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
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.
Notable Texas standouts absent, ZBF.com blamed by Bowie V. Ibarra
Like many of my other south Texas pro-wrestling brothers and sisters, the Ring of Honor Invades Texas show has been on our minds for months now! And just a few days away, not only has the show built a great card with outstanding ROH stars participating, but a great selection of Texas talent getting a chance to shine on the show as well.
Curiously enough, it hasn't been without controversy. But we'll cover that in a bit. The good news is the card itself. Here's a brief preview of the show, with many portions blatantly ripped off from the Official Ring of Honor website and compiled in one convenient location for your perusal.
TEXAS TALENT BOOKED TO COMPETE
In the tradition of Ring of Honor on the road, some of the best regional talent are put on display. This trip to San Antonio is no different, as several names from the San Antonio and central Texas indy wrestling scene will be competing in a ROH ring!
Make no mistake, Mark Briscoe is a crazy hillbilly. But he's a crazy hillbilly that knows his way around the Ring of Honor. Mark and his brother, Jay, are the backbone of the organization, and brutal warriors to boot.
So what a great matchup to put him up against any of the crazy members of the SCUM stable: Jimmy Jacobs, Matt Hardy, Rhett Titus, and Steve Corino. What the members of SCUM might give up on power, SCUM can match with science and skullduggery. This one should be fun.
WOMEN OF HONOR MATCHUP ATHENA vs. BARBI HAYDEN
The Skandaar Akbaar-trained Athena brings her science and skill to the ring against the doll-faced Barbi Hayden.
In only a few years time, Barbi Hayden has proved to be a rising star on the Texas Indy scene. Her most recent rubbermatch against NWA Women's Champ Kacee Carlisle proved she was an amazing talent, and just needs to sharpen those skills to take it to the next level.
Athena, on the other hand, has been on the Texas indy scene for a lot longer, and has a long list of accomplishments in the state, including defeating Jessica Havoc in the finals of the ACW Queen of Queens Tournament. Here O-Face cutter from the top rope is one of the most devastating moves on the scene, and she plans to unleash it on Barbi Saturday.
DREAM MATCH
ACH vs. JAY LETHAL
People are already calling this high-flying matchup the 'Fight of the Night', and its hard not to make that judgement, either. Both competitors are amazing athletes, and it looks to be a match that lives up to the hype. Many fans in central Texas have watched ACH grow into the rising star of Texas. It's great to see him in the ROH ring.
"Saturday night June 1st Ring of Honor makes its debut in San Antonio, TX and one man looking extremely forward to this road trip is ACH. For him it is a homecoming of sorts as ACH originally hails from Austin, TX and broke into the sport of pro wrestling on the independent circuit of the Lone Star State before breaking out nationwide and eventually signing a full-time ROH contract.
Now when ROH returns to his home state for the first time since 2009, ACH will face one of the toughest test of his Ring of Honor career when he faces former World TV Champion Jay Lethal in singles competition...
"Signing that contract was one of the most exciting days of my life." said ACH to ROHWrestling.com, "But coming back to Texas for a Ring of Honor event AND facing Jay Lethal, well that's right up near the top of the list. The pressure is on to show the fans back home, in-person, why I deserve to be in the ring with one of the best wrestlers competing today. Adam Cole and Michael Elgin, those were the two names talked about as the breakout starts of 2012. Well this time next year, it is going to be my name everyone is talking about like that and it would be perfect if it all starts in Texas! And to be perfectly honest, Lethal has always been one of the guys I looked up to when I first started wrestling. He was an inspiration for getting started in the first place so facing him makes this all the more special. "
ACH certainly has all the potential to be that next breakout star for ROH but he will have to give it his all if he hopes to top Jay Lethal in one-on-one competition!
PROVING GROUNDS SCRAP ROH TV CHAMP MATT TAVEN vs. 'DIE HARD' EDDIE EDWARDS
Coming off a successful Proving Ground victory at “Dragon's Reign” over Tadarius Thomas, World TV Champion Matt Taven will face another PG challenge when ROH debuts in San Antonio on June 1st. Unlike Thomas though, this challenger is one who knows all too well what it takes to become TV Champion..after all, he was the FIRST.
That's right, on Saturday June 1st it will be World TV Champion Matt Taven versus “Die Hard” Eddie Edwards in a Proving Ground Challenge! If Edwards defeats Taven or lasts the time limit then Eddie will receive a future TV Title match to go along with the World Title bout he has scheduled for “Live and Let Die” in Columbus on June 8th.
“They say Eddie Edwards made this title.” Matt Taven offered to ROHWrestling.com, “That may be true with his wins over Davey Richards, Rhett Titus, Petey Williams, and all the rest but he still has to prove himself to me, to me and the H...O...T. You're no better than the rest Eddie and being the first ever TV champion, being the first ever triple crown winner, those things do not automatically make it so you deserve a shot at my TV Title. You will go the same way as Mark Briscoe, as ACH, as Tadarius Thomas....down. There will be no title opportunity in your future, much less a second reign, and when I am done with you in San Antonio, I expect you to tell everyone else what the hoopla around Matt Taven is all about.”
It's World TV Champion Matt Taven versus “Die Hard” Eddie Edwards under Proving Ground Rules and it will go down on Saturday June 1st in San Antonio, TX! Can Edwards head into his Columbus World Title match with a TV Title shot in his back pocket? Or will Taven overcome the biggest challenge of his ROH career?
FORMER WORLD TV CHAMPS COLLIDE ADAM COLE vs. RODERICK STRONG
On June 1st ROH heads to San Antonio, TX for the very first time! Already signed for the event Davey Richards challenging for the World Title against the winner of Jay Briscoe/BJ Whitmer, a Texas Tornado Tag Team Match with Michael Elgin & BJ Whitmer versus 2 SCUM Members, and Jay Lethal taking on Texas' own ACH!
Now, coming off their Triple Threat collision in Belle Vernon, ROH officials have signed a rematch between two former World TV Champions as Roderick Strong goes one-on-one with the very man who beat him last year on ROH TV, Adam Cole!
“Rematch.” said Roderick Strong to ROHWrestling.com, “That's the word of the day because that is what I never got! Adam Cole beat me for the belt on TV in June last year, he lost it in March of this year, and not one damn time did Ring of Honor try sign on the rematch. I'm not complaining, just pointing out the truth bro. So consider this the rematch that never happened Adam, and just like what would have happened if I had ever had the chance to win my belt back, you are getting beat down.”
Cole, who suffered the pinfall loss to BJ Whitmer in that Triple Threat in Belle Vernon, has been told by Nigel McGuinness he is in-line for a future World Title match but if Strong beats him in San Antonio, compiled with the Belle Vernon loss and as his championship loss at “Border Wars 2013”, one has to wonder if McGuinness will be able to keep that promise. The pressure is certainly on for Cole in San Antonio...
TEXAS TORNADO TAG TEAM MATCH MICHAEL ELGIN & BJ WHITMER vs. 2 SCUM MEMBERS
“Border Wars 2013” proved to be a mixed bag in the war against Steve Corino and S.C.U.M. BJ Whitmer was successful in his “I Quit” match with Rhett Titus but the high stakes tag team match with Michael Elgin, Jay Lethal, and shockingly Kevin Steen battling Jimmy Jacobs & Cliff Compton did not yield triumphant results. Lethal was hurt which left Elgin to battle it out alone against two men, Kevin stepped up to take Jay's spot in the match but ultimately ended up with his shoulders pinned by Jacobs...a victory that not only reinserted Corino into the announcer's position but secured S.C.U.M a future World Title match.
Coming out of that, as we reported yesterday, Steen is now looking to go it alone and take apart his former unit piece-by-piece. As for Elgin, he is certainly not yet done with Corino's motley crew...
“It was a noble gesture from Kevin to step up on Saturday.” said Elgin to ROHWrestling.com, “I doubt he gave a damn about me fighting it out alone, I know it was more about revenge on SCUM, but it was still a nice thought. What's not a nice thought is that in Kevin's attempt to get revenge, he ended up giving Corino his voice back and he gave SCUM a World Title match on top of that. I'm glad to see you want to go this alone Kevin because, quite frankly, after that I don't think anyone in this locker room is ready to put faith in you just yet. As for me, SCUM we are not done, not by a long shot and in San Antonio I am looking for you, any two of you, to step up to the plate and fight. Compton, Jacobs, Hardy, hell even Corino himself if he still has it in him to lace up his boots...I don't give a damn which of you it is. Just show up prepared to fight...”
When pressed for who he would want to be his partner in this tag team battle, Elgin said there was one man at the top of his list, a man who could be World Champion come June 1st, “Buzzsaw” BJ Whitmer!
“I'm happy Elgin would want me as his partner.” said BJ, “And while I don't know how Nigel would want it to go down, if I beat Jay Briscoe and come to San Antonio as the World Champion, hell I'd fight twice that night if I have to. As a matter of fact, if Elgin's game and I know he will be, what say we make this tag team fight a little more fun, why don't we throw a little bit of Texas in there and do it Tornado style? SCUM likes to toss the rules out the window whenever they get a chance so why don't we just add more chaos to the mix!”
Nigel heard the request and has granted it with a smile on his face! When ROH debuts in San Antonio on June 1st, it will be “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin & “Buzzsaw” BJ Whitmer vs. Two Members of S.C.U.M fighting it out under Texas Tornado Rules!
McGuinness has informed us that should Whitmer capture the World Title in Richmond he will have to take another look at this match since a World Title bout has already been guaranteed for that night but for now, it's Whitmer/Elgin vs. SCUM when honor comes to Texas!
ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP JAY BRISCOE (C) vs. "AMERICAN WOLF" DAVEY RICHARDS
Both men are former World Champions, they have reigned as World Tag Team Champions together, and one of them was also the first World TV Champion as well as the first ever Triple Crown Winner in ROH history. They are Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards, collectively they are known as The American Wolves, and in the month of June either, or both, individuals could be known as the NEW Ring of Honor World Champion!
“I took a look at our upcoming events,” said Nigel McGuinness, “and decided to load up on the World Title matches for our fans around the country. We need to mark our debut in San Antonio with a World Title match and West Virginia was so good to us last time that I knew one had to happen there as well. Then I took a look at our locker room and it hit me that there were two individuals in particular who, in my mind, deserved a chance to reclaim something they lost. Davey Richards has been boxed out of the picture since he lost to Kevin Steen at Best in the World nearly a year ago and Eddie Edwards, after he took on Steen at our last visit to Charleston, ended up in the same position this year when he lost the Defy or Deny battle. Two former World Champions, two of the best in the world today, and I know no matter if it's Jay Briscoe, Adam Cole, or BJ Whitmer who holds the belt that both Wolves will give the fans their money's worth in a World Title bout! Plus, as a fan myself, the possibility of seeing Eddie and Davey tussle once again is just too good.”
McGuinness has determined that it will be Richards vs. the ROH World Champion on June 1st when Ring of Honor debuts in San Antonio, TX at the San Antonio Shrine Auditorium and on June 7th when we come back to Charleston, WV & The Civic Center, Edwards will return to the site of his last World Title match to challenge the champion! It could be Jay Briscoe coming in as defending champion, it could be Adam Cole, it could be BJ Whitmer, in Charleston it could even be Edwards/Richards: Round V!
Plus whoever makes it through all of this as World Champion still has Michael Elgin to worry about since “Unbreakable” won a #1 Contender's Match over Jay Lethal at “Supercard of Honor VII” in NYC!
Davey Richards gets his shot in San Antonio, Eddie Edwards gets his in Charleston...the World Title scene is as hot as ever this spring and summer and you can get tickets to catch the action for all of these live events right here in the ROH Store!
CONTROVERSIAL ABSENCE
As the tremendous ROH Invades Texas card was finalized, ZombieBloodFights.com and many other fans on the Texas scene noted the absence of two of Texas' most outstanding wrestlers.
Scot Summers and Ryan Genesis, known in the southern territories as The Kingz of the Underground, have been running roughshod over Texas tag teams for months now. It could be argued 'The Underground Icon', 'Showtime' Scot Summers kept the Texas Indy scene afloat, and provided a strong foundation as its spiritual leader across the state that eventually grew into the Texas Indy Renaissance it is experiencing today. Summers has faced such stars as Bryan Danielson, Chris Hero, Jimmy Jacobs, ACH, Robert Evans, and many others in his climb to the top of the Texas scene. It seemed a natural for Scot to be picked.
'The Ace' Ryan Genesis has been a big name on the Texas scene as well. The guy is tough as nails and has legit boxing hand skills as well. That's bad news for opponents. Aligning himself with Scot, the two went on to great triumphs in Texas, including a run as the NWA World Tag Champs, losing the titles to the IWGP World Tag Champs, the Killer Elite Squad.
When ROH announced their plans to travel to SATX, I immediately called for the dream matchup in an online video.
"RING OF HONOR has an Extremely talented roster. The Briscoe Brothers-SCUM-American Wolves & many others are fearless warriors. They have been Multi-Time World CHAMPIONS. KOTU has a lot repsect for Jay & Mark, Jimmy Jacobs & the rest of the boys. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE BRASS OR OffICE OF ROH. FACT: THE RING OF HONOR OffICE TOLD ITS OWN EMPLOYEE & KNOWN ASSOCIATE/ SUPPORTER of (KOTU) Ryan Genesis...& Scot Summers THAT WE & OR OUR FANS NEED TO STOP POSTING VIDS & FLYERS ON FACEBOOK/TWITTER DEMANDING & PROMOTING TO SEE THE KINGZ OF THE UNDERGROUND VS BRISCOES OR VS SCUM OR ANYONE ELSE FOR THAT MATTER. WAY TO BLOW OFF YOUR LOYAL TEXAS FANS ROH. HONOR DIED IN ROH THE MINUTE DANIELSON, PUNK, JOE, MCGUINNESS, JERRY LYNN, Claudio Castagnoli, CHRIS HERO, Adam Pearce & Charlie Haas ALL LEFT ROH. TRUE HONOR LIVES IN TEXAS! WE HAVE THE GREATEST WRESTLING FANS IN THE COUNTRY."
I just want to say that Scot never put me up to making any of these videos. I only did it as a fan. And doing what fans do, I threw my support to the online wrestling community for the wrestler I support. Why ROH is mad at ZombieBloodFighs.com and intimating I torpedoed the Kingz chances at participating is beyond me.
For what its worth, I still support ROH, and am a Scot Summers fan to the bitter end. I'm just disappointed ROH made that choice, if this is, indeed, how it played out.
Maybe Scot was right? Maybe there is a conspiracy to keep him from the pro-wrestling glory he deserves?
Part 1
Part 2
Expect more blogs centering around the controversy as the day approaches, readers. ROH brass be damned.
In the end, me and many others from Texas are going to go out and enjoy ourselves Saturday June 1st, 2013, at the San Antonio Shrine Auditorium for the historic second Texas visit of Ring of Honor.
I can't wait.
=================
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.
You can network with Bowie and read about his Tex-Mexploitation stories and check out his book trailers at his personal website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
As many pro-wrestling fans in south Texas know, Ring of Honor is making its way to San Antonio, Texas for a big show. Its the first time Ring of Honor will be in the Alamo city, which is what makes the potential for great matchups unique.
If Ring of Honor is coming to the SATX, the city is the territory of one of the greatest tag teams to fight out of the Lone Star State: The Kingz of the Underground.
ZombieBloodFights.com proposes that the best tag team in Texas take on the best tag team Ring of Honor has to offer: The Briscoes.
This potential match has been brewing for a while. Last year, 'Showtime' Scot Summers issued challenge after challenge to Jay Briscoe via his Twitter account,(@KOTUSCOT) in an effort to have a one on one match against him at Anarchy Championship Wrestling in Austin, Texas. They were met with ridicule from Briscoe (@jaybriscoe84), who tweeted back, 'Man, who the fuck is this?'
For the world's information, the Texas indy wrestling revival that the state is currently experiencing is due in big part to Scot. For many years, he not only bolstered various wrestling promotions by being on the card and delivering time after time, but has been there to mentor some of the names that are making a splash across the country, including rising national star ACH (who was a member of the DGAF Army with Summers and Masada). Scot has also been under the wing of Jerry Lynn, who became Scot's mentor and guide in pro-wrestling. Scot can mix it up with science on the mat, or go hardcore and sacrifice his body for the winner's purse at the pay window.
Teaming with the amazing wrestling talent and athlete 'The Ace' Ryan Genesis has only helped bring Scot to the next level. Working together, the guys ran roughshod through Houston, Dallas, Temple, Austin, and San Antonio, and other parts of the state. They even beat the 'Dark City Fight Club' for the NWA World Tag Titles. And the moment they won the titles, they called out the big dogs of NJPW, The Killer Elite Squad (Lance Hoyt and DH Smith). That match will be going down in April.
Two of the toughest dudes on Earth
But you can't take anything away from the Briscoes. These crazy hillbillies from Sandy Fork, Delaware have matching skills on the mat, are total war brawlers, and can go hardcore if need be. Like the KotU, they have a lot of respect for tradition. The 'Terry Funk ain't wear no mouthpiece' promo puts on display not only the roughnecks in their natural environment, but the respectful attitude they have towards the tradition and spirit of pro-wrestling.
But I think the key reason this matchup will be one of the greatest matchups in Ring of Honor history, perhaps even up to this point in the current revival in Texas, is evident at 1:50 of the video. When Jay says, "Does it look like stable thoughts go through my mind? Do I look like a rational thinker to you?"
Look into this dude's eyes and ask that same question?
Ring of Honor, make this match happen. Styles make for good matchups, and the brutal style of both these teams would prove to be an awesome collision. You will not be disappointed. You will see why Texas is one of the new hotbeds for wrestling, and one of the guys who helped make it happen.
=================
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.
Enjoy
the blog? Share it with your friends using the 'Facebook', 'Blogger' and
'Twitter' buttons below.
Follow ZombieBloodFights.com on Twitter (@wingback20)
by Bowie Ibarra
(as of 3/9/13)
(revised 3/31/13)
(revised 4/8/13)
One of the biggest events in independent wrestling history is going down April 20th in Houston, Texas. The first of what I am hoping is an annual event, The NWA Houston Parade of Champions 2013 is going down with the biggest NWA pro-wrestling card in years.
ZombieBloodFights.com is pleased to present a preview of the great event that is poised to be a springboard for the future of the NWA. Check it out.
NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Rob Conway vs. Chris Masters
"Ironman" Rob Conway made it out of Japan with a win and the NWA World Title. Now, he puts it up against his first domestic US opponent.
What was once an undercard matchup has now become a world title bout. Conway was able to wrestle the title away from Kahagas only a day after Kahagas defended the belt in Houston against Texas standout, Ray Rowe. Originally assigned to fight Jax Dane at a sanctioned NWA-Branded Outlaw Wrestling event, Dane had to drop his chance after being jumped by The Kingz of the Underground. Conway was brought in as a last-minute replacement.
The fact remains that these two dudes are seasoned professionals and they are going to mix it up in one of the undercard matches. Conway has been a presence on the San Antonio indy scene in NWA-BOW, and Masters has had a run across the world on the independent scene. It will be a great matchup.
NWA National Championship Title Match
'The Texas Prodigy' Houston Carson vs. 'The Xperience' Damien Wayne (c)
'The Texas Prodigy' Houston Carson has only been around for a few years, but his talent and skill level has propelled him to great heights early. Already a former NWA North American Champ, he's lined up to take on one of the east coasts best wrestlers.
Damien Wayne was a pinfall away from being crowned the NWA World Heavyweight Champ in a 8 man elimination tournament when Dontay Brown called the shady NWA President Bruce Tharpe, who allowed TokyoMonster Kahagas to be entered in the final at the last minute.
Since that debacle, he has earned the NWA National Championship title and has confirmed his legitimacy as a contender on the national scene. Wayne thinks Carson is a 'pretty boy', and is ready to challenge the young Texan. This matchup looks to be fantastic.
NWA Lone Star Heavyweight Championship
'Vanilla Godzilla' Jax Dane (C) vs. 'Canadian Lion' Lance Erikson
NWA Lone Star Heavyweight Champion 'Vanilla Godzilla' Jax Dane has been stomping competition across Texas for several years now. A seasoned veteran, Dane has held titles across Texas and has faced some of the stiffest competition in the Lone Star State. His power game in the ring is hard to overcome when opponents can't hold the ferocity off early.
But challenger 'The Canadian Lion' Lance Erickson believes he can match Dane's power game and up the ante on brutality. Erickson was one of the people the NWA tapped to participate in the NWA World Heavyweight Title tournament as well, but didn't make it to the final.
Both wrestlers have been chomping at the bit to get at each other on the 20th, with lots of posturing and challenges via their Facebook profiles that are adding fuel to the fire. This matchup looks to be competitive.
NWA NORTH AMERICAN TITLE MATCH
Former NWA World Heavyweight Champion 'Tokyo Monster' Kahagas
vs.
NWA North American Champion Byron Wilcott
The rumors are true. NWA North American Champ, 'Addictive and Expensive' Byron Wilcott, has talked his way into a title match with former NWA Heavyweight Champ 'TokyoMonster' Kahagas. But now, Wilcott is the only one with something big to lose going into this match after Kahagas lost the belt.
In spite of his shady start, Kahagas has proven to be a fighting champion, taking title defenses in NWA territories all across the US and even outside its borders, as per a quality NWA champ. Up until he lost the belt to Conway, no one has been able to beat him yet. Could his matchup the previous night with Rowe have taken some fight out of the champ?
Byron Wilcott might be arrogant, but he can back it up with skill, strength, and talent. Since picking up the North American Title, his cocky attitude has turned up to 11 because now he's called for this match to be a unification match.
With the swiftness this challenge was accepted by the NWA championship committee, Wilcott needs to be careful when wrestling Kahagas, especially if Tharpe is the TokyoMonster's ace in the hole. Take some time out of your wild lifestyle and read that contract, Wilcott.
INTER-PROMOTIONAL TITLE-FOR-TITLE MATCH
NWA World Tag Team Champions vs. IWGP World Tag Team Champions
'Kings of the Underground' Scot Summers and Ryan Genesis
vs.
'Killer Elite Squad' Lance Hoyt and DH Smith
If the previous booked matches did not pique your fancy, then there's no way this scheduled battle of titans can be ignored. The current NWA World Tag Team Champions 'Kings of the Underground' Scot Summers and Ryan Genesis will be taking on the current New Japan Pro-Wrestling Tag Team Champs, 'The Killer Elite Squad' Lance Hoyt and DH Smith in a history-making inter-promotional match.
'Showtime' Scot Summers has been the foundation in which the revival of Texas independent wrestling was built on. Both wrestling promotions and wrestlers have built their following and reputation off his back over the past few years. He's wrestled greats like Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan, Nigel McGuinness, Claudio Castagnoli/Antonio Cesaro, Jimmy Jacobs, Chris Hero, and Jerry Lynn among others, and has been a springboard and mentor to fresh faces like ACH, who is taking the national scene by storm. The guy might be batshit crazy, but he has the talent and skill to mix it up and win in any style, science or hardcore.
Combining this madman with another wild wrestler, Ryan Genesis, has been wrestling gold for this duo. Genesis not only has amazing skills on the ground, but hand skills that are second to none in the wrestling business. Genesis is a legit boxer that brings a serious striking aspect to his game in the ring. Mixing it up with strikes with Genesis is a formula for disaster, and it has served the duo well.
And that's what makes this matchup with KES so titanic, because Hoyt and Smith are just as dangerous.
Lance Hoyt has been on the Texas indy scene for years and has seen its ups and downs. Working across the state and country, he made waves in San Antonio and Dallas. He was even called up to WWE for a run as well. Its been in Japan with Hoyt that he's been able to excel. With amazing size, agility, and speed for a big guy, he is one of the remaining wrestlers on the scene that has training by Shawn Micheals.
DH Smith is part of the sacred Hart Dungeon bloodline. The guy has been around wrestling for all of his life. With Davey Boy Smith's blood running through his veins, this run with the NJPW tag titles is only the beginning of a line of titles for the descendent of the British Bulldog.
This matchup, as well as the entire card, is not to be missed. Titles might change hands by then. But you can be assured of great matchups anyway.
Get your tickets today for this outstanding card and see why the revived NWA is turning heads and making waves on the indy scene.
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.
Enjoy
the blog? Share it with your friends using the 'Facebook', 'Blogger' and
'Twitter' buttons below.
Follow ZombieBloodFights.com on Twitter (@wingback20)
ZombieBloodFights.com salutes the newly crowned National Wrestling Alliance World Tag Team Champions, Scot Summers and Ryan Genesis: The Kingz of the Underground.
The National Wrestling Alliance has been wallowing in the mire of mismanagement and neglect for over a decade now, and in spite of the history and tradition the organization represents and the wrestlers who tried to keep the spirit and respect alive (including Adam Pierce, Colt Cabana, and Blue Demon, Jr.), no one was willing to resurrect the group.
But the controversial Bruce Tharp and a management team including the motivated NWA Vice-President/CFOTony Brooklyn (of NWA-Houston) are hoping to return the name to glory.
Being a Texas indy wrestling fan, giving the KotU a shot at the NWA world tag-titles was a step in the right direction. The Dark City Fight Club has held the titles for a very long time now. Whether that was a matter of not having quality competition or lack of actual contests is debatable. Considering the way NWA was run prior to this year, there's lots of reasons people could speak up against the legitimacy of the Dark City Fight Club's title reign.
The fact remains that they earned the titles and defended them during that long time period, so whoever wanted them could fight them for it.
With Branded Outlaw Wrestling taking on the NWA mantle, the KotU were ready to make a run at the titles. Jon Davis, one half of the champs, was absent in the defense and replaced by a more-than-capable replacement Lance Hoyt, one half of the IWGP World Tag Champs in Japan, who teamed with Kory Chavis.
In the end, the more prepared tag team took the titles. And its this blogger's opinion that the KotU will represent those titles with respect and honor to the tradition it holds.
On that note, Lance Hoyt offered a challenge to the new world champs. His claim was to be able to call themselves 'real' world champs, they should battle it out with the IWGP World Tag Champs, The Killer Elite Squad of Hoyt and DH Smith.
If that matchup is to ever go down, it will be a huge step in returning the glory and respect the NWA titles hold. And there's no better tag team in Texas, and perhaps the nation, to defend that honor than Scot Summers and Ryan Genesis: The Kingz of the Underground.
=============
NWA Branded Outlaw Wrestling Notes
-- New Branded Outlaw Heavyweight Champ Jax Dane was crowned Sunday as well, defeating his ally Ray Rowe. Rowe was game, but could just not handle the power advantage Dane had, which makes me wonder who can beat the 'Vanilla Godzilla'. The NWA championship committee needs to consider Jax Dane a top contender for TokyoMonster Kahagas' title.
-- Houston Carson defended his NWA North American Title against Mike Dell and Jaykus Plyskin.
======
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 boxer from Scotland 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.
He was upset because Evans used a wrench before the match even started.
A highlight was the abrupt arrival of The Kings of the Underground (Summers and Genesis). They have been running roughshod over the Texas indy scene, and have now made their way to ACW. That's very bad news for all tag teams in ACW.
They fight who they want, when they want.
Portia Perez sports a Cookie Monster prom dress.
Not to be outdone, tag partner Rachel Summerlynn sports a Big Bird dress.
One of ACW's best SuperFan moments: FanArchist Anna gives Angel Blue a piece of her mind as Blue enters to 'Queen', Anna's favorite band. She wasn't happy the blue meanie used it, and showed her displeasure.
Lady Poison makes her way to the ring like the belle of the ball.
Once a great friendship. Now a bizarre rivalry.
Robert Evans appears on the scene to make up to former GF (in his mind) Perez. He presents her with flowers and a very creepy gift: A pic of Portia with Portia's young family member. Dubya-Tee-Eff?
More action was to come, featuring ACH, Gary Jay, Plyskin, and Vexx. But I ran out of battery.
Go to SmartMark videos and get your copy of ACW Prom 'Nothing is as real as a Dream" 2012 today.
=========================
Bowie Ibarra is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest upcoming book, "Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire", is a combat-sports themed book featuring as one of the fighters a Mexican luchador who crosses over into MMA. It will be available in paperback, Kindle, and other e-reader versions.
Enjoy the blog? Use the 'Facebook', 'Blog', or 'Twitter' button below to share with your friends.
Please leave comments below with your thoughts. I like hearing what others think.
Follow ZombieBloodFights.com on Twitter @wingback26
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
