Price Of Glory Card In Coldwater, MI features Epic Battles and Betrayals

August 1st, saw heated action at the Michigan Sports Camp, as titles were won, friends were betrayed, and new alliances formed that seem ready to change the face of independent wrestling in Michigan.

The action witnessed by about forty fans began with what was supposed to be a "fatal fourway" match for Noah Lott's Chaotic Championship belt. The three challengers: Mr. Nifty (from "Niftyville, of course), Jonny Lawless, and Jack Verville waited in the ring for the champ.

Lott came out in street clothes, and said that he was in an auto accident on Wednesday night, and was not cleared to wrestle. After some discussion, he was ordered to forfeit the title with the [rovision that he would get a shot at the title in October.

After some spirited action that saw the challengers form shifting alliances ( a sort of metaphor for what lay ahead this evening). Verville won the title, besting his rivals. Lott handed him the belt and they shook hands on the October bout.

Next up, Jamie P., owner of VIP Wrestling came out with Joseph Schwartz, and the Hrrd (tag team), and ominously announced "tonight it begins!"

In the second match of the night former friends and partners Ryan Epic, and Adam Buehler (who I think gets tired of "Ferris Buehler" allusions) squared off in a tag bout. Buehler enlisted the aid of Jake Omen, and Epic paired up with Scotty Young. It was another spirited contest, that featured plenty of doubleteaming by both
teams. Epic, and Young joined forces to deliver a "tower of doom" move on Buehler for the win.

Next up "The SI," from Defiance, Ohio, was announced as taking on Dan Severn, only rather than the Beast himself, this version of Dan Severn turned out to be an under five feet tall imposter wearing a cheesy handlebar mustache! At this point Roderick Street entered the ring and directed 'Dan" to the outside of the ring.

Street made quick work of the SI who was soon tapping furiously to signal his surrender to an ankle lock.

Next up the "show down" as VIP's team of the HRRRD, and "Jewish Hammer," Joseph Schwartz took on Price of Glory tag champs, Osiris and Idol Heinz, and their partner Sean Tyler. After several minutes of rugged action where the POG standard bearers seemed headed for certain victory, Joseph Schwartz rolled up Sean Tyler for a victory that left the crowd in stunned disbelief as we headed for intermission.

After the intermission, Dollar put his POG heavyweight title on the line against Michigan's "masked monster," Jamie Eternal. Eternal proved far and away much the more powerful of the two. However, Dollar"s superior ring generalship gained the champ a hard earned, and very popular victory.

Time for the main event, the Price Of Glory 30 man "Gauntlet" match ( two men start, and a new man enters the ring every minute, last man standing is the winner. "Bry-2-fly" and Jack Verville were the first two in the ring, soon joined by Ryan Epic.

After the dust cleared, and competitors came and went #27 was the very popular (and arguably the best technical wrestler in either promotion) Keith Creme. #28 in was Joseph Schwartz, #29 in was Sean Tyler, last in was jamie Eternal.

Tyler, "Game boy" Max Morrison, Jimmy "The Hype" Shalwin, and Jamie Eternal went out in that order, leaving POG "standard bearer " Keith Creme, to face VIP's representative, Joseph Schultz. As the two squared off Schwartz suddenly handed Creme a VIP lanyard and, in case anyone in the crowd failed to "get it." Schwartz and Jamie P. laughed and said "he went VIP!"

Schwartz then eliminated himself over the top rope, guaranteeing Creme the title shot against Dollar and leaving the crowd staring in stunned disbelief! Thus far Jamie P., and VIP are making mincemeat of Price of Glory. It is getting late in the game, and POG has a lot of ground to regain, and the clock is not in the home team's favor!

Carnage In Coldwater, As Chaos Reigns!

Three titles were on the line, as were pride and bragging rights, as Coldwater, Michigan's "Price Of Glory" promotion closed their sixth season with "Faded Glory 6."
It was a wild night, so let's get right to the action.

First match(part of the tournament for the Chaotic championship) saw the always capable Keith Creme take on Noah Lott. This was a scientific encounter that saw both competitors abide by the rules--a precedent ignored by the rest of the nights competitors. It started with a fine display of chain wrestling that saw both men move smoothly from hold to hold.

Noah Lott won finally with a version of a Facebuster, Lott and Creme shook hands. Lott advances and Creme exits the tournament.

Second bout, also part of the Chaotic Tournament, saw Mr. Nifty take on "Chill" Jack Verville. This one saw back and forth action, as Verville's technical prowess was offset by Nifty's rough tactics. Indeed, just when Verville was mounting a comeback, Mr. Nifty resorted to the dreaded "foriegn object," to chill Verville long enough for the three count. Nifty advances.

Next up was the "Hardcore Match" between Hardcore Harley, and Hardcore Harry. A disclaimer: I have to admit that I am not a fan of the hardcore genre--for too many reasons to go into here. Weapons ranging from a ballpeen hammer, and other assorted tools to a toilet seat were scattered about the ring. In a matter of minutes both men, and much of the ringside area were splattered with gore.

Finally (some would say mercifully) Harry whacked Harley with the toilet seat, draped it around his (Harley's)face and sat on it for the three count. It took fiteen minutes to clean up the blood and debris.

Next up was a tag match between "The House of Truth," Christian Able (recently from ROH) and Josh Raymond. Backstory was that POG champ, Jimmy Shalwin has been ducking Christian Able. Since the House of Truth couldn't get Shalwin, they settled for the "Believers," Mike Musso and Russ Jones, Shalwin's lackeys.

Able did a great job of firing up the crowd, but to no avail as Musso, used a "spear"--the maneuver, not an actual weapon, to gain the nod. Able was gracious in defeat, giving props to POG's strong roster, and then warned Shalwin: "it's not over between us!"

Next up was Noah Lott versus Mr. Nifty for the right to face Jonny Lawless for the vacant Chaotic Title. Lott won the match, but in the aftermath Nifty attacked Lott and attempted to injure his shouder!

Next up was interview segment that saw an over-the-top SI (Spencer Irvine) interview Mild Mannered Matt, and Mick Veasey, eventually attacking Veasey. Things looked really dark for Mick until...Frankie The Face ran in for the save and took on The SI in the next match. FTF made quick work of SI with a crossface submission.

Match number seven saw the so far winless Ryan Epic (lost to Sybil Starr in his last outing)take on his former tag partner, Adam Bueller. They started by teasing that Bueller was going to just "lay down" for Epic. Of course this broke down and the two settled into a "genuine" match with Ryan E. ultimatelt scoring the win.

Now it was time for intermission before the three big title bouts.

After the break it was time for the chaotic tile bout. POG owner, Johnny dynamo, came to the ring and announced that Noah Lott would be unable to wrestle so the chaotic title match would take place at the July show. Jonny Lawless demanded that he be immediately declared the champion by forfeit.

As Dynamo and Lawless went nose-to-nose, Noah Lott hobbled to the ring and said he was ready, despite his injured shoulder, to face Lawless. He proved he was ready by weathering Lawless' punishing offense, and nailed him with a sunset flip to win the chaotic title.

Next up was the tag title match between the seemingly unbeatable champs, the 400 plus pound Osyris and his partner the rugged Idol Heinze meeting the challenge of the former Kosher club partners, Joseph Schwartz, and Sean Tyler. This latter team was accompanied by VIP owner, Jamie P.

The crowd was divided, the champs are crowd favorites, and Schwartz and Tyler are likewise very popular. In truth things seemed to be going the champs way, when suddenly Jamie P.told Schwartz "lets get out of here."(or words to that effect) and the two left abandoning Tyler to the none too "tender mercies" of the champions. They quickly disposed of him and left the ring.

Schwartz, and Jamie P., quickly returned attacking Tyler and the ring announcer. Jamie P. launched into a tirade of recrimination over the way he had been treated when leaving POG, and he and Schwartz prepared to batter the out gunned announcer. Fortunately Osyris and Heinze rushed to make the timely save. Jamie P. vowed further retaliation as the newly minted heels fled.

This was a very effective heel turn in that no onr in the crowd saw it coming. It also sets up lots of future possibilities. Excellent booking.

Now the stage was set for the triple threat main event for the Price Of Glory championship. The match pitted champion Jimmy "The Hype" Shalwin against the top two challengers, the "masked monster" Jamie Eternal, and the much smaller Dollar. The three engaged in an intense contest until Dollar locked a cloverleaf submission on Shalwin, forcing him to tap out. The result has to be considered an upset, and Dollar may soon discover how "uneasy rests the head that wears the crown."

This concleded the evenings action, but laid the groundwork for for lots of future action. What more can a fan ask for?

Metro Pro Wrestling Presents Ten Bout Card in Wyandotte

MPW presented a three hour show at Wyandotte MI's ARC Hall on May 15th. A number of titles were in play, so lets get to it.

The card literally opened with a big match as two four hundred pound competitors saw action. Big Chuck took on the Mongolian Butcher. Big Chuck got the win when the Butcher was disqualified due to a run-in by Doomsday who attacked Chuck with a kendo stick.

Match number two saw "Gutter" take a win over Xavier Justice via a Boston Crab tap out.

In the third contest of the night "Sweet" Willie Wates (with "Lita Libra")using an effeminate ring persona took on Tommy Taznick (with Cameron Sky). All four got involved in the action, but Taznick picked up the win when Sky used a loaded forearm brace to ko "Sweet" Willie.

In the last match before the intermission, Andy Muscat took the measure of Mark Chojka with a frog splash and body press.

After the break, A "Tag Team Battle Royal" got things underway again. Frankly the action was a little hard to follow at points. Competitors included Johnny Scarbone, The Bumpin Uglies, DBA and Jason Platinum, Vinnie Scarbone, among others. I will have to list the winners later as I didn't catch their names.

Next up was the "Motor City Machine Gun," Mike Kelly defending the PWL TV championship against challenger "Doomsday." This was quite a brawl. Kelly picked up the win via dq due to interference by the Mongolian Butcher. This sets up a tag battle pitting Kelly and "Big Chuck" against "Doomsday" and the Butcher on the next card.

Match number seven saw Joseph Schwartz (The Hebrew Hammer) take on Nate Mattson. This match started with some comedic bits including an audience participation bit where crowd was asked to name famous Jewish wrestlers (Goldberg and Barry Horowitz were mentioned). These two talented performers put on a good match, but there was no crowd heat for this one, as Mattson picked up the win with a figure four leglock.

Mr. Nifty then took on Adam Reynolds (with "Game Boy" Max Morrison) the stipulation was that if Nifty won Reynolds would give him a title shot on the next MPW card. Nifty won with a roll up setting up the title match.

In the semi final contest NCWA Champion Jason Harris (aka the "Sharp Dressed Man")put the title on the line against Kevin Thorn. Harris started by cutting a heel promo that set up the opportunity for Thorn to rally support by declaring that the audience was his family, and he wouldn't let Harris get away with insulting his (KT) "family."

harris played the "chicken heel" to perfection running from the challenger, and fleeing th ring at any sign of danger. Harris was disqualified for sluggin Thorn with the NCWA belt. Thorn gained a measure of revenge by flattening the champion.

The main event pitted Eddie Venom against MPW champion Jaimy Coxx, in a "Table Match" The only way to win was to put your foe through a table. This was a wild affair that saw Venom bleed, and get put through a table! Unfortunately for the champion the referee was unconscious at this point and couldn't issue the decision. Venom and his manager cleared the ring of the broken table, and brought in another table.

Of course now the ref had revived and declared Venom victorious when he put Coxx through the second table! Can you say rematch?

Next MPW card is slated for July 10th.

WWA Holds Final Card Of The Season

May 9th's card at Somerset Hall in Toledo, will be last for a few months. Feuds were concluded, and the seeds were planted for future conflicts at tonight's event promoted by Dr. Jerry Graham, Jr. Now to the action.

First up: Halloween, a local favorite, took on Brandon Edwards. A few comedy spots to get things underway as Edwards efforts caused more pain to him than his elusive foe. This was followed by an exchange of chops which led into a fast paced exchange of holds. A couple of botched spots, which fortunately did not result in injury. Halloween used a "roll up" to pick up the win.

Next up was Denzell Titan, 1/2 of the tag champs, "The CIA," announced that his partner "Black Velvet" sufferred a broken leg in a match in Japan. Denzell took on the much larger Will Studd (former WWA champ) setting up a classic syrength vs. speed contest. Although Studd used his strength to dominate much of the action, speed won out as Titan used a version of the codebreaker, and a roll up to get the nod.

Third bout saw Brian Ziggler take "The New Age Patriot," Brian Castle. This one started a little slowly, as Ziggler spent a lot of time baiting the crowd for some cheap heat. Eventually Castle nailed a Russian Leg Sweep and cover for the win.

After a short intermission, Pastor Pain took on Sebastion Rose in a grudge match. Pain picked up the win when his former protege was disqualified, but this pairing could play out again in the future as nothing was really resolved.

Match number 5 demonstrated how audiences can alter the booking of a match. Dan Boone, who was booked as a face, took on the always heelish Crimson. For whatever reason, the crowd chose to back Crimson ( a Sting look-a-like) and rejected Boone's efforts to earn their support. Crimson picked up the win by forcing Boone to tap out to an arm lock.

The fall out came when Andy Chene came out to cut a promo on Crimson. The crowd booed Chene, a face, and cheered the heel Crimson! It will be interesting to see how this is booked when WWA returns in the Fall.

The sixth bout saw favorite "D-Ray 3,000" take on "the Sharp Dressed Man," Jason Harris, and "Pitt Bull" on a handicap match. This was actually a pretty good match as D-Ray weathered the onslaught of his opponents to eventually pin Pitt Bull.

Now it was time for the main event. Bobo Brazil, Jr.(seconded by Dr. Graham) defended the title against the 420 lb "Baba Tunde" (from the wilds of Mt Kilimanjaro)who was, as always, led to the ring wearing a hood, by Pastor Pain, and Jungle Jane.

Pain immediately whacked Dr. Graham with "the book," as Babatunde seized the early advantage with the dreaded "foriegn object." The action was in and out of the ring. Brazil gained control of the foriegn object and began to dominate the action in spite of Pain, and Jane's best (worst?) efforts to cheat on behalf of Babatunde.

At one point, all three seconds were in the ring, and Jungle Jane planted a kick into Graham's belly. As the ref forced Jane and Pain to leave the ring. Graham threw Babatunde's hood over the wild man's head, rendering him passive and helpless as Brazil polished him off with a head butt and pin.

In the ensuing melee, the furious heels attacked Graham and Brazil. In a bit that bypassed the '90s, the 80s, and the 70s, Jungle Jane, after trying to belt Graham with a chair, found herself pulled over his lap and spanked. The crowd of about a hundred was delighted.

Local fans can watch WWA Superstars on cable ch 69 at midnight, on saturdays, for future plans.

"Chaos In Coldwater"

It was a night of action, and surprises at the Price Of Glory show in Coldwater, MI, omn May 2. The regular videographer/soundman had car problems and couldnt make it, which meant more subdued entrances for this show.

The curtain raiser featured Mister Nifty (from "Niftyville," of course) taking on Sean Tyler. This featured fast paced back and forth action, with neither holding a clear advantage. Finally a frustrated Nifty, began tossing chairs into the ring, in the chaos that ensued, as various others got involved,including Tyler's tag partner, Joseph Schwartz.

While the ref was otherwise occupied, Nifty tossed a chair to Schwartz, and then fell to the mat with a groan, selling a chair shot that never happened. The ref seeing the apparently stricken Nifty, thrashing about on the mat, and Schwatz with a chair signalled a disqualification, awarding the match to Nifty (who also qualifies for June;s tournament for the chaotic cahampionship.

Up next was an intergender match betweeh winless (0 and 10) Ryan Epic, and the "first lady of POG," Sybil Starr. It wasn't much of a contest as the scintillating Sybil slapped her opponent during the introductions, low-blowed him as the match got underway, then polished him off with a crossface in about a minute and a half.

Next up was an interview segment featuring "moisture moment" Jack Veasey, and "Mild Mannered Matt interviewing Defiance, Ohio's own "The SI." You had to be there.

The third match saw Jonny Lawless and Noah Lott bring down, if not the house at leat the ring! During the action the middle rope fell loose! In the end Noah Lott prevailed with his finisher called, of course, "Noah's Arc."

Hard Core Harry then wandered out with a bag of tools for his match with Hardcore Harley. Only problem was that that bout is scheduled for June! Harry insisted that the ref declare him the winner, before he would leave,

next up Jamie P., a former POG commissioner led the "Hollow Souls" to the the ring to face a pair of masked opponents. The souls won, pinning "Pedrosis." Pedrosis then unmasked revealing--Ryan Epic! This was Epic's second loss of the night. On that note, it was time for intermission.

After the break, Joseph "Hebrew Hammer" Schwartz challenged Jimmy Shalwin, the POG champion (accompanied by Max Morrison). After Schwartz dominated the action, Shalwin gained the tainted win by spitting the tainted Kool Aid into Schwartz's eyes.

In the match of the night, Keith Creme, anf "Chill" Jack Verville, wnt to an old school, scientific draw. Creme proved t be a master tactician, and Verville no slouch. The crowd chanted for "five more minutes." The announcer declared that, rather than "five more minutes," both would advance to the chaotic tournament.

Next up: the Hollow Souls got their shot at tag champs, Idle Heinz, and Osiris. This proved the wisdom of the old saying: be careful what you ask for! The champs proved way too powerful for the souls who were pretty much squashed by the powerful champs.

It was noe time for the main event match pitting "Michigan's only Masked Monster," Jamie Eternal, against the popular "Dollar." This was a real "slobber knocker"--as Jim Ross would say, and ended with both being counted out. It took most of the locker room to keep these two apart. Champ Shalwin rejoiced "they both lost, so I get next month off!"

He was indignant when informed that rather having a bye for the next show, he would have to defend against both Dollar, and Eternal. That's right. On June 3rd, it will be a three-way match for the POG title. On that exciting note, the announcer thanked us all for coming, and a thoroughly happy crowd dispersed.

Cauliflower Alley Club's 45th Reunion is Spectacular, Part Two

OK, lets get the name dropping out of the way: Tiger Conway, Jr., Killer Karl Cox, Bob Geigel, The Sensational Destroyer, Dick Beyers, Don Leo Jonathon, Dean Higuchi, "Judo" Gene Lebell, Mil Mascaras, Earl Maynard, and oh so many more.

The big social events were the "Baloney Blowout," on Tuesday night (the name commemorates a time when wrestlers on the road would pool their change and buy bread and balogna to keep themselves fed between towns)and the major awards banquet on Wednesday night (April 21st).

On Tuesday, the first honoree, Irish Pat Barrett, was unable to overcome the volcanic ash cloud blanketing Europe, and the UK, and Ireland to appear to accept his award in person. His career lasted from 1960 to 1985, and covered the entire planet.

Vince Fahey, who runs the website "Kayfabe Memories" (www.kayfabememories.com )dedicated to preserving pro wrestling's storied history received the "Red Bastein Friendship" award for his work, and dedication to the sport, and CAC.

Lee Fields, longtime wrestler and Gulf Coast promoter, recieved a posthumous awrd in recognition of his long career. Also recieving a posthumous award was George "Scrap Iron" Johnson. George trained in the legendary "dungeon" of Stu Hart. An "enhancement worker," his work Ethic was legendary. George passed away in 1982. Members of his family were in Las Vegas to accept the award.

Joyce Grable, who had a twenty year ring career after being trained by Lillian "The Fabulous Moolah" Ellison, received the womens wrestling award. Also honored were Vance Nevada, Rip Hawk (originally from Toledo), Magic Shwartz, and Roger Kirby.

The major awards at the banquet were Dean Higuchi, who was introduced by the "Mormon Giant," Don Leo Jonathon. Dean was a legend in Hawaii, both as a wrestler and as a promoter.

A special moment for me, and especially for friend Sybil Starr, who was trained by him, was Dan "The Beast Severn receiving the "Lou Thesz Award," for his achievements in amateur,and professional wrestling as well as his feats in MMA. Dan barely made it from Europe in time to claim his prize. His acceptance speech, like the man himself, was low key, powerful, dignified, and inspiring.

Jim Ross, "Good Old JR" the best play-by-play announcer in wrestling history (IMHO), received a lifetime achievement award for his nearly 40 years in wrestling. His stories of the early days of his career were priceless, if unprintable here. He was introduced by another legend--"Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

The final award, the "Iron Mike" award, went to Ted DiBiase, the infamous "Million Dollar Man." Ted proved to be the total opposite of his gimmick; a humble, polite, and generous man who clearly had earned the love and respect of his peers. This included Harley Race, the tough as nails, seven time NWA champion, who wept as he recalled trying to save the life of Ted's Dad, "Iron Mike: Di Biase. Mike Dibiase died in a wrestling ring when Ted was nine years old. Terry Funk, took over for Race, and somehow they made it through a moving presentaion that I will not soon forget.

There you have it, one persons report. CAC was so much more than I had hoped for. I know that we will be back next year, and if you are a real wrestling fan, you will be too!

VIP Wrestling At Sienna Hieghts College

Sienna Hieghts Field House, in Adrian, Michigan was the setting for another night of exciting wrestling action tonight. The crowd was small, but enthusiastic, and had plenty to both cheer and boo. Let's get to the action:

Before the main card, a mini-tounament was held between candidates vying for the opportunity to appear on the next VIP card. Mike Musso beat Spencer Irvine, then lost to Jaden Andrews (think of a hefty white guy doing a Michael Jackson schtick, and you will have a picture of Andrews who bills himself as "the new king of pop"). So Andrews will appear on the next card.

The official opener saw Marion Fontaine take the measure of Roderick Stone with a moonsault off the top rope. This was a very entertaing match that got the crowd warmed up, and ready for more.

Next up was an interview segment with "Mild-Mannered Matt" interviewing Jake Omen, VIP Champ, and the members of the "Life Power Church." Things started to turn ugly, when Jake and company threatened MMM. Former champ, Jimmy Shalwin, Jamie Eternal("Michigan's only masked monster"), and Sean Tylerstein, and Joseph Schwartz made the save. When the dust had settled, the disputants had all agreed to an 8-man elimination tag match main event to settle the score.

Match number two saw Ryan Epic take on Jonny Lawless. Epic proved agile and athletic, but it was for naught as he fell victim to his much larger foe. The nod went to Lawless via a slam and press.

Next up was "Madd Dragon," vs Keith Creme. Creme took time out from his busy schedule to heckle me on his way to the ring. Creme proved much too capable for Madd Dragon, and picked up the win.

After an intermission Tag Champs Jack Verville, and Mr.Nifty successfully defend their belts against "Dixie Muscle." A back cracker and press won the match, but the chant of :"dixie chicks!" may have broken Dixie Muscle's will to win.

After the break, "Gutter" (with "Cindy"-- a length of down spout!) took on a masked foe whose name was not announced. This was won by "Gutter;" with a version of the "RKO."

Main event was the 8-man elimination tag. This was lively, with lots of action, first man out was Sean Tylerstein of Kosher Club, followed by regular partner Joseph "the Hebrew Hammer" Schultz. Next out both members of the "Hollow Souls," the Jamie Eternal, and then the next to last member of the heel team went. This left ex-champ Jimmie "The Hype" Shalwin in against current champ, Jake Omen. It was Shalwin picking up the win, pinning Omen with a roll-up. This ended the card but set the stage for a future title match between Omen, and Shalwin.