Profound Assholes, Wrestling Edition: Giving Up on Wrestling

Now, if you're familiar with EOTR member Speed on the Beat's site, you're familiar with a little thing Speed and his SOTB cohort Drizzle Sez like to call Profound Assholes (a/k/a "PA"). Today, we're introducing a bit of PA to EOTR as True and Speed talk about some of the latest news surrounding the wrestling world.

True: This shit is garbage. Period.

Speed: Bryan's retirement. Shit is fucking insane.

True: I'm about to give up on this shit.

Speed: Bruh, can I be completely honest? I'm thinking about cancelling my Network subscription. Sure, that'd potentially mean less WIRTB. But, I'm pretty just...I don't even think "livid" is the right word. I'm...some weird combination of sad and angry. I'm "sangry."

True: I don't blame you. No lie.

Speed: The Bryan shit, for me, it's like the icing on the cake, to be honest. The way that they handled it, while graceful and while I prefer him to leave on his own terms before his brain is cheese-like, still stinks.

True: Yeah, I'm getting there myself.

Speed: I don't know. WWE's been pissing me off. And yes, they got Styles, Nakamura, and Aries. That's great. I love the fact that these legends are getting a WWE run of some sort. Signing them is dope. But...fuck it. The bad, for me, pretty much outweighs the good. And that's not even me getting on some snarky, smarky bullshit. Like, let's really look at WWE for a second. "Oooh, Bayley is over. Crazy over." Watch. They'll end up turning her into some catchphrase-spewing Chick Cena that's making corny jokes versus just being the kid-friendly wrestling machine she is. Look at Sasha Banks! Hell, even Daughter Flair.

Hideo Itami. Remember him? Remember how psyched up people were when "KENTA" turned into Itami? He's great. He's the future. He...has, like, six matches then gets the Daniel Bryan treatment. I mean, at least Bryan got to make some more appearances on the shows, even in a non-wrestling role.

Ooooh, the main roster. It's bloated. There's so much filler and it spills out into the actual show. Now, I love The New Day. But did we really need a segment with them and Rock that lasted for damn near the entire final hour or so? No. We didn't. On top of that, there are jobbers out of the ass on the roster. Jobbers who could probably make something of themselves if they were given the chance--hi Social Outcasts.

Hell, look at Heath Slater period. He's like a poor man's poor man's poor man's Daniel Bryan in his popularity. But, he gets trotted out to get a Knockout Punch from Big Show and all's back to normal.

"But what about the part-timers?" Ugh. Undertaker and Rock are legends. But, why keep bringing up the past to keep you relevant when you can use the past to elevate the present and future. And don't say "Bray Wyatt." He had a great moment that was squandered by Creative.

True: I think Takeover: Dallas is it for me, essentially. It's the last event I really give a damn about.

Speed: So, you've given up on the product, overall?

True: Yeah. It feels like more of a business for me.

Speed: True. You know what happened with me the last time I felt like that? We got Unhinged--shameless plug--and me retiring from music. Wrestling, in general, is on some weird-ass decline that can't even begin to be simply described. Is there anything that can get you back into wrestling, WWE or otherwise?

True: Full-time? Nah. Never. WWE? Never. But, I would give a bit more of a damn about it if Reigns was depushed to the mid-card. If Ambrose, Seth, Cesaro, Nakamura, etc., got their fair share of a main event-esque spotlight? That's it. I just have stopped caring, though, for the most part (laughs). It's crazy.

Speed: I feel you, though. Shit is wild. WWE is losing and TNA still never found it. No, no, no. I'm serious.

True: Go on.

Speed: I dare the EOTR family to watch TNA. Legitimately watch it, from entrance music to closing credits. The wrestling is alright, at times. But everything else? It's fucking putrid. And I say that as someone who was a fan of the promotion before it became WWE-lite.

ROH is, aside from the other indie promotions and NJPW, some of the closest stuff we're getting to a wrestling show en masse that isn't full of filler or Dwayne Johnson talking about "llama penises" for five minutes. But, as much as I love ROH, LU, and so on? I've got to be honest. The production is still meh. It still leaves a lot to be desired. If you give ROH some more cash to up the production values, more folks may get invested. Maybe. They may say "oh, this looks like NXT or IMPACT" and watch it whenever it's on. For ROH, getting back on a channel that isn't Sinclair-owned is another step entirely.

Now, notice I didn't say "oooh, this looks like RAW." No one really wants to look like RAW with all their NeNe Leakes cameos, Hornswoggle with Ariel Winter craziness, and Three Stooges bullshit.

And if you do, you've got to go get your fucking head examined.

True: See that's the thing for me about WWE these days, man. I've been a fan for 23 years at this point. I had to detach myself from this shit. I've become cynical. I made a living off of being a heel in radio and social media and calling people "sheep."

But damn Speed, I was right. I don't believe for one minute this retirement was legit. It felt forced. Like, this man was just healthy. Just healthy. Now he isn't? I mean, the guys in the business that I loved were Punk and Bryan.

Speed: At least Punk's finally gonna make his UFC debut.

True: Yeah. But now they're both done in WWE. Seth is gone. Reigns vs Triple H is going to be the main event at Mania. This shit doesn't even feel real.

Speed: I feel that this should make an appearance. Although, like you said, this shit seems forced and, ya know, not real to me, dammit.

True: (laughs) And that's why I'm done man. I'll still write for EOTR and be on the show to help, but I give up. I love the indies, but my heart isn't in wrestling anymore. I see why people walk away from this business. It drained me as someone who got into the business and worked with an actual wrestling promotion and it drained me as a fan. I don't have fun watching it on TV anymore. It's more exciting watching football, basketball and to be honest, basketball was my first love. Wrestling came right after that.

Like, take Lucha for instance. I like the work. It's over the top. It's fun. But it doesn't really engage me like season one did.

I lost my smile in the business I guess. True God Immortal has lost his smile for wrestling (laughs). That's essentially what this is. You know the old fans who had that point where they stopped watching and they always tell you what it was.

Speed: I gave up in the mid-2000s, only to come back when Punk, Bryan, and Rock were getting crazy over in 2011, 2012.

True: Folks will say "I stopped watching when The Rock left and Austin left, I couldn't do it" or "man, when they kept forcing Cena down our throats, I just walked away from my TV and that was the end for me."

I understand that now. I get it. I do. I mean, for the current product, maybe I'll come back to it when Seth Rollins returns. I mean, I'll always keep up with it for the purposes of what we do. But to be completely fair? I have to see where it all goes. The ride is no longer fun. Remember you could just sit back and enjoy the whole storyline and be amazed at how it played out. Remember? Now look. The Dudleys turned heel. Welp. If this was 2000, I would care, but, yeah.

Speed: We're damn near at 2020.

True: The Usos suck. These losers come out jigging and dabbing and shit and I mean damn man! What coonery.

Speed: Rikishi would be...honestly, I don't know if he'd be all that proud of how they're going about shit.

True: Then you've got Reigns out there stinking the joint out every night.

It is absolutely bullshit. ROMAN REIGNS IS PURE TRASH. He hasn't improved much. He sucks at promos. His matches are lackluster. He isn't a fucking star. I saw that from day one. You know who is a star?

Speed: The Be A Star folks? John Cena?

True: Dean Ambrose. You know who could be popular enough to main event a WrestleMania? Dean Ambrose. You know who is great? Kevin Owens. You know who deserves a push when he returns from injury?

Speed: John Cena?

True: (laughs) Cesaro. You know who needs more TV time? AJ Styles.

Speed: We get him on The Highlight Reel and kicking Miz's teeth out.

Fucking hell, that's a face I can't unsee.

True: Indeed. But, instead of Styles and company, we got Reigns out here being garbage and a retirement from a man who was just cleared by several world-class doctors. Imagine that. The WWE took world-class doctors and said "hey guys. Your work was irrelevant," just to retire Daniel Bryan.

Speed: I agree. I, like I said, don't want him to end up another CTE casualty and stuff. But, something still seems...off about the Bryan situatiuon.

True: On top of that? We got Sheamus out here with The League of Nations. No one wants to see these assholes. But here we are.

Speed: Rusev is a lost cause and Barrett should've left years ago.

True: It is depressing. It is saddening. WWE is absolutely putrid. TNA has good matches but I'm not invested or give an inkling of a fuck about any of these damn wrestlers on the show.

Speed: Cue Matt Hardy calling us smarky jerkoffs.

True: Dixie Carter? Vince McMahon? All them are idiots.

Speed: Careful, now. We're about to get the folks who think we're stupid for voicing an opinion (laughs).

True: And? I'll watch NXT Takeover Dallas and that will likely be it for me after that. I mean, I won't ever get to see Nakamura and Bryan fight. Bryan vs Styles in WWE. Balor vs Bryan in WWE. I'm depressed. There's no saving WrestleMania 32. ROH is losing their guys to WWE and I just don't know what to do there.

I love ROH. But outside of the lack of push for my boys ACH and Cedric, I'm not passionate about anything there. It is frustrating. Very. This is a crossroads for me as a wrestling fan. I am not sure if I can truly manage anymore with this. I'm giving up on wrestling. Fuck it. This shit don't love you back (laughs).

Speed: True shit. Well, to close out, I'd like to thank Daniel Bryan for sacrificing his time and body to make a legend of himself.

Last night, he said "wrestlers do this because they love to do this." It's oddly ironic that, in some ways, the business doesn't love those who gave their souls for this shit--or the people who are putting those dollars in the pockets of the Vinces and such--at times. If you're still a fan, that's cool. But, like True, I think I'm stepping back from it all. I'll still support the biz, but it's lost me, full-time. I'm leaving with this statement.

I'd rather watch Cardi B and Stevie J and Joseline than watch wrestling these days.

True: You're on your own on that, but I get what you're getting at.

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Eyes on the Ring 10:26 AM  No comment

Lucha Headlines 7/8/15

By Nathan Neumann @Headliner5

Hello everyone, and welcome back to Lucha Headlines and week 3 of my reviews for both WrestlingSmash.com and EyesOnTheRing.com. This was a great week of Lucha; we’re getting closer to the finish line and the conclusion of Season One, Ultima Lucha, looming on August 5th.  Without any further hesitation from yours truly let’s get down to business.

The show begins and Pentagon Jr. is shown talking to a mystery person many assume to be his master. He says that Vampiro is half the man he used to be. He also says that come Ultima Lucha, he will destroy Vampiro once and for all.

Pentagon, Jr. is talking with a mysterious figure, who seems to be his master. He says that Vampiro is not the man that he once was, and he vows to destroy him at Ultima Lucha.

Match 1
The Mack vs. Cage

This match was pretty damn good, I’ve always been a fan of Willie Mack (The Mack) and Cage is Cage. From the little I’ve seen of The Mack in Lucha Underground he has definitely gone out of his way to impress all of the believers inside of the temple. This match featured a really good performance from The Mack and he was able to catch Cage a bit off-guard by scoring the win over him with a roll up.

Result: The Mack defeats Cage with a roll up

From there, we go to the backstage area of the temple as Son Of Havoc is seen with his back to the camera. A hand reaches out and taps his shoulder and we find out it is the beautiful Catrina. She says that The Disciples Of Death will be coming for the Trios Titles. Not only that, 1,000 Deaths are coming his way in the form of Mil Muertes. Double whammy. Ivelisse confronts Catrina and tells her to leave but then the lights begin to flicker and Angelico makes his entrance with his partners Ivelisse and Son Of Havoc. There’s some weird thing where you think for a second that Ivelisse and Son Of Havoc may get back together but they both tell Angelico that their relationship now is only a business one.

From here, we go to a backstage interview where Vampiro is awkwardly interviewing Pentagon Jr. He apologizes for his earlier attack on him weeks ago. He then talks up how dangerous Pentagon Jr. is and while back in his day Vamprio may have been the same way, he is now a changed man that he is behind the desk. Pentagon did whatever he could to provoke Vampiro but Vampiro managed to keep his cool before leaving the set.

From there we go to the next match.

Match 2

Mil Muertes vs. Son Of Havoc

Another really good match here because--let’s face it--have you yet to see a bad Lucha Underground match yet? Both these guys’ styles gel very well together and it showed here, as it was a great back and forth contest with an equal amount of offense. During the match, the Disciples Of Death make their presence felt in order to attack Ivelisse and Angelico as Catrina managed.

Result: Mil Muertes defeats Son Of Havoc with a flatliner

From there, Texano enters the ring and says he has always represented Mexico--even though his own family doesn’t trust him. But, the last thing he wants to do is turn his back on his family. He says he doesn’t care what they think but calls out Chavo for being a traitor against Mexico. From there the Crew (Mr. Cisco and Cortez Castro) hit the ring and attack Texano until Blue Demon Jr. (of all people) rushes to his aid only for him to turn his back on Texano and join the Crew. He grabs a microphone and says that he is Mexico and that they will fight to prove which one deserves to represent Mexico.

From there, we find out that Drago will take on Hernandez at Ultima Lucha.

Out of that we head to the main event and the third match of the night.

Main Event – Match 3
Team El Patron (Alberto El Patron, Sexy Star, Aerostar, and Drago vs. Team Mundo (Johnny Mundo, Super Fly, Hernandez, and Jack Evans)

I really liked how this match was set up because it pretty much infuses four of the main feuds that are going on currently. This match was very good with tons of high flying spots and action, the action was so fast paced that you could barely blink while watching it. But, that’s what makes Lucha Underground so special. Not only is the action super fast but it’s also super crisp and everything that’s done inside of the ring makes perfect sense to the story that they are trying to tell which is something that’s often lost in the art of Lucha. The finish of the match came when Team Mundo got the win over Team El Patron when Johnny Mundo hits End Of The World to end the world of El Patron and his team in a must-see match.

Result: Team Mundo defeats Team El Patron when Johnny Mundo scores the win over Team El Patron with the End Of The World.

Just when we think things can’t get any worse, Pentagon Jr. is back and attacks Vampiro from behind and hits him with a chair. Pentagon gets on the microphone and says Vampiro is afraid of him. Pentagon then reaches for gasoline, dumps the gasoline on Vampiro, and lights a match. Vampiro is given an ultimatum: he has one week to decide whether or not he will accept the match at Ultima Lucha and fight him so that Pentagon can sacrifice Vampiro to his master. The show ends when Pentagon goes to drop the lighter on Vampiro. An excellent cliffhanger leading into next week which is another reason why Lucha Underground is the best thing going in wrestling today.

That brings an end to another exciting Lucha Underground review for WrestlingSmash.com and VOCNation as well as EyesOnTheRing.com.  I hope you enjoyed reading this review as I get into the grove of reviewing this show. So until next week Lucha Kliq this has been Nathan saying so long and I will see you right back here next week for another action packed edition of Lucha Headlines.  For now I am Nathan saying so long and be sure to follow me on Twitter @Headliner5

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Eyes on the Ring 8:52 AM  No comment

Lucha Headlines 7/1/15

By Nathan Neumann (@Headliner5)

Hello everyone and welcome to week #2 of Lucha Headlines. I am Nathan and we had an action packed hour of wrestling last night. So, without any further ado lets get down to the action shall we?

The show begins inside of Dario Cueto’s office as Dario is talking to Chavo. Dario compliments him for putting an end to Blue Demon Jr. Cueto then proceeds to reward Chavo for capturing Black Lotus and gives him a shot at the Lucha Underground championship and it’s champion Prince Puma for later on in the main event of the evening. Chavo then says he wants the match to be a no DQ match to which Cueto agrees and we have our main event for the night.

From there we go to the ring for the first match of the night.

Match 1
Texano vs. Delvar Diavari

I’m having issues with the naming of Delvar Diavari because it’s too hard to say in my opinion. But, whatever. I suppose it works, just not for me. This match was pretty good. But, at times I had a hard time cheering for anyone because they are both guys I’m not supposed to like. Other than that issue, this match was perfectly acceptable and Texano managed to defeat Delvar Diavari with a sit out powerbomb to score the win.

Result: Texano defeats Delvar Diavari via pinfall after a sit out powerbomb.

From there, we head to the locker rooms inside of the temple as Prince Puma is shown training.  Enter Konnan who makes his way into the frame and gives Prince Puma some words of wisdom headed into his match with Chavo Guerrero.  Konnan tells Puma that he’s very familiar with Chavo’s ways and that he will lie cheat and steal to get what he wants. Cue flashy lights and the appearance of Catrina who tells Puma to be afraid because Mil Muertes is on the horizon and Mil will take his title come Ultima Lucha. Muertes makes an appearance and stares down the champion before vanishing into thin air with Catrina.

From there we see Konnan talking to someone in the locker room and talks about Dario Cueto’s abusive authoritative ways and that he is not going to be held down any longer.

Match 2
Drago vs. Hernandez

This was a pretty good match. I always enjoy seeing Drago and Hernandez is a big man who can actually move with agility which is nice for a change because on a show like this you sort of need it. The end of the match came when Hernandez stole a belt from a fan in attendance and used it to choke out Drago to get disqualified and allow Drago to win the match.

Result: Drago defeats Hernandez via disqualification after Hernandez chokes Drago out with a belt.

After that, Hernandez grabs a microphone and shatters little kids dreams by informing them that Dragon’s aren’t real.

Backstage, once again and Chavo is getting ready for his main event title match, the lights dim per the usual when Catrina appears (seriously, I think this building may have faulty wiring) and tells Chavo that Mil Muertes will be the Lucha Underground champion after Ultima Lucha. This brings on the appearance of Mil Muertes who roars on with approval.

Match 3
Alberto El Patron vs. Marty “The Moth” Martinez

This was barely a match really, the highlight was before the match when the Moth was creepily stalking Melissa Santos while she was doing his intro. The bell rang and the beginning of the match was pretty much the end of it as well. El Patron locked on the cross arm breaker to score the submission victory.

Result: Alberto El Patron defeats Marty “The Moth” Martinez via submission with a cross arm breaker.

After the match, Alberto gets on the mic and says that Mundo’s decisions will eventually catch up to him and that putting him through the window a few weeks ago will be a major mistake.  He swears revenge on Mundo and then says that their first match in Lucha Underground will be Mundo’s last.

Before the main event we find out that if Konnan interferes in this next match, then Prince Puma will lose the title and that Chavo Guerrero will become the new champion.

Main Event – Match 4
Chavo Guerrero vs. Prince Puma {C}
Lucha Underground Championship Match

This match was your standard defense of the LU Championship by its champion Prince Puma. Puma ended up winning the match after a 630 splash thanks to interference from Texano, of all people. So someone did in fact interfere. But, it wasn’t Konnan so I guess it’s okay right?

Result: Prince Puma defeats Chavo Guerrero via 630 splash to retain the Lucha Underground Championship.

After the match, Texano grabbed the microphone and stated that Mexico is here and that “They” are coming for Chavo Guerrero...which doesn’t make sense to me but whatever. I’ll forgive it.

This brings an end to week #2 of Lucha Headlines for EyesOnTheRing.com. I hope you enjoyed this weeks review as much if not more than you enjoyed last weeks. Thank you for reading and I will see you right back here with another installment of Lucha Headlines as presented by me Nathan Neumann.

Until next week be sure to follow me on Twitter @Headliner5 and let's talk some Lucha!

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Eyes on the Ring 8:45 AM  No comment

So, I watched a Lucha Underground Match

By Speed on the Beat (Find SOTB!!! on Twitter)

On a whim, I took the plunge. I went to YouTube, went to El Rey's channel (since I don't have the actual network on my provider at home) and loaded up a match. The match, Johnny Mundo (John Morrison) versus King Cuerno, was a cage match that seems like it was part of a blood feud between the two. From the moment they locked up, there was something different about this match versus a WWE or a TNA.



It felt real. It felt like these two guys hated the holy bejeweled beejeebus out of each other and wanted to kick their respective heads in. It isn't a spots-only affair, something people tend to expect from gimmick matches these days. Each attack, each connect, each miss, it carried weight. And as the match drew to a close, the audience swelled with anticipation and I legitimately marked out over Mundo's finisher done off of a cage. Hell, the announcers even put over the "holy shit!" chants, something that doesn't happen anywhere these days.

Now, LU isn't perfect. Their camera angles are a bit dizzying, for starters. Also, the promotion features some--but not all--of the better talents from Mexico and beyond. So, you're still missing out on wrestlers. Finally, the announcing crew is just "meh," for me at least. However, if you're looking for a reason to watch LU, maybe this match will give you one.

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Eyes on the Ring 2:25 PM  No comment

You Have Options: Looking Beyond WWE

By True (@TrueGodImmortal)

And these aren't the only ones.

Good day, folks. As you know, we are currently on the Road To WrestleMania. Usually this time of year, I'm all in for WrestleMania, excited about the card, the build, etc. However, as I explained in an earlier article titled "Losing The Mania of WrestleMania", I don't feel that way this year--and haven't for quite some time. Fast Lane, an unnecessary PPV that replaced the fun and enjoyable Elimination Chamber, just took place and to say I'm a tad apathetic about the WrestleMania direction is an understatement. WWE, has benefited from not having a strong national competitor on the mainstream for wrestling (or "sports-entertainment"). However, just because WWE has no competition on the "mainstream" level, that doesn't mean that you have no other options. Without dwelling on the WWE and their mediocre product too long, let us take a look at some of your other options.

Ring of Honor:

ROH is getting ready to celebrate their 13th anniversary. In my opinion, despite a lackluster TV deal, they are the number two professional wrestling company in the United States. ROH relies heavily on strong style wrestling, with an emphasis on technical prowess and high flying. With former WWE stars like Alberto El Patron (f/k/a Del Rio) in the fold, big name guys like AJ Styles and Michael Elgin, and rising stars such as ACH and Cedric Alexander, ROH provides you with all the in ring entertainment minus the fluff and bullshit. If you're looking for other options, this is the first place I'd suggest starting. (Ed. Note: Also, be sure to check out Nathan's ROH Reviews)

TNA (Impact Wrestling):
I am not a fan of TNA personally, never have been. While they do have a decent TV deal now and had a great one previously, they remind me a bit of WWE, with an out of touch, delusional person running the show(though Vince might not be nearly as lost as Dixie Carter). Be that as it may, TNA does have some great talent on that roster, with former WWE stars Kurt Angle, MVP and Bobby Lashley in the fold, amazing performers like Austin Aries and Bobby Roode, along with the always fun X-Division. While TNA is no longer seen as the clear number 2 company in North America, it still holds strong and has a loyal fan base. Unfortunately, they did just lose one of their veterans, Samoa Joe, as he decided to go elsewhere. They've lost quite a few big names over the last 2 years, but regardless, TNA still has the roster equipped for putting on a good show.

New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW):
For some, NJPW is the best thing going in wrestling today. With the Bullet Club being as over as it is and breathtaking matches at every event, NJPW is staking its claim with the wrestling fans in the US and all around the world, as well as in Japan. NJPW has been around for many years, even having supershows in the past with WCW back in the '90s. Today, names like Nakamura, Tanahashi, Shibata, Nagata, and more bring the pain inside that NJPW ring. You may see legends such as Jushin Liger, The Great Muta, and more in that ring or some of the best indie performers from the US there such as AJ Styles, Doc Gallows, and The Young Bucks, to name a few. NJPW has a solid system, smart booking, and knows how to please their fans. If you're not watching WWE, I'd suggest as NJPW as your next option right after ROH.

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG):
PWG has been around for years. So many names have come through that place, that its legacy is forever legendary. From El Generico (Sami Zayn), to Kevin Steen (Kevin Owens), Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan), CM Punk, Samoa Joe,and others, damn near anyone who has a name in this era of the business, has been through PWG. They run amazing events, usually monthly or bimonthly, and the physical high impact style that they infuse is beyond entertaining. Their DVD sales are usually through the roof, and they continue to give the people what they want to see (what a concept, Vince). Check out their website or Highspots and experience the magic yourself.

Lucha Underground:
I recently got into Lucha Underground after catching a little bit of their TV show on the El Ray Network. This show is paced much differently than the WWE, TNA, or really any wrestling show for that matter. They've given great wrestlers some new fun gimmicks to work under, also brought in Alberto El Patron, and put on great matches every event. Lucha Underground and their style might appeal more to the hardcore fan instead of the casual fan, but considering the casual fan's enjoyment of high flying, risk taking action on WWE, I doubt they'd have a big issue adjusting here. Be on the lookout for Lucha Underground, as they strive to bring us the best. 

SHIMMER/Shine: 
SHIMMER and Shine are both female promotions that highlight the best and rising women wrestlers in the business. Mia Yim, Su Yung, Ivelisse, Leva Bates ("Blue Pants" in NXT), and countless others all take part in the events and put on some amazing shows. If you're a fan of women's wrestling and the Knockout division or Divas division doesn't do it for you, then this would be the place to start. The things these women do in the ring are unlike anything we've seen before.

Other Independent Promotions

There are far too many to write about, but I'll give you a rundown of some of my favorites:

• PWX Wrestling: A company I used to do work for, based in the North Carolina area, with some of the best talent on the entire circuit. Check their website out for ticket info and their Video on Demand features.
• AIW (Wrestling): Based in Ohio, this company goes above and beyond to put on immaculate shows for their audience and I believe they also have great DVD production values as well.
• Maryland Championship Wrestling: Based out of Maryland(as evidenced by the name), MCW has a massive following as every month they draw from 800-1300 people, which for an indie promotion, is amazing numbers. Check them out.

There are a lot more indie promotions out here, such as:

• Wrestleforce in SC
• Smash Wrestling in Canada
• CZW in Philly
• 2CW in NY
• Promotions in Texas (including Booker T's ROW) 
• And countless others. 

The purpose of this article is to just let most fans that WWE isn't the only show in town. They're just the most promoted. Sometimes, in the entertainment world, the best product doesn't always come from the biggest attraction, or the most popular. It can come from the smaller business who puts more effort into the show and creation as opposed to coasting by on name and money. Support Indie Wrestling. Support all wrestling. You have options. Use them.

-The Immortal 

@TrueGodImmortal

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Eyes on the Ring 3:36 PM  No comment

All Eyes On…Sexy Star

Nathan (@Headliner5) here once again to bring you yet another installment of the All Eyes On series. It wasn’t my intention to make this series part of my regular write-ups, but with all the wrestling I have been watching, I feel it’s only appropriate that I present to you the next installment of the series this time spotlighting AAA/Lucha Underground’s Sexy Star.

I have watched Sexy Star’s matches on YouTube in the past. So I was a bit familiar with her prior to the debut of Lucha Underground. But, for those of you who aren’t, this article is aimed to get you there. So, here we go with the latest All Eyes On Profile: Sexy Star.

Sexy Star
Height: 160 cm (5’3”)
Weight:57 kg (125 lbs)

From: Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Debut: August: 29, 2006

Okay, let’s face facts most of us probably don’t care all that much about women’s wrestling. There is a reason for that, and it’s pretty simple. In a promotion like WWE (the main promotion in which wrestling is perceived), they condition fans to not care about women’s wrestling at all. Hell, Survivor Series was last Sunday and most of us probably didn’t watch the two women’s matches that were on the card that night. WWE’s women are two have three variants as of late.

They are either:

A) crazy,

B) show lesbian/bisexual tendencies (see Paige’s recent behavior and watch the match between AJ Lee and whatever Bella she wrestled at Survivor Series; it’s only about 20 seconds, so it’s not a huge waste) or

C) are someone you aren’t supposed to care about because they don’t put ample time in developing them enough to make you invested in their character.

This brings me to the AAA-affiliated Lucha Underground promotion that launched this past October on the El Rey Network and Sexy Star.

I have been a fan of hers even before I saw her in LU. Before that was even a thing, I would watch some of her matches on YouTube. The first time I saw her I really liked what I saw.  Because she is a wrestler, fast-forward to October 29, 2014 and the debut of Lucha Underground. I was beyond thrilled that she was on their roster because that meant I got to see more of her work.

The difference between Sexy Star as opposed to your typical WWE Diva is that a young girl realistically can’t look up to any WWE Diva. I mean, sure, they could...but what kind of example would that Diva be setting for said kid? And would the parents be considered responsible for letting their children watch a product (which, at this point, is still rated PG) with loads of lesbianism included within?

Your answer to that question if you were looking for it is Lucha Underground’s Sexy Star. There are other women on the show that can be looked up to, but the most important is Sexy Star because of the message she sends.  On Star’s very first appearance on LU she talked about her troubled past which involves both abuse and depression. She said that she turned to wrestling to overcome her past and to empower herself. She also said that she hopes to inspire empowerment among all women. That’s the long and short of it.  A very simple, wholesome message that some women may relate to they make you sympathize with her right from the get go in they do it in the most honest way possible.

She will not only wrestle women within LU, but other men as well; the promotion presents both males and females as EQUAL which to me is the most important message of all. So, if you have access to the El Rey Network please go seek out Lucha Underground or go to YouTube and look for some of Sexy Star’s matches. When you do, you’ll will see exactly what a women’s wrestler is supposed to be: an empowered female that doesn’t get degraded on a week-to-week basis and one that can put on a show just as well if not better than the men.

As you can see this was a lot shorter than my previous two entries but it gives you just enough background to go and seek out some of her matches. I would highly recommend doing so. After you do, drop me a mention on Twitter at @Headliner5 and let me know what you think of her and whether or not you agree with with me.

Until next time Eyes On The Ring readers I am Nathan saying so long I hope you enjoyed the reading of this article as much as I enjoyed the writing of it. Until my next ROH Wrestling review coming up later today, keep your Eyes On The Ring and Sexy Star.

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