Contemplating CHIKARA 7.25.09: Cruel Intentions

Ahoy hoy CHIKARAmigos! It’s Kevin Ford here back to discuss all the CHIKARA rumblings of the week. We’ll talk Dragon Gate USA (whose debut is TONIGHT! IN PHILADELPHIA! ZOMG!), lots of Young Lions Cup news, and some other random janxery. So let’s hop, skip, and jump into the zone!

Dragon Gate USA news! The debut is tonight in Philadelphia!

After months and months of anticipation, Dragon Gate USA will debut with its “Open The Historic Gate” show tonight at The Arena in South Philadelphia, PA, the perfect place for this company to debut. Let’s take a glance on the card, shall we?

Warriors 5 (CIMA & Susumu Yokosuka) vs. The Young Bucks (Nick & Matt Jackson)

The Colony (Fire Ant & Soldier Ant), Mike Quackenbush, & Jigsaw vs. F.I.S.T. (Icarus & Gran Akuma), Hallowicked, & Amasis

Ken Doane vs. 2 Cold Scorpio

Pre-Show Match: The Fray ft. Cheech Hernandez, KC “Cloudy” Day, Lince Dorado, Johnny Gargano, and four other participants to be announced the day of the show

In addition, Dawn Marie will be on hand as the show’s host and live commentary will be recorded by “Lightning” Mike Quackenbuch and Leonard F. Chikarason.

Ever wonder exactly why the card was booked this way? Of course you have. With that, here’s a blog posted by DGUSA booker Gabe Sapolsky explaining how he and the DGUSA staff put together this card:

First, let’s look at the structure of the card. We are promoting DGUSA as the premium pro wrestling brand. This means that every moment has to matter. You aren’t paying to see filler or a toned down undercard. The idea of DGUSA is to get a maximum amount out of a minimum number of matches and wrestlers. This is about quality, quality and more quality. Thus, the six match main show format was born. This allows DGUSA to present six high quality matches, let each bout stand out as its own “event” and have importance, while at the same time not pummeling the audience with a 4-5 hour show. The six match format gives four high quality first half contests and then two main events after intermission, which should give the fans a satisfying, but not exhausting, night of action.

Now that we have set a card structure that emphasizes quality over quantity while allowing every wrestler to perform on a high level without burning out the audience, it is time to decide exactly what the pairings are. The foundation of this event are the tremendous athletes of Dragon Gate. The first question to answer when putting together the lineup is what to do with these eight talents. The obvious answer was a six man tag, but I believed this would come off as more of an exhibition match and it has been seen in the United States without any build before. Another option was hosting a Japan vs. USA type format, but I felt that first we needed to establish the fresh faces that DGUSA is being built around. I can’t state enough that July 25th marks the beginning of a full fledged wrestling promotion. Wins and losses mean everything. This isn’t a collection of exhibition matches with no consequences. We need to establish a hierarchy on the roster and put these fresh talents in the best light possible. This is the genesis of new stars and wrestling styles on the North American independent scene.

In my opinion, the best way to accomplish this was set three main event quality one-on-one matches featuring the new DGUSA talent roster. These matches are Naruki Doi vs. Shingo, Masato Yoshino vs. Dragon Kid and BxB Hulk vs. YAMATO. We accomplish several things with these three matches. First of all, big time singles bouts with this talent has never been featured in the United States before. Secondly, these three contests give us a can’t miss backbone of the show. Most importantly, the winners and losers immediately establish the hierarchy of the roster. Wins and losses are everything here. Who will be the faces of DGUSA? Who are the top stars? Who will gain the victory on pay-per-view? Right now, all three of these matches are a pick ’em to me. After July 25th, we’ll know who stands where in DGUSA.

The other advantage of these three one-on-one contests is that it leaves us with two more athletes in CIMA & Susumu Yokosuka so the card can feature a kick ass tag team match. It didn’t take long to think of opponents for CIMA & Yokosuka. The Young Bucks of Nick & Matt Jackson are everything that DGUSA represents- hungry, fresh and new. They are first round draft picks. They are blue chippers. They have toured Dragon Gate so they know the style. Again, most importantly, it also creates a situation where it is close to impossible to predict the winners.

One match I didn’t put a lot of thought into was the CHIKARA eight man tag team bout featuring Hallowicked, Gran Akuma, Icarus & Amasis vs. Fire Ant, Soldier Ant, Jigsaw & to be announced. There was no doubt that CHIKARA had to be a part of this card. I was blown away by their King Of Trios tournament. Then they took it to the next level with the eight man tags on their recent “Aniversario Yang” and “The Bobliographon” events at The Arena. This is cutting edge wrestling. I highly recommend seeking out these DVDs at SmartMarkVideo.com. The partnership was a natural one, especially since both groups have strong roots with the same trainer, Jorge “Skyde” Rivera.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is when to step back. The people in CHIKARA know their talent and style better than I ever could. I made one call to their “Director Of Fun” Leonard F. Chikarason and asked him to send a match our way for July 25th. Once again, this match is much more than an exhibition match. The winner of the fall will make an immediate name for himself in DGUSA and become established on the roster. Winners and losers are everything.

This brings us to what was literally the final addition to the card and perhaps the most interesting match. We realize that you are paying a premium price, so we wanted to bring you some national names that weren’t overexposed and fit the athletic DGUSA style. 2 Cold Scorpio was an obvious addition. He’s a pioneer of innovative, high-flying action and a legend in The Arena. In addition to that, he still loves to wrestle and has expressed to me that he is very much looking forward to working on this kind of show. I have heard great reports of him tearing it up against Davey Richards for IWC and more recently I got nothing but positive reviews about his match against CW Anderson at Francine’s ECW reunion show. Adding Scorpio was a no brainer.

We searched far and ride for an opponent for Scorpio. Ken Doane always intrigued me. I thought he showed some remarkable athleticism in WWE, but was hampered with a lower card spot. I always wanted to see what he could do if he was cut loose. I received word that he is now hungry and has a new attitude. He wants an opportunity. On top of that, he proved it on a recent Sheldon Goldberg NECW show with an excellent showing. I started to ask around about him. I asked Paul Heyman and CM Punk about the former Kenny Dykstra (both had worked with Doane in the WWE system) and they each gave him an enthusiastic recommendation. The deal was sealed with help from Bill Behrens and Doane was added as Scorpio’s opponent. Scorpio and Doane are each coming to Philly for the same reason: To prove that they each have much more to offer fans of professional wrestling and to get a big win on the very first Dragon Gate USA show.

Finally, for Golden Ringside and VIP balcony ticket holders we have The Fray. My next blog will take a deep look at this match and what it means for the talent involved.

There you have it. Now that the booking book has been opened the only thing left is to see how it all plays out on July 25th when “Open The Historic Gate” goes down at The Arena in Philadelphia. We are at the genesis here. We have one shot to establish the DGUSA brand and prove that it is the premium product. This is our chance to suck you in and get you hooked. It’s just a matter of days before it all becomes a reality.

Folks, DON’T MISS THIS SHOW. If you have the means, get your ass over to The Arena in South Philly tonight to check out this show. It’s truly a one time event to experience the debut of such a professional wrestling revolution that rarely comes around these days. And if you can’t be there live, check out the show on PPV when it debuts on September 4th, and/or on DVD thereafter.

And speaking of DVD’s, Dragon Gate USA has put out another DVD in their catalogue: “Best of WrestleJam Vol. 1”! There have been a few WrestleJam shows in DG’s history, and for the U.S. audience they have collected the best matches from those shows and compiled them onto one DVD release. As a bonus, new commentary has been recorded for each match by DGUSA commentators “Lightning” Mike Quackenbush and Leonard F. Chikarason. Here’s a matchlisting for this fine DVD:

Honkawagoe Pepe Hall Atlas – Saitama, Japan
CIMA, Jack Evans & Roderick Strong vs. Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino & B-Boy
Ryo Saito vs. Austin Aries
Dragon Kid, Genki Horiguchi & King Shisa vs. Masaaki Mochizuki, Susumu Yokosuka & Azrieal
Magnum TOKYO, BxB Hulk & Matt Sydal vs. Gamma, Naoki Tanisaki & Jimmy Rave

Differ Ariake – Tokyo, Japan
Austin Aries & Roderick Strong vs. Masato Yoshino & Naruki Doi
CIMA, Matt Sydal & Azrieal vs. Masaaki Mochizuki, Susumu Yokosuka & Keni’chiro Arai
BxB Hulk vs. Jimmy Rave
3 Way Ladder Match: Jack Evans vs. Genki Horiguchi vs. Akira Tozawa
King Shisa vs. Takayuki Mori
Dragon Kid, Ryo Saito & Magnum TOKYO vs. Chris Bosh, B-Boy & Naoki Tanisaki

You can pick up this wonderful DVD, as well as Big Vision’s Best Of Dragon Gate DVD and the Dragon Gate Live in L.A. DVD over in the Store at the Dragon Gate USA Home Page.

Young Lions Cup news; First Round match pairings begin!

I don’t know why CHIKARA is in such an evil mood, but they’re encouraging tag partners to collide. What do I mean? Check out this meanness.

As we see here, The Sea Donsters will explode on Night One of the Young Lions Cup tournament when Tim Donst faces Hydra one on one in first round action. Too be fair, Donst was not happy with Hydra when they lost to 2.0. at Aniversario Yang, so Donst may be looking to pysch up and gain a measure of revenge on his aquatic partner in addition to making it to the Young Lions Cup final. Don’t think Hydra won’t put up a fight though; Hydra has shown in the past to be quite ferocious when he wants to be (just ask Ultramantis Black) and could pose a real threat to the All American hero of CHIKARA. Which Donster will be celebrating with their respective air instrument when the dust settles?

Now this is just mean. Carpenter Ant, making his in-ring CHIKARA debut on the 2nd night of the Young Lions Cup tournament, will be facing his much more experienced stablemate Soldier Ant in first round action. Soldier Ant has won a Tag World Grand Prix, and competed in multiple high profile matches in CHIKARA history and clearly has the advantage in this match. Carpenter Ant’s prowess has yet to be seen however, so who knows what his style is like. Plus, Jesus was a carpenter, sooo…I’m just saying. Basically, what looks to be a one sided match could end up a surprise. Don’t hold your breath though.

How would you like to fight your best friend and tag team partner for years and years? I bet you wouldn’t, and I wouldn’t blame you. However, the sick freaks at CHIKARA must love Schadenfreude or something, as once again they have split a very tight tag team to face each other. The North Star Express, Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz, will square off one on one in on Night 2 of the Young Lions Cup in first round action. Although they’re partners, no doubt they will go into the tournament vying for the cup. If they have to face each other one on one to get their, then so be it. Which one of the North Stars will make it to the semi-finals, and potentially even the final round?

Now even though we continue the trend of teams being broken up, this is a match I am actually excited for. The Super Smash Bros. have shown many times in the past that they are willing and able to square off on opposite teams. At both “Aniversarioma” and “Behind The 8 Ball”, these two squared off in Atomicos Increibles matches, and while in the first one they were hesitant and apologetic for squaring off, they were noticeably more competitive and anxious to square off in the second bout. Both men have had great success in singles competition lately: Player Uno is the current Inter-Species Wrestling champion, defending the belt against such wrestlers as Kevin Steen and Twiggy. In CHIKARA, Player Dos made it to the finals of the 2009 Rey de Voladores finals, pinning former Young Lions Cup champion Fire Ant and current Ring of Honor World Champion Austin Aries in the process. Both these men are on a hot streak as singles competitors, but one of them has to be derailedon August 15th in the first round of the Young Lions Cup. This has all the potential in the world to steal the first round, and I am very excited to see these two square off.

Player Uno put his thoughts in a blog on the CHIKARA website:

7/24/2009: On this wonderful birthday week of mine, I was given a digital camera, a box set of Jackie Chan movies, an advanced copy of the Watchmen Director’s Cut DVD and the Bucky O’Hare game for the NES. If that wasn’t enough, I got a pretty interesting call about my upcoming match at Young Lions Cup VII.

Am I excited to wrestle Player Dos? Of course I am! Why shouldn’t I be? I am taking on my best friend and partner, Player Dos, and that puts me at an advantage. Why is that? ‘Cause I know him better than anyone else on the roster does. I know more about him than anyone. While others have the advantage of working on new things at their gyms…Dos has the disadvantage of having me on his tail at all times. We wrestle everywhere together, we ride everywhere together, we go to the gym at the same time – we even study wrestling at the same time.

While others believe this is Player Dos’ year…I think quite the opposite. This is MY year. Dos may be the more athletic of the two of us, but I am stronger. I am more cunning. I have the most experience. Remember, friend – you’re called “Dos” for a reason, I am Uno. And without Uno, there would never be Dos – we all know that.

At Young Lions Cup VII, I’m going to show you that this is my year. I’m out to prove that I’m not to be taken lightly. I am not the OTHER Smash Brother. I’m THE Smash Brother.

A winner is ME!
P1

The last first round match has CHIKARA regular Lince Dorado facing off Midwest standout, Prince Mustafa Ali, who will be making his CHIKARA debut. Lince, a former King of Trios winner, has been unable to capture the Young Lions Cup in the past two years he’s been involved in the tournament. In fact, he’s the only member of The Future Is Now to have never held the Young Lions Cup and would love to change that this year. Ali is now slouch himself, having held the Elite Pro Wrestling TV Title as well as holding a win over Lince’s trainer, Mike Quackenbush, in a match that saw Ali defend that very belt. Will this year finally be the year for Lince to win the coveted cup, or will Ali make a huge splash in his debut?

In non-tournament action on Night One, we have too teams vying for points as The Colony (Fire Ant & Soldier Ant) team up to take on 2.0. (Jagged & Shane Matthews) After defeating F.I.S.T. and Aniversario Yang, and The Order of the Neo-Solar Temple over in Big Japan Wrestling, The Colony have two points in their name. If they defeat 2.0. in Easton, they will have gained their third point necessary for title contention. The Colony already had one shot at the Campeones de Parejas back in January and have been hungering for another shot since. On the other hand, 2.0 have stepped up their game and have doing their damndest to get the three points needed since April. They’ve always ended up losing their second match after getting one point, as they have done so twice in 2009. The Canucks have stated that they refuse to talk until they get one point, so as of now (with zero points to their name) the usually boisterous tandem remains silent. Will The Colony win the opportunity to wrestle for the Campeones de Parejas for the second time this year, or will 2.0 break the silence and once again get the illustrious first point towards title contention?

Equinox has chosen his final man for the Golden Dreams Triangle Trios match, that being The Future Is Now’s mentor and former Young Lions Cup holder and King of Trios tournament winner, Jigsaw. As their mentor, Jigsaw has gotten off on the wrong foot with the Future Is Now, with the group going 0-2 working with Jigsaw. Jigsaw admitted to Quack he was disappointed with his shortcomings, but Equinox is willing to give Jigsaw another chance in this match. Winning the Golden Dreams Triangle Trios match would be the perfect way for Jigsaw to prove himself to Equinox and Helios that he can take them to a new level.

Vin Gerard’s pick was up next for his third and final partner. Chuck Taylor tweeted to Vin Gerard that he wanted to be on Vin’s team. Vin Gerard obliged saying “Happy? Don’t fuck this up like your parents did.” Chuck won the fifth annual Young Lions Cup tournament defeating his perennial rival Ricochet in the final round. As one third of the most dangerous trio in CHIKARA, Vin Gerard rounds out the most remorseless trifecta possible for the Golden Dreams Triangle Trios bout.

And the final participant for Team Fire Ant was chosen on Thursday, with the winner of the fourth annual Young Lions Cup tournament, Arik Cannon, joining Fire Ant and Hallowicked. Arik has not only won the Young Lions Cup tournament in the past, but also won the 2005 Tag World Grand Prix. Arik has squared off with many of CHIKARA’s all time best including Mike Quackenbush, Chris Hero, Eddie Kingston, and countless others. Arik had an astounding showing at Aniversario weekend putting on two fantastic matches with Delirious and Ophidian. Arik returns to CHIKARA this weekend looking to further cement his name in the annals of the company. It should be interesting to note that in the last Golden Dreams match, Cannon was submitted to Hallowicked, one of his two partners in this match!

Which team will win this awesome Golden Dreams Triangle Trios match?

Finally, a 4 Corners Elimination Tag Team Match will take place on Night 3 of the tournament featuring men eliminated from the tournament and others. So presume teams like The Sea Donsters, The Super Smash Bros., and The North Star Express got eliminated from the tournament. On Night 3, they have a shot to gain points towards Campeones de Parejas title contention. It will be neat to see who ends up in this match, and to see if one team can win three points in one match (which is a possibility folks!)

Never Kneel At The Altar Of Conformity final card!

By this time next week, not only will the Dragon Gate USA debut be in the books, but so will CHIKARA’s July 31st show, “Never Kneel At The Altar Of Conformity”, also will be. The show takes place at the Riverside Beneficiary in Reading, PA. This is also known as “Fan Appreciation Night” and every single fan who attends the show will receive a free gift! Everything from a trading card to autographs to free DVDs will be given away, and each fan will receive something.

Here is the finalized card for the show:

Mike Quackenbush & Jigsaw vs. F.I.S.T. (Icarus & Gran Akuma)

The Colony (Fire Ant, Soldier Ant, & Green Ant) vs. The Order of the Neo-Solar Temple (Ultramantis Black, Delirious, & Crossbones)


Incoherence (Hallowicked & Frightmare) and Hydra vs. The UnStable (Vin Gerard, STIGMA, & Colin Delaney)


Cheech Hernandez & KC “Cloudy” Day vs. The Roughnecks (Brodie Lee & Grizzly Redwood)

And finally, we have a match that CHIKARA had teased as being a match that would “please longtime followers of CHIKARA”. Featured in the match is two CHIKARA alumni: Dragonfly, a member of the first graduating class of the Wrestle Factory taking on Rorschach, graduate of the third class of the Wrestle Factory. Both men have retired from active competition, but participated back in December 2008 at the Super Fun Times Over-the-Top- Rope Elimination Style No-Holds-Barred Masked-Dudes-Welcome Battle Royal of Doom [and Honor]. Rorschach is best known for being involved in two teams during his CHIKARA tenure: The Conundrum (with Jigsaw) and the Tazzmaniacs (with Crossbones). Dragonfly didn’t compete for very long in CHIKARA, but showed quite a high-flying prowess when there. No doubt these two will look to show the CHIKARA faithful that they still have it, and who knows what the future will hold in store for these two after this match. Maybe one or both of them is considering a return to active competition? We’ll have to wait a find out.

This looks to be quite the card, and if you can make it to this show, do it!

Tim Donst had some words for Claudio AND Hydra regarding this show, and the Young Lions Cup. So have a look!

7/22/2009: Claudio, as one of my trainers, I know what you’re capable of and how – without a shadow of a doubt – you’re one of the very best wrestlers in the world today. So I know you’ll be able to do something that I’ve never been able to do… and that’s beat “The King of Diamonds” one on one. Once you definitively beat Eddie Kingston you’ll have shown everyone that you’re truly CHIKARA’s king. So after I defeat you at “Never Kneel at the Altar of Conformity,” I guess that will make me CHIKARA’s ace.

If I can’t out wrestle you down on the mat, I’ll pull out the lucha. If I can’t pin you, then I’m going to make you submit. If I can’t beat you…well that’s not really an option for me. I subscribe to the philosophy of positive thinking. And as long as I know in my heart that I can beat you – then I can do it. Make no mistakes about it, this is the biggest singles match of my entire career, and it’s the one I can’t afford to lose.

Hydra, let this serve as your notice, too. Sorry buddy, but if the Young Lions Cup is in August then let’s face it – August’s just not your month. You know, as well as I do, what the YLC can do for a young wrestler’s career…and I need that now more than ever. You used to tell me how much you hated being a lackey in the Order of the Neo Solar Temple. You despised being an underling – a follower. But has anything changed? When are you going to step up to the plate?

Let me tell you something I learned by watching the upperclassmen at CHIKARA: To be a leader, you have to make people want to follow you, and nobody wants to follow someone who doesn’t know where they’re going. I know where I’m going. ComeYoung Lions Cup weekend, I’m going straight to the top. Power of positive thinking.

For Mom and Apple Pie!
TD

New merchandise!

As noted before, the CHIKARA 2009 Yearbook will be released to the public at “Never Kneel At The Altar Of Conformity” on July 31st in Reading, PA. However, right now at the the CHIKARA store, you can pre-order your copy of the yearbook. You can either order a standard copy, or a copy signed by the entire CHIKARA roster. Oh yes. I’ve pre-ordered mine, and I got a feeling I will love it. And you will too!

Also at the CHIKARA store is a new t-shirt for Cheech Hernandez and KC “Cloudy” Day. Make sure to pick that up while you’re getting the yearbook too.

While we’re talking about merchandise, I guess now is as good as time as any to discuss the DVD contest.

DVD Contest Giveaway by yours truly!

It’s been about three and a half months since I have started here at 411 Mania doing this weekly column along with my DVD reviews. I took a hiatus from writing from the end of December till mid-March as I was a bit burnt out and bummed that my previous writing gig ended so abruptly. I was extremely thankful that 411 Mania greeted me with open arms, but was also a bit skeptical about writing once again. I can safely say that I am so happy I made the choice to write again, because since my return, I’ve met so many new people and had my love of pro wrestling ramped up to a whole new level. I love getting comments, e-mails, and other forms of feedback for everyone and I can’t say thanks enough. It always brings a smile to my face when I hear that I was the reason someone decided to give CHIKARA a try; that’s been the whole purpose of this very article all along.

With that said, I decided that I am going to combine my gratefulness for the readers and my goal to spread the love of CHIKARA in the only way I know how: to give away a free DVD. In fall of 2007, CHIKARA (by way of Big Vision Entertainment) released a nine match DVD of some of their best stuff from 2005 and 2006. I will be giving away a copy of this DVD to one lucky reader. The match listing for the DVD is as follows:

– Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw, and Shane Storm vs. Claudio Castagnoli and Team F.I.S.T. (Icarus & Gran Akuma) (Young Lions Cup IV, Night 3: 6/25/2006)
– Shane Storm vs. Chris Hero (The Crushing Weight of Mainstream Ignorance: 7/22/2006)
–Tag World Grand Prix 2006 Finals: The Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero & Claudio Castagnoli) vs. Team dragondoor (Jorge “Skayde” Rivera & Milano Collection AT) (Tag World Grand Prix 2006, Night 3: 2/26/3006)
– Allison Danger, Ranmuru, and Rain vs. Daizee Haze, Sumie Sakai, and Mickie Knuckles ( Tag World Grand Prix 2006, Night 3: 2/26/3006)
– Jigsaw vs. Hallowicked Son of the International Invasion of International Invaders – 2nd Stage; 9/17/2005
– The Colony (Fire Ant & Soldier Ant), Equinox, and Angel de Fuego vs. Rorschach, Crossbones, and Los Ice Creams (El Hijo de Ice Cream &Ice Cream Jr.) (Young Lions Cup IV, Night 3: 6/25/2006)
– Tag World Grand Prix 2006 Quarter-Finals: The Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero & Claudio Castagnoli) vs. The Northstar Express (Darin Corbin & Ryan Cruz) (Tag World Grand Prix 2006, Night 3: 2/26/3006)
– Mike Quackenbush vs. Claudio Castagnoli Negative Balance: 8/13/2005
– Eddie Kingston vs. Larry Sweeney (The Crushing Weight of Mainstream Ignorance: 7/22/2006)

How do you enter? It’s very easy. Shoot me an e-mail (link to e-mail me is at the end of the column) telling me why you, of all people, deserve the DVD the most. I’d like to try and keep this limited to people who have seen very little to no CHIKARA whatsoever. Maybe if you’ve been hesitant to try out CHIKARA, have limited funds, don’t trust credit cards/Paypal, or there is some other reason you have to try out the promotion, now is the time for you to get your shot at seeing it for absolutely free. Only one entrant per person, and all entries must be submitted by July 31st. The winner will be announced on August 8th. Good luck, and go forth!

Inter-Species Wrestling news!

Inter-Species Wrestling will be making their U.S. debut on August 8th in East Hartford, CT. Go check it out now. Why? Well, besides all the great action, CHIKARA alumni and “Party Pirate” Jolly Roger will be coming out of retirement to compete on the show. If that’s not awesome, I don’t know what it is. Be sure to check out Inter-Species Wrestling’s website for more news.

Two new matches have been added this past week as Young Lions Cup competitor Sitnky The Homeless Guy looks to reclaim his ISW “Other” Championship from current champion Moohammad, the Terrorist Cow. Also signed is a rematch from the “Slamtasia 2” event from this past February, as Addy Starr (the only female on the ISW roster) will take on a member of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Sexxxy Eddie! So be sure to snag your tickets to ISW’s U.S. debut show. It’s looking to be awesome.

Just take a look at the card thusfar:

Absolutely shameless shills!

Click this banner to go!

The first shill is for Wrestling Interviews dot com. Their latest interview with WWE legend The Honky Tonk Man is up now. Need I say more? It’s The Honky Tonk Man for goodness sake! Everyone, go watch this. This interview is absolutely free of charge, so there is no excuse to not watch it. While you’re at it, check out their Ultramantis Black and Drake Younger interviews too. They’re only three bucks each, have special guests, and are very entertaining and informative. The best part is that all the questions are submitted by us, the fans. Their next set interview is with CHIKARA wrestler and former WWE superstar, “The Extremely Cute Wreslter” Colin Delaney. Head to Wrestling Interviews dot com now to submit your questions and watch their awesome interviews.

Here’s a free preview of the Honky Tonk Man interview:

The second shill is for Pro Wrestling Ponderings. As most of you know, I actually came here to 411 because of my work over at the now defunct Cool Kids Table website. A bunch of my former co-workers now write at this new and growing website. There’s lots of cool stuff over there, so check it out.

The main reason I am plugging Pro Wrestling Ponderings is because I also do a podcast over there! Oh yes. Jerome Cusson (webmaster, and great man) and I sit down every week (sometimes more than once) to discuss all the news in pro wrestling. WWE, ROH, CHIKARA, PWG, DG USA, and more are covered. I suggest you give it a listen, I’m pretty proud of what we’ve produced so far. This week, Jerome and I cover all the happenings in pro wrestling this weekend including the DGUSA debut show, ROH’s Death Before Dishonor VII shows in Canada, WWE’s Night of Champions, as well as talk of some TNA DVD’s we’ve watched lately. It’s always a fun time, so check the show out and leave your thoughts!

YouTube Fun!

Here we have the 171st episode of CHIKARA’s Podcast-A-Go-Go, where clips from the show “Revelation X” are shown. But this isn’t an ordinary episode, as CHIKARA wreslter Vin Gerard co-hosts and RECITES POETRY. This episode is awesome, and I demand you watch it. The matches covered are Mike Quackenbush & Jigsaw vs. The Order of the Neo-Solar Temple (Ultramantis Black & Crossbones) and the first ever CHIKARA Ladder match between Vin Gerard and Equinox for the Young Lions Cup.

A sweet trailer for Aniversario Yin, now available at Smart Mark Video.

Ain’t no party like a CHIKARA Dance Party! Hey! Ho!

Thanks so much again everyone for checking out this weeks Contemplating CHIKARA! Make sure to check out my DVD reviews and all the other fine articles here on the website. Now, I’m off to the beach, but I’ll still be back in seven to give you your CHIKARA fix. Till then, have a good one!

Links!
The CHIKARA Home Page .
CHIKARA Fans!
Buy CHIKARA DVD’s at Smart Mark Video
Follow CHIKARA on Facebook!
Follow CHIKARA on Twitter!
Follow CHIKARA Fans on Twitter!.
CHIKARA on MySpace
Dragon Gate USA Home Page
Follow Dragon Gate USA on Facebook!.
Follow Dragon Gate USA on Twitter!.
Dragon Gate USA on MySpace