Maybe I’m weird, or old, or both, but I actually remember enjoying seeing a movie at a movie theater simply because I loved the crowd. The movie was somehow better because of the way we all reacted or didn’t react to the different characters, story lines, climaxes, let downs etc. I remember truly believing that […]
ATHLETE APPRECIATION: Andréa
Arguably the most satisfying aspect of the independent wrestling community lies in discovering how interesting and exceptional its athletes truly are. MaryKate Duignan Glidewell, better known as Valifornia stable member Andréa in Shine Wrestling, is a wonderful example of what happens when enormous talent marries perseverance. If Glidewell’s name rings a bell, it’s likely a […]
LIVE EVENTS: Shine 28 – A Night of Surprises
During the worst weather possible, rain, hail, lightning and flooding, Shine 28 delivered an array of surprises, smack downs and celebrations in YBor City, Florida at the Orpheum Theater. Three and a half hours later I was left tired and grateful to be witness to some of the oddest and most creative wrestling I’ve seen […]
SPOTLIGHTS: Wishful Thinking: 3 Indies I Wish Would Visit Tampa
I know I’m selfish. I live in Tampa, home to several amazing independent wrestling promotions, FIP, Shine and Evolve, to name a few. But, what can I say, selfishness has to be put up with because there is no hope for a cure: I want more. Yes, I can travel, and I have to see […]
WHAT PRO WRESTLING MEANS TO ME: The ‘Thank You’ Post
Over 20 columns in, a twitter and email account, and an array of kind and generous feedback from the international professional wrestling community both online and off, Huracanrana and I took a step back to revisit Pro Wrestling in Florida. First things first: we’re grateful for the support. Specifically, that this community – literally the world […]
ATHLETE APPRECIATION: Maxwell Chicago
Maxwell Chicago is a revelation. He is the rare independent wrestler that embraces comedic timing and delivery as part of his ring presence, an almost absentee art in today’s wrestling landscape. I first encountered Henry Maxwell Alvarez at an outstanding FIP show in Ybor City, Florida, captivated by a man in a full on tuxedo […]
ATHLETE APPRECIATION The Kimber Bombs
Since I first watched wrestling, “back in the day” I always loved the tag team. The whole concept worked for me, two wrestlers with complementary styles using combination moves, subterfuge and great timing to overcome their opponents. Hot tags aside, my favorite current tag team are the heel sensations, the Kimber Bombs! I watched the […]
WRESTLING 101: Kendo Stick Q&A
Chairs: I get it. Tables: why not?. Brass Knuckles: it’s a pugilist’s right hand (or left, if southpaw), literally. Garbage cans? They’re logically at ringside reach, so that makes sense, as well. Everyone loves a tidy venue. Ladders? The means to one of the best match formats available. Kendo stick/Singapore cane? Wikipedia tells me the […]
WRESTLING 101: A Tribute to Our Striped Friends
Confession time: I’ve always wanted to be a professional wrestling referee…and still do. There’s something uber artistic and equally ironic about an individual tasked with maintaining sportsmanship in a pre-determined match operating under very distinct style and storyline conventions. I literally make it a goal of mine – after every house show – to thank […]
SPOTLIGHTS: NXT – What is it Anyway?
The Intercontinental Belt and I have had the ridiculously good fortune (yeah…I know you are jealous!) to have gone to likely over 10 NXT house shows in such exotic locations like Largo, Florida. While these house shows have evolved over the years, I haven’t really evolved in my understanding of what NXT is; it’s a […]
WRESTLING IN FLORIDA: An Insider Look at Professional Wrestling 