It’s been a long and eventful year for pro wrestling, both on an independent and national scale, from both the States and eleswhere. It’s been such a long year that I’m actually typing this week’s column with my head planted firmly on my desk and both my eyes closed. So there’s my excuse for the inevitable typos. From Kevin Steen’s world title victory (or victories), to a good old fashioned no-showing by some dude from the Attitude Era I didn’t want to see anyway, indie wrestling fans have had their share of highs and lows in 2012 – and of course PWPonderings has been there all along the way.
But 2013 isn’t here just yet. We have one more positively stacked month of indie action before we start all over again, so this week I’m going to be taking a look at a few of the big shows taking place this month, as well as reflecting a bit on what kind of year each promotion has had leading up to this point.
Ring of Honor: Final Battle
ROH really has a healthy line up for their biggest show of the year, with a solid card of action, some new matches we haven’t seen before, some payoffs to longstanding angles (albeit excessively long in some cases) and a surefire smash of a main event. Part of what has frustrated me this year with ROH, and really since the beginning of the “Sinclair Era” (you know, because every stretch of a few years needs an ‘era’ title now) is the lack of a particular direction, and subsequently a lack of understanding as to what type of fan they’re appealing to. Those in creative and executive positions seem to have their hearts set on conquering the world now that they’re on television. Those in positions of power in the company that got them said television seem content to just let ROH linger in the middle of the road. While those paying for tickets to their shows want nothing to change, nothing to mess with the formula and no one to try and take THEIR product from them. This show feels a bit like they’ve reigned themselves in and are appealing to their core audience a bit more. I don’t mean to sound close minded and make it seem like ROH shouldn’t branch out, but when you’re the distant third place promotion, it’s even harder to grow your audience when your die-hard, dedicated, core audience… aren’t impressed and are forever complaining about your company. Some people, fans or promoters, might look at a Kevin Steen vs. El Generico main event and wonder how much it appeals to a national wrestling audience. But those folk need to realise that’s not what ROH is reaching anyway. Said main event should be spectacular, and I look forward to seeing two of my favourites outdo their previous effort in PWG… although readers who took a look at my last column will no doubt understand that I’ll be watching with one eye closed and both my fingers crossed. The most intriguing bout on the undercard for me personally would have to be Matt Hardy vs. Adam Cole. This one has the potential to either be a real show stealer or vindication for Hardy’s most vocal detractors. I feel like it will be noteworthy one way or the other, and I’m hoping Matt makes the most of this. Michael Elgin finally breaks out from the House of Truth by taking on Roderick Strong in a feud that has been far too drawn out, but could still serve as a stellar midcard contest if they get some time and the crowd is in the right mood. Jay Lethal will also take on Rhino in what I imagine will be the best Rhino match in many months, which isn’t a knock on him after a few very enjoyable contests on TV and iPPV. All in all, following a technically sound outing last time, I think ROH has earned something of a reprieve here and just might be worth investing in this time. Order the show here.
EVOLVE 18
EVOLVE and Dragon Gate USA are intriguing properties to me. Enthusiasm and general buzz for the promotion(s) seems almost non-existent and at times it feels as though they are missing some kind of vital X-factor. They have the talent, but we all know that alone does not entice many wrestling fans to part with their hard earned cash. Attendance and atmosphere (specifically a lack of both) are certainly things that would deter me as an iPPV viewer, but the recent move to the Flyers Skate Zone in New Jersey (as part of a co-promotion where CZW run the venue in the evening) meant the most recent show had a mix of good action and a louder, more active crowd. Despite lackluster settings, specifically a largely empty gym for EVOLVE 15 in July, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the shows EVOLVE has put on this year and I think their roster is undeniably impressive. The simple angles might be a bit white-bread for some folks, but personally I think there’s just enough character progression and storytelling to keep my attention across the action packed and varied cards. This show, taking place on December 8th, features Jon Davis taking on Johnny Gargano for the Open The Freedom Gate title, coming off the heels of Davis turning on Gargano at the last EVOLVE show. Davis’ story throughout the year has been well executed, going from a babyface of humble beginnings, to questing for an EVOLVE title, to finally snapping when he couldn’t best Gargano, and tossing the fighting champion out of the ring through a table. The pair had a fun but stunted match at the last show, and will no doubt tear the house down if given enough time at this show. They have their work cut out for them however, as the surefire match of the night will likely be Super Smash Bros. vs. El Generico and Samuray Del Sol. Generico and Del Sol had three superb matches against each other this year, which really cemented the latter as one of the independent scene’s most exciting talents today. Likewise, SSB have been putting on excellent tag team contests in every promotion they’ve been in throughout 2012 and are easily my favourite team of the year. This one looks to be a lightning quick classic, and possibly a late entry in the match of the year stakes. Sami Callihan, AR Fox and more are also scheduled to appear. Order here.
CHIKARA Season Finale; Under The Hood
Thus far, CHIKARA’s iPPV outings have been met with high praise. The first two shows projected the company’s fun, family friendly atmosphere while also presenting exciting in ring action and some very entertaining story line twists and turns along the way. They look to keep the trend going on December 2nd with another stacked lineup of marquee matches. The main event is an interesting one to me, as Tim Donst challenges Eddie Kingston for the Grand Championship. I’m a big fan of Kingston, and have been for a while, which is why I’m really happy to see him come into his own as CHIKARA’s babyface champion. He has a little bit of edginess that makes him stand out from the roster, but not so much so that he feels like he doesn’t fit, and has an air of toughness to him while still being great in a sympathetic role in the ring. For me, it all just clicks. Donst is someone it took me a while to warm to, but given the great effort he put forth in his Hair vs. Mask match at the last show I feel like I’m finally sold. He’s a great foil for Kingston, and while I wouldn’t class him as the best worker on the indies (or Kingston for that matter) I feel like they will deliver a good, hard-hitting, dramatic main event. In the “could make or break this show” stakes we have The Young Bucks defending their tag titles in a two out of three falls contest against the 123 Kid and Marty Janettey. Kid was a little iffy, putting it lightly, at King of Trios and Marty is Marty so I don’t want to get my hopes up for this one, even though I know both guys will want to put on a good show. I personally feel the Bucks don’t get enough credit as workers even to this day, and after seeing them work their asses off against THE FACES OF PAIN I’m sure they’ll get the absolute best out of their opponents. We also get some classic CHIKARA multi-man madness on the show, something that first made me love the promotion, as The Spectral Envoy go to war with The Batiri, Ophidian and Delirious. Plus Mike Quackenbush teams with the Colony to try and get some revenge on Jigsaw, who teams up with Soldier Ant, DeviANT and The Shard. All that, another outing from Young Lion standout ACH and much more means this is another CHIKARA show I personally will be paying good money to see. If you want to do the same, order here.
PWG: Steen vs. Cole
As a unashamed HUGE PWG fan, I am somewhat dubious about their approach to this event. Other than the admittedly great main event, nothing else has been announced for PWG’s final event of the year. Not even a wacky title. But then again, when you’re not on iPPV and you have loyal fans who will attend regardless it doesn’t really matter. Cole came into his own at BOLA this year, with excellent heel antics and a string of great singles matches. The event felt like PWG was really letting everyone know their next crop of main event players had arrived, and Adam Cole was right there at the front of the queue. It’s the classic set up of the arrogant up-and-comer versus the beloved cult hero; Kevin Steen. Steen is about as perfect an opponent you could get for Cole, as the PWG faithful are obviously going to cheer whoever they like, and they like Cole, but it’s a lot easier to get heat when taking on someone who is universally adored by the fanbase as Steen is in Reseda. The PWG world title has never really been the crown jewel of the indies, but this really feels like a contest where a title change would be a significant moment and I expect a big fight vibe for this show when it eventually finds its way into our hands on DVD. Others confirmed for the show include Super Smash Bros., who’ve had an absolutely phenomenal year with the promotion, and Drake Younger who is two for two in terms of exciting singles contests in PWG. Also, we can’t forget; PWG bids farewell to Joey Ryan. Now, I’m not a Joey Ryan fan – but to deny his contributions to PWG over the years would be foolish, and given how great PWG has handled stuff like this in the past, I can’t wait to see what they have in store for Joey.
I better wrap this column up before we hit the slightly absurd 2,000 word mark, and that’s without covering things like Cage of Death, but regardless; thanks for reading and be sure to give yourself the gift of great wrestling this Christmas!