velvet" putting their tag belts on the line against Andy Chene, and Sean Casey managed by Dr Jerry Graham, Jr.
Graham seemed to be teasing a heel turn, as Chene and Casey were breaking rules with total abandon. But in the end, Graham turned against his own team (it's Pro Wrestling folks!) who won by knocking out their opponents with a metal chain. So Chene, and Casey are now tag champs, and I predict a heel turn by Graham is on tap.
After an intermission, local favorite Brian Castle, "The New Age Patriot" met Sebastian Rose in a chain match. The competitors were chained together at the wrist, the competitor who touched all four corners first would gain the nod. Sebastian Rose won in controversial fashion, disappointing the fans who thought Castle had won. Can you say "rematch?"
In the next bout, WWA Champ, William Studd, put the title on the line against Bobo Brazil, Jr.
After about 5-6 minutes of back and forth action, Studd bobbled a body slam on Brazil, slamming him on his side rather than his back. The challenger seemed genuinely stunned, whick led to Studd having to carry the action until Brazil recovered enough to deliver a weak looking "koko butt" to gain the win, and the WWA Title.
In the main event of the evening, the former tag partners, "Alcatraz" and "Buck Lawless" (with Pastor Pain) engaged in a wild brawl that saw Lawless gain the win, after Pastor Pain threw powder into Alcatraz's face. That decision was reversed, which so incensed Pain and Lawless that they attacked the hapless commentator and gave him a spike pile driver. Of course that unfortunate was carried out by several faces.
Next card is February 2d at Somerset Hall.
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