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LPW 26: The Clothesline

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

It’s everyone’s favorite Friday of the month! It’s LPW Day, and we are back with another sure fire banger of a Show. LPW 26 The Clothesline has it all Massive championship matches, big time debuts, Royce Isaac’s and Effy to be exact! So let’s lock in and breakdown all the matches and more for this month’s LPW Preview!

Jack Pride & Marz The Specialist vs Jared Rodgers & Michael Allan Richard Clark

Se7en say they are fine but I don’t believe them. Where there is smoke there is fire, right? We left LPW 25 with Pride and Marz Face to Face ready to throw down after Pride interjected himself into Jack and Marzs match ultimately costing them a victory in very big tag match.

It’s hard to be as successful as a group without some hiccups along the way.

Se7en has always seemed to have some internal issues since the beginning and always figure out a way to make it work. 

Their Challengers on the other hand haven’t teamed together yet. They are very hungry to make a name for themselves in a stacked Tag Team Division.

Jared Rodgers and Michael Allan Richard Clark have had various levels of success as singles competitors in LPW but now want to give it a go as Tags.

Will their lack of experience and chemistry be their biggest hurdle or can they catch Se7en slipping as they try and manage a lot of pressure and emotions heading into LPW 26? 

While I’m intrigued by the potential of MARC and Rodgers. I have to give the edge to Se7en. Until Marz and Jack Pride prove they can’t handle their baggage and everything thing implodes I got to role with the experienced team.

Reid Matthews vs Rich King

Here’s a battle of two guys who are looking to make a name for themselves as singles competitors. For Rich King you have to wonder if self doubt is starting to creep in as he has had opportunities to cash in on some singles gold to only come up just shy as the rest of his group the RADz are currently holding gold. TY Jackson as Scramble Champion and Larry Woods as Grand Champion. I know it’s crazy to think any doubt is going on with Rich as he’s one of the most confident people on the roster but I can’t imagine it’s easy to stay positive through so much adversity while everyone else around you is flourishing.

For Matthews, he’s doesn’t have a group carrying gold just one, Challenge Champion Zoe Sager he has been nothing but instrumental in her ability to win and hold on to multiple championships over the past year or so. Zoe occupied both the Grand and Challenge Championships at different times over the last year. It’s been hard for Matthews to get an opportunity at gold with his last chance coming at LPW 15 in the Scramble Match. So you know he’s hungry and with only one blemish on his 2024 resume, Alan Angels you know he has a case for a shot at gold.

On this loaded card I have my eye on this match as a potential match of the night. Both guys are going to want to show out and hopefully garner a title shot. I got Reid Matthews inching out a big win here and continuing the year of the thickness.

Wolfe Boy Will Malanta & The Canadian Goose Kyle Shaw vs El Asesino & Dean Rictor

As I mentioned on the For Exposure LPW 26 Preview Show PETA better keep a close eye on this one as Rictor and Asesino are as nasty as they come in wrestling.

Goose and Wolfboy will be trying to get that much needed win in the tag division, which hasn’t exactly gone the way they have planned on Friday nights.

They are fan favorites will that be enough to score a big victory? Or maybe something will go wrong for Rictor and Asesino ending in a self implosion to have their hand raise and Honk to be heard throughout the Rec Room in Celebration.

Ride or Die vs Bussy

LPW Tag Team Championship

Allie Katch showed up and showed out against Steven Crowe last month. That was only the beginning as after the match she called her shot at the tag champs. All she had to do was find herself a tag partner and who better to bring to Edmonton than her very own ride or die Effy.

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it at least 37 times. Be careful what you ask for. Ride or Die asked for better competition and that’s exactly what happened and then some. Bussy is easily on the short list of best tag teams in independent wrestling.

Usually it’s no doubt to me that Ride or Die will have no problem competing at this level. This time around though it’s more of are they getting too comfortable with each conquest? Does their confidence turn to cockiness? Its would be hard if it was me to stay humble after all the years of dominating at tag division and Friday Night wouldn’t just be another day at the office for TFA and Crowe.

I would caution them that this isn’t the month to be caught slipping. You know Allie and Effy would love to add a new accolade to their long list of accomplishments with some LPW Gold. Hell, I’d love to see Bussy return to LPW myself but that all said you already know how this goes: it’s Ride or Die Always!

Larry Woods vs Royce Isaacs

LPW Grand Championship

Talk about keeping your foot on the gas as Larry Woods 1st defense of his second reign as Grand Champion is a big one. Royce Isaacs is stepping up to the Lumberjack in his debut t LPW. The New Japan star has worked all over the world becoming known as one of the most Dangerous wrestlers in the game. You would think coming into a new environment can be seen as a disadvantage to most for Royce this is what he does, the veteran is so well traveled he’s used to to showing up and showing out in new places.

So hopefully Larry has put last month’s emotional battle with MRB behind him and is laser focused on the task at hand or it could be another one and done scenario for Woods. I’m rolling with Larry because we saw a different side of him last month and we all saw how far he was willing to go to bring home the Grand Championship . I have to imagine that Larry Woods will do anything in his Power to keep it.

Zoe Sager vs Michael Richard Blais

LPW Challenge Championship

If I was to compile a list of the top wrestlers in LPW History it would be incredibly difficult to keep Zoe Sager off the top of that list. She can do it all and her in ring knowledge and skills are unmatched and she’s beaten a who’s who of competitors over the course of her two title reigns in LPW.

All of that started with a solid foundation and being taught the art of wrestling. Well if the saying is true that a student is only as good as their teacher then Michael Richard Blais would also be at the top of the greatest to lace ‘em up in LPW history. Which he rightfully is. For MRB here’s not only going for a chance to reclaim gold but to get one up on Zoe who bested him for the LPW Grand Championship the last time they faced off. MRB has to be going through some emotions after the high stakes battle with Larry Woods at LPW 25. He will need to put that in the past and focus on the task at hand. Zoe isn’t someone to take lightly and ultimately she will not ease up because you’ve had a rough month or so. I fully expect Zoe Sager to retain and keep gold right where it belongs around her waist.

TY Jackson vs Berat Gorani vs Shiek Shabaz vs Eli Surge vs Maxwell Benson

LPW Scramble Championship

Only two people know what it takes to get to over 100 days as Scramble Champion and that’s Jack Pride and TY Jackson. They would be the first to tell if the pressure builds as the defenses rack up or if they have figured it out at this point and it becomes easier. I’d have to say both cases are true, right? On the one hand you never know what to expect and the preparation for 4-5 other opponents can’t be an easy feat but being in the thick of it, you’d imagine you’d pick up a few tricks along the way.

Either way you look at TY Jackson he has done nothing but impress since becoming champion and looks to continue his winning ways against: Para Lira aka Berat Gorani and Sheik Shabaz, Eli Surge and the debuting Maxwell Benson. I don’t know a ton about Benson but Judas Icarus says we better be ready and I have no reason to not believe him. Of course Para Lira finds themselves back in the Scramble Match hoping a two for one approach is their ticket back to LPW Gold, as of late as they look to bring back some gold, since dropping the tag titles to Ride or Die. (Yes Berat I’m going to mention every chance I get)

I’m very intrigued by Eli Surge, King of Conspiracy Theories,has vowed he won’t stop participating in the Scramble Match until he has Scramble Championship is in his hands. Will the added layer of pressure put on himself product the outcome he wants or will challenger at LPW 27 be his spot?

The scramble match, will without a doubt be another classic and I think TY Jackson gets it done and leaves still champion!

There it is friends! LPW 26 The Clothesline covered! Boom! I’m stoked to catch this show, it all goes down live on IWTV at 7pm Mountain Time. As always keep it here for my latest writings about all things Love Pro Wrestling related and see you all at LPW 27!

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LPW 24: Twenty Twenty 24 Hours To Go Preview

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

Happy Anniversary LPW! Here we are: two years of shows. That’s one heck of an accomplishment! I can’t believe I get the chance every single month to talk about all the cool things LPW is doing. From Changing The Game to 24 Hours to Go, LPW continues to set the bar, not only for themselves, but for Canadian Independent Wrestling. 

Every single month, LPW finds a way to bring the fans something bigger and better while sticking true to their values and dedication to making Edmonton the talk of Canada. And for that, LPW, I thank everyone who has made it possible to allow me to talk about a killer program every single month! Cheers to 24 and many many more! Now let’s break down another banger of a card!!!!

Se7en vs Wolfboy & Canadian Goose

Wolfboy and Goose are LPW fan favorites, even if their record isn’t what they would hope. They are still searching for that first Friday night win as a tag team.  

I hate to be that guy, as I love a huge underdog story, but Jack Pride and Marz The Specialist have a bad taste in their mouths after loses at 22 & 23 that have resulted in Jack Pride no longer being your LPW Scramble champion. Marz has made it clear the focus is back for Se7en and this is just the first step in the right direction for the group. 

You’ve got to feel for Wolfboy and Goose. Even with the tutelage of Eli Surge this is simply a group I’d hate to see pissed off and looking to regroup as I search for my first win. 

Ride Or Die vs Nicole Matthews & Artemis Spencer

Tag Team Championship Match

Be Careful What You Wish For Part Two Electric Boogaloo: The Ride or Die Story. Ride or Die asked for more competition and better tag teams, and boy did they get it. Nicole Matthews and Artemis Spencer are two of the best to lace ’em up. It’s so cool to have Artimes and Matthews back in LPW. Sure, they aren’t a traditional tag team, but putting two of the best together isn’t a bad strategy when gold hunting. One has to wonder what kind of shape Matthews will be in after fighting SpeedBall Mike Bailey the night before at CWS in a first-ever match between two of Canada’s best. 

Can Taryn From Accounting and Steven Crowe continue to skirt the line? It seems LPW management has decided to throw everything they have at the duo. It’s only a matter of time before it catches up with them, right? I don’t think Friday night will be that night. That’s even factoring in the absolute war Crowe will have been in the night before against Marz The Specialist in a championship ladder match. That’s what makes Ride or Die so dangerous; they know each other, so that if one’s not at 100% they will pick up the slack for their partner and hit another gear.  

Zoe Sager vs Speedball Mike Bailey  

LPW Challenge Championship 

Holy smokes, talk about a banger matchup! Last year, Zoe had the run of her career, spending most of it as LPW Grand Champion. Well, new year, different championship, but all the makings of the same outcome. Sager is poised to have another big year, and what better way to prove that than with a win over one of the best wrestlers on the planet! Speedball is back in LPW for the first time since LPW 19, where he came up short against Michael Richard Blais in what was voted the match of the year by the fans. 

Can Speedball avoid going 0-2 and take home some gold in the process? To do that, he will have to be at the top of his game. Every single time you think this is the match that trips Zoe up, she figures out a way to dig deep and pull it off. A win over Speedball could put Zoe Sager in the early running for Wrestler of the Year in LPW and really swing the momentum in her favor for a massive 2024. 

TY Jackson vs Rich King vs Jesse V vs Elliott Tyler vs Berat Goroni vs Sheik Shabazz

LPW Scramble Championship 

Month after month, show after show, the LPW Scramble Championship Match is loaded with talent and intrigue. TY Jackson has his work cut out in defense number two. Once again he’s up against a fellow member of the RADz in Rich King. Sure, they say all the right things about facing each other, but after a certain point, one has to wonder if Rich King is blinded by wanting gold, especially after coming up short at LPW 23 against MRB. Will he take it to the next level to dethrone his stablemate? We also have another tag team in the mix that have plenty of history with the RADz, so you know Para Lira will be looking to knock them off the mountaintop. I also have to wonder how many more losses Para Lira can take before things just blow up for the duo. They need some wins in a bad way. Elliot Tyler is back and always a threat in any type of match you put him in. Then you throw into the mix Big Jesse V, who is built for this car-crash style match. The Debuting V get to wreck everyone in sight and throw some people around. He’s going to be a massive hit to the LPW faithful and show out. That all said, I think the LPW People’s Champion TY continues his winning ways. 

Side note – how crazy is it that this will be the first Scramble Championship match that doesn’t include Jack Pride? One has to wonder if that is in the back of one of those minds. 

Alan Angels vs Reid Matthews 

The undefeated Matthews has his toughest test to date. The Frontman and Impact Star Angels called him out at LPW 23 and said he’s looking to make a splash in his debut, and what better way to do that then taking out the undefeated Reid Matthews? Even though Alan is on a tear right now through the indies and Impact, that’s still easier said than done. Matthews is on the best run of his career thus far in 2024 and shows no signs of slowing down. I keep saying, and hopefully this is the last month I have to, but get Reid a title shot ASAP! It will be hard to argue against it if Reid wins Friday night. 

Lumberjack Larry vs Mark Wheeler 

Larry, Larry, Larry, my friend, I know you will do anything to get back to MRB and get the Grand Championship back, but be careful. You’re already down one arm and you let MRB pick your opponent for Friday night? Mark Wheeler is as mean as they come and looking for a fight. I have to imagine winning this matchup doesn’t even matter to him at this point. Wheeler is here to hurt you, Larry. 

Don’t get me wrong, Lumberjack Larry has all the heart in the world and has no quit in him, but this is a huge uphill battle as MRB continues to stack the deck. Does Larry have another unforgettable performance in him, or will Wheeler do what MRB needs him to do and take down the Lumberjack? Buckle up, this is sure to get chaotic. 

Michael Richard Blais vs Rose 

LPW Grand Championship 

As voted on by us, the fans, the hometown girl Rose is getting her shot against MRB for the Grand Championship! Rose is a huge fan favorite, and MRB even speaks very highly of Rose. Then of course, he blames us the fans for what’s about to happen to her. See, it was Lumberjack Larry’s Lotto, a fan vote, that put her in this position. So in MRB’s minds it’s on us. 

I think MRB fails to see what we the fans see, which is that Rose is a badass through and through. Every single time Rose steps into an LPW ring, she steals the show. Sure, we voted her in, but she absolutely deserves to be here. So is MRB taking this challenge lightly? I believe so. He of course feels differently about that; check out my full interview with him for the LPW Show. 

So has MRB bitten off more than he can chew by trying to save LPW and keep his Grand Championship in the process? Well, Rose shared her thoughts on just that and more for the LPW Show. 

You may have noticed I haven’t said too much on the MRB side of this matchup. What can I say about God’s Gift to Wrestling that he already hasn’t said about himself? (Hint, hint, check out the interview.) Plus, I don’t think he wants me speaking on his behalf. See, MRB? I’m learning. That said, I will say this is going to be one hell of a match!

There you have it, friends! What match are you most looking forward to? Drop it in the comments! As a reminder, we are now live on IWTV, so make sure you get subscribed now! Make sure you keep it here every month for my breakdown of everything LPW and much more. See ya all at 25!! 

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I Don’t Know About You LPW 22 Preview

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

Hey, I don’t know about you, but I feel like previewing LPW 22. With the massive success that was the Oil Rumble at Roger’s Place behind us, it’s time to Shake it Off and look forward to LPW 22. A new year at the Rec Room filled with new champions, new debuts and new attitudes. Let’s not waste any more time and get right into this sick beat of a card.

Eli Surge vs Reid Matthews

It’s very cool to see Eli Surge back in an LPW ring. Surge is without a doubt a fan favorite. He looks to get back on track and remind people that just because he believes birds aren’t real doesn’t mean you should think his in-ring skills aren’t real. If I’m Reid Matthews I wouldn’t take Surge lightly, especially if Bigfoot makes a return as well. 

I constantly sing the praises of Reid Matthews and will continue to do so. The Thickness is coming off an impressive showing at the Oil Rumble and will continue to look to build off that here at LPW 22. It’s only a matter of time before we are crowning Matthews as a champion in LPW and a big victory here could make it harder and harder to keep him out of a future title shot. 

LPW Tag Team Championship

Ride or Die (c) vs Jared Rogers & Gabriel Fuerza

The blank space next to Rogers’ partner in the match has been filled. And his name is Fuerza. Just announced this past Wednesday, Fuerza is a fantastic choice for the open spot. He’s been tearing up the Canadian wrestling scene with recent big matches against Gringo Loco and Ortiz under his belt. He now looks to make a big splash in his LPW debut. 

Not that Taryn From Accounting or Steven Crowd need any more motivation, but one has to imagine there’s a bit of Bad Blood towards LPW Management for announcing their opponents on such short notice. 

Can the brand new duo shock the LPW world and beat the well-oiled machine that is Ride or Die? That’s a tall task even for the most experienced tag teams. While this match should be a hard-fought battle, the Clandestine Society just changed the landscape to their Version and I can’t see it changing back anytime soon. 

LPW Scramble Championship

Jack Pride (c) vs Jody Threat vs Michael Allen Ricard Clark vs TY Jackson vs Marz The Specialist vs Sheik Shabaz

Jack Pride knows the Scramble match all too well. He holds wins over more oppents than country singer Tim McGraw has hits. Can he do it again? This is easily the stiffest competition the Man of Two Minds has faced in the Scramble match format. So let’s get into just what Pride is up against:

TNA star Jody Threat aka the Wild Child is back in LPW. Threat last appeared at LPW 10, so you know they are hungry for win and to become the second ever Scramble Champion.

Michael Allen Ricard Clark is coming off a loss at the Oil Rumble to Grand Champion Michael Richard Blais. You know the push-up king would love to get back in the win column in a big way. 

TY Jackson, LPWs People’s Champion, has had himself a rough stretch after how 2023 ended and 2024 beginning with a loss at the Oil Rumble. You know TY and Pride have a long history of Bad Blood. Can The People get one over on Pride and Se7en to become the Scramble champion? It’s the only belt left that a member of the RADz hasn’t held. 

Has Pride told Marz “You Belong With Me” enough that The Specialist knows his place and will help Pride retain his coveted Championship? Or will Marz finally starting thinking about “Me!”? 

Karma is a funny thing. Sheik Shabaz spent all of his Tag Title reign with Berat Goroni doing anything and everything to skirt the line to keep that gold. Well, they ran into a Ride or Die team that just beat them at their own game twice. Shabaz will need to shake it off to get back to the winning ways of Para Lira. 

Until I see Pride lose with my own two eyes, I can’t pick against Pride in a Scramble match as he knows this format All Too Well. 

Contender Gauntlet Match

El Aesino vs Dean Rictor vs Larry Woods vs Rich King vs Berat Gorani.

The key to this match is all about placement. We saw at LPW 21 Michael Ricard Allen Clark got the final spot and won after Steven Crowe did most of the heavy lifting.

A lot of intrigue and interesting combinations are possible here. Will we see Larry Woods and Rich King have to square off? What if Rich King is the Final Roadblock to Woods getting back to MRB? Does Rich King believe it’s his time to take a shot at the top spot? A lot more questions than answers for the RADz.

Dean Rictor and El Asesino have been working together as of late in LPW. Can they coexist, or is there an understanding of every man for himself here? 

Berat Gorani finds himself the odd man out, as he has no alliances here. I actually think that plays in his favor as he can just do what he does best – put a sick beatdown on whoever gets in his way. Of course, he’ll do it while shouting “look what you made me do” because it’s always their fault.

So here you go Berat – I’m taking you to get the job done. The pressure is on because you know the story of us and I haven’t picked you yet. Don’t let me regret it. 

LPW Challenge Championship

Zoe Sager(c) vs VertVixen

Call it What You Want but let’s just call this an early contender for Match of The Year. That was before Zoe Sager took down Travis Williams at the Oil Rumble to become the Challenge championship. Gold in LPW has a way to bring out the absolute best in people. If you don’t believe me, just look at Zoe’s entire 2023. She’s got gold back in her grasp and as we have seen nothing is off limits for her when it comes to efforts to keep it.

VertVixen enters as the Defy Women’s Champion and that has to put extra pressure on her. No one wants to come into another promotion as champion elsewhere and not get the job done. Without a doubt Zoe will have her work cut out for her. VertVixen isn’t afraid of the spotlight and will look to shine in her debut at LPW.

I think this is Sager’s match to lose. She always has Reid in her back pocket and has shown the ability to hang with anyone and everyone. We are currently watching Zoe’s Version and this era looks to be a long one in 2024. 

LPW Grand Championship

Michael Richard Blais (c) vs Vaughn Vertigo

Did we need salvation? Well that all depends on who you ask. MRB would say yes, we all needed to be saved and see his version of LPW. MRB had grown tired of the LPW he saw for 2023 and decided it was time for salvation. In some circles, they will tell, this has always been MRB and the other guy we have seen was just playing the game in an attempt to be the nice guy. Those days are behind us, and MRB has hit the ground running as Grand Champion. Friday night will be his 3rd title defense of the week. Has this fighting champion bitten off more than he can chew, or does the Clandestine Society working together offset potential fatigue?

Vaughan Vertigo has got to be hoping for some fatigue to set in for MRB. Sure, in a perfect scenario, Vertigo would love the chance to beat MRB while he’s at his absolute best. That said, just overcoming the potential odds of the Society mixed with an MRB who has found a place in this world and will beat you by Death of a Thousand Cuts if he has to. Vaughn would be happy to get his first win at LPW since he bested Jack Pride at LPW 4.

I think it’s just too much right now for Vaughn to deal. Unless he’s got some friends to offset the potential distractions, Vaughn will be in for a long night at the Rec Room! 

Well, there it is folks. Pluggo’s Version is in the books for another LPW Preview. It looks like 2024 is shaping up to be a massive year for Love Pro Wrestling, and this card is a great one to set the table for just that. Make sure you tune in at 9 p.m. Eastern time live on IWTV to catch all the action. See you all next month for LPW 23!

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LPW Oil Rumble Preview | Rogers Place, January 21st, 2024

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

It feels so good to be back! With 2023 in our rearview mirror, we look to build off an incredible campaign at Love Pro Wrestling. What better way to do that than run the biggest show at the biggest venue we have ever run? That place is none other than Rogers Place in Edmonton, home of the Oil Kings.  Love Pro Wrestling will be the first independent wrestling show to run Rogers Place, ever. Let that sink in for a second – the rich history of Canadian professional wrestling and we are the first ones to run the venue outside of WWE and AEW.  What a way to kick off 2024! 

This evening is going to be unlike anything I’ve ever seen before as LPW will be running during an Oil Kings hockey game. “Hey, Pluggo, how do they plan on doing that?” you may be asking. Well, good thing I’m here to explain it and break down this stacked five-match card!

At 3 p.m. when the doors open, we will be treated to a Triple Threat showdown as TY Jackson, Jared Rodgers and Reid Matthews square off.

Talk about a fun triple-threat match. This will feature LPW guys who all look to make a huge splash to kick off the new year. TY, aka the People’s Champion, had an up and down ‘23 when he pinned the LPW Grand Champion at the time, Zoe Sager, only to see the call reversed. Then he clawed his way back into a title match, only to have his brother in the RADz, Larry Woods, sign the contract and take the spot, ultimately becoming the 3rd ever LPW Grand Champion. Throughout all his setbacks, Jackson has remained a team player and supportive of his team’s decisions. So you know TY, hungrier than ever, is looking to get off on the right foot with a big win.

What can I say about the Wily Veteran that hasn’t already been said before many. Jared Roger’s has easily cemented himself as the future of LPW. He’s a crowd favorite every time he steps foot in a ring. The question for the rookie Rogers is will Rogers Place become his house or will the over 7,000 in attendance be too much of a distraction for him. I got to think the ladder. Roger’s was built for this and people will leave realizing why his one of the most popular talents in LPW.

The Thickness, Reid Matthews spent most of the year as Zoe Sager’s muscle and helping her keep the LPW Grand Championship for most of 2023. That all said, you have to think Reid is ready to set his sights on his own gold, and if you don’t believe me, check out his LPW Show interview with JPJ. While he maintains helping Zoe is priority one, don’t mistake his loyalty for weakness. He knows where his bread is buttered, and he is always, and I mean always, a threat in any match he’s part of.

My prediction for this opening match is TY Jackson. I think the heart of TY and the need to start strong to get back to the Grand Championship will be the difference-maker here. 

Also during the doors after the Triple Threat, we have a Tag Team Contest as The RADz, Rich King and Larry Woods take on Se7en’s Jack Pride and Marz The Specialist.

This longstanding rivalry adds another chapter to its story. If you thought Se7en effectively getting the RADz manager, Ben Ooman, kicked out of LPW would be the end of it, you thought wrong. I know the RADz haven’t forgotten what happened and honestly, neither has Se7en: they will remind you every time you talk to them. The pieces are seemingly in place for Jack Pride and Marz to continue the rise of Se7en in LPW. For Rich and Larry, they have had a couple of months to recover and refocus their efforts. If you ask them, the RADz are ready to get back to what they do best, which is touching tips, shaking hips, and winning championships. A win here could help them get back to the Tag Titles, but will Larry’s obsession with Michael Ricard Blais and the Clandestine Society become too much of a distraction? Will Se7en continue to prevail over their most hated rivals? 

My prediction: I think the RADz sneak out a win here and get started on the right foot. That said, it won’t be easy or pretty, but a win is a win. 

At 3:45 p.m., ahead of the puck dropping for some Oil Kings hockey, we have a Tag Team Championship Match featuring Ride or Die(c) vs Para Lira.

If you ask Para Lira, they will tell you Ride Or Die is simply holding the tag titles, as they will not recognize them as actual champions. If you ask Ride or Die, LPW hasn’t done anything with the Tag Titles since they debuted them. There is a lot of animosity in this highly anticipated rematch. 

There’s a new attitude for Taryn From Accounting & Steven Crowe after interjecting themselves into the Tag Title Match at LPW 21 and MRB winning the Grand Championship over Larry Woods and vowing to bring much-needed salvation back to LPW. Will this new vision of dominance pay off?

Para Lira isn’t the most liked tag team in LPW, and for good reason, as they did whatever it took to keep those title belts around their waists, as Berat Gorani explained on For Exposure. What makes them different from Ride or Die is at least they have the decency to say what they plan to do to your face rather than back-door and scheme their way to the top. 

So now I’m tasked with picking between two of the absolute best Tag Teams LPW has to offer in this grudge match. Sorry, Berat, you know you’re my guy, but I always Ride or Die. 

During the 1st Intermission, it’s Travis Williams(c) vs Zoe Sager for the LPW Challenge Championship.

The Professional, Travis Williams, has been on an absolute tear across the independent wrestling world over the last few months and looks to continue his winning ways against an old foe in Sager. 

Zoë Sager had a banner year in 2023, which included over a 200-day reign as LPW Grand Champion. She looks to regain some gold after her loss at LPW 20 to Larry Woods. 

If anyone has the advantage heading into this tilt, it’s Sager. She is incredibly talented and always seems to find a way to win, especially with Reid Matthews in her corner. She beat the Professional at LPW 18 during her Grand Championship run. Is that victory enough to help her gain her first Challenge Championship, or is the Professional going to continue this incredible run and leave Rogers Place still champion?

This pick might be my toughest yet. It’s hard for me to pick against Travis Williams, as he has been on another level since gaining the gold. That all said, if anyone can pull it off, it’s Sager and her ability to win at all costs and always find a way. I’m calling it now – the Intangible Zoë Sager sends shock waves throughout Rogers Place and we will have ourselves a new Challenge Champion! 

That brings us to your Main Event, which will take place during the 2nd Intermission. It’s Michael Richard Blais(c) vs Michael Allen Ricard Clark for the LPW Grand Championship.

Talk about the luck, or shall I say lack of luck, of the draw for the Longest Name in Wrestling, Michael Allen Richard Clark. Don’t get me wrong, MARC is easily one of the most talented wrestlers in LPW history, but he’s going up against a force we have never seen before in LPW. 

Some would say Michael Ricard Blais skirted the line when he had TFA attack Larry Woods with that Book of Salvation loaded with a chain. Others would say – and by others, I mean the Clandestine Society – they did what was necessary to restore order in LPW. In their eyes, a lot of people have forgotten just how formidable the trio is and it was time to open up everyone’s eyes and save them. 

New hair, new motivations, and a new mean streak have MRB as one of the toughest champions in LPW and he hasn’t even defended the title yet. This will be quite the main event, and if the stakes weren’t high enough, the winner of this contest will face a returning Vaughn Vertigo at LPW 22 Jan. 26. As for Vertigo, he is in a prime spot as these two look to wear one another out as they fight for the biggest prize in LPW on the biggest stage. 

Strap in, folks: The Oil Rumble has all the makings of the event of the year……and it’s only January. The future is bright for LPW, and I for one can’t wait to see what happens on Jan. 21st at Rogers Place.

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LPW 19: Speedball Strikes First Preview

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

Here we are, baby! It’s officially LPW week and it’s a big one – dare I say the biggest one in LPW history? LPW 19:Speedball Strikes First is here. Now, I know what you are saying. You’re saying, “Pluggo, you quite often say this month is the biggest show in history.” Well, we just continue to get better and better, so no matter how many times you’ve heard it before, it’s true again here!

This month LPW has some big debuts. Every title is on the line. Dream matches and just all-around intrigue surround this show. Can MRB beat Speedball? Does Zoe make it out as Grand Champion? Will TY Jackson come one step closer to finishing his story? What will shake out of the tag division? And so much more!

So let me not waste any more time asking you all these questions, because I answered them – or, at least, I gave you my thoughts on them. So strap in, friends, because there is a lot to unpack ahead of LPW 19: Speedball Strikes First.

Son of Irish vs. Travis Williams

LPW Challenge Championship

Son Of Irish has without a doubt been cooking with gas since winning the LPW Challenge Championship. Irish picked up a big win over Gigi Rey last month to retain his championship, after Rey came up short at LPW 17 against Zoë Sager.

In comes Travis Williams in a similar fashion. After he came within a hair of beating Zoe Sager at LPW 18, he finds himself in the Challenge Championship match, and rightfully so, as the professional is one of the best wrestlers on the planet. One has to wonder if his partner in crime, Judas Icarus, being on this card (which we will talk about later) will add to Williams’ motivations.

At this point, we have gone from, “Oh shoot, the deck’s really stacked against SOI this month, he might drop the belt,” to “He’s without a doubt a top star in LPW and until I see it happen I can’t go against SOI.” Dare I say he’s a strong contender for LPW Wrestler of the Year? All I know, friends, is that if history is any indicator, this match will not only be kicking off this show but setting the effing bar for everyone who follows them. 

Jack Pride vs. Shaun Moore vs. Eli Surge vs. Wolfboy Will Mantla vs. Dean Richtor

Scramble Championship

The Man of Two Minds has another huge test coming their way at LPW 19. That said, confidence has to be running incredibly high for the leader of Se7en. Last month they not only beat the Clandestine Society and the RADz, who are bitter rivals, but Pride took out their own stablemates in TJ Cannon and Marz the Specialist. 

So how do you stop someone who has no problem, and in a lot of ways prefers, doing whatever they have to to win and will never apologize for that? 

Well, you throw none other than Shaun Moore into the mix. Moore has been on a war path in LPW as of late, beating the one and only, everyone’s favorite conspiracy theorist Eli Surge, and a couple of fantastic LPW debutantes in Wolfboy and Dean Richtor. 

Admittedly, that might work out to their advantage because it’s one thing to study tape on the Man of Two Minds; it’s something entirely different when you’re standing across the ring from Jack Pride, or so I’ve been told. Jack Pride is on another level right now and I think their title reign, for as long as it’s been, is just getting started. Just know that even if Pride comes out on top, his Scramble matches have simply become must-see TV every last Friday of the month.

The RADz vs. TJ Cannon & Marz The Specialist

These bitter rivals, as mentioned above, can’t seem to stay out of each other’s way and it’s come to the point that if one group can’t have the LPW Tag Team Championships then the other damn sure won’t as well. So now the bad blood has come to a head and it’s time to settle this. You’d have to imagine the winner here separates themselves in what is easily one of the best Tag Team divisions in independent wrestling. While it’s not been made official, I’d think the winner here gets the shot at the winner of Para Lira and Ride or Die. 

Can these teams stay focused and not allow outside issues or turmoil inside their faction stop them from the ultimate goal of tag team domination? This match will be a war of attrition, and the one who’s mentally prepared for the mind games and what feels like a knock-down, drag-out fight will come away the winner. 

The RADz themselves admit things haven’t been smooth since the mandatory face turn and we know the issues Se7en has had in the past. So it comes down to who’s going to overcome, and I just have to go with my gut here and say the RADz squeeze out a big win here. The only question left to answer is if Ben Oomen and Thaddeus Archer can keep their hands off each long enough to celebrate with their respective teams if they win.

Jared Rodgers vs. El Asesino

One of the fastest-rising stars in LPW, Jared looks to continue his climb up the ranks. What better way to test yourself so early in your career than against the veteran, El Asesino, who has probably forgotten more about professional wrestling than Jared knows? That just means Jared will have to prepare himself for anything and everything Asesino will throw his way. 

Look for Rodgers to continue to turn some heads and get another big win under his belt.

Para Lira vs. Ride Or Die

LPW Tag Team Championship

Para Lira has been the big winner of Faction Warfare here in LPW, as the Clandestine Society has also gotten themselves all tied up with Se7en and the RADz. Let’s not sell Sheik & Berat short, though. Sure, they got the tag team championships due to the RADz’ beef with Se7en, but now, with well over 100 days as champion, they have proven to be an absolute force in a stacked tag-team division. Not to mention they have a willingness to grab any opportunity for advantage they can. 

In steps TFA and Steven Crowe, as the Clandestine won a three-way dance to get this shot. Sure it was MRB and Crowe earning the shot, but CS will be free-birding this opportunity, as MRB has some business to attend to later that night. In no way, though, is TFA a downgrade, as she and Crowe are best friends and legitimately ride-or-dies! RoD has been in some of the biggest matches LPW had held, and TFA was your longest reigning Challenge Champion at one point, so I fully expect them to be up to the challenge of what Para Lira brings inside (and sometimes outside) of the ring. Let’s just hope whoever referees this contest has their head on a swivel. 

As much as I enjoy Para Lira, you already know I’m Riding with my girl TFA aka the 3rd Beard of Between Two Beards (every Thursday night; sorry not sorry for the shameless plug). So get ready for Spencer Love to be saying AND NEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS STEVEN CROWE, TARYN FROM ACCOUNTING RIDE OR DIE!!!!

Reid Matthews vs. TY Jackson

If Jackson Wins the RADz get a Grand Championship Shot.

TY Jackson is also known in some circles as the rightful Grand Champion, as he came up short via a referee’s reversal at LPW 16 against Zoe Sager. TY and Ben Oomen have been campaigning for each other’s shot at the title, even going as far as to constantly interrupt Spencer pleading their case, which up till now hasn’t been successful. Even this matchup isn’t truly what the RADz want, but TY knows it’s better than nothing, and he has to just show up and show out if he hopes to get back at Zoe Sager for claiming what he believes is his LPW Grand Championship.

Standing in his way is Zoe’s muscle and insurance policy, the hard-hitting badass known to all as The Thickness, Reid Matthews. For Reid, he knows where his bread is buttered and he simply has one job: Keep TY and the RADz away from the Grand Champion. As much as Zoe hasn’t backed down from anyone, she doesn’t want to see a highly Motivated TY Jackson and an entire Rec Room gunning for her championship. 

You have to imagine Zoe has more than a vested interest in this matchup as there is a lot at stake, let’s just hope she can keep her focus.

So it’s simple for Matthews, or is it? What’s to say Reid wins and starts to think “Wait a minute, I won, where’s my title shot?” I’m just saying, once Reid realizes just how valuable he truly is to Zoe’s retention, we may see some cracks start to form in this partnership. 

I have a feeling this night will belong to TY Jackson and the RADz as TY comes one step closer to finishing the story.

Zoe Sager vs Judas Icarus

LPW Grand Championship

Where will Zoe’s head be heading into the match? Did TY win and now she’s looking past Judas? Did Reid win and now she’s questioning his loyalties? Maybe Reid was so beat up after what I expect to be a war that he can’t be at ringside? Or, it’s entirely possible the status quo happens and Reid is right where he needs to be? No matter what, Zoe Sager needs to be ready for Judas, as he’s not only debuting here in LPW, but he’s hungry to make a splash his first night here. As he and I talked about for the LPW over on our Patreon, you have to wonder if watching his brother in Sovereign, Travis Williams, come up short last month will be a factor in his game plan. You know he picked his brain. 

Zoë has proven time and time again that she comes out on top no matter what the cost, and she shouldn’t be slept on as Grand Champion. Judas has a style, and his uniqueness can present a real problem for Sager even with a fully healthy Matthews at ringside. As I talked with Judas about, he doesn’t care if it’s 2 on 1 or 100 on 1, he plans to leave LPW 19 as the new Grand Champion.

If only it was that easy. Come hell or high water, I think the numbers game will be just too much for Icarus to overcome and Sager’s historic reign will continue to LPW 20.

Speedball Mike Bailey vs. Michael Richard Blais

Yes, you read that correctly: SPEEDBALL VS GOD’S GIFT TO PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING. I couldn’t be more excited to see two of not only Canada’s best but two of the best wrestlers in the world go one-on-one! 

Speedball comes into this matchup firing on all cylinders as one of the top wrestlers across the indies and one of the stars of Impact Wrestling. He’s been very complimentary of his opponent MRB, who in his words is “a champion carrying the weight of the scene on his back” as he said to our own Zak Ralph over on YouTube.

For MRB, this match has to mean so much to him. While he’s not the household name Speedball is, MRB has been on an impressive run himself, making stops at GCW, DEFY, and just a little 8-hour Gauntlet Match to celebrate 20 years in the business. And while Speedball mentioned having a whole scene on MRB’s back, you know MRB feels that added pressure without it being spoken into existence. You can’t talk about Western Canadian professional wrestling without mentioning MRB. He is, in a lot of ways, the face of LPW as he has been the standard here since day 1. So the pressure is on MRB to come out on top, for not only him but Western Canada and LPW. A win over Speedball turns quite a few heads, especially for those who may not know MRB and just how special he is.

So while Speedball may be the favorite in this absolute dream matchup in LPW, he’d better indeed strike first and strike often because, for MRB, this is a scene-defining and career-changing opportunity. If Speedball slips up ever so slightly MRB will be ready to have his hand raised in victory! 

Asking me to pick this matchup is like asking Mrs. Pluggo to pick between her favorite Christmas trees. Well, I’m a professional, so I’ll do my best here. I’m going with MRB putting the team on his back, so to speak, and stunning Speedball Mike Bailey!

And if that wasn’t enough to get you excited for LPW 19. All this sure-to-be fantastic wrestling will be called by none other than Big Bad Boris and Veda Scott. I know right? Talk about a dream commentary team!!!

Either way, friends, we the fans win because that main event has nothing but bangers written all over it. Not to mention, this entire card from top to bottom is loaded with great talent, passion, and a desire to steal the show at Speedball Strikes First. If this written preview wasn’t enough to get you ready for Friday night, you can head over to Love Wrestling on YouTube and check out the LPW 19 Preview show I did with Big Bad Boris and Blair Pacheco! As always, friends, you can catch me every Thursday night at 8 p.m. on Between Two Beards with JPJ and Saturday Mornings with Blair Pacheco on For Exposure.

See you all next month for LPW 20!

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LPW 17: Violence! Violence! Violence! Preview

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

We’re coming off the heels of LPW 16, which was an incredible night for the promotion, which of course you know we had to top this month. As my excitement built up as the LPW 17 card was announced, I said, ‘Let’s do it up again!’ and decided to get my preview on.

On Friday, July 28, at the Rec Room in Edmonton, Alberta, it’s LPW 17. It’s Violence! Violence! Violence! time, and while Paramore might be in the business of Misery, here at LPW are in the business of putting on kick-ass wrestling shows. This card is shaping up to do just that. So let me stop the rambling and dive headfirst into the absurdly stacked card, full of bad blood, intrigue, and title matches!

Any way you slice this one, there is a lot of intrigue for this first-ever match type in LPW. Can Zoe escape again as LPW Champion? Will Gigi Rey get her win back in a massive way? Will Reid Matthews become the #1 Contender to Zoe’s Title? All I know is on the surface, this has LPW Match of the Year potential written all over it. 

Son of Irish(c) vs Amir Jordan

Challenge Championship Match

I feel like every month I say “this is Irish’s toughest challenge to date,” this month I truly think it is. No disrespect to my new friend Mitch Clarke, but Jordan is heading to Canada and looking to make a statement. What better way to do that than to come in and go after LPW Gold?

The Former NXT UK Star had high praise for Son Of Irish, even comparing him to his younger self during his recent interview with JPJ during the LPW Show.

Son of Irish has his hands full this month, but it’s nothing Irish hasn’t seen before, as the fan favorite will look to continue his winning ways. Dare I say, Amir might just become the fifth Challenge Champion in LPW history and get his Canadian tour kicked off in a big, big way. Oh, hell, that’s what I’m saying. #ANDNEW baby!!

Berat Gorani vs Shaun Moore

Look, I’m not the smartest person on the planet, but I do know you don’t mess with Shaun Moore without expecting a beatdown in response. Well Berat, my friend, that’s exactly what Shaun will be looking to do this month. What got us here, you may be asking? Our new LPW Tag Team Champions took it upon themselves to attack his partner, Fil Deadly, after their massive win over the former champs, the RADz. While Shaun was calling his shot in this wide-open tag division, Shabaz and Goroni struck, sending a message that they won’t be messed with as champions.

If it was me, I’d give Deadly and Moore the shot outright, but this is a wonderful consolation prize for Moore. He can get his hands on Berat, and a win would virtually guarantee he then would get a shot at the champs for Tag Team Gold. I fully expect Violence…Violence…Violence (I said it again) from Moore to set up a must-see Tag Team Championship fight in the future. 

Jack Pride(c) vs TJ Cannon vs Marz The Specialist vs Rich King vs Larry Woods vs TY Jackson vs Michael Richard Blais vs Steven Crowe

LPW Scramble Championship Match

Yes friends, you read that correctly, Jack Pride is defending their LPW Scramble Championship against seven other competitors. And yes, those competitors are all members of the three top factions in LPW. 

Se7en, The RADz and The Clandestine Society have been at each others throats since Se7en exploded onto the scene. It all came to a head last month at LPW 16, when chaos ensued during the Se7en vs Clandestine Society six-person tag match. When the RADz got involved as a little payback from Se7en costing them their tag match against Deadly and Moore, it got so chaotic that the match ended in a no contest and the teams had to be separated heading into an intermission to calm all the teams down. So Spencer made it official that we will try and settle this once and for all and he threw all three teams in a match against one another. Talk about the possibilities.

Could we see a Rich King teaming up with TJ Cannon to get an advantage on MRB? What about MRB and Pride, who have a history together; will they coexist if need be to get that advantage? The possibilities here are endless. The RADz have stated that if one of them wins, they all win; is that true of the other two teams in the match? Will Se7en be able to keep past in-house issues from coming back up? There are a lot of combustible parts in this powder keg of a Scramble match. 

So dare I try and make sense of all of this? Should I make a pick? Who leaves LPW 17 as Scramble champion? Even with all the odds stacked heavily against themselves, I’ve got to lean with Jack Pride, the man of two minds. There’s just an edge about them that seems to thrive in these type of situations. Not to mention, when push comes to shove, I think they are willing to go the furthest to secure the win. So in my opinion, Love Wrestling, get the #ANDSTILL graphic ready to go. 

Reid Matthews vs Travis Williams vs Michael Richard Allen Clark vs Jared Rodgers vs El Asesino

#1 Contenders Gauntlet Match

For the 1st time in LPW history, the #1 Contendership will be decided in a gauntlet matchup. Whoever draws #1 in the match will have to outlast the other five opponents to win, so placement is key. 

Each one of these competitors would be a fine challenger to whoever escapes the 3 Stages of Hell between Zoe Sager and Gigi Rey. 

I’d absolutely love the idea of Reid Matthews becoming the #1 Contender to Zoe’s Title – talk about some major intrigue. For MARC, coming off the only Grand Championship title shot of all the contenders, you know he’s itching to be back. 

Travis Williams is back in LPW and every time he’s at the Rec Room, a banger is almost a certainty. He looks like a million bucks and has found a new groove that has me feeling it could be his night. 

Jared Rodgers, or the wily vet, as we have dubbed him here at Love Wrestling, is coming off the biggest upset in LPW history over Sebastian Wolfe last month. What better way to build off that momentum than to score the biggest win in his short career? 

El Asesino has the least amount of LPW experience amongst the challengers, but hanging your hat on that would be doing this incredibly talented individual an injustice. His unique offensive style could play to his advantage against the field. Plus anyone who can go blow for blow with Shaun Moore like he he did at LPW can’t be slept on. 

Like I said, any one of the five would be a fantastic challenger for the Grand Championship. If I was picking, and that’s exactly what I’m doing here, I’ll take Reid Matthews. Number one, I think it’s the most interesting move whether Zoe wins or loses, plus, I think Reid is due for a big moment. 

Jazmin Allure(c) vs Taylor Rising

GCWA Championship Match

What a big-time matchup we have here, friends. Two of the wrestling scene’s most well-traveled and talented competitors going one-on-one for the first time in an LPW. All I can say is, LET’S GO!! 

Taylor Rising has been here before and knows just what it takes to win when you step into an LPW ring, as she came up just short of beating Zoe Sager at LPW 10. With that under her belt and that understanding that one big win can catapult you into the Grand Championship scene, Don’t believe me? Well, I talked to Taylor for the LPW show, which you can find right here on our Patreon page!

Jazmin Allure is making her debut at Violence! Violence! Violence! and is so confident she will be putting up her GCWA Women’s Championship. Talk about a way to turn some heads in your debut. Jazmin has no plans of losing her title, as she discussed with Blair over on the LPW Show, but Taylor will be ready and willing to snatch that title up and make her way to the Grand Championship here in LPW. This one, friends, will be must-see TV and a big-time candidate for the match of the night. So if I’m forced to make a pick, I’ll stick to my pick I made on For Exposure – Taylor Rising will rise to the occasion.

Zoe Sager (c) vs Gigi Rey

3 Stages of Hell LPW Grand Championship Match

A feud rooted so deep, it needed not one, not two, but three stages of hell to settle this issue. Let’s be honest here, it may not even settle it, but damn it Zoe Sager and Gigi Rey are surely going to try.

For those wondering, the three stages will consist of a normal match, a submission match, and a ladder match.

Zoe Sager continues to impress as Grand Champion, even if her last defense against TY Jackson ended in some controversy. The RADz have been incredibly vocal about their unhappiness with the decision. Nonetheless, Sager has continued time and time again to find a way to keep that belt around her waist.

In steps Gigi Rey, who finally got the big win she had been looking for in LPW last month against Shazza McKenzie. The history with her runs deep; Gigi even tried to talk some sense into Zoe early on. Zoe was having none of it and the bad blood ended up in a match at LPW 7, and with the help of Reid Matthews, Zoe escaped victorious. The stakes are at an all-time high with the Grand Championship on the line and a rejuvenated Gigi Rey as her opponent. You have to factor in Matthews, who is always an X factor with Zoe. Matthews will have had a #1 Contenders match for this very title – will that be in the back of Zoe’s mind?

If I have to pick, my heart says Gigi, the crowd favorite, gets a massive win at LPW 17. That said, I just can’t go against Zoe Sager right now. She continues to find a way to get it done no matter the odds.

There you have it, friends: Your LPW 17 preview is in the books. I cannot wait for what looks to be another historic night in LPW as we have a few firsts, combustible elements, and most importantly Violence! Violence! Violence! We will see everyone at 9 p.m. Eastern on Twitch.TV/LoveWrestlingCA.

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