Liz Savage is a wrestling booker, former Independent wrestling manager, and occasional wrestler from NY, currently residing in Parts Unknown. Liz is the Digital Content Manager and staff writer for BetWrestling.
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So the other day I saw yet another post about an independent wrestler being stiffed by a promoter. This time after flying across country for a show! Fed up with excuses and bullshit, he took to social media to warn other workers about this con artist, and posted what I thought was a pretty well thought out statement about why screwing over talent was wrong, that this affects not only his personal income, but his family as well. (Yes, some folks can make a living off independent wrestling if done properly, and work is put in)
The next day his Facebook and Instagram posts were taken down, they were reported, because he tagged the promoter, Jose G. Alaniz in the post. This man runs a company out of San Diego called “Oddity Wrestling Alliance” which from looking at their Facebook page, seems he also books himself as the “owner” and has a starring role in the company.
Here is the poster from the event my comrade was booked to perform on:
On April 28th they had put up this post on their Facebook page: (Note, you can BACKDATE Facebook posts to pages, and this is the only mention, all other materials and events had been deleted at the time of this posting)
It is interesting to see this on their page, with no details as to when the show was originally planned to happen. It seems he knew the show was not going to happen, as the venue he planned on running in could no longer accommodate them. Why if he knew this, did he buy this worker a one way plane ticket cross country on May 3rd, if he knew there would be no show? What kind of fuckery is this? What could this “promoter” be hoping to accomplish? And why did he vanish, and stop replying to messages and phone calls from workers booked on the show, who flew across the US to be there?
At the very least if you are cancelling a show you should be doing it with enough time that no one has already flown in, and if you are cancelling that late in the game you owe it to your workers to make good on their pay. Time is money, and they put their time aside for you, and dismissed other potential workers to be on YOUR SHOW. You owe it to them to cover their pay, even if you cancel. Its the right thing to do. Running and hiding with your tail between your legs will get you publicly shamed, and hopefully will spread the message to both wrestlers, venue’s, and fans, that you are unreliable and cannot be trusted. Sadly this happens far too frequently. If you have a bad promoter story you would like to share, feel free to contact me: LizSavage@betwrestling.com
Watch out for not only yourselves, but each other as well!
I am pretty excited to watch the 143rd Kentucky Derby today, despite the fact I haven’t kept up on horse racing in years.
Before I got into wrestling, I worked in the thorobred horse world. I worked at farms that bred horses, raised yearlings for sale, broke young horses for the races, took care of injured horses as well. There are a ton of facets to the insustry, and despite what you hear, most racehorse farms are very good to thier animals.
The Derby always brings up good memories as I have been watching it since I was a child. As an adult there were years we had Derby parties, or just watched after work at the barn. Sometimes we made bets amoungst ourselves.
If you are watching the Derby today from home you can place yours through [clink id=”1″ target=”_blank”]5dimes[/clink] here are the latest odds.
Kentucky Derby – Winner – Churchill Downs – Louisville, KY – Saturday, May 06, 2017 6:35 PM
1001 Lookin At Lee wins Kentucky Derby +3000
1002 Field wins Kentucky Derby -5000
1003 Thunder Snow wins Kentucky Derby +2000
1004 Field wins Kentucky Derby -3000
1005 Fast and Accurate wins Kentucky Derby +6200
1006 Field wins Kentucky Derby -11400
1007 Untrapped wins Kentucky Derby +5300
1008 Field wins Kentucky Derby -9600
1009 Always Dreaming wins Kentucky Derby +470
1010 Field wins Kentucky Derby -590
1011 State of Honor wins Kentucky Derby +5800
1012 Field wins Kentucky Derby -10600
1013 Girvin wins Kentucky Derby +2700
1014 Field wins Kentucky Derby -4400
1015 Hence wins Kentucky Derby +1250
1016 Field wins Kentucky Derby -1850
1017 Irap wins Kentucky Derby +4600
1018 Field wins Kentucky Derby -8200
1019 Gunnevera wins Kentucky Derby +1075
1020 Field wins Kentucky Derby -1550
1021 Battle of Midway wins Kentucky Derby +4400
1022 Field wins Kentucky Derby -7800
1023 Sonneteer wins Kentucky Derby +3600
1024 Field wins Kentucky Derby -6200
1025 J Boys Echo wins Kentucky Derby +4600
1026 Field wins Kentucky Derby -8200
1027 Classic Empire wins Kentucky Derby +725
1028 Field wins Kentucky Derby -1025
1029 McCraken wins Kentucky Derby +750
1030 Field wins Kentucky Derby -1050
1031 Tapwrit wins Kentucky Derby +2700
1032 Field wins Kentucky Derby -4400
1033 Irish War Cry wins Kentucky Derby +625
1034 Field wins Kentucky Derby -850
1035 Gormley wins Kentucky Derby +2600
1036 Field wins Kentucky Derby -4200
1037 Practical Joke wins Kentucky Derby +3300
1038 Field wins Kentucky Derby -5600
1039 Patch wins Kentucky Derby +2100
1040 Field wins Kentucky Derby -3200
1051 C.Empire / A.Dream / Crack / IrishW wins -110
1052 Field wins Kentucky Derby -110
1053 Cl.Empire / Al.Dreaming / McCracken wins +169
1054 Field wins Kentucky Derby -197
1055 Clas.Empire / A.Dreaming / Irish.WC wins +163
1056 Field wins Kentucky Derby -188
1057 Clas.Empire / McCracken / Irish.WC wins +198
1058 Field wins Kentucky Derby -238
1059 Al.Dreaming / McCracken / Irish.WC wins +167
1060 Field wins Kentucky Derby -193
1061 Classic Empire / Always Dreaming wins +265
1062 Field wins Kentucky Derby -325
1063 Classic Empire / McCracken wins +345
1064 Field wins Kentucky Derby -430
1065 Classic Empire / Irish War Cry wins +327
1066 Field wins Kentucky Derby -403
1067 Always Dreaming / McCracken wins +273
1068 Field wins Kentucky Derby -333
1069 Always Dreaming / Irish War Cry wins +260
1070 Field wins Kentucky Derby -320
1071 McCracken / Irish War Cry wins +335
1072 Field wins Kentucky Derby -420
1253 Saddlecloth of winning horse odd -136
1254 Saddlecloth of winning horse even +116
1255 Saddlecloth of winning horse is 1-10 +103
1256 Saddlecloth of winning horse is 11-20 -123
1257 Saddlecloth of winning horse is 1-5 +250
1258 Any other winning saddlecloth -300
1259 Saddlecloth of winning horse is 6-10 +350
1260 Any other winning saddlecloth -440
1261 Saddlecloth of winning horse is 11-15 +240
1262 Any other winning saddlecloth -280
1263 Saddlecloth of winning horse is 16-20 +265
1264 Any other winning saddlecloth -325
1265 Winner won his last race before Derby -160
1266 Winner didn’t win his last race +140
1267 One word in winning horse’s name +122
1268 2 or 3 words in winning horse’s name -142
1269 Two words in winning horse’s name +169
1270 1 or 3 words in winning horse’s name -197
1271 Three words in winning horse’s name +325
1272 1 or 2 words in winning horse’s name -400
1273 Winning horse bred in Kentucky -495
1274 Winning horse not bred in Kentucky +395
1275 Winning horse’s name starts with A-H -117
1276 Winning horse’s name starts with I-Z -103
1277 Winning trainer’s last name starts A-O +115
1278 Winning trainer’s last name starts P-Z -135
Kentucky Derby – Top 2 – Churchill Downs – Louisville, KY – Saturday, May 06, 2017 6:35 PM
1301 Lookin At Lee finishes in top 2 +1100
1302 Lookin At Lee not in top 2 -1700
1303 Thunder Snow finishes in top 2 +875
1304 Thunder Snow not in top 2 -1333
1305 Fast and Accurate finishes in top 2 +2600
1306 Fast and Accurate not in top 2 -5400
1307 Untrapped finishes in top 2 +1875
1308 Untrapped not in top 2 -3750
1309 Always Dreaming finishes in top 2 +235
1310 Always Dreaming not in top 2 -275
1311 State of Honor finishes in top 2 +2200
1312 State of Honor not in top 2 -4400
1313 Girvin finishes in top 2 +950
1314 Girvin not in top 2 -1450
1315 Hence finishes in top 2 +550
1316 Hence not in top 2 -800
1317 Irap finishes in top 2 +1500
1318 Irap not in top 2 -3000
1319 Gunnevera finishes in top 2 +450
1320 Gunnevera not in top 2 -600
1321 Battle of Midway finishes in top 2 +1500
1322 Battle of Midway not in top 2 -3000
1323 Sonneteer finishes in top 2 +1825
1324 Sonneteer not in top 2 -3650
1325 J Boys Echo finishes in top 2 +1650
1326 J Boys Echo not in top 2 -3300
1327 Classic Empire finishes in top 2 +275
1328 Classic Empire not in top 2 -335
1329 McCraken finishes in top 2 +330
1330 McCraken not in top 2 -410
1331 Tapwrit finishes in top 2 +825
1332 Tapwrit not in top 2 -1275
1333 Irish War Cry finishes in top 2 +295
1334 Irish War Cry not in top 2 -355
1335 Gormley finishes in top 2 +1075
1336 Gormley not in top 2 -1650
1337 Practical Joke finishes in top 2 +1175
1338 Practical Joke not in top 2 -1850
1339 Patch finishes in top 2 +1250
1340 Patch not in top 2 -2000
Kentucky Derby – Top 3 – Churchill Downs – Louisville, KY – Saturday, May 06, 2017 6:35 PM
1351 Lookin At Lee finishes in top 3 +600
1352 Lookin At Lee not in top 3 -1050
1353 Thunder Snow finishes in top 3 +560
1354 Thunder Snow not in top 3 -950
1355 Fast and Accurate finishes in top 3 +1600
1356 Fast and Accurate not in top 3 -4000
1357 Untrapped finishes in top 3 +1050
1358 Untrapped not in top 3 -1875
1359 Always Dreaming finishes in top 3 +140
1360 Always Dreaming not in top 3 -170
1361 State of Honor finishes in top 3 +1400
1362 State of Honor not in top 3 -3050
1363 Girvin finishes in top 3 +575
1364 Girvin not in top 3 -985
1365 Hence finishes in top 3 +375
1366 Hence not in top 3 -515
1367 Irap finishes in top 3 +930
1368 Irap not in top 3 -1650
1369 Gunnevera finishes in top 3 +305
1370 Gunnevera not in top 3 -395
1371 Battle of Midway finishes in top 3 +950
1372 Battle of Midway not in top 3 -1700
1373 Sonneteer finishes in top 3 +850
1374 Sonneteer not in top 3 -1525
1375 J Boys Echo finishes in top 3 +700
1376 J Boys Echo not in top 3 -1300
1377 Classic Empire finishes in top 3 +155
1378 Classic Empire not in top 3 -185
1379 McCraken finishes in top 3 +200
1380 McCraken not in top 3 -260
1381 Tapwrit finishes in top 3 +520
1382 Tapwrit not in top 3 -850
1383 Irish War Cry finishes in top 3 +170
1384 Irish War Cry not in top 3 -215
1385 Gormley finishes in top 3 +640
1386 Gormley not in top 3 -1150
1387 Practical Joke finishes in top 3 +630
1388 Practical Joke not in top 3 -1125
1389 Patch finishes in top 3 +775
1390 Patch not in top 3 -1410
Kentucky Derby – Top 5 – Churchill Downs – Louisville, KY – Saturday, May 06, 2017 6:35 PM
1401 Lookin At Lee finishes in top 5 +345
1402 Lookin At Lee not in top 5 -470
1403 Thunder Snow finishes in top 5 +310
1404 Thunder Snow not in top 5 -400
1405 Fast and Accurate finishes in top 5 +745
1406 Fast and Accurate not in top 5 -1365
1407 Untrapped finishes in top 5 +560
1408 Untrapped not in top 5 -950
1409 Always Dreaming finishes in top 5 -150
1410 Always Dreaming not in top 5 +120
1411 State of Honor finishes in top 5 +650
1412 State of Honor not in top 5 -1175
1413 Girvin finishes in top 5 +340
1414 Girvin not in top 5 -465
1415 Hence finishes in top 5 +160
1416 Hence not in top 5 -195
1417 Irap finishes in top 5 +500
1418 Irap not in top 5 -800
1419 Gunnevera finishes in top 5 +155
1420 Gunnevera not in top 5 -185
1421 Battle of Midway finishes in top 5 +510
1422 Battle of Midway not in top 5 -825
1423 Sonneteer finishes in top 5 +450
1424 Sonneteer not in top 5 -675
1425 J Boys Echo finishes in top 5 +400
1426 J Boys Echo not in top 5 -550
1427 Classic Empire finishes in top 5 -115
1428 Classic Empire not in top 5 -115
1429 McCraken finishes in top 5 +100
1430 McCraken not in top 5 -130
1431 Tapwrit finishes in top 5 +290
1432 Tapwrit not in top 5 -380
1433 Irish War Cry finishes in top 5 -105
1434 Irish War Cry not in top 5 -125
1435 Gormley finishes in top 5 +360
1436 Gormley not in top 5 -495
1437 Practical Joke finishes in top 5 +370
1438 Practical Joke not in top 5 -510
1439 Patch finishes in top 5 +430
1440 Patch not in top 5 -625
Kentucky Derby – Combination Positions – Saturday, May 06, 2017 6:35 PM
1451 Classic Empire & Always Dreaming top 2 +1200
1452 Any other horse finishes in top 2 -2600
1453 Classic Empire & McCracken top 2 +1400
1454 Any other horse finishes in top 2 -3600
1455 Classic Empire & Irish War Cry top 2 +1400
1456 Any other horse finishes in top 2 -3600
1457 Always Dreaming & McCracken top 2 +1200
1458 Any other horse finishes in top 2 -2600
1459 Always Dreaming & Irish War Cry top 2 +1200
1460 Any other horse finishes in top 2 -2600
1461 McCracken & Irish War Cry top 2 +1600
1462 Any other horse finishes in top 2 -4800
1471 C.Empire & A.Dreaming & McCracken top 3 +1800
1472 Any other horse finishes in top 3 -5400
1473 C.Empire & A.Dreaming & Irish.WC top 3 +1600
1474 Any other horse finishes in top 3 -4800
1475 C.Empire & McCracken & Irish.WC top 3 +1600
1476 Any other horse finishes in top 3 -4800
1477 A.Dreaming & McCracken & Irish.WC top 3 +1600
1478 Any other horse finishes in top 3 -4800
1491 Empire & Dreamin & McCrack & Irish top 4 +1800
1492 Any other horse finishes in top 4 -5400
Triple Crown Winner 2017 – Saturday, May 06, 2017 6:35 PM
1501 Lookin At Lee wins Triple Crown +15500
1502 Lookin At Lee won’t win Triple Crown -52000
1503 Thunder Snow wins Triple Crown +13000
1504 Thunder Snow won’t win Triple Crown -42000
1505 Fast and Accurate wins Triple Crown +70000
1506 Fast and Accurate won’t win Triple Crown -200000
1507 Untrapped wins Triple Crown +41000
1508 Untrapped won’t win Triple Crown -164000
1509 Always Dreaming wins Triple Crown +1750
1510 Always Dreaming won’t win Triple Crown -4375
1511 State of Honor wins Triple Crown +50000
1512 State of Honor won’t win Triple Crown -200000
1513 Girvin wins Triple Crown +13000
1514 Girvin won’t win Triple Crown -42000
1515 Hence wins Triple Crown +6500
1516 Hence won’t win Triple Crown -21500
1517 Irap wins Triple Crown +26500
1518 Irap won’t win Triple Crown -102500
1519 Gunnevera wins Triple Crown +5300
1520 Gunnevera won’t win Triple Crown -16500
1521 Battle of Midway wins Triple Crown +26500
1522 Battle of Midway won’t win Triple Crown -102500
1523 Sonneteer wins Triple Crown +39000
1524 Sonneteer won’t win Triple Crown -156000
1525 J Boys Echo wins Triple Crown +30000
1526 J Boys Echo won’t win Triple Crown -120000
1527 Classic Empire wins Triple Crown +2600
1528 Classic Empire won’t win Triple Crown -6500
1529 McCraken wins Triple Crown +3000
1530 McCraken won’t win Triple Crown -11000
1531 Tapwrit wins Triple Crown +10500
1532 Tapwrit won’t win Triple Crown -33500
1533 Irish War Cry wins Triple Crown +2700
1534 Irish War Cry won’t win Triple Crown -6750
1535 Gormley wins Triple Crown +15000
1536 Gormley won’t win Triple Crown -50000
1537 Practical Joke wins Triple Crown +17500
1538 Practical Joke won’t win Triple Crown -60000
1539 Patch wins Triple Crown +20000
1540 Patch won’t win Triple Crown -70000
Triple Crown Races 2017 – Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont – Saturday, May 06, 2017 6:35 PM
1551 Any horse wins Triple Crown 2017 +575
1552 No Triple Crown winner 2017 -850
1561 Derby winner wins Preakness +175
1562 Derby winner won’t win Preakness -245
1563 Derby winner wins Belmont +325
1564 Derby winner won’t win Belmont -475
1565 Any horse wins 2+ triple crown races +140
1566 Different horses win Derby/Preak/Belmont -180
Kentucky Derby – Finish Last – Churchill Downs – Louisville, KY – Saturday, May 06, 2017 6:35 PM
1601 Lookin At Lee finishes last +3700
1602 Lookin At Lee won’t finish last -14100
1603 Thunder Snow finishes last +2000
1604 Thunder Snow won’t finish last -6000
1605 Fast and Accurate finishes last +325
1606 Fast and Accurate won’t finish last -475
1607 Untrapped finishes last +1300
1608 Untrapped won’t finish last -3000
1609 Always Dreaming finishes last +3000
1610 Always Dreaming won’t finish last -11000
1611 State of Honor finishes last +725
1612 State of Honor won’t finish last -1545
1613 Girvin finishes last +1550
1614 Girvin won’t finish last -4650
1615 Hence finishes last +2700
1616 Hence won’t finish last -8900
1617 Irap finishes last +850
1618 Irap won’t finish last -1750
1619 Gunnevera finishes last +3100
1620 Gunnevera won’t finish last -11300
1621 Battle of Midway finishes last +1400
1622 Battle of Midway won’t finish last -3600
1623 Sonneteer finishes last +1700
1624 Sonneteer won’t finish last -5100
1625 J Boys Echo finishes last +1700
1626 J Boys Echo won’t finish last -5100
1627 Classic Empire finishes last +3000
1628 Classic Empire won’t finish last -11000
1629 McCracken finishes last +3000
1630 McCracken won’t finish last -11000
1631 Tapwrit finishes last +2000
1632 Tapwrit won’t finish last -6000
1633 Irish War Cry finishes last +3000
1634 Irish War Cry won’t finish last -11000
1635 Gormley finishes last +1100
1636 Gormley won’t finish last -2300
1637 Practical Joke finishes last +1400
1638 Practical Joke won’t finish last -3600
1639 Patch finishes last +1100
1640 Patch won’t finish last -2300
Kentucky Derby – Matchups – Churchill Downs – Louisville, KY – Saturday, May 06, 2017 6:35 PM
3701 Lookin at Lee +175
3702 Always Dreaming -210
3703 Lookin at Lee +120
3704 Hence -140
3705 Lookin at Lee +145
3706 Gunnevera -165
3707 Lookin at Lee -160
3708 Sonneteer +140
3709 Lookin at Lee +100
3710 Tapwrit -120
3711 Lookin at Lee -105
3712 Practical Joke -115
3713 Thunder Snow -170
3714 Untrapped +150
3715 Thunder Snow +110
3716 Hence -130
3717 Thunder Snow -130
3718 Irap +110
3719 Thunder Snow -135
3720 Battle of Midway +115
3721 Thunder Snow -155
3722 Sonneteer +135
3723 Fast and Accurate +205
3724 State of Honor -245
3725 Untrapped +115
3726 Irap -135
3727 Untrapped -105
3728 Sonneteer -115
3729 Untrapped +120
3730 Gormley -140
3731 Untrapped +135
3732 Practical Joke -155
3733 Untrapped -120
3734 Patch +100
3735 Always Dreaming -145
3736 Gunnevera +125
3737 Always Dreaming -105
3738 Classic Empire -115
3739 Always Dreaming -105
3740 McCraken -115
3741 Always Dreaming +120
3742 Irish War Cry -140
3743 Girvin +140
3744 Battle of Midway -160
3745 Girvin +105
3746 Sonneteer -125
3747 Girvin +140
3748 J Boys Echo -160
3749 Girvin +155
3750 Tapwrit -175
3751 Hence -160
3752 Irap +140
3753 Hence +150
3754 Gunnevera -170
3755 Hence -160
3756 Sonneteer +140
3757 Hence -160
3758 J Boys Echo +140
3759 Hence +100
3760 Tapwrit -120
3761 Hence +100
3762 Practical Joke -120
3763 Irap -125
3764 Battle of Midway +105
3765 Irap -120
3766 Sonneteer +100
3767 Irap -120
3768 Gormley +100
3769 Irap +110
3770 Practical Joke -130
3771 Irap -160
3772 Patch +140
3773 Gunnevera +120
3774 Classic Empire -140
3775 Gunnevera +135
3776 McCraken -155
3777 Gunnevera +135
3778 Irish War Cry -155
3779 Battle of Midway -125
3780 Sonneteer +105
3781 Battle of Midway +115
3782 Tapwrit -135
3783 Battle of Midway +100
3784 Gormley -120
3785 Battle of Midway +155
3786 Practical Joke -175
3787 Sonneteer -105
3788 J Boys Echo -115
3789 Sonneteer +140
3790 Tapwrit -160
3791 Sonneteer -115
3792 Gormley -105
3793 Sonneteer +140
3794 Practical Joke -160
3795 J Boys Echo +125
3796 Tapwrit -145
3797 Classic Empire -110
3798 McCraken -110
3799 Classic Empire +110
3800 Irish War Cry -130
3801 McCraken -105
3802 Irish War Cry -115
3803 Tapwrit -160
3804 Gormley +140
3805 Tapwrit +115
3806 Practical Joke -135
3807 Gormley +130
3808 Practical Joke -150
3809 Gormley -150
3810 Patch +130
3811 Practical Joke -175
3812 Patch +155
4001 Lookin at Lee -170
4002 Thunder Snow +130
4003 Lookin at Lee -315
4004 Fast and Accurate +235
4005 Lookin at Lee -145
4006 Untrapped +105
4009 Lookin at Lee -160
4010 State of Honor +120
4011 Lookin at Lee -170
4012 Girvin +130
4015 Lookin at Lee -130
4016 Irap -110
4019 Lookin at Lee -145
4020 Battle of Midway +105
4023 Lookin at Lee -145
4024 J Boys Echo +105
4025 Lookin at Lee +170
4026 Classic Empire -230
4027 Lookin at Lee +150
4028 McCraken -190
4031 Lookin at Lee +180
4032 Irish War Cry -260
4033 Lookin at Lee -145
4034 Gormley +105
4037 Lookin at Lee -185
4038 Patch +145
4051 Thunder Snow -295
4052 Fast and Accurate +215
4055 Thunder Snow +175
4056 Always Dreaming -245
4057 Thunder Snow -160
4058 State of Honor +120
4059 Thunder Snow -135
4060 Girvin -105
4065 Thunder Snow +170
4066 Gunnevera -230
4071 Thunder Snow +115
4072 J Boys Echo -155
4073 Thunder Snow +175
4074 Classic Empire -245
4075 Thunder Snow +175
4076 McCraken -245
4077 Thunder Snow +150
4078 Tapwrit -190
4079 Thunder Snow +250
4080 Irish War Cry -350
4081 Thunder Snow -130
4082 Gormley -110
4083 Thunder Snow -110
4084 Practical Joke -130
4085 Thunder Snow -150
4086 Patch +110
4101 Fast and Accurate +185
4102 Untrapped -265
4103 Fast and Accurate +500
4104 Always Dreaming -900
4107 Fast and Accurate +190
4108 Girvin -270
4109 Fast and Accurate +245
4110 Hence -335
4111 Fast and Accurate +225
4112 Irap -305
4113 Fast and Accurate +340
4114 Gunnevera -510
4115 Fast and Accurate +210
4116 Battle of Midway -290
4117 Fast and Accurate +185
4118 Sonneteer -265
4119 Fast and Accurate +195
4120 J Boys Echo -275
4121 Fast and Accurate +500
4122 Classic Empire -900
4123 Fast and Accurate +500
4124 McCraken -900
4125 Fast and Accurate +270
4126 Tapwrit -390
4127 Fast and Accurate +575
4128 Irish War Cry -1125
4129 Fast and Accurate +185
4130 Gormley -265
4131 Fast and Accurate +255
4132 Practical Joke -365
4133 Fast and Accurate +185
4134 Patch -265
4151 Untrapped +275
4152 Always Dreaming -395
4153 Untrapped -125
4154 State of Honor -115
4155 Untrapped +120
4156 Girvin -160
4157 Untrapped +180
4158 Hence -260
4161 Untrapped +210
4162 Gunnevera -290
4163 Untrapped +115
4164 Battle of Midway -155
4167 Untrapped +115
4168 J Boys Echo -155
4169 Untrapped +275
4170 Classic Empire -395
4171 Untrapped +275
4172 McCraken -395
4173 Untrapped +190
4174 Tapwrit -270
4175 Untrapped +285
4176 Irish War Cry -405
4201 Always Dreaming -460
4202 State of Honor +320
4203 Always Dreaming -300
4204 Girvin +220
4205 Always Dreaming -215
4206 Hence +165
4207 Always Dreaming -210
4208 Irap +160
4211 Always Dreaming -260
4212 Battle of Midway +180
4213 Always Dreaming -335
4214 Sonneteer +245
4215 Always Dreaming -260
4216 J Boys Echo +180
4221 Always Dreaming -195
4222 Tapwrit +155
4225 Always Dreaming -315
4226 Gormley +235
4227 Always Dreaming -215
4228 Practical Joke +165
4229 Always Dreaming -405
4230 Patch +285
4251 State of Honor +130
4252 Girvin -170
4253 State of Honor +190
4254 Hence -270
4255 State of Honor +120
4256 Irap -160
4257 State of Honor +205
4258 Gunnevera -285
4259 State of Honor +105
4260 Battle of Midway -145
4261 State of Honor -105
4262 Sonneteer -135
4263 State of Honor +155
4264 J Boys Echo -195
4265 State of Honor +320
4266 Classic Empire -460
4267 State of Honor +320
4268 McCraken -460
4269 State of Honor +210
4270 Tapwrit -290
4271 State of Honor +350
4272 Irish War Cry -530
4273 State of Honor +105
4274 Gormley -145
4275 State of Honor +120
4276 Practical Joke -160
4277 State of Honor -115
4278 Patch -125
4301 Girvin +155
4302 Hence -195
4303 Girvin -105
4304 Irap -135
4305 Girvin +175
4306 Gunnevera -245
4313 Girvin +190
4314 Classic Empire -270
4315 Girvin +265
4316 McCraken -385
4319 Girvin +270
4320 Irish War Cry -390
4321 Girvin -130
4322 Gormley -110
4323 Girvin +160
4324 Practical Joke -210
4325 Girvin -150
4326 Patch +110
4355 Hence -155
4356 Battle of Midway +115
4361 Hence +140
4362 Classic Empire -180
4363 Hence +120
4364 McCraken -160
4367 Hence +170
4368 Irish War Cry -230
4369 Hence -160
4370 Gormley +120
4373 Hence -170
4374 Patch +130
4401 Irap +170
4402 Gunnevera -230
4407 Irap +115
4408 J Boys Echo -155
4409 Irap +165
4410 Classic Empire -215
4411 Irap +195
4412 McCraken -275
4413 Irap +135
4414 Tapwrit -175
4415 Irap +220
4416 Irish War Cry -300
4451 Gunnevera -165
4452 Battle of Midway +125
4453 Gunnevera -215
4454 Sonneteer +165
4455 Gunnevera -135
4456 J Boys Echo -105
4461 Gunnevera -150
4462 Tapwrit +110
4465 Gunnevera -270
4466 Gormley +190
4467 Gunnevera -145
4468 Practical Joke +105
4469 Gunnevera -230
4470 Patch +170
4503 Battle of Midway -125
4504 J Boys Echo -115
4505 Battle of Midway +180
4506 Classic Empire -260
4507 Battle of Midway +180
4508 McCraken -260
4511 Battle of Midway +190
4512 Irish War Cry -270
4517 Battle of Midway -155
4518 Patch +115
4553 Sonneteer +215
4554 Classic Empire -295
4555 Sonneteer +215
4556 McCraken -295
4559 Sonneteer +255
4560 Irish War Cry -365
4565 Sonneteer -130
4566 Patch -110
4601 J Boys Echo +180
4602 Classic Empire -260
4603 J Boys Echo +180
4604 McCraken -260
4607 J Boys Echo +180
4608 Irish War Cry -260
4609 J Boys Echo -145
4610 Gormley +105
4611 J Boys Echo +130
4612 Practical Joke -170
4613 J Boys Echo -165
4614 Patch +125
4653 Classic Empire -170
4654 Tapwrit +130
4657 Classic Empire -315
4658 Gormley +235
4659 Classic Empire -215
4660 Practical Joke +165
4661 Classic Empire -405
4662 Patch +285
4701 McCraken -195
4702 Tapwrit +155
4705 McCraken -315
4706 Gormley +235
4707 McCraken -215
4708 Practical Joke +165
4709 McCraken -405
4710 Patch +285
4751 Tapwrit +160
4752 Irish War Cry -210
4757 Tapwrit -215
4758 Patch +165
4801 Irish War Cry -350
4802 Gormley +250
4803 Irish War Cry -245
4804 Practical Joke +175
4805 Irish War Cry -415
4806 Patch +295
Kentucky Derby – Victory Margin – Churchill Downs – Louisville, KY – Saturday, May 06, 2017 6:35 PM
6001 Victory Margin: Dead Heat +6000
6002 Any other victory margin -20000
6003 Victory Margin: Nose +1375
6004 Any other victory margin -2910
6005 Victory Margin: Head +1025
6006 Any other victory margin -1812
6007 Victory Margin: Neck +800
6008 Any other victory margin -1475
6009 Victory Margin: 1/2 to 3/4 length +440
6010 Any other victory margin -650
6011 Victory Margin: 1 to 1 3/4 lengths +340
6012 Any other victory margin -465
6013 Victory Margin: 2 to 2 3/4 lengths +575
6014 Any other victory margin -985
6015 Victory Margin: 3 to 3 3/4 lengths +800
6016 Any other victory margin -1475
6017 Victory Margin: 4 to 4 3/4 lengths +1000
6018 Any other victory margin -1750
6019 Victory Margin: 5 to 5 3/4 lengths +1250
6020 Any other victory margin -2375
6021 Victory Margin: 6 to 6 3/4 lengths +1550
6022 Any other victory margin -3875
6023 Victory Margin: 7 to 7 3/4 lengths +2000
6024 Any other victory margin -5000
6025 Victory Margin: 8 to 8 3/4 lengths +2600
6026 Any other victory margin -6500
6027 Victory Margin: 9 to 9 3/4 lengths +3300
6028 Any other victory margin -9000
6029 Victory Margin: 10 to 10 3/4 lengths +4000
6030 Any other victory margin -12500
6031 Victory Margin: 11 to 14 3/4 lengths +3500
6032 Any other victory margin -10000
6033 Victory Margin: 15 lengths or more +10000
6034 Any other victory margin -32000
6035 Victory Margin: 1 to 2 3/4 lengths +190
6036 Any other victory margin -250
6037 Victory Margin: 3 to 5 3/4 lengths +335
6038 Any other victory margin -460
6039 Victory Margin: 6 to 7 3/4 lengths +1060
6040 Any other victory margin -1900
6041 Victory Margin: 8 to 10 3/4 lengths +1385
6042 Any other victory margin -2962
6051 Victory Margin: Head or more -2375
6052 Victory Margin: Dean Heat or Nose +1250
6053 Victory Margin: Neck or more -935
6054 Victory Margin: Head or less +555
6055 Victory Margin: 1/2 length or more -465
6056 Victory Margin: Neck or less +340
6057 Victory Margin: 1 length or more -200
6058 Victory Margin: 3/4 length or less +163
6059 Victory Margin: 2 lengths or more +110
6060 Victory Margin: 1 3/4 lengths or less -140
6061 Victory Margin: 3 lengths or more +175
6062 Victory Margin: 2 3/4 lengths or less -225
6063 Victory Margin: 4 lengths or more +255
6064 Victory Margin: 3 3/4 lengths or less -335
6065 Victory Margin: 5 lengths or more +370
6066 Victory Margin: 4 3/4 lengths or less -510
6067 Victory Margin: 6 lengths or more +730
6068 Victory Margin: 5 3/4 lengths or less -1345
6069 Victory Margin: 7 lengths or more +730
6070 Victory Margin: 6 3/4 lengths or less -1345
6071 Victory Margin: 8 lengths or more +975
6072 Victory Margin: 7 3/4 lengths or less -1725
6073 Victory Margin: 9 lengths or more +1420
6074 Victory Margin: 8 3/4 lengths or less -3190
6075 Victory Margin: 10 lengths or more +2065
6076 Victory Margin: 9 3/4 lengths or less -5125
6077 Victory Margin: 11 lengths or more +2900
6078 Victory Margin: 10 3/4 lengths or less -7250
Kentucky Derby – Winning Time – Churchill Downs – Louisville, KY – Saturday, May 06, 2017 6:35 PM
6103 Winning time over 2:02.65 -150
6104 Winning time under 2:02.65 +110
6111 Winning time over 1:59.39 -5400
6112 Winning time under 1:59.39 +1800
Kentucky Derby – Propositions – Churchill Downs – Louisville, KY – Saturday, May 06, 2017 6:35 PM
6201 Winning horse leads wire to wire +550
6202 Winning horse not wire to wire -1050
6203 Inquiry on outcome of Kentucky Derby +500
6204 No Inquiry needed for Derby outcome -900
6205 First quarter time over 22.8 seconds -140
6206 First quarter time under 22.8 seconds +100
6207 First half mile time over 46.8 seconds -120
6208 First half mile time under 46.8 seconds -120
6209 Official $2 win ticket pays over $18.50 -140
6210 Official $2 win ticket pays under $18.50 +100
6211 Total pari-mutuel payoffs over $70.00 -140
6212 Total pari-mutuel payoffs under $70.00 +100
Many folks dream of one day becoming a professional wrestler. This has been the dream of young men and women since wrestling became a thing. Only in the past two decades has wrestling become so much more accessible to the average person. With a slew of wrestling schools spread across the U.S. it seems like a new one is popping up every day. With all these schools there are an influx of independent wrestlers out there, all trying to get a piece of the action, many of which are disappointed by the reality of the industry.
There are so many things to look at when choosing a wrestling school. You want to see what former students have made it to the big time, who the trainers are, the amount of classes you take, the structure of the classes you take, the location, and of course the price. Just because you pay more, does not make it a better school. Just because they have been around longer does not make them a better school. It takes a lot of leg work on the part of the student, to find the right school to fit them. You generally want to find a school that doesn’t take more than 2 hours to drive to each way. You want to find a school that teaches in levels, but also has open rings for you too practice with those with more experience. You want to find a school that wants to build well rounded students, who look, work, and speak as a wrestler should. Most of all you want a school that is honest with students about their potential to make it as wrestlers, and who are willing to build them into the right roles within a company.
Remember these schools still have a bottom line, and that’s to produce money. Yes there are a few schools that aren’t about capitalizing per se, but it takes money to run a wrestling school, and few if any are doing entirely out of their pocket for the love of the sport. A lot of these schools are wrestler mills, and will take anyone’s money, slap them in a ring, give them some training and throw them on student shows. Too few of these schools, and the instructors in them are honest with student’s about their chances in making it, and what it really takes (in most cases) to make it big time. All schools should be offering a variety of courses to teach students the valuable skills of the wrestling industry. For instance, if you are not physically capable of wrestling, you may find you fit in as a manager, referee, ring announcer, commentator, or even in production. There is often no side education in the wrestling business, yet there are a ton of positions to fill. Remember wrestling school could cost you anywhere from $2500-$5000 just to get your beginner training. Many schools charge that for the first year, then a gym fee after.
Let’s say you make it through a school, even a mediocre one, and are ready to take matches in outside promotions. Then what? Are you ready to promote yourself as a full time job? Are you ready to pay for gear, and merchandise? Are you ready to build a recognizable name for yourself across your region? Do you know how to put a package together for the promoters you want to work for, to impress them and get a booking over 1000 other guys or gals on the scene? Then you do get these bookings, and you must worry about gear, gas money, travel buddies, missing events such as birthdays, weddings, and other moments your friends and family may really be angry you dipped out on. But if you cancel the show you may be ruining a story line, losing a belt, or even losing your place in the company. What happens if the promoter doesn’t pay? Do you have a spare tire? Are you prepared to drive 5 hours with 5 people in a compact car, to work in front of a crowd of 10,000 or 10, for 10 minutes, then drive home? These are all things to really think about before you get involved in independent wrestling.
Then once you get established are you ready to build a relationship with fans, so they buy your merchandise? Independent wrestling paydays often range from nothing to maybe a few hundred dollars if you are lucky. And you spend more than that in gas. Not to mention if you need to also get a hotel room, or pay for other travel expenses. Are you willing or able to take time off your day job to travel to shows that are further away but may be a better opportunity? What is your plan in case of injury? Do you carry personal insurance? The other expenses you will incur includes but isn’t limited to; new gear, tanning, gym dues, supplements, eating vast amounts of “clean calories”, which not only costs you money, but time to prepare, and consume as well.
So if you plan on getting involved in independent wrestling you have two choices, take it very seriously and think about all I have written about, and the things that pop into your mind that I haven’t, and take it on full bore. Or get involved as a hobby, find one spot you feel happy with, and don’t bitch about lack of bookings. Wrestling is still a competition. Know and understand the level you want to compete on. Know your limitations. Embrace what you are good at, and figure out what really suits you in the industry. And don’t get fooled by any snake oil salesmen along the way.
I am sure many of you have heard the phrase “Don’t talk about race, religion or politics”. To me this is a garbage statement meant to keep dissent down, and prevent rational conversation. It is literally something that has been burned into our minds, but why? Often we are told these are divisive topics, however in my opinion, I truly believe we are told not to speak of these things, in order to keep the status quo of divide and conquer. If everyone openly and rationally discussed these topics, I think a lot of folks would end up learning about things that would create change in their own outlooks, and an uprising against those who divide us.
Personally I have a history in political movements, and over time my views have expanded, grown and changed. I identify as an anarchist, but have worked for change with folks from across the spectrum of politics. In fact even today, I am involved in a battle against a new theme park that people from all political background have come together to fight the building of.
Even as an anarchist, I vote in local elections, have worked on campaigns for a variety of things, including but not limited to: open space regulations, homeless housing and services, city controller campaign, school board, and even most recently, helping push out a neighborhood council subdivision vote for Skid Row, here in Los Angeles. I wish more folks would turn off the TV, and become more engaged in their community.
One man who has decided to become more engaged in his community, is Glenn Jacobs, a man many of you sitting in front of your TV’s have known for 20 years as “Kane”. Jacobs is running for mayor of Knox County, TN. Prior to 2013, that may have sounded ridiculous, but I have a feeling “Corporate Kane” was created to help him to build a different public persona, (yes I know he put the mask back on in 2015/2016) though I think masked Kane, with fire and hell is way more intimidating than any politician I have seen. Last month he officially announced his candidacy for mayor, and has begun to put out promotional materials and build a platform for his campaign. This video came out two days ago wanted to embed it, but for some reason his campaign shut embedding off. (Its like they don’t want people to see the video?)
As mayor, Mr. Jacobs will focus his efforts on delivering results for the citizens of Knox County. The areas below will be a major focus to help make Knox County what President Reagan referred to as “the shining city upon a hill.”
What is also interesting is he talks about full transparency, and limited government, as campaign points, but I have to wonder what this really means to him, as none of this is explained on his website. In fact his website doesn’t even give the date of the election, which is also rather confusing to me. It also doesn’t tell us whether he IS the Republican Candidate for Mayor, or if he needs to win a primary vote. This makes me question how serious this campaign is, if they aren’t providing important information about the election, links on how and were to vote, or other relevant info. Here is the election schedule I found online, which lists the upcoming primaries and elections.
So if you are a Knox County resident I implore you to really look at all the candidates, their platforms, and make an educated decision. Don’t just vote based on who you like to watch on TV, or listen to on the radio, (one of the other candidates is a radio host). Do your research, and make an informed and educated choice on who you want to run your county. And that advice goes out to everyone, no matter where you live. Do not fall for the cult of personality. Inform yourselves. Be active, get involved in your communities political processes. In order to create a world we want to see, we need to use our voices, and make a stand for what we want to see.
Lastly, this is not an endorsement, it is just a look into what Glenn Jacobs platform is. As the year progresses we will follow up with other relevant stories and info. This is just a first look into the political aspirations of a professional wrestler.
I apologize for the lateness of this article… I moved since getting back from Orlando, and have had some technical difficulties that kept me from uploading the media I wanted to use for this article!
As some of you know who read my articles, I have been a life long wrestling fan. I have been watching as long as I can remember and it has always been a part of my life, one way or another. When WrestleMania was announced, and I found out my grandparents friends were getting it on closed circuit tv, I begged to be allowed to watch, as they said it was an “adult party” that I wouldn’t be interested, in wrestling anyway, as it was “for boys”. Begging, pleading, and naming all my favorite wrestlers worked, and I got to watch it with the guys my grandfathers friend had invited over. This was just the beginning. When pay per view became a thing, we would order the special box for the wrestling shows, my grandfather would invite his friends, my moms sister, and her family would join us in watching it at our house, or invite us to theirs to get the PPV. Wrestling was the one sport that brought my family together in any way.
This was my first opportunity to go to WrestleMania, despite many offers and failed attempts in the past. Like when my friend spent $4k on fake tickets, he insisted were real, despite not being from Ticketmaster. He was arrested for trying to sell the fake ticket I refused to attempt to use to an undercover, and spent 2 nights in jail. (Don’t buy tickets through scalpers who put ads on craigslist, or in the paper, only buy them through Ticketmaster, or verifiable reseller sites.) Even last year I was asked to go to WrestleMania, but the person wasn’t ever intending on taking me, or so it seems…
When the possibility of going this year came up, I didn’t put too much into it, as I rather not get excited about things that may not happen. But when my plane tickets were purchased, and we began forming an agenda, I knew it was real. Holy shit…. I was actually going! We procured tickets to WrestleMania, The WWE Hall of Fame, RAW, and Axxess for Thursday. We also booked for PromoterCon at WrestleCon, and planned on hitting up some of the independent events. When we began looking for a hotel, all that was available was lower end motels, so I began looking at other options. Usually I wouldn’t do this, but since we were heading to Orlando, Florida, I didn’t feel bad about booking an airbnb, as its a city full of vacation rentals. We found a lakeside rental, only 10 minutes from the airport, that could sleep up to 8 people, and it cost less than a small cheap motel for the week!
We flew out last Wednesday, and luckily had no big issues. We got our rental car, picked up our WrestleMania Flyers and went to the spot we rented. It was quaint, but clean and spacious and perfect for working when we had downtime as well as entertaining guests. We called it an early night so we could be ready for the weeks events, and the fact is I am on Los Angeles time, so the three hour time difference made it harder for me to be a morning person. I managed to get up and get dressed up, and we hit the road just about on time. On our way we stopped at WaWa, which is a treat for me as I live in Los Angeles, and we don’t have them there. And anyone who has been involved in east coast independent wrestling knows just how important WaWa can be, and I procured my favorite beverage, WaWa Green Tea!
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Our first stop was PromoterCon, which was a panel on promoting wrestling shows featuring: WWE Hall Of Famer JJ Dillon, Owner/Founder of WrestleCade Entertainment & AML Wrestling Tracy Myers, Owner/Founder of Gimmick Tree Entertainment & Modern Vintage Wrestling Charlie Armstrong and Owner of Combat Zone Wrestling and WSU, DJ Hyde. The event’s tagline was “Putting Butts in Seats” but honestly they could have done a better job getting folks to this. With my background in promoting shows, and working in production, I was quite interested in this event, but honestly I didn’t learn anything new. It was more geared towards beginners and folks who had limited knowledge of how to run live events. It probably was helpful for a few in the room. And it was nice to see Bill Apter there, who gave a short speech on wrestling media. Bill Apter is the longest running wresting journalist I know of, and he is full of all kinds of useful info, and I wish I would have had more time to chat with him of all people, but we had more to do!
Our next stop was WWE Axxess, which I already wrote a little bit about. The first person I saw that I know was “The Hobo” former CWF Hollywood Champion. The line was huge to get in, it took half an hour but moved pretty quickly. When we got inside it was a little overwhelming, as there was a lot to see and do. Some of the highlights were the Foam Pit Ring, the Superstar entrance way, the promo cutting booth, as well as many other interactive displays.
There was a ring set up for a few 205Live/NXT matches, presentations, interviews, and more. Fans also go opportunity to get autographs and photos with their favorite WWE superstars, and there was a massive WWE Pop Up Shop there as well. Overall it was a fun experience. Here is a clip of WWE Hall of Famer Alundra Blaze on women’s wrestling.
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The next day we attended the WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony and watched the class of 2017 be inducted, which included: Beth Phoenix, the Rock and Roll Express, Ravishing Rick Rude, Teddy Long, Kurt Angle, and others. There were heartfelt speeches from Nattie Niedhart, Ricky Steamboat, Jim Cornette, and JBL and Ron Simmons as they inducted this years class.
Day 3 we headed to the WWN shows, which due to miscommunication we did not actually have tickets, for, but due to our connections we did end up attending the afternoon Chikara Pro show. If you are not familiar with Chikara, they are my favorite independent wrestling promotion. They are one part lucha, one part Japanese, one part catch, with some american independent wrestling blended in. You never know what to expect. They kicked it off with a trio’s match, which is a tag team match with teams of 3 instead of 2. Chikara actually has whole tournament built around these teams called “King of Trio’s” which if you can get tickets, is not to be missed! We also got the rare opportunity to see their trainer and mentor, Mike Quackenbush in some action with Zack Saabre Jr. This match was yet another technical masterpiece. I really enjoyed it. In fact I enjoyed the matches so much, I didn’t bother with a review. Its really hard for me to write up reviews when I am really into watching something. The lighting also made it impossible to take photos if you were not sitting at ringside, so all my pictures came out blurry.
After checking out what was going on in the independent scene we headed out to meet up with my friend Melissa Coates, who is currently working with Sabu, as his wrestling genie sidekick.We met up with Melissa, Sabu, Jaime Dauncey, Crystal Carmichael and others, and headed out to Kevin Nash’s Shenanigans VIP Party. Though I did not see everyone who was listed in attendance, I am sure way more folks were there. We got there later in the evening, and the place was packed. It seemed the venue was far from prepared for the madness that ensued. You literally could not walk. Plus as we were in attendance with Sabu, fans were so excited to see him, at times it seemed they were more excited to see Sabu than Kevin Nash! I finally got opportunity to meet Al Snow, and I couldn’t help but mark out a little, as he really has done a tremendous amount for the wrestling industry and those in it. Other notable folks in attendance were: Shane Helms and his lovely wife, RVD, OBD, So Cal Val, Abyss, Amber O’Neill, Billy Gunn, and so many others we either did not spot or can’t remember to name at the time of this article. Shout out to The Pro Wrestling Report for putting together such a fantastic event! Here is a clip of the the crowd preparing to do a shot with Kevin, as you can see it was packed, and pretty wild.
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We got back to our rental extremely late/early depending on how you look at it. Everyone else went directly to sleep, but I was so stoked… WrestleMania was only a few hours away! After a couple hours of browsing through twitter, I finally fell asleep. When I woke up it was time to prepare for the biggest day of the year! We got ready to go, waited for the rest of our party to return from their early morning expedition and headed to the Camping World Stadium, aka The Citrus Bowl. One thing that blew my mind was that parking was $150 per car. No I didn’t add a zero or extra digit… you read that right… one hundred and fifty dollars to park a car!!! Seriously that has to be the most ridiculous parking charge I have ever heard of in my life. If I were to pay that, the motherfucking valet better clean and polish my car, and drive me home. My plane ticket home to Los Angeles cost less than parking at the stadium!!! So we did what any smart folks would do, we found a business owner a few blocks away who was renting his trucking company lot for $30 per car. Whoot! If I wasn’t in heels, I would have been down to park even further away. Note to anyone ever going to Orlando for major events, parking is expensive and can be a bitch, as there is not much street parking to be found.
We got inside, and much to my horror, we were sitting up in the top of the stadium. I have issues with vertigo, and an ridiculous fear of falling, (probably because I am a total klutz.) so it took me about 15 minutes to adjust to our seats. I wrote the match results as we sat there, but they were brief as there is no pause button on a live event. I was so happy that we got there in time to see Neville vs Austin Aries. I don’t care what anyone says, I love watching these guys wrestle. I been a long time fan of Aries, and Neville just keeps getting better and better. This was one of my favorite matches of the night and it wasn’t even on the main card! Ambrose vs Corbin was way to short for my liking. Shane and AJ were just as wild as I expected. The Owens/Jericho match was meh. I think I had enough of it the month before. The RAW Womens Championship match was also disappointing as I would have liked to see Nia Jax go further in the match. The 4 way Tag Team Championship Ladder match was OFF THE CHAIN!
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We saw the return of the Hardy’s, which though speculated for 2 weeks prior, got one of the biggest pops of the night. The Hardy’s walked away as the new RAW Tag Champions. Next was Miz and Maryse vs Cena and Nikki Bella. Cena Proposed to Nikki after the match. She should have said no. Rollins vs HHH was kinda a snoozer. As much as I love Rollins, I am incredibly bored by HHH. Stephanie saved the match by falling through a table though, and effectively putting her out of commission for a while. Orton vs Wyatt was interesting. Watching them project worms on the ring was a nice touch, though it would have been nice to see Orton sell it as if the ring was moving and writhing under him. Hopefully that storyline gets buried with the worms… Lesner vs Goldberg… I can’t even remember watching it, I am so bored by those two. SmackDown’s Womens Championship match was WAAAAAY too short. So happy for Naomi, she has come a long way and deserves that belt! And finally the main event… The Undertaker vs Roman Reigns. It was really hard to see The Undertaker moving so slowly, and really having difficulties with things he once made us go crazy for. That man has put his body through an incredible amount of hell for our entertainment. I think it was a huge honor for Reigns to be the one working him in his last match, and to be handed the torch so to say. Overall the match wasn’t of the highest wrestling quality, but for nostagia, and pulling at the heart strings, it was a 10. Wrestlemania ended with The Undertaker leaving his hat, gloves, and jacket in the ring, signalling his retirement.
My first in person WrestleMania was a great one, and probably the most memorable one in the 33 year history of WrestleManias.
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The next night we were back at it, and headed out to Monday Night Raw at the Amway Center. When you watch RAW on TV, some folks don’t realize in order to get the crowd riled up there are often matches for Main Event, or other WWE pre taped shows, so the fans have something to cheer for After the match taped for Main Event, the entire arena chanted “Undertaker” over and over. Those who watched RAW live that night, said the TV show opened with us chanting, and it gave them chills. The first segment was Roman Reigns coming out the the ring for a promo. The fans in attendance boo’d for what felt like an eternity. Roman said one simple statement “This is my yard now” and walked off. Other highlights of RAW were Kurt Angle being named the new GM, Cesaro and Sheamus becoming the #1 contenders for the tag titles, and the return of Finn Balor! The crowd was on FIRE when his music hit. I know I say it a lot, but it is awesome to see those I knew from my independent wrestling days make it to TV.
After RAW was over Goldberg came out and said his goodbyes for now. It was kinda sweet as he brought his kid to the ring and acknowledged his wife, and his life as a dad. Here is our after-RAW report from the rental.
The next day we went to breakfast with Osiris and his entourage, we caught up on some north east indy wrestling. After parting ways we then considered going to Smackdown, but instead decided to hit Disney World, specifically the Magic Kingdom. Can I say Space Mountain might be my favorite ride ever? Also got to spin around wicked fast on the tea cups, and look at the bizarre ideas Walt Disney held of the world.
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Our last day in Florida we decided to hit the beach. Cocoa beach is beautiful! The water was so nice, considering I have been on the west coast so long, I forgot how nice the ocean could feel when its not freezing and full of oil…
Overall the trip was great. It was nice to catch up with long lost friends, and make some new ones! We are already planning on next year, so watch out New Orleans, here we come!!!
Titus O’Neil vs Curtis Axl, Titus O’Neil took the win.
RAW:
RAW opens with Roman Reigns who the crowd is booing… Roman finally gets to cut his promo and every time he lifts the mic a new chant starts… the fans in attendance will not let him speak! Asshole, please retire, go away are just some of the chants in the arena. Roman finally speaks. He says “This is my yard now” and drops the mic. Really that’s all that needed to be said.
The crowd at the Amway Center are hot tonight folks.
Speaking of heat… the first match tonight is Gallows and Anderson vs the Hardy’s (c) in a rematch for the RAW Tag Titles. The Hardy’s retain the championship.
Neville comes out and cuts a promo, says Aries is a better talker than fighter. He also states that tomorrow they will have a party on 205Live. During his promo Mustafa Ali comes out, seems to be a non title, Cruiserweight bout. Neville d. Mustafa Ali. Mustafa Ali is fun to watch. Hell pretty much the whole division is awesome if you don’t already subscribe to WWE Network you should so you can catch all the Cruiserweight action on 205Live!
Vince McMahon cones out and thanks the fans. He announces that next week there will be a shake up, so I am guessing its draft time. He then shows a clip of Stephanie going through the table, crowd goes nuts, he says we are insensitive and cuts a promo on us, then announce a new general manager. Teddy Long’s music hits… he dances out but Vince tell him its not him… holla holla holla. The new gm is…. Kurt Angle!!!! All Kurt has to say is, “It’s great to be back!”
The New Day comes out to rhe ring with some awesome spikey pastel shoulder pads. They cuts a promo about not wrestling last night. Then they issue a open challenge to anyone in the locker room willing to fight them. The Revival answers the challenge, and wins by pinfall.
Enzo and Cass complain to Kurt Angle that they want another shot at the titles. Promo was hilarious.
Next up is Bayley, Dana Brooke, & Sasha Banks vs. Emma, Nia Jaxx, & Charlotte Flair, in a six woman tag match. Sasha got a submission on Charlotte for her team to win.
Sami Zayn tried to butter up Angle to build a relationship with him. Jinder Mahal comes in and insists he should have won the battle royal. Kurt says from here on out we settle our issues in the ring and makes a match between the two.
Up next… Brock Lesner… ugh.
Brock and Heyman come out and call out Roman Reigns… The dog catcher Brock Lesner? ha flks sitting around me are getting silly. Heyman wants a match tonight. Braun Strowmans music hits, he comes to the ring, basically challenging Lesner… Lesner seems up for the challenge. The stare each other down then Strowman makes his way back up the ramp.
Backstage interview with Jericho its gonna be Jericho and Rollins against Owens and Samoa Joe tonight. Jericho wants revenge. He is going after the tip of Owens finger which has now just made the list. Owens attacks Jericho mid promo, along with Samoa Joe, they beat Jericho down an put him through a table.
Angle tells Rollins the match must go on and he will find him a partner.
Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs. Cesaro and Sheamus to determine the #1 contenders for the Tag Titles. Cesaro and Sheamus get the won and are the new #1 contenders.
Sami Zayn vs. Jinder Mahal, Sami Zayn wins by pinfall. That was fast.
Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe vs. Seth Rollins and Finn Balor!!!!! Aaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! Finn Balor and Seth Rollins win via pinfall.
Goldberg comes out and talks from the heart about his return, his family, and the fans. He directly addresses his son, making him tear up… He then called his kid to the ring, he says this isn’t part of the show. He got to take the belt to hi young sons school to show the kids there. He said whether we cheer or boo that mean he’s done something. He then says this may be the last time we may ever see him in the ring. He ends with ‘we never know what or who is next. One more thing… never say never”.
We were running late, searching for food and the escalator to our section was broken.
We arrived in time for one of the matches I was most excited about at least.
Neville (c) vs Ares was amazing, and it was awesome to see them put on suck a show for us. These two can wrestle and IMO deserved to be in the main show.
The Andre The Giant Memorial battlw royal begin…
A bunch of people who dont matter get tossed out immediately. There is no way to review this madness in real time. Rob Gronkowski of the NE Patriots climbed over the barricaide after Jinder Mahal dumped water on him at ringside. Mojo Rawley eliminated Jinder Mahal for the win.
Next is Baron Corbin vs Dean Ambrose (c) for the Intercontinental Championship, Dean Ambrose retained his title.
AJ Styles vs Shane MacMahon, this match was awesome. Shane still has “it” and AJ was awesome as always. AJ by pinfall.
Kevin Owens vs Chris Jericho (c) for the US Title. Winner and new US Champ Kevin Owens.
Bayley (c) vs Nia Jaxx vs Charlotte Flair vs Sasha Banks for the RAW Womens Title Nia was eliminated first followed by Sasha. Bayley retains her title with the pin on Charlotte.
Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs Cesaro and Sheamus vs Gallows and Anderson (c) for the Raw Tag Team Titles. The New Day comes out to make an announcement that this is now a fatal 4 way…. And the Hardys have RETURNED to WWE!!! Your new Raw Tag Champs are The Hardy’s!
The Miz and Maryse vs John Cena and Nikki Bella… Cena and Bella win… lots of boo’s. John Cena then asks Nikki to marry him… more boo’s… she didn’t say anything audible whatsoever. Way to have a “moment”.
Seth Rollins vs HHH in a non sanctioned match. Stephanie took a hard bump thrpugh the table, and Rollins picks up the win after a Pedigree on HHH.
Randy Orton vs Bray Wyatt (c) for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Winner and new champion Randy Orton.
Next Brock Lesner vs Goldberg… please make this end fast. It did. Goldberg won.
Next is all the Smackdown Live women vs Alexa Bliss (c) for the Smackdown Womens Championship. The challengers are: Becky Lynch, Micky James, Nattie Neidhart, Carmela, and Naomi. Naomi wins by submission on Alexa Bliss and is your new Champion!
The New Day comes out… to announce the attendance record. Record breaking crowd 75,245 people at the Citrus Bowl aka Camping World Stadium.
Main event time! Roman Reigns vs The Undertaker!!!! ROMAN REIGNS WON!!! After the match the undertaker left his gear in the ring, ignalling his retirement.
