Tag: ccw

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Support Your Local “Ninjas”

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“Not throwing any shade at all. I know its probably a main stream thing…but it does kinda sting a little seeing ppl on your FB that know you wrestle & never came to see you bust ass, go to WWE Live. Not knocking ppl enjoying what they like or want, ( I like it too lol) but I guess it just puts it in perspective to appreciate those that do come to support your hard work. Love my Hood Ninja Clan!‪#‎NinjaWithAttitude” – Hy Zaya, current (though disputed) Coliseum Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Champion.

When was the last time you went to a WWE show? How much did you spend?

Saturday night a friend and I went to see the WWE. Between the two of us, tickets cost $74. My friend also bought a shirt that costs $30.

Earlier this month I went to an indy show I enjoyed just as much as WWE. My ticket was $5, and the Blu-Ray I bought cost $15. I could easily have bought a T-shirt at the same price as the Blu-Ray.

If you need me to do the math for you: 2 WWE Tickets + 1 WWE T-shirt = 5 Indy tickets and 5 souvenirs.

You no longer have the excuse that all indy wrestling is “garbage” and the WWE is the only “good” wrestling out there. The main event at WWE Saturday night featured two guys who, five years ago, were indy superstars. Most of the men and women you can’t wait to see down at NXT are from the indies as well. Many of the so-called enhancement talents you see on NXT like Sarah (Crazy Mary) Dobson, Santana Garrett, and “Blue Pants” are headliners in the indies. I can also name a dozen “Rosebuds” and a certain ringside EMT who will give you your money’s worth on the indy circuit.

Yes, it’s still buyer beware when but comes to the indies, but a smart buyer can invest in some great wrestling if he or she really wants to find it.

It’s been too long since I’ve seen my neighborhood Ninja. I plan to end that drought soon. Respect your local indies, and show them some love.

#aticketandashirt

 

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New Champions with Louisville Roots

rybackThe man you see on the left here is former OVW star Silverback. Sunday night, he became the Intercontinental Champion for the first time. His photo is featured in Bluegrass Brawlers, but if you want to hear his full story, download Ryback’s appearance on the Chris Jericho podcast. It’s an inspiring tale of how he went from serving barbecue in Louisville to becoming a rising star. Ryback has come a long way with the fans as well, and it looks like his rise to the top is once again on track.

cropped-esw-cover.jpgRyback’s not the only Louisville talent to pick up new hardware Sunday. Hy Zaya, shown second from the left on the cover of Eat Sleep Wrestle, picked up the IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship off the seemingly unstoppable Kongo Kong. Hy Zaya is now carrying two belts: one from IWA Mid-South, and one from CCW in Evansville. Well deserved honors for the Hood Ninja.

Finally, congratulations to former IWA Mid-South King of the Deathmatch contestant Jon Moxley, who left Corpus Christi carrying the WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt. Yes, even Dean Ambrose spent time in Louisville working for Ian Rotten back in the day. He may not have the belt in hand for long, considering another IWA Mid-South alum is still the legitimate champion, but it’s likely only a matter of time before it’s his free and clear.

Update: Per long time IWA Mid-South fan/ historian Nick Maniwa, Moxley did his work for IWA-MS in Illinois, not Louisville or Southern Indiana. Still, it’s a point of pride for the IWA-MS faithful that so many guys who worked in the long time indie promotion have made it to today’s WWE.

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See Them Before They Go

cropped-esw-cover.jpgTwo very talented, very dynamic indy wrestlers may be nearing the end of their careers soon. If you get a chance, you need to see them. Hy Zaya (second from the left on the book cover) has two matches this week. Thursday night he competes for IWA Mid-South in New Albany, Indiana, and Saturday he’s in a title vs. career match in Evansville for CCW. I haven’t talked to Hy Zaya in a while, and I don’t know how much of this is story vs. reality. Even if I did, where would the fun be if I spoiled it, right?

Hy Zaya is a charismatic and dynamic performer who has held his own against indy greats like Shane Mercer and legends like Sabu. If you’re in either area, don’t miss your chance to see him. It might be your last.

I also read that Jake Crist of OI4K (that’s Ohio Is for Killers) may be close to hanging it up. In Jake’s case it’s injuries that seem to be the threat rather than match stipulations. Jake has several dates on his schedule, including some for his hometown promotion Rockstar Pro in Dayton. Whether he’s flying solo or tagging with his brother Dave, his matches are show stealers, and if it’s really the end for Jake, it’s a sad day for indy wrestling.

Click the links above to check out Jake and Hy Zaya’s upcoming events.

And if you’re curious to know more about Rockstar Pro, click this link to read a nice little article about the Dayton promotion.