FIGHTS: Inspire Pro's 'BattleWars' brings Chikara Pro to Texas

EAST COAST WRESTLING TALENT MIXES IT UP WITH THE BEST IN AUSTIN
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

NWA - Inspire Pro continues to be one of the best pro-wrestling outfits running in Texas today.  They are one of many in south and central Texas leading the way in the Texas indy wrestling revival.  Texas is a hotbed for indy wrestling, and the Inspire Pro show put on display once again that folks following the indy scene need to keep their eye on Texas.

Here's some snaps from some of the matchups from NWA-Inspire Pro's 'BattleWars 2015'.

STEVE O'RENO vs. TADASUKE vs. DASHER HATFIELD

This was the match that started the show, and boy did it set a high bar for the rest of the show.

Noted Internet Wrestling Pundit and Announcer for Inspire Pro Brandon Stroud, have a little fun before the matchup.

This show marked the return of Tadasuke, who had an amazing showing the last time he was in the Inspire Pro arena.

These guys started the show.  After the match, I knew everyone backstage had to up their game for the night.

I"m a big fan of O'Reno's 'Campana' hold.  But he needs to ring that bell.  Rock them in the lock, Steve.  Rock them in the lock.  They wouldn't call it The Bell if you didn't ring it.

At the end of the match, O'Reno gave Dasher Hatfield and Tadasuke a University of Texas baseball cap.  Pretty sweet touch.

NWA Wrestling Revolution All Stars (Erik Shadows, Matt Riot, Kat Green & Tony Strong) 

def. 

The New Movement (Cherry Ramones, Delilah Doom, Keith Lee & "Jiggle-O" James Johnson) w/ Chris Trew.biz

The NWA Wrestling Revolution All Stars put up a good fight against The New Movement stable.  But there was more to the story in the end.

Tony Strong takes to the skies against Cherry Ramone.

The courageous Kat Green is left to take on the monster Keith Lee.

'Mike Dell's Sperm' Matt Riot flies to splash down on Keith Lee.

Ramone wraps up Riot.

Leadership in The New Movement, led by homeless dildo Chris Trew.biz/fuckface.dirtbag.html runs down the skills of Jiggle-O James Johnson, causing Johnson to turn on his team and manager.  One of the reasons why Trew is a dumbass.  Why would you pay a guy money you don't believe in.

Johnson, read your contact and get out of it with that asshole.

And this is my favorite pic of the night.  God, I hate this nasty-ass dickhead.  Did I mention he fucked a burrito?  People think I'm kidding about that, but HERE IT IS

At intermission, things got real between Cherry Ramones and a fan, initiating a Twerk-Off by Cherry Ramones.  Here's some footage from that heated throwdown:  RAMONES' TWERK-OFF.

New footage has emerged with jiggling 'Jiggle-O' going old school b-boy on Cherry Ramones after Cherry's Twerk-Off.  You can see it HERE.

GREAT DEPRESSION w/Red Scare

VS. 

'KILLER' BRENT McKENZIE w/Mad Dog Johnson

I didn't go into this match expecting to see a lot of science, but I still wasn't disappointed.  These two big dudes threw down with clubbing blows and general cruelty towards each other.

McKenzie even hit a scary moonsault from the top rope.  Eat your heart out, Bam Bam Bigelow.

See the frightening moonsault HERE.

As McKenzie was gaining the upper hand, the Austin, Texas chapter of THE ORPHANS showed up.  While a little more formidable than the Bronx, New York Chapter of the Orphans, their ranks were made much stronger as they recruited The Great Depression to join their gang.  They tossed him a maroon shirt that he gladly put on, joining the team.

That brings us to the next matchup...

THE ORPHANS vs. PALMER/D'ANGELO/STARKS

On paper, this was a mismatch.  On the mat, it was still a mismatch.  The Palmer/D'Angelo/Starks trio had at least one hundred pounds on the Orphans.  And even though Great Depression had joined the gang, he did not play as a factor.

An Orphan uses a Camel Clutch on Starks.

For a total mismatch, however, The Orphans held their own and kept up with the big dudes.  But experience, size, and skill were able to overcome the heart of The Orphans.  If anyone should be upset, its the Palmer/D'Angelo/Starks trio for not taking them out as fast as they could have.  That's a testament to the heart of The Orphans.  And with the addition of a power man in The Great Depression and, if they're smart, leadership from The Red Scare, The Austin Chapter of The Orphans might be an unlikely force in Inspire Pro in the months to come.

All I know is I don't necessarily want to be a prospect for The Orphans, but I'll gladly be a Hang Around.  I don't mind being associated with underdogs who fight with heart.

BIG DADDY YUM YUM INVITATIONAL HOSS FIGHT

BYRON WILCOTT vs. JAMES CLAXTON vs.

MOONSHINE MANTELL vs. JAKE DIRDEN

The debuting Byron Wilcott in Inspire Pro brought in some of the biggest dudes on the Texas Indy wrestling scene.  The big guys took it to each other.  In the words of Wilcott himself, he wants to bring prestige and pride back to the heavyweight wrestling division.  And even though these four dudes beat each other up, Wilcott honored them and went to the bar to buy them drinks after the fight.

Here's hoping Wilcott's wish comes true.

In a sweet farewell, Miss Dis Lexia said goodbye to her Texas fans as she'll be traveling to the east coast.  ZBFbooks.com wishes her well.

Brandon Stroud could not leave well enough alone, and finally got his wish to talk to Lance Hoyt face to face to attempt to mend fences.  It didn't go well.

Hoyt told Stroud to chop him across the chest.  But before he could do it, stopped him mid-swing and was about to whip up on him when Chikara Pro Grand Champion Icarus' music hit.  Icarus came in to stick up for Brandon, who powdered like a champ.  Icarus was leveled by Hoyt, and that's when 'Dirty' Andy Dalton showed up.

CHAMPION EXHIBITION MATCH

ICARUS vs ANDY DALTON w/LaMOTTA

These two dudes showed what's great about pro-wrestling with a great matchup.  Even though Icarus was essentially fighting a two-on-one matchup, he still took it to Dalton.  The two put on a great match, which was expected from these two.

INSPIRE PRO PURE PRESTIGE TITLE MATCH

TEDDY HART vs. THOMAS SHIRE 

vs. SCOTTY SANTIAGO

This matchup was originally booked to be 'Showtime' Scot Summers vs. Teddy Hart for the new title, meant to represent the same WCCW replica belt Scot Summers had been toting around.  But unfortunately, due to transportation problems, Scot could not get a chance to get the belt.

So with the chance to be the first IP Pure Prestige Title holder, creating a new Texas title bloodline that represents the tradition of Texas Indy Glory from the Dallas Sportatorium, these three dudes threw down in an electric and hard-hitting matchup.

Teddy Hart flies.

And flies again.

Hart goes science for science against Texas mat technician and legacy to the Funk family, 'Wildfire' Thomas Shires.

Indy wrestling doll Machiko was not only Teddy Hart's valet to the ring, but charged with watching out for Mr. Money, Teddy Hart's feline mascot.

Hart Flip-Piledrives Santiago.

Car wreck on the outside, courtesy of Teddy Hart.

Shires goes for a UFO.  Maybe he should call it The Marfa Lights?

In the end, Shires takes advantage of Hart crushing Santiago and dumps Hart to the outside to take the win.

Your new Inspire Pro Pure Prestige champ, and first in a new bloodline that honors the tradition of Texas' past pro-wrestling heroes, Thomas Shires.

Shires and Hart.

Machiko brings Mr. Money back to Hart after the match.

INSPIRE PRO vs. CHIKARA PRO

ACH/JoJo Bravo 

vs. 

THE COLONY (FIRE ANT/SILVER ANT)

Two of the best in Texas, ACH and JoJo Bravo, took on two of the very best from Chikara Pro, Fire and Silver Ant.  These two dudes were ready to pull out every stop in what turned out to be an extremely fun and exciting match, the perfect ending to a solid card.

ACH took my Texas flag and waved it in front of Silver Ant, who held up the UT Horns symbol out of respect.

After a respectful handshake by both teams, they took to the mat.

Armbar grounds ACH. 

A pretty hilarious moment, when everyone hooks on waistlocks, including (eventually) Chikara Pro ref Bryce Remsburg.

In the end, JoJo locked on a new finishing hold, The Inspire Special, for the win.

ACH repping Texas.

Icarus.

The Chikara crew borrowing my flag yet again for a final photo shoot.

And, being Austin, there were folks in the crowd keeping ATX weird.  Here's a guy wearing liederhosen with a big ass beer mug.

Here's a dude with a big hammer.

And here's a snap of one of Inspire Pro's masterminds, Max Meehan, holding a cat named Mr. Money. 

In the end, it was a solid night from top to bottom.  All matches hit their marks and were fantastic.

NWA-Inspire Pro is a leader in the Texas Indy Wrestling Renaissance.  If you are anywhere near Austin, Texas when they have a show, I highly recommend getting tickets fast and making every effort to attend.  You will have a great time, guaranteed.

Get more info about Inspire Pro HERE.

And if you love pro-wrestling, you need to check out these titles from ZBFbooks.com.  Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire and Pit Fighters: Double Cross are two amazing titles that feature a lucha libre star putting his skills to the test in wrestling rings and MMA pits.  Check them out today HERE in paperback or Kindle.

Book Trailer for Pit Fightes: Baptism by Fire

Book Trailer for Pit Fighters: Double Cross

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press.  He's earned a BFA in Acting and a MA in Theatre History from Texas State University.  Network with Bowie and check out his books at his official website, ZBFbooks.com.

FIGHTS: 'Cross Rhodes - Goldust, Out of the Darkness' bring highs and lows

THE LEGACY OF DUSTY RHODES FIGHTS THROUGH THE PAIN OF THE WRESTLING BUSINESS
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

Cross Rhodes - Goldust, Out of the Darkness is another in a long line of entertaining bios about WWE stars that reveals the triumphs and demons on their road to pro-wrestling glory.  If there was anyone bred to be a star in the pro-wrestling industry, it would be the legacy of 'The American Dream' Dusty Rhodes, Dustin Rhodes.

The quick read follows the love and admiration Dustin held for his absentee father as he grew up in Texas and around the south.  Dustin is eventually ushered into the business by his dad to earn his way to the top.

As the story advances, we see the specter of drugs, alcohol, and pain killers that plagues the athletes living the pro-wrestling lifestyle.  Like so many before him, Dustin succumbs to the demons and struggles with that addiction while trying to maintain a happy life out of the ring and nurturing his breakout character, Goldust.

The book is a quick read and comes recommended for those who have grown to appreciate the Goldust gimmick and the work of Dustin Rhodes, one of the few remaining men who hold on to the traditions of the past.

The book is ZBFbooks.com approved.


Get your copy of Cross Rhodes - Goldust, out of the Darkness HERE.

You want to read something else that's just as cool?  You need to pick up the best combat sports themed book on the market today.  'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' features fighters from across the globe converging on Texas during the early days of MMA.  It even includes a star of lucha libre trying his hand in MMA.

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BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the acclaimed 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press.  He earned a BFA in Acting and a MA in Theatre History from Texas State University.  His latest titles explore superhero themes, including 'Codename: La Lechusa', 'Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul', and 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull'. 

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FIGHTS: The Sammy Guevara debacle

HOT-HEADED TEXAS INDY RISING STAR BLOWS TOP, BURNS BRIDGES AFTER CHAMPIONSHIP CORONATION
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

A stunning bit of controversy erupted at the Inspire Pro event 'In Their Blood' at the Marchesa Hall in Austin, Texas.  Rising Texas indy star SAMMY GUEVARA was crowned the first ever Inspire Pro J-Crown champ in front of a large crowd of Austin wrestling fans.

But what started as a great victory celebration degenerated into a dark vibe as Guevara took the mic and ran down a promotion that purportedly gave Guevara a start in wrestling:  River City Wrestling, one of San Antonio's best pro-wrestling promotions.  Guevara put the promotion on blast, singling out the promoter, Brandon Oliver, for overlooking him.  It was a strange rant that has some unfortunate ramifications for both promotions.

The rant was made known to Oliver very quickly, who took to social media to share his disappointment and disgust at what he felt was a betrayal.  Inspire Pro officials stated the moment was not part of their plans and was a decision made by the indy star.  Even another RCW star, Honky Kong, was affected in a high-profile matchup between Inspire Pro's own The Great Depression.  The fallout was RCW publicly severing ties with Inspire Pro and continuing on their own way.

I'm not going to pretend I know all the facts.  I'm just going to respond as a fan who has watched the sad circumstance play out.  I felt the rant was very inappropriate for several reasons.

Number one, very few people (dare I say NOBODY) in Austin, Texas, cares about a promotion outside of the city of Austin.  Sure, I can name a handful of folks like myself who support the Texas Indy wrestling scene when they can and know some of the goings-on around the state.  But I've seen this kind of stuff go down before.  And though I understand the context and ramifications of the allegations, a majority of the folks attending the event could give two shits about a wrestler's hurt feelings toward a promotion outside of town.  All we give a shit about is getting a show for our money, not hearing some wrestler air dirty laundry most folks would know nothing about.

Second, as mentioned, the tantrum severed a delicate relationship that Inspire Pro was taking great pains to develop with RCW and, perhaps, other promotions in Texas.  Leadership in Inspire Pro wanted to take the non-traditional approach and support other indy organizations in a spirit of cooperation to nurture the Texas wrestling scene as a whole.  Time, money, and sincere effort were being sacrificed to make that goal happen.  RCW seems to take a guarded and traditional approach to wrestling, which lends itself to caution and distrust of other organizations.  Any inroads to collaboration between the two organizations was emphatically put to an end after the outburst.  Work, plans, time, and potential paydays for talent between both camps were now thrown out the window because this dude put himself above all of that.  Even Honky Kong, who was a part of the Inspire Pro show and had a match after the rant, was affected.  He lost out on future paydays with Inspire.

(Incidentally, Honky Kong was an instant hit with the Inspire fans.)

On that same note, RCW fans of Guevara were disappointed to hear the news.  Some folks commented that Guevara was their favorite or a family favorite.  This included kids who enjoyed his work.  Now they won't see him in San Antonio again, at least in RCW, for a very long while.

Third, the event marked the announcement of Inspire Pro's inclusion in the National Wrestling Alliance.  Some of the top brass from the NWA was in attendance.  And though it's been made emphatically clear by members of Inspire Pro management that Guevara's actions were his own, it was still a really bad lead-in to the announcement, which came soon after, as well as a potentially bad first impression to the NWA brass.

And fourth is simply my opinion.  Is Guevara good?  Of course he is.  He's got a great look, clearly lots of passion, he's got a pretty good foundation and good skills, and he is a daredevil.  He's even been tested by the likes of Texas standout and rising Ring of Honor star ACH and the dangerous veterans Masada and Homicide.  That counts for something.

But is he THAT good?  I don't think so.  He's got lots of talent, sure, but it needs more time to marinate, to get better.  I'm not going to lie.  I got caught up in the hype as well.  Lots of folks on the Texas Indy scene were talking him up.  I got it.  I knew what they were saying, and I didn't have too much of a problem with it.  He's good, and fun to watch.  Guevara relishes being rude to crowds and opponents, and telling everybody he's the best in the world is a LOT premature.  But I know that kind of attitude is part and parcel for being rude to crowds.

But maybe he's honestly starting to believe it?  Maybe with so many folks blowing sunshine up his ass, he's taken a self-centered approach that Millenials are accused of doing and forgotten that there's still an element of respect that should be considered and earned from the people he works with and the opportunities he's presented with.

Look, I think Guevara has talent and can go a long way.  I also plan to continue to attend any and all RCW events when I can and am most definitely going to attend another Inspire Pro show in the near future.  I still love and support all of the folks putting their heart and souls into the events for the enjoyment of fans like me, keeping the tradition of quality Texas pro-wrestling alive.

Here's hoping all the fences can get mended, that Sammy can make some peace with folks he's upset, that the good of Texas wrestling can be emphasized over the dirt that's in most every wrestling promotion, that no more bad blood boils over publicly at an event, and everyone can learn from this experience for a better Texas wrestling scene.

I sincerely look forward to watching how Guevara develops from here, and hope his stock continues to rise, even though I'll probably be booing his Millenial ass.

Somehow, I don't think he'd have it any other way.

For more information about Inspire Pro and how you can get tickets to their next event, check them out at their official website HERE.

For more information about River City Wrestling and how you can get tickets to their next event, check them out at their official website HERE.

And if you enjoyed the blog, consider picking up a book for yourself from the ZBFbooks.com library to support the blog.  Books are available in paperback or Kindle.  Suggested titles:  The combat sport series 'Pit Fighters' from ZBFbooks.com.  It's the adventures of several fighters from around the world who form a stable to compete in the early days of MMA competition.  One of them is a Mexican luchador.

You can pick them up today in paperback or Kindle HERE.

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FIGHTS: Action, Controversy, History at Inspire Pro's 'In Their Blood'

HOT AUSTIN WRESTLING PROMOTION 

BROUGHT EXCITEMENT ON MANY LEVELS TO THE ATX WRESTLING SCENE

by

Bowie V. Ibarra

Great times were had by all at the latest Inspire Pro event at Marchesa Hall in Austin, Texas.  Folks came from all around Texas and even as far as Alabama for the outstanding pro-wrestling event.  And boy did the folks see some fun, drama, and history like only professional wrestling can provide.  Here are some snaps from the show.

One of the guests was noted combat sports pundit Jessica Hudnall (Twitter handle @LegKickTKO).  Here she is in one of her signature hats holding a flag featuring the Dewey Decimal number for 'Wrestling'.  The flag was made for one of the night's competitors, the book lover PAIGE TURNER.

Speaking of Paige, here she is, shushing the crowd as her mom, MISS DISS LEXIA, also does her best to keep the folks quiet.

What was supposed to be a tag team match turned into a one on three match when CAT GREEN agreed to fight Turner, Lexia, and KC WARFIELD, who was supposed to be her tag partner.  But it turns out she joined Turner's BOOK MARK stable.

THE HOLLYWOOD KNIVES took on JODAN and ERIK SHADOWS.  Here's Steve McEnroe putting Jodan in La Campana.  Great science from the Knife, who had to do most of the work when his partner was KO'd very early on the apron.

Texas indy standout JOJO BRAVO took on Japanese sensation TADASUKE in a spectacular bout that I would consider the Match of the Night.  Science, speed, and true wrestling skill were put on display in this outstanding matchup that is Tadasuke's last match in the states for a while.  And the dude loves his beer, as he was two-fisting two 16oz Coors Original cans.  Pretty cool.

Also one of my favorite things about Tadasuke was his choice of battle gear.  Shades of Great Kabuki and classic Muta.

'UNHOLY GREG JAMES took on 'THE TEXAS PRODIGY' HOUSTON CARSON in a competitive bout.  James used his speed and some chicanery to his advantage.  But it wasn't enough against Carson's power and skill.  Both dudes put out a great energy and vibe that worked for both of them since I've last seen them compete.

Homeless fuck CHRIS TREW was in attendance with his developing stable of fighters.  You might remember Christ Trew as the hobo dirtbag who debuted at an Anarchy Championship Wrestling show a few years back.  Well, he's still around and making some bones off the backs of his wrestlers.

Here's what I thought of the New Orleans-born comedy dildo.

His charge, California rising star DELILAH DOOM took on the evolving JESSICA JAMES.  James had spent some time in Japan, developing her skills and a new attitude that served her well in this match.  She abused Doom with locks, throws, and strikes before putting her away late.

Doom was fucked from the get-go, with just enough skills and strength to make it out of the match alive.

A match scheduled to be a three-way dance became a one-on-one bout for a shot at the Inspire Pro Women's title.  ATHENA took on VEDA SCOTT when ANGELUS LAYNE could not attend because of two broken wrists.  So the two ladies threw down.

Athena has a great new battle flag featuring her newest crest.  That was pretty cool, in my opinion. 

Here's Scott using some science on Athena. It was one of the only moves that Scott was able to effectively put on the crafty Athena, who dominated Scott with power and skill.

Below is one of the few pics I took of the 3-Way Ladder match featuring three of the hottest up-and-coming stars on the Texas indy scene fighting it out for the Inspire Pro J-Crown:  SAMMY GUEVARA, RICKY STARKS, and BARRETT BROWN.

Pictured above is Brown fighting with Starks to get to the Inspire Pro J-Crown.  Moments later, Guevara uses the two to climb to the crown and win the match.

Then what was a pretty fun match turned ugly when the newly-crowned champ Guevara got on the mic.  Instead of giving thanks for being there, or providing some other kind of heartwarming speech on the struggles it took for him to get there, the dude put now-former employer River City Wrestling on blast.  He ran down the company and the promoter, Brandon Oliver, for alleged transgressions and disrespect.  I can't speak for anyone else, but it was kind of a buzzkill for the vibe the event had created up to that point.

More on that in another blog post.

The actions of Guevara had unforseen consequences for the following match, what was promoted as a fun and wacky matchup between THE GREAT DEPRESSION and RCW fan favorite, HONKY KONG.  The vibe had changed in the arena, affecting the performance of the two competitors.  It's been noted publicly that the match didn't work out as anticipated.  But more on that later HERE.

The mood, fortunately, was brought back up to amazing levels when a surprise announcement was made that is going to help take Austin wrestling to the next level.  

Noted pro-wrestling blogger and official Inspire Pro ring announcer BRANDON STROUD introduced NWA Official TONY BROOKLYN to make Inspire Pro an official NWA licensed promotion.  Word on the street was the two organizations had been in talks for a while, and the crowd welcomed the announcement.  Both organizations are dedicated to promoting quality wrestling that hearkens back to the tradition and history of the NWA.

The following match would set that bar for high standard of wrestling.

Current NWA World Women's Champ BARBIE HAYDEN made her way to the ring ready to take on Canadian challenger PORTIA PEREZ in the first official NWA sanctioned match in Inspire Pro.

The tradition and ritual of a title match was observed, led by Brooklyn.  The presentation of the title was a subtle, but professional, display of respect to the past and the importance of the titles.

Perez took it to Hayden, but Hayden was able to defend the title in a tough matchup that found Perez leaving the ring in frustration at not winning the prestigious title.

Here are some great snaps with some of the stars of the women's division.

It was my first Inspire Pro show and it only made me wish I could attend the shows monthly.

If you live in the Austin, Texas area, you've got to get down to a show.  It's a fun show, a fun crowd, and always filled with surprises like a good wrestling show should be.

And the best thing?  They have made their commitment to honor the classic tradition of pro-wrestling and to the future of the sport to do their part to preserve it alongside the NWA.

I'm stoked, and look forward to watching them grow.

For more information about Inspire Pro, check out there official website HERE.

If you enjoyed the recap, support the blog by picking up a ZBFbooks.com title.  There's even a combat sports-themed book that features a Mexican luchador as one of the main characters.  

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the combat sport series 'Pit Fighters' from ZBFbooks.com.  It's the adventures of several fighters from around the world who form a stable to compete in the early days of MMA competition.  You can pick them up today in paperback or Kindle HERE.

Network with Bowie and check out all his other cool books featuring zombies, blood, and fights at his official website, ZBFbooks.com today.