Pro Wrestling Ponderings

The A.B.C.‘s of ROH

Being a wrestling fan is similar to following a religion. Anyone who has taken any sort of religious class in college either required or not knows that most religions follow three basic sets of identical rules commonly referred to as A.B.C. Assure, Believe, Convert. A wrestling company much like a religion has to assure their fans that they are following a worthy company. That their product is better or as good as the mainstream counterpart in terms of entertainment. They must make the fan believe that they can give them what they want and even show them stuff they didn’t know they want but found only through them. They also must convert those who don’t believe it into believers.

Ring of Honor obviously has accomplished all three with their loyal and largely growing fan base. But at the same time, some of those who originally were a part of their system have lost some of their faith for the promotion. Then the news broke that two pillars of the company were moving on and added intrigue to the current shows. This made even some of the most critical come out for the shows. I was surrounded by them. From the section I sat in, I heard at least five conversations all saying just about the same thing, that this show would probably be the last ROH show they would go to for the foreseeable future. So now, ROH had to once again prove their ABCs to those who were once staunch believers.

The show had those basic openers where students and veterans alike were given some time to shine. It was amusing to hear one of my neighbors say to their partner, “ Wasn’t that the kid that let us in at the door?” Interestingly enough, this was also my first time seeing the Bravado Brothers, but that’s neither here nor there. This would be my second ROH show, the first being the infamous Chaos at the Cow Palace at the much maligned WrestleReunion show and for what it was worth, I would say this ranks right up there with karaoke night at a local bar where friends and colleagues can get together and show some comradery in the bantering of songs that most wouldn’t never comp to in public but I digress. Ring of Honor, as I wrote in a previous column and many besides have written also, had a chance to prove those who used to support them to give them a glimpse of a product that would fill their minds with questions and their imaginations with possibilities.

I am not one to call myself a Ring of Honor or even pro wrestling expert, what I am is an avid fan with a voice, a voice that at times speaks with a rather different view on wrestling than even some of my closest colleagues have. I see wrestling as a form of entertainment, and there are several ways to entertain in the scope of wrestling. Either through the storylines that are spread out before us either live or on the screen and through the action told in the ring. Sometimes these two come together, sometimes they work separately but still come to the same conclusion. We have seen excellent stuff come from the top indy companies within this industry, including Ring of Honor but this month was especially their time to shine and prove a point. The point that Ring of Honor can still give the fans what they want and that the only way to see it in that visible scope is through Ring of Honor.

In the past Ring of Honor was known for their hard hitting action and emotion draining storylines, much like another promotion that came from a similar area more than half a decade before. Ring of Honor has a chance this month to bring back those who feel that perhaps ROH has lost a bit of their touch and want proven to them that perhaps ROH can fill that niche again.

I can’t say enough that for me, this show was possibly one of the best shows I’ll see live this year. To give you something to base that on, I was live at WWE’s The Bash, yes let that sink in for a bit. So without a pause in my words, I will say that this show definitely brought back the ABCs for the fans. The results are already out there, either through the ROH board or the PWP Twitter, but the action spoke for itself. Rasche Brown stood out as the future of ROH while other veterans such as Claudio Castagnoli and Colt Cabana gave the fans possibly one of the most entertaining matches of this year, if not the history of Ring of Honor. The assurance that ROH was putting it’s grizzled vets in positions where they obviously would be the main events and matching them up in pairings that will probably be built upon down the line was obvious and yet clean cut. Younger talent getting pushes in Six Man Mayhem’s, much as in the past, gave the audience a reason to care about them without really pushing anyone else down the ladder because it’s such a chance win that no one can really come off looking weak. A feature used in the past to push those such as Delirious, Kevin Steen, Colt Cabana, and Nigel McGuinness.

Excitement doesn’t describe the crowds reaction to the live change of the tag title match from a non-title to an undisputed chance at seeing the Briscoes become six time champs. This did a long way in making the crowd and those who read the results believe that anything can and will happen at these live shows and that to be their live to witness that little snippet of history is well worth the cost. It also gave us glimpses of what could happen in future singles and tag matches down the line. Both teams are made up of talented men who could get huge pushes in either singles or tag divisions and not look out of place. I have always enjoyed seeing the singles work of both Jay and Mark Briscoe and continue to have high hopes for Davey Richards. Eddie Edwards also looks to have a good future ahead of him as long as he is built slow and steady and not shoved down our throats too quickly. But overall, it is the style that makes the matches, and these kinds of match ups make the crowd clamor to see more. The build for American Wolves against the Briscoes has been done very well, albeit sometimes influenced by outside forces, but it makes me as a fan salivate at the possibility of the matches. Hell, I’ll say it now and say that Round Robin Challenge four of an entire night built around Steenerico vs. Briscoes vs. American Wolves could draw coupled with a decent title match and strong showings by the ROH under card workers. The Briscoes and American Wolves look to be a part of ROHs future for a long time to come.

But perhaps nothing was more poignant as seeing the faces of the crowd as they were mesmerized by two legends of Ring of Honor lore as they battled for the grandest prize of them all. The holds and counter holds were brilliant, the sense of a possible masterpiece was hanging in the air as the fans literally followed every move these two artists performed. Even when they crashed into my section in one of the most gutsy moves I’ve ever seen Dragon perform live, I still felt like perhaps these two warriors were going to perhaps surpass all expectations. In the end, I believe they did as the crowd almost breathed a sigh of relief collectively when Aries once again retained his title by the skin of his teeth against one of his most avid rivals while also clamoring for more. Danielson and Aries definitely converted a few fans towards coming back to the promotion alongside a sneak attack by Aries at the end after feigning admiration for his opponent. Danielson’s final bow to the Chicago fans also played a huge part in making it obvious that the fans are a huge part of the ROH allure and that active participation is the only way to gain the utmost from the product. But that is not what drove me to the conclusion that this show gave the fans what they wanted.

Before the show, most of the people around me were stating that they were possibly seeing ROH live for the last time, but then right after intermission I saw three pink tickets. Then right before the main event I saw more and after the main event as I walked out the door I saw practically everyone holding a pink ticket signaling that they were ready for December 5th the date that was announced as the next time the Frontier Fieldhouse would see the action that only Ring of Honor could bring. I was not only assured that night, I was also converted. Assured to the ideal that Ring of Honor, when the chips are down, can and will deliver for the foreseeable future.

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I know what you’re thinking. It’s not Saturday. What the hell is this goofball doing reviewing ROH this week? Does this guy just like seeing his name print? While that is indeed true I’m a placeholder for this week until one of our new writers joins the party. There will be a number of changes coming to “Pro Wrestling Ponderings,” changes that I’m very excited about and will be addressing on Monday. With all that being said…

ROH on HDNet for June 20, 2009

-Taped from a garbage can in South Philadelphia

-Your hosts are the tortoise and the hare

We begin proper with a graphic announcing the passing of Mitsuharu Misawa. Glad they got this in even though the show has been in the can for quite some time.

BREAKING NEWS: Austin Aries is the new world champion. Wait, didn’t they tape this before the title switch? How did they know? Wait… wrestling is planned? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

We awkwardly transition to the first match which is…

-Claudio Castagnoli vs. Necro Butcher

Great, two of my favorite guys in Ring of Honor right now. I picked a great week to review this television show. Apparently, I can follow Claudio on his Twitter. Since I’d feel like a twat for using Twitter, I think I’ll take a pass. And while I know this wouldn’t be an issue in the olden days, should we really be following heel wrestler’s Twitters? “Today, I’m going to beat up a babyface. LOL.”

We go back to last week before the match begins to when Necro saved Grizzly Redwood. I think the problem with Necro in ROH is that he’s become way overexposed and basically a cartoon character. Necro is best when he’s allowed to have wacky brawls all over buildings and take bumps. Even better is that because certain people in ROH don’t want “too much” and telling people to “Grab a hold, kid” Necro is stuck wrestling boring matches.

Speaking boring, this match was the very definition of that. Not that there was inherently anything wrong with the work, but it was so non-descript and boring that I forgot everything as soon as it was over. Necro doing a monkey flip is cute, but he does nothing for ROH (and this is very sad for the record) he’s in chair-throwing brawls and taking punishment. Jimmy Rave interferes. Claudio hits the ricola bomb for the win.

Winner: Claudio Castagnoli

-Rave and Claudio beat down Necro after the match until Brent Albright makes the save.

-Back to last week again as Austin Aries hit then world champion Jerry Lynn with the belt. They promote the fact that they’ll have PHOTOS of Aries of champion. Guess they don’t want to hurt the replay.

-The high comedy of the week comes next as Nevaeh cuts a promo. I remember her cutting a promo at a CHIKARA show and thinking it was one of the worst promos I’d ever heard and no way should this amateur hour ever be showcased again. Well, not only it is showcased , BUT ON TELEVISION. This promo was no buys. Least she’s hot.

-Non-title: MsChif (w/Jimmy Jacobs) vs. Neveah

-After that sterling promo, I’m pumped. Although compared to the DIVAs on WWE, this was a borderline classic. Still non-descript and boring though. The Crowd was not into this at all. At all. There wasn’t any cheering or booing. I heard a few catcalls, and that’s about it. This was just an extended squash. The ending comes when Jimmy Jacobs tries to get in the ring but MsChif sprays mist into the eyes of Neveah. She hits The Desecrater for the three count. If that sounds familiar, it’s cause it’s similar to how the first match ended. Let’s move on.

-Colt Cabana joins us for “The Art of Pro Wrestling” with Brent Albright. It’s just an excuse to shill for DVDs, but I was actually entertained and I hope to see more of these guys together. Albright answering Colt’s question of what to do with people who ask questions by saying “Punch them in the balls” is the funniest line of the week.

-Winner: MsChif

-We get to see PHOTOZ! of the title switch.

-Highlights of Ric Flair’s final speech to the Philadelphia crowd. Don’t care.

-Kenny King (w/ Rhett Titus and the ho train) vs. Kenny Omega

-Mike Hogewood says he talked to the ladies before the show. Wonder he let them slap his porpoise. We backtrack four weeks to see Kenny Omega upset King in a three-way match beforehand. I actually like both guys and see a ton of potential in Kenny King, so this could be the best thing about the show.

King’s cockiness once again gets the best of him, and he falls to the Omegaplex. This was probably the best non-main event on any of the HDNet shows. Great athleticism and reversals with a couple highspots for good measure. I’d really like to see a regular program between these two because I could see them elevating each other. Good little match… finally.

-Winner: Kenny Omega

-Eddie Kingston vs. Andy “Right Ledge” Ridge

Let me get this straight. Neveah gets a promo, but Eddie Kingston doesn’t? Who is writing this show? Ridge looks like a Low Ki rip-off. This was a squasheroo with extra roo. Always fun to watch Kingston beat people up. Hopefully this feud with Hero, something that’s basically exclusive to television, turns out well.

Winner: Eddie Kingston

-A look at the history of Delirious and Jimmy Jacobs since they have a “Fight Without Honor.” This leads into a promo as Kyle Durden interviews Jacobs. I mentioned this in my review of “Take No Prisoners,” but Jacobs has gotten so mundane and the promos have not been anywhere close to what he was doing in 2007.

-Roderick Strong vs. KENTA

-Main event time and the crowd finally wakes up from their slumber. What a brutal start with chops and kicks being exchanged between these two. I did notice the time and was well aware right away that they wouldn’t get a chance to tell a proper story. They just had to include give matches on this week’s show instead of the usual four. Don’t get me wrong. This was easily the best match of the show and very entertaining, but I’ve seen KENTA have better matches with far worse opponents because he was given the time. This felt like KENTA/Strong-Lite… although KENTA’s purple chest would make you think otherwise. KENTA wins with the Go 2 Sleep. Least it was solid and clean.

Winner: KENTA

Final Thoughts: This very much felt like a television product as opposed to a wrestling product. There was way too much going on in this 50 minute period with five matches, promos, and even some discussion about the world title change that took place last week. I think next week is going to be worlds better with a double main event of Delirious/Jacobs and the tag title main event. But alas, we’ll have a new writer beginning next week. Until then, see you this weekend for what could be my last Smackdown review.

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CHIKARA will be celebrating their seventh anniversary with two events in Easton, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the twenty-third and twenty-fourth of May. These shows have been titled “Aniversario Yin” and “Annivesario Yang”.

While we still have a week to go until these shows take place in their respective locations, the great guys over at CHIKARA have already updated full cards on their official website. Eight bouts are currently scheduled for both, “Aniversario Yin” and “Aniversario Yang”.

“ANIVERSARIO YIN”
5.23.2009
PALMER COMMUNITY CENTER
4100 GREEN POND ROAD
EASTON, PA

ANALYSIS - These two teams faced off last at “Behind the 8 Ball”, in which Jagged and Shane Matthews were able to pick up the victory via some interference from the “Big Rig” Brodie Lee. Shane Matthews posted a hilarious new blog on Monday (5/11/2009), stating that he and Jagged want another piece of Incoherence. Apparently, Hallowicked and Frightmare have accepted 2.0’s challenge, as the match has been officially added to the card of “Aniversario Yin”. Has Shane Matthews made the right decision of challenging the dangerous duo of Hallowicked and Frightmare to another tag team bout? Was their first win over Incoherence a fluke or are 2.0 the real deal?

PREDICTION - 2.0 wins yet again with some help from Brodie Lee. Brodie Lee and Hallowicked have had beef, dating all the way back to “Cibernetico Begins”. Hallowicked hasn’t done much to fight back against Lee, so I don’t see why Brodie shouldn’t keep coming back for more.

ANALYSIS - Two of CHIKARA’s smallest wrestlers will go at it here. As far as I’m concerned, these two have never crossed paths before. Expect lots of comedy action, as this is what these two wrestlers are known for. Will Hydra be able to make Grizzly a victim of the HydraLock or will Redwood chop down the “Mini-Man Monster”?

PREDICTION - Tough choice, but I have go to go with Hydra. I’m still trying to figure out how Hydra managed to submit UltraMantis Black at “Duel & Duality”, so it’s clear that something is in store for him in the future. I definitely think that Hydra will play a big part in the current Eye of Tyr storyline, so he needs to pick up some momentum going into that, I suppose.

ANALYSIS - In a recent special update that was posted on YouTube, Tim Donst challenged STIGMA of the UnStable to a singles match. STIGMA knocked Donst out cold in the main event of “Duel & Duality”, so there is certainly a lot of bad blood stirring here. In the YouTube video, Donst went as far as saying that he “idolized” Shane Storm, the former persona of STIGMA, but he has recently changed for the worse. Will Donst gain some revenge or will STIGMA add another win to the mean streak of the UnStable?

PREDICTION - STIGMA gets the pinfall victory with the Stigmata. I honestly don’t see this feud ending until this season finishes up. I think it’s fairly obvious that these two clearly have enough history together to put on a classic series of matches. It makes sense for STIGMA to get the win here, as it will add more depth to Donst’s character if he is seen as being a guy that keeps coming back for vengeance against the UnStable throughout 2009. That’s how I see it, anyways.

ANALYSIS - CAW has certainly shown signs of improvement as of late, but Eddie Kingston could care less about Create-A-Wrestler’s recent performances. After all, no one intimidates the “King of Diamonds”. Coming hot off a spectacular match (in which he won) with former ROH World Champion, Austin Aries, at “King of Trios 2009: Night Three”, Kingston looks to continue his winning ways at “Aniversario Yin” against CAW.

PREDICTION - Eddie Kingston destroys CAW with the Sliding D in a squash match. I honestly don’t see this one going any other way, especially since UltraMantis Black just defeated Create-A-Wrestler in less than five minutes at “The Bobliographon”. Come on, I mean I love UMB, but King’s on a whole different level than he is as a competitor.

ANALYSIS - Los Ice Creams have not appeared in CHIKARA since January. They have always been one of my favorite tag teams, so it’s great to see them back in action. Both, the Super Smash Brothers and the Colony, have a history with the Campeonatos de Parejas, the Osirian Portal, so this should definitely be an exciting bout. Will the tecnicos or rudos prevail in this “relevos atomicos” match?

PREDICTION - Honestly, I could see this match going either way, but I’ll go with Uno, Dos, Fire, and Soldier, just for the heck of it. The Osirian Portal have not had much competition since winning the Campeonatos de Parejas, so a win for SSB and the Colony in Easton could definitely send a message to the reigning tag team champions.

ANALYSIS - After leading Team F1RST through a very successful “King of Trios” tournament, Arik Cannon looks to continue his recent winning ways with a win over the insane, Delirious. Cannon has declared his intentions of reminding everyone just how talented of a competitor he is. A win over Delirious could do just that. Who will prevail when anarchy meets insanity in Easton?

PREDICTION - After being dragged out by UltraMantis Black and Crossbones at “The Bobliographon”, it is being assumed that Delirious will be revealed as the third member of the Order of the Neo-Solar Temple at “Aniversario Yin”. As much as I want to go with Cannon, I think it would be stupid to bid against Delirious if he will be trying to make his first impression to the CHIKARA fans as a rudo. With that being said, I say that Delirious will get the win over Cannon via the Shadows Over Heck.

ANALYSIS - 2.0 were not the only people who wrote blogs on the CHIKARA website recently; Mike Quackenbush wanted his words to be heard, as well. In summary, Quack basically announced that he is taking an indefinite amount of time off due to a back injury. Instead of leaving his partner, Jigsaw, out in the open to fade away, Quack suggested for him to lead the current-reigning Young Lions Cup Champion, Jimmy “Equinox” Olsen, Lince Dorado, and Helios of the Future Is Now. Jigsaw, Helios, and Lince will team up for the first time as a trio here, as they challenge the 2009 King of Trios winners, Icarus, Gran Akuma, and Chuck Taylor of F.I.S.T.

PREDICTION - F.I.S.T. beats Jigsaw and the Future Is Now after Taylor squashes one of the tecnicos with an Awful Waffle. “King of Trios 2009″ was in April. What would be the point of F.I.S.T. winning and then losing their first trios match since then? I understand that Jigsaw needs to prove himself to TFIN, but it won’t be happening in Easton.

ANALYSIS - In the main event of “Aniversario Yin”, Claudio Castagnoli takes on former Young Lions Cup Champion and leader of the UnStable, Vin Gerard. Claudio and Vin had a little interaction at “King of Trios: Night Three” in a semi-final match, but apparently, that wasn’t enough to satisfy these two CHIKARA stars. Will Vin Gerard be able to win the biggest match of his career so far or will Claudio Castagnoli be able to kick him to the curb?

PREDICTION - What an interesting match. I have a feeling that there’s going to be a whole lot of interference, including appearances from Colin Delaney and possibly even Glacier or D’Lo Brown. Due to the fact that I don’t believe Vin’s exactly ready to be put over Claudio, I’ll go with a Castagnoli win via the Ricola Bomb.

“ANIVERSARIO YANG”
5.24.2009
THE ARENA
7 WEST RITNER STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA

ANALYSIS - If Jagged and Shane Matthews of 2.0 can manage to beat Hallowicked and Frightmare of Incoherence at “Aniversario Yin”, then they will have one point going into this match. Donst and Hydra of the Sea Donsters, on the other hand, will have zero. After challenging (and ultimately failing) to win the Campeonatos de Parejas at “All That Glitters”, the Sea Donsters have not managed to rack up three points since then. A win here could easily get Tim Donst and Hydra back into the tag team rankings. Which young team will have their hands raised in triumph?

PREDICTION - The Sea Donsters win after Donst pins Jagged with the Donstitution. This is a bold prection on my end, but I can honestly see it happening exactly that way. Along with Cheech and Cloudy, the Sea Donsters are one of the last established tecnico teams that appear to be capable of challenging Amasis and Ophidian for the Cameponatos de Parejas in the near-future. My guess is that Donst and Hydra will most likely get another oppurtunity at the straps some time over the summer. A win here for the Donsters will help advance them into title contention.

ANALYSIS - Brodie Lee and Grizzly Redwood of the Roughnecks have proven to be work well together, as they have been able to rack up multiple points in the past. On the other hand, Los Ice Creams are looking to prove that they are still one of CHIKARA’s best tag teams after not wrestling for the promotion in months. Which rudo team will walk out of Philadelphia with one point?

PREDICTION - If Lee is going to get involved with Incoherence’s match in Easton, then I expect Hallowicked and Frightmare to extract some revenge in Philadelphia. With that being said, I’ll say that Los Ice Creams will gain their first point at “Aniversario Yang” with a victory over the Roughnecks.

ANALYSIS - By popular demand, Arik Cannon will return to Philadelphia at “Aniversario Yang”. When asked who the “Anarchist” was interested in facing, Cannon supposedly requested to take on one-half of the Campeonatos de Parejas, Ophidian.  Will anarchy reign when Arik Cannon returns to Philadelphia or is Cannon in for a big surprise when he takes on one of CHIKARA’s most talented new stars?

PREDICTION - Arik Cannon did not travel twenty hours to lose two singles matches in one weekend. Assuming that he will fall to Delirious at “Aniversario Yin”, then I say that Cannon will defeat Ophidian at “Aniversario Yang”. My theory for this bout is as simple as that, really.

ANALYSIS - After Incoherence won their trios match against the Roughnecks at “The Bobliographon”, Delirious was stolen by UltraMantis Black and Crossbones. The Order of the Neo-Solar Temple have been searching for a third member for months now. Could Delirious be that third man? More importantly, will Delirious have an effect on the outcome of the Order’s match with SSB or will Uno and Dos move one step forward to gaining the Campeonatos de Parejas for a second time?

PREDICTION - All signs point to Delirious turning rudo, so I believe that he will play a big part in the outcome of this tag team bout. UltraMantis and Crossbones pick up the win via shenanigans, I say. Another possibility that I could see happening is Incoherence trying to persuade Delirious into coming back with them during the match, thus causing the Order of the Neo-Solar Temple to stupidly turn their backs on SSB. Either way, this should be an extremely exciting match. I think the outcome is completely up in the air.

ANALYSIS - People are already beginning to speculate that Cheech and Cloudy will play the roles of Hallowickedcito and Frightmarecito. With Delirious gone, I don’t see Incoherence up to much fun in games. I believe they’re solely in this match to win. On the other side, Jigsaw will get another oppurtunity to prove himself to the Future Is Now. Which team will win this “tecnicos contra tecnicos” match?

PREDICTION - I think it is extremely important for Jigsaw and the Future Is Now to pick up at least one win over the course of this weekend. How is Jigsaw supposed to be accepted as TFIN’s leader if he can’t even win with them? I hope that statement’s enough to prove my point.

ANALYSIS - Just a few days after Vin Gerard sneakily defeated Glacier at “The Bobliographon”, the karate master appeared in a special update, demanding a tag team match against the UnStable? Who did Glacier choose as his partner? None other than his buddy, D’Lo Brown. Will Glacier finally be able to take down Vin Gerard or will this be a sign to Glacier to finally give up on the dastardly leader of the UnStable?

PREDICTION - Glacier and D’Lo Brown do not need one point. On the contrary, Vin Gerard and Colin Delaney could certainly use some credibility in CHIKARA’s tag team division. With some help from STIGMA, I do see the UnStable racking up yet another win here. Hopefully, this will also be the end of Glacier in CHIKARA, as I don’t believe people find him as entertaining as they once did before. I suppose an annual “King of Trios” appearance is nice and makes his return to the company something to look forward to each year, but Glacier being booked for regular shows is overdoing it a little.

ANALYSIS - Claudio Castagnoli pinned Eddie Kingston with the Ricola Bomb, cleanly, in the center of the ring at “Armdrags to Riches” in November. Claudio would also later lead his trio, Team Uppercut, to defeating Kingston and the Roughnecks at “King of Trios”. On night three of that event, Kingston cut a promo before his match with Austin Aries, claiming that he would be coming for Claudio next. In a special update that aired on Wednesday, Kingston challenged Castagnoli to a singles match for “Aniversario Yang”. On Thursday, the bout was made official on CHIKARA’s website. Will Claudio embarass Kingston once again or will the “King of Diamonds” finally get the win he’s wanted for months?

PREDICTION - Regardless of the outcome, I have a feeling that this will mark the beginning of a feud that is going to last for the rest of the season. If Claudio wins, Kingston will be even more pissed off at him than before. If Kingston wins, then Claudio will be looking to prove that Eddie’s victory over him was nothing more than luck. I’ll give the win to Claudio in Philadelphia, causing Kingston to go berserk on him afterwards. Aside from that, though, I’m expecting a phenomenal match from these two CHIKARA veterans.

ANALYSIS - “Lucha de apuesta”. Double mask versus double hair, as Fire Ant and Soldier Ant of the Colony go up against Icarus and Chuck Taylor of F.I.S.T. in the main event of “Aniversario Yang”. After Chuck Taylor ended the career of Worker Ant with an Awful Waffle on the floor, the Colony have vowed to get back at F.I.S.T. for killing the life of their fellow hormiga. This is not simply about losing masks or losing hair. It’s about the pride and dignity that each wrestler carries. Which team will walk out of Philadelphia with their heads held up high?

PREDICTION - CHIKARA is known for setting up matches with obvious results, but then throwing curve balls. I really do want to believe that the Colony will keep their masks after “Aniversario Yang”, but I have my doubts. Sorry, readers, but I must go with Icarus and Taylor for good measure.

That pretty much wraps up all my coverave  for “Aniversario Yin” and “Aniversario Yang”. Make sure to check CHIKARA Fans on the dates above for live coverage on each event and updates.

Want to check out some extra links? Great. I’ll be more than happy so provide them for you. Be sure to watch the brand new CHIKARA Podcast-A-Go-Go episode, which prominently features coverage from “Tag World Grand Prix 2008: Night Two” in Oberhausen, Germany, as well as a brand new opening video and theme song.

Did you like this article? Are you interested in learning more about the background of CHIKARA? Well, that’s awesome. Go ahead and visit the “History” section of CHIKARA Fans. In fact, along with ordering DVDs from Smart Mark Video, I learned a lot about the promotion from that website.

Got a particular question about the promotion that isn’t covered on CHIKARA Fans? Feel free to send me an e-mail at perilloboy123@aol.com and I’ll answer them for you as soon as possible. If it’s easier, you can drop a comment below this article, as well.

Talk to all of you next time in exactly two weeks, where I will post the results and make my own comments on “Aniversario Yin” and “Aniversario Yang”. In addition, I will obviously keep you, readers, updated on any CHIKARA news that comes up between now and when the next edition of this column is posted. Thanks for reading the “CHIKARMY Insider”. Take care, all.

- Anthony Perillo

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