THE EAST COAST INDY WRESTLING UPDATE #11, by John (Saturday, October 18, 2003)

Table of Contents:

- STU HART'S PASSING
- SOURCES
- EAST COAST INDY WRESTLERS IN INTERNATTIONAL INDIES NEWS
- MISC. EAST COAST INDY TIDBITS
- UPCOMING EAST COAST INDY EVENT SHILLSS
- COMBAT ZONE WRESTLING (CZW) NEWS
- IWA MID-SOUTH HARDCORE WRESTLING (IWAA-MS) NEWS
- MAJOR LEAGUE WRESTLING (MLW) NEWS
> - NWA-TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION (NWA-TNA) NEEWS
- NWA WILDSIDE NEWS
- RING OF HONOR (ROH) NEWS
- XTREME PRO WRESTLING (XPW) NEWS
- MULTIMEDIA OF THE WEEK
- SHILLS OF THE WEEK

- STU HART'S PASSING

Before I begin this week's issue of the NoHoldsBarredWrestling.com East Coast Indy Wrestling Update, I would like to send out my condolences on the recent passing of the legendary Stu Hart to the Hart Family and Stu's fans. Stu - the patriarch of the famous Hart Family and the founder of Stampede Wrestling - passed away yesterday afternoon at Rockyview General Hospital after suffering from ailments associated with pneumonia, diabetes, and arthritis. This is one of the all too numerous tragedies associated with the Hart Family, and I truly hope that it will be the last for awhile. Stu and the rest of his family forever changed the pro wrestling industry and he will not be forgotten. A story regarding Stu's passing can be found at the Toronto Star web site.

SOURCES

1Wrestling.com, Bob Barnett, CZWWrestling.com, Evan Ginzberg, Gerweck.net, IWAMidSouthWrestling.com, JAPW.net, Jeremy Borash, Masanori Horie, TheSmartMarks.com, MLW.com, NWATNA.com, NWA-Wildside.com, PuroresuFan.com, PWBTS.com, PWTorch, ROHWrestling.com, Wade Keller, Wrestling Observer, XPWTV.com

EAST COAST INDY WRESTLERS IN INTERNATIONAL INDIES NEWS

- Sabu is currently competing in the Michinoku Pro Tag League tour until 10/19. He is teaming with MIKAMI in the event.
- IWA-MS' Mad Man Pondo and 2 Tuff Tonyy are currently touring with Big Japan and Fuyuki Army.
- The 10/10 - 10/18 ZERO-ONE tour is feeaturing Low Ki, Steve Corino, UPW's "Outlaw" Mike Knox, Tom Howard, "Hardcore Kidd" Aaron Aguilera, and The Predator (Sylvester Terkay). Sakoda - a current WWE developmental wrestler - was a last-minute replacement for Kinng Dabada, who was forced to pull his appearances from the tour due to poor health. On the 10/13 Hakata Star Lane show of the tour, Predator captured the vacant ZERO-ONE U.S. Heavyweight Title by defeating Knox via the King Kong Buster to become the third holder of that belt.
- D'Lo Brown, Mike "The Gladiator&" Awesome, Jeremy Lopez, Malice (a.k.a. Gigantes), Bull Buchanan, and international stars Dr. Wagner Jr. and Silver King will be working on an All Japan tour this month (October). Jimmy Yang was scheduled to work on the tour, but his appearances will probably be cancelled due to his recent signing of a WWE developmental deal. For more info on that WWE acquisition, scroll down to the MLW news section.
- IWA-MS' Ace Steel will debut in Pro WWrestling NOAH later this year.
- As is also mentioned below in the ROHH news section - On the 10/3 German Wrestling Association show in Bad Schwalbach, Germany, two titles were on the line in the Samoa Joe vs. Ares main event. Joe was defending his ROH World Heavyweight Title, while the vacant GWA Heavyweight Title (which had been declared vacant when former-champion Steve Taurus suffered a back injury that made him unable to compete) was also on the line. Joe won the match in order to retain his ROH title and capture the GWA Title.
- Also on 10/3, New Jack beat The Notorrious T.I.D. on the Ring Wars show in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- The 10/4 wXw "Night of the Hero''s" show in Essen, Germany featured IWA-MS' Chris Hero and FWA's Jonny Storm. Storm won a match over his rival, X-Dream, in 10:10 to become the number one contender to the wXw Cruiserweight Title, held by Mike Quackenbush. He'll receive a shot at Quackenbush's title on wXw's 11/29 show. Meanwhile, Hero retained his wXw Heavyweight Title from Ares in 27:49 with the Hangman's Clutch. This MOTN also saw the debut of Here's Standing Hangman's Clutch and even Ares' escaping a pinfall after absorbing THREE consecutive Here's Welcomes (Inverted Swinging Neckbreaker)!
- Homicide Justin Credible, CM Punk, annd Colt Cabana will all make their Frontier Wrestling Alliance (FrontierWrestling.com) debuts on tonight's FWA British Uprising II show in the United Kingdom. Punk and Cabana battle each other on the show, while Credible and Homicide will face yet-to-be-named opponents (possibly each other).
- Also tonight, German Stampede Wrestliing will hold its highly anticipated "International Impact" show in Olsberg, Germany. Several U.S. indy stars will be in action on the card, which features: NWA World Heavyweight Title Match - AJ Styles vs. Michael Kovac (being hyped as "Europe's best technical wrestler"); Ahmed Chaer (Deutschland) vs. ROH's "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson, making his return to pro wrestling after an extended abscence(!); Wesna vs. So-Cal's Cheerleader Melissa (females); GSW Tag Team Titles - former-IWA-MS team Swiss Money Holding (Double C/Ares) (c) vs. The Beach Buddies; Eric Schwarz (of Deutschland) vs. IWA-MS' Chris Hero; a four-way elimination GSW Breakthrough Title defense by X-Dream with the participants yet to be announced; Five Star Flash (England) (replacing Jonny Storm, who can't make the show), and Steve Douglas (Deutschland), will also compete. The show's official web site is International-Impact.com .
- Hulk Hogan will return to Japan on 1//4/04 when he competes against a yet-to-be-named opponent on the NJPW "WRESTLING WORLD 2004 Tour" show at the Tokyo Dome.

MISC. EAST COAST INDY TIDBITS:

- According to Evan Ginzberg, California-based independent filmmaker Dwayne Walker's documentary about the U.S. indy wrestling scene is in the final stages of editing and will be released soon. The documentary includes appearances by Ginzberg, Louie Ramos, Homicide, Nikolai Volkoff, Nikita Breznikov, Don Arnold, Kid USA, Frankie Starz, LXW co-owner and XPW executive Slash, Mambo King, Steve the Teacher, Tiger Khan and more.
- For the full scoop on Danny Daniels aand Matt Stryker's West Coast debuts on tomorrow's APW-LA show (including the identity of Daniels' previously scheduled-to-be mystery opponent), please scroll down to the IWA-MS news section.
- OhioValleyWrestling.com was hit with the "SoBig" hacker/worm a few times in the past few weeks, but according to webmaster Clark Patterson, the web site is back to normal and is running properly.
- For more info on MLW's Jimmy Yang siggning a WWE developmental deal, scroll down to the MLW news section.
- A new independent wrestling promotionn called the Eastern Wrestling Alliance has formed in Baltimore, MD. In addition to running shows in the area, it owns a wrestling training school. Free tryouts for the school are being offered Monday thru Thursday from 6 - 7 pm. For more information, call 443-858-2755 and check out the promotion's web site at EWAMD.com.
- Altar Boy Luke sprained his ankle andd tore ligaments in it during his match vs. Justice Pain on the 9/27 Lucha Xtreme Wrestling (LuchaXtremeWrestling.com) debut show in Jamaica, Queens, NY. The injury occurred when he attempted a moonsault out to ringside and his ankle gave way. Luke, however, is expected to work through the pain, as he is scheduled to appear on tomorrow's NWA Wildside show.
- Raven's new official web site has beeen launched and can be viewed at TheRavenEffect.com. Jimmy Rave has also lauched a new web site, which can be found at JimmyRave.8m.ru .

UPCOMING EAST COAST INDY EVENT SHILLS

- WWE developmental promotion Ohio Valley Wrestling will run shows tonight (in Hope, IN), tomorrow (in Louisville, KY), and Monday (in Hillview, KY). The Monday show will feature: Nick Dinsmore/Matt Capotelli vs. Bob "Hardcore" Holly/Nova; Heavyweight Title - Johnny Jeter vs. Mark Magnus (w/ Nikiita); Matt Morgan/John Hennigan vs. Mike Mondo/Big Bad John of Bolin Services; Carlos Colon vs. Aaron Stevens (w/ Lucy, formerly Daffney of WCW); Jillian Hall vs. Passion; SkyFire/Mac Johnson vs. The Disciples (Synn Seven/Bane). After the Sunday show, OVW is allowing fans to stick around and watch the WWE No Mercy PPV for no extra charge!
- Cleveland Championship Wrestling ran a show yesterday night in Cleveland, OH that feautred: Heavyweight Title - Tyson Bishop (c) vs. JT Lightning; Tag Team Titles - Ghetto Fabulous (c) vs. Adam Cage/Bret Myers; Ray(mond) Right vs. Josh Prohibition; "H8 Pac" David Demarco vs. Sheik Abdul Hassan; Dios Salvadorr vs. M-Dogg 20; Bunkhouse Brawl Match - Jonathan R. Cyn/Issac Burton vs. Romeo Vino/Shamus O'Reilly; Discole Fever vs. PC Lover; the Tatum Invitational Tournament; Winners Receive Full-Time CCW Contracts - The Moonanities vs. The Seamen a.k.a. The Shooting Stars.
- For the Moberly Monitor's article on yesterdeay night's indy wrestling show (headlined by Buff Bagwell vs. Ron Powers and the legendary "King" Harley Race, who will pose for photos with fans) in Moberly, MO, please visit http://www.moberlymonitor.com/articles/2003/10/15/sports/sports3.txt . The show will also feature Pro Wrestling NOAH (of Japan) stars Ace Steel and Superstar Steve - among others - in competition.
- New Jack will compete in a Fans Bringg the Weapons Match vs. Jomott on today's Intense Wrestling, Inc. (GreaterCincyWrestling.com) show in Price Hill (Cincinatti), OH. Also on the show (which will, BTW, feature a New Jack autograph session beginning at 5 pm) is a women's match between Hailey Hatred and Heather Heat.
- United Wrestling Association FREE shoow (TONIGHT; Lucy's Place in Knoxville TN; 3 pm belltime): Directions for the show are as follows - come down Western Avenue and go toward Oak Ridge, TN. When you pass the on/off ramp at I-640, go 3 1/2 miles and Lucy's Place will be on your left. Look for the sign. The show will feature a Hair vs. Mask Match main event of Jason Thunder vs. The Creeper. The Thunder Valley Express, Buckwyld, Nelsonizer, James Benoit, The Pack, The Boss, and Steel will also appear.
- Evolution Wrestling (the EWA for shorrt) (TONIGHT; Jackson, NJ): featuring the EWA debuts of the Sensational One (S-1) and the Divine One (D-1) (w/ Jaden), collectively known as "One in a Million"; appearances by Archadia, Hyena, Next Generation, Dynamic B, The Good Ole' Boys, and Crazy Daisy. Check out http://devoted.to/ewa or call (732)-928-0928 for more info.
- No Name Wrestling (TOMORROW; Poincianna, FL): Overall Title - Scott Hotshot (c) vs. Norman Smiley; Snow/WiKiD vs. Rico Casanova/Flatline; Featherweight Title - straight edge MLW referee Chasyn Rance vs. Less Fortunate; Jerelle Clark vs. Vordell Walker; Untouchable Leon Scott (w/ TiZiAnA) vs. Deathrow Jethrow; Hardcore Champion Kubiak, The Maree-O's, TNT, and others will also compete.
- New York Wrestling Connection (10/27;; Deer Park, NY): Commissioner Curse/Dan Barry vs. Mason Raige/Light Heavyweight Champion Johnny Ova; Heavyweight Title - Tyler Payne (c) vs. Dickie Rodz vs. Mikey Whipwreck; Interstate Title - Ru Star (c) vs. Wayne; Southern Vinny Stylin' vs. Tony Burma (w/ Serena); Mayhem vs. Mike Tobin; Grim Reefer vs. Iceberg; Matt Hype vs. Dynasty Dan Dubois; Nuke (w/ Tommy King) vs. Joey Braggiol; Silvaman vs. J-Silva; Ken Scampi (w/ Tara Charisma)/Spyder vs. Damien Dragon (w/ Foxxy Dreams)/Armand DeMuerto; Prince Charles' guest in the Prince's Palace segment will be Dan Barry; and more. Also, according to the NYWC web site, "starting this week NYWC will be airing on Public Access in most of Suffolk on Sunday nights at 8pm and on Mondays at 12:30am. (CH 20) and will also be airing in Western Suffolk and Nassau on Tuesday nights at 5pm and again Mondays at 4:30 am.(CH 20)."
- The second Lucha Xtreme Wrestling (LXXWrestling.com) show in Jamaica, Queens, NY on 11/5 will feature: Mexico's Most Wanted (Damien 666/Halloween) vs. The Aerial Express (QuickSilver/Scorpio Sky); "The Hardcore Homo" Angel vs. Justice Pain; a one-night, eight-man, single-elimination tournament to crown the inaugural LXW Heavyweight Champion, with "100% Guapo" Shocker vs. Ultimo Guerrero already announced(!); appearances by "Vicious" Vic Grimes, Justin Credible, Supreme, and others.
- Also on 11/15, several East Coast inddy stars will compete on the Pro Wrestling Guerrilla "An Inch Longer Than Average" show in LA, CA: *M-Dogg 20 (a.k.a. Matt Cross)* vs. Jardi Frantz; Non-Title Match - Hardkore Kidd vs. ROH World Heavyweight Champion *Samoa Joe*; Adam Pearce vs. *Colt Cabana*; Heavyweight Title - *Frankie Kazarian* (c) vs. ROH star American Dragon (a.k.a. Bryan Danielson) (making his So-Cal return).
- The Sixth Anniversary Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW.net) show will occur on Saturday, 11/8 in Secaucus, NJ. The show will feature: No DQ/Countout Match - Raven (taking the place of Terry Funk, who was originally scheduled to team with Sabu, but had to pull himself from the show due to "a scheduling conflict" [JAPW.net])/Sabu vs. Homicide/Dan(ny) "Mafia" Maff; JAPW Heavyweight Title - Al Snow (c) vs. Jerry Lawler, w/ none other than MICK FOLEY as the Special Guest Referee(!!!); Tag Team Titles - April Hunter/Slyk Wagner Brown (c) vs. The Dirty Rotten Scoundrelz vs. H Effect; County Whippin' Match for the Television Title - Crazy Ivan (c) vs. Jay Lethal; Light Heavyweight Title - Azrieal (c) vs. Insane Dragon; Six-Man Best of the Light Heavyweights Match - CZW's Ruckus vs. NWA Florida's Roderick Strong vs. Neo Spirit Pro Wrestling (Canada)'s Derek Wylde vs. three other participants who will be announced soon.
- Maximum Pro Wrestling (MXPW) (11/4; BBroward Community College in Coconut Creek, FL): Texas Bullrope Match - Dusty Rhodes vs. Barry Windham; Heavyweight Title - D'Lo Brown (c) vs. Raven vs. Shane Douglas; B.G. James vs. Glenn Gilberti; Tag Team Titles - Simon Diamond/Johnny Swinger (c) vs. Konnan/Norman Smiley; Hardcore Match - Mideon (Dennis Knight) vs. New Jack vs. The Sandman; Television Title - AJ Styles (c) vs. Chris Sabin; Chaz (Headbanger Mosh)/Julio Dinero vs. David Johnson/Vampire Warrior (Gangrel); Scoot Andrews vs. Michael Shane; Antonio Banks vs. Hack Myers.
- NWA Florida (10/25; St. Petersburg, FFL): Heavyweight Title - Scoot Andrews (c) vs. Steve Madison; Tag Titles - The Shane Twins (Mike/Todd) © vs. Rod Steel/Mikey Tenderfoot; X Title - Roderick Strong (c) vs. Justice vs. Naphtali; #1 Contenderhip for the Tag Team Titles - Jerrelle Clark/Sedrick Strong vs. Bruce Steele/Mike Sullivan; Brian Anderson vs. Pretty Fly; Amir/Bolles Azulles/Jobs/Mark Zout vs. Cannon/Frankie Capone/Pat McGroin/Pat Powers.
- CHIKARA Pro "The International IInvasion of International Invaders!" (10/16; Allentown, PA): Private Eye has cancelled his scheduled appearance due to a personal emergency; Rematch from 9/27 - Rorschach vs. Jolly Roger; Final defense of the Young Lions Cup: Hallowicked (c) defends vs. the winner of a Battle Royal that will also occur on the show; No DQ Match - The Wild Cards vs. F.I.S.T.; Mexican Middleweight Title - Skayde (c) of (from Japan) vs. Mike Quackenbush; Sumie Sakai, American Gigolo (of Mexico's AAA promotion), Blind Rage, Mister ZERO, UItraMantis, Jigsaw, Darkness Crabtree, and Melvin Snodgrass will also compete on the show.
- Mid-American Wrestling (10/18; Milwauukee, WI): Ken Anderson/Brad Bradley vs. Ian Rotten/Midnight Rider; Tag Team Titles - The Outcasts (Colonel Blatnick/Farmer Vic) (c) vs. Dysfunction & ?; Jr. Heavyweight Title - Silas Young (c) vs. Austin Aries; Jimmy Goomba vs. Adrian Serrano; The Old School XPress (Jason Dukes/Skull Krusher) vs. Tommy Courageous/Steve Jordan.
- For the full cards to upcoming CZW shhows, please scroll down a few lines to the CZW news section.
- For the full cards to upcoming IWA-MSS shows, please scroll down to the IWA-MS news section.
- For the full cards to upcoming MLW shhows, please scroll down to the MLW news section.
- The IWA promotion of Puerto Rico began running live shows in Florida this month (October). The shows fetured Apollo, Rey Gonzalez, Vampiro, Dutch Mantel, and others.

COMBAT ZONE WRESTLING (CZW) NEWS

- Even with CZW's Italian debut just a week away, the biggest CZW-related news is Johnny Kashmere's recent departure from the promotion, which was originally reported by 1Wrestling.com on Sunday, 10/12. Although one source within CZW simply stated that Kashmere would be "take time away from CZW," many Internet sources insist that he is entirely done with the company. Kashmere currently co-holds the CZW Tag Team Title and - up until this past Thursday night - the ROH Tag Team Title with his Backseat Boyz partner, Trent Acid (who is also the current CZW Ironman Champion), and was not present at the CZW 10/11 show at Viking Hall, despite being promoted as appearing at it. Friends of Kashmere are stating that he actually quit the promotion a month ago after the 9/13 CZW show (also at Viking Hall) due to being discouraged about his role in CZW storylines. If this is in fact true, it makes CZW's mistake of hyping him as being on the 10/11 show all the more irresponsible, considering they apparently knew that he wouldn't be there for almost a month before that show. There is no word yet on what CZW is planning to do with the tag team titles, which Acid appears to be the sole holder of now that Kashmere is gone. Also, Kashmere's name has been removed from the "Roster" page on CZWWrestling.com. There is no news on what Kashmere's departure from CZW means for his future in ROH. For more information on Kashmere or Trent Acid, please visit BackseatWeb.com.

As for CZW's aforementioned debut show outside of the U.S., it is entitled "CZW Shockwave" and will be held on 10/25 at the Palasport Arena in Pistoia, Italy and will feature: World Heavyweight Title - The Messiah (c) vs. John Zandig; Tables Match - Nate Hatred vs. Nick Gage; Ironman Title - Trent Acid (c) vs. Ruckus; Ladder Match - B-Boy vs. Sonjay Dutt. From 4:00 pm - 6 pm the night of the show, at the Palasport Arena, there will be an autograph session with CZW wrestlers that will be available for fans in Italy. This event will occur a few hours before Shockwave begins. For more info, check out CZWWrestling.it or NUWrestling.com.

CZW will then return to Viking Hall in South Philly on 11/15 for "Uprising," which will feature: Double Dog Collar Match w/ John Zandig as Special Guest Referee - Nick Gage/The Wifebeater (making his in-ring CZW return) vs. Nate Hatred/The Messiah; Sonjay Dutt/Ruckus vs. Derek Frazier/Rockin' Rebel; B-Boy vs. Jimmy Rave.
- The reason that Truth Martini missed his scheduled match vs. Sonjay Dutt last Saturday at the Viking Hall show was because he suffered a neck injury a few nights earlier at a show in Michigan.
- Rebel's Army stable member and originnal WWE Tough Enough participant Greg "Tough Enough" Matthews has been sidelined with an ankle injury for 3-6 weeks.
- Tickets for CZW Cage of Death V (scheeduled for Saturday, 12/13/03 at Viking Hall) can be reserved by going to http://www.czwwrestling.com/Tickets/cod5.html .
- You can download part 2 of the traileer of the upcoming "Nick Mondo: Unscarred" documentary on NickMondo.com.
- Dover, DE - home of CZW's Racks &; Billiards event venue - has enacted legislation that has banned CZW from running there anymore.

IWA MID-SOUTH HARDCORE WRESTLING (IWA-MS) NEWS

- Two IWA-MS stars will make their West coast debuts on tomorrow's APW-LA Halloween Hell show in Newhall, CA. IWA-MS Heavyweight Champion Danny Daniels will make the first-ever West Coast IWA-MS title defense vs. "Scrap Iron" Adam Pearce, while Matt Stryker (a.k.a. Matt Rite/Matt Martel) will battle Frankie Kazarian. The main event of that show will be "Vicious" Vic Grimes vs. Super Dragon. For more info, please check out http://LA.AllProWrestling.com/main2.htm .
- IWA-MS' "Revenge Served Cold&quoot; show on Thursday, 10/23 in Salem, IN will feature: BJ Whitmer vs. Jimmy Jacobs; Lumberjack Match - Ian Rotten vs. Cash Flo; Colt Cabana vs. Alex Shelley; JC Bailey vs. Chris Hamrick; Mickie Knuckles vs. Daizee Haze (females); Jaimy Coxxx, Delirious, and others will also appear.

Then, the next night, IWA-MS will make its debut at the Lincoln Center in Highland, IN (just outside of Chicago) on Friday 10/24 with the following card: None other than SABU makes a very rare appearance in Indiana, as he wrestles breakout star JC Bailey(!); Colt Cabana vs. Jimmy Jacobs; 3-Way Non-Title Match - Heavyweight Champion Danny Daniels vs. Chris Sabin vs. Truth Martini; Tracy Smothers vs. Corporal Robinson, Alex Shelley vs. Chris Hamrick; Brad Bradley/Ryan Boz vs. Dysfunction/Chuckie Smooth; BJ Whitmer, "Spyder" Nate Webb, Matt Stryker, Necro Butcher, Steve Stone, Hy-Zaya, and more will also appear.

For info on all of IWA-MS' upcoming shows, head over to IWAMidSouthWrestling.com.

- Rollin' Hard has been sidelined with a foot injury, which is what caused his in ability to compete on last Saturday's show in Ooltic, IN.
- Several IWA-MS competitors will compeete on the 10/18 MAW show, the full card of which can be found above in the Upcoming Event Shills section.
- Corporal Robinson recently got marrieed to a blone girl, according to IWAMidSouthWrestling.com.
- Repeats of the 2003 IWA-MS King of the Deathmatches Tournament are continuing to air on Samurai! TV in Japan.
- IWAMidSouthWrestling.com has created a new, easier-to-use (than it's previous board) message board for it's fans to interact. The new board can be found at www.iwamidsouth.proboards19.com . Registration (which is free) is required to post on the board, unlike with the previous board.
- The 24 participants in the second annnual IWA-MS "Ted Petty Invitational" Sweet Science Tournament (scheduled to occur on 11/7 and 11/8 in Salem, IN) have been announced as Colt Cabana, Chris Hero, Jimmy Jacobs, B-Boy, Chris Sabin, Jonny Storm, Michael Shane (replacing Trent Acid), AJ Styles, Danny Daniels, Sonjay Dutt, Nigel McGuinness, Truth Martini, Todd Sexton (replacing Matt Stryker due to "a booking conflict"), JC Bailey, Alex Shelley, Salvatore Rinauro (replacing Dino Bambino due to "deciding to take a hiatus from pro wrestling"), BJ Whitmer, Jimmy Rave, Nate Webb, Arik Cannon, M-Dogg 20, Josh Prohibition, Ken Anderson, and Jerry Lynn. Earlier today, the first non-tournament match on the show was announced - a women's match between Mickie Knuckles and the returning Rain. Like what was done at the 2003 KOTDM Tournament, a Q&A session with the IWA-MS stars will be held during the TPI weekend. For more info on the TPI show, please visit IWAMidSouthWrestling.com.
- IWA-MS recently announced that it willl return to Illinois as it makes its debut in the city of Lafatette the National Guard Armory on Saturday, November 22. More information on this show will be announced in the coming weeks.
- IWA-MS' Ace Steel will debut iin Pro Wrestling NOAH later this year.
- For info on Chris Hero's recent appeaarances in Europe, please scroll up to the EAST COAST INDY WRESTLERS IN INTERNATIONAL INDY INDIES NEWS section.

MAJOR LEAGUE WRESTLING (MLW) NEWS

- Jimmy Yang has signed a three-year developmental deal with WWE. He was said to have impressed officials with his match vs. Tommy Dreamer that aired on WWE Sunday Night HeAT a few weeks ago. Due to this recent turn of events, his All Japan tour scheduled for October will probably be cancelled.
- MLW's next live event, The Hybrid Horrror Show, will be on 10/24 in Jacksonville, FL. The Sky Combat Open tournament - which was to be one of the highlights of the show - has been postponed, due to MLW's deals with CMLL World Tag Team Champions Los Guerreros del Infierno (Ultimo Guerrero/Rey Bucanero) and The Havana Pitbulls (Rocky Romero/Ricky Reyes/Bobby "Rocko" Quance/Pinoi Boy [a.k.a. Pinoy Boy]) falling through the cracks. Since Los Maximos - who were scheduled to compete in the event - were recently announced as having left MLW (scroll down to the middle part of this section for more info), basically all of the tournament's participants will be unable to appear, so it makes sense for it to be rescheduled (more info on which will be released soon)

The Hybrid Horror Show still has a fantastic card, though: "Boston Monster" Wagner Brown (a.k.a. Slyk Wagner Brown) and Mexican legend "Super Porky" Brazo de Plata will make their MLW debuts; Stampede Wrestling's Jack Miller makes his MLW debut vs. Tony Mamaluke; Loser Leaves MLW for 90 Days - Homicide (returning to MLW) vs. Jerry Lynn; MLW came to terms this week with the Japan's Toryumon promotion, which is owned by WWE star Ultimo Dragon. Four Toryumon X and T2P stars will make their MLW debuts on this show in this Special Showcase Match - Ishimori/Naoki Tanisaki vs. Henry III Sugawara/Takeshi Minamino; No DQ Match - The Headhunters (#'s 1 & 2) (making their MLW debuts) vs. Da Hit Squad (Monsta Mack & the returning Danny "Mafia" Maff); Taped Fist Match - "Dr. Death" Steve Williams vs. PJ Walker (a.k.a. Justin Credible); Global Tag Team Crown Title - The Extreme Horsemen (Simon Diamond/CW Anderson) (c) vs. The Samoan Island Tribe (Ekmo/Samu); Teddy Hart (making his MLW debut) vs. Christopher Daniels; CM Punk/Mystery Opponent vs. Nosawa/Vampiro; the legendary Barry Windham will wrestle a soon-to-be-named opponent(!); No DQ Dog Collar Match for the World Heavyweight Title - Terry Funk (c) vs. Steve Corino. Raven, "Samoa" Joe Sea (a.k.a. ROH's Samoa Joe), Mikey Whipwreck (w/ The Sinister Minister), Francine, PJ Friedman, MANA, Rich Criado, Matt Martel (a.k.a. Matt Stryker/Matt Rite), and straight edge referee Chasyn Rance will also appear at the show.

Also, the 10/24 show will be the first MLW event to include a bus trip for fans who desire alternate transportation to the venue. Those who attend the bustrip will receive an exclusive Q&A session with PJ Walker (Justin Credible). For more info, go to http://www.mlw.com/view/v.php?a479 .
- The following info contained within tthe "*"s are courtesy of 1Wrestling.com:

*Mike Awesome and Los Maximos (a.k.a. The S.A.T. of Joel & Jose Maximo) have both left MLW. Apparently, after his match vs. Joe Sea (Samoa Joe), Awesome - the consistency of whose in-ring work MLW has not been impressed too with - stormed backstage and was continually complaining about the match. After this incident, MLW has stopped booking Awesome.

Los Maximos have also stopped being booked by MLW after gaining disfavor with management for failing to commit to scheduling for the production of their appearances on MLW Underground TV, leading to several instances where MLW was forced to reschedule production meetings and allocate excessive money towards post-production of its TV show. Until their recent departure, Los Maximos were receiving a major tag team push in the promotion.

Former-WWF/E backstage interviewer and commentator Kevin Kelly began working for MLW this past week in the studio by assisting in the production of the most recent MLW Underground TV episode. Kelly will make his first on-camera appearance in MLW on 10/24 at the Hybrid Horror Show, where he will act as a locker room correspondent (a role that he will continue holding on future MLW TV shows).*

- Straight edge MLW referee Chasyn Rance will wrestle Less Fortunate for the No Name Wrestling Featherweight Title on Sunday's NNW show in Poinciana, FL. For the full card and more info, please scroll up to the Upcoming Event Shills section.
- MLW has come to terms with Low Ki, whho - according to MLW.com - will debut in the promotion after he completes his current tour with Japan's ZERO-ONE.
- Info regarding the 11/21 King of Kinggs 2 show will be released soon.
- An official MLW Fan Club will be estaablished soon.
- Tickets for the 12/29 MLW WrestleFestt 2003 show can be ordered at http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/886544 .
- Taiyo Kea is scheduled to return to MMLW in 1/04 after recovering from a torn ACL and plans are for him to team with "Samoa" Joe Sea. The two will likely team together in MLW's second annual tag team tournament (titled the "GTC Carnival"), which is also scheduled for 1/04. More info regarding that event will be released in the future.
- Matt Rite (a.k.a. NY-based indy star Matt Striker) was coughing up blood after his six-man tag team match a few weeks ago at WAR GAMES, but was said to be alright and will apparently become a regular in MLW. Rite, by the way, will now be using the alias of "Marvelous" Matt Martel while in MLW.
- In Wednesday's Baseball Magazine Sha and yesterday's Weekly Gong Magazine, there was be extensive coverage of MLW's September 26 RELOAD event from New York City including 4 color pages in each publication! Also, the Mexican publication Super Luchas recently covered the promotion and so did the highly circulated Japanese magazine Weekly Fights. MLW will also be featured in a soon-to-be-published Japanese book about wrestling.
- MLW hopes to begin running shows outsside of Florida in November. One of those shows will most likely be in Dallas, TX and for that show, MLW is rumored to be bringing in a six-sided, Toryumon-style ring.
- PJ Friedman will be featured iin the upcoming CKY DVD (?).
- MLW has been unable to book Super Craazy and Ricky Marvin due to visa problems.
- (courtesy of Wade Keller of the PWTorrch) Sabu was personally responsible for contacting MLW and telling them that he had decided to work for them instead of the other show that he was booked for on 9/19. He took Jerry Lawler's spot in the WAR GAMES match on that show. MLW had contacted Jeff Hardy, Scott Hall, and the Legion of Doom a.k.a. the Road Warriors about appearing in the spot, but couldn't come to terms with any of them.

NWA-TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION (NWA-TNA) NEWS

- The TNA PPV next Wednesday (10/22) will feature: NWA World Heavyweight Title - AJ Styles (c) vs. Jeff Jarrett; NWA-TNA X Division Title - Michael Shane (c) vs. Chris Sabin vs. Chris Daniels; NWA World Tag Team Titles - Simon Diamond/Johnny Swinger (c) vs. Danny Doring/Roadkill; Glenn Gilberti has recruited a mystery tag team to battle America's Most Wanted; Raven vs. Slash; Sonjay Dutt vs. Kid Kash (Sonjay's second TNA appearance, after debuting this past week)! Check out NWATNA.com for more info.
- Hulk Hogan has come to terms with TNAA officials to appear on the 10/30 live TNA PPV in a match vs. Jeff Jarrett. Hogan (along with Jimmy Hart, who will accompany Hogan to the ring for the 10/30 match) originally met with TNA's Jeff and Jerry Jarrett on 9/12 in Tampa, FL. In order for Hogan to agree to make the appearance, TNA was forced to fire Vince Russo, who Hogan has a very bad history with (dating back to the famous 2000 WCW Great American Bash PPV incident) and offer him a six-figure payoff. In return for this, Hogan - besides working the match vs. Jarrett - apparently expects to recruit some celebrity friends of his (boxer George Foreman's name has been thrown around) to appear on future TNA events and thereby build up mainstream coverage leading up to the 10/30 PPV, which - at three hours - will be the longest TNA PPV to date. As has been widely reported, the heat going into this match dramatically increased on 10/13, when Hogan was attacked by TNA's Jeff Jarrett in Japan during a press conference that followed his match in Japan's NJPW promotion vs. Masahiro Chono. The PWTorch is reporting that TNA is rumored to have had to pay NJPW a fee that may have been as high as $10,000 in order to air the footage of the incident on this past Wednesday's PPV.

- In other news regarding TNA's relationship with other promotions, fans can expect an interpromotional agreement between TNA and the Mexico-based AAA or EMLL promotions to be announced soon. AAA owner Antonio Penã has had several meetings meetings with TNA officials and appearances on TNA PPVs as of recent, while Paco Alfonso - owner of AAA's primary rival, EMLL - was scheduled to attend this past Wednesday's TNA PPV, but no-showed. He will apparently be attending one of the future TNA PPVs, though, in order to advance a possible working agreement between EMLL and TNA.

According to the PWTorch, Konnan was seen returning to Penã the AAA title belt that he had refused to give back after jumping (along with several other famous luchadores) from AAA to EMLL in the early '90's. That incident is considered one of the most historic ever in Lucha Libre history and created tension between Konnan and Penã that somewhat resembles the heat that Bret Hart and Vince McMahon once had with each other. The Wrestling Observer reports that Jerry Jarrett was worried about the two doing Spanish commentary together on the PPV a week and a half ago, but was happy with the way they got along. They apparently seem to be putting aside their past differences and attempting to renew the former relationship that allowed them to work together to form AAA a decade ago. Plus, Konnan is looking to obtain some Mexican bookings, so he is working extra diligently in the ring so as to hopefully impress Penã.

- Tiger Mask IV of New Japan Pro Wrestling will be flown into the U.S. to compete on the 11/30 TNA PPV. This appearance is being credited to the recent interpromotional discussion between TNA and NJPW regarding each promotion's use of Hulk Hogan. Tiger's appearance in TNA is expected to further the growing relationship between TNA and NJPW.

Besides Tiger's involvement, the only other match being discussed (and only tentatively, mind you; it's not confirmed yet) for the 11/30 show is a second Ultimate X Match that features AJ Styles, Chris Sabin, and Michael Shane. According to the Wrestling Observer, the tentative venue for the 11/30 event is the Nashville Fairgrounds. Other possibilities that have been looked into include The Orleans in Las Vegas, NV and The Nashville Auditorium. Apparently, Hulk Hogan opposes the idea of running at the Fairgrounds, however, as he apparently views it as too small an arena for what is likely to be a major event. TNA executives are looking into bringing back Sting and Roddy Piper for the 11/30 event, but have not solidifed an appearance by either man.
- A Dallas, TX newspaper published an aarticle on 10/12 about TNA's growing rise to prominence in the wrestling industry. The article also mentions the recent hirings of Dutch Mantel and Hulk Hogan.
- The group that accompanies Christopheer Daniels to the ring for his matches includes indy wrestlers "Spyder" Nate Webb (IWA-MS), "Devilish" Lee Handsome (formerly XPW's GQ Money), and Roy Swanter (Gateway Championship Wrestling). Many fans originally identified Swanter as former-XPW and TNA star Altar Boy Luke, but a few fans have pointed out that Swanter is actually the character, rather than Luke.
- As mentioned in the NWA Wildside newss section below, AJ Styles will defend his NWA title in a Steel Cage rematch against Ray Gordy on the 11/15 NAWA Ring Champions show. The two competed in a Best 2/3 Falls Match on the 10/11 NAWA show. Styles - who is prominently featured in the newest TNA commercial - is rumored to be dropping his NWA title to Jeff Jarrett on next week's TNA show, which is several weeks before his match vs. Gordy. Rumors state that Styles is likely to then re-enter the X Division in order to liven up its interest, but nothing is written in concrete yet.
- As is suggested by his recent on-air personality, one can expect Jerry Lynn to turn heel by developping a "bitter, old veteran"-type gimmick.
- TNA commentator Don West has been hirred as the brand-new afternoon talk show host on Nashville's Sports Talk 560 Monday thru Friday from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
- TNA recently announced the release off three special DVDs: Best of NWA-TNA Title Matches, Best of the X Division Matches, and Best of Bloodiest Brawls. The Title Matches DVD will be available the week of October 13, while the others will follow soon thereafter (all in time for this year's holiday season). The matches featured on the DVDs are all complete and uncut and each DVD will also contain bonus footage and interviews with TNA performers. Check out NWATNA.com for a complete match listing of each DVD.
- The TNA Volume 2 theme song CD is avaailable for pre-order on NWATNA.com. A full track listing is also available for view on the TNA web site.
- TNA Xplosion began airing this month airing on the popular DirectTV Sports Package channel.
- Christopher Daniels' wife gave birth to a daughter on the morning of Friday, 9/26.

The below tidbits are courtesy of the Wrestling Observer:

- TNA has recently been contacting Marc Mero in hopes of possibly obtaining his services for some matches.
- Last Wednesday's PPV was said to be tthe last one with Glenn Gilberti and Vince Russo as the writers of the original script and Dutch Mantel, Jeff Jarrett, and Scott D'Amore as the editors of it. Starting with next week's show, Mantel is expected to act as the head writer and his script will then be edited by Jarrett.

The following tidbits are courtesy of the PWTorch:

- After his WWE contract expires next summer, Rob Van Dam is rumored to be leaving the promotion due to frustration about his current storyline role and exploring several options, including returning to Japan to wrestle and joining TNA.
- Dutch Mantel and Scott D'Amore held aa meeting with TNA talent before this past Wednesday's PPV. The two promoted the 10/30 PPV featuring Jarrett vs. Hogan as TNA's biggest night yet, but also warned them to take any of their complaints to them, rather than Jeff Jarrett or Bob Ryder, citing that Jarrett and Ryder have too much work to deal with right now, but that they would bring the wrestlers' problems to Jarrett and Ryder only if they (Mantel and D'Amore) couldn't solve it themselves.
- Jimmy Hart has helped obtain former-WWCW ring announcer David Penzer the part-time duty of attaining non-TNA indy bookings for TNA talent. Apparently, each wrestler who is interested informs Penzer of their asking price and Penzer in turn relays that info to the promoter who wants to book the wrestler.
- Kid Kash's rumored arrogant reputatioon continued its development on the most recent PPV. Apparently, he complained to TNA management that Abyss had worked overly stiff with him during their match on the show, sparking Abyss to confront him in the locker room. Kash was said to have told Abyss that he wasn't afraid of him because he had been in the business much longer than he had. This reputation hasn't endeared Kash very much to Dutch Mantel, who - besides already being high on Abyss, having worked with him in IWA Puerto Rico - pulled Kash aside backstage to discuss the way he treated backstage agents when discussing his bouts. If you remember, a month or so ago, similar rumors of Kash's attitude was spreading and several sources said that WWE very well may've hired Kash, had it not been for his negative reputation.
- Two of the members of the 3 Live Kru stable were said to be unhappy upon learning that they weren't booked on the past PPV. BG James did not attend the show after being informed that he wasn't booked. Ron Killings did come to the show, but made it clear that he was unhappy about not being booked. Konnan - the third member of the stable - did make the trip and was one of those who performed the Spanish commentating duties.
- Don Harris returned to TNA on Wednesdday, but the rumor going around the locker room is that his brother, Ron, is done with TNA and - believe it or not - is traveling with Randy Savage to help arrange the appearances related to his new rap music career.
- Another rumor going around the TNA loocker room is that the reason that the Red Shirt Security smashed the "tape" that featured Roddy Piper's shoot interview was because producer Jeremy Borash couldn't produce enough quality footage to air due to the incoherency of Piper's membling in the interview.
- The backstage heat that Raven had appparently received for lambasting Jim Mitchell is apparently coming from primarily midcard and lower level talent, rather than upper carders (besides America's Most Wanted, who are said to have disapproved of Raven's actions toward Mitchell). Most of these stars are veterans and feel that the mid and lower carders are simply taking the advice that Raven is giving them as criticism more so than advice.

NWA WILDSIDE NEWS

- Earlier today, two Wildside stars were entered into the IWA-MS "Ted Petty Invitational" Sweet Science Tournament that will occur on 11/7 and 11/8. Todd Sexton will replace Matt Stryker and Salvatore Rinauro will replace Michael Shane.
- Former-co-NAWA Ring Champions Tag Teaam Champion Jay Fury will compete on next week's NWA Wildside TV taping.
- As mentioned in the NWA-TNA news secttion above, Ray Gordy will receive a title rematch vs. NWA World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles on the 11/15 NAWA Ring Champions show. Styles originally defeated Gordy in a Best 2/3 Falls Match on the 10/11 NAWA show. Other NWA Wildside stars that competed on the 10/11 NAWA show were Icarus, Iceberg, Tank, Rick Michaels, and Bulldog Raines.
- NWA Wildside's Caprice Coleman will wwork on a match before the WWE RAW show in Fayetteville, NC on Monday, 10/27. Oynx, meanwhile, will work a match the very next night before the SmackDown! taping in Georgia.
- Angel Dust (a.k.a. JAPW's Azriel) of Special K will work on tomorrow's NWA Wildside show vs. Seth DeLay. Also, Jerelle Clark of NWA Florida will work on the 11/1 Wildside show.

RING OF HONOR (ROH) NEWS

- ROH's debut show in Maryland was previewed in a Baltimore Sun article. It can be read online at http://www.sunspot.net/features/bal-to.honor16oct16,0,6328195.story?coll=bal-features-headlines .
- Carnage Crew member HC Loc recently rreceived the position of being ROH's first backstage agent. In addition to this new job, he will continue his duties of wrestling.
- After its successful debut show at thhe venue last night, ROH will return to Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD on January 12.
- Also on last night's show, it was annnounced by former-MCW promoter Dan McDevitt announced that ROH would continue the tradition of the recently folded MCW promotion by holding the annual Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup (a one-night, single-elimination tournament that resembles ECWA's Super 8 event) in July 2004.
- As is also mentioned above in the EASST COAST INDY WRESTLERS IN INTERNATIONAL INDIES NEWS section - On the 10/3 German Wrestling Association show in Bad Schwalbach, Germany, two titles were on the line in the Samoa Joe vs. Ares main event. Joe was defending his ROH World Heavyweight Title, while the vacant GWA Heavyweight Title (which had been declared vacant when former-champion Steve Taurus suffered a back injury that made him unable to compete) was also on the line. Joe won the match in order to retain his ROH title and capture the GWA Title.
- Fans at the 11/1 NJ show will have a unique opportunity - to meet and ask questions of Jim Cornette during his live shoot interview before the show. Check out ROHWrestling.com for more info.
- "American Dragon" Bryan Dannielson will attempt to win the PWG Heavyweight Title from Frankie Kazarian on the 11/5 Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (ProWrestlingGuerrilla.com) "An Inch Longer Than Average" show in Los Angeles, CA.
- John Walters vs. Chris Daniels and Fiield of Honor matches Chris Sabin vs. Xavier and Dan Maff vs. BJ Whitmer have been added to the card for the 10/25 Rochester, NY show.
- ROH will return to Ohio on 1/10/04 inn Wilmington at the Roberts Centre on 123 Gano Road, which is right off I-71. The building is located about 30-40 minutes from Dayton, Cincinnatti and Columbus. Tickets for the show will go on sale next week.
- Josh Daniels has been added to the 100/25 NY show.
- Teddy Hart has been signed for the 100/25 NY and 11/1 NJ shows. The 11/1 show - which will be the only upcoming ROH event with a Showcase card - will feature Special K, The Carnage Crew, Hart & a myster partner, the returning S.A.T., and The Backseat Boyz in a Tag Team Scramble Steel Cage Match. According to ROHWrestling.com, this match "will start with two teams in it. They will fight for three minutes. Then, every two minutes another team will enter. When all the teams are in the cage, the team that gets the first pinfall or submission will be the victor." Also, a battle between Low Ki and his trainer, Homicide, and the return of "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson to pro wrestling as he wrestles AJ Styles have been added to the 11/1 card. More matches for this show will be announced next week.
- Club Hijinx - the official web site oof Special K member Hijynx - has been launched and may be viewed aat http://clubhijinx.cjb.net/ .
- Abdullah the Butcher will make his ROOH return and his first appearance in the Boston area in several years on the 11/29 show.
- ROH has moved its 12/27 Final Battle 2003 show to the Pennsylvania National Guard Armory on 2700 Southampton Road, Philadelphia, PA. The show was originally scheduled to occur at the Murphy Recreation Center in South Philly. As of now, this show is scheduled to feature the final round match of the Field of Honor tournament. For those confused about where the tournament stands, go to the main page of ROHWrestling.com and scroll down to view an update on those who have advanced and are still scheduled to compete in the event.
- Angel Dust (a.k.a. JAPW's Azriel) of Special K will work on the tomorrow's NWA Wildside show vs. Seth DeLay.
- From now on, ROH will use Ticketmasteer as another outlet to by tickets to ROH events. Tickets will continue to be sold through RF Video's offices and ROHWrestling.com, also. For a direct link to the ticket info page for upcoming ROH shows on Ticketmaster.com, go to http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/883536/ .
- ROH will hold a fan convention beforee its Elizabeth, NJ show on 3/13/04, the day before Wrestlemania. There will be special guests at the convention that won't be on the show. For dealer table info, e-mail [email protected].
- Tryouts for the the ROH Wrestling Traaining School in Langhorne, PA will begin in the third week of October and will cost $50. Serious 18 or older applicants only.
- Jim Cornette will return to ROH on 11/1 in NJ and will serve as the manager of ROH World Heavyweight Champion Samoa Joe.

MULTIMEDIA OF THE WEEK

- Shiny-Pants.com features a downloadable video tribute for the recently retired Jody Fleisch and a video preview (both are in .mpeg form) of tonight's FWA British Uprising 2.
- The Multimedia section of NickMondo.ccom - the official web site of CZW star "Sick" Nick Mondo - features various video clips of Mondo in action in CZW and even IWA-MS. Among the clips is a music video of CZW TOD2 and of a Mondo vs. Ric Blade match. NickMondo.com also features the second downloadable part of a trailer for the upcoming "Unscarred" documentary about Mondo's career.
- Be sure to check out the Video Clips section of Assault Championship Wrestling's web site, AssaultWrestling.com. The section, which can be found at http://www.assaultwrestling.com/clips.htm, features a variety of video clips in various formats pertaining to the history of ACW. AssaultWrestling.com also provides fans with the opportunity to view past and present ACW TV episodes. The current episode can be found at http://www.assaultwrestling.com/thisweek.htm , while past episodes are archived at http://www.assaultwrestling.com/tvarchives.htm .

SHILLS OF THE WEEK

- Check out the ONLY IWA Mid-South fansite, IWA Primetime, at http://www.freewebs.com/iwaprimetime/index.htm . It features news, wrestler bios, tape reviews, downloadable theme songs, info, polls, and more.
- The VHS versions of Best of XPW TV Voolume 1, the VHS and DVD versions of Best of XPW Deathmatches Volume 1, and the VHS and DVD versions of XPW New Year's Revolution 2002 are available for pre-order from Best Buy.
- Obsessed With Wrestling - your absoluute number one source for pro wrestler bios and information on the Web - has relaunched with a brand new LAYOUT and a new server. It can now be found at Combat-Honor.com or ObsessedWithWrestling.com. Check it out and enjoy!

Feedback, suggestions, etc. about this column may be sent to [email protected].