Sunday, November 21, 2010

"What Price Victory? "Questions Linger after Wild Night of Wrestling in Toledo

Somerset Hall in Toledo, was once again the venue for Powerbomb Championship Wrestling on November 21. A crowd of 200 or so fans witnessed a wild night of old school wrestling action.

The opener saw Tim Horner, Jr. take on "Whip Dog" ("what's my name?"). These were both new performers to this writer, and they put on a good basic match, won by good guy Horner, with a missile dropkick and a pin.

Next up Tag Champions, Jason "The Sharp Dressed Man" Harris, and his partner Rodney Van Dorn III, took on Denzell Titan and his partner Phil Atlas. This was just an excellent match. Incorporating lots of back and forth action by all four men. The end came when Crimson, making his first appearance of the night, sprayed the "red mist" into Atlas's eyes.

The referee disqualified Harris and Van Dorn, but they retained the titles. At this point, as the stricken Atlas was led away to the dressing room, and Titan seemed in danger of receiving a beatdown from the heels, Titan's original partner in the "CIA," Black Velvet came runnung to make the save.

Now recovered from an injury that sidelined him for eight months, velvet cleared the ring of bad guys, and to the delight of fans chanting "CIA, CIA," issued a challenge to the Tag Champions for title match. A request that was granted for the January 2, 2011 card.

Third match was a grudge match between D-Ray 3000, and his frequent tormentor, Sebastian Rose. This was won by the very popular D-Ray with a roll-up, that came almost out of nowhere. It was now time for intermission.

After the break, Sin-D took on Amanda Ruffin in a women's match. The crowd was really into this one, as" bratty heel" Ruffin cheated at every opportunity, eventually gaining a pin while holding onto the ropes with both hands. The very vocal crowd, which was solidly behind Sin-D, began a "rematch!" chant.

Next up was another grudge match as local hero, Brian "New Age Patriot" Castle sought revenge against Benjamin Boone. As you may recall at the last PCW show, a jealous Boone flattened Castle with the trophy that Castle received as "Dick The Bruiser" Rookie Of The Year.

This time the two battled to a double countout (not a popular decision with the crowd!). Castle then demanded, and was granted, a "falls count anywhere" rematch on the next card.

Now it was time for the main event. A six man tag pitting the team of 420 lb "Voodoo Murderer," Pastor Pain, and Crimson against the teal of Andy Chene, Bobo Brazil, Jr, and (thanks to a special 24 hour pass from the asylum for the criminally insane) Dr. jerry Graham's brother, Fabian Aloysius Graham. F. A. Graham was wheeled to ringside on a hand cart in cuffs and looking much like Hannibal Lecter!

The melee that ensued saw Percival Friend at ringside once again flattened (he suffered a similar fate last month at the hands of Benjamin Boone). Pastor Pain was pinned for the official verdict won by Graham-Brazil-Chene. But the night was not over, as Voodoo Murderer, and Brazil continued to battle. VM issued a challenge, quickly accepted, for a title match against Champion Brazil on the next card.

While all this was going on, Fabian made a successful run for the exit with brother Jerry, and several deputies, in hot pursuit! Returning without the escapee, Dr Graham ended the night's action by ruefully observing: "we won, but victory at what price? I've allowed my dangerous brother to be loosed upon the city."

Wonder if they will catch the dangerous escapee in time for the next card?

Monday, November 8, 2010

Price of Glory's Coldwater show features "A Fist Full of Dollar," and a Stray cat

November,7th saw Price Of Glory wrestling present both an exciting, if flawed, card and a search for a new home for a stray cat who had been dropped off at POG's home, the Michigan Sports Camp, the site for tonight's card.

Let's get to the action:

1) Parker James took on Joseph "The Hebrew Hammer" Schwartz,(accompanied by VIP promoter, Jamie P.) Schwartz used a piledriver to pick up the victory.

2) Osyris squared off against his last month tag partner, "The SI." SI is rapidly becoming the Santino Marella of the midwest, his comic persona gets better with each outing. In Osyris he faced a foe about twice his size. Both men played their roles well with Osyris literally tieing SI into a knot, before winning with a figure four leglock. In many ways the best, certainly the most entertaining match of the night.

3) A six man tag pitting Main Street Youth (Adam Bueller, Scott Young, and Ryan Epic)defeat Uncle Funky, and his Special Team (Ninja Joe, and "Dynamite" McFeters). After Main Street Youth almost self-destructed due to internal dissension, they pulled it together long enough to polish off Uncle Funky and company.

4)A "Four Corners" match saw Noah Lott put the Chaotic title on the line against against Jamie Eternal, Jack Verville, and Louis Lynden. Eternal pinned Verville to win the title.

After an intermission:

5) A "Battle Royal" featuring everyone who had already wrestled, plus a few more. The prize? an immediate Tag Title match for the last two men in the ring. This was truly chaotic. Keith Creme, and Mr. Nifty, both representing VIP Wrestling, were the survivors.

6) They immediately faced Tag Champs, "The Believers" (Mike Musso and Russ Jones) accompanied by the always annoying Max Morrison. Jamie P. joined his "Team VIP," at ringside. Team VIP picked up the win and the tag titles.

7) Main event time! POG champion Dollar putting the belt on the line against Glory Cup winner Sean Tyler. How can your reporter put this politely? Dollar needs to work on those abs! Enough said.

This was a fan favorite vs fan favorite bout, and was at times plodding. Tyler scored the upset win. Jimmie Shalwin (with the ubiquitous Max Morrison) came to ringside and challenged Tyler to an immediate match. Tyler accepted, and was quickly choked out by Shalwin. As Shalwin held court midring, disgruntled fans filed out.

In my opinion, someone got to cute with booking this one. Instead of ending with the "feel good" moment of Tyler's hard earned victory, the booker chose to close the night with a "buzz-killer" moment. The fans walking out on Shalwin's win seemed more disgusted, than angry. disgust doesn't fill seats!

POG will have to win them back in time for the December 5th show. Featuring a triple threat title match pitting Shalwin against Dollar, against Sean Tyler (who may have set a record for the shortest title reign!).

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Renamed Toledo Promotion Launches New Season at Somerset Hall

Dr. Jerry graham, Jr.'s promotion repackaged as PowerBomb Championship Wrestling, but with most of the same performers, returned successfully tonight (October 17th)with an exciting 9 bout card.

On hand to witness the card, in addition to about 150 fans, were guests Samoan wrestler, Sika, one half of the Hall Of Fame team The Wild Samoans (on hand to watch his son, 420 lb Voodoo Killer in the main event), and famed manager Percival A. Friend, on hand to present an award. Now to the matches.

First four matches were a series of challenge matches to introduce some new wrestlers squaring off some familiar stars. First up: D-Ray 3000, a local favorite versus the debuting "Insane Wayne," who came to the ring to the theme of Sesame Street, and carrying an Elmo doll. Not even Oscar the Grouch could have helped Wayne, as he fell quickly to a missile dropkick. D-Ray wins in less than three minutes.

Second match saw 295lb former WWA champion, Will Studd defeat Reed bentley with a Sidewalk Slam in another short bout.

Next up Denzell Titan, 1/2 of the Team CIA, took on Sebastion Stardust. Titan won handily with a variation of the codebreaker in about two minutes.

In the last of the challenge matches, Cage Butler was totally squashed by Sebastion Rose. Rose continued to punish his outclassed foe after winning, until D-Ray stormed the ring to save Butler from further damage.

Match number five saw "Amazing" N8 Mattson, have an excellent match with Will Studd. This was an evenly fought affair, with Studd ultimately winning by using the ropes for leverage as he pinned Mattson.

last match before intermission was for the Tag Title relinquished by team CIA, due to a broken leg suffered by Black velvet. Denzell Titan and Halloween took on The Sharp Dressed Man--Jason Harris, and his protege Rodney Van Dorn III (aka "Pitbull").

This was a text book tag battle with all the familiar ploys developed over the years to get the fans cheering their favorites, and screaming at the heels! All four men played their roles well, with Harris using a foriegn object to polish off Titan and gain the tainted victory. Time for intermission.

After the break, local favorite Brian Castle took on Benjamin Boone, in the scientific match of the night. Castle won with a small package pin. The two shook hands, and then the announcer, and Percy Friend entered the ring to present the "Dick The Bruiser Rookie of the Year" trophy to Castle. After congratulating Castle on his award Boone, in the least surprising move of the night, suddenly went Postal using the trophy to flatten Castle, and everyone else in the ring!

Note: having an award presented in the ring pretty much guarantees that bad things are going to happen.

Match number eight saw D-Ray 3000 take on "Prime Time" Tommy Dempsey. This was very entertaining, as Prime Time played the heel role to perfection. Just when D-Ray seemed on the verge of victory, Sebatian Rose interfered. This allowed Dempsey to win with a pile driver. Afterwards D-Ray and Rose battled to the back.

Main Event time as Andy Chene, and Bobo Brazil, Jr., were led to the ring by Dr. Jerry Graham, Jr. to meet Pastor Pain's newest incarnation of evil, Krimson, and Voodoo Killer. This was another in a series of violent brawls that saw the "war by proxies," waged by Pain and Graham continue.

Finally, Voodoo and Krimson picked up the official win, but that was only the beginning as Krimson sprayed an orange liquid (it looked suspiciously like Kool Aid) into Graham's eyes. Graham had to be carried to the back, where the ring announcer's microphone picked up his howls of pain.

On that odd note, the show ended. However one can be sure that next card on November 21st, will follow up on many themes introduced tonight,

Monday, October 4, 2010

Price Of Glory Card Built Around "Glory Cup" Tournament

October 3rd was a chilly experience in Coldwater, but inside the Michigan Sports Camp the temperature was white hot as the resident gladiators laid it all on the line in pursuit of fame and glory!

The card was built around the annual tournament for the prestigious Glory Cup. The eight finalists were:Magnum Conroy, Louis Linden, Jake Omen, Noah Lott, Jack Verville, Sean Tyler, Roderick Street,"The Hype" Jimmy Shalwin. There were also two title bouts, and a special handicap match.

First up, Noah Lott took on Sean Tyler, in a battle of fan favorites. Lott appeared to be trying on a heel persona, but the crowd wasn't buying it. So both men wound up in a "scientific" encounter. This was a battle of evenly matched competitors. Surprisingly, Jack Verville ran in to interfere as Lott was gaining the advantage, leading to Tyler scoring the win with a spinning neck-breaker and pin.

Second Tournament match was next, as Jake Omen (accompanied by Ryan Epic, and Scotty Young) battled the ubiquitous Jack Verville, for some reason Epic and Young declined to intervene on Omen's behalf. Even stranger, the crowd was pretty well split between the two grapplers!

Omen eventually scored the win, and Noah Lott ran in and assaulted the defeated Verville.

Third bout was a "four on one" handicap match pitting the "Masked Monster Jamie Eternal against "Uncle Funky," and his 3-man special team (who were pretty much destroyed at last month's card). Uncle Funky, et. al, proved no match at all for the Monster, and were quickly routed. At least they are learning how to take bumps!

Bout four saw Roderick Street accompanied by "Chippy,"(don't ask!) take on former Chaotic Champion Louis Linden. This was a solid, competitive affair but Linden's impressive aerial skills, capped by a spectacular moonsault, gained him the pin victory.

final bout before the break saw Jimmy "the Hype," with plenty of help from chief acolyte, "Gameboy" Nate Mattson, take the measure of Magnum Conroy with a chokeslam.
Time for Intermission!

After the break, a Tag Title bout got things off with a bang. Due to an injury suffered by Idol Heinze, his partner, the always intimidating Osyris, was forced to take "The SI" as his partner. Note: I think the "SI" is beginning to grow on POG's fan base!

This odd couple were defending the belts against three other teams: The Believers, Mike Russo, and Russ Jones, Team Hardcore (Hardcore Harry and Hardcore Harley); Ryan Epic and Scotty Young were the final team in this match. I have to confess that I thought this might be a real cluster mess.

Actually though, it was quite a spectacular match, filled with high-flying action in and, especially, out of the ring. In the end Musso and Jones won the match, and the titles. Don't feel too bad for Osyris, and Heinz. They have been so dominant as tag champs, that no one even seemed capable of beating them. Drama, and unpredictability have now been added to the Tag Team scene.

In a Glory Cup semi-final bout, Shalwin defeated Linden, with a well timed spray of Kool Aid, to advance to the GC final match.

In the other semi-final bout. Sean Tyler beat Jake Omen for the other final spot in the Glory Cup final, with a spinning neck breaker.

Almost lost in the excitement of the Glory Cup final, the next to last bout of the evening was a heavyweight title match pitting POG Champion Dollar, against VIP Wrestling's chosen challenger, the ever crafty, Keith Creme. Creme showed Verville, and Lott, how the heel character is played, as he insulted everyone within range, cheated at every turn, and belittled and insulted the champ at every turn.

Creme was accompanied by VIP owner, Jamie P., but even Jamie could prevent Dollar from a successful defense, as he forced Creme to tap out to a cloverleaf (sort of a cross between a Boston Crab and a figure four leglock). Could the VIP invasion be running out of steam?

Now it was time for the Glory Cup final: Jimmy "The Hype" Shalwin Vs Sean Tyler, late of the Kosher Klub. This match also had action in and out of the ring. In the end Tyler locked a variation of a sleeper hold on Shalwin. All hope for the Hype's aspirations ended as the referee signalled for the bell.

In a nice touch, lots of the "faces" came out to celebrate Tyler's victory, effectively making the point that it is a big deal! The fans cheered as well as they headed out into the chilly night.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

CLASH Wrestling Show Wows Taylor, Michigan!

September 17, at TaylorTown trade Center: CLASH Wrestling staged a highly entertaining card. Truth Martini was introduced as new CEO of CLASH, and soon made a dramatic change to the first bout ob the evening. It was scheduled to be Tag Title match pitting the team of Dave Manzo and Jack "Night" Life against Champs, The Wrecking Ball, and Will Vendetta.

But Vendetta, failed to appear, so Martini ordered Wrecking Ball to forfeit the title belts (which he reluctantly did). The bout was then changed to a "Six Way Fray," pitting Austin Mannix, Tommy Trznik, Tyler Elkins, Cameron Skyy,"450," and The Wrecking Ball.

Lots of high spots in this one, the most spectacular of which saw three men diving over the top rope onto the three seeking sanctuary on the outside. In the end Tyler Elkins pinned Cameron Skyy, to get the coveted final entry into the main event "All Out War." Skyy, who was pinned by Elkins was given the first entry position in the main event. A tough spot for anyone hoping to win the main event.

Next up was a Tag Team "gauntlet match: two teams start, the winning team faces a third team , and the winner of this contest, faces a fourth, and final, team. The winner of this final match would be crowned new Tag champions.

Starting off was Victorious Secret(Mason Conrad, and Cameron Salem) from "Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California." Their foes, fresh from 1980's television, were the Power Rangers, "Blue," and "Gold"
The mighty Power Rangers gave it their best shot, but fell victim to their opponents wiles.

Next up Kosher Klub, Sean Tyler and Joseph Schwartz took on the "Victorious" team from Beverly Hills, and quickly established themselves as the heel team. Schwartz scored the winning pin, and he and partner Tyler awaited the final team.

The final team proved to be the "Bump-n-Uglies," in their usual Lucha masks. There were a lot of comedy spots in this one. However when things got serious, the "Uglies" proved to have the measure of Kosher Klub, and won the Tag Titles, to the delight of the hundred plus fans in attendance!

Next up was fast rising Detroit Women's star, Mina Libra, taking on Randi West. Truth Martini came to the ring and began to cut a promo on Mina, who fired right back. She demanded a spot(much to the delight of the fans!) in "All Out War," which Martini agreed to but added words to the effect of "be careful what you ask for."

In the match, Randi tried her best, but in the end fell to the talented Mina! Sending a delighted crowd happily towards the vendor tables as intermission began!

After the break, it was time for "All Out War." Tommy Treznik (1/2 of Team H3RD) started with Cameron Skyy. A new competitor would enter every two minutes, and a wrestler could be eliminated by being tossed over the top rope and touching both feet on the floor.

The order of entry, as I wrote it: 3. Keith calhoun, 4. Bryce Benjamin, 5. Mina Libra, 6. didn't get this gentleman's name, 7. Truth Martini, 8. Brandon Bishop, 9. Malice, 10. Tommy Hallows, 11. Wrecking Ball, 12. Jacob Hallows 13. Austin Mannix,
14. Hakim Mane, 15. Jimmy Jacobs (late of ROH), 16. Jack Verville, 17. Ray Killbourne 18. Travis Kreed, 19. "Sweet" Willie Watts, 20. Another name I couldn't catch (entrants were coming in, and tossed out at a pretty fast pace by this point!), 21. Gavin "GQ" Quade 22.? , 23. Tyler Elkins

After an hour of action, the final five survivors were: Cameron Skyy, and Tommy Treznik (kudos to these two, the first two, for lasting all this time!), Ray Killbourne, Dragon Kreed, and Gavin Quade. Next out was Skyy, followed by Killbourne, and Treznik. Now it all came down to Kreed, and GQ--Gavin Quade.

In the end the wily Quade outmaneuvered his larger foe for the win, and the #1 contender's spot for the CLASH Championship!

Coming: November 6, Metro Pro Wrestling returns to Wyandotte with a special appearance by current Ring Of Honor ( ROH) Champion, Roderick Strong, managed by the ubiquitous Truth Martini.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Price Of Glory Repels VIP Invasion

September 12, 2010, the latest round in the battle between Coldwater, Michigan's POG promotion, and the invasion by Jamie P.'s VIP promotion ended with the home team holding the advantage. However, I'm pretty sure the game is still up for grabs.

In the first bout of the evening, Jack Verville put the Chaotic title on the line against Noah Lott. This was a battle between two crowd favorites. And the crowd was behind both. Noah picked up the win, and the Chaotic Championship, with a pin after foiling Verville's attempt at a Sunset Flip.

Next up, a new character, "Uncle Funky," a motivational specialist. His first task was to inspire a group of rookie jobbers towards confidence and success. This he did by giving them ball caps with the olympic logo, and medals. The trio then marched to the back.

The second bout pitted the "Pride of Defiance, Ohio," The SI who took on Magnum Conroy. Conroy had at least a 75 lb weight advantage. SI (rapidly becoming the Santino Marella of Michigan's scene!) did his usual comic routine--which the audience loved. However, Conroy finally caught him in an over-the-shoulder backbreaker that forced a quick submission. Conroy advances to the Glory Cup tournament.

Next up: a talk segment from Jimmy Shalwin accompanied by "Gameboy" Max Morrison, and Mike Musso, and Russ Jones. Shalwin then told the crowd that since POG had failed to join his followers. He, and his "Believers" were going to destroy the promotion!

First step in his apocalyptic vision: Musso, and Jones taking Uncle Funky's "special" team, Ninja Joe, and Brian (didn't catch his last name). This was hard to watch as Musso, and Jones totally dominated their opponents "Brian" suffered what appeared to be a legit injury to the neck. Afterwards Shalwin and company drew "X's" on the beaten team.

Last match before intermission was a triple threat match pitting Ryan Epic against Jake Omen against Omen's former partner Scotty Young. fast paced match won by Omen, who also advances to the Glory Cup Tourney.

After intermission the VIP team of Mr. Nifty and Jonny Lawless (accompanied by Jamie P,) challenged POG tag champs, Idol Heinze and Osyris. The VIP invaders got a few licks in, but Heinze and Osyris were simply too powerful and crushed their foes to retain the championships.

Next up: The Hype, Jimmy Shalwin squashed the outgunned last member of Uncle Funky's "special" team, winning with a series of power moves capped off by a crushing choke slam to mercifully end the one-sided affair.

The next scheduled match was Jamie Eternal vs Roderick Street. Street never came to the ring, and was counted out.

Time for the main event as Jamie P. led Joseph "The Hebrew Hammer" Schwartz, and Keith Creme (Team VIP) to the ring to face Dollar, and Sean Tyler (Team POG). This proved to be an exciting match with everyone getting in plenty of offense. In the end; however, POG champion Dollar pinned Joseph Schwartz for the win.

Tonight's battle went to POG. The war rages on!

Next event: Sunday, October 3rd.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

VIP Wrestling Stages "Honor Bound II," In Henderson, MI

Under a radiant Michigan sky (alternating beteen sunny, and cloudy) VIP Wrestling under the guidance of owner/promoter Jamie P., staged a highly entertaining, outdoor event in Henderson, Michigan. The lot behind a tiny Methodist Church was the site for the free event, as neighbors, and fans from as far away as Toledo, gathered for the free event.

Action started about 5:15, under a sunny sky with the first of two "dark matches" (def.-a bout not part of the advertised card), as Mike Musso (listed as from Alaska)took on the "pride of Defiance, Ohio," The SI.

This was a lively match, raised a notch by SI's comic antics (foolishly engaging his larger foe in contests of strength, making boasts that betrayed him, etc.). In the end; however, SI had the last laugh as he rolled up Musso for the win (which of course, he then celebrated in an over the top style!).

The second dark match (as the clouds began to roll in) saw "The Caveman" (you can probably picture the wrestling garb)squaring off with Tyler Balkin. The caveman's bag of tricks proved to be an epoch, or two, out of date, as he fell victim to the modern wiles of his oppononent.

Now it was time for the official card. A six-man tag was first up, as Keith Creme, and Team H3RD (Austin Mannix and Tommy Treznik) took on the team of "The International Superstar," Marion Fontaine, Cameron Skyy, and "Mad Dragon." Kudos are due all six men for putting on a high energy, fast-paced contest that got the audience fully engaged, and set a standard for the rest of the card to measure up to.

After a spirited contest that saw all combatants have a chance to shine, Fontaine rolled up Mannix to garner the nod for the"good guys."

Next up was a Women's match pitting fast-rising new comer, Mena Libre, against the always tough Sybil Starr. The first surprise was when Starr (generally wrestles as a "face," or good guy) was introduced as from: "No place you could afford," came out snarling. The crowd responded with boos and insults.

Mena, by default the crowd favorite also played her role to the hilt in a contest that saw Sybil's superior mat-grappling and submission skills pitted against Mena's strength and skills. Although Sybil tortured her opponent with submission holds learned from her mentor, Dan "The Beast" Severn, in the end it was not enough. Give the win to Mina Libre.

This led to an interview segment featuring "Mild-Mannered Matt," interviewing the "Wrecking Ball," who appeared to be well north of the 300 pound mark! The interview was soon interrupted by "The SI," who challenged Wrecking Ball to a match. This, predictably enough proved to be a mistake. Wrecking Ball lived up to his name, as he quickly flattened the much smaller SI.

Next up was a Tag Title Match pitting Champions The Hollows (aka-The Painkillers) against the challenge of Jack Verville, and Mister Nifty. This was anoyher high flying affair as bodies flew over the top rope to gravelled surface below repeatedly, leaving one of the Hollows with a bad case of what bikers call "road rash." In the end the champs prevailed with a double tam maneuver to secure the win.

By this point, everyone was ready for an intermission to catch their breaths!

Second half opened with Jamie Eternal, "Michigan's Only Masked Monster," taking on Danyael, from the "Life Power Church." This seemed to be proceeding toward a predictable win for the powerful Jamie E. when a young woman who appeared to have wandered away from a rehearsal of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," came to ringside holding a wooden box that seemed to have some mystical hold on Mr. Eternal.

When it was opened Eternal froze in the ring, seemingly unable to move as Danyael unleashed his attack. Eventually Jamie got his hands on the box and destroyed it, then moved on to destroy Danyael for the win.

Next up,the feud between two former partners added another chapter as Sean Tyler took on Joseph "The Hebrew Hammer" Schwartz. This was another exciting affair as the former tag partners went all out in an effort to win. In the end Schwartz prevailed with a crushing clothesline, and a roll-up for the win.

Now as the sky was beginning to darken, it was time for the main event pitting the VIP Champion, Jake Omen, repesenting the "Life Power Church, against former Champ, Jimmy "The Hype" Shalwin in a "last Man Standing" match. Rules are match is won by the competitor standing when his opponent is unable to regain a standing position in time to beat a 10-count.

The issue was in doubt as both men, again fighting in and out of the ring, seemed poised to win. In the end, however, it was crowd favorite, Shalwin, gaining the win and the VIP Championship! Thus sending the appreciative crowd home in a happy mood.

VIP returns to Owosso, Michigan on October 16th. Check their website, www.viprowrestling.com for details.