Chains have long been a weapon of choice for some pro wrestlers. In the 80s, Hercules carried one to the ring and used it to assault Billy Jack Haynes at WrestleMania III. The Russians, Ivan and Nikita Koloff battered Dusty Rhodes and other baby faces with their chains. And Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez used (I think) the One Man Gang's chain to destroy a brand new car won by Kevin Von Erich. In that chain toting tradition, I introduce you to former Stride Pro Wrestling Champion Ax Allwardt.
Gaylord & Ax in 2008
Ax's chain days date back many years. I remember catching him in action in 2008 with All American Pro Wrestling. This was long before I started working for the company. Ax was in his true Old School Warrior mode in those days and that chain, along with manager Gaylord Stephens, played a role in the outcome of several matches.
Phoenix wins
Courtesy: Steve Belcher
Now that he's older, you'd think he'd be kinder and gentler. But that is not the case. Ax still carries that chain. And several members of the Stride roster have tasted the links. "Farmer" Billy Hills got popped in the face recently as he faced Ax's new partner Scott Phoenix. The shot was hard enough to render the Farmer unconscious and Phoenix picked up the huge win.
Ax & J. Wells
Courtesy: Steve Belcher
So will the chain and manager J. Wellington Beauregard play a role in Maximum Overdrive's championship match this weekend? The duo battles the Stride Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champions The Midwest Mafia, "Farmer" Billy Hills & Sarah Summer and Team Triple X in a tag team turmoil fatal four-way match. Be there, bell time is 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Illinois Star Centre Mall in Marion.
Once again, I have to say how proud I am to be a part of All American Pro Wrestling. AAPW is preparing for its 6th anniversary and the front office has been working hard to put on one heck of a celebration. Since 2008, the anniversary show has also had the distinction of being a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Money raised from tickets, concessions, and several silent auctions and raffles will be given to the charity.
From top to bottom "Zero Hour" is stacked. This will no doubt be the biggest anniversary show in company history and will no doubt be the best show we've ever done. Like "Main Event" and "Summer Chaos", "Zero Hour" will be a DVD exclusive.
Mike Masters takes on Edmund "Livewire" McGuire
AAPW champion Mike Masters won the title in controversial fashion at "Summer Chaos", now he defends the title against former champ Edmund "Livewire" McGuire in AAPW's first ever steel cage match. There is more than just the championship on the line. There's a lot of raw emotion involved in this match, from Masters stalking Edmund and his young son, to the menacing words he's used against the father and son on social media. Factor in the volatile nature of their contract signing, this will be nothing less than war.
Climbing to new heights
Team Overkill vs. Brandon Espinosa & Ace Hawkins
In another highly anticipated grudge match, Team Overkill will defend their tag team titles in a ladder match. Brandon Espinosa and Ace Hawkins have been screwed out of the titles the last couple of times they've competed. Espy recently won a match against Christian Rose to determine the type of match at Zero Hour. Since Rose and his partner Matt Cage have used the belts as weapons in recent defenses, Espy and Ace decided to take the match to new heights.
"Boom Boom" returns to AAPW to team with Hatton
Gaylord steps into the ring
"Boom Boom" Colt Cabana makes his AAPW return. Back in January, Cabana was on the losing end to "3G" Eric Wayne. This time, he teams up with AAPW hero Heath Hatton to take on the "Old School Warrior" Ax Allwardt and his manager Gaylord Stephens. That's write, the Prince of Polyster will step into the ring against these two great stars. Hatton has been robbed out of two title opportunities thanks to Stephens, Allwardt, and newcomer J. Wellington Beauregard. First Ax smashed Heath with a chain helping Masters retain his title. Then Beauregard and Stephens caused a distraction and helped Adam Pearce pin Heath in their NWA World's Heavyweight title match.
The Reward is in the Risk
KC Jackson takes on Joey O'Riley
"The Main Attraction" KC Jackson has ventured into the singles ranks and is doing quite well for himself as he prepares to take on Joey O'Riley in the finals of the newly established "No Limits Division." I'm excited about this because the first ever NLD champion will be crowned on the 20th. Both men have been strong in the tournament. KC added some momentum by beating Joey and two other No Limits stars, Jay Spade and Sean Vincent in a fatal four way at "Summer Chaos." Regardless of who wins this one, I'm glad to see guys in a cruise weight category getting to show the fans what they can do together.
Worlds collide
Ultimate battle of the big men
The immovable force meets the irresistible object in the ultimate battle of the big men. The undefeated Bull Bronson (weighing in at 375 pounds) takes on his biggest challenge in AAPW, and maybe of all time in the Mississippi Madman. Madman is a former AAPW heavyweight champion and co holder of the tag team titles. Oh yeah, and he weighs in at more than 450 pounds. But will he be able to end the streak of Bull? Should be an interesting contest to say the least.
Will lady luck help Alex Castle?
Kyle Sykes is an up-and-comer in AAPW and he'll meet a relative newcomer to the company, Alex Castle. When Castle has his good luck charm Angelus Layne by his side, he's been unstoppable. Can the rising star overcome "the Monster" Castle and his beautiful valet? We'll find out.
Past meets present in the anniversary Battle Royal
There's also an Anniversary Battle Royal planned for the evening. Ten men will compete in this Royal Rumble style matchup. You'll see favorites like Chocolate Thunder, "Farmer" Billy Hills, and Justice. The powerhouse Truk Thompson and the Convoy will also be in the battle royal. So who will be the four remaining entrants? We do know a philanthropist has secured a couple of those spots, so no telling who will enter this event. Be at the show on the 20th and find out.
We'll also find out what the future holds for former AAPW champion "Serial Thriller" Shane Rich. We hope to see you there. Get your tickets by clicking here.
On the September 17th episode of Raw, the WWE introduced us to another "talk show" segment. This time it's the Miz getting a chance to show off his mic skills. Miz TV featured SmackDown! general manager Booker T, but of course the show was interrupted by Ryback, who now appears to be in line for an Intercontinental tittle shot against the Miz.
A couple of questions arise. Is Miz TV going to be a regular feature? Or was this something to introduce Ryback as a challenger to the Miz? Regardless of the answer, the segment had me thinking back to years ago when I felt this concept was much better served.
Jimmy Snuka in the Pit
I think few people would argue that Piper's Pit is the pinnacle of all wrestling talk shows. Roddy Piper was without a doubt the best talker in the business at that point and his pit segments account for many of my childhood wrestling memories. From Jimmy Snuka getting smashed with the coconut to the Haiti Kid getting shaved to the destruction of the Flower Shop, Piper's Pit set a standard that will never be duplicated as far as I'm concerned.
Besides having a great host, a wrestling talk show needs a good set. Piper's Pit was great. I liked the set up for shows that followed like the Flower Shop with Adrian Adonis, the Body Shop with Jesse Ventura, and the Funeral Parlor with Paul Bearer. Now with the Highlight Reel, Miz TV, and The VIP Lounge done in the middle of the ring, it takes something away from the segment. I guess it's because all (or most) of the wrestling's promos are cut in the middle of the ring. These shows are then shot in the ring, which to me makes it feel less special.
Back then wrestling had a lot less promos so when there was a segment featuring a couple of guys going at it verbally it meant something. Or maybe I'm looking at the past through rose colored glasses.
Old School with Gaylor Stephens AAPW
Cheap plug alert: I'm glad to see All American Pro Wrestling do the talk show concept too. Appropriately enough, it's called "Old School" and airs on AAPW All Access. Host Gaylord Stephens is honestly one of the best guys on the mic. I find this show more entertaining than past shows the WWE put out like The Barbershop with Brutus Beefcake or The Snake Pit with Jake Roberts. Check out Old School sometime. You won't be disappointed.
What are your thoughts on wrestling talk shows? Have they lost their luster? Am I being too critical? Weigh in here or on Facebook or Twitter.
