wrestling / Columns

The Wrestling 5 & 1 08.04.12: Brooke Tessmacher vs. Reby Sky!

August 4, 2012 | Posted by Greg De Marco

Welcome to my 94th edition of The Wrestling 5&1. That’s right, I’ve already given you this awesome piece of internet writing for 93 weeks! Should I do anything for week 100? I’m open to ideas…

Listen while you read! Independent standout Jessie Belle, Iowa promoter Jaysin Strife offers his perspective on the Team Ambition/Davey Richards walkout, and Su Yung makes a surprise return!

Listen to internet radio with Greg DeMarco on Blog Talk Radio

BRING ON THE GIRLS!

Last Week:1375 votes cast, and Maria Kanellis officially sits at 3 wins, scoring 65% of the popular vote. Her next appearance will decide if she makes it to the Hall of Bang. Who should she face? I’ll take your suggestions in the comments section!

Future Versus Updates:
* Candice Michelle has one victory and will look to continue her journey…
* AJ Lee will soon begin her own “Battle of the Bang” to determine her position in the Hall…
* Maria Kanellis sits at three wins, one away from immortality…
* Tiffany will receive a new opportunity at the Hall as soon as the opportunity is available…

This Week: With one win, former HoB’er Brooke Tessmacher continues to try to earn her way back in, facing a tough new challenge this week in the form of Reby Sky!

BROOKE TESSMACHER!

REBY SKY!

The Choice Is Yours!

BROOKE TESSMACHER vs. REBY SKY
Take your pick and vote in the poll below!


Remember, you can vote multiple times—once every 12 hours.
And you can track the results right here, too!

Last week in the Wrestling 5&1…

Maria is like that friend of your best friend’s girlfriend.

She’s smoking hot and has always been friendly but beyond that has never really given you the time of day.

Your buddy begs you to accompany the three of them to a Fall Out Boy reunion concert and you reluctantly agree, in the slim hope that the friend will flash her tits at some point during the show.

By the end of the night everybody is pretty drunk and you find yourself being dragged into a cab with the friend heading back to her place. You start making out in the back seat and she begins to whisper all the things she plans to do to you.

Then you find yourself getting too excited and by the time she moves her hand towards your crotch, it’s already over.

You make some lame excuse about having to get up early the next day, hoping she doesn’t notice the wet, sticky spot on your pants, and as you watch her walk into her building, you know she saw it.

Not that this ever happened to me…it was my brother-in-laws second cousin…

Maria…definitely Maria.

Posted By: Frisco Kid

Ladies and gentlemen…The Frisco Kid!

I *LOVE* it when you cover Battleground Pro Wrestling.
Posted By: Guest#6711

That’s a very strong reaction, considering I believe it’s the first time I’ve covered them…

pretty sure kharma (and the sad baby situation) is to blame for her release, not wwe. she asked for time off-they obliged.
Posted By: Guest#3726

I’m not 100% sure it’s legal to fire someone over that, but I don’t know how the Family Medical Leave Act applies to independent contractors. Still, a bad move considering Linda is running for public office.

Without the title, Roode/Storm is pointless. The TNA marks will defend anything they do to their death though.
Posted By: Guest#7222

No. Ideally, it’s better with the title. But it’s a blood feud with or without the title.

The best thing about the Punk heel turn (I agree with you) is that it didn’t come straight out of nowhere. In the weeks leading up to Raw 1000, it was clear the things both Eve and the Big Show were saying to Punk were getting under his skin, especially since they were both correct in what they were saying. It was only a matter of time.
Posted By: Shaun OTD

It really was the best of both worlds…not straight out of nowhere, but not long overdue.

Just my opinion but Rock is reeeeeeally going to need to pick up his game promo-wise because Cena ran rings around him in almost every encounter they had.

Punk’s snarky shooty style will be much tougher for him to reply to with catchphrases and weak pop culture references.
Posted By: @ScottotD

In the court of public opinion, The Rock killed John Cena. I thought Cena did better than people gave him credit for. I think Punk will fare much better in a war of words with The Rock.

How is Maria beating Torrie FUCKING Wilson! Are you serious?! Torrie’s Top 5 Hottest Females in wrestling ever. Like FFS guys, pull your fingers out.
Posted By: Ryan Haseldine

That one is a tough call, Maria is a natural beauty, Torrie has had some help…

Any human being on the planet besides Frisco Kid… definitely any human being on the planet besides Frisco Kid.
Posted By: Rosalie Bender

That was a terrible parody of TFC.

When you think of TNAs Knockouts, you immediately think of Velvet Sky. Everyone else is WWE alumni (minus Madison Rayne). I’m talking about the ones that matter. It’s a terrible decision letting her go. She’s easily the no. 1 knockout in terms of popularity. WWE would be stupid not to sign her, send her to FCW for 6 months, teach her how to wrestle better then you’ve got a new Diva who actually has personality. They’re in serious need of some new divas.
Posted By: Ryan Haseldine

You bring up some great points, but would she be willing to go to FCW?

AJ getting in wa fixed and agree. Just happy layla in it. She is naturally beautiful and all the hate need to stop. Get over her race and see people for what they are. As for the battle. Torri all the was, when torrie first came out I thought she blew sable away. Atleast torrie had an ass, sable never did. Torrie smile is beautful as well.
Posted By: hitman

Fixed? Really…

Frisco Kid or all the people who hate him for having a sense of humor.
Seriously, do you guys go around scowling at babies and kicking puppies? Did your mom not hug you as a child? Or are you actually jealous of a guy just trying to make you laugh?
All the Frisco hate is just embarrassing.
Posted By: kangol

Well said, sir. You deserve this:

It’s just sad people on this site are falling for the Aj garbage. Just because she’s on TV and she’s funny she’s hot. Just like Maria was, except Maria was actually pretty.
Posted By: Guest#5603

I think you’re underrating the “girl next door” factor. It’s what Patrick O’Dowd likes to call “attainable hot.”

-Austin Aires losing at Destination X would only have been a problem for the X-Division, in my opinion, if the belief was that he’s the best that the X-Division has to offer.
I don’t agree with that sentiment on the simple fact that TNA was able to grab Kenny King, who has the potential to be, in my opinion, the 2nd coming of AJ Styles.
Posted By: scipio2009

You made a lot of great points, not just this one. But this was the best. They didn’t even know that King would fall into their laps when they planned the Aries title win, since it was the week of Destination X (contact was made July 3). Still, Aries was lightning in a bottle. You have no idea if King will catch fire as fast as Aries did. But still, you dropped some serious knowledge, making you…

I have to admit I don’t give much thought to how they set up the arena. I also don’t give much credence to anything Dixie posts. She’s a fucking mark, not as hot as some people seem to think, and generally a pain in the ass. Just my opinion.
Posted By: the ghost of Buddy Rogers

If you check out the Arena site, you’ll see the set-up—no stage. And ticket sales appear to be surprisingly strong.

I don’t get your wrestling hotties list. Is it supposed to be women actually in the business? Because Trish Stratus hasn’t been signed to a wrestling promotion in nearly a decade. She’d fit in more on a site dedicated to models. Same with Maryse.
Posted By: Guest#9600

My list? Dude, it’s your list—you being the readers. I rarely ever even vote. It’s the voice of the people, and with the polls that’s never been more true.

And for that clarification…

TNA’s recent decision to put their top title on Austin Aries coupled the booking of Samoa Joe in the Bound For Glory Series, I believe that TNA is building a new main event scene—very similar to what can be seen in the WWE. A main event scene where talent can be rotated in and out, keeping things relatively fresh for the viewing audience. And I think we’re looking at no less than ten…

Bobby Roode – Arguably the best world champion in company history, Bobby Roode made TNA’s world title important. He carried the belt like a true champion, making every challenger work hard to get a shot, and work even harder during their shot. He gave up everything—friends, family, fans—just to wear that title. And when he finally lost it, it was a huge. That run solidified Bobby Roode as a main event guy for TNA for years to come.

Austin Aries – Aries spent nearly a year as the promotion’s X-Division Champion, eventually surrendering that belt for one chance to be world champion. His star was on the rise, and TNA shocked everyone when they had Aries win. Well, everyone but me. I called it, and when TNA pulled the trigger they created a main event wrestler who fans love to get behind and who can deliver great performances both in the ring and on the microphone.

James Storm: “The Tennessee Cowboy” already has a world title run to his credit, and is embroiled in The Bound For Glory Series, a feud with Bobby Roode and the Aces & Eights situation. He’s being positioned as the “man of the people” and a showdown with Bobby Roode is expected for Bound For Glory (with the world title hanging in the balance).

AJ Styles: If any active competitor’s name is synonymous with TNA, it’s AJ Styles. He’s the true definition of a homegrown talent, winning nearly every company accolade in the organization’s 10-year history. He was the first wrestler to break through the X-Division and win the world title, and a feud with him offers instant credibility to any opponent he could have.

Mr. Anderson: Love him or hate him, Anderson is a big name who casual fans still respond to. And if you take of your “Anderson sucks” goggles, you’ll realize that he’s shown vast improvement during his latest TNA run, becoming a consistently entertaining in-ring performer.

Samoa Joe: Another heavily decorated TNA star, Joe is also one to consider a “homegrown talent” (sorry ROH fans). His partnership with Magnus seemingly rejuvenated his passion for the game, and he’s been simply fantastic during the BFG Series. Joe is best when booked as a frontrunner, and he’s occupying that position on the card now. There is some speculation that if Roode-Storm happens at Bound For Glory and not for the world title, that it will be Joe challenging Aries for the title.

Jeff Hardy: Hardy’s most recent sting with the company has been spectacular. Great in-ring performances and not one word about backstage strife or drug abuse. Hardy seems to be taking this second chance seriously, and he’s delivered many great showings for the company. While I personally don’t want to see him as world champion, I am okay with him in the main event challenger role.

Kurt Angle: In his 13-year career, Kurt Angle has truly accomplished it all. He easily belongs in the Hall of Fame of both the WWE and TNA, and despite losing a step in recent years he still puts on great matches with nearly every opponent. Along with Hardy and Anderson, he doesn’t come off like a WWE reject, he’s a top star in multiple companies.

Bully Ray: Bully Ray has really come into his own as a singles competitor—and character—over the last 12 months. He grew from being Immortal’s enforcer to being its captain, he pulled a great match out of Mr. Anderson at a time when Anderson wasn’t having great matches, and he was the hell counterpart what are likely the best matches of Abyss’s career. His feud with Austin Aries showed that he can work with wrestlers of any size, and that he can put someone else over strong.

Christopher Daniels: If anything good comes out of the Crack Whore Claire angle with AJ Styles (I liked it better when he was banging Dixie, honestly), it’s the opportunity for Christopher Daniels to finally shine as a top level heel. Daniels might actually be the best in-ring performer on the entire TNA roster. I can literally only think of one bad Daniels match I’ve seen in recent years, and that’s the “I Quit” match fiasco with AJ Styles at Bound for Glory 2011.

Honorable Mention – Rob Van Dam: RVD is still a very talented wrestler, and he can still go well into his 40’s. The problem for Rob is the fact that he was so damn great for so long that people can’t lower their expectations in 2012 and beyond. I think RVD has peaked, and of the “top level” talent on the TNA roster, I suspect he’ll be the first to be cut loose.

Outside of “The Ten,” I think TNA has other talents on the roster that could really surprise us over the next 12-24 months. The first, and most obvious, one is Magnus. Still in his mid-20’s, Magnus is actually among the youngest on the TNA roster. He has tremendous upside, a great look, and he can wrestle and talk. Another guy who could be huge—if used properly—is Gunner. I think a partnership with Kid Kash (if they choose to do that) could be great, and Gunner could easily grow from there. Crimson, who has all but disappeared, showed some great flashes after turning heel. Chavo Guerrero could see his TNA tenure lead to the biggest push of his career if things go well, and don’t count Robbie E out just yet. The guy is an amazing talent, and I honestly think that the gimmick—toned down just a little—could still work out.

You Decide: Is TNA building a rotational main event scene similar to that of the WWE?

Earlier in the week there was news making the rounds that WWE talent was apprehensive about the move to a three-hour RAW. The following can be found here:

Word is that the majority of WWE talents are said to be unhappy with Raw moving to three hours. The general feeling is that in the long run, the move will prove to be a bad idea.

Now, this news was ripped from the mighty Wrestling Observer, making it speculative at best. Honestly, it sounds like someone thought this might be happening backstage, and reported it as news [you know, like most news from The Observer].

But let’s take a look at the potential trains of thought here…

More Time = More TV Exposure, and Talent Wants To Be Featured On Television
For every Triple H appearance on Monday Night RAW, there is someone backstage not being used that wishes they were on TV instead. The move to three hours should open up more chances for talent to be used on television. Should. Will it? Who knows! We could see more legends appearances as the casual audience has really responded well to the small doses of nostalgia. I’ve long said that legends would be perfect for house show appearances as well; giving those fans something memorable from what is normally a fairly pedestrian evening at a house show.

Plus, we have the potential for social media oversaturation during the newly formatted RAW. The WWE was very efficient and effective in their use of social media during RAW 1000. That mix will allow them to focus more on the product and allow the social media to supplement the product, not replace it.

But in the end, more TV time should theoretically open up the chance for more TV time, this more opportunity.

Talent Wants To Work Longer Matches
Now, this is an assumption that far too many hardcore or smart fans make. The average WWE talent does not want to put on a 30-minute classic. CM Punk and Daniel Bryan are the exception, not the rule. And those of you immediately pointing to Dolph Ziggler need to stop and think—he said he wants to put on the best match, not the longest.

Longer matches equal more opportunity for “boring” chants, and more chances at injury. This is not appealing to talent, many of whom have either suffered an injury or have a road buddy who has. Injuries mean no house show or PPV bonuses and less chance for your merchandise to move. So longer matches could potentially mean less money—and no one wants that.

Talent Knows What Is Best For Business
Anyone who believes this notion is just as blind as the talents who feel this way. There’s a reason why you ideally don’t want talent booking your shows—especially if they’re working on that show. One of my favorite promotions to work with is Zero-1 USA’s Pure Pro Wrestling out here in Arizona. They have a great fan base and awesome, dedicated talent. The shows are put on and booked by two wrestlers, and they do a fantastic job of balancing being booker & being talent. But they recently held a tag team tournament in July that ended with—shocker—the two bookers as the tournament winners! Who knew! Now, they might be the most over team in the lockerroom (they are) and they might be the most experienced team in the lockerrom (almost), and they might have been the best choice to win the damn tournament (likely so), but you know that there will be a handful of wrestlers in the back who make a comment under their breath (or out loud) about the bookers winning the trophy.

Wrestling is a business, the talent knows that. Nine times out of ten, talent will look out for themselves. And if they don’t know one else would. A wrestling promoter will use you up and spit you out with no reservations.

But that doesn’t mean the talent should be trusted with important business decisions like the length of time of the flagship television program, one that’s been on the air for nineteen years.

So What Does It All Mean, Man?
At the end of the day, the answer is very simple. As fans, we have every right to be concerned with the product the WWE will give us in a three-hour RAW. But the talent should be happy for the potential for increased opportunities to get on TV, catch fire and make money. They know what’s best for their business, not the business.

You Decide: Should the talent shut-up and wrestle, or should they be very vocal with these concerns? Would you feel differently if you disagreed with their concerns?

So you might have heard the story of Team Ambition—Davey Richards, Tony Kozina, and Kyle O’Reilly—taking a $350 payment from Iowa promoter Jeremy Hall and leaving the APW event without wrestling. Obviously that sounds bad, but once you hear each side of the story…yeah, it still sounds bad!

There were three shows that involved Team Ambition last weekend: 3XW, MAGNUM Pro Wrestling and APW. All of the accounts seem to describe the same situations, but the motivation and reaction is greatly different according to who you talk to. Friday night’s event for 3XW seems to have gone on without a hitch. Saturday, MPW hosted a seminar for Team Ambition that started 45 minutes late, but was still fairly good outside of a comment from Davey Richards about mailing it in for the small indies. Saturday night, Tony Kozina decided to go into business for himself against 16-year old Ryan Kidd, legitimately stretching and choking the kid out—a YouTube video is easy to find, and I flat out refuse to post that here. Sunday, Richards, Kozina, and O’Reilly showed up well after the show started, demanded the card be reshuffled, demanded their payment up front and then snuck out the back door before wrestling a single match.

That’s the Reader’s Digest version. You can hear it from all parties:

Jeremy Hall, APW Booker
“Roughly a half hour later, with only 30 min left in the show, Davey arrives and storms into the locker room. I meet him at the door and ask to speak to him in person. I follow him outside and am greeted by everyone, Davey, Tony, Kyle and one of Davey’s trainees. Unknowingly I was walking into a verbal ambush. I can’t post most of the conversation here because of the language used by Davey. I was told at least twice that if this were “the old days, I would be taken around the corner and dealt with if the situation wasn’t fixed”. Was even informed that if he called Jim Cornette, he would tell Davey, and I quote, “Kick his ass.” Davey said they were there now, the shows not over we want to go on. Not out of fear, but as a means to resolve the situation I agreed to again change the ending of the show and have Davey and Kyle on the show. Davey said they wanted $375 upfront so they can “get the f*ck out of this town” as soon as it’s over. I agreed to pay upfront as a sign of good faith, if they would do it for $350. Davey agreed. To my understanding, situation now solved, an agreement has been met and cooler heads have prevailed.

They came inside, quickly began getting in gear to go wrestle. They asked how the match was going to go and quickly worked it out with the other athletes in the match. Davey came up to me in full gear, asked for the pay day, I gave it to him shook his hand and attempted to apologize and said I’m glad we could work something out. Unbeknownst to me, Tony had gathered up all their bags and taken them back to the car. Moments before they were to go out, Davey says “I forgot tape” and bolts out the door, into the car, and off down the road.

They gloat now about how they got one over on the small time chump in Milo, Iowa, now referring to themselves as Team Bandits. The reactions of everyone that was in the locker room and things that have been posted is a way of showing their individual outrage on the situation. I did not ask anyone to post or say anything. I appreciate the support from all my peers on the situation. It was never EVER about money and I never accused anyone of not putting on a quality performance. It was about me standing up for myself, my company, refusing to be taken advantage of and most importantly it was about the respect they demanded, but I was never shown in return.”

Kyle O’Reilly
Following my match the previous night and our training session that morning, my back had been giving me a lot of grief. After a full weekend of wrestling, and a full schedule of upcoming appearances, we decided amongst ourselves it would be best for everybody involved if we got our singles matches changed to an 8 man tag team match for the show. By no means was this an excuse to call it in and have a lazy match, this was simply a way of evening the work load and still putting his guys over clean in an outstanding 30 minute match. This request was met with hesitance from the promoter, claiming that his fans had expected specific singles matches from us and that he couldn’t come to an agreement with us on the matter. After several back and forth attempts of an agreement, he simply told us we were then cancelled off his show. “You can’t just cancel us like this” Tony replied, “I just did” was his response. Let me remind you we are in the middle of a cornfield laden highway in friggen Iowa and we’re being told that we no longer have a booking for today and to just go home.

Davey Richards and myself make a living from wrestling, being told to turn around and just drive home was insulting and disrespectful. At that moment, canceling us completely meant he owed us the full amount of pay whether we showed up or not. It’s understandable that he wanted specific matches and we were willing to work with him on the matter but cancelling us then and there shows a level of immaturity and ignorance. So after getting lost we finally arrive at the show an hour after bell time, which admittedly, isn’t unusual for us. This is where we supposedly threaten him. According to the promoter himself and one witness that was with him. Davey basically reiterated everything I just wrote about regarding our lives, how we wrestle for a living and how disrespecting Tony, a guy who trained us and paved the road is unacceptable. Davey just said it in his own words, which can come off as extremely intimidating and were obviously misconstrued as threats. We DO NOT threaten people unless it’s a matter that makes it completely justified like a fucking rapist is stalking your girlfriend. People with legitimate backgrounds are usually the last to threaten or hurt others. I spend almost every day being humbled by legitimate fighters who tap me out constantly, which is basically me admitting to them that they could have killed me but I tapped out so “please release the choke”. And they’re all cool as shit, the people who fulfill their own self-righteous agenda are the ones who pretend to be something they’re not and are more often then not bluffing and hiding something.

So after dealing with all of this we continue to negotiate some way for us to wrestle and make at least some of the money that we were promised. I’m starting to feel bad for the guy as he clearly has no idea how to run a wrestling promotion, (bear in mind I have no idea either). He then has the audacity to say and I quote:

“Well nobody here really knows who you guys are anyway…”

Well which way is it?! Do you have fans expecting certain singles matches out of us that you promised or do they not know who the fuck any of us are and it doesn’t matter if we do a damn 8 man tag?! It’s all well and fine if the 25 people there don’t know who we are, but don’t tell us something and then completely change your words. That statement was the breaking point for Davey and Tony. So we agreed to work a tag, Davey and myself against 2 of his guys, who I wont mention because after all the shit talking they’ve done in the last 24 hours they don’t deserve any more publicity. We take a pay cut, yet still enough to cover our gas and all of our food for the day, put our gear on, got paid and walked out the back door.

Was what we did wrong and unethical? Perhaps. Was what we did completely justified and reasonable? Perhaps. The fact of the matter was we felt disrespected and so “give and you shall receive”. The point being that sometimes you have to be the bad guy and stand up for what you believe in. I’ll be completely honest in saying the entire thing made me feel really uncomfortable and I felt a sense of guilt. Am I going to apologize? Absolutely not, because you have to live and die by the sword. Regardless of regrets, one must stand by their decisions and at the end of the day a guy disrespected two of my close friends that I look up to and that’s simply, morally wrong.

The majority of you reading this is probably in complete disagreement with me on the matter and thinks what went down in Milo, Iowa yesterday was a crime. Most of you reading this probably have a strong dislike for me, being my wrestling style, my selling, my promos and character ability (or lack there of) or just you know me and personally dislike me for whatever reason. I’m okay with that. Hopefully this whole incident won’t affect anybody’s desire to book me or Team Ambition. However, if it does that’s okay because I’m a man of honour and regardless of what you say or think I’m going to continue being the best possible professional wrestler I can be. I’m standing by the decision that was made whether I regret it or not. It’s in the past and to those people who are hiding behind a computer screen “Wishing Team Ambition would get in a car wreck and sustain career ending injuries” just makes me sad for you. You live everyday through other people’s successes and mistakes and you feed off it to just have something to talk about amongst your pro-wrestling sewing circle. To anybody making an overly elaborate blown out of proportion attempt to create hateful energy towards myself you can stop wasting your time. Go and read a book, put on some “Beatles”, smoke a fat joint and try to incorporate a little love and positivity in your life. Focusing on negative aspects only dumbs everyone around you down, get over it and move on. XOXO

(Credit goes to Kyle O’Reilly’s blog, which I won’t link to here out of principle.)

Jaysin Strife, Magnum Promoter
Jaysin appeared on Tuesday’s edition of The Greg DeMarco Show, pretty much confirming what happened on both Saturday and Sunday. Strife wrestled (and lost to) Davey on Saturday, and he ended up in the main event against Davey Richards & Kyle O’Reilly on Sunday—the main event that was never delivered by Team Ambition. Jaysin did make two statements not shared above that are very important and should not be left out. First, he did tell us that the $350 was paid back to Jeremy Hall of APW. Second, he admitted that he would never book Davey Richards, Kyle O’Reilly, or Tony Kozina again. The next day, the promotion announced that the winter rematch between Strife and Richards was cancelled.

Davey Richards
Richards issued a statement through 4FW Online, aka “The Observer.” You know, my favorite…

I don’t have any philosophic phrases like O’Reilly, nor empty threats which seems to be the darling way to be tough now-a-days behind the protective veil of the Internet (the quickest sure fire way to prove your an absolute coward). But what I do have is the truth and I’ll indulge you.

Now O’Reilly already told the story so and he’s a much more patient man than I so I’ll just drop the main points: I was trained that you don’t disrespect veterans. There’s a pecking order in this business, and if you go against it you get your ass handed to you. I was trained that the boys stick up for each other and don’t allow others to disrespect them, because it reflects on the business as a whole. So when a guy who took my seminar the day prior and all of a sudden, over text message (everyones got balls of steel behind texts/twitter/fb) disrespects the guy who helped bring me and Kyle up, and more importantly, my friend, I feel 100% justified taking action. So, not over text/twitter/fb but in person (I know, can you imagine some people actually confront people face to face?? Insanity!!) I tell this guy how disrespectful he was and if this was 10 yrs ago he would have gotten his ass beat. He agreed and apologized and insisted he shake Tony’s hand. Before this he tried and admitted to lying saying he didn’t know whom he was talking to on text so he didn’t know he was disrespecting Kozina (a lie Tony quickly called out as, and we have the text messages to prove, Tony said in the beginning, “This is Kozina”.)

Now understand I’m in the middle of Iowa, 7 hrs from home in the middle of corn fields (which is beautiful scenery btw) and this guy looked out and saw 25 people at his show, knew he was going to lose his ass and tried to cancel us off when we’re 2 hrs away. Tony and Kyle were hurt, an unfortunate and common aspect of how we train and work. So we tried to get an 8 man. The promoter at first said the fans paid to see singles (to which Tony responded, and we have the texts, “ok well do the singles”) which contradicted his later statement of “well noone here knows who you guys are”.

As far as me physically threatening him, sorry ace, never happened, and if you truly think it did – press charges! I have nothing to hide, do you?

I came to you face to face like a man, told you how I felt. I don’t do backstage rumors, gossip, social media tough guy stuff. I tell people how I feel in person and take full responsibly for it all.

Ok, and now to the blockbuster crime of the century: we took — wait for it — drum roll — people are on then edge of their seats — 350$!!!!!

Did I? I sure did, I took 350$ and left on Saturday. Tuesday afternoon I paypaled him — wait for it —– drum roll —- 350$ back!! So he lost —– 0 dollars! No one asked me to do this. I said to him, well here you read the text:

“Ok I’m going to pay pal you your money back. I never spent it, it was on principle. You’ll have it today. I’m sorry things got to this level. Please text me to let me know you got it. Yea dude it’s crazy. I don’t hold any grudges man. I wish you and your crew the best.”

I’ve said for years, I don’t talk, I do. I let him feel what we felt — to be disrespected an screwed. So the same thing doesn’t happen to another wrestler (remember what I said about the boys sticking up for the boys?).

I have the PayPal receipt as well to prove it.

Ok so stealing and threatening have been covered, what else?

Oh I know! Ya know I could, I could slander your name as you have mine, wished harm on you as you have me (the getting in a car wreck bit was sure classy) or I could post your phone number on a social media site like you did mine. But I won’t, I won’t hang at the bottom of the barrel with you buddy.

And really 15 min after this ordeal this loser is on twitter begging for a match in ROH, like a certain someone in the ROH office said, “This is this losers big shot at getting some attention and he’s going all out”. Well friend I’m not mentioning you by name. Your going to have to get attention the same way I did in this wacky business- work your ass off and earn it.

I know it’s the socially dictated right thing do to apologize and try to make amends. But c’mon that wouldn’t be ol DR now would it?

So instead of trying release myself from responsibly by saying it was “anger taking hold or it was emotionally driven actions and comments” I’ll simply say from the bottom of my heart that I don’t apologize for anything, I’m proud that I stood up for my friend, what I was taught, and how I was raised, and most of all what I believe to be right. I meant every word and every action and take full responsiblity.

I don’t talk, I act. I treat people how they treat me. I stand up for what I was taught and for my friends.

If I’m the bad guy for it, I welcome it with open arms. I’m more than willing to take shots for what I believe in.

I’ll always be the first help people out (ask Adam Cole, Eddie Edwards, Kenny Omega, Kyle O’Reilly, and countless others) but I will also to call out what I don’t believe to be right.

Maybe I just have rebel blood running through me, but I don’t bow down, I don’t keep my mouth shut, I don’t run from what I disagree with. I speak up, I stand up and I fight for what I believe in. That’s how I raised. If it’s the end of ol DR then I couldn’t be more proud.

It’s like my grandma used to say to me, “It’s better to hated for who you are than loved for who you’re not”.

In the end, to the guys in Iowa — god bless ya, I wish you guys nothing but success. Hopefully y’all wake up but that’s your cross to bear not mine.

I’ve said my peace on both Twitter and during The Greg DeMarco Show. You don’t steal out of principle. That’s violating one principle to uphold another—kind of backwards, eh? And you don’t stretch and choke out a guy in the ring to prove a point. This is 2012—wrestling isn’t a carnival side show any more. Well, except when Team Ambition turn it into one.

You Decide: Who do you think is “in the wrong” here?

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla announced the 2012 Battle of Los Angeles, complete with the first round match-ups. But before we get there, let’s check out the history of what many still consider to be the most prestigious independent tournament of the year.

2005: 16 participants, 2 nights, winner Chris Bosh
2006: 24 participants, 3 nights, winner Davey Richards
2007: 24 participants, 3 nights, winner CIMA
2008: 17 participants, 2 nights, winner Low Ki
2009: 16 participants, 2 nights, winner Kenny Omega (also wins the vacant PWG Championship)
2010: 18 participants, 2 nights, winner Joey Ryan
2011: 8 participants, 1 night, winner El Generico

This year, the tournament returns to its roots, a 16-man 2-night tournament—however it didn’t originally start that way. The event was booked for one night as a 12-man event, but an event was cancelled in Reseda, allowing the company to add the second night and increase the field to 16. It’s a great field, featuring a good mix of Southern California and fly-in talent. First row tickets for both nights were sold out at a record pace, and the event is expected to be one of the promotion’s most successful of 2012.

Take a look at the first round match-ups, courtesy of ProWrestlingGuerrilla.com
Adam Cole vs. El Generico (2011 Battle of Los Angeles winner)
Michael Elgin vs. Davey Richards (2006 Battle of Los Angeles winner)
Ricochet vs. “Mr. Wrestling” Kevin Steen (PWG World Champion)
Eddie Edwards vs. Kyle O’Reilly
Sami Callihan vs. Willie Mack
TJ Perkins vs. Joey Ryan (2010 Battle of Los Angeles winner)
B-Boy vs. Brian Cage
Roderick Strong vs. Drake Younger

The company is also notorious for throwing on a tag match or two, and a multi-man match on night two with the previous night’s losing wrestlers. I am excited for this card, as it delivers each year. Last year we dropped down to a one night event, so I’m glad to see a two-night BOLA.

You Decide: Do you like the big indie style tournaments?

Are you an independent wrestling promoter, wrestler or fan looking to get more exposure for your promotion? Send me an e-mail at [email protected] and I will check it out! Each week, one independent promotion will be featured in this column. Because independent wrestling is the future of the business.


This week’s independent promotion is…
NWA HOUSTON!

From the NWA Houston website:

NWA Houston is an associate member (operating within the NWA Lone Star territory) of the oldest and most storied wrestling alliance in the world, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). NWA Houston’s inaugural show “April’s Fools” took place on April 8, 2011.

Prior to the birth of Squared Circle Entertainment LLC and NWA Houston, the Taylor family, lead by Tugboat Taylor, promoted professional wrestling shows in Houston for over 13 years under the name World of Wrestling (WoW). The Taylors also train professional wrestlers.

With a professional and solid ownership group in place, Chris and Chaz have established the hottest professional wrestling show in the region. Squared Circle Entertainment LLC, dba NWA Houston, runs shows on the 2nd Friday of every month at their home arena, VFW 8905 in Cypress Texas.

The Card:

NWA Houston Presents “Back To The Old School II”
August 10, 2012, bell time 7:30pm
VFW Post 8905, 21902 Highway 290, Cypress TX

6 Person Tag Team Match – Scot Summers, Ryan Genesis and Jen Alise versus Carson, Mike Dell and Barbi Hayden

NWA World Jr. Heavyweight Title Match – “Modern Day Hero” Kevin Douglas puts the title on the line against current NWA Lone Star Jr. Heavyweight Champion David Duperon

NWA Lone Star Women’s Title Match – Rachel Summerlyn puts her title on the line against Bree Ann

NWA Lone Star Tag Team Championship Match – “The Path of Resistance” Ray Rowe and Jax Dane defend their titles against Austin Rhodes and Brent McKenzie (formerly known as Bubba Dumplins).

Darin Childs has circumvented the ban placed by Tony Brooklyn and has convinced the NWA Board of Directors to award him a match against Barrett Brown at this event. Should Childs win, he will get a shot at the NWA World Jr. Heavyweight Championship held by “Modern Day Hero” Kevin Douglas at a future event.

Mysterious Q vs Byron Wilcott

Jasper Davis vs Joey Diamond

For more information, head over to NWA Houston’s website here.
Like their Facebook page here.

The Greg DeMarco Show with Jessie Belle, Jaysin Strife and Su Yung!

The Greg DeMarco Show, presented by 411Mania.com/Wrestling, streams all weekend at VOCNation.com. Greg and Patrick O’Dowd are joined by regular contributors Tony Acero, Justin Freemyer, Chad Perry and the First Lady of the VOC Nation—WrestlingMarx girl “The Guilty Pleasure” Leanne Marie! Plus, you never know who might call in or stop by “The Snake Pit” (chatroom).

This week: Greg and Patrick are joined by special guest Jessie Belle!

Jessie Belle discusses her career to date, including her training, her Tough Enough fiancé, the Tracy Smothers controversy and life back at OVW. Plus, find out how much of a country girl she really is! Tune in for this can’t miss interview!

Jaysin Strife, who worked with Davey Richards and Team Ambition over this previous weekend, weighs in on his experiences on the trio and their dealings in Iowa, including walking out of a show after receiving payment.

Last week’s surprise sensation Su Yung makes a surprise call to the program, and proceeds to steal the show once again!

Plus, Greg and Patrick provide updated thoughts on AW’s Kobe Bryant/Colorado comment, Tony Acero & Chad Perry weigh in on Monday’s RAW and much more!

Click here to listen, or stream it now:

Listen to internet radio with Greg DeMarco on Blog Talk Radio

About the show: The Greg DeMarco Show with Greg DeMarco & Patrick O’Dowd, presented by 411Mania and streaming worldwide through the Voice of Choice Nation—airs live every Tuesday at 10:30 PM eastern time and is heard by over 10,000 listeners throughout each week. Discussing current events in professional wrestling—including WWE RAW, WWE Smackdown, TNA, Ring of Honor and many US independent promotions and regularly featuring guests from Ring of Honor, Extreme Reunion, Chikara Pro, and countless other promotions, Greg and Patrick present opinionated analysis on the wrestling world that remains rooted in a love, passion and respect for the industry. The show is presented live on Tuesday nights by 411Mania at http://www.411wrestling.com/wrestling and streams worldwide each Saturday through Monday via Bruce Wirt’s Voice of Choice Nation at http://www.vocnation.com. You can reach the show via e-mail at [email protected], Facebook by searching for “Greg DeMarco Show” or Twitter @gregdemarcoshow.

Hit up the ‘Mania on the TWITTER (so Ashish will like me, okay?)

http://www.twitter.com/411mania
http://www.twitter.com/411wrestling
http://www.twitter.com/411moviestv
http://www.twitter.com/411music
http://www.twitter.com/411games
http://www.twitter.com/411mma
http://www.twitter.com/gregdemarcoshow – that’s me!

Bringing back another old reader favorite, from week 19…former Tough Enough contestant Rima Fakih!

Should she take another stab a wrestling, or is it best she stayed away?

Get reading!

Randle’s Wrestling News Experience!
The News from Cook’s Corner!
Marisco’s Wednesday Wire!
Kelly’s Thursday Sports Entertainment News!
Napier’s Handicapping the News!
Fact or Fiction!

Tony Acero presents The Low End Theory!

Plenty to talk about in the comments!
Can TNA create an effective rotational main event scene?
Should the talent really complain about a 3-hour RAW?
What was your reaction to the Team Ambition walk-out?
Should Rima Fakih ever return to wrestling?

Until next time…

Find me:

Listen to the show!

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