The Art of Wrestling By Jose Haze

Devin Chen has established himself as one of the very best wrestling photographers around. Consistently producing photos with insane angles, amazing timing and reaction, Devin is the wrestling fan with a camera in his hand and a picture in his mind.

It is no coincidence his first taste of wrestling was an inferno match between The Undertaker and Kane back in 1998, probably the most visually stimulating match in the history of the WWF/E. From there he became an avid player of the N64 classic “WWF No Mercy”, which led to religious viewing of WWE Smackdown. “I fell in love with it. The characters, the color, the music, the stories….. It was so much fun”.

From the start, Devin has always had a deep connection with things that grabbed hold of his visual appetite. “It began in Northern California. I discovered independent wrestling as a fan, going to of wrestling shows; and that’s how it really starts. ” He is one of the photographers at the famous All Pro Wrestling academy in Hayward as well as a few of the other local wrestling promotions.

As the years passed wrestling came and went for Devin, but the love for it was always there. A friend of his told him about wrestling promotion in southern California by the name of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and asked him if he wanted to go see one of their shows. “ I ended up going to the show with him (Threemendous II), and up until that time it was the very best wrestling show I had ever been to…I had so much fun”. PWG became a monthly pleasure, driving down the 6 hours from the Bay Area with fans who he grew into friends with. All the while, Devin would bring along his camera, and take shots from the crowd.

“I would print up the photos and ask the wrestlers to sign them. It was really cool to see other people’s reactions to my photos. That’s something I still enjoy to this day.”

At Pro Wrestling Guerrilla’s 7th year anniversary, appropriately titled “Seven”, Devin shot his first full set of photos from a PWG show. “I was really happy with the photos from that night and wanted to show them to someone right away.” After the show, Devin approached Excalibur, the “Liaison to the Board of Directors” of PWG; and that was the beginning of it.

The rest has been history for Devin in PWG. As he has worked more and more shows, his artistry with the camera has developed. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time and have the perfect angle. “That comes from just trying different to get the same shots in different angles all the time. As a wrestling photographer it’s really fun getting to know the wrestlers’ styles and having an idea of what might come ahead”. Similar to a pro athlete, he spends a lot of time in “the film room”.

“I enjoy the energy that comes from watching wrestling. It’s really cool to see the different perspectives of matches. It’s art”.

One of the great things about Devin’s work is how it seems to tell the story of every show. Almost like a real life comic book. “I’m always conscious of trying to tell the story in the ring with the photos, and even more when I go through and edit the stuff” he says. “The photos are good when the shows are good and vice versa”. “Same with wrestlers… A good wrestler is going to come out really good in his pictures, and a not so good wrestler is going to come out …. Well… not so good”.
Along the way he has been able to develop great relationships in the wrestling business, and has gained a greater understanding of professional wrestling, which he feels shines through in his photos. “Learning the little intricacies of what goes into a match and having a better understanding of what they are doing in the ring created sort of a quiet confidence inside me”.

Similar to the wrestlers, much of a photographer’s success is motivated by what people with the most influence have to say about the work. “You can’t really succeed on your own if you don’t have the right support. A lot of the wrestlers have said nice things about me and my work, and that goes a long way “.

Still, Devin considers himself a wrestling fan. If he weren’t, he says, he would not be able to see some of the things he has captured with his camera. He is a fan of the stories told in the ring through headlocks and toeholds and psychology.
“I feel like the psychology in the ring and the photography go hand in hand” he says. “If I understand why a wrestler is doing a certain move or hold, I can then try and anticipate what he will do next”.

Nowadays Devin has begun to branch out, working in different places including some local WWE shows for the website Slam. Still he looks for opportunities to enjoy wrestling as a fan.

“I have been to Wrestlemania; and there’s still no other experience quite like it. It’s amazing that an event can draw a city full of wrestling fans everywhere. The atmosphere is amazing.”

With aspirations of someday making it to the big show, WWE full time, he shares the same desires as the wrestlers he takes pictures of. Part of this motivation is seeing the wrestlers he idolized in the independent scene - as they have moved on to the WWE.

“I feel a bit of a connection with those guys. It’s different when the same guys you took pictures of are now on your television screen. I want to be there; not here watching. I want the story of my pictures to be complete ”.

Since he has been around PWG for a while, I wondered what some of his favorite things about PWG were and who some of his favorite wrestlers were.

“El Generico.. There’s just something about him. Maybe it’s in the character. He is super crisp and just flows in the ring. Anyone who has watched his matches can understand the story of it without even knowing it!” Another of his favorites is Kevin Steen. “

“He works so well with the crowd, and is so exciting to watch in the ring. Not many people can channel the energy of the crowd like Kevin”.
I’m sure Devin will continue to have a lot to work with in PWG, but don’t be surprised if you see him someday on your TV screen… ringside.

WLH Book Review By Jimmy Wheeler - Wrestling at the Chase: The Inside Story of Sam Muchnick and the Legends of Professional Wrestling

Author: Larry Matysik, published by ECW Press, released June 6, 2005, 232 Pages, paperback.

Who better to write the story of Sam Muchnick's brain child that was known as Wrestling at the Chase, than a man who was his friend and protege for many years, grew up watching the program, became a commentator for the promotion who would finally go on to run his own promotion; Larry Matysik. The show itself is widely considered one of the most prosperous wrestling programs from the territory based days, with consistently high ratings in the St. Louis area behind only the local news and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Larry Matysik allows the reader to see in to the world that was the very heart of the National Wrestling Alliance which Sam Muchnick was also the chairman of. This however is first and foremost a book about the St. Louis Wrestling Club and it's flagship program started in 1959 and would run for close to 30 years. Glimpses are given in to the workings of the NWA, insight behind decisions made by Sam that could only be provided by his close confident. As you would expect though, the writing focuses on the key parts that made Wrestling at the Chase a truly historically acclaimed wrestling program. Taking you behind the scenes into his own personal discussions with Muchnick, taking the reader inside Sam's mind explaining the way he booked matches, programs, storylines and why he, Larry feels he was the very best promoter in the business. Matysik goes on to look at Sam's overall philosophy of the business, the NWA world heavyweight championship, how it should be presented, and his view on what the audience needs. Not only does he provide this look through the door of the office, Matysik takes a look at the wrestlers who made an impact in the St. Louis area including 'King Kong' Brody, Dick 'The Bruiser, Dick Murdoch, and 'Wild' Bill Longson among others. Larry takes a look at how Sam was able to acquire such a varied array of talent to hold his shows, yet only ever holding a relatively small talent pool in his own area. A chapter aptly titled 'The War' covers what would be the coinciding time of Sam Muchnick retiring and Vince McMahon Jr's attempt to take over the wrestling business, Larry discusses the reasons for Muchnick's full retirement, what happened to the St. Louis Club and the similarities to how Sam had struck out on his own back in the late 50's. The book wouldn't be complete without a look at the aftermath of the closure of the St. Louis Club and the wrestling war. Larry Matysik sheds his opinion on what became of wrestling, the current state of it at time of the books release, he also briefly talks of his own employment in the World Wrestling Federation as it was then known, currently WWE.

Wrestling at the Chase is fairly easy read full of fun backstage stories, in ring antics to balance out the serious look at the demise of the territory system and an interesting look at possibly the only promoter no one has a bad word to say of. Even though Larry was a huge part of the whole operation, you forget this while he is authoring the book, besides at the beginning when he introduces what led to him working for Sam Muchnick and the aftermath, Larry Matysik only mentions himself when necessary choosing to focus on what he believes are the components which made Wrestling at the Chase the best television program ever made. For anyone that grew up watching this would be a great book to read and reminisce over what many consider a better time in the wresting business. An intriguing book to anyone interested in the history of the NWA and the very man responsible for it also for fans of the wrestlers highlighted through-out.

4/5 Stars

By Jimmy Wheeler

@MadDepth

WLH Exclusive Announcement For Southside's Speed King 2

On May 25th Southside Wrestling Entertainment bring you the second annual Speed King show from the Rushcliffe Arena in Nottingham. Already announced for the show are rising independent Lucha Libre star Samuray Del Sol who will be making his UK debut also announced, Dean Allmark, last years winner Marty Scurll and his LDRS partner Zack Sabre Jr. and now as you may of guessed by the picture, also making his way to the UK for Speed King will be former TNA and current ROH star Jay Lethal.

Since leaving TNA and returning to ROH Lethal has been the ROH TV champion and is currently working his way up the card as he tries to get a match with current ROH champion Kevin Steen.



This is a great coup for SWE so get your tickets now for this what I'm sure is going to be a great event. All the details you need are below.

For tickets:

There's not many front row left: http://www.southsidewrestling.co.uk/shop/show-tickets/speed-king-2-front-row-seat

Second Row: http://www.southsidewrestling.co.uk/shop/show-tickets/speed-king-2-second-row-seat

General Seating: http://www.southsidewrestling.co.uk/shop/show-tickets/speed-king-2-general-seating

There are also family ticket options.

Southside on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NBWSouthside?ref=ts&fref=ts

Southside on twitter: http://twitter.com/southsideWE

Ring of Honor: A Year in Review By Stephen J. Sutton

(Left) Here we have Adam Cole who had a stellar year not only in ROH but all over the indies

It’s time for the first ever Honor Review a look back at 2012; the year saw forty five championship matches, forty two successful championship defences, seven championships changing hands and nine proving ground challenges. The year also saw an wrestler attempt to hold the company to ransom , a young tag team split up, the return of some former ROH Champions, a few wrestlers from other promotions, wrestlers leaving the promotion, upcoming talent making their name in the promotion and the return home for the promotion.


January:
The year kicked off with the tapings for Ring Of Honor on Sinclair Broadcasting Group in Baltimore Maryland in which we saw the announcement that Kevin Steen’s package piledriver or any version of the piledriver had been banned by Ring Of Honor officials, Cornette fined Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team not once but twice for unnecessary chair shots (one being at Final Battle 2011) and in response Shelton said “It was worth it, I’ve got a lot of money.” However, Benjamin didn’t pay his half of the $5,000 dollar fine so was suspended by Ring Of Honor Officials. The first championship of the year was defend when Mike Bennett challenged Jay Lethal for his Television Championship in which there was no fifteen time limit unlike usual Television Championship defences (which are fifteen time limit). Also from the television tapings Future Shock spilt up by “mutual” consent as Kyle O’Reilly teamed up with his trainer Davey Richards to form Team Richards with their first match as a tag team was against Caprice Coleman and Cederic Alexander. After a match with Kyle, Eddie Edwards offered Adam Cole a chance to tag with him against Team Richards; and the offer was accepted and challenged Team Richards to a match anytime anywhere.

Ring Of Honor returned home to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (for the first time since the HD Net Television Tapings) and the return to the National Guard Armory (for the first time since Respect Is Earned II) . Kevin Steen made his Ring Of Honor in ring return officially against Kenny King and debuted the F Cinq (aka the F Five) after attempting the banned Package Piledriver on the ring apron. The show saw the final Ring Of Honor match of Chris Hero (who is now Kassius Ohno in WWE on nXt) against “unbreakable” Michael Elgin and knock out his personal adviser Shane Hagadorn after being called an bum who nobody wants; while Hero was leaving the company Jigsaw and Hallowicked (both returning to the company after a four year absences) returned to the company to take on the Briscoe Brothers in a proving ground challenge; Davey Richards defended his ROH Championship against the winner of the Honor Rumble back from Southern Defiance Ring Of Honor’s Television Champion Jay Lethal and was successful. The next night Ring Of Honor made their debut in Norfolk, Virginia at the legendry Scope Arena (the same place where Randy Savage captured the WCW Championship at World War III and where The Undertaker beat the Dudley Boyz in a handicap match but still buried his manager Paul Bearer in a concrete crypt at WWE’s Great American Bash 2004); the show saw Team Richards earn a opportunity against the Briscoe Brothers after beating House Of Truth, the winning streak of Tommaso Ciampa continued and earned himself a shot at his very first Ring Of Honor Championship after beating Jay Lethal in a proving ground challenge and Adam Cole started presenting The Adam Cole Diaries on TWS in the UK.

February
Another set of TV tapings kicked off the month with the conformation of the tenth anniversary main event being Adam Cole and Eddie Edwards taking on Team Richards in New York City in March, also the shape of the promotions Wrestlemania weekend for night one that the ROH Championship will be defended in a triple threat match and night two the championship will be defended in a single match but the challengers will be decided in the shape of the Blind Destiny challenge in Fort Lauderdale. Kevin Steen made his television debut and after his match attempted a package piledriver of Andy Ridge but Jimmy Jacobs came out and attacked professional wrestling’s worst nightmare and challenged him to a match at the tenth anniversary show. The team of Adam Cole and Eddie Edwards had their warm up match against Matt Tarven and “Giant Killer” Mike Mondo before they faced Team Richards at the tenth anniversary show. Charlie Hass paid an $10,000 dollar fine ($5,000 dollars for a chair shot to Mark Briscoe during their match and another $5,000 dollars for the fine of Shelton Benjamin from Final Battle). Plus it was announced the former ECW Tag Team Champion, WCW Cruiserweight, Hardcore and United State Champion and WWE Intercontinental champion and Tag Team Champion Lance Storm was returning to the promotion at Wrestlemania Weekend to take on Mike Bennett.

The promotion debuted in Cincinnati with Rise & Prove where four tag teams would face off in a tournament and whoever won the tournament would have earned a proving ground challenge against whoever where the Tag Team Champions at night one of Wrestlemania weekend . The show also saw the return of former ROH Tag Team Champion BJ Whitmer(after a four year absence from promotion) having a proving ground challenge against Jay Lethal and Davey Richards had an opportunity to become a double champion when he and Kyle O’Reilly went for the Tag Team championship against the Briscoe Brothers.

March
Another month and another set of television tapings eight men fought for the right to have an opportunity to win $24,000. Also at the tapings Wrestlemania weekend was still being build; Kyle O’Reilly challenged Adam Cole to a match for the second night in Fort Lauderdale and the anti Christ of professional wrestling Kevin Steen will once again go head to head with his former partner and the man who banished him from the promotion El Generico in a La Revencha Last man Standing match.

The promotion celebrated its tenth anniversary in New York City in the Hammerstein Ballroom. It saw the return to the company of former ROH Tag Team Champion Amazing Red (making his return appearance in the company in nine years) teaming up with TJ Perkins taking on The House Of Truth. Also Eddie Kingston returned to the company as the Chikara Grand Champion to confront the ROH Champion Davey Richards but ended up facing up with Kevin Steen who tried and convinced Kingston to form an alliance and destroy both Chikara and Ring Of Honor which lead to both men to brawl and to bring out Chikara’s Jigsaw and The Colony. In the main event of the tenth anniversary Adam Cole pinned the ROH Champion Davey Richards.

At the end of March Ring Of Honor made its debut in the sunshine state when Showdown In The Sun kicked off Wrestlemania weekend where ECW used to run the War Memorial Auditorium. Night one saw the return of NWA Champion Adam Pearce (first appearance for the Scarp Daddy since 18th December 2010 ) who took on up and comer Adam Cole (who beat Cole the night before in NWA Ring Warriors); also on the show Jimmy Jacobs turned on his former allay El Generico to join up with Kevin Steen. The second night saw Roderick Strong became the new Television champion and becoming the second ever Ring Of Honor Triple crown champion. Over the weekend it company put on five championship matches with only one title changing hands; also the show marked the in ring debut of Fire Ant. Night two also saw a protential match of a year candidate as Davey Richards defended his ROH Championship against House Of Truth member Michael Elgin.

However, this year’s Wrestlemania show were over shadowed by Internet Pay Per View problems, on night one was subject to some horrendous technical difficulties that it the stream was near enough unwatchable and on night two the stream went completely dead just before the battle of former partner’s Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly; thinking the problem was easy to fix both Cole and O’Reilly cut impromptu promo’s but the feed couldn’t be fix so the match had to start for fans in attendance and then the full match was posted up on the ROH Youtube channel; and after this mix up the promotion left Go Fight Live and started to stream Internet Pay Per Views through the ROH website.

April
This month’s set of television taping saw Caprice Coleman and Cedric Alexander earn an opportunity against the Briscoe Brothers after beating the Tag Team Champions in a Proving Ground Challenge thanks to interference of Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team, it was confirmed that Kevin Steen’s only opportunity will happen on 12th May in Toronto with the package piledriver would be allowed in the match. Also at the tapings Chikara wrestlers Los Ice Creams, Ophidian debuted taking on The Colony {Fire, Green and Solider Ant (Green and Solider Ant debuting)} in trios action exhibiting what the promotion can happen at the Chikara/ROH Synergy event on 28th April in Chicago.

At Chikara’s Hot Off The Griddle event (this event was before ROH’s Unity event) in Chicago; Eddie Kingston defend his Chikara’s Grand Championship against Wrestling’s Worst Nightmare Kevin Steen , Steen who had threatened that if he captured the championship he would put a transformer mask over the championship belt and give the title to his son. On the ROH Unity event The Bravado Brothers returned to the promotion after spending time in Japan working in the NOAH promotion and at their dojo, the show saw an Interpromotional trios match when the colony took on Adam Cole, Jay Lethal and TJ Perkins; in the main event of the evening the Briscoe Brothers went to defend not just their ROH Tag Team Championships but the pride of Ring Of Honor was also on the line as well against the team of Hallowicked and Jigsaw. The next night ROH where in Dayton , Ohio where the Briscoe’s and Wrestling’s Greatest Time squared off once again for the ROH Tag Team Championship and Adam Cole take on Davey Richards for the ROH Championship after ROH officials felt that Cole earned the opportunity after pinning Richards at the tenth anniversary.

May
Ring Of Honor presented their first Internet Pay Per View stream through the ROH Website after the mess at Wrestlemania weekend. That night saw the end of Tommaso Ciampa undefeated streak when Jay Lethal finally pinned the embassy’s monster, Canadian legend Lance Storm got retribution from Showdown in the Sun pinning Mike Bennett. That night saw two championships changed hands that night; Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team re captured the ROH Tag Team Championship by using ether in a Fight Without Honor; also, Kevin Steen’s dream came true but Jim Cornette’s and the promotions worst nightmare has he captured the Ring Of Honor from Davey Richards, but that not is the only shock out the night when Steve Corino who had been against Kevin Steen for most of the year embraced Kevin Steen and Jimmy Jacobs.

At this month’s television tapings it was announced that Eddie Edwards would complete in the Die Hard Trials series where he’ll challenge former Ring Of Honor Champions to stay intention of the ROH Championship, Finlay was announced that he will debut at Best In The World, Richard asked for his one and only rematch against wrestling’s worst nightmare, Eddie Edwards finally beat Davey Richards as one of his Die Hard Trial Series and Mike Bennett’s personal trainer Brutal Bob Evans made his in ring debut against Eddie Edwards. There was also a #1 Contenders Four Corner Survival match to decide who would face the winner of Steen Richards after Best In The World

Ring Of Honor returned to the Richmond Virginia were the feud between the Briscoe Brothers and WGTT in the form of Charlie Haas and Jay Briscoe fight in a lights out match which saw cups of beer, the top ring rope, steel wrench and their respective partners interfere in the match; Davey Richards took his frustrations on losing the ROH Championship on the zombie princess Jimmy Jacobs with Kevin Steen watching on at ringside (Steen was meant to be teaming with Jimmy to take on O’Reilly and Richards but Steen suffered an concussion at the television taping and wasn’t cleared to wrestle).

June
The promotion debuted in the Charleston, West Virginia. Adam Cole earned an opportunity at Roderick Strong’s Television Championship in pinning the champion in a proving ground four corner survival challenge, Davey Richards and Mike Mondo put on an wrestling classic going to a time limit draw, Kevin Steen turned away his first challenger away in Eddie Edwards for the ROH Championship and in their final encounter in a Texas Death match Jay Briscoe and Charlie Haas.

A week later it was time for Best In The World: Hostile Crisis coming once again for the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The Briscoe Brothers kicked off the show against the mysterious tag team known as the guardians of truth who looked like the executioners (old school WWF Tag Team), Kyle O’Reilly took on his former partner Adam Cole in a Hybrid Fighting which got bloody very early, the All Night Express realised their dream and captured the ROH Tag Team Championship, Kyle O’Reilly turned on his trainer and friend Davey Richards minutes before Davey’s one and only opportunity at Kevin Steen’s ROH Championship saying that he wasn’t Davey’s lackey and there is no more team Richards, Steen retained his ROH Title over Davey Richards after receiving a low blow with a railway spike and the package piledriver.

At this month’s television tapings the queen of wrestling Sara Del Ray returned to the promotion evening the odds when Brutal Bob Evans, Maria and Mike Bennett tripled teamed Eddie Edwards and Adam Cole, Eddie Kingston returned to the promotion as request from Jim Cornette to attempt to take the ROH Championship from wrestling’s nightmare and Adam Cole captured his first piece of ROH Championship gold when he beat Roderick Strong for the ROH Television Championship and Mike Bennett finished his feud with Lance Storm by defeating the Canadian legend.

The promotion rounded off the month by running Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where BJ Whitmer and Jimmy Jacobs had their first singles match since Supercard Of Honor II back in 2007 (which was a bloody war) and Kevin Steen turned away the challenge from the messiah of the back breaker Roderick Strong.

(Right) This of course is ROH Champion Kevin Steen who had an amazing year in 2012

July
It was announced that The All Night Express had been stripped of their newly won ROH Tag Team Championship after Kenny King was released on his verbal agreement after appearing in an edition of TNA Impact; an tournament would start at the Television Tapings in August and round up at Death Before Dishonor X in September.

ROH made its Milwaukee debut this month. It saw Rhett Titus in singles action after his tag team partner’s release against brother of Matt Sydal (Evan Bourne in WWE) Mike Sydal, in the a return single encounter from Unscripted II BJ Whitmer took on Roderick Strong, an injured Mike Mondo was able to finish his match with Jay Lethal and a simple tag team match turned into a wild tag team match which saw Mark Briscoe live up to his insanity by jumping a off a balcony onto the world champion who was in a table in the ring.

August
Another set of TV tapings kicked off the month with the announcement of the eight teams which would compete for the opportunity to become the thirty forth Ring Of Honor Tag Team Champions they were Blk Out {making their ROH debut as a team (Ruckus was returning to the promotion since Ring Of Homicide II)}, Briscoe Brothers, Cedric Alexander and Caprice Coleman, Charlie Haas and a mystery partner, Guardians Of Truth, Rhett Titus and a mystery partner, The Bravado Brothers and The Young Bucks. Surprisingly enough Charlie Haas and Rhett Titus decided to put all differences aside (until they won the tag titles) so Jimmy Jacobs and Steve Corino entered the tournament so all SCUM (Suffering Chaos Ugliness and Mayhem) can control all the championship gold, Rhino was announced as the #1 Contender after beating Eddie Edwards in a anything goes match, Kevin Steen put Homicide challenge to his ROH Championship to rest, Mike Mondo earned an opportunity at Adam Cole’s television championship and Briscoe Brothers, Cedric Alexander and Caprice Coleman, Charlie Haas and Rhett Titus and SCUM advanced Death Before Dishonor X.

The promotion promoted its fifth iPPV of the year and on that iPPV QT Marshall earned an Ring Of Honor Contract, Adam Cole got redemption over Mike Bennett’s personal trainer Brutal Bob in a proving ground challenge, cracks where being to show in the foundation of the house of truth, Tommaso Ciampa suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament during the two out three falls match against Jay Lethal, Sara Del Ray made her final appearance for the company by teaming with Eddie Edwards taking on Maria and Mike Bennett and Kevin Steen knocked back Eddie Kingston in a wild ROH Championship match that witness an powerbomb on a table (which was upside down) and a F Cinq on two open chairs.

September
The month kicked off with a return to Charlotte, North Carolina and to a show entitled “Cage Hostility” . The Bravado Brothers and Cedric Alexander and Caprice Coleman stole the show, Davey Richards returned to the company, Kevin Steen could of been fined $5,000 if he didn’t wrestle in the main event of the show, Kyle O’Reilly earned an opportunity at his former partners ROH Television Championship and Rhett Titus and Briscoe Brothers won a bloody cage match over SCUM.

The promotion promoted its sixth iPPV of the year Death Before Dishonor X State Of Emergency coming from Chicago, Illinois. SCUM and Rhett Titus and Charlie Haas reach the final of the ROH Tag Team Championship final with SCUM capturing the gold, Tadarius Thomas qualified for the 2012 Survival Of The Fittest, Davey Richards added himself into the Survival Of The Fittest, Irish Airborne (Dave and Jake Crist) (making their first appearance since Stylin and Profiling in 2009), ACH made his Ring Of Honor debut, Matt Hardy made an unexpected returning after the television championship match and calling Adam Cole a “Young Matt Hardy” and Kevin Steen over came House Of Truth member Rhino.

The next set of television tapings where entitled as “Fans Appreciation Night” and “Survival Of The Fittest 2012.” Adam Cole, Davey Richards, Jay Lethal, Roderick Strong, Mike Mondo and Michael Elgin made it to the final with Lethal capturing the 2012 crown, the unlikely team of BJ Whitmer and Rhett Titus defeated WGTT, Ciampa was kicked out of the guidance of RD Evans and was introduce into his latest client QT Marshall, Kevin Steen stopped Rhett Titus quest for the title and the Headbangers (yes Mosh and Thrasher the former WWF Tag Team Champions) where confirmed as the Guardians Of Truth.

October
The promotion kicked of the month with a show in Edison, New Jersey with a show called “Killer Instict.” Bobby Fish returned to the company (making his first appearance since Eliminating The Competition back in 2009) and the debut of the tag team 3.0 from Chikara, SCUM retained the tag team championship, Davey Richards and Mike Mondo put a technical classic and Jay Lethal fought Kevin Steen to a no contest and then Lethal ran rampant in the backstage and injured Jim Cornette. The injury angle wrote out Jim Cornette character after being hospitalised thanks to Lethal but there was speculation that it also meant that Jim Cornette would hand over the booking control to delirious.

Kevin Steen put Ring Of Honor on the spot by demanding the following things 80% of all Kevin Steen merchandise sales, Referee Paul Turner in various Outfits, Jay Lethal parents from all Ring Of Honor events, a new ROH Championship design, never to wrestle Jay Lethal again, to make the package piledriver legal again and to have unlimited amount of supply of milk and fruit punch Gatorade. If the demands not met then Kevin Steen will not defend the ROH Championship at Glory By Honor against Michael Elgin.

The promotion presented their eighth iPPV Glory By Honor XI Mike Mondo injured his ankle but continued to the finished against Mike Bennett, Jay Lethal proved that it wasn’t a fluke back Survival Of The Fittest against Davey Richards, dysfunction continued in the ranks of the house of truth when Roderick Strong refused to take on Tadarius Thomas so Rhino took the match and then lost to the up and comer then Rhino gored Truth Martini off the apron onto the guardrail and ripped truth’s pants reviling an nasty bruise on his leg, SCUM retained the ROH Tag Team Championship over the Briscoe Brothers, Kevin Steen retained the ROH Champion over last year’s Survival Of The Fittest Champion and fellow Canadian Michael Elgin. Ring Of Honor colour commentator Nigel McGuinness handed Steen a cardboard box and in that box was a El Generico mask and the chants of Ole Ole Ole Ole rang through the arena.
It was announced by the end of the month that Jim Cornette and the Sinclair Broadcasting Group agreed that it was time for Jim to set down as head of Ring Of Honor Head of creative but would stay on as a backstage and a production role.

November
The final set of television tapings took place with the announcement that Nigel McGuinness would become the new ROH Match maker for the promotion the first matches he set were a ROH Championship Ladder War between Steen and Generico and ROH Tag Team Championship Triple Threat Sudden Death match between Cedric Alexander and Caprice Coleman and the Briscoe Brothers challenging SCUM, Adam Cole retained his ROH Television title over his former partner and was rewarded with a new title design, Jerry Lynn would return to the promotion for his final match for the promotion at Final Battle, Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly formed a tag team to target Davey Richards, Matt Hardy would return to the promotion to take ROH Television champion in a non title match, both Strong and Elgin confirmed that they were both done with the House of Truth, Kevin Steen retained the ROH title over Mike Bennett and Steve Corino and Jay Briscoe in a wild Steel City Street Fight.

December
The promotion presented their ninth and final iPPV of the year at the eleventh annual Final Battle. Jerry Lynn (his first show since Salvation 2007) and Matt Hardy (his first show for the company since Punk: The Final Chapter) both returned to the company but Lynn lost in his final match against Mike Bennett and Matt Hardy won against Adam Cole, Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team beat BJ Whitmer and Rhett Titus in a New York Street Fight which saw BJ take a sick bump through a table, Eddie Edwards returned from his tour of Japan to reform the American Wolves against Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly, Briscoe Brothers brought honor back to the ROH Tag Team Championship by becoming eight time Champions and Kevin Steen Survived to capture the new ROH Championship over El Generico after a brutal ladder war.

What is next for ROH promotion? Who will end the nightmare of the promotion? Will Steen’s nightmare regain supreme in 2013? Who will rise up to the challenge? Let’s see the promotion in 2013.

Those British Boot Campers By Derrie Catton

As the date began requiring a 13 after the 20, wrestling fans of a British disposition were ushered to tune into Challenge TV in order to witness a battle for the TNA contract. A party animal here, a pair of twins there and a baby Jesus of professional wrestling was all they needed for a contest to commence. So began Impact Wrestling’s attempt at reality television, TNA’s British Boot Camp.

I first ask that you to not be fooled by the label. Reality TV is about as real as… well wrestling. Now no one around here is set to complain about something like that. It was long ago that we understood what watched, accepted it as brilliant entertainment, and began enjoying it just as we do with all good mediums. The same set of rules can apply here, as we prepare ourselves for the orchestrated drama that can entice viewers in. So what are you watching it for? Look to the personality clash between Rockstar Spud and Marty Scurll, and their many ‘hang on, this might actually be real’ confrontations. The pair hold a documented rivalry, and watching their relationship dance around boiling point is the selling point of the series so far. Taking up the other half of the promotional poster are the Blossom Twins, as talented as they are beautiful and holding a heartwarming story as they come from helping young children to stomping people in the face. Joking aside, the stories of the aid they have provided for youngsters give you firm ground to root for the gals in this venture. Add in the trials and tribulations of the rise and falls it takes to earn this TNA contract, and you’re taken a holiday to drama city for fun times. The fact is, British Bootcamp is well worth watching.

What the show isn’t however, is fair representation of a competition. Not even the Late Zone on Challenge TV can give you that accolade. The reason this article stresses that point, is because it doesn’t want you to get the wrong idea about the talents on display. (Those yet to see the Boot Camp and less fond of spoilers may wish to skip a paragraph) The opening double episode showcase provided three trials that tested the wits of the competitors, the first being a test of wrestling ability. While the Twins and Scurll were allowed to shine, Spud was represented as outmatched and underwhelming. Most people will understand this as an unfair representation of Spud, who may not be capable of locking in a Moss Covered Three Handled family Credenza, but is a credited and entertaining performer when he steps through the ropes. To those who don’t, remember that it takes two to tango. In the later contest the four were challenged to rule the mic, a field which Spud often dominates which was instead awarded to Scurll who won under the terms of a popularity contest. The final contest of media heralded little to remark, and served simply to push Scurll as Party Marty. Don’t mistake these victories for representations of wrestling calibre. Holds do not make the wrestler, and cheers do not make the personality. Entertainment and charisma is what audiences seek - one who gains the biggest reaction and provides the highest level of entertainment. Boot Camp has yet to provide a fair gauge of that.

One worries about what actual format this competition takes. A popularity contest denies those less liked but more talented, and would be criminal against a man like Rockstar Spud. One both hopes and expects that the people behind the scenes take true stock of each wrestler’s talents, and choose the man set to entertain a worldwide audience in the many years that come. Of course the biggest question is, who is that man… or woman. Who can wear those pants…. Or skirt. Who has the balls… metaphorically speaking, to grace the television screens of Impact Wrestling’s fans. Let’s nutshell it.

The Blossom Twins

Two ladies with an outstanding talent of being born on the same day and having the same face. It’s nothing to shy away from, a prospect like that is an attractive one and every little helps towards getting an audience. What’s more is that Hannah and Holly stand up without their mirror image. Both show themselves to be capable wrestlers, as well as displaying the heart and determination that would make a WWE documentary maker foam at the mouth. The most domineering characteristic is sure to be their unadulterated likeability. Twins – Yay. Beautiful – Yay. A pair of teachers who helped a troubled child’s education through the medium of wrestling – Very yay. Their unique traits are what look to push them forward, and give them a chance of taking the winner’s crown.

The Rockstar Spud

The small man may not grace anybody’s top 8 friends list, but at any time he can be your favourite man in the arena. Whether between the ropes, on the apron, or walking on the mat beside the ring, Spud has the ability to be the center of attention, and when he has the opportunity he is most likely to steal the show. This star can make you laugh, boo and then cheer for the other guy and it’s a talent that stands up in spite of whoever takes on the opposing role. The self-entitled Baby Jesus of Professional Wrestling should be labelled the Epitome of Entertainment, and in something dubbed sports entertainment, such an accolade can act as a ticket to victory.

Marty Scurll

His biggest advantage over his only male opponent is that he holds a good size. Being big and built helps Party Marty look like a wrestler, and TV can often make perception become reality. Scurll doesn’t just look the part though, he holds up in the ring having grown in experience and talent over the years and having shined with his tag team antics. Most importantly, from London to whatever they put on the other side of this little island, Scurll pulls in the fan support and can win popularity from coast to coast. A crowd behind him may be the thing that sees Marty Scurll reach out and grab that brass ring.

There you have it, three entities which each offer a threat to the others through their unique talents. Good as gold twins, a fun loving party man and one you love to hate – these three personalities will surely be interesting to watch on the road to the Impact Zone, and the highest point of interest lays in which one will triumph. If it’s a prediction you want, this article lays it’s eggs in the basket of Rockstar Spud as the only wrestler with a presence capable of global domination. Opinions are just that though, and the only way to find that out who wins is a matter of four more episodes. TNA’s British Boot Camp is one to watch.

DVD Retro Project Part 2: Best of Michinoku Pro - Volume 7 (July-October 1996) By Shaun Nichols

The Background

The Best of Michinoku Pro is a 12 disc set which covers the best matches of MPW from March 1993 to February 1998, which basically covers the golden years of the promotion. Michinoku Pro was the first Jap-Lucha promotion that really gained a cult status among wrestling fans and should be seen as a blueprint for the latter promotions of Toryumon and Dragon Gate.

A lot of wrestling fans became aware of Michinoku Pro thanks to the first Super Junior Cup held in 1994 where the Great Sasuke had a run to the final before losing to Chris Benoit. The tournament also featured Super Delfin and Taka Michinoku, Delfin also had a successful run in NJPW's Best of Super Junior tournament also getting to the final before coming up short to Jushin Liger.

Other fans had to wait until 1997, when Michinoku Pro wrestlers appeared at both ECW and WWF PPV events stealing the show. ECW fans were especially thrilled witnessing a classic 6 man tag which saw Great Sasuke, Gran Hamada & Yakushiji defeating bWo Japan representatives of Taka Michinoku, Terry Boy & Dick Togo. This went along way I would think to being the inspiration for ROH booking Dragon Gate 6 man tags as special attractions at their Supercard of Honor events.

Among the Michinoku Pro alumni were Great Sasuke, Taka Michinoku, Dick Togo (wrestling as Sato in the early years), Shiryu (became Kaz Hayashi), Men's Teoih (appeared as Terry Boy in the early days), Tiger Mask IV, Gran Naniwa and Jinsei Shinzaki (wrestled as Hakushi in the WWF in 1995 & 1996).

Also as a quick note for fans who are not aware of MPW, Toryumon and Dragon Gate, tags are not required. If one wrestlers exits the ring then their tag partner can enter to replace them.

The Review

1. Great Sasuke vs. Shiryu

Singles matches aren't really what MPW were renowned for and Shiryu is nowhere near the worker he would become. Shiryu dominates the early minutes using among other things a huracanrana, an asai moonsalt and even a piledriver on the floor. Back inside the ring, Shiryu hits a reverse DDT and a tombstone piledriver for the first 2 count. Going to the top rope proves a mistake as Sasuke is able to rally and dropkick him off the top to the floor. Jumping knee strike as Shiryu scrambling for safety. He's not on the backfoot for very long and he dropkicks Sasuke's knee and follows up with a running dive. He gets two close pinfalls as the fans start to rally behind Sasuke. Sasuke gets the pin out of nowhere after nailing Shiryu with a brainbuster from the top. Average fare really to start things off. **3/4

2. Jushin Liger, Gran Hamada & Gran Naniwa vs. Dick Togo, Taka Michinoku & Sho Funaki

This is more like it, Dick Togo is gunning for revenge against Liger as he had recently lost the British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight title to him just a few weeks earlier. As with all good multi person matches we get a series of one vs. one teases that act as introductions. Here we had Togo vs. Liger, Taka vs. Naniwa and finally Funaki vs. Hamada. Heels use lots of triple moves to get the early advantage until poor old Taka gets caught. Taka and Naniwa trade some really awesome stuff, highlighted by Naniwa backdropping Taka halfway across the gym floor.

Back in the ring Jushin Liger is killing poor Funaki until he is sent packing by a sliding dropkick. Heels finally get some joy against Naniwa but they become over confident and allow Naniwa to tag in Liger. Turns out that even the return of Liger is not stopping Kai En Tai dominating, Hamada gets triple teamed and Dick Togo is in full showboating form. We're heading now to the finish and Hamada using a monkey flip and a top rope huracanrana on Togo, we get a great dive sequence by everyone apart from Togo and Gran Naniwa.

Dick Togo with a powerbomb and senton to Liger, but Naniwa makes the save. Taka back in and catches Naniwa with the Michinoku Driver but his springboard dropkick finds no success. Naniwa uses his version of the Michinoku Driver and then a powerbomb onto Taka for the win and to send the fans home happy. Everyone worked really hard and this was lots of fun. ****

3. Great Sasuke & Super Delfin vs. Dick Togo, Men's Teoih & Shiryu

Our babyfaces look to be in obvious trouble as they face a 2 vs. 3 battle. A set of early dives including an asai moonsault soon changes that particular tune. Strangely it's Shiryu who finds himself being worked over as his teammates surprisingly stay in the corner waiting for the legitimate tag. After a few minutes, the heels decide it's time for a change of tact and it's on with the blatant cheating. Brawl around the gym area sees Delfin forced to seek shelter under the merchandise table.

Sasuke is not doing any better and gets basically beaten up as his opponents take full advantage of his predicament. Even an handspring press isn't enough to make the hot tag. Fortunately a running rolling dive off the apron onto Dick Togo, allows Super Delfin back in and he soon hits a DDT on Shiryu followed quickly by a tornado DDT. Sasuke hits a great tope can hilo on Teoih and Shiryu. Togo in trouble after being hit by stereo dropkicks. The numbers game though is starting to tell, especially as they resort to ripping Delfin's mask. Sasuke is dragged back to merchandise area and is dropped knee first through a table which puts him out of action.

Now with a 3 vs. 1 advantage things are looking very bleak for Mr Delfin. He gets triple powerbombed and then Dick Togo and friends take it in turns to come off the top rope with various dives. Togo himself gets the win with his diving senton. This wasn't one of the great MPW matches but told a good basic story that our two heroes can't always beat the odds. ***1/4

4. Great Sasuke vs. Negro Casas

A rare trip to Mexico here, as this match takes place at CMLL show. Sasuke is defending a title here but even after doing some research I haven't been able to find out which. This match will take place under 2/3 falls rules which is standard in Lucha libre. First fall is a lot of basic mat wrestling, mainly headlocks, armbars etc. Among the rare highlights is top rope suplex by Sasuke before he's goes to secure the first fall with a moonsault.

This match needs to improve, Sasuke continues to dominate and uses a single leg crab to keep on the pressure. Casas needs a change of tact and the wily veteran is crafty enough to do so. He's going to cheat, he indicates that Sasuke's second (Tiger Mask) is interfering. When the referee goes to speak to Tiger Mask, Casa is going to use a low blow on Sasuke. Genius work there, a senton from Casas and we are tied at one fall a piece.

Now with the advantage, Casas turns his attention to Sasuke's left knee. Sasuke makes his comeback with an handspring elbow and an asai moonsault. Casas fearing the worst resorts to yet another low blow and this time he feigns that he was the victim of a low blow himself. A trip to the top rope ends in disaster for him as he gets dropkicked to the floor and Sasuke then catches him with dropkick to the floor as well. Back in the ring Sasuke misses a quebrada and Casas catches him with a roll up to take the title. Thankfully this match did get better helped quite a lot by Casas's change in attitude and the fans really wanting to see a title change.
***1/4

5. Dick Togo, Shiryu, Sho Funaki & Danny Collins vs. Super Delfin, Gran Hamada, Super Astro & Alexander Otsuka

Yes that really is the UK's Danny Collins wrestling here. Team Togo dominate the early going when they catch Otsuka but they can't capitalise on it. We get some nice exchanges between Collins & Hamada and also between Delfin and Funaki. Otsuka catches Shiryu with a giant swing and Funaki gets stretched in one of the few MPW starts that looks a little bit forced.

It's comedy time as Super Astro does battle against all 3 members of Kai En Tai, to the point where Dick Togo as no idea what his happening and gives him an handshake. Astro accepts and then slaps him. The heels try and unmask Astro, this is followed by Delfin's team attempting to unmask Shiryu. Both teams end up being successful as both men swap masks this leads to all kind of confusion. The babyfaces ask Shiryu to attack his partners now he's wearing Astro mask.

Instead after a minute to think about, Shiryu and Astro wrestle on the mat which enables to switch masks again and on with the match. Super Delfin gets hit with a spike piledriver, Astro finally hits a tope can hilo after teasing twice already onto the unfortunate Funaki. Togo gets the win for his team after pinning Otsuka with the powerbomb/diving senton combination. This again was a lot of fun to watch with Collins, Astro and Otsuka adding to the usual MPW style. ***1/2

6. Tiger Mask IV vs. Men's Teoih

Both men aren't able to string two moves together, as they told the story that were both able to block or reverse their opponents offence which was pretty cool. Tiger Mask hits the first suicide dive, back in the ring though it is Teoih that gets the advantage with a dropkick to the knee. A figure four attempt is blocked though and it's Tiger that hooks on the submission.

Teoih rips at Tiger's mask and goes so far that he uses a chain that bloodies up Tiger Mask. This actually leads to Tiger's comeback and he goes onto work on Teoih's arm. Teoih hits a chokeslam but a second attempt leads to Tiger putting him into a cross armbreaker. Teoih makes the ropes but his luck as run out as he falls victim to a tiger suplex for the loss. Just an average singles match really. **1/2

7. Dick Togo, Taka Michinoku, Shiryu, Men's Teoih & Sho Funaki vs. Gran Hamada, Super Delfin, Tiger Mask IV, Gran Naniwa & Yakushiji

If you look at listings for this DVD on the various different sites, this match is actually listed as a 8 man tag, with Shiryu and Gran Hamada not being listed. That is wrong, this match is the legendary 10 man tag from MPW's 3rd anniversary show (10/10/1996). Unlike the other matches on this set I'm not going to review where I talk about the various moves, I really wouldn't be able to do it justice and this match does go more than 30 minutes and this is the full version.

If you do want to a read a full review of this awesome match, then check out...........

http://www.puroresucentral.com/MichProTheseDays.html

It actually gives a review of the full show, but as the reviewer actually says. This will be the longest ever play by play as it features over 30 minutes of insane action. He's not lying either. Actually I'm a bigger fan of this match then he happens to be, if your a fan of the Dragon Gate style and you loved those ROH showcases then this is definitely a ***** match. Completely brilliant from start to finish.

So there you have it the second chapter in the DVD Retro Project series, next time I'll be looking at one of the most successful tag teams anywhere in the world about 10-15 years ago and chances are you probably haven't even seen them. How's that for a tease??

WLH Book Review By Jimmy Wheeler: Holy Grail: The True Story of British Wrestling Revival

By Greg Lambert, published by AuthorHouse, released November 20, 2012, 224 Pages, paperback.

Greg Lambert has been a fan of wrestling his whole life and active within the industry for just over a decade. He has worked as a heelistic manager for arguably at one time Britain’s number one promotion, Frontier Wrestling Alliance, along with being a party to a booking team for the same promotion, eventual part owner and booker. He has ran his own company X Wrestling Alliance, been a regular host on the WrestleTalk Radio show. Further to that, Greg Lambert has also been a long stay writer for Europe's most popular professional wrestling magazine Power Slam and for a local newspaper based in Morecombe.

What you have here is a rollercoaster ride of a two people's passion to reinvigorate a fledgling independent UK wrestling scene. It is biographical in places of the storyteller, Greg Lambert, starting off with how he found himself involved and interested into the aforementioned industry whilst listening to Talk Sports, WrestleTalk. You then follow him through a journey starting with a young hopeful promoter, getting exposure on the WrestleTalk show itself along with meeting someone who would go on to be a favourite wrestler, long term friend, business associate and the other person this book is centered around, Alex Shane. From here you pretty much go step by step through the tumultuous promotion that was Frontier Wrestling Alliance (FWA), not that the layout of this written piece is that rigid, rather, Lambert reminisces on past events that effected his life, he delves into the histories and futures of wrestlers as they become relevant to the story. Greg captures what he and many others felt was the magic of the FWA in an enchanting manner with Holy Grail, painting a picture of not only what it took behind-the-scenes to make the shows a reality but also what transpired during the shows themselves. He truly gives clear insight to some of the colourful personalities in the United Kingdom along with overseas wrestlers that frequently travelled to further enhance the scene, the words provided by Lambert then get heightened by portions of interviews he has conducted with a plethora of talent over the years. If like myself you don't know much about the history of British wrestling since the 1990's, you will be surprised to find a plethora of names such as Mick Foley, Bret Hart, Low Ki, AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Daniel Bryan, Samoa Joe, Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, Doug Williams, Wade Barrett, Jake Roberts, Takeshi Morishima, Kenta Kobashi, and Mitsuharu Misawa just to name some of the names that appear in this book. Then of course you have an unbelievable list of talent from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland to name just a few, Stixx, Marty Scurll, Rockstar Spud, Jack Storm, Johnny Storm, Jody Fleisch, Martin Stone, Zack Sabre Jr., El Ligero, Bubblegum, Darren Burridge, and Dave Mastiff. Compact with all these top names from both sides of the Atlantic this tale of passion flows nicely, not becoming just a boring fest of dates, politics and general disappointment. Instead we get various different views at what happened, the scene itself, and the wrestlers involved during the FWA years that continue all the way up until the eventual demise.

There is only one flaw with the True Story of British Wrestling's Revival, it is wrongly named. Do not expect an in depth look at all the different promotions that have sprouted up in the last few years or the few promotions that existed before the turn of the century. Holy Grail instead is the wonderful inside story of one of, if not the most influential wrestling promotions in the United Kingdom since World of Sport was taken off of the air. By the end of the book you will not be disappointed that it focuses mainly on the FWA, Greg Lambert, and Alex Shane. Lambert as you would expect being a journalist by trade manages to put the book together in a great way, with his 'gimmick' shining through at times but also offering a rare candidness into his own mind set and emotions that he travelled through along the path that was the FWA's attempt at British Wrestling's Revival. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in the UK wrestling scene and also to anyone who enjoys wrestling books, this was a good interesting read.

4/5 Stars.

Jimmy Wheeler
@MadDepth