Blogs about underground wrestling federations and the wrestlers who compete in them, with a particular focus on Underground Championship Wrestling (aka UCW Wrestling). Featured wrestlers: Skip Vance, Jax Briggs, Ethan Axel Andrews, Eli Black, Johnny Deep, Vincent Stone, Shane Saunders, Michael Hannigan, Nick Diesel, Pedro Espada, Danny Sticks, Pvt. Jack Marino, Diego Valentino, Isaiah "Ice" Berg, Quinn Harper, Hiro, Hunter Day, Oliver Wood, Victor, and L.S. Powerhouse.
I thought I might be finished writing about UCW. Several of my most recent reviews were totally ignored by the company, and I figured, "Why bother?"
However, this atrocity that I watched last night -- this videotaped crime against humanity -- just screams for a review. Screams -- I can't type that word without thinking of how this release (UCW match #431) was promoted. The company's gloating over the screaming that Eli elicited from Skip...
Skip "asked for it" -- that was the justification. Well, Skip Vance undoubtedly requested a match with Eli Black, the BG East persona, in a safe, sane environment like the one Skip knew in Boston.
Underground wrestling matches like those in Philadelphia (especially the ones featuring sociopaths like Eli Black or Quinn Harper) simply should not exist (and it's the height of irony that Ethan Axel Andrews posted a video blog after this match was recorded, assuring us all that "Philadelphia treated Skip well"). Oh yes, and Ethan also informed us that Skip is not on Facebook anymore -- so, if we want to correspond with him, we have to do so via UCW (kind of like corresponding with a prisoner, or a captive hostage).
For those who have been out of the loop, Skip Vance is a gay wrestler, a sexy Scorpio who has been dicked around by various people and who suffered quite a bit of emotional trauma in a very public manner via social media.
With that background in Skip's recent past, the blond stud headed out to Philly to pick up a few bucks and was immediately matched against Eli Black, a straight MMA fighter who has exhibited unparalleled brutality in his wrestling matches (driving my beautiful, precious Johnny Deep out of the underground wrestling scene and -- along with Quinn Harper -- subjecting Shane Saunders to enough mistreatment to turn the once sweet, innocent kid into something of a prick).
The promotion of this match has been somewhat misleading, casting Skip in the role of "jobber" to Eli, the dominant "heel." (The word "jobber" has an immediate appeal for many sadistic wrestling fans; therefore, UCW has been utilizing the word frequently when hyping their matches.)
The truth is that during the actual wrestling match featured in video #431, Skip more than holds his own against Eli, and Skip actually dominates the thug during several intervals. However, video #431 contains much more than the actual match; I'll explain later.
As soon as the video begins, we notice the stark contrast between the two wrestlers. Both are clearly big names in the business. (Skip has starred in many promotions, including BG East and Rock Hard Wrestling, while Eli has been a mainstay in both BG East and UCW.) Both wrestlers are in great shape, the physical conditioning is evident, and both are undeniably masculine and aggressively competitive -- but the openly gay Skip Vance has a beautiful body that is unmarred by jailhouse-style tattoos.
It is also immediately clear that the two wrestlers personally dislike each other. Eli looks at Skip's eyes and remarks that either he's Chinese or he's been "puffing a little bit" -- a nice bit of rude, judgmental behavior to start off the video from Mr. Eli Black, that morally upstanding, Nazi-like, paragon of virtue. Skip notes that Eli has "a big mouth" and the match begins.
As I mentioned, during the actual match, Skip is in control approximately 50% of the time. On a personal level, it was extremely gratifying to see Skip Vance, an out-and-proud, politically liberal, preppy young man from the Deep South (a rarity in itself), subjecting the hateful Eli Black to not only physical domination, but also several instances of UCW-style emasculation as well.
However, as one might expect, the MMA fighter managed to hurt Skip at the 14:34 mark. Skip submits and the bell rings.
That should have been the end of the video. Even in hardcore S&M videos, there is respect for a "safe word" that enables a participant to call an end to the action once it becomes too intense.
However, Eli Black was in no mood to accept such niceties. Eli, outraged by some of the treatment that he'd received from Skip, continued to abuse the kid.
At this point, someone -- the cameraman, or anyone else on the set -- should have intervened. In no way can the continuation of videotaping be justified under such circumstances. Yet the videotaping did continue, for an extended duration, while this notoriously ruthless egomaniacal thug brutalized a down-on-his-luck, masculine gay dude. Time and time again, Skip made it clear that he wanted out of the situation, but no one on the scene cared or dared to stand up to Eli Black.
Well, if this is your cup of tea, the video is available here: http://www.ucwrestling.com/product-p/431.htm.
"Jobber" is in quotes in the title of this blog entry because Victor doesn't quite fit that role in video #412, the latest offering from Underground Championship Wrestling (aka UCW Wrestling).
Why call Victor, a rookie making his debut in a title match against UCW All-Star Champion (and the half-owner of the federation), a "jobber" anyway (as Axel did -- repeatedly -- during the "Inside Scoop" that introduced Victor to UCW's fans)? Well, chances are that it's a marketing ploy. Pro wrestling jobbers have mass appeal in the gay community (heck, there's a Facebook group called "Squash Job Stories" that is "liked" by 3,539 people -- including Mr. Ethan Axel Andrews).
Still, "jobber" is a misnomer when describing a kid like Victor, who never submits to the most painful abuse that Axel can dish out (and even has the All-Star Champ in several compromising positions during the course of the encounter).
As a matter of fact, the entire manner in which UCW is handling Victor has me perturbed. Why not give the kid's UCW persona a last name? It's especially awkward to discuss a match pitting a wrestler with one nondescript name against a champion with three names ("Ethan Axel Andrews vs. Victor" -- now does that sound right to you?). It reminds me of the way UCW handled Jax Briggs, who would have always been known simply as "Jax" if he hadn't created a promotional Facebook page which included his last name -- and who never received a proper degree of respect during his entire tenure in the federation.
Furthermore, there hasn't been a more awkward introductory interview in UCW history since Jax came on the scene. Watching that ill-conceived "Inside Scoop" really gives the fans no idea who Victor is, or the degree of charm that he possesses -- you have to download the match to discover Victor's sense of humor and confidence bordering on swagger. (Seeing Axel interact with this championship match's fawning, epicene referee, Victor quips, "You two need to get a room, but I just need to get this belt.")
Referee Malik, clearly attracted to Axel, seems to enjoy Victor's suffering
Perhaps the reason that Victor seems so tensed up during his prematch interview has something to do with the character he is trying to portray. Victor is a professional gambler from Reno? Um, okay. Introducing Victor as, say, a barista from a Philadelphia-area Starbucks wouldhave actually enhanced the young man's appeal, making his ring persona more believable, down-to-earth, and accessible.
Taking Victor away from the horrid interview with Axel,we glimpse the real Victor, no longer clenching his teeth and seemingly overcome with anxiety. In match #412, Victor comes off as a totally hot, quick-thinking, sharp-tongued young man with Bohemian flair aplenty -- a genuine hipster with long, luscious locks that Axel can only envy -- a modern-day clone of Courtney "Double-T" from The Dandy Warhols, who was once indisputably the hippest man on earth. (Hence the video introduction to this blog entry -- and if you haven't clicked on it, please do.)
Knowing what sells videos, Axel remarks at the 21:27 point that the straps on Victor's singlet are "getting in the way" -- allowing us to see the young man bare chested. Yes, Victor's body is smoking hot, despite Axel's condescending remarks about the former high school grappler's lack of abdominal development (and naturally, an interval of ab punishment follows).
Yeah, this is a great video and Victor's arrival at UCW is a breath of fresh air. The match doesn't contain any of the lewd elements that Axel mentions during his Inside Scoop, and that's certainly for the best. Instead, we have the spectacle of a brash, young rookie with enormous heart dealing heroically with narcissistic Axel at his low key, methodically sadistic best (or worst, depending on your perspective). Match #412 is far more tantalizing than any drivel that the WWE spews out, so download it -- don't let UCW's latest "Inside Scoop" deter you. (Seriously, you UCW guys -- remember those highly entertaining, outside-the-box video blogs you used to create? We know that Axel is proud of his new Apple computer and video editing software but the currently bland format of your Inside Scoops has become too tedious to bear.)
Axel: "Oh, you're trying to lift me up? How cute! How cute!"
Buy UCW video #412 right over here and tell them that Old Freddie sent you. Give that long-haired hotboy Victor my love...and tell Axel not to get that faux hawk.
I had begun to forget why I despise Eli Black. In the recent videos leading up to this one (UCW Video #400 -- available for download here), we've been treated to an out-of-character, kinder, gentler Eli. Yes, Eli's interaction with his protegee, Vincent Stone, has been touching -- and it served to humanize Eli's brutal, ruthless wrestling persona. In those videos, Eli seemed willing to sacrifice a large part of his intimidating mat presence in order to keep Vincent out of harm's way.
Match #400 features Eli Black the way he was, before Vincent arrived on the scene. This is the Eli Black who bullied My Beautiful Precious Johnny Deep to the point where he quit the federation (although MBPJD seems destined to be enshrined on the UCW Locker Room page's "Active Roster" for all eternity, harsh reality notwithstanding). This is the Eli Black who was too much of an egomaniac to ever allow Jax Briggs to "get over" in a match (even when Jax won the UCW All-Star Championship). I could go on, but it suffices to say that my two favorite UCW wrestlers aren't around anymore, in large part due to Eli -- and I don't know how long a classy prep like Shane Saunders would stay with the fed if he had to deal with Eli on a regular basis.
At one point during this match, Ethan tells Vincent, "I like you, Vinny. I really do. Don't get me wrong. But you've got to stop hanging around with Eli. You see, you're just going to get hurt." Indeed, Eli deliberately places Vincent in harm's way, time and time again, during match #400. Obviously, a shot at Quinn Harper's championship (and a chance to defeat Axel -- the most prolific competitor in underground wrestling -- who has beaten Eli in every previous encounter) trumps any loyalty that Eli feels toward his childhood friend.
At the end of the day, Eli Black is, was, and always will be a boorish lout. This is clear from the very first words that escape Eli's lips at the start of video #400: "Oh hey, Miss Axel, how are you doing today?" Then, a few seconds later, Eli is doing his stretching exercises and Ethan is about to comment on Eli's longer hairstyle. However, Eli interrupts, "My a--? You're staring at my a--? Is that what you were about to comment on?"
This type of talk was always offensive when it appeared on a UCW video; now that Ethan has come out as gay (a scant three months ago), Eli's hypermasculine attitude seems blatantly homophobic. Ethan, however, is too innately gentle (and perhaps a tad naive) to register appropriate outrage. As for Vincent, he just stares at the cameraman with a stunned reaction (probably thinking, "Hey, this is a gay wrestling video, right?").
Concerning the actual match, this offering often seems like "custom match" material (i.e., it comes dangerously close to adult entertainment -- sort of like your typical Quinn Harper vid). There is quite a bit of vulgarity during verbal exchanges, and most of the action centers around low blows (and generalized punishment to that portion of the two combatants' anatomies). Eli's sadistic streak is in full swing, and the only reason why this video isn't as horrific as video #336 (the ultimate portrayal of pro wrestling victimization) stems from the fact that this time Eli is on the mat with a savvy, seasoned (albeit babyfaced) veteran -- not a heartbreakingly vulnerable prettyboy.
At one point in the match, Ethan shouts out a threat to Eli in the midst of excruciating pain, prompting Eli to lamely accuse Ethan of being a bully (a criticism that had validity when Ethan consented to join forces with the odious Quinn Harper in match #381 -- a strange match in which Ethan and Eli seemed to switch face/heel roles). In this case, Eli is audaciously blaming the victim for his reaction to being victimized; it's similar to Eli scolding Shane Saunders for using profanity while getting beaten up during match #384 ("Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?"). (Note: Shane, being the sweetheart that he is, actually tried to curb his swearing after Eli made that remark.)
Vinny seems hesitant to become physically involved in this match, for good reason (Vincent vs. Axel is a no-win proposition). At first, Vincent identified himself as Eli's corner man, but Ethan seemed to invite Vincent's participation. Furthermore, Vincent can often be seen taking cues from someone off-camera right before he intervenes -- probably Bodyslam, who (according to his Facebook posts) enjoys seeing cute, young guys getting squashed in wrestling matches.
Oh, and the UCW wardrobe department chalked up an epic fail as far as Vinny is concerned. You don't put jeans and socks on eye candy, ever.
By the way, this video marks yet another milestone in technological advances for UCW. The federation just recently started marketing high definition vids, albeit slightly out-of-proportion (the wrestlers appeared elongated, not in a good way) and in bulky, difficult-to-download .wmv format. This video is available in HD, perfectly proportioned, easy-to-download, compact MPEG-4 format. (Now, for some reason, I could only play it on Windows Media Player; Real Player and QuickTime Player didn't work. Maybe my versions of those media players need to be updated with a codec or something. At any rate, play it on your Windows Media Player and you'll have a marvelous experience.)
During a Facebook exchange, one of the purchasers of this video professed surprise over the match's ending. I inquired as to whether this "surprise" involved Vincent's involvement, and Bodyslam assured me that it did. Without posting any spoilers, I'll simply say that the action in match #400 unfolds in a manner that can be expected, if you are familiar with the personalities of the participants. This video marks a return to Eli Black's villainous ring persona -- he even punishes Vincent with a low blow when the kid makes a rookie mistake.
It's Eli Black and Hunter Day all over again. For better or worse, the complex, nuanced Eli Black -- the guy who was wiping away tears after match #381 -- has left the building.
Match #400 -- pitting two of UCW's most skilled performers against each other, and featuring a misguided rookie as the contest's "wildcard" -- is currently available at the UCW Wrestling website's "New Matches" page. Enjoy.
A review of the LRW Wrestling Super-Star Championship match between Kyle O'Connor and Fratboy Francis Franklin aka "Triple F" has been posted at http://lrwwrestling.blogspot.com/2015/04/lrw-wrestling-triple-f-vs-kyle-oconnor.html, which includes a link to the brand spanking new LRW Locker Room page. See which wrestler became the first-ever LRW Wrestling Super-Star Champion!!!
Just wanted to give you a "heads up" that the newest member of LRW Wrestling, Fratboy Francis Franklin aka "Triple F" has his intro video posted at http://lrwwrestling.com and you can get the DVD featuring his match against Kyle O'Connor over here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161644998777.
Old Freddie has just posted a video introducing the first member of the LRW Wrestling roster. Visit the LRW Wrestling blog and check it out: http://lrwwrestling.com!!!
That musical introduction to my review of Underground Championship Wrestling's (aka UCW Wrestling's) match #396 works on two levels: as a play on the word "face" and as an allusion to Ethan Axel Andrews' apparent multiple personality disorder (you'll remember, I once drew an analogy between Axel's underground wrestling career and "The Three Faces of Eve").
The top photo shows Shane Saunders smiling beatifically as he shakes Axel's hand, even after the UCW co-owner had been unaware of the proper pronunciation for Shane's surname (it's "Saunders" with an "au" diphthong; "Sanders" is the last name of the guy who should be our next president). Note to Axel: When an angelic sweetheart like Shane Saunders wanders into your federation, willing to do battle with your rogues gallery of tatted-up thugs, at least take the time to learn the kid's name.
Another thing, Axel -- don't refer to the young man's dismal won-lost record in your prematch comments. Johnny Deep (MBPJD) was UCW's most popular wrestler (who fattened your wallet considerably and consistently) without ever winning a single match. You threw Johnny to the wolves (Quinn Harper and Eli Black) and he's not around anymore on indefinite hiatus now. Sooner or later, UCW is going to run out of "saviors." For the time being, thank your lucky stars that Shane is still around (that horribly bruised arm which Shane sustained in his defacto debut against Quinn Harper -- your depraved "wrecker of prettyboys" -- still stands out in my mind).
I've mentioned on several occasions that Axel is the UCW wrestler who is most proficient at inflicting pain while wrestling within the rules. Case in point...
Remember that from junior high days?
Shane's arm is still twisted and locked behind his back during this bearhug.
The Passion of Shane Saunders continues as he begins to gaze heavenward, reminding us of The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian...
Axel mumbles something inaudible, presumably to justify his use of a clenched fist (repeatedly, including ab punishment) -- but does anyone in UCW even take notice of such behavior anymore? There were no graphic shots of Shane's facial expressions during that bit of torture, but here's what occurred a few minutes later. I think this maneuver (which appears to be breaking Shane's face in half) is called a "triangle." It's all the rage among UCW wrestlers these days...
Doesn't Axel look coy and demure?
Miraculously, Shane manages to power his way out of this predicament, but Axel doesn't make it easy for him. Clearly, Axel isn't happy with the idea of a reversal and he tightens his leglock as Shane is attempting to extricate his head, giving the kid a case of cauliflower ears. When Shane finally gains the upper hand, he taunts (in an undeniably charming, barely post-adolescent tone), "Yeah! We're not talking so much now, are we? How's that feel?"
Amazingly, Axel resists the urge to engage in foot worship.
I should now mention that, during the portions of this match when Shane dominates, he never, ever executes maneuvers of questionable legality. Unlike Danny Sticks (who became nearly homicidal when Axel began to toy with him in a cruel manner), Shane remains a "class act." (Shane does, however, use salty language from time to time, and that's hot.)
Like a doctor mocking the Hippocratic Oath, Axel uses his knowledge as a personal trainer to inflict injuries on Shane, all the while utilizing a sadistic running commentary that would make the monstrous Eli Black proud.
"Ah, it's not really good on the Achilles there..."
Shane might have been brought to tears by this maneuver. After holding his head, pounding his fists onto the mat, and kicking his feet, Shane lets out an anguished scream and shields his eyes from the camera.
Oh...and in a sport which features countless images of hunks lying supine on the mat, here's a shot of Shane in a prone position:
Purely gratuitous, and you're welcome.
Okay, now let me get back to the main point of this article. At the 25:30 mark of this colossal back-and-forth struggle, during which both wrestlers (especially Shane) have endured immense abuse, Axel is punishing Shane with an armbar and a knee in the face. At this inopportune moment, Axel has the audacity to inquire of Shane, "We're still friends after this, right?" Believe it or not, Shane innocently gasps, "Yeah, sure," in response.
Then, inexplicably, Axel posted this video blog as soon as the match was over, posing a question to viewers at the end...
...to which we can only answer, "Are you some sort of madman?" Shane gave absolutely no cause for you (or anyone else) to doubt his integrity -- not during this match, at least. Even if something occurred behind the scenes, what business owner expresses distrust of an employee in front of his customers?
I found myself thinking, "If Shane wrestled for me, I'd treat him with the respect he deserves." It was a familiar sentiment. Throughout the history of this blog, I told myself (and my readers), "If I owned UCW, Eli Black would never be my standard bearer." Then, when that nightmare was over, "If I owned UCW, Quinn Harper would never represent my federation."
Well, I don't own UCW and complaining about their corporate decisions just makes me appear negative. I have immense respect for both Bodyslam and Ethan, but it's clear that we'll never be on the same page. As if to underscore that fact, here's a Facebook exchange that occurred just today concerning the future course of the federation (click on the screen cap to enlarge):
Um, guys...if you begin doing "an 18 and over check-in," then you're running an adult entertainment site -- and it wouldn't be necessary were it not for Quinn Harper tactics that run respectable young athletes out of the fed (and prevent others from getting involved in the first place). Yet there it is -- another reiteration of UCW's "no rules" approach. If I said any more on the matter I would, in the words of Michael Bodyslam, be "beating a dead horse."
Those of you who disagree with me on this issue are probably saying, "Hey Freddie, if you don't like it, then start your own federation." Well...okay...
That's my official logo, and it's all bought and paid for and copyrighted and all that legalistic stuff. The "LRW" stands for "Living Room Wrestling"...because all of the matches will take place in my living room, of course (on a stereotype-shattering pink mat, to match the room's decor).
Oh, and here's a close-up of the LRW Wrestling Super-Star Championship belt that I had fabricated. (Yes, the concept was inspired by the UCW Wrestling All-Star Championship belt -- which, according to Michael Bodyslam, was in turn inspired by the old WWF All-Star Wrestling telecasts.)
Does this mean I'm parting company with UCW? Oh, hell no -- unless Bodyslam and Ethan disown me. As long as UCW features guys like Shane Saunders and Vincent Stone, I'll keep writing about them and promoting them. I'll even be making frequent mention of UCW in my videos and website, because UCW is never out of Old Freddie's mind or heart for very long.
Did I say website? Oh yeah, I've got the domain and everything -- lrwwrestling.com -- plus an email account -- lrw-wrestling@comcast.net -- in case any prettyboy hunks in the Connecticut area want to get in on this (it pays more than being an extra in a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster -- Old Freddie knows a little about that, too).
Alright, enough about me. As I said, this is UCW match #396, and it's currently available for download here: http://www.ucw-wrestling.com/videolatest2.html. Get it while it's hawt! and faboosh! (as my good friend Perez would say).
It should also be noted that UCW has released two more videos since this one. Video #397 is an apparent homage to Johnny Deep (don't forget what he requested for a birthday gift last year) with Axel and Aron wrestling in lacrosse gear. Video #398 features Shane wrestling the more-than-somewhat-sketchy Diego Valentino in oil (in Axel's match review video blog, Shane is clearly creeped out before the match even begins -- punishment for upsetting the boss?).
Well, that's it for now. Keep checking both blogs for news on the two most exciting federations in the underground wrestling scene -- UCW and my new, glamorous LRW -- sports-entertainment for every taste -- something for everyone.(Oh, and Shane -- if things get too rough for you down in Philadelphia, just keep in mind that Connecticut isn't that far away.)
The video posted above is Cashman & West's brilliant "American City Suite" from 1972, back when New York City was going to hell in a handbasket. From the song, it's undeniably clear that Cashman & West possessed a deep, profound love for NYC, and that's why they were so passionate in their critique of Gotham.
The analogy I'm trying to make is that I love UCW Wrestling and that's why I don't hesitate to voice my own outrage when I see it heading down the wrong path. Rookie after rookie disappears from that federation, and there's a reason for that. (My Beautiful Precious Johnny Deep -- still featured on UCW's "active" roster -- was supposed to return to competition after the summer. No one mentioned which summer.)
The "reason" is the influence of the man behind the mask in video #395. UCW founder Michael Bodyslam is adamant about prohibiting me from identifying whichever wrestler happens to be portraying the Black Dragon in any UCW presentation. For those of you who have difficulty clapping your hands without missing, I won't spoil the intrigue; I'll simply remind everyone that #395's Black Dragon is the wrestler who Johnny considered to be the "worst guy" in the company...the blatant sadist who introduced sleaze to the federation and has a propensity for "wrecking prettyboys"...the manipulative, behind-the-scenes Svengali who has been awarded UCW's top honor.
The four screen caps posted above the "American City Suite" video illustrate why I will never again be able to despise Eli Black to the degree that I once did. Without giving too much away, I'll just say that those pics depict the result of Eli's cockiness and his proclivity for jumping to conclusions. In this case, Eli sincerely regrets those character flaws, and he's not ashamed to display that regret to Vincent as the cameras are rolling.
In a typical display of hubris, Eli allowed Vincent to compete alone in UCW for the first time, without the benefit of Eli's supervision and guidance. Of course, Vincent was matched against the wrong opponent to face under such circumstances, and the results were disastrous.
Prior to Eli's departure, there were several events that foreshadowed this match's outcome. Early on (at the 4:26 mark), the Black Dragon showed utter disregard for the fact that he was wrestling on a thin 1.25" mat over a concrete floor, and bodyslammed Vincent with tremendous force. Vincent seemed amazed by the impact. Unable to move, with the wind knocked out of him, Vincent laughed about his predicament. Eli asked, "You alright, Vinnie?" sounding genuinely concerned. Vincent was unable to answer, but the show must go on, and the video continued without an edit.
Vincent applies a leg scissors but is lifted off the mat...
...then slammed HARD (just watch it in slow-mo)
Eager to please, Vinnie seems apologetic that he can't move
Lest we believe that this slam was an aberration, Vinnie endured two similar slams during the later stages of the match. Note: This Black Dragon performs at indie pro wrestling events in an environment where injuries are de rigueur -- he himself recently received a concussion -- and young grapplers in particular are expected to "pay their dues." Case in point is a 2012 Magnum Pro Wrestling show in Iowa, during which 16-year-old Ryan Kidd was brutalized by 16-year veteran Tony Kozina. According to a description of the match, Kozina "acts like the entire match is a joke for the first few minutes before hitting Kidd (a wrestler who had only been alive as long as Kozina had been in the business, mind you) with several stiff throws, piledrivers and full-contact kicks before locking in an unprotected headscissors, resulting in Kidd legitimately being choked into unconsciousness." Like Vinnie, Ryan Kidd gamely continued on with the performance as long as he could. Here's a video of the encounter...
(It should be noted that Ryan is still a teenager and still wrestling, despite that horrid experience. You can "like" Ryan's Facebook page here. There are also Ryan Kidd interviews from 2012 posted on YouTube, so you can see just who it was that Kozina chose to bully.)
Getting back to the destruction of Vinnie, a modified half Boston crab wasn't punishment enough, so the Dragon reverted to a familiar below-the-belt grab -- a maneuver designed to both hurt and humiliate an opponent.
Yes, the kind of maneuver that would get anyone kicked out of a legitimate fed -- and a few illegitimate ones -- but UCW is undergoing a Golden Age for Heels. Certainly, co-owner Ethan Axel Andrews, anti-bullying crusader and moral compass for the company, would never speak casually about such tactics or utilize them himself...
...and we wonder why UCW is losing their best "faces." Also, why cast doubt on Shane's character? Has Shane ever tag teamed with Quinn Harper? You know, when that Bel-Air prep first debuted in UCW, I worried about the jealousy he'd arouse (something similar happened to Johnny, when his popularity eclipsed Eli's). However, I didn't expect the Shane Saunders envy to come from a UCW owner.
Despite the wayward drift of UCW, Vinnie seems determined to succeed in the federation, and match #395 is no squash. Eli's protegee holds his own against the Dragon even after enduring cannibalism. (By the 1:33 mark, this rabid beast has already bitten Vincent in the buttocks, and it later sinks its fangs into Eli.) Vincent utilizes certain strategies that you typically see in high school matches (no surprise, since Eli was a top HS wrestler in Pennsylvania).
Vinnie loves making eye contact with the camera
Of course, when Eli was present during this match, it was often fun and games for the two childhood friends.
"Welcome to America, biotch."
"If you can say please get off me in perfect English, I'd be more than happy to."
"Japan muscle? You ever heard of built Ford tough?"
This match was not reviewed by Ringside at Skull Island, probably because of the countless xenophobic wisecracks uttered by Eli (much to the amusement of his sidekick in the red, white, and blue trunks). Sure, this Black Dragon is a roughneck, nationalistic American himself who's in on the joke, but I knew that wouldn't matter to Blogger Joe. I almost made some snide remark about "Miss Political Correctness," but then I read Joe's most recent blog entry, entitled, "Finisher."
Yes, it's true, ladies and gentlemen. Joe is finally calling it quits -- and no, I'm not happy about it. I don't suppose Joe ever really gave a damn about what I've written in this blog...but if any of my quips played even a minor role in Joe's decision, I feel guilty about that.
The fact is that I've always had immense respect for Joe as a reviewer, although I never let on to that fact. It's my nature to play the devil's advocate, and Joe gave me plenty of fodder for my own articles. As a matter of fact, if Joe hadn't pissed me off to such a degree when he reviewed match #336 then I would have never started writing about UCW. In a very real sense, if there had been no Ringside at Skull Island, there would be no Old Freddie Young's Blog.
Joe, if you read this, I hope you reconsider. You have a very rare gift of eloquence and the fact that you used that talent to promote the underground wrestling scene was special. You're providing us with a very valuable service and if we haven't always shown our appreciation -- well, I hope it's not too late.
At any rate, the Vincent Stone & Eli Black vs. Black Dragon match is video #395, and it's available for download here: http://www.ucw-wrestling.com/videolatest2.html. Let's support UCW and show our gratitude toward the guys who give us this gift.
