One of my favorite aspects of the independent wrestling scene is its abundance of managers. Unlike the WWE and like, bigger promotions, indy wrestling relies heavily on these managers (usually former wrestlers and current trainers) to cut impromptu promos, interact with the fans, and – of course – turn the tide in favor of their […]
Author: The Intercontinental Belt
Always looking for a kendo stick to turn the tide, I re-discovered professional wresting after a nearly 20 year hiatus.
LIVE EVENTS: Why the best live sports…are staged live sports
As a child, I used to gaze with awe at the environs of the majestic Madison Square Garden. Everything there was special: the ushers, who I envied (they got to see EVERY game!), the food, the drink (somehow it smelled and tasted better based on location), and – of course – the passionate, ‘all-in’ fans around me (still […]
WRESTLING 101: The Art of 8 Limbs – Muay Thai’s Strange Marriage to Professional Wrestling
As an intermediate-advanced Muay Thai practitioner, I’ve taken my fair share of bumps over the past 6 years (the world over). I’ve trained in Dutch, traditional Thai, dirty and Mexican boxing, likewise picked up a fair share of great tips from the MMA gurus among us. I’ve literally sparred hundreds of rounds, met a like […]
WRESTLING 101: Viva, The Athletic Big Man!
As Kevin Owens, Cesaro, Big E Langston, Johnny Mundo, and Michael Elgin rocked the wrestling airwaves this weekend, they brought with them recognition of a renaissance: the arrival of the athletic big man. This body type genre has long been overshadowed by the giant, high flyer, and grappler, respectively, three wrestling types arguably more conducive […]
LIVE EVENTS: An Ode to the Older, Live Performer
I’ve spent many a televised wrestling show wondering why legendary wrestlers (Kurt Angle, Saraya Knight, Mark Henry, Christopher Daniels, to name a few) seemingly on a downhill athletic slope are thrust into match after match. A pragmatist would reason there a slew of mid card and/or up and comers that could better take said legendary […]
WRESTLING 101: Jobbing – What’s the Point?
Don’t get me wrong: wins or losses do matter – even in a staged event – when the outcome is a title belt. The same can be said about maintaining mystique of veteran and/or young upstart wrestlers, when a streak coincides with credibility and potential viewership. Still, wins and losses and – most importantly ‘jobbing’ […]
WRESTLING 101: There’s nothing ‘Smart’ about Smarks
One of the great traditions of professional wrestling is recognition of the fine line between a mark (someone who unabashedly prefers a particular wrestler…and may/not know the sport is staged) and a smark…or smart mark (an individual aware the sport is fake, and prides themselves on understanding subtle nuances). While complete denial of professional wrestling’s […]
LIVE EVENTS: Shine Wrestling 27 – A Female Fan’s Take
This is my first time actually writing anything other than a comment on a Wrestling blog. I don’t normally do this; because honestly I don’t really think I have all that much to say that anyone wants to hear. This isn’t me being humble, I’m just more of a listener than an opinion giver. But […]
LIVE EVENTS: Full Impact Pro – Declaration of Independence
I had the very good fortune to be able to attend this event on July 3rd in Ybor City; thanks to the very friendly people at the WWN Live website. My husband had tried to order a gift for me and after the item was out of stock the web manager gave us free tickets […]
WRESTLING IN FLORIDA: An Insider Look at Professional Wrestling 