L. Anne Carrington  

Show Notes

• On Demand Episodes           48120          

  Date / Time: 11/22/2009 7:07 PM UTC

  2009 PWG Battle of Los Angeles

  For those who follow Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, aone of the best independent federations in wrestling out of Southern California, the annual Battle of Los Angeles is a huge event. The first tournament was held in September 2005, featuring AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, James Gibson (also known as Jamie Noble), Super Dragon, Kevin Steen, El Generico, among other independent and well-known talent. Chris Bosh became the first champion by defeating AJ Styles in the finals.
  
  Moving on to the 2009 Battle of Los Angeles (BOLA), which took place November 21-22 in Reseda, CA. Once again, PWG did not fail to bring fans both high-quality matches and contenders. Familiar names such as Alex Shelley, Austin Aries, Colt Cabana, El Generico, Human Tornado, Roderick Strong, Brian Kendrick, Joey Ryan, and several others filled this year’s lineup.
  
  Both nights were stellar and sold out shows. The November 21 show featured Scott Lost defeating Jerome “LTP” Robinson, Human Tornado over Matt Jackson, Joey Ryan eliminated Colt Cabana,  and Roderick Strong beat Johnny Goodtime (Goodtime replaced originally scheduled Chris Sabin, who had to withdraw due to an injury).
  
  Brandon Gatson defeated Nick Jackson, Brian Kendrick scored a win over Austin Aries (with the two heading to the bar afterward),  Kenny Omega over Kevin Steen. In the final match, Alex Shelley defeated El Generico.
  
  Quarter-finals, semi-finals, and anticipated final match to determine the  PWG World Champion took place November 21. 
  
  In the quarter finals, Joey Ryan defeated his trainer, Brian Kendrick. Kenny Omega beat Scott Lost, Brandon Gatson over Alex Shelley, and Roderick Strong defeated Human Tornado to advance to the semi finals.
  
  Winners of the semi finals and become contenders for the PWG World Championship were Kenny Omega over Joey Ryan and Roderick Strong over Brandon Gatson.
  
  In tag team championship action, The Young Bucks defeated Kevin Steen and El Generico to retain their titles.
  
  Kenny Omega became the new PWG World Champion after defeating Roderick Strong in the final Battle of Los Angeles match of the night.  I’m not quite sure how many saw that coming (personally, I was pulling for either Strong or Shelley), but good things about independent wrestling shows such as this one are fans are always in for surprises, not to mention the more casual, in-your-face atmosphere some of them have. In addition, there are usually no restrictions in what athletes can do; therefore, we can see them perform to their full potential, instead of a more rigorous “sports entertainment” style. It’s no wonder promotions such as PWG and their shows are so popular with fans not only in California, but also to those outside of the state.
  
  In closing, I would also like to wish all a Happy Thanksgiving. May you all have a safe and blessed holiday of food, family, fun and football.
  
  • Tags:
  • PWG
  • BOLA
  • independent wrestlin
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• Date / Time: 11/7/2009 7:28 PM UTC

  Review of Dragon Gate USA "Untouchable" PPV

  After hearing all the hype of Dragon Gate USA’s “Untouchable” pay per view, I took the liberty last night to check it out for myself. For the low price of $19.99, I can say with confidence that it was money well spent to watch some great wrestling—a cost of twenty dollars less and minus the filler fluff of the average PPV, in fact.
  
  Independent wrestling, for the most part, tends to focus more on the wrestling aspect, and DGUSA didn’t disappoint. Japanese wrestlers vs. American athletes was a fine concept and I was glued to my screen the entire time. Even at home, I could hear fans who attended the show live get into each match.
  
  Here is a brief rundown of last night’s matches:
  
  Dragon Kid defeated Masato Yoshino. This was an excellent way to start things off. The match lasted nearly fifteen minutes, with lots of action. Both contenders complimented each other very well throughout the contest before Dragon Kid emerged victorious with a crucifix.
  
  A recap from DGUSA’s last PPV aired with Mike Quackenbush, complete with subtitles. An amusing touch between matches.
  
  Mike Quackenbush and Jigsaw defeated YAMATO and Gran Akuma. I wasn’t very familiar with Jigsaw until last night, but this match showed that Quackenbush hasn’t lost his touch in the wrestling ring. At first, it appeared as if the heel team was going to be dominant, Hallowicked appeared for the save. Another long match with some good spots.
  
  Viewers got a brief glimpse that the next event will be in Philadelphia to name the first DGUSA Champion. From what I’ve read on the DGUSA website about this upcoming event it’s shaping up to be a stellar event.
  
  Naruki Doi defeated Bryan Danielson in a non-title match. One of the longest events of the night (around twenty minutes, give or take a few), this match needed no introduction. In my book, this was match of the night. The two contenders also worked fantastically with each other to unfold and tell a story. Great submission styles used, very few high spots, and minimal risks. The crowd loved it as much as I did.
  
  Another promo touted the upcoming show in Philadelphia before introductions for the next match. Brian Kendrick wore a variant of his WWE white jacket and wasn’t unlike his prior company’s heel character.
  
  A segment backstage showed Yoshino and Dragon Kid in a brief altercation. Viewers were advised to check the DGUSA website for additional details. I have no idea why that scene was cut in just as the match was about to get underway.
  
  CIMA defeated Brian Kendrick. Even though I enjoyed the rest of the PPV immensely, I was disappointed to find this bout had been cut short. The match was underway when we were returned from the backstage segment. CIMA won the match with a double knee drop and then the pin. The match may have lasted less than five minutes. The good side is at least Kendrick finally saw singles action in a pay per view event.
  
  Davey Richards defeated Shingo. Richards played to the crowd very well and was a top-drawer performer, even selling a knee injury by Shingo early in the match. The fans sounded off their approval with an almost thunderous sound when Richards went for a suicide dive and ended up in the crowd. The moment came across splendidly on television, so I could almost imagine what it would be like live. Toward the end, Richards hit an outstanding Shooting Star Press for a near fall, but scored victory with a submission. Fans seemed to have the most enthusiasm for this contest, and rightfully so.
  
  An ad was shown for the Dragon Gate website. I would rather have seen Richards celebrate his victory, but business is business.
  
  Ryo Saito and Genki Horiguchi defeated The Young Bucks in a non-title match. This was another good match with lots of time devoted to it. The Bucks were robbed of the win when Horiguchi blew mist into the eyes of Matt Jackson, and hit double cross. Nick Jackson tried to break the pin, but failed. Could this be the beginning of a solid feud in the near future?
  
  Aside from cutting the Kendrick/CIMA match for PPV purposes, “Untouchable” was one of the best PPV’s I’ve watched. In the entire two hours, it was all about wrestling. No senseless drama, no drawn-out promos, just a lot of cut and dry in-ring action, the way wrestling shows should be done. DGUSA has the potential to be a very strong wrestling promotion with an array of talented athletes. “Untouchable” will also be released on DVD, and is certainly worth the investment for those who love more wrestling and less time wasted on drama and promos.
  
  Rating: 9/10
  • Tags:
  • Wrestling
  • independents
  • DGUSA
  • PPV
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• Date / Time: 10/20/2009 4:05 PM UTC

  Bragging Rights at Home

  
  So another pay per view will broadcast live from Pittsburgh on Sunday. What is this one called? Oh, right…Bragging Rights.
  
  Pardon the mind slip for a moment. I haven’t watched much WWE since late summer. One, I got bored with the overall product. Two, I’ve been busy with other projects and discovering other wrestling promotions. Three, the pay per view names are changing so quickly, I can’t keep up with what they used to be called before the names were amended. Thank goodness I still check in with my favorite wrestling forums once in awhile.
  
  The last PPV which aired live from Pittsburgh was Armageddon back on December 16, 2007. I remember the date because I attended that particular show. It was cold and snowing that night, took forever for the doors to open, and I think I still have pictures around somewhere I took after the show.
  
  I won’t be attending Bragging Rights. What I’ve seen/heard of the card so far, it doesn’t impress me very much. In my honest opinion, it’s for the most part recycling past pay per views. As for predictions, I can say with confidence quite a few of the outcomes are a given. I’ve been wrong before, but I’m going to guess in that direction anyway.
  
  There's also the issue of traffic. This week's football game vs. the Vikings is also at home. The game usually ends around 4:00PM. If you're going from the game to Bragging Rights...well, good luck. Just get a good head start out of Heinz Field if you can.
  
  On the trivia side, Bragging Rights will likely be the last PPV to air from Mellon Arena unless WWE slips one more in before The Igloo closes its doors for good in 2010. A new arena is being developed, and the Penguins will be opening their 2010 season in the yet-unnamed new venue.
  
  For anyone attending Bragging Rights on Sunday, don’t forget to tell us about your fan experiences!
  
  On a final note: for those of you who missed the announcement, my fellow wrestling columnist colleague Linda Robin stepped down last week. Like quite a few writers and fans recently, she too became burned out with WWE the product. She was a fine lady who knew her stuff and wrote stellar and outstanding wrestling reviews. I would like to wish her best wishes in any and all future pursuits.
  
  Next column will appear the first week of November. Have a SPOOK-tacular Halloween!
  • Tags:
  • Wrestling
  • WWE
  • PPV's
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• Date / Time: 10/8/2009 4:52 PM UTC

  Growth and Change

  There are about three message boards I frequent on a regular basis, and reading them, I can’t help sometimes what the product would be like if we fans weren’t open to change. Now keep in mind, just like currently, not all of us are going to like the same things or agree on the same topics. But that is what makes it all even more intriguing.
  
  For example, who hasn’t heard at one time or another, “I’m tired of so and so on my TV, where is (insert name here)? He/she is being wasted!”  “What is the idea of bringing back old talent from years ago? They’re past their prime! Let’s see some of the younger, newer talent!” “Why is (insert name here) even thinking about returning? They didn’t do that well the first time around.”
  
  There’s also the ongoing debates as to whom should get title shots and who doesn’t deserve them. I don’t think I have to tell any of you how many years this has gone back and forth among fans.
  
  In the midst of all of this, we tend to forget the point that wrestling, like any sport (or sports entertainment, as it were) is constantly changing and headed into new directions. We have all had our idols over the years, and I’m sure we also wish those we admire could stay in the limelight forever. But the time comes when they have to step down and clear the way for newer, younger, stronger talent. It works that way in other sports; the same should apply to wrestling.
  
  Think of new fans who are tuning in for the first time, or kids who tune into wrestling and see these larger than life heroes and villains for the first time. They’re not going to remember or be as enthusiastic about the heroes we admired as much as twenty years ago or as little as five years ago. They tune in to see new people amaze them. And why not?
  
  There is also the issue of recent drug scandals and steroids in the news, along with WWE moving to a more PG-rated format that are also influencing many changes in what we are viewing these days. For example, some people may think Raw is still great, while I consider the show beyond in the gutter, with Smackdown rising nicely quality-wise.
  
  I may also not agree with further points, but there are others from longtime fans to the mainstream media who express that sometimes wrestling can be a show that's safe for you to watch with your kids—provided that those kids receive a proper explanation that what they see on television is scripted with predetermined outcomes. Though I cannot speak for other fans, I am certainly fine with the opinions of others. We all have them, both positive and negative.
  
  The magic in wrestling can happen again; we just need to be more open to change, whether it’s WWE or your local independent promotion.
  
  • Tags:
  • wrestling
  • general discussion
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• Date / Time: 9/17/2009 4:06 PM UTC

  Why DO Some Think It's Real?

  I was reading some threads on a few fan boards recently, and a particular topic piqued my interest and made me ask myself thquestion, “Why do people think some aspects of wrestling are real?”
  
  Granted, a lot of it is scripted; most of us can figure that much out, but even with the death of kayfabe for the most part at least fifteen years ago,it still stuns me that a lot of people tend to believe what is seen on our TV screens every week.
  
  It is understandable for very young children to think this is all actually happening and not going by a story line (emphasis on story), but I have witnessed some fans as old as their late teens and even a handful of adults that actually believe all of this is real. I’ve actually seen posts on such fan boards as if the story lines were real.
  
  Now, I will stress that the wrestling aspect of it is not fake at all. Read about any injury such as broken necks, and I can rest my case on this point.
  
  Adult longtime fans already grew up with wrestling’s entertainment side. Many of them became parents themselves. While it’s good to have those children believe what they want at that stage in their lives, I feel it is also important to sit down with them and explain that not all that they are viewing is “real.”
  
  A true fan would take all of this at face value and enjoy the show and our favorites as well. The more people mark out, and get into the fun, the more fun it is, but at the same time, keeping the boundaries clear between that fun and actual reality can be more beneficial.
  
  Breaking it down, there are many aspects to being a fan:
  
  Believing what we see is ‘real’: We may also term it these days as a ‘mark.’ Believe it or not, there are still plenty of these fans around.
  
  Watching and enjoying it for what it is: A group of people like the entertainment value, but appreciate the fact most is scripted and predetermined.
  
  3. Starting to talk about it in terms of 'pushes', bookings, etc.: Guilty as charged, but the more I’ve learned on my own about this business, the more I’ve discovered that ‘pushes’ of certain talent are done for a reason.
  
  4. Learning the terminology: When one takes the time to learn the technical terms, actual backstage workings (not from gossip sites; we know how not so reliable most of those are), and again, just enjoying the shows instead of getting too involved in story lines.
  
  Even as a teen, when I would watch wrestling with my former sister in law (a huge fan back in her day, as well as dated a couple, which I thought was very cool at the time). Even though we enjoyed what was happening at live shows and on TV when I’d visit her, she took the time even back then to tell me what was authentic and what was not. Because of that, I developed a sense of not taking it all too seriously–though I have been guilty more than once of marking out at specific moments over the years. But don’t we all?
  
  Bottom line: It’s scripted. It’s predetermined. Don’t take all what you see too seriously, but at the same time, enjoy the show.
  • Tags:
  • wrestling
  • general discussion
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• Date / Time: 9/9/2009 1:32 AM UTC

  Exploring Other Options

  With injuries, releases, recycled story lines, and basically the same faces on our television screens nearly every week, I’ve been gradually weaning myself away from WWE. Instead, between working on my wrestling-based novel and the hell known as editing and re-editing, I have been discovering other forms of wrestling life.
  
  Though I wasn’t impressed with the single TNA pay per view I watched (I don’t do many PPV’s to begin with unless they’re live from my city), I made the decision to give them another chance. Let’s just say I have yet to regret that decision and leave it at that. Anything that exhibits actual wrestling the majority of its broadcasts is very impressive to me.
  
  For those that haven’t explored the options of independent wrestling, you’re missing out on some fine talent there as well. From the local promotions to better-known ones such as Ring of Honor, these shows are rich with pure wrestling and even have some ‘name’ stars that may be familiar to many fans.
  
  There are also other federations that are expanding, such as Dragon Gate (Dragon Gate USA being a fine example; if you’re not familiar with them, check out some match videos on YouTube.), which has relatively longer matches and allows their fighters to shine by exhibiting their skills and talents without limitations.
  
  Backyard wrestling can be dangerous and, for the most part, usually isn’t taken seriously. In any case, there are some backyard wrestling events that can be both entertaining and exciting. There may not be present stars in these federations, but who is to say there won’t be future ones who go on to wrestling school to train for a shot at the mainstream bigger leagues?
  
  WWE may want us to believe they are the be all and end all, and that is fine for those content with that style of wrestling. I was even content with it for a very long time, but all it took was some additional, intense research for a novel for me to discover there are other branches of this world out there.
  
  They too deserve their day in the spotlight, and I will keep on watching long after the book project ends. Why didn’t I try these options before?
  • Tags:
  • Wrestling
  • independents
  • TNA
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• Date / Time: 8/25/2009 3:10 PM UTC

  PWG This Weekend!

  If you are a wrestling fan that lives in the Reseda, CA area or planning to visit there this coming weekend, perhaps taking in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla’s Speed of Sound event will be right up your alley, particularly if you are into the independent scene.
  
  Some names appearing at this weekend’s show may be familiar and then there may be others we may never heard unless one is an avid fan of the promotion or live in the area.
  
  PWG Speed of Sound takes place Friday, August 28 at the American Legion Post #308 in Reseda, CA with bell time at 8:00 PM.
  
  For those that haven’t viewed the card, here is the line up (complete with descriptions) from http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/news/index.html#SOS :
  
              
  Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Championship Title Match
  Chris Hero (Champion) vs. Roderick Strong (Challenger)
  
  -- After defeating Joey Ryan at Threemendous II, Chris Hero's path to becoming the longest reigning Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Champion is clear. However, there has been much criticism directed at Hero because while he has surpassed Joey's reign in terms of length, he is nowhere near Joey's record of title defenses. In fact, while Chris Hero has surpassed the average number of defenses for a Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Champion (5.34 defenses, avg.), he isn't even half way to beating Joey's record (Joey's nineteen to Hero's five). So while the length of Hero's reign is impressive, statistically speaking, he is nowhere near the type of champion Joey Ryan was. And if there is one person in the company that statistics are important to, it's Roderick Strong.
  
  Wearing reading glasses and a bankers green eyeshade, and equipped with his copy of the 2009 Pro Football Prospectus, along with print outs from ESPN.com and Football Outsiders, Roderick Strong spent the majority of his time backstage at Threemendous II elbow deep in stats. After all, The Fantasy Football season is fast approaching, and if Roderick doesn't have a strong draft lineup prepared, the Tampa Teabaggers' season could be over before it even begins. But when Roderick took a moment to examine the 2009 Pro Wrestling Guerrilla Prospectus, he was shocked to find out that not only did he defeat Chris Hero in singles competition (at It's a Gift... and a Curse), but thanks to the overall wins-to-tile shot ratio (determined by a number of factors, including opponents' WER, or Wrestler Efficiency Rating, et al.), Roderick Strong was in line for a title shot. "Bro, if stats can make a boring sport like baseball marginally interesting, imagine what they could do for professional wrestling!" quipped Strong, who holds a MBA (Business) from the University of South Florida.
  
  If Roderick Strong can defeat Chris Hero to capture the Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Championship at Speed of Sound, all those years of studying and putting education first will pay some very unexpected dividends. And it could usher in a new era of statistically analysis to professional wrestling! However, if Chris Hero manages to once again retain the championship, he will have proven that not only is he an above-average Champion, but that at the end of the day, stats are for nerds, bro.
  
  Non-Title Tag Team Match
  The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) vs. The Dynasty International (Karl "Machine Gun" Anderson & Joey Ryan)
  
  -- When Matt and Nick Jackson, The Young Bucks, successfully defended the Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Tag Team Championship three times in one evening at DDT4, they discovered what happens when companies allow the ¡ACIDENTES! 888-8888 guy to draw up championship contracts. Typically, champions have ninety days from the date of their last defense until they must once again defend the title. While the Pro Wrestling Guerrilla Board of Directors can make exceptions from time to time, the rule is usually followed. However, due to a rather large loophole in the contracts drawn up by Señor Ocho Ocho Ocho in the early days of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, the ninety day periods accrue, meaning that in one night, The Young Bucks bought themselves nine months of not having to defend the titles.
  
  Of course, The Young Bucks say that once top contenders to their championship present themselves, they would be more than happy to put the titles on the line. But with Kenny Omega out of the country, and Chuck Taylor and El Generico facing off at Speed of Sound to determine the Number One contenders, the Bucks claim that there are simply no teams deserving of a title shot. Karl "Machine Gun" Anderson and Joey Ryan beg to differ.
  
  Their history as a tag team is legendary, at least on Joey Ryan and Karl Anderson's respective Twitter accounts (@joeymagnumryan & @Machinegunka), and thanks to that history, they believe that The Dynasty International should be next in line for a shot at the World Tag Team Championship. However, much like 2 Skinny Black Guys, Anderson and Ryan have not teamed in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla often enough to warrant a title shot. However, if The Dynasty International is able to follow in the footsteps of Generico & Human Tornado and pick up a victory over The Young Bucks at Speed of Sound, they will definitely find themselves in the title picture.
  
  Special Grudge Match
  "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson vs. Brian Kendrick
  
  -- When Brian Kendrick was last seen on the independent professional wrestling circuit over four years ago, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla had established itself as (probably) the greatest professional wrestling promotion in the universe, Rick Knox had a flowing head of hair, and "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson was widely regarded as the best wrestler in the entire world. Sadly, today only two of those three statements remain true, but according to Brian Kendrick, it's impossible for any of those things to be true.
  
  Without Brian Kendrick in their lives, fans of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla didn't know they were missing. Sure, it's great if some lackwits think you're the best wrestler in the world, but that's just because Brian Kendrick isn't standing next to you. It's easy to call yourselves the greatest promotion in the universe, but the second Brian Kendrick Pro Wrestling opens its' doors, everyone else is going out of business. And it's easy to pretend like the ravages of Male Pattern Baldness haven't effected you, but one look at the long, luxurious locks of Brian Kendrick tells you otherwise.
  
  A world without Brian Kendrick is not a world that Brian Kendrick wants to live in. That's why on August 28, at Speed of Sound, Brian Kendrick will return to Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and show the fans exactly what they've been missing, and why they're better off now than they have ever been before. Bryan Danielson, on the other hand, is wondering why everyone he knows from the Texas Wrestling Academy is now completely insane.
  
  Reseda Street Fight for Number One Contendership to the World Tag Team Championship
  El Generico vs. Chuck Taylor
  
  -- DDT4 was a major turning point for the tag team division in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. A series of very close pinfall attempts on The Young Bucks lead to many fans believing that Kenny Omega and Chuck Taylor, the Men of Low Moral Fiber, should be, if not Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Tag Team Champions, at least in line for another shot at the titles. At Threemendous II, the tag team landscape changed once again when El Generico and Human Tornado, the newly reunited 2 Skinny Black Guys, were able to defeat the Champions in a non-title bout. A strong case could be made for either team to be Number One Contenders to the World Tag Team Championship, however very few battles in professional wrestling are solved via arbitration, let alone ones this heated.
  
  For months, the Men of Low Moral Fiber have been verbally abusing El Generico, and threatening him with physical violence, only for a series of chance interruptions to prevent an attack from taking place. At Threemendous II, the rivalry was taken to a new level when Chuck Taylor attacked El Generico from behind, then stated his team were the rightful top contenders. At Speed of Sound, months of verbal and now physical abuse will come to a head when Chuck Taylor, representing the Men of Low Moral Fiber, will take on El Generico, representing 2 Skinny Black Guys, in a Reseda Street Fight to determine the Number One Contenders to the Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Tag Team Championship.
  
  Omega and Taylor have stated in the past that they own the streets of Reseda, so it would seem that this type of match would favor Chuckie T. On top of that, Chuck Taylor has some strong words for El Generico: "Go ahead and laugh it up with your buddy Cabana, but after Speed of Sound, you'll be drinking your tacos through a straw, amigo."
  
  However, El Generico has never had a street fight, No Disqualification, or Guerrilla Warfare match in his Pro Wrestling Guerrilla Career, so he is the great unknown. It's not easy growing up on the streets of Tijuana, having to fight off hordes of other children for a carelessly discarded tamale found in the gutter, so one could imagine that El Generico might be in familiar territory come August 28.
  
  Speed of Sound on August 28 will feature three more exciting matches, including:
  
  Singles Match
  Colt "Boom Boom" Cabana vs. Scott Lost
  
  Tag Team Match
  The Cutler Brothers (Brandon & Dustin Cutler) vs. Brandon Gatson & Johnny Goodtime
  
  Four-Way Match
  Human Tornado vs. Shane Haste vs. Charles Mercury vs. Jerome "LTP" Robinson     
              
  
  
  For ticket information, visit http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com
  
  Still cameras will be permitted but recording and video devices will not. For those attending, all show reports and photos will be welcome!
  
  
  • Tags:
  • Independent Wrestlin
  • Pro Wrestling Guerri
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