FIGHTS: Fun at the Feb. 2014 Ring of Honor show in #SATX

HARD HITTING ACTION AND GREAT FUN, ROH STYLE, FOUND ITS WAY BACK TO THE ALAMO CITY
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

Ring of Honor found its way back to San Antonio, Texas, for another night of fun-filled and wild action.  ZBFbooks.com was there.

Check out these snaps from the show.

Jessica James took on Angel Blue.

 

ROH Champ Briscoe got wild with Adam Cole.

 

I got a chance to take a mark photo with Kevin Steen.

 

I like the floating roll of streamer.

 

A strike from BJ Whitmer to Ray Rowe.

 

RD Evans showed up to the joy of all the Texas indy fans who knew of his legend in Texas.

 

 

I met my doppleganger.  Isn't that crazy?

 

Another Briscoe having some fun.

 

 

Maria, Maria....

 

Red Dragon took on ACH and Tadarious Thomas.

 

Lots of streamers for the main event.

 

Some dude in the crowd heckled Steen as he was giving his emotional final speech, and Steen dressed him down in hilarious fashion.

Good times.  Good times.

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 - FAN RECAP - Ring of Honor Invades SATX 2013

Ring of Honor Rocks the Shrine Auditorium
BY
Bowie V. Ibarra

Ring of Honor wrestling took the Shrine Auditorium by storm this past Saturday night with a card stacked with ROH standouts and Texas Talent!  ZombieBloodFights.com was there to take in all the action and have some fun.

Here's a recap.  And if you enjoy the recap, consider showing your support by purchasing my latest combat sports story, "Pit Fighters: Double Cross" in paperback and Kindle for as low as .99!

TAILGATE START

ZBF.com and Texas wrestling superfan Danny started the night off with some Lone Star Beer in the parking lot.  We were joined by his girlfriend and all had a Lone Start or three to start off our evening.  We were even joined by indy wrestler Mr. B, who was more than happy to have a beer with us.  Then, it was off to the show!

MEETING THE BRISCOES AND ADDRESSING THE PINK ELEPHANT

If you've been following the ZombieBloodFights.com coverage of ROH's approach to Texas, you might recall the preview of the show which featured the story on the controversial story about how ZBF.com and other KotU fans were allegedly put under scrutiny by ROH officials?  Well, it was my chance to put some of the rumors to bed and get to the heart of the controversy:  Would the Briscoes fight the Kingz of the Underground if they had a chance.

As I approached the autograph table, a ROH official asked called me out on the videos.  As he took my money for the autograph, I told him, 'A Briscoes/KotU match is the Pacquiao/Mayweather of the Texas Indy Tag Team Scene, man.'  He chuckled and let me in.

Mark made a face at my 'science' shirt, and I welcomed them to Texas with a Lone Star Beer a piece that I snuck in at the door.  And then I asked the question:  "If the timing were right, and everything could be coordinated the way it needs to be, would ya'll fight Scot Summers and Ryan Genesis, The Kings of the Underground?"

The answer was concise.

'Yeah.'

Well, there we go, ROH!  When you come back, make it happen!

TEXAS INDY TALENT TAKES THE STAGE

After saying hello to my fellow Texas indy wrestling friends, I sat down to watch the opening match.  It featured AJ Summers and Rudy Russo vs. Carson and Ricky Starks.  It took me a minute to figure out who to boo and who to cheer, as AJ Summers usually uses underhanded tactics to achieve victory.  But Carson and Starks were playing dirty, and Summers and Russo came out on top in a fun bout.

FRANK TRIGG:  MASTER OF CEREMONIES

A dude I thought looked like Frank Trigg was the MC for the night.  He actually did a good hacky-sack-style kick of a streamer during the night, so maybe it was just Frank Trigg's dad.

He also approached me at the end of the night and called me 'The Black Bobby Fish'.  Clearly, Frank comes from a part of the country that does not have Hispanics.

KYLE O'REILLY vs. MIKE SYDAL

O'Reilly shakes hands with a ghost

 

One half of the tag team champs, ReDRagon, or Re: Dr. Agon, Kyle O'Reilly mixed it up with Mike Sydal.  I swear to God, I thought Kyle was fighting the ghost of Brian Pillman.  They put up a good show, even with Bobby Fish at ringside.  Man, Fish can talk some shit as well.  But the Texas fans held their own, including superfan Tommy.

O'Reilly with the win on Sydal.

(B)ERNIE from the local Fox affiliate made an appearance.

In a fun moment, Ernie from Fox SATX made it to the ring to welcome every to the show and spell out the fact that Ring of Honor is owned by Sinclair Media, which also has a hand in his Fox station.  If you recall, Ernie was trying to interview ACH when Steve Corino called in and hijacked the segment.

Well, Ernie almost paid for showing up when Mark Briscoe came out for the save and attacked Corino.  The two went back and forth when Corino's mystery S.C.U.M. hand was revealed to be Jimmy Jacobs and Rhett Titus.

Impromptu match ended in DQ.

ATHENA vs. BARBI HAYDEN

This is as good as my photos got because I didn't want
ROH to take my camera

This was an outstanding match by the Texas indy women.  Both girls came out swinging, and the fans enjoyed it.  In the end, Athena hits the O-Face and puts Barbi away.

BOBBY FISH vs. RAY ROWE

Properly shaved New York douchebag Bobby Fish took on Texas indy standout, Ray Rowe.  As you might imagine, it was a physical match that found Rowe chopping Fish until he bled.  Rowe blasted Fish with his double knee flying attack and it was amazing.

But in the end, even after a good showing, Rowe lost to fish.

EDDIE EDWARDS vs. ROH TV CHAMP MATT TAVEN

This was a great and competitive match as well.  Edwards and Taven beat each other up before Edwards took the victory.  Taven had a long, hard look at the belt and considered his worth after the matchup.

ACH vs. JAY LETHAL

If this is match of the night, then it was match of the year.  ACH and Jay Lethal tore the house down in an amazing high flight and technical match.  ACH brought all he had, but it wasn't enough to take down Lethal, who got him.

But in the end, Lethal gave ACH his props and saluted him with pure honor.

And then, INTERMISSION

ADAM COLE vs. RODERICK STRONG

This match was alright.  The two put on a competitive match, with Strong taking the victory in the end.

But the real highlight was watching noted With Leather Blogger and Best and Worst of Raw mastermind Brandon Stroud just unload on Strong with a personal verbal vendetta against the noted wrestling stalwart.  Jesus Christ, he went off on Strong, saying he looked like a human leg, which was weird.  Called him the lamp from 'A Christmas Story'.  After he brought it up, I could see that, I guess.

And then, when the match ended, Strong confronted Stroud from the ring, calling him names and saying he doesn't score with chicks as Stroud sat by his immensely charming girlfriend, the lovely Miss Destiny.  Now I'm not going to draw any conclusions, but we're all adults here, Roderick Strong.  You're probably wrong on that assumption.  Try again.

TEXAS TORNADO TAG MATCH
S.C.U.M. reps JIMMY JACOBS AND RHETT TITUS
VS.
MIKE ELGIN AND BJ WHITMER

These dudes threw down all over the Shrine Auditorium, where Shriner's help raise money for children's hospitals and shit.  And it got crazy.

As it made its way back to the ring, Jimmy Jacobs suggested to Rhett Titus a way to murder BJ Whitmer by taking the mats off the Shrine floor and spike piledriving him to the pavement.  But luckily he was saved from that fate.

Balding mullet man seeking to commit murder 1 before the other dudes do

 

Truth is, Elgin promised he was going to send SCUM out in a body bag at the beginning of the night.  So, in a way, SCUM was just attempting to commit 1st degree murder first before Elgin made good on his promise.  Sound strategy when you think about it.

SCUM took the victory.

RING OF HONOR WORLD TITLE MATCH
JAY BRISCOE (C) vs. DAVEY RICHARDS

This was yet another great match and a great finish to the show, with both wrestlers giving their all to the crowd that stayed with them the whole night. 

One of the highlights, though, was Texas Superfan Stephanie shouting Kings of the Underground at Jay Briscoe before the match started.  I had made my peace with them, but she certainly hadn't.  She was wearing her green KotU shirt, too.  It was pretty awesome.

At any rate, the two even battled it out in a test of strength multiple times to the delight of the fans.  Jay takes the win in a hard fought battle.

All I got to say is it was a tremendously fun night of action that I hope returns to our state again.  Perhaps a show in ATX and SATX on the same weekend?

Also, KotU vs. Briscoes.  Goddammit, make it happen!

Thanks Ring of Honor

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

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the noted zombie horror series, 'Down the Road', from Permuted Press and Simon and Shuster.  His latest novel, 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' is a combat sports themed book about the adventures of a MMA stable in south Texas, featuring a Mexican luchador who crosses over into MMA.  'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' is available in paperback and Kindle for as low as .99 cents.

If you are a blogger and enjoyed the blog, please follow me.

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

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

Follow Bowie on Twitter @wingback20

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You can network with Bowie and read about his Tex-Mexploitation stories and check out his book trailers at his personal website, ZombieBloodFights.com.

FIGHTS: RETROSPECTIVE-ROH's Supercard of Honor IV '09 recap from Houston, Texas

RING OF HONOR'S FIRST TRIP TO TEXAS
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

Ring of Honor is returning to Texas Saturday June 1st at the Shrine Auditorium in San Antonio, Texas.  South and central Texas wrestling fans have been looking forward to the event for months now.  This visit is not their first, however, as Ring of Honor staged two events.  One of those events was Supercard of Honor, put on Friday April 3, 2009 in Houston, Texas.  ZombieBloodFights.com was in attendance at that event.  Here's a recap of the fun that was had, via the Ring of Honor DVD.

ROH:  SUPERCARD OF HONOR IV RECAP

The DVD opens with a ROH World Champ Nigel McGuinness promo.  In it, he talks about how he's breaking down physically, but is ready to defend the title against Jerry Lynn.

ERICK STEVENS vs. RHETT TITUS

We are then treated to a great opening matchup between Erick Stevens and Rhett Titus.  It was a great match that got the fans riled up early.  You have to remember, this was a bit of an international affair, as the crowd was chock full of people not only from Texas, but from around the world.  And all of them took pleasure in chanting to the sexually charged Titus, "You're a Virgin."

They put together a great match, and Stevens ended up beating Titus.  Naturally, the crowd was as rude as their ticket prices allowed, questioning Titus' manhood on the way out.  But he came back with the standard homophobic slur to the fans.  Good times.

CHRIS HERO/EDDIE EDWARDS/INCOGNITO w/Shane Hagadorn 
vs.
KEVIN STEEN/JAY BRISCOE/MAGNO

This match was notable, as just moments into the match, the top rope broke.  The rest of the match was fought with no top rope, and they did a great job working through the bizarre event.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
==  Chris Hero is now Cassius Ohno in WWE. 
==  Eddie Edwards returns to Texas will be competing at the second ROH show in SATX. 
==  Incognito took Vince's check and became Sin Cara Negro before being unmasked by Sin Cara Azul and becoming the 'cholo' Hunico.
==  Jay Briscoe also returns to Texas as the Ring of Honor Champion to take on Roderick Strong for the title.

D-Lo Brown cuts a heel promo.

KATSUHIKO NAKAJIMA vs. RODERICK STRONG

As per their styles, this bout was a hard hitting and intense bout.  During this match, you got the sense that the guys were wrestling on the show in the old fashioned tradition of trying to do even better than the last match that went before them.  It was an outstanding matchup which Strong won.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
==  Roderick Strong will be appearing in SATX and fighting Adam Cole for the TV Title

BOBBY DEMPSEY
vs.
KAMALA w/Shane Hagadorg and Kim Chee

This wasn't much of a match, but it was great to see Kamala come out and spend a few minutes in the ring and get a check.  Dempsey made friends with Kamala by painting the same symbols on his fat body.  They ended up attacking Hagadorg.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
== As per Wikipedia:  On November 7, 2011, Jim Harris had his leg amputated due to complications of high blood pressure and diabetes, forcing him to retire.  On March 27, 2012, Harris's son, Kamala Jr., stated in an interview that his father might also have his other leg amputated.  His right leg was amputated shortly afterwards and a campaign was launched seeking donations to cover his financial needs.

Alexander Koslov cut promo against Bryan Danielson before their match.  He did it all in Russian.

FOUR CORNER'S SURVIVAL
CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI vs. BLUE DEMON, JR., vs. BRENT ALBRIGHT vs. EL GENERICO

This was an outstanding match, not only for the talent, but personally for me.  It was the first time I had a chance to see a legend of lucha libre in the form of Blue Demon, Jr.  Not only that, but it was outstanding to see him wearing the '10 Pounds of Gold' of the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
I remember this match so much for several reasons.  As a spectator from Germany was able to tell me how to say 'Go fuck yourself' in Swiss to Claudio.
I also remember finally getting to shout in Spanish at El Generico, as I thought his gimmick was mocking lucha libre.  Even after the event, I was still not sold on Generico until later.
This is also around the time that someone's remaining birthday cake made it around to my section.  I'll never forget how much community I felt that night.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

==  Claudio Castagnoli has gone on to WWE and become Antonio Cesaro.
==  El Generico is in the WWE Florida territory without the mask and as Sami Zayn

ALEX KOSLOV vs. BRYAN DANIELSON

This was another outstanding fun and scientific matchup.  Having started his training under arguably the best wrestler to ever step in the ring, Shawn Micheals, Bryan had a kind of homecoming of sorts.  The two amused the crowd with their great wrestling and entertaining antics. 

It was interesting to see Danielson walk around with a kind of swagger in the ring.  Though he remained humble, you could tell he enjoyed it.

This was also the first time I heard the chant, "You're going to get your fucking head kicked in."  That's still a chant I wish I heard to this day.  He also got a 'Best in the World' chant as well.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
==  Bryan Danielson went on to the WWE, and has held several titles, including the Big Gold Belt World Championship.

D-LO BROWN vs. COLT CABANA

These two put together an outstanding match, featuring a tapout the ref did not see before D-Lo knocked Cabana out with a foreign object.

DAVEY RICHARDS vs. KENTA 

Outstanding and physical match for KENTA's NOAH Lightweight Title.  Kenta defended it with extreme prejudice.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
==  Davey Richards returns to Texas to face Jay Briscoe for the ROH World Title.

"AGE OF THE FALL" JIMMY JACOBS/AUSTIN ARIES
vs.
TYLER BLACK/NECRO BUTCHER

This was a fun match as well, with both teams playing to the crowd and taking to the skies.  In the end, Aries pins Black via Brainbuster.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

==  Jimmy Jacobs has competed around Texas and has been a part of the current Texas indy wrestling revolution.  He returns to Texas as a member of SCUM. 
==  Austin Aries has joined TNA Impact Wrestling and has held multiple titles there.
==  Tyler Black joined WWE and is one of the members of SHIELD.
"Age of the Fall" Jimmy Jacobs and Austin Aries vs. Tyler Black and Necro Butcher

ROH WORLD TITLE MATCH
NIGEL McGUINNESS vs. JERRY LYNN

This title match was filled with emotion and energy from not only the wrestlers, but the crowd.  Everyone desperately wanted to see Jerry win, and they were not disappointed.  It was a great ROH Title match.

I think one of the best parts was when Nigel McGuinness got under the skin of those at ringside and said, words to the effect of, 'You bought your ticket.  You have a good time.'  Gold!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
==  Nigel had a short-lived run in TNA when he had to retire due to injuries.
==  Jerry Lynn has also retired as well after a nagging back injury finally won his match with Jerry.  He had a year-long farewell tour.
Both will be remembered as some of the best wrestlers to ever lace up their boots.

And now, ROH returns to San Antonio, Texas.  And though we aren't going to see what amounts to a Mayweather/Pacquiao dream matchup between the Kingz of the Underground against the Briscoes, ZombieBloodFights.com still welcomes them back, and still looks forward to the fun.

Maybe next time, Ring of Honor.  Maybe next time.

Get all the info, including tickets, here!

Read the ZombieBloodFights.com preview here!

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

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the noted zombie horror series, 'Down the Road', from Permuted Press and Simon and Shuster.  His latest novel, 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' is a combat sports themed book about the adventures of a MMA stable in south Texas, featuring a Mexican luchador who crosses over into MMA.  'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' is available in paperback and Kindle for as low as .99 cents.

If you are a blogger and enjoyed the blog, please follow me.

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

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

Follow Bowie on Twitter @wingback20

Follow Bowie's Facebook page.

You can network with Bowie and read about his Tex-Mexploitation stories and check out his book trailers at his personal website, ZombieBloodFights.com.