Follow my blog with Bloglovin Despite what some may think, the title of this blog is not #FakeNews. And in telling this story I realize I sound like a huge mark, but I couldn't resist. July 12 is Sami Zayn's birthday so I'm using it as an excuse to share the details of when I met his good friends El Generico, PAC (Neville), Colt Cabana and Matt Cross.
It was January 2012 and I was doing commentary for All American Pro Wrestling. It was our "super show" Main Event and I was also making my in-ring debut that night. Generico, PAC, Colt and M-Dogg were our guests that night and helped make the evening more memorable. Calling the match between Generico and PAC was surreal and I became a fan of both men instantly. After the show ended, our guests wanted to take a photo with my AAPW buddies Chris Hagstrom and Adam Testa. I was still buzzing from the match I'd had about 45 minutes earlier. I didn't think much of it when Brian Kelley from Missouri Wrestling Revival snapped the photo. But after he emailed it to me, it became one of my favorite wrestling pics ever taken. Then I heard this story... A friend of mine (who I'm not sure if I should name, so I'm not going to) was a referee that night. He now works in Orlando and met Sami Zayn during WrestleMania weekend. Main Event was brought up in the conversation and Sami talked about how much fun he had that night and told my friend he has the abovementioned photo in his home. The story got relayed to me and of course, I popped like a bag of Orville Reddenbacher. I know some WWE Superstars and Legends have read my blog before. Here's to hoping Sami reads this. Happy birthday man and please tell Generico I said "hola." It's been a long time.
This post is sure to be a bias one as I write about one of my favorite WWE Superstars, Neville. You've probably already heard my backstory on the artist formerly known as PAC, but here's a quick recap.
I met him nearly five years ago when I did commentary for a company called AAPW. He and El Generico wrestled that night and I consider it a highlight of my short-lived commentary "career" to have called that match. Earlier this year he recognized me at an autograph signing in Dallas prior to WrestleMania. It was seriously one of the highlights of the trip.
Meeting Neville & Kalisto
At that point, Neville was recovering from an ankle injury. Now he's back, but you wouldn't know that based on watching Raw. The last time I remember seeing Neville in action was months ago in a quick loss to Bo Dallas, the man Neville beat for the NXT Championship. By the way, I believe Neville is still the second longest reigning NXT champ.
Neville has a great look and is incredible in the ring. The only thing holding him back is his mic skills. But I hate that that's a detriment to someone who is clearly so talented. There are things creative could be doing with him. He could be a part of the 205 program, wrestle in the new UK Championship tournament or even team with Sami Zayn.
Two other times meeting Neville
I'm not saying put a belt on the guy (immediately) but at least give him some TV time. I actually liked when they were doing the backstage stuff with him and The Miz when it looked like Miz was going to start managing or at least mentoring Neville. As a long time fan of WWE and now of Neville's, I implore the company to not forget "The Man That Gravity Forgot."
I arrived in Dallas days ahead of WrestleMania 32 last week. My friend Chad picked me up at the airport and we headed to the NWA Mid South: Parade of Champions show. The next day was Friday and we had nothing planned until NXT Takeover: Dallas. I asked Chad over lunch what we were going to do that day, to which he informed me, "it's a surprise."
WWE Superstars Neville and Kalisto were doing an autograph signing at the Toys R Us in Arlington. When we pulled into the parking lot I knew exactly why were there. Neville is one of my favorite Superstars, but there's a story to tell... which is why we're all here now.
The gang back in January 2012
In 2011 I was doing commentary for All American Pro Wrestling. I was also involved in a storyline in which I'd be getting into the ring to wrestle at our big show in January 2012. The event was going to be recorded and released on DVD. AAPW: Collision aired on the local ABC affiliate at the time. Besides bringing in Colt Cabana, I was informed two international wrestlers named PAC and El Generico would also be on the AAPW Main Event card. I watched their work to familiarize myself with them, having not known much about PAC at the time.
The day of the show our group of guests, which also included Matt Cross, arrived. I can't tell you how awesome all four of them were that day. PAC worked with one of our guys in the ring before the doors opened, giving him some solid advice. I was impressed not only with his in ring work, but PAC's attitude and professionalism. Because I was on the poster for the event I had signed a bunch for fans (for those who don't know I'm also a TV news anchor and several viewers had come out for the event).
Axxess 2014
We ran out of posters, except for one that PAC asked to take. He did and when it was announced later that he'd signed with WWE, one of my friends joked "Adrian Neville has YOUR autograph." Two years later when he was NXT champion at WrestleMania XXX Axxess, Chad and I met Neville, Bayley, Lana and Rusev. He signed the pic of us from that night two years earlier and told me he remembered me and the show. I thought he was just being kind.
Now back to Toys R Us in Arlington. Since Neville has been on the main roster, Chad has given me a hard time about my so-called man crush. As we stood in line, we listened to a girl behind us swoon about Neville. Chad asked if I was jealous of her. We laughed and joked about it for the 90 minute wait.
Doing the Neville pose before NXT: Takeover
Finally it was our turn for a photo and autograph. Chad went first. Then as I walked to Neville he said, "Kevin! How's it going?" You would have had to surgically remove the smile from my face. I glanced at Chad and seeing his reaction was priceless too. After more than four years, Neville remembered me. We shook hands, exchanged some quick small talk and took the pic. It made my day and is one of my favorite WrestleMania weekend moments of all the nine times we've made the journey. I still think it's cool that a WWE Superstar knows me by name.
Nearly two years ago I had the opportunity to meet NXT standout Adrian Neville. It was at an All American Pro Wrestling show in Marion, Illinois. Back then, Neville was wrestling on the indy scene as PAC. I had only seen a few YouTube videos featuring "The Man That Gravity Forgot", but was immediately impressed, not just with PAC's skills in the ring (he wrestled El Generico, aka Sami Zayn that night), but also with his kindness backstage.
Fast forward to late 2013. I've watched the last several episodes of NXT, including the match Neville had against Zayn to become the number one contender for the NXT championship. Once again these two amazed me with their display of athletic ability and storytelling. It was reminiscent of that night in January 2012, where I got to call the action. I never dreamed that night that in a short period of time both would be under contract with WWE.
On the most recent episode of NXT, Neville got his shot against champion Bo Dallas. It was a highly competitive match, one that I was hoping Neville would win. Well, technically he did win, but only by count-out, so Dallas retained the title. The ending leads me to believe the former two-time NXT tag team champion will get another crack at the gold, sooner rather than later.
That's me in the middle, with Generico & PAC.
Late last year I wrote a blog hoping that WWE would call Neville up to the main roster in 2013. With just over three weeks left in the year, I don't see that happening. But he has done some amazing things with NXT and I believe he'll continue to shine there in 2014. When the WWE does finally call him up, I want it to be for good, and not a flash in the pan who is sent back to Florida like we've seen happen with so many developmental stars before him.
Our friends at Pro Wrestling Ponderings broke some pretty big news recently. El Generico, one of the best indy wrestlers in the business, has signed a developmental deal with WWE.
This is exciting news. In 2012 I had the chance to meet Generico as he wrestled PAC (Adrian Neville, another recent WWE developmental signee) at AAPW Main Event. The two put on an exciting match that left the crowd on its feet and left the commentary team (myself included) speechless at times. Generico made such an impression on my kids, who up until that point had only seen one other indy show, that they still 12 months later do his signature Ole! Ole! chant. It's pretty cool.
In April of 2012 we had a chance to see El Generico wrestle Sara Del Rey at a Chikara show. Again, it was one of, if not the best match on the card. I guess you're starting to notice a theme here. Generico is an excellent wrestler, but I think he also does a good job of entertaining the fans, a great combo to have when moving up the ranks in the world of sports entertainment.
Cross, Generico, PAC, and Cabana Photo courtesy: Brian Kelly
The obvious question now is how will the WWE utilize the masked star. I feel like they have to keep the masked gimmick alive for him. I'm sure they will change his name, but I really think he will translate will to WWE fans. He has all the potential to be the success that I think WWE hoped Sin Cara would be.
There aren't a lot of details at this point, and in most cases when someone new signs with developmental it takes months, if not years to make it to the main roster. With guys like Neville and Generico there though, I hope they along with Kassius Ohno (Chris Hero) get called up sooner rather than later. This is truly an exciting time for wrestling fans. Again, congratulations to El Generico. This is a well deserved accomplishment. Ole!
Wow, it's been a while since I've posted anything. Chad and I once again collaborated and came up with the 2012 Centy Awards, honoring the best and worst of 2012 in the world of professional wrestling. We announced our choices on a recent episode of From the Rafters Radioalong with co host Chris Hagstrom and friend of the show "Big Z 38" Greg Davis. Here's our picks, and be sure to watch the video at the end, as there is an explanation behind the picks that Chad and I made. Thanks for supporting My 1-2-3 Cents through the years!
Wrestler of the Year
Chad: Austin Aries
Kevin: CM Punk
Chris: CM Punk
Greg: CM Punk
Most Hated
Chad: Randy Orton
Kevin: Brooke Hogan
Chris: Triple H
Greg: Rob Van Dam
Most Under-appreciated
Chad: SHIMMER
Kevin: PAC
Chris: Dolph Ziggler
Greg: El Generico
Most Overrated
Chad: Jeff Hardy
Kevin: Alberto Del Rio
Chris: Randy Orton
Greg: Rob Van Dam
Breakout Star of the Year
Chad: Mr. Touchdown
Kevin: Mr. Touchdown
Chris: PAC
Greg Davis: ACH
Show of the Year
Chad: TNA's Bound for Glory
Kevin: AAPW's Main Event
Chris: AAPW's Main Event
Greg: Chikara's King of Trios Night 3
Star on the Horizon
Chad: Michael Elgin & Willie Mack
Kevin: Heath Hatton
Chris: Matt Cage
Greg: Paige
Female of the Year
Chad: Sara Del Rey
Kevin: Miss Tessmacher
Chris: Sara Del Rey
Greg: Sayra Knight
Best Use of Social Media
Chad: The Batiri
Kevin: The Batiri
Chris: Jim Ross
Greg: CM Punk
Biggest Fall from Grace
Chad: Zack Ryder
Kevin: Zack Ryder
Chris: Zack Ryder
Greg: Jim Cornette
Since 1991, Pro Wrestling Illustrated has featured the top 500 men and women in the world of wrestling. Each year they've come up with a list that covers the major companies and the independent leagues. When the issue first started coming out, I had a subscription to the magazine and never missed one. But with the rise of the Internet, I'll admit I stopped buying PWI, Inside Wrestling, The Wrestler, and WWF (yeah back then the F was still there) magazines.
Who knew 20 years ago when I was reading those rankings that I would one day be able to lay claim to actually knowing wrestlers on the list? And I mean legitimately know, not just guys I've interviewed like the Miz, Lex Luger, or Hacksaw Duggan. Several AAPW wrestlers and guests made an appearance on this year's list.
We'll talk more about the top ranking guys on Thursday's From the Rafters Radio show. You can click this link to listen live at 7 p.m. CST or search us on iTunes. It's no surprise to me that CM Punk tops this year's list. It's a well deserved honor in my view. I'd like to share with you the folks I have had an opportunity to work with over the last 18 months or so with AAPW. If you've not heard some of these names, I'm sure you will in the not so distant future.
Matt Cross, El Generico, PAC, and Colt Cabana
AAPW Main Event
Photo by Brian Kelly
Colt Cabana (44), El Generico (82), PAC (88), and Matt Cross (188) all appeared for the first time at AAPW Main Event in January. It was a pleasure getting a chance to not only see these guys wrestle, but to call their matches too. PAC and Generico had an amazing match which was probably the most challenging bout I've ever done play-by-play for. Matt Cross put up a good effort against the undefeated Pokerface. He also returned to AAPW recently for Summer Chaos. Unfortunately I wasn't able to be at the announce table for Colt's match against Eric Wayne as I was preparing for my own match that night. I'm excited that Colt will be joining us again on October 20 for Zero Hour. More details to follow on that event.
Ace Hawkins & Brandon Espinosa
AAPW Collision
Photo by Jason Wilkey
Ace Hawkins (295) and Brandon "Espy" Espinosa (311) are great on their own, but they also make an excellent tag team. They've dropped their "Minor Threat" moniker as they want to prove to the AAPW tag team champs they're serious about winning the gold. By the way, Ace also appeared on WWE Extreme Rules as "Aaron Relic" alongside AAPW standout Heath "Jay" Hatton in a match against Ryback. Who can forget that two is greater than one?
Other notables include Adam Pearce (62) who is the current NWA World's Heavyweight Champion. He's bringing that 10 pounds of gold to Marion, Illinois on September 22 and will defend it against Hatton. I'm looking forward to that match for several reasons and will talk more about it soon. I can't wait to meet him as well.
Mike Sydal (335) is a rising star, wrestling for AAPW and ROH among other companies. Mike has had several matches in AAPW and he's got a lot of energy. He's fun to watch and will continue to climb the ladder of success, much like his older brother Evan Bourne.
Dave Osborne (428) has had a handful of matches with AAPW as well. He has come a long way and continues to improve as well.
"Golden Boy" Greg Anthony vs. Heath Hatton
AAPW Main Event
Photo by Jason Wilkey
"Golden Boy" Greg Anthony (434) has always noted that he's as good as gold. I like his style in the ring and miss him at AAPW. He's got an incredible amount of passion for the business and it shows in his work and his promos. Golden Boy has offered me advice not only on commentary, but as I geared up for my one and only match back in January. His advice is always appreciated.
Perhaps one of the biggest miscarriages of justice (thanks Gorilla Monsoon) is the fact that Sara Del Rey is ranked at 430. She's only the fourth woman to crack PWI's Top 500 in its 22 year history. I've only seen her wrestle live a couple of times for Chikara, and I can tell you she deserves a much better ranking. Of course, I'm sure the editors at PWI have a very difficult time coming up with this list and I don't envy them at all. You're never going to please everyone.
What are you thoughts on the list? Remember, listen to From the Rafters Radio and weigh in on the discussion via Facebook or Twitter (@RaftersRadio, @my123cents)
For years, I've listened to Chad hype the independent wrestling company Chikara. Years I tell you. He even drove 15 hours once to watch a series of shows in Pennsylvania. I'll be honest, having watched just a bit of it on DVD, I didn't understand the appeal of driving all that way. The shows were a bit campy in my estimation and while entertaining, lacked a wrestling company feel that I had been accustomed to.
But fast forward 6 years and my exposure to indy wrestling has exploded. Besides working with All American Pro Wrestling for the last year, I've also been to several other shows, including ROH and Dragon Gate. Then on Saturday, April 28 I attended my first Chikara show. A day later, I was at my second show. And what an experience.
My fellow AAPW comrades Adam Testa and Drew Robbins loaded up in my Prius (hopefully Daniel Bryan reads this) and headed to Chicago Ridge. It was an estimated 5 and half to six hour drive, but we made it in about 4 and half. We met AAPW Executive Producer Chris Hagstrom and Chad outside the building, ready to embark on two days of wrestling bliss. Three shows, two towns, many countless memories.
Mr. Touchdown and me
Chikara opened the weekend up with "Hot Off the Griddle." I must tell you I was really impressed not just with the talent in the ring, but the way they all interacted with the fans outside the ring. I posed for pictures with the Colony (a group of wrestling ants), Mr. Touchdown (a wrestling football player), and Chuck Taylor (one half of the new campeones de parejas). Not one of them asked for any money or for fans to buy their merchandise. They were there and took the time to thank the fans for being a part of the show.
Without bashing ROH too much, I can't say the same about them. Photos with their stars were $10 each. After the price of admission for three shows, travel, hotel, food, and other merchandise; I decided that was not a good deal.
The wrestling from both companies was solid. This was booked as a Synergy event, and talent from both companies appeared on each other's cards. El Generico for example wrestled on both shows, in the main event of Hot Off the Griddle he was pinned by the Queen of Wrestling, Sara Del Rey. What an amazing contest that ended up being. I will write and vlog more in the near future about that match and the topic of men vs. women in the ring. Kevin Steen took Chikara Grand Champion Eddie Kingston to the limit in a match that the champ won by disqualification. Steen definitely knows who to work the crowd, as many of the Rudos (heels) do. Chuck Taylor for instance hurled Chad's cousin's bottle of Gatorade across the arena. The kid was devastated. A couple of other highlights from first day: Mixed Marital Archie, the Throwbacks, and the Colony. All very entertaining and not too campy or over the top like I thought Chikara might be.
After the double shot Saturday afternoon and evening we headed about 40 minutes away to Indiana where we booked a hotel. After a few hours sleep we headed south to Lafayette for day two of Chikara and the Contaminated Cowl event. Because Lafayette is a much smaller town than Chicago Ridge, this show was in an old movie theater. It was quite an intimate feel to it as well as we were so close to the ring that when guys were on the floor brawling we could reach out and touch them.
Chuck Taylor & me
It was another solid day of wrestling action, this time just by the men and women of Chikara though. I got to get a pic with Mixed Martial Archie and watch FIST members (Chuck Taylor & Johnny Gargano) become two time campeones de parejas (a first for Chikara). Chris got his hat tossed into the crowd, Chad's show was stolen and elbow dropped in the main event, and Adam had his shoe thrown across the room too. Adam also tried to show respect to his team, 3.0 and offer up some Red Bull and Slim Jims, only to see the beverage dumped in the ring. We interacted after the show again with the likes of Dasher Hatfield, who did 10 Questions with us a while back, Arik Cannon, and Chuck Taylor.
I'm so very glad I made this trip. Not only did I get to witness Chikara live and in person for the first time ever, I had a great time with my friends. The saying getting there is half the fun is an understatement. This is only the tip of the iceberg, there were so many memorable moments. My hope now is that Chikara will head a bit further south in the future, maybe St. Louis or even southern Illinois. How about it Quack? Also, I hope that Darkness Crabtree and Dragon Dragon make a comeback too.
Don't forget to like us on Facebook and tune in to From the Rafters Radio each Thursday at 7 p.m. CST. Click here for details.
In addition to making my wrestling debut on January 14, 2012, I also got to witness (and call) an exciting match between two guys who certainly deserve a shot in "the big leagues" of wrestling. El Generico, "the generic luchador" took on "The Man That Gravity Forgot" PAC. I can't say enough good things about both these men, not just inside the ring, but outside as well. They put on one helluva show for the 405 fans who were in attendance that night. The rest of you will soon be able to own this gem on AAPW Main Event DVD.
For those of you who aren't familiar with PAC, I would suggest learning more about him. It's hard to even put into words some of the aerial assaults the man can pull off. Again, I'm not taking anything away from El Generico or anyone else on the AAPW roster, but this guy should definitely we working in the WWE. But honestly, I'm glad he's not, otherwise the fans of AAPW would have never been exposed to him on this level. And let's face it, when the WWE gets there hands on an indy sensation, they tend to neuter them and make them adapt to their style of wrestling (or sports entertainment). But it's their company and they can do that.
Honestly, I was extremely nervous doing the commentary for this match. I only hope I don't end up sounding like a total buffoon in it. There were moments where all three of us on commentary were in silence. We were soaking up the action in the ring and wanting more. It was an amazing display of athleticism. And the fans in attendance ate it up as well. I think just about everyone in the building that night was impressed and had a new found respect for these two.
PAC was extremely polite and humble before and after his match. One of the things that stuck out to me was the fact that he was warming up in the ring prior to the show and invited one of the AAPW stars in with him. I watched from a distance, but could tell the wrestler he was in there with was taking the words PAC spoke to heart. It's something I would have never imagined seeing. Prior to the show starting, when PAC heard the show was a sell out, he congratulated us and gave the chair that he'd been sitting on in the locker room. He said someone out there needs it more than I do. Then after his match, PAC asked us how the match looked, to which we all replied incredible.
M. Cross, Generico, C. Hagstrom, Me, A. Testa, PAC, & Colt
I think all four of our guests (Matt Cross, El Generico, Colt Cabana, and PAC) had a great time. I know all of us at AAPW enjoyed their presence. They all took the time to pose for pictures with the fans and sign autographs. I'm excited I got to be a part of the buzz that night. And I really hope at some point down the road our paths will cross again because like I said, not only is PAC a pro in the ring, he's one outside of it too.
January 14, 2012 will go down as my greatest wrestling memory. I have no doubt about that. Not only is it the night that I got to call an incredible match between PAC and El Generico, and meet Colt Cabana, but I also made my wrestling debut that night. At nearly 39 years of age, I never thought this day would happen.
The last year has been incredible for me in terms of wrestling. I got the opportunity to "manage" Velvet Sky at a TNA house show event, join the commentary team of All American Pro Wrestling, and wrestle in a match in front of hundreds of screaming fans. For those who missed the back story, you can get caught up on the angle here.
On the day of the show, I was extremely nervous. I had literally only been in the ring one time before to run the ropes, take and give some chops, and get sent into the turnbuckles. It wasn't until the afternoon of AAPW Main Event that I actually got body slammed, clothes lined, and "punched" for the first time. We worked out the match and how it was going to go and I began to feel a lot better about the whole thing.
We were the semi main event, so I had done the commentary for the first half of the show. When I went back at intermission to get into my ring gear I stayed cool, calm, and collected. We discussed the match twice more to make sure I'd remember everything. As I've mentioned, I'm not a wrestler, so we weren't looking to put on a show like anyone else on the card had done.
My opponent Mike Masters went out first. I think all 405 people in attendance were booing him. He had incredible heat. As I watched on a monitor near the Gorilla Position it hit me. "I'm about to go out there and WRESTLE, or at least try to." That turned into almost a feeling of light headedness. Then I started worrying I'd forget everything we planned. But Mike had told me if I did, not to worry. I was instructed to crawl around the ring, and he'd beat me up and remind me along the way.
When I came out, the crowd popped. I walked over to AAPW Executive producer Chris Hagstrom, who is also on the announce team, and begged him to call off the match. Since he wouldn't I reluctantly made my way into the ring.
Once we actually made contact and Masters slammed me, I felt completely disoriented. I wasn't sure where I was inside the ring. I knew that I had to look toward the hard camera for the upcoming DVD, but for a moment, I wasn't sure where it was. I also had experienced a severe case of cotton mouth. I can't remember everything that happened of course, but I know he choked me on the ropes and crashed across my back. He also took me to all four corners and did chops across my chest. Well, when we got to the fourth corner, I moved out of the way and did four or five quick chops to him, thinking I had the momentum only to have my eyes raked and beat back down to the mat.
Getting choked (from Bob Velez)
The finish saw me getting chocked on the ropes again and Masters going for the jump, but I moved, causing him to rack himself. I clothes lined him, body slammed him, and went for the cover, only to have him kick out. Then he hit me with a low blow, clotheslined me, and did a Juvi driver, but broke the count up at two himself. He said he wasn't finished with me and went outside the ring for a chair. He threatened to hit me with it, but instead sat on it and taunted me. This prompted Chris to jump on the apron and plead with the ref to end the match. With the ref's back turned, Jay Spade, who had lost a match to Masters to cause the challenge to happen, whacked and unsuspecting Masters in the head with the chair. I hooked his leg and got the win.
That's real blood, folks
Immediately I jumped up and celebrated. I climbed the ropes and soaked in the cheers of the crowd. I hugged Chris and Jay and the three of us stood in the ring with our hands held high. I noticed the ref had a troubled look on his face, but I thought he was selling the moment, so I left the ring and ran around it, slapping hands with my family and the fans in attendance. As I looked down I saw blood on my hand. I thought it was a scab that got knocked open or something, but moments after I got backstage I turned around and Mike came through the curtains with a crimson mask. The chair shot busted his head open pretty bad. A lot of people asked me if that was real blood and if it was supposed to really happen. Yes, it's real blood. No, it wasn't supposed to happen. It was an unfortunate accident. It sometimes happens in the world of wrestling.
Chopped
Other wrestlers and someone with medical training in the crowd tended to his wound. An ambulance arrived shortly there after. Luckily, Mike only needed five staples in his head. There was no concussion and he even came back to the arena as we were cleaning up to let us know he was okay. So for those who think wrestling is "fake", again I tell you it may be predetermined, but calling it fake is not fair. Look at the blood stains on my pants and the red marks on my chest hours after the match. My body is sore and achy, like after an intense workout.
Taking the mishap out of the equation, it was truly an amazing night. If I forget to thank you here, I apologize. But I can't thank Mike Masters enough. Also Heath Hatton and Edmund "Livewire" McGuire for training me. Jay Spade for his assistance with the match. Chris Hagstrom for giving me a shot with AAPW in the first place. Adam Testa for his friendship and support leading up to this, even though he claimed to be #TeamMasters. Sean Mocaby and Greg Anthony for their support and asking me to be involved in AAPW. Really all the guys with AAPW who shared kind words with me before and after my match. My friends and coworkers, and the folks who drove hours to see the show. The fans who I don't know who made an effort to be there. And of course my wife and kids for letting me live out a dream. Perhaps this is a my midlife crisis. I'm having so much fun, I just wish this opportunity would have come sooner in my life.
The Main Event DVD will soon be released. Be sure to pick up a copy if you missed the show. Colt Cabana, PAC, El Generico, and our surprise guest Matt Cross M-Dogg 20 were all awesome. And of course all the stars of AAPW tore the roof off. All the matches were intense and exciting. It was a pleasure being a part of the biggest show in the history of this fine company. To learn more about AAPW, head to the website.
I know my headline is grammatically incorrect, but I'm hoping you reread it with Jesse Ventura's voice saying the line. Get it now? Funny, right?
Anyway, I've been writing about AAPW Main Event for the last couple of days and I'm really excited about this show. Not only are the best men and women (yes, we've added a ladies match) in the midwest competing on January 14, but so are three international superstars. I've already talked about Colt Cabana (he's facing "3G" Eric Wayne).
Now it's time to showcase "the Man Gravity Forgot" PAC and his opponent, "the Generic Luchador" El Generico. Admittedly, I don't know a lot about either competitor, but after looking at their work online, I must say I'm really excited about what they'll bring to the fans of AAPW. While they may be friends outside the ring, once the bell rings, it's all business. Don't believe me, check out this highlight reel from one of their overseas matches.
PAC flies!
These two are sure to put on a great exhibition with a lot of high flying moves. We may need to call an air traffic controller in for this one. I've never had a chance to see either man in person either, so not only watching this match, but getting to call it will be a highlight of my career.
We hope you will join us for Main Event. It's just around the corner. Saturday, January 14. Bell time is 6:45 p.m. at Black Diamond Harley Davidson Warehouse. Come out and support independent wrestling at its finest. Click here for ticket information.
All American Pro Wrestling in southern Illinois is gearing up for its biggest show ever. And I'm proud to say that I am a part of it. For those who don't know or remember, I do color commentary for our biweekly AAPW Collision. Click here to watch on line.
Anyway, on January 14, 2012 it's AAPW Main Event. And the company has sought out three of indy wrestling's biggest names. Colt Cabana, PAC, and El Generico will all be featured on the card. It should be an epic evening of fast paced, high energy, family friendly, and fun wrestling.
Of course these three stars will supplement the roster of talented young men (and a couple of women, it's one of AAPW's first ladies matches) in the new year. I'm looking forward to being able to call the action. It's my hope that the three big name guys coming in, along with our current stars will help make for a memorable evening in Marion. The show by the way is at 6:45 p.m. at Black Diamond Harley Davidson. Tickets are cheap too, so you can bring the whole family.
My broadcast colleague and AAPW Executive Producer Chris Hagstrom had this to say about the announcement, "We know our fans love seeing our local performers, but bringing in stars like Cabana, El Generico, and PAC, who are recognized not only nationally, but internationally, as well, will only enhance the caliber of our show and the experience of the fans."
I'll be honest with you, up until about a month ago, I had no idea who PAC was. Adam Testa, AAPW marketing director, sent me a link to some of his matches. You can check that out by clicking here. PAC is an amazing talent in the ring. His high intensity moves should keep fans on the edge of their seats throughout the night.
I know a little bit more about El Generico. Chad has talked about him and shared a few DVDs with me featuring Generico. Most recently he was the Ring of Honor TV Champion. Although he never had a chance to successfully defend that title (he lost it to Jay Lethal in his first defense), I like his style. He should add something special to the evening on the 14th of January.
Chad & Colt in 2008
Then there's Boom Boom Colt Cabana. I'm a fan of his having listened to his podcast "The Art of Wrestling" for the last few months and of course looking up some of his matches on line. Colt had a very brief run in the WWE as Scotty Goldman a couple of years ago. But with the recent rebellion by CM Punk on Raw, we've heard Colt's name dropped a couple of times on air. It would be great to see him come back to the E without some lame ass gimmick, but for the time being, I'm enjoying his work in the indies and listening to his always entertaining podcast.
Me & the champ!
The evening will also feature AAPW champion, Edmund "Livewire" McGuire defending his title against whoever is deemed the number one contender on the December 10th episode of Collision. It'll either be the 450 pound Mississippi Madman or "The Old School Warrior" Ax Allwardt. That'll be a great match too.
Mike Masters has been on a big losing streak and has been pointing the finger of blame at me. Find out on the 10th why exactly he thinks it's my fault that he's losing, and what he intends to do about it.
Again, I appreciate those of you who read the blog and support us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Please check out AAPW on Facebook as well and like the page. They'll be giving away prizes when they reach benchmarks too.
The rise in popularity and accessibility of the Internet has provided a new means for companies to reach potential consumers. In the wrestling world it has given a means for companies to interact with fans and vice versa. Of course Internet promotion can be a double-edged sword. WWE Superstar Zack Ryder used YouTube successfully to get himself back onto TV on a regular basis. At the same time the constant mentions and schilling of Twitter by WWE announcers detract from what is happening in the ring and leads to fans thinking 140 characters of type on a webpage is more important than the outcome of a match.
While WWE, TNA, and even ROH have television shows to promote their events and make the fans aware of current story lines, what do the independent companies that don’t have weekly TV do to make sure their events get proper attention? Companies have to figure out a way to get the word to the fans. In this regard, Chikara has an Internet presence that, in my biased opinion, is probably the best of any company.
The Chikara Blog, complete with podcasts too.
On their official website, the events section gives information on upcoming shows with enough advance notice there is no reason for fans not to know about any show. There is also a blog section that is updated usually on a daily basis with blogs written by members of the roster promoting upcoming matches or adding depth to ongoing feuds.
After you get done getting caught up on the blogs, head over to the official Chikara YouTube channel, and watch the various daily videos Chikara posts. There’s the Special Update, the Podcast a Go Go, the Throwdown Lowdown and the Event Center videos to watch.If you’re new to Chikara or still on the fence about ordering the High Noon PPV, I highly recommend you check out the videos. If they don’t make you interested in seeing High Noon then there’s something wrong.
Chikara puts so much new information on the Internet on a daily basis that I am curious as to how many people they have working behind the scenes. I know nothing about the day-to-day operations of the company but it surprises me how a relatively small company can present themselves better in the area of new media than some bigger companies with a large staff and more money.
Some of the High Noon card
Don’t forget, High Noon, Chikara’s first Internet pay per view airs live on Go Fight Live on November 13 at 4pm. There will be a free preshow starting at 3:30 on Chikara’s UStream channel. The preshow will feature a match between Jigsaw and El Generico. High Noon can be ordered at by clicking this link.There’s another Pay Per View the same night, but if you want to get a show where wrestling is the focus and a show that will leave you wanting more after it’s over, I cannot stress how much you should order High Noon.
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