Sunday, July 29, 2012

Dragon's Gate Wows Taylor, Michigan With Spectacular Show

The Gibraltar Trade Center was the venue for a show that demonstrated more heart, and intensity than can be seen in an entire season of  matches from the two major companies!  Two hundred fans in attendance, and however many were watching at home (it was broadcast as an internet ppv) got far more than their money's worth.

In the pre show, Clash Pro Wrestling (one of the best of the Midwest Indie promotions) presented two matches featuring their stars:

First up Tyler "Caveman" Elkins took on J.Miller. Miller took the win, after both men got a chance to showcase their abilities. Next up was a " five way fray" that pitted Gavin Quinn, Cameron Skyy, Ded Vaughn, Tommy Treznik, and Dave Manzo against one another. The hard hitting action saw several big spots before Quinn pinned Cameron Skyy to gain the victory.

In the Dragon's Gate show, things got underway with Jon Davis defeating Jake Manning with a spinning torture rack and pin in an entertaining bout that got the crowd warmed up.

Next up was a wild brawl that saw more action out of the ring than in, as Rich Swann defeated Chuck Taylor. There were a ton of chair shots, and a ladder came into play in this wild brawl.

Next on the program, tag action as the Smash Brothers, defeated "The Scene," in a crowd pleaser.

Last match before the intermission, saw Ricochet take on Yamato. Another "slobber knocker," as Jim Ross would say. Crowd was hot for both men, with dueling chants for each, and also for both. Yamato got the win.  Then Jon Davis charged the ring, and was choked out by Yamato.

After the intermission, N8 Mattson ( a former local star), and Derek Ryze took on Pinky Sanchez and Arik Cannon in a tag bout. Another rugged match that ended when, I believe, Sanchez was disqualified for refusing to break a hold. In the aftermath, Cannon called out Masada, and invited him to join forces with Sanchez, and himself.  In one of the segments that, I believe crossed the line, Masada delivered a profanity-laced promo (including the "F-bomb").

To follow up, he hurled Sanchez into the crowd, narrowly missing several kids. This could easily have resulted in lawsuits. Clearly a segment of the fan base loves uber violence, but for the sake of the promotion, and the business, Dragons gate gets a "caution" for this segment.  Oh yeah, this was apparently a match that Masada won by submission.

Next up was the, in my opinion, best match of the night, a spectacular tag match pitting CIBA and his partner, AR Fox against El Generico and Samuray Del Sol.  These two teams wrung every drop of excitement, and emotion out of this match possible. Hard hitting kicks and punches were accompanied by utterly death defying leaps out of the ring , it appeared that El Generico may have been legit injured when one of these spots went awry.

There were chants of "This is awesome!" and "Dragons Gate!" throughout this match.  Someone, for whatever reason, even tried to start a "Giant Baba" chant--it didn't get much support.  Evetually CIBA, an partner Fox gained the hard earned nod.

Now it was time for the main event, as champion Johnny Gargano (who many remember from a few years ago as the star of Cleveland All Pro Wrestling), whose future has been the subject of much speculation.  Rumors continue to circulate that he has, or soon will, sign a developmental contract with WWE.

His challenger was  Akira Tozawa (accompanied by Christine Von Eerie) The two battled from pillar to post with ferocious strikes and kicks, as first one and then the other secured the advantage. The war went on for about twenty minutes as the crowd screamed itself hoarse.  Occasionally Von Eerie would attempt to interfere, but it really came down to the mano a mano contest between the two warriors that left the fans cheering both their efforts.

After a ferocious battle, Gargano scored the pin.  This prompted chants of "Thank you Johnny!" from the exhausted crowd.  After a little by play involving the "swamp monster," and a man who appeared to be a Khaki Scout from the film "Moon Rise Kingdom," Gargano took the mike.

What followed was an impassioned speech in support of independent pro wrestling. Gargano stated that he had signed a new contract with Dragons Gate. However, it sounded a little ambiguous to me, and may have left the issue unresolved. Dragons Gate moves on to Chicago, and the limp fans moved into the night, as an awesome night of wrestling concluded.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Spectacular Show From Starr Girls, In Adrian, MI

July 21st, was the date, and Adrian's LA Cafe was the place for a tremendous night of exciting wrestling action.  Things got underway as announcer for the evening, Sybil Starr, welcomed the audience.  She didn't get very far before Starr Girls Champ, Lady Victoria, accompanied by manager Buddy D. Wolfe came out to interrupt her.

Buddy said that as the most dominant women's champ ever--Lady V., would defend against whomever she wanted, whenever she wanted.  Tonight's opponent would be Ruby Nesque.  Starr was outraged: "Ruby is the greenest rookie  in the promotion!"

Buddy and Victoria asserted their rights under their contract, and the match was set as the opener.  For a brief moment Ruby shocked her foe, and the crowd by taking the fight to the champ.  All too quickly though, Lady Victoria rallied and over powered her challenger.  Then, heeding the admonition of her manager to "punish that girl--make her pay," she began to choke Ruby out.

Then, Amanda Ruffin, Little Jeanie, and Li'l Naughty charged the ring to add to Ruby's woes.  Charging to the rescue were former champ Sin-D, who also fell victim to the numbers game.  Then former TNA star, Sojo Bolt, and current TNA/Impact wrestling star, Tailer Hendrix, charged in and cleared the ring.

It was announced that commissioner Kay Fabian, did not sanction Lady Victoria's defense against Ruby, and that she would have to defend her title against Tailer Hendrix in the main event.  As might be expected Buddy, and Lady V. were furious, but had no choice but to comply.

Next up, was Amanda Ruffen (accompanied by Buddy Wolfe), taking on Sojo Bolt.  This was a very entertaining match, with Amanda releasing her "inner brat." The action went back and forth, and at one point as the two fought outside the ring. Sojo held her foe and invited various fans to give the "brat" a swat across the backside.

Once back in the ring, Sojo eventually nailed Amanda with a cradle slam from the shoulders, for the three count!  The defeated "brat" was helped to the back by her manager.

Next up "Hardcore" Heather Owens took on another of Buddy's clients, "Li'l Naughty."  Another hard fought match, eventually won by Heather.  Now it was time for an intermission.

After the break Sin-D took on the ever tough Little Jeannie.  These two seasoned competitors battled ferociously.  Jeannie dominated most of the action, but it was the tough, and ever resourceful Sin-D, who rallied to pick up the win.

Next up, to ease the tension, was a novelty match pitting Thing one (in black full  body and face unitard) taking on Thing two, similarly attired in yellow.  The two sort of wrestled in and out of the ring, eventually dancing off as "Girls Just Want To Have Fun!" played over the PA system.

Now it was time for the main event, and as the laughter faded, the mood darkened.  It was clear no love was lost between challenger Taeler Hendrix, and champion Lady Victoria (and her manager, Buddy D. Wolfe).
As the referee held the Title Belt aloft, Buddy screamed at the challenger, "take a good look! That's as close as you're getting to the title!"

The match was brutal. Two talented athletes went all out seeking to destroy each other.  At every opportunity, Buddy interfered to punish the challenger on the ropes, repeating every time the ref turned to see what Buddy was up to.  The powerful champion battered Taeler, soon inflicting a bloody nose on the challenger!

Hendrix, came close to scoring an upset with her booming kicks, but in the end the wily champion  prevailed with a brain buster and cover for the one-two-three!  The two gladiators withdrew from the field of battle, and an exhausted, and delighted crowd made it's way into the night.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Thriller Makes Change For A Dollar At Faded Glory Vll

It was a night of beginnings at Price Of Glory's biggest show of the year, "Faded Glory Vll" in Coldwater, MI, on June 23rd.  The first bout of the evening was a " fatal fourway," to determine one competitor for a later number one contenders match.

It was Roderick Street, Keith Creme, Noah Lott, and Mike Musso, squaring off against one another for an opportunity to advance. This was a rugged contest with Lott picking up the nod by pinning Creme.  Lott was immediately attacked by Street (from behind) and had to be helped to the dressing room.

Next up was Max "Game Boy" Morrison, who proclaimed himself a changed man! He faced the challenge of  Mitch Jackson.  Max may be a "changed man," but hasn't changed enough as his heelish ways failed to save him from defeat by Jackson who scored a decisive pin.

The third match saw the "New Kosher Club" take on the team of Jun Hudo and Durrell Jackson. This tag bout was the crowd pleaser of the night as Joseph Schwartz, a veteran of Michigan's ring wars is a master at working the crowd and building excitement.  There were plenty of comedy spots as well as Kosher Club scored the very popular win.

Next up was a battle for the newly minted Price of Glory Women's title, as Sybil Starr took on Sin-D.  These two have met in the ring many times, so both began somewhat cautiously.  Sin-D taunted both her foe, and the crowd, solidifying Starr's status as crowd favorite. After battling on even terms for several minutes, Starr caught her opponent in one of her patented submission holds.  As she cranked Sin-D's neck in an unnatural direction, Sin-D was left with no option but to tap out.  This giving Sybil the title to the crowd's great delight!

Last bout before intermission saw Jimmy" The Hype" Shalwin, take on Sean Tyler, and Osyris in a threeway match. This was a hard hitting, but somewhat plodding affair. In the end Shalwin picked up the win--but at a price!  He appeared to suffer a shoulder injury at the end of the match.

After the intermission, there was a skit involving FIA, Frank Isaac Anderson, channeling Mike Rotundo's  character IRS (from the '90s) as an investgator from Michigan's Social Services.  he accused the audience of selling their food stamps to buy tickets. Let's just say he got his comeuppance and move on!

In a rematch CJ Otis, once aagin proved too strong for Jake Matthews, weakening his foe with several German Suplexes, Otis polished him off with a "clothesline from hell."  Matthews immediately, if perhaps unwisely, asked for "one more shot" at the next POG event.

Next up was the number one contenders match pitting the injured Shalwin against the injured Noah Lott. After some confusion when both were announced as unable to compete, and various grapplers demanded their spots, the the two came out to compete. After the match began to dissolve into total chaos, Shalwin scored the win and will meet the Champion in August.

Now it was time for the main event pitting champion "Dollar" against the challenge od "The First" Jack Thriller.  This was an evenly matched battle, with action in and out of the ring.  During one of the outside segments, Thriller tied up the champion's arms, and invited kids in the crowd to slug him.  I found this disturbing on a number of levels.

First off there is a long tradition in pro wrestling, separating competitors from fans. Secondly, what does it teach kids, if they are encouraged to hit wrestlers unable to defend themselves?  Yes, I realize that no real physical damage occurred, but a line was crossed that this writer feels should never be!  After a rough battle, Thriller pinned Dollar to win the POG Title.  He will make his first defense against "The Hype." Jimmy Shalwin at Price Of Glory's next event on August 4th.

Congratulations to the new champions, Jack Thriller, and Sybil Starr.  See you at the matches!

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Price Of Glory Show in Coldwater, "Double Impact," "

The venerable Michigan Sports Camp was the site for this event, and a rowdy crowd of 50+ was in attendance, and they were not disappointed. First match of the night saw Sean Tyler take on the masked man, Ninjoe. Pretty much a shutout, as the veteran Tyler had too much of an edge in experience for his masked foe to overcome. The over matched Ninjoe fell victim to a crushing cradle piledriver in less than three minutes.

Second match pitted the returning veteran, Keith Creme, who after taunting the crowd, turned his attention to the debuting Sun Hado, from Japan. This also proved to be a mismatch, as Creme, a wily and talented grappler, proved to be to much for his opponent to handle. After a few minutes of abuse Creme locked on a submission hold to gain the nod.

Next up, Chase Matthews took on CJ Otis, these two were more evenly matched, and had an exciting fast paced match with Otis getting the victory with a pin after a series of eight German suplexes! The two competitors shook hands after the match. Mattews asked for, and was granted a rematch at the next event (details at the end of this article).

Match number four saw former POG champion, Noah Lott take on Mike Musso (think Moose Cholak without the moosehead.). The two battled on even terms, until the referee took a bump. Taking advantage of the situation, Musso delivered a mule kick to Lott's groin, and then picked up the win with a backslide, proving, I guess, that you can keep a good man down!

Now it was time for a non-title tag match pitting the champs, "Pretty Nifty," (Jack Verville and Mr. Nifty) against the new Kosher Club, Joseph Schwartz and new partner, Dickie Bronsonfeld. This was a crowd pleaser featuring four experienced wrestlers hitting on all cylinders.  The crowd was totally into action, and totally behind the Kosher Club.

The challengers picked up the win with a reverse roll up and will challenge the champs for the title at the next event.  Now it was time for everyone to catch their breath, have a snack, and take care of other needs. In short, it was time for an intermission.

First up after the break, was Christin Able meeting Mitch Johnson.  This was another hard fought match with Johnson taking everything Able could dish out (at one point a frustrated Able was heard to mutter,, "what do I have to do to beat this guy?"). Eventually he solved his conundrum and pinned his foe for a hard fought victory. Special referee for this match was very popular star, "The SI."

Next event pitted the returning Jimmy "The Hype" Shalwin, taking on Darrell "The Prodigy" Jackson.  After starting with a lengthy harangue on the mic, outlining his reasons for first leaving, and now returning to, POG.
Jackson was game, but no match for Shalwin who polished him off with a choke slam.

The main event saw POG champion Dollar, and his partner, Fabuzio, take on BAM and his partner Jack Thriller, in a wild and wooly affair that saw lots of action in and out of the ring, as well as liberal use of various weapons. Dollar and his partner eventually picked up the tainted win, and beat a hasty retreat! Thus bringing the curtain down on an excting evening of old school wrestling,

Next show is on June 23ed, "Faded Glory 7," And will feature a Tag Title match, a selection of a number one contender for the POG title, and in a special event Sybil Starr will take on the fast rising Betty Battles.


Friday, May 25, 2012

Starr Girls Returns to Adrian, MI With Wild Night of Wrestling!

May 12 was the date, and Adrian's LA Cafe was the place for the all women's promotion "Starr Girls" second live card.  And it did not disappoint!  Although  a snafu with the ring's arrival caused a short delay. Jamie P. of VIP Pro Wrestling, and a crew of helpers, got the replacement ring up in record time.

Legendary manager Percival A. Friend, was the announcer for the evening, and did an excellent job, both announcing, and confronting Starr Girl's general manager (and certified life coach) Buddy D. Wolfe for his "shenanigans."

First up was a tag match featuring Amanda Ruffen and Little Naughty taking on the team of Sybil Starr, and Ruby Nesque.  This was won by Ruffen and Little Naughty, who successfully kept the veteran, Sybil Starr, out of the ring so they could pick apart newcomer Ruby N... Afterwards Little Naughty taunted Sybil.

Sybil demanded a one-on one match with Little Naughty.  Naughty was quick to agree, vowing to punish Starr.

Second match saw Betty Battles take on Amanda Ruffen.  In a mild upset the rookie pinned the more experienced Ruffen.

Next up was a battle royal to determine a challenger for Sin-D's Starr Girls championship. Buddy D. Wolfe came out with the contingent of  Amanda Ruffen, Little Naughty, and making her Starr Girls' debut, the legendary, Lady Victoria. Buddy insisted that announcer Friend introduce him as "Mr. Buddy D. Wolfe, General Manager of Starr Girls, and certified Life Coach."

Also in the contest were Sybil Starr, Betty Battles, and Ruby Nesque. The order of elimination was: Amanda, then Little Naughty, followed by Sybil Starr. This left Betty B. alone in the ring with the fearsome Lady Victoria. After a spirited encounter that included, according to some fans, Buddy whacking Betty with his "Book Of Wisdom," Betty seemed to have scored a major upset when Lady V. accidentally put herself over the ropes!

However, a furious Buddy D. demanded that Lady Victoria be declared the winner as Betty was not under contract!  An equally furious Percival A. Friend told Wolfe that he was going to call the commission to have Buddy's ruling overturned.  While these two worthies seemed on the point of combustion.  It was time for an intermission.  During the intermission the wrestlers mingled with the fans and posed for photos.

After the break, it was announced that Percival Friend had reached commissioner Kaye Fabian who had ruled, over Buddy's strong objection, that Lady Victoria and Betty Battles, would meet in a one-on-one match to determine who would challenge Sin-D for the SG title.

The veteran Lady Victoria proved too strong for her rookie foe, and despite Betty's best efforts, Ms. Battles was soon eliminated. This cleared the way for the title match.

But first, there was the matter of the grudge match between Sybil Starr, and Little Naughty.  Once again experience won out as Ms. Naughty submitted to one of Ms. Starr's favorite holds--the dragon choke.

Now it was time for the main event of the evening, with the coveted Starr Girls title on the line. First out was Lady Victoria, accompanied by Buddy D.  Wolfe. Percival Friend was so furious he could barely get their names out. Now it was time for the lovely, and determined Sin-D to enter the ring to thunderous applause.  the steely glint in her eyes showed she had no intention of losing her title.

It was the kind of war you would expect from these two warriors.  They exchanged holds, and counter holds at a rapid pace.  The contest seemed to go one way, and then the other. Buddy took advantage of every opportunity to interfere on his client's behalf, ignoring the referee's threat of disqualification!

In the end though it was a thunderous two handed choke slam by Lady Victoria, that ended Sin-D 's year long title reign.  As Buddy and Lady Victoria celebrated, announcer Percival Friend fumed, and could barely bring himself to announce the title change.

The real winners were the fans who, hoarse from cheering their favorites, and booing the heels, streamed out into the Michigan night.

The Starr Girls will return to the same venue on July 12th to advance their mission of "empowering girls and women by encouraging their participation in all the martial arts."