Friday, September 30, 2011

COMING SOON: Interview with an Anarchist

I'm happy to announce that the second wrestlefudge interview has been booked! Close on the heels of my critically ignored sit down with IYFW ultrastar, Fronz Roddy, another In Your Face athlete has stepped up to be the next victim!

One of In Your Face Wrestling's most colorful and energetic performers, Ian Daniels, will subject himself to the hard hitting questions of yours truly. Topics I hope to cover include: his beginnings in the business, favorite and least favorite opponents/partners, his straight edge persona, the "Ballston Spa Screw Job" with Good Lord Willing and a shit ton more.

Stay tuned!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Semi-Kinda-Exclusive: IYFW Announces November Show!

In an email dispatched 24 hours ago to those fans who are on their mailing list, IYFW officials made a few fun announcements!

Given that the email, Facebook and Twitter posts all indicated that this was a "secret" not yet ready to be released to the masses I'm not going to reveal everything in the email, such as the specifics on the cool items to be raffled off this Saturday at their "Cauldron of Hate" event in Ballston Spa. Yet one thing that this blogger absolutely can NOT ignore and/or NOT report on is the announcement of the promotions return to the Ballston Area Community Center in November!

IYFW will return to the BACC on Saturday, November 12th, just 6 short weeks after this Saturdays event. How cool is that? The COOLEST thing the email noted was a web address for early pre-ordering of tickets to this event. Again, out of respect for the company and it's officials, I won't be revealing that web address here - the event, it's name (which I dig!) and ticket sales will be announced to the general public this Saturday and, I imagine, be available for sale for ALL on IYFWrestling.com.

Such great fan service, once more, by IYFW that I HAVE to applaud. Given my propensity for pre-ordering tickets, I know I will be all over this. Extra bonus for me? The show is scheduled for my vacation week (and a day following the release of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim... Nerdgasm). Now I have even MORE to look forward to that week!

Well done, IYFW! If you're not signed up for their mailing list... Then why are you even reading this? Get over there and sign up!

Monday, September 26, 2011

IYFW Cauldron of Hate PREVIEW/PREDICTIONS

It's close to midnight. There's something evil lurking in the dark. No, this isn't thriller... It's In Your Face Wrestling's CAULDRON of HATE, the kickoff of Season Five of Upstate New York's premiere independent wrestling promotion!

With only 3 matches announced for the event, there is much open to interpretation and speculation as far as what one might expect at the show. One thing that is guaranteed: history will be made. Whether it's the huge IYFW Championship bout pitting two of the company's largest performers against each other or the IYFW New Breed Title match featuring Dominguez defending against Roddy... History WILL be made!

Before we get to the announced matches, let's talk about what else we know - or sort of know - shall we?

We shall.

Guillaume de Sade to RETURN!
This man once had a brutal stranglehold on the IYFW Championship, using every underhanded tactic in the proverbial book to maintain that hold. It wasn't until the debut of former Management Representative, Harold Touch'ole, that he was stripped of the coveted belt. Given the undeniable fact that Touch'ole had been acting at the behest - and from the pocket - of "Millennium Millionaire" Scott Scarsdale one MIGHT wonder if we are treated to a de Sade who is looking for retribution, a man hungry for revenge, finally finding himself on the side of Right. Eh, sadly, probably not. In his recent (awesome, smart) vignette, Minister of Wrestling Operations, Maxx Burton, made it clear he would "take care" of de Sade. Something tells me we will see some sparks between those two this Saturday.

Will Ricky Rockett Be There?
This caped, masked grappler captured the imagination of IYFW fans when he was one of the first entrants in August's IN YOUR FACE RUMBLE. While not much is known about this enigma, one thing is for sure: we need to see more of him in an IYFW ring. He has been competing regularly in IYFW's spiritual sister promotion, Slam All-Star Wrestling, where he most recently ate a loss from Scott Scarsdale... but the more seasoning he gets, the more he can offer. I, for one, would love to see more of him. I can't be alone there.

Does the Northern Studd Still Matter?
Let's be honest here... Without Fronz Roddy at his side, it's hard to believe that the Northern Studd even exists. Studd slept through a tag title victory. When he wasn't being carried on Fronz's back through the reign, he was, instead, being led by the hand. Studd is directly responsible for their tag title loss. Personally, I won't rest until he is banned from ever competing again. It's more than he deserves. Three months ago he was near mythical... now he means nothing. The Minister claims he will be competing in a match NOT featuring Fronz... Can you say: "Bathroom Break"?

No. Seriously. Can you?

Ok. What's the Deal with Touch'ole/Good Lord Willing?
So, yeah, one with a discerning eye knew they were one and the same after seeing his debut at "Defy the Odds" in April... but what CASUAL fan really knew? He, allegedly, produced that questionable promo to keep the speculation going. Then the big(?) reveal at Summertime Bruise. With Burton now in power, Touch'ole is suspended... But there have been hints that we haven't seen the last of him. Also, Burton's promo (linked above) planted seeds that Ian Daniels wanted revenge following the Ballston Spa Screwjob. There's some potential here for intrigue. And who doesn't like intrigue?

Summertime Bruise DVD On Sale!
The other day I reached out to IYFW officials, inquiring if this great event would be available for purchase at Saturday's event. They quickly replied an emphatic YES! It's also available for order via their site. I will absolutely be snagging that this weekend and suggest you do the same, especially if you dig a fun battle royale! Between the efforts of all involved, the performance of guys like Roman Dominguez, Bobby Ocean, and yes - Ricky Rockett - this is a can't miss purchase. Looking forward to popping it in my DVD player and sucking down a few cold ones after Saturday nights show!

I Still Don't Trust You, Maxx!
Nuff said.
But keep the promos coming!

Also announced for the show:
- WAR
- SuperBeast
- Celtic Crew
- Drake Evans
- Scott Scaradale
...and more!

Unannounced Talent I'd Like to See:
- Ian Daniels
- Ricky Rockett
- Capital Punishment
- CJ Scott
- Justin Foxx (if only so the crowd can beg him to perish)

Let's talk about the matches we KNOW are going down:

IYFW Tag Team Championship
Adam Badger and Michael Monroe (c) VS Shiloh Robinson and Ricky Williams

One of the biggest attractions that In Your Face Wrestling offers is undoubtedly their tag division. Every tag match I have seen in their ring (with the exception of maybe one) has been packed with action and excitement and their BEST tag bouts have featured THESE GUYS! The Enemy snatched the belts from the International Ego Trip at Coronation Cup in June and have proven themselves a strong pairing along the way, most recently securing a victory over The Killer Steves in August. Meanwhile, Robinson and Williams are a relatively new pairing that are still trying to prove themselves, following the injury of Jamar Justice - and injury that, at the time, derailed The Uprising's climb up the tag ranks. Shiloh is absolutely the greatest choice as a replacement on the team ... Yet I have to wonder what might happen when Jamar gets healthy again? But I'm getting ahead of myself.
PAUL's PREDICTION: The Enemy retain. I can't vote against Badger's mask.

IYFW New Breed Championship
Roman Dominguez VS MIGHTY Fronz Roddy

Awww, man. On the one hand, I kind of want to break my cycle of always predicting that Roman will drop his belt when, clearly, that hasn't been in the cards. Dominguez has proven his critics wrong at every turn and has wowed the IYFW faithful with his stiff kicks and shocking displays of blistering power. With this win, Dominguez will claim the unofficial title of winningest champion in the promotions history... And it would be hard to bet against him. On the other hand, standing across the ring from him is, quite possibly, one of the most impressive performers in the promotion. Fronz Roddy has held more gold in this company than anyone else and is THIS close to stepping even FURTHER ahead and away from the rest of the pack. Unlike the defending New Breed champ, Roddy hasn't had the greatest luck between bells; recently allowing the Northern Studd to blow their tag title reign to shit and then following it up with a loss to Liam McFerrin of all people back in August. Smart money says that a competitor like Roddy is BOUND to bounce back, sooner rather than later and if anyone can bring out the best in The Mighty One it's the Pillar.
PAUL's PREDICTION: I have given this a lot of consideration. A lot. And you know what? I'm going to predict that ROMAN will retain. Why? Because he didn't want me to pick him, for one... And also because Fronz Roddy is a man who held the IYFW Championship for over a year, longer than anyone else, and I'm not convinced he can be considered "new breed".

IYFW Championship
Vigo VS Pierre Vachon

Much has been said about this match, both here and on IYFWrestling.com, about this contest. The bad blood. The long road that has led to all of this. More than just "a title" is on the line in this match, more than bragging rights, there is HISTORY to be made, here! Maxx Burton played a big role in allowing this match to go down, by adding Vachon as the final entrant in the IN YOUR FACE RUMBLE. Burton has played a role in the finish of the last few IYFW Championship matches... Will he be needed in THIS match, also? It is known that Vigo's valet, Yvonna Leach, won't be in Ballston Spa and - therefore - won't be a target or a distraction. We also know that FINALLY Guillaume de Sade will be back in IYFW this Saturday... Will HE insert himself into things? He has a vicious and brutal history with Vigo that may not be fully resolved. And how about CJ Scott? He was an ally of Vigo's not too long ago, but showed back at the end of Summertime Bruise that he is NOT a fan of the big man... Perhaps jealous of the gold stretched across Vigo's waist? A lot of variables in this contest that go beyond the implied chaos that Vigo and Vachon in the same ring represent. How to predict a winner? Like this.
PAUL's PREDICTION: No Contest. Would be cool if there was no clear winner in this (most Internet wrestling nerds HATE non-finishes in big matches, but I am not most Internet wrestling nerds)... Let's see a huge clusterfuck at the end that leads to a tag main event at the next show and then, finally, a "must be a winner" style match (has IYFW ever done a cage match?) at the FOLLOWING show. I dunno. Just a thought.

History will be made on October 1st. Will YOU be there?

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Two Can't Miss Matches on October 1st!

As a faithful reader recently pointed out to me, it's been a while since my last update here at Wrestlefudge. That's not for a lack of content to report and analyze, that's for sure, but I've just been waiting for that ONE piece of news or that ONE announcement to pounce on... that ONE match announcement that will rock everyone's world, when really it's been in front of me for weeks.

There is no ONE match to be super psyched about at IYFW's Cauldron of Hate event in just one week. There are TWO.

On the one hand, we have the IYFW Championship bout between the two behemoths of IYFW, Vigo and Vachon. I've documented - fairly well, I'd say - the bad blood between these two men since this blogs inception. For a detailed rundown of the malice built up between these two men I advise you to check out IYFW's featurette on their site here.

Yes, the bad blood is cool. Two guys that want to tear each other apart over personal differences is ALWAYS fun to watch unfold, let's be serious. Having a title on the line is also always cool, especially when it's the promotions top title. I dig the champion, Vigo, and his energy when he comes through the curtain. The fans love him and respond to him. Pierre Vachon is the beast both in name and in effect. He interacts with the fans in such a fun fashion that most want his head on a plate by the end of the bout; it's a true gift. But do you want to know what has ME most intrigued and excited about this bout? The revelation by IYFW's fantastic commentator and analyst, Joey LaRoque, that neither man has ever been pinned in an IYFW ring.

I LOVE that.

Look at the playing field in the entire professional wrestling industry... There aren't a a TON of top-tier guys who have NEVER had their shoulders down for three fateful seconds... To have two of them squaring off and the distinct possibility that, for one of these two guys, history could be made, that makes for an added, intangible layer of intrigue to the contest that absolutely makes it "must see" in my book.

Kudos to IYFW promoters for recognizing that and capitalizing on it!

Speaking of "history being made"... That brings me to the OTHER "must see" contest on October 1st.

You guessed it: Roman Dominguez VS Fronz Roddy for the IYFW New Breed Title.

To be totally honest I really don't know which match I am most looking forward to. I referenced all that's on the line in the Vigo/Vachon match; the title, the bad blood, the history. A lot of similar undertones in this contest as well, minus the bad blood. Heres a quick synopsis: Dominguez is on the cusp of becoming the longest reigning title holder in IYFW history and a win in this match would cement that as reality. Roddy, with a title victory here, would be the first and only man in IYFW history to hold every title. That's a big deal! What makes this match extra, extra interesting is the heel VS heel dynamic. I'm interested to see how the IYFW fans take to this contest and am GUESSING that Dominguez will be the man they get behind; he is harder hitting, for one and it's become clear to me that the fans just don't recognize (or appreciate) the mighty majesty that Fronz Roddy brings to the ring.

The other wrinkle in all of this is that I have to somehow predict who's going to WIN this match! Ugh.

When you take these two matches on their own this is CLEARLY a can't miss event. The other bout announced is far from shabby, also! IYFW Tag straps will be on the line as The Uprising gets their shot at the dominant Enemy. I have been high on all FOUR of these guys since discovering In Your Face Wrestling and have been looking forward to this match for months!

Also teased for the big show?
- the return of Guillaume de Sade! Holy shit!
- SuperBeast in action!
- Ian Daniels wants to avenge his foolish loss to Good Lord Willing!
- Minister of Wrestling Operations, Maxx Burton, is sure to be in the building!
- and, I imagine, a hell of a lot more!

The show is one brief week away! I pre-ordered my tickets hella early and suggest you grab YOURS now! You'll find me in the front row, swing by and say hello!

Coming soon on the 'fudge!!!!



  • IYFW Superstar Spotlight

  • "Cauldron of Hate" PREVIEWS/PREDICTIONS

  • In Your Face FANTASY BOOKING

  • IYFW has been touting some changes... What's MY take?

  • ...and much more!




Thanks for swinging by.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

The Mighty Manifesto: an interview with Fronz Roddy


He is one of the most decorated stars of IN YOU FACE WRESTLING's history and certainly among it's most passionate performers. This man has recently rid himself of some dead weight, and one half of the tag titles, and is on the cusp of another impressive singles run. Where did this athlete come from? Where does he plan on going? And just what makes him so MIGHTY?

He is Fronz Roddy.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
WF: First of all... thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Anyone that frequents this site knows that I am a big fan of your work and to have the opportunity to do this is such an honor. In Your Face Wrestling puts on a fantastic show and there is no denying that you are a huge part of the overall experience and I really want to thank you for being the first featured interview here on the site.

FRONZ: Well you're right, it is an honor to be interviewing me. I have alot of offers for interviews and special appearances and whatnot, so consider yourself lucky.

WF: Ok, tell me about your roots.

FRONZ: Rocketed to Earth from a doomed planet, I was raised on a small farm in Kansas...wait, that's not it. The bite of a genetically altered spider granted....wait a minute. Caught in the middle of a gamma ray blast, brilliant scientist.....nope. Four turtles in the sewer covered in ooze.....haha, just joking with that one.

WF: Clearly.

FRONZ: But seriously, I was a lonely kid growing up.

WF: Still joking?

FRONZ: No! It was hard going through school being better than the other kids at everything. Nobody could match my intellect, or keep up with me in physical education. So, I found solace in two things: pro wrestling, and comic books. Yes, that's right, The Mighty One loves comics. I loved seeing these muscular guys beating up on the weak. Superman would throw wimpy Lex Luthor into jail by the scruff of his neck. Batman had no problem pummeling the Joker into a stupor. All the out of shape villains were vastly outmatched by the physically superior. I was inspired. So naturally, I was drawn to pro wrestling. And I knew at an early age that if I wanted to be a great wrestler, I would have to get in shape. So that's what started my love for bodybuilding and physical fitness (something I can see that you don't practice much).

WF: I'm really interested in hearing about your early days in the sport. Who trained you and tell me about your training, etc...

FRONZ: I became friends with two wrestlers from VT, who got me started and showed me the very basics of pro wrestling. But they were hacks, and didn't provide me with the experience that I needed. I was a quick learner, it all came very naturally to me, and I needed more than they were able to provide for me. I had to get away from those guys if I ever wanted to go anywhere in this business. So I ventured out, and began wrestling for Slam All-Star Wrestling out of St. Albans VT and a few other places before winding up in IYFW, learning and gathering experience along the way from whoever I could.

WF: Obviously, you're as big a fan of the business as you are of yourself. If you could point to one performer who, when you were younger, made you want to do what you do today, who would it be?

FRONZ: When I was young, I was a big fan of the WWF and the top stars like Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage, but it wasn't until later when I discovered Ric Flair, and I knew that I wanted to be a wrestler like him. He just bled success. He was in great shape, was the world champion countless times, got the girls, flew on jet planes, everything I wanted to aspire to be.

WF: Of all of the athletes and performers you have encountered in your career... Who do you have the MOST respect for... Other than yourself?

FRONZ: Other than myself? Oof, that's a tough one. 


WF: Asking the hard questions is kinda what I do.

FRONZ: I used to have respect for the Nothern Studd, till he proved to be a worthless tag partner. What a sap! I will say that young Adam Badger has impressed me. Not only is he one of the most physically fit guys in IYFW and a terrific athlete, but he let's the fat fans know what's on his mind, even if it is sometimes colorful. Megastar Michael Monroe is slowly gaining my respect as well. And Pierre Vachon, a man whom I've had many battles with, has my respect as well. He may not be slim and trim like myself, but he is a monster of a man who gets the job done. And I don't hate "The Pillar" Roman Dominguez. He's ok.

WF: At this point, what would you describe as your ultimate goal in this business?

FRONZ: To be the top star in every organization I encounter. Crush my enemies, see them driven before me, and hear the lamentation of the women.

WF: I dig it, I dig it. Looking back at your storied career, what would you say has been your greatest moment in the ring?

FRONZ: I've had many great moments in the ring, but reigning as the IYFW champ for over a year was definetly a crowning achievment.

WF: Tell me about your time as THE longest reigning IYFW Champion.

FRONZ: I won't lie, it was difficult, taking on all comers, and being challenged for the belt as often as I was. But the Mighty survive, and everyone found that out when they got in the ring with me. I'd still be champion, but Drake Evans stole the title from me. He always had the odds in his favor, be it a stop sign in one match or the unfair advantage of the lumberjacks in my rematch. Notice how none of the champions since Drake have given me a title match? They're all afraid.

WF: We have seen the balance of power at the top of IYFW shift several times in the last 5 months. In recent memory alone we've seen Harold Touch'ole, and now Maxx Burton calling the shots... Where does Fronz Roddy fit in the grand scheme of things? With the mind that you clearly have for the business and the technical acumen you display in the ring... Would you agree that YOU are the most qualified and deserving man to be running the promotion?

FRONZ: Oh most def. Have I mentioned that I was the LONGEST reigning IYFW champion in history?

WF: Actually, *I* mentioned it...

FRONZ: Add the fact that I single handedly held the IYFW tag team championship on two seperate occasions, and nobody can match me in terms of strength and brains? I should be in charge. Unfortunetly, the schedule for an IYF official would cut into my demanding work out schedule. I spend more time training in a day than most people spend standing up in an entire week. I would have to refurnish the offices into a gym, and I don't think they have the money for the equipment I require.

WF: The Northern Studd... You were paired with him and had great success. Following the teams breakup in June, where does that leave you two? You were originally advertised to face the Studd in August at the BACC, but were instead booked against Liam McFerrin. Without revealing too much about what goes on on the other side of the curtain... I have to ask, What's the deal with you and the Studd? Will we see a resolution, i.e.; you beating him into oblivion for his unsolicited insolence?

FRONZ: It's strange, I have known the Northern Studd since I started in this business nearly 10 years ago, and I have never had a one on one match against him. Finally, the IYF offices were going to give me the chance to teach him a lesson and sign us to our first match. And guess what? He doesn't show up. Obviously, he is avoiding a confrontation with me. He won't be able to dodge me forever. One of these days, he won't be able to run anymore, and he will have to face my wrath.

WF: Naturally... let's talk about the tag team division in IYFW. I would argue that in spite of the absence of The International Ego Trip and Fronz Himself from the tag scene, that the tag scene is one of the biggest draws of the promotion given the depth of talent alone. Obviously, Monroe and Badger stand solid at the top, but right behind them are The Uprising, the Killer Steves, Celtic Crew, along with the impending, rumored return of Capital Punishment. This division is stacked. Am I nuts? What do you think about the tag division and will we see you re-enter the division with a more suitable tag partner any time soon?

FRONZ: First of all, you're a Mighty Fronz fan, so you're not completely nuts. Secondly, the tag division is very strong right now, despite my absence, with some exciting tag teams that you know of and some I've heard may be on the horizon. Thirdly, I don't see myself re-entering the tag division at this point of time, mostly because I don't see anybody I would consider worthy to be my partner. I have my sights set on another title anyway, so I'm much too busy.

WF: Since you're freely dispensing some opinion... let's do some quick word association:

FRONZ; Yeah yeah yeah...

WF: Northern Studd
FRONZ: Disgraceful

WF: Adrienne Blackhart
FRONZ: Harlot

WF: Maxx Burton
FRONZ: Axe....body spray. Haw! Get it? Cause they call him "The Ax"? I'm brilliant!

WF: Hmmm. Vigo
FRONZ: Champ...for now.

WF: Scott Scarsdale
FRONZ: Resourceful

WF: Ian Daniels
FRONZ: Who?

WF: Super Beast
FRONZ: Creature from the Black Lagoon

WF: Harold Touch'ole
FRONZ: Cunning

WF: Referee Adam Brunton
FRONZ: Screech

WF: "The Pillar" Roman Dominguez
FRONZ: Crafty

WF: Adam Badger
FRONZ: Censored

WF: Shiloh Robinson
FRONZ: Greenhorn

WF: ... and finally... Who do you like in the big title bout set to go down between Pierre "The Beast" Vachon and defending IYfW Champion, Vigo? ...and do you think we'll see a Mighty Champion anytime soon?

FRONZ: My money goes to The Beast. Vigo is a big, strong competitor, but he's got a conscience. He won't do what needs to be done to get the job done. Vachon, however, is a monster that has no conscience. He has no problem crossing the line to win. And I think that may come into play on October 1st. And it is only a matter of time before we have a Mighty champion again, and this time, I can guarantee that I will surpass my previous record title reign.

WF: Well... thanks again for taking your time and good luck in the "Cauldron"!

FRONZ: Haha! "Luck"...whatever.