01/06/2012 – A Dozen Stories That Mattered in Georgia Wrestling During 2011
From Stephen Platinum:
In order to put this article out quickly, I’m going to just give a cursory description of
each news item without necessarily finding exact dates and details. I’m also not
going to order and rank the importance or significance of the stories (opting for
placement alphabetically), so panties can stay in place and not get bunched up in the
butt cracks of various wrestling people in the state. These stories are clearly my take
on what I remember, and the opinions, snarky comments grammar/spelling errors
and juvenile humor are mine as well. Enjoy!
Adam Pearce Makes the Rounds in Georgia
NWA World Champion “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce was a frequent presence in the
state of Georgia in 2011, his most notable appearances being another appearance at
(then) Platinum Championship Wrestling’s “Sacred Ground: Chapter Two” card,
where he didn’t defend the NWA Championship and lost to “Do Or Die” Chip Day, and
a run through three NWA territories near the end of 2011 one weekend -- Pro South,
Anarchy and Rampage Pro Wrestling. In contrast to the PCW appearance, Adam
Pearce blew through the NWA territories, defeating the respective top players in each
promotion and running into a bit of controversy with an obscenity laced tirade against
a fan who threw things at Pearce at RPW. Pearce is currently in the midst of his Last
Ride tour, and firmly cemented his status as the most dominant and significant NWA
champion in recent memory, especially in the Georgia area.
Georgia Wrestling History Stays Open
They like you, they really, really, like you. GWH, the premiere wrestling website in
Georgia briefly closed during 2011, and the response was overwhelming – Rich Tate
and Larry Goodman were quickly told how much the site means to the workers and
wrestling fans in Georgia (and other states as well) that GWH served. GWH added a
number of podcast shows of note, improved the ease at accessing local wrestling
news and reviews and the show reports continued to exist so wrestling people in the
area could resume pretending they didn’t read them with equal parts wonder and
terror. The biggest part of the story is the non-story – that GWH is still around and we’
re all glad for it.
Indies You May Not Have Heard of Continue to Draw
In the wake of the once wildly successful Purks promotion closing it’s doors some
time ago seemingly indicating that big crowds weren’t possible nymore, a number of
indies drew great amounts of people in 2011, indicating a healthy interest of wrestling
in the state. Peachtree State, UIW, GCW and other promotions managed to put on
shows (sometimes in conjunction with other events like the NWA festivities) that drew
in the 250-600 range. While this may be a far cry from what promotions drew in
decades past, it is an indication that a well-promoted show can still put people in the
seats, and provide shows for talent to continue to work as promotions that failed to
draw (the Diane Hewes “led” GCW in for example) could go away. What, Hewes is
running a promotion again? Dammit. Hopefully she just bought the car and will now
let others drive it.
Jerry Palmer Sells NWA Anarchy to Franklin Dove
One of the crown jewels of the NWA, and the most storied promotion currently still in
operation in Georgia, was sold to Franklin Dove in 2011. The mystery of who would
get the promotion provided months of rumors and debate on whom the new owner
should be (I’m not bitter), and the last show under Palmer’s ownership was an
amazing affair, a packed house, and a legendary show. That show, however, made it
tough for the people who ran Anarchy’s operations to get traction in the Dove era,
leading to houses that were down, a big show that fizzled, and perhaps the worst flier
in the history of Wildside and Anarchy (in spite of the free popcorn offered.) However,
the minds of Bill Behrens, Jeff G. Bailey and the returning Todd Sexton have appeared
to have gotten Anarchy back on track for a big revival in 2012 behind the popular Hate
Junkies, returning Urban Assault Squad, the ever-improving Seven and returning
Mikal Judas.
Kyle Matthews Kicks Everyone in the Face and Asses as Well
He won awards. He’s up for Future Legend at the Cauliflower Alley Club in 2012. He
wrestled Davey Richards. Adam Pearce. And wrestled for more promotions that just
about anyone including TNA and DragonGate. With Ted Allen sitting like an angel on
his shoulder, Kyle Matthews cemented his status as the pride of Georgia pro
wrestling in 2011. Save one bad haircut and questionable hair coloring, Matthews
had a flawless 2011. Though young in age, Matthews shows no indication of the
“early ripe, early rot” syndrome that has seemed to cause many young wrestlers with
potential to fade away. In fact, 2012 looks like it will be the breakout year for Matthews,
with top roles in RPW and numerous smaller promotions, a team called Daisho he’s
formed with Vordell Walker that threatens to demolish any team they run across in
PCW/EMPIRE, and continuing attention from the big promotions worldwide.
The National Wrestling Alliance Adds Many Members (huh, huh, “members.”)
Bill Behrens had a busy 2011, with being a driving force between two of the most
important promotions (Rampage and Anarchy), handling his array of talent as a
booking agent, and adding many promotions to the NWA. Rampage was the most
significant addition, but there were a ton of other good promotions (and MGCW) that
now fall under the NWA umbrella. Booking appearances for NWA Champion Adam
Pearce cemented Behrens (and the NWA’s) influence and authority in the state of
Georgia.
Opinionated People Piss People Off Who Usually Pretend Not To Care
Between Velvet Jones (who is NOT bitter about RPW, for the record.), Georgia Insider,
the Indy 300 (seriously…Stupid at #7? IN THE COUNTRY?) and the occasional
opinions from goobers like me, lots of people had lots to say and pretend to not get
mad about in 2011. It made for lively (and sometimes profoundly stupid) discussion.
While Georgia Insider blew the gimmick and went from interesting multi-headed
hydra to an angry old man who wants the backyard kids off his wrestling lawn, the
indy 300 was removed to see if they could put more terrible Georgia “talent” on the list
somehow, and Velvet Jones continued to say whatever he felt like discussing topics
as varied as “Remember when I was champ? That was good.” And: “Remember
where I wasn’t champ? That was bad.” With the occasional “I am really not bitter
about RPW and the NWA. I’m NOT.” (I keed, I keed. I am saying that so Velvet doesn’t
come after me.) The sometimes anonymous whistle blowers, hot air blowers, and
self-blowers made for fascinating thought and discussion and indicate a healthy
scene that warrants discussion, in spite of the usual negative tone.
Platinum Championship Wrestling becomes the Empire then EMPIRE
There had to be one story about PCW besides “Stephen Platinum screams at
everyone for an hour-and-a-half in a documentary”. While the NWA expanded and
promoted it’s brand in the state of Georgia bigger than it’s been in years, PCW’s
brand came seemingly to an untimely end of November 11th, 2011 when “The
Revelation” Shane Marx, forever PCW babyface turned heel, leading to an Empire win
in the winner-takes-all match. The Empire (now EMPIRE), led by Jeff G. Bailey
(perhaps the most shocking appearance of any wrestling personality in any
promotion in 2011), Marty Freeman and Miss Rachael have taken over PCW. The
entire show is different, with the advent of Dream Matches which is bringing in
wrestlers that never wrestled for PCW to the weekly shows in Avondale Estates and
the big Masquerade shows. By far the most significant and attention-getting angle in
Georgia indy wrestling in 2011, the EMPIRE is primed and ready, as PCW attempts to
make it’s comeback. This angle, coupled with continuing to do more shows than
anyone of increasing quality helped establish PCW/EMPIRE in 2011.
Rampage Pro Wrestling’s Presence Felt at DragonGate and TNA
Dr. Gayton, Jimmy Rave and Bill Behrens have made RPW the place wrestlers want
to work and the place that’s perceived as the clear #1 in Georgia (as indicated by their
near total sweep at the GWH awards, damn them to hell for these Miss Congeniality
sashes I have piling up in my closet. It’s an honor just to be nominated, my ass). On
top of that, RPW had multiple matches on the DragonGate shows, and their presence
was all over the TNA show in Macon, including Dr. Gayton himself tending to the fallen
and a great dark match between Kyle Matthews and Jimmy Rave. A number of
Anarchy personalities were used at Wrestlemania as well for entrances of WWE
wrestlers. A great year for Georgia indy talent on the big stages.
Rampage Pro Wrestling moves to Sunday
RPW’s importance in the area is undeniable. The move from Saturday night where
they were drawing over 100 regularly, and would pack out for bigger or more
significant shows (the Bryan Danielson appearance comes to mind) to Sunday hurt
the promotion. RPW maintains great ratings for its local show, and their status as #1
was not challenged (come on – Charlie Cash wins manager and neither I nor PCW
won for promotion, booker or promoter? I’m not bitter.) seriously. But the move to
Sunday has led to crowds below 100, and even bigger shows (like the Adam Pearce
appearance which drew less than Pearce’s appearances for Anarchy or even Pro
South) have suffered. Look for Rave and Behrens to put their heads together to find a
way to put butts in the seats to see the quality RPW product. Maybe free popcorn?
(Comedy = reincorporation.)
Ted Allen Memorial Show a Huge Success
The second one is Feb. 11th. 2012 and promises to be a huge affair. It has a lot to
live up to, because the first one (put on by the humble Terry Lawler with help from
many) was an amazing event, with a packed house in excess of 500 people, an
amazing array of talent, and an evening filled with memories and tribute to the most
significant figure in Georgia wrestling in the modern era. In a day and age where
“tributes” and “honors” always feel a touch exploitive and self-aggrandizing for the
people who put them on, the Ted Allen Memorial reminded us what is great and
powerful about wrestling, and looks to be a fixture for years to come and I am glad for
it.
Wrestlemania Weekend (with sidekicks ROH, DragonGate, and Their Sidekick
PCW) Makes Atlanta, Georgia the Place for Wrestling One Shiny Week(end)
Wrestlemania was in Atlanta this year, and the money and attention it brought to the
city and state were immense. ROH put on two shows that weekend at Center Stage
and rocked everyone’s faces off. DragonGate (and RPW) did their thing with two
packed shows as well. In spite of the questionable quality of the Wrestlemania show
itself (when Snooki performs well above expectations and the main event well below,
that’s Dante’s Inferno stuff there) it was a win-win for everyone involved with wrestling
that weekend.
Other Stories that Were Notable But Didn’t Make The Cut
AR Fox Starts to Break Through
Hate Junkies Both Make Huge Strides as Singles Wrestlers, Still Great Team
Jimmy Rave Appears for TNA, Gets His Act Together in a Big Way, Books His Ass Off,
Returns to ROH, Approves Self as Well as Others
Phil Shatter Makes VERY Good at TNA
Rowdy Jackson Passes Away
Stephen Platinum Gets Better Color Than Jay Fury at 11/11/11 PCW Event
Usual Suspects win NWA World Tag Titles
Women in Georgia (Tiffany Roxx becomes NWA Women’s Champ, Pandora and
Aesha in Incredible Feud)
Wrestlers (Spitfire, Stryknyn and Wildchild Joey Kidman) Learn to Wash Own Gear,
Locker Rooms Throw Post-Return of the Jedi Death Star Destruction Level
Celebration
From Stephen Platinum:
In order to put this article out quickly, I’m going to just give a cursory description of
each news item without necessarily finding exact dates and details. I’m also not
going to order and rank the importance or significance of the stories (opting for
placement alphabetically), so panties can stay in place and not get bunched up in the
butt cracks of various wrestling people in the state. These stories are clearly my take
on what I remember, and the opinions, snarky comments grammar/spelling errors
and juvenile humor are mine as well. Enjoy!
Adam Pearce Makes the Rounds in Georgia
NWA World Champion “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce was a frequent presence in the
state of Georgia in 2011, his most notable appearances being another appearance at
(then) Platinum Championship Wrestling’s “Sacred Ground: Chapter Two” card,
where he didn’t defend the NWA Championship and lost to “Do Or Die” Chip Day, and
a run through three NWA territories near the end of 2011 one weekend -- Pro South,
Anarchy and Rampage Pro Wrestling. In contrast to the PCW appearance, Adam
Pearce blew through the NWA territories, defeating the respective top players in each
promotion and running into a bit of controversy with an obscenity laced tirade against
a fan who threw things at Pearce at RPW. Pearce is currently in the midst of his Last
Ride tour, and firmly cemented his status as the most dominant and significant NWA
champion in recent memory, especially in the Georgia area.
Georgia Wrestling History Stays Open
They like you, they really, really, like you. GWH, the premiere wrestling website in
Georgia briefly closed during 2011, and the response was overwhelming – Rich Tate
and Larry Goodman were quickly told how much the site means to the workers and
wrestling fans in Georgia (and other states as well) that GWH served. GWH added a
number of podcast shows of note, improved the ease at accessing local wrestling
news and reviews and the show reports continued to exist so wrestling people in the
area could resume pretending they didn’t read them with equal parts wonder and
terror. The biggest part of the story is the non-story – that GWH is still around and we’
re all glad for it.
Indies You May Not Have Heard of Continue to Draw
In the wake of the once wildly successful Purks promotion closing it’s doors some
time ago seemingly indicating that big crowds weren’t possible nymore, a number of
indies drew great amounts of people in 2011, indicating a healthy interest of wrestling
in the state. Peachtree State, UIW, GCW and other promotions managed to put on
shows (sometimes in conjunction with other events like the NWA festivities) that drew
in the 250-600 range. While this may be a far cry from what promotions drew in
decades past, it is an indication that a well-promoted show can still put people in the
seats, and provide shows for talent to continue to work as promotions that failed to
draw (the Diane Hewes “led” GCW in for example) could go away. What, Hewes is
running a promotion again? Dammit. Hopefully she just bought the car and will now
let others drive it.
Jerry Palmer Sells NWA Anarchy to Franklin Dove
One of the crown jewels of the NWA, and the most storied promotion currently still in
operation in Georgia, was sold to Franklin Dove in 2011. The mystery of who would
get the promotion provided months of rumors and debate on whom the new owner
should be (I’m not bitter), and the last show under Palmer’s ownership was an
amazing affair, a packed house, and a legendary show. That show, however, made it
tough for the people who ran Anarchy’s operations to get traction in the Dove era,
leading to houses that were down, a big show that fizzled, and perhaps the worst flier
in the history of Wildside and Anarchy (in spite of the free popcorn offered.) However,
the minds of Bill Behrens, Jeff G. Bailey and the returning Todd Sexton have appeared
to have gotten Anarchy back on track for a big revival in 2012 behind the popular Hate
Junkies, returning Urban Assault Squad, the ever-improving Seven and returning
Mikal Judas.
Kyle Matthews Kicks Everyone in the Face and Asses as Well
He won awards. He’s up for Future Legend at the Cauliflower Alley Club in 2012. He
wrestled Davey Richards. Adam Pearce. And wrestled for more promotions that just
about anyone including TNA and DragonGate. With Ted Allen sitting like an angel on
his shoulder, Kyle Matthews cemented his status as the pride of Georgia pro
wrestling in 2011. Save one bad haircut and questionable hair coloring, Matthews
had a flawless 2011. Though young in age, Matthews shows no indication of the
“early ripe, early rot” syndrome that has seemed to cause many young wrestlers with
potential to fade away. In fact, 2012 looks like it will be the breakout year for Matthews,
with top roles in RPW and numerous smaller promotions, a team called Daisho he’s
formed with Vordell Walker that threatens to demolish any team they run across in
PCW/EMPIRE, and continuing attention from the big promotions worldwide.
The National Wrestling Alliance Adds Many Members (huh, huh, “members.”)
Bill Behrens had a busy 2011, with being a driving force between two of the most
important promotions (Rampage and Anarchy), handling his array of talent as a
booking agent, and adding many promotions to the NWA. Rampage was the most
significant addition, but there were a ton of other good promotions (and MGCW) that
now fall under the NWA umbrella. Booking appearances for NWA Champion Adam
Pearce cemented Behrens (and the NWA’s) influence and authority in the state of
Georgia.
Opinionated People Piss People Off Who Usually Pretend Not To Care
Between Velvet Jones (who is NOT bitter about RPW, for the record.), Georgia Insider,
the Indy 300 (seriously…Stupid at #7? IN THE COUNTRY?) and the occasional
opinions from goobers like me, lots of people had lots to say and pretend to not get
mad about in 2011. It made for lively (and sometimes profoundly stupid) discussion.
While Georgia Insider blew the gimmick and went from interesting multi-headed
hydra to an angry old man who wants the backyard kids off his wrestling lawn, the
indy 300 was removed to see if they could put more terrible Georgia “talent” on the list
somehow, and Velvet Jones continued to say whatever he felt like discussing topics
as varied as “Remember when I was champ? That was good.” And: “Remember
where I wasn’t champ? That was bad.” With the occasional “I am really not bitter
about RPW and the NWA. I’m NOT.” (I keed, I keed. I am saying that so Velvet doesn’t
come after me.) The sometimes anonymous whistle blowers, hot air blowers, and
self-blowers made for fascinating thought and discussion and indicate a healthy
scene that warrants discussion, in spite of the usual negative tone.
Platinum Championship Wrestling becomes the Empire then EMPIRE
There had to be one story about PCW besides “Stephen Platinum screams at
everyone for an hour-and-a-half in a documentary”. While the NWA expanded and
promoted it’s brand in the state of Georgia bigger than it’s been in years, PCW’s
brand came seemingly to an untimely end of November 11th, 2011 when “The
Revelation” Shane Marx, forever PCW babyface turned heel, leading to an Empire win
in the winner-takes-all match. The Empire (now EMPIRE), led by Jeff G. Bailey
(perhaps the most shocking appearance of any wrestling personality in any
promotion in 2011), Marty Freeman and Miss Rachael have taken over PCW. The
entire show is different, with the advent of Dream Matches which is bringing in
wrestlers that never wrestled for PCW to the weekly shows in Avondale Estates and
the big Masquerade shows. By far the most significant and attention-getting angle in
Georgia indy wrestling in 2011, the EMPIRE is primed and ready, as PCW attempts to
make it’s comeback. This angle, coupled with continuing to do more shows than
anyone of increasing quality helped establish PCW/EMPIRE in 2011.
Rampage Pro Wrestling’s Presence Felt at DragonGate and TNA
Dr. Gayton, Jimmy Rave and Bill Behrens have made RPW the place wrestlers want
to work and the place that’s perceived as the clear #1 in Georgia (as indicated by their
near total sweep at the GWH awards, damn them to hell for these Miss Congeniality
sashes I have piling up in my closet. It’s an honor just to be nominated, my ass). On
top of that, RPW had multiple matches on the DragonGate shows, and their presence
was all over the TNA show in Macon, including Dr. Gayton himself tending to the fallen
and a great dark match between Kyle Matthews and Jimmy Rave. A number of
Anarchy personalities were used at Wrestlemania as well for entrances of WWE
wrestlers. A great year for Georgia indy talent on the big stages.
Rampage Pro Wrestling moves to Sunday
RPW’s importance in the area is undeniable. The move from Saturday night where
they were drawing over 100 regularly, and would pack out for bigger or more
significant shows (the Bryan Danielson appearance comes to mind) to Sunday hurt
the promotion. RPW maintains great ratings for its local show, and their status as #1
was not challenged (come on – Charlie Cash wins manager and neither I nor PCW
won for promotion, booker or promoter? I’m not bitter.) seriously. But the move to
Sunday has led to crowds below 100, and even bigger shows (like the Adam Pearce
appearance which drew less than Pearce’s appearances for Anarchy or even Pro
South) have suffered. Look for Rave and Behrens to put their heads together to find a
way to put butts in the seats to see the quality RPW product. Maybe free popcorn?
(Comedy = reincorporation.)
Ted Allen Memorial Show a Huge Success
The second one is Feb. 11th. 2012 and promises to be a huge affair. It has a lot to
live up to, because the first one (put on by the humble Terry Lawler with help from
many) was an amazing event, with a packed house in excess of 500 people, an
amazing array of talent, and an evening filled with memories and tribute to the most
significant figure in Georgia wrestling in the modern era. In a day and age where
“tributes” and “honors” always feel a touch exploitive and self-aggrandizing for the
people who put them on, the Ted Allen Memorial reminded us what is great and
powerful about wrestling, and looks to be a fixture for years to come and I am glad for
it.
Wrestlemania Weekend (with sidekicks ROH, DragonGate, and Their Sidekick
PCW) Makes Atlanta, Georgia the Place for Wrestling One Shiny Week(end)
Wrestlemania was in Atlanta this year, and the money and attention it brought to the
city and state were immense. ROH put on two shows that weekend at Center Stage
and rocked everyone’s faces off. DragonGate (and RPW) did their thing with two
packed shows as well. In spite of the questionable quality of the Wrestlemania show
itself (when Snooki performs well above expectations and the main event well below,
that’s Dante’s Inferno stuff there) it was a win-win for everyone involved with wrestling
that weekend.
Other Stories that Were Notable But Didn’t Make The Cut
AR Fox Starts to Break Through
Hate Junkies Both Make Huge Strides as Singles Wrestlers, Still Great Team
Jimmy Rave Appears for TNA, Gets His Act Together in a Big Way, Books His Ass Off,
Returns to ROH, Approves Self as Well as Others
Phil Shatter Makes VERY Good at TNA
Rowdy Jackson Passes Away
Stephen Platinum Gets Better Color Than Jay Fury at 11/11/11 PCW Event
Usual Suspects win NWA World Tag Titles
Women in Georgia (Tiffany Roxx becomes NWA Women’s Champ, Pandora and
Aesha in Incredible Feud)
Wrestlers (Spitfire, Stryknyn and Wildchild Joey Kidman) Learn to Wash Own Gear,
Locker Rooms Throw Post-Return of the Jedi Death Star Destruction Level
Celebration
| NEWS AND NOTES |
