Statmark's Reasonable Blog

Playoffs, Love, and Face Rockin' CSA action

2006-05-24T12:26:00.000-04:00

We miss you Owen...

I gave up on the NBA years ago back around '96-'97 around the "changing of the guard" which signaled the end of Jordan and began the Kobe era. I legit have not watched the NBA Playoffs in 10 years and couldn't give a crap about them. Well, for some reason, I have been totally sucked in by the 2006 playoffs and for the first time in years have actually enjoyed them! Steve Nash and the Suns putting over white boys everywhere makes me feel all kinds of warm fuzzies, especially after bouncing TWO L.A. teams in two rounds. I'm cool with Dirk, Cuban, and the Mavs as well (talk about most improved LOGO design in the past decade!!!) but my Finals pick is definitely Suns-Pistons (It just makes the best sense booking wise). Not that I'm gonna ever bother watching that complete waste of a regular season again but the Playoffs? Sure, what the fuck....

Feelin' a lot of love here lately and sharin as much of it as I can too...of course, there's always the core group of love from the likes of the Gee and the Dee, but bein able to put smiles on my peeps faces (Ric, X, SeanP) for as much nothin in return as they'll let me get by with is just a great feeling. Munkey breakin' out the poppa-news is just heartwarming and really, the completion of the full circle after all we've been through the past few years. And being able to be there for a friend (Jason) on a random phone call is just something I've never really been able to do. It really makes you feel that the entire move last October was one of those things that was just meant to be. So many things have come together that it's almost more than just coincidence, but moreso destiny. Oh, and I got hit on by a 15-year old at the show and Winterstein & Nat have a MySpace now! Talk about the cherry on the ice cream!!

CWF Mid-Atlantic 5/20/06 CSA TV Taping thoughts: Tony Kozina-Rex Sterling was probably as perfect of an opener as you can get. I absolutely love Kozina's work and even though the crowd couldn't give a crap about Rex, just give them time cause he has tremendous upside for being so young. Kozina absolutely MURDERS him with some kind of corkscrew headdropping finish which had me markin out like mad on the apron (**3/4)...UNOD-Tank/Scotty Blaze was pretty much what you'd expect. Probably need to get Scotty on one side of the fence or the other and stick with it if possible. Went a touch too long as the second match on the show (13:36) but it told the needed story and got the point across...Gemini Kid-Trent Wylde (1st Round Weaver Cup match) was far-and-away one of the most fascinating matches EVER from a backstage point of view. It actually wasn't nearly as dramarific as many expected (and feared). Moreso just the return of Gemini's technical mastery and some whoop-ass new ring gear. Slow-paced, sure, but technically perfect...If anyone did NOT like the Matty Dee/Roy Wilkins/GeeStar vs. Mikael Yamaha/Donnie Dollars/Amber O'Neal (w/ Brad Stutts) 6-person, then shit on me. If you did like it, then praise the athletes and in my personally biased opinion, I think it was freakin' awesome and seriously, one of the best 6-mans in the history of the promotion. I have ranted many times over the years about those illustrious All Japan mid-90s 6-man tags and while I ain't crazy enough to put ANYthing in that category, it probably was the closest as far as a non-stop performance from everyone that utilized everyone's strengths and built towards a frenetic finishing sequence. I would seriously put this 6-person up against ANY other "mixed" match in North America (miles better than anything WWE is even capable of HOPING to do). In the end, the babys take out all the heels - leaving Mikael Yamaha for last and it's murder - death - kill. Finally, one of the 3 will pin Yamaha for the first time ever in CWF - and Amber pulls out the loaded Fatback pig KO'ing Roy and stealing the win. If there was ever any question about this feud's placement and importance on the card in both quality and the eyes of the fans, this sure sealed the deal (****1/4)...The heat continues with Steve Greene and Joey Silvia who are honestly, probably as hot right now as any heels in the history of the company. Absolutely off the charts heat with scuba snorkles EVERYwhere which is probably the most original fan prop since the days of Al Snow's head. Then they go and work Jesse Ortega and Brass Munkey who, ya know, are only the hottest young tag team we gots and one ring gear away from being the uncrowned champions. The match itself was almost secondary to the crazed heat that would just seemingly never end. Cool little finish as Joey flips out of Munkey's dragon sleeper and uses the ropes for the pin (***). Despite our constant head-butting on his quality of matches, Joey has seriously stepped up in 2006 and lord, you'd never know that Steve Greene and Ninja were the same person. THIS is the role he was born to play: himself...Mitch Conner calls out "the kid that just got hit with a steel pipe" in tonight's Weaver Cup action (Roy Wilkins). I absolutely hated Roy having to wrestle twice but it really made all the sense in the world and even if it didn't to some, this match will probably be forgotten as far as the context of the show as a whole. But it was good and made sense for the whole 3:29 that it went...Michael McAllister PINS Rob McBride and WINS the Mid-Atlantic TV title thanks to the debut of Solomon Spades who pretty much kills Rob dead after a horrible chair shot in the dark which KO's Rob and leads to a very scary moment as the ring fills with babys and panic quickly sets in. The wrestling was inconsequential cause the segment was awesome as everyone's jaw hits the floor (for the title change) only to land in the shit they just deposited thanks to Solomon's first appearance...Main event time with storylines abound as Ric Converse takes on Xsiris, complete with video package courtesy of yours truly. :) Jeez, I know it must seem sooooo silly to do video packages for a match. I mean, what are we, WWE or somethin'? But, then again, I guess if you think it's silly, then I don't ever have to worry about making one for your match then do I? Converse and X TOTALLY deliver the goods here as the new Dynasty wreck COMPLETE HavoK at ringside. A zillion referees die but none more so than Brandon who actually dies, has the viewing, and the burial in about 10 seconds as Joey propels through the ropes and takes his head off in one of the greatest spots EVER!!! Ric and X rock in inside the ring as well including an UNforgettable Sky High Powerbomb off the top rope which will be on every highlight reel...ever. The chaos does lead to a non-finish which is the ONLY thing preventing this thing from being a MOTYC (and still could be regardless). Dynasty even put the t-shirt on X who gets crazy heat when he momentarily joins them only to turn and the place erupts again in the opposite direction. (****1/4). Post-match, Converse sells out the CSA on 6/10 by announcing it'll be the original Dynasty vs. the new Dynasty....man, I'd sure hate to be running within a 60-mile radius of THAT show on June 10...

Overall, this show rocked my face off, put it back on, and rocked it off again (forever and always, copyright Zoe). I'll even give the crowd ****1/2 for their performance as it was the best CWF-CSA crowd EVER as far as an ENTIRE show goes. Yeah, they were there for that one little 4/17/04 semi- and main-event but as far an entire show, this was it, bar none. Their interaction has just been unreal as of late and how many times over the years have we had a simply incredible match (Ric-Edsel 10/2/04) that had a somewhat-less-than-energetic response. This crowd has thankfully turned the corner over the past few months and if our crowd and athletes can maintain the same level they've been at as of late, then we will be truly elevated into that ROH-Indy category in the eyes of those who aren't regular viewers as of yet. When all is said and done, this 5/20/06 DVD will be the best CWF DVD ever made and a must get just for the 6-person and Ric-X alone but there was NOTHING bad on the card and everything meant SOMEthing. I think it's a great statement when even the boys in the back that are watching on the monitor are chanting "CWF! CWF!" during certain spots. That's the ECW-Arena-Family atmosphere you dream of having and it feels SO good to have it here FINALLY. Ya know...it's sad when I'm going to TNA this weekend and you know there's no way possible they can do anything to top what the hometown promotion did last weekend. Boy, I bet the anti-CWF marks out there are just loved this review!

Spaz out!
Grant

Show Recaps and Rants

2006-05-15T02:26:00.000-04:00

Hello loyal blog readers...let's hit up a few random thoughts bouncin around upstairs as I did the new revised recap of the past several CWF shows:

4/22 CSA TV Taping thoughts - Good lord, the amount of wrestlers on this show was insane and came off as a near-Supershow like feel. It was long as hell, but unlike many Indy shows in which long = painful, this one was solid from the opening bell and even concluded with the crowd as hot at the end as it was at the start...a halfhour 12-man Cibernetico opened things up which led to the biggest win in Donnie Dollar's career. Now, according to other internet (ahem) experts, we don't advance hardly any angles on our shows. God forbid we advance angels and wrestlers in the actual MATCH RESULTS than on the microphone. Anyways, with now 3 (or is it 4?) Ciberneticos under our belt in less than a year's time, hopefully we can hold off on another until "Ultimate Survivor" rolls around. And even then, we should probably institute the Toryumon-rules of the matchup to lead to even more "upset" potential finishes although you could spatula the jaws off the floor anyways after Dollars pinned Xsiris clean...The Ortega-Caprice feud is probably the best feud of Ortega's career (and I don't mean that in just a workrate sense) and just oozes realism all over the place...The crowd was just rabid for GeeStar's through-the-front-door return to throttle Amber as we enter into the next chapter of the "midcard angle that could", Fatback Enterprises vs. the Dee, the Gee, and the Roy...The OMEGA 2k6 segment went wayyyyyy too long for two guys that had never been seen before in the CSA (Ken Magnum and Ostgard). Not a knock on them at all, but in a 6-man, if they had been anyone other than OmegaAlum, that was opening match for sure. They certainly did their role IN the ring though, leading to a finish that set up one of those "First Time Ever!" Epic Indy Dream Clashes on 6/10 between Krazy K and Cham Pain...CJLIII's International Army vs. Tank is one of those half-assed midcard feuds that has taken a life of it's own and in a few short weeks has totally elevated everyone in it...The 3-way tag title match wasn't nearly as painful as it could be (for new readers: I detest all 3-ways, 4-corners, etc. style matches). Kiyia Moka gets on the mic (!!!) post match to put herself on the line in order for the Playas to get a rematch for the tag titles. It truly astounds me that after a year and a half in the promotion and knowing that we're family friendly, the first words you ever utter on the mic are "I'm pissed off"....hello???!!...ughhhh....Converse and Tracy Smothers totally tore the house down and if you're a Tracy Smothers fan, you owe it to yourself to match this one. Even he admitted it was his best in years. Thanks in part to the babys/heels surrounding the ring to cheer on their picks, the whole CSA was on their feet for nearly the duration. Ty Dillinger makes his CWF debut as well in Smothers' corner to add to the insane heat. Converse gets the pin with 2 seconds left in the 30 minute time limit. Awesome, **** stuff on that Southern Indy Scale I'm so fond of.

4/29 "Gate City SuperClash" Greensboro, NC thoughts - First time ever at the Boys & Girls Club here as we set the stage for bringing in TNA one month later...For some reason, aside from a select few, everyone seemed to be almost a step off tonight. Nothing a new fan would notice, but it definitely seemed house-show like in some of the performances despite the effort...Marcellus King and Brass Munkey had a superb opener, as both have just elevated their stock like freakin' crazy the past few months as Marcellus has proved himself to be possibly the best big man to come along in a long time and Munkey is one new-ring gear look away from being a true star in the eyes of EVERYone...The tag team battle royal with the final 2 teams facing off was a good idea back in Bear Creek in Nov cause we had a ton of teams. Here with only 4 teams and only having to eliminate 2 before a normal singles match was completely confusing and lost on the crowd. I think with commentary to guide it, it won't be as bad on DVD but it was just a big WTF to the fans in GBoro...Too many people at ringside not knowing what they're doing and what the cues are in the McBride-Cuban Assassin TV title match. One awesome false finish was blown but someone getting involved again too soon. Once again, DVD editing will prevent anyone from looking bad, but still...Corey Edsel's return was certainly a shocker to many and like I said months back, if he were to return, Lumpkin is EXACTLY who he should be aligned with, as opposed to old chum Brad Stutts...the 6-man main was a solid payoff without giving a payoff as Xsiris screws the pooch again and KO's Ric with the Dynasty's chain.

5/6 CSA TV Taping thoughts - Decent Munkey-Trent opener with some rather large akward-gaps in time moments that will once again (say it with me) be fixed in editing...Dollars and Roy "Rage!" Wilkins (Yes, you must spell Roy's name with the exclamation mark in the surname) probably attempted TOO much considering the level of experience but honestly, I gotta give it to them here because it wasn't perfect by any means but they pulled it off better than I would have expected going in...Jesus, Dynasty-Otto/Tank was near riot-like heat as Joey pisses off a good half of the crowd and makes you start looking around for the security...Gee and Yam's promo work to set up Yam-Matty was tremendous as you can just see, feel, and taste the pure hatred anytime those two get involved. The match was very solid albeit maybe a little lost on the crowd. I would have probably tweaked the way the draw ended but I think it got the point across...McBride-McAllister one-upped their match from the previous month although this non-title one actually had more of a serious "championship-feel" to it than the comedy-laced one that actually WAS a title match...Another chapter in the Stevens/Mitch-Playas war ends the show with Garry and match winning the services of Moka and carrying her out as kids in the CSA legit lose their minds and run around like chickens with their heads cut off screaming at the Playas to "Go Get Yo Womman!"

5/13 AC Fitness Greensboro, NC thoughts - The first AC Fitness show in like a year. No Orlo. No Alex Adonis. But a shockingly good show! I handed over ring apron camera chores to Mini-Mac just to torture him...Jake Manning and PWG's Davy Richards open it up in a mix strong style/southern clash that was pretty lost on the crowd despite it's solidness. One major complaint and this can go for a TON of Indy shows. If you're wrestling on the show and they're doing a street fight or some kind of brawl later in the show, then DON'T be going to the outside in the opener. I know alot of guys only care about "their stuff", but that's just one of those things that professionals should pay attention to. Kinda like not hitting a dozen DDTs on the undercard if Jake Roberts is your main event...Joey Silvia vs. Xsiris was one of those matches that made you remember how both of these guys became stars in the first place. This was Joey Silvia 2001 vs. Xsiris 2004 all day long and neither one gave a crap if they died or not. One of those "TOO MUCH" matches but man, I will totally lose my shit in commentary calling this. Some internet marks will jiz all over this match, although technically, X-Caprice was better last month at the CSA, but still. In that **** range as well...Cham Pain-Chris Guerrero was just about as anti-climatic as it gets. At least the crowd gave Chris a little something to work with...the 4-corners tag match was 18:22 of my life that I won't get back although I'm sure it wasn't as bad as it felt. Those damn matches just make no sense whatsoever and it does next to nothing for anyone...Ric Converse-Steve Greene street fight main event was probably 5 minute too long at 23:26 but it was seriously solid for what amounted to an out-and-out brawl. The closing sequence with the Converse and Dynasty teams at ringside was excellent, ending with Xsiris screwing up again (does the dude have my kind of vision or something???) as he clocks Ric by accident (surrrre....) with a kendo stick, leading to Steve winning. *** range.

Heck yeah, I knocked off some show reviews! Kiss my ass all you doubters! Ok, a couple other notes I wanna hit up too:

Ok, now I know Matty Dee getting his hair cut was one big kick in all of our balls. But hey, it happens, and I've been willing to let hair bygones be hair bygones. But the very second I was able to mentally deal with this and allow myself to stop my fasting waiting on the re-growth, an equally shocking experience awaiting me at my restaurant of choosing. The menu perplexed me. After all, I had been here how many times over the years? But something was missing. Something VERY important was missing. I had just recovered from Matty Dee's hair being missing. Heck, I'm still bothered by the loss of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Disney. And now this??? What sick human being decided to do away with this heavenly creation??? For you see, TGIFriday's is DISCONTINUING the OREO MADNESS!!! Yes, the greatest mo' fo'ing dessert ON EARTH is going away. Now, I LOVE me some TGIFriday's but the damn Oreo Madness with it's creamy caramel, ice cream filling, crunchy oreo cookie, white glorious powder, and hot fudge icing is the only dessert I've ever met that will draw me to a restaurant SOLELY on the basis that I'm gonna get to eat one! They could sell these things at "Sweet Potato Land" and I would go to f'n "Sweet Potato Land" just to have an Oreo Madness! I urge all my peeps to visit a TGIFriday's in the near future (bring protest signs along if you desire) and DEMAND answers!!! Thankfully, they had "Less than One Case Left" so I had what could have been my FINAL (NOOOOOOOO!) one as I was told "When this case is gone, they're gone". It wasn't my waiter's fault, I understand his role, but how can your knee jerk reaction not be to immediately donkey punch the person that delivers such devastating news?? In the end, I hope it was only a horrible dream sequence, but, if it wasn't...Oh Oh Oh Oreo....We will never forget you....

Next topic:

Jesus, people, just get the fuck off of Barry Bonds' case already. Ok, first I will disclaimer this by saying I am a San Francisco Giants fan. Keith Olbermann always makes sure to notae it on his MSNBC show if he's putting something over that's owned by his network and I can appreciate that sentiment. But for real, it doesn't matter who I'm a fan of. Get off his damn case. In 1998, McGwire was a G-D hero and there was NEVER talk of an asterisk by his name for steroids (# of games in a season, but not steroids). Hey, I liked Big Mac just fine, but all of these fans that cheered him and are now booing Barry are f'n hypocrites. I have news for all of you sports fans that thinks Bonds has "cheated": You know your favorite sports team that won that championship in the past 10 years? Yeah, that one. That one that meant so much to you and is one of your proudest moments as a fan? Well guess what? YOUR precious team had a player on steroids. In sports today, it's a way of life. You may not know WHO it was TODAY, but someone was takin' it up the ass (a needle that is). If you want to put an asterisk by Bonds' records now, then let's put an asterisk next to that World Series or Lombardi trophy that made YOU cry when YOUR team FINALLY won it. I LOVE sports, but in today's day and age, for better or worse, you have to accept the athletes for who they are and what US, the fans and the MEDIA, drive them to do. And that's to enhance their game to try and WIN for YOU.

I'm good now. Spaz out!

Hell....Still freezing....Part 2

2006-04-27T02:18:00.000-04:00

In all seriousness, the lack of blogging has probably the biggest guilt I've had to endure since last October 12th. That little sucker had a darn good following based on how many times I've been asked to write since that day AND the near-complete death of NC-wrestling related blog and live journal entries since that day. Not that I'm trying to take all the credit for that craze but I would like to think I inspired a few out there to retort to my opinion in a way that didn't involve physical harm to my being.

I actually miss my old blog like a long lost piece of California. As time passed in it's absence, it became the little friend that you never called anymore because after a certain point you feel bad that you haven't called in such a long time and know that when you do call, god only knows how long it will be till you call again. But here I am, doing my damnedest to pacify the masses and give everyone just enough to make them happy, but not SOOO much that it's a daily time-consuming chore that could be better spent payin for this freakin' $200,000 house. The schedule I keep, much like the rest of the real world, is ridiculous. A year ago; when I was living far, far away from the real world, I had all the time to spare and then some but hardly a spare dime to my name. Nowadays, I have been lucky enough to actually rake in some spare change but not a damn second to do anything with my extra 25 cents. Between a basic part-time job, my eBay stuffage, and the freakin' zillion wrestling projects from editing TV shows, DVDs, packages for CWF Mid-Atlantic, and now by-god commentary for the Hermie Sadler TNA house shows (at least until they realize I suck anyways), sleeping is about 27th on my list of stuff to actually do in a day. I totally love the point I'm at in life and while it is stressful and never-ending in it's workload, you better believe the sun is shining a LOT brighter than it was one or two years ago, making it alot easier to believe in myself and the future. I've been able to right a few wrongs along the way and have stay pretty darn-well behaved if I do say so myself. Between the support of my girl, my family, and my friends (both old and new); they have made this rebirthing process SO much easier and that much more rewarding.

As far as the future of blogging goes, any future rants will be simultaneously up at both my original baby: http://statmark.blogspot.com and the out-of-control-fad-to-the-point-I-can't-ignore-it, my MySpace page: http://myspace.com/statmark . But don't expect any full blown show reviews. Maybe just an occasional paragraph review of a show as a whole. Of course, if you're after blow-by-blow reviews, then just check out AirplaneSpin.com. Of course, you could also stick your nuts in a beartrap...it's almost as much fun. Don't be expectin' movie reviews either because....well, fuck...when do I have 90 spare minutes anyways? Just be happy with what I can give cause believe me, I'm givin you guys all I can.

Until next time, whenever that may be, love to all, and to all a good Spazzzzz......
Grant
Statmark
Spaz
Grizant
Stizastical Mizark
Grantham
Kemoman

Hell Freezes Over

2006-04-24T16:24:00.000-04:00

It was obviously going to take something truly momentous to make me once again find the time to do what has been asked of me so many times since last October 12th...write a blog. One of the greatest live matches I've ever witnessed (Converse-Corino II) couldn't make me do it. Moving into a beautiful new house and basically turning my entire life couldn't make me do it. Then what possible could? Thanksgiving? Christmas? The SuperBowl? A good Mikael Yamaha match? Nope, all of these events paled in comparison to the heart-stopping dose of cold hard reality that I witnessed this past Saturday.

Matty Dee cut his fucking hair.

Yes, my long lost brother from an acid trippin' mother did the unthinkable. The vertically spiraling afro that took him to the top and inspired myself and others to one day ascend to equally spectacular heights...was nevermore. Some twisted combination of church and female opinion robbed us all of one of the greatest manmade structures this small little galaxy had ever seen. The glaring image of Matty's castrated scalp burned in my memory worse than the repeated visual of Mitch Conner's protruding ring attire.

Maybe one day Mr. Dee will come to the realization that the hair was as much of the Matty as the Rock and the Roll was. Thankfully, the lack of hair has not taken away any of the spirit. And maybe one day, in a not-so-far-away place in the not-so-distant-future, the towering locks will return but until that day, I will not rest in my quest to prove that not only is the uncontrollable ascent of black, brown, and blond hair is not only acceptable by the masses, but is extremely doable by any female within a 27 yard radius.

The Greatest Photographs Ever

2005-10-12T22:05:00.000-04:00

The following filler column is to keep everyone happy while I take care of slightly more important issues in rea life. Enjoy and I shall return...sometime...

While I was taking in my piece of heaven in the 5th Annual CWF Rumble a couple of weeks back, another piece was being handed out to a crowd of rabid fans up north. By all reports Kenta Kobashi and Samoa Joe put on one for the ages in one of the greatest atmospheres you could ever want. I'm no ROH mark by ANY means, but from everything I've heard, this match was indeed something very, very special. You better believe I'll own that sucker on DVD but in the meantime, I was checking out some photos from the show which brought me to this beauty:

Kobashi entering the ring for the first time EVER on American soil, being covered in the traditional Japanese streamers with the beautiful balcony structure behind him. Just an awesome shot. Which reminded me of a recent thread on the DVD board covering just that, the greatest photographs in wrestling history. The problem with "wrestling" and "great photographs" is it's really tough to get a GREAT photograph in wrestling because so much of it seems sooooo...uhhhh...posed...if you know what I mean. Each and every week in SI and ESPN (the Magazine), they have those 2-3 pages at the start of the mag of just some incredible jaw-dropping action shots from the week before. If you compare those weekly shots to wrestling's "greatest", it's pretty apparent that wrestling photography isn't quiet as gripping. Thankfully, once in a great, great while, something special will come along. And now that someone else has done the work, I'm gonna go and thieve my personal favs from the DVD and post them in this special edition column. For the record, everything I've selected is a true photograph, NOT a screen cap as some chose. So check it out...

Kobashi's lariat on Vader

From possibly the greatest, most intense women's match ever, Kandori vs. Hokuto - DreamSlam I.

Kawada sandwich

Mick Foley from the King of the Death Match.

A picture tells a 1,000 words...Dynamite Kid and a young Chris Benoit some 20 years ago...

Quiet possibly the best thing to come out of the WWE in the past year is this photo.

Simple dramatic shot of Tenzan, head down and emotionally defeated with the New Japan logo hovering above him...

Streamers = emotion as CM Punk lies covered in them in one of his final ROH appearances.

The classic shot of an unmasked and crazed Jushin Liger during the match with Great Muta.

An incredible artistic poster shot of Hayabusa flying taken with a fish-eye lens apparently.

The match that produced the WWE's most memorable images from 2004.

Not THE shot of WrestleMania III, but it still tells ya all ya need to know.

The best Horsemen ever, off a PWI photo shoot.

Picture-perfect German suplex by Takayama on Tenzan.

Nagata stands tall after IWGP title defense #10

Yes, THAT suplex (Williams-Kobashi).

I have no idea, but WOW.

The ultimate shot of "the champ".

Just a personal favorite for some of my favorite ring gear ever, as worn by Mariko Yoshida.

Let's finish it up with some of my personal favorite magazine cover shots ever:

Mutoh. Triple Crown and then some.

An awesome collage that summed up the dream coming true (Plus, I'm insanely biased cause I was there).

The most beautiful title belt ever, held by it's defining champion shortly after the coming of age match (against Hennig at SSlam91).

The unfathomable dream cover that came true for every smart mark in the world.

RUMBLE!!!!!!!

2005-10-05T01:39:00.000-04:00

Even if I don't find the time to squeeze in another post this month (yeah, right), you better damn believe that you're at least gonna get a Rumble recap post. Yes, this past weekend was "Triumph", home of the 5th Annual CWF Rumble. When it was all said and done the entire weekend would become one of the most enjoyable ones I've had in a loooooooong time with plenty of friends, food, and wrestling to pretty much make life perfect for a good little 48 hours there. Kamakazi Kid (and Kristen of course) made pretty much record time from Florida, getting in Friday night to officially kick off the weekend festivities. I gotta make mention that Yamaha's B-Day celebration coincided with the Rumble as well which led to some 5-star birthday cake that was topped with COOKIES AND CREAM ICING! Are you serious??? Holy balls, that's some icing from the Heavens above to be sure. Hope it's on the buffet upstairs when it's my time to go. Trust me, the picture does it NO justice...

The Rumble was Sat night 10/1 at the CSA of course and what a show it would become. The crowd (god bless them) was actually super hot all night, especially for a CSA crowd, and I give them major props and love for that.

1. Kamakazi Kid and Xsiris defeated Shawn Christian and Donnie Dollars in 11:19 when Kamakazi Kid pinned Christian - Yes, Kazi makes his return alongside his all-time #1 rival Xsiris in a picture-perfect opener. Christian and Dollars sure make a strange pairing but it works. I tell ya, Shawn Christian is one of those guys that unfortunately has no look cause he certainly has all the tools. Super fun opener that went a touch too long for the time alloted, but it was all gravy. **3/4

Michael McAllister comes out and rips up Commissioner Cross' pre-drawn Rumble entry sheet and decides since the cat's away, he's gonna play and do the Rumble drawing himself fair and square (ahem). Gemini id comes out to dispute his actions, saying that he probably wouldn't be able to exercise his authority if McAllister was in the hospital. At which point, Gemini, total calm, turns off the mic, hands it over, and then proceeds to beat the livin snot out of McAllister. Freakin' beautiful. But Sean Powers ruins the fun and ends up choking the life out of Gemini with a chain, which would actually put Gemini out of commission for the Rumble. Awesome, hard hitting segment.

2. Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice battled Ultra Dragon to a 10:00 time limit draw -

Excellent start to the match with a very good baby-baby feeling out process with the crowd giving both guys their props. Unfortunately, that took about 5 minutes and it appeared if neither guy knew it was only a 10:00 time limit which led to the beautiful early on pace being thrown aside and the second half of the match feeling far more rushed. Major confusion at the end with the time limit sounding, 5 more minutes being requested, and then the referee counting 10 as Dragon was outside the ring. Very good start, sad crash and burn finish to something that appeared to have great potential. **1/2

3. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Television champion "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner pinned "Rock N Roll" Matty Dee in 7:19 - Conner makes his first title defense against Matty, who was fresh off of his first big singles match with Yamaha last time out. Solid enough match although not particular memorable aside from the finish as Yamaha interferes, crotching Matty on the top rope, leading to Conner giving Matty an impaler DDT from the top. Crowd wasn't balls out for this one as the other undercard stuff as it was pretty obvious that there was no chance in hell of a title change. **1/2

4. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Garry "Madd Trucker" Stevens pinned "El Fuego" Jesse Ortega in 12:23 -

Far and away, my favorite match in the Stevens MA title run. They start off hot and you just KNOW this sucker is gonna be brutal and of course they light it up with chop-city. Stevens steals the win with some gimmick in his elbow pad which is about a zillion times better than trying to hide the full blown billy-club from the referee. Very good babyface fire from Jesse in a losing effort. **1/2

Before the Rumble started, a very nice 5-minute video package aired recapping the previous 4 Rumbles. Very surreal to see at points and I couldn't help but think how Vince McMahon has traditionally ignored history and here we are showcasing a whole slew of guys that don't even wrestle here anymore. Bounty, Corey, Matt Houston, Stro, Eddie Brown, Trent, Collins, Rainz, etc, etc. Very nice to see a tribute like that, especially in pro wrestling where out of sight is usually out of mind.

5. Ric Converse won the 5th Annual 30-person CWF Rumble in 36:57 to earn a shot at the CWF Mid-Atlantic title of his choice: #1 Chris Vega and #2 Ric Converse entered...#3 Jesse Ortega entered in 1:00...#4 Bret Sharpe entered in 2:00...#5 Shawn Christian entered in 2:59...Sharpe eliminated Ortega in 3:23...#6 Bobby Fontana entered in 4:02...#7 Kamakazi Kid entered in 5:00...Kamakazi Kid eliminated Christian in 5:20...Kamakazi Kid eliminated Fontana in 5:24...Kamakazi Kid eliminated Vega in 5:29...Kamakazi Kid eliminated Sharpe in 5:38...#8 CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Television champion "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner entered in 6:00...Kazi eliminated Conner in 6:33...#9 Alex Adonis entered in 6:59...#10 Jay Sinn entered in 7:59...#11 BJ Strickler entered in 9:06...#12 Ultra Dragon entered in 9:58...Kamakazi Kid eliminated Strickler in 10:26...#13 Gregory Vercetti entered in 10:58...#14 Kid Justice entered in 11:59...Kamakazi Kid, Dragon, and Vercetti eliminated Sinn in 12:19...Justice and Kamakazi Kid eliminated Dragon in 13:01...#15 Xsiris entered in 13:02...#16 GeeStar entered in 13:59...Converse, GeeStar, Kamakazi Kid, and Xsiris eliminated Adonis in 14:33...#17 Donnie Dollars entered in 14:59...#18 Brass Munkey entered in 16:00...Dollars eliminated Gee in 16:55...#19 Tank Lawson entered in 16:58...Munkey eliminated Vercetti in 17:34...Xsiris eliminated Justice in 17:56...#20 Julius Augustus entered in 17:58...#21 Rob McBride entered in 18:58...Augustus eliminated Xsiris and Kamakazi Kid in 19:50...#22 American Steel Ninja entered in 19:58...McBride and Converse eliminated Dollars in 20:43...Ninja eliminated Munkey in 20:51...#23 Will B. Smooth entered in 20:58...McBride eliminated Lawson in 21:18...#24 Coco Rojo entered in 22:00...#25 Marcellus King entered in 22:58...Augustus and King eliminated Smooth in 23:21...Converse eliminated Rojo in 23:34...King eliminated McBride in 24:32...#26 Brad Attitude entered in 24:36...Augustus and Converse eliminated Ninja in 25:33...#27 J-Money entered in 25:47...#28 Matty Dee entered in 26:47...Money eliminated Augustus in 27:22...#29 Sean Powers entered in 27:47...#30 Mikael Yamaha entered in 28:48...Money eliminated Powers in 30:26...Yamaha eliminated Money in 30:50...King and Converse eliminated Attitude in 31:43...Matty Dee eliminated Yamaha in 34:22...King eliminated Matty Dee in 35:55...Converse eliminated King in 36:57

First off, a HUGE "Thank You" to each and every Rumble participant. I had this feeling going into it that it was going to be good but I didn't want to jinx it. The WWF's 5th Rumble was actually the legendary 1992 one and that connection didn't miss me. I don't think it's much a stretch to say that as a whole it was easily the best Rumble we've ever done. There have certainly been great moments in the past but as far as a action-packed match with deep, compelling storylines from start to finish, nearly every single person in the match getting over in their own way, and not to mention a FANTASTIC finish, we haven't done anything that can hold a candle to this. I am DAMN proud of this match and time may show it to be my all-time personal favorite match as far as my input matching up with what actually transpired. Believe me, I'd love to take credit for a lot of this sucker but if it weren't for the INCREDIBLE roster we are fortunate enough to have to pull something like this off, any ideas or brainstorms I ever had would be for naught. Heck, on top of it, pretty much everyone went for non generic eliminations rather than the "duck and dump" routine seen in so many battle royals. You guys seriously rock.

Ok, match hilights: McAllister trying to fuck every top-shelf babyface over, including giving Ric the #2 spot and Jesse (who just worked Garry!) the #3 spot, KNOWING they wouldn't have a hope in hell of being there at the end. Meanwhile, he "allowed" loser-babyface Matty Dee to have the best non-heel spot late (#28) and low and behold, guess who just about stole the show...the opening 5 minutes was just great storytelling as McAllister's hired guns just do a gang-like beating on Converse and even eliminated Ortega with the crowd just going nuts for Ric begging him to come back, despite the 4-on-1 odds...His savior comes in the form of Kamakazi Kid who cleans house and then some like no one else has in our Rumble's history...Mitch Conner's 33 second elimination brings the crowd to their feet for about the 5th time in the first 10 minutes...I can't believe just HOW into this match our normally subdued CSA crowd is...Ultra Dragon and Kazi battle the Street Sweepers in a fantastically laid-out elimination for Sinn, who then has to save his own partner Vercetti by catching him in mid-air on his way to the ground and then tossing him back inside...Never before had I seen SUCH a show of babyface unity. I mean, the mid-to-upper-tier babys were just ALL on the same page and it was almost as if they were fighting for the TEAM rather than for themselves. I definitely think Ultimate Survivor is gonna play off of that kind of unity tremendously. Our crowd LOVES our babys and unity is only gonna make them all that much more over. The place went nuts when the Ric/Gee/Kazi/Xsiris quartet dumped Adonis...Boy, you could hear the breath leave the crowd like THEY were the ones that got chokeslammed when Dollars nailed Gee...Augustus got enough heat to live off of for months, eliminating Xsiris and Kazi at the same time. A-hole...As soon as I'm marking for the unity, Ninja weirds out and dumps Munkey. WTF?...the early-to-mid-20s is always the most difficult part of a Rumble. It's usually the part where it begins to hurt a lull before the upswing of the actual finish which is pretty much what we had here. Probably the only disappointing part of this year's Rumble is the timing of some eliminations as we weren't able to milk the Ric vs. Julius/Marcellus matchup before Atty came in to make the "save". A little piece of drama that never came to be but out of ALL the storylines here, missing on one was no biggie...J-Money came up bigger than expected as a late entry. Very happy for him...Ric accidentally eliminates TWO of his buddies, Ninja and Atty....the final 4: Matty Dee lies helpless in a corner while Yamaha and Marcellus take turns beating on Ric, who's gone past the 30-minute mark. In a classic "holy crap!!" crowd markout moment, Matty, all but written off, ducks and dumps Yamaha over the top rope who proceeds to loose his shit and then some on the outside. He blindsides a helpless trash can and then proceeds to grab the stiffest chair EVER. Matty, preoccupied as he's firing up on Marcellus in one of my "Images of the Year" is screaming "COME ON!" to King just before Yamaha gets back in the ring and smashes the chair across Matty's back.

Yamaha then proceeds to commit public murder in one of the most vicious beatings in CWF history to the point where Matty is about to curl up in the fetal position and die. Marcellus presses Matty over the top for the elimination and the officials carry Matty's lifeless body to the back. Meanwhile, Ric dumps Marcellus to apparently win the Rumble but all the officials are in the back with Matty! The fans are PISSED cause they KNOW Ric's gettin screwed yet AGAIN and low and behold, Yamaha bashes Ric with the same chair, cutting his back open with the shot. The officials are back out and yes, there's nothing left but for Marcellus to simply toss Ric over for the win...BUT Ric at the VERY last (and I mean VERY last) second REVERSES it, dumps Marcellus for a second time and the roof officially comes off.

Hellacious final 4 segment that made Yamaha the biggest prick ever, Matty Dee a bonafide singles star, Marcellus a serious Heavyweight contender, and Ric...well, added to his growing legend (two 37-minute matches on two straight TV tapings??? Holy crap!!). I could watch the final 5 minutes of that Rumble all day. Hell, I've watched the whole 36:57 about a dozen times now. Awesome, awesome match. ****1/2 by Rumble standards. Hell, by "Southern Indy" Rumble standards, it might as well be the full monty cause god knows we'll never get that much accomplished in one match again.

Post-show festivities at Castle CWF was just awesome with a gathering of 15 or so watchin the Rumble and just havin a great time in general. Poor Matty was virtually immobile thanks to Yamaha....

...but was it worth it? "Hell yeah". And that, ladies and gentlemen, is indeed, the sickness.

I could go on and on about the show because really, as a whole, it was that good, The workers were ON. The crowd was ON. It was just one of those nights where magic was in the air. It doesn't happen to often. Maybe once or twice a year, but on October 1st, we were all feeling it.

And with the Rumble comes my annual Rumble-stat sheets so here ya go, first off with this year's breakdown, followed by the all-time Rumble Record Book.

NUMBER OF WRESTLERS ELIMINATED
Note: eliminations by multiple wrestlers at once are counted as 0.5 eliminations, the same as a dual sack in football
7.5 - Kamakazi Kid
4.0 - Ric Converse
3.0 - Julius Augustus, Marcellus King
2.0 - J-Money
1.5 - Xsiris, Rob McBride
1.0 - Bret Sharpe, Donnie Dollars, Brass Munkey, American Steel Ninja, Mikael Yamaha, Matty Dee
0.5 - Ultra Dragon, Gregory Vercetti, Kid Justice, GeeStar

LENGTH LASTED IN THE RUMBLE
36:57 - Ric Converse
13:59 - Marcellus King
11:58 - Kamakazi Kid
9:24 - Julius Augustus
9:08 - Matty Dee
7:34 - Alex Adonis
7:07 - Brad Attitude
6:48 - Xsiris
6:36 - Gregory Vercetti
5:57 - Kid Justice
5:44 - Donnie Dollars
5:35 - American Steel Ninja
5:34 - Rob McBride
5:34 - Mikael Yamaha
5:29 - Chris Vega
5:03 - J-Money
4:51 - Brass Munkey
4:20 - Jay Sinn
4:20 - Tank Lawson
3:38 - Bret Sharpe
3:03 - Ultra Dragon
2:39 - Sean Powers
2:23 - Jesse Ortega
2:23 - Will B. Smooth
2:21 - Shawn Christian
1:56 - GeeStar
1:34 - Coco Rojo
1:22 - Bobby Fontana
1:20 - BJ Strickler
0:33 - Mitch Conner

----------------------------------

2001-2005 ALL-TIME CWF RUMBLE RECORDS

Individual Records

Most Rumbles Competed In
5, Mikael Yamaha
GeeStar
4, Brad Attitude
Rob "the Bull" McBride
Xsiris/Caleb X
American Steel Ninja
Brass Munkey

Number of Wrestlers eliminated
Note: eliminations by multiple wrestlers at once are counted as 0.5 eliminations, the same as a dual sack in football
7.5, Kamakazi Kid (2005)
6.5, "Nite Stic" Eddie Brown (2002)
6.0, "Slick" Ric Converse (2003)
5.0, Brad Attitude (2004)
Mikael Yamaha (2001)
"Ravishing" Rico Rage (2001)

Longest Length Lasted
36:57, Ric Converse (2005)
33:53, "Nite Stic" Eddie Brown (2002)
30:12, "Tremendous" Trent Wylde (2003)
29:01, Mikael Yamaha (2001)
27:21, Brad Attitude (2004)

Shortest Length Lasted
0:05, Blue Angel (2003)
0:33, Mitch Conner (2005)
0:41, Larry, the security guard (2001)
0:46, Tik (2001)
0:53, Blaze Knight (2001)

The All-Time Combined Stats

Total Number of Wrestlers eliminated
Note: eliminations by multiple wrestlers at once are counted as 0.5 eliminations, the same as a dual sack in football
12.0 - "Slick" Ric Converse
8.5 - Mikael Yamaha
8.0 - "Nite Stic" Eddie Brown
7.5 - Kamakazi Kid, Rob "the Bull" McBride
6.5 - GeeStar
6.0 - Brad Attitude
5.5 - "Tremendous" Trent Wylde, Xsiris
5.0 - "Ravishing" Rico Rage
4.0 - the Stro, Bounty Hunter, American Steel Ninja
3.0 - Mighty Orlo, Gemini Kid/Number Man, Julius Augustus, Marcellus King, J-Money, Brass Munkey
2.5 - Drake Tungsten
2.0 - "Iceman" Joe Storm, Scotty Blaze, Corey Edsel, Granite, Amber O'Neal, Sean Powers, Mitch Norris
1.5 - Kurt Solo
1.0 - L.A. Cash, Brad Rainz, Otto Schwanz, Sexton Tyler, Caprice "Ice" Coleman, Scott Powers, "Lord" Everett DeVore, Ozzie Knight, Blaze Knight, "Big Cat" Lincoln Thorne, Dexter Poindexter, Alex Adonis, Joey Silvia, "Madd Trucker" Garry Stevens, Bret Sharpe, Donnie Dollars, Matty Dee
0.5 - Hugh B. Johnson, "Special K" Krissy Vaine, Ultra Dragon, Gregory Vercetti, Kid Justice

Total Length Lasted in the Rumble
68:15 - "Slick" Ric Converse (2002: #1 - 14:36, 2003: #21 - 16:42, 2005: #2-36:57)
52:06 - Mikael Yamaha (2001: #5 - 29:01, 2002: #21 - 5:53, 2003: #4 - 4:47, 2004: #1 - 6:51, 2005: #30 - 5:34)
46:05 - Brad Attitude (2002: #3 - 5:31, 2003: #1 - 6:06, 2004: #7 - 27:21, 2005: #26 - 7:07)
43:08 - Rob McBride (2001: #7 - 5:17, 2002: #14 - 22:54, 2004: #19 - 9:23, 2005: #21 - 5:34)
42:03 - "Nite Stic" Eddie Brown (2001: #10 - 4:23, 2002: #10 - 33:53, 2003: #10 - 3:47)
35:46 - Trent Wylde (2002: #15 - 3:28, 2003: #5 - 30:12, 2004: #14 - 4:24 and #21 - 1:10)
28:43 - Otto Schwanz (2001: #8 - 22:43, 2003: #27 - 6:00)
27:11 - Xsiris/Caleb X (2002: #11 - 0:55, 2003: #22 - 13:38, 2004: #9 - 5:50, 2005: #15 - 6:48)
26:23 - Corey Edsel (2001: #19 - 0:58, 2002: #17 - 25:25)
25:09 - Kurt Solo (2001: #18 - 1:31, 2002: #28 - 10:40, 2003: #2 - 12:58)
19:27 - Kamakazi Kid (2002: #4 - 2:46, 2003: #3 - 4:43, 2005: #7 - 11:58)
18:34 - Mitch Norris (2003: #17 - 5:05, #20 - 2004: 13:29)
17:47 - "Ravishing" Rico Rage
17:45 - American Steel Ninja (2002: #7 - 2:12, 2003: #26 - 4:18, 2004: #17 - 5:40, 2005: #22 - 5:35)
17:33 - Bounty Hunter (2002: #29 - 8:58, 2003: #29 - 8:35)
16:19 - Gemini Kid/Number Man (2002: #30 - 9:13, 2003: #31 - 2:34, 2004: #27 - 4:32)
16:06 - The Stro
15:13 - Brass Munkey (2002: #23 - 2:06, 2003: #20 - 4:55, 2004: #10 - 3:21, 2005; #18 - 4:51)
13:59 - Marcellus King
13:29 - GeeStar (2001: #3 - 2:14, 2002: #12 - 4:15, 2003: #18 - 1:37, 2004: #2 - 3:27, 2005: #16 - 1:56)
13:03 - Kid Justice (2003: #9 - 3:26, 2004: #24 - 3:43, 2005: #14 - 5:57)
12:52 - Brad Rainz (2002: #2 - 7:06, 2003: #23 - 3:32, 2004: #15 - 2:14)
12:41 - J-Money (2002: #6 - 2:51, 2003: #12 - 4:47, 2005: #27 - 5:03)
12:27 - Stephen O' Hara (2002: #19 - 4:59, 2003: #19 - 7:28)
11:16 - Sean Powers (2004: #23 - 8:37, 2005: #29 - 2:39)
10:50 - Alex Adonis (2004: #11 - 3:16, 2005: #9 - 7:34)
9:59 - Joey "Spank" Silvia (2003: #6 - 4:28, 2004: #16 - 5:31)
9:46 - Caprice "Ice" Coleman
9:30 - Scott Powers
9:29 - Sexton Tyler (2001: #27 - 5:20, 2002: #20 - 1:37, 2003: #24 - 2:32)
9:24 - Julius Augustus
9:08 - Matty Dee
9:06 - Brad Hunter
8:56 - "Iceman" Joe Storm (2001: #26 - 1:14, 2002: #9 - 7:42)
8:47 - Hugh B. Johnson (2002: #27 - 3:52, 2003: #16 - 4:55)
8:41 - Dexter Poindexter
8:36 - Granite
8:22 - Scotty Blaze
7:58 - Latin Lover
7:44 - Drake Tungsten (2002: #8 - 1:32, 2003: #13 - 6:12)
7:44 - Quinson Valentino
7:40 - Amber O'Neal/Amber Holly (2001: #1 - 3:01, 2002: #18 - 3:14, 2004: #8 - 1:25)
7:12 - Jesse Ortega (2004: #18 - 4:49, 2005: #3 - 2:23)
7:05 - Matt Houston
7:01 - Tank Lawson (2004: #25 - 2:41, 2005; #19 - 4:20)
6:36 - Gregory Vercetti
6:21 - Kenny James (2002: #5 - 4:51, 2003: #28 - 1:30)
5:49 - L.A. Cash
5:44 - Donnie Dollars
5:42 - Chris Collins (2002: #13 - 1:33, 2003: #15 - 4:09)
5:29 - Chris Vega
5:24 - Guillotine LeGrande
5:24 - William Wealth III
5:21 - "Big Cat" Lincoln Thorne
4:35 - "Conceited Kid" Bradley North
4:28 - Johnny Blaze
4:22 - Mini Bull
4:20 - Jay Sinn
3:53 - Will Smooth (2004: #12 - 1:30, 2005: #23 - 2:23)
3:48 - Lumbee
3:47 - Ozzie Knight
3:40 - "Special K" Krissy Vaine
3:38 - Bret Sharpe
3:25 - "Playboy" Bert Tripp
3:08 - Jason Blade
3:03 - Ultra Dragon
2:41 - "Red Hot" Tim Blaze
2:37 - Johnny Suicide
2:36 - Lee Williams
2:33 - "Lord" Everett DeVore
2:28 - Chris Steel
2:21 - Shawn Christian
2:12 - Ashley Walker
2:02 - "Madd Trucker" Garry Stevens
1:57 - Mighty Orlo
1:34 - Coco Rojo
1:27 - Brad Stutts
1:22 - Bobby Fontana
1:20 - BJ Strickler
0:53 - Blaze Knight
0:46 - Tik
0:41 - Larry, the security guard
0:33 - Mitch Conner
0:05 - Blue Angel

Dream A Little Dream

2005-09-28T01:10:00.000-04:00

Enjoy what little bloggin ya get over the next few weeks outta me cause there's a good chance it's gonna be few and far between. To let everyone in on my private-little world (which if you've ever noticed, is only vaguely alluded to in this column), I'm attempting to buy a house. Not just any house mind you, but in my mind, amounts to my dream house. Problem being that my credit is horrible because I have yet to be able to right the wrongs from '96-'99 (I'll get that life story posted one of these days), and it's not like I have financial security or nothin. I get by and all, but to say this place is a little out of range is an understatement. At which point anyone reading this goes "Uhhhhh...so how can this be an option in the first place??". Answer: It's my Mom's house. As I mentioned months back, she lost her mind and got remarried leaving her with this beautiful house and no one to live in it. So it ends up on the market and to make a long story short, everything has fallen into place that aside from the minor issue of having $200,000, it's a perfect setup for me. About 5 miles from the TV studio and plenty of room for all the junk I have collected over the past XXX years. As insane as THIS sounds, buying that house will actually be CHEAPER for me than the current money sucking pit that I rent. Plus, it'll be about 200 less miles a week that I'm on the road. Not too shabby.

However, until that date comes, I'm pretty much living on an excruciating day-by-day rollercoaster. Just to get to the point I'm at now where this can be seriously considered was touch enough, but sealing the deal seems almost impossible at times. Anyone that was around me last weekend at the show and whatnot, knows I wasn't traditional Spaz. Matty even asked me about it yesterday and it's pretty tough to deny what I'm going through emotionally right now. For me, this is IT. If I can pull this off somehow by the grace of God, it's a life-changing move that benefits not just me, but a whole bunch friends and a certain wrestling promotion that I'm kinda tight with. But if it falls through the cracks, I'm probably gonna have a nervous breakdown as alot of my hopes and dreams are gonna go up in smoke. That may sound a little much, but I have been patient for YEARS. I've always allowed myself to settle for less and have always kicked my ass later for making so many stupid decisions and mistakes over the years. This is my one glaring opportunity to right a lot of wrongs and fix just about everything that's wrong with my life. I know it's not like I'm gonna wake up the next morning and never have a worry in the world, but this is gonna go a long ways in me making my life something I'm proud of 7 days a week, rather than just 1 day a week.

My apologies now to anyone I'm around if I give off a "I just wanna die" vibe in the next few weeks. It's VERY difficult when you want something this bad and you're already high strung enough as it is trying to pull it off and on top of everything else, you're greeted with criticism and finger pointing about how you're doing this wrong or that wrong. Trying to keep everyone happy, from family to friends and so on is nearly impossible and I can feel myself breaking down everytime any criticism falls my way. Even more than wanting this, I NEED this. Patience is a virtue, but if everyone understood just HOW patient I have been over the past nine years when it came to lowering my standards of living and then never being able to crawl back out of that hole, they would understand why my patience and sanity is running thin.

More than ANYthing else in the world, I want this home. Not because it's just a "nice home". It's my "Serenity", as others have dubbed it. My peace of mind on one hand...An open door for all friends, past and present. A door that I have never been comfortable enough with in the past to open...and yes, production central for CWF television. I could go on and on. After all, that's all I do in my head as of late. Dream of the future. Dream of what could be. Fear what may not be. The stars have aligned, but there's still that one giant hurdle left to climb. In the real world it's called a cosigner....in my current world, it will be called an angel.

I think you get the general idea there, so let's move on...as if I didn't have enough on my mind this Saturday is "Triumph", home of the 5th Annual CWF Rumble, my favorite event of the year. This has serious potential to be the best ever, and unquestionably, will probably be the most organized. And really, the card from top to bottom, should be as solid as any all year. It also marks the return of Kamakazi Kid, who I can't wait to see on Friday night once he gets in from Florida. For the newbies, Kazi pretty much died in two previous Rumble appearances (and if you've ever seen the footage, you know that's no exaggeration). I'd just like to go on record now saying in no way, shape, or form do I want him to attempt to cheat death yet again on sat. And actually, ASIDE from the house issue, this should be a wonderfully fun weekend. It would actually devastate me if the tension surrounding that issue ruins what otherwise is one of my favorite weekends of the year. Hopefully, it got it's "ruining weekends" phase out last weekend. Speaking of which, last Saturday 9/24 we were at the Raleigh Road Drive-In in Henderson, NC for a little house show. An acceptable turnout as several fans watched from their cars as if the show WAS a movie. It was actually my first time at a Drive-In since 1987 and "Spaceballs" and man, I tell ya, there is some serious potential with those suckers I still feel.

1. Jesse Ortega pinned Michael McAllister in 6:47 -

A tough spot for McAllister to be in as his mind was obviously elsewhere and it showed. Several moments of miscommunication led to some awkwardness. I feel bad for the boys but it happens to everyone. 3/4*

2. American Steel Ninja pinned Alex Adonis in 10:19 - Pretty bland and some awkwardness here too. Just not a very smooth show in general so far. *

3. "Slick Diddy" Ric Converse pinned CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Television champion "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner in 8:58 of a non-title match - Another match in this series (man, I need to check and see how many that is so far). Nothing you haven't seen before really, but solid all the way through. Too pros just out there doin' the thing. **3/4

4. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions the $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth with Kiyia Moka in their corner) defeated Mikael Yamaha and Julius Augusuts in 15:19 when Smooth pinned Augustus -

Seriously enjoyable matchup thanks to the crowd being a little more alive cause of the over-the-top heels. Augustus breaks out a clean shaven look which serves him SO much better. Some miscommunication early between him and the Playas though which is strange as they've worked a few times. Yam's heeling was off the charts and has been on a serious roll as of late. It's amazing just HOW much better of a worker Yamaha is when he's happy in his personal life. I mean, he's worked 3-4 watchable matches in a row now. **3/4

5. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Garry "Madd Trucker" Stevens pinned Rob "Boogie Woogie Man" McBride in 11:53 - What you'd expect, solid enough. Finish was freakin' horrible, especially considering they had a PERFECT finish and didn't do it, but oh well...hindsight 20/20 ya know? **

Football thoughts: The parity in the 2005 NFL season continues to run rampant with the dust settling after Week 3 and some of us dreaming of a Bengals-Bucs SuperBowl... The Pack's season is about one game away from being over and don't think for one second that Favre is gonna stick around past this year...What did I say in my preview about Chad Pennington staying healthy? J-E-T-S! J(ust) E(end) T(he) S(eason)!...If ANY team goes 9-7 this year, they're makin the playoffs. And an 11-5 team could very well have homefield throughout...Couple of topnotch games in Week 4 with the Chargers-Patriots and an awesome Eagles-Chiefs matchup.

Pick wise for Week 3 I was a bit busy so only got to round up a few and even with parity, we all did pretty darn well.
12-3: Grant Sawyer
11-4: Matty Dee, Randolph Hedrick

This past week in the Insiders Fantasy Football league, I went to 3-0 with another mauling in a 74 point win; in the battle of the other two top teams, Hedd edged Gemini Kid by 1 point to go 3-0 as well; McAllister beat Matty Dee by 46, who is now 0-3; and Yamaha shockingly went to 3-0 as well with a 77 point win over some hopeless jobber. This week is the big one with myself vs. Hedd as someone start 4-0, Gemini vs. Matty, and Yam vs. McAllister among the CWF crew matchups.

Ok guys, you got the basic update...more again one day even if it's just a quickie Rumble recap...Love to all!

Stuff I Love...it's all in here

2005-09-21T20:16:00.000-04:00

Found a funky new little BLOG to plug the other day....a comic geek one to be certain, but just the template alone kicks ass: Dial B For Blog. Fun stuff...I shall try and steal some of their material as often as possible. In checking it out, it brought my attention towards THIS comic cover, which leaves a myriad of questions to be answered...such as (look closely)...why the hell does it say "ASSPAIN" on the theater marquee?

One plug, one piece of stolen material, one question to never be answered. Not too shabby.

Ya know what, while I'm at it, I'm gonna give good old Captain Carrot a shoutout just because...

Man, if I had never gotten laid at this point in my life I can't imagine flaunting this stuff the way I do. I mean, do Star Wars virgins sit around and actually think that dedicating their life to that movie is more important than actually attempting to give the illusion to females that you're not a complete dork?

This week's pick results from those that did it as the NFL season continues to be as unpredictable as ever:

9-7: Randolph Hedrick
8-8: Matty Dee, GeeStar
7-9: Donnie Dollars
6-10: Amber O'Neal, Grant Sawyer
5-11: Mikael Yamaha

Fantasy Football updates...I win big again, by some 69 points to go 2-0, Gemini wins by 19 to go 2-0, Hedd beats McAllister by 15 to go 2-0, and Yamaha beats Matty Dee to go 2-0 (WTF??). Week 3's big one is the Hedd-Gemini matchup as at least one team will start 3-0.

If you watched Week 1 at all, you saw those commercials for Fathead.com, which is that site that sells that big ass NFL decals that cover like a wall of your room. I'm dying to get some of these suckers but holy balls are they expensive.

Your basic helmet is $95 and to get a player decal is $145. Ba freakin' jeez...maybe eBay will have 'em cheaper one of these days. Honestly though, that whole decal gimmick could really replace the traditional poster. If they actually work, that's exactly how posters should start be produced so you can just slap that sucker up on a wall.

ok, onto the big show reviews from last weekend and the first thing you'll notice is the addition of even MORE action pics than usual as our other ringside photo's site, Slamfest Bob, has put them up on his new photosite. This in addition to Hedd's always great work with the Insiders. Saturday 9/17 brought us the appropriately titled CWF "Superclash" with arguably the biggest main event in company history: Converse vs. Corino for the AWA World title.

1. Brass Munkey and American Steel Ninja defeated the Street Sweepers (Gregory Vercetti and Jay Sinn) in 7:32 when Ninja pined Sinn -

Well done opener as you would expect here with Munkey and Ninja almost looking better as a team now than when they were champs. TV quality. **

2. Rob "Boogie Woogie Man" McBride pinned Donnie Dollars in 3:17 - Dollars is becoming the king of TV, having participated in nearly perfect-length TV bouts with Rob, Otto, and Ric now. And guess what? They all actually went on TV. Funny how that works when you actually work an undercard match in under 7 minutes. Good stuff, nice finish. *3/4

3. Mikael Yamaha pinned "Rock N Roll" Matty Dee in 11:58. Due to his win, Yamaha was granted the #30 entry in the 5th Annual CWF Rumble on 10/1 by Michael McAllister -

Without question, the most important match in Matty's CWF career. Pretty much abandoned at this point, he's gotta be able to turn the corner and move up the singles ladder. Problem being is that Matty's whole shtick is so ridiculously over the top, there's a fine line between the lovable dolt that amuses me to no ends and actually performing as a credible wrestler (which isn't nearly as amusing to me, but golly, does the crowd seem to like him a lot better then). Perfect matchup for him at this crossroads against Yamaprick, who I have to hear whine and bitch all weekend about how he always gets the shaft in the Rumble so he goes to McAllister who sympathizes with him and hands over the #30 spot this year if he wins tonight. God I can't stand wrestlers that whine about their spot. Near-perfect execution with Matty winning the crowd's hearts early by dumping Yam over the top rope and continuing on a roll which led to some of my worst spazzing-out-of-my-freakin-gourd play-by-play commentary in post later that night. Springboard into the superkick is **** on the Michaels-Benjamin scale. Stutts saves his boy numerous times from disaster until Yam hits a wicked snap DDT to win it. Fuck him. Matty was SO there we could taste it. Went too long but I LOVED the match and will make the "Year-End 25 list". ****

4. Amber O'Neal defeated Christie Ricci by submission in 8:59 of a AWA Women's World title qualifying match -

First time I remember seeing Christie although according to Hedd, we were on the same show as here back in 2002 for NEW/PGWA. Great look, very nice work and a pretty darn good women's bout here with Amber. It's all gravy. **

5. Ultra Dragon defeated Brandon Day by submission in 8:28 -

Solid match that was hurt by it's insane length considering what was needed. Dragon takes his usual "this guy shouldn't be alive, much less kicking out" murderous heat. Some insanity on the floor as well and Day ends up pretty much driving his own head into the canvas like a pogo stick, leading to Dragon's win. Post-match, Sean Powers hits the ring and clears house with a chain leading to the traditional pre-Rumble 15-man locker room brawl. Not a bad match, just too much. *3/4

6. "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner pinned Jesse Ortega in 8:53 to win the CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Television title -

It had to happen one day and it finally did, the record setting 24-successful title defense run of Ortega (spanning 9 months and 9 days) finally came to an end with Conner's 3rd shot at the title. The meat-and-potatoes wasn't as dramatic or as crisp as some of the previous ones, but all anyone will ever remember is the final 2 minutes, ending with a Honky Tonk-Steamboat like finish with Conner rolling through the fujiwara, his feet laced into the ropes and on top of Ortega for the fateful 3 count. NO ONE saw this one coming and fans were just flat out shocked. **1/2

7. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions the $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth with Kiyia Moka in their corner) defeated Alex Adonis and Marcellus King in 14:59 when Smooth pinned Adonis -

Adonis takes the place of Julius Augustus who was in an unfortunate automobile accident on the way to the show (f'n deers). Honestly, not too shabby at all as King and the Playas really click and Adonis has worked with the Playas enough to fit into the puzzle pretty nicely. Yeah, I was surprised too. Fine little bout. **1/4

8. AWA World Heavyweight champion Steve Corino pinned "Slick Diddy" Ric Converse in 38:47 -

Well this was it, the epic matchup that every fan was just chomping at the bit for. Make no mistake, this crowd wanted and truly believe with all their hearts that Ric could indeed leave as the new AWA World champ. Hell of an old school matchup as the pace is very very slow but they didn't need anything more than that as the crowd is hot for every single little thing. The initial feeling out process literally goes nearly the entire first 30 minutes and there's no question that if we had decided to go with a 60 minute draw, this would have been the match to do it in and the fans would have still been there in the end. Unfortunately, Charles the ref gets KO'd by Corino late and wouldn't ya know it, Ric hits his Richter scale on Corino with no one there to count it. But wait! Here comes ref #2 Katie Kincaid to make the count and it's 1, 2, and cocksucker of the night, Ricky Landell, yanks her out of the ring and nearly gets booed out of the building. Corino comes back with a second Northern Lights Bomb to put Ric away for good and the crowd is PISSED. And I mean, in a rebellious "G-DAMN IT! FUCK!" kinda way. Resident fan Big Donnie takes the lead by bitching ME out first off (of all people) and then gets the mic from CORINO, going on a (mild) profanity-laced 5 minute rant ending with "You no good bastard". Whew, thank god we're family friendly, cause the fans sure ain't. Corino ends up bitching out Ricky Landell for f'n the finish up which in turn leads to another brawl between Ric, Corino, Landell, and the rest of the locker room. The match itself was basic as fuck and would probably be deemed boring by some (god forbid), but it told a story, one HELL of a story, and I have NEVER seen a CWF crowd that mad about who went over in a match. On a side note, Corino is the ultimate professional, putting over every single little thing about the promotion and I look forward to the rematch that was never supposed to happen. ****

Sunday night 9/18 brought us RCW "Bigger Than Average" at the Riders bar in Greensboro for a decent little turnout for what could wind up being the last show ever in that facility:

1. Ultra Dragon, Brass Munkey, and American Steel Ninja defeated "Mr. Elite" Jake Manning and the Guerreros (Jose and Miguel Guerrero) in 13:12 -

I missed the CMLL mini-show a couple of weeks back so this was my first time seeing the Guerreros in action (or Manning for that matter). Seriously fun 6-man with the Munkey past and future partners teaming on one side. Little mix of lucha in there as you would expect with the traditional southern tag format. ***

2. Sean Cruise (with Tre G in his corner) pinned Jay Steel in 7:30 - Boy, Riders is always the place I can go now to see new guys. Solid enough, but nothing truly memorable. I probably need to go back and watch on tape before really passing any judgment, good or bad. *1/2

3. Jeremy Ryan and "Texas Lightning" Bobby Houston defeated Jay Sinn and Donnie Dollars (with Gregory Vercetti in their corner) in 10:10 - Holy god, whoever gave "Houston" THAT gimmick was dead freakin' on. Bobby Houston is Sam Houston's long lost, but slightly less incarcerated, brother. I mean, absolutely PERFECT gimmick for a guy. Talk, lanky, good lookin youngster. Gave him the white tights, boots, cowboy hat and all the rest takes care of itself. Match was alot of fun actually although a touch too long at this stage of the show with what came before and what was coming later. **

4. The Millennium Violence Connection ("The Black Hand" Justin Feeche and "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel) defeated Jukebox Heroes (Charlie Dreamer and "Rock N Roll" Matty Dee) in 9:43 -

Ironically enough, the Mid-Atlantic tag champs can't make the show but the recently doubly retired MVC team does, up against a fun little duo that actually had plenty of crowd support between Dreamer's natural charisma and the CWF regulars still pulling for Matty because of what happened the night before. **

5. KC McKnight pinned "Slick Diddy" Ric Converse in 12:02 -

The "Mini-Clash" between one of, if not THE, premier MA worker and the one that has been deemed as the NEXT. Very solid bout here with Converse getting screwed for the second night straight. MAJOR props to KC on the new gear as it's a VAST improvement on some of the previous RCW and CWF stuff he's worn. I can totally see KC and Ric doing a 40-minute 3 falls match in the right setting somewhere down the road. ***

6. Amber O'Neal and GeeStar defeated Mikael Yamaha and Brad Stutts in 8:11 when Gee pinned Yamaha -

Certainly not a workrate classic, but earned major praise from others as soon as it was over as one of the most entertaining matches seen in a long time. Yamaha strikes gold on two straight days and we ALL know how rare that is. He broke out the pink motocross which actually looked awesome and not in the "questionable lifestyle" kinda way either. I won't go the full Bret Hart-monty on it, but still not too shabby. Stutts played his role perfectly and both girls were on (which is a biggie for Gee, who has had a tough time trying to reclaim the motivation and glory of 2004 post-knee injury). Very Classic Rock-Tank in the sense that you're probably talkin ** at best workrate wise, but on an entertainment level, it was WAY up there.

7. RCW Intercontinental champion "Boogie Woogie Man" Rob McBride (with Hank the Rider's Enforcer in his corner) pinned Tank Lawson (with Penguin in his corner) in 15:20 to win the vacant RCW Heavyweight title -

Your basic Rob-Tank matchup although the ringside shenanigans were almost TOO distracting as Penguin and Hank just have no clue out there as to what to do when and pretty much spent half the match holding hands while the fans scream "For the love of god Hank, HIT HIM!!". **

8. KC McKnight pinned "Boogie Woogie Man" Rob McBride to win the RCW Heavyweight title -

Rob wins the title back and out comes KC for an abrupt challenge that leads to a mini-match with KC pulling a Hogan-Yoko-Bret and WINNING the freakin' belt (or as some would say a Credible-Dreamer-Taz but whoever watched that stuff? :P ). I actually hate this kind of title switch and even though this one was done completely fine, not insulting in any way, I think it still degrades the sanctity of the RCW Heavyweight title. Cough, cough...man, what's that in my throat...Post-match, KC celebrates on the bar with the title and is asked to get down by former wrestler/RCW bouncer/No selling god of wrestling Grease, which leads to a confrontation between KC and Grease, with Grease grabbing KC by the throat (shizoooooooooooooot and the shizit is on!)and KC going all front facelock on him. This goes back to the locker room which in turn nearly breaks out into a full-fledged riot between the RCW wrestlers and the Riders bouncers and employees. Very, very ugly scene which should have never happened in the first place.

Ok, that's enough of an insanely large update for now..time for us all to go back to our regularly scheduled lives...peace out!

Week 1 and Wentworth

2005-09-16T01:24:00.000-04:00

Spent the meat and potatoes of NFL Week 1 in Chapel Hill with Flagler and others as my boy had flown in from Tampa specifically for the Week 1 gathering. By the time it was all said and done, the reunion actually felt a little hollow as I wished we had gotten to spend some time doing something other than JUST watching football since we only get together like once or twice a year now anyways. Another testament to the fact that I will always prefer NFL Sunday Ticket on Direct TV at home as opposed to a bar setting just because of all the comforts that home provides and you don't have to watch a DUD of a game like what the Pack and Lions put on.

Week 1 provided possibly the most shocking, most unpredictable Week 1 results ever with all of us so-called experts looking like freakin' morons. Of all the CWF crew that threw in their two cents, check out this final tally for Week 1 picks:

11-5: Amber O'Neal
9-7: Mikael Yamaha, Chris Flagler
8-8: Randy Hedrick, GeeStar
7-9: Matty Dee, Grant Sawyer

Yeesh.

I would have LOST so much $ this week. I would have bet the farm on the Rams and their 5 1/2 favored points on the 49ers. Bucs-Viks? Dolphins-Denver? Atlanta-Phily??? Whew bajeez...thank god I didn't have anyone offer me any bets.

That was the flattest I have EVER seen a Green Bay team look since Favre took over. Yeah, the Pack started off really poor last year and made the playoffs in the end, but they have NEVER looked as out of it as they did last week. I mean, we're talking Rockers at WrestleMania VI kinda lethargic. I totally think the Lions may end up winning that division at 8-8.

Is it me or does Carolina just ALWAYS play the wrong team at the wrong time? And good lord, Carolina better find a #2 receiver cause Steve Smith is gonna be dead by year's end as hard as he's playing. Speaking of which, that game was a solid ***3/4 affair. Emotionally, it was probably as big as you can get in Week 1. Other ***3/4 games from Week 1 were Chargers-Cowboys and Falcons-Eagles (which would have broken **** if ANYthing had happened in the second half...still a really entertaining game though).

Hell yeah, I'll snowflake a football game now too! Who's gonna stop me???

I was shocked by how good Atlanta's defense looked Monday Night. Forget Vick, if they go anywhere, it'll totally be because of that defense.

Since I sucked so much on Week 1, let's give Week 2 a shot. Just looking over the schedule makes me realize that this is gonna be about impossible...let's lose some $!:

Baltimore at Tennessee - Uhhhh...Balty cause I don't know what happened to Tenn in Week 1...Ravens 17-14.

Buffalo at Tampa Bay - Tampa can't be really for real can they? Man I smell upset now...oh look ma, no balls. Bills 24-20.

Detroit at Chicago - Chicago is freakin' awful. Lions 24-10.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis - Indy is gonna have a fit with this defense but Jax can't stack up offensively. Has a chance if it stays under 20, which it won't. Indy 28-17.

Minnesota at Cincinnati - Ohhhhhhh...intriguing as hell. Minnesota HAS to be better than what they showed last week. I BELIEVE IN THE BUNGULS. Just not as much if they're not playing Cleveland. Minnesota 31-28.

New England at Carolina - This could totally go either way cause the Pats didn't look THAT great vs. an Oakland team that's not in the same league as Carolina. God I don't wanna hit the sports radio shows down here if Carolina starts 0-2. Ugh. Patriots 21-20.

Pittsburgh at Houston - Uhhhh...yeah...Pitt's not THAT good, Houston's not THAT bad. Steelers 24-21.

San Francisco at Philadelphia - The rams game was a fluke...right?? Eagles 34-10.

Atlanta at Seattle - Is Seattle an upset pick? If so, this is my "Upset Pick"...Falcons come crashing down to earth after the Monday Night high and get blindsided by a Seattle team on a mission. Seahawks 28-21.

St. Louis at Arizona - Talk about a pick 'em...Kurt Warner vs. the Rams...both teams 0-1...Rams should be better but they ain't on turf either...honestly, I have NO idea but I'll go with the Rams 34-31.

Cleveland at Green Bay - This is definitely the matchup the Pack wants after that week 1 debacle. But lose here and the season's over. Packers 35-17.

Miami at N.Y. Jets - Man, Miami looked awesome last week and the Jets were...well, they were the Jets. J(ust) E(nd) T(he) S(eason)...ya know? But the Jets always have Miami's # and both teams are due after last week. NY Jets 13-7.

San Diego at Denver - Denver sure didn't look like a playoff team in their loss...the Chargers sure did though. Super Chargers 28-17.

Kansas City at Oakland - KC runs wild. Raiders try to keep up with Collins to Moss. Collins gets picked off at least twice, maybe three times. Chiefs 35-14.

N.Y. Giants at New Orleans - Well, did the Saints blow their load last week against Carolina? At least for them the Giants still aren't all that good. Screw it, Saints 27-20.

Washington at Dallas - Yeah, be proud of that 3-FG victory in week 1 Skin fans. This could get very, very ugly. ABC will be switchin back to the Giants-Saints after cause it'll be closer in the 4th quarter than this one will be in the first. Cowboys 28-6.

If I hit .500 on picks this week, I got damn lucky...

On a more positive note, my Fantasy Football team actually WON, so that's off to a hellavua lot better start than last year. I completely mauled one of our CWF fans' teams by 71 points or so. Hedd knocked off Matty Dee's squad by 16 while McAllister, Gemini, and Yamaha ALL won in week 1.

So I heard that some people may actually be looking to read about something other than football here...well, that IS how this sucker got all it's notoriety and all so let's head down that road and see what feathers we can ruffle this week....

Yes, yes, last Saturday 9/10 and it's "Wentworth Menage A Trois" which means "Wentworth III" in french. At least that's what this one chick in Reidsville told me.

In 2005 so you can be guaranteed of three things in Wentworth -
a) the lighting will suck making it unairable for TV
b) the crowd will suck making it unairable for TV
c) either Corey Edsel or Brass Munkey will do something so awesome that we have to find a way to make it airable for TV

1. Ultra Dragon and Dexter Poindexter defeated the United Nations Of Devastation (Drake Tungsten and Hugh B. Johnson) in 8:59 when Poindexter pinned Johnson - Too much comedy for my tastes for what should be the boom-boom-boom opener. Kinda hate that we don't get to do the UNOD split as like a 2-show mini-angle down here kinda like we did with KC and Jesse. The Rumble would have been SO perfect. Acceptable match, nothin memorable, just a match. *1/2

2. Rob "Boogie Woogie Man" McBride pinned Alex Adonis in 7:25 - Has anyone wrestled Adonis more this year than McBride? Boy, who's Cherrios did Rob shit in?... Actually, better than their infamous TV match which had Adonis gasping for so much air..I...think...he...still..is...wheez...wheez... *1/2

3. Caprice "Ice" Coleman pinned Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice in 9:59
of a non-title match - It's amazing how Caprice can do something SO simple like a fireman's carry takeover that the crowd pops and applauds him not for the move but because he's just THAT crisp with it. Really, super duper fun match as my favorite tag team that will probably never be collide. Oh well, I'll take a little *** Cruiser match any day of the week.

4. "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner pinned American Steel Ninja in 7:00 - I hate we can't air this one on TV cause it was just sooooo perfect. Smart chain wrestling at the start, workin the headlock like a champ, building towards a completely believable, and CLEAN heel win. Just a smart, smart match. One of the more enjoyable Ninja matches in some time. **1/2

5. Julius Augustus and Marcellus King defeated CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions the $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth) in 12:36 of a non-title match when Augustus pinned Money -

And just like that a new duo is formed as they beat the champs right out of the gate. Interesting pairing that should give Augustus some direction while still grooming King. Oh and the match was actually good too. Way too much of a delay on the final cover after King pops Money with a chain, but aside from that fun stuff. Look forward to the rematch this Sat. **1/2

6. Ric Converse and CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Television champion Jesse Ortega defeated CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Garry "Madd Trucker" Stevens and the Spoiler in 13:43 when Converse pinned Spoiler - I like the Ric-Jesse pairing, especially with the VERY subtle disagreements the two have while teaming as you can almost see the Randy Savage in Ric's eyes, as he's paranoid that Ortega is gonna put his hand on Garry's ass...err, I mean, win the belt from him first.... Match was fine filler from the upper-tier. **

7. Brass Munkey defeated "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel (with Brad Stutts in his corner) in 17:49 of a stretcher match -

Well, this is what it all boiled down to. A match 9 months in the making if you go from the heel turn. 2 1/2 years if you go from when Corey took Munkey under his wing in CWF to form "The Crew". Alot of matches these two have had in 2005, each win with a different story, with a different purpose. Then, to add just that match more drama to the entire situation, in the days prior to the match, Corey announces online that..he's DONE. I haven't commented on it because for one, as I've always said, wrestlers don't retire...they just die. Harsh, but true. "Retirements" get brought on by a whole host of factors, with as much of it being mental as it is physical. Although since this IS still the Indys, I guess it's more feasible for someone to walk away than after they have 10+ years in it, but it's still hard to fathom (not that I'm gonna question Feeche's retirement AT ALL seeing as how he does have very strong convictions when it comes to certain issues and his mentality is a bit different than your typical "retiring" wrestler). But regardless, the statement alone just added that much more to the already emotional scene. The match itself...well, it wasn't as frenetic as my beloved Pffaftown original...not as hardcore as the bunkhouse handicap match...not as "out there" as the street fight...somewhere inbetween lies this one. I would probably dub the main portion as "methodically brutal", building towards that last epic 5 minutes where the realization of Munkey's refusal to die becomes apparent and he fires back with everything Edsel has already hit him with...Dragon suplex, backdrop driver, lariat...places the monster on the stretcher, who attempts to rise himself, but collapses a beaten man as he's wheeled out of the arena...and out of our lives.

Or maybe not. But if that was indeed the swan song, it couldn't have been a more artistically perfect way to leave (by wrestling standards that is). Ignore the occasional lapse-of-judgment here and there in this rivalry, and as a whole, from start to finish, is as awesome of a story as the battles it contained. **** Munkey's post-match tears-of-joy should be on ESPN's "Images of the Year" video. You can't book reality like that.

8. AWA World Light Heavyweight champion "Krazy K" Kirby Mack pinned Xsiris in 20:37 -

A very solid main event that probably helped Xsiris' stock in losing more than it did if he had won. Thankfully, Kirby took this match more seriously than normal because of what was at stake. That's always been my one knock on him...he's more entertainer than he is wrestler but at least for this night, he did the newly formed title proud. The psychology of the match was still hit-and-miss, especially in the closing moments, but once they got going, it was balls out. And not necessarily in that "can you top this spot fest" as many of the spots, while contrived at times, were still so brutal you had to appreciate them, including X taking it like a man and getting his face crushed like a melon in-between Kirby's foot and the steel of the ring (which busted X;s lip open straight through). Much more brutal than anticipated which certainly helped the believability of the match. Big-time main event payoff and while not my style, it gave everyone their money's worth. ***1/2

Overall thoughts - Solid undercard with a double main-event that no paying fan could complain about. Quality show. Up next: CORINO. CONVERSE. AWA WORLD TITLE. Oh baby!

This week's closing note...

T-shirt Hell.com...I don't get a dime from these guys, but hell if I won't plug the shit out of 'em....

Stark Raving Mad

2005-09-07T13:11:00.000-04:00

Ok, for all you people that only check this blog once every two weeks cause that's how often my lazy ass posts, you got some catchin up to do cause this is like #5 or so in the past 2 weeks....

When I posted my NFL picks yesterday, I figured that would be my final post until the weekend was done and over with. But, as I begin to type this, I am still 47 1/2 hours away from kickoff Thursday night and going absolutely bonkers in anticipation. Kinda like all those years ago when I would count down the days till Christmas or Heroes Convention or WrestleMania. Heck, I'm getting cold chills just thinking about Green Day singing "September" on the kickoff special this Thursday. Man, that song may not have originally been intended for football but you better believe that forever more, that's exactly how I will always see it.

47 1/2 hours till kickoff...25 days till the 5th Annual CWF (Indy) Rumble. More on that as the days come closer but boy, you talk about anticipation. I swear to God, there are times in say, March, where it will just arbitrarily pop in my head and I'll have to count on my fingers how many months since the last one and how many months till the next one. And boy, the entire midcard is almost brand-new nowadays, making their Rumble debut...hope they make the most of it and don't get stuck in that "generic Indy battle royal" mindset.

Yeah, this column is gonna be completely arbitrary thoughts that FLY throughout Statmark's head as I'm just looking for anything that can make Thursday get here any quicker. And christ, I ain't even a Pats or Raiders fan!!! I mean, it IS better than the fuckin' Jets-Skins kickoff game 2 years back (for the record, this is the 4th Thursday night kickoff year with last year's Pats-Colts being the cream a la crop, by far). Hey, does anyone remember that national televised Saturday afternoon game between the Skins and Jets in 1993? Final score: Jets 3-0 in a game many have forgotten, but is pretty much the worst NFL game I have EVER seen in my life. Trust me, there were some XFL games that trumped that sucker by a mile in terms of quality.

I love me some jerseys, in case you didn't know. I'd love to have a whole collection of authentic NFL, XFL, AFL, WLAF, etc, etc jerseys. But since I don't have dat kind of funds, I only get to dream. Which led me to this personal quandary (see this is the kind of shit that runs through my head on a daily basis): If you had to pick up one jersey (and ONLY one) from every NFL team, which player would it be? Which means you have to have a jersey of a team you hate. Also, the player had to have played that three years (so if ya hate the Broncos, you can't be pickin up a Jerry Rice jersey just to fill the spot). Some selections may be obvious, some may be surprising, but here's mine:

Oakland - Bo Jackson
New England - Ted Bruschi
Chicago - Walter Payton
Washington - Art Monk
Cincinnati - Boomer Esiason
Cleveland - Jim Brown
Denver - Vance Johnson
Miami - Dan Marino
Houston - David Carr
Buffalo - Don Bebee
New Orleans - Sam Mills
Carolina - Steve Beurlein
N.Y. Jets - Tom Tupa
Kansas City - Derrick Thomas
Seattle - Brian Bosworth
Jacksonville - Mark Brunell
Tampa Bay - Mike Alstott
Minnesota - John Randall
Tennessee - Frank Wycheck
Pittsburgh - Franco Harris
Arizona - Nate Poole
N.Y. Giants - Lawrence Taylor
Dallas - Emmitt Smith
San Diego - Bily Joe Tolliver
Green Bay - Reggie White
Detroit - Barry Sanders
St. Louis - Jim Everett
San Francisco - Steve Young
Indianapolis - Peyton Manning
Baltimore - Ray Lewis
Philadelphia - Randall Cunningham
Atlanta - Deion Sanders
Houston OILERS - Earl Campbell

The toughest cuts - Warren Moon and Al Del Greco in the classic Oilers jersey....it was a toss-up between McNair, Wycheck, and Bruce Matthews in the Titans jerseys...Wanted to get Via Sikahema in SOMEwhere but did he even play three seasons with ANYone? Zona, Pack, Eagles, etc...Really REALLY tough call between Favre and Reggie for the Packers...some teams I REALLY don't have a feel for such as the Jags and Texans...dead last team to try and figure out was the Jets cause even as much as I hate the Cowboys, I still respected Emmitt. Thankfully, Tupa punted for the Jets for 3 years and I always liked saying his name. TU-PA.

Yeah, that was a sweet finish between FSU and Miami on Monday night but like I said last year, SO WHAT? I mean, it gets great ratings and is a big draw, but putting the two powerhouses against one another at the start of the season when YOU HAVE NO PLAYOFFS pretty much ruins one teams (in this case Miami) chances of a national championship from the very start. So now rather than trying to battle back and get into a championship playoff tournament, all the Hurricanes get to do for the ENTIRE season is battle for second best. Can you imagine if the Patriots lose Thursday and that was IT. No Superbowl, no playoffs, no nothin. It's crazy and that's exactly why, despite my utmost respect for the men that put on the pads, I just can't fathom wasting the time on a sport for which there is no payoff. It's not like this college football playoff scenario hasn't been beaten to death over the past 10-15 years but good lord, if every sports media outlet in the country has been pushing it for that long, how about doing something about it? Cause god knows March Madness has been a colossal failure ever since they started it up...

Slight segue, but if you've noticed I actually review very, very few action movies in my ramblings. I mention this because even I have wondered why I don't care for that particular genre anymore. I mean, I used to LOVE the "Die Hard" franchise back in the day. Boy, the first time I saw those my heart was poundin out of my chest they were so captivating. But over the years I find myself getting less and less drawn into such movies. And it's not that movies don't have gripping enough sequences anymore. Hell, the Subway scene in "Spider-Man 2" is off the charts, but as much I was impressed by the scene in general, it never caused my heart to skip a few beats either. So what was it that changed? It wasn't the movies, it was me. Or moreso how I viewed action movies. You see 15 years ago when "Die Hard" was coming out, I REALLY liked football but not at the level that I lived and died with how my team did that week. Over the past 15 years, that has certainly changed. And that change was due specifically on my ever-increasing love for the pigskin. What I learned is when it came to evoking human emotion, be it good or bad, there simply is no substitution for real life. No film can continue to rip my heart out after those closing credits. It took me a week to recover from the 49ers' NFC championship losses in the early '90s. No film can bring me the joy that '94 NFC championship win brought me. No film can make me fill with pride like the '96 NFC championship. Those incredible 2003 playoff games with the Packers-Seahawks/Eagles and Panthers-Rams/Patriots. If you truly love the game of football, how can a completely scripted and fabricated piece of film be superior to those gut-wrenching, nail-biting moments? The answer is it can't. Blow up all the buildings you want, be on all the unstoppable buses that you want, but you can't top the action-packed ride of a double overtime playoff game.

Have I beat the topic to death of how much I love the NFL yet? Random thought, my dream NFL party on opening weekend with my boys that also love football: Flagler, Winterstein, Yamanutts, HeddRoxx, Matty, Gemini, and myself.

Peace out, be back on Tuesday once I've had my heart restarted...

The Time Is NOW

2005-09-05T22:30:00.000-04:00

***For football fans only disclaimer***

Yes, this is the week that us football fans wait all year for with bated breath. My mind is going so many different directions right now between my picks, the matchups, my fantasy team, etc, etc that come Sunday all I'll be capable of is some garbled screams of both joy and pain. Add the fact that my boy Flagler flies in from Tampa just in order to keep the Kickoff tradition alive, thereby defining a truly unbreakable bond between football and friendship. Plus, we're in freakin' Wentworth for a show Sat and when the hell does Wentworth take a backseat to anything??? God knows it's gonna have to be some serious shit to be a front-runner this weekend and let's pray that it doesn't become that.

Quickie notes headed into week 1: Jerry Rice retired. Good for him. Greatest receiver to ever play, especially at such a sustained level. Major respect for him, especially back when I LOVED the 49ers, before management totally destroyed a once proud organization. #80 provided me with a LOT of joy during the '90s. We'll all miss him, but we all knew it was time to go...Don't overlook Peter Warrick's signing with Seattle this week. Seattle isn't a complete team yet, but he could very well be the big time receiver Hassleback needs....Jeff Garcia's injury could actually HELP Detroit in the early going. With him out, Joey Harrington WON'T be feeling the pressure quite as much and the fans won't be clamoring for him to be benched on that first INT he throws.

Ok now, I ain't about to try and actually do a full-blown week-by-week preview during the course of the entire NFL season but just like last year, I GOTSTA do at least a Week 1 preview and picks (plus I gotta post them before Matty does since he trumped me on the season preview). So here we go kids, Statmark's NFL 2005 Week 1 Preview and Picks...bet at your own risk, you know I will...

Oakland at New England - ABC has done a great job promoting this sucker while glossing over the fact that Oakland is NOT a good football team. Minnesota actually HAD leadership but still couldn't get the job done with Moss. In Oakland, there is NO leadership. Collins? Sapp? Are you kidding? The Pats, even though the offseason has kicked them in the balls a couple of times are still a well-oiled machine. Oakland is everything but that. New England 24-10

Chicago at Washington - Yeesh, I pity the fool that gets stuff watchin this game. Whoever wins this one sure better enjoy the win cause neither team is going anywhere. The Bears have a rookie QB, so I'll begrudgingly pick the Redskins. Washington 24-20.

Cincinnati at Cleveland - If you're a Bengals fan, this is a GREAT confidence-building opener to get. Cleveland is tough to figure out, but Cincy is just miles better...and what happened the last time these two met? Yeahhh...Cincy 35-17.

Denver at Miami - Gus Frerotte is the starting QB for Miami. What more do ya need to make a pick here? Denver 28-10.

Houston at Buffalo - Oooohhhh...now this is a nifty little early "AFC Wild-card battle". Man this could REALLY go either way, but I'm gonna take the constantly improving Texans in a mild-upset. Houston 28-27.

New Orleans at Carolina - On paper, there's just NO question about the pick here. But the Saints have that one HUGE intangible on their side that can't be measure: emotion. I sure hope they save that for the Giants game on Monday night next week. Saints play hard, but the better team wins. Carolina 20-17.

N.Y. Jets at Kansas City - A great early test for KC's defense. It's either gonna be a shootout or a slaughter. But the winner is the same either way. Kansas City 38-24.

Seattle at Jacksonville - Another solid week one matchup that's a really tough pick. Seattle has a B+ offense, Jacksonville has a B+ defense. I'm gonna go with Seattle, but they are seriously screwed if they go out and turn over the football. Jax will win this if it stays low scoring. Hesitantly...Seattle 24-17.

Tampa Bay at Minnesota - Hey! Remember back when Tampa was in the SuperBowl? 2 1/2 years ago?? Are you serious??? Damn, it feels like 12. Minnesota is out to set a message on how good they are gonna be even without Moss. Minnesota 31-9.

Tennessee at Pittsburgh - Yes, the winner here SHOULD be obvious, but I swear, I am SO tempted to pick the Titans in my upset of the week. Tennessee ain't THAT bad and if they're gonna win, it's gonna be while McNair is healthy and has all those good young WRs. Pitt is actually a little banged up and Tenn has had all the time in the world to prepare for Roethlisberger. But Pitt IS the better team and of course has home field. Fuck fuck fuck. What to do. If you're betting on the spread, take the Titans. If you're betting straight up (as I do)...ughhh...Pittsburgh 30-24. I have no balls.

Arizona at N.Y. Giants - Gosh darn it, why are all my upset teams on the road this week. NY 20-14. Please don't bet going by my pick.

Dallas at San Diego - Hey! This should be fun. Boy, those early games were a lot easier to pick than these...I'm not convinced that SD is better than Dallas AT ALL, I just like them a hell of a lot better. Super Chargers 24-21 (although if they were anything other than powder blue, they're screwed).

Green Bay at Detroit - For the love of god! Week 1 should be awesome...this game should rock all faces off even if it's not well played, it should be fireworks city. Defenses need not apply. Packers 35-31.

St. Louis at San Francisco - Steven Jackson is gonna do the whole "hot knife through butter" gimmick on the 49ers' D-line. St. Louis 32-10.

Indianapolis at Baltimore - You would think Indy but Indy actually has problems with ANY team with a top-notch defense (see NE, Jax, etc last year). So this ain't gonna be an easy one, despite Balty's complete lack of offense. They're gonna smack around the Colts, like it or not, but they still have to score, something that they ain't real adept at. Indy 21-14.

Philadelphia at Atlanta - Monday! Yeah, let's get Mr. Overrated on national TV as much as possible. I'm no Eagles fan, but why the hell is this an away game for them? Please...Atlanta is so outclassed here in every position, it ain't even funny. Phily 28-17.

That be that. I'm outta here, everyone please enjoy kickoff weekend, I'll be in Chapel Hill at Bailey's on Sunday. Some weekends are just designed to be perfect. God bless football.

Your regularly scheduled wrestling column will return next week. Until then...rock on...

Losta movie reviews

2005-09-03T15:20:00.000-04:00

As expected that last blog entry cause some ruckus to be sure. To clarify a few things...first off, I don't kiss and tell. If I get some action you ain't gonna read about it here because either a) it rocked my face off and I ain't gonna do ANYthing to risk not getting it later or b) I'm so horribly ashamed it happened I have no desire to spread the news to the world. So the "handjob" in question from the last entry was an actual hand massage of some kind that eased a nerve in my brain, which thereby reducing my pounding headache. Yeah, it was crazy to me too. But saying I got a handjob from Munkey's aunt was MUCH more amusing. So there's that.

The other issue that arose following the last blog I'm gonna hold off on for now just cause it's the right thing to do. Haste = waste and now that my age is somewhere between the age of WrestleMania and the age of the SuperBowl with a zero at the end of it, I should probably act like it. Or not, but that provides me with a segue. I think the biggest "WHAM" in the face about this recent "hardcore porn-movie rating in roman numerals" age that I've turned isn't the overall feeling of "Fuck, I'm old". After all, I certainly don't look it. God may have not blessed me with the premier physique on earth, but he did hook me up on a little fountain of youth as far as the appearance goes so you better believe I'm gonna run with that for as long as I can. But the one thing that keeps popping in my head is that now that I've passed the infamous #, I feel like I'm living on borrowed time. Even back in high school, my friends would comment about how I'd never see such-and-such an age because of my eating habits (Hey God, props on the metabolism too there buddy). But seriously, I've had an amazingly good health record thus far and I just have that feeling that anything past 8/25/05 is just a bonus. I mean, I don't wanna keel over tomorrow, but now that I'm past that date, it just seems like "Well, if I do I do, I've had a good run". Every sneeze makes me a little more paranoid now, every migraine makes me worry a touch more. Not that I'm gonna be one of those people that go to the doctor every time they fart crooked, but I'm just more AWARE of everything now. Yes, to many, it may sound ridiculous even discussing such a topic at what realistically is, still a young age. That's just how I feel so if I have a brain aneurysm over the night, I guess I was on the right track after all. On the other hand, I could just as easily pull out another XXX out of my ass. Who knows and who really cares. I got through the regulation, now it's time to enjoy the overtime.

Man, I was watching my "NFL 2003" comp tape, gettin ready for the upcoming regular season and it made me realize that in retrospect, I honestly think 2003 may have well been the best overall year of football in my lifetime. Sure, every year has some incredible games and incredible moments, but just unbiasedly speaking, 2003 was freakin' off the charts. Obviously off the top you have The Patriots in the middle of their dynasty meeting the upstart Panthers in probably one of the top 5 SuperBowls ever played. Hell, the whole playoffs were incredible from Phily-GB "4th and 26", the Panthers-Rams double OT classic, the Pats having to survive the Titans and Colts, and IMO, what may become the most underrated playoff game in NFL history because it was only a Wild-card game between the Pack and Seahawks. Watched that sucker earlier today and MAN what a game that was. Then in the regular season, you had the incredible run of the Chiefs and Dante Hall only to be eventually stopped by the shocking Bengals, the greatest finish in NFL history if it had just meant anything between the Saints and Jags, the coming-out year for Peyton Manning which included the first REAL showdown with the Pats in the regular season which was decided on the final play, the Vikings collapse in week 17 against the Cardinals (which I just HAD to add to my favorite games in the sidebar here), all of those 4th quarter miracle Panthers games, the famous Monday Night Indy-Tampa game on Tony Dungy's birthday, the awesome Cheifs-Packers OT game in Lambeau, and so on and so forth. Not sure if any other hardcore football fans aside from Matty will even understand this paragraph, but I am curious if there are any other seasons that, on a whole (not just going by your favorite team or player) stand out as being what you feel is the #1 year in NFL history. Seriously, if I knew a non-football fan I would show them this comp tape in a heartbeat...kinda like showin the non-wrestling fan a NWA '89 comp.

Ok, catch up time on the DVDs and such reviews...

Lilo & Stitch 2 - Stitch is actually like my favorite Disney character EVER bar none. Any cutsy lookin alien that loves Elvis gets an automatic "AWWWWWWWWWW" from me a heartbeat, no matter how girlie that may sound. Since this is one of Disney's direct-to-DVD movies, you know it's not even gonna be close to on par with the original, but at least they made the effort to go out and pay for some Elvis songs in order to keep that theme alive (which was SUCH a strong element in the first one, that they pretty much booked themselves into a corner on that one). Fun, enjoyable stuff that will tug at the heart strings a little as Disney MUST do in every film. Good likable cast of characters. Not close to a classic or nothin, but give me this collection any day over 99% of the other animated stuff out there. **3/4

Dave Chappelle - For What It's Worth I don't know if it's because we've all been SO spoiled by Dave's greatness of his own show or what, but to me, this special fell totally flat and no where NEAR the standard Dave has set for himself. Prisoner of his own success, ya know? But even in comparison to his original comedy special back prior to Comedy Central, this one still doesn't hold up. Amusing at moments here and there but otherwise forgettable. I am afraid that the magician may be running out of tricks. *1/2

Silent Bob Speaks : The Collected Writings of Kevin Smith Hey that's not a DVD! Yep, it's a BOOK. I read a mother fuckin' book. It happens once a year at VERY best. And I actually enjoy one even rarer than that. After Mick Foley and Brian Bosworth's autobiographies, it's a long long drop. Now, I'm not one of those crazed Kevin Smith marks. I love me some Mallrats but I find Clerks to be in the "Ok" range rather than an Indy masterpiece as some would shill it as. Anyways, the book is not as much of a book as it is a collection of articles he wrote for various newspapers all collected together (the equivalent of me releasing this blog as a book which ain't a bad idea really..I mean, I bet I could sell at least a dozen copies or so just to the workers that would want to spit on, defecate upon, or just burn it to the ground). Some of the chapters can drag when Smith goes outside of the element that endears him so much to the reader, mainly himself (just plain skip the Tom Cruise interview). But Smith's blunt personal observations serve to remind all of us that it's ok to talk about the last time you jerked off at the computer or the fact that you're the luckiest bastard in the world to persuade some poor women to actually put out now and then. I see some minor similarities between my writings and his (to say his are slightly more polished is an understatement, but it's his candor that I'm referring to). Now, I see a LOT of similarities between his style and Stutts to the point that on some pages, you could easily mistake it for Stutts' writings verbatim. Fun, entertaining read especially in sections. ***1/2

Guess Who-Some good chemistry between Ashton and Bernie Mac early on but after you cross the hour mark, it goes from entertaining comedy to another dull, generic romance story. Why can't movies nowadays make up your mind as to what to be? Either go ALL the way in one direction (say, "The Notebook".....shudder) or ALL the way in other direction (say, "Harold and Kumar go to White Castle"). Otherwise, we're just half assing two genres and wasting everyone's time. *1/2

Infection-Japanese film that got an American release thanks to movies like "Ringu" hitting it big here in the states. First off, I love the Japanese style and I'll watch one of their movies just so I can dream about how much I'd love to have hair like THAT. "Infection" is creepy enough although it's actually TOO psychologically creepy as it keeps dragging you along for the ride without giving any kind of real serious minor payoffs along the way to keep you truly enthralled. And then there's the ending which is just WAY the hell out there and fuck if I understood it. If you like the style, then it's worth a look I guess. If not, then you are seriously gonna hate it. **

Six Feet Under, the Complete Fourth Season-Wow, I had forgotten just how incredibly good this show was. See, I don't believe in HBO. And I don't mean in the Winterstein "I don't believe in Homosexuals because I've never met one" kinda way. I mean, I just don't believe in paying $20 or whatever a month for a TV station that essentially shows reruns all day long of the same show. TV Land I'm cool with cause they have about a zillion shows and you ain't gonna get the same episode of Cheers three times in one day. But you better believe HBO will show you the same Jennifer Aniston crap-fest three times in one day. The only good thing they have going IS their original programming and Six Feet Under is right at he top of that list. The writing is just incredibly original and aside from one "what the fuck?" show in which David gets kidnapped for like the whole episode, it's an awesome season. Plenty of drugs, sex, alternative lifestyles, and dead people. What more do ya want? ****1/4

Dukes of Hazzard - The Complete Fourth Season - I've ALWAYS loved the Dukes and I've ranted before here in the blog how it was one of the pivotal shows of my childhood. With that being said, it's actually been years since I've been able to sit down and truly watch and appreciate it. Let me tell ya, it's just as funny and enjoyable now, if not MORE so, than it was when I watched it as a child. The chemistry between Rosco and Boss Hogg is just off the charts and the genuine camaraderie between the entire cast just makes it feel so REAL. This show did a tremendous job of doing the little things right. Whether it be a little ad lib here or there or a hand gesture or the movement of the eyes, they had mastered what needed to be done to make the audience believe this place was real and these people were real. How many shows nowdays can say that? Watching these episodes is just like a flood of memories coming back, from my beloved "Double Dukes" episode, to Luke turning heel and trying to destroy the General Lee, to Uncle Jesse's coma. Man, Season 4 kicked ass. Hours of hours of nonstop entertaining...27 episodes mind you, back when a season WAS a season, not these pussy 13-episode seasons they have nowadays. ****1/2, ***** for personal nostalgia.

Sin City-Watching "Sin City" I was almost taken aback so much that I couldn't enjoy it. It's just SO much to absorb but in the days that followed, my opinion of the movie began to grow and grow. I'm willing to bet that if people go back and think about their very, very first initial impressions of "Pulp Fiction", they'd feel very similar. They knew they had watched something unique but until they sorted everything out in their head and reflected on it, you couldn't really enjoy what you had just seen. And that's how I felt about "Sin City". Now that I've had a chance for the story to sink in and look back on those fuckin' visuals (!!!!), make no mistake, this was a classic. Maybe not in the classic sense...maybe revolutionary would be a more appropriate term. Incredible acting and as faithful to a comic book as any movie ever could be. Even if you end up hating it, a movie everyone should at least witness once in their life. Just to know what is truly possible. ****

Show Review Central

2005-08-30T23:17:00.000-04:00

Time to be a critic on everything in life, starting with the recent shows, going back to the 8/19/05 DVD-exclusive "Friday Night Fights 3" at the CSA in Burlington, NC. Before the show though, I have to recount the misadventures of Mikael Yamaha and myself from earlier in the day, that included Yamaha trying to seek out a mechanic (ironically enough) and suddenly having an out-of-body experience, envisioning himself as the driver in the "Flatout" video game and plowing through an intersection and into another car, attempting to catapult the driver of said car through the roof and into the bullseye board. That was followed up with a rescue mission of a box mattress on the interstate, which we drove backwards on for about 1/2 mile in order to save the mattress. After our possession of it, we spied a series of stalled vehicles ahead on the interstate. Upon investigation we discovered that our mattress had originally been attached along with another mattress on top of a van that had "deposited" both mattresses going 65 MPH along the interstate. However, the additional mattress had become wedged underneath a car trailing the van at that particular time. Thinking between Yam, myself, and the other poor sap wrapped up in this dilemma, we had the strength to pull the other mattress out from under his car, we attempted to do just that and failed miserably. We took a look underneath the car and found the equivalent of a military war zone as each and every spring from the mattress had been ripped out and entangled so horrifyingly bad underneath the car I couldn't help but laugh in a "Dude, you are SO fucked kinda way". Trust me, you HAD to be there to get the full effect of that visual. Anyways, onto the shows and FNF3...

1. Amber O'Neal defeated Lorelei Lee by submission in 5:43 -

A very enjoyable little women's match as I'm a pretty big fan of Lorelei's, especially considering just how green she really is. Fun little match, went the right length, and clicked on all counts. **

2. "Boggie Woogie Man" Rob McBride and Ultra Dragon defeated the Street Sweepers (Gregory Vercetti and Jay Sinn) in 7:33 when McBride pinned Sinn - Passable as a stand-alone match but Dragon too way too much murderous heat to be appearing again in the segment to follow. But that happens almost every time he works Vercetti and Sinn...more to come on that later. **

3. Brass Munkey defeated Donnie Dollars, Mikael Yamaha, and Brad Stutts in 6:12 of a handicap bunkhouse match when he pinned Dollars, thereby winning the right to face "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel in a match of his choosing -

One of the defining matches in Munkey's career. He's had some incredible house show matches in the past but at the CSA we frequently didn't properly capitalize on his character and his desire to defeat Corey Edsel. Make no mistake, this one match showcased that desire and determination better than we could have ever dreamed. The heels make their entrance, Stutts cuts a brief but effectively enraged promo, the lights go out, come back on, Munkey in ring kendo stick in hand, smacking the holy crap out of Dollars, lights accidentally fade back out, come back on again, and Munkey continues brutalizing the heels. As memorable of a 10-second segment as we've had in a loooong time. Munkey goes on to beat Dollars half to death with that kendo stick on a brutality level that had never before been seen in a CWF ring. For fans that are regular viewers of the hardcore style, this match wouldn't have seemed all that impressive probably. But this wasn't hardcore for the sake of hardcore, this was hardcore for a reason. This was the story of a man who was pushed so far back into a corner that he had to go into a near murderous mental state of mind to achieve his ultimate goal. The heels of course, make an eventual comeback, overpowering Munkey with sheer numbers as Stutts brings a stopsign down across Munkey's face as he's hanging upside down over the top rope, with Dollars trapped in a guillotine choke with his legs. The heels try to get their payback but when Yamaha goes outside to get a chair to finish things off, he's interrupted by Ultra Dragon who has an unfinished score to settle from the last TV taping. Dragon traps Yamaha in the christo and in a wild chaotic finishing sequence, Stutts attempts to save Yamaha to no avail, Dragon distracts Dollars only to launch himself backwards from the ring apron onto Stutts and Yamaha, as Munkey recovers enough to lariat Dollars six feet under. 1, 2, 3 and the crowd goes nuts. I cannot even begin to understate how HUGE of a match this was for not only Munkey, but Dragon as well, as for months without proper direction they have been walking the fine line between upper-card player and mid-card heel. Dragon turned the tide with the AWA tourney and the last couple of run-ins with Yamaha. Munkey always brought the heat when it came to Corey, but his determination and heart always seemed lacking when across the ring from anyone else. This one match told the story and shot every single person in the match (let's not forget about Dollars, who more than earned his stripes here) to the next level. It can't be a MOTYC because of the style and whatnot, but it's an EASY "Most Memorable" nominee. ***1/2

4. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth with Kiyia Moka in their corner) defeated Tank Lawson and John Kermon (with Cornelius J. Lumpkin III in their corner) in 9:00 when Money pinned Lawson - A rather unusual pairing to vie for the tag straps on FNF3, but one that could possibly work as a regular pairing down the road. Nothing especially memorable here, but solid enough. The heel timing between Lumpkin and Lawson needs some work as far as doing heelish acts at the right time and place, rather than just doing them for the sake of doing them. **

5. Xsiris pinned Caprice "Ice" Coleman in 11:47 to win a shot against AWA World Light Heavyweight champion "Krazy K" Kirby Mack on 9/10 in Wentworth, NC -

Very unusual match as I really expected a show stealing epic here between these two, especially with the sakes being so high. Instead, what we got was more of a prolonged squash with X getting the win out on nowhere. Coleman completely dominated this one and the crowd fell somewhat silent to the display, as their universal "cool guy to cheer whether you're a heel or face mark" pretty much got his head handed to him here. Not a bad match, but not nearly what anyone was expecting. In the spot-fest world these two are capable of living in, it had far less "catch-as-catch-can-action" than the recent X-Justice matches. **3/4

6. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega pinned KC McKnight in 9:31 -

A rivalry born through internet blogs comes to life square in the middle of a CWF ring for a national audience. And holy crap what a fight it was. Just about as stiff as anything you're gonna see on the Southern Indys as these two lay it all on the line and beat the living piss out of one another from the opening bell. Every chop, every forearm, every kick is IN THERE and then some. Unfortunately, Moses Manson, who was one of the ringleaders in the original angle no-showed due to some unfortunate circumstances at the last second, costing the match some of it's heat. Still, the crowd - who has been very fickle towards Ortega as of late - showed him as much love in this one as they had in months as he fought not only for his own TV title, but out of respect of the home promotion as well. The biggest drawback to the match was KC's unfortunate wardrobe malfunctions, which should be fixed in the editing process, but hurt his credibility in many people's eyes. As much as I'd love to do a long-running feud with these two, I really don't think either man's bodies could withstand it and I'd hate to even attempt to try and one-up the intensity they both showed here. ***3/4

7. "Slick Diddy" Ric Converse and Brad Attitude defeated Michael McAllister and CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Garry "Madd Trucker" Stevens in 10:59 when Attitude pinned McAllister -

On paper, the heat should have been off the charts for this one between all the different aspects of the match. Unfortunately, it failed in a few of the areas, resulting in it not producing a fraction of that it should have. Before the match, Stevens throws out the stip that he's SO confident of his team that if they lose, he'll give the winner of the fall a title shot. This is a bit of stretch logically to say the least as it's completely out of line with Steven's character to just randomly offer this opportunity up without even being goaded into it, especially considering his partner is a non-wrestler and they're wrestling two guys that he definitely does NOT want to face with the title on the line. Attitude wrestles his first match in 6 months and breaks out the old 2002 look, which is a really bizarre thing to see all these years later. Ric and Atty do the obvious hesitation dealio as partners while McAllister plays chickenshit. All as to be expected until the hot tag as the crowd is just baited and ready for Ric murdering McAllister. Hot tag and inexplicably, McAllister becomes just another wrestler as rather than cowering in the corner and being dragged in by Converse to have the proverbial stuffing beat out of him, he charges in full steam, bumps around like any normal wrestler would, heading to the eventual finish where Atty pins him to little reaction with the lionsault. Even though it's formulaic, the inaugural wrestling appearances of non-wrestlers such as Danny Davis, Vince McMahon, etc over the years were always milked to the fullest until that one moment when the babyface FINALLY got their hands on them and ripped them to shreds. That non-wrestler then, over a period of time, would be transitioned into a semi-"normal" wrestler where they would participate in more "formulaic" scenarios. This match completely skipped the golden opportunity of having McAllister getting murdered and put him immediately into that role of "normal" wrestler. *3/4 Not to go on TOO much of a rant here, but the other less-noticeable problem with this match and the ongoing angle in general is the fact that it's completely taken the focus off of what should be without question, the number one priority of the angle, that being the Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight title. The Converse-Stevens feud has gone from being an extremely hotly contested battled over the title, to the title being an afterthought to McAllister, Attitude, and little billy. After 7 months totally defining what a modern-day MA champ should be, Converse now seems light years away from another title run between all the other angles and scenarios that have occupied his time. On the other end of the spectrum, Stevens has had one title defense since he won it and that wasn't exactly of championship caliber. Not that this is a hopeless situation, as the ship can certainly be turned and righted with only a couple of weeks worth of quality TV.

Anyways, onto Sat 8/20 for an outdoor house show at the American Legion Ballpark in King, NC. With off-and-on storms throughout the day, the crowd was somewhat sparse although for the show itself, the weather ended up being just fine.

1. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega defeated John Kermon by submission in 5:35 - Solid straight-up wrestling match as Ortega makes successful title defense #22. I'm tellin ya, when this title run is, no body is ever breakin' that record. And trust me, when this thing started, it was NEVER planned to reach these kind of proportions **

2. Xsiris and Brad Attitude defeated the Street Sweepers (Gregory Vercetti and Jay Sinn) in 8:23 when Xsiris pinned Jay Sinn - A good portion of this show would be the workers just out there havin some fun, which is pretty much all you got here although it was a fun little piece of business. Unfortunately, after the match, Sinn doesn't cross the line when it comes to havin fun, he completely obliterates it by flat out humping Vercetti's "package" (briefcase) in the middle of the ring. Whooo boy. *3/4

3. Mikael Yamaha and "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel defeated Ultra Dragon and Brass Munkey in 12:53 when Yamaha pinned Dragon - Another "4 guys having fun" kinda match although the work contained was definitely a but more on the professional level that the previous one. Action packed, non-stop, and pretty non-formulaic in a good way. Corey-Munkey worked a little that still stayed in line with their blood feud, but didn't give away to much in what otherwise was a meaningless tag team encounter. Yamaha nearly pants Dragon all the way to a NC-17 rating in pulling the tights for the finish. **1/2

4. Tank Lawson (with Cornelius J. Lumpkin III in his corner) pinned "Boggie Woogie Man" Rob McBride in 12:46 - The million-match war continues between Rob and Tank. Once again, Lumpkin's involvement needs some fun tuning as he blasts Rob in the head with a dustbuster during the generic heat portion of the match. Your normal chaotic stuff from these two. **

5. The Shadow, "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner, and CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Garry "Madd Trucker" Stevens defeated "Slick Diddy" Ric Converse and CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth with Kiyia Moka in their corner) in 15:40 when Stevens pinned Converse - Your usual 6-man action here although Converse takes a pretty shocking pinfall loss to Stevens here on a throwaway show with Stevens' title not on the line... **

My less than enthusiastic reviews to the latter half of the show can be partially attributed to one of my killer migraines being brought on and getting progressively worse during the show's second half. Between the heat, humidity, and a f'd up sleep schedule, I was about to pass the f out on the ring apron. Of course then I can't get in my car to actually get out of King, NC cause Yamaha is bangin some hot blonde in my backseat. Oh well, can't blame him there. We eventually head out and Brass Munkey's aunt makes me feel a million times better by giving me a 5-star handjob, thereby releasing alot of the pressure in my noggin.

7 days later takes us to a double-shot Saturday (8/27), kicking off at Noon...or 1..or 2..or finally 3:15pm with the 2005 Greensboro Bike Rally in the parking lot of a high-class adult establishment. Let's just say that the building itself was the best looking thing about it...yikes. The show itself would be one of those painful ones where the crowd couldn't care less. They weren't disrespectful like the 2/6 Coliseum fans, but they were deathly silent.

1. American Steel Ninja pinned Joey Silvia in 10:16 - Boy, you stick Joey Silvia on a show in the parking lot of a strip club that he already knows is meaningless, and you're just asking for some misbehavior. But surprise, surprise, Silvia and Ninja actually turn out what would be the eventual Match of the Day as they really bust their ass for absolutely zero pop. Yeah, they did go way too long under the circumstances but it was the best singles match either guy has had in a couple of months that I've seen. **1/2

2. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth with Kiyia Moka in their corner) defeated Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice and CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Garry "Madd Trucker" Stevens in 10:11 of a non-title match when Money pinned Justice -

Rather oddball pairing to say the least and a rare all-champions tag team matchup. Obviously, Stevens and Justice don't exactly see eye to eye with miscommunication leading to the Playas win. **

3. Tank Lawson and "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel defeated "Boggie Woogie Man" Rob McBride and Classic Rock ("Classic" Chris Collins & "Rock N Roll" Matty Dee) in 9:31 when Lawson pinned McBride - A ton of fun as you would expect with this pairing. Matty Dee kicks it off with the Ultimate Warrior WM8 entrance and then some, running about 1/4 mile or so between start and eventual finish. A bit of exaggeration but you get the point. Pretty amusing triple-train shoulderblock finally takes down the massive heels after the individual efforts fail to do so. Historically, this match will be remembered most for Chris Collins' breaking Trent Wylde's "Most consecutive matches without a win" record. *3/4

4. "Slick Diddy" Ric Converse pinned Mitch Conner in 5:53 - Hey! The only match all day that actually went the CORRECT amount of time under the conditions as Mitch is the only heel to get any form of heat all day and Ric actually gets a halfway decent pop. That's what weekly trips to the clubs will do for ya. **

5. Brass Munkey and Ultra Dragon defeated the Street Sweepers (Gregory Vercetti and Jay Sinn) in 7:35 when Munkey pinned Vercetti -

Boy, if this sucker hadn't been in the aforementioned location, I would absolutely blast certain people for the colorful language and actions showcased here. I'll let that part slide though and concentrate more on how freakin' abysmal this sucker was. For the millionth time, absolutely murderous heat on Dragon by Sinn and Vercetti. Not a lick of psychology to be found and Munkey hitting the backdrop driver to end it was akin to having your balls released from a mousetrap and the relief that would provide. 1/2*

6. Xsiris pinned Brad Attitude in 7:15 - Local club DJ handles the guest ref'ing for this match and actually provides one of the hilights of the day, taking a killer superkick from Atty, selling it like a champ with great facials and all...of course that was probably because Atty really did kick the shit out of him, but it was still great nonetheless, especially considering you just NEVER get that kind of stuff from a newbie ref. For some reason, X and Atty actually try in front of this comatose crowd, including X hitting the swanton from the ring to the ground. He gave his body, crowd gave nadda. Not a bad match though. **

By the time I finally got away from this "mini-show", my brain was petty much fried and trying to even comprehend putting on a watchable TV product just a couple of hours later at the studio seemed impossible. But hey, the show must go on with "Explosive Elements 2005" (not that it was ever called that) for the finals of the 2nd annual Johnny Weaver Cup (including Commish Cross ALMOST calling it the Johnny Weaver MEMORIAL Cup while actually interviewing Weaver himself to kick off the show).

1. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega defeated "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner by submission in 9:46 of a Johnny Weaver Cup tournament semifinal match - Man alive was the crowd HOT for this opener. Talk about a night and day difference between GBoro and the studios. Far and away, the most support for Jesse in MONTHS as the crowd is rabid and Jesse and Mitch seriously deliver and then some in a fine, fine matchup. Wonderful, wonderful stuff. ***1/4

Gemini Kid's returns with the Hotseat to interview Ass Commish Michael McAllister, which in turn sets up a Gemini-McAllister (!!) match for later in the show (Battle of the Suits!).

2. Tank Lawson and the Street Sweepers (Gregory Vercetti and Jay Sinn) defeated Classic Rock ("Classic" Chris Collins & "Rock N Roll" Matty Dee) and 1/2 of the AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions Will B. Smooth (with J-Money and Kiyia Moka in their corner) in 9:01 when Lawson pinned Collins-

Man, Matty Dee and Tank just do NOT wrestle enough. Not too shabby as everyone involved seemed to be a bit more serious than usual and Matty always works better with Sinn and Vercetti than Dragon does. Collins takes Tank's finisher like a champ as well. Crowd still didn't want to care about CRock, but we pulled it out of them by the end. **

3. Marcellus King pinned Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice in 7:51-

Wowzers. Generally, CWF debuts come and go pretty quietly with only time actually providing that original debut with any kind of significance. And I hate to actually shower ANY newcomer with too much praise too soon (after all, how many times have we seen new wrestlers get that treatment out of the gate and then shoot themselves in the foot shortly thereafter)? BUT, as far as a debut match goes, it couldn't have been much more successful than what Marcellus King did here. A massive individual, a menacing persona, and an impressive moveset makes King APPEAR to be a serious contender for bigger and better things down the road. And of course, Justice can make any one look good when he's on as he usual is. Served it's purpose perfectly and did so without burying Justice. **1/2

Up next, none other than AWA World champ Steve Corino himself appears on the InsidersTron, plugging the 9/17 showdown with either Converse or Edsel. Crowd popped big time and certainly got the "Holy shit! This is the real deal!" reaction from any doubters. Commish Cross then comes out to announce that the decision of who the challenger is HAS been made and it will be...

4. "Slick Diddy" Ric Converse pinned Julius Augustus in 7:15 - The warm-up for Corino for Ric actually goes 2-3 minutes too long as he gives Augustus WAY too much, especially considering the road Ric is on here. *3/4 Ric's post-match interview on Corino is pretty solid, and totally makes everyone believe that Ric has a better shot at being Corino than Stevens, as crazy as that is. That being great on one hand, but also one more reason that the actual MA title will be on the back burner for another month.

5. Brad Stutts, Mikael Yamaha, and "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel defeated Brass Munkey, Ultra Dragon, and "Boggie Woogie Man" Rob McBride in 13:09 when Stutts pinned Munkey-

Well, it's a good thing that we did an incredible job with Munkey and Dragon at FNF3 because we just about pissed all the good we ever did away right here. Technically, not a bad match at all as you're only gonna have SO bad of a match when you have this kind of quality in one match. However, it was as counterproductive as anything we could have done and pretty much destroyed every single worker's heat and the general illusion of their character all in one match. To start with, despite Corey and Munkey being on a collision course, their rivalry isn't played up at all despite Munkey just doing everything short of homicide 2 weeks earlier just to get a future singles match with Corey (that being the upcoming 9/10 Stretcher match). Rather than either milking no-contact between the two throughout the match OR have them kill one another off the bat, we do neither and totally kill the believability of their feud. Corey then goes onto bump cleanly from an unassisted DRAGON clothesline, thereby killing THAT monster gimmick. Yamaha and Dragon do some decent stuff to move their rivalry along but Dragon takes WAYY too much heat (yet again) and when he does finally make the tag to Munkey, Dragon tags right back in nearly 30 seconds later, completely fine. McBride meanwhile, (the only babyface in this one that can even afford to take the pin) takes virtually no heat, is shitcanned to the outside for the finish, never to be heard from again. Corey then hits ONE move on Munkey, drags Stutts on top in plain view of the ref, who gets the PIN. Munkey's team not only loses heading into the stretcher match but he himself losses to one move and pinned by a manager even though he took zero heat. This is the kind of match that is downright depressing to watch. I don't expect All Japan-esqu 6-mans, but good lord, I honestly don't think we could have done a worse job. Even I have a hard time caring about the stretcher match now after that. And If I have a hard time caring... *

6. Gemini Kid defeated Michael McAllister by submission in 4:42 -

A complete 360 on the use of McAllister from the FNF3 tag match to here as his character is played perfectly here, being a cunning little a-hole, nearly pulling off a cheap win but Gemini making the comeback for which McAllister has no answer. Perfect execution. **

7. Don and Rocky Kernodle defeated Alex Adonis and Donnie Dollars (with Jay Sinn in their corner) in 10:45 of a no-disqualification match when Don defeated Dollars and Rocky defeated Adonis -

Man alive, one week Dollars is getting beaten with a kendo stick, the next he's havin to face the Kernodles. That dude needs a raise. Kernodle 101 with Weaver running in at the finish to hook up with Jay Sinn as the babyfaces do a triple Weeeeeeaverlock for the finish. Did you expect anything else? *

8. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega pinned CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Garry "Madd Trucker" Stevens in 13:14 to win the 2005 Johnny Weaver Cup tournament -

Hard-hitting, psychological strong Cup final with what could probably be considered as a mild upset by some (at least going back to the start of the tourney). Unfortunately, the finish itself didn't do anything for Ortega as Stevens is simply distract by Converse, gets crotched on the top rope, and Ortega delivers an over-the-ropes elbow for a 3-count. The finish really jobbed out the MA champ to pretty much a non-manuever and Jesse's Cup win is now tainted because he couldn't get the job done on his own. Very disheartening, especially considering just how much Jesse has busted his ass here lately. Thankfully, post-match ignores that reality and moves onto the celebration with Weaver presenting the trophy and Jesse cutting a very thankful promo (without the word "bastard" anywhere to be found, I might add). A great moment for Jesse and I'm happy for the kid. Argue if you wish, but he deserved it. **1/2

Whew...I'd say that should be enough for now. Probably made a few comments in there that probably won't garner me alot of love, but just keep in mind, that I want to believe in this sport. I want what's best for every single worker in their specific role from the opener to the main. When we stray outside the lines of believability, whether it be in a finish or a worker itself, it hurts the show, it hurts the worker, it hurts their opponent, it hurts our fanbase. I say nothing with no ill will towards anyone. I just wish some guys would believe in their OWN characters as much as I want to.

Stat's 2005 NFL Preview & Predictions

2005-08-25T21:37:00.000-04:00

Matty Dee already beat me to the punch this year so feel free to check out his live journal and compare notes between the two previews cause here I go blowin' my load. Hey, we go back a year and I actually sound like I have a clue! So why not go for broke...drumroll please for the 2nd Annual Statmark NFL Season Preview & Predictions! If you don't give a shit about football, stop readin' now...

AFC East
New England Patriots: Well, the champs APPEAR on the surface to be as vulnerable as they have been in a long time. But make no mistake, this is still a very well oiled machine. The defense has been hurt via free agency and injuries so it's gonna be a big challenge, and honestly, probably an impossibility as they go for the never-before-achieved SuperBowl Three-peat. My pick: 11-5.
NY Jets: Their success completely depends on the health of Chad Pennington. If you think it doesn't, reflect back to that abysmal Quincy Carter-led game vs. Arizona last year...yeesh. Pennington is damn good, but I just don't know if he will ever be THAT dependable after being hit so hard with the injury bug this early in his career. My pick: 9-7.
Buffalo Bills: Should definitely be an interesting year as the Bills are certainly solid enough as a whole but just how far can ANY team go with JP Losman at QB? My pick: 8-8
Miami Dolphins: If Nick Saban can get this team to even 6 wins, he might as well walk on water for his next act. This heart and soul of this team (the defense), has been completely raided. There's just no way that Ricky Williams can be the back that he once was. And don't even get me started on the QB issues. My pick: 2-14.

AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers: Roethlisberger is a PRIME candidate for a sophomore slump now that defenses have the time to actually figure out how to play him. Despite a very solid Patriots-like team (no true stars, just an incredible nucleus), I still feel as if the Steelers played WAY over their heads last year. They should still be around come December, but reality is just a few INTs away. My pick: 10-6.
Cincinnati Bengals: I REALLY want to pic the Bengals to win the division just in case Rod Serling walks into Paul Brown Stadium and it DOES happen. This team is just primed to be the #1 dark horse in the NFL and some "experts" are even placing them in the AFC championship game. Dag, I like the Bengals and all but I ain't nuts either. My pick: 9-7.
Baltimore Ravens: Solid at nearly every position and unlike the Dolphins and Bucs, their defense actually still IS the shiznit. In fact, IF this team had a QB like Tom Brady rather than Kyle "Holy shit! I'm a starter in the NFL??!" Boller, the Ravens could have easily taken the place of the Pats in going for the 3-peat this year. But they don't and they won't. My pick: 8-8.
Cleveland Browns: Cleveland has certainly taken some steps in the off-season to try and improve but let's face it, NOBODY gives up 55 points in one game to the BENGALS and turns around and goes to the playoffs the next year. Improved, but still a whole bunch nobodies that wanna be somebody's. My pick: 5-11.

AFC South
Indianapolis Colts: Boy, isn't this the bridesmaid division. The Colts can't get past the Pats, the Titans and Jags can't get past the Colts, and the Texans can't get past anyone. Ok, that was a little bit of stretch but you get the idea. Indy is still the cream of the crop here by far and yeah, they may have gained some ground on New England in the offseason, but that was more because of all the movement in New England moreso than actual improvements on the Colts. The defense will STILL be suspect and let's face it, Peyton simply can't repeat what he did in 2004 every year until the defense does gets it's shit together. Regardless, offensively, only one team in the NFL (in my opinion) can matchup with them and while the Colts are FAR from being the best overall team in the league, they're still a legit Superbowl contender. My pick: 11-5.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags started off last year with a string of shockers before falling back to earth and medicoring themselves along, just missing the playoffs. They're a well balanced team and have probably the most underrated defense in the NFL. Could definitely be a dark horse but I'm not sure if they can improve much on last year's finish. My pick: 9-7.
Houston Texans: It's season #4 for the Texans which is traditionally when an expansion team starts to go from being just that, an expansion team, to a legit playoff contender (yeah, Carolina and Jax blew that theory out of the water in '96 but still...). There's no reason this shouldn't be the Texans best year yet with only more good thins to come on the horizon. My pick: 8-8.
Tennessee Titans: Well, McNair is healthy this week at least but there's no way that's gonna last. The Titans actually have some flat out awesome youngsters on their team but they're just that, young, and gonna get smacked around by the NFL's elite. Could have some exciting games this year, but I don't see them winning many of those either. My pick: 5-11.

AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs: Let's ignore last year's flukish 7-9 season where a former 13-3 team choked early on and was too injured late in the year to really catch up. This team reminds me of when the Pats won their first Superbowl then only finished 9-7 in 2002, then came back to win two more Lombardi trophies. The Chiefs ARE a 13-3 team, NOT a 7-9 team. And with them adding Kendrell Bell, Patrick Surtain, and Sammy Knight all on defense, you think they're not seriously primed for a Superbowl run, you're sadly mistaken. When the season starts, everyone will be talking about the Pats and Colts in the AFC. By season's end, the Chiefs may have passed them both. My pick: 13-3.
San Diego Chargers: Man, I like me some Chargers and I LOVE me some powder blue Chargers. But let's face it, they played out of their minds last year and the playoff game against the average Jets proved that. SD will still rock some faces off this year but I just don't see them putting up last year's kind of record. This division ain't an easy one and their schedule is gonna be a bitch. My pick: 10-6.
Denver Broncos: Denver, year in and year out, is one of the toughest teams to figure out as they always seem to have a solid squad but nothing to make you go "Oh shit, the Broncos are comin' to town". Actually, I may go "Oh shit, the Broncos are comin' to town" but not exactly in a fearful tone. It'd be said more in the "Oh shit, my mom wants to have a meaningful talk" kinda tone. See, that's well this team has left an impression on me. I'd rather try and make unfunny jokes that actually bother discussing them. My pick: 9-7.
Oakland Raiders:Boy, Oakland is KING when it comes to picking up guys that can make a newspaper headline and totally flake out on the field (Sapp, Moss, etc.). But hey, at least the pressure is off of Janikowski now. Why ANYone would hire someone that walked out on his former team during a game is beyond me. God I fuckin' hate Randy Moss. Kerry Collins to Randy Moss. Boy, there's my dream hookup. My pick: 6-10.

NFC East:
Philadelphia Eagles: Ya know, I've booed the Eagles for years in their NFC title games with the Bucs and Cats, but damn if I don't have a ton of respect for McNabb and Andy Reid for their handling of this TO situation. Major props to them and hell, against this division, fuck it, I'll cheer for them. Plus, Matty Dee likes them and I wanna be just like him when I grow up. However, reality says that the Eagles can't get the same results without TO, not to mention a few recent injuries in the pre-season. In the end, I think the Eagles will be there if for no other reason, to prove a point without TO and the fact that, heck, the NFC sucks. My pick: 11-5.
Dallas Cowboys: It's time for Parcells to right the wrongs of last year and with an aging, but solid, Bledsoe at QB and Julius Jones coming on as the best young back in the NFL, Dallas should be right back in the thick of things this year. My pick: 10-6.
NY Giants: This should be the year where the Giants START to right the ship after the past few years. In Eli's second year with a pretty good crop of young receivers, the Giants could make a minor amount of noise although not nearly enough to match the publicity that they'll get. My pick: 7-9.
Washington Redskins: Anyone else get the feeling that after another 6-10 year Joe Gibbs is gonan go "Fuck it" and take off? My pick: 6-10.

NFC North
Green Bay Packers: The last great hurrah as the NFL schedule itself is booked to say goodbye to Favre in those final fateful weeks if this is indeed it. I hope Favre does announce that this will be the final season to get everyone in Wisconsin ready so they don't have to deal with a crushing playoff loss AND Favre's retirement announcement within a span of 48 hours or so. I mean, the dude doesn't need to contribute to the suicide rate in that state. Anyways, the Pack is gonna be VERY shaky on defense so expect alot of shootouts in Packer games this year. Favre doesn't lose alota shootouts, ya know. My pick: 10-6.
Detroit Lions: The offense is stacked and ready. The defense has stepped up. Now the question is: Can the sum be even greater than the parts? The biggest saving grace for Detroit right now is if Joey Harrington DOES self-destruct and pretty much end his NFL career, at least they have Jeff Garcia as a backup (forget the Cleveland debacle, he proved in San Fran that he can get the ball to the go-to receiver). It's gonna be a hell of a dog race between the Lions, Packs, and Viks with all three very possible making the playoffs. My pick: 9-7.
Minnesota Vikings: Goodbye, Randy Moss. Say hello to your next Fantasy football god, Nate Burleson. I REALLY don't think the loss of Moss is going to hurt the Viks AT ALL. Culpepper is still the most underrated QB in the league, and can get the job done in the regular season. Then there's the off season where NO Vik can get the job done. My pick: 8-8
Chicago Bears: My pick: As if the Bears weren't gonna have a hard enough time in this division, Grossman gets injured, leaving Chad Hutchinson to try and find a way to win. Muhammed will make WHOever is QB look great at times, but despite some improvement, this Bear team isn't going but so far. My pick: 6-10.

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons: I could live with the Falcons SO much better if 1-Michael Vick wasn't the most overrated, overhyped player in the league and 2-if they went back to their kickass black early '90s jerseys rather than whatever those hideous things they were now are. If those things are supposed to be cool, then thank god I'm not. Jerry Glanville would be rolling over in his grave if he were dead. Yeah, the Falcons are good enough to win this division, only for Vick to then be beaten by any of the 30 or so better QBs in the league in the playoffs. My pick: 10-6.
Carolina Panthers: The Cats will be back and they're gonna make the Falcons earn this division title big time. Very good off-season as they're totally preapred for Stephen Davis' career to be esentially over the next time he gets hit and picking up Rod Garner from Washington to fill that #2 receiver spot along with Colbert to try and fill Moose's void was a HUGE step. All Jake has to do is be a slightly above average QB in 2005 and the Cats are going back to the playoffs. My pick: 9-7.
New Orleans Saints: The epitome of a completely average NFL team. Just good enough to both make and miss the playoffs. The Saints bore me. My pick: 8-8.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: As solid as the defense still is, this is a total learning year for the offense which has been in a downward spiral since the Superbowl win. They could get lucky enough to win a few close ones thanks to the defense, but these Bucs are gonna look a lot like the Bucs of the '80s. My pick: 4-12.

NFC West
Seattle Seahawks: With the rest of the division falling apart and the 'Cards at LEAST 1 season away from contention, the division title should be a cake walk for the Seahawks who did everything in their power to choke it away last year. This is a very solid team that didn't play up to expectations last year. My pick: 10-6.
St. Louis Rams: Still not sure how the Rams even made the playoffs last year as they pretty much fell into them. I'd take a playoff-less Texans over a (ahem) "playoff caliber" team like the Rams anyday. Pretty much has to be Mike Martz' final year as head coach. My pick: 8-8.
Arizona Cardinals: 'Zona seems like one of those dark horse teams for 2005 but nothing about them is really scary. Enough solid parts with a great leader that COULD make a semi-run...for something...My pick: 7-9.
San Francisco 49ers: Well, at least they're TRYING to turn things around with a new coach and the QB of the future. But no matter how great Alex Smith may be ONE day, he has nothing to work with yet. Maybe next year, '9ers. My pick: 2-14.

My playoff picks:
San Diego over Pittsburgh
New England over Cincinnati
Indianapolis over San Diego
Kansas City over New England

Green Bay over Carolina
Seattle over Dallas
Philadelphia over Seattle
Green Bay over Atlanta

AFC Championship: Indianapolis over Kansas City

NFC Championship: Philadelphia over Green Bay

SuperBowl XL: Indianapolis over Philadelphia

Virgos Rock!

2005-08-24T22:00:00.000-04:00

I am so ridiculously behind when it comes to posting new blog entries at this point, it ain't even funny...I've decided that rather than do my normal mammoth weekly blog, I really need to just start putting up shorter entries for whatever material I have every other day or so all my loyal readers will at least have something to check out. My life has been a whirlwind this month to say the least in-between my time spent at current home and time spent at hopeful new home. Details forthcoming if that day ever does indeed come...

First off, my heartfelt condolences to Amber O'Neal on the passing of her grandfather. As always, my prayers go out to her and her family.

Major birthday shoutout to Stuttsy as I REALLY wish I was celebrating the same roman numeral that he is this week. And what a way to spend your birthday weekend. It's rare that I'm jealous of Stutts (and that's not a cut on him, I'm just rarely jealous of anyone because I'm THAT content with who I am), but damned if I wasn't all kinds of jealous hearing about the time he had this past weekend at Fanfest in Charlotte. Heck, forget the wrestlers, I just wanna hang out with the History of the WWF guy.

WWE are fuckin idiots. After weeks of some of the greatest heel mic work in YEARS, they turn Shawn Michaels babyface again. I don't know if the original deal was for him to JUST do an abbreviated heel run to sell SummerSlam or what, but that company is just BEYOND lost at this point and don't have a clue what to do with what amounts to pure money making gold lying right in their lap. Fuck, we capitalized on the minor little nugget of KC and Jesse better than they did with Edge and Matt Fuckin' Hardy. Yeah, sometimes the obvious is the toughest but christ all mighty...how many absolutely can't miss opportunities can this company have handed to them and fuck it up each and every time??? I really, really, hope CWF never grows to the point that we become completely blinded and uninspired that we do such generic, forced angles like Matt and Edge that only serve to completely insult both the audience's intelligence and destroy the illusion of believability. Just let mother fuckers fight. Let Shawn be a heel. God knows he's the ONLY one they have that can actually pull it off the way it should be. And they wonder why they're losing their fan base. Cause everytime you actually give in and start caring about their product again, they do take the one reason you were caring and completely fuck it up. Aside from the obvious financial issue, why ANYone would ever want to work for them is beyond me. In a span of 24 hours, I went from completely jakked over the potential for SummerSlam (and honestly, the most interest I've had in that company in YEARS) to utter and complete apathy. Sue, I won a free meal out of it by betting Yamaha that Hogan would go over on Shawn. But on the flip side, I have a fate handed to me worse than death as we also bet on Eddie-Rey with me taking Eddie and losing which means sometime in the next couple of weeks I'm gonna be forced to try and get a spoonful of sweet potatoes down my throat and let me tell ya, just the thought of that makes me want to yak all over the keyboard. And while I'm on the topic, what the hell didn't Dominic not get murdered in that ladder match??? If I was booking that sucker, that kid would at the very least have gotten frog splashed off the top of the ladder by Eddie. Yeah, I wouldn't do it in CWF, but we're talking WWE here who have no restrictions or morals anyways.

T-shirt Hell.com...still rocking my face off after all these years...

See, short and to the point...now maybe I'll actually be back in a day or two with more if you're lucky. Love to all!

8 + 13 = Kickoff

2005-08-10T17:42:00.000-04:00

Since my last blog was pretty much and cut-and-dried tourney recap, let me spend a little time hitting on the non-show doings. First off, gotta give some major love to my fellow Insider Troxler, who beat ME back to my own house a couple of shows back to mow MY yard. Since my lawnmower, much like my cars, does have a steering wheel and four wheels, and therefore HAS to blow up, it did just that and with the grass touching the power lines, it was time to go for some outside help.

After the tourney, Brass Munkey threw a very nice little homecoming party for Kamakazi Kid. Can't say enough just how great it was to have Kazi back, even for just one weekend. Word is it won't be 7 1/2 months next time which is great news for EVERYbody. Kazi just set the standard at such an insane level in so many different facets in the cruiserweight division, that even today, it seems like everyone is still living under that shadow and everything we do is judged against his actions of the past. I'm sure he'll do something at some point again that will make me go "what the hell are you thinking???" but I think he's become even smarter with his work in his absence now that he can reflect on the past few years. Going back to the party briefly, I tell ya one think, for all he has accomplished between ROH and the Inoki Dojo, it's crazy just how freakin' cool Ricky Reyes truly is. He's one of those guys that you would think would have that "I'm a superstar Indy worker" attitude, but hell, he's more humble than alot of the Indy guys we see each week.

The Observer had a mark-out news story for me the other day with "Today's Detroit News has an article that Ford Field in Detroit is trying to get Wrestlemania for Detroit in 2007, noting it would be the 20th anniversary of Wrestlemania III at the Pontiac Silverdome." That would just be awesome and I'm SO hoping it works out. I'm bigger on the Mania "big crowd" feel much more than the 20,000 seat ones and a Ford Field expanded for Mania could hold a minimum of 75,000. Plus, any homage to pro wrestling's defining night I'm ALL for (Perfect time to stick Savage and Steamer in the Hall of Fame too).

Speaking of the Hall of Fame...two of my favorite QBs of all time (along with Favre, Boomer, and Cunningham) went in together this past weekend in Canton. Young and Marino were about as different as two great QBs can be and the discussion of who was the best between the two is a tough one. I think Young may have been the best all-around QB of the two, but there's no question that Marino was the superior passer. It really is hard to believe that it's been 5 years already since these two last played. Makes me feel just that much older because the memories they left are just SO vivid. Heck, Young leading the 49ers over the Cowboys in that 3rd NFC title game is still, and always will be, my personal favorite football moment of all time. Monday Night brought us a pretty fun little Hall of Fame Game between the Fins and the Bears. Even got a Muppets open with Miss Piggy wearing a Zach Thomas jersey and the two old geezers running down the HOF class. Miami's offensive line looked horrid, especially consider that the Bears don't have the scariest defense or nothing. Very disturbing to see Moose in a Bears jersey. I don't know what John Madden was thinking, burying Manuel Wright as bad on national TV as anything I've ever heard. I mean, it's one thing to sit here and tear someone apart on a blog, but to do it when the entire country can hear it, including Wright's friends and family, is completely classless. You gotta love how if it's a player Madden likes he will go on and on about some 300+ pounder being a prime example of "how football should be played" and then turn around and tear Wright apart in his first game in his rookie year for being out of shape. Nice Madden, real nice.

Of course, Madden was good for at least one thing in his miserable life, that being a videogame that came out this week (Now that I've said that, I'd MUCH prefer say, EA Sports presents Walsh 2006 or Lombardi 2006). I won't get to play it till this weekend when I whip Yamaha's ass in it, but that is my segue to recap my newest videogame joy, "Flatout". Keep in mind that I actually don't care for videogames that much...I pretty much find one or so I genuinely love once every 5 years and play it to death (I have the feelin that I'll still be playin NFL 2K5 in 2K15). But man alive, let me tell ya that "Flatout" is one of the most addictive, perverse games I've ever gotten to play. Heck, screw the actual "game", just play the "bonus games" and shooting that helpless sap 100 years in the air and doing a demolition derby in a mud pit are both just plain addictive. Not a football to be found, but a serious **** game. Also checked out NCAA 2006 very briefly (1 half worth) and it certainly seemed acceptable although I don't really "feel it" with college football but I bet ya I'd enjoy it if I spent a little more time with it.

I become more and more disenchanted with fast food restaurants by the day. I don't know if the passing of Dave Thomas has finally caught up to Wendy's or what by my god has that franchise ever hit a downward spiral. My hamburger the other day was actually a "double hamburger" which would have been a good error if the "double" hadn't come from the fact that the patty was so burned that it had severed itself into two equal pieces of charcoal. It is NO exaggeration that drive-thrus in general will fuck SOMEthing up on an order at LEAST 50% of the time. Seriously. I mean, is the mental acumen that great of difference between the guy that takes your order INSIDE and the one that mans the drive-thru counter? I'd say McDonald's actually gets it right a good 75% of the time. Burger King is a borderline 50%. Wendy's would be lucky to hit 33% as I can't even remember the last time I ordered there and they actually got it 100% correct. And if I haven't bitched about it before, will you PLEASE stop asking me if I want cheese on a Hamburger. If I wanted cheese on a HAMburger, I'd order a fuckin' CHEESEburger. Are there actual customers that travel from drive-thru to drive-thru across the country asking for Hambugers and then bitching cause there's no cheese on them, thereby forcing the chains to add this asinine question???

Last Saturday we were back at the CSA in Burlington for a fairly unsupervised-by-the-powers-that-be TV taping that thankfully was a much bigger hit than the last one we did in May.

1. Xsiris pinned Jay Sinn in 6:40 -

What should have been a hot opener revolving around redemption (for X) and revenge (for Sinn) was overshadowed by some questionable comedy revolving around Sinn keeping Vercetti up-to-date on the action with a cell phone. All the spots were fine but the potential was wasted. *

Burlington Slugger: Brad Stutts and Mikael Yamaha attempt to interview the speechless Ultra Dragon with entertaining results, ending with Dragon stomping Yamaha's broken foot and leg lariating Stutts to set up a revenge match for later. Fun stuff.

2. American Steel Ninja (with Amber O'Neal in his corner) pinned Brandon Day in 4:16 - Day, of VA fame, makes his CSA debut as does Ninja with Amber at ringside to really get that relationship going. Your basic TV matchup. *

3. Otto Schwanz pinned Caprice "Ice" Coleman in 7:33 -

Otto makes his appearance for the foreseeable future, taking time due to wife, job, and age. A fine way to go out too as him and Caprice have a seriously solid bout. Even as a heel, crowd has MAD respect for Coleman right now due to his crispness and originality. ***

4. Ultra Dragon defeated Donnie Dollars (with Brad Stutts and Mikael Yamaha in his corner) by submission in 6:17 -

Wonderful finish to the two-part story that started earlier. Dollars of course mauls Dragon, who makes the comeback with the sky twister press, Yamaha makes the save only to get locked in the christo, crowd goes nuts, Dollars then gets locked in the christo as well and he TAPS. Major, major upset and perfectly executed on all levels to capitalize on Dragon's surprising tournament run. **1/2

5. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Television champion "El Fuego" Jesse Ortega pinned Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice in 7:04 -

One of those matchups that almost gets overlooked in it's history and importance when compared to many others. Ortega's first match ever was teaming with Kid Justice, Justice pinned Ortega to win the RGL title, a rare champion vs. champion matchup, and Ortega going for his 20th successful title defense. Match seriously paid off to with some great wrestling building to an awesome false finish for Justice and a surprise pin for Ortega. Wish the crowd had been more into it as their continued shitting on Ortega is painful to watch. Still a damn good match though. ***1/4

Post-match brings out Michael McAllister who announces that he has brought in some previously "blackballed" talent to take down Commissioner Cross' golden child (Ortega). Out comes Moses Manson who cuts a fine little promo. Jesse attempts to retort but loses his mind on the mic (let's say because of all the past heat between the two), resulting in the first ever utterance of "bastard" on a live CWF microphone. He gets in Moses' face and out of nowhere gets nailed from behind by none other than the priKC himself. Moses and KC McKnight do a 2-on-1 beatdown on Jesse until CWF flagship Ric Converse makes the save and chasing Moses and KC out the front door. A fine little segment that got the home run across, although I don't think we hit quiet the home run that it could have been. When you have a situation like this, it's very difficult to portray new wrestlers as actual outsiders because that stuff has been done to death in WWE/WCW. Marks think everything's a work now and even though we have a little room to work with in the Mid-Atlantic where some fans DO still believe, it still has to be carefully handled. In a perfect world, Moses and KC should be ripping the AWA sign off the wall and pissing on it but I think that might not make the cut for TV.

6. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Garry "Madd Trucker" Stevens pinned Brass Munkey in 8:54 of a Johnny Weaver Cup tournament quarterfinal match - Without any crazy overbooking, this was almost a no-win situation as truthfully, no one really expected Munkey to get past Garry here. It's really weird...the crowd seems to have little faith in Munkey UNLESS he's wrestling Corey, the one guy that realistically, he should never be able to beat. Anyways, match was fine for what it was. **

7. Rob "Boogie Woogie Man" McBride, "Rock N Roll" Matty Dee, and CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth with Kiyia Moka in their corner) defeated Tank Lawson, "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner, Alex Adonis, and Julius Augustus (with Cornelius J. Lumpkin III in their corner) in 13:21 when Dee pinned Augustus -

Not the complete cluster that it had potential to be, with well-defined team captains (Boogie, Tank) helping tell the story here. I do wish it would have had a little more pre-match direction in order to truly tell the story that needed to be told. Much like Ortega-Manson, the point got across, but not exactly a home run. **

8. "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel (with Brad Stutts in his corner) battled "Slick Diddy" Ric Converse to a 20:00 time limit draw in a Johnny Weaver Cup tournament quarterfinal match -

THE #1 all-time CWF feud renews itself, kicking off with awesome intensity with a ring-entrance brawl, the way it should be. They then settle down into a more traditional pace and go the distance, eliminating both men from the tourney. Certainly different from any of the previous matchups as time has changed many, many things about this matchup. Very good (that goes without saying), and great at points although the non-finish certainly left many let down. ****

Overall thoughts - A very enjoyable show, certainly in segments that will provide for some great TV. I just wish we could have tweaked certain things here and there but not a bad little effort at all.

Man of the House- Ya know, this sucker was actually pretty good. Tommy Lee Jones' deadpan delivery is pretty damn funny and when you surround him with some smokin' hot cheerleaders, how can ya bitch too much? Sure, the plot is kinda out there and it's a complete waste of time, but it's an enjoyable waste of time. **3/4

Dukes of Hazzard - For the first time in YEARS (Probably since 2/19/93 and the opening of "Army of Darkness"), I actually saw a movie the day it premiered in theaters. As I've gone into detail in blogs long since past, I was a HUGE fan of the show during it's original run. But I'm also not one of those stuck up die-hards that's gonna have a cow at every minor little modernization they do with the remake. I went in pretty neutral in fact, and let me tell, people are gonna HATE this movie. Not because it sucks (which it doesn't), but because they expect more. Critics nowadays want all this story and drama and importance with nearly every single piece of work that is captured on film. Personally, I have no use for a plot getting in my way of having fun at the movies. If these same critics that will shit on this movie could remember back 20 years, they'll recall that the Dukes original TV series was totally panned by critics. But it was a success because it was FUN. And with that, the remake captures the essence of the original perfectly. It's all about FUN. The wild car cashes, the wrecks, the characters...no BS, no tears, no moral, nothing but sheer, unadulterated FUN. And really, that's what it's all about. For fans of the TV show, when the original Waylon Jennings theme hits a few minutes into the movie, you just swell with pride. It takes you back to your youth, makes you smile and in that moment, all is right with the world again. The casting is just superb with the standout almost being difficult to pick out...Burt Reynolds as Boss Hogg. Perfect. Jessica Simpson as Daisy Duke. NO one could have done it better...seriously. Willie Nelson as Uncle Jesse. Slight variation on the original, but in his own scene-stealing way, perfect. Johnny Knoxville. Just awesome. Seann William Scott. Hilarious. It just goes on and on. Even by god FLASH has a cameo!!! That's 5-stars right there baby. The only casting that was done in error was Roscoe, who was made out to be an actual badass heel rather than the bumbling goof from the TV show. My only other knock on the movie was that it took me about 15 minutes in to adjust to the cussing. Not that I don't cuss constantly but if you have a history with the TV show like I do, it really throws you off for the first little bit since there was NEVER a swear word uttered back then. The movie will be lucky to gross $100 million, the critics will hate it, most viewers will hate it. But this movie wasn't made for people like that. It was made for people like me, Rob McBride, and so many others that can see past what the movie (ahem) "should be" and accept it for the fun that it is. ****

On a side note, I'm not sure how much of a craze it will truly cause since the movie is somewhat destined to flop at the box office, but good luck getting your hands on a 1969 Charger now that this movie's out. All of us left the theater DYING to own a General Lee and in my internet hop skotch that I do, I stumbled upon a wondrous website that will BUILD you your OWN General Lee (for $35K and up, but what the fuck...if I'm gonna dream, dream big). DukesofHazzardCharger.com will take care of all your 01 needs. I mean shit, I can barely afford McDonald's some days, but I'll be damned if I don't pull one of those out of my ass one day.

YOUR AWA World Light Heavyweight tournament recap

2005-08-01T22:20:00.000-04:00

The highest-profile event in CWF history has come to an end after 2 days of action that contained a mind-numbing 24 matches, with hardly a dud in the whole batch. With that in mind, my apologies for the briefness of some match comments because by weekend's end, a lot of stuff, especially from the first day was a complete blur and a star-rating could easily go up or down one full * once I get the opportunity to check it out on DVD which I look forward to doing. Brad Stutts did a flat-out awesome job on commentary, far superior to anything I could have done when it came to handling the non-regulars. He was joined by a wide crop of rotating experts including CW Anderson, Gemini Kid, Brian Logan, Nigel Sherrod, Rick Noon, and more.

DAY ONE
ROUND ONE
1. Gregory Vercetti (Italy) pinned Darrel Kelly (TN) in 6:24 -

Decent little opener that went a touch too long considering that 14 matches were still to follow on Friday night. A little awkwardness due to the unfamiliarity, but still a solid way to kick things off. **1/2

2. Ultra Dragon (Wild Card) pinned Shane Matthews (WV) in 4:01 - Dragon gets a desperately needed win as he had been venturing towards mid-card hell as of late over a fairly nondescript, but passable, Shane Matthews. *3/4

3. "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner (WI) pinned Brass Munkey (Wild Card) in 5:28 - The first CWF-CWF matchup of the weekend brings us the rubber match in this recent series. Munkey looks great early on and is on fire until the cheap screwjob. Perfectly executed and booked. **1/4

4. "Krazy K" Kirby Mack (SC) pinned Kamakazi Kid (with Kid Kazi in his corner - GA) in 7:30 -

The homecoming of Kazi, 7 1/2 months after injury, ends all to quickly as he falls to Krazy K. A fun little match to be sure, but a shocking, and almost painful, first round outcome. I would have much rather seen at least this particular matchup go down in round 2 as Kazi's involvement in the tournament was completely wasted here. **3/4

5. "El Mochi" Damien (with Stevie Slick in his corner - UT) pinned American Steel Ninja (Wild Card) in 3:12 - Damien is easily the most questionable entry in the tournament, seemingly breaking the 220 pound limit, with no noticeable Light Heavyweight repertoire, very generic gear, and wearing a Dr. Wagner Jr. match that each and every smart mark will shit all over once they see the DVD. The match itself was passable in it's brevity. *

6. "El Fuego" Jesse Ortega (TX) defeated Daniel Sigma (Wild Card) by submission in 5:30 - Similar to Vercetti-Kelly in it's unfamiliarity = awkwardness, but still a passable little first round match. **

7. Kid Justice (Wild Card) pinned the Great Malaki (IL) in 8:32 -

The biggest first round upset easily as Malaki appears to be one of the more impressive "outsiders", going up against Kid Justice who, despite being on an upswing as of late, still appeared to be a first round casulty. Just as shocking is the crowd's first TRUE "Us vs. Them" reaction as despite Justice being booked as a tweener into heel has of late, they were 110% behind him, in his effort to best the Illinois representative. Very enjoyable match. **3/4

ROUND TWO
8. "Mr. 630" Jerelle Clark (FL) pinned Caprice "Ice" Coleman (Wild Card) in 12:48 -

Round one had some seriously good stuff in abbreviated form, but no real chance of break the *** plateau due to time constraints. And boy, did we ever find that out as Round two kicked off as two of the first round byes collide, as Jerelle and Caprice put on an insanely crisp masterpiece that actually received a standing ovation at the end. A vary rare CWF crowd reaction with respectful applause throughout, rather than the more traditional Southern-style heel-face boos and cheers. Jerelle was one of the few outsiders to be actually greeted with love, rather than hate. The match was a perfect example of two premier Indy workers going at it, no BS entertainment to be had, with every move being executed near flawlessly. Fantastic stuff though that I can't wait to see again. ****1/2

9. "Prince of Punk" Shannon Moore (NC) pinned Dexter Poindexter (Wild Card) in 10:00 - Two more first round byes meet up (how the heck did Dex get a bye??). Moore actually turns heel prior to the match cutting a promo on how he loathed to be forced back into dumps like the CSA. It works too, although the crowd still doesn't buy the fact that Dex has ANY chance at all of winning and despite some solid false finishes, the match went WAYYYY too long. **

10. Xsiris (VA) pinned Gregory Vercetti (Italy) in 7:15 -

Say what you will, but without question the crowd favorite to win it all, Xsiris, starts his run in a really fun match with Vercetti, in another CWF vs. CWF matchup. Really solid stuff as Vercetti finishes with a very good 2-match showing and X heads into day two on a roll. **1/2

11. Ultra Dragon (Wild Card) defeated Noah Lott (MN) by submission in 6:39 -

This would become, without question, the biggest "Holy shit!" upset of the entire tourney. As alluded to earlier, Dragon had been in such limbo that making it past the first round was questionable and making it all the way to day TWO was unfathomable. The true great underdog story of the tournament was indeed Ultra Dragon. For Noah Lott's part, he seemed to have certainly fine psychology but his style didn't really resemble that of a Light Heavyweight. I was somewhat overwhelmed initially but he did so much enjoyable stuff on night two, I came to the conclusion that he would actually probably fit in just fine down here not in the true Cruiserweight-sense but in the Mikael Yamaha-more evil-than-style kinda way. And boy, did the crowd ever pop like crazy when Lott tapped out to Dragon's christo. **

12. Ricky Landell (Japan's Zero-1 Max) defeated "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner (WI) by submission in 9:19 -

Solid little no-frills wrestling contest as with these two, you get your basic boots and trunks and that's IT (not a complaint at all, by the way). **1/2

13. "Krazy K" Kirby Mack (SC) pinned "El Mochi" Damien (with Stevie Slick in his corner - UT) in 11:33 - Went way too long as Damien was really out of his element here with this style of wrestling. *3/4

14. N8 Mattson (MI) pinned Kid Justice (Wild Card) in 10:00 - N8 makes his first appearance as the crowd finally begins to die after holding together pretty well for the first 3 hours of day one (including my own fried brain as these last few matches of day one are a blur at this point). Still a solid little matchup though from what I recall. **1/2

15. Rickey Reyes (Cuba) defeated "El Fuego" Jesse Ortega (TX) in 8:52 -

What will go down as the best "forgotten" match of day one, being the last on the show, but a fantastic mat-based match for both guys. Really enjoyable stuff with Reyes surprisingly gong over (to our fans) anyway, via KO. ***

DAY TWO
1. "Mr. 630" Jerelle Clark (FL) pinned Ultra Dragon (Wild Card) in 9:57 of a AWA World Light Heavyweight tournament quarterfinal match -

Day two kicks off with the hometown underdog against the show stealer from night one. Extremely fun matchup with Dragon's run finally coming to an end. ***

2. "Krazy K" Kirby Mack (SC) pinned Rickey Reyes (Cuba) in 10:16 of a AWA World Light Heavyweight tournament quarterfinal match -

Another solid matchup as Reyes had firmly established himself as the #1 heel in the final 8. **3/4

3. N8 Mattson (MI) pinned Xsiris (VA) in 9:28 of a AWA World Light Heavyweight tournament quarterfinal match - A HUGE shocker to the crowd as I think if you had actually shot Xsiris in the middle of the ring, that crowd couldn't have been any more stunned than when the ref counted three to end X's quest for the title. That crowd fell deathly silent like it WAS a funeral. It'll certainly be interesting to see where we go from here as X not only didn't win the title, he didn't even get to a spot in the tournament where every single fan thought he was going. **1/2

4. "Prince of Punk" Shannon Moore (NC) defeated Ricky Landell (Japan's Zero-1 Max) by submission in 8:21 of a AWA World Light Heavyweight tournament quarterfinal match - Another fairly basic match with Moore, although certainly fundamentally sound. **

5. "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner, Gregory Vercetti, The Great Malaki, Daniel Sigma, and Noah Lott defeated Kid Justice, Dexter Poindexter, Shane Matthews, Kamakazi Kid, and Eric Matlock (with Kid Kazi in their corner) in 17:25 of a Cibernetico Torneo Elimination match with Great Malaki being the winner after pinning Eric Matlock in the finals. Order of elimination: Justice, Vercetti, Kamakazi, Lott, Sigma, Conner, Poindexter, Matthews, Matlock. - This was flat out fantastic. This was everything I WISH Ultimate Survivor could be every year and honestly, SHOULD be. Non-stop action from the opening bell that had the crowd in a frenzy. FANtastic finishes and got every single guy in it over big time. Personal hilight: About 5 minutes in, Kazi (who everyone is ACHING to see back in the ring after the one and done the night before) FINALLY gets the tag and the roof comes off as he hits his twisting frog splash off the top to pin Vercetti. Then, 5 seconds later, Noah Lott earns his spot in CA history by nearly getting booked out of the building but cradling Kazi from behind, feet on the ropes, 1-2-3. That one sequence took the crowd from the highest of highs to the sheer disgust. Just awesome. The match was a pleasure to watch and one of the most satisfying Indy matches I've ever been witness to. I only hope we can pull one of these out at least every year and maintain this level of quality. MAJOR props to every single worker in it as ALL 10 delivered big-time. Totally different, but up there with Caprice-Jerelle from night one as your "Match of the Weekend." ****1/2

6. "Krazy K" Kirby Mack (SC) pinned "Mr. 630" Jerelle Clark (FL) in 9:35 of a AWA World Light Heavyweight tournament semifinal match -

Somewhat disappointing considering the potential here. Had some fine arm work that would be unfortunately forgotten and no sold seconds later. Some fine spots here and there, but psychology was seriously lacking. **

7. "Prince of Punk" Shannon Moore (NC) defeated N8 Mattson (MI) by submission in 7:12 of a AWA World Light Heavyweight tournament semifinal match -

Despite Shannon's night one heel turn, the crowd started to turn back in his favor here considering N8 had taken out Xsiris, meaning he had about negative 47 on the crowd support level. Solid regardless though. **

8. Team AWA (Shauma Tengo, "El Mochi" Damien, and Noah Lott with Stevie Slick in their corner) defeated Team CWF (Jesse "El Fuego" Ortega, Brass Munkey, and Kamakazi Kid with Kid Kazi in their corner) in 13:27 when Damien pinned Munkey - Without question the single "What the fuck??" outcome of the entire weekend. I can only assume the logic here was that since someone that is viewed as a "CWF guy" was going over for the actual belt one match later (not that he's that at all), then the CWF "side" could afford the loss in the "Us vs. Them" matchup. Crowd was very, very hot for this, and more than any other matchup during the weekend, proved just how strong the CWF fanbase loyalty is when matched up against such outsiders. Nothing against Lott at all, but as a whole, the CWF crew easily outclassed and outshined the opposition the whole way, dominating the matchup and looking like a million bucks. Totally flabbergasting screwjob finish aside, fun matchup and make NO mistake, the wrong team went over. It's a shame that we can't do these types of matchups on a regular basis so we actually COULD trade wins back and forth cause the crowd was rabid for this. **1/2

9. "Krazy K" Kirby Mack (SC) pinned "Prince of Punk" Shannon Moore (NC) in 16:45 to win the vacant AWA World Light Heavyweight title (16:45) -

The final matchup will certainly be questioned by the smart marks on the internet and yes, to some degree, I would be right there with them. But when you look at all the participants in the tournament, and take into consideration availability and passable "name value", the outcome shouldn't be all that shocking. To many, Krazy K will always be remembered for the ROH fiasco; but in the eyes of the AWA, Krazy K is the man to carry the crown in the 21st century. The match itself was possibly the best for both Moore and KK in the tourney (which is exactly what you would want out of the final). **3/4

Overall thoughts - It's hard to complain too much about the weekend when you take into account you've got a joint booking committee and all the political problems that you're gonna automatically have when you try and pull off an event of this magnitude. For every flaw of the tournament had (Kazi's first round elimination and the 6-man match), the upsides (the perfectly booked Cibernetico match, the shocking Ultra Dragon run, etc) made it a wash in the end. From a wrestling perspective, you'd be hard pressed to find many Indy shows this side of ROH to put on such a tremendous effort from top-to-bottom. Personally, I'm VERY VERY proud of our roster. The "Us vs. Theme" theme wasn't even a pushed angle per se, but you could just FEEL it. We ALL wanted one of our boys to win and the crowd rose and fell with each win and loss by our crew. I think it was an eye-opening experience for many, considering a good portion of the incoming talent that is touted as "the best" in their specific territory, were out-worked in many cases by our regulars (and even our regular mid-carders, at that). The DVD release, more than any other product CWF has ever put out, WILL solidify the promotion as a true Indy-powerhouse. The Mid-Atlantic area has been overlooked long enough in favor of all the ROHs, IWA Mid-South, and so on and so forth but THIS event will showcase the simple fact that the performers in the MA area can indeed "cut the mustard" so to speak and deserve as much recognition as any other territory in the country today.

Fun, fun weekend and AWA tournament preview

2005-07-28T23:43:00.000-04:00

New favorite goggle search that brought a viewer to this very blog: "Burlington NC Whores". Yes, yes we are.

In stark contrast to my downer of a blog last week, there's a HUGE light at the end of the tunnel this week and you better believe I'm gonna pray, behave, and not break any mirrors in hopes of pulling this one off. I REALLY don't wanan get my hopes up, but if current stars align, this would easily be the biggest life-altering (and life-improving) situation for me in years. Oh please, oh please, oh please.

Well, hell has apparently frozen over and Ricky Williams is going to be running the ball for the Miami Dolphins this year. This would pretty much be like if Hogan went back to the WWF two years after the steroid scandal. I'm still not totally convinced that Nick Saban just won't "put Williams over" in the preseason in order to try and sucker another team into a trade. If Williams does stay in Miami, then can you imagine the controversy if the Dolphins actually go undefeated while Ricky serves his 4-game suspension at the start of the year, only to then come back in and be handed the starting spot?

Another week another death as "Lord" Alfred Hayes passed on last Thursday at age 77, which you better believe has got to be as old as anyone in the wrestling biz can be expected to live. As much wrestling as I've watched over the years, I don't think I've ever actually seen a single match of Lord Alfred's. But I can sure still vividly recall his commentary, and quite honestly, being completely confused by it more often than not. For some reason, the WWF would just arbitrarily switch him from a babyface to heel role on what seemed like a weekly basis. He was certainly effective enough at both, but as a young mark, it came off more like Alfred has just plain lost his mind. Disturbingly enough, it's almost a nice feeling to know that someone in the wrestling business this year did NOT die before his time.

Well, the date is set and it is October 1st. It's pretty rare that I'll actually notae a specific show months in advance considering how many we do, but this is my baby and this is it's 5th birthday. "Triumph" will go down on Sat night, 10/1, it being the home for the Indy Rumble (aka the CWF Rumble aka the All-Star Indy Rumble, if you will). Kinda hope some of the other quality guys from around the area can make a cameo that night as well.

This past weekend was certainly a face rocking one, kicking things off with Chris Benoit's Personal Limo Driver stopping by for the first time since SuperBowl XXXVIII. I don't know why she still wants her identity kayfabed but, I'll humor her for as long as necessary. Anyways, she brought me a freakin' AWESOME one-of-a-kind item straight from the walls of Turner itself. A huge 36" or so poster-like promotional banner for WCW Classics, featuring Ricky Morton fist dropping Ric Flair. Trust me, the photo here doesn't do it justice AT ALL.

I'm seriously getting that sucker signed by Morton in silver sharpie the next time I run into him. Anyways, CBLD gets her Spaz fix and tags along for the weekend, which brings us back to the CSA in Burlington on Saturday 7/23 for another TV taping, for what was really pretty much the forgotten show sandwiched between FNF and the AWA Light Heavyweight tourney. The crowd size reflected that, but there were still as loud as a full-size crowd thankfully (well, for the first half of the show anyways).

1. Brass Munkey, American Steel Ninja, and CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth with Kiyia Moka in their corner) defeated Drake Tungsten, Julius Augustus, Gregory Vercetti & Donnie Dollars in 8:16 when Munkey pinned Tungsten - Insanely fun opener, reminiscent of the old Horsemen vs. 4 random babyfaces in the days of old. Munkey freakin' murders Tungsten with the lariat for the finish. Pretty much perfect for what it was meant for. **1/2

2. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Garry "Madd Trucker" Stevens pinned Jeremy Ryan in 2:04 - Ass. Commish McAllister determines that the TRUE most deserving contender to the MA title is none-other than undefeated Jeremy Ryan (both against Yamaha, I might add), which of course draws the ire of the crowd who's dying for Ric to get his revenge and his title back. Basic 2-minute squash as Stevens makes his first defense a VERY successful one. *

3. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega pinned Sean Powers in 9:38 of a Johnny Weaver Cup tournament quarterfinal match - I don't know what it is lately, but man is the CSA crowd just totally heelin on Jesse. I guess he just needs a true priKC to feud with here to get some babyface support back. Powers is just OUT there, bringing a chain into the ring, giving it to Jesse, who doesn't use it, and then gets rolled up for the pin, smiling the whole time. I have NO idea where this is going and didn't make one lick of sense but I HOPE it does a few months down the road. **

4. Otto Schwanz pinned Alex Adonis (with Donnie Dollars in his corner) in 4:10 - Pure gold baby. Adonis cuts a promo about his opponent not wanting to wrestle him cause he hasn't paid his dues (shizoot!), which causes Adonis to unwisely heel on said-opponent's wife sitting in the crowd. Seconds later, Otto himself bursts through the curtain and mauls Adonis to the joy and delight of EVERYone. Insanely fun 4 minutes that included Dollars just looking AWESOME, getting murdered in all of his interference spots. At least 1,000 stars. **1/2

-GeeStar takes over the HotSeat segment from Gemini Kid for this show to bring out Classic Rock in one of the all-time great CWF fan rebellion moments as the crowd just flat out turns on CRock and boos the fuck out of them. It throws everyone off their game, with Matty Dee coming a heartbeat away from going into the heel side of obnoxious, then followed by Gee trying to save the segment and admitting that she's basically spent some rather (ahem) enjoyable times on the CRock tour bus. Unintentionally hilariously bad segment.

5. Caprice "Ice" Coleman and Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice defeated Xsiris and Joey Silvia in 8:38 when Justice pinned Xsiris -

Man alive, CWF has just been on Cruiserweight-fire the month leading up to the AWA tourney. This is another hecka good chapter in the series and man, if Caprice started coming on a regular basis, him and Justice look freakin' GREAT as a team in the near-matching black and white biker tights. The Justice-X rivalry continues with more goodness as Justice pins X with X's own DUI finisher. **1/2

6. Tank Lawson and John Kermon (with Cornelius J. Lumpkin III in their corner) defeated Classic Rock ("Classic" Chris Collins & "Rock N Roll" Matty Dee) in 8:19 when Lawson pinned Collins - After the earlier promo segment, we all knew this matchup was gonna be death as far as the crowd went. Thankfully, it's not AS noticeable on tape, but you better believe they were all for Tank killing CRock. Despite the crowd crapping on them, the match itself was insanely fun and exactly the kind of entertainment ya want when watching at 2am with a group of workers. Screw workrate, it's all about the fun. Chris Collins almost one-ups his partner post-match as a dazed and confused Matty Dee asks "Did we win?" to which 3C answers, much like you would tell your dying friend that it's gonna be ok, "Yes! Yes we did!". **

7. "Slick Diddy" Ric Converse pinned Bobby Ramone in 2:08 - A belt-less Ric is on a rampage and mows down Canadian-newbie Ramone. Awesome intensity. *

8. Lexie Fyfe pinned Amber O'Neal in 10:07. *

9. "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner pinned Rob "Boogie Woogie Man" McBride in 14:32 of a Johnny Weaver Cup tournament quarterfinal match -

By no means, a great main event but more classic entertainment from the backstage perspective. Mitch and Rob clank heads like two battering rams less than 2 minutes into the match on an armdrag gone bad, which leads to Conner having to sell an armbar on the mat that's being applied by a face-down, immobile, nearly unconscious McBride. I was worried at the time but it's hilarious to watch on tape now. Rob's left eye is nearly closed for the rest of the match due to the collision so Conner brings the gold by only raking Rob's GOOD eye. We then follow THIS up by Conner dropping the kneepad and busting Rob open slightly hardway with a stiff kneedrop. Then for the finish, Tank runs in and smacks Rob with a cookie sheet (what is this, 1999???). To say the least, it was not a good day to be Rob McBride's head. An A for effort guys. **

Overall thoughts - A solid show, even workrate wise for the first half of the show. The second half fell pretty flat, but is still perversely enjoyably in the "in joke" kind of sense.

The remainder of the weekend was a whirlwind of activity spent at my mom's empty house in Burlington making as much noise as humanely possible while beating Yamaha's ass in NFL 2K5 for the millionth time. You would think if you had a 17-0 Halftime lead on the hapless Bengals SURELY you could hang on and win. But nope, Yamaha finds a way to even let the Bengals come back and win 28-20. He's talented I tell ya. Plenty of quality time with CBLD, Amber, Gee, and Stutts as well as we did two days worth of Slammin' Ladies tapings at the CSA along with Lexie Fyfe, Brandi Wine, Krissy Vaine, Persephone, Desiree Peterson, Katie Kincaid, and the newest Slammin' Lady, Kevin Matthews. Kinda missed not seeing Cindy Rogers this time around as I love her work, but still some decent stuff. Desiree is still in really good shape despite some 20 years removed from her WWF run. Krissy is one heck of a trooper, taking a multiple-match ass whipping on Monday and sucking it up like a champ. I got to ref a couple of matches, including easily the best Gee-Brandi Wine match they've done yet. Still give major love to Lexie and Scott for putting together the website and treating everyone so insanely well. Overall, between shows, friends, and general surroundings, it was the most I had flat out enjoyed a weekend in a very long time.

Which brings us to this weekend where in less than 24 hours from the time I type this, the largest profile event in CWF history will go down as we host the AWA World Light Heavyweight tournament. Unlike your normal CSA shows, this one isn't a CWF show at all, we just happen to have the most representatives in the tournament. Therefore, I have no say at all in the booking of the tourney and for once, will find out everything that's going on at the same time the fans do (which doesn't bother me in the least - it's a very nice change of pace). This does allow me to do a bit of fantasy booking on the blog though and lay out how the tournament would go if I was personally handling it.

Far and away the biggest challenge with an event like this is when you have 24 very credible athletes from around the country, how do you book it so you don't waste those that have traveled 1,000s of miles while at the same time not burying those that still have to perform in front of these same people each and every week. I suspect the crowd to be about 50/50 between the CWF regulars and the new fans attending just for the tourney. I do have some concern about a third party handling the booking and making our regulars seem completely inferior to the "outsiders". You really have to pick and choose your battles carefully and in this case somehow, someway do what's best for the wrestlers, the AWA, and the CWF all at once. Talk about a headache.

-Avoid CWF vs. CWF (or more specifically, local worker vs. local worker) as much as humanly possible. With all of this talent, the fans shouldn't have to sit through matchups that they could witness on any other weekend of the year. Plus, they shouldn't have to choose sides. That's why I always dread certain NFL playoff matchups such as the Packers vs. Panthers. I'm so torn between the two that I end up not cheering for anyone and just watching. On top of everything else, the wrestlers themselves deserve to be able to wrestle athletes from across the country, rather than being forced into matchups that they wouldn't have to leave the state for in the first place.

-All first round matchups should have 10 minute time limits. The incoming fans may be able to suck it up and handle 15 or so matches on night one, but it will be pure death for our regulars. I'm all for a couple of 1st and 2nd round time limit draws in order to cut down on the number of matches on night 2.

-Do NOT waste talent. There's a big difference between the unfortunate first day sacrifices and those that COULD be but in no way SHOULD be a first day sacrifice. I'm not exactly worried about those like Jerrell Clark or Shannon Moore falling into this category. I'm talking about those like Xsiris, who after falling short in his TV title bid, needs a good, strong showing here and I would honestly go all the way to the semis with him. The crowd is super hot for his quest as of late and his workrate has been jakked up a considerably notch the past couple of months. Possibly more than anyone else, Xsiris can carry the "CWF vs. Outsiders" theme better than anyone and whoever he loses to will have all the heat in the world heading into the finals (and therefore should put over the eventual babyface champ in the finals). The other big name that you'd be crazy to waste is Kamakazi Kid, who is making his return to the building and ring for the first time since he was carried out, career in jeopardy, 7 1/2 months ago. Make no mistake, he is the hero coming home, he will be the favorite in many minds, and deserves a quarterfinal spot. Mishandling of either X or Kazi in the tourney could easily deflate half of the attending crowd.

-Going back to the opening round and those first 8 sacrifices you have to make. Like I said, you have to pick and choose and with X, Kazi, Krazy K, Caprice, and Shannon Moore looking like the local favorites, I don't expect many of the others to see Night 2. Matty Dee being the first obvious casualty, but good lord do I wish I could be in the crowd to cheer him on in his quest for a dream. Mitch Conner and Kid Justice MIGHT make round two, if only for the great heel heat. Quinn, Vercetti, Dexter, and Walker certainly seem like one and done. Same can be said for Munkey, although he's a better wrestler than half in the tournament, he's moved past the Light Heavyweight formula so much, that this is almost a step back a couple of years for him. With that all said and done, keeping in mind that I have NO idea what the heck is going on (and therefore ain't spoiling shit), here is my picks for night two, once all the smoke has cleared from night one:

Quarterfinals
Jerrelle Clark over Caprice Coleman
Xsiris over N8 Mattson
Ricky Reyes over Kamakazi Kid
Shannon Moore over Ricky Landell
Semifinals
Jerrelle Clark over Xsiris
Shannon Moore over Ricky Reyes
Finals
Shannon Moore over Jerrelle Clark

Whew...ok, enough fantasy bookin for me...onto the real deal....love to all and see ya next week!

Burned the F out plus FNF2 and Riders recaps

2005-07-20T01:38:00.000-04:00

Christ have I been high strung here lately. Between the constant car issues that are gonna cost well over a grand that I don't have and the influx of animals that have decided upon taking refuge at my house, it has been one constant nuisance after another here lately. Adding to my own less-than-pleasant demeanor, is the fact that it seems I'm constantly around people that are always bitching about one thing or the other, thereby bringing me down to their miserable level. I'm really proud of the fact that most view me as so happy-go-lucky and full of love. And it fucking sucks that people haven't gotten that side of me lately. I find myself having far less patience than normal and seem to be in a constant search of a tranquil, peaceful environment that isn't on the horizon anytime soon. It seems I spend day after day trying desperately to mentally rectify the situation with no clear answers to be found. Financially, I live in the proverbial money pit, with questionably outrageous rent that I realistically can't afford but any options of moving elsewhere also point to equally miserable conditions, making me question the hassle of uprooting my existence once again. I was privy to a conversation held the other night between two of my best friends, discussing my obvious misery as of late. "Statmark" has been far from his customary spaz-like state which sucks balls and sittin in on this conversation really opens your eyes to just how much I haven't been myself as of late. Those that I don't converse with but on weekends may not pick up on the little nuances, but make no mistake, even my "happiest" times as of late have almost felt forced. It truly sucks that money is indeed the root of all evil. Honestly, if not for the constant financial woes that have plagued me for one reason or the other since 1996, I would honestly be as happily content as any human being you would ever come in contact with. And I don't mean I want to be rich. I would just like to have a dependable car that actually last me say, a year, without having to sink hundreds into it. A nice little home in the country that will one day be mine, not a never-ending struggle to pay off a rent tab that has no end in sight. As I've said time and time again, I have brought all of this upon myself. I have this uncanny ability to turn a blind eye to an opportunity that would make life easier on myself and put myself in a situation that will undeniably cause me to continue spinning my wheels in this giant rut I live in. I deserve the majority of my anguish because I've brought it upon myself but on the other hand, I've also busted my ass almost more than anyone else I know over the past decade and hardly have a damn thing to show for it. Thank GOD for the memories and the friends. I would LOVE to live closer to Burlington. Cause right now it's gotten to the point that it really sucks driving at least 3+ hours every weekend after the past four years wondering if your piece of shit car is going to leave you stranded on the highway. Trust me, there is NO worse feeling right now than coming home from shows every week. I moved away back in 2001 due to the fact that I was living in the house of me and the ex and I HAD to get out of there while I had a fantastic opportunity waiting for me in Charlotte. Since then, that opportunity has faded away, which is fine and all, but I'm left at what FEELS like a crossroads once again in my life. I could stay down here near Charlotte where things are passable some days and horrible the next. Or I could move back closer to Burlington where things COULD be better but the potential for it to be even worse is there as well. If it was 5 or 10 years ago and roommates were an option, this decision would be much easier. Splitting rent between friends and couples can certainly ease the financial burden big time. Unfortunately, I've also learned that roommates frequently turn friends into those that you want to strangle after a few months, and I REALLY don't want to put my good friendships in jeopardy. Each and every day I feel the frustration. Some days are worse than others. I want to scream some days. Today wasn't too bad. I was feeling a little more positive about my surroundings. Who knows what tomorrow will bring. I just wish I could wipe my slate clean. All of the financial BS I'd endured from 96-on, I just wish I could turn back the hands of time and erase it all. Not my friends, not my experiences, just the finances. I dream of a day when I don't have this constant cloud hanging over my head. Bills? Sure, I can deal with that. But I just want the past to be fixed. For once in my life to be back to 1995 and not have to sweat it out day after day if I'm going to be evicted tomorrow. Somedays I feel redundant when discussing this but after nearly 10 years, I'm simply burned the fuck out on this bullshit. I refuse to live a life where I cannot even enjoy the simplest time with my friends because I constantly have a million other problems breathing down my neck going "Hey! Don't forget about me!". I don't know how, I don't know when, but this situation WILL be fixed. Between my own determination and refusal to let it destroy me, and my belief in God to take care of me in my time of need, I KNOW I will survive this.

On a happier note, Matty Dee now has a fuckin' BLOG!

What say we try and actually talk about one thing that keeps me going...kicking it off with last week's "Friday Night Fights 2" at the CSA in Burlington:

1. The Street Sweepers (Gregory Vercetti and Jay Sinn) defeated Classic Rock ("Classic" Chris Collins & "Rock N Roll" Matty Dee) in 10:28 when Sinn pinned Matty Dee-

Absolute non-stop opener which went a touch too long, but was far superior to the similar 6-man from last month that involved these two teams. Crowd still seems to be confused by these FNF "dark matches" and if they're still supposed to cheer for dark matches or something...I don't get it. Anyways, fun stuff with the hilight being Matty Dee hitting the Alabama Jam from the HEAVENS. **1/2

2. Xsiris defeated Ultra Dragon and Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice in 11:16 of a triangle elimination match (Xsiris pinned Dragon, Xsiris pinned Justice) -

Another preview for the Light Heavyweight tourney and I swear, between this match and the previous tag match from last show, I'm starting to wonder if the actual tourney is gonna pale in comparison to the preview matches which is so often the case. Anyways, I hate triangle matches (talk about redundant...), but surprise, surprise, another fairly smartly worked one although Xsiris taking both pinfalls was definitely surprising. This past month for Kid Justice (6/18-on) has totally resurrected him from mid-card hell while Dragon is creeping closer and closer to it. **3/4

-Tank Lawson (with Cornelius J. Lumpkin in his corner) defeated Rob "Boogie Woogie Man" McBride in the $500 Arm Wrestling Challenge -

Pretty typical arm-wrestling stuff although the interference of Lumpkin was pretty original as Tank and him hold hands for added leverage. Classic Rock saves Rob from a post-match beatdown although the crowd has less-than-normal confidence in them in a future challenge vs. Tank.

3. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth with Kiyia Moka in their corner) defeated Mikael Yamaha and "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel (with Brad Stutts in their corner) in 18:12 when Money pinned Yamaha -

FANtastic old-school tag match with a little new-age overbooking thrown in for good measure. Seriously fun though with the crowd totally thinking that we were gonna see new champs. The heels do everything in their power to try and rob the Playas, but run-ins by Munkey (which takes Corey out of the equation) and Amber O'Neal (who prevents Yam from getting the brass knux) leads to a Playas win and the crowd eats it up with a spoon. ****

-Intermission brought us the hilight of "Kids Night" at FNF2 as assistant commish Michael McAllister gets locked in a steel cage outside the CSA and bombarded with water balloons from the angry chilins that he's PO'd over the past couple of months.

Wonderfully fun segment that is really, the heart and soul of what pro wrestling is all about - the kids.

5. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega defeated "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner by submission in 14:28 - One of those unforgettable matches for a number of reasons. The first being the crowd pissing ME off which is a rarity as everyone knows, and constantly (and unfairly) reminds me of, that I will generally defend our crowd. The crowd completely shits on some beautiful wrestling early on and pretty much turns on Jesse for some inexplicable reason. Mitch got very little love either, aside from some entertainment marks in the crowd. Then IT happens as Mitch goes for a simple cusifix on Jesse's back. They struggle towards the ropes and go up and over the top while jockeying for position. Then, in what immediately shoots towards the top of the "he should have died" list, they go over awkwardly and Mitch takes what pretty much amounted to a DDT from the top rope all the way down INTO the concrete floor. Horrifyingly nasty as a partial landing on his knees not only broke some of the impact but probably saved his life. His head is immediately split open and blood begins to flow. They recompose themselves as best as possible and go into some vicious almost-shoot like crowd brawling before heading back into the ring. The crowd then began to care about the match slightly more but I heard at least one comment of "oh, that's ketchup" which got the "go fuck yourself" look from me on camera (the fan actually did come up to me on Sunday and apologize for what that's worth). Anyways, the injury to Mitch doesn't help matters when it comes to Jesse's fanbase at all and when Mitch finally taps for the finish, Jesse gets just about booed out of the building for going over. Excellent match, horrible crowd, and completely fascinating from several viewpoints. Thankfully, Mitch did survive the fall and should be back in action this Saturday as usual. Major, major props to him for continuing the match. I wouldn't have expect ANY man to go after what I witnessed. ***1/2

6. "Madd Trucker" Garry Stevens pinned "Slick Diddy" Ric Converse to win the CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight title in a "King of the Road" match (with corner men The Shadow, "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel, Mikael Yamaha, and Brad Attitude) -

After Ric survived round one, I don't think many saw this one coming. In a MAJOR shocker to EVERYone, Stevens WINS the MA title, ending Ric's very impressive 7-month, 12-defense reign. Intriguing match with all the elements surrounding ringside including Attitude, sporting an old-Hardys shit with Lita cut out of the middle which was pretty sweet. Pretty much on par with their first FNF match workrate-wise. **1/2

Overall thoughts - A TON better than the first FNF and unlike the first one, if a complete stranger to the product buys THIS DVD, then I do think they would be interested in seeking out more. Far more historically significant as well than the first. The crowd was very strange, running the gauntlet from very good (the tag title match), to very bad (the TV title match), to mediocre for everything else. Very good show by and large though.

After the show, we had a wonderful gathering of myself, Gee, Yam, Amber, Donnie Dollars, and Matty Dee himself back in Raleigh which was a first for that combo. Fun, fun stuff that there will definitely be a sequel for.

Along comes Sunday which brings us one of the tri-monthly (or so) RCW shows at Riders in the Country in Greensboro, NC with the 2005 edition of the "Great American Clash":

1. RCW tag team champions Brass Munkey and American Steel Ninja defeated Mikael Yamaha and KC McKnight (with Brad Stutts and Moses Manson in their corner) in 7:41 when Munkey pinned Yamaha - Stutts and Manson merge two of their big guns for a shot at the RCW tag titles. Unfortunately, Yam stubbed his toe the day before trying to doggie paddle in a pool and might as well have been wrestling the match on crutches as much as he was hobblin' in there. Honestly though, it helped the story along and by match end, Stutts and Manson get into the cat fight that you didn't have a wet dream about. **

2. Charlie Dreamer defeated Trey-G and Zane Dawson in 9:35 of a triangle match when he pinned Dawson - Man, there's been alot of triangle matches this year...anyways, the ACPW guys get to show off with Trey playing the role of tweener, albeit somewhat confusing as his transition from babyface-side of tweener to heel-side of tweener seemed to come out of nowhere and I really didn't get the psychological positioning there...or maybe it's just pro wrestling and I'm over analyzing a TAD. They actually had some pretty sweet 3-way spots which I was unfamilar with and popped for, so that's a plus. Match did go about 2 minutes too long but had a sweet series of superkicks for the finish. **

3. The Millennium Violence Connection ("The Black Hand" Justin Feeche and "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel) defeated the $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth with Kiyia Moka in their corner) in 6:56 when Corey pinned Smooth -

The MVC make their official debut and pretty much murder the Mid-Atlantic tag champs in an out-of-control Bruiser Brody like brawl. Certainly the way to bring out a new duo. Not a match as much as it was a brawl (and a squash to some extent), but still fun and effective. ** Later in the show, the Playas request a 3 falls match for the 9/18 show vs. MVC which should be all kinds of great.

4. "Slick Diddy" Ric Converse pinned Otto Schwanz in 9:10 -

Yes, Otto Schwanz IN Riders..I never thought I'd see the day either. And guess what? Possibly the best Ric-Otto match ever. All kinds of fun and not too goofy either. Crowd loves every bit of it. ***1/4. Post-match brings us the intriguing KC McKnight challenge to Converse for the 9/18 show as KC continues his cross-promotional "State-Wide Challenge". Which brings out Jesse Ortega, who has been on a subtle (or on KC's case, non-too subtle) war of words with McKnight on the internet. Basically, a shoot-promo that wasn't channeled the way it needed to be to be effective or believable. The entire confrontation was good in theory, but went WAY too long and too gimmicky to actually pass as a "shoot". I still think any pairing of KC and Jesse has tons of serious potential, but definitely needs fine tuning.

5. RCW Heavyweight champion "Madd Trucker" Garry Stevens (with Brad Stutts in his corner) defeated GeeStar (with Amber O'Neal in her corner) by submission in 9:09 -

The infamous match from last December which pretty much ended the GeeStar of 2004 (as she blows out her knee vs. Stevens 2 minutes in) finally happens. A total kick and punch match by and large which actually got over with the crowd. Not technically pretty by any stretch of the imagination, but it was smart enough and stiff enough to work. Amber nails Garry with the billy club for a false finish that the crowd was going apeshit for. But Garry survives, Stutts gets a shot in on Gee's knee, and a half crab later and it's over. Don't know if it'll ever happen again, but now that we have the "first matchup" out of the way, I'd like to see what these two could do in an out and out fight without any hesitation from both parties. **

6. Paco Loco pinned Grease in 5:36 of a hair vs. mask retirement match -

Wow. What can I say. Some matches have shaky psychology. Some matches have no psychology. Then there's this match, which is about as far away from the word "psychology" as you can get. I can't even begin to list all the problems here but let's hit the high notes as Grease takes a double underhook piledriver on a chain that's NOT the finish, a DVD on the chair that IS the finish, but gets up and is on HIS FEET before Paco who won the fucking match! I tell ya one thing, Superman himself doesn't hold a candle to that shit. Well since a piledriver and DVD on a chair, followed by a DDT can't knock him out, Cinnamon then returns to help Paco put him out with a sleeper. Because as we all know, when it comes to hair matches, even if you get hit by a mack truck, you HAVE to be put out with a sleeper. Negative stars, just use your own judgment as to how many. On a serious note though, I think it's become apparent that Paco has outgrown that gimmick. 2 years ago, he was on fire with it, but now, I REALLY think he needs to shed it and become the legitimate wrestler that he's capable of becoming if he can just find the right guidance. He's a great guy and really hope he gets with the right person to help him step up to the next level and become more of a wrestler and less of a gimmick.

7. Rob "the Bull" McBride (with Persuasion in his corner) pinned Tank Lawson (with Cornelius J. Lumpkin in his corner) in 19:34 of a no-disqualification, falls count anywhere match to win the RCW Intercontinental title -

Rob brings back "the Bull" persona for one night and one night only and dag if I didn't kinda miss it. Total barroom brawl, going all over the place, and with nearly everyone getting busted. Pretty decent fight except for he interference from the unnamed ringsiders that only caused to clutter up the melee and make it far, far more confusion that it should have been. The finish was pretty horrible though with Mini Bull doing a very bizarre run-in, despite just having ran out in the match BEFORE as Cinnamon. Really, really fun in pieces with Tank vs. Rob but everything else just watered it down. **

Overall thoughts: I think for the first time ever, the booking was not only good, but it was good for Riders which believe me, is two totally different things. As solid as the last two Riders shows have been, there was probably too much wrestling, which was totally lost on this crowd. Alot of the matches tonight were more along the lines of fights and brawls and those were the matches that got crazy over with the fans. Of course having a larger crowd sure didn't hurt matters either. Technically, not the best Riders show of 2005 but probably the smartest one.

Well, that's it for now, hopefully happiness will invade my world as the week progresses and I will see many of you on Sat for TV!

All-Stars, commentary, Hash, & 7/9 review

2005-07-14T00:45:00.000-04:00

Man, I hate it when I'm so busy that all my boys are gettin up new blogs and I got nothing for the masses. Hey! Let's fix that!

Another All-Star Game has come and gone. I actually have some pretty personal feelings on that game, which I wrote about last year in this very space. Yes, I said last year which means this blog is officially one year old as of yesterday. As mentioned before, Stutts had the first blog goin out of our little NC Indys group and I found it to be a very cool and therapeutic way of speaking out on both the sport I love and my own personal thoughts about my life in general. Being able to have an outlet in that facet certainly keeps me sane some weeks.

Speaking of the All-Star Game, I find myself listening more and more to legitimate sports commentators here lately to try and pick up little nuances that I can possibly use in my wrestling commentary. Joe Buck is such a fantastic play-by-play man. Quite possibly the best of the modern era. I love Al Michaels' stuff too. As time goes on, I find myself realizing that "knowing my role" in pro wrestling may not just include the cinematography, but also as a voice. I've never had a "TV voice" per se but since the inception of the CWF broadcast, I've certainly tried to add enough elements to my game to make up for the lack of traditional broadcasting gifts. Of course the problem with the transition to a legitimate sports call to pro wrestling is that unlike "real" sports, the more credible you treat wrestling on the mic, the less credibility you have as an announcer. Talk about a Catch-22. All the smart marks want you to talk on their level and use certain terminology so you DON'T talk down to them but in doing so, you end up taking alot of the believability of the action in the ring away. I'll give it to Joey Styles who did one hell of a job, being a "smart mark" announcer but still doing his best to get over all the angles as real as humanely possible. The WWE wants their announcers to be entertaining, and boy you wanna talk about losing complete credibility. I love Gordon Solie (obviously), but his completely understated play-by-play would almost be lost on today's fans. If anything, I'd love to become a combo of Gordon and David Crockett, who got a lot of heat for his play by play back in the day, but his excitement was truly contagious. After all, if I don't believe in the product we're selling, then how is the audience supposed to? David went over the top sometimes, but he always seemed genuine. You can't fake love and if you genuinely care, that will come out in your call. With each passing day, I become more and more serious about my handling of my commentary duties. Personally, I think I still suck. Seriously. Way too much stuttering as I get ahead of myself and lost in the call. Stutts can work circles around me in the booth. My work is passable, sure, but I've heard the best and I still have a LOOOOONG ways to go. Behind the camera, I've pretty much hit the plateau. After doing it for 15 years, I'm not gonna get much better than where I am now. But behind the mic, the sky really is still the limit. And prior to these past few months, I never put much thought into it. I always wanted to do good, but I never really thought of it as something I would be doing for years and years to come. As the growth of CWF increases and now with my voice being heard internationally on these DVD releases, I've begun to realize that improvement isn't a luxury anymore, it's a necessity. And I'm cool with that. I want to reach a respectful relationship with those viewers that I will never cross paths with. I want to find that small little niche with the wrestling fan that makes them respect your call the same way I used to respect the greats of the past. I think reality is still the key. Which is exactly why the WWE announcers fail so miserably. Rather than supporting the most absurd of angles in your call, you should seek to find that thread of reality in them and in doing so, make both your call and the product seem more realistic to the viewer.

Boy, that was a total stream of consciousness rant that I never saw coming myself...

I'm excited to have "Chris Benoit's Personal Limo Driver" make one of her semiannual treks to NC here in a week or so. Isn't it nice when just having a friend visit that you haven't seen in a long time makes your own life feel like a vacation when in fact none of your surroundings have changed at all?

It seems like a month doesn't go by without us saying goodbye to one of our own. One of the premier Japanese wrestlers of the modern-era, Shinya Hashimoto, died suddenly Monday of a brain hemorrhage. Not from drugs, not from a match...it was just one of those things. Hash will never be remembered for his great workrate. He will be remembered (by me at least) as a Japanese looking older Elvis that simply kicked the living fuck out of people. Him pummeling Ogawa with kicks at the Dome Show that one year is one of those unforgettable images. Hash was just COOL. Seriously gonna miss that guy.

As we head into a double-show weekend, let me finally get the review from last weekend knocked out as CWF was back at the CSA in Burlington on 7/9 with the following TV taping:

1. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega pinned John Korman in 7:47 of a Johnny Weaver Cup tournament first round match - First time I'd EVER seen Korman and unlike a lot of "first time viewings", Korman was actually pretty solid. Looked like a jakked up Jeremy Ryan with that serious, almost-shooter like look to him. Very enjoyable opener that was for both the tourney and the title and STAT! This marked Ortega's 17th successful title defense as he continues a record that is gonna be pretty darn hard to ever match. **3/4

2. Sean Powers pinned Jay Sinn (with Gregory Vercetti in his corner) in 4:29 of a Johnny Weaver Cup tournament first round match - One of those heel-heel matchups that are fascinating but also causes you to skate on thin ice with when it comes to the fans' perception and the chance of them dying. Thankfully, this went the correct amount of time and they stayed with it. Exactly what it should have been. *1/2

-Manager Cornelius J. Lumpkin makes HIS debut, introducing Tank Lawson as the first member in his camp. Tank's strength is put over, bending a steel nail (is there any other kind?), which then leads to the arm-wrestling challenge, which is answered by Rob McBride, with the actual matchup going down this Friday at Friday Night Fights #2. The segment got everything over, but went longer than necessary and was about 30 seconds away from a serious downward spiral kicking off.

3. Brass Munkey (with GeeStar in his corner) pinned Alex Adonis in 8:51 of a Johnny Weaver Cup tournament first round match - Speaking of downward spirals, here comes an Alex Adonis match. The first half of the match just kills the crowd as it's ALL Adonis with ZERO offense (or more importantly, intensity) from Munkey. Finally, we hit the comeback and despite some really out-there sequences, Munkey takes Adonis' head off with a lariat and makes the crowd happy. *

4. "Krazy K" Kirby Mack and Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice defeated Xsiris and Ultra Dragon in 13:17 when Justice pinned Dragon -

This would be one of those high-flying matches that throw psychology out the window that I always dread. Surprisingly enough, as spotty as this sucker was (and at times early, sloppy), it wasn't all that dreadful in my eyes and was actually kinda fun. Some innovative tag spots with all kinds of wonderful miscommunication chaos. Actually a perfect preview for the Light Heavyweight tournament. ***

5. "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner pinned Joey Silvia in 9:25 -

A "Oh, now THIS will be fun" dream match on paper that almost didn't happen. Thankfully it did and was just fantastic fun. Props to Joey (who like Xsiris, thinks I always hate his stuff) who put some entertainment in his wrestling rather than putting some wrestling in his entertainment (which is exactly why I pan his stuff sometimes). Perfect fast-paced, logical TV match if we can just edit around Conner's never-ending wedgie. ***

6. "Madd Trucker" Garry Stevens pinned American Steel Ninja in 7:14 of a Johnny Weaver Cup tournament first round match - Pretty 101 stuff with is more than fine from these two. **

7. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Ric Converse pinned Gregory Vercetti (with Jay Sinn, Donnie Dollars, and Alex Adonis in his corner) in 9:27 of a non-title match - Perfect preview for FNF2 and the "King of the Road" as Converse overcomes the cornermen to win. I love preview matches. Of course half the time the preview turns out to be better than the payoff. **1/2

8. Donnie Dollars, Mikael Yamaha, and "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel defeated "Boggie Woogie Man" Rob McBride and CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth) in 15:49 when Edsel pinned Smooth - Psychologically preview perfect 6-man. This is SO what I wish the first FNF tag match would have been. Plenty of heat on the heels and big babyface comeback where they had it won but heels steal it away thanks to Corey killing a poor soul outta nowhere. I'm still shocked about how much I'm digging Smooth here lately. ***1/2

Overall thoughts - Very, very good TV taping with hardly a wasted minute. I'm real big on picking out segments and matches that went 5 minutes too long here and there that contributed to either a dead crowd or a painfully long show but I'd have to be REAL nitpicky to point out any on this show. Very concise, great TV, great FNF2 previews. Thanks to all.

Well, it's off to FNF2 and Riders this weekend...both look to be very solid shows so we shall see...still a ton of gibberish playing racquetball in my head but at least some of it is outta there now...Love to all!

The Filler Blog

2005-07-08T01:05:00.000-04:00

By no means am I a big game nut for anything that doesn't have the word "football" in it's title, but holy balls, these Madcatz controllers are freakin' awesome! Is your life complete without a Cincinnati Bengals controller?? I think not!

Plus, they got the licensing deal for other goodies like Fantastic Four and Batman controllers for the geek in all of us. Maybe if things keep going well then Mikael Yamaha can get a controller with God's picture on it cause he sure needs some divine intervention after a 64-20 asswhipping in NFL 2K5.

Man, tell me Jesse Ortega and KC McKnight wasn't the dream #1 and #2 to kick off this year's Rumble before they cleared matters up.

I swear, between the 4 "Insiders", we've gone through like a dozen cars over the past month or so. Hedd's got two on death row, I've had three out of commission, Stutts' whole damn family of vehicles has died, and then there's Troxler's constant car issues. Nothing can totally ruin my day more than having a car break down on me.

The BLOG/Live journal family of the NC Indy crew keeps growing and growing and I've modified my sidebar link to try and list everyone that I know of that both has one and updates on a regular basis (kind of a key element ya know?).

Boy, I would have never thought that Dangers and myself would have such similar tastes in women but after a few years now and a few crossovers, both good and bad, I guess we can pretty much confirm that one.

I rarely cover WWE news but the roster cuts the past few days have just been insane with Jackie Gayda, Charlie Haas, Bubba Dudley, D-Von Dudley, Spike Dudley, Kevin "Mordecai" Fertig, Matt Morgan, Dawn Marie, Marty Jannetty, Joy Giovanni, Gangrel, Billy Kidman, Shannon Moore, Akio, Maven, Mark Jindrak, Kenzo and Hiroko Suzuki ALL being released. Some crap and alot of talent on that list. Spike Dudley has some wonderful blog-like words for the WWE which you can read HERE. I would assume Shannon Moore is the only one that may show up in a CWF ring but man alive, would Jimmy Yang ever be a coup for the Light Heavyweight tournament this month. Adding insult to injury, they release all of that talent and SIGN Big Vito (of all people). Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar will be on his way back which is a good thing as he's pretty much the ONLY superstar they ever made mean anything in the post Austin/Rock-era.

Wow, am I ever behind in blog rebuttals...Feeche put over the Spongebob Pop-Tarts during that mini-debate which reminds me that that particular flavor is actually pretty kickass. It's actually the same flavor used in all their "topical" Pop-Tarts from Star Wars to Monsters to Spider-Man, with Spidey being my personal favorite of the bunch because of that awesome iced webbing on top. Of course if that franchise ever dies, I'm screwed.

Now in searching for the pic you see above, I stumbled upon the latest nominee for greatest website ever:

Yes, an entire website dedicated to the great marketing geniuses of the past that preyed on geeks such as myself that couldn't get enough of this stuff. I tell ya, Peter Pan was my one and only Peanut Butter until by god SuperMan decided to start sponsoring some PB. That changed things up real quick. That Batman cereal is freakin' horrible but I still got the plastic bank that was shrink wrapped to the side of the box.

God I'm dying for some football...in just about what is destined to be the literally coldest sports environment you could ever create, by god Lambeau Field is going to host a college ice hockey game in February.

For new readers, I have lived in Wisconsin and believe me, you can't even fathom just HOW cold that freakin' place can be. Much less outdoors in February surrounded by ice. 32 degrees in the south doesn't feel ANYthing like 32 degrees up there, much less -32 degrees. If I was still up there, I'd love to go cause that's just one of those wacky experiences that you want to be able to tell the grandkids about.

There's this one "layer" surveys goin around on the blogs here lately and I usually don't bother filling these things out cause 1-they're a dime a dozen and 2-everything anyone needs to know about me can already be found on this blog. But hey, no show this past weekend cause of the 4th so I need to fill some space.

LAYER ONE
Name: Grant Ray Sawyer
Birthdate: August 25, 1975
Birthplace: Burlington, NC
Current: Kayfabe, NC
Hair Color: Brown until I get inspired enough to funky-fie it
Height: 5'6, 5'7 in heels
Righty or Lefty: Right
Zodiac Sign: Virgo

LAYER TWO
Your heritage: North Carolinian
The shoes you wore today: Blue
Your weakness: Wrestling, Football, Boobs, and Matty Dee
Your fears: Fire and occasionally death
Your perfect pizza: Freddie's Pizzeria; 3614 Mt Diablo Blvd.; Lafayette, CA 94549
Goal you'd like to achieve: Strangely enough, I've pretty much accomplished everything I've ever wanted in life. From here on out, financial security and continued improvement as a commentator is all I truly desire.

LAYER THREE
Your most overused phrase on AIM/messenger: "I gotcha".
Your thoughts first waking up: A random collection of thoughts processing at a million miles an hour from "Fuck!" to "Must...toast...Pop-Tart" to "God I need to color my hair" to "What are we doing Saturday" and so on and so forth.
Your best physical feature: Yeesh...let's go with the hair on a good day cause otherwise, I'm ALL personality baby.
Your bedtime: At the conclusion of Conan O' Brien's monologue.
Your most missed memory: How can you have a missed memory?? If you're missing it, then how can you remember it???

LAYER FOUR
Pepsi or Coke: Coke if I have to pick between one of those two.
McDonald's or Burger King: McDonald's, no question.
Single or group dates: I don't go on dates as much as I "hang out with friends", even if they are girls. But yeah, singles if ya have to call it "a date".
Adidas or Nike: Oh now, that's just TOO corporate. Just give me some comfy shoes with some color.
Lipton Iced Tea or Nestea: It don't matter as long as it's sweet-ass homemade sweet tea that will make your teeth nervous.
Chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla easily, but give me some Peach, Cookies N' Cream, or Strawberry any day.
Cappuccino or coffee: Coffee!! Like I need it...

LAYER FIVE
Smoke: Seriously have never smoked a cigarette in my life and never will.
Cuss: A ridiculous amount.
Sing: Oh, the jukebox is always on random in my head.
Take a shower everyday: As long as I have time, for sure.
Have (a) crush (es): The day I don't have a crush will be the day I'm dead.
Do you think you've been in love: No question, for better and worse.
Want to go to college: Went one year as a video major at SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design...Division III bitches!)
Like high school: Surprisingly enough, yes because I didn't let grades and homework get in the way of havin fun.
Want to get married: Married in '98, technically still am but haven't seen her in years. I may never marry again, but that's sure not reflective of the amount of love then compared to now.
Believe in yourself: Fuck yeah
Get motion sickness: Quiet frequently when I'm a passenger on country roads.
Think you're attractive: Not as much on the surface, but I have this strange little charm that seems to woo girls over.
Get along with your parents: Yeah, although distance probably helps that. I love 'em both but I definitely make them roll their eyes sometimes.
Like thunderstorms: Not really, but give me them over winter storms any day.
Play an instrument: My Mom made me take piano lessons once. You can imagine how well that went over.

LAYER SIX:
In the past month have you...
Drank alcohol: Sure.
Smoked: See above.
Done a drug: Kayfabe
Had sex: Nope...boy, that's sad.
Gone on a date: Uhhhh...I guess others would consider meals 1-on-1 with females a date so sure...
Gone to the mall: Sadly no...and that depresses me more than the lack of sex...
Eaten an entire box of Oreos: In the past month? No...but give me a box of stale Oreos tomorrow and I just might.
Eaten sushi: Nadda never.
Been on stage: on stage?? What a strange survey this is. I mean, do normal people fill these things out and actually put "Yes"?? I GUESS I could say "Yes" although our "stage" is dependent on your definition of the word.
Been dumped: Not it a looong time.
Gone skating: Roller skating back in the day.
Made homemade cookies: Dude, I can barely make cereal.
Gone skinny dipping: Full blown skinny dipping no, but I've done it in a pool and let me tell ya that's every bit of 5 stars. Oh wait, this section is "In the past month"...I keep fogetting. Is skinny dipping that common of occurance that we have to put it in the "In the past month?" section. Who the hell made this survey??
Dyed your hair: Every chance I get but not in the past month.
Stolen anything: Nope.

LAYER SEVEN:
Have you ever..
Played a game that required removal of clothing: Sure.
If so, was it mixed company: I'd hope so!
Been trashed or extremely intoxicated: Yeah, but not on as much of a regular basis as most of the boys that would fill this one out.
Been caught "doing something": not jerking off if that's what that question implies!
Been called a tease: lots.
Gotten beaten up: Amazingly enough, no. I'm sure if it ever happens though it'll be because of this damn blog.
Shoplifted: See, this is the problem with surveys. Why the hell would they ask you "Stolen anything?" just a few questions earlier and then turn right around and ask "Shoplifted?". No, I've never stolen anything but I shoplift like a mother fucker. Christ.
Changed who you were to fit in: God no. Well, I mean, I put on shirt and pants to get a job or go to church, but mentally...never.

LAYER EIGHT
Age you hope to be married: I don't know but it sure as heck wasn't 23.
Numbers and Names of Children: Kaitlyn Star and Bret
Describe your dream wedding: If I haven't made it clear yet, a "dream wedding" doesn't exist in my world cause I ain't dreamin' of no damn wedding. But if it came to be, just give me an afternoon wedding so all the boys can attend with a show to work on that night.
Where you want to go to college: This survey was made for teeny boppers wasn't it?
What do you want to be when you grow up: Young.
What country would you most like to visit: Japan.

LAYER NINE
(for the opposite sex):
Best eye color: Doesn't matter, just prefer that they have eyes period.
Best hair color: Either blond or any funky blue/green/pink kinda color.
Best height: Eh, prefer that they not tower over me but doesn't matter aside from that.
Best weight: Not anorexic, not obese...anything inbetween is all gravy.
Best articles of clothing: just be real and be comfy, damn. Or just show off some cleavage...either way works for me.

LAYER TEN
Number of drugs taken illegally: I can totally skim by this question by just saying I'm not sure seeing as how I probably have taken unprescribed medication for various aliments that would be considered "illegal" by some, thereby rendering the actual count impossible to come by. Oh now that was one fantastic political answer!
Number of people I could trust with my life: More than I should probably.
Number of CDs that I own: Not as many as I once did when my whole freakin' book of CDs was stolen from the VFW in Winston...yeah, I'm still bitter...
Number of piercing: nadda
Number of tattoos: none...yet.
Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper: A couple here and there...been on TV much, much more.
Number of scars on my body: nothin real notable.
Number of things in my past that I regret: nothing because if they had not happened, then who knows where I may be instead today.
Current Music: anything by "Me First and the Gimme Gimmes"

The Ullllllllllltimate Recap

2005-06-30T23:30:00.000-04:00

God I feel like crap as I have one of those ass-kicking summer colds so bear with me as I struggle through the latest blog so all you fuckers that make the hit counter go nuts on Mondays can finally get your Stizat fix.

Time for the weekly birthday shoutouts, this time to three of my favorite women in the whole world: Amber O'Neal, Erica Kinley (!!), and Alex Adonis. Love to all! Oh, and Brad Rainz too. Along those same lines, I normally plug everybody and their brother that has a blog, and actually...Amber O'Neal has a little diary thing goin on on her site but ya gosta head to the pay windah to see it. Nowadays ya can't mention Amber without givin a nod to Krissy Vaine, the other half of Team Blondage.

The current CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion "El Fuego" Jesse Ortega joins the BLOG family. Nothin of substance there yet although he promised me a beer if I plugged it, so there ya go. Of course I only drink those pussy mixed drinks but ya take what you can get. Meanwhile, Brass Munkey is actually trying to update his BLOG although he keeps switchin the damn URL on the thing. Check it out although if you're reading this column a year from now, he'll probably only have added one entry. Fuck a Brass Munkey.

I would SO kickass on Fear Factor if I could just dunk the bugs in that sweet icing from Domino's...oh heavenly goop, I adore you so.

Listening to Slick's "Jive Soul Bro" the other day and I could swear I heard some similar rifts and beats that would later be used in one of Afroman's songs...man, that'd be awesome if Slick ever pulled a Queen and sued "Vanilla Ice" for copyright infringement. By the way, what the hell ever happened to Slick? Holy god that guy was entertaining. There's been alot more worthless guys that never faded away into the sunset like he did.

The Charlotte Bobcats did the impossible and actually made me give a fuck about that franchise. I have pretty much turned my back on the NBA ever since Jordan's second retirement and when the beloved Hornets left town, that sealed the deal. Don't get me wrong, the NBA is still pure crap and completely watered down (Charlotte shouldn't have a franchise period that doesn't include Hugo). But along comes the NBA draft and the Bobcats use their top two picks on the UNC championship squad duo of Raymond Felton and Sean May. Absolutely brilliant in every sense of the word as the Bobcats try to capitalize on the much more popular Tarheels to actually elevate THEIR franchise (much is kinda like the WWE getting the rub from us).

Wow, Bob Saget is just WAYYY hiper than the rest of us:

I picked up the new Road Warriors DVD as well and thought it was excellent, and as good of a tribute to that duo as you could produce really. WWE does take some shots from us smartmarks on the 'net when it comes to match selection on their DVDs, but really, they do a much better job than I would have ever dreamed. I mean, really, most of the shit that's not included that we bitch and moan about is so freakin' obscure, it shouldn't be on there in the first place! The LOD DVD includes all the major career hilights as the extras: the big AWA/NWA/WWF triple crown title wins, the Crockett Cup finals, and lots of nice little goodies like the Hart Foundation match, Tenry/Hogan in Japan, and more. Point being that between myself, Stutts, and Hedd we already have almost all of this stuff but that's gonna be the case with just about every DVD they put out. But for someone that may have had a life at some point in the past 20 years, these DVDs are just pure gold. A solid ****1/2 disc (although really, anything under 4-stars for these recent DVD releases would be a joke).

I never got the chance to give my take on the "Just another night" blog over at Stutts'. That particular column would be the first chapter and his take on his original comment. It's actually kinda lonely to be me somedays. For anyone that's read this for any length of time knows that my enthusiasm towards this sport, and the live shows in general, is second to none. I can get cold chills while thinking of a good voiceover line for a future show open that may or may not ever happen. I can giddily spaz out walking around the grocery store thinking of some random dream angle. The sad part of that being is that my enthusiasm is usually met with either confused looks or general "what's wrong with you?" apathy. I think just about everyone in the biz loses some of their innocent love for the sport once they become a worker. That's the point when it actually goes from a "sport" to a "business"...when "wrestles" becomes "workers"...when "feuds" become "angles"...and so on and so forth. Somehow I've been able to maintain a purer love than many others I work with, which I attribute to the fact that I'm NOT a worker. While everyone else is in the back, I am out there with the fans and in many ways, I feel like that final tie between the sport in the ring and the business in the back. Don't get me wrong, I don't expect ANYone to exude the same amount of excitement I have when it comes to shows. But it just becomes very disheartening at times when you're spazzing out over your latest brainstorm and your fellow workers and friends respond with a resounding "Well, I'm glad YOU'RE excited" or remind me to "Chill out..it's just another show". I'm not upset with anyone that's ever made these comments, it just takes the wind out of my sails. When I have a dream or vision FOR someone that THEY can't get excited about, then it's doomed to start with. And when it comes to a "big" show that's had the crap hyped out of it, then why shouldn't I be excited? After all, if Grant isn't excited about a show, then do you honestly think the fans are? I do agree with Stutts' assessment that we should try just as hard whether it's 20 or 200 in attendance. But this isn't about "how hard we should try" when it comes to show day. This is about those hours and days and minutes before the opening bell. When I can barely sleep the night before, when I wake up in the middle of the night knowing who definitely should be #18 in the Rumble this year, when I pace around the house anxiously on show day waiting on the time to leave, when I zone out in the car for the 90+ minute drive envisioning one possible magical moment to try and create in just a few short hours. There is NOTHING in this world that gets me as jakked on a regular basis as professional wrestling does. Sure, you might have some 5-star nookie here or there and your favorite sports team may win the championship, but on a week in and week out basis, but nothing gives me that consistent high as does this crazy sport. Yeah, that's crazy and probably not too healthy but it's the truth. Stutts' "just another night" remark is in reality, an entirely different discussion in his mind as opposed to what it meant in mine. His points on "just another night" are dead on, I agree with 100%. But the way I viewed the original "just another night" comment stung because no matter how involved I ever am in this business, I will always be a fan at heart and when I stop getting excited about a show or a hype job or a by-god Friday Night Weaver Cup Rumble Ultimate Survivor 4+ star dream matchup, then just put the fork in me cause I'm done.

Well, last Friday night brought us the inaugural edition of "Friday Night Fights", which was originally supposed to be live commentary from Hedd and myself but due to technical difficulties (as they say), I ended up doing my regular camera duties. I still wanna give the live VO a shot one of these days, but I'm under no delusions about just how difficult that will be to pull off. The great thing about post-production commentary is you always know how to pace yourself. You know your match time and can therefore can easier balance the time you spend between the back story and the actual call of each match. And with this DVD going to a much wider audience than just our usual TV viewership, it can be very difficult to accurately relay the backstory of each and every match while still giving the current bout the attention it deserves in the play-by-play. Anyways, off to the action of FNF...

1. Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice pinned Keenan Quinn in 6:05 - This was technically the dark match which is kind of a ridiculous term in the Indys but it actually did go down a half hour before the official FNF kickoff. As it turns out, I believe there will be enough time on the DVD release to squeeze this one in as well much to the delight of both guys I'm sure. Solid enough as Quinn continues to improve on the more Southern cruiser style. Good, acceptable opener. **

2. "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner pinned Ultra Dragon in 9:02-

Very enjoyable match with some solid chain wrestling at the start, leading to Dragon's usual insanity, cumulating in Dragon DYING at the hands of an MC Brainbuster. Excellent stuff all around. **1/2

3. The Street Sweepers (Jay Sinn and Gregory Vercetti) defeated the CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth) in 8:26 a non-title match when Sinn pinned Money - Non-formulatic tag match that was solid enough although slightly sloppy at a couple of points when it came to the handling of J-Money's life. But everything came out just fine. **

4. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega battled Xsiris to a 10:00 time limit draw - Oh wow, did this one ever catch me by surprise. Finally (cough cough) the current TV champ meets the "greatest TV champ in the modern era" Xsiris one-on-one. And good gravy did it ever live up to the hype as Xsiris flat out wrestles his smartest match in a year by FAR and Jesse TOTALLY cements why he should be champ. Jesse goes to town on the arm trying to set up for the Fujiwara (as usual), but X goes to the mat and tries to murder Jesse's leg which is completely out of the norm of X's usual gameplan. The first time in a long time that at the end of a time limit draw, I genuinely wanted more, but you better believe that the wrestlers, the fans, and myself were DYING for 5 more minutes. Assistant Commish McAllister grants the extra 5 minutes due to some "persistence" from Ortega, but then bails and notes that that "extra 5 minutes" will go down the NEXT night. TRE-mendous hook for the next night to follow up on an already fantastic match. ***3/4

5. Mikael Yamaha and "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel defeated Brass Munkey and "Boggie Woogie Man" Rob McBride in 20:09 when Yamaha pinned McBride - This would be one of those "great dream tag matches", but like so many, the problem with dream tag matches is that those types of matches are always made up of great individuals...NOT great teams. Which, probably more than anything else, was the biggest problem here. The individual parts were certainly all solid from start to finish, but it fell short of the epic tag match that I dreamed of. Tremendous build and the match delivered what it should have for 20 minutes but then ended 5 minutes too early as the babyfaces "sure win that was yanked away by the bastard heels" never materialized **1/2

6. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Ric Converse pinned "Madd Trucker" Garry Stevens in 14:37-

Finally, the "payoff" match that was built and built and built for what seems like forever. Now, there was NO way the match itself could live up to this kind of 5-star build but it certainly did an acceptable job. Solid psychology building towards a very bizarre (and in that moment in time, horrible) finish. Garry powerbombs Ric half to death following a ref bump, McAllister dives in to make the count and Ric doesn't kick out as much as he unconsciously rolls his shoulder up. Garry goes for powerbomb #2, Ric sweeps the legs and flips for the jacknife pin for the 1-2-3. Probably being that Garry was on the mat FORever before the 3-count and never even attempted to kick out, making the finish look completely "predetermined" (you know you ain't gonna get me to say the F word). However, skipping ahead to the next night, as Commish Cross brings the situation to light as Garry was in the jacknife the actual referee of record (Charles Richardson) had come to and made the 3-count on Garry (who was completely oblivious to the fact that his shoulders were being counted down as his sights were set on McAllister the entire time - who he knew would NOT be making the count). Somewhat convoluted in explanation form, but live, it turned what appeared on the surface to be a miserable finish to an absolutely brilliant one. Whew...anyways, match itself was pretty solid, in the **3/4-*** range. Then, post-match, Garry tries to maim Ric again to keep the angle going and who would make the save except for Brad f'n Attitude. This was pretty much akin to the CWF version of Ultimate Warrior running out at the end of WrestleMania VIII, as NO ONE had a clue this was goin down, including yours truly. Attitude had completely disappeared since way back in February and showed no signs of returning anytime soon and (I may be misquoting here so my apologies) made the comment that he wouldn't be as long as certain others were still on a CWF roster. So when someone dove into the ring to save Converse it honestly felt like I had just entered a dream sequence...I mean...that couldn't be Attitude...there's just NO way...but there he was...for better or worse, there he was. A very, very fitting end to "the big show" as Attitude and Converse stare each other down in the ring, no words, no contact, just tons of questions to be answered both in and out of the ring.

Overall FNF thoughts: First off (not that anyone ever buys 'em), but if you're after FNF, you need to buy it here: FNF DVD rather than on my usual Statmark Video matchlisting site. Anyways, a good, enjoyable payoff show for the fans in attendance. As far as the national DVD release goes, I think it was an acceptable show although nothing a CWF newbie would buy and go "I have GOT to get me more of that". On the other hand, it's nothing that's gonna make you set your DVD player on fire either. If anything, after buying the DVD, you're gonna be trying to track down Jesse-X II which brings us too....

We were right back in the CSA on Sat 6/25 for the 100th CWF event. That's actually a pretty big deal but the fact was totally glossed over as far as the show goes which is understandable. See, when you're embodying the heritage and tradition of the AWA and the whole freakin' MA territory, it almost sounds kind of strange to plug the fact that you've hit (only) 100 live events. Which is why I will frequently chime in with the whole "in the modern-day history" line (referring to the MA post-85 and AWA post-90). For those wondering, yes, my "Best of the first 100" column is still in the works and maybe it'll make it to print before 200 rolls around. Tradition aside, it's a hell of a number for a modern-day "Indy" to hit as very, very few last long enough between the financial difficulties and the general politics to produce 100 shows under the same banner. I think it's something to be very proud of personally but anyways, off to what would turn out to be a very satisfying 100th show...

There was certainly concern when it came to crowd size on night #2 at the CSA as this show (despite a very solid lineup and multiple hooks) was still standing in the shadow of the insanely hyped FNF venture. However, the crowd still delivered on night 2 and when all was said and done, you really couldn't tell a difference from Fri to Sat.

1. "Boggie Woogie Man" Rob McBride pinned "Wild" Shane West in 3:46 of a Johnny Weaver Cup tournament first round match - Yes, the 2nd edition of the Weaver Cup is underway and Rob and Shane do the perfect TV opening round matchup. Boy, if there's one guy I can count on when it comes to giving out 3 minute TV-style matches, it's Shane West. *

2. Tank Lawson pinned Classic Rock ("Classic" Chris Collins & "Rock N Roll" Matty Dee) in 3:51 of a handicap match -

A gazillion stars. Just about the funniest, most entertaining thing I've ever taped in my life. Matty puts everyone on his shoulders and makes magic out of a match gimmick that I generally detest (and he wears my Savage Dragon tshirt while doing so!). Words can't even do it justice. *1/2 in reality-land, ***** if Matty Dee rocks your face off too.

3. Brass Munkey pinned "Phenomenal" Julius Augustus in 5:10 - Fell a little flat due to the crowd's apathy towards newcomer Augustus. Munkey probably should have murderized him a little more to get the crowd going, but he's too nice of a guy somedays. *

4. Sean Powers pinned Ultra Dragon in 9:57 - Powers actually kicks it off with the best promo of his career, to the point that some of the crowd actually started cheering FOR him. Dragon then comes out, taking except to Powers' comments towards the "entertainers" that populate the sport nowadays, rather than the "wrestlers". Crowd is hot and ready to go and then the bell rings....and it dies. On a 10-match TV taping, the pacing was astonishingly good but this was the one case where the match went almost painfully too long. Four minute match that drug onto ten and completely killed the crowd in the process. None of the work was bad at all, but between Powers' general pace and Dragon's strengths being in short singles or tag matches, this one suffered greatly. *

5. "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel pinned Donnie Dollars in 5:35 of a Johnny Weaver Cup tournament first round match -

THIS is what I'm dying to see in the Weaver Cup. Random first-round pairings give us this beautimous heel monster vs. heel big man matchup. Just a ton of fun as they go toe-to-toe, brutalizing the other with the crowd not knowing what to really think. Another absolutely perfect TV match. **1/2

6. "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner pinned Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice in 6:25 of a Johnny Weaver Cup tournament first round match - Good, good solid wrestling matchup as Conner advances in the tourney much to the shock of the fans. More quality TV. **1/2

7. Mikael Yamaha pinned American Steel Ninja in 6:05. Amber O'Neal was the special guest referee - Stat Trak! Yamaha-Ninja becomes the 700th match in CWF history (taking place on the 100th show to boot...how nice.) Amber gets appointed as guest ref after Yam used those darn knux again the night before on FNF. Fun little matchup and much more enjoyable in TV form that the extended 4/30 Wentworth match. Yam claims "DQ nutshot!", Ninja has Amber ask the fans, which gives Yam the chance to nut shot Ninja, cradle from behind for the three. What a jerk. **

8. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Ric Converse pinned "the Spotlight" Scottie Gash in 7:54 of a Johnny Weaver Cup tournament first round match - Gash makes his CSA debut and you couldn't ask for a better matchup to get as him and Ric put on one heck of a show. Series of reversals in and out of finishers give Gash some major-league shine until Ric finally finishes him with the Ric-ter scale. Loved it. ***

9. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth) defeated the Street Sweepers (Jay Sinn and Gregory Vercetti) in 9:57 when Money pinned Sinn -

Fun rematch, this one for the titles, from the night before. On par for the most part, although a little smoother on all counts on night two. **

10. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega defeated Xsiris by submission in 15:56 -

The eagerly anticipated rematch from FNF. Beautiful setup as Ass. Commish McAllister tries to get involved again to prevent the injured combatants from risking their health, but Cross overrules him and says "fuck 10 minutes, fuck 15 minutes" and give X-Ortega NO time limit and the crowd LOVES him for it. X removes the arm sling he wore to the ring, Ortega removes his knee brace and it's ON. The awesome two-night story continues as they pick up where they left off and keep on going past the 10, and eventually the 15, minute mark. A series of incredible submission reversals finally ends it with X having no choice but to tap to the Fujiwara. Flat out incredibly strong psychological battle and (talk about things I never would have dreamed) a MOTYC. ****1/2. Strange that 24 hours earlier, what was almost the "forgotten" match heading into FNF fight would end up stealing the show two nights straight. By the way, will my unabashed love for this series of matches finally end the "Grant only puts over Corey/his friends?" debate. Probably not...lol. But it does feel good to be able to praise a matchup between individuals that I have no personal ties with. Major props guys.

Overall thoughts - Certainly a better overall show than FNF, but the intent was so entirely different on both nights, you can't really compare them. Still one hell of a TV taping with a serious 3-4 weeks of quality TV coming out of this one (usually 2 weeks of quality stuff from one taping is the best I can hope for).

Ok, as if this sucker wasn't long enough I have one final little editorial that's itching to get out...it's the hip word of 2005 as I've referred to it before in varying context as has Rudd and Stutts.

Perception.

Perception in wrestling can be vary fascinating. We've all talked before about the fans' perception, but this time I liked to talk about the workers' perception. There are thousands of workers and psuedo-workers out there. Many of us will never cross paths. Many of us will. So much of the time, all we have to go on until we may or not meet a certain individual is word-of-mouth and the overall perception you have of a person beforehand. Sometimes that perception can be very accurate. More often than not though, reality is somewhat different than what you are led to believe. Whether it be word-of-mouth or reading this very blog, I can't help but wonder how others in this sport perceive me. If I had to venture a guess, I'd say the majority of workers that don't know me probably see me as a good hand to have around, not necessarily a huge asset, but a nice little addition. If you've worked for Ben Throckmorton, word-of-mouth would probably show me to be a know-it-all-kid with a camera who has no business trying to give his input on booking matters.

Blogs are actually a fascinating way to get people's perceptions on many issues that you may not otherwise get. Take any list of names in the NC Indys and you're gonna have a fairly large consensus on each individual name because word-of-mouth, whether it be good or bad, spreads from one worker to the next and one promotion to the next. I especially find the ACPW blogs fascinating as by and large, the majority of "our" crew isn't familiar with them at all and they're not familiar with us. So to read their perceptions on individuals that I work with on a weekly basis is especially interesting, considering almost all of that "perception" is on word-of-mouth.

Take Jesse Ortega for example. The ACPW "perception" of Jesse Ortega was born during one brief moment in time at the last Rider's show. Charlie Dreamer threw his shoulder out and in the back, there was a comment from Ortega made that was taken as disrespectful. I wasn't back there and don't know what was said. I'm not all that tight with Jesse aside from a friendly association but just knowing Jesse, I can totally see a sincere comment being taken the wrong way in the moment. Jesse's general demeanor isn't one that exudes love but he also wasn't brought up to be disrespectful in the locker room either. But ever since that one moment, their perception towards Jesse, whether right or wrong, is firmly set for the time being. Look at how many people even now perceive Brad Hunter as having an attitude problem. A few years back I think many saw Mikael Yamaha in the same light.

With Stuttsy getting involved in ACPW, they certainly have gotten their fair share of pluggin lately from his end of things. Me? Never worked there. So what are my perceptions of ACPW going ONLY on the topic of word-of-mouth and from reading around the circle of blogs? I don't know how true any of this is or isn't, but this is a perfect example of how much perception can sometimes mean...I perceive ACPW as a very tight locker room with Trey G coming off as a very stand-up promoter that has built a good solid fan base in their area. They have some very solid talent at the top with the biggest drawback in their shows being non-finishes and putting multiple gimmick matches on the same show.

Another name that keeps getting dropped as of late is Moses Manson. Boy, you wanna talk about perception. On the name along, when Stuttsy first mentioned him to me and knowing NOTHING about the guy, I immediately thought "why in the world would Stutts want to do a manager war with a guy doing a Marilyn Manson gimmick?". Seriously. And then I saw him on (of all things) TWE. Even though the abysmal TV production, I could still SEE what Stutts saw. And in that one moment in time, the perception gets changed.

KC McKnight? Saw him work briefly in Riders and enjoyed his charisma and as much work as you can get out of a tag team 3-way. But his livejournal is what really puts him over with me because you can see that he LOVES this sport. There's alot of blogs out there, but give me a guy that showers this sport with love in his blog over someone that constantly bitches about it anyday.

The point of all this? Perception is something that everyone gets labeled with. Whether true or not, it's a label you can either change or confirm. Sometimes all we have to go on is perception but when you cross paths with someone that has a label already applied, make sure you give them the chance to modify it.

Crap, I'm tired....I hope my rambling made sense...love to all and holy ball sacks am I ever blown up.

The 10th Anniversary Column

2005-06-24T01:36:00.000-04:00

I am posting this column on the 10th anniversary (to the day) that I taped my very first Indy show. After that day I stumbled in and around the Indys in 1995 with my move to Wisconsin the following year completely taking me out of the scene entirely until '98. That was when I hooked up with Chris Plano and started trying to get my foot in the door and when that ran it's course, a chance email to Jeff Rudd in late 2000 would change my life. But this column isn't about trying to recap the last 3,653 days. It's about taking a look back at that fateful night of June 24, 1995 as I met the Southern Indys face to face for the first time ever.

Sometime prior to that day I had passed a poster in Burlington plugging a random local Indy show that even proclaimed itself to be a "TV taping". Intrigued, and already obsessed with the sport since 1987, I gave the phone number on the poster a call. Already working in television at the time, it wasn't exactly a tough sell to let a local indy promoter to grant me permission to tape the show. Pretty much the same thing would happen 5 years later with Jeff. The man that allowed me to enter the "hallowed halls" for the first time was Brian Bruise, who I would come to find out was 1/2 of the Heartbreak Express; one of the "premiere" tag teams of the time. He had a show coming up at the National Guard Armory in Roxboro which I was welcome to attend and tape. The name of the promotion: none other than ACW. Outside of just a crazed desire to get going, I had absolutely NO clue what the heck I was getting myself into and despite my extensive video background, I was a true fish out of water in this setting. I got to Roxboro insanely early (a tradition I still try and maintain to this day which drives any traveling companion insane). I even beat the ring there and spent much of my time hanging out outside yakking with, among others, Sgt. Max Rhodes. I had not perfected the technique of "more listen, lessen talk" and was just so spazzed to be standing in an empty parking lot where a by god RING was gonna be arriving anytime in the next three hours that I was rambling on about anything and everything. That's the first time I ever heard the term "kayfabe". I read some of the sheets, and knew most of the lingo, but I have NEVER EVER heard this bizarro word "Kayfabe". After me hitting him with a million questions and trying to drag out a discussion of the King of the Ring PPV the next night, Sarge hit me with "You think you know it all kid? Have you ever heard of kayfabe?". Which was pretty much his double entranda for "You're not as smart as you think you are" and "Shut the fuck up". I think my response was "Kay what?", followed by a much quieter wait for the ring.

Well the ring finally got there which brings me to heading to the videotape library to recount the rest of the show. The ring itself would go onto more notoriety as the famed NDW ring that for once special weekend in 1999 resided in my backyard. The first person I see is this long haired hippy looking guy messing around with a PA and at times laughing uncontrollably. Yes indeed, 10 years ago, my very first Indy show and who else was there running sound and doing the announcing than Randy "Randolph" Hedrick. I honestly hadn't even gone back and looked at this tape in years and was stunned to see Hedd right there on my TV. Boy, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Very nice crowd filled up the NGA this night, looks to be in that 100 range and they're an extremely hot crowd, even towards the questionable workrate. I scanned to crowd to see if I could spot any "Before they were stars" but the only recognizable face would be Ken Spence (fellow wrestling promoter and trainer back in the day that I still have serious heat with, but that's a different story). Your referee for the evening is Buster Cranford, who according to Hedd, would quit the sport after LA Wild One pantsed him during a show for fucking up too many times.

1. Lumbee Warrior and the Rock N' Roll Rebel defeated "Wild" Bill Armstrong and the Russian Assassin 2 in 12:01 - Wowzers, what an opener this was. This would be Lumbee's rookie year and he would develop into one of the area's top workers in the late '90s before finally disappearing in 2002. Despite being very competent, he will probably be best remembered as Ric Converse's original tag team partner. On the completely other end of the spectrum, "Wild" Bill will best be remembered for hijacking the NDW van and hightailing it to Florida as the cops tried to track him down for child molestation chargers. Seriously. As for the match itself, Lumbee is still too green to actually make it watchable and pretty much just takes an extended heat sequence devoid of any psychology whatsoever for a painful first half of the match while the babys get no shine at all. But everyone gets clotheslines. Lotsa clotheslines. As Indy as it gets and not in the good sense. DUD, and that's being generous.

2. Sgt. Max Rhodes and Mad Dog Davidson defeated Future Shock (Hot Stuff and Hammer Man) in 8:03 when Davidson pinned Hot Stuff. Future shock has good charisma and look as a genuine tag team which is pretty tough to find in the Indys, especially back then. Hot Stuff claimed to have played for the Atlanta Falcons but would go on to greater fame for accidentally breaking Tim Blaze's leg in two places. The match itself was by no means a classic, but still a vast improvement on the opener. 1/2*

Tim Blaze does an interview segment in which he brings out former manager Dr. Lee Luv, who brings out his new tutelage, Bonecrusher, which sets up...

3. "Red Hot" Tim Blaze battled ACW Heavyweight champion Bonecrusher Curtis to a double-countout in 6:48. Bonecrusher also has a valet in his corner named Destiny, who believe it or not, is the SAME Destiny currently appearing with Scar Stevens 10 years later. It's crazy to think that the only 3 people that would be involved on this ACW show 10 years ago that are still active with CWF today are Destiny, Hedd, and myself. Match itself is basic big baby bumping around the chickenshit heel until it goes to the outside, leading to a very lame double-countout. *1/2

4. The Terminators defeated the Heartbreak Express (Brian Bruise and L.A. Wild One) in 14:49 of a no-disqualification, lights out street fight to win the ACW tag team titles. This was actually a matchup between the two main Indy tag teams of the area back then. The Terminators look like total generic masked jobbers (ala Rock N' Roll Rebel from earlier), but somehow got majorly over with the fans to the extent that 7 years later, we were still dealing with that blasted "We want the Terminators!" chant at NEW shows in Thomasville. On the other hand, Bruise and LA totally look the part as a legitimate championship Indy tag team. The match starts with the babys over strong before it totally breaks down under the no DQ stips. LA attempts to backdrop a Terminator on a table, who neither jumps or flips and comes down head-first on the table. Really started to fall apart towards the finish with a blown finish sequence. Not a bad little match early on, but if the psychology had been a little stronger with the heels being more dastardly, the crowd would have been going apeshit. **

5. ACW Heavyweight champion Bonecrusher Curtis won a 13-man $10,000 battle royal in 6:02. Order of elimination: Armstrong by Bonecrusher, Lumbee by Bruise, Terminator 2 by Bruise, Red Scorpion by Blaze (Scorpion only worked the battle royal and was a running joke for years as this rather rotund larger man that never finished training would just show up at shows gimmick in hand), Terminator 1 by Bruise, Rhodes by Hammer Man, Davidson by Hammer Man, Hammer Man by LA, Hot Stuff by Blaze (leaving the 3 heels on the one babyface with expected results), LA by Bonecrusher, Bruise by Bonecrusher, Blaze by Bonecrusher. It should be noted that just before Blaze got tossed, Bonecrushed attempted a powerbomb that was almost unintentionally Tiger Driver-like as Blaze never gets up and comes down on the back of his head. Not too murdersome, but I still popped for it live. Acceptable by battle royal standards, *.

Overall thoughts - Not even close to the standard that's been set from OMEGA to present CWF day to what's capable in an Indy show, but rather than dwell on the bad, let's hit the good:
-THREE legitimate looking tag teams on the same show. That's darn hard to come by as I've alluded to before and major props for that.
-The strong booking of Bonecrusher Curtis who is very limited in the ring but all the proper steps were taken to utilize him as a monster.
-The show didn't drag on to 7-8 matches and to a painfully long 3+ hour length like so many shows do.

All in all, a passable show but more for personal nostalgia value than anything else. I'm very thankful to Brian Bruise for letting me partake in the festivities, much like I would be to Chris Plano a few years later. If I had never had those moments, it probably wouldn't have changed the course of history much as I would have still sent the email to Jeff and probably still have been with CWF since the start but it was still a cool experience back in the day. And, as they say, you never forget your first.

Sportscasters and shows

2005-06-19T19:58:00.000-04:00

As I've mentioned before, it's always interesting to see what yahoo and goggle searches stumble upon my blog. My newest favorite: "most ridiculous use of statistics".

Couple of non-athletic sports items going on that appeal to only me, but it's my blog so therefore, we shall discuss:

Keith Olbermann and Dan Patrick will REUNITE for one hour a week on Fridays on ESPN Radio starting in August. For those that don't know (as it has been several years), from 1992 to 1997, the tag team of Olbermann and Patrick pretty much revolutionized just what a sports anchor COULD be and led to the booming popularity and love for ESPN's Sportscenter, the ramifications which can still be felt today. To say I LOVED Olbermann and Patrick is an understatement. They were the first ones to really bring in running gags and tounge-in-cheek comments that were "smart", as opposed to so many other sports anchors who just came off as "smart asses". You simply can't fake chemistry and trying to force chemistry that isn't there will always lead to failure. Olbermann and Patrick had that genuine chemistry that made Sportscenter required nightly viewing. In fact, I STILL have Olbermann's final Sportscenter from 1997 on tape and throw it in once a year to reminsce about just HOW good that show used to be. The only combo that ever even came close to touching them was Stuart Scott and Rich Eisen, but that was moreso because they were two tremendous individual announcers than a great tag team. Anyways, god only knows if I'll ever be able to get ESPN radio dialed in at the appropriate time as my house as WFNZ (and AM stations in general) start to die before they reach my backwoods ass house. But the fact remains that my favorite tag team that never stepped foot in a squared circle is indeed back.

In other less than exciting news, John Madden will join the NBC Sunday Night Football package in 2006. This announcement was made with the following Hall of Fame quote from Dick Ebersol, chairman of NBC:

"John Madden is the best analyst in the history of the National Football League and, in my opinion, the best analyst of any kind in sports television history. John is much more than a football legend, he's an American icon."

I would like to follow that quote up with a quote from ME that I posted on April 20th, right here on the blog:

"Hell, I can't even celebrate the fact that John Madden is out of a job, cause just like when CBS closed up shop in '95, either ESPN (or preferably NBC) will pay him the $ to bring him to their broadcast team cause god knows unlike Al Michaels, who's only a million times more versatile, Madden is for some ungodly reason a football icon and just HAS to have a spot behind the booth. I can honestly say that in my years in broadcasting with FOX, I never once worked with a LOCAL sports anchor that was as worthless as Madden, who gets a national stage every week."

Now, who are you gonna believe, Dick Ebersol or me? Please.....

Hey! Let's head to Greensboro, outdoors this past Wednesday night at the by-god Coliseum for "One Hot Summer Night" (take deux):

1. Amber O'Neal and CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega defeated Mikael Yamaha and Krissy Vaine in 11:20 when O'Neal defeated Vaine by submission -

Pretty basic goofball tag match with the pros just having some fun out there with the hilights being Yam bumping like a champ off of Jesse's shoulderblock and following it up with some excellent intensity that I hope he brings for FNF next week. The cinematography and photography were just beautiful as evidence by Randolph's above shot. Cool little double tap finish that was never taped because somebody tried to turn the big lights on during the finishing sequence and blew the power to the camera, PA, etc. Wonderful.... *3/4

2. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Ric Converse pinned "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner in 7:10 of a non-title match -

The rubber match in the series with Ric winning it. Like before, very basic, solid enough stuff. Ric just continues to just look the part and present himself as everything a champion should be. Not as good as their previous two, but that wasn't the intent. Still sound. **

3. "Boogie Woogie Man" Rob McBride won a $1,000 10-man "Blacktop Battle Royal" in 15:03. Order of elimination: Michael McAllister by Alex Adonis in 3:25...J-Money by Garry Stevens in 6:14...Stevens by Money and Xsiris in 6:50...Brass Munkey by Tank Lawson in 8:08...Kid Justice by Adonis and Corey Edsel in 9:03...Adonis by McBride in 10:10...Xsiris by Edsel in 10:41...Lawson by McBride in 11:18...Edsel by McBride in 13:38 -

Only the second battle royal in CWF history by the way. And don't we all remember the days when the staple of an Indy show WAS the battle royal? Anyways, I've always been a big battle royal mark but for some reason this one came off very flat and disjointed to me. Alex Adonis decides to go into business for himself before the match and get in Ric's face at ringside (who's still there signing autographs). Money and Stevens continue their secondary feud with some good intensity as do Rob-Corey-Munkey. Only the last :60 of this will probably ever see the light of broadcast day as Corey MURDERS Rob with the nastiest exploder EVER only to get his foot caught in the ropes seconds later (ala Cactus and the ear incident). Corey frees himself, Rob dropkicks him off the apron for the win. 3/4*

Overall thoughts: Make no mistake, this show was NOT about workrate or great matches. Just a little promotional dealio that shouldn't even be ranked against your normal shows. Now, compared to the other Greensboro Coliseum shows, I would certainly rank it as the weakest of the three. But thank god for our regular fans who showed to lead the crowd making the experience in general a bazillion times better than the last one in February.

Onto Friday and an exhibition match at the ACE Speedway in Altamahaw, NC. First time I had ever actually been to a racetrack while cars were actually making the left hand turns. I did an NDW show back in '98 at the Concord racetrack but that was a stand-alone show. Pretty interesting stuff and that's coming from someone who could care less about NASCAR. Anyways, it was basically a meet and great with the legends (Don & Rocky Kernodle, Ivan Koloff, Johnny Weaver, and Jimmy Valiant). The modern day guys then did one match between races which saw the following result:

1. Brass Munkey, "Boogie Woogie Man" Rob McBride, and CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega (with CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Ric Converse in their corner) defeated Tank Lawson, Keenan Quinn, and "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner in 11:59 when McBride pinned referee Redd Jones and special guest enforcer Jimmy Valiant made the count - Yes, a statistical nightmare (which for the record breaks down to 1 win for each member of the babys, 1 loss for each member of the heels, 1 pinfall scored for McBride, and an 0-0 record for Redd Jones but a pinfall loss attributed to his record. Booya!). A petty enjoyable match especially considering that it was as ad-libbed as anything we've probably ever thrown in a ring. Some cool visuals with the thousands in attendance as the backdrop and the sunset giving some wicked silhouette. Anyways, Redd works as a heel ref (which I normally hate and we'd never do, but in this setting it was more than fine) which leads to the champ getting involved, murdering Redd with the Ric-ter scale, Rob making the cover while everyone else is planching to the outside, the original Boogie dives in and makes the count. Fun stuff. **

Hedd's car knocked out on the way back after the show which led to us crashing at his place in High Point Fri night, thus taking us to Saturday 6/18 (whew, what a week) for the "Pffaftown Showdown" for our final show at the West Central Community Center. Which is a major show cause we were finally building that town to be something special with slowly growing crowds and some hellagood shows. But, as they had done in the past, the building breaks their lease and screws us over...oh well, just have to find another spot in the Winston area to replace it. No biggie, I just feel bad for the fans that were just awesome for us last night and now have to make the hour drive to Burlington or wherever to see us in action.

1. Scottie Gash pinned "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner in 9:23 - Gash (as a baby) comes out to some form of entrance music that kicks off with the phrase "Mother Fucker" which hopefully will never see the light of day again on a CWF show. After that faux pas, this turned into a fantastic opener. Flat out solid wrestling with the build leading towards several believable (and not finish-killing) false finishes. ***

2. Xsiris pinned Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice in 9:50 to win a shot at the Television title on "Friday Night Fights" - The hits keep on coming as X and Justice have a seriously good cruiserweight match. This match was originally supposed to be X and Krazy K but I firmly believe it wouldn't have been as good or sound as what this one turned out to be. Pretty spotty and all as you would expect, but it still made sense and no true finishers were killed. Justice just bumped his ass off during this match and when all was said and done, this match totally MADE Xsiris a VERY credible challenger heading into FNF. ***

3. GeeStar and AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega defeated Scar Stevens and Keenan Quinn (with Destiny in their corner) in 14:12 when Ortega defeated Stevens by submission - Destiny was scheduled to be in this one but threw her back out earlier in the week but we didn't find out until an hour or so before the match that she wouldn't be working it at all. This led to some "discussions" in the back in which I probably didn't endear myself to her ("I've been called worse by alot better than you"...ohhhh TAG). As it turned out, it was probably for the best. She comes out on cane, being the chickenshit heel trying to back out of the match and Scar brings out Quinn as his replacement partner. I actually kinda dig Gee and Ortega as one of the most oddball duos ever because their energy level is just SOOO off the charts. Basic old school formula with some really solid chain stuff by Jesse early. Gee takes some non-dramarific heat for a change (that being a good thing). Scar accidentally clocks Quinn with the cane to KO him, Jesse puts a submission on Scar while Destiny tries to run in but gets the DDT from Gee. Gee/Jesse then do the double submission on Scar for the immediate give. Crowd ate it up like crazy. ***

4. "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel pinned Brass Munkey in 20:36 of a falls count anywhere street fight -

The rematch from the MOTYC from the last Pffaftown show. Completely different as the last one was a highly intense wrestling match while this one was an out and out brawl. I'm not as big on hardcore style matches although there was no trash can lids or ladders or fire or barbed wire to be found here. It was more or less "hardcore" with a purpose, as Corey and Munkey bounced one another's heads and torsos off of every corner of the Rec Center. Corey had multiple bruises around his face midway through. Munkey breaks out an old Corey standby, the mist (green in this case) making for some flat out awesome visuals as he blew his load and then some. For the finish, two lariats can't put Corey away and on the third, Corey ducks and hooks somehow, jumping Tombstone and it's goodnight Walter. **** although those that actually love this style of wrestling would probably rate it higher. Still a wonderful addition to this feud's library.

5. The Shadow, "Wild" Shane West, and "Madd Trucker" Garry Stevens defeated CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Ric Converse and the CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth) in 21:51 when Stevens pinned Converse -

Tremendous 6-man with action from the opening bell and a super hot crowd to thrive off of. Money and Garry kick it off with their secondary feud with Money again pulling out that "unexpected intensity". Garry and Ric have no contact until Garry nails him with the billy club in the back of the head midway through the match. Ric is able to make the tag but still favors his neck constantly for the remainder of the match. Smooth continues to grow on me more and more as the "you may beat my ass half to death but I'll club you with something hard be-atch" member of the Playas. We finally get Garry-Ric one on one 20 minutes in but Garry gets over due to Ric's neck and then stuffs him with a powerbomb on the neck again and 1, 2, 3. You can honestly hear the GASPS from the crowd as they totally expected Ric to kick out. Tremendous energetic old school match. ***1/2 The Playas help Ric out as Garry gloats maniacally and the fans couldn't WAIT till next Friday.

Overall thoughts - This was almost the forgotten show taking place just 6 days prior to FNF but turned into an awesome house show that was TV quality from start to finish. And good lord, how often do we get to do TWO 20 minute matches and the show not drag on forever. Ahhh, the magic of 5 matches and a hot crowd. In the long term, this show probably meant very, very little but as a stand along show, it was great.

After the show, Munkey's fam had a small group of us over for Midnight breakfast by the pool which was wonderfully nice although I was kinda out of it for a variety of reasons. Next time I wanna do a bummer blog, maybe I'll hit some of those notes but there's so much happiness with the shows and all here lately, that I'll save it for now.

Anyways...next stop: Friday Night Fights and for me personally, it's the biggest task ever, handling LIVE commentary with Hedd for the AWA DVD release. Then next Sat, it's the kickoff of the VERY intriguing Weaver Cup and the 100th CWF event although that stat probably won't be capitalized on all that much. To say the least, next Sunday, I'll be one hoarse mo fo.

The Longest Yard - I actually went to the theater for the first time in FOREVER to check out a movie. Of course I only did so because I had a coupon that got me two seats for $1 so it didn't exactly break the bank or nothin. So once again it's time to quench that off-season football thirst with the Adam Sandler remake of the 1974 movie. Well, I love football and I love wrestling so I can't even imagine what they could do to fuck this one up for me. So yeah, it's great....let's get that out of the way first. The casting is perfect including Michael Irvin playing the same fuckhead that he is in real life. Wasn't too big on Goldberg in this, but everyone else did a great job, especially Giant Singh and Bop Sapp, who just flat out steals each and every scene. Strangely enough, the training camp sequences in the prison are actually more beautifully shot and captivating than the actual football game that's played at the film's "climax". In fact, the payoff itself is almost a letdown when compared to the actual build (boy, how many times do you say that in wrestling). Still fun stuff and any movie that gives me Brian Bosworth and Dan Patrick is a big thumbs up. ****1/4

Sometimes ya just wanna cuss...and eat a Pop-Tart

2005-06-14T12:39:00.000-04:00

Normally in this space you would find the show review BUT we got the call on the way to the Greensboro Coliseum that "One Hot Summer Night" had been changed to "One Rained Out Summer Night", with the show being moved to THIS Wednesday. I was half-tempted to post a complete BS review of the show that never happened and go into the DQ finish that occurred and Corey Edsel stinking up the joint, but either people wouldn't get it or take it seriously. I tell ya, THAT's the one reason I REALLY should be living up in Alamance County considering we now have 5 shows in 11 days up there coming up. Because of the added trip, I had to forgo my vieweing of the ECW PPV with the boys last Sunday which was a real bummer, as it turned out to live up to all the hype. Dammit.

Since we have the met the minimum requirement of two, let's do the birthday shoutouts for the week to my MOM (who's out partying in Vegas right now...seriously), Atty, and Chris Collins, who's officially old enough to rock out at 21.

As far as Michael Jackson goes, I'm not shocked AT ALL and I will be truly stunned if any "beloved" celebrity actually gets convicted of any serious charges in our lifetime without concrete videotape evidence. End of story.

Lindsay Lohan has so completely destroyed her utter hotness with that damn anorexia look that I have had to notae her listing on my sidebar's "TO DO LIST" as "2003-2004 only". One of the great travesties of the modern-day do-able whores and even worse than Brittney Spears' redneck/pregnant/goober hubby drawbacks to her otherwise wonderful sluttiness.

Got to see the 4th quarter of Arena Bowl XIII between Amsterdam and Berlin this past weekend. Hey, it's the offseason so I'm bustin a nut to see any kind of professional football. Anyways, Amsterdam wins 27-21 barely surviving a 4th quarter comeback by the Thunder which made for some enthralling TV. Amsterdam's up 27-14, Berlin cuts it to 27-21 and has Amsterdam on 3rd down with like 4 1/2 minutes left at the 50 when they get called for roughing the passer. Then, on the very next series, the refs call a VERY questionable pass interference, keeping the Admirals alive. Berlin FINALLY gets the ball back but only has 90 seconds rather than the 4 1/2 if not for the penalties. Texans backup QB Dave Ragone then drove Berlin ALL the way down the field to the 22 in an incredible drive than ended with a heart-stopping batted-around-ball-in-the-end-zone which barely fell incomplete. **** 4th quarter baby. Awesome stuff that makes me miss the regular season that much more.

Tried the Marshmallow Fruit Loops cereal for the first time the other day. Yeah, it's been out for awhile now but it was finally on sale with that Food Lion MVP dealio. I tell ya one thing, if you like some sugar on your sugar in the morning, THAT is your cereal. Hell, just opening the box is almost blinding between the regular Fruit Loops and the tie-dyed marshmallows. Much like one memorable commentary line: "It's a cloudy day, but not where Rocket's standing". On the cereal scale, I'd rate it a solid **** and Spaz-arific.

I have never done a Pop-Tart rant in this space and god knows anything that's been a part of my life as long as those suckers have been definitely deserve some accolades in this space. I have walked hand-in-hand with my beloved Frosted Cherry for years and years now, only occasional partaking in her friends and sisters. I tell ya one thing, that Hot Fudge Sundae is one nasty concoction and I'm sorry I EVER went there. I wish they'd take it's pic off the back of all the other Pop-Tart boxes cause my stomach cramps ever time I see it's photo. I sure do miss the only Pop-Tart that ever gave Frosted Cherry a run for it's money...way back in '86-'87, they had a very short lived Pop-Tart in the form of....Peanut Butter and Jelly. Seriously. Hardly anyone has ever heard of these things and googling it will give you very little info. But they were made and were tremendous. One day I had the brainstorm that "MY GOD these things are so incredible, can you imagine just HOW great they would be if I actually put Peanut Butter and Jelly on TOP of a Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop-Tart???". This experiment was an unequivocal disaster which resulted in me having to dump my beloved PB & J Pop-Tart in the trash. One thing I always used to love about Pop-Tarts was the warning they put on the side of the box: "NOT suitable for microwave use". Even though it's not like your microwave was gonna implode upon injection of a Pop-Tart, they HAD to keep the gimmick alive and as we all know, a Pop-Tart can't POP in a microwave.

I'm not about to post the whole CWF record book on the BLOG again until Battlecade rolls around but since I did just finish updating, I wanted to take a moment and take note of some NEW record holders out there so feel free to go mark out for your bad self:

*Ric Converse had the second longest winning streak in company history finally ended at 12 on 5/21 with a loss to Mitch Conner. Corey Edsel holds the record at 13 back in 2002-2003. However, in that same streak, Converse DID set the record for "Most consecutive matches scoring a pin" at 12.
*Jesse Ortega has obliterated the "Most Successful Title Defenses" record, now at 14 successful defenses. Converse's current reign actually has the #2 spot at 11.
*Chris Collins has extended his "Most consecutive matches without a win" streak to 22, second-all time now behind Trent Wylde at 25. Those same statistics can be applied to the "Most consecutive matches without scoring a pin" record as well.
*Brass Munkey and American Steel Ninja have become the most successful duo in company history, recording their 21st win as a team on 5/20, breaking the original SouthSide Playas' record of 20 wins.
*By pinning American Steel Ninja on 6/4, Corey Edsel became the first man to record 50 pinfall/submissions in CWF history.

Be Cool - Like many of my co-workers, I was just catching "Be Cool" to see the Rock (and Vince Vaughn, one of my favorite modern day actors). In that sense, the movie delivers. Both Rock and Vaughn are tremendous in their roles and easily steal every scene they're in. Of course, they're probably only in 25% of the movie which still leaves a lot to fill. And it's really not bad, just kind of...there. The opening scene leaves you with VERY high expectations for the entire film but never really hits those high notes again. Overall, it served it's purpose and was passable viewing, but not quiet to the level that you'd really want to own it. **3/4

Seed of Chucky - I actually hadn't watched a "Chucky" movie in years and was kinda digging the chance to see this. First off, the "seed" is one creepy looking fucker who's image is one that sticks in your brain and you have nightmares about for weeks to come. They do a nice Ed Wood tribute by arguing if the kid's name is "Glen or Glenda" throughout the film. 5 stars for that. Alot of subtext in regards to raising children and the politics of Hollywood. Aside from that, the movie actually has a disturbingly darker tone than what I expected. A much smarter film than it'll ever be given credit for, but not necessarily an enjoyable one either. Tough to grade as by and large, they did make a pretty decent flick (especially for what the mainstream considers to be B-level crap), but much like "Be Cool", one viewing is probably all a person needs in their life. **1/2

Hitch - I had SERIOUS doubts about this one as the original commercials just screamed "Hey! We're gonna pull you in with funny, albeit completely generic, comedy bits so you can pray to god that the whole film is at least this passable". Eh, it worked. Ok, first off, it's a romantic comedy so if it breaks **, it might as well be a home run. The first hour is actually enjoyably solid as even the generic, see-it-coming stuff, is strung together so well that you really don't mind. Will Smith actually does an excellent job and the pacing is superb. Kevin James is great as well. And then the second half of the movie rolls along where we get into this generic love story BS as we stretch for ANY reason for the two falling in love to have a tift. I don't get this at all: I mean, the basic premise for why they are even fighting in "Hitch" is just so utterly ridiculous, I couldn't believe they were even going with it as the real reason. But they do so we take a half hour for couple to fight and then get back together. Hell, they might as well have made that last hour a dream sequence, cause it was a completely waste of time. Yeesh, very passable first half, painfully pointless second half...well, would ya looka there: **.

A Dirty Shame - Finally! After what seems like forever and a day, "A Dirty Shame" has finally been released!! Only problem is, the only version available to me was NOT cover box you see above but rather the horribly watered down "R-Rated (aka Neuter version)". Soooo...first the actual film: Completely fucked up Grade A John Waters stuff. Every is just great including Tracy Ullman who I usually don't care for at all. Johnny Knoxville and Selma Blair are fantastic, although Blair wasn't in the movie enough for my tastes. Even the soundtrack is just off the wall insanely brilliant. Now, don't get me wrong, as much as I loved finally getting able to see it, I don't think it's quiet on the same level as Waters other mainstream pics like "Serial Mom" and "Hairspray". BUT it is probably the best hybrid of the original Waters classics and the mainstream Waters classics, that any person could have done. **** Ok, now this R-rated version. Holy GAWD was this thing annoying. I understand having to trim some content to go from NC-17 to an R rating but the MPAA completely butchered this movie. I have NEVER see such an editing job to this extent. They removed virtually every curse word in the movie which leads to it looking like a Japanese film dubbed in English. Every use of the "F" word (and any mildly offensive off color language) is completely removed to the extent that this edited version could honestly get a PG-13 rating. Don't get me wrong, I love "South Park", but how in the hell did "South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut" get an R rating with all of it's language and this one gets an NC-17 is beyond me. THAT's how fucked up the MPAA is. I haven't heeled on that organization in a long time but damn, they are a complete and utter joke. Leave our damn movies alone and let the original director's vision LIVE. That's why we all go to film school. That's why we spend thousands on education. OUR education. To perfect our craft. We spend years and years practicing our art in order to be able to create a vision WE have in OUR mind. Not YOUR mind. Not for some political cooperation to take scissors to and castrate it. Fuck the MPAA. Fuck Full-screen movies. If you as a parent can't figure out by looking at the cover box of a "Dirty Shame" that it just MAY not be appropriate for kids, then you SUCK as a parent. That's why the MPAA exists: because they have to have a governing body that will excuse the fucking morons of this world.

And on that note...love to all! Booya!

Never Say Never Indeed

2005-06-06T00:43:00.000-04:00

Right after our latest addition to the Mid-Atlantic Wrestling BLOG family in Kamakazi Kid, we now welcome none other than the MA champ himself, "Slick" Ric Converse. To me, that's kinda cool considering Ric is pretty much the MAN as far as this area goes and much like the #1 representative for the company, it kinda adds a little credence to this goofy little fad Stutts started way back in October 2003 and many of the rest of us have picked up on since that time. I've been able to watch Ric in action since 2001 and don't get me wrong, Ric was a heck of a talent even back then but for those that never saw him back then, you would never believe it's the same guy. From his work ethic, to his workrate, to his promos, to his mentality and just the way he flat out carries himself, Ric Converse is everything the modern-day prototype professional wrestler SHOULD be.

Ya know, the "Little House on the Prairie" really wasn't that little...in fact, that was a pretty big fuckin house on the prairie all things considered.

CWF was back in action Sat night to officially kick off the "Summer Action Series" tour at the CSA with a TV taping (that wouldn't provide a whole lotta TV), and the officially big ass plug for "Friday Night Fights" on 6/24. Spent most of the afternoon shooting pretapes and promos that would air the following weeks on TV and for FNF and it certainly felt like the most production promo session we've EVER had and I'm very proud of that and thankful for everyone that participated. Pretty solid crowd that was certainly into enough early on before we effectively killed that. Personally, my role in this show was slightly different this time around as the first half was spent training Troxler on the main camera which is no easy task during a live show but all things considered, he did a more than adequate job. Although he disappeared on me after intermission which leads me to believe he was curled up in the fetal position crying somewhere.

1. Julius Augustus and the Street Sweepers (Jay Sinn and Gregory Vercetti) defeated Ultra Dragon and Classic Rock ("Classic" Chris Collins & "Rock N Roll" Matty Dee) in 11:21 -

Fun 6-man opener that went WAYYYY too long for an opener, thereby starting a series of chain reactions and setting a standard that would carry through the majority of the night. Augustus made his debut and having never seen him work before, my initial impressions are that he has a very good physique and favors working the right leg. The Street Sweepers are still coming along as a pretty solid heel duo while the babyface trio is of course gold from top to bottom. Nothing offensive, just long for what was needed. **

2. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Ric Converse pinned Donnie Dollars in 4:21 of a non-title match -

A million billion stars. Every person involved with the match got over, the crowd was hot for the entire thing, and left them wanting more, not less. Much like my beloved Munkey/Ninja-Tungsten/Houston Battlecade match, one of the absolutely most perfect TV matches you could EVER have. **1/2

3. Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice pinned Otto Schwanz in 13:37 - A rematch from 4/30 Wentworth with Justice tying the series. Schwanz as a heel is still too over with the crowd to truly get booed and, as is the case with WWE (as I steal this from Scott Keith's journal) "fans these days will cheer strong characters in general, regardless of heel-face alignment, because everyone is booked to be such losers most of the time." Thankfully, that's not a problem we have in CWF too often because just about everyone is booked as strongly as humanly possible. But I can definitely see that being a fair analysis of this particular match because Justice, as solid of a cruiser as he is, hasn't been able to overcome the mid-card hell status ever since the loss of Orlo. Certainly solid wrestling but went WAY too long and by and large, but this would be the match that began the downward spiral for the rest of the show. *3/4

4. "Madd Trucker" Garry Stevens and Caprice "Ice" Coleman defeated Xsiris and Brass Munkey in 13:34 when Coleman pinned Munkey - This match can pretty much be summed up as a counterproductive nightmare and god knows it will never see the light of day anywhere, anyhow aside from a couple of clips winding up in a highlight reel somewhere. Don't get me wrong, aside from a couple of psychology holes, it wasn't a BAD match by ANY means. But you had the pushed tweener, the returning superstar, one of the top heels in the company, and one of the top babys in the company and NONE of them could afford to take the pin. Make no mistake, the wrong man definitely took the pin in this one, but on the other hand, there wasn't a RIGHT man to take the pin in this match. Then add the fact that once again, it went WAY too long and I'd just prefer to pretend this match never happened.

5. "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel pinned American Steel Ninja in 9:33 -

Four months after the fact, Corey and Ninja FINALLY have their singles showdown. Better late than never though. Pretty fun stuff and I'm SO thankful that CWF FINALLY has a heel that can believably go over top babys clean as a sheet without the baby losing ANYthing. That's how strong Corey is right now as a monster. With Ninja's gimmick and general persona, it can be very hard to pry true intensity out of him sometimes, but this was getting up there with the UNOD and Twisted Aggression feuds as far as a stand-alone match goes. **1/2 Post match we get another Corey-fan incident shoot although in a totally different vein than the near altercation last time as him and Stutts shake hands with...Justin Feeche.

Yes, after long, long back-and-forth conversations and "negotiations" (so to speak), Feeche appears in a CWF building. Not that the handshake SHOULD be newsworthy at all, especially considering it was a legitimate unplanned moment. But the simple fact is that it DID happen so let the rumors and livejournals begin rumbling. It's actually fascinating to me as the Feeche/CWF relationship kind of reminds me of the later days of Bret Hart/WWF. When you weren't sure what was real and what wasn't in what was aired on TV combined with all the backstage rumors. It's almost as if either party were to deny something at this point, that denial would be questioned by someone or another. Will Feeche ever wrestle for us? I hope so but I don't know. Will Feeche make it for more than five shows if he does? I hope so but I don't know. I don't like shoot angles. But I love reality-based angles, and without question, NO one plays off of reality more than CWF does. If the reality card is played here, I think it could be one of the most intriguing angles we've ever done.

6. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega pinned the Spoiler in 8:50 - An extremely solid psychologicaly sound matchup, but unfortunately, the pace was just murder on the crowd thanks to the insane length of some of the earlier matches. They were already drained and this didn't help matters. BUT I'd put it on TV in a heartbeat because it told a story that made sense and really, that's all you can hope for. Oh, and booooooo on Jesse for debuting his new gear tonight rather than on FNF. :P **1/2

-The contract signing for Ric Converse and Garry Stevens for FNF was held.

Excellent segment with all parties doing what they should be doing, wanting to get it on and not wait, a Kool-Aid drunken McAllister refusing it to go down "tonight because it's bad for business", and Garry giving Ric a final cheap parting shot. Lovely. It's on June 24th.

7. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth) defeated Mitch Conner and Tank Lawson in 10:50 - Whew boy...another very scary matchup on paper, especially considering the last time this matchup occurred on a TV taping it was pretty much an unequivocal disaster. Well, this one WAS an improvement on the last one but (am I sounding redundant yet?) went WAY too long. *3/4 Postmatch attack by the Street Sweepers, followed by Classic Rock actually woke the crowd up momentarily but even that segment went too long.

8. Mikael Yamaha pinned "Boggie Woogie Man" Rob McBride in 11:57 -

A rematch of the **** TV match from 2/19. Unfortunately, this one didn't quite live up as the crowd has been pretty much officially killed by this point and even with these two pros, have a hard time getting into it. However, upon Yam's entrance, it occurs to me that Yamaha is in the ring with Redd Jones for the first time since...well, since this...

last October and the now legendary Yamaha/Solo-Redd/Munkey match. So you just KNEW some shit was gonna go down. And sure enough, in one of the finest business exposing spots we've ever had at a TV taping, Yam does the 30 second Pat Patterson bendover while waiting for Lucha Boogie to fly through the air with a sunset flip. If I ever have suicidal tendencies I will simply make a "Great Moments in Yamaha History" comp tape, get drunk, and die laughing. The Sunset Flip, The Snake Eyes, The Moonsault, The Double Hip Toss...I could go on and on. Anyways, Yam goes over and then soils himself when he turns around and sees Corey, who lifts him in the air in celebration. Double-team on Rob as Munkey makes the save and goes absolutely apeshit, murderizing Corey with a lariat and a chairshot. See, there's this little tag match on June 24th too. Munkey/Rob-Corey/Yam. Bastard will break ***3/4 or I'm crying. Seriously though, Munkey's having a career year and he hasn't added one single move to his own repertoire (yes, that is a compliment). *1/2 Rob wanted to kick my ass after this match cause it pained me so much but then he bought me the "Dukes of Hazzard" pilot DVD, causing me to reverse my rating to ***1/2, thereby making all parties very happy. :P

Overall Thoughts - Make no mistake, I'm a company man through and through but still gotta be honest when it comes to our own shows. I would never outright shit on our product at all but in a case like this where it SHOULD have been a great TV taping, it fell short of that and I just HAVE to touch on those reasons. For one, this show was a collection of house show matches for the most part. Unfortunately, we were running a TV taping of 8 matches as opposed to the house show 6 matches which caused the show to drag onto a near-painful length. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE 99% of the guys I get to watch in action every week, but there's still a great deal that need to learn that less is more and they are just KILLING their heat by staying out there too long. If Ric, Jesse, and Corey-Ninja (the two singles champs, and a pretty big historical matchup) can ALL go under 10 minutes then there is NO reason everyone else can't do the same. I'm not saying that every match should be under 10, but when you're doing 8 matches, a couple of interview segments, and a TV taping in general, use your head and think of the big picture.

One another little topic I wanted to touch on in regards to the show and that being the lost art of the hot tag. It amazes me how many times recently I have seen a hot tag totally killed by one factor or another. Let me throw out a few basic rules to keep in mind for future hot tag sequences. Now remember, take this with a grain of salt cause I'm only the videoguy and since my in-ring training is somewhat limited, I don't really know what I'm talking about but...
1-If you're the baby, bump and sell AWAY from your corner rather than TOWARDS it.
2-For the love of god, if you're the heel, do NOT make the baby look like a flippin idiot by shooting him into his OWN CORNER IF HE'S NOT SUPPOSED TO MAKE THE TAG. Christ.
3-If you've been getting your ass kicked for more than 3 minutes then you don't just start arbitrarily running actual spots like you're completely fresh. You make the hot tag, get the fuck out of the ring, and then come back to fight again after that.

And finally, just a personal opinion that not EVERY single tag match EVER has to have a double down. Same goes for singles matches on that rule though. On a positive note, I AM extremely excited about what appears to be a resurgence in tag team wrestling in the area. Since 2000, we've pretty much ONLY had (at most) two legitimate tag teams at one time. Right now we've got the Playas looking better than ever, Classic Rock, and the Street Sweepers which is THREE, count 'em THREE! Plus, Puhhh-lenty of other legitimate combinations out there (as in NOT make shift duos). Exciting stuff since tag team wrestling in the Indys is usually a forced process at best.

Anyways, that's enough ranting for now and despite any criticism, I'm still lovin every second and just insanely jakked for this summer, FNF, the Weaver Cup, and all the other goodies. Love to ALL and I is outta here!

Not just reasonable, but overwhelming too!

2005-05-28T13:57:00.000-04:00

Man alive, this summer is shaping up to be awesome. The CWF schedule is just awesome featuring something like 17 shows in the 14 weeks of summer. It's been awhile since I've actually looked forward to a summer like I did back in my youth, but I'm as jakked about what's to come in 2005 as I was on the last day of school years ago. The entire thing is getting the All Japan "Summer Action Series" moniker and includes three special Clash of the Champions-like "Friday Night Fights" events which will emanate from the CSA including, for the first time ever, exclusive non-televised bouts that will be commentated LIVE by Randolph and yours truly and going direct to DVD release as part of the new AWA series. My only concern at all is getting Troxler up to speed enough to handle the main camera duties for those shows cause it's certainly a heck of alot harder than it looks as many will attest to.

Add another site to the fam as the MIA Kamakazi Kid opened up his own BLOG this past week. Even in it's infancy, it's probably as revealing and as open as any wrestling journal I've ever read. Absolutely incredible stuff that really hits hard. That crazy kid is one of my boys, but I never expected to read ANYthing like this.

American Idol Season 4 has come and gone with an extremely anti-climatic final between Bo and Carrie, who is by far the "who gives a crap" winner they've ever had. Her generic looks combined with an incredible lack of generic charisma will make her a long-lost trivia answer by...oh, say this time next year. On the other hand, Bo (along with Constantine) are gonna be true breakthru superstars, as much if not more than any Idols of the past. However, as much as the season finale lacked for in drama, in more than made up for in entertainment. Much like a SuperBowl blowout that is frequently saved by the glitz and glamour of the hoopla surrounding the event itself, that is what they've done with the AI Finale. A wonderfully fun 2-hour package that is far more memorable than the final outcome. The Hasselhoff cameo, the recap packages, Constantine doing the Beach Boys & Aerosmith, and Bo with Lynard Skynard almost made you forget that somehow, someway Carrie won the damn thing.

It was during the show that I got to lay my eyes upon the "Dukes of Hazzard" movie commercial for the first time. I was very, very nervous about this whole project in the first place since "Dukes" was, more than any other show, my baby when I was a kid. I was definitely a little nervous that they were gonna completely fuck it up with this movie version...I mean, I like them and all, but Johnny Knoxville and Sean William Scott as Bo and Luke??? Seriously?? But after seeing the promo, I can rest a little easier. It looked like a ball of fun with Jessica Simpson actually sounding like an acceptable Daisy and Burt Reynolds (as Boss Hogg) and Willie Nelson (as Uncle Jesse) just being some 5-star casting.

Holy shit do I love me some T-shirt Hell...

Gone back and forth as to where I should even bother touching on this subject at all as Feeche pretty much handled it himself as far as these columns go, but good lord, how ridiculous is this war of words between a certain wrestling promotion and the one I, and many others, work for. Just cause I GOTSTA do it before I go nuts, I want to take a few direct comments from some of the back and forth posting and give my brief rebuttals. Not naming names on the original posters cause I have no heat with said individuals, I'm just gonna take a few minutes to counteract the Kool-Aid THEY are drinking. I ain't even gonna touch on the "Dollar General" comment cause even I don't have a clue what that's supposed to mean either.

"i know your (Feeche) drinking on the cwf kool aid now"

Accusing Feeche of drinking CWF Kool-Aid is kinda like accusing Bruiser Brody of supporting Vince McMahon.

"with the lies that they have ties to japan"

-Multiple wrestlers that have wrestled for CWF have also wrestled in Japan for multiple organizations over there
-CWF is part of the AWA along with Zero-One
-uhhhh...Highspots.com? Hello
-Yeah, no ties whatsoever

"and ties to wwe and all this other big time smoke up the butt bs"

-Yeah, because Mikael Yamaha, Amber O'Neal, Krissy Vaine, Brad Attitude, Chuck Coates, Otto Schwanz, etc, etc have NEVER EVER done anything with the WWE. Oh, let's not forget Shane Helms, Matt Hardy, Lita, Shannon Moore, etc, etc. No ties. Not us.

"why the hell does the supposed awa site linked from indy insiders event calender only advertise cwf shows, not one single othere supposed awa show is listed"

AWA USA.com...I'm looking at the events calendar for May and I see 17 events listed...3 are CWF.

"ever notice how the indy year end awards only go to guys working for cwf"

God this is so old right now and has been covered so many times, I hate to waste any more time on it. Awards are determined by promotions we cover which, since the inception of the awards we have covered CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic, TWE, ACW, RCW, NEW, ACPW, WCEW, SWA (TN), SWA (NC), EWA, USIWF, ACWA, BCW (KY), BCW (NC), NFW, Memphis, CCW, WWA, ODCW, NDW, VCW, CAPW, PGWA, NACW, NMCW, BTW, MLW, NAWA, and a few others that the names escape me on. Our apologies for not covering more areas. Yes, the majority of awards do go to wrestlers that wrestle for CWF more often than anyone else but let's face it, no one RUNS SHOWS as often so obviously the % is going to be higher. I would have no problem seeing more shows in other areas if time permitted but unfortunately that's not always possible.

"who are they being judged against, only thos working for free for free"

This is the one that drives me nuts more than anything else. That damn "CWF guys work for free" BS. This is the one most overused slam on the company that comes from a completely uneducated perspective. By my count, CWF has ran 95 live shows in it's history. 51 of those are TV tapings which, as the wrestlers know, are free shows intended to raise the revenue that keeps the TV product on air and to make the overall improvements in the promotion necessary to continually improve the platform for the competitors. Simple math will tell you that leaves 44 shows unaccounted. 44...oh my lord, could it be? PAYING house shows??? I'm in shock. How dare they ever pay the talent?? And maybe it's just me, but there's not a whole lotta promotions out there that can claim they've ran 44 paying shows in their history either, much less 95 total. Personally, I think a near 50/50 split between paying house shows and free TV tapings is pretty darn reasonable, especially considering any non-paying events are only helping the talent out as well. You would think that if pay was really, TRULY an issue and we screwed the wrestlers on that at every possible chance then you would THINK that such incredible talent as Ric Converse, Corey Edsel, Xsiris, etc, etc, etc would just go where they would be treated properly since they obviously have the abilities to demand it. But if the pay rumor is false and my statements are true, then doesn't it make much more sense as to why talent of that level would rather work, even a free show at CWF, rather than a paying booking elsewhere? Think about it and YOU decide the truth for yourself.

"not 'allowing' them to work for other promoitions"

Since day one, I (and many others) have been told repeatedly that we are MORE than willing to take bookings elsewhere. I have no idea where this even came from but it's an outright lie and anyone who's ever worked there could tell you that. In FACT, one specific wrestler from this promotion was specifically invited to a CWF show by ME on April 16th, so there goes that rumor.

Personally, I'm not going to take shots at ANY promotion (well aside from WWE) on television. It's called professionalism. Anything even the least bit controversial you can find in this blog where I'll down myself for fucking up quicker than anyone else. With that being said, a few easily glossed over facts from the other side of the Kool-Aid stand.

-CWF has never showed up at another promotion's show selling tshirts with their show on it but OUR name.
-It's hard to take any criticism seriously from a booker that was actually booked as name talent on CWF shows for nearly two years straight, advertised for a good deal of them, and no-showed over HALF of his advertised appearances.
-Let's not forget that the promotion in question came to US for help with their product much like ECPW and SWA did as well. And virtually every wrestler for those promotions was welcome with open arms and still wrestles for CWF to this very day. So what makes this particular promotion different? Could it be that they didn't come to us for help as much as they came to us to try and figure out exactly how to put together quality shows and a viable TV product? They certainly had the financial resources (far more than CWF) to do anything they so desired but needed the guidance of a proven commodity to actually put something watchable together. And once they accomplished that, they simply made a roster out of the booker's friends, untrained kids, bitter non-CWF wrestlers, disgruntled former CWF wrestlers, and a random name talent here and there. Ya know honestly, that's not a BAD way to start if you are gonna do it. Kinda shaddy and backhanded, but it COULD work if you had a clue what to do with all individuals. Personally if I HATED CWF and wanted to create my own identity with a new promotion, I would start with the better talent from WCEW, ACPW, and NACW and build my promotion out of talent and the occasional name rather than out of bitterness and the occasional name.

Like I said, this is my one and only rebuttal to this whole issue. Obviously I'm brainwashed when it comes to my CWF love but as I've said many, many times I simply love wrestling and that's why I'm there. I'm as critical as anyone when we do something or a worker does something that doesn't meet a certain standard. I want to be part of simply the finest pure wrestling product in the area and if I didn't believe it was indeed just that, I wouldn't defend it.

Hit that refresh button on the browser, cause it's finally back with 2 weeks to recap and 4 shows to go!

2005-05-24T17:17:00.000-04:00

Yes, after all my cohorts checking this space for the past two weeks with no new update, I finally deliver! Just a ton of stuff goin on with the main reason for the delay being the hauling of all the crap I had stored in my mom's house to my house (which is kinda like trying go from cramming everything you own into an apartment to cramming it into a canoe). So I'm currently buried in boxes and boxes of old stuff that has lots to little memories that I either need to pawn off on some other poor unsuspecting soul or find the space for. So if anyone out there is looking for a bunch of old Entertainment Weeklys or Spawn figures, shoot me a line. Of course the real gem from my Mom's move is the new car I got out of the deal which is far and away, bar none, the nicest vehicle I've EVER had (which probably means the next time I walk outside it'll be on fire). 1995 Ford Thunderbird LX which, having ONLY been made a decade ago, is also the NEWEST car I've ever owned. Yes, I've never owned a car that was made in the same decade that I am currently living in. I did get it for free though which means the total for the 5 cars I've owned since I turned 16 is $500. Which, depending on your perspective is either really lucky or really sad.

Did a double shot of shows not only this past weekend but LAST weekend as well so we have FOUR full blown show reviews to go. I've been asked repeatedly from numerous parties when the heck I was gonna update (some being out of genuine interest and some being out of sarcasm). So let's gear up and go blow the load.

CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic on Sat 5/14 at the CSA. Another packed house as we attempt to make up for the somewhat dismal previous CSA show (who booked that abortion anyways?).

1. Xsiris and Ultra Dragon defeated the Street Sweepers (Jay Sinn and Gregory Vercetti) in 8:31 -

Pretty solid spotty-style opener that you would expect from this combination. It actually had one fantastically brutal (and believable) finish as Dragon accidentally sky twister presses himself onto X, who was making the cover at the time. Heels could have easily gone over clean as a sheet there but X comes back 30 seconds later and goes over with a DDT. Well alrighty then... **

-Gemini Kid's Hotseat: Chuck Coates and Ric Converse via telephone - Gemini pulls good old Chuck Coates (Madd Maxx) out of the crowd as Chuck makes his legit first CWF appearance since...well, hell..since CWF meant much of anything to anyone outside of the core group really. July 20, 2002 was Chuck's last appearance in a CWF ring (which I just GOTTA point out was the infamous Maxx/Yamaha vs. Corey/Schwanz tag match with one of the worst finishes EVER as Yam jobs Corey out clean as a sheet to a flying butt bomb of some kind). Gemini then talks to Ric Converse on the telephone who has been barred for the building to give a "cooling down period" between him and Garry Stevens.

2. American Steel Ninja pinned Hugh B. "Bad News" Johnson in 8:48 - Hugh B. almost plays the role of babyface (???) here in a very uncharacteristic open. Solid stuff and a basic nice majistral finish. **

3. "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner pinned Brass Munkey in 7:36 - Conner's new breakaway tuxedo pants are 5-stars and then some. He also cut some of the best pre-show promos EVER as he was voted sexiest man alive by..."YOUR MAMA!". Hilarious stuff...ya should have been there. Anyways, this is the rematch of the squash from last show with a different outcome as Corey distracts Munkey, allowing Stutts to noose him from behind and Conner then kills Munkey with...something...bad. I have no clue what it was, but he went over with it. Longer (and better) than last time. Great TV. **1/2

4. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth) defeated Team Adonis (Alex Adonis and Donnie Dollars) in 7:17 of a non-title match - The 1000 match war continues between the Playas and Team Adonis in this thankfully condensed version. **

5. Jeremy Ryan pinned Mikael Yamaha in 4:11 - My personal little baby on this show and it came off SO much better than the first match. Ryan scores the upset pin at the last CSA taping so screw this, Yamaha's out to get revenge and of course mauls Ryan for the majority of it. Yam stops to pose, a one victory roll later and my offensively deficient hero wins another one! Fantastic TV and the crowd was on board. Post match, Stutts spits at Chuck then hauls ass, leaving Chuck to enter the ring and smack Yam around some much to the delight of the crowd. Chuck then cuts probably the best serious promo I've ever heard him do, running down his own history with the legacy of the MA territory. Awesome segment from start to finish. Match was probably *1/2 at best, but an overall ***1/2 segment, so we'll go with **1/2.

6. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Television champion Jesse "En Fuego" Ortega pinned Tank Lawson in 8:32 - One of those oil and water combinations that ya get scared of going in but it actually wasn't too shabby until Tank splits his pants big time and then starts getting a little shaky. *3/4

7. Rob "Boogie Woogie Man" McBride pinned "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel in 9:15 - the fourth "rematch" matchup on this show with this one falling into that "better than the first category" as well. Well, technically, it couldn't hope to be as memorable as the 1/8/05 match or even the latter street fight, but workrate wise, it surpassed both. Good stuff with Edsel suffering his first pinfall loss since the heel turn to the same maneuver by the same man that he snapped and turned heel on in the first place - Rob's backslide (following a Munkey distraction as payback from earlier). God bless continuity. ***

8. Garry "Madd Trucker" Stevens and the Shadow defeated Classic Rock ("Classic" Chris Collins & "Rock N Roll" Matty Dee) in 12:48 when Stevens pinned Matty Dee - I swear to god Matty Dee is entertaining enough to make a Dover match watchable. Fun stuff, fun finish but an almost painfully long heat sequence that mainly had a very slooooow Shadow working a very "confused and thereby immobile deer in the headlights" Chris Collins. Garry mainly sells the destroyed ribs on the apron from Wentworth. Postmatch, Converse hits the ring to the monster pop and it's pier-6 time again as the locker room empties and chaos ensues. *

Overall thoughts - I get the impression that my review doesn't reflect the overall atmosphere of the show which was really fantastic. The crowd was on the majority of the night and even though there were no workrate classics by any means, nearly everything was really solid and fun from start to finish.

Sat night was spent at the Stutts residence and boy, families just don't get much more entertaining than that clan. In the midst of it all, I finally retrieved an old Saturday Night's Main Event which I had not seen since it first aired from 7/28/90 featuring a Curt Hennig-Tito Santana IC title match which I had recalled being great, but of course, perception in a growing smart mark's mind 15 years earlier could be greatly different than my perception now. And I will rarely reference alot of mainstream wrestling in here, but holy god, that sucker is AWESOME and has got to be one of the all-time great matches that NO ONE EVER talks about. ****1/2 and I'd put it on any "Intro to how great pro wrestling can be" comp tape. On a side note, the Rockers-Demolition match from that same show which I recalled being pretty decent, but not as good as the IC match, doesn't hold up well AT ALL as Jannetty is just off in crackland somewhere as Michaels does everything he can to make his team look halfway sober.

Anyways, off to Sunday 5/15 and the return to Riders in the Country and Greensboro, NC with RCW "REALiTy CHECK":

1. Ultra Dragon pinned "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner in 5:01 - Good, fun opener which the crowd just wasn't there for AT ALL. For some bizarre reason, over the past year the crowds at Riders have gotten smaller as the quality of shows have gotten better. Doesn't make a lick of sense. Still, props to both guys for putting on a fine little match with absolutely zero feedback. **

2. "The Black Hand" Justin Feeche pinned Hugh B. "Bad News" Johnson in 8:12 - Tremendous smashmouth wrestling as the Southern Indys deliver it's version of Vader vs. Hansen with fantastic results. Still hardly a peep from the crowd but they slowly started to get into it and it was hard not to as Feeche and Hugh B. just put on a fantastic effort beating the tar out of one another. Fan freakin tastic. I want a rematch in front of a crowd that cares. ***

-GeeStar is out for the "return to the scene of the crime" promo where she legit blew her knee out last December and has been wrestling sporadically ever since. Vows the revenge which leads to Stutts interjecting himself which leads to Garry Stevens nailing her from behind and the brutality is underway. Garry and Stutts tape Gee's arm to the ropes, rip off the knee brace and pummel her as the crowd FINALLY wakes up and gives a shit although it's hard not to when Gee turns on the drama switch. Very good angle. I swear, does ANYone get more out of not wrestling than she does?

3. Dr. Love and KC McKnight defeated Charlie Dreamer & Trey-G and Zane Dawson & Sik Wit It in 14:19 of a triangle match when McKnight pinned Trey-G - This would be my first time seeing EVERYone here except for Trey which is a really rare quote for me after the past few years. Dreamer has a good rep but unfortunately tore his arm out delivering a chop before he could do much of anything (and for those who think that sounds strange, I've thrown my shoulder out sneezing so yeah, it happens). I liked the look of the Love/McKnight duo as Love and Matty Dee are either destined to team or feud forever. McKnight has the most traditional wrestler look out of the new guys and with some good charisma to go with it. I'm definitely interested in seeing him in singles down the road. Zane and Sik seemed very competent as a big heel tag team, their big drawback being the gear. Anyways, as far as the actual match goes, it went a little long (possibly due to the Dreamer injury) but at least had tons of energy along the way. As I've said a million times, I hate three way matches no matter who's in them but this one was passable in that sense. **1/2

4. Donnie Dollars and the Street Sweepers (Jay Sinn and Gregory Vercetti)(with Brad Stutts in their corner) defeated Jeremy Ryan and Classic Rock ("Classic" Chris Collins and "Rock N' Roll" Matty Dee with Brian Hall in their corner) in 8:41 when Vercetti pinned Collins - Oh my god, this was the most fun ever. Of course the heels were on with Vercetti breaking out the gas mask cause of all the smoke in the Riders bar. But (as Zoe would say) Matty Dee just rocks my face off with Collins feeding off of him and Jeremy Ryan even going balls out with the gimmick. Matty actually starts smoking on the ring apron while waiting for the hot tag, including a pin breakup with no contact, only blowing a puff of smoke in Vercetti's face. Tons of energy and yeah the work was good but ya know...fuck the workrate, this was FUN. ***

5. AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega defeated Michael McAllister by submission in 2:40 - A very strange bizzaro world type match as Assistant Commish McAllister challenges Jesse, who then starts almost working heel like and beats the crap out of Big McA on the outside. Quick Fujiwara finish. Not bad, just really weird.. *1/4

6. Brass Munkey and American Steel Ninja defeated J-Money and "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel in 11:30 when Ninja pinned Money to win the RCW tag team titles - This would be the continuation of the Edsel-Munkey war although the focus here would be more on the lack of cooperation between Money and a now-heel Edsel. More story than anything although Munkey and Money do break out the dual leapfrog collision for a double down which should probably be used more often if people didn't die while attempting it. **1/2 Post match, the Miracle Violence Connection is finally BORN as Feeche hits the ring and him and Corey murder everyone. If they could only get together on TV on a regular basis, this would be undoubtedly the most bad ass tag team we've ever had. It'll be a fluke if it happens, but man, we can dream...

7. "Madd Trucker" Garry Stevens defeated "Boogie Woogie Man" Rob McBride, "Slick" Ric Converse, and RCW Intercontinental champion Tank Lawson in 14:44 of a "Fatal 4 Way" match to win the RCW Heavyweight title. Order of elimination: Stevens defeated Converse by disqualification in 00:03...McBride pinned Lawson in 10:10...Stevens pinned McBride in 14:44 - Pretty solidly booked 4 way although the McBride-Lawson middle segment went WAY too long for what was trying to be accomplished. Converse gets DQ'd immediately for murdering Garry with the baseball bat and then Richter scales referee Redd. Tank returns for the finial finish which is pretty abysmally executed, ending with him costing Rob. Garry wins the title but postmatch Gee gets some semblance of revenge, getting back the wrestling boots Stutts stole from her earlier and smacking Garry with them to set up Garry vs. Gee for RCW title on 7/21 which was certainly news to me.

Overall thoughts - It should be noted just HOW crucial continuity has become in the general greater MA area as if this show had been run with a completely different booking than what CWF has already put together, then it would have been lost on the crowd and the few fans that were there would have totally turned on it. But by applying the same basic heel/face structure and main angles that are already prevalent all over TV in the area but having the freedom to interject new matchups that may otherwise not see the light of day, RCW put on a fantastic show with it's own identity without sacrificing anything.

Of course during the week I just lie in a coma waiting for the next weekend to roll around which brings us to a Friday night show on 5/20 as CWF returns to AC Fitness in Greensboro..

1. Tank Lawson, Keenan Quinn, and Donnie Dollars defeated "Boogie Woogie Man" Rob McBride and Classic Rock ("Classic" Chris Collins & "Rock N Roll" Matty Dee) in 11:30 when Lawson pinned Matty Dee - More 6-man fun with Classic Rock leading the way and having Boogie as a partner sure doesn't hurt. More fun stuff that just leaves you smiling despite the abortion of a hot tag spot...twice. **

2. "Madd Trucker" Garry Stevens and "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel defeated the CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth) in 9:04 of a non-title match when Stevens pinned Money - The path to Pffaftown the next night begins here with Garry bringing Corey in for a "warm up" match with the champs. Of course, if I'M Garry, I'd want Shadow for the warmup match and Corey when the titles are actually on the line, but maybe that's just me. Anyways, expectedly good stuff as the Playas continue to come into their own as a team better than I had originally envisioned **3/4

3. AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega defeated Xsiris by submission in 8:57 -
Yes, THIS matchup. A matchup that I had wanted to do something with for quiet some time now because there's just SO much history there just sitting on a silver platter but for one reason or the other, certain circumstances prevented this matchup from ever being a long running angle (Read more in my tell all book coming in 2015!). So it finally happens and certainly delivers despite zero build for it. I think X specifically asked me to rate this one a 1/4* or so since I apparently hate all his work. But seriously, it was X's best singles match in probably a year and Jesse is just REALLY coming into his own in every way possible. ***

4. American Steel Ninja and Brass Munkey defeated the Street Sweepers (Jay Sinn and Gregory Vercetti) in 9:54 when Ninja pinned Vercetti - Good lord was the crowd hot for Munkey and Ninja. Easily pop of the night which is sayin somethin. Your basic straight up match that you would expect here with plenty of quality and a nice visual finish with Ninja crane kicking the briefcase into Vercetti's face. **3/4

5. Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice pinned Alex Adonis in 9:47 - Basically Justice gets killed for 8 minutes and then gets the clean win with the froggy bodypress. Psychologically sound enough for government work. **

6. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Ric Converse pinned "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner in 9:04 -

Ric FINALLY returns to ring action for the first time since the 3/26 melee and breaks out the new white coat and blue trunks look. Ric looked as sharp as ever and MC hung right there with him. One of those matchups that had a couple of almost hesitant like moments since it was their first ever meeting, but still very solid and I could totally see this particular matchup going in that 15-20 minute range one day. ***

Overall thoughts - Of the 3 AC Fitness shows so far, this one was hands down the best (even though I got too busy to climb the rock wall which makes me very sad). Nothing even remotely close to being bad. No real angles but tons of just good, solid straight up wrestling. I can live with that any day of the week.

Stayed at Zoe's Sat night along with Gee, Corey, Munkey, and others. Holy balls that girl is one of the greatest cooks I've ever had the opportunity to eat...wait...did I word that wrong? But seriously, if there was ANY person that could have a chance at making sweet potatoes edible, it'd be her. Still ain't gonna happen though, just sayin.

And finally, last Saturday 5/21 brings us CWF at the West Central Community Center in Pfafftown just outside of Winston and what a way to end a 4 show stretch...

1. Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice pinned Keenan Quinn in 3:25 - Beautimous opener with no double downs (!) and a brutal corkscrew fisherman from Justice to win. Nice and compact. *3/4

2. Big Daddy Cole pinned Alex Adonis in 8:18 - Battle of the big men with some really solid psychology. This was a TON better than I would have expected. **1/2

3. "A Very Handsome Man" Mitch Conner pinned CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Ric Converse in 6:36 of a non-title match - Ric wants Garry TONIGHT but Garry's already got a match, so out comes MC to get some retribution from the night before. Of course Garry still gets involved which leads to MC scoring the huge upset. Not a repeat from the previous night by any means which is always nice for those fans that attend both. **

4. "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel pinned Brass Munkey in 12:26 -

One of the greatest matches I've ever taped. Seriously. On a couple of occasions I've heard the comment "you have to have a title to fight for or you have no reason to fight." This match was a great big "Fuck That". After all the build, this would be the first Corey-Munkey singles matchup in which Munkey came to FIGHT (unlike the last Pffaftown match where he was still hesitant to fight his friend). And my god, what a payoff. Munkey reverse the backdrop driver and hitting COREY with one. Munkey lariating Corey so hard they could hear the smack in the locker room and the impact split Corey's chest open. Just the overall intensity was un fucking real. The pace was virtually non-stop for 12 minutes but still mired in so much psychology and history that it didn't take away from it, it only added to it. There were SEVERAL moments that really seemed like the end but both men refused to die until Corey decapitates Munkey with his own lariat (in front of Munkey's family I might add). Awesome, awesome match and a true MOTYC. I could go on and on but you get the point. I immediately headed to the back following the match and everyone that watched the match was either smiling from ear to ear or in tears. There were many, many embraces handed out and I have never seen as many grown men in tears following a match in the back as I witnessed with this one. It was a celebration of what had just occurred and everyone KNEW it. For all the accolades that myself and others have laid upon Corey Edsel over the past few years, someone had just stepped up to his level. Brass Munkey was always thought of as a very, very good wrestler on the rise but any talks of a bonafide singles star potential would always be met with hesitation. On this night in Pffaftown, Munkey brought it. From an emotional and physically standpoint, Brass Munkey rose to the occasion like no one I have ever seen before. The Corey-Munkey feud isn't even over and to THINK that the potential is there for this matchup to become even better as the year goes along is just flat out scary. ****3/4

5. Tank Lawson pinned "Boogie Woogie Man" Rob McBride in 12:21 of a no-disqualification match - You would think after the last match, the show would crumble in it's wake but I'll be damned if everyone following it just didn't keep up the level of quality. I really didn't expect too much here as I've seen Tank and Rob battle about 100 times and never really break that ** plateu. Surprise, surprise as they put on both an entertaining and brutal no DQ match that turns into Tank's best singles match EVER. Tank even pulls off one of the most disturbingly funny spots ever as, without permission, he grabs one of our physically handicapped fans from ringside and rams her and her wheelchair like a battering ram into Rob. A completely unapproved, politically incorrect spot but damn was it funny. Tank goes over with the Al Del Greco field goal kick to the nads. ***

6. AWA Mid-Atlantic TV champion Jesse Ortega pinned Scar Stevens in 9:52 - A rematch from the last Pffaftown show which was the best I've seen from Scar and this one failed into that same category. A rare (for us) Dusty finish (done the proper way) with the crowd pretty much shitting that f'n Scar won the TV title. But GeeStar comes out, and with the assistance of the ringsiders (specifically #1 fan Jimmy), gets the ref to restart it with Jesse getting the quick pin.

Brief postmatch brawl with Jesse/Gee-Scar/Destiny to set up a very unusual tag match for the next show. Fun stuff. **1/2

7. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion Ric Converse and the CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth) defeated the Shadow and "Madd Trucker" Garry Stevens in 20:09 when Smooth pinned Shadow - Boy was this ever some story telling. For about 5 minutes we have a normal match until Garry hits Money with the dreaded piledrvier outside the ring and all hell breaks loose. Money gets carted to the back and Smooth goes it alone for several minutes while the crowd is just chomping at the bit to see Ric come out. And sure enough, Ric finally does just that as Kiyia Moka drags Ric to the ring (ala Liz-Hogan '87) and Ric WANTS THE TAG. 5 more minutes of hot tag build until Ric finally gets it and goes to town.

Brawls to the back with Garry, leaving Smooth and Shadow 1 on 1 for the tag titles. Referee Shane West then turns heel (like there ain't enough going on) but it backfires and he gets bumped to the outside. Assistant Commish McAllister runs to the ring but rather than making the 3 as Smooth has the pin, checks on West instead. GEMINI then runs to the ring and HE makes the 3-count as the Playas retain. Overbooking 101 but almost all quality with wild, wild stuff that the crowd was going freakin nuts over. ***1/2

Overall thoughts - One hell of a show with only one downer note that I never mentioned before. The crowd. Being a new town, Pffaftown hasn't been officially established as a true hotbed for quality wrestling. Add that to the fact that our advertising was shot in the foot and we end up with a less than stellar turnout. However, the crowd that was there was just fantastic and cheered their heads off with all the boys delivering big time. It was one of those shows that everyone was pretty much like fuck the crowd size, those that are here about to get the ride of their lives.

Post show festivities included a repeated flashing from a certain female attendee which I would have no problem watching repeated viewings of but one specific wrestler was embarrassed repeatedly by actions of said family member. Good stuff.

Ok, let's see if I can finally wrap this sucker up with a few movie reviews...

White Noise- The Michael Keaton thriller is actually a passable first hour until the ending rolls around and it's just a complete letdown with a TON of plot holes and unanswered questions. A complete waste of time. *1/2

Racing Stripes- Man alive, you would THINK with all of the talent they got to use in this movie it would have been at least watchable. Snoop Dogg's character is completely wasted and is obviously only there on the advertisements to give to try and make the movie appear far cooler than it actually is. The only funny scene in the entire thing is Jeff Foxworthy's rooster getting shat on but aside from that, it's just painfully blah including an ending so bad it forced to groan out loud and bury my head in my hands. *

Team America: World Police- When in doubt, leave it to Matt Stone and Trey Parker to save the day. Kinda. I was never a big South Park fan until I saw the movie with Flagler and Gee when it came out. It won me over in a heartbeat and have loved that series ever since. This of course is WAYYYY different but still as disturbed. From what I've seen, most people that like SPark love this as well but I'm not AS big on it as some are. I think "Team America" is VERY well done and the puppets are as expressive in the eyes and movements as anything I've ever seen. So major A+ on the visual look of the film. BUT the story itself just doesn't do much for me. That probably has alot to do with my extreme lack of interest in political issues so a full length film in that vein, no matter how hilarious it may be on that particular subject, just doesn't appeal to me personally as much. Now, if you're big into politics and love South Park, then heck yeah this is all you. My favorite scenes were easily the puppet sex scene which is just completely f'd up and the wonderful soundtrack. For me, I can only go **1/4, but for many, it'll be better than that.

Coming Soon - Here comes June which is lined up to be an absolutely huge month. June brings us BOTH the 10th anniversary of the first Indy show I ever taped as well as the 100th CWF show, so you better believe there's gonna be some special edition blogs on both of those. Also a little "This is Your Life" piece I'm working on off and on as well as MY opinion on this whole ridiculous "War of the Words" with another local promotion. For now though, everybody can be happy that I finally updated. Love to all!

A weekend so exciting I set myself on fire

2005-05-03T12:58:00.000-04:00

"While I'm not hoping for a repeat to August 2003, at this point, I'd almost be surprised if SOMEthing momentous doesn't go down this weekend." -Statmark's Reasonable Blog, 4/29/05

I woke up on Saturday morning, went to the computer to work on TV formats and such odds and ends for the show later in the day and was greeted by an email...an email of a breaking news story out of Charlotte. A news story that would garner a "Holy fucking shit balls!!!" type reaction. I'm not going to go into detail and bury the individual that this news story pertained to but to say the least, it was a very, very fitting start to...

the "Return to Wentworth."

-insert dramatic "baum baum baummmm" sounding instrumental here-

1. Ultra Dragon and "Rock N' Roll" Matty Dee defeated the Street Sweepers (Gregory Vercetti and Jay Sinn) in 6:14 when Dragon pinned Vercetti-

Boy, you just don't get openers that are much more fun than this. Vercetti and Sinn debut their new tag team (which if it maintains, Dollars comes along for the ride as the bodyguard so we don't lose the "Shrek & Donkey" chants). They visually LOOK like a tag team, and actually (god forbid) WRESTLE as a tag team, but I don't quite understand it yet. But that does hit on 2 of the 3, so it passes. Dragon and Matty on the other hand look anything like a team, but just play off of one another so insanely well, that you can't help but love them. Tremendous energy, although too spotty, but still just a ton of fun and exactly what an opener should be. And by god FINALLY someone (Dragon) actually HITS the sky twister press (!!!) and even goes over with it. Of course Matty celebrates like he just won Olympic gold. I love that guy. **1/2

2. Tank Lawson pinned Keenan Quinn in 3:41 - Easily the one matchup on the show where you go "whew boy, this could be ugly" but it was not to be and both guys did what they're supposed to do. Perfectly acceptable TV match. *1/2

3. Otto Schwanz pinned Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice in 10:18 - Ahhh...god bless Otto's impending marriage as he was TOTALLY had the working boots on tonight and Kid Justice has quiet possibly his best singles match EVER. Fantastic big man vs. little man match. ***

4. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Television champion Jesse Ortega defeated Donnie Dollars by submission in 9:50 - Very good first half of action until the heat begins to set in and Dollars becomes the MAN by swallowing his own hurl during the match as to not ralph in the ring. That was part of a shaky, but still held together second half which they recovered for the finish. **1/2

5. "Boggie Woogie Man" Rob McBride pinned Mitch Conner in 8:45 - This would be your obvious comedy matchup of the show with the usual mannerisms from both guys. Fine little crowd pleaser. *1/2

6. "Dangerous E" Corey Edsel and Brad Stutts defeated Brass Munkey and GeeStar in 16:57 when Stutts pinned Gee - This was the big one with as much history and depth as any match you'll probably ever see on the Indy scene. Unlike most matches where you have your one basic psychology pattern, all four here had a different individual mental psychology that had to be interwoven together to tell the story. Munkey wants to fight Corey, who doesn't want to fight but rather wrestle while Stutts wants revenge on Gee, who doesn't want Stutts as much as she wants to find the soul inside of Corey, who is hesitant to do anything physical at all to her as he still may indeed have a heart. And can you believe they pulled it off??? Munkey's intensity is just off the freakin' charts early, basically abusing himself and screaming for Corey to "FIGHT ME!!!!" and just going ballistic when Corey goes to (just) work the arm. After Gee imprints her boot across Stutts' forehead (legit), she does the 10 punches in the corner, jumps down, and twists her good knee of all things which leads to Stutts trying to viciously maul it while Corey is extremely tentative to do anything at all. Probably the only 7 minute heat sequence you will ever see without one single bump in this day and age but the story was so deep, it didn't need it. Truthfully, the heat went two minutes too long until Gee finally kicks Stutts' knee out from under him, and the hot tag is on.

Munkey and Corey then do a fantastic balls-out 4 minute mini-match as both crippled partners match from their respective corners until Corey locks Munkey in the Anaconda Vice until he passes out. And then, the whole "devil on one shoulder, angle on the other" sequence with Stutts and Gee both pleading with Corey for totally different reasons until Corey lets the hold go and just stands in the middle of the ring trying to decide which road he takes. He extends the hand to Gee, helps her to her feet and then makes her EAT the dangerous backdrop driver. Murder. Death. Kill. Then, to confirm that he's a hall of fame prick, allows STUTTS to make the cover for the 3. And you think you've seen Munkey pissed before... A very, very hard match to judge on the star-level as the heat was nothing but selling and storyline and made up half the match. But the workrate on either end was extremely solid and all wrapped and packaged in awesome intensity. ***3/4 as an average whole I guess, but that could easily go up or down depending on what you look for in a match.

7. Mikael Yamaha pinned American Steel Ninja in 10:58 -

The Yam-Ninja mindgames come to a head and, as I somewhat feared, the match couldn't live up to the build. Very basic stuff which reminded me somewhat of the Yam-X AC Fitness match. Not bad by any means, just flat, and I liked the first Yam-Ninja CSA match much, much better. *1/2

8. CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions the $outh$ide Playas (J-Money and Will B. Smooth) defeated "Madd Trucker" Garry Stevens and the Spoiler in 20:02 - A very un-main event looking match at the surface, but the payoff was just awesome. Spoiler falls into the spot much better than expected and the two teams have a very acceptable old school match for 15 minutes until a new silver Infiniti G35 Coupe screeches into the arena and out pops MA champ Ric Converse, title belt and baseball bat in hand. Reminding me of Michael Douglas in "Falling Down", Converse swings the fences at Steven's gut and the contact between bat and stomach makes a very loud and disturbingly real sound. Stevens goes down like he's been shot (which he might as well have been) while Ric continues after him. Meanwhile, the Playas take advantage and pin Spoiler with the 3-P. Match was solid but will only be remembered for the final 5 minutes. **3/4

Ric then comes back to the ring and not surprisingly, announces he IS back from injury and the crowd just eats it up like there's no tomorrow. The Ric and Garry feud have now produced arguably two of the best show closing moments in company history.

Overall thoughts - It may not wind up as historically significant as the last Wentworth show, but it was still one hell of a follow up with a near-perfect-by-matchup-and-structure undercard, an unforgettable tag match that officially killed the Crew faction, and a super hot closing sequence that brought the champ back to life.

On a non-wrestling side note, and in a completely fitting Wentworth tradition, Sarah Hamlet (looking as smoking hot as ever) showed up, who I hadn't seen since last October. We were actually invited back to her place after the show (and whew boy, you talk about making a full circle). But in all, from open to close, I think this past weekend was one huge piece of closure. This 48 hours from Sat morn-Mon morning was the final closure for not just me, but several others, from the 48 hours that were August 2003. I almost feel myself getting old when I say that (and everyone who knows me knows how much I fight that), but that's exactly what it seems like. There was almost a peaceful tranquility to Monday morning. I, we, everyone...survived the return to Wentworth. No drama. No heartache. Just friends doing what we do better than anything.

WRESTLING.

Moving on with the rest of the weekend, we crashed at Zoe's after the show and good lord, is she one hell of a hostess. She is seriously gonna make some guy insanely happy one day (I still wish the big man was up here cause I would set those two up in a heartbeat). In the span of abut 12 hours, she made us beef stir fry, some god-like brownie concoctions, and a full blown breakfast. She's also becoming our latest sponge as far as wrestling goes. Come Sunday afternoon; Katie, Gee, a still forehead-scared Stutts, and myself headed over to Hedd's for a bit so Stutts could dip into his stash. I swear, give us old wrestling tapes and we're like kids in a candy store. Then god forbid we both want the same last piece. During the visit, I'm doing my usual nosing around Randolph's card collection and all when it starts feeling really warm...like for some reason Hedd just turned on a fireplace behind me. I think I even looked back, didn't see a fireplace (only the bookshelf as expected), and then did a double take realizing I WAS ON FIRE. Yes, I was standing directly in front of a candle that my shirt just happened to have been close enough to. Not only that, but of all things, it was the now out-of-print CWF shirt that was burning to pieces. Of course, I decided that if it was going to burn that maybe it be best if it not do that while I'M WEARING IT so I calmly (albeit quickly) got that sucker off and to a sink. Thankfully, I only got a minor burn on my left side about an inch and a half long that only stung bad the first day. Could have been much worse but it's one of those things to look back and be amused about now. After Hedd's, we bummed around the mall briefly and man, when you have just semi-stardom and don't have to deal with thousands of marks, it's still really cool when you have a fan walk past your group in the mall, stop, and be like "Hey...aren't you?".

Sunday concluded with the return of Family Guy on FOX..there's just one, ya know? Flat out awesome episode and I totally forgot just how much I loved that show. You couldn't ask for a better final "hurrah" to the weekend than that.

Love to all that made this past weekend so much fun...to every single mo fo on the crew and backstage, to all the friends...just to everybody...I'm still broke, but man...life is just grand.

We'll miss you Chris (and other far less significant ramblings)

2005-04-29T17:35:00.000-04:00

The first part of this blog was written last...

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I've been trying to find the right words this morning to pay homage to wrestling's latest tragedy, Chris Candido. But none of the words seem right. I only got to see Chris wrestle a few times in person and feel almost ill-equipped to write even the smallest tribute compared to the love others I know had for him. I met Chris briefly back in '96 as we stayed at the same hotel for WrestleMania XII, and even to a smart mark like myself back then, both him and Tammy were extraordinarily nice even when they didn't have to be. To me, Chris was one of those guys who's charisma and personality overshadowed the incredible workrate inside. You knew cause of his size that he was never going to get the spotlight like so many other talentless goofs do, but he sure made the most of what he was granted. As far as the indys, you could not ask to book a better "name" talent that would still go out there and bust his ass for you and the fans unlike alot of the other "name" talent. Chris certainly had his own demons, but by all accounts, he had conquered them, turned his life around, and back on track to be one of the most underrated stars in the modern era. And in the span of one week it all changed. A staph infection from a broken leg on PPV last Sunday claimed his life last night. It's a death that in your mind you just scream "Why???" because Chris was BACK, and finally, with his past behind him, he could right the wrongs and be on top, in his own way, once again. Two or three years ago, Candido's death would have almost been sickly understandable, but now it just seems so...unfair.

I'm at a loss once again as to what to say...but I really think I'd like to watch the Horowitz angle right now...

Rest in peace Chris.
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There are certain towns that will forever conjure up specific memories no matter how many times you may visit there. I spoke of this last August when I returned to the National Guard Armory in Thomasville for the first time since that fateful week in March 1999. This Saturday, I will travel down memory lane one more time for the my first show at the NGA in Wentworth since that unforgettable August weekend almost two years ago. I already wrote up a dramarific promotional piece for the show over at IndyInsiders.com and the CWF site. The infamous 8/9/03 show is easily one of the three most important shows in company history, alongside the 1/26/02 Ultimatum and 9/28/02 Triumph shows (I would venture to say we've had a couple this year already that would fall into that category but only time will prove that to be true). I certainly don't expect this Sat's show to live up to those lofty standards, although the lineup is certainly solid enough if the stars are willing to align correctly. While I'm not hoping for a repeat to August 2003, at this point, I'd almost be surprised if SOMEthing momentous doesn't go down this weekend.

The High Point Enterprise newspaper actually did an article on CWF this past week, with the focus being on my partner-in-crime, Randolph. Speaking of him, after recently diving headfirst in Hedd's stash of tapes, I wonder just how many people (especially in the Mid-Atlantic area) have boxes of old wrestling tapes stores in their basement or attic just collecting dust. These ancient unlabeled VHS tapes a re a true lost treasure to us old school marks and to uncover just stacks and stacks of syndicated TV from 1986-present is just a dream come true. Collections like Hedd's should be in some kind of wrestling Smithsonian and no matter how many tapes Stutts, myself, or whoever may have; when you stumble upon that one picture-perfect recording of say, the 5/11/87 Saturday Night's Main Event or Murdoch & Gilbert breaking Steve Williams' arm in UWF...well, let's just say that I've gotten off to stuff a lot less exciting than that.

For those that don't know, I've been dying to get my one and only tattoo for a few years now. Originally it was going to be a Decepticon symbol on my left forever with the words "Forever Heel" around it but since Drake Tungsten flat out stole my gimmick, I was forced to go in a different direction. Now, I still may not have that sucker a year down the road, but eventually it's simply gonna be the word "Spaz" in some kind of funky font on my upper back (nothing large or gaudy, just enough to make me proud). Anyways, via Scott Keith's blog came this link, Shane's Archives, which showcases some fine (and some equally lame) geek tattoos (including Transformers).

Updated the Myspace.com stuff the other day which is pretty much like getting a second printing of Brian Bolland's "The Killing Joke". The material is identical, but it's just not the same. My loyal readers (yeahhhh) know that the by god BLOG is the original, never to be duplicated, mo fo #1 for my ramblings...but you can go there and vote on the sexiness of my pic :P

WrestleMania 21 FINALLY came out for Xbox this past week and I had to check it out. For the record, I'm actually not a big wrestling game fan and my main goal with them is just to create our NC roster and go wild. The game is aesthetically beautiful but is getting seriously panned by the critics for it's game play. I've never really seen a wrestling game that was TRULY authentic anyway (and I've never had a shot with King of Colosseum unfortunately which has the best chances of being what I'm seeking).

Meet the Fockers- First movie review in awhile as there hasn't been anything worth a shit come out on video since the Incredibles in mid-March. Anyways, "Meet the Fockers" is petty much 1000% as advertised - not a letdown by any means but absolutely not one ioto more than what you expect to get from it. It would have been nice for it to be as over the top hilarious as much of the mainstream proclaimed it to be but aside from Dustin Hoffman's awesome performance, it's really nothing special. Entertaining enough for one viewing and a few smiles and that's about it. **1/2 Back to counting down the days till "Sin City" comes out I guess...

Love to all! Be back next week!

The Fans

2005-04-23T10:12:00.000-04:00

I was alerted to something today that gets immediate bloggin' attention because it's one of those things that just strikes a chord inside of me.

On his latest blog entry, Mikael Yamaha took the fans to task (in his own eloquent way of speaking) for their lack of enthusiasm at the last CSA show. One unnamed fan, known only as "upset fan" posted this comment in response:

"Let's see if I can put this in perspective for you as to why we, the crowd, just sat there. No main event guys were there. Yes Slick Ric was there, but No Match. No Brad Attitude. No Title matches. No Anything. That's why the house was "like a not on a log." Hell, I would have even been happy to see Trent Wylde wrestle. When you have a CRAPPY show, you are going to have a CRAPPY crowd. Case closed."

Whew boy...

Let me start off by saying that I dare say no one that works with the company as been as sympathetic towards the CSA fans as I have been. Everytime a worker complains about the lack of support from the fans at the CSA, I am the first one to back the fan up and more often than not take the blame for our product when it comes to their lack of caring during a show. I have heard many, many times over the past few years how much they suck and it's no fun busting your ass out there and getting nothing in return.

Now, a note to both sides of the spectrum.

For the workers...your view on this is somewhat skewed as your perception is always about your one particular match and their reaction to it rather than the crowd's, which is viewing not just your segment on the show, but the entire product and it's very, very difficult for any worker to "bring back the crowd" if they've already become disenchanted earlier in the show. Thankfully, we don't run into THAT problem as much as we run into the problem of the undercard running too long and killing the heat for the main event. It wasn't the Kernodles that killed the crowd for the main at Fairchild, it was the insanely long undercard. Timing the show is far and away the hardest thing to pull off as you want it to go long enough for the crowd to be happily content but not long enough for them to become restless. And dependent on the size of the crowd, there's generally only about a 20 minute difference between those two which ain't a lot of leeway. It is tough being a fan (and no one is as big of fan as myself), as much as you absolutely love the product, it's hard to be supportive when there's obvious crap that you're being asked to cheer for. No, we don't put much out that falls into that category but we do walk a very fine line even in the best angles where the execution of something can make it a homerun or a strikeout in the fan's eyes. In short, 80% of the time, when WE have delivered the goods, the fans have given it right back. Period.

Now, for the fans...obviously everything we do is geared to what we HOPE will be entertaining and exciting in your eyes. I do not expect any fan to accept BS, nor should they. BUT, in response to "upset fan" let me just say (and this is that other 20% of the time), that while we may let you down at times, that they are plenty of occasions where YOU have let US down. That's not a blanket comment towards all the fans...some are always supportive no matter what. But this goes out to the ones that sat on their hands during say, Corey-Ric from 10/2/04 last year. One of the greatest matches I've ever seen in person and while the crowd was response was acceptable, that place should have been rocking and that, more than any other match, is the one where the unwillingness of certain fans to give back to the athletes in the ring was very painful to watch. Another match, and in a totally different vein, was the Xsiris-Kid Justice match from 6/26/04, which was the best singles match by far those two ever had with one another, X was still on fire from the TV title reign and the match would become Justice's first big win...and you could have heard crickets. That match made for some great TV and I'm very proud of that match but have never understood why our fans just gave absolutely nothing in return. I think part of the problem is (and this is referring to when we are putting out solid stuff with a tepid response) the regular CSA fan has been spoiled. Don't get me wrong, I'd still take a CSA-regular over those blasted smartmarks that seem to populate the Northern indy scene (if a fan ever chanted "You fucked up" at the CSA, you'd probably have to hold me back). But over the years, the regular CWF crowd (going back to the early days) has sat through some less-than-stellar stuff, but with the constant growth from the Rec Centers to the old Dojo to the CSA and now beyond, the CWF regulars have gotten spoiled by so many great matches and moments over the years, that they themselves have sat a certain standard which is very difficult to compete with. There are just TOO many CWF regulars that sit on their hands during quality shows. If you're reading this and it doesn't apply to you, then don't worry about it but to me, I (and many other workers I know) would LOVE to be able to sit back in a crowd and cheer on the wrestlers once again. You fans still have that ability, it hasn't been taken from you...you are there to enjoy. Cheer, boo, whatever...but after the show, grab the Commish...grab Gemini...grab myself...and tell us what you loved, what you hated, and why...you couldn't cheer or boo.

Whew, got a little off topic from the original intent there but getting back to the specific comment that got me ranting in the first place, the "upset fan" poster. I would assume you read this blog as well as Yamaha's hasn't really been publicized outside of mine so I will direct this to you personally since I'm sure you'll stumble upon this eventually. First off, you're more than welcome to pull me to the side and discuss it with me as I'm sure you read in my last entry here, I will personally take credit for any complaints geared towards this last show. I know it was far from our best effort but between no-shows and general direction, our hands were tied. However, I do take offense to your comment that "no main event guys were there". I think that is a very, very unfair statement to our roster considering we've had 59 different performers work a CWF main event in the past and 13 of them were on this particular show in some capacity. Obviously, you're a fan of the Dynasty looking at your comments but considering two of the individuals you mentioned haven't worked a CSA show THIS ENTIRE YEAR, it's not exactly like we let anyone down by their absences. The title match situation I can understand, but that was one of those circumstances where the challenger didn't show, so rather than putting on a matchup the fans had already seen on several occasions, we attempted to freshen that up.

Regardless, while last Saturday wasn't our best effort, as stated before, it was an important one, and I think we will MORE than make up for it in Wentworth (and quiet honestly, be giving away 4 main event matchups in one night). Then, when we return to the CSA on 5/14, there will be a concerted effort to make up for the lackluster show this past Saturday for any fans (such as yourself) that think they were jipped previously. Hopefully that will be the last chapter written on that topic for some time. And besides, the CSA holds the Rumble in September...what more can ya ask for???!! ;)

And they chanted "Powder"...

2005-04-20T19:30:00.000-04:00

First off, a few birthday shoutouts from this past week to Caleb, Walter, and Tommy.

Ok, now off to the CWF at the CSA this past Saturday night for another TV taping. I was much more involved with this show than usual as Jeff took off to Vegas to be a CWF's true HiRoller, leaving pretty much just Danny and myself in charge. We were both all on the same wavelength as far as what the show needed to accomplish and Jeff was only a phone call away, but the responsibility in general was certainly much more than anything I had ever done at a show previously. I had some nervous anticipation going into it and by the end, like many shows, I was happy with some portions and disappointed with others. I do think it is amazing the way we have grown a product over the past five years with so much uncertainty on the indy scene in general (such as part of your main event and a title match opponent both not appearing, which was the case on this night). The show was designed to be a plug job for the big one in Wentworth (yes, that damn town) on 4/30 and by god, we sure accomplished that. But you still have to give your live crowd the illusion that they've stilled watched a quality, stand-alone show and I'm not sure we were as successful in that aspect. Anyways, onto the show...

1. Keenan Quinn and Gregory Vercetti defeated Rising Generation League champion Kid Justice and CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic Television champion Jesse Ortega in 7:27 when Quinn pinned Ortega - a last second opener put together as a result of the now obvious non-appearances later in the show and the fact that we still needed an opener that would get the crowd going early. All four have worked in singles competition lately and quiet honestly, with the right direction (and only under those circumstances), I would love to see a 20-minute version of this young lions tag. This one definitely needed some hands-on treatment that we didn't have the time for, but what the match layout lacked, all 4 guys made up for with energy as it did exactly what it should have in the opening spot. **

-Ric Converse promo comes out and does a brief injury update that the doctor did indeed find something wrong with not only his ribs, but his neck as well. He goes back to his physician on 4/29 and...you got it, announcement of his future will be made live in Wentworth.

2. Tank Lawson pinned "Wild" Shane West in 1:09 - Wow, TV squash that wasn't even intended to be THAT much of a cremation but it sure was effective. 1/4*

-Garry Stevens comes out, tossing canes, crutches, and a walker into the ring, complaining about Converse ducking him. Ric ends up coming back out which forces the Commish (along with the Southside Playas) to step in-between, keeping the two apart as to not have a repeat of the last CSA show. Stevens ends up blasting J-Money from behind which sends him head first into our steel entrance way which of course prompts Will Smooth to step up to Stevens and the match is set for later. Good, good stuff all the way around from all parties.

3. Xsiris pinned "Classic" Chris Collins in 6:03 - A fine little TV match that adequately made up for the tag abortion that these two were involved in 2 weeks earlier. Despite the lack of the UNC-tights for Collins, the workrate was much better and X was in the right frame of mind tonight. No complaints at all. *3/4

4. Jeremy Ryan pinned Mikael Yamaha in 3:29 -

Yamaha comes out, cuts a promo demanding Ninja (who cost him the match on 4/2) but instead, of all people, Jeremy Ryan comes out, seeking revenge for his mauling at the hands of Yam at the last CSA show. Great, great mic work by both guys and within seconds of the match, the crowd starts chanting "Powder!". Yes, as in the movie cause believe me, of all the pasty white guys that have walked through a CWF curtain, NONE can compete with the skin pigment of one Jeremy Ryan. The match is what it is until Ninja runs out, crane kicks Yam, and 1-2-3, we have 2005's biggest upset by far. I would have liked to tweak some things regarding the match as it was a personal pet project from the start which didn't have an end result that exactly matched my original vision but it still got us to where we needed to go...which is the post-match challenge for Yam vs. Ninja at...yep, Wentworth.

We hit intermission here and let me just say, that was quiet possibly the best paced first half of a show we've EVER done and I still feel if we had just had a true homerun main event, this show would have been killer. Instead, we were left trying to give the illusion the crowd had seen a great show without a whole lot of true quality matchups to sell them on.

GeeStar and Brass Munkey are out to cut a promo to sell the match vs. Corey Edsel and Brad Stutts on 4/30 in...(all together now!) Wentworth. Munkey does a very short, but affective, apology to the crowd on his recent actions for having to "become a different man to fight Corey." Gee then takes over and does one of her usually unique promos that was very well received by our normally heelish-crowd in the way that a soft spoken preacher gets a response from a holy roller "Hallelujah!" church. Deep stuff that totally worked which then segued into...

5. Brass Munkey pinned Mitch Conner in 4:12 - Pretty much perfection going by what it needed to accomplish and Conner is just SO the perfect guy for this role. Munkey pulls out Corey's backdrop driver for the finish and Conner just does the perfect "instant corpse" sell. ** Stutts then appears on the big screen with Corey, giving another tremendous promo for the match. I honestly couldn't ask for a better build to one match than what this tag match has been given.

6. "Boggie Woogie Man" Rob McBride pinned Alex Adonis in 15:35 - Pretty much what you would expect until the last 5 minutes or so and Adonis hits the wall and proceeds to win the award for "Most blown up I've ever seen one wrestler in any match EVER" as on several different occasions, he literally crawls to a corner and appears like he's gonna hurl all over the place while he's slumped over trying to catch his breath while Rob is left having to sell the entire time. I kid you not. Rob goes over clean with the backslide. Whew boy. *

7. Garry "Madd Trucker" Stevens pinned 1/2 of the CWF/AWA Mid-Atlantic tag team champions Will B. Smooth in 10:15 of a no-disqualification match - Which brings us to the "hopefully acceptable main event" for the evening as Smooth comes to the ring, gets the mic (hide the women and children) and says something along the lines of "I wanna hit 'em wid a cane!" so Stevens with no hesitation agrees to a No DQ match (let's ignore the fact that we've ran 91 shows, 700 matches and never had a DQ here ok?). Anyways, match is actually pretty good despite certain lapses in psychology with the overuse of gimmicks but Smooth takes one heck of a beating for his part so I gotta give him his props there. The hilight by far is J-Money just calmly walking out like he normally would and then just going fucking nuts, trying to maim Stevens with a crutch.

Just awesome stuff from Money who you NEVER see that kind of emotion out of. Gee, it's almost like that sets the stage for a Garry-Money confrontation...like say, oh I don't know...Wentworth maybe? **

Overall thoughts - As a whole, I'm pretty happy with the Danny/Spaz version of CWF Mid-Atlantic. The workers were great and there was no headbutting to be found. I wish the crowd would have been better and I hate that a show I have fingerprints on didn't have a match for the workrate fan, but I think that's one thing I've learned over the past few years. There's a time and place for each and every match and you can't just force something on a show no matter how much you personally would like it if it's going to take away from the overall direction you're trying to move in. If anyone wants to come up to me and say "Hey, that show was the drizzling shits" then I'll happily take the blame for it cause I KNOW we did the right thing with what we had to work with.

After the show it was off to Steak N' Shake followed by a visit to Munkey's ("Cup of Death" retains it's title as best drinking game EVER) with, among other people, Joe who is just a cool mo fo that we don't get to hang out with enough and Zoe, who has finally made it into the upper echelon of females in my life. Speaking of that topic, I got to chat briefly with Erica (!) yesterday who, out of everyone this side of Winterstein and the big man, there is no one I miss more on a regular basis than that girl. So between Zoe, Erica, and that one wrestling chick that I hang with....yeah, I'm pretty content in that aspect of life...

I missed the freakin' NFL Network's live special this year in which they announce the entire NFL schedule for the year. Of course last year was the first one they ever did and it's kinda tough to track down anyways as the NFL schedule's release date varies every year so aside from "Mid-April" you never really know when it's coming out and you have less than 24 hours notice before the special actually airs. Of course the majority of people reading this are gonna go "Uhhhh...it's not like the schedule isn't available all over the damn place an hour later". Yeah, I know but it's not the point...I eat, sleep, and breath that damn thing from September-January and by god, if I want ONE day from in the Spring to truly engulf what is to come in the fall I want my by god NFL Network special and I want it LIVE.

Which of course brings me to...the schedule. Lots of little notes here and there that I want to make mention of, the most prominent being that the NFL has truly booked this season's schedule as a goodbye to Brett Favre. Even if it's not his final year, they're taking no chances at all. 10/3 brings us Monday Night Football and the Pack visit the Panthers, a matchup that holds so many memories for me as my two of my favorite teams battle it out. Green Bay then has two other Monday night games but holy balls, this could truly be the finest farewell two-game stretch ever booked for one specific player. On Christmas day 12/25 on national television, the Chicago Bears come to Lambeau in a matchup of the greatest football rivalry of all time in what could well be Favre's next-to-last home game. Then, if that wasn't enough, on Jan. 1st, in the final regular season game, Mike f'n Homlgren and the Seahawks come back to Lambeau. Yes, Favre's final game ever could be against the coach that led him to the SuperBowl. That is fantastic and I get chills now just thinking about the video package that would air before the game.

In other notables, we get the SuperBowl XXXVIII rematch with the Panthers and Pats in Week 2 which is sadly enough buried in a 1pm timeslot. Sunday night 10/2 on ESPN, we'll get the incredible atmosphere of the otherwise pointless 49ers-Cardinals game thanks to it's location being moved to Mexico City which I wouldn't be a big fan of on a regular basis, but for an annual tradition yeah, that'd be cool. The Colts-Pats showdown gets it's deserved MNF spot on 11/7 while I'm not exactly celebrating over Thanksgiving as we get the Michael Vick-hype fest as he gets the spotlight vs. Detroit, followed by Denver-Dallas (yeesh). Sadly, Cincy fails to get a MNF game this year after how special it was last year while the Saints DO! How the heck does New Orleans get a Monday Night game??? Meanwhile, the 12-4 Chargers only get ONE game while the playoff-less 6-10 Cowboys get two??? WTF??? Which brings me to...

The death of Monday Night Football. Enjoy it this year because in 2006, it's over. The latest NFL TV deal has effectively crushed the 35-year history of network TV's greatest sports institution. And on Monday Night Dec. 26, the Jets and Patriots (christ all mighty, I couldn't have gotten a worse matchup to say goodbye?) will play the final Monday night game ever on ABC. I first heard this rumor probably a year and a half back and totally blew it off cause it was just THAT ludicrous. Well, it has sadly become a reality. And yes, I know that there will still be a football game played on Monday Nights, now over on ESPN, but it's just not the same. Dress it up and call it "Monday Night Football" all you want but reality is, the MNF we all knew and grew up with will die on December 26th, 2005. The "new" network showcase game will be the Sunday NIGHT game which moves to NBC (along with a flexible late-season schedule in order to move a 1/4pm game to primetime, which also is complete crap). I understand WHY the NFL is making these changes and trying to talk it all up in a positive light, but the reality is that network television could no longer support a weekday primetime football game and despite the game's incredible popularity, this is a regression, not a progression. Hell, I can't even celebrate the fact that John Madden is out of a job, cause just like when CBS closed up shop in '95, either ESPN (or preferably NBC) will pay him the $ to bring him to their broadcast team cause god knows unlike Al Michaels, who's only a million times more versitle, Madden is for some ungodly reason a football icon and just HAS to have a spot behind the booth. I can honestly say that in my years in broadcasting with FOX, I never once worked with a LOCAL sports anchor that was as worthless as Madden, who gets a national stage every week.

Finally, I can't talk football without giving a nod to former Panthers Linebacker and LB coach Sam Mills who passed away from cancer earlier this week. I, like many others, thought he had beaten it but obviously he was keeping the truth protected and you have to respect that. Of all the ups and downs this franchise has seen in it's 10 years, more than any other player, Sam Mills defined what the franchise is supposed to be. #51 will truly be missed.

Love to all!

Matt Hardy, Reese's, American Idol, and other stuff that has no connection...

2005-04-12T19:55:00.000-04:00

Today's bizarre Goggle search that brought someone to my blog: "Jillian Barberie vs. Undertaker". What would ever possess someone to be searching for that matchup??

The big news of course is Matt Hardy's release from the WWE this week. Absolutely appalling move from the WWE basically kicking the guy when he's down and siding with the evildoers. That'd be like my girlfriend cheating on me with another wrestler and ME getting canned from CWF for it. And we all know how ludicrous that scenario sounds.

I always thought Matt had a legit shot at being the next Bret Hart once he broke out from the tag team scene but due to some absolutely ridiculous politics, he gets canned from the company that he could have honestly carried a heck of alot better than Batista or Cena are going to do. Despite a very very good run in the tag team ranks, Matt's true potential was never even touched upon (which of course could be said for most of the true talent in that company). Matt had all the tools to be a credible World champion just like Bret did and it's a shame that will never come to be.

One of the many wrestling critics out there, this one being a pretty decent guy under the moniker of the "White Miles Davis", wrote a pretty extensive (and very fair) review of the CWF supershow from 2/5/05 over at Da Wrestling Board. It's always good to get reviews from unbiased fair parties so we with the company can see just how far off our perception is compared to others. Of course you're never going to see eye to eye with everyone, but this guys' analysis was pretty dead on with my original review.

Well, one of the last people I ever expected to sit down and even attempt a BLOG has done just that, that being "the Box Office Draw" Mikael Yamaha. Hopefully it won't be a one and done deal like SOME workers I know (I'm looking at you Walter!) because Yamanutts could have some pretty fascinating stuff, especially if he's ever inclined to type when he's PO'd over being asked to do too many jobs. ;)

I freakin' LOVE me some Reese's and they just keeps crankin out the goods with all these funky limited edition version of the Reese's cups. First we had the Inside Out ones and now we got the "Chocolate Lovers" and "Peanut Butter Lovers" ones. Now, to me, Reese's is the end all, be all of candy goodness and even the worst piece of crap that is put out under with the Reese's logo is still better than pretty much everything else on the Hershey's line. With that in mind, here are my personal rankings from best of worst of every Reese's product I've ever had the pleasure to try. Keep in mind this is NOT a complete list as I have yet to sample the Honey Roasted, Dark Chocolate, and others -

1.
Reese's Peanut Butter Egg - As tremendous as the original Reese's is, the holy Peanut Butter Egg is why chocolate and peanut butter were brought together in the first place. Just one big lump of artery cloggin' goodness. Note: This would include the other holiday Reese's concoctions as well, but the original, and still greatest, is the EGG. *****

2.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (Original) - The original is still heaven on earth and like a good whore, available 365 days a year to all that desire it. *****

3.
Reese's Pieces - A complete different style from the Cup and Egg, but still a favorite pastime as few things in life appeal to me more than watching some old Arsion tapes with a box of Reese's Pieces. Yeah, I don't understand it either. ****3/4

4.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (Peanut Butter Lovers) - Out of the recent "Limited Edition" Reese's the PB Lovers completely trumps them all. I expected this to be very similar to the underwhelming "Inside Out" cup as it sounds and looks like the exact damn thing but for some reason, THIS one actually paid off big time. ****1/2

5.
Reese's Fast Break - Easily the most underrated Reese's product ever and better than half the other candy BARS on the market. ***3/4

6.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (Chocolate Lovers) - Another "limited edition" and I'm rating this thing a bit lower just cause of the false advertising. You see, it proclaims to be Chocolate Lovers, but I could tell NO difference whatsoever between it and just the original regular Reese's Cup. Just save the $ and get the original...it's the same damn thing. ****

7.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cookies - A fine cookie edition of the Reese's...won't blow ya away, but if you're after a cookie version of the god of candy, it'll more than pass. ***1/4

8.
Reese's Big Cup - Fine by and large but as the wise Jeff Rudd has told us many times "less is more" and the Big Cup is a whole bunch of MORE. ***

9.
Reese's Nutrageous - The forgotten child of the Reese's family and another acceptable BAR format. Just kinda falls into that black hole of acceptable candy bars that is neither beloved or detested. ***

10.
Reese's Peanut Butter - Yes!! The only PB in the world that I will actually forsake Peter Pan for. Not as blowaway as the name would indicate but still..I just like seeing the jar sitting in the cabinet. ***

11.
ReeseSticks - Eh, passable little sticks of candy for those cheap bastards on Halloween that won't give ya the whole bar. **3/4

12.
Reese's Bites - Again, not intended to be great but a passable little snack but one of the better ones in this whole "little candy balls" genre. **1/2

13.
Reese's Swoops - Way to thin and small to truly be satisfying even if ya eat the whole damn can cause believe me, I've tried. **

14.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (Inside Out) - The only Reese's Cup that I've ever viewed as a true disappointment and complete letdown. The taste is nowhere near as appealing as any of the Reese's Cup, including it's twin, but much tastier sister the PB Lovers. Hmmm...that reminds me of a story... **

15.
Reese's Peanut Butter Puffs Cereal - Holy balls, flat out has to be the most hideous thing ever produced with a Reese's name on it. Dunking Reese's in milk wouldn't be my first choice as a snack but it sure wouldn't be as horrid as this concoction. I like me some cereal, but christ, this stuff is the equivalent of watching a Mikael Yamaha babyface promo. DUD.

The following is a very un-Stat like moment for this blog so please forgive me as I dive head first inside a little piece of Mainstream Crap...

I used to think "American Idol" was the devil's TV show but I begrudgingly began to watch it during my jobless period last year and it sucked me in. During the first two seasons I swore I would never watch this trash but it has an undeniable charm and plus, in a Hollywood entertainment kinda way, it is it's own little King of the Ring tournament. I think you would be very, very hard pressed to actually have a roster the depth as Season 3 (not necessarily musically, but personality wise). This year's (#4) has been somewhat lackluster so to speak but with eight weeks left, it seems like we're finally coming around to some entertaining television. The only drawback right now is almost everyone left is too lovable as they booted the one super bitch several weeks back that would have jakked ratings up big time if she had still been it down the stretch. So with that in mind, here are MY picks for the 2005 AI home stretch and the eventual winner, in order from next eliminated on down -

Anthony - Far and away the least distinctive person left on the show, both vocally and charasmatically...I say 1 week left, at absolute max, 2 weeks.

Scott - A fine, fine singer but doesn't connect with the audience the way most of the other top-runners do. Could possibly push for a Final 4 spot at best, but I just don't seem him even making it that far.

Bo - My first real upset elimination as while he has all the tools, him and Constantine are just TOO similar and he's gonna get nix'd cause Constantine is the more beloved. Same thing happened last year with the whole "Three Divas" thing and it'll happen this year with these two.

Carrie - Much like Diana last year, will probably go further than anyone expects her to go here by just flying under the radar. Not good enough on all levels to make it to the true elite, but will hang around for a little while longer.

Vonzell - This would be the start of my Final 4, where any of the 4 COULD will but I think it will be a female once again this year. Vonzell's elimination falls into that whole "splitting the vote" scenario as well (with Nadia), who has a bit more personality to survive.

Anwar - This guy is gonna be there for awhile and IF a guy wins, he'll be the one. America digs him big time and any elimination before now would be a huge shocker.

Constantine - Possibly the least talented of my final four, but should survive at least to the Final 4 because he "gets it" and pretty much every female in America is gonna be voting for him. My personal fav as well.

Nadia - Of everyone on the show that's left, Nadia easily has the best combination of range and charisma to win the whole thing. Her biggest competitor is Vonzell, who isn't as loved by America as much at this point. 8 weeks is still a long time and things can change, but for now, my pick for 2005 AI Winner is Nadia.

Hope everyone enjoyed that completely random rant...see what happens when I have no show to review? See ya!