When a Wrestling Match Becomes A Fight

I’ve been reading the articles on Sexy Star vs Rosemary incident. I would like to note that I do not know either woman in person, nor have any relationship with either of them online, as far as I know. (I have a lot of Facebook friends, maybe one of them is on there?) I know who they are because I follow Shimmer and AAA. You can watch the incident here on PWmania.com if you haven’t seen it already.

While there is hype from both sides as to whether or not Sexy Star was responsible for Rosemary’s injury, is there more hype because it was a major show, or because it is part of a storyline, is the question that has been asked again and again. “Shooting” in wrestling has happened since the beginning of the sport. Former NWA Champion Lou Thesz was a well known shooter, as back in those days it wasn’t uncommon for a shooter from another territory to come in and try to beat the champion, to discredit the other, and try to prove their territory was better.

One of the shoots I most clearly remember seeing, which I won’t lie and say I didn’t cheer on, was when Daniel Puder shot on Kurt Angle, and put him in a kimura (arm lock) and nearly broke Angles arm. This was after Angle himself had shot on another tough enough contestant and declared an open contest. Well, Puder cashed in and nearly broke the former Olympians arm, to make a point that Angle let his power go to his head, and shouldn’t.

One question I have to ask, is where is the outrage for all the other women and men who have been shot on, both on the professional and independent level, and been injured by the shooter? This has happened to not only myself but many other wrestlers I know. Should we have fought back? Should we have “complained” to bookers and fellow workers? Some people did and were ignored, fired, blacklisted, harassed, etc.

I struggled with what happened to me for a long time. It caused me to lose trust, and to have a hard time building it with other wrestlers, as well as constantly made me question my own abilities, despite knowing I had more than put in my time. My life was made into a living hell by a woman who spent years attempting to destroy my character, for what purpose, other than jealousy, I cannot see.

So what do we do with these bullies in pro wrestling? Do we stand up and use the same tactics against them? Do we complain to the wrestling universe about these folks? Do we demand they are ousted from their roles in companies, and who decides, “what side is right”? I mean even if our sport is “a work” it’s still a fight, and maybe that is something we should all keep in mind.

SmackDown Results 8/29/17

Results via WWE

United States Champion AJ Styles def. Kevin Owens with Baron Corbin as the special guest referee

Dolph Ziggler promised to do what the “stars” do next week on SmackDown LIVE

Naomi & Becky Lynch def. Natalya & Carmella

Shinsuke Nakamura def. The Singh Brothers

The Usos def. The Hype Bros

Shelton Benjamin returned to WWE on SmackDown LIVE

Bobby Roode def. Aiden English

RAW

Monday Night RAW Results 8/28/17

Results via WWE

Jeff Hardy won a Battle Royal to become The Miz’s next challenger for the Intercontinental Championship

Enzo Amore def. Noam Dar

Universal Champion Brock Lesnar addressed Braun Strowman

Cesaro def. Raw Tag Team Champion Seth Rollins

Raw Tag Team Champion Dean Ambrose def. Sheamus

Emma def. Mickie James

John Cena and Roman Reigns made their WWE No Mercy match official

John Cena & Roman Reigns def. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson

“Impressive” Pelvis Wesley confronted Elias

Alexa Bliss beats Sasha Banks to regain the RAW Women’s Championship

Nia Jax spoils Alexa Bliss’ Raw Women’s Title victory celebration

Remembering “Rowdy” Roddy Piper


Today is two years since “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has passed. He was an incredible force in wrestling and entertainment throughout my childhood, and into my adult life. As I was a wrestling fan from early childhood, Piper was always one of those guys who stood out to me. My first memories were when he feuded with Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. As a small child the dog collar match really frightened me.


Roddy Piper vs. Greg Valentine (Dog Collar… by WWFOldSchool

A few years later, Piper would join the WWF and become an temporary manager, and personality, which led to his very own segment, “Pipers Pit”. This segment always consisted of Piper calling our other wrestlers to interview, then would insult them, and it would almost always end with a fight. The heat Piper had as a heel at WWF was amazing, and he hadn’t even wrestled. When he finally wrestled Hogan, in that MTV special with Cyndi Lauper and Captain Lou, he helped Hogan become more beloved by the crowd, for as snide and pompous as Piper could be, Hogan was equally wholesome and inspiring… it was one of Hogans more memorable moments of my childhood, and it was also what slung shot Piper to stardom.

Over the years Piper was the IC champion, was The “President” of the company, and was  seen as a guest ref in matches, then from WWF went to WCW and ran an memorable feud with NWO that lasted nearly two years. He took a chunk of time off and returned to WWE in the early 2000’s, mostly in a non wrestling role. He left the company at some point, and had a brief run in TNA, after which he returned to WWE, as well as did a series of appearances on the Independent circuit before his death.

What really got me about Piper, was the way he was able to keep your attention. When he spoke, people listened, well unless they were booing… He could play the crowd like a violin, and very few wrestlers who have succeeded him, have even come close to his greatness on the mic. Piper influenced a legion of wrestlers, managers, and personalities, with his quick wit, and his seemingly boundless energy and love for the business.

He will never be forgotten.

wrastlemania podcast betwrestling

An Interview with Liz Savage by Wrastlemania Podcast!

This week I got interviewed by the Wrastlemania Podcast with stand-up comedians Brent Terhune and Brad Scott. It’s been a while since I have been the focus of an interview, so its a little choppy at first, but I hope you enjoy it. I talk about my stalker, my time in independent wrestling, this website and more! Check it out, and I hope you like it!

Make sure you follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wrastlemaniapod

G.L.O.W. Debuts on Netflix!

Since I heard of its inception,  I have been super excited about the series on G.L.O.W.  aka the 80’s/90’s Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling, as I loved the ridiculousness of it all as a kid, and it inspired me greatly to wrestle myself. In 1986 when this debuted I was already well into wrestling fandom, and had always been sad there weren’t more women to look up to. What GLOW lacked in wrestling ability, it made up in character. The ladies of GLOW were easier to either love or hate, than most of the guys in other televised pro wrestling. Watching women like Big Bad Mama, Beastie, Hollywood, The Metal Sisters, Mountain Fiji, and all the other “characters” that were presented throughout the seasons.

This series focus’s on the making of GLOW and creates some fake (and maybe presents a touch of real) backstories of the women who became the in ring talent. So far I have watched the first episode and am totally enthralled. Just starting episode 2 now. When I get through the whole series I will write a full review. All I can say now, is this is totally worth watching.

Since we can’t show you more than a preview of the show, what we can show you is a look back at the pilot episode of the Original GLOW experience.

Enjoy!

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WWE Extreme Rules Results

Pre show:

Kalisto vs Apollo Crews w/ Titus O’neil – I really enjoyed this match. Lots of high flying lucha action from Kalisto, and lots of power moves by Crews. These two guys work well off each others very different wrestling styles. This match has lots of action, and ends after Titus O’neil accidentally distracts Crews with advice and Kalisto hits the Salida Del Sol for the win.

Main Card:

Intercontinental Championship Match: If Ambrose gets DQ’d he loses the Title – The Miz vs Dean Abrose(c) – Basically this match is gonna be an attempted screw job. Maryse is in wrestling gear at ringside. So that says something. Miz tries to get Ambrose caught with the chair, is inciting him to beat and choke him.  A bit of wrestling happens… go figure… I’m imagining a “This is Boring” chant in my head. I’m way less interested in this match then I thought I’d be. I am also writing this from my cell so excuse any mistakes. Ok match has gotten a bit better since Ambrose dropped a elbow off the top. Still way less interesting than I’d expect from these guys. Abrose hurts his leg, Miz takes advantage. Gets dean in a figure 4. Ambrose gets the ropes but os pretty beat after, but still has more. During the fray Miz pulls a turnbuckle cover off. Ambrose doesnt fall gor it. More back and forth. Ambrose geta Miz in the figure 4. Miz gets the ropes. Maryse slaps Miz and official sends Maryse to the locker room. Miz slams Ambrose into the ref, official was still distracted by Maryse. Miz hits Skullcrusher thing for the win. Your new Intercontinental Champion: The Miz.

Backstage Interview with Bayley talking about watching some Kendo stick matches, and saw Wonder Woman and shes ready to get the Womens Championship Back.

Noam Dar and Alicia Fox vs Rich Swann and Sasha Banks: The guys start put but then the girls tag in and get a good chunk of time in the start of match but dont do much?? Guys tag back in, beat each other up. Alicia Fox tries to get involved,  anf Banks attacks her tossing her out of the ring. Everyones out, Banks goes to the top to get Fox Dar tries to move Fox and gets tackled by Banks instead. Swann drags him back to the ring to give him another move from the top for good measure, Swann pins Dar for the win. Swann and Banks dance in the ring.

Elias Sampson is in the ring, with a guitar and a keffiteh asking who wants tp rock with him… people don’t seem to want to rock with him. He sings about how gross Balitmore is gross to the tune of hotel California or something. Its really weird. Thanks Elias.  Booker T thinks he’s good, now im totally sold.

RAW Women’s Championship: Kendo Stick on a Pole Match – Bayley vs Alexa Bliss(c) – Bliss taunts Bayley right from the start. Alexa is first to go for the Kendo stick but Bayley gets the stick but drops it and both woman fall outside. Bayley blocks Alrxa from the stick then gives her a suplex on the groubd outside. Bayley has the kendo stick,  Alexa ran away, Bayley took too much time and Alexa kicks the kendo stick outta her hands and then beats Bayley with it. BAayley does a Belly to Bayley on Alexa, more bavk and forth, Alexa gets the stick again beats Bayley, and Alexa retains her title. Lesson: don’t hesitate when ypu have a kendo stick.

RAW Tag Team Championship Match: Steel Cage Match, both members must escape the cage – Cesaro and Sheamus vs The Hardy Boyz (c) – Cersaro and Sheamus have some sweet black kilts and matching jackets. The cage is open at the top so its pretty ridiculous. No nm pinfalls or submissions just both members have to escape. The Hardys are gicing a beating to Sheamus and Cesaro, who clearly have less cahe match experience.  Hardys try to escape, but thier opponents pull them back in. Matt Hardy gets to the top of the cage, Cesaro goes after him and hands him off to Sheamus for a standing senton. Cesaro and Sheamus are now in control, beating up the Hardys for thier chance at escape. Jeff fights back, climbs the cage, Sheamus pulls him down. More back and forth, all men are down. Hardys climb first but Sheamus and Cesaro follow, all men at the top of the cage. Jeff makes it out, its now 2 on one, but Matt takes both men down momentarily. Matt scales the cage, Ceasaro and Sheamus are dragging him back into the ring and he gets a double Razors Edge. Jeff Hardy is trying to get back in, but Cesaro slams the cage door on his face. Sheamus tries the door but Matt gets him in a Twist of Fate. Matt then pulls Ceasaro down, but Cesaro gets up and pulls him down and C&S give Maty the White Noise. Jeff gets back in and does the Whisper in the Wind from the top of the cage. Race to the outside of the cage, Ceasaro and Sheamus for the win and the Tag Titles! Yaaaaaaay!

WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match: Submission Match – Austin Aries vs Neville (c) – This match is too much.. plus I rather watch than write… The match was awesome. Neville retains his title. 205Live matches are way better than RAW matches IMO.

Fatal 5 way for #1 contender for Universal Championship Match against Bork Lesner – Bray Wyatt vs Seth Rollins vs Samoa Joe vs Roman Reigns vs Finn Baylor – Joe and Rollings and Wyatt and Balor start off, leaving Reigns standing alone. This Match is way too much to follow to try to write about. Results when it happens… the match was nuts witb Joe and Wyatt teaming up like a wrecking crew. All sorts of chair shots and high spots and even a trip through the barricaide. Samoa Joe wins by Submission. That means we have to watch him wrestle Lesner. Sounds painful. To watch.

Overall I thought this PPV was meh. The last two matches were the best. My MOTN was Neville and Aries.

Next PPV is Money in the Bank followed by Great Balls of Fire.

Wrestling Promoters: Be Accountable to Your Talent

This article reflects the thoughts and words of Liz Savage, not www.betwrestling.com if you have issue with its content, she says you can GFY.

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!

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