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411Mania 2010 Independent Draft 6.29.10: Part Two – Rounds Three Through Seven

June 29, 2010 | Posted by Ari Berenstein

Welcome back to the 2010 411Mania Independent Draft! Let’s not waste any more time—Lansdell is set to select the second of his two back-to-back picks!


=Round Three=

With the 17th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Wrestling…on the WEB! (WOTW) selects…

Charlie Haas
-Wrestling out of: Dallas, Texas
-Excellent Wrestling Ability
-Wrestled With Benjamin as World’s Greatest Tag Team in WWE
-Finisher: Haas of Pain

Chris Lansdell: Yeah, I had to really. I mean, who would pass up a chance to reunite the World’s Greatest Tag Team in what is starting to look like the World’s Greatest Indy Fed? WGTT vs. Wolves is a dream match for any true wrestling fan, and if the thought of it doesn’t make you drool then you’re a communist. Haas was criminally underused in WWE and could have, nay should have been a world champ. Haas vs. Shelton in a world title feud could have set the universe on fire if Vince had any balls. Of course Charlie is under 6’6″ and 350 pounds, so he was screwed from day 1. And the Haas of Pain is freaking awesome.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Ineligible
2008 Draft: Ineligible
2007 Draft: Ineligible

With the 18th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, New York Knock-Out Wrestling (NY-KO) selects…

The Generic Luchador El Generico
-Wrestling out of: Tijuana, Mexico
-Former ROH World Tag Team Champion
-Former Multiple-Time PWG Tag Team Champion
-Finisher: Brainbuster, Ole Kick

Ari Berenstein: Honestly, I didn’t expect Generico to be available at 18, but the opportunity couldn’t be passed up given I had already drafted Generico’s former partner and now arch-enemy . It’s too perfect a fit—bringing in the top grudge / blood feud in current Ring of Honor storylines and incorporating it in some way for my own company. Generico is a huge babyface character who the fans love to cheer. His underdog comebacks are amazing and can galvanize an entire arena around his overcoming the odds and striking back against his opposition. NY-KO fans love their tough guy wrestlers, but they won’t be able to resist chanting “Ole!”

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 1st round, 6th pick overall, Lansdell
2008 Draft: Keeper, Domingo
2007 Draft: 2nd round, 11th pick overall, Domingo

With the 19th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Wichita Wrestling: Junior Division (WWJD) selects…

Roderick Strong
-Wrestling out of: Tampa, Florida
-Former ROH World Tag Team Champion (with Austin Aries)
-Master of the chops and Messiah of the Backbreaker
-Finisher: Stronghold, Gibson Driver

Aaron Hubbard: I drafted Roderick Strong to be my neutral workhorse, and was honestly feeling pretty good about my roster, since I had Strong, Liger, London and Daniels, who are all four top talents.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft:1st round, 4th pick overall, Hubbard
2008 Draft: 2nd round, 14th pick overall, Sforcina
2007 Draft: 1st round, 6th pick overall, Csonka

With the 20th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Professional Wrestling of Windsor and Detroit (PWWND) selects…

YAMATO
-Wrestling out of: Japan
-Member of Kamikaze and Kamikaze USA
-Defeated Naruki Doi to Win Open the Dream Gate Championship
-Finisher: Galleria Special, CBV Crossface

Chad Nevett: I was surprised to see the current Open the Dream Gate Champion not go in the first two rounds when he seemed like must have pick. YAMATO has a lot of quickness and skill in the ring, but what’s stood out to me is his personality. He has a lot of natural charm and charisma in playing the heel. He’s very good at getting crowds to hate him immediately and, then, making them hate him more when he beats the face they’re cheering.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Not Selected
2008 Draft: 83rd pick, 10th round overall, Domingo
2007 Draft: Not Selected

With the 21st pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Total Package Women’s Wrestling (TPWW) selects…

Cheerleader Melissa
-Wrestling out of: San Francisco, California
-Wrestled in TNA as Alissa Flash and Raisha Saeed
-Won “Future Legend” Award from Cauliflower Alley Club
-Finisher: Kudo Driver, Air Raid Crash

Jeremy Thomas: In TPWW’s quest to add the best women wrestlers from North America to its roster, Cheerleader Melissa was a must-have pick. Like Kong and Tara, Melissa has received nationwide exposure thanks to TNA, but unlike those two she was criminally denied the chance to truly show what she could do. Those who only know Raisha Saeed and Alissa Flash have missed years of phenomenal matches from this California native. Melissa is considered to be among the best female wrestlers in the world and has had extensive programs both against and alongside Kong and our keeper pick and champion, MsChif. She is said to be fully focused on obtaining the TPWW Women’s Championship…after she takes care of some lingering business. Whoever that business is with, we’re sure it’s going to lead to some very good things in the ring.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Ineligible
2008 Draft: Keeper, Bauer
2007 Draft: 6th round, 34th pick overall, Bauer

With the 22nd pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, New York Knock-Out Wrestling (NY-KO) selects…

Kenny Omega
-Wrestling out of: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
-Goofy, Amiable Personality
-Former PWG Heavyweight Champion
-Finisher: Croyt’s Wrath, Kotaru Driver

Ari Berenstein: This is the extra pick I received in my first round drop-down—and with lots of options still available, I turned to what on face value may seem an odd choice for my promotion in Kenny Omega. However, like Generico, Omega may not fit the “mold” of a tough guy, but he is a top-flight babyface and can carry a match with his heroic and athletic actions. Omega will have no problem fitting in the top of the roster in providing top-gear matches against the likes of Nakajima and KENTA, but he could also find a role teaming with Generico against Steen and his heel tag partners of choice. Omega may be goofy, but he is a unique character with quality wrestling ability, and that’s a tough combination to beat in a draft such as this.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 8th round, 51st pick overall, Lansdell
2008 Draft: 7th round, 60th pick overall, Thomas
2007 Draft: Not Selected

With the 23rd pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling Symphony (PWS) selects…

“The Hurricane” Gregory Helms
-Wrestling out of: Smithfield, North Carolina
-Stand Back!
-Recent Feud With Paul Burchill in WWE’s Defunct ECW Brand
-Finisher: Eye of the Hurricane, Shining Wizard

Jasper Gerretsen: For its third pick, Pro Wrestling Symphony picks none other than professional wrestling’s greatest superhero, The Hurricane. Having recently been liberated from the Corporation of Doom, what better company for the man to return to his ways of defending truth and justice than Pro Wrestling Symphony?

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Ineligible
2008 Draft: Ineligible
2007 Draft: Ineligible


Then, like a miracle or a shooting star or an alarm clock waking up a certain Australian wrestling champion / internet columnist, lo and behold but Mathew Sforcina (Pro Wrestling 3.0) has made it to the draft!

Mat: FCUCK (sic) TIME ZONES
Mat: OK, so now what, I go back to bed?
Ari: How about this guys, Mat should get the next three draft picks to supplement him, and then we’ll go back to original order. It fits in with Mat’s turn anyway

Everyone has agreed to this stipulation and Mat (PW3) will receive the next three draft picks! Here are his choices:


With the 24th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling 3.0 (PW3) selects…

“Classic” Colt “Boom Boom” Cabana
-Wrestling out of: Maxwell Street in Chicago, Illinois
-Former 2 Time ROH World Tag Team Champion (with CM Punk)
-God of the One Liners
-Finisher: Billy Goat’s Curse, Colt 45

Mathew Sforcina: For the record, Time Zones Can Kiss My Ass. Even when I use a website specifically designed to tell me what the right time is, I somehow fail to account for Daylight Savings or something and end up getting on an hour late. Thus why I come in a bit late. Of course, I was already a late starter anyway, so the main guy I was hoping for (Kings of Wrestling) were long gone. But out of who was left, Colt seemed like the biggest ‘indy name’, the best guy to draw attention but not, automatically, be the centerpiece of the company. So for a first choice, I might well have taken him anyway, so it’s all good. Plus I get Matt Classic thrown in for free, always nice to get a bonus.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 4th round, 23rd pick overall, Lansdell
2008 Draft: Not Eligible
2007 Draft: Not Eligible

With the 25th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling 3.0 (PW3) selects…

CIMA
-Wrestling out of: Japan
-Poster Boy for Dragon Gate
-Member of Warriors Stable
-Finisher: Crossifre, Schwein

Mathew Sforcina: And CIMA’s almost the counterpoint to Colt. He’s also a name, but whereas Colt would be my media guy, my go out and sell the promotion,CIMA’s my workrate guy. He’s the guy who would draw the net’s attention, my “Hey, that guy’s on the show? I gotta buy that, he’s awesome!”. Plus, given my next pick, I was already thinking of the storyline, and the fact is, CIMA seemed perfect for the role I wanted for him, given that it would be something of a departure from the expected but I felt confident he could pull it off. And he was a good guy when I met him, so nepotism at work people!

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Ineligible
2008 Draft: 3rd round, 26th pick overall, Domingo
2007 Draft: 6th round, 35th pick overall, Domingo

With the 26th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling 3.0 (PW3) selects…

Paul Burchill
-Wrestling out of: Surrey, England
-Recently Released by WWE
-Dressed Up as “The Ripper” After Losing a Loser Leaves ECW Match Against Hurricane
-Finisher: Dangerous Buster, C-4

Mathew Sforcina: And finally, here was my centerpiece. Criminally misused in WWE, Burchill is the guy I would build the company around, in that the Ripper character, the giant badass with impeccable workrate, that’s a company builder. So what if he maybe can’t talk like the The Rock for 20 minutes? That’s what managers, or should I say valets are for. Burchill can work his ass off, and he will, as he’s going to get pushed to the moon under my leadership. Albeit not without some speed bumps in the way…

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Ineligible
2008 Draft: Ineligible
2007 Draft: Ineligible

With the 27th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Sports Entertainment Xtreme (SEX) selects…

Joey “Magnum” Ryan
-Wrestling out of: Los Angeles, California
-Former PWG Heavyweight Champion
-“Hired Gun” of The Embassy
-Finisher: The Mustache Ride, Superkick

Michael Bauer: The Sleaze is coming to Vegas! Joey Ryan has always considered himself a sex symbol for whatever reason. We here at SEX like that about him and was more than happy to draft him in this spot. Originally, we viewed this pick as a potential challenger for the A-Double, but as you will see later on, there are potentially much better uses for Joey Ryan.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 7th round, 41st pick overall, Martinez
2008 Draft: 5th round, 44th pick overall, Domingo
2007 Draft: 7th round, 36th pick overall, Berman


We have a trade to announce!

WWJD has agreed to send Roderick Strong and the rights to the 34th pick overall to WOTW in exchange for the 36th and 40th picks overall in the draft.

Chris Lansdell: I had to have Strong. He is likely to be right at the top of my card, and he was worth the trade. Hubbard had a tag team he wanted without using his tag pick, and I needed Strong. Win-win.

Aaron Hubbard: Chris was also looking to draft Roderick. I had kind of lucked into Roderick, since I didn’t think he’d make it as far as he did, and didn’t have any solid plans for him. So when Chris wanted him, I figured I’d trade so I could take advantage of his back to back slots and draft myself a tag team without using one of my tag picks. This gamble ending up biting me in the butt, and if I could do this over again I would have kept Roddy.

=Round Four=

With the 28th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Sports Entertainment Xtreme (SEX) selects…

BxB Hulk
-Wrestling out of: Japan
-Dragon Gate USA Open the Freedom Gate Champion
-Has Massive Entrance with Dancers
-Finisher: E.V.O. (pumphandle sit-out side powerslam) / E.V.O.P.

Michael Bauer: BxB Hulk is the Japanese version of everything we want to see. He is always surrounded by beautiful women, is an amazing in ring talent, and is no stranger to being in the spotlight. Of course, this signing did have to make us look more carefully at who were getting, since Hulk does need his dancers. But that minor detail was no issue considering Hulk is probably the top fan favorite we will have.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 9th round, 55th pick overall, Martinez
2008 Draft: 4th round, 29th pick overall, Domingo
2007 Draft: Not Eligible

With the 29th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling 3.0 (PW3) selects…

Petey Williams
-Wrestling out of: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
-Former Multiple Time TNA X-Division Champion
– “Maple Leaf Muscle”
-Finisher: Canadian Destroyer, Sharpshooter

Mathew Sforcina: Petey has the look, the talent, the skill… Why wouldn’t I pick him? He’s well known, popular… Just a nice all round great pick. Plus I think we all still mark out a little for the Canadian Destroyer. But with the main event filled up for the immediate start of the company, Petey’s main role at the start is legitimacy. Given his status and popularity, he’s going to help make my secondary belt mean something, in his battles over it. A very useful signing, and one PW3 is proud to make.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 7th round, 42nd pick overall, Hubbard
2008 Draft: Not Eligible
2007 Draft: Not Eligible

With the 30th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling Symphony (PWS) selects…

Dragon Kid
-Wrestling out of: Japan
-Pupil of Ultimo Dragon
-Long Time Veteran of the Dragon Gate Promotion
-Finisher: Hurricanrana, Ultra Hurricanrana

Jasper Gerretsen: For its fourth pick, Pro Wrestling Symphony selects one of the most exciting high flyers in wrestling today, Dragon Kid. When you’re frequently described as “A young Rey Mysterio, only faster”, you know that you’re something special. Dragon Kid has made tremendous progress as a performer over the past few years, and he’ll have plenty of oppertunities to keep growing in PWS.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Ineligible
2008 Draft: 3rd round, 21st pick overall, James
2007 Draft: Not Selected

With the 31st pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, KOAKH Pro selects…

“The Last of a Dying Breed” Eddie Kingston
-Wrestling out of: Yonkers, New York
-Emotional and Deep Promos
-Brawling and Chaotic Style
-Finisher: Spinning Backfist, Backdrop Driver

Sam Berman: Even though he was available a mere two spots lower last year, it is a minor miracle that a competitor of Kingston’s stature is available for KOAKH Pro with the 31st overall selection. We are delighted to have “The King of Diamonds” back in the fold for another year and know that he will bring his trademarked aggressiveness and will to win in every match. Last year, Kingston put up iconic performances throughout his tenure with The Others; KOAKH management is giddy in anticipation of what he will do this year.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 6th round, 33rd pick overall, Berman
2008 Draft: 5th round, 43rd pick overall, Berman
2007 Draft: 6th round, 31st pick overall, Berenstein

With the 32nd pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Total Package Women’s Wrestling (TPWW) selects…

Alexis Laree (a.k.a. Mickie James)
-Wrestling out of: Richmond, Virginia
-Popular WWE Diva
-Had Good Career on Independents Including Run in ROH
-Finisher: Jumping DDT, Long Kiss Goodnight

Jeremy Thomas: In 2009, Alexis Laree was #1 on PWI’s Top Women Wrestlers list. In fact, she’s been in the top 10 of that list for some time and has been one of the most visible female wrestlers still active. In the WWE she worked under her real name as Mickie James and held the WWE Women’s Championship five times as well as the Divas Championship once. She was also, of course the face of the WWE’s Women’s Division. Alexis is working on a burgeoning country music career but she still has a lot to offer the wrestling world and she’s sure to make an impact in TPWW.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Ineligible
2008 Draft: Ineligible
2007 Draft: Ineligible

With the 33rd pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Professional Wrestling of Windsor and Detroit (PWWND) selects…

Team F.I.S.T. Gran Akuma & Icarus
-Wrestling out of: Afar
-Former CHIKARA Campeonatos de Parejas
-Long Time Team in CHIKARA
-Finisher: Akuma: Yoshi Tonic, Frog Splash; Icarus: Wings of Icarus

Chad Nevett: Through the DGUSA shows, I’ve seen both of these men in action, Gran Akuma impressing me quite a bit. He’s got a good look that makes him come off as tougher as and more powerful than his size suggests. He’s quick and acrobatic, but also very hard-hitting. His work with YAMATO has been what’s made him stand out. Icarus I haven’t seen as much, but what little I’ve seen shows that he can perform in the ring. Plus, I wanted Gran Akuma, so bringing along one of his tag partners from F.I.S.T. seemed like the smart thing to do, especially the most successful two-man iteration of the team.

Previous Draft Selection

Akuma
2009 Draft: 12th round, 80th pick overall, Berman
2008 Draft: 6th round, 48th pick overall, Berman
2007 Draft: 8th round, 46th pick overall, Bauer

Icarus
2009 Draft: Not Selected
2008 Draft: 7th round, 61st pick overall, Berman
2007 Draft: 15th round, 87th pick overall, Bauer

With the 34th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Wrestling…on the WEB! (WOTW) selects…

Lance Storm
-Wrestling out of: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
-Wrestled in WWE, WCW and the original ECW, Winning Many Titles
-Can Be Very Serious For a Minute
-Is an Ideal Canadian
-Finisher: Superkick, Rolling Half Crab

Chris Lansdell: Like I could pass up a chance to draft the guy who makes me mark more than almost any other wrestler. I even wrote a column named for his catchphrase for a full year. Despite the guy’s age he still rocks the party, and he’s in great shape. Lance put on a plethora of high-quality matches in what many consider to be the best company ever, ECW. He will be doing the same in WOTW.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 3rd round, 17th pick overall, Thomas
2008 Draft: Not Eligible
2007 Draft: 3rd round, 17th pick overall, Csonka

With the 35th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, New York Knock-Out Wrestling (NY-KO) selects…

“Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner
-Wrestling out of: Bay City, Michigan
-Is Your Hook Up, Holla If You Hear Him
-Strongest Arms in the World
-Finisher: Steiner Recliner

Ari Berenstein: Steiner has been a huge guilty pleasure of mine throughout his career in TNA—he gave some of the most hysterical and entertaining promos (intentional or not) against the likes of Samoa Joe and the X-Division wrestlers. There are a number of wrestlers Steiner could target in promos (live or taped for DVD release) that would help to sell storylines in NY-KO. Now, Steiner may be older and past his prime, but he also showed that no matter his physical health that he would be willing to give one-hundred percent of his effort in the ring while in TNA. I mean, he was doing super frankensteiners and suplexing people left and right! Add Steiner’s name value as a mainstream headliner from WWE and TNA to draw in ticket sales to NY-KO and you can see why I drafted him.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Ineligible
2008 Draft: Ineligible
2007 Draft: Ineligible

With the 36th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft,Wichita Wrestling: Junior Division (WWJD) selects…

The Serpent Ophidian
-Wrestling out of: Egypt
-Former CHIKARA Campeones de Parejas
-Sssssslipery Sssssssnake of the CHIKARA Ring
-Finisher: The Osirian Sacrament (w/ Amasis), Death Grip, Flying Double Knees

Aaron Hubbard: Well, first I had the shock of realizing that I wouldn’t be getting back-to-back picks, since the spots I traded for were interrupted by the Rookie Round. I drafted Ophidian because I figured, “Nobody will draft Amasis without Ophidian.” I mean, what use is one-half of the Osirian Portal? Ophidian & Amasis were going to play the heels to my top babyface team of The Colony, but it didn’t work out that way.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 2nd round, 11th pick overall, Hubbard
2008 Draft: Not Eligible
2007 Draft: Not Eligible


=Round Five (Supplemental)=

With the 37th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Professional Wrestling of Windsor and Detroit (PWWND) selects…

Johnny Gargano
-Wrestling out of: Cleveland, Ohio
-Host of the Johnny Gargano Power Hour, Available On YouTube
-Eats Strict Diet of Eggs and Grilled Chicken
-Finisher:Full Nelson Facebuster, Twisting Flatliner

Chad Nevett: I was impressed with him in the Fray match from the first DGUSA show and he was even better in the second. There’s a reason why he’s being pushed so hard in DGUSA and EVOLVE, and has been offered the first DGUSA contract. He’s a good up-and-comer rookie type. Someone with a lot of energy and passion, ready to prove himself and rise through the ranks. Definitely a guy worth watching and worth having on your roster. Also, he looks like a good candidate for a keeper next year, making him a natural for my rookie round pick.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Not Selected
2008 Draft: Not Selected
2007 Draft: Not Selected

With the 38th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling Symphony (PWS) selects…

The Super Smash Brothers Player Uno & Player Dos
-Wrestling out of: Montreal, Canada
-Video Game Specialists
-Dos: High Flying Style & Acrobats
-Finisher:Uno: Bubble Bobble Buster Dos: Frog Splash

Jasper Gerretsen: For its fifth pick, Pro Wrestling Symphony uses its second tag team pick to secure the services of Team Super Smash Brothers, Player Uno and Stupified. The eight-bit marvels are perfect for our company’s target audience, and we are sure that they’ll play an important part in our company’s tag division over the next twelve months.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Not Selected
2008 Draft: Not Selected
2007 Draft: Not Selected

With the 39th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Sports Entertainment Xtreme (SEX) selects…

Sean “Val Venis” Morley
-Wrestling out of: Markham, Ontario, Canada
-Former WWE Intercontinental Champion
-Recently Had a Stint in TNA
-Finisher: Money Shot, Blue Thunder Bomb

Michael Bauer: HELLO LADIES!!! When Morley went to TNA, he had to change who he was. All of that is about to change. Morley has already promised to bring back out the old porn star inside of him and make plenty of lucky ladies while in town. This pick was also very key for all the younger guys who haven’t had their shot at the big time yet as definitely wanted a veteran presence.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 11th round, 70th pick overall, Hubbard
2008 Draft: Not Eligible
2007 Draft: Not Eligible


=Round Six=

With the 40th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Wichita Wrestling: Junior Division (WWJD) selects…

The Colony Fire Ant & Soldier Ant
-Wrestling out of: The Ant Hill
-Insect Army of the Wrestling Kingdom
-A-Ten Hut!
-Finisher:Fire: Beachbreak, Soldier: TKO

Aaron Hubbard: After drafting Ophidian to make him and Amasis the top heel team, I drafted The Colony as a tag team to be their rivals. I have tremendous respect for the Colony’s abilities as a team, I love their gimmick and both men, Fire Ant in particular, are capable of breaking into singles action if I ever wanted to, which is a nice bonus. These guys ending up being the third pick I had that stayed on my roster, which is, unfortunately, not indicative of how I viewed their importance to my roster.

Previous Draft Selection

Fire Ant
2009 Draft: 10th round, 63rd pick overall, Hubbard
2008 Draft: Not Selected
2007 Draft: Not Selected

Soldier Ant
2009 Draft: Not Selected
2008 Draft: Not Selected
2007 Draft: Not Selected

With the 41st pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, New York Knock-Out Wrestling (NY-KO) selects…

Booker T
-Wrestling out of: Houston, Texas
-Can You Dig It, Sucka?
-Currently Runs His Own School in Houston
-Finisher:The Book End, Axe Kick

Ari Berenstein: I cannot believe some of the wrestlers that went out of the draft before this guy. How did so many miss out on Booker T—especially since he was so visible on our draft availability list? Booker T is a HUGE coup for NY-KO, as not only does Booker’s name on the marquee add another attractive draw to more mainstream wrestling fans, but he still has a lot to offer in the ring. He’s fantastic with promos (as himself or in “King Booker” mode). When motivated, he can have great matches (although he does have a tendency to work up or down to the level of his opponent). There’s also a past-connection with Scott Steiner (through the Main Event Mafia) that can be played up if desired. He has his wrestling school which can offer NY-KO a plethora of choices for wrestling prospects. In addition, Booker will also be bringing the lovely Sharmell with him as his valet, but rest assured friends, NY-KO will NOT be signing Jenna Morasca any time soon.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Ineligible
2008 Draft: Ineligible
2007 Draft: Ineligible

With the 42nd pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Wichita Wrestling: Junior Division (WWJD)selects…

Vin Gerard
-Wrestling out of: Aburdeen, Washington
-Leader of The UnStable
-Former CHIKARA Young Lions Cup Champion
-Finisher: STF

Aaron Hubbard: Vin Gerard was my pet project this year. Vin is a great heel act from CHIKARA that I think deserves a chance to shine in that promotion or another one. My idea was to take Vin and make him like Randy Orton circa 2003-2004, the rising heel in my company. This was the guy I wanted Christopher Daniels to be associated with, to build up and mentor to be my top heel. I was very pleased to draft Vin. A lot of my plans went awry, but this one turned out very well.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 9th round, 58th pick overall, Berman
2008 Draft: Not Selected
2007 Draft: Not Selected

With the 43rd pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Professional Wrestling of Windsor and Detroit (PWWND) selects…

“The Louisville Slugger” Jim Cornette
-Managing out of: Louisville, Kentucky
-Current Executive Producer of ROH on HDnet
-Legendary Manager of The Midnight Express
-Finisher:Tennis Racket of Doom, Vince Russo Ultra Rant of Hate

Chad Nevett: Part of getting a crowd into a show can be a fantastic spokesperson on the mic and I can’t think of anyone more suited to the job than Jim Cornette. He can be used in a lot of different places from the authority figure in the promotion to a manager for some wrestlers to just a guy who kicks the show off by pumping the crowd up. He’s a natural showman and just having him brings some attention to your promotion because of his history in the industry.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Ineligible
2008 Draft: Ineligible
2007 Draft: Ineligible

With the 44th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Total Package Women’s Wrestling (TPWW) selects…

Sara Del Rey
-Wrestling out of: Martinez, California
-Former SHIMMER Champion
-Incredibly Well Versed Technical Wrestler
-Finisher: Royal Butterfly

Jeremy Thomas: TPWW is proud to add Sara Del Rey to our roster, and in doing so add another dominant woman to the mix. Sara is one of the top female wrestlers in the world and has been part of some of the best women’s matches without exception over the last several years. She’s gotten a lot of national exposure due to her work in Ring of Honor and has also competed in promotions such as JAPW, SHIMMER, nCw, CHIKARA and IWA Mid-South. Her experience working with many of the TPWW roster means that she’ll be able to fit in very nicely and has established chemistry most of the talent. Sara Del Rey will be right at home here in TPWW.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 9th round, 56th pick overall, Hubbard
2008 Draft: 8th round, 72nd pick overall, Berenstein
2007 Draft: 7th round, 42nd pick overall, Adamson

With the 45th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, KOAKH Pro selects…

Kota Ibushi
-Wrestling out of: Japan
-Continues to wrestle for DDT
-Frequents the American Independent Scene
-Finisher:Golden Star Press (Corkscrew 450 Splash)

Sam Berman: Once again, KOAKH Pro has jumped at the chance to bring world renowned high-flyer Kota Ibushi aboard. With an aerial arsenal that is second-to-none, Ibushi is just the kind of athlete that KOAKH prides itself on featuring. We cannot think of a better talent to draft with the 45th overall selection.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 8th round, 47th pick overall, Berman
2008 Draft: 8th round, 71st pick overall, Bauer
2007 Draft: Not Eligible

With the 46th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling Symphony (PWS) selects…

Jon Moxley
-Wrestling out of: Cincinnati, Ohio
-Spokesman of Kamikaze USA in DGUSA
-Frequent Competitor in CZW
-Finisher:Hook & Ladder (chickenwing facebuster), One Hitter (vertical suplex DDT)

Jasper Gerretsen: For its sixth pick, Pro Wrestling Symphony has acquired the services of Jon Moxley. While we are well aware of Moxley’s rather colourful reputation and wrestling style, we feel that he will provide a welcome counterpoint to the talent we have already drafted.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Not Selected
2008 Draft: Not Selected
2007 Draft: Not Selected

With the 47th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling 3.0 (PW3) selects…

3.0 Jagged & Shane Matthews
-Wrestling out of: Niagra Falls, Ontario, Canada
-Have Upgraded from 2.0 to 3.0
-Alter Ego Known as The Badd Boys
-Finisher: Sweet Taste of Professionalism

Mathew Sforcina: Look at my company name. Now look at their name. Spot something? At first, I actually went through a few other names, as I somehow forgot
about 2.0 last time when I called my company Pro Wrestling 2.0. But this year, I felt safe by just upping the number. Then 2.0 upgraded themselves. So I tried out a few other names, but in the end, I came
back to PW3, and got lucky that no-one else played silly buggers and took them before I got round to hiring them. The Tag Titles are calling boys…

Previous Draft Selection

Jagged
2009 Draft: 14th round, 93rd pick overall, Lansdell
2008 Draft: 11th round, 93rd pick overall, James
2007 Draft: Not Selected

Shane Matthews
2009 Draft: 15th round, 96th pick overall, Lansdell
2008 Draft: Not Selected
2007 Draft: Not Selected

With the 48th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Sports Entertainment Xtreme (SEX) selects…

The Crown Jewel Jimmy Rave!
-Wrestling out of: Atlanta, Georgia
-Former Member of The Embassy
-Formerly Managed by Prince Nana
-Finisher: Ghanarea, Heel Hook

Michael Bauer: We were very happy when Jimmy Rave fell as far down as he did in this draft. Getting him at pick 48, we have to consider this a possible steal. Rave has boatloads of talent, but to make this better for our company is just how much a slime ball Jimmy Rave is. His arrogance is second to none and this makes him a great fit. Even better when we did this next…

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 6th round, 37th pick overall, Lansdell
2008 Draft: Not Eligible
2007 Draft: 7th round, 42nd pick overall, Berenstein


=Round Seven=

With the 49th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Sports Entertainment Xtreme (SEX) selects…

Prince Nana
-Wrestling out of: Ghana, West Africa
-Leader and Manager of The Embassy
-What Do You Know About Shrimp Cocktail, Eh?
-Finisher: N/A

Michael Bauer: The Embassy is alive and well in Vegas! For all the royalty Prince Nana has, there is no doubt he will be trying to buy and sell everything in Vegas. Combine that with the fact we already drafted his crown jewel and Joey Ryan, he has a pretty nice group to accomplish his goals with.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Not Selected
2008 Draft: Not Selected
2007 Draft: 8th round, 43th pick overall, Berenstein

With the 50th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling 3.0 (PW3) selects…

Susumu Yokosuka
-Wrestling out of: Japan
-Member of K-Nessuka with Partner K-Ness
-Power Offense Base
-Finisher: Jumbo No Kachi (Lariat variation), Yokosuka Cutter

Mathew Sforcina: So CIMA needs a buddy/opponent/maybe something else I’m not telling. And, sadly, most of the well known and/or highly flashy Dragon’s Gate
guys are gone. So, on advise from my crack advice team (including Jed Shaffer and… Well, just him actually), I looked up Susumu. And I liked what I saw. A guy with a history of running in on matches, a history with CIMA, this is the perfect mix of what I want in a guy and what I need in a guy. So that’s why I signed him. Hey, they can’t all be guys I mark out for…

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Ineligible
2008 Draft: 8th Round, 66th pick overall, Berman
2007 Draft: Not Selected

With the 51st pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling Symphony (PWS) selects…

“The Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma” Jigsaw
-Wrestling out of: ?
-Long-Time Tag Team Partner with Mike Quackenbush
-Affiliated with The Future Is Now In CHIKARA
-Finisher: Jig’n’Tonic

Jasper Gerretsen: For its seventh pick, Pro Wrestling Symphony has recruited the Wrestling Riddle Wrapped in an Enigma, Jigsaw. The masked wrestler gives us plenty of new possibilities, as he can be booked in both a classic mentor/student tag team with Mike Quackenbush and as a singles wrestler.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Not Selected
2008 Draft: Not Selected
2007 Draft: 11th round, 61th pick overall, Berman

With the 52nd pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, KOAKH Pro selects…

Erick Stevens
-Wrestling out of: Sarasota, Florida
-Employed By Prince Nana
-Powerhouse Wrestler
-Finisher:Doctor Bomb

Sam Berman: KOAKH Pro has traditionally avoided large, strength-based competitors. However, one with the record of in-ring excellence of Erick Stevens is simply too good to pass up, especially with the 52nd overall selection. Stevens has put on multiple classics in his career, and KOAKH believes that our promotion and fans provide the kind of atmosphere that will help Stevens thrive.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 6th round, 35th pick overall, Hubbard
2008 Draft: 4th round, 35th pick overall, Bauer
2007 Draft: 10th round, 55th pick overall, Berenstein

With the 53rd pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Total Package Women’s Wrestling (TPWW) selects…

The Canadian Ninjas Nicole Matthews & Portia Perez
-Wrestling out of: Coquitlam , British Columbia & Ottowa, Ontario
-Current SHIMMER Tag Team Champions
-They Love Cookies
-Finisher: Matthews: Bridging Northern Lights Suplex, Sharpshooter, Perez: Kosher Pickle (Unprettier/Acid Drop)

Jeremy Thomas: When it came time to consider what tag team would have the most impact in TPWW, there wasn’t a lot of searching that needed to be done. Portia Perez and Nicole Matthews have been dominant as a tag team, defending their long-held SHIMMER Tag Team titles both in the company and outside. Perez and Matthews have been tagging since 2007 and during that time have developed a great sense of timing as a team. Both Matthews and Perez have had measures of success as singles competitors also and will be worthy competitors if they go that route. For now though they are said to have their sights set on the TPWW Tag Team Championship and denying them that prize may be a tough task indeed for anyone hoping to claim it for themselves.

Previous Draft Selection
Matthews
2009 Draft: Not Selected
2008 Draft: Not Selected
2007 Draft: Not Selected

Perez
2009 Draft: 9th round, 54th pick overall, Sforcina
2008 Draft: Not Selected
2007 Draft: Not Selected

With the 54th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Professional Wrestling of Windsor and Detroit (PWWND) selects…

Chuck Taylor
-Wrestling out of: Raccoon City, Kentucky
-Member of F.I.S.T. with Icarus and Akuma
-Does Not Like Children or Ants
-Finisher: Omega Driver (Awful Waffle)

Chad Nevett: While I have no problem creating some tag teams, I decided that bringing in Taylor to join Gran Akuma and Icarus would be a smart move, allowing for not just a few combinations of F.I.S.T., but also having three guys known to work together. The in-ring chemistry is a big thing to look for and a way to help make good matches. As well, there are interesting ways to use the connection the three share, either by going with it or working against expectations and what’s been built up in CHIKARA.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 13th round, 81st pick overall, Berman
2008 Draft: 6th round, 47th pick overall, Domingo
2007 Draft: 5th round, 30th pick overall, Berenstein

With the 55th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Wichita Wrestling: Junior Division (WWJD) selects…

Delirious
-Wrestling out of: The Edge of Sanity
– Trainer of the ROH Wrestling School
– BAH! BAH! BAH! BAH!
-Finisher: Shadows Over Hell, Cobra Clutch

Aaron Hubbard: I viewed this is as a bit of a steal for my promotion at this point in the draft. Delirious has one of my favorite gimmicks anywhere in wrestling and is a solid hand that can make any wrestler look good. Naturally, I felt he would be a great first opponent for Gerard. This was a nice consolation prize after letting Strong go and I was starting to feel pretty confident about myself at this point.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: Keeper, Sforcina
2008 Draft: 2nd round, 14th pick overall, Sforcina
2007 Draft: 3rd round, 13th pick overall, Berman

With the 56th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, New York Knock-Out Wrestling (NY-KO) selects…

The House of Truth Josh Raymond & Christian Able
-Wrestling out of: Kalamazoo, Michigan
-Managed by Truth Martini
-Solid Team Work and Double Teams
-Finisher: Doomsday Device variation, Double Team Holding Moonsault

Ari Berenstein: Thus far I’ve neglected my tag team division, which truth be told was not the highest priority for me during this draft. However, the two tag team rule has led to many of the best available tag teams already gone at this half-way point. So I’m taking what I view as the best available team left right now in Josh Raymond and Christian Able. Both are talented but perhaps underrated (and underexposed) in terms of their efforts in the ring. They have some exciting tag team combination moves and they have the chemistry and teamwork down pat. As far as I’ve seen, they never have a bad match—so they will bring some stability to the tag division which will help diversify my shows. Truth Martini will join them as their manager, bringing his managerial prowess and deviousness to any match involving his men.

Previous Draft Selection

Raymond
2009 Draft: 14th round, 89th pick overall, Berman
2008 Draft: 4th round, 30th pick overall, Berman
2007 Draft: 9th round, 50th pick overall, Berenstein

Able
2009 Draft: Not Selected
2008 Draft: 4th round, 30th pick overall, Berman
2007 Draft: Not Selected

With the 57th pick in the 2009 411Mania Independent Pro Wrestling Draft, Wrestling…on the WEB! (WOTW) selects…

Brent Albright
-Wrestling out of: Tulsa, Oklahoma
-Former NWA Heavyweight Champion
-Impressive Suplexes and Submissions
-Finisher: Crowbar, Half-Nelson Suplex

Chris Lansdell: Anyone noticing a theme here? Brent is another guy with buckets of talent who never got a chance in WWE, and now never will due to his association with Chris Benoit. Why some people feel the need to harp on what Benoit did on one afternoon instead of the rest of his life is beyond us, but never mind that. Albright is a workrate machine with all sorts of potential to be a top guy, if someone would just give him the chance.

Previous Draft Selection
2009 Draft: 4th round, 28th pick overall, Sforcina
2008 Draft: 3rd Round, 22nd pick overall, Westerfeld
2007 Draft: 2nd round, 7th pick overall, Berenstein


We are now at the halfway point of the draft, so let’s take a look at how these promotions are shaping up:

Chris Lansdell
Wrestling…on the WEB! (WOTW)

Keeper: Tyler Black

1. American Wolves (Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) (TAG)
16. Shelton Benjamin
17. Charlie Haas
34. Lance Storm
57. Brent Albright

TRD Roderick Strong

Ari Berenstein
New York Knock-Out Wrestling (NYKO)

Keeper: Katsuhiko Nakajima

6. Kevin Steen
15. KENTA
18. El Generico
22. Kenny Omega
35. Scott Steiner
41. Booker T
56. The House of Truth (Able & Raymond) (TAG)

Aaron Hubbard
Wichita Wrestling: Junior Division (WWJD)

Keeper: Paul London

3. Christopher Daniels
14. Jushin Liger
36. Ophidian
40. The Colony (Fire Ant & Soldier Ant) (TAG)
42. Vin Gerard
55. Delirious

Chad Nevett
Professional Wrestling of Windsor and Detroit (PWWND)

4. SHINGO
13. Dark City Fight Club (TAG)
20. YAMATO
33. F.I.S.T. (Akuma & Icarus) (TAG)
37. Johnny Gargano
43. Jim Cornette
54. Chuck Taylor

Jeremy Thomas
Total Package Women’s Wrestling (TPWW)

Keeper: MsChif

5. Amazing KONG
12. TARA
21. Cheerleader Melissa
32. Mickie James / Alexis Laree
44. Sara Del Rey
53. The Canadian Ninjas (Portia Perez & Nicole Matthews) (TAG)

Sam Berman
KOAKH Pro

Keeper: Jay & Mark Briscoe (TAG)

2. Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero & Claudio Castagnoli) (TAG)
11. Jimmy Jacobs
31. Eddie Kingston
45. Kota Ibushi
52. Erick Stevens

Jasper Gerretsen
Pro Wrestling Symphony (PWS)

7. Doi & Yoshino (TAG)
10. Mike Quackenbush
23. The Hurricane
30. Dragon Kid
38. Super Smash Brothers (TAG)
46. Jon Moxley
51. Jigsaw

Mat Sforcina
Pro Wrestling 3.0 (PW3)

Keeper: Frightmare

24. Colt Cabana
25. CIMA
26. Paul Birchill
29. Petey Williams
47. 3.0 (Shane Matthews & Jagged) (TAG)
50. Susumu Yokosuka

Mike Bauer
Sports Entertainment Xtreme (SEX)

8. Austin Aries
9. Rhett Titus & Kenny King (TAG)
27. Joey Ryan
28. BXB Hulk
39. Sean “Val Venis”
48. Jimmy Rave
49. Prince Nana

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article topics

Ari Berenstein

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