IWL#2 Upcoming Shows and Commentary 2/22/08

Hello wrestling fans, thanks for calling option #2 of the Indy Wrestle Line. It is Friday, February 22nd, and I am “You Indiana Wrestling Reporter & Photographer” Marcus A. Fine

I would first like to thank all the people who have called and left messages, from welcome back to upcoming show information, it is greatly appreciated.

Now onto the report:

The Extreme Wrestling Federation returns to action this Saturday, February 23rd at the EWF Arena, Located at 3400 S. Adams St. in Marion, Indiana. Bell Time is 7:30, and tickets are just $8.00. At the EWF this weekend, you will see: The Dark Lion defend his Midwestern Title against “The Real Deal” Bob, Hillbilly Jed & Joey Owens will defend their Tag Belts against Locked N’ Loaded’s Skip Raddison & Rob Kincaid, Andy Santos will take on Dylan Bostic, The Dance Off between Hurricane & Party Boy, plus you could also see: New Era Champion Just Justin, "The Soul Shooters" Drew Johnson & Appollo Starr, Nate Phoenix, Charles Jackson, Niko Kilauea, Justin Andrews, Damian Michaels w/ Destiny Payne, Hank Calhoun, & Mike King w/ Party Boy.

Then down in Madison, Indiana, AWA Supreme is back in action at the SCW Building, located at 821 W. Main St. Bell Time is 7:30, and tickets are just $5.00

Then the United States Wrestling Promotions is having a show this Saturday at the Expo Hall in Connersville, Indiana. Bell Time is 7:15, and tickets are $8 for adults and kids 12 and under are $6. Matches already signed: Reaper will take on Triple A, Lord Haydes w/ Ref. Grimm will go up against Havok, Rob Kincaid & Skip Raddison will take on Chris Morgan & Matt Vengence, and the Main Event will be a Connersville Street Fight between Riot and Victor Burns. You could also see: Brad Mayhem, Johnny Chaotic, Augila Rojo, Gabriel, and J-Ice.

(I would like to thank Randy Klemme for sending me the flyer for this show)

Then Bigfreaky asked that I announce this show:

Absolute Intense Wrestling is having a show and it is called, AIW Gauntlet for the Gold 3 , Sunday Night, February 24th, VIP – 6:00PM, Doors – 6:30PM, BELL TIME 7:15PM , UAW Local 1250 -- 17250 Hummel Rd., Brook Park , OHIO, Tickets: VIP/Front Row $15 in advance, $17 at the door, General Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

Matches Signed: MAD MAN PONDO VS. "THE PASSION" JOHN THORNE -- 30 MAN GAUNTLET FOR THE GOLD, The Winner will become ABSOLUTE CHAMPION: THE FIRST TEN SPOTS IN THE GAUNTLET ARE FILLED:

1.Sterling James Keenan
2. Dios Salvador
3. Matt "MDogg20" Cross
4. Eric Ryan
5. Hobo Joe
6. Luis Diamante
7. TJ Dynamite
8. Rebis
9. Johnny Gargano
10. Mad Man Pondo
11-29 ????????
30. Dios Salvador

JOHNNY GARGANO VS. JOSH PROHIBITION -- "THE PANTHER" TYRONE EVANS SAYS GOOD-BYE (heading to the WWE) -- CHRIS CRONUS vs. Mystery Opponent, and Cronus CLAIMS HE WILL 'HURT SOMEBODY' -- MATT "MDOGG20" CROSS vs. MATTHEW JUSTICE ---NUMBER ONE CONTENDERS FOR THE AIW TAG TITLES will be DECIDED (With both of their partners unable to make this event, representing the Switchblade Saints, Matt Riot will battle 1/2 Of The AIW Tag Champs, Nick Belushi. If Matt is able to beat Nick, The Saints will be declared No. 1 Contenders for the belts.) Hailey Hatred will debut at AIW -- AND MUCH MORE!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION to purchase Advanced Tickets go to: WWW.AIWRESTLING.COM

And that is all I have for shows for this w/e. Now, a little commentary on my part. Bigfreaky asked my opinion on how I feel about promoters booking and then canceling shows. Now before I begin, let it be known that I am fully aware that I am NOT a wrestling promoter or wrestler, and never have been. These are just my ideas, as I see it from attending all the events that I have over the years. So here we go:

I feel that promoters need to be professional when it comes to booking and advertising shows. I feel that promoters need to learn from their mistakes, and make changes where needed. They need to do their homework, to make sure that everything will work out the way it needs to, BEFORE they announce a show. If something comes up and a show must be canceled, fine, it happens. But don’t make a habit of booking shows and then canceling them because something always came up. I feel that 2 strikes and your out is the rule of thumb. If you are relying on gate receipts to fund your event, then you need to forget the event altogether. You also need to check out every avenue to make sure that the date you wish to book the show is going to work out. Make sure there are sporting events, concerts, the Super Bowl, World Series, or a major holiday, just to name a few, that will prevent or keep people from attending you show. You should also make sure that another promoter is not running a show within 50 miles or so from you. Have respect for the other promoters, because face it, you are all in this together. Have the money up front to pay for everything, Building, workers, ect. Then the revenue you make off the event is a bonus. Yes, you could loose your shirt, but that is the price to pay. Advertise your event, well in advance. Pay your workers. Have your ducks in a row before you advertise that event. Don’t screw the fans. A lot of fans look forward to wrestling events weeks before they happen. Don’t let the fans down because you, the promoter screwed up.

Then I was asked about “green wrestlers”. I have a lot of respect for all wresters, as long as they got the heart to do what they are doing, and work their butts off to master their craft. Every wrestler that ever stepped into the squared circle was green at on time. Mistakes will be made, and that is why practice is necessary. But even the veterans make mistakes from time to time. That is not a reason to dog and belittle them for it, it happens. Now back to training, I not just talking practicing in a training facility with your trainer and training buddies. That is beneficial, but being in front of a live crowd is a whole new ball game. Rookies need to get as much ring time as they can. Get booked on as many shows as you can. Get the practice you need in front of a crowd, and you will improve. You need to get the feel of a live crowd, and the environment in which you are working. I have attended wrestling events all over the state. Wrestling Fans are different from town to town, promotion to promotion, venue to venue. You need to adapt to all these environments. Also, wrestling rings are different from promoter to promoter. They may be softer, harder, bigger, smaller, have loose ropes, have really tight ropes. So as you can tell, you need to experience different situations, and know how to adapt accordingly. Also, you need to dress like a wrestler. This is a job, and your wrestling gear is your uniform. I think it weakens the quality of the show when wrestlers are allowed to wrestle in cut off jeans and tennis shoes. Have pride in what you do. Now as I have said before, I am no promoter or wrestler and never have been. These are strictly my ideas, and I may be way off base, but this is the way I see it. I also hope that I didn’t bore any of you and that you knew where I was coming from, and that I just wasn’t out in left field rambling on about nothing.

Now I should be back on Monday, February 25th with the results from these shows. I should have time, and I would like to pass along my ideas for putting together a quality wrestling show at that time as well.

Please remember that if you have anything for me, such as comments, questions, concerns, or show info, please leave your message after the beep, or drop me a line at in1fan@peoplepc.com.

So until Monday, this has been “Your Indiana Wrestling Reporter and Photographer”, Marcus A. Fine, Thanks for calling the Indy Wrestle Line, and I hope to see you out supporting Indiana Pro Wrestling.