Break out the (possibly illegal) adult beverages! This week’s guest is Luke Wilder.

Have you ever had a song stuck in your head that you just couldn’t get out? This guy has. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg concerning what we talk about this week on the 10 Count Podcast. Luke Wilder is a 15-year veteran of the business and has a lot of great stories to tell. We really enjoyed sitting down with him at the Blue Jeans Center in Monroe City before TSW Unleashed a few weeks ago.

Be sure to check out our friends at Rollek, their song Snorkelling Into Oblivion is our official theme and they allow us to use it for free. So we pay it forward by asking you to go an download their newest album – which they’re also giving to you for free.

We must also mention that we are listener and fan supported. We bring you this podcast for free every Saturday, because we love it and because we love our fans.  So be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and then share those like crazy. If you click on the menu button in the top left hand corner you’ll find our Area Indie Promotions page, and also our social media and podcast page. Be sure to subscribe to the 10 Count Podcast on iTunes as well as Soundcloud. We’re also now on Google Play. And be sure to rate us on iTunes and Google Play. Help us make the new and noteworthy section! Seriously… It takes 5 minutes. This is a call to action!

You can also write for us! Send your submission to 10countblog@gmail.com and we’ll consider putting it up for the entire world to read.

Bloody would be a good way to describe our guest this week, Anderson Grimm.

It’s been an interesting week. 10 Count Blog took an official stance on some of the issues surrounding local and area indie wrestling promotions and that stance is simply this – let’s bury the drama. We at 10 Count are advocates of all of our local indie promotions working together to make indie wrestling in this area great. Be sure and check out our editorial “A Simple Perspective”.

We also made our predictions for TSW Proving Grounds tonight from the Vincennes Eagles Club. Be sure and check those out. Sadly, 10 Count will not be in attendance there tonight, but we do have some friends covering the show for us, so expect pictures at some point this weekend.

So, as we said before, Anderson Grimm is our guest this week and it was certainly an interesting conversation. We’ve never met a guy who likes to bleed as much as this guy does. We talk about long-term health, hardcore wrestling, and plans for the future. He also makes a challenge to former WWE Champion, CM Punk. Hopefully he’ll answer.

Be sure to check out our friends at Rollek, their song Snorkelling Into Oblivion is our official theme and they allow us to use it for free. So we pay it forward by asking you to go an download their newest album – which they’re also giving to you for free.

We must also mention that we are listener and fan supported. We bring you this podcast for free every Saturday, because we love it and because we love our fans.  So be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and then share those like crazy. If you click on the menu button in the top left hand corner you’ll find our Area Indie Promotions page, and also our social media and podcast page. Be sure to subscribe to the 10 Count Podcast on iTunes as well as Soundcloud. We’re also now on Google Play. And be sure to rate us on iTunes and Google Play. Help us make the new and noteworthy section! Seriously… It takes 5 minutes. This is a call to action!

You can also write for us! Send your submission to 10countblog@gmail.com and we’ll consider putting it up for the entire world to read.

Well, It’s that time again – and per usual, we’re a little late to the party. But better late than never, Right.

Tri-State Wrestling is back at the Vincennes Eagles on Saturday July, 23rd and several things are going to be happening. The TSW Southern Title is up for grabs after being held up in a controversial finish at night of Champions. Who walks away with the prize: AJ Riley or Terrance?

Among other things, the brass at TSW also have to crown a new World Heavyweight Champion. In case you missed it, Will Bray vacated the title two weeks ago at Monroe City and left TSW citing personal reasons. Zane Arkham said on the show that they’re looking at a few different options to name a new champion, including a tournament. We should have a little more clarity on the matter after Saturday’s show.

So, what do you say we go ahead and get into some predictions. Remember, this is Indie Wrestling and the card is subject to change.

Match 1: Proving Grounds Match – Alan Angel vs. Shawn Franklin Vs. Cole Adams

This should be a fun match to watch. For those who don’t know – in a proving grounds match, three competitors enter and they battle it out elimination style. The last man standing is guaranteed a spot on the roster permanently.

The entrants in this installment make for an interesting dynamic. Alan Angel – a man determined to prove that he’s ready for the stage. Angel, by his own admission became content with being at a low level. After taking some time to work for other promotions in the area, he’s come back with a new found desire to prove himself and it shows in his in-ring work.

Shawn Franklin, a veteran who has main evented TSW shows in the past brings the experience and power to the match. He recently announced that he will be focusing solely on working for TSW. This is bad news for his two opponents because now that he’s able to put a laser focus on what he’s doing, he’ll be difficult to beat – ask Michael Madrox about dog collar matches and how skilled Franklin is.

And finally, you have the young pup in this match: the Skater Cole Adams. Cole is a hard working young man with a lot of hunger and drive. He’s also got a lot to prove. Of all the guys in this match, he’s the one who could benefit the most from a victory. He’s a recent grad of the TSW Training Academy and can definitely put on a show. He’s a high flyer and not at all scared to take a risk.

All three of these competitors are poised to make a splash in TSW in the next few months and regardless of the outcome, it should be a fun one to watch.

Prediction: Alan Angel.

Match 2: Yusev Bey Merrick vs Rough Rider Roy

Yusev Bey Merrick is not at all pleased with his recent performance. In the last few shows he’s got more checkmarks in the loss column than he would like. I know that his father, Abdual Merrick, can’t be pleased with that because Yusev is representing them in his absence. The Merrick Clan also needs a win after Night of Champions went sour for them and Stanley Roberts walked away with the U.S. Title.

Rough Rider Roy has been on a hot streak as of late. He and D.O.C have been lighting the tag team division up, recently earning the number one contendership for the TSW Tag Team Titles in matches with the Juggernauts.

Look for Yusev to resort to any means necessary to win, and if he does, you can expect D.O.C. and Miss B’Haven to make the save. Still, even with help in his corner, the odds are against Roy in this one.

Prediction: Yusev Bey Merrick (dirty)

Match 3: Anderson Grimm vs. Luke Wilder

I think we all know how this one is going to end. The Chaos Carnival and the Southern Shiners can’t seem to have a singles match without is devolving into a team vs team brawl.

The most interesting dynamic in this match is that Anderson Grimm was attacked at the last show in Monroe City by Blaine Black and Patrik Taylor after their, albeit cheap, victory over the shiners. According to Zane Arkham, that wasn’t necessarily a “you’re kicked out” but more of a warning. At Night of Champions Grimm attacked Johnnie Watts during a standoff with Blaine Black. Later during their title match with the Southern Shiners, Blaine showed up late and left early, leaving Grimm to fend off the Tag Team Champions by himself.

Word is that Blaine and Patrik attacked Grimm to send a message – Blaine’s rivalry with Johnnie was left without closure and he was punished for interfering.

With dysfunction taking its toll, Luke Wilder will have an advantage in this match.

Prediction: Luke Wilder – Assuming it doesn’t turn into an impromptu tag team match.

Match 4: The Juggernauts vs. The Devil Dogs

The biggest question in this match is who will drink the kool-aid? The Juggernauts are coming off a couple of losses to the 381 Family and you have to believe that they’re reeling a little bit. The problem with that is they’re going up against a red hot Stanley Roberts who is now the U.S. Champion after defeating Abdul Merrick at Night of Champions and his son Private Michael Roberts.

Mike Blitz has a quickness advantage over both of the Roberts men and Michael Madrox has proven that he’s willing to go to any length to get a victory – look at his main event dog collar match with Shawn Franklin. Their strategy should be to keep Stanley Roberts out of this match and focus on Private Roberts – who is recently graduated from the TSW Training academy and still has some growing to do.

On the flip side of that coin, The Devil Dogs are going to be tough to beat. Madrox and Blitz are a great team and former champions in TSW, but when if they allow Stanley and Michael Roberts to Control the match, they’ll have a tough time winning.

Prediction: Devil Dogs

Match 5: Blaine Black vs. Matt Dawson

Again, you would be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t know how this match will turn out. Blaine Black will have his assortment of teammates and managers at ringside and Luke Wilder will be in Matt Dawson’s corner.

This rivalry has become one of the most intriguing due to the dysfunction mentioned above within the Chaos Carnival and that plays right into the hands of the Shiners.

If this match runs its course though, look for Blaine to use his combination of unique offense and creativity to slowly and methodically wear Matt Dawson down. That’s no easy task either. Dawson is a pure athlete and a tough hombre. He’s not easily broken and it will take all Blaine has and then some to wear him down.

Prediction: Blaine Black

Match 6: Baron Darhk vs. D.O.C.

This will be a fun one to watch. Barron Darhk is a recent grad of the TSW Training Academy and has been putting on some quality matches. He defeated Will Bray a few weeks ago in Monroe City only to have another hard fought match two weeks ago against him that ended in a loss. He’s very athletic for his size and definitely knows how to use that to his advantage.

He’s facing off with D.O.C. and that will be no easy task. Where the fallen priest was able to manhandle a smaller opponent in Will Bray, he’ll be much more evenly matched against D.O.C.

You also have to remember that D.O.C. is riding a wave of momentum right now. He’s even being mentioned in the conversation for the vacated TSW title. He’s in a great position right now and he’s well aware of that. Smart money says he puts the proverbial hammer down and continues on this successful road, with the ultimate goal to end up at a place where he gets a title shot.

Prediction: D.O.C.

Main Event: Aj Riley vs. Terrance for the TSW Southern Championship

This will be a big one. This story has been told over several months now and it finally culminates Saturday at Proving Grounds. AJ returned to TSW to answer Terrance’s open Challenge in April. Terrence ultimately won that match by count out and AJ wasn’t satisfied with that, at all. He issued the challenge for Night of Champions in a falls Count Anywhere match. Then when the time finally came, AJ brought his brother in to be the special referee. Riley won the match, but there was controversy when Sweet Daddy B and Bareback Jack disputed the pinfall, saying it was a fast count. The Southern Title was held up and is currently vacant.

AJ and Terrence are going to put on one heluva show. AJ cost Terrance his match at Monroe City two weeks ago and you know that will be in the back of his mind. But AJ believes that he is the rightful champion and he’s proven that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to finally be the undisputed title holder.

As always, he’ll have to deal with outside interference. I think at this point, the TSW faithful know that Sweet Daddy B is going to try and put the odds in Terrance’s favor. But this time, AJ won’t have the luxury of having his brother as the ref. He’s going to have to get creative if he wants to win. And don’t forget, he’s no slouch. This is a guy who has been taught by some of the best in the business – Tracy Smothers, Xander Kelly, Johnny Richards – it’s not crazy to think that he walks away Southern Champion.

Prediction: AJ Riley

Don’t like what we wrote? Tell us about it in the comments section. Think you can do better? Email your submissions to 10countblog@gmail.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. We’re also on Instagram and YouTube!

Dont forget to check out our Area Indie Promotions page, and also our social media and podcast page. Be sure to subscribe to the 10 Count Podcast on iTunes as well as Soundcloud.

Send us your submissions at 10countblog@gmail.com!

 

 

By Jason Tiller

I’m afraid the people who really need to read this won’t. But I wanted to share something with the fans of 10 Count Blog, that’s been on my mind for a while, now.

Wrestling has been my biggest hobby and passion for a few years. By its very nature, professional wrestling – especially independent wrestling – is the ultimate escape, and I believe that’s why it’s stood the test of time. People grind away every day of the week at thankless jobs for just enough money to scrape by – living in the yes, sir or no, sir world. Most people, I surmize, would say they’re living for the weekend. I believe that’s especially true of wrestlers and wrestling fans.

Wrestling allows you to immerse yourself into a fantasy world. For fans, it’s a break from work where you may be just another person or number; where you don’t know who the good guys and bad guys are because, let’s face it, there really aren’t good and bad guys anymore. Wrestling is a place where we don’t hear about kids falling into gorilla enclosures and the rhetoric that follows when the gorilla is put down. It’s a place where we don’t hear about mass cop killings or racially charged crimes. It’s a place where your only responsibility is to observe through kids eyes. It’s a safe place – or at least it is for me.

If you’re a worker, it’s a place where you have all the same crap going on, but you get to go be someone different on the weekends. For a few brief minutes while you’re in the ring, you are a whole different human being. You are not the person with all your problems, insecurities, responsibilities or drama. You’re a larger than life persona; a clearly defined good guy or bad guy who’s one job is to play your part well enough to make the fans love or hate you. Wrestling not only allows you to highlight your personality and your quirks in its truest form, but celebrates it. It’s an addiction. It’s a labor of love.

The problem is, that feeling only lasts for a few minutes. Eventually fans have to go back to normal life – living for the weekend. Workers have to do the same, but there’s one aspect of wrestling they see that the casual fan won’t: the politics.

The politics of wrestling are even more cut-throat than governmental politics. Everyone is trying to run everyone else out of business. And, God, does everyone have an ego.

“My training is better than yours.”

“My workers make more money.”

“You’re stealing my talent.”

“Your company is a fraud.”

And it’s not just promoters and owners that say this kind of crap. In a lot of cases the workers get in on the drama as well and that just compounds things.

“I’m not wrestling for you unless you give me a title.”

“If that person works for you, then I won’t.”

“I’m pissed off because I’m not on a poster.”

“They won’t book me because I won’t kiss that promoter’s ass.”

Where does it end? Sadly enough, it seems like it doesn’t.

There is no shortage of petty drama within the wrestling world. Being as close as I’ve been to it for the last few months has been enough to tell me that. I’ve had multiple people reach out to me and try their hardest to get me to dislike another promoter or another company. I’ve literally been told in the course of pursuing this hobby that I should “stay away from” certain promoters – often times with an implied caveat that they won’t work with me if I don’t.

And very rarely is this done in a way that shows and sense of self deprecation.   It’s the same story every time. “Everything I do is amazing and everything they do is terrible.” That’s the basic rhetoric.

I’m tired.

Every one of the people who’ve reached out to me would be the first to tell you that they love independent wrestling. They’d be the first to throw up a profile pic sporting the slogan “Support Indie Wrestling.” So why the hell are you not doing that?

I dream of a day when every promoter in the area can put aside the petty bullshit about pay, training, who’s better than who, who’s doing what wrong and just focus on the wrestling. Just focus on growing the sport and let the other petty, ego-driven horse crap go away.

No one is perfect. No person is without mistakes or character flaws. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Everyone has moments of moral shortcoming. Why do we have to try and bury the people who’s shortcomings are different than ours? Why?

I believe there are merits to every promotion in this area. Some have major star power working in their favor. Others have a community mindset, or amazing marketing skill, or amazing workers who are known for passing their knowledge on to other workers.

Every promotion in a tri-state area pulls from the same talent pool. Tons of workers are working for multiple promotions – chasing a dream. I say we allow that to be a dream instead of a nightmare. Don’t try to guilt guys for going to work other places. Don’t guilt guys when they can’t come to your training. Stop talking trash about their abilities (or lack thereof,) especially behind their backs. Everyone can stand to improve – some people just need to improve more than others. Offer them an opportunity and if they choose not to take it or are unable to, wish them best of luck (and really mean it.)

We all have common ground – if nothing else, we have a passion for wrestling. Let’s all check our attitude and ego at the door and choose to be above the drama. Let’s all pledge to keep our hateful back biting to ourselves and at least try and get along; for the sake of the sport and the sake of the people involved – from promoters down to the fans who just want to see a good show.

I believe indie wrestling can be one of the most amazing experiences for everyone. I believe that if everyone pledged to create a positive atmosphere – regardless of who they’re dealing with – then we could see independent wrestling reach heights that no one has ever imagined. Let’s all put in the work. Let’s all remember that people have shortcomings. Most importantly, let’s all strive to bring out the best in our brothers and sisters instead of trying to beat them down.

Matthew 7:3-4 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?”

 

This week, we’re going to address some controversy. After losing two top stars in the last few weeks, TSW Booker Zane Arkham opens up about an issue that nearly caused him to leave the company as well.

This week’s podcast is a little different. We kind of slip in and out of kayfabe for the sake of story lines, but we really get into depth about some of the matches and stars from TSW Unleashed last weekend at the Blue Jeans Center in Monroe City Indiana.

The biggest story coming from that show is that former TSW World Heavyweight Champion Will Bray has vacated the title and will no longer wrestle for TSW. His departure comes on the heels of another of the company’s top stars, Zack Hogan, announcing that he has also wrestled his last match for TSW. This is significant in that, TSW now has two vacated titles and a void is left where these two would have been.

There are many questions left unanswered and while Zane Arkham does not speak for Will and Zach, he does provide some insight into his own reasoning for almost leaving the company and how this may have been a shared viewpoint.

We also now have to wonder what happens from here and how TSW will pick up the pieces in the wake.

Be sure to check out our friends at Rollek, their song Snorkelling Into Oblivion is our official theme and they allow us to use it for free. So we pay it forward by asking you to go an download their newest album – which they’re also giving to you for free.

We must also mention that we are listener and fan supported. We bring you this podcast for free every Saturday, because we love it and because we love our fans.  So be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and then share those like crazy. If you click on the menu button in the top left hand corner you’ll find our Area Indie Promotions page, and also our social media and podcast page. Be sure to subscribe to the 10 Count Podcast on iTunes as well as Soundcloud. We’re also now on Google Play. And be sure to rate us on iTunes and Google Play. Help us make the new and noteworthy section! Seriously… It takes 5 minutes. This is a call to action!

You can also write for us! Send your submission to 10countblog@gmail.com and we’ll consider putting it up for the entire world to read.

Every wrestling fan in the world has a cross promotional dream match they would like to see; two cornerstones of their respective companies, battling it out for supremacy and bragging rights. And now, thanks to New Wave Pro Wrestling in Terre Haute Indiana, indie wrestling fans in the Midwest may just get their opportunity to see their dream matches.

In a Facebook post earlier this week, NWP Promoter Mykie Guess began seeking out cross promotional opportunities for area mid-card champions. It’s a move that takes a bold step toward enhanced cooperation among area indie companies and implores competitors to take on a new challenge.

Despite the move being something that fans would enjoy, Guess said the cross-promotional matches will be something that will help grow the sport.

“I’m very excited,” Guess said. “What better way to expose other promotions to new fans than to have them represented elsewhere?”

Guess explained that the idea is to expose fans in other markets to each promotion’s product and allow them to attract new fans and grow their following. Each promotion’s mid card champion would meet in a match at either an NWP event or another promotion’s event. Before the contest each company would agree to a mutually beneficial set of terms that would include guidelines on promotion, payment and any other items that the promoters deemed appropriate. The goal is that the hosting promotion’s title would be defended in a champion versus champion match.

A few years ago, Ring of Honor and TNA had a similar agreement in place to supplement talent and give workers on the indie circuit some TV time for exposure. Guess says that this is not the same.

“I would like to think promotions around the area would like to be exposed to each others product,” Guess said. “Our goal is to reach out to other areas. This promotion runs here, and another promotion runs there. How can they both help promote each other to the fullest potential?

Guess says that feedback has been positive from both the NWP organization and other promotions. NWP Crossroads Champion Sam Knight said that he looks forward to facing any challengers.

“I must say, that I’m actually pretty excited about this opportunity,” Knight said. “I’ve always been a fighting champion, which means I take on all challengers – it doesn’t matter who you are, I’m willing to face you.”

“I think this will bring a new dynamic to the wrestling scene , especially here in the Midwest and I pray that other promoters follow suit in what New Wave is doing.”

At this time, however, no agreements have been reached. The cross promotional opportunity is open to any company that’s willing to work out an agreement and abide by the terms of that agreement. Promotions mentioned specifically by Guess include Massive Wrestling (which will soon host it’s inaugural event in Vincennes,) WWA in Kentucky, PWA and Zero1USA in Illinois, Emerge in Indiana and Rockstar Pro in Ohio.

NWP would like to have an agreement in place with another promotion before they begin taping for the upcoming Season 2 of Upsurge on the FNX Network. Guess said the idea just makes sense because many promotions in the area already dip from the same talent pool.

“Hopefully this will take off and the companies around here can be a part of a talent exchange that will benefit everyone involved,” Guess said.

Prospective companies can reach out to NWP to take advantage of this opportunity through their facebook page or by emailing them at NewWaveProWrestling@gmail.com. Guess said there will be no cost associated with the deal other than compensation for travel for the workers for either promotion.

But promotions taking advantage should take heed of a challenge issued by Knight.

“Opportunities come and go,” Knight said.”It’s all about how you seize them. So to all my potential opponents, step up.”

 

This podcast may not be suitable for non-virgins. Why you ask? Well, our favorite horror movie inspired friend Blaine Black is on 10 Count Podcast this week and we couldn’t be happier about that.

It’s been an eventful week in the wrestling world: Brock Lesnar takes on Mark Hunt, The Cruiserweight Classic Bracketology special aired on the WWE Network and Jeff Hardy got deleted for what seems like the fifteenth time. All in all, one of the more fun weeks in the world of pro wrestling.

But none compares to 10 Count Podcast having the Chaos Carnival’s Blaine Black on the show this week. We talk about all kinds of fun things including candy corn spots, comic con, comedy wrestling and so much more. We think that everyone will enjoy this week’s episode

On a more serious note, in the midst of all of the heaviness this week has brought in the mainstream media, we ask that everyone take a little time to relax, reassess and refocus on love forgiveness. If you’re reading this, know that from the bottom of the heart of everyone at 10 Count Blog, we love you and you matter. It’s that simple.

Be sure to check out our friends at Rollek, their song Snorkelling Into Oblivion is our official theme and they allow us to use it for free. So we pay it forward by asking you to go an download their newest album – which they’re also giving to you for free.

We must also mention that we are listener and fan supported. We bring you this podcast for free every Saturday, because we love it and because we love our fans.  So be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and then share those like crazy. If you click on the menu button in the top left hand corner you’ll find our Area Indie Promotions page, and also our social media and podcast page. Be sure to subscribe to the 10 Count Podcast on iTunes as well as Soundcloud. And be sure to rate us on iTunes. Help us make the new and noteworthy section! Seriously… It takes 5 minutes. This is a call to action!

You can also write for us! Send your submission to 10countblog@gmail.com and we’ll consider putting it up for the entire world to read.

Coming off an exciting evening at the Vincennes Eagles on June 25th, the Tri-State Wrestling crew is rolling into Monroe City for their second event of the summer at the Blue Jeans Center this weekend. The TSW brass have a tall order in front of them – they’ve got to top the spectacle that was Night of Champions.

The early indications say this should be a fun show to watch. The main attraction is that the powers that be have decided newly crowned TSW World Heavyweight Champion, Will Bray, will defend his title twice that evening, the second time against a mystery opponent. Will won the title at Night of Champions in one of the most epic I Quit matches ever against Zach Hogan.

They’re also trying to figure out what to do with the now “held-up” TSW Southern Title. For those who missed it AJ Riley brought in his own special ref at NOC and won the title – at least for a few minutes. Sweet Daddy B and Bareback Jack decided that AJ had an unfair advantage, but also admitted in the same breath that AJ did win the match. So now, no one is the TSW Southern champion and  there will be a rematch September 3rd at Feast or Starve with an “impartial” ref.

With all that to look forward to plus an “interim” GM coming in to replace the “vacationing” Bareback Jack, the build up starts this weekend at the Blue Jeans Center during  TSW Unleashed. Let’s take a look at the card and get into some predictions. Remember this is indie wrestling, so the card is subject to change.

Match 1: TSW World Heavyweight Title Match Will Bray vs. Baron Darhk

This one will be interesting. The last time these two met was at “We Have Arrived,” which was the last show in Monroe City. I didn’t give the evil one a chance, but Baron proved me wrong – he won the match by making the then number one contender pass out in the middle of the ring. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Take nothing away from the Dark Priest, but I still believe this match goes differently. Last time, Will didn’t have any time to prepare. He was there to sign a contract and got thrown into a match on the fly. This time, he’ll be prepared. That’s the mantra of his mentor, Sam Knight – be prepared for any opportunity.

I look for Will to avoid the trap he fell into last time and use his quickness and unique move set to keep Baron off-balance. He’ll have to overcome some insurmountable odds to event the series – especially with Sweet Daddy B and possibly this mystery GM in the opposing corner. He’ll also have to use every ounce of resolve he has to escape this match with the victory uninjured and fresh for a match later that evening – assuming he wins.

Prediction: Will Bray

Match 2: A.j. Riley vs. Yusev Bey Merrick

AJ Riley has a chip on his shoulder after what transpired at Night of Champions. He’s been chasing that Southern Title for a few months now and I can only imagine how he’s feeling after having it ripped from him in an odd turn of events.

You have to wonder how he’ll respond against Yusev Bey Merrick. The Middle-Eastern son is a technical wrestler that borders on brawler – not unlike the style in eastern culture. He’s also proven over the course of his career with TSW that he’s not above using less than honorable tactics to gain an advantage.That won’t be difficult either, with the “Sweet” one in his corner.

But A.J. isn’t a slouch either. He’s been in the ring with the best and has shared experiences with legends. He’s a phenomenal worker who’s going to come out aggressive and poised to prove that he’s the rightful Southern Champion.

Prediction – AJ Riley

Match 3: Alan Angel vs. Benny Bray (Non-Title)

Tri-State Wrestling AWA Memorial Champion Benny Bray will be in action this weekend, but he will not be defending his title.

His opponent is an old face, returning after working elsewhere to make a name for himself. Alan Angel has been away from TSW since October. He made is debut in the first ever Jesse Meredith Memorial Battle Royal. We’ve never seen him work, but inside sources say that he showed promise during his first run in TSW. A championship always eluded Angel, but a win over Benny Bray could mean that he cements himself in the title picture moving forward.

That will be a tall order. The ruler of the Braymosphere is an exceptional talent with ties to companies like OVW. We’ve said before on this blog that his greatest strength is frustrating his opponent into making a mistake. He’s calculated and opportunistic. He proved that in his win over X-Calibur and Big T Thomas Moore at Night of Champions.

His strategy is simple, yet effective: slow your opponent down by any means necessary, get them off their pace and capitalize on any opening they give you.

If Angel is able to overcome and get some momentum built up, he’ll also have to try to keep Benny from just leaving. He’s proven that he’s not above taking the count out loss – he did it to Big T the last time they were at the Blue Jeans Center and he’s teased it in every match we’ve seen him in.

It’s a long shot, yet very possible with the title not on the line, but if Angel can get a clean win over Bray, he may position himself for big opportunities.

Prediction – Alan Angel By Count Out.

Match 4: Blaine Black Vs. Luke Wilder

We must ask ourselves what the hell was up with Blaine Black at Night of Champions?

Blaine cornered the now retired Johnnie Watts after his send off match with Damien Baker. In the ensuing stare down, Anderson Grimm attacked Johnnie with a steel chair and Blaine just walked away; no celebrating with his teammate. Later, when it was time for the Chaos Carnival to try to take back the Tag Team Titles from the Southern Shiners, Blaine was nowhere to be found until about halfway through the match.  He came in and provided some desperately needed relief for Grimm, but left again before the match was over – allowing the Shiners the advantage and ultimately costing Chaos Carnival the win.

Blaine takes on Luke Wilder at Unleashed and we have to wonder where his head is. We know that despite the rivalry and bitterness Chaos Carnival had with Johnnie Watts, there was undeniably a mutual respect there. Could Blaine be missing his friend? Or is it something different entirely?

Whatever’s going on, he’ll need to shake it off if he wants to beat Luke Wilder. The Shiners are riding a wave of momentum as of late and they’re showing no signs of stopping. The only thing I can see derailing the Shiners’ train is outside interference and you know that Anderson Grimm and Sweet Daddy B will be in Blaine’s corner. It’s also entirely possible to see Patrik Taylor back as well this weekend.

With all that supplemental help at ringside, I just don’t how Wilder can overcome.

Prediction: Blaine Black – with the aid of outside interference.

Match 5: Terence Vs. Cole Adams

Much like his counterpart in the TSW Southern Championship saga, Terence is going to be eager to prove why he’s the rightful heir apparent to the title.

His opponent is a relatively unknown worker. Cole Adams is a product of the TSW Training Academy and his experience thus far has been limited to mainly battle royals. However, he’s had good showings in every outing, lasting until the final four at Princeton Proving Grounds back in May.

This kid is a budding talent with all the intangibles that make workers in this business great. While he still needs some fine tuning, he’ll be hungry. Expect him to come out firing on all cylinders bringing his brand of high-flying offense coupled with speed and agility. I don’t look for anything spectacular out of the rookie, but I do look for him to put on a solid showing – who knows, maybe he’ll surprise us.

Cole will have his work cut out for him. Terence is a crafty veteran who, despite the bravado, has shown that he’s one of the best in the company. Up until A.J. Riley pinned him at Night of Champions, he’d defeated all challengers for the TSW Southern Championship. The means by which he obtained those victories can be called into question – but a victory is a victory – even if it is cheap.

Prediction: Terence

Main Event: TSW World Heavyweight Title Match Will Bray vs. A Mystery Opponent

So, this match is predicated upon Will Bray winning his first bout of the evening – which, for all intents and purposes, we believe he will win.

That leaves us with two questions.

1. Will Will Bray be 100 percent for this match and
2. Who will he be facing?

Let’s start with the former. Based on the last time Will Bray and Baron Darhk faced off, we can expect the new champ to take some punishment even if he does win the match. How does that affect him after he’s had an opportunity to cool off and those aches and pains from the first match set in? Can we expect to see him with his normal energy or will we see a somewhat diminished Will Bray?

And the big question is how does he prepare for the unknown? Who is this mystery opponent. We know Zach Hogan won’t be in the building. Zane Arkham – who has been a surprise opponent for the last few weeks, won’t be in action because of his recovery and treatment from his cancer (wishing him a speedy recovery.) That leaves this one wide open.

Could we see a former TSW great return to the ring, in the place where it all started, for one final shot at the title? Will a young up and comer look to dethrone the reigning and defending champ? A few names come to mind, many of them unlikely scenarios, but fun to think about nonetheless.

The first one that comes to mind is Sam Knight. Sam is a former TSW World Heavyweight Champion. He trained Will Bray and thinks of him very highly. But Sam is the voice in the back of every one of his trainees’ head saying “push yourself.” I wouldn’t put it past him to put Will to the ultimate test – the student must become the master.

Another name that comes to mind is Johnnie Watts. Johnnie is one of the most respected names in the locker room at TSW and was one of the more under the radar type talents. He is very skilled, but was always happy to move aside and let the younger talents have their opportunity to flourish. Even though he’s officially retired, could a potential run as the TSW World Heavyweight Championship entice him to come back? After all those years of allowing others to have their opportunity, could we see Johnnie Watts return to claim a prize that always eluded him?

Whoever this mystery opponent is, look for them to be a test for Will Bray.

Prediction: Too Close to call.

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We can now officially mark something off our bucket list.

This week, 10 Count Podcast went live from Tri-State Wrestling Night of Champions from the Vincennes Eagles Lodge and it did not disappoint. We had an amazing time with this podcast and we hope you will too.

We have multiple guests on this week’s podcast. It started out with a plan to chat with Sweet Daddy B Barry Baker, Zane Arkham and the now retired Johnnie Watts, but we got cameo appearances from friends of the show Mike Blitz and Michael Madrox, the Juggernauts and also from the 381 Family.

The crowd was also great for this podcast and we definitely look forward to doing it again in the future.

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