"Brass Ring" Review: UPDATE

As usual this blog, in the 24 hours following an In Your Face Wrestling event, has seen a dramatic uptick in hits, etc. I know I'm usually good about posting the results along with my thoughts on what went down within that 24 hour window, but it's just not going to happen today.

Check back tomorrow afternoon for what you've come to expect as THE single finest In Your Face column this side of IYFWrestling.com...

It was pretty good show and, as usual, I had a blast. Thanks for swinging by and check back tomorrow!

Awesome Moment

This is from the IYFWrestling.com release of IYFW's "Cauldron of Hate" DVD. This is just a glimpse inside the greatest athletic contest I have ever seen.

Some quick backstory:
I had foolishly picked My Favorite Wrestler, And Yours, "The Mighty" Fronz Roddy, to LOSE in his match for the IYFW New Breed Championship against "The Pillar" Roman Dominguez. He knew this. And gets in my face, pre-match.

Nearly made my night... Until I started the classic "Let's Go, Both of You!" chant. THAT made my night.

So, yeah... Good stuff. Look for my long-form results/review on TONIGHT's show within the next 48 hours. Or your money back.

IYFW Talent Update: Take Two!

Update:
I've got it confirmed that the IYFW Champion, Pierre "The Beast" Vachon, will be at the Ballston Area Community Center for tonight's event. While it makes SENSE for the champ to be there, IYFW officials had not confirmed it leading up to the show.

More "news" as I learn it.

IYFW Talent Update: Hours Before "The Brass Ring"

In my previous column, I rambled on about a handful of performers that I hoped would make an appearance on tonight's In Your Face Wrestling event. A source (or two) close to the company fed me an update (or three) on a few of those wrestlers that I think is worth sharing on the site.

According to this source, Rob Coleman and Foxx Vinyer will NOT be in Ballston Spa for event. It is believed that BOTH men will be involved in a try out for Ring of Honor tonight! Best of luck to both of them!

Also, that same source also confirmed that Super Beast ALSO would be absent from the festivities, as he has an appearance scheduled for a Buffalo-area promotion tonight.

Finally, I have received an indication, from a second source, that we just might see an appearance by my favorite masked man and yours, Ricky "Don't Call Me Rickity" Rockett! Nothing 100% confirmed there, but a fella can hope, right?

I'll keep my ear to the ground, people. Catch you at the show!

IYFW Presents: "THE BRASS RING" PREVIEW/PREDICTIONS

Less than a week away from In Your Face Wrestling's second event in as many months, one that promises to establish championship title contentions for all titles, "The Brass Ring" is all about who WANTS it. Can The Uprising overcome their Enemy? Who is next in line to face new IYFW Champion, Pierre "The Beast" Vachon? Who does Burton think WANTS it more? Who DESERVES it? Should the Savage Wolves be reinstated after bullying the company and it's workers for the last 45 days? Do they DESERVE it? We clearly know they want it... Potentially a crucial event to where the company goes from here...

Yet we only have one signed match to talk about.

In the latest (and likely last) INTERFACE before the show, Joey LaRoque plugged the event, along with promoting appearances from all of the promotions big stars and a few surprises. So... While its a bummer that there's only one solid contest to get excited about, despite that, we still have a LOT to talk about and speculate on. Let's talk about other announced talent.

CONFIRMED PERFORMERS FOR THE SHOW
WAR
"The Millennium Millionaire" Scott Scarsdale
Nocturne
"Bombshell" Bert Williams
Ian Daniels
Liam McFerrin
The Northern Studd

I'm guessing that WAR and Scarsdale will reprise their recent tag team ("The Money Machine", as I affectionately refer to them) looking to improve after their recent loss against The Celtic Crew in October. A part of me wants to see that team decompose in the ring, leading to WAR taking a face turn that eventually builds to a win over Scarsdale in a singles bout. Happy to see Nocturne back in an IYFW ring. He most recently pulled out a victory over Rocco Perelli back at Coronation Cup in June in a fun match. The return of Bert Williams is a nice surprise! Williams is a former IYFW Tag Team Champion along with Ricky Williams and, from my limited interaction with him via the interwebs, seems like a good dude. Looking forward to seeing him back in action. Might we see him team up with someone new to take on The Money Machine? Ian Daniels earned his spot on the card by taking a brutal surprise beating from the Savage Wolves and is coming off of a strong showing in last months 4 way match despite eating the loss. McFerrin has put in solid efforts at the last few events and, in my opinion, seems poised for a singles run. And the Northern Studd is himself. So... Yeah. (kidding, Studd. You know you're my boy.)

Right.

UNANNOUNCED PERFORMERS I WANT TO SEE
Ricky Fucking Rockett
Superbeast
Foxx Vinyer
The Real Rob Coleman
Guillaume de Sade
Pierre Vachon

I have been told his name is "Rickety" Rockett... But the masked marauder will always be Ricky to me. What about The Inhuman Monstrosity? I've gushed over the potential of Superbeast in the past and will likely continue to... The Former Capital Punishment (Coleman and Vinyer) dazzled the crowd at The Cauldron, exchanging stiff blows and power moves. Let's see a one on one match, with Vinyer working as the crowd favorite. Why is de Sade not one of the men being considered in the running for the top titles contention? ...because the world is a cruel, cruel place. And... Oh yeah... Let's see the new IYFW Champ in the building, eh? Vachon hasn't been advertised or announced for the show, nor is he a guy that appears on EVERY card (in the past). Come on, now... I like to see the topnchampion at every show. I think that's especially important when THIS show is built around championships and their meaning.

WHAT'S UP WITH THE WOLVES?
They snuck into the October show, uninvited, and attacked Ian Daniels, leading Maxx Burton to dramatically chase them out of the venue. They snuck into the In Your Face Wrestling Academy, uninvited, and attacked several students. They stalked and attacked IYFW Referee, Adam Brunton, power bombing him onto the hood of his own car before slamming his arm in the door. They then threatened to take the fight to Maxx Burton's quite literal front door across the Vermont border. How does IYFW respond? By offering them a match on the show. I figure one of two things are likely to go down here; Burton has something vicious up his crafty sleeve that he is waiting to drop on CJ Scott and Damon Ravage. Or... the Wolves show up, refuse the match, and instead take out a few more contracted talent, insisting on a solid, steady contract and a boat load of cash. I have been enjoying this stuff, big time. Keep it coming.

WHO WILL BE THE IYFW Championship's NEW #1 CONTENDER
It has been said that Minister of Wrestling Operations, Maxx Burton, will call the 3 men the company views as their top contenders down to the ring to "decide" who the #1 Contender to Pierre Vachon's IYFW Championship will be. Will it be former IYFW New Breed Champion, Roman Dominguez? Will it be Drake Evans? Or will it be the man who just lost the strap: Big Vigo?

If you go by logic, then Vigo is the clear contender. He JUST lost the belt in a match that featured a ref bump and a ball of fire to the face. I heard that the "Cauldron of Hate" event is available for purchase... I think that Burton should watch that match again. If he did, he would quickly
sign a rematch (insert: obligatory "I Still Don't Trust You, Maxx!" reference here). Can't help but think they should have held Vigo off the the next shows to sell the fireball and the match, in general, with Vachon last month.

Dominguez has certainly earned his spot for contention, losing a fun, close match AND his once coveted IYFW New Breed Championship to Fronz Roddy after a ridiculously long reign. Still, he consiatently dominates opponents and seeing him take on the man he teamed with back in August would absolutely be interesting.

Drake Evans is the guy I think fans want to see get the shot, even moreso than Vigo. Evans "never really lost" the strap (in a 4-way back in Amsterdam) and has fought a long, hard road on the way back to the very top. He plays the role of scrappy underdog with a huge heart probably better than anyone else in the promotion and I would love to see him get a shot at Vachon's title.

Chances are... We'll see Burton book a 3-way Free for All later in this show, where a number one contender can be crowned. That's likely the fairest (and most crowd pleasing) move to make. Who will it be? I'd say Drake.

WHAT DO I, THE FAN, WANT FROM THIS SHOW
- I want it to run longer than the October show. Maybe I've just been spoiled by other independent wrestling events or even other IYFW shows, but a run time of 2:20 including a 30+ min intermission just zips by. They have announced a lot of performers. Let's see them all, and then some, and fill out the show. I recall the Heel Section being shocked at the time when Vigo/Vachon went on @ Cauldron of Hate.

- I want to see something "new". Something innovative and fun. De Sade running out of the building, avoiding a loss... Vachon's fireball... The Wolves staging an epic sneak attack... All were great HOLY SHIT moments for the crowd. Let's see more of that kind of stuff...

- I want to see a return date to the BACC announced! Sooner the better.

- A crazy, loaded, action packed main event. See; next topic.

THE MAIN EVENT
I don't know what I'm most excited about in regards to this match: the participants. The stipulation? Or the fact that for the first time in their last handful of shows a WRESTLING match will be in the main event. Taking nothing away from the slower, brawling style of a Vigo, a Vachon, or a Scaradale... And certainly nothing from the IN YOUR FACE RUMBLE... But the all-out action style of the guys on this match inspires a great deal of confidence right out of the gate.

Fronz Roddy, Adam Badger, and Michael Monroe
VS
Jamar Justice, Shiloh Robinson, and Ricky Williams

An elimination match where, if the baby faces win... They get title shots. I mean... Come on... Clearly that's going to happen. But the action that gets us there should be a blast to watch. Fronz Roddy will own the ring. Williams will be a selling machine. Monroe will dazzle with his speed and execution. Jamar Justice will make his return to the ring with his sights set on beheading the always powerful and intimidating, Adam Badger. And, yes... I think Shiloh will take to the air and take the fans breath away... I'm going to refrain from predicting the finish other than to say that, despite Fronz Roddy's presence, the heels will lose the match and, right away, half of the next event's card will be booked.

Better than having one match announced.

WRAPUP
Excited about the show, as usual. I have two extra general admission tickets to the show that I won at the last show if anyone is interested. Holla, and whatnot. I think this show hinges on a few things; the quality of the Main Event isn't in question but the rest of the card has to be equally solid. The other big one, for me, is the Savage Wolves storyline. Don't bungle this one. I have faith... But I think it bears stating. The crowd was visibly smaller at the last event and I'm hoping to see a rebound in attendance this Saturday night!

Thanks for reading and catch you at the show!

Interview with an Anarchist

One of the most colorful performers on the IYFW roster with the most dedicated following, he is the most outspoken wrestler on the independent circuit. The one and only Ian Daniels takes a moment to share a glimpse within his one of a kind mind.

---------------------------------------

WF: What made you pursue a career in professional wrestling? Was it one particular performer or a few? What, or who, inspired you?

IAN DANIELS: A combination of insanity and desire for fame. In all honesty, I can't say what or when I made the decision. I've been a fan since my first step father introduced it to me when I was 5. My grandma would record them onto VHS for me, WCW and WWF. I was just a little past the NWA glory days sadly, I was a little Warrior sadly growing up, not a Hulkamaniac I don't know that I was ever inspired per say by one person, act, or tag team. I was a fan of it as a whole, and always thought that'd be awesome to do. So, I went to wrestling school and here I am.

WF: Ok, so you made the decision to jump in to the biz... Who did you turn to for training?

IAN DANIELS: I originally went to a local school in NY, but I just didn't feel it was for me. The people there that did the training just didn't seem to get it, plus I had always heard "learn from someone who had actually wrestled". In 2005, I applied to be an intern for Highspots.com. Out of 1000 applicants I was selected along with two others. I got a free apartment, paid, and got to go to wrestling school free. My trainers were Mr. No 1 George South, a charter member of the jobber hall of fame and a great talent. Really implored us to learn old school wrestling. Flying body press was about the craziest thing he taught us. Ethan Cage who was a worker down there and also works at Highspots, and Tornado Tony Kozina. Yes, the same guy who trained Davey Richards trained me. I just have the better body of the two of us.

WF: Mind sharing your craziest story from your training days? I imagine you have a few...

IAN DANIELS: I don't mind, but I don't really have one to be honest. Monday was with Tony. Tuesday George. Wednesday Ethan. Tony did a lot more athletic stuff. Stuff he picked up from his NOAH dojo tryouts. George was more old school, drills, and putting things together. Tackle, drop down, get it again, leapfrog, hip toss, arm drag, dropkick. Ethan did more just regular stuff but also did takedowns for shoots as well.

WF: Do you recall your first match? What promotion were you working for and who was your opponent?

IAN DANIELS: It was for George South's Exodus Wrestling Alliance. I worked two matches in one day. I lied when I got down to North Carolina and told them I'd done some training. Well, 7 training sessions is "some" right? I teamed with Ethan Cage to face Jason Jones (who has toured with Pro Wrestling NOAH and has done WWE dark matches) and "Asian Sensation" Mike Lee. I remember my anarchy symbol patch fell off my elbow pad and some little kid swiped it, but it was a church show so I couldn't punch him. Grr. Then we traveled to another show and I teamed with Ethan to face George and Jimmy Jact Funk Jr. George clotheslined me in the face as a welcome to the business. I never looked back.

WF: I know that your pursuit of this career has taken you all over the country... Share a great road story with my readers.

IAN DANIELS: And outside the country as well. I think probably the worst road story was my first and only trip to Maine. My buddy wrestled there and said, I'll get you on. 6 1/2 hours on a school night ( I was a senior in college). Get there. They tell me I'm not on the show. It's been snowing. It's freezing. No heat in the building, and not just the raucous crowd of 25. And to top it off, there's no guardrails on the highways in Maine. Horrible snow, ten foot vertical drops, and no guardrails. What the hell? Anyway's, my buddy Sam was working the show and he gets me on. The guy I have to wrestle is the shits. He calls a jackhammer for the finish. I ask my two other buddies and they tell me he's never done that before. Rad. 4 minute match. Drops me on my head. Concussion. 6 1/2 drive home with my ex. Thankfully she drove. Get back. Throw up in parking lot. Sleep three hours. Class at 9.

WF: Ouch. I first learned of you through your exploits in IYFW, obviously... How did they find you, or vice versa, and what's your experience been like with this promotion?

IAN DANIELS: I've known the owners from working other places. They started a promotion and wanted me on their first show. I've been there ever since. It's great. 30 minute drive to a show, and home by ten. Paid well and respected. No complaints. Love it.

WF: Care to share any memories of your time with the Nubian Lynch Mob? How did you come to be an unlikely part of that team?

IAN DANIELS: Well, I don't even know really. It was originally just De Sade and Shaft. I just showed up one day and we were teaming together. I think it's because the three of us, De Sade and Shaft, used to ravel together, and we're really good friends outside the ring. They'd both show up at my house since I live the furthest north, and we'd travel to shows together. Much the same way the Black T-Shirt Squad formed. Obviously, since I'm the blackest of the three of us, it was a natural progression. And Longoria over Mendes all day. They'll get that.

WF: Heh. Who would you say has been your favorite opponent to stand across the ring from, and why?

IAN DANIELS: Anybody who's willing to work hard for a match would be the cowardly answer, so I'm not doing that. To be honest, I hate most of my matches. I usually love them that night and then later wish I had never wrestled. But, if you purchase my DVD from www.iyfwrestling.com (along with a t shirt) you'll see who my favorite opponents are. Ok, I'll tell you. For comedy, my matches with IB Green and Loca Vida were two of my favorites. For wrestling, Scotty Vegas, Maxx Burton, and Mikey Mudd.

WF: I know you to be a straight shooter and never afraid to call it like it is... And seeing as how I asked who your favorite opponent might be, I have to ask: Least favorite and why?

IAN DANIELS: Chris Envy. Nothing else needs to be said. Thanks Mark!

WF: Well... Since we're shooting... How about some word association?

Maxx Burton

Good friend, dangerous foe, gives good advice, gets it.

Vigo

Big fella. Gonna be a daddy soon. Makes me laugh. Baked me a birthday cake once.

Scott Scarsdale

The richest hedgehog in the business. But, gives me orange soda, so I can't hate. Plus, lets me edit my stuff.

Fronz Roddy

Who?

I kid. Despite his non-acknowledgement of me, he is a talented all natural athlete. Really, he's very "well".

Roman Dominguez

The pillar. He thinks it's fun to do bad things.

Superbeast

Sigh. I had a great match with Superbeast once. Then, not so much. Barks a lot. Makes me laugh. Think we could have a better one.

WAR

Sweet entrance gear, bro.

Adam Badger

Goes to the gym and tans a lot. His girlfriend's cute.

The Savage Wolves

Jackoffs. But they beat up Lil Adam, and that was funny.

Guillaume de Sade

My buddy from way back. Don't fuck with the NLM. Sadly, did what he had to do to win a belt. I'd have done the same, but with more explosions!

Celtic Crew

Wishing they looked as good in green as me.

The Northern Studd

Tries hard, and is super dedicated. Gave me a chance when no one did. A friend from way back.

Justin Foxx

The stiffest worker and most talented guy in the business. ...What?

Bobby Ocean

The less black version of me. So pimp it’s ridiculous. A friend. Period. Works out and in almost as good a shape as me.

Pierre Vachon

A big teddy bear. Who will rip your fucking arms off.

Rocco Perelli

Probably my favorite opponent right now. So easy to hate and so fun to wrestle against. Looks like a deranged penguin.

Shiloh Robinson

Fun to watch. Show me some emotion.

Good Lord Willing

Backstabber. Chicanerous con artist. Snappy dresser. Gentleman. Scholar.

WF: Somehow I knew that wouldn't disappoint. Anything else you'd like to get off your chest now that you have the readers full attention?

IAN DANIELS: No not really. Just kidding. For the four of you that read Paul's column and are sttill awake, go to iyfwrestling.com and buy my damn t shirts and DVDs. Come support us and scream your heads off. Well, come support me at least. Anyone else, whatever. But seriously, come to the shows, have a good day, yell, boo, cheer, scream your heads off and it's awesome. The louder you yell, the harder we will work for you. Ehh, not really. You all suck anyways, and I hate you. Heel turn bitches! Tragedy! Peace! sXe XXX

WF: Thanks for giving me the opportunity to speak with you! I'm sure we've only scratched the surface and, who knows, maybe we will do this again soon! Thanks again.

I Haven't Forgotten About You...

So don't forget about me!

Some quick updates:
- sent my initial batch of questions to Mr. Ian Daniels for my second IYFW performer interview via private msg on theburninghammer.com but for some reason the message won't leave the outbox. It's infuriating. Hoping to get ahold of the dude ahead of the November 12th IYFW event at the Ballston Spa Community Center and get that up here. Ian Daniels is one of the most honest and outspoken athletes on the indy scene and my questions cut right to the heart of things! Hope it gets to him soon!

- speaking of the next IYFW event, "THE BRASS RING" is set to go down in a little more than a week and the Main Event is set: a 3 on 3 elimination match with high stakes!

IYFW New Breed Champion and my favorite wrestler, Fronz Roddy, teams with the IYFW Tag Team Champions, The Enemy: Adam Badger and Michael Monroe as they are challenged by Shiloh Robinson, "Loverboy" Ricky Williams, and the returning Jamar "Magic" Justice! If someone on Team Uprising pulls out a win, then a title shot is to be had.

I am liking this match. A lot. I have some possibilities on how it might go down in mind and... Yeah. This could be memorable.

- no other announced matches, although The Savage Wolves have been offered a tag match by the IYFW front office in order to satiate their blood lust. To be honest with you, I am holding out hope for another promo from those two before this event where they basically say the following:

"Screw you. You think giving us "a match" will shut us up and make us happy? Hell no. We want contracts. Fat contracts. We want title shots. We want RESPECT. You think giving us a MATCH will stop the bloodshed? You think a MATCH will protect your precious wrestlers on your precious roster? Wrong. We want RESPECT. Respect, power, and money. And we won't stop until we get it. You made a mistake, Maxx... Giving us a match tells us we have your attention. We LIKE having your attention. See you at the show."

This is a storyline that I have been really enjoying. They've put some great energy into it and it's paying off. Don't end it with a match. Drag it out. Let it sizzle.

- and while we're talking about those videos... (especially the last one. Poor Adam.) I have absolutely enjoyed them and it's ABSOLUTELY what they should be doing... But why don't they do it for more than one storyline, or sub plot? I know... I'm a greedy consumer. I want it all. But, damn... They've tapped into something simple. Have at it. Give us more!

- that being said... Hoping for a final INTERFACE where Joey drops a few more matches on the card. Cross yo' fingahs, son!