No Name Needed - 03/18/07
Hola, amigos - welcome to El Gringo’s column with No Name Needed (which will be referred to as the “Triple N” from now forward, ok?). Why does it not need a name? Because it doesn’t need a lot of things, like a concise direction, a strong focus, or an overall point of any kind. Basically - I do a lot of writing for this site. Occasionally, I get some runoff ideas spinning around in my useless head and have nowhere to integrate them. This will be that “nowhere” - every edition of the Triple N will contain random ramblings and thoughts mostly pertaining (but I can’t promise always) to this wacky bitch we call pro wrestling.
On the nugget this week:
WSX - WE BARELY KNEW YA!
If you’re an internet wrestling news junkie, like most of you probably are, you’ve probably heard of the little “promotion” MTV was starting up called “Wrestling Society X”, the idea behind which was that this was an underground federation where shit went down that was too extreme for the big-time promotions.
Apparently, it was too extreme for itself, as MTV announced February 28th that they were canceling the show effective immediately due to lack of ratings and a controversial spot involving a flash paper fireball.
I believe it’s because MTV isn’t allowed to show programming that doesn’t involve whiny teenagers with “real world problems”, nor are they allowed to show programming involving music, which WSX featured to open their shows.
Now that it’s been cancelled, I can officially say fuck ALL of MTV instead of having to admit to myself that I watch one show on the network, because I did watch WSX. And it was pretty cool. It had its flaws, mind you - it was an entirely taped show complete with too many post production add-ons (like screen effects and dubbed-in punching noises), really cheesy-ass pyrotechnic “explosion” spots, and a ring announcer to whom I wanted to carve my fucking last name in his face with a Phillips screwdriver (and my last name is long, bitch).
There were some great things about it, however, most notably being the talent they brought on. Now, just for the record, I’m not talking about 6Pac, who was the closest thing to a huge star WSX had - well, him and Vampiro, who fought in the first (and I guess only) WSX Title match - I really wouldn’t have been too upset if I never saw Sean Waltman again. I’m talking about the huge amount of Indy talent that got to wrestle in front of a national audience likely for the first time in most of their careers.
WSX, during its short life, was a veritable “who’s-who” of Indy feds around the US and I personally was sad to read the news of it’s death. As a way to soothe the pain of a promising wrestling show getting the axe, I’m going to highlight a few of the great performers we got to see in WSX; most of whom wrestle full-time for other promotions and can be seen on YouTube (highly recommended) or by purchasing DVDs from a website like http://www.highspots.com/. Now, whether you watched WSX or not, every one of the guys I’m about to mention deserves a bit of your attention if you are in to Indy wrestling at all.
JACK EVANS
“The Prince of Parkland, WA” embodies the newer wrestling style of “flash & speed before size”. This guy is INSANE, and chances are you’re probably bigger than he is, but he never stops flipping around for you to notice. One of the greatest flyers in the US, Evans currently wrestles in Ring of Honor wrestling and is probably best known for his ability to nail the insane 630 splash. He can also do a standing corkscrew 360 shooting star press. I bet you don’t even know what the hell that looks like.
Jack Evans on MySpace (has videos)
THE HUMAN TORNADO
This guy is hilarious with his “balls of steel” gimmick, and is awesome in the ring as well. It’s mostly worth noting the Tornado because of the fact that he’s a former Pro Wrestling Guerilla champion, an indy fed based out of California. PWG is the home to some awesome wrestlers such as Super Dragon (look this dude up on YouTube), Kevin Steen, Davey Richards, Chris Hero, and some familiar TNA faces such as Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley. Check these guys out.
COLT CABANA - AKA “MATT CLASSIC”
Colt wrestled in WSX as “Matt Classic”, a throwback character reminiscent of the way old-school days of wrestling. He’s known throughout most of the world as Colt Cabana, one of the most entertaining personalities in all of wrestling, not just the indys. This guy is immensely entertaining and has been in many promotions in the US, including a stint in the WWE as a developmental talent, where of course they pissed it away. He currently makes his home in Ring Of Honor. Trust me on this guy.
Colt Cabana’s official website
TEDDY HART
Yes, there IS a relation. Teddy Hart is a grandson of the great Stu Hart and is one of the most athletically gifted wrestlers on the indy circuit. Unfortunately, he’s also one of the biggest backstage “problem-causers” on said indy circuit. This attitude got him released from WWE, the company that keeps Randy Orton not only on the payroll, but on TV every week - he must be a real great guy. But none of that takes away from the awesome-ness this dude brings to the ring, which he currently does in many rings around the world (and, if the rumors are true, maybe in a WWE ring if they give him a second chance).
Check him out on YouTube!
RUCKUS
This crazy fucker wasn’t around WSX much; he comes from Combat Zone Wrestling, which is pretty much a new version of ECW crossed with the new indy-style wrestling, then with the violence volume cranked up WAY loud. They call themselves the “Ultraviolent”, and Ruckus is just one guy of many that completely embody that trademark. Many indy stars have stepped through CZW, which was also showcased prominently in a cross-promotion feud with Ring of Honor. If you like your wrestling ultra-bloody and totally fucked up, you MUST check out Ruckus and his pals in CZW (including the Necro Butcher - if you’ve never heard of this guy, check him out)
Combat Zone Wrestling official website
There are other guys definitely worth mentioning as great wrestlers: Matt Cross, Matt Sydal & Joey Ryan, just to name a few. If any of the above mentioned interests you at all, chances are you’ll happen across these and more guys you may recognize from WSX.
As a show/promotion, WSX may have come and gone, but the wrestlers and that wrestling style that made it as cool as it was are still very much alive and wrestling around the world. Do yourself a favor and look into some of these indy guys (if you haven’t already)…if you like your wrestling fast-paced, spot-heavy, and high impact (a la TNA’s X-Division, which is basically an indy-style promotion within TNA), you won’t be disappointed with what you dig up! Trust me - I don’t lie to my CircleJerk amigos!!
As always, feedback is greatly appreciated - I’ll almost always respond to any e-mail!
Adios!