Pro Wrestling Ponderings

CHIKARA currently has no events posted for June on their schedule and it is being assumed that they will not run another show until the last week of July. Although Mike Quackenbush will not be booking his talent any time in the near-future, other promoters will be.

Instead of digging into predictions for the “Never Kneel at the Altar of Conformity” and “Young Lions Cup VII” events that were just announced, let’s all focus on the two promotions that have had CHIKARA talent booked their shows for months now — Japan’s Big Japan Pro Wrestling and Dragon Gate USA. Before we get into those shows, though, I have posted the results to last week’s “Aniversario Yin” and “Aniversario Yang” events below.

“ANIVERSARIO YIN”
5.23.2009 @ THE PALMER CENTER
(EASTON, PA)

Results:

Notes:

“ANIVERSARIO YANG”
5.24.2009 @ THE ARENA
(PHILADELPHIA, PA)

Results:

Notes:

A relationship between CHIKARA and Big Japan Pro Wrestling started up at last year’s “Global Gauntlet” events in Easton and Philadelphia. There, many dream matches between BJW and CHIKARA talent were made.

One year later, Big Japan Pro Wrestling has invited a select few CHIKARA wrestlers to make the trip over to Japan for a joint event of sorts on June 12th, 2009 and June 13th, 2009 in Saitama and Tokyo. The eight lucky wrestlers that will be making the trip to Japan in June are UltraMantis Black, Crossbones, Fire Ant, Soldier Ant, Green Ant, Chuck Taylor, Jagged, and Shane Matthews. The rudo side of Team CHIKARA has already cut a promo on BPW, being led by UltraMantis Black. Also, the cards of both of these events have been announced in their entirety.

“CHIKARA JAPAN SHOWCASE”
6.12.2009 @ ICE RIBBON ARENA
(SAITAMA, JPN)

- Green Ant versus Mask Man

- Chuck Taylor versus Michael Nakazawa

- Jagged and Shane Matthews versus Mototsugu Shimizu and Atsushi Ohashi

- Fire Ant and Soldier Ant versus UltraMantis Black and Crossbones

“CHIKARA JAPAN SHOWCASE ~ GLOBAL GAUNTLET II”
6.13.2009 @ SHIN-KIBA FIRST RING
(TOKYO, JPN)

- Daikokubo Benkei versus Atsushi Ohashi

- UltraMantis Black and Crossbones versus Shadow WX and Yuichi Taniguchi

- Chuck Taylor versus Daisuke Sekimoto

- Jagged and Shane Matthews versus Yoshihito Sasaki and Ryuichi Kawakami

- Takashi Sasaki and Shinobu versus Michael Nakazawa and Mask Man

- Fire Ant, Soldier Ant, and Green Ant versus Jaki Numazawa, Yuji Okabayashi, and Shinya Ishikawa

If any new information is posted about the Big Japan Pro Wrestling shows, then it will be covered in the next edition of the “CHIKARMY Insider”. Now, moving over to CHIKARA’s involvement in the new, Philadelphia-based company, Dragon Gate USA.

On April 14th, 2009, it was announced at a Dragon Gate show at the Korakuen Hall that the promotion would be expanding to the United States. Satoshi Oji was named president and Gabe Sapolsky (former Ring of Honor head booker) took the job of being vice president of Dragon Gate USA. In an online press release that was posted online at the end of April, Gabe Sapolsky stated that DGUSA had reached a partnership with another wrestling company.

At the CHIKARA event, “The Bobliographon”, this video package played on a big screen in front of a packed crowd in Philadelphia. It was none other than CHIKARA that had agreed to team up with DGUSA. Almost immediately upon revealing this news to the public, DGUSA announced that a “relevos atomicos” match featuring all CHIKARA talent would take place at their debut show in Philadelphia on July 25th, 2009. Only three of the eight competitors in this match have been announced so far.

Want to hear my predictions on who I believe will be added to the match next? I assume that Gran Akuma’s partner in crime, Icarus, will join him on the rudo side. My guess is that one of CHIKARA’s most experienced wrestlers, Hallowicked, will side with the Colony on the tecnico side. Then, Frightmare will head into the bout next to his Incoherence buddy.

Amasis and Ophidian of the Osirian Portal are one of the most popular teams on the independent scene today, so I assume that they will be given the nod on the rudo side to fill up all of the competitors in the “relevos atomicos” bout. Not only that, but the Portal are also the current-reigning Campeons de Parejas. What better way to showcase your company than putting your tag team champions to work?

Two new episodes of the Podcast-A-Go-Go have been posted since last time. Click here to watch episode 162 and here to view episode 163. Matches from “Cibernetico Begins” in Framingham are being looked at. I was actually at that event live, so I can assure you that each of the bouts are worth giving a look at. Don’t believe me? Read 411mania.com’s Kevin Ford’s review of the show by clicking here. After you’re done doing that, hop over to Smart Mark Video and purchase the DVD.

That’s about all of the CHIKARA coverage I can hand out for a single article. Don’t forget to check back in approximately two or three weeks to read another brand new edition of the “CHIKARMY Insider”. I am literally obsessed with Mike Quackenbush’s creation, so you can bet that I’ll be on top of everything, as soon as it’s announced. Thank you for reading, my friends. Until next time, sayonara.

- Anthony Perillo

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Hello everyone, and welcome to my first report of TNA Impact. I think I’m one of the only guys on PWP that actually likes TNA, So I will be the one who does all the TNA reviews and reports on this site.

Opening Video Package- Tonight’s edition of Impact starts off with a a video package of this past Sunday’s TNA PPV “Sacrifice”. I agree with some people as saying it was probably the best TNA Pay-Per-View so far this year. It featured a awesome opener with Eric Young and Lethal Consequences vs. Motor City Machine Guns and Sheik Abdul Bashir. Suicide successfully defended the X-Division title against Daniels. Kevin Nash finally jobbed to Samoa Joe. Angelina Love successfully defended her Knockouts title against Awesome Kong, but afterwards Kong killed Love. Beer Money defeated the British Invasion and won the Tean 3D Tag team invitational tournament. A.J. Styles defeated Booker T in an I Quit match when Jenna Morasca threw in a towel on behalf of Booker, and Sting pinned Kurt Angle in the Ultimate Sacrifice match and thus becoming the new “Godfather” of the Main Event Mafia.  If you have an extra 30 bucks lying around, i suggest ordering the replay of the PPV.  Tonight’s Impact is titled “Shake-Up Within The Ranks”.

TNA X-Division Championship Match: Suicide (c) vs. Amazing Red

Always good to see Red on my TV Screen. Red opened with near falls attempts, including the victory roll. Suicide beheaded him with a clothesline and a wheelbarrow drop into the guardrail. After several minutes on the defensive, Red hit a float over DDT and a spin kick. He attempted the code red, but Suicide turned it into a dominator for a only a two count. Suicide attempted a hip toss, but Red countered it into a sunset flip for another near fall. Red looked to go for a standing shooting star, but Suicide counters hit a kick and pinned him after a suicide solution.

Winner: Suicide (via Pin at 5:20)

My thoughts: Very good opener for Impact. Like i said, usually the show starts off with an in-ring promo, but it was good change of pace to start the program with a match like this. I give this match a **3/4

We see Main Event Mafia head to the ring, with Sting as the new Godfather leading the pack while Kurt Angle looks depressed in the back, with him being relegated to just another member of the group.

The Mafia comes out with Sting doing all of the talking. He was back in a suit looking like a real estate agent and appeared more than eager to take the reigns. Sting reminded all of them that they were supposed to put their egos in the backseat ahead of what was best for the group. He states that he’s lived up to his end of the deal, but doesn’t think everyone else had been true to the Mafia’s mission statement. He was looking right at Angle while saying it. Sting tells Kevin Nash had let jealously between his girlfriend Jenna and Sharmell to get in the way of what the Mafia set out to do, so Sting makes the decision to bann Jenna and Sharmell from the Mafia. Jenna and Sharmell were upset and started arguing with their respective men about it. Booker and Nash looked concerned about this. Sting got in Angle’s face about hiring his own private security team without anyone else’s approval, so Sting has made another decision to fire Rocco and Sally Boy. Angle was furious and looked totally distraught. Sting asked if anyone had anything to say about the moves he made, they should speak now. Samoa Joe comes out to say something. Joe said he has been ordered to take out each member of the Mafia down one by one, starting with Kevin Nash, and that he will make his way up to Kurt Angle. He said he’s been ordered to kill Kurt, and again there was the tease that Taz was Joe’s mentor, though the name was never mentioned. I thought this was a good segment. I’m liking Joe’s push, and hopefully they do the right thing by having Nash, Steiner and Booker job to Joe within the next few weeks.

Mick Foley is backstage in his office. The entire office is filled with Foley’s pictures, and Jeremy Borash asked him what has happened to Jeff Jarrett’s old photos. Foley acted like he was still trying to get a crack removed from it, then asked Borash to put Jarrett’s nameplate up for an online auction. Oh im sure that will sell for lots of money. Foley announces two King of the Mountain qualifying matches tonight, and they are Jeff Jarrett facing his so-called good friend Eric Young, while Daniels would face A.J. Styles. He also mentioned a meeting that was held in Nashville earlier that day among TNA shareholders and Jarrett, and it didn’t go well apparently. Foley said he would address the controversy later tonight, but walked out when Borash asked him to elaborate.

The British Invasion (Brutus Magnus, Doug Williams, and Rob “Can crush me with one hand” Terry) issues an open challenge. Doug Williams would put his X Division briefcase on the line in a ladder match tonight. Well looks like its been acknowledged that they stole the briefcases from LAX, so they now have the title shots. They pretended like the briefcases would only be on the line tonight during the match. But if they’re stolen during an attack backstage and now seemingly belong to the Invasion, aren’t the briefcases on the line every second of every day? Kind of like the old Hardcore Belt in the WWF. Borash asked them about potentially joining Sheik Abdul Bashir and Kiyoshi, but Brutus Magnus acts like they dont know who they are.

Lauren asked Jenna about her problem with Sharmell. She started talking carp when Sharmell burst into the dressing room and starts choking her, sending makeup and Q-tips flying. Booker comes in and had to pull Sharmell away. So i guess this feud will continue after all.

Lauren was about to interview Sojo Bolt, but Dr. Stevie Richards snuck up behind her and started coming on to her. Stevie said he was going to give Abyss a live therapy session tonight called “Mind Control.” This can either be cool, or a total piece of s***

Ladder Match for possession of the X-Division title shot Feast or Fired briefcase: Doug Williams (with the rest of British Invasion) vs. Cody Deaner (with ODB)

Mike Tenay states that Homicide wasn’t in the building to accept Williams’ challenge because of a death in the family. Crowd is getting more and more into Deaner. Deaner immediately goes for the briefcase, but Williams catches him and rammed Deaner into the ladder and tried to climb for the briefcase, but Deaner gave him a dropkick off the second rope. It turned into crazy stuff like Williams slamming Deaner onto the ladder, but missing a kneedrop and catching the ladder. Deaner grabbed the ladder and tried to place it under the briefcase, but Williams hit a crossbody onto Deander. Williams tried a power bomb onto the ladder, but Deaner backdropped him onto it. Magnus and Terry steals the ladder away from Deaner, but Deaner ended up giving Williams a backdrop over the top rope onto Terry and Magnus at ringside. Deaner climbs for the briefcase since he was the only wrestler in the ring, but Williams managed to get in the ring and tip the ladder over. Deaner took a totally sick bump over the top rope and could have been injured easily, but appeared okay after he landed on his feet and went into the barricade. Williams got the briefcase to win. Postmatch, Bashir and Kiyoshi came out to shake hands with members of the invasion.

Winner: Doug Williams (via getting the briefcase at 5:25)

My thoughts: Well this could of been a total pile of crap, but surprisingly, it was pretty decent. That last bump Deaner took looked pretty nasty, but luckily he didn’t get injured. Williams looked pretty good out there, but maybe not as good as he once did few years back in ROH. And we still haven’t seen the Chaos of Theory yet, and that pisses me off a little bit. I give the match a **1/4

Jeff Jarrett is backstage with Borash who tells him he still had his shares in the company after last Sunday. I think Jarrett already knew that JB. Borash brought up how Eric Young has done everything that Jarrett has asked of him for seven years and maybe he has a point about deserving a break. Jarrett cut a promo on Young saying regardless of who wins tonight, they should start their relationship over again after the match. When Borash asked Jarrett about the mysterious Nashville meeting earlier in the day, Jarrett wouldn’t comment.

Dr. Stevie makes his first in-ring Impact appearance and called out Abyss. Stevie explained that because Abyss choke slammed him into the thumbtacks last weekend at Sacrifice, they would have to start the therapy process over again. That thumbtack bump he took at the Stevie ordered Abyss to put on a straight jacket. Abyss didn’t want to, but finally relented after Stevie berated him. Stevie then pulled out a Singapore cane and was teasing to hit Abyss with it. Lauren comes running out and begged Stevie to put the stick down. Stevie teased hitting Lauren. Finally, Raven showed up and hopped the rail coming out of the crowd. He teased going after Stevie, but the two old friends smiled, and Raven grabbed the cane and laid waste to Abyss. Raven was wearing face make up and looked like he had dropped a few pounds. After the segment, JB was in the back with Raven, Stevie and Daffney asking why Raven did what he just did. Raven pretty much said “Why not?” Raven bring brought in for this storyline is pretty intriguing and should be interesting.

TNA Knockouts Title Match: Angelina Love ( c) vs. Sojo Bolt

Cute Kip, Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne are all back after getting laid out by Awesome Kong in the weeks leading up to Sacrifice. This was Bolt’s first Impact appearance in weeks. She got a title shot few weeks ago by defeating Taylor Wilde in a ladder match. Bolt’s punches dont look too good. Finish saw Madison Rayne take the ref while Velvet Sky threw hair spray to Love. This time, there was spray in the can, and Love sent it right into Bolt’s eyes. Love then got the pin after a lights out.

Winner: Angelina Love (via pin at 2:16)

My thoughts: Well it was what it was, an ok knockouts match to make Love look like a strong champion. I give it a *

Postmatch, Love started to yell at Kip asked him why he was still hanging around the Beautiful People when she fired him a month ago. She was upset about bringing him back to protect her from Kong, only he failed to do so. She ordered Kip to be led away by security. Kip thought she was kidding at first, but then went quietly to the back, but still smiled smugly. Then Love stated there was no one left in the knockouts division that can defeat her, so she issued an open challenge for anyone to come and get her. Then, Lisa Varon, who was called Victoria by Tenay and Don West, came out. She looked tons better than any other female in the company in terms of ring ability, look and charisma, and she got the biggest reaction of the show so far. Victoria took out Rayne and Sky quickly, then traded forearms with Love. Finally, Victoria finished her off with the spider’s web and widow’s peak, and said she would answer Love’s challenge. Now thats the way you debut a top knockout in TNA.

Eric Young did a promo, stating the company had always asked him to make the other guy look like a million bucks, but was then forgotten about. He claimed this would be a night Jarrett would never forget.

Mick Foley comes out and announces Samoa Joe will face Nash next week with in a King of the Mountain qualifier, but he dcided to tweek it a little bit by having the match under Lethal Lockdown rules. He then goes on about retaining the belt on Sunday in the four-way match, but he was upset about being in a King of the Mountain match just a month later, and he was upset that it was named after Jeff Jarrett. Foley claimed he didn’t want to defend the title very often since his body can’t keep up with the grind of being champion. So Foley said after Slammiversary, he would defend the title only once a year. Foley had to be very careful with her verbiage in this promo since he was essentially burying himself. I guess that means there will be a title switch at Slammiversary. Question is, who will capture the TNA World title belt?

Styles and Daniels were standing side-by-side playing up their match tonight. Joe walks and acted like he wanted to apologize to Styles for everything he’s done over the last month. Styles said they would talk later.

Lethal Consequences and the Motor City Machine Guns were together backstage. Black Machismo did some 80’s references, like calling the Guns The Rockers and calling Suicide Kim Chee, and it was actually kinda funny. Story is they’re going to team together to find out who Suicide really is. Shelly and Sabin didn’t look too enthusiastic about it.

King of the Mountain Qualifier: Jeff Jarrett vs. “Showtime” Eric Young:

Young seemed more aggressive against the top star in the company in an effort to prove himself. Young got all the early offense, including blocking a figure four leglock attempt by Jarrett and turning it into a small package. Young missed a moonsault, and Jarrett hit the stroke, but Young got his foot on the rope. Young escaped out the backdoor and tried an ocean cycle suplex, but Jarrett turned it into a victory roll for the pin.

Winner: Jeff Jarrett (via Pin at 3:20)

Young looked upset afterwards and started to walk out. Then he turned around and extended his hand to Jarrett’s. Both Men shook hands, but as Young was leaving the ring, Jarrett called him back and hugged him, but Young jumped him from behind and stomped on his hamstring to some cheers and some boos. He came off the top with a splash on the leg and left with a demented look on his face. Young did a heel interview with Borash chasing after him following the break asking him if Jarrett will ever forget him again. Young’s heel turn was well handled and it was certainly time for Young, who had nowhere left to go.

My thoughts: Which the match had gone on for a few more minutes, but for a 3 minute match, it was pretty good. Loved the aftermath, made Young look strong. I give the actual match a **

Team 3-D came out to introduce Beer Money for winning the Team 3-D Invitational Tag Team Tournament. Beer Money were treated like faces. In fact, TNA has almost done their jobs too well in regards to reestablishing tag team wrestling because Beer Money are the closest thing the company has to an over act below the age of 40. Brother Ray stated that not only are they proud of Beer Money, but every TNA fan in the world is also proud of the. Both James Storm and Robert Roode got trophies, and 3-D even led the cheers for Beer Money and presented them with this huge check for $100,000 like you see during victory celebrations on the PGA Tour. Crowd was funny chanting “That’s a lotta beer.” Roode stated there gonna prove Beer Money is the best tag team in wrestling today at Slammiversary by beating Team 3-D for the TNA World Tag Team title belts. afterwards, 3-D gave Beer Money a six pack of beer and drank with them. Storm was drinking the beer out of the trophy, which was tremendous.

Mike Tenay and Don West hypes next week’s edition of Impact

Before our main event, Grits is in the ring performing A.J. Style’s new theme “Get Ready to Fly” Styles then comes out with a new, better version of his usual entrance.

King of the Mountain Qualifier: A.J. Styles vs. Daniels:

Now this is how you end a show. They started the match with ten minutes remaining in the show, yet they still interrupted it for a commercial. Well that was kinda a buzzkill. eliminated to show this Before the break, Styles hit his patented dropkick and followed with a moonsault block off the apron to the floor. They had to cram a whole bunch of stuff into three minutes down the stretch, including Daniels hitting a split-legged plancha, Styles blocking a clothesline with a Pele kick and Daniels missing the best moonsault ever. Finish saw Styles go for the Styles Clash, but Daniels blocked it and teased the Angel’s wings, then Styles escaped but Daniels kicked him and tried a tiger driver, but Styles reversed into a huracanrana for the pin.

Winner: A.J. Styles (via Pin at 5:10)

My thoughts: One of the best 5 minutes match so far this year. If they would of got another 5 minutes, it possibly would of gone to a **** match. But for now, i give the match a solid ***

The two men hugged afterwards. Then Shane Douglas, wearing a very loose fitting shirt and looking like he hadn’t seen a gym since the last episode of Nitro, came in from the crowd and hit Daniels with a chain to end the show. Once again, Bringing in Shane Douglas can go either way. It will either be pretty cool or will end up being horrible.

Overall Thoughts: This was pretty good episode of Impact this week. Had good segments, and had overall good matches. They did a good job building up to Slammiversary. Hope they continue to book Impacts just like tonight’s edition. I give tonight’s Impact a 7.5/10

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Kevin and I have a special edition of the show this week. We talk about the release of Mr. Kennedy, Ric Flair, the ROH television tapings, and a scandal involving Dragon Gate.

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Until we find a permanent reviewer, I feel an obligation for WWE Smackdown to be recapped on a weekly basis since it’s pretty much the best wrestling show of the week. I wrote about in my “Ring Around Wrestling” column last Thursday, which can be found elsewhere on the site. So until further I’m Jerome Cusson, and this… is… SMACKDOWN.

Last week, Jeff Hardy defeated Edge and got to pick the stipulation of their upcoming match at “Extreme Rules.” They’re going to follow up a Pay-Per-View quality television match with a ladder match. I approve. Also Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio were booked for a No-Holds-Barred match. Pretty generic but the talent involved should make it a borderline MOTYC. Also, Youmanga SPOKE!!!! And challenged C.M. Punk to a Samoan Strap match. Wonder if it’s the same as the Yappapa strap match Flair and Hogan had back at Uncensored 2000. I sense half the audience just went “Huh?” so I move onto the show.

Rey Mysterio’s theme hits, and noticeably absent is the opening theme. Since it sucks, I approve. The bad part is I still have to Rey Rey’s music… which also sucks. Remember when wrestling shows used to open with wrestling matches. Every single WWE (and TNA program) just has to begin with a 20 minute promo. Tonight will be “Team Ego” (as Jim Ross puts it) of Edge and Jericho against Rey Rey and Jeff Hardy in the main event. This was supposed to be the main event a few weeks ago. Good match to build the Pay-Per-View. You’d think competent people were booking this show or something.

Mysterio talks some Spanish, but then gets to business as he talks about his match with Jericho. This promo is awful and really cookie cutter. Seriously, just let Jericho do all the promo work and let these two wrestle. Putting a microphone in front of Rey Rey has never led to anything good. Thankfully, your hero and mine Chris Jericho (w/suit) interrupts and he coldly calculatingly talks trash about Mysterio. Segment numero uno saved by Jericho. Remind me to send this man a thesaurus for Christmas. Rey Rey talks and says Jericho’s words don’t mean anything. Ha.

Mickey Rourke is in attendance for another WWE show. Oh, maybe he’ll “break his wrist” again. God, what a worker. Jericho goes to the outside and talks to Rourke, calling him worthless. Well, he must have followed Mickey’s boxing career too. Onto some mask talk as we ratchet up the goodness again. Jericho says he’s going to take the mask off and says it will be his downfall. He tries to cheap shot him, but Rey Rey responds but does not get the 619. Minor thumbs up for this because of Jericho’s awesomeness.

- R-Truth and The Great Khali vs. Dolph Ziggler and Mike Knox

I hate play-by-play, so look elsewhere if you want every single move described. A few weeks ago, I could have cared less about any of these four people. Okay, so I still don’t actually care, but at least this match makes sense, and the mid-carders have something to do. Plus, Ziggler COULD be a big star for WWE down the line.   R-Truth and Mike Knox have each defeated each other in singles matches the last two weeks while Ziggler and Khali have been playing cat and mouse games. Khali rapping is quite a site.

Truth and Ziggler thankfully start and have a nice exchange. The cat and mouse games continue with Ziggler avoiding Khali. Knox and Khali are in the same ring, and I wonder why I decided to review this show. This doesn’t last long before R-Truth gets tagged in, and we have our heat segment. R-Truth tags in Khali and we have the big man dream match once again. Khali finally gets his hands on Ziggler for a brief moment and almost kills him with an attempted chokeslam. Ziggler ditches his partner leading to a Khali pinfall victory. Not horrible or anything.

Time/Winner (s): 4:04/Khali and R-Truth

Truth and Khali dance some more.

Goody. Melina is up next.

- Non-Title Match: Alicia Fox w/Michelle McCool vs. Melina ©

This is basically a handicap match with Alicia Fox’s hair the way it is. They show a clip from the awful awful Melina promo from last week. There was a brief moment when Melina seemed to be getting better wrestlingwise. However, ever since coming back from her injury, she’s sucked a big one… in the ring you perverts. This is also building to some women’s title match between Michelle McCool and Melina at some point. Can’t wait to review that either.

Melina uses a nice matrix move early, so we’ve avoided negative stars. Fox takes over after a distraction by McCool. This is at least better then Kelly Kelly and Maryse’s match. Being taped no doubt helps. Melina gets the advantage back but once again loses it to due a distraction by McCool. Melina wins with what Ross calls a “Primal Scream.” Bet Morrison has heard that before. Match was too short to mean anything, but at least it was better than the Divas match on Monday.

Time/Winner (s): 2:32/Melina

McCool hands Melina her championship as Tool Grisham says these two will meet “sometime in the future.” What I took from that was, “The bookers have no idea what they’re doing week-to-week, so it could happen at any time.”

Josh Matthews interviews John Morrison who’s wrestling Umaga tonight. Morrison doesn’t cut a very sterling promo, and I think he comes off way too cocky to be a babyface. Sheldon Banjamin comes in and says they have unfinished business. Morrison rightfully points out he’s beaten Benjamin twice and beaten Haas too. Please let this program end.

Promotion of the Smackdown main event at “Extreme Rules.” We see a video package showcasing Jeff Hardy in various ladder matches. A very well done piece of business that serves to hype the show well. Only thing I wish they had pointed out is that Edge has won more ladder matches then just about anyone in WWE and has just as much experience as Hardy does in this type of match. Then Hardy comes to cut a promo. It’s too bad that Hardy is apparently leaving at the end of the summer because he’s become so much better on the stick and in the ring. Interesting to note that Hardy said the feud will end at the Pay-Per-View. That’s a lie since feuds never end in WWE. Then Hardy leaves. Couldn’t he have just said this in a backstage promo? Umaga comes out while Hardy is leaving. Wonder if they’re teasing a feud between these two. Anyway, this naturally segues into…

- John Morrison vs. Umaga

WWE still has so much work to do with Morrison as a babyface. Why in the hell are they having this match? There are like a billion people on the roster who could take what should be a pretty big beating. And believe me, I realize that Umaga needs this match more by virtue of the fact that he’s got the strap match at “Extreme Rules.” Oh. God. They’re doing the four corners rule. Well, that match is now officially a failure.

Morrison uses his resourcefulness to gain an early advantage and even leaps onto Umaga on the outside. Can’t believe Morrison is taking so much of this match. Just as I type that, Umaga takes over with a big samoan drop. Of course we take a commercial break. Grrrr. I hate that. Come back with Umaga in a resthold so I guess we didn’t miss a whole lot. Huge superkick send Morrison flying to the floor in a cool spot. Replays make it look (and sound) even better. Another huge move, this time a clothesline. Vulcan nerve pinch (Hey, certainly looks like that to me) by Umaga as the crowd… doesn’t do a whole lot. There’s about ten people cheering while everyone else is kinda sitting on their hands. Umaga almost injures Morrison on a botched throw, and he looks gassed. Morrison finally comes back with a DDT and then a nearfall. He uses his speed to try and get the big man down, but Umaga uses a chop to the throat and takes over. Miss in the corner and Morrison comes off the ropes with a kick. Umaga hits Morrison with the strap for a disqualification. So after some ten minutes, we get a crappy ending to end a boring match. I didn’t want Morrison to lose, but Umaga really needed an emphatic victory to build up the drama with he and Mr. Punk.

Time/Winner (s): 11:32 (9:32 shown)/John Morrison

Umaga continues to beat up Morrison with the strap in the corner until Punk uses the briefcase to finally get some measure of revenge against Umaga. Punk even gets to cut a promo, and he gets to show off some of the dickishness that made him awesome in Ring of Honor. One of the better promos he’s had since he came to WWE.

- Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas vs. Cryme Time

This actually has a reason for happening as Cryme Time came out during a tag match involving Primo and Carlito against The World’s Greatest Tag Team 24 hours earlier on “Superstars.” We see what happened, and I thought that ruined what was a decent tag team match. For the record, I can’t stand Cryme Time and think they’re highly annoying. Benjamin has had so many stops and starts a single that I’m hoping being reunited with Haas gives both of them something to do.

Pretty basic match that includes yet another freakin’ commercial break. They really need to cut this out. Not only because I try and time these matches, but because it’s hard to go in and out of trying to get into match. The Los Angeles crowd continues to be among the worst I’ve seen for a WWE show in quite some time. Man, I hate the west coast. It was at least nice to see this match get a little bit of time attached to it. I think a better crowd would have helped, but WWE was kicked out of Colorado, so we got stuck with a lame California crowd. Eventually, Benjamin hits his finisher (Pay Dirt) for the victory. Wow, he actually won a match. Can’t say that too often these days.

Time/Winner (s): 9:37 (7:37 shown)/Sheldon Benjamin and Charlie Haas

A recap of the scintillating feud between Eve and Layla. This might be the dumbest feud on Smackdown. After seeing the backstage fight from two weeks ago, I’ll go out on a limb and say it is the worst.

- Eve vs. Layla

I’m not bothering. I could not possible give a rat’s ass about this feud or this match. Three divas matches in one week is about two too many, especially considering five of the six women involved are terrible in the ring. In this situation, I can see why the crowd sat on their hands. Eve wins and one can only hope this feud is over. Sadly, I get the impression it isn’t .

Time/Winner (s): 3:08/ Eve

Up next is the main event. Edge and Jericho have an awkward confrontation. This is immediately better then just about anything on this show. Jericho says Edge should have the match by himself. Cause that’s what WWE needs. Yet another handicap match where the babyfaces have the advantage. Edge also gets time to talk and says the two words to describe Jeff Hardy are “wasted opportunities.” Edge brings up the point about owning the ladder match. THANK YOU. Someone in the WWE is actually thinking and using their brains. Great promo that also speaks the truth. I remember when I used to rag on this guy. Well, he’s probably the best reason to watch Smackdown (other than Jericho).

Jericho’s music plays, and there’s no site of him. Rey Mysterio comes out but is suddenly attacked by a masked man from the crowd. Wait, that’s Jericho attacking. Brilliant piece of business as more quality heat is built for their match. Only question is whether the mask is going to be put on the line at “Extreme Rules” or whether they smartly wait. Jericho tries to pull the mask off and Hardy finally makes the save.

- Rey Mysterio and Jeff Hardy vs. Edge and Chris Jericho

Sadly, this remains a handicap match, but at least the heels have the advantage this time. This is a step up for the WWE universe. It’s pretty run-of-the mill with Hardy getting some early spots beating up the heels before the numbers game becomes too much. Hardy comes back and heel miscommunication almost gets him the win. Jericho and Edge’s attempt at a double team fails and Hardy gets a Whisper in the Wind. Spear by Edge gets a three count for the heels. Grisham calling the heels “The Egomaniacs” was also

Time/Winner (s): 7:15/Edge and Chris Jericho

Edge brings out a ladder and nails Hardy with an awfully stiff shot. Then he sandwiches Hardy in the ladder and stands over him. I’d like to know where Jericho went. He just literally disappeared. End of show.

Final Thoughts: Los Angeles was the site for one of the worst weeks of television WWE has put on in quite some time. Chris Jericho and Edge did some decent promos and the beating of Rey Rey did a fine job of building to the Pay-Per-View, but there were no real quality wrestling matches. Also, a dead crowd did this show no favors since a dead crowd kills even the best of matches. Bad show this week, but I’ll just write it off as a bad week and get excited for the go home Smackdown next Friday.

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For those of you who are not familiar with Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, the promotion lifted off in the summer of 2003 by fellow wrestlers,  Disco Machine, Excalibur, Joey Ryan, Scott Lost, Super Dragon, and Top Gun Talwar. Today, PWG is regarded as being the most popular company in all of Southern California.

As soon as I found out that Paul London would be making his first wrestling appearance after being released from his WWE contract at a PWG event, I knew that I would be all over this DVD.  As soon as it was available for pre-order on the Pro Wrestling Guerrilla website, I put down twenty bucks to get it.

When “Express Written Consent” had ended, people began raving about how this was one of PWG’s greatest events of all-time, which made me want to see this on tape even more than I previously had. In addition to Paul London making his Pro Wrestling Guerrilla debut, Colt Cabana also unexpectedly returned to the company. Cabana was recently from his WWE contract on a Friday and he came back to PWG that Saturday, just one day after being fired.

Zokre defeated Scorpio Sky via pinfall (la magistral) - This was Scorpio Sky’s first match in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla in over six months. According to Excalibur on commentary, Sky had been suffering a nasty lower-back injury. Decent match with lots of cool lucha libre stuff. Zokre got the win in a super sloppy finish with la magistral. Sky was clearly by the ropes, so the pin should have been broken up, but Anthony Rosas gave Zokre the controversial victory, regardless. The crowd absolutely crapped on Rosas for this, chanting “you fucked up” and various other derogatory slurs that I’d prefer to keep off this website. *¾.

B-Boy defeated TJ Perkins via submission (rear naked choke) - B-Boy was making his return to Pro Wrestling Guerrilla here, while Perkins was making his departure. For those who aren’t aware, Perkins relocated from California to Florida at the beginning of the year. Human Tornado was at the commentary booth, making some hilarious remarks. There was a ridiculous amount of near falls towards the end with TJ resorting to the cross arm breaker on several different occassions. B-Boy forced Perkins to tap to the rear naked choke to pick up the win. TJ Perkins received a well-deserved “thank you” chant when the match was over. TJ’s one of my favorite wrestlers in the world today, so I really hope that he returns to PWG some time in the future. **½.

At this time, Paul London came out to a mixed reaction. A lot of people who attended the show live claimed that London was high. Judging from what I saw and heard, he definitely wasn’t. It’s easy to tell when a person’s being goofy and when they’re high. Joey Ryan interrupted Paul in the middle of his rant, claiming that he was a “psycopath” for bringing out a trident to the ring. Ryan got into London’s skin even more by claiming that Matt Hardy could kick his ass. London chased Joey out of the ring to end one awkward segment. This wasn’t even very entertaining; it was just strange.

El Generico defeated Kenny Omega via pinfall (super brainbuster) - I don’t know why, but I’m not sure if I enjoyed this match as much as a lot of other people did. Calling this one a MOTYC may be going a little too far, PWG fans. There was a lot of intense action, but only a couple of spots stood out to me in the end. The Hadouken by Omega was nicely done and it really looked like he had Generico down for the three count. The finish, though, is what definitely made this match. After referee, Rick Knox, nailed Omega with a leaping clothesline, Generico quickly followed it up with a corner yakuza kick. BRAINBUSSSTTTTAAAAAHHH~! Game, set, and match. Rick Knox had taken a lot of physical abuse from Omega throughout the bout, so this seemed like the ultimate revenge. ***¾.

Austin Aries defeated Necro Butcher via pinfall (chair-assisted brainbuster) - Before the bell rang, Aries challenged Necro to a pure wrestling match. Necro displayed his excellent technical ability by putting a random fan in a hammerlock for about thirty seconds. To take a shot at Necro for being in The Wrestler, Aries went up for the Ram Jam, but missed. A guillotine crusher by Necro onto two chairs was not enough to put away the “Greatest Man That Ever Lived”. Austin wrapped his boot with a steel chain and knocked Necro out cold with his signature corner dropkick. Aries then followed things up with a spine-chilling brainbuster onto a steel chair for the win. This was a fun match, but it definitely dragged at times. ***.

Chris Hero defeated Human Tornado and Colt Cabana to retain the PWG World Championship via pinfall (rolling yakuza kick) - About five minutes into the match, Colt Cabana came out to a thunderous reaction. He explains to Hero and Tornado that Dino Winwood has put him into the title match, now making it a three-way. Hero and Cabana worked as a unit early on, absolutely decimating Tornado. Human Tornado fought back, though, eventually knocking a tooth out of the mouth of Chris Hero. After sending Cabana out of the ring with a rolling elbow, Hero rocked Tornado inside with a sick-looking rolling yakuza kick for the three. I honestly think that this bout could have surpassed four stars, but it was just way too short. ***¾.

Following the match, Chris Hero offered Colt Cabana a singles match for the PWG World Championship in the future. Cabana gladly accepted, shaking Hero’s hand. A dazed Human Tornado then grabbed a microphone, requesting to make a peace truce with Chris Hero. Tornado extended his hand out to Chris, but he refused to shake it.

Paul London, Matt Jackson, and Nick Jackson beat Joey Ryan, Scott Lost, and Karl Anderson via pinfall (shooting star press) - London is sporting a sweet, new attire. The dangling pieces on the sides of his boots remind me of Sora’s character model from the Kingdom Hearts series. Horrible comparison, I know. Paul botched a frankensteiner on Lost right at the beginning of the match, leaving the crowd believing that he was definitely going to start showing some ring rust. Aside from his back giving out on him while picking up Joey Ryan, London was absolutely spotless from that point on. The Young Bucks nailed a 450 splash and moonsault combination, only for Paul London to score the eventual pinfall with the shooting star press. When it was all over, London received one hell of a “please come back” from the fans. Paul briefly got on the microphone afterwards, saying that this particular moment was one of the greatest times of his entire life. Best match of the show. ****.

This DVD should absolutely be picked up by all independent wrestling fans. For just twenty smackers, it’s a great steal. Nearly three of the matches on this show hit the four star plateau. Believe me, I’m not such an easy grader, either. For the most part, the Reseda crowd was terrific. The fans definitely added a special atmosphere to all of the matches on the show.

I may have overrated the main event a little bit, but only because Paul London is one of my favorite wrestlers of all-time. Seeing him return to the independent scene after basically suffering for five years in the WWE was a spectacular and overall, relieving, thing to witness.

Once again, absolutely go out of your way to get this event on DVD. I can assure you that it’s worth every single penny. If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of this event for yourself, click here for ordering information.

- Anthony Perillo

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Hi, everyone! My name is Zack Danielson. Thanks to Anthony Perillo recommending me to Jerome Cusson, I was able to join the Pro Wrestling Ponderings family. Here’s a little more information about me:

- I am seventeen-years old.
- I currently live in Cleveland, Ohio.
- I collect some comic books, mostly Marvel.
- I’m currently interested in becoming a professional wrestler.

This is my first time joining a pro wrestling site as a columnist and a reviewer. I’m mostly here to review TNA Impact and will do some columns concerning the company here and there. I will also be reviewing a indy fed located in Cleveland called AIW (Absolute Intense Wrestling). They are a pretty strong promotion right now. Not only do they have great home-grown talent, but they usually book CHIKARA and ROH wrestlers, as well. I’ll be reviewing a few of their DVDs and potentially doing live event reports since I attend AIW events as often as I can.

Once again, I would like to thank Jerome for giving me the chance to join Pro Wrestling Ponderings. Hope you all like my stuff.

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Originaly, I wanted to take on Ring of Honor this week. However, I’ve talked about the company so much in recent days while recording various podcasts that I’m basically tired of even talking about a company I barely even follow anymore. With that in mind, I was left without a column for this week… until I saw RAW this past week.

Zane already trashed the show thoroughly in his “In the RAW” column, but I wanted to include my own thought.  Monday was another night that once again made me ashamed to be a professional wrestling fan.

I seem to use that above phrase so many times that’s it gets to a point where you’re just numb to it. If it isn’t Vince McMahon starting the “Kiss my Ass,” it’s Larry Sweeney and the rape angle back at ROH’s 6th Anniversary show. If it’s not WCW in general, then it’s TNA in general.

It’s so easy to come to a point and say you’re done with wrestling. Very easy. I know I’ve tried to be done with WWE at least three times over the last few years. Yet I keep coming back. The only time I can proudly say there was a lack of WWE in my life was that ten month period when JBL was actually a world champion. Guess you could say that’s where my breaking point was.

Much like the wrestler who says they’re going to retire then come back (99 percent of them) I’m a glutton for punishment. On the same night the Larry Sweeney debacle took place, Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness had one of the best wrestling matches I’ve ever seen. And even during some of WCW’s lowest points, a four star crusierweight match could give you hope. And with hope being such a big buzz word, I think it’s very appropriate for why I still remain a wrestling fan.

When it comes down to it, I think I stay a fan because I constantly hope for something greater, that regardless of how bad a show or company might be today, it’ll be better tomorrow or a month from now. It’s why I think a million people still tune into TNA every week. As badly booked and disorganized as the show is, there’s still a fantastic amount of young talent who could turn the company around in a week by being put with the right veterans.

Look at  Samoa Joe, A.J. Styles, and Christopher Daniels. They had a five star match back in 2005 that a number of people talk about being one of the best matches ever. If you had only seen TNA for the last year, you might not believe that match even happened since it seemed like 10 years ago when it was only four.

I firmly believe wrestling fans are among the most loyal around considering all the garbage they and we have been fed over the years. So many bad angles and bad matches, yet a lot of us keep coming back. Maybe we’re all dumb fools who should have long since given up. But when you really enjoy something, when you try so hard to embrace this whacky form of entertainment, how easy is it to just say “To hell with it?”

Hint: It’s pretty hard.

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Hello everyone, I hope you all enjoyed your Memorial Day (unless you’re not American, then I hope you had a nice Monday). This weeks column is going to be different than the first, as I want to find my niche with this column. This week I’m just planning on ranting and raving about what upset me, and praising the (very few) good things. Without further ado, let’s get to the crazy man blabbering.

So of course, the big thing going into Raw last night was the building issue. For those of you who don’t know, Vince had the stadium in Denver booked for Raw, but had to move it do to a Nuggets VS Lakers playoff game. So what does a wrestling promoter do when he gets a new rival? Why he runs in their town (see the death of the territories)!

Naturally, Vince failed to do his research and blamed the building owner Stan Kroenke for not believeing his team would make the playoffs. What Vince either failed to realize, or did and decided to ignore it, is that the team managers don’t schedule the games, it’s the NBA. So if he is to blame anyone for this fiasco it’d be the National Basketball Association.

So last night, Vince decided to have “fun” with this situation. He had someone come out to start the show off dressed as Stan Kroenke, then Vince came out. Do you see where this is going? No? Well, Vince proceeded to make childish jokes about Stan, and if you didn’t see it, I’m happy for you.

Anyways, they announced a 5 on 5 tag match with Lakers VS Nuggets. The Nuggets in this instance are (SURPRISE!) the heel team. This team consisted of The Miz, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase JR, Big Show, and Randy Orton.  The faces were the Lakers with MVP, the returning Mr. Kennedy, John Cena, Jerry Lawler, and Batista.

So this match went on for about 10 minutes with (SURPRISE AGAIN!) the “Lakers” winning it. Surpsingly, it didn’t suck too bad, and MVP was way over with the crowd tonight.

Speaking of MVP, he just seems to be the one of the few things on Raw these days that make me tune in each week. Next week he’s scheduled to face Kofi Kingston in a United States Championship bout. I don’t even need to hype the amount of athleticism in this match do I? What Jerome? I do? Well, its going to be INSANE and CRAZY. I know thats redundant, but it serves a purpose.

The other shining star on Raw (excluding Legacy, Kendrick, Orton, and “Vintage” Michael Cole) is none other than Mr. Kennedy………..KENNEDY! After being out way too long, he made his return in great fashion. Sadly, he reportedly ijured himself last night while taking the RKO. While it’s not serious, it’s still scary that on the night he returns he gets injured. Here’s hoping he doesn’t miss anytime, because it looks like he’s getting a push.

That’s it for this week kiddos. Keep an eye out in the next few days for my monthly column “Pure Puro” which covers Dragon Gate, Pro Wrestling Noah, Dragon Gate USA, and every now and then the other two big promotions. Until then, good night and good luck.

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At just twenty-one years of age, Johnny Yuma has already made a name for himself on the Southern California wrestling scene. You may also recognize him from early in his career when he competed as surfer, Johnny Mahalo. Just recently, SoCalUNCENSORED.com announced Yuma to be their runner-up for “Rookie of the Year”, losing to Chris Kadillak by a mere three votes. Notable opponents that Yuma has faced already are current-reigning PWG World Tag Team Champion, Nick Jackson, and the “New Age Punisher” B-Boy. Yuma was also scheduled to face former PWG World Champion, Joey Ryan, and Total Nonstop Action alumnus, TJ Perkins, but schedule changes prevented him from ever getting into the ring with either men.

Today, Johnny primarily works for New Wave Pro Wrestling and SoCal Pro Wrestling. Many Southern California wrestling fans believe that is only a matter of time before Johnny Yuma is one of the biggest names on all of the independent scene. If you’re interested in checking out Johnny’s work, the majority of his matches can be found on YouTube under the account name, “andrewxpulido”. Without further adieu, let’s get this interview under way.

PERILLO: First of all, thank you for taking the time to do this, Johnny. I really appreciate it. I’ve had the pleasure of watching you grow and develop in the ring over the past few years. I have yet to find a match of yours that isn’t entertaining. With all that out of the way, how are you doing?

YUMA: I’m doing great, man. The weather here is messing with me and I’ve been sick on and off for over a month now, but other than that, I am fine and dandy.

PERILLO: Glad to hear it. First, I’ve got to ask you this question. When did you come to the decision to go out there and become a professional wrestler?

YUMA: Well, I’m definitely an odd story. I grew up hating wrestling. All my friends loved it, but all I cared about was Star Wars. I ripped up Raw magazines, broke the heads off “Bone Crunching” figures, and called wrestling “gay”. But I had never actually seen it. Then, one Thursday, one of my best friends convinced me to watch SmackDown! by asking politely and saying he was sure I’d enjoy it. I tuned in and on my screen, there was a tiny white guy getting wrecked by a giant black vampire in a trash bag. I was hooked. Instantly. And I knew there was nothing else I’d want to do for the rest of my life. Right then and there. I was twelve at the time.

PERILLO: What was your training like when you got into the business? Who trained you? Where did you get trained at?

YUMA: I started training right after high school. I moved from San Diego to El Segundo, in order to train with the best around at UPW. I was trained by the Ballard Brothers, Lil Nate, and when I wasn’t being a pussy, Aaron “Jesús” Aguilera.

PERILLO: Who were your wrestling icons before getting into the business? If you’re still a fan of the current product, who are some guys that you enjoy watching today?

YUMA: Well, right off the bat, due to him being the first wrestler I ever actually saw wrestle, Viscera was my favorite. I had never seen a human like him and he amazed me with his spinning heel kick. Influence-wise, Jericho has always been my idol and who I model myself after. But I’m a huge Rey Mysterio Jr. fan, too. Watching him succeed in a big man’s world will always give me hope and having his mask tattooed on my arm will always remind me not to let my size get me down. Watching now, I’m all about Evan Bourne, Jericho (still), Rey (still), and Festus. I really enjoy the big dudes, even though I’m a small guy. Honestly, there isn’t really anyone on television that I currently don’t enjoy. Oh, and don’t forget Mark Henry. That dude’s a beast.

PERILLO: With a total of thirty-six votes, you took runner-up as SoCalUNCENSORED.com’s “Rookie of the Year” for 2008. Previous winners of that contest include B-Boy, Samoa Joe, TJ Perkins, and Human Tornado. How does it feel to take up such an honorable status?

YUMA: I was super stoked. Obviously, I was a little bummed that I didn’t actually win, but to be the only San Diego guy nominated in SoCal, which is all about Los Angeles wrestling, was a great feeling. Not to mention, having Human Tornado and Johnny Webb vote and put me over on SCU was very cool, as well, and I really appreciate it.

PERILLO: Just out of curiosity, what is the funniest or strangest thing a fan has ever asked you?

YUMA: I’ve never really had too many “funny” fan interactions. However, I have been punched in the face by one at a lucha show.

PERILLO: Just a few questions back, you brought up one of your many tattoos. Do you mind telling us a little bit about a few of your favorites?

YUMA: I love all of my tattoos, even the ones that are terrible. I’m very fond of my hammerhead shark on my leg because hammerhead sharks are ugly and badass. My most recent one is of the city of Chula Vista’s logo, which is where I was born and raised. I love that city and I love San Diego as a whole. It’s pretty much my way of saying how much I love my city. The lucha half-sleeve is cool because it gets people asking me about it. Then, I get to tell them about what I do. It’s a definite conversation starter.

PERILLO: I know that you’ve only been around for a year or so, but what is the worst injury that you’ve had to deal with since you began your career?

YUMA: I’ve gotten pretty messed up in training. Two concussions, a broken thumb, etc. Last year, at my twenty-first birthday, my back just gave out. I had a show, a few weeks before, and it felt odd, but thought nothing of it. Then at my party, I leaned back to chug some Jaeger and collapsed. It felt like lightning struck my back and I thought I was paralyzed. Haha. The partygoers thought I was wasted, but that was my first sip all night. The next two days were hell. The doctor told me I had a bad muscle spasm, due to potentially herniated discs. I’m okay now, though! I think.

PERILLO: When you’re not wrestling, what are some things that you enjoy doing during your free time?

YUMA: Watching wrestling. Haha. Seriously, I watch tapes all day. I love it. I love other stuff, too, but I watch at least an hour every single day. I watch old Attitude Era stuff while I work out. Usually, the first time is to enjoy it. The second time, to watch what the wrestlers are doing and why the crowd is eating it all up. I’m a musician, as well, and play bass with my band when the other half is in town and not away at college.

PERILLO: Do you have any advice for people who are trying to break into the wrestling business?

YUMA: Take it seriously. From day one, make sure you really care. It’s definitely not fun at first. It hurts, it’s discouraging, and tons of hard work. If you want to get to the fun stuff, you got to go through the bullshit. Always take it seriously, including your physical shape. I was super scrawny when I first started and everything hurt that much more. After my time off, I was a slob when I started training again and got blown up and embarassed all the time. Take every single aspect seriously and always be respectful.

PERILLO: If you could have a match against any wrestler in the world, who would it be and why? The person can be alive or dead. It doesn’t really matter.

YUMA: Chris Jericho or Viscera. Honestly, it’s always been a silly dream of mine to have a squash match with “Big Vis”. That dude is the reason I didn’t change the channel that Thursday night. As for Jericho, I don’t know. I just feel like he could teach me so much out there.

PERILLO: What is, in your opinion, the best match you have ever competed in?

YUMA: I’d say my match with B-Boy. It got a lot of people ’round these parts talking about me and I was very proud that I was able to keep up with a guy who has been everywhere.

PERILLO: What is your favorite match of all-time that didn’t involve you in any way?

YUMA: That’s a toughie! God, I have so many, but I’d have to say Shawn Michaels versus Chris Jericho at WrestleMania XIX. I was there live and couldn’t believe what I was getting to witness. That night was intense. So many magic-ass moments.

PERILLO: It’s ten minutes before you are set to come out for a match. What are you doing as you wait until it’s your turn to walk out from behind the curtain?

YUMA: Remembering I forgot to stretch and scrambling to get some Elixir-flavored 5 gum out of my bag, so I don’t puke in the ring!

PERILLO: If you weren’t a professional wrestler, what would you be doing with your life right now?

YUMA: Well, sadly, I do have a stupid day job, but I can tell you that if I wasn’t a wrestler, I’d probably be all about music and clothing. I’m going to start my own printing company soon and I’ve always wanted my own clothing brand.

PERILLO: This is a question that I used to like to ask on the Cool Kids’ Table a lot. What’s one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?

YUMA: From looking at me, I’m assuming it’s hard to tell that I’m obsessed with Star Wars and Pokémon!

PERILLO: You are a brave man for admitting the latter. Pokéfans, beware of Johnny Yuma on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

YUMA: That’s right! I will wreck you with my team! No joke.

PERILLO: My Breloom would sweep your team, son.

YUMA: Well, dang! I dunno, but I’m good!

PERILLO: Haha. It’s all you now, Johnny. If you would like to plug a website, merchandise, upcoming appearances, or whatever else comes to mind, shoot away.

YUMA: If anyone wants some gnarly Yuma t-shirts, hit up my MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/hypertite. Also, check out my band at http://www.myspace.com/talkfahrenheitband. In addition, you can message me on my MySpace at any time. I’m always down to chat about whatever. Check out my calendar to see if I’ll be in your area soon, which I doubt… unless your area is San Diego or Los Angeles… or… Easton? Nah, just SoCal!

PERILLO: I appreciate your time, man. Good luck in the future. I’ll be watching closely for whatever you have in store for us, wrestling fans, next.

YUMA: Thanks for having me, dude. It was a pleasure to be the first person interviewed on your new website. Everyone should check out Pro Wrestling Ponderings. Rock on!

Johnny’s an outstanding guy and I’m proud to call him a close friend of mine. Give him all the support you can. There’s some real cool merchandise on his MySpace page, so buy everything one thousand times. I know for a fact that Johnny works real hard and does whatever he can to keep the fans entertained. It’s rare that you see someone with so much passion and I’ve got to give it to him for that.

If you liked this interview, you can expect a lot more similar stuff from me soon. I have already started talking to a few potential guests, but nothing is in cement just yet. As soon as I get confirmations, I’ll be sure to let you guys know.

- Anthony Perillo

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Yeah, ’cause the name “Matt Winton” carries a whole bunch of weight in the wrestling world. For just about all of you who don’t know me, I was the PWG correspondant at The Cool Kid’s Table. I did columns and live show reports for the promotion.

As for personal information, I’m from Southern California. I’m currently enrolled in college, heading towards an English degree, not sure on specifics though. I also work at a year-round childcare facility and love 67% of the time I’m there. I’m also a sickly obsessed with Lost and Guitar Hero/Rock Band.  Hope you guys like my columns, I’d hate to get fired for lack of readership on a non-pay writing gig… take it easy folks!

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