It’s a new day for the 10 Count Podcast. With this week’s episode, we’re ushering in an era that makes our reach limitless. We now have the ability to interview our guests by phone and while we still plan to do in-person interviews, we have the option to reach out to our friends of this show wherever they may be in the world. It’s a good time to be a fan of the 10 Count Podcast.

So, to help us celebrate, we decided to make our first phone interview something special. We have Johnny Richards of New Focus Wrestling with us this week and we couldn’t be more excited.

This guy is living the dream for indie wrestlers across the world. He owns a very successful promotion in NFW that has relationships with a lot of big names – most notably, the legendary Tracy Smothers, Rob Conway and many more. But he’s also a guy who’s done a lot of amazing things in his near 16 year career. We’re talking beating CM Punk, wrestling a dark match for WWE, traveling all over the United States to work, and inspiring young and aspiring workers to do things the right way.

Johnny is a wealth of knowledge and experience that he freely shares with anyone who asks. He’s also a man who loves this business and is constantly thinking of ways to make it better alongside his fellows at New Focus. He’s also a guy who stays out of the pettiness that can sometimes come along with this – calling all wrestlers from every promotion “one big, dysfunctional family.”

This week, you’re going to hear some great stories and we’re really excited to be bringing it to you.

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.

We say it a lot, but it’s a good time to be a wrestling fan. The WWE has been on fire as of late, TNA is stepping up their game, the indies have never been more relevant and followed… It’s a resurgence of wrestling.

So to quickly touch on national events:

Adam Cole is the new R.O.H. Champion. Jeff Hardy is now Broken Brother Nero. Aron Rex is a thing. Paige, Eva Marie and Alberto Del Rio all suspended. Finn Balor becomes the Universal Champion, gets injured, and relinquishes the title all in a matter of 24 hours. Brock Lesnar assaulted Randy Orton and the Chris Jericho has a few choice words for the mayor of Suplex City. Charlotte is the new champ. Bayley’s on the main roster. We’ll now have a tag team and women’s championship on SmackDown. And the Cherry on top? The Miz just cut the best promo of his life calling Daniel Bryan a coward… Wow.

Interesting to say the least.

And the intrigue doesn’t stop there. Area indie promotions are gearing up for shows this weekend and next weekend. We’ve got a lot to talk about pertaining to one of them.

At TSW, Johnnie Watts is the new champion. Read that again, there’s no mistake. Everyone’s favorite clown is the face of the company. He won it when he became a surprise 7th entrant in an elimination match 2 weeks ago at the Vincennes Eagles club. He’s set to defend it for the first time this weekend at the Blue Jeans Center in Monroe City, Indiana at TSW Relentless.

There are a lot of other compelling storylines as well. AWA Memorial Champion Benny Bray will put his title on the line against Xcalibur, and the Juggernauts Mike Blitz and Michael Madrox challenge for the TSW Tag Team Titles. Not to mention, Papa Baker is in for the fight of his life when he teams up with Baron Darhk to take on D.O.C. and Miss B Haven.

So let’s get into some predictions! Remember this is indie wrestling and the card is subject to (and likely will) change.

Match 1: Tag Team Match – Chaos Carnival vs. Matt Diamond and Cole Adams

So earlier this week, the Chaos Carnival got some interesting news. Patrik Taylor had an impact test and will be cleared to return to the ring in November.

This is both good and bad for the Chaos Carnival. As of late Blaine Black and Anderson Grimm have really been clicking – even if they have been somewhat at odds. I think their friendly fire has fueled their performance and made them more formidable. And so with Taylor coming back, the questions is raised, what happens to Grimm? Will he remain a member of the stable or will he be put out to pasture when Taylor is ready to return?

The other scenario is that Taylor finds himself as the odd man out. Could the Carnival soon be firing their strong man?

All of those things will be on their minds as they take on Matt Diamond and Cole Adams. Matt Diamond returned a month ago and has seemed to be on a roll ever since. He advanced to the finals of the TSW Heavyweight Championship Tournament two weeks ago and had a good showing until and injury sustained earlier in the evening reared it’s head. Cole Adams came out of the gate strong with a win over Terance (even if there is an asterisk by that win) but has since failed to string together a meaningful series of wins – although he’s had good showings in his losses.

The pairing of Cole with a veteran like Diamond is a good thing for him, but it may not translate to wins.

Prediction: Chaos Carnival

Match 2: The Banshee vs. Shawn Franklin

Banshee isn’t a guy who we see a lot anymore in TSW. But he’s one of those guys you can’t count out. His style is energetic, high-flying and fast paced. Saturday, he takes on Shawn Franklin – who’s fresh off a loss 2 weeks ago at Proving Grounds to Baron Darhk and looking to rebound.

Banshee’s speed and agility will be his advantage in this match. He’s going to have to wear Franklin down and keep the match moving at his pace. If he can do that, you can expect the powerful Franklin to be on his heels the entire match.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Franklin will need to keep Banshee on the ground if he wants to win. He has to control the pace of the match and not let the more agile Banshee dictate the pace. Slow and methodical will be the formula for victory. Look for Franklin to employ lots of power moves to wear down Banshee’s body and submissions to exacerbate those injuries.

Prediction: Shawn Franklin

Match 3: Johnnie Watts vs Terance for the TSW World Heavyweight Title

Two weeks ago at Proving Grounds, Terance was the odds on favorite to win the big gold. He’s fresh off a long run with the TSW Southern Title, which now belongs to A.j. Riley, and he’s the type of guy who will do whatever it takes to win.

Of course, Johnnie Watts played spoiler on that night when he was able to take advantage of a miscue by Blaine Black. Black climbed up on the ring apron and tried to take the clown out, but missed and clocked Terance, allowing Johnnie to pull of the upset.

Still obviously fuming about the way that match ended, Terance gets another shot at the title this weekend and you can bet he’s going to pull out all the stops. He’s going to put his technical and brawling style against the comedic stylings of Watts. Unfortunately for Johnnie, that may be his undoing. Nipple twists and rock, paper, scissors isn’t going to cut it.

To win this match Johnnie is going to have to get serious – and we know he has that ability. He’s a student of the Canadian style of wrestling modeling himself after the greats like Chris Benoit, Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho, and Brett Hart. He has the ability to win.

Terance on the other hand has an ace in the hole – this will not be a fair fight. Papa Baker is going to be in his corner and we all know that he just can’t help but get involved with the title is on the line. That will work to Terrance’s advantage. However, if Johnnie brings his “A” game to this match, no amount of shady tactics or weapons formed against him shall prevail.

Prediction: Johnnie Watts

Match 4: Rough Rider Roy vs. AJ Riley

We don’t have a whole lot of recent news on Rough Rider Roy. He was a no-show at Proving Grounds two weeks ago and we’ve only seen him work short matches in the last couple appearances. We also must mention that the Juggernauts took him out a few weeks ago when they and the 381 Family were vying for the number one contendership for the tag team titles.

The TSW Southern Champion AJ Riley is fresh off a loss two weeks ago at Proving Grounds in the Heavyweight Championship tournament. But in every other match he’s had recently, he’s come out on top. He may be on a one match losing streak, but this match may be the perfect opportunity for him to get back onto the right side of the column.

He’s going to need to play avoidance in this match. Rough Rider Roy is a tough opponent with a tough style. He’s going to push the limit a little harder than AJ is used to and unless Riley can defend, he’s going to have a hard time winning this match.

Although, you can’t count him out. Neither of these guys are known for their agility, but both make up for it in power. AJ is the type of guy who can take a beating and keep going. The same can be said for Roy. This match should be a power battle and ultimately a very brutal contest.

Prediction: AJ Riley

Match 5: Tag Team Title Match – Juggernauts vs. The Southern Shiners

This could potentially be a match of the night contender. Two weeks ago at Proving Grounds, the Shiners were scheduled to be in a tag team Triple Threat, but a series of events led to that being Luke Wilder vs. The Chaos Carnival in a triple threat. The biggest reason is that Matt Dawson was out with an undisclosed injury and that begs the question, will he be ready to go after two weeks?

Meanwhile, the Juggernauts have been silently building momentum. Mike Blitz was a finalist in the TSW World Heavyweight Championship tournament two weeks ago at proving grounds – even if he did get there by less than honorable means. Michael Madrox is coming off a singles loss to D.O.C. in the New Zealand Death Box Match where his face took a little bit of punishment from a reticulated python – but it was a narrow loss.

This really could be a night that defines the title run of the Southern Shiners. Presumably, Luke Wilder is going to shoulder most of the load for his team and taht isn’t ideal. Blitz is a former standout in the (now defunct) Adrenaline Division and you know that he has the speed and agility advantage. Madrox may be tall and lanky, but don’t let that fool you, he’s got a good arsenal of moves and he and Blitz have chemistry that only comes from being long-time partners.

With Dawson not at 100 percent, we may be looking at a title change.

Prediction: Juggernauts

Match 6: TSW AWA Memorial Championship Match Benny Bray vs. Xcalibur

We haven’t seen Xcalibur for a couple of shows, but if anyone is deserving of a title shot, he is. Xcalibut consistently puts on quality matches and has won more than he’s lost. This weekend, he gets his shot against the current AWA Memorial Champion, Benny Bray.

Benny has been a solid champion for TSW. He may not be flashy, but he brings with him a pedigree from OVW and an uncanny knack for coming out on top in pressure situations. He’s a dangerous competitor who will control the pace of this match, and he’ll need to in order to retain his title. It’s been said many times on this blog, Bray is a frustratingly brilliant competitor. He’ll slow your momentum down the second you get going and capitalize on the first mistake you make.

Xcalibur is going to need to take the fight to Bray if he wants to walk away with the gold. He’s going to need to use every ounce of the high flying, athletic and high energy style he’s got. He has to control the pace of the match, keep Bray in the ring, and keep him from having time to react. If he can do those things, we may see him walk away as the new AWA Memorial Champion.

Bray on the other hand will need to keep this match slow. He’ll need to use his power and his mental capacity to keep Xcalibur from getting into a rhythm. If he can frustrate Xcalibur and force him to make a mistake, he’ll be able to take advantage and retain.

Prediction: Benny Bray.

Main Event: Inter-gender Tag Team Match D.O.C. and Miss B. Haven vs Papa Baker and Baron Darhk

Papa Baker may have bitten off more than he can chew in this one. In classic fashion, he made a few choice comments at Proving Grounds two weeks ago and found himself in a match this weekend against another favorite in the Heavyweight Title hunt D.O.C. and his Manager, Miss B. Luckily, he was smart enough to pick up and comer, Baron Darhk as a tag partner.

Darhk may be a bigger guy, but don’t let that fool you. The fallen priest is unseemingly athletic and has proven in his short time that he’s a threat to win any match he’s in. That’s good news for Papa Baker who, let’s face it, is a bit more seasoned and may find that he’s not as spry as he once was. He also needs to be mindful of his injury. Two weeks ago, the same reticulated python that messed up Micheal Madrox’s face took a big chunk out of Papa Baker’s arm.

They’re going to have a tall order against D.O.C. He’s fresh off a good showing at Proving Grounds two weeks ago, lasting until the final three in the tournament for the Heavyweight Championship. He teams with his manager in this one Miss B Haven. There’s not a lot of film on Miss B, but the word is that she can scrap.

Look for Papa and Baron to pull out all the dirty stops in this match. They’ll need something extra to get a cheap victory out of this. Unfortunately, for them, D.O.C. has proven time and again that he can overcome the odds, and come out victorious. Also, we’ll see how Darhk and Papa feel after a few good chops.

Prediction: 381 Family.

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.

The local indie wrestling scene had a few surprises in store for us this past week.

At Tri-State Wrestling, everyone’s favorite clown Johnnie Watts was crowned the new TSW Champion. He’s well deserving of the honor and we look forward to watching him lead that company in the future. We also have to congratulate Massive Wrestling on a successful first show in Washington, Indiana. By all accounts the event lived up to it’s namesake and we’re excited to see where Sam Knight and Michael Carter will take it. Special congratulations to friend of 10 Count Zach Hogan for winning the inaugural Dr. Isaiah “Pops” Watson memorial cup.

We’re also going to get to see New Focus Wrestling in Cannelton, Indiana soon. you can check our social media pages for details on that show, but trust me, it will be a barn burner.

This week’s guest is Alan Angel. He’s a dude who wrestled for a while, disappeared for a while and then reappeared. He recently made his return to TSW, he’s also been working for StrictlyInsane Pro Wrestling. His story is pretty cool. He tells us about getting complacent and settling for a low plateau in his wrestling career – despite having opportunities to train with Sam Knight and Xander Kelly.

He also talks about breaking into wrestling and his connection to Reaper, who’s got an allegedly sketchy situation going on right now. Despite the potential criminal activity of Reaper, he plays a pretty crucial role in the story of Alan Angel. He made it very clear though that his ties have been severed and that he does not condone any of the actions Reaper is accused of.

We want to make sure we plug our partners:

Tonight (Aug. 20th, 2016) Two of our partners are putting on shows in their respective cities. Coliseum Championship Wrestling in Evansville is having the first Ever Eric Acker Memorial Tournament from the Evansville Coliseum. Doors open at 6 central, bell time is 7. Tickets are $10 at the door, $5 with military or veteran ID.

Also tonight, New Wave Pro Wrestling Presents NWP Live from the New Wave Pro Arena at 1439 Ash Street in Terre Haute. This is a taping for their show, UPSURGE, on FNX Network. Doors open at 5 p.m. eastern time. VIP tickets in advance are $10  or general admission for $8. Kids 10 and under are $5.

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.

It’s been a crazy week for local indie wrestling. One show, had a snafu with their venue, but we’re happy to report they found another one. Massive Wrestling will now be at the Washington Community Center at 501 Burkhart Dr. In Washington Indiana.

Tri-State Wrestling announced they’re going to have a few surprises for everyone at their show in Vincennes tonight – one of which they let us all in on. What the hell is a New Zealand Death Box Match? Something about a python…. nope. Nope. So much nope.

Despite the crazy, 10 Count Podcast rolls on and this week we have The Main Event, Xander Kelly. This dude lives, eats, drinks and breathes pro wrestling and he’s a heck of a guy to sit and chat with. He was trained at the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy and has so much respect for this business.

He and I talk about our love for indie wrestling and a desire to see everyone work together – or at least quit trying to bury one another. He also talks about preparation and professionalism. No matter where you are, look like a professional. We talk a little bit about how he stays on top of that with training and diet. We also talk about respect and making sure those who paved the way back in the day receive their due share of respect.

Xander was fun to sit down and talk with. He’s the first regular from New Focus Wrestling we’ve had on this show. Hopefully it will lead to some more opportunities with guys (and gals) from NFW… *Cough Cough*

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.

 

The last 5 weeks for TSW have been a roller coaster ride. Will Bray wins the TSW Title, and after two weeks vacates it. AJ Riley usurps Terance for the Southern Title, and now we have a tournament for the World Heavyweight Championship. Needless to say, it’s going to be an interesting night at the Vincennes Eagles.

The big question on everyone’s mind is who is going to establish themselves as the king of the mountain in TSW. Right now there is no clear cut front runner. This week’s proving grounds should provide some insight though.

On top of the tournament, we’re also going to see some crazyness. A New Zealand Death Box match with a 7-foot Python – yikes!

So let’s get into the predictions. Remember, this is indie wrestling and the card is subject to change. Also, keep in mind, all matches are tournament matches. So everyone of these guys has an opportunity for a title.

Match 1: Terance vs. Cole Adams

Cole Adams is in a tough spot here. He owns one win over Terance. That came back in July at Unleashed in Monroe City. But there are two things about that win working against him. 1.) He’s not going to be able to count on A.J. Riley to throw popcorn and cause a distraction and 2.) he didn’t pin Terance.

Most guys in that locker room believe that Terance will have a spot in the main event of this evening and It’s hard to dispute that. He’s a top talent in the area, with years of experience, coming off of an unceremonious split with his TSW Southern Title. He’s going to be out for blood.

Cole is a talented kid with a really big upside and a bright future. But the smart money says that it’s just not his night.

Prediction: Terance

Match 2: Alan Angel vs. Matt Diamond

This will be an interesting dynamic. Two guys, known as the “bad guys” will battle it out with the biggest prize in the company on the line.

Alan Angel is a relatively unknown prospect. He’s been back at TSW after a long hiatus working for other companies. He’s put on a couple of solid matches and according to Zane Arkham, he’s improved leaps and bounds during his time away.

Matt Diamond is the epitome of hard work. A guy who put years of blood, sweat and tears into training to get his shot. He’s also coming off an injury. The biggest question surrounding him is if he will be at 100 percent for this opportunity. It’s hard to tell because it’s been since Tag Team Warfare since we’ve seen him.

It’s anyone’s guess in this match, but you can bet that we’ll see some up-tempo offense and some technical pieces from both of these guys.

Prediction: Alan Angel

Match 3: Baron Darhk vs. Rough Rider Roy

Baron Darhk could be the sleeper in this tournament.

He owns a win over the former TSW champion, Will Bray. He’s got a couple of other significant wins on his resume from past shows and it’s safe to say his record is above .500.

He’s got a tough test with Rough Rider Roy. Roy is a veteran of this business and will use that experience to his advantage. Darhk is a big guy, but he’s agile and works at a quick pace. Roy is more methodical and steady. He’ll try to slow the Fallen Priest down and if he can do that, it will work in his favor.

I look for Darhk to keep the tempo up and keep Roy on his heels. If he can do that successfully, he’ll be the victor.

Prediction: Baron Darhk

Match 4: Mike Blitz vs. A.J. Riley

A.J. Riley is riding high right now. He’s the reigning TSW Southern Champion and seems to have all of the momentum on his side.

Saturday night, he takes on the star of the defunct Adrenaline division and one half of the Juggernauts, Mike Blitz. Blitz may spend his days going on about Kool-Aid and recruiting followers, but it would be a mistake to underestimate him. He’s a former TSW champion and has an impressive resume of matches under his belt – the leather strap match vs. his current tag team partner comes to mind. He’s also one of the most dynamic workers in TSW right now. He can keep you off balance with excellent striking ability and then take to the air with some high-impact maneuvers.

A.J. will have his work cut out for him. He may be Southern Champion, but he’s going to need to control the pace of this match by all means necessary. He can’t let Blitz get into his stride. Ground and pound will serve him best. Keep the smaller Blitz on the mat and work at a methodical pace.

Prediction: Mike Blitz

Match 5: New Zealand Death Box Match – Michael Madrox vs. D.O.C.

Who the hell came up with this idea. To quote the great Indiana Jones – “Snakes. Why’d it have to be snakes?”

The idea here is that two men enter the ring. One leaves in a box with a reticulated python as a bedmate. Eh, no thanks.

D.O.C. and Madrox are two much braver men than most could ever hope to be. And because of that fact, this match may shape up to be one of the biggest of the evening. D.O.C., like his partner Rough Rider Roy works at a methodical pace, relying on power, high-impact moves and chops that would make anyone reconsider getting in the ring with him.

Madrox, likewise, moves at a little slower pace, but can keep up with the best of them when called upon. Look for him to increase the tempo here to keep D.O.C. off-balance and wear him out. He’ll need to use all of the resolve he has to keep from playing D.O.C.’s game and eventually close the lid on the python box. He’ll have to keep his attitude in check though.

Staying focused will be key for Madrox. He won’t be able to get into arguments with the crowd or hurl insults at random passerby. If he does, he’ll find himself involved in a one night stand that can be … clingy to say the least.

Prediction: D.O.C.

Match 6: Tag Team Triple Threat Match – Southern Shiners (Luke Wilder and Matt Dawson) vs. The Chaos Carnival (Blaine Black and Anderson Grimm) vs. the Axis (Abdul and Yusev Bey Merrick)

This is the only match on the card not for a spot in the main event. The southern Shiners and The Chaos Carnival have some bad blood between them. They’ve been feuding ever since Tag Team Warfare when the Shiners took the TSW Tag Team Championships away from them. Since then, there’s been a lot of bloodshed and a lot of highs and lows for both teams.

The catalyst in this match is the Axis. Two teams, with Papa Baker on their side, adds up to foul play and an unfair advantage. Not to mention, Patrik Taylor could be a wild card in this one as well.

Despite the odds being stacked against them, Dawson and Wilder have proven time and time again that their resolve is stronger than the odds stacked against them. You throw in the fact that Anderson Grimm and Blaine Black are experiencing some trouble in paradise right now and you may have a recipe for another glorious Shiner win.

Prediction: Southern Shiners.

Main Event: 5-Way Match for the TSW World Heavyweight Championship.

It’s almost foolish to try and predict this match. Based on our previous predictions we expect D.O.C., Mike Blitz, Alan Angel, Baron Darhk and Terance to be in this match. all five of them stand an equal chance of winning.

We’ll save the prediction here and just say that there will be two winners in this match. One will be whoever gets the three count. The other winner… well that’s the fans.

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.

 

It’s been an up and down week for the brass over at Massive Wrestling. A last minute change has them at the Washington Community Center in Washington, Indiana tomorrow at 5 p.m. The address for that show is 501 Burkhart Drive.

Despite a couple hiccups, Sam Knight and his team are sure to put on an action packed show with some really talented workers. And the good news is that 10 Count has the exclusive.

We’re really excited for this new partnership and even more excited to bring you this predictions article.

Pre-Show Battle Royal For a Spot in the Dr. Isaiah “Pops” Watson Tournament

Battle Royals are always a good way to kick off a show and this one has some big names: Teddy King, Staff Sargent Robert Stanley, Big T Thomas Moore, T-Pain, Hunter Loveless, Benny Bray, PJD, AJ Riley, El Hijo and Jimmy Karryt.

Let’s start with the odds on favorite. Teddy King is consistently ranked amongst the top names on the Indie Power Rankings. This bruiser from the Bluegrass State is sure to put on a show.He’s got a special combination of speed, power and smarts. Some in the area will remember back in February when he put on an amazing match with Zach Hogan. If that’s any indicator of how he’ll do in this match.. look out.

Stanley Roberts is another interesting name in this match. He’s been a champion at other promotions and can certainly carry his weight in any match. It’s also never smart to count out a U.S. Marine.

Other names in this match that stir up some intrigue are Big T Thomas Moore, Hunter Loveless and Benny Bray.

Prediction: Teddy King.

Match 1 – Mance Warner vs. Bow Sawyer

Mance Warner is a young upstart that you normally see teaming up with Luke Lawson. But give the guy credit – he’s shown tremendous aptitude in his young career and the sky’s the limit. The northern Indiana native has been described as a blue chipper because of his talent.

He’s going to need all of it in this match. Bow Sawyer is a beast of a man. I look for him to try and overpower Mance and if he can get him in his claws, it could be lights out.

Warner will need to keep the pace quick if he’s going to gain any leverage. He needs to keep the big man on his heels and not let him have an opening to slow the match down.

Prediction: Bow Sawyer

Match 2 – Dr. Isaiah “Pops” Watson Memorial Tournament: Zach Hogan vs. Will Bray

This is one that people in this area know very, very well. These two can’t seem to get away from each other whether it’s in Vincennes, Terre Haute or now Washington. They’re like Hart and Michaels, Sting and Flair, The Rock and Stone Cold – you get it.

This will be a fun match to watch. Zach Hogan is a brawler who will beat you down and then hit you with a pile driver for good measure. He’s a powerful, skillful striker and can take a ton of punishment.

Speaking of punishment, a lot of that has been doled out by Will Bray in the last few months. Will and Zach recently lost to Sam Knight at New Wave Pro in a ladder match for the Crossroads Championship – after that match, still seething, these two started a back stage brawl that rocked social media and on that night – Bray came out on top even though he didn’t win.

If Bray wants to win this one he’s going to have to keep the pace up. But don’t underestimate Zach – he’ll match blow for blow and set a high pace of his own. These guys will wear each other out and in the end it comes down to who makes a mistake first. Right now, Bray has the momentum on his side, but that’s only a small comfort.

Prediction – Will Bray

Match 3 – Shank Barzini vs. Tony Flood

Shank Barzini is a scary individual. He recently cut a promo for massive that you can view here – and let me tell you if this promo is any indicator of what his energy will be Saturday night, we’re in for quite a show. Nothing beats the feeling of a homecoming. It’s energizing. It makes you feel like you can’t lose. Look for that to fuel him.

He’ll have his work cut out for him. Tony Flood is cut from some of the best stock. Known as the Northern Saint, he brings all the respect and pedigree that comes with Canadian style wrestling. It’s a tradition that includes names like Hart, Jericho, Kevin Steen, Benoit… No where will you find a style more disciplined, respectful and reverent.

This match will be interesting with two vastly different styles clashing. Technical wrestling will be the key to this match. Keep Barzini down and don’t let him get going. If Flood can do that, Canada’s native son will be victorious.

Prediction: Tony Flood.

Match 4 – Dr. Isaiah “Pops” Watson Memorial Tournament: Sam Knight vs. Xander Kelly.

This one will be the real main event.

Sam Knight: The namesake of the tournament, fighting for his father’s honor, trained by the Samoan Dynasty – a champion’s champion.

Xander Kelly: Irreverent. A man who said he would melt down the Pops Watson Cup and piss on the remains. Trained by some of the greatest men in the sport  at the Shawn Michaels School.

Guys, this one will get out of hand quick. Sam is going to be on a mission. These two are no strangers in the ring. Other promotions have seen them fight for titles, honor and glory, but this match will be the penultimate meeting between these two. When Kelly said he was going to desecrate the trophy that honor’s Sam’s father, you can bet it lit a fire under him.

Kelly is going to need all of his training and a near perfect match if he wants to follow through on that promise. Sam won’t give up easy though and Xander won’t come away without a few battle wounds.

Prediction: Sam Knight

Semi-Main Event: Triple Threat Falls Count Anywhere – Luke Lawson vs. AT Brooks vs. Joey O’Riley

This one will be fun. These guys are high-flying, fast paced and abnormally exciting.

Luke Lawson – the sharpshooter – normally a tag teamer with Mance Warner, will be out to prove he’s just as good on his own.He’s got a laser focus right now on winning this match and he’ll stop at nothing to be king of the mountain on this night.

He’s going have his work cut out for him. AT Brooks and Joey O’Riley both are cut from the same high-flying cloth. They’re going to look to alienate Lawson by keeping the match pace quick, with high-impact and high risk moves thrown in. Both O’Riley and Brooks are very familiar with each other and it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see them align long enough to take out the unknown enemy.

Don’t count Lawson out though. He’s a highly cerebral worker who could flip the script and pit Brooks and O’Riley against each other; allow them to wear each other out then pounce when the time is right.

Prediction: Lawson

Main Event: ???

The powers that be at Massive Wrestling have kept this under lock and key. But they assure us anything could happen.

Bonus Match: Blake Reed vs. Anyone

Blake Reed is your New Wave Pro Wrestling Champion. He successfully defended the title on August 6th against Jason Levi at Upsurge in Terre Haute. Now he comes to Massive in Washington where he’ll take on anyone foolish enough to challenge him.

There are a lot of possibilities here. Johnny Richards is a name that’s been rumored. Most people in this area will know him from New Focus Wrestling, but he’s a proven commodity who’s travelled all over the U.S. to wrestle with ‘massive’ success.

Another name being floated around is Mark Vandy. Another NWP mainstay, a match between he and Reed would be a fun, familiar show.

Another name are being floated around is Micah Harris.  We don’t have a whole lot of information on Harris, but from what we hear through the grapevine he would have potential to steal the show.

No one is sure what’s going to transpire here, but you can believe that it’s going to be an excellent match either way.

Prediction: the fans. The fans win.

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August 13th will be a “massive” night in Vincennes, Indiana; and that’s not just because Massive Wrestling will have it inaugural event that night at the Vincennes American Legion.

This week’s guests are Sam Knight and Michael Carter. We’re doing something a little different – breaking from the norm. Instead of talking about the man behind a persona, we’re talking about the men behind a company. Sam and Michael talk about how Dr. Isaiah “Pops” Watson – Sam’s father – inspired this company and how this company is a testament to his life. They also talk about some of the goals for the company and some of the adversity they’ve faced to bring this dream to fruition.

It’s a big night in Vincennes, because TSW is also in action at the Vincennes Eagles club. That’s great news for local wrestling fans, because you win. You get your choice of two great companies doing great things.

Sam and Michael also touch on Massive’s Partnership with New Wave Pro Wrestling – a company that also has a partnership with 10 Count Blog.

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.

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