FIGHTS: REVIEW - NWA 'INVASION' 2013 DVD ROCKS!

NEW JAPAN STOMPS INTO TEXAS TO TAKE ON SOME OF THE NWA'S BIG NAMES
By
Bowie V. Ibarra

It's over a year in and the National Wrestling Alliance keeps chugging along in spite of all the folks and many of my fellow 'marks' who thought the NWA couldn't keep it together long enough.  It's clear Tony Brooklyn and Bruce Tharpe are doing what it takes to keep the tradition of not only the NWA alive, but of straight pro-wrestling.  The matches are very 'entertaining', but continue to emphasize the wrestling aspect of its sacred grappling tradition.

Recently, NWA - Houston promoted an event featuring the stars of New Japan Pro-Wrestling taking on some of the best on the US NWA scene.  'NWA Invasion 2013' was an outstanding event, and yet another example of how not only the NWA is providing amazing quality pro-wrestling, but yet another sterling example of how pro-wrestling in Texas is alive and well.

Here are some notes on the DVD:

TOP QUALITY PRODUCTION VALUES

The DVD is skillfully put together with amazing graphics from Diet Productions.  The video quality exceeds the normal standard for independent pro-wrestling DVD quality.  In fact, the production values eclipse ROH DVDs that I've seen.

WEIRD TO SAY, BUT ADVERTISEMENTS

Between each match is a professional advertisement for sponsors for NWA Houston.  I don't know about you, but I'm very happy to see that.  It shows that NWA Houston has a pretty nice budget and are taking care of the wrestlers, in my opinion.  It's very smart, and shows the NWA knows how good businesses are run.

OUTSTANDING CARD OF THE BEST FROM JAPAN, TEXAS, AND ACROSS THE US

Look at this card:

TEACHER VS. STUDENT MATCH
Lou Marconi vs. Raymond Rowe

'The Sons of Texas' Cowboy Claxton/Alex Reigns
vs.
'The Lords of Chaos' Damien Wayne/Lance Erikson

INTERNATIONAL TAG MATCHUP
Gedo/Watanabe
vs.
'Kingz of the Underground' Scot Summers/Ryan Genesis

Jax Dane vs. Michael Tarver

WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Jushin 'Thunder' Liger/Hiroyoshi Tenzan
vs.
'Killer Elite Squad' Lance Hoyt/Davey Boy Smith, Jr.

WORLD JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Chase Owens vs. Jason Kincaid

NO DISQUALIFICATION
NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Rob Conway vs. Byron Wilcott


THE TEXAS FANS

One of the best parts of this DVD is listening to the fans and hearing how much they are into the matches.  As a Texas fan, I know how much we let ourselves get into the matches and how much fun can be had at these events.  I've seen some other DVD's where it seems like the fans are sitting on their hands.  But this is a lively crowd, including a hilarious group 'Thank You' every time the ringside timekeeper gives the current minutes of the match.  The 'over here' chant during the Jr. Heavyweight Belt retirement ceremony was pretty funny as well.

THE WRESTLING

From the first match to the end, the wrestlers competing on the card deliver when it comes to great wrestling.

In short, the NWA Invasion DVD is a great souvenir of this historic event that emphasizes outstanding wrestling in the tradition of the National Wrestling Alliance.  It is completely ZombieBloodFights.com approved.  If you're a fan

Get your copy of this outstanding DVD today here.

And if you need more combat sports action, follow the adventures of El Aire in the combat sports series, 'Pit Fighters'.  'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights.  You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.

 

 

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster.  His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'.  Get it in paperback or Kindle today.

FIGHTS: REVIEW - NWA Parade of Champions 2013 DVD

PRODUCTION QUALITY, SCIENTIFIC WRESTLING PUT TRADITIONAL NWA-STYLE GRAPPLING IN THE SPOTLIGHT
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

 

Saturday, April 20th, 2013, the NWA put on one of their greatest shows in their return to the pro-wrestling scene.  The 2013 NWA Parade of Champions was an event I was dying to attend, but missed out on even though I bought a front-row ticket.  But I was at least able to get the DVD, and I was not only impressed by the show, but the DVD itself.

 

THE MATCHUPS

 

TAG TEAM MATCHUP

RUDY RUSSO/JACK JAMESON vs. DAVE DUPERON/JASPER DAVIS

 

NWA LONESTAR JR. HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

RAY ROWE w/Samantha Ann vs. MIKE DELL (c) w/Barbie Hayden

 

NWA NATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

DAMIEN WAYNE (C) vs. HOUSTON CARSON w/Barbie Hayden

 

NWA NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP]

BYRON WILCOTT (c) vs. KAHAGAS

 

NWA TAG TITLES vs. NJPW TAG TITLES

KINGZ OF THE UNDERGROUND (SUMMERS/GENESIS - NWA)

vs.

KILLER ELITE SQUAD (ARCHER/SMITH - NJPW)

 

NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

ROB CONWAY (C) vs. CHRIS ADONIS

DVD QUALITY

 

The DVD was put together very well.  HD cameras were used to record the action.  The DVD screen was basic, but overall quality of the show was outstanding for an independent production.  There are several camera angles used, and the hand helds do a good job of catching the action without being shaky.

 

The announcer, Matt Topolski, did a pretty good job as well running by himself.  Although I think he was a little excitable and could have saved that enthusiasm for the end of the matches instead of a collar and elbow tie up at the start of matches.

 

The show took place at an indoor sports venue.  The independent vibe is strong in the scene.  The turnout was good as well, and as per south Texas crowds, they were vocal and enthusiastic.

 

Viewers will also note commercials by the sponsors of the show.  That was a fun and different thing to see, and smart as well.

 

MATCH QUALITY

 

All in all, the quality of the matches was top notch.  The opening tag tilt was a fun start, while Rowe and Dell set the bar high for the proceeding matches.  The Wayne and Carson matchup was good, and though Kahagas and Wilcott took some time to find their rhythm, it was still an enjoyable match.

 

The Kingz of the Underground and Killer Elite Squad knocked it out of the park, and though the main event match was set up a few weeks before, it was still a good scientific matchup.

 

All in all, the show was outstanding, and a great example of the NWA product in Texas. Lots of folks hate on the NWA for whatever reason.  My guess is 9/10 times, those people haven't seen the quality the NWA produces, and most definitely haven't seen the talent in Texas and how great they are.  This DVD is a fine example of the standard of scientific wrestling the NWA wants to set, and a great and enjoyable independent wrestling show.

To order your copy of the DVD for yourself, click to the NWA website here.

 

If you like combat sports, you've got to check out the 'Pit Fighters' book series from ZombieBloodFights.com.  You'll love both 'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross'.  Both are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and features a lucha libre superstar who crosses over into underground money fights.  You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.

 

 

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster.  His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'.  Get it in paperback or Kindle today.

Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University.  Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.

FIGHTS: Is NWA Pres. Bruce Tharpe writing checks his ass can't cash?

by Bowie Ibarra

National Wrestling Alliance President Bruce Tharpe has made no effort to endear himself to fans or promoters.  But that's hasn't been his top priority from day one, it seems.

To catch you up on the controversial Tharpe, he's a lawyer that finagled all the rights of the NWA out of the hands of the previous owners and taken it for himself.  Crushing promotion and promoters who were not ready to work towards his vision, he even went as far as changing the outcome of the NWA world title match by allowing Kahagas to enter the finals of the elimination tournament fresh and defeat Chance Prophet and Damien Wayne.

At any rate, his NWA has moved forward, and is proving prosperous in the state of Texas as well as other satellite franchises around the country and even outside the continental US (Kahagas is even defending his NWA title in the Dominican Republic).

But now, Tharpe is yanking the chain of one of the big dogs of international pro-wrestling notoriety:  New Japan Pro-Wrestling.  Yes, that NJPW.

Check out this video Tharpe sent to the organization, talking trash to non-English speakers and one of the world's leaders in outstanding pro-wrestling and threatening an invasion:

 

Clearly, Tharpe's holding his cards to the vest by not identifying who will be the NWA's choice to pit against all challenges in NJPW.  But holding the 10lbs. of gold makes it clear its probably going to be TokyoMonster Kahagas.

Or will it?

 



Tharpe has proven himself to be a shady mother f**ker, so who knows what he has up his sleeve.

But is he writing a check the NWA can't cash?  Not necessarily.

People have been writing off NWA as a joke for years now, and people can have their opinions, which is fine.  Just because some big names in indy wrestling took a big dump on the title and tradition (yes, I'm pointing out the talented Colt Cabana and Adam Pierce) doesn't mean the people hoisting the mantle of the NWA are bums.  Here's my opinion based off of what I've actually seen from the organization live and in person.

The heavy hitters in the NWA are legit.  Look at this list (as of this writing 3/5/13):

NWA World Heavyweight Champ:  Kahagas
NWA World Tag Team Champs:  Kings of the Underground Scot Summers and Ryan Genesis
NWA National Heavyweight Champ: Damien Wayne
NWA North American Champ:  Byron Wilcott
Regional Title holder out of San Antonio, Texas, NWA-Branded Outlaw Heavyweight Champ Jax Dane

Any of these champs could hang with the best NJPW has to offer.  So Tharpe might be talking trash, but he has talent that can actually back it up.

Tharpe might be a ruthless jerk, but the promotions that don't want to follow his lead can do their own thing.  Many have.  The one's that stick with it will reap the benefits.  And the NWAs probably better off letting the ones that cashed out go their own way.  The less shitty backwoods wrestling promotions who can't hang with the standards the NWA is touting, the better.

Let's face it:  Vince McMahon didn't get to the place that he got to by being nice.

I, for one, want to see it flourish again.  The NWA and its long tradition is one of the most beautiful pieces of wrestling history.  And even though one of the biggest assholes in pro-wrestling history might be at the helm of the organization, he's doing what it takes to bring respect back to the NWA franchise.  The respect Kahagas has show to the history of the title he holds (read: Picture of the belt by Kerry von Erich's grave), and the respect the KotU have shown to Tharpe (who seemed proud to be pictured with the new champs) demonstrate the kind of respect the NWA is earning from fans and wrestlers alike.

That is, the fans that are paying attention and not just walking lock-step with what one clever and talented indy guy said.

Nice guys finish last.  We'll see how the Tharpe regime continues to progress and build up the oldest organization back to prominence once again. This run on the NJPW promotion needs to be successful.

We'll wait and see.

==========

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuester.  His combat sports themed book, PIT FIGHTERS: BAPTISM BY FIRE, features a luchador from Mexico who transitions to mixed martial arts competition.  It is available in paperback and on Kindle for .99 cents.

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FIGHTS: NWA World Title Follow-up = Tokyo Monster jumps finalists

by Bowie Ibarra

I have to admit it was a shady start to such a prestigious world professional wrestling title tournament.  As mentioned before, I'm not sure why the tourney was rushed and how entrants such as Biggie Biggs were worthy to have their names engraved alongside such legends as Dusty Rhodes, 'Wildfire' Tommy Rich, and Ric Flair.

But as it turned out, the shady start to this tournament ended even shadier as the NWA National Heavyweight Champion, Tokyo Monster Kahagas, who was one of many worthy NWA competitors passed over as a participant, was entered as a ringer for the final.

It's another example of how great (and shady-as-f**k) management can make or break a wrestler and lead them to gold.  In this case, it was Dontay Brown who finagled his charge, Kahagas, into the main event.

As reported by Tony Brooklyn, NWA Vice-President and CFO:

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: On November 2 at NWA DAWG in Clayton New Jersey, Tokyo Monster Kahagas pinned Damien Wayne to become the new NWA™ World Heavyweight Champion.

Kahagas was a last minute entrant in to a scheduled eight man elimination match that advertised Chance Prophet, Justin "The Gift" Kincaid, Lance Erikson, Anthony Nese, "Greek God" Papadon, "Phat Daddy" Biggie Biggs, Lance Anoa'i and Wayne.

With only Wayne and Prophet remaining in the ring, Kahagas' manager Dontay Brown emerged with the reigning NWA™ National Heavyweight Champion. Brown was on the phone with NWA President R. Bruce Tharpe. Brown informed NWA™ Head Official Fred Richards that Tharpe had approved Kahagas' entry in to the match. Richards confirmed Brown's claim by speaking directly with Tharpe and allowed Kahagas' participation. Wayne then surprised Prophet with a quick pile driver and secured a three count. Shortly thereafter, Kahagas finished off Wayne with a "TMD" (Tokyo Monster Driver).

===

To be honest, I'm not sure why NWA President R. Bruce Tharp made this move to tarnish his own tournament.  This only adds to his questionable reputation, and I imagine Dontay Brown found some sort of legal looophole in how the event was organized, and probably greased Tharps palm for good measure to allow this ultimate travesty (eat your heart out, Chris Trew).  Hell, the legal eagle Tharp might have been in league with Brown and Kahagas in the first place, for all I know. 

The way I see it, that's what the NWA gets for throwing this event together so fast.  Had they taken the time to organize as they should have, get their ducks in a row, and set things up correctly, Brown, Tharp, and ultimately, Kahagas, couldn't take advantage like they did.  

But its over now, and Kahagas now has a target on his back.  Specifically from the two warriors who earned their shot at the title in the sanctioned tourney, Chance Prophet and Damien Wayne, who had some words for Kahagas.  Here's hoping Brown (and Tharp) are providing enough dough for Kahagas, because he'll be taking the lumps.

This brings up another question brought up by a fan:  If the old NWA rules apply, does Kahagas have to drop the national title now?  And if so, will there be another (hopefully better organized and legally protected) tournament for that title?

Though it was a shady start to a new era for the NWA, its a charged beginnig to what I anticipate to be an interesting run for Kahagas, whose name is now along side such greats as Harley Race, Bobo Brazil, and Sting.

================

Bowie V. Ibarra is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuester.  His combat sports themed book, Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire , features a lucha libre expert  who transitions to mixed martial arts competition.

Enjoy the blog?  Share it with your friends using the 'Facebook', 'Blogger' and 'Twitter' buttons below.

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FIGHTS: NWA Wrestling- What's the Rush? PLEASE DO NOT crown a new champ Nov. 2nd in NJ

by Bowie Ibarra

Lou Thesz, Buddy Rogers, Tony Nese

The National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Title has a long and storied tradition, going back officially to the late '40s.  Names like Harley Race, Ric Flair, Buddy Rogers, Bobo Brazil, The Funks, Giant Baba, Tommy Rich among others have earned the title.

Its for this reason that fans of pro-wrestling who respect the history of the belt should question the decision to immediately fill the vacant title with a very rushed title tournament featuring some random wrestlers of note.  What is the rush, NWA?  Why does the title need to be carried so fast without some sort of qualifying event for all of the fledgling NWA territories across the US and the world?  If this title is such a big deal as you claim it is, where's the build up?  Where's the information about the wrestlers, and what did they do to deserve a shot so fast?  I mean, who are these guys?

Bobo Brazil, Gene Kiniski, Lance Erikson

ZombieBloodFights.com implores you:  Please, do not crown a champ Friday, November 2nd in New Jersey.  Let that event find a contender from that region, and allow your other territories to do the same.  This would be a big chance for the NWA to showcase the talent across the country and the world, and have them compete in a great big tournament for the title.  The UK and Australia should be included as well.  Let their best come here to compete against the best of the best in the NWA from around the world.

Rushing in to crown a new NWA Champion in such a short period of time is doing a huge disservice to the tradition of the title and the true pro-wrestling champions who held it.  It's also doing a disservice to the many regional promotions across the nation and the globe who have talent who deserve a shot at one of the most coveted titles in pro-wrestling history.

Rick Flair, Harley Race, Biggie Biggs

I've seen some of the talent of the Texas wrestlers who have competed for the NWA in the Lone Star State.  Texas wrestlers such as 'Showtime' Scot Summers, Mike Dell, Jax Dane, Ray Rowe, Ryan Genesis, among others, are worthy contenders.  I imagine true fans of wrestling across the country who support NWA shows can name the same for their region, and deserve to have their territorial/regional contenders compete for the title as well.

And considering the progressive nature of wrestling in Texas, there are also some females who have competed in NWA like Rachel Summerlyn who would give some of the talent a run for their money.  Don't think a girl could compete?  Follow that link and check out that match.

And if NWA really wanted to be progressive, then they could even consider the immense talent of the crowd favorite and ring technician Ann Dromeda for the title.  She is an amazing wrestler with a sparkling personality fit for the wrestling world.

The potential for female wrestlers might be the same elsewhere across the world.  If the NWA would like to 'get with the times' as some people demand, this would be a great step forward into the future Colt Cabana accused the organization of ignoring when he vacated the title.

Jack Brisco, Giant Baba, Chance Prophet

This would also prove a great opportunity for fans across the globe to see the other wrestlers in the collective NWA talent pool.  The region Biggie Biggs or Chance Prophet run in might know how great they are.  But what about other regions?  This kind of tournament could provide new fans for the wrestlers across the world, and opportunities for promoters to bring in wrestlers for a show (and a payday).

In the end, I implore the NWA to not crown a champion tomorrow night.  Don't rush finding a new champ.  Take your time and allow all of the talent around the world earn a shot at the title.  Honor the competitors Friday night by making the winner of the tournament qualify for a future TRUE world title tournament.

If you respect the tradition and history of that belt, please consider this desperate plea to show respect to its hallowed past.

Jack Briscoe, Dusty Rhodes, Jason Kincaid

Tommy Rich, Kerry von Erich, Papadon

Sting, Tatsumi Fujinami, Damien Wayne

What do you think?  Is this a reasonable plea? 

Also, who are some regional NWA talent in your area that you think are worthy of a shot at the NWA Heavyweight Title?  Leave your thoughts, video footage, and comments below.  This is the kind of conversation that needs to happen to keep the tradition of the NWA championship alive.

================

Bowie V. Ibarra is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuester.  His combat sports themed book,Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire , features a lucha libre expert  who transitions to mixed martial arts competition.

Enjoy the blog?  Share it with your friends using the 'Facebook', 'Blogger' and 'Twitter' buttons below.

Agree?  Disagree?  Leave a comment below using your Google+ or Blogger account.

You can network with Bowie and explore his other titles at his personal website, ZombieBloodFights.com.