Showing posts with label Independent Wrestling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Independent Wrestling. Show all posts
Editor-in-chief of ReviewFix.com, Patrick Hickey Jr., joins The Mark Out to discuss the Dudley Boyz Tag Team Classic video game tournament set for next Friday, December 9, at Brooklyn Video Games in Bay Ridge.
With several tournaments under ReviewFix's belt, Hickey talks about how partnering with Brooklyn Video Games has brought gamers together and how next week's No Mercy tournament on Nintendo 64 figures to do the same.
"I figured with the Dudley Boyz retiring from the WWE this year, it would be a good time to commemorate them," Hickey said.
Hickey also covers the involvement of Tier 1 wrestling, giveaways, and the possibility of future tournaments.
Listen in below:
Former UFC fighter and current EVOLVE superstar Matthew Riddle joins the podcast to cover a variety of topics. Following his physical bout vs. Caleb Konley at Tier 1 Wrestling's 'Meteoric' event recently, Riddle discussed his jump from MMA to wrestling, why he's not signed to WWE and why he'd turned an offer to join them, being denied a spot on the Cruiserweight Classic, and so much more. Also, next week's guest is revealed.
Before last Wednesday's Tampa Bay Rays vs. Los Angeles of Anaheim baseball game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, current Ring of Honor World champion and Tampa resident, Jay Lethal, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Lethal has held the ROH World championship for 387 days. Most recently, Lethal defeated Jay Briscoe at ROH's Best in the World and Kyle O'Reilly the following night to retain his championship.
The 31-year-old Lethal is scheduled to defend his championship against independent wrestling legend Colt Cabana on July 16 at Aftershock in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
For Information on all upcoming Ring of Honor events visit ROHWrestling.com.
TNA IMPACT Wrestling's newest superstar, Caleb Konley, joins The Mark Out Podcast to discuss his newest home. The well-traveled, decade-long veteran talks about his journey from North Carolina, to one of the top wrestling promotions around. Konley also talks about being trained by his dad (a former pro wrestler and musician), his time at EVOLVE, Full Impact Pro, Paragon Pro Wrestling, how long his TNA deal is and so much more.
BAY RIDGE -- "The Man of Steel" Mike Verna had a night for the ages at Five Borough Wrestling's (FBW) Proving Ground on Friday night, defeating longtime rival Talon and later winning the promotion's championship in the main event.
FBW general manager PJ Stackpole addressed the crowd to start the show; alongside the menacing DJ Hyde. Stackpole, disappointed by the outcome of the 30-man over the top rope battle royal at Standing Tall, called Verna, Talon, and Rude Boy Riley to the ring. Stackpole berated the trio of superstars and made some late changes.
For starters, Stackpole announced that Anthony Gangone, the winner of the battle royal, would be invoking his right to challenge for the world title.
Also, instead of Verna and Talon's original bout against the Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) Tag Team champions TV Ready (Pepper Parks/BLK Jeez), the two men were pitted against each other in a one-on-one match. The winner would be added to the evening's main event bout for the FBW championship. The loser would be fired.
Finally, if Riley defeated former NXT superstar Bull James (Dempsey), he would also be added to the main event.
Verna pinned Talon in the show's opening contest after hitting his signature sit-down spinebuster. Reluctantly celebrating his victory, Verna seemed conflicted about the win and the implications it had of ending Talon's FBW stint. After the match, Stackpole -- who was sitting ringside with Hyde -- extended his hand to Talon but received a middle finger instead. Hyde took out Talon with a vicious lariat.
Hyde remained in the ring as he was a part of the next match, an FBW Five-Way that included Logan Black, Mike Donovan, Joe Gacy and Rex Lawless. A lot of high-flying action came in this match but Hyde, with his signature lariat to Donovan, was victorious.
The next match was upstart Maxwell Jacob Feinstein facing IMPACT Wrestling's newest signee, Caleb Konley. Konley was in control throughout most of the match, using his crisp style of offense to keep the brash youngster off balance. However, in a surprising twist, MJF pinned Konley after spearing "The Obsession" in mid air.
Bay Ridge native Kevin Matthews took on Crusade for Change (CFC) member Darius Carter in the next bout. Matthews was vocal throughout the match, mentioning his WWE developmental stint and that he got former NXT head trainer Bill DeMott fired. Carter seemed finished following Matthews' signature Ego Driver but fellow CFC member Anthony Gangone interfered. The distraction provided Carter with the breathing room he needed, hitting Matthews with the Foreclosure (Codebreaker) for the win.
In the final match before intermission, "The Product" David Starr made his FBW return to face "The Dirty Daddy" Chris Dickinson. The fans and their colorful streamers filled the ring as the two technicians exchanged droves of their signature moves. Starr won the match following after hitting Dickinson with a brainbuster onto his knee.
Before the action resumed, Dickinson and Milk Chocolate member Randy Summers hit the ring to announce the winner of the evening's 50/50 raffle. The raffle was designed to help Summers' tag team partner Brandon Watts as he suffered a serious neck injury. An emotional Summers thanked the crowd but Dickinson heard enough and assaulted Summers, saying he's sick of people like him and that he will end up next to Watts in the hospital.
The FBW Tag Team championship match was the first match after intermission as CFC (TJ Marconi and Stockade) retained the titles against Massage NV (VSK and Dorian Graves), and the unique pairing for BLK Jeez and "The Greek God" Papadon.
Riley's bid to be included in the main event was thwarted by James in the penultimate match of the night. Riley tried to get under James' skin throughout the match, at one point shouting "EVEN NXT DIDN'T WANT HIM!"
With Riley's loss, the main event became official: A fatal fourway featuring Verna, Gangone, Eddie Kingston, and champion Brian Myers.
The match took some time to get underway as Kingston was having a good time arguing with the fans. When the action commenced, it got physical and gruesome at times. Gangone suffered a deep cut above his forehead that later required five stitches but during the match, his entire forehead was covered in blood.
Kingston was determined to win the title, especially after his various Twitter exchanges with Myers before the show. There was a unique spot where all four men went for a superkick at once, ending with all four men kicked in the jaw, falling on their back as the crowd erupted. CFC interfered but could not stop Verna who pinned Gangone following a sitout spinebuster for the victory.
Myers congratulated Verna in the ring but he and Kingston continued their war of words, possibly indicating that their rivalry still has more chapters to be written.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Side Notes
- Both Sami Callihan (injury) and Brian Cage (scheduling conflict) were pulled about a week before the show. Callihana adressed the matter on Twitter, promising the FBW fans he would appear at a later date.
Apology to the fans of @fiveboroughwres, & @XciteWrestling. I have to pull out of next weeks events. I WILL be there soon to make up 4 it!
- Milk Chocolate member Brandon Watts suffered a serious neck injury at Beyond Wrestling just days before the show. FBW hosted a 50/50 raffle during Proving Ground to help with Watts' medical expenses. His partner, Randy Summers, also announced that a show in Watts' honor would be held in the future as another means of helping him. Watts is expected to miss anywhere from three to six months of in-ring time.
- Brian Myers' reign as FBW Heavyweight champion was the second longest in the company's history -- a mere five days short of surpassing Papadon's reign (via CageMatch.net). Anthony Nese is the only other wrestler to hold the championship. Myers had high praise for the new FBW champion, Mike Verna, after the show.
It's was a wild ride being the @fiveboroughwres Champion. The title is in good hands w/ @ManOfSteelMV though. Do it proud brother. #LGM
- With the win, Verna now holds the FBW, Fighting Spirit Wrestling, and Dynasty Pro Wrestling Heavyweight titles.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Quick Results
Pre-Show
Vinny Pacifico def. TK Luther the 5th
Sonny Kiss def. Jared Evans
Main Card
Mike Verna def. Talon
Five Borough Five-Way: DJ Hyde def. Mike Donovan, Logan Black, Rex Lawless, and Joe Gacy
Maxwell Jacob Feinstein def. Caleb Konley
Darius Carter def. Kevin Matthews
David Starr def. Chris Dickinson Five Borough Wrestling Tag Team Championships: Crusade for Change (TJ Marconi/Stockade) def. Massage NV (VSK/Dorian Graves) and BLK Jeez/Papadon
Bull James def. Rude Boy Riley
Five Borough Wrestling Heavyweight Championship: Mike Verna def. Anthony Gangone, Eddie Kingston and Brian Myers
BROOKLYN, NY -- Making both their Brooklyn, New York and iPPV debut, Tier 1 Wrestling (T1W) brought a fast-paced, storyline-oriented style of professional wrestling to the American Legion at 5601 Avenue N as the company presented March To Victory last Sunday night.
Teaming with World Wrestling Network (WWN Live) for the first time, T1W had surprising twists and debuts prepared before the hot dogs were cooked and salt on the pretzels at concessions had settled.
In the opening bout, “Wrestling's Richest Prize” and Crusade for Change member Darius Carter defeated the energetic Fred Yehi. Yehi had his adversary off balance for most of the bout until an errant elbow brought Carter from the precipice of defeat. Carter finished off Yehi with his finisher, the Foreclosure (Codebreaker).
Celebrating his victory with a blissful arrogance, Carter was surprised by “The Juice” JT Dunn who was making his T1W debut. After a heated exchange, Dunn dropped Carter with Death by Elbow as the crowd let out an electric roar.
“The fans were treated to every style of pro-wrestling under the sun; some of their favorites, and some new faces,” T1W management said in a statement to The Mark Out after the show. “These talented guys and girls were exposed to fans all around the country and the world, and that's a huge success in our book.”
An action-packed six-way elimination bout featuring Gran Akuma, Black Baron, Joey Ace, "Colossal" Mike Law, Nutrious X and JustNeph was next. The action was all over the ring but Law and Nutrius X soared above it, keeping the crowd thrilled with various dives to the outside of the ring. At one point, all six men formed a tarantula like scene as everybody applied a submission hold.After chopping Akuma's chest to a near bloody pulp, the newcomer Baron rolled him up to win the bout.
The next bout was arguably the most violent as “The American Nightmare” Logan Black took on “The Elite Athlete” Mike Orlando (w/ Miss New York) in a street fight. Most of the match was fought on the outside, even spilling into the crowd. Former UFC fighter and current EVOLVE superstar Matt Riddle was checking out the match from the merchandise tables and aided Black with a water bottle.
With assistance from Juba – who was thought to be acting as security for Miss New York – Black defeated Orlando. Miss New York looked to be in danger before Booty and the Beast (Alex Mason & Sonny Kiss) made the save.
The VALKYRIE Women's Showcase bout pitting Aja "Super" Perera (w/Nina Monet) against 'The Clockwork Angel' Katred (w/Dementia DeRose) was short-lived and led directly to arguably the most anticipated showdown of the night. Perera won with a kick to the back of Katred's head.
EVOLVE champion Timothy Thatcher taking on NXT superstar, “The Psycho Killer” Tommaso Ciampa followed. This match was comprised of two parts: the first being a technical wrestling clinic and then an all-out brawl facilitated by Ciampa's mean streak. The viciousness of all the moves resonated throughout the building as fans were split 50/50.
On the verge of victory and a future T1W title shot, Ciampa was stopped by a jaw-shattering headbutt from Thatcher, putting him down for the three count. The crowd showed its appreciation for the two competitors and their physically grueling match – something that didn't go unnoticed with T1W officials.
“Fans can expect change,” T1W management added. “We want to keep things fresh. New faces. New matches, but always with a purpose. Once someone gets hooked here, they're always going to have something to follow. We pride ourselves developing careers rather than just being a pit-stop.”
The next bout was a fatal four-way tag team contest. Alex Mason/Sonny Kiss vs. Monkey Flip (Space Monkey/Travis Gordon) vs. Spring Street Suicide Squad (Ken Lee & Chris Crunk) vs. Milk Chocolate (Randy Summers & Brandon Watts) brought everything from pre-match rap battles (Summers vs. Crunk) and twerk-offs (Watts vs. Kiss) to in-match superkick parties. Monkey Flip edged out their competition after Gordon nailed a corkscrew moonsault.
“The Unpredictable” JGeorge vs. “Bonesaw” Jessie Brooks and vSk vs. “All Ego” Ethan Page were the final two bouts before the main event. JGeorge dominated Brooks for most of their Last Person Standing match, taunting her and disrespecting her -- a scene that appeared to make some in the crowd uncomfortable. However, Brooks couldn't exact her revenge as JGeorge's FEDERATED comrades (Ace Romero & vSK) interfered, costing her the match.
Page and a returning Fallah Bahh scared off FEDERATED from causing more damage. Bahh lured vSK back into the ring for his scheduled match with Page. There was conviction with each strike from Page as he was looking to put away vSK. However, "The Clockwork Angel" Katred, fresh off her loss earlier in the night, interfered and cost Page the match.
The main event was next. "The Fresh Prince of Shaolin" and T1W champion Rude Boy Riley took on "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese. With the T1W title on the line, Nese brought his swift kicks and instant offense, keeping Riley off balance early. Riley had the crowd firmly in his corner but the savvy veteran Nese seemingly had a counter to everything until he caught one of the champion's signature knees to the face.
With Riley in control, Nese seemed to create moves as he went, hitting Riley with a unique version of a pump handle slam -- still not enough for a win. A missed 450 splash proved to be Nese's mistake as Riley followed that mishap with a pop-up knee to the face for the win.
Gran Akuma assaulted Riley after the main event, laying out the champion with the Rubix Cube. The maneuver looked devastating as Riley was nearly dropped on his head. The crowd was stunned as T1W went off the air with their champion a mangled wreck.
Despite the ending, T1W, and its fans enjoyed arguably their most successful show yet and their partnerships and other ventures are booming.
"After 'March To Victory', it's safe to say that the relationship between Tier 1 and WWNLive is stronger than ever. It was a huge test for us, and everything went according to plan. We would say smoothly, but things are never smooth in this business. It's just the nature of the beast. The future holds more good business, that's for sure."
An announcement regarding the company's next show is expected for next week.
To watch this event, you can purchase it on iPPV at this link. For other recaps of this event, you can head on over to 411Mania,
Quick Results Darius Carter Brass Ring Invitational: Darius Carter defeated Fred Yehi via Foreclosure Six-Way Elimination Fray: Gran Akuma vs. Black Baron vs. Joey Ace vs. "Colossal" Mike Law vs. Nutrious X vs. JustNeph
Law eliminates JustNeph
Nutrious X pins Law
Baron pins Nutrious X
Akuma submits Ace
Baron pins Akuma for victory
Street Fight: Logan Black defeated Mike Orlando w/Miss New York Valkyrie Women's Professional Wrestling Showcase: Aja "Super" Perera w/Nina Monet defeated "The Clockwork Angel" Katred w/Dementia DeRose First Time Ever Attraction Bout: Timothy Thatcher defeated Tomasso Ciampa
Fatal Four-Way Tag Team Match: Monkey Flip (Space Monkey/Travis Gordon) defeated Booty and the Beast (Alex Mason/Sonny Kiss), Spring Street Suicide Squad (Ken Lee & Chris Crunk), and Milk Chocolate (Randy Summers & Brandon Watts).
Last Person Standing: "The Unpredictable" JGeorge defeated "Bonesaw" Jessie Brooks
Grudge Match: vSk defeated "All Ego" Ethan Page
T1W Title Match: Rude Boy Riley (c) defeated Tony Nese
Film director/producer Mark Chervinsky's newest project is the documentary 'At What Cost? Anatomy of Professional Wrestling.' After dabbling in the production of various wrestling-related projects and mainstream television shows -- such as 'The Biggest Loser,' 'The Apprentice,' and more -- Chervinsky has completed a four-year journey that focuses on the trials and tribulations of being in the professional wrestling industry.
In this 95-minute documentary, Chervinsky leaves his Los Angeles home to scour the industry and talk to several notable performers, such as Diamond Dallas Page, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Paul London, and more. In addition to several mainstays on the independent circuit, Chervinsky digs into the wrestlers' mind, trying to find their passion for the industry and all the sacrifices they have made in search of success.
Part 2 of The Mark Out's exclusive interview features Chervinsky describes the process of putting this documentary together, his impression of the business after completing it and more.
Listen to Part 2 below:
This movie is available now. You can either rent this movie ($3.99/72-hour stream period) or purchase the entire documentary ($9.99). You can do so at this link.
BROOKLYN, NY -- Tier 1 Wrestling will make its debut in Brooklyn, New York, as the promotion presents 'March to Victory' on Sunday, March 20th, from the American Legion at 5601 Avenue N, the company announced via press release on Tuesday.
Tony Nese [Photo by Sulaiman Larokko]
The card is set to feature a slew of exciting action, including a first time ever bout pitting current EVOLVE champion Timothy Thatcher against former Ring of Honor (ROH) champion "Unbreakable" Michael Elgin. Also, "The Premiere Athlete" Tony Nese will make his Tier 1 Wrestling debut to challenge for the promotion's title in a match that is to be determined.
Current Tier 1 Wrestling champion Rude Boy Riley defends his title against 'The International King of Swerve' Shane Strickland.on February 27th at Revival Pro Wrestling's 'Clear and Present Danger.' If Strickland wins the title, the match at 'March to Victory' will be a triple threat match. If Riley retains his championship, the title match will be a one-on-one contest versus Nese.
"We're incredibly excited to be bringing this show to the world via WWNLive.com," said Tier 1 Wrestling promoter Dennis Long. "We have a great list of talent that's hell-bent on breaking out and flipping the business on its ear, so it's definitely gonna be an exciting night."
This event will be the first time Tier 1 Wrestling can be watched live on iPPV. The triumvirate of EVOLVE 56, 'March to Victory,' and EVOLVE 57 can be viewed on WWNLive.com and those who order all three shows will get the chance to view a video on demand (VOD) of their choosing from WWNLive's library in addition to one of the past three Tier 1 Wrestling shows.
Names such as "All Ego" Ethan Page, Darius Carter, Nutrious X, VsK, Sonny Kiss, Milk Chocolate, "The Elite Athlete" Mike Orlando, and a soon-to-be-announced former ECW and WWE superstar are all scheduled to appear. For a full list of the names set for the show, you can view it at this link.
Having hosted their first three shows in Queens and Long Island, Tier 1 Wrestling will make it way to Brooklyn for the first time. With local promotions such as Five Borough Wrestling and others having hosted some classic shows and matches at the American Legion, Tier 1 Wrestling will look to follow suit.
"Brooklyn is becoming an increasingly popular destination for pro-wrestling, and it's known for being very progressive, so it's fitting that a company like Tier 1 is going to be taking center stage there," said Long. "We're very big on what we like to call 'The Youth Movement,' so putting some of pro-wrestling's most exciting young stars on display in Brooklyn is definitely going to be special."
[Photo courtesy of Tier 1 Wrestling]
After not hosting a show since the end of December last year, Five Borough Wrestling (FBW) will look to kick off 2016 in style as the promotion switches venues. No longer emanating from the American Legion on Ave. N, FBW will host its first show at St. Finbars Church located at 138 Bay 20th Street in Brooklyn, NY this Friday evening
Friday's card features FBW's usual mix of mainstays, sizzling debuts, and potential classic bouts that are sure to keep the Bay Ridge faithful entertained throughout. Former WWE superstar and current Ring of Honor (ROH) mainstay Cliff Compton will make his FBW debut. After Kenny Omega's sterling debut at Season's Last Wish, Compton will give it his best try to impress the FBW crowd in his first outing.
"The Juice" JT Dunn will be making his FBW return -- filling in for Global Force Wrestling NEX*GEN Champion Sonjay Dutt. Also, best friends will turn rivals for one night only as the FBW Heavyweight Championship will be on the line with a hometown favorite looking to add to his already impressive resume.
While a Crusade for Change still looms, it's sure to be an action-packed evening to see who's Standing Tall at the end of the event as a 30-man, over the top rope battle royal will crown the next No.1 contender for the FBW Heavyweight Championship.
Let's take a look at the scheduled matches.
Massage- NV (VSK & Dorian Graves) vs. Milk Chocolate (Brandon Watts & Randy Summers):Making their FBW debut, the team of Massage-NV will look to bring the fight to one of FBW's most popular tag teams. Speaking of the match, VSK promised Summers and Watts a disappointed result in a pre-taped video, saying that "at the end of the night, our debut at FBW, we are going to have a happy ending." Coming off an impressive -- but losing --showing against Crusade for Change members TJ Marconi and Stockade, Milk Chocolate will look to get back on track with a victory over the FBW newcomers.
House of Glory Elite Championship: JT Dunn vs. Anthony Gangone (c): After a controversial victory over GFW NEX*GEN Champion Sonjay Dutt, Anthony Gangone was set to defend his HOG Elite Championship against Dutt in a rematch. However, Dutt couldn't be at FBW this Friday, so "The Juice" JT Dunn will look to unseat Gangone from his throne as champion. While Dunn was not present at the last FBW show, he's still been extremely busy on the independent circuit, continually testing his skills against the best in the industry. Gangone has shown himself to crafty and resilient in retaining the HOG Elite title, but Dunn has proven time and time again that he will not back down from a fight -- whether it be in the ring or his personal life. With those factors present, it makes this match a potential show stealer and possibly the end of Gangone's reign. However, with Gangone's Crusade for Change buddies always lurking, Dunn may end up in a handicapped situation.
Five Borough Wrestling Tag Team Championships: Flawless & Lawless (Blake Morris and Rex Lawless) Open Challenge: Flawless & Lawless have been dominating the tag team scene in the New York area recently and their victory over Team Tremendous (Bill Carr and Dan Barry) at Season's Last Wish furthered that statement. After the win, the duo issued an open challenge to any tag team on the independent scene for an FBW Tag Team Title match at Standing Tall. Several teams have made their case and any tag team is eligible. Could The Young Bucks make their FBW return and accept the challenge? Maybe Team Tremendous will want a rematch? Perhaps tag team champions from another promotion could answer the challenge? Nobody is sure who the tag team will be but Friday's show will answer that question.
"The Greek God" Papadon vs. Rude Boy Riley: Also making his return to FBW, Rude Boy Riley will look to defeat the braggadocious former FBW Heavyweight Champion Papadon. In arguably the match of the night at Season's Last Wish, Papadon defeated former TNA superstar and current GFW competitor Jigsaw in a technical masterpiece. However, with the most recent image of Riley in an FBW ring being a complete beatdown by Crusade for Change, the current Warriors of Wrestling Champion will certainly give the savvy veteran Papadon a run for his money. While the match may give the crowd a lot to cheer about, fans in the audience better come to the show with a layer of thick skin as Papadon will undoubtedly want some time on the microphone, which doesn't bode well for anybody's feelings.
Standing Tall Rumble: FBW's version of a Royal Rumble meeting Money in the Bank will include 30 entrants, all battling it out for an opportunity at the FBW Heavyweight Championship. However, the winner not only gets a championship match, he or she can utilize that opportunity at anytime, anywhere for one full year. Who knows, the winner could choose to cash-in their chance at the end of the night. There are currently 25 confirmed entrants in the match.
You can read up on each of these competitors by clicking on their names. FBW looked at each competitor in a series of spotlight posts on Facebook.
FBW is promising five surprise entrants in the Standing Tall Rumble match. With 25 confirmed entrants and 5 surprises, there's no telling who will leave Bay Ridge as the winner.
Five Borough Wrestling Heavyweight Championship: Kevin Matthews vs. Brian Myers (c): Fighting as a united front against Combat Zone Wrestling's (CZW) DJ Hyde and David Starr in recent months, Matthews and Myers will put all of that aside as they fight it out for FBW's richest prize. A native of Bay Ridge, Matthews will look to leave St. Finbars Church with the FBW gold as he battles his close friend and at times bitter rival. At Season's Last Wish, Myers surprised Starr with a spear and retained his title in all of five seconds. But, Matthews, coming off an impressive win over Drew Gulak at the last show, should be familiar with Myers' tactics. Thus, this bout between a Brooklyn native and the Queens native will be not just a fight for FBW gold, but borough supremacy.
Sonjay Dutt has been a staple in the professional wrestling industry since his debut for Total Nonstop Action (TNA) in 2003 when the company was just a year old. In fact, Dutt is viewed by some as a TNA Original in the same breath as AJ Styles, James Storm, Bobby Roode, and others – despite never being a titleholder with the company.
But if it weren’t for TNA giving Dutt a chance in 2003 – which turned into a six-and-a-half year stint with the company – the high-flying and acrobatic Dutt might not have made it in the business.
“When I first came into Nashville at the Fairgrounds on a Wednesday night, I was like 20 years old and I thought I would be there for the next two weeks, maybe one week, and it turned into six-and-a-half years straight,” said Dutt. “It afforded me a life and a lifestyle I would never thought I’d have in pro wrestling, it afforded me the opportunity to support myself, and then, later on, my wife and my family, which is the most important thing for me.”
It's rare to enter a foreign country as an outsider and grow into one of the country's own, but New Japan Pro Wrestling's (NJPW) Kenny Omega has done so while becoming pro wrestling's version of a video game character.
Among the moves and concepts Omega has incorporated into his act include a double palm thrust to his opponent's chest that he calls the Hadouken, taken from Street Fighter. Also, Omega's current gimmick of “The Cleaner” was directly inspired by combining Neo from The Matrix and Albert Wesker from Resident Evil. Additionally, Omega has performed Zangief's Ultra from Ultimate Street Fighter 4 and wears the shades that Marion Cobretti wore in the 1986 Sylvester Stallone film, Cobra.
While that entire persona and the antics have gotten Omega extremely popular in Japan – where he lives full-time and fluently speaks the language -- it's always a concern that the American audience won't be as receptive to his shtick.
Listen to the interview below:
[Image via NJPW]
After numerous reports of WWE apparently acquiring the rights to the Bullet Club name, it has been confirmed that the New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) still owns the name.
Early Thursday afternoon, the Pro Wrestling Tee's Instagram account commented on a picture of a new t-shirt for the remaining Bullet Club members -- now known as The Elite.
The comment indicated that WWE acquired the rights to the Bullet Club.
Here's a screenshot of the comment.
[Imaga via The Inquisitr]
Further fuel to the speculation was added when NJPWsuperstar and one-half of The Young Bucks, Matt Jackson sent out a tweet about the Bullet Club. The tweet suggested that the Bullet Club name was no longer associated with NJPW.
Love it. Hate it. Who cares. #BulletClub changed the business & transcended wrestling.
As The Mark Out reported yesterday, the WWE is on the verge of signing Bullet Club members Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows, now-former Bullet Club member AJ Styles, and NJPW legend Shinsuke
Nakamura. The impending signings have been referred to as a "raid" of NJPW by WWE.
There have been rumors of Styles potentially being a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble this year. Also, a report last night confirmed that Nakamura will be finished with NJPW at the end of the month as he is set to join WWE (via WhatCulture).
The WWE has made a lot of reference to the Bullet Club this week, including retweeting several photos posted by current NXT Heavyweight champion Finn Balor. Balor, fka Prince Devitt, is the architect of the Bullet Club, having found the stable in 2013.He has been vocal on social media regarding his former stablemates being WWE bound.
While it's always possible that WWE is currently working out some sort of deal for rights to the Bullet Club name, the company currently does not own it.
New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) stars AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura are reportedly headed to WWE's main roster rather than starting at NXT, according to F4WOnline (via Wrestlezone).
It was reported by Court Bauer of MLW Radioyesterday that Nakamura, 35, Styles, 38, and Bullet Club members Doc Gallows,32, and Karl Anderson, 35, all gave their notices to NJPW and were signing with WWE. F4WOnline's report adds that both Styles and Nakamura will be signing lucrative contracts with WWE, so they will likely skip NXT and head to the main roster. However, it's possible for both men to wrestle in a few NXT matches just to get the acclimated.
At NJPW's Dash event, the company ran an angle in which the Bullet Club turned on AJ Styles.
Not only was Styles kicked out of the Bullet Club, he proceeded to give a farewell to the Japanese fans. Wrestling News adds that Styles is not advertised for any Ring of Honor (ROH) shows. Since leaving Total Nonstop Action (TNA) in 2014, the two most notable promotions Styles wrestled for were NJPW and ROH.
[Image via Wikimedia Commons]
There is speculation that Styles could be one of the 30 entrants in the Royal Rumble this year, but that is not confirmed.
Also, current NJPW star and former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega defeated Nakamura in a tag team on the same night. Thus, it sets up an exit strategy for Nakamura as he can drop his IWGP Intercontinental Title to Omega -- who is getting a "pretty big push" with NJPW, per Wrestlezone.
Known as the "King of Strong Style," Nakamura has been with NJPW since 2002. During his near decade-and-a-half stint with the company, Nakamura can boast a myriad of accolades. Those accolades include three reigns as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, five reigns as IWGP Intercontinental Champion, a one-time IWGP Tag Team Champion (with Hiroshi Tanahashi), and more.
Since Nakamura is a current titleholder, he will likely lose his championship first before debuting with WWE.
For nearly four decades, Jeff Jarrett has been a key figure in the professional wrestling world, following in the footsteps of his legendary father Jerry Jarrett. Whether his role is a main eventer holding the World Heavyweight Championship or starting another company off the ground, Jarrett is one of the most hands-on personalities in the industry.
In those near 40 years, Jarrett's career has gone through several changes, successes, failures, and personal difficulties. In fact, he only recently reconciled with his dad after years of issues stemming from the pro wrestling industry. But if there's one place that Jarrett's life is in control, it's when he's around the business or swinging his trademark guitar.
"The appeal is real simple, my first love is this business and I love all facets of it," said Jarrett. "Whether it's production, marketing, advertising, you know, there's so much to this business now. Editing, the television side of things, but I was a wrestler first and that's something I enjoy."
Listen to the interview below:
Former WWE superstar and current independent wrestling standout Brian Myers (aka Curt Hawkins) joins The Mark Out for a third and final time in 2015.
Myers, the current Five Borough Wrestling Heavyweight champion, discusses the New York Mets' historic season. What did the 'Prince of Queens' think about the Amazin's season? What about improvements for 2016? Who should the Mets sign? Myers gives his opinion. (Note: This interview occurred before the Mets acquired Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera). Myers also talks about wrestling at Citi Field earlier in the year.
From the wrestling side, Myers talks about working for TNA as part of the TNA vs. GFW storyline. Also, what did he think of teaming with the 22-year-old Trevor Lee? (Lee is a former guest of The Mark Out).
Finally, what does Myers see in his future as we approach 2016? Which former WWE performer and fellow New Yorker does Myers want to mold himself after? All of that and more on this latest Mark Out exclusive.
Five Borough Wrestling returned to the American Legion in Brooklyn, New York, one final time in 2015. In a star-studded year that's featured some of the biggest names in the industry, FBW's last show of the year focused a lot on the in-ring action -- highlighted by a first time ever match between New Japan Pro Wrestling's own Kenny Omega versus "The Premiere Athlete" Tony Nese.
Several other familiar faces were back in Brooklyn as ECW, WCW, and WWE legend Raven made a rare appearance, greeting fans before the show. But his involvement went beyond just signing autographs as he ended up taking a little crusade for change.
Let's take a look at the results.
Pre-Show
Maxwell Jacob Feinstein defeated CPA, Chris Payne, and Team Espana Main Show
Willow Nightengale vs. Brooke Danielle: Sloppy start to the match but Nightengale had Danielle shrieking in pain for most of the bout. However, Danielle caught Nightengale in a choke hold for the win.
Winner: Brooke Danielle
The Crusade for Change (TJ Marconi, Stockade, Anthony Gangone, and Darius Carter) make their way out to the ring. The group proclaims its dominance over FBW, saying that it's not FBW Presents Season's Last Wish, but Crusade for Change presents Season's Last Wish. The group announces that due to their actions last month, Mike Verna, Rudeboy Riley, and Talon are not there.
Absolute Alvin vs. Logan Black vs. Matt Tremont vs. Masada: The Combat Zone Wrestling Heavyweight champion Tremont was super over with the Brooklyn crowd and he controlled most the match. At one point, Tremont hit a devastating superplex on Black as Alvin and Masada brawled on the outside. Tremont wins with the Ura-nage.
Winner: Matt Tremont
[Image via Five Borough Wrestling/Facebook]
House of Glory Elite Championship: Sonjay Dutt vs. Anthony Gangone (c): Dutt offers Gangone a handshake before the match, only to have his hand kicked away. Perhaps that was Gangone's retaliation for Dutt saying that if he wins, Anthony can "Gangone the hell outta here." Dutt was in control early, including a risk-taking dive to the outside as Gangone hit the guardrail. Towards the end, Dutt attempted his signature stomp from the top rope, but Gangone moved, used the referee as a Shield, and rolled up Dutt. With help from the ropes, Gangone pinned Dutt to retain his title.
Winner: Anthony Gangone
Jigsaw vs. Papadon: Technical start to the match but Papadon began complaining to the referee that his hair -- or lack thereof -- was being pulled. Jigsaw's acrobatic offense had Papadon off balance to the point of him needing a breather early on. But the cagey veteran Papadon used the ring skirt to trap Jigsaw and pummel him, taking control from that point on. After a bevy of near falls, Papadon was seething with anger, screaming "THREE! THREE! THREE!" at the referee. But Jigsaw's athleticism was too much for Papadon to overcome last night and the Global Force Wrestling superstar prevailed.
Winner: Jigsaw
Kevin Matthews is out for his scheduled match with CZW owner DJ Hyde. Before addressing Hyde, a frustrated Matthews takes some time to run down some rabid fans, telling one fan he'll bring him a bra next time. Matthews continues to say that Hyde left the arena due to the flu and he's glad because he didn't want to have the worst match of his career. He calls out his replacement for tonight, who he hopes is a good wrestler. CZW standout Drew Gulak answers the call. Kevin Matthews vs. Drew Gulak: Textbook wrestling to start as Gulak gives Matthews exactly what he wants -- a worthy challenge. At one point, Matthews suplexed Gulak against the turnbuckles as his neck and back bounced violently. But Gulak bounced back, hitting several moves -- including a German suplex into a bridge and a vicious piledriver -- which still did not keep Matthews down. Gulak couldn't avoid the Ego Driver and Matthews picked up the win.
Winner: Kevin Matthews
Milk Chocolate (Randy Summers and Brandon Watts) vs. Crusade for Change (TJ Marconi and Stockade): The size disadvantage that Watts and Summers faced seemed too much early on, especially after Marconi powerbombed Watts on the apron. The crowd's support seemed to empower Milk Chocolate as they were still able to hold their own, despite the punishment they suffered. A funny spot came towards the end when Milk Chocolate doubled teamed Marconi -- hitting a double Superman Punch and double spear -- imitating WWE World Heavyweight champion Roman Reigns. Marconi made an appearance on this week's WWE SmackDown as a security member and suffered the wrath of a Superman Punch. However, a double team maneuver from Marconi and Stockade put Milk Chocolate away.
Winners: Crusade for Change
[Image via Five Borough Wrestling/Facebook]
FBW Tag Team Championship: Team Tremendous (Bill Carr and Dan Barry) vs. Flawless and Lawless (Blake Morris and Rex Lawless) (c): All Team Tremendous to start as Morris is isolated from his partner Lawless. Lawless and Carr come face-to-face as both behemoths tried to overpower each other. In this relatively short contest, Morris rolls up Berry for the win but there was some confusion as to whether or not the referee's count was a full three.
Winners: Flawless and Lawless
After the match, Morris grabs a mic and thanks, Team Tremendous for all of their matches together. He and Lawless proceed to issue an open challenge to any tag team on the independents for FBW's next show on Feb.5, 2016.
Dan Maff vs. Darius Carter: Easily the most back and forth contest off the night. Maff was chopping Carter like a slab of meat to start the match, but after driving his knees into Maff's spine, the "Bayonne Badass" struggled to maintain a vertical base. On the verge of victory, Carter's fellow Crusade for Change members interfered, pulling the referee out of the ring. Marconi hit a chokeslam on Maff, allowing Carter to pick up the win.
Winner: Darius Carter
The assault on Maff continued and the Raven -- making a special appearance in Brooklyn -- came out to ringside. He donned the Crusade for Change's mask but quickly took it off and delivered drop toeholds to everybody in sight. Mike Verna is out next, confronting the HOG Elite champion Gangone as the rest of the Crusaders scurry. GM PJ Stackpole makes his way to the ring and announces a 30-man over the top rope battle royal for the next show. The first two entrants are Maff and Verna. FBW Heavyweight Championship: David Starr vs. Brian Myers (c): Myers spears Starr and pins him right away for the win. The match lasted all of five seconds.
Winner: Brian Myers
It's main event time as Tony Nese and NJPW star and Bullet Club member Kenny Omega made their way out to the ring. Omega has some sincere words for Nese who wasn't buying it. He says that with Omega's physique, anybody could be a star in Japan. Omega proceeds to insult Nese by saying he signed with TNA and never even appeared on television. After a few more pleasantries, the match is underway.
[Image via Five Borough Wrestling/Facebook]
Tony Nese vs. Kenny Omega: Omega has the crowd in his corner early, but both men displayed tremendous athletic ability. At one point, Omega did push ups, sits ups and other exercises to frustrate Nese until he suffers a baseball slide to the back. Nese used his signature moonsault from the apron, into the ring, off the second rope, but Omega kicked out. Omega hit a flurry of ax handles and a standing moonsault, but Nese wasn't going down easy. Omega seemed done after Nse used his strength to lift Omega with one arm and slammed him against the turnbuckles. Omega also attempted his famous Hadouken, but Nese countered. After missing a 450 splash, Omega hit him with a version of Croyt's Wrath for the win.
Winner: Kenny Omega
Omega thanked the fans and gave a nice speech to wrap up the show.
Former MMA fighter Matt Riddle enjoyed a successful career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) during his near six-year stint. The blonde-haired, outspoken, and always smiling fighter compiled a 7-3-2 record during his time in the UFC before being terminated in 2013 due to a second failed drug test.
[Image via Five Borough Wrestling/Facebook]
Just a few weeks before the sweetness of Halloween candy consumes us all, Five Borough Wrestling was back at the American Legion on Ave. N in Brooklyn, New York. Featuring a wide cast of talent from all the major promotions, FBW had some tricks and some treats up their sleeves.
The evening started with some entertaining antics from fresh faces and continued with spectacular in-ring work from the veterans. But at the end of the night, FBW was left with more questions than answers as a crusade for change set in.
Sonny Kiss vs. Robbie E: An entertaining opening bout as Kiss used his flamboyant style and one of a kind twerking abilities to frustrate TNA's own Robbie E. After keeping Robbie E off balance for most of the match, Kiss picked up the victory with a roll up after kissing him. Winner: Sonny Kiss
After the match, Absolute Alvin -- who made his way to the ring during the match -- tries giving a confused Kiss a rose, but to no avail.
Absolute Alvin (w/Ultimo Maya) vs. All-Star Lou vs. Jorge Santi vs. JustNef vs. Tyler Murphy: Santi got a nice reaction from the crowd and featured some strong flurries. But Alvarez was too much to handle for the other four men as "Absolute" Alvin wins with a leg drop. Winner: Absolute Alvin
The Crusade for Change (TJ Marconi, Stockade, and Anthony Gangone) confronted GM PJ Stackpole. Things got heated before "The Man of Steel" Mike Verna came out and helped Stackpole avoid a beating. Marconi issues a warning to Verna as the crusaders leave. It seems the once bitter rivals Stackpole and Verna are on the same page once again.
Latino Dragon defeated Alex Mason.
FBW Tag Team Championship Gauntlet Match: Flawless & Lawless (Blake Morris and Rex Lawless) (c) vs. EYFBO (Angel Ortiz and Mike Draztik) vs. Milk Chocolate (Randy Summers and Brandon Watts) vs. The World's Cutest Tag Team (Joey Ryan and Candice LaRae): The action in the match was nonstop and sweeter than the blow pop Joey Ryan put in a fans mouth before the match began. Morris and Lawless looked as dominant as ever but were still caught off guard at times. LaRae had a significant role in the match, flying around the ring and holding her own against the FBW Tag Team champions. She even garnered an "I Love Candice" chant from the FBW faithful. But Flawless & Lawless were too much to overcome as they defeated each in the gauntlet match -- capping off with Lawless pinning Ryan to secure the win.
Winners: Flawless & Lawless
Carlito vs. "The Greek God" Papadon: Carlito looked in outstanding shape as he made his FBW debut. Papadon, in his trademark bad guy routine, insulted the crowd -- mainly CM Punk kid -- and went to work on Carlito. At one point, Papadon knocked out the referee and tried spitting an apple into Carlito's face. But Papadon failed in doing so as Carlito recovered, spit the apple into Papadon's face, and won with a backstabber.
Winner: Carlito
-- Intermission --
Joe Gacy vs. Logan Black: In the first match after intermission, Black rolled up Gacy after a low blow to pick up the win.
Winner: Logan Black A Lariat Production (DJ Hyde and "The Product" David Starr) vs. FBW Heavyweight Champion Brian Myers and Kevin Matthews: An interesting tag team match that furthered the issues between all four men. But this night, Hyde and Starr came out on top after a low blow and a roll-up.
Winners: A Lariat Production
A special announcement is made as "The Cleaner" Kenny Omega will be at FBW's next show, Season's Last Wish, on Dec. 18.
No Disqualification Match: The Crusade for Change (TJ Marconi, Stockade, and Anthony Gangone) vs. Mike Verna, Rudeboy Riley, and Talon: Without the doubt the most chaotic blunder of a main event in FBW history. Everything from chairs, ladders, and pans were used as weapons with all six men beating the hell out of each other. At one point, a man wearing the Crusaders' mask comes out and attacks Talon. Talon chases the masked man to the back, but he returns just a few minutes later. This time, about 20 people in masks enter the venue and proceed to dismantle Verna and Riley. The leader behind the attack is revealed and it's Darius Carter. Stockade hits his finisher on Verna for the win.
Winners: Crusade for Change
After the match, Marconi carries Stackpole out of the venue as Stockade and Carter proclaim that "The change....is only the beginning." Verna and Riley are left motionless as they receive help from the locker room to end the show.
In three short years, The Mark Out has grown from a small, opinion based blog, to providing wrestling fans some of best exclusive content on the web. Not only has The Mark Out been credentialed to a litany of pro wrestling events, we've interviewed some of the biggest names in the profession.
From WWE Hall of Famers Bob Backlund and Lita to AJ Styles, John Morrison, Ken Shamrock, The Young Bucks, and Mr. Anderson, The Mark Out will continue to interview wrestling's biggest superstars.
Many of the interviews on The Mark Out have been featured on some of the biggest wrestling news sites around, including Wrestlezone.com, EWrestlingNews.com, Wrestling Inc.com, LordsOfPain.net and so many more.
Standing Tall Rumble: FBW's version of a Royal Rumble meeting Money in the Bank will include 30 entrants, all battling it out for an opportunity at the FBW Heavyweight Championship. However, the winner not only gets a championship match, he or she can utilize that opportunity at anytime, anywhere for one full year. Who knows, the winner could choose to cash-in their chance at the end of the night. There are currently 25 confirmed entrants in the match.
There have been rumors of Styles potentially being a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble this year. Also, a report last night confirmed that Nakamura will be finished with NJPW at the end of the month as he is set to join WWE (via WhatCulture).
