Instead of writing a review of the Wrestling Road Diaries, Colt Cabana’s two volume documentary of the independent wrestling scene, here is my interpretation: wrestling is a moveable feast. Wrestling, like most sports, may be a “young” person’s game, but if you are fortunate enough to have the talent and courage to have taken the […]
WRESTLING 101: Should Body Type Matter in Professional Wrestling?
With Dusty Rhodes’ recent and tragic passing, many wonderful tributes and match collages emerged across the television and Internet. This lovable, larger-than-life figure was clearly a fundamental cog in the past and present of professional wrestling. He was a brilliant athlete, trainer, mentor, and mic worker. Dusty Rhodes was also – for all intents and […]
WRESTLING 101: From the Outside Looking In – The Indy Wrestling Superstar Dilemma
As I watch independent wrestling rock star Rich Swann dropping jaws at FIP, Evolve and PWG, respectively, I am left with a nagging question. In the past, this question would be ludicrous. Except the rules have changed. To explain, Swann – even at 24 – is already one of world’s elite independent wrestlers, a master […]
ATHLETE APPRECIATION: Crazy Mary Dobson
With last night hopefully signaling big changes to the previously static WWE Divas division, I feel like a genius writing about my favorite independent wrestler: Sarah Bridges aka Crazy Mary Dobson. While women’s wrestling is stacked with talent; let’s appreciate a young wrestler who is truly unique in the complexity of her move set, background […]
ATHLETE APPRECIATION: Gary Jay
In the first of a hopefully long series of wrestler profiles, we turn our attention to a seemingly unlikely place to begin the journey: Gary Jay. We begin here, as there arguably no better athlete who epitomizes the terrific, Florida independent wrestling scene. Who is Gary Jay? A man of mystery, in many ways. He sports a […]
LIVE EVENTS: Fan etiquette – The perfect prescription?
At a recent (and terrific!) Evolve show in Ybor City, I heard a couple of very enthusiastic fans behind huricanrana and I self-justify their very loud chants to “make the [WWN] pay per view seem interesting.” Those guys definitely have a point, as – having watched many a taped show filmed at a small venue […]
SPOTLIGHTS: Total Trainwreck, Or Trying to Watch an Episode of “Total Divas”
Obviously, I am biased against the whole “Diva” concept or the uniformity of one character for all of the female wrestlers of the WWE. (Sure there is some variation: you can be a crazy Diva, a sexy Diva, a punk Diva; just so long as you are an arrogant, self important bitch). So take my […]
LIVE EVENTS: Evolve 45 – Awestruck
Evolve 45 came rolling into little Ybor City, Florida last night at the crumbling but loveable Orpheum theater. I can summarize the experience simply: awestruck. The talent level on the Evolve roster is incredible. This is like having Ring of Honor in my backyard. If you want some more effusive praise read below: 1. FIP […]
SPOTLIGHTS: The Many Faces of Cesaro
While heel/face turns are more common than the grocery store checkout lane closing just as you arrive, I can’t – for the life of me – recall a wrestler with as many evolutions than Claudio Castagnoli, or the WWE’s Cesaro. I’m reminded of this every time I pop in High Spots DVDs of the Swiss […]
WRESTLING 101: We Need More Managers
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 […]
WRESTLING IN FLORIDA: An Insider Look at Professional Wrestling 