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 World Heavyweight champion Seth Rollins is being advertised to appear on tomorrow night's Slammy Awards edition of RAW,according to Wrestling News.
The Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota -- the site of RAW -- is advertising an appearance from the "Architect of The Shield."
Rollins, 29, has been out of action since he tore his ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus during a live event match in Dublin, Ireland, on Nov. 4 against Kane. The injury required surgery and is expected to keep Rollins out for six-to-nine months.Rollins' 221-day reign as champion ended due to the injury as well.
"I'll be back stronger and better than I was before. That's a guarantee. You ain't seen nothing yet."
It's been just under two months since the injury, so Rollins will likely not be healthy enough to return until May at the earliest. Wrestling News' report speculates that if Rollins appear, he'll likely be either accepting or presenting a Slammy award.
After cashing in Money in the Bank at Wrestlemania 31, defending the title against the likes of Randy Orton, Dean Ambrose, Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Sting, and Kane -- Rollins is a strong candidate for Superstar of the Year.
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.
Coming into Total Nonstop Action (TNA) with a strong following in his native United Kingdom, Nick Aldis, and his shredded physique, chiseled jaw, young age, and dedication to the craft were second-to-none. Not only did Aldis have notoriety from being on the show Gladiators in the UK, he also had been a full-time wrestler since 2003.
That's a common misconception about Aldis as he wasn't signed to the IMPACT roster because of his popularity on a foreign country's television show, but because of his look and passion for the industry.
“A lot of people in TNA didn't even realize that I was already a wrestler before I did Gladiators, a lot of people just assumed that just because I did Gladiators, Dixie [Carter] just saw me on that show and said 'Hey, do you want to be a wrestler?'” said Aldis. “That wasn't the case at all, I've been a full-time wrestler, my first year in the business, I wrestled like six days a week. I don't how many of these weekend warrior, Indy heroes are wrestling six days a week.”
Listen to the interview below:
Image via Impact Wrestling
Via The Inquisitr
Ever since making his professional wrestling debut in 2007, the only company that Samuel Shaw was able to call home was Total Nonstop Action (TNA). After years of broken promises, a lack of communication, and missed opportunities, Shaw's stint with TNA concluded in late-June as he was released from the company, via PWInsider.
At 31 years old, Shaw is still young and feels he can contribute to any wrestling organization. But currently on the independent circuit, Shaw describes it as “slow” and believes the way his character was presented in TNA may be a reason why.
“To be honest with you, I don't think that my style is really what the independent circuit is craving right now,” said Shaw. “Which is funny to me because I actually think that I am fully capable of doing all the athletic maneuvers and moves and things like that. I just don't think the mass audience knows that I can do it. I was just sort of presented more of a character instead of a wrestler, per se.”
Years before he was a cocky, brash, and rising star on television for TNA Impact Wrestling, Robert Strauss was a mainstay on the independent scene of professional wrestling. Primarily working in the northeast under the name Rob Eckos, Strauss wrestled for nearly a decade before earning a full-time gig.
Now, Strauss is better known to wrestling fans as former X-Division, Television, and Tag Team champion Robbie E, a character that's evolved from being a Jersey Shore-inspired performer to one of the most solid in-ring competitors the company boasts. It took nearly two decades for Strauss to get where is, but he's aware of the work he put in, even if some fans are not.
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.
Brennan Williams reached his goal of being in the NFL but a bevy of knee injuries didn't allow him to fulfill that goal. So when he realized that he will not get many phone calls from interested teams, he decided to pack his stuff, and bring his family to Houston, Texas, to chase his dream of being a professional wrestler just two weeks later.
The 24-year-old offensive tackle was supposed to be in the midst of a successful football career, following in the footsteps of his father Brent Williams – who played in the NFL for 11 seasons from 1986-1996 for the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Jets. But no matter what he does, Williams lives by the rule his family instilled in him from a young age.
Listen to the full interview:
The relationship between David Starr and JT Dunn is living proof that paper always beats rock.
After dominating the independent wrestling tag team scene for almost two years, the formerly known 'Juicy Product' members once had a rock solid relationship. But now, they sit across the table from each other -- not able to look at one another -- with a contract they both signed barring them from physical touching each other before their Oct. 10 fight at Combat Zone Wrestling's Tangled Web 8.
As badly as both men want to get their hands on each other, they are not ignorant to the success their union had for their careers.
“I can't deny that Juicy Product helped to put me on a stage I hadn't been before," said Starr."We won tag titles everywhere, we had bookings I could never imagine on my own at that time and it was a good way to elevate me into people's minds, just in general. As far as that, I'd be ignorant to ignore that.”
Much like Starr, Dunn shares similar sentiments about Juicy Product's success.
“I think the most important thing to me that happened with Juicy Product is [in] independent wrestling, it's hard for people to stand out and to step out of the shadows of others that maybe are in a better light or better position," said Dunn. "And we kinda just worked hard and kinda gave everybody the middle finger while we did our thing.”
In 2013, Starr and Dunn's careers were going in two different directions. Dunn, a seasoned veteran of the independent wrestling scene was “ready to break out,” as he puts it. For Starr, he was just getting his feet wet after making the jump from being a near All-American wrestler in college.
CZW owner DJ Hyde put Starr and Dunn in the ring to wrestle each other, with a stipulation unbeknownst to fans being that the wrestler to get the best reaction from the live audience would become a full-time member of the CZW roster. However, both men were able to maximize their time and left the ring after their match having garnered a tremendous reception,
Therefore, both competitors became full-timer performers with CZW and the Juicy Product was born.
Over the course of the next year and a half, the duo won several Tag Team championships, including CZW and FIP Tag Team championships, winning those two titles within a week of each other. Juicy Product also wrestled some of the top Tag Teams on the independent scene, including The Young Bucks, Team Tremendous, The Beaver Boys and more.
“At the end of the day, regardless of what JT and I do out of the same mindset, we both want to be the best," said Starr. "I never said JT is not a great wrestler, because he absolutely is. There's just a lot of things that maybe we go on two different pages about, but we held the same attitude.”
Months of obvious friction blew up and the Juicy Product was suddenly nothing more than a memory. Dunn and Starr were being booked on the same shows around the country, for promotions such as Beyond Wrestling, Legacy Wrestling, House of Glory, Five Borough Wrestling, and more.
Simultaneously, under the same roof, Starr and Dunn would manage to assault one another, with each incident yielding it's own unique twist on their issue. One specific incident saw Dunn and Starr join forces to take out a staff of security, just so they could go at it with each other.
But according to Dunn, this feud was never a planned thing, rather an emotional roller coaster gone bad -- mixed with momentary impulse reactions of two individuals who like Starr said, “want to be the best.”
"A lot of that stuff just happened," said Dunn. "There was never a design where somebody said 'Hey, go beat up David Starr' or 'Hey, when JT is not looking, Starr, go get him.' That's natural instinct, that's raw emotion, that's 'I'm sick of acting the way you are,' and vice versa.
CZW owner DJ Hyde holds Dunn and Starr back
With those comments, it's obvious that Dunn is looking to end the taunting problem known as David Star and continue the momentum he built up by being in the ring with the likes of Austin Aries, Paul London, Chris Hero, Samoa Joe, Johnny Gargano, and more.
David Starr
Starr is no slouch either. While he hasn't been around as long as Dunn, “The Product” has shared the squared circle with the likes of Joey Ryan, Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers, and others.
That's why despite their differences that will likely end in a bloody, brutal, and barbaric match on Saturday, both men respect each other enough to know that they bring out the best in each other.
“There's not a lot of people in the locker room who hold a candle to us,” said Dunn. “I don't like him, he doesn't like me and there's no ifs, ands or buts about that at this present time. But in that locker room, there is not anybody that can do what we do.”
At this stage, the Starr vs. Dunn feud may be the New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox rivalry of the independent wrestling circuit. And one former Major League Baseball player who experienced both sides of the rivalry is good source of comparison -- and that player is Johnny Damon.
Starr and Dunn during their stint as The Juicy Product. (Credit: Sulaiman Larokko)
A native of Providence, Rhode Island, Dunn shares a resemblance to the Red Sox version of Damon. A long-haired, bearded, and gritty competitor who puts his heart and soul into every performance. Whether it be Damon crashing into the outfield wall to make a catch, or Dunn crashing his elbow into the cranium of his opponent, neither man will have their heart questioned.
As for Starr, who grew up in a well-off home, with his biggest concern being "running out of Cheerios,” as Dunn says, he shares a resemblance to the Yankees' incarnation of Damon. A clean-cut pretty boy, viewed as a “sell out” by the audience who once religiously cheered for him.
No matter the case, Dunn is convinced that Starr's arrogant style and cocky demeanor is what will cause his downfall on Oct. 10.
JT Dunn. (Credit: Sulaiman Larokko)
"I'm not a stepping stone, I've never been, I've made my name by knocking people off their f****ng block and knocking the chip off your shoulder," said Dunn with the intensity in his voice growing. "Look at him, look at his [David Starr's] stupid face, you can just tell, this is an arrogant son of a b**ch right here and needs to be put in his f****ng place."
Continually insisting that this rivalry is not personal, Starr, with a sly-smile on his face added fuel to the fire by making comments about Dunn's private life. A proud man, who overcame addiction to alcohol and drugs, Dunn leads a sober lifestyle, unlike the one he lived years ago, which might have ended up with him six feet under.
“You had to beat addiction because you weren't strong enough to go through life without it.,” said Starr in an attempt to downplay Dunn's recovery.
But with his final remarks, Starr brought up one person who is six feet under, one person who Dunn will never see again, and one person who Starr vehemently says Dunn will disappoint again.
"He [JT Dunn] fights for a lot of things and one of those happens to be his mother,who passed away and he's afraid he's going to disappoint her," said Starr. "Point blank, that's how it is. I know he has her name tattooed on his body and that's because she means a lot to him. The fact is, when she's looking down on her son, he's going to be beaten by a better man on Oct. 10."
Listen to the FULL interview below:
After The Mark Out's sneak peek release of our exclusive interview with David Starr and JT Dunn, it was evident that both men have it in for each other.
These friends turned bitter rivals now return for this part two exclusive and things started to get heated. While both men maintain they have a respect for each other, they also make it clear they will do whatever they have to do to win this Saturday.
For one, it's about permanently establishing himself, for the other, it's about shutting the other one up for good.
Listen in below:
Just under three weeks before their feud reaches its boiling point at Combat Zone Wrestling's Tangled Web 8 event on Oct. 10, "The Product" David Starr and "The Juice" JT Dunn sit across the table from each other at Five Borough Wrestling's Too Sweet show.
As they do their best to look in different directions, they manage to reflect on their past accomplishments. But the happy thoughts are minimum, as both men cannot wait for the day when they will be able to put their hands on each other.
In this sneak peek, you can listen to the former 'Juicy Product' members discuss their success as a tag team and what went wrong in their relationship, putting them on a collision-course to Voorhees, New Jersey, on Oct. 10.
During his five-decade career within the professional wrestling business, Bob Backlund carried the WWF on his broad shoulders as the All-American Boy from Minnesota who fought for the fans that made him. But during his second go-around, the All-American Boy shtick grew old, the fans turned on him and the business he helped build became infested with people who felt he lasted one too many days in the spotlight.
But every morning that Backlund wakes up and lives to see another day, he only focuses on the positive side of life.
Long before he was facing The Great Muta in the biggest match of his professional wresting career, PWG (Pro Wrestling Guerilla) co-founder Scott Lost was putting his creativity into drawing comic books.
Now, five years after he retired from the squared circle, the California native Lost has found the opportunity to parlay his talent into a growing series of comics.
Listen to the interview below:
Credit: Five Borough Wrestling/Facebook
Five Borough Wrestling was back in action on Sept. 25, filling up the American Legion at 5601 Ave. N in Brooklyn, NY. And with a near-capacity crowd in attendance, the show was able to keep fans entertained all night, thanks in part to the legendary performers who appeared at the event.
Making their FBW debuts were WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash and the legendary Sean 'X-Pac' Waltman. While 'Big Sexy' and a quad injury prevented him from wrestling, his fellow Kliq member made sure that the Brooklyn fans went home happy.
In addition to the legends, the show featured a classic match for the FBW World Heavyweight championship, a wrestling purist's dream match and crusade for change that seems to be determined to change the entire landscape of the promotion.
Let's take a look at the results on the evening.
Pre-show FBW Invitational Battle Royal: Alex Mason vs. Mike Orlando vs. Chris Romano vs. Nutrious X vs. "All Star" Lou Torres vs. Sasha Jenkins: A relatively quick opening contest, featuring some young talent trying to make their names at Five Borough Wrestling. Alex Mason wins the match.
Winner: Alex Mason
Brittany Blake vs. Brooke Danielle w/DG Haven: Another short pre-show match. Blake picks up the win when Danielle's manager DG Haven accidentally knocks her loopy.
Winner: Britanny Blake
Main Show
'Rude Boy' Riley vs. Logan Black: Outstanding match to kick off the show. These tag team partners turned rivals seemed to know exactly what the other one was thinking throughout the match. It was almost like watching an athletic chess match, as each man seemed to have a counter for his opponent's counters counter. Logan attempts a flying elbow from the top rope but Riley picks up the victory with a knee to Black's face.
Winner: 'Rude Boy' Riley
After the match, a strange mask that was resting on the ring post catches Riley's attention and seems to disorient him a bit.
FBW Tag Team Championship: The Dubb Boyz (Dave McCall and Nate Carter) vs. Flawless & Lawless (c) (Rex Lawless and Blake Morris) vs. Team Tremendous (Bill Carr and Dan Berry) vs. Milk Chocolate (Brandon Watts and Randy Summers): All four teams put in an effort worthy of championship gold in this match. Dan Berry, in particular, needs to get some praise as he kept everybody off balance with his flying around the ring. The crowd was alive throughout, especially after both Watts and Berry took out the competition with their trademark aerial tactics. A parade of false finishes eventually ended with Milk Chocolate hitting their finishing move on one of the Dubb Boyz, thus winning the championships. Winners and NEW FBW Tag Team Champions: Milk Chocolate
Manager P.J. Stackpole was none to pleased with his Flawless and Lawless' performance, which lead to a physical altercation between all three men. Stackpole ends up kissing Lawless' feet.
First Time Ever: Kevin Matthews vs. JT Dunn: Wrestling each other for the first time, Dunn and Matthews hit each other with their stiffest shots, turning a wrestling match into a slugfest. Matthews used his size advantage to throw Dunn around the ring, while "The Juice" used his signature quickness to keep Matthews honest. Perhaps the narrative of Dunn's FBW career, he came close to pinning Matthews on several occasions but in the end, Matthews pinned Dunn after hitting his Ego Driver.
Winner: Kevin Matthews
Drew Gulak vs. Papadon: This match was about as scientific as a wrestling match gets. Countless suplex variations, vicious right hands, and a raucous crowd completely against Papadon. But in his usual dirty ways, Papadon deviated from the textbook wrestling direction of the match and used a low blow to put away Gulak.
Winner: Papadon
-Intermission-
Damien Darling vs. Alexander James: Darling messes with James to start, teasing the crowd with James' pillow. Trying to score an early victory, Darling tries several quick pins. James is in control, but Darling rallies. Back and forth contest but Darling wins his first match in three months.
Winner: Damien Darling
Anthony Gangone vs. Talon: Gangone slaps Talon in the face at the onset. The match is slow and ends abruptly as "The Rogue" Gangone allows himself to be counted out.
Winner: Talon
Gangone urges Talon to join him, but Talon refuses.
FBW World Heavyweight Championship: David Starr w/ D.J. Hyde vs. Brian Myers (c): Quick pace to this match as Starr's taunts and Myers' quick reactions had the crowd going. But CZW owner D.J. Hyde and his presence played a huge role, not allowing Myers to sustain any momentum. Starr almost put Myers away with a lethal neck breaker into a superkick combination. "Let's Go Myers!" chants ring throughout the venue and the "Prince of Queens" rewards the crowd with a spear. But Hyde interferes, causing the disqualification.
Winner: Brian Myers
As Hyde and Starr go to work on Myers, Kevin Matthews makes the save.
Stockade and TJ Marconi are out for the main event. Marconi, a huge fan of Kevin Nash growing up calls out his favorite wrestler. Nash comes out to a loud ovation. He cannot compete due to a quad injury, but still runs down both Marconi and Stockade for their weight, telling them to "cut the carbs and hit the gym." Nash says The Kliq never goes anywhere alone and reveals X-Pac asMike Verna's tag team partner.
X-Pac and Mike Verna w/Kevin Nash vs. Stockade and TJ Marconi: Verna and X-Pac are in control early and the crowd is loving it. Verna did a lions share of the work in this match, with X-Pac coming in to get the crowd hot. Marconi and Stockade had their moments in this match, but Verna, X-Pac and chair wielding spectator in Kevin Nash was just too much for them to overcome.
Winners: Mike Verna and X-Pac
After the match, Nash and X-Pac leave. However, Stockade, Marconi and Anthony Gangone take it to Verna, 'Rude Boy' Riley and Talon. All the babyfaces are laid out and it appears we have a crusade for change in FBW.
In the seven years since leaving the WWE, Gene Snitsky has not strayed away from the competitive instinct that enabled him to be a success. From a football career that nearly landed him in the NFL to a wrestling career with WWE that gave him national exposure, Snitsky remains a passionate individual.
Currently, the 6'8, near 300 pound Snitsky wrestles every weekend on the independent circuit. While the glamour of sold out arena's with over 10,000 fans is a distant memory, Snitsky now appreciates the smaller crowds that allow him to interact with the fans.
Listen to the interview below.
Credit: Sulaiman Larokko
Via The Inquisitr
In a decorated 16-year career as a professional wrestler, former WWE superstar and current TNA wrestler Mr. Anderson, formerly known Mr. Kennedy continues to be a focal point of the wrestling industry. Holding championship gold and being involved in top storylines for a majority of his career, Anderson continues to remain what he has always been.
This past Sunday, Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets hosted its first professional wrestling event ever, the Legends of Wrestling. Just like the name of the event indicates, the show featured several legends within professional wrestling that have left their mark on the sport.
One of those legends is former four-time Women's champion and WWE hall of famer Amy “Lita” Dumas. Since retiring from WWE in 2006, Dumas has taken on a variety of projects, including her band the Luchagors, hosting a radio show and more.
Listen to the full interview below.
Credit: Sulaiman Larokko
For the first time in Citi Field history, the home of the New York Mets hosted its first professional wrestling show. While several up and coming wrestlers put on their best efforts, a litany of wrestling legends greeted fans and made memories in the twilight years of their career. Bret Hart, Ric Flair, Goldberg and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan were just a few names that made appearances prior to entering the squared circle.
The Mark Out was on hand for its first credentialed opportunity at a major event and we have several interviews and stories coming in the next few days from this star-studded event. But for now, lets take a look at the results for the main card portion of the show.
Mr. T.A and Bam Shaw w/ John Cena Sr. vs. Flex Armstrong and Andrew Anderson w/ Greg "the Hammer" Valentine: The crowd is still filing in as the first match on the main card begins. With John Cena Sr. at ringside, a few "Let's Go Cena! Cena Sucks!" chants break out. Slow paced match as commentator Matt Striker emphasizes Flex Armstrong's physique. Armstrong and Andrew Anderson pick up the victory after Cena Sr. tries getting involved but Greg Valentine yanks him off he apron, allowing Armstrong and Anderson to pick up the win,
Winners: Flex Armstrong and Andrew Anderson
After the match, Valentine shakes off some rust and drops an elbow and applies a figure four leg lock.
Brian Myers w/ Mrs. Met vs. Tyrus: Myers came through the audience decked out in complete New York Mets gear. The Bayside, Queens native is a huge Mets fan and a multiple time guest of the Mark Out. Tyrus came out as the crowd is still not too loud. The crowd chants "Funkasaurus" at Tyrus, referencing his time in WWE as Brodus Clay. Tyrus got a microphone and told the fans to "Go Funk Themselves." As for the match, it was relatively short with the hometown boy Myers picking up the victory.
Winner: Brian Myers
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan vs. Robbie E: A decent match between the seasoned veteran Duggan and the current TNA superstar Robbie E. Duggan picked up the win in another short match but it was well received by the audience.
Winner: "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan
Tommy Dreamer vs. Wes Brisco: Coming out to one of the bigger reactions up to that point, Dreamer walked to the Big Time Wrestling ring in a New York Mets jersey. Dreamer continued the theme on the night as the babyfaces went over in all the matches, defeating Briscoe.
Winner: Tommy Dreamer
Ric Flair comes out to a nice reception to cut a promo. However, he is interrupted by Mr. Anderson and Doc Gallows, who say that they're sick of the legends. This results in the Nasty Boys making their way to the ring with weapons in hand. The rest of the Aces & Eights come out and then Demolition follow suit, an all out brawl. This set up the next match.
Aces & Eights (Mr. Anderson and Knux) w/ Doc Gallows and Wes Briscoe vs. The Nasty Boys w/Demolition: One of the first matches of the evening to get some decent time. All things considered, this match was entertaining and kept the interest of the fans throughout. Interesting to see the Aces & Eights back together considering the group disbanded a year ago and three of the members are no longer with TNA. The Nasty Boys picked up the victory.
Winners: The Nasty Boys
A lengthy break took place before the next match.
Doc Gallows vs. Matt Sydal: An entertaining match between two men that are considered by many as two of WWE's recently misused talent. However, the match didn't receive nearly the time it should have as the show was running late. Sydal picks up the win but this is not the last time we would see Gallows.
Winner: Matt Sydal
Scott Steiner is out for his match against a mystery opponent. He runs down the man he challenged to fight tonight, Hulk Hogan, calling him a "little b**tch" among other things. Steiner was accompanied by Gallows who made three appearances on the night. Steiner's opponent turned out to be Rob Van Dam, who was accompanied by Bret Hart.
Scott Steiner w/Doc Gallows vs. RVD w/Bret Hart: Van Dam picked up the victory over Steiner after kicking a chair into Steiner's face. But RVD was jumped by Steiner and Gallows after the match. Goldberg makes his way out to arguably the largest ovation of the night. Goldberg spears Steiner and added a Jackhammer to Gallows. Goldberg tells Steiner that he will wrestle him.
Winner: RVD
Overall, if you went to this show to be entertained by amazing in-ring wrestling, you were likely disappointed. None of the matches were technical masterpieces and often felt rushed or not given enough time. However, the show did provide a great experience to fans who wanted to meet their favorite legends and some current wrestling stars.
Notes
- The first match in the history of Citi Field saw Jack Gallows vs. The Grim Reefer.
- Matt Striker and Ashley Massaro did the commentary for most of the main show.
- The Nasty Boys, Greg Valentine, Lita and Brian Myers took part in the first Q&A.
- Bret Hart, Ric Flair, Tommy Dreamer, Matt Sydal and Tyrus took part in the second Q&A.
- The pre-show crow was scarce but one the main show began, the vast majority of ringside and field level was full.
- There are rumblings of making a wrestling event at Citi Field an annual occurrence.
Credit: Sulaiman Larokko
Via The Inquisitr
Hello ladies! Those two iconic words set ablaze the hearts of many female wrestling fans in the late '199os when Val Venis made his seductive entrance into the arena. As a smooth saxophone played in the background, Venis swayed his hips and many times,locked his lips with lucky members of the WWE Universe.
Nowadays, Venis is not as entrenched in the wrestling business. With a busy schedule and personal goals, religiously keeping up with wrestling not on Venis' agenda.
Listen to the interview here:
With two fun parts of the Mark Out's exclusive interview with David Starr in the can, the CZW standout returns for an epic, hilarious and outright offensive part three.
Having discussed how he entered the wrestling business, Starr talks about his toughest and proudest moments in the squared circle. Additionally, what is it like to be in a relationship as a wrestler? Starr gives his take on that matter and how he makes it work, while dating a model no less.
Finally, we get a visit from the "Sleazy" one Joey Ryan who threatens to bootleg this interview, Starr doesn't buy the Mark Out dinner and we cover DEEZ Nuts.
Completely drenched in sweat through his gray Glory Kickboxing shirt on a sunny Tuesday at Citi Field in Queens, former WCW and WWE superstar Goldberg finishes up tacking hacks in the cage during batting practice.
It's been over a decade since he last wrestled inside the squared circle and even longer since he's last taken batting practice.
With a shorter haircut and a longer beard, independent wrestling mainstay Joey Ryan is still one of the most popular acts on the circuit. With a sleazy character that resembles wrestlers of years past, Ryan has captured the adulation of fans by incorporating the characteristics that made an entire generation of wrestlers.
Body hair reminiscent of the late Rick Rude, a lollipop that ends up in the mouth of one lucky fan before a match and bright colors that hit the eyeball like a clothesline to the chest. But in Ryan's view, the character that he portrays today naturally grew into sleaze without it being his objective.
Part two of the Mark Out's interview with the "The Product" David Starr features the CZW mainstay discuss his tenure with the company. Long known for their death matches and grueling competition, CZW has quickly grown to one of the top independent promotions around.
Starr discusses how he was able to find work with the company and the story of how he and "The Juice" JT Dunn came together to form one of the indies most popular tag teams, the Juicy Product.
Also, which celebrity does Starr most look like? Which fellow wrestler has been getting comparisons to? All of that and more on this exclusive part two.
Nearly a year after his departure from the WWE, former tag team champion Curt Hawkins has embraced the weekend warrior mentality. Wrestling every weekend around the United States, Hawkins continues living his childhood dream of being a wrestler, while helping the future of the industry.
Hawkins, who partnered with his friend and fellow wrestler Pat Buck to start the Create-A-Pro Wrestling Academy in Hicksville, NY, now trains the next generation of grapplers, something that Hawkins does not see as work.
Listen to the full interview here:
One of the most charismatic and quickly ascending professional wrestlers on the independent circuit today, David Starr joins the Mark Out for an exclusive three part interview.
"The Product" opens up part one by discussing his latest match for Five Borough Wrestling against the "Sleazy" Joey Ryan. Also, the 24-year-old Pennsylvania native discusses his amateur wrestling days. How do amateur wrestling and professional compare? Starr gives his take.
Also, Starr talks about his difficulty finding a place to train for professional wrestling. Who did he end up training with? All of that and more on this part one exclusive.
Listen to the interview here:
Five Borough Wrestling was back in Brooklyn and entered the American Legion on Avenue N for their fourth show of the year as New York Wrestling Connection presented Die Trying.
With a “Sleazy” Joey Ryan making his FBW debut, a large CZW representation present and the “Greek God” Papadon defending his title, all the elements for a classic show were in place.
And a classic show it was as every single match on the card delivered. Whether it be a spectacular wrestling patch, comedic antics, suspenseful drama or youthful exuberance, there was something unique about each match.
Let's take a look.
Pre-Show
To kick things off, we had a special Create-A-Pro 5-on-5 contest between the best young wrestlers the school run by former WWE tag team champion Curt Hawkins (Brian Myers) and PWS superstar Pat Buck. The faces picked up the victory as the fans had fun chanting the names of the wrestlers who the Create-A-Pro resembled.
Main Show
TJ Marconi vs Smiley vs. DJ Hyde: The bit of Smiley's first mask being ripped off only to reveal a second one began the match. Throughout the first third of the match, Smiley is negated as the two big men in Hyde and Marconi battle to establish dominance. A strong showing at the last show by Smiley was upstaged by Smiley himself as his unique brand of offense kept both big guys guessing. One of the best spots of the match saw Smiley dive through the second rope, past a dangling Hyde and catch Marconi with a hurricanara. Hyde teased that he would use his signature lariat to pick up the win but Smiley caught him with a crucifix pin for the win.
Winner: Smiley
After the match, Hyde is beside himself and is yelling at the referee. Marconi catches smiley with a chokeslam after both Hyde and the referee exit.
Trevor Lee makes his entrance to Taylor Swift's Shake It Off and the crowd is into it. But once he grabs a microphone, Lee proceeds to degrade the New York crowd. Lee says that people from North Carolina don't cheat and that New York sucks. JT Dunn's music hits and he comes out to a huge ovation.
Trevor Lee vs. JT Dunn: Without the use of a single weapon, this match was as hard hitting as any match in recent memory. Neither man was afraid to kick the other in the face or deliver an elbow to head. Lee's pre-match assault attempt was thwarted but Dunn didn't get any significant offense in until the second half of the match. A jumping cutter from Dunn almost put Lee away but the OMEGA associated Lee would not stay down. Same went for Dunn after Lee stomped Dunn's body into the ground from a standing position. Ultimately, Lee won the match with a vicious knee to the head for the victory.
Winner: Trevor Lee
Caleb Konley vs. Andrew Everett: Before the match, the referee was urged to frisk Everett's butt and obliged, only to receive a “You Sick F**k” chant directed at him. Everett's acrobatic offense got him in the lead early but a scary moment took him off his game. Konley caught Everett in a powerbomb position and powerbombed him into the corner, with Everett's head hitting the turnbuckle. It looked nasty and Konley took advantage. A beautiful sequence toward the end of the match made both men look good. Konley hit a combination of a gory bomb and turned it into a cloverleaf submission. Everett battled out and hit two hurricanarana's, spiking Konley's head into the mat both times and from two different angles for the win.
Winner: Andrew Everett
FBW Tag Team Championship: Flawless and Lawless w/PJ Stackpole vs. Mega Muscle (c): Flawless and Lawless attempted to jump Mega Muscle prior to the match but true to their powerful form, the Big O and Mike Verna avoided serious damage and looked strong from the start. Most of the match saw Verna isolated from his Adonis of a partner. A defensive Verna was still able to hold his own until Big O tagged in and tangled with Rex Lawless. Big O got the better of that exchange and it appeared that Mega Muscle would once again overcome the odds and retain their titles. However, a PJ Stackpole interference, partnered with baby powder thrown in Big O's eyes, causing him to inadvertently slam his partner allowed Flawless and Lawless to capture tag team gold.
Winners and NEW FBW Tag Team Champions: Flawless and Lawless
After the match, Verna grabs a microphone and calls out Stackpole. He says that he is sick of this and wants to put an end to Stackpole. Therefore, at the one-year anniversary show next month, Verna and Stackpole will choose a team. If Verna's team wins, Stackpole will re-sign from his general manager duties. If Verna's team loses, Verna promises to quit FBW.
David Starr vs. Joey Ryan: Although this match wasn't a technical wrestling masterpiece, it turned out to be masterpiece in its own way. A lot of the match was based off comedy, featuring lollipops, pose downs and taunts. Ryan's sleazy ways enabled him to keep Starr off balance but Starr more than held his own. Several suplexes from both men had Ryan and Starr in mid-air throughout the night. Despite a lollipop being rubbed on chest and pubic hair shoved in Ryan's mouth, Starr thrusting his pelvic region with malice into Ryan's dazed head made for a highlight of the night. Starr picked up the victory with an arms-trapped suplex as “This Is Awesome” chants reigned down.
Winner: David Starr
-Intermission-
Anthony Gangone vs. Rude Boy Riley: Common theme on this night was attempting to jump your adversary early, only to be stopped. This match saw a lot of back-and-forth action as Gangone and Riley followed up their encounter in a triple threat match last month to put forth a solid one-on-one fight. Riley's athleticism shined through in this one as he used everything from flying knees to pelee kicks. He picked up the victory with a knee to Gangone's face.
Winner: Rude Boy Riley
#1 Contenders Match for FBW World Championship: Talon vs. Brian Myers: In the early going, both men tried to one up each other through various forms of trickery. That trickery ranged from fist bumps and handshakes to kicks to the midsection. The match was shorter than expected but still a solid effort by both individuals. After failing to hit a spear on his first try, Myers nailed Talon with the move after recovering from a top rope legdrop from Talon.
Winner: Brian Myers
Casanova Valentine vs. Joe Ettell vs. Stockade: Stockade and his sheer size alone helped him thwart any serious offense from either Ettell or Valentine. The one time Stockade appeared to be in big trouble was when he received a powerbomb from Valentine while he suplexed Ettell in the same motion. In the end, Stockade could not be stopped as he put away Ettell with a vicious clothesline.
Winner: Stockade
FBW World Championship: Amazing Red vs. Papadon (c): Prior to the match, the “Greek God” Papadon is not short on words for “CM Punk Kid” Mike McNicholas. As for the match, it was one of most thrilling main events you could ever imagine. Anything you could imagine in a near half hour title match, this match had it. Near falls, a flurry of finishers, high flying, interference, weapons and more. Ultimately, the interference is what led to the Amazing Red suffering the loss. Moments after the referee was incapacitated for the first time, Talon ran down and assaulted Red, hitting his finisher in the process. Although it didn't end the match right away, the referee being nearly taken out for a second time, partnered with a low blow and a shining wizard from Papadon, the “Greek God” retained his championship.
Ever since Extreme Championship Wrestling shut down nearly a decade and a half ago, several former performers for the cult followed and classic promotion have gone on to experience success. Tommy Dreamer's promotion House of Hardcore signed a television deal, Paul Heyman is one of WWE's most popular characters and Bubba Ray Dudley recently made a WWE appearance.
Joel Gertner is among those former ECW alumni to continue a successful career.
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.
