Dragon Gate USA News and Notes: New Merchandising Deal, Davey Richards vs. YAMATO Preview, More

Posted by Larry Csonka on 11.16.2009

Tons of DGUSA news!


From DGUSA.tv

Dragon Gate USA is excited to be the first promotion to sign an apparel and licensing deal with Masked Republic, which is the first integrated live event, merchandising, and media organization in the United States specializing in the emerging growth market of lucha libre (Mexican wrestling). Visit www.MaskedRepublic.com for more information on this fledgling company.

"We are beyond honored to be working with Dragon Gate USA," Masked Republic Founder/CEO Ruben Zamora said. "I have been a fan of the Dragon Gate promotion for many years now and look forward to helping them expand both public awareness and profitability through a Masked Republic apparel line and other licensing opportunities we hope to bring them. In the 1990s, the lucha libre stye and it's stars revolutionized pro wrestling in the United States. This decade, it has been about the Dragon Gate style and influence. Their wrestlers are truly spectacular."

"This is an exciting opportunity for both DGUSA and Masked Republic," DGUSA VP Gabe Sapolsky said. "Masked Republic brings a lot of interesting possibilities to the table. They also produce some really hip apparel and I can't wait to see what they come up with for DGUSA and our talent roster."

This partnership is just developing now. Look for much more in the future with DGUSA and Masked Republic.

All this week at DGUSA.tv we will preview each first round match in the tournament to crown the first Open The Freedom Gate Champion on November 28th in Philadelphia at The Arena. This is the first of four installments. Please leave your comments on this match at the end of this article.

Davey Richards vs. YAMATO has been dubbed the "Next Level" first round match. They each sport a 1-0 record in DGUSA singles matches. They both have emerged as top stars in their respective countries this year. They need the Open The Freedom Gate Title to cap off their incredible 2009s and end the year at the next level.

This can be considered the most intriguing first round match. Davey Richards and YAMATO both can be considered the favorite to win it all, but one will be eliminated in the first round. In fact, oddsmakers even gave 2-1 odds to both Richards and YAMATO to become the champion. These two match up very evenly when it comes to in ring style, attitude, charisma and rise in this sport.

This is why DGUSA officials booked them to face each other.

Why Richards will win: You can make a strong argument for him to be the most outstanding and best technical wrestler this year. Richards will look to counter YAMATO's MMA influenced style with hard kicks and submission moves. Richards also holds the aerial advantage over YAMATO.

Why YAMATO will win: YAMATO has emerged as a top star in Dragon Gate this year and winning his first major title in the United States will only cement his status as a main player. YAMATO kicked off DGUSA by winning the first ever match. YAMATO's aggressive attitude will prevent Richards from bringing the fight to him. YAMATO will look to set the tone and make Richards play his game.

This first time ever bout is a true pick 'em. It promises to be a hard-hitting battle of strikes, submissions, suplexes and just plain incredible pro wrestling. DGUSA officials have decided that this match will be the main event of the first round, meaning it will go on last. Please leave a comment and let us know why you think Richards or YAMATO will win.

Tickets for Nov. 28th in Philadelphia are now on sale in the DGUSA.tv Store, by calling 267-519-9744 or GA tix are available in person at the new Jinxed store (www.AtThePiazza.com for directions).

Saturday November 28, 2009
The Arena (formerly known as New Alhambra/ECW Arena)
7 Ritner Street, Philadelphia , PA 19148
8:00pm
Open The Freedom Gate
One night, thirteen man tournament to determine the first DGUSA Open the Freedom Gate Champion

1. Dragon Kid & Shingo vs. Masato Yoshino & Naruki Doi
2. Open The Freedom Gate - Finals Tournament Four-Way Elimination Match (winners of matches 3-6): TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA
3. Open The Freedom Gate - First Round Tournament Match - Redemption: Brian Kendrick vs. BxB Hulk
4. Open The Freedom Gate - First Round Tournament Match - Next Level: YAMATO vs. Davey Richards
5. Open The Freedom Gate - First Round Tournament Four-Way Match (first fall wins) - Salute To Skayde: CIMA vs. Mike Quackenbush vs. Super Crazy vs. Jorge Skayde Rivera
6. Open The Freedom Gate - First Round Tournament Six-Way Match (first fall wins it) – Generation New: Nick Jackson vs. Matt Jackson vs. Jigsaw vs. Lince Dorado vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Gran Akuma
7. Bonus Match (6:30pm belltime for Golden Circle VIP Balcony Ticket Holders): Eddie Kingston vs. Hallowicked

Saturday January 23, 2010
The Congress Theatre
2135 N. Milwaukee Avenue Chicago , IL 60647
7:30pm
Fearless
1. Open The Freedom Gate Championship: TBA vs. Dragon Kid
Already signed: Masato Yoshino; Naruki Doi; Shingo

Friday March 26, 2010
Celebrity Theatre
440 N. 32nd St. Phoenix, AZ 85008
8:00pm
Open The Ultimate Gate
Already signed: Davey Richards; Nick Jackson; Matt Jackson

Saturday March 27, 2010
Celebrity Theatre
440 N. 32nd St. Phoenix, AZ 85008
Mercury Rising
Already signed: Davey Richards; Nick Jackson; Matt Jackson