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Pluggo’s Top Five of the Week

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

Those who know me know I love me some Notre Dame football and would gladly talk about the fact the we are going to the ‘ship after beating Penn State in the College Football Playoff semifinals Thursday night, but I won’t. I promise not to mention that all the haters said we don’t belong or can’t hang with teams who play in conferences. This is a wrestling website so I will not do that, either. I definitely won’t gush over how much this team has grown up before our eyes this season and are one win away from a national championship. Don’t worry, I’m not going to go there. 

Instead let’s travel through the week that was. – and boy, it was a big one – and talk about the five things that stood out to me: 

Kenny Omega is Back! 

The Cleaner made his in-ring return at Wrestle Kingdom against Gabe Kidd. Sure we can debate if this was the right spot for Omega to return, but you should just let their match speak for itself. A match of the year contender a week into the year isn’t a bad way to return. Then on Wednesday, Dynamite Kenny announced he’s cleared to compete in AEW and will be taking on Brian Cage next week. I for one can’t wait for what 2025 has in store for Omega. The wrestling world is a far better place with Kenny Omega wrestling in it. 

Giulia Wins NXT Womens Championship!

The Beautiful Madness finally reached the top of the NXT Mountain Tuesday night, beating Roxanne Perez and ending her historic title reign. Giulia is a fantastic choice to dethrone Roxanne. I was very high on the idea that Giulia should have beaten Perez on the CW NXT debut episode but I’m more than ok with them waiting a few months to pull the trigger. Now one has to wonder what’s next for Giulia, as the NXTWomens roster is absolutely loaded. 

RAW Is Netflix!

I honestly could have just made my top 5 this entire show, but what would have been the fun in that? The WWE debuted RAW Jan. 6 on Netflix in a big way. From the opening segment about the history of WWE, The Rock, John Cena and Undertaker all making appearances, to CM Punk standing tall at the end, it was a home run. Mami is back on top, Cena is Rumble-bound and Travis Scott sparked up during Jey Usos entrance. This show had it all! Plus the endless parade of celebrities in attendance topped by none other than Topanga and that other guy….IYKYK. 

All in all a great way to start off this new era of WWE programming. 

Ethan Page Meets The Rock!

The Rock took his talents to NXT and had some really fun moments throughout the night. None more fun than his interaction with All Ego Ethan Page while talking to Ava backstage about his recent transgressions aka Je’Von Evan’s Jaw. The Rock appears and lets age know he may be the Final Boss but around NXT Ava and if he wants them to be cool, he’d better not mess with her. 

Very cool moment for Page, I’d have to imagine. All Ego held his own and looked like he belonged in that spot. Side note: if that doesn’t show just how high the WWE is on Page I don’t know what does. I mean, hell, on RAW the night The Rock had segments Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes and we all know how they are doing amongst the hierarchy of the WWE. So looks like the sky is the limit for All Ego.

AJ Francis vs BDE at Revolver!

Wrestling Revolver VYBE Check took place this past Thursday and AJ Francis FMA Top Dolla took on BDE, who is most known for his content creation. Sure, I know what you’re thinking. A gimmick match against a YouTuber? Let me finish, AJ Francis has been on a run as of late. Most of you associate him with his run in WWE and how it ended. That all said Francis has refined himself and is putting on some great stuff. Also shoutout to BDE, who came up short but put up a great fight. 

First my guy MuscleMan Malcom and now BDE, which content creator is next? I will officially take my hat out of the ring Mr. Francis, sir. 

Honorable Mention

Harley Cameron, who just makes me laugh every time she’s on my TV screen and Wednesday night was no different. The Hot Girl Graps line popped me. She’s not leaning into “being hot” in a distasteful way, it’s a clever and very smart way. HarleyCameron and Mariah May play so well off each other. Plus I think Harley would appreciate the Honorable Mention spot more than just some random number!

Another week down and another Top 5 in the books. Tune in next week for my latest top 5. Wrestling is showing no signs of slowing down and either will I. Until next week, bye!!!

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Pluggo’s Top 5 of the Week

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo


New Year, new me? Well, I don’t know about all that, but I’m definitely going to try and write more this year. I love getting an opportunity to put pen to paper, so to speak. So going into 2025, let’s make that happen. I plan on dropping my weekly top 5 moments of the week. Now before we get too deep in the weeds, this list is not ranked 1-5 and I also can’t weight everything so this is simply 5 or so things (who knows, I might get crazy some weeks) that I watch over the previous week that I liked and stood out to me. In 2025 I want to highlight my favorites and not lean so much on the negatives (I have other outlets for that).

So let’s jump right in to my Top 5 moments from the week: 

Women Shine at AEW Worlds End!

Mercedes Moné put her TBS Championship on the line vs Kris Statlander in a rematch from Full Gear. I was skeptical that they would be able to replicate their classic from just a month prior, but they absolutely did. 

I thought the longest women’s match in AEW history, just under 25 minutes, was their best performances yet. Statlander and Mone have incredible chemistry with each other. This was, in my opinion, the best match either one has had in AEW. 

AEW really feels like they are turning a corner with the women’s division and if they keep putting on matches like this and Mariah May and Thunder Rosa from earlier in the night, 2025 could be a banner year for the women of AEW. 

I can’t wait for round 3! 

CM Punk and Seth Rollins Promo from RAW

Talk about a great way to end a show. Sure, traditionally speaking, you’d want to end your show with a huge main event match. That said, this was a masterpiece segment to end the RAW on USA Network era. Both Punk and Rollins put everything on the table and held no verbal punches. I’m honestly surprised they didn’t come to blows prior to next week’s huge match up on Netflix. 

From Punk asking Seth if The Man (Becky Lynch” took her ball and went home to Seth saying “With fire in my eyes and rage in my heart, I will burn you to the ground” it was a great back and forth and you should definitely check it out. 

Omos Wins Tag Team Gold in Pro Wrestling Noah

Where has Omos been? We haven’t seen the Giant in WWE since early last year. Well, he kicked off 2025 by showing up in NOAH and winning the GHC Tag Team Championships with Jack Morris. 

I’m a huge fan of chaos in my pro wrestling. If Omos winning NOAH Gold as a WWE contracted wrestler is how we are starting 2025, boy are we in for a wild year! 

Iyo Sky vs Lyra Valkyria Semi Finals of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship 

This for me was the best match of either Women’s championship tournament. You could tell both Iyo and Lyra said “Let’s go out there and steal the whole show,” and in terms of a wrestling match they did just that. I’ve been very happy with how the WWE has handled these Inaugural Women’s championship tournaments. Every match has gotten time and shown just what these competitors can do. I personally was pulling for Iyo to get the win and face her Damage CNTRL partner Dakota Kai – I’m a sucker for inner faction friction – but don’t get me wrong, Lyra and Dakota will kill it in the finals and either outcome will be the right decision for your first ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion. 

It’s Finally TIffy Time!

On the 1st three-hour Smackdown they pulled out all the stops. Big matches and big angles being set up on a blue canvas. How did you feel about that? Drop a comment. I dug it all, even the canvas after I got used to it. Nothing though was bigger than Tiffany Stratton finally making the decision to cash in on Nia Jax to become your new WWE Womens Champion. This storyline between Stratton and Nia Jax has been one of the best in the WWE. The way Tiffany played both sides of the fence was brilliant. Over the past few weeks she started to show her true intentions and took the opportunity after Nia Jax retained in a great match against Naomi. 

As much as the MITB storyline is now finished, how Nia Jax will handle the betrayal of Tiffany Stratton will be appointment viewing in the first couple of months in 2025. 

Thank you checking out my first article of the new year. Did you agree with my 5 or do you think I missed something? Let me know in the comments. We will see you next week where I fully expect there to be some major moneys with RAW on Netflix, AEW streaming on Max and hopefully a Notre Dame win in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff

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Athena. THE Women’s Champion Right Now.

by Omar MA
written by Omar MA

August 20th, 2016. The time when we’re in the middle of “the greatest summer ever” according to Zoomers like myself until you find out that from May 1 to Sept. 12 of that year, nearly 15,000 daily records for warmest lows were set in the United States alone, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data. Great!  

It was also the year that the second NXT: Takeover Brooklyn show took place and ya boy was as hyped as seeing Ricardo Calafiori’s goal against Man City a few months ago. It was *a chef’s kiss*.

What makes the show a chef’s kiss is the entire card itself and the highlights. Asuka vs Bayley, PEAK Tye Dillinger hype, remember TM61?, Authors of Pain, another DIY vs Revival classic, BOBBY ROODEUH, Shinsuke Nakamura winning a major title (laughable statement in 2024).

One of the highlights was the debut of Ember Moon. The music from It Lives, It Breathes, the fantasy aesthetic with hood on looking like my rogue playthrough character in Dragon Age: Veil-guard.

That entrance as well as her finisher made me appreciate her right away as someone who hasn’t watched her previous work in the indies. She just had that “cool” factor that grabbed me instantaneously.

Her success in NXT (having banger matches, especially with Asuka and being an NXT women’s champion) didn’t translate well in the main roster because it’s the norm of 2010s WWE.

Even after her WWE release and joining all elite wrestling, she struggled a bit particularly in the promo side of things (one hundo pee anyone?) Fortunately, AEW played to her strengths which is delivering great match after great match after great match after great match. 

And winning the ROH women’s championship just solidified her stance as the women’s champion right now. Let me highlight one example

Her story with Billie Starkz is one of the most compelling stories because it’s a mentor and mentoree who are both trying to prove themselves. It’s a textbook case of why simplicity (in the case of telling a story) thrives in professional wrestling. 

Their match at the ROH final battle? My fallen goddess, what a match! 

There are many reasons why this match slaps harder than a Gunther chop. Athena vs Billie Starkz was a storytelling, thrilling and physical encounter which told the continued narrative between the two. The bout focused on a professional rivalry which created a fierce base of betrayal, power, and passion. It featured powerful back-and-forth jabs, intense strikes and a truly breathtaking tempo, making a viewer feel the risk at any given moment. Raw emotions from the performers made the match intense. To be honest, I was rooting for Billie Starkz, especially as someone who, like Starkz, is the young hungry mentoree trying to prove myself day in and day out. Athena and Billie Starkz did a phenomenal job of building off each other and turning in fantastic shifts of moments that’ll remember fondly as a wrasslin fan.

The writing of the women’s division in WWE (main roster speaking) hasn’t been their strong suit for quite some time so I’m glad that an alternative; an entity like AEW shows how you can book a solid women’s division despite their history of not booking the women’s division right. 

And Athena being the ROH women’s champion for 50 days played a huge role in that.

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WWE Clash at the Castle Preview

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

Clash at The Castle goes down Saturday from Scotland and I can’t wait. So I said to myself, “Why should LPW get all the fun? Let me preview this bad boy!” So, sorry to my regular monthly readers who want me to say something mean about Berat Gorani; that will have to wait till next week. 

Anyway, the WWE has been cooking this year, especially with their overseas PLEs. From the matches to the crowds, it always feels so special watching the WWE outside American soil. From what I saw today on SmackDown, the Scottish fans have understood the assignment and will do their damnedest to be the crowd of the year. So before I forget my assignment and go off on tangents that have nothing to do with Clash at the Castle, let’s get to the preview: 

WWE World Heavyweight Championship 

Damian Priest (c) vs Drew McIntyre

Is it time for Drew to have a run with the title that lasts more than 5 minutes? Yeah, I think so. It’s possible this was all part of the plan – to get McIntyre to Scotland to win in front of his home country. 

Drew has easily been one of the hottest acts in the WWE, and his beef with CM Punk has been boiling over for months now. The only way I can see Drew losing is CM Punk getting involved, which would be nuclear heat on Punk. I can’t imagine that’s what WWE wants right now. 

For Damian Priest, he has been a fine champion since cashing in at WrestleMania vs Drew. Henry has a whole set of issues brewing outside of this match. The Judgement Day is reeling since Rhea Ripley has been gone. Priest has done what he can to keep it together, but with Liv Morgan systematically tearing down The Judgement Day, will we see her interject herself here, costing Damian his title? The goal is to completely destroy everything Rhea, and Damian is on that list. Watch out for Finn Balor as well. He hasn’t quite been on board with the JD as of late. This all said, I can see a lot of shenanigans happening during this contest, but ultimately at the end of the day we will hear “AND NEW” and McIntyre will be holding gold in front of his home country. 

Undisputed WWE Championship Match 

Cody Rhodes (c) vs AJ Styles 

I’m a sucker for a Mark Henry Moment. So thank you AJ Styles, for putting your best suit and giving me that. Also, thank you Cody, for taking the bait and giving Styles another shot for the title. That match they had at Backlash was absolutely incredible and on my list for match of the year. 

So here we are in an “I Quit” Match and I love this match type. A lot can go down in these matches, but two men so pissed at one another they want to take the other down for the 10 count, just adds so much more to it.

Cody needs to keep his head on a swivel, as certainly Styles isn’t coming alone. Gallows and Anderson are a shoo-in to get involved. Will Cody have some friends in case it’s 3 on 1, or will super Cody retain his title? 

I’m going with Rhodes to retain, and I know it’s probably the end of the story, but I wouldn’t hate a 3rd round between these two.

Intercontinental Championship 

Sami Zayn (c) vs Chad Gable 

Talk about the storyline I’ve been most invested in. To steal a line from Almost Famous, “It’s All Happening!” Gable has been on fire since turning on Sami Zayn after helping coach Zayn to a victory over Gunther at WrestleMania. 

If you aren’t going to pull the trigger on a Gable IC title now, then when? The story of him systematically breaking down the Alpha Academy to attempt to build them back up has been incredibly well done but a tad long. A positive of that is Otis is at his breaking point and is ready to explode. I can’t wait for that pop when he’s takes his frustration out on Gable. 

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So all the love in the world to Sami Zayn – he’s been a fine fine champion – but all I want on Saturday is Chad Gable to ask Otis to do something sketchy, Otis resisting, Gable wins anyway and stares Otis down, then Monday night during his celebration, Otis cleans Gable’s clock, setting up Otis and Gable for the IC Title at SummerSlam. Can we please make that happen Trips? 

WWE Women’s Championship

Bayley (c) vs Piper Niven 

Predictable doesn’t mean it’s bad. All I’m hearing is “Bayley is going to win,” or “Why book this match?” How about because Piper Niven rules! I think we often forget just how talented she is in the ring. Sure, some more story would be awesome. That said, you know what else is awesome? GREAT MATCHUPS! So let’s all relax, sit back, and trust that Bayley and Niven will put in a great match. And we will get Chelsea Green on a PLE, which is always great. 

Bayley will retain and be serenaded by the Scottish fans. What did you think, that I would go out on a limb here and pick against Bayley? Come on now! 

Women’s Tag Team Championship 

Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill (c) vs Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark vs Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn 

There’s a massive target on Belair & Cargill and rightfully so, as they have dominated since winning the titles – so much so that Baszler & Stark are the number one contenders. But that didn’t stop Dawn & Frye from involving themselves in the mix, which to no one’s surprise has been a 4 on 2 affair for the most part. 

Maybe that’s the idea – get Belair & Cargill into triple threats and fatal four ways. I don’t see them losing anytime soon. They have a real shot to go down as the most dominant women’s tag team of all time, so this should be no different. I say all that also knowing the Womens Tag Division feels like its about to hit a massive stride and the team that potentially beats Belair and Cargill will be taking over a division that is better than they found it. 

Sure, it feels very predictable on the surface but these 5-6 match cards have proven to be wildly successful and a great Saturday afternoon watch. God, do I love me some afternoon wrestling. Join in the conversation and let me know what match you are looking forward to and who, you’ve got winning at the Castle! As always keep it right here for more awesome writing from all of your fave Love Wrestling creators! 

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You Should Better Thank Matt Cardona.

by Omar MA
written by Omar MA

March 8, 2024. The day that WWE surpassed 100 Million Subscribers on YouTube. It only took some bad writing at times, corporate monopoly and racism. Congrats, I guess.

That same day, Xavier Woods aka Austin Creed aka Rasheed Lucius Creed (Check out my piece on the guy), posted this on the site formerly known as Twitter.

And you know what? He’s justified to feel that way. Why? Well, Matt Cardona aka Zack Ryder aka former women’s tag team title belt holder aka menace of the Indies aka the man behind the hit 2013 single Hoeski (at least he’s got more music hits than whoever came up with the song “Wasting My Time”. The name is fitting given it’s as plain and default as it gets for a song), employed social media strategically in furthering his career thus reaching the fans, more so when his television time was cut short.

But before I talk about how the Long Island Iced Z revolutionised storytelling in pro wrestling through social media, I’ll briefly summarise his wrestling career up until that point. Matt Cardona started wrestling in the ring in 2004 but signed with WWE in 2006.

He began performing in the WWE in 2007 in the Major Brothers tag team with Curt Hawkins. They aligned themselves with Edge later that year and unlike Edge who’s Rated R superstar, they were rated G for generic white guys at that moment of their careers. In 2009 he got repackaged as Zack Ryder in ECWW which portrayed him as a character clearly inspired by Pauly D from the Jersey Shore, with new characteristics like spiky hair, wearing headbands and the catchphrase “woo woo woo, you know it”.

Around late 2010, Ryder wasn’t utilised on television like that so he did what he thought was the best route possible for his career, make YouTube videos and thus “Z! True Long Island Story” was born. Zack did that to communicate with the fans in a way that wasn’t the norm on WWE television at that time. Twitter, Facebook (back when it wasn’t the unc platform), and YouTube presence give him a large following which led to the constant “We Want Ryder” at the WWE shows. This fan support led to more television time, and Cardona won the WWE United States Championship defeating Dolph Ziggler in December 2011 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (they used YouTube to build the storyline around, by the way). That showed a clear statement that a wrestler, who was struggling to be noticed, could achieve.

2012 was the supposed “end of the world” and unfortunately, so was Zack Ryder’s push because that dude hasn’t been the same since getting stuck in lower mid-card purgatory. Ever since he was released by WWE in 2020, the man formerly known as Zack Ryder became an Indy GOD by winning more championships than Tottenham ever did (a sentence I never thought I would say 5 years ago but that should tell you how awful Spurs are as a team).

Now, you’re probably reading the title and asking yourself, “Why should I thank Matt Cardona?” Well, it’s a simple reason, his use of social media. WWE’s further push to their digital expansion as a result of Cardona’s YouTube show “Z! True Long Island Story,” has showcased the potential of digital platforms for the medium to tell a simple story which is professional wrestling’s greatest asset.

WWE responded by investing heavily in its digital content, expanding its YouTube presence and creating original content for audiences. All of that has led to the enhancement of their brands and the fostering of a more engaged fanbase than ever before. If you want a recent example, Just look at The Rock’s various video promos going into his feud with Cody Rhodes and Seth “hoping he’s not bald” Rollins.

That strategy even went beyond Titan Towers. Remember Kenny Omega vs “current Fuck That Wanker champion” Chris Jericho in NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom? That entire feud was set up on Twitter through a series of back-and-forth tweets.

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On and all, Matt Cardona’s successful use of social media, particularly YouTube, significantly influenced WWE and the entire wrestling business’ digital engagement strategy. His “Z! True Long Island Story” showcased the power of social media in building a personal brand and engaging with fans through what was at the time, a unique avenue to do it. Cardona’s story demonstrates how digital platforms can empower wrestlers to influence their careers.

All I’m saying is that you should. Better. Thank. Matt. Cardona.

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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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Get to Know: Matt Viviani

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

This week you are in for a real treat as I got the opportunity to sit down with the Prime Minister of Canada Matt Viviani. It’s not often I let politics and wrestling mix but when you have the the opportunity to chat with the man who sits atop Parliament Hill by way of Montreal, you take that opportunity every single time! We get up close and personal with the Prime Minister chatting his start in the business, How Becoming Prime Minister has changed his life and much more. So without further ado let’s Get to Know and more importantly find out why a Vote for Matt Viviani is a Vote for Canada!

At what moment did you realize you wanted to be in the Wrestling business? 

Ever since I watched wrestling on TV as a kid. Creating myself on the PS1 Smackdown games and winning all the titles.

How did you get started in Wrestling?

I joined up with the IWS Dojo in June 2017 after watching the WWE UK tournament. I saw an ad that Pete Dunne was coming to the IWS dojo for a seminar, and signed up a week later.  

Who would you say is your biggest influence in wrestling?

I can’t narrow it down to just one person. I’d have to say Edge, Chris Jericho, Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero, Triple H, and Kurt Angle. 

It’s hard to just have one favorite wrestler. Who is on your Mount Rushmore of Wrestling?

Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero, Kurt Angle, and Triple H

Who is currently your favorite wrestler?

A tie between Seth Rollins and Gunther

What one match of yours that you are most proud of?  

I’d have to say my match with Green Phantom from IWS Hardcore Heat 2023. It was the match that officially kicked off my run as the Prime Minister by winning the IWS Canadian championship. It also had tables, chairs, thumbtacks, and blood!

Since becoming Prime Minister of Canada how has life changed for Matt Viviani?

I’ve realized that Prime Ministers don’t really do anything and always get great parking spots. So uh, thanks Canada! I will continue to represent our country worldwide! Also, being called Mr. Prime Minister is always a nice bonus.

Who would you want to face in your dream match? 

Eddie Guerrero. However, for one that is still possible, Chris Jericho.

Who’s that up and coming wrestler no one is talking about but should be?

Dante Dubois and Tyler Nox from the IWS Dojo. Both have very bright futures.

What advice do you have for anyone thinking about getting into wrestling? 

Stop thinking about it and just do it, or else you’ll waste your youth and regret it later on.

Favorite venue you have performed in?

I’d say it’s a tie between MTelus and Olympia theatre in Montreal. Both are fantastic venues.

What’s your prematch routine or superstitions? 

I tend to pace around backstage and run through the match in my mind to see if I can make any last second adjustments.

I’m sure the car rides are long so what’s on your play list? 

Literally any wrestling podcast. If there’s a wrestling podcast, chances are I’ve listened to at least one episode. 

What’s your favorite Wrestling Podcast?

“Kliq this” with Kevin Nash.

What food spot are you hitting up while on the road? What are you ordering? 

I ain’t picky, so wherever we stop. Can’t go wrong with the classic McDonald’s stop. If it’s McDonald’s, I’m going with the quarter pounder and a large fry. 

What do you say to the people who say wrestling is fake? 

Try getting in there, you stupid b****. Then come talk to me.

What is the one thing you would change about the wrestling business? 

I wish people would worry less about getting their moves over, and more about getting themselves over. Wrestling is about telling stories and taking the audience for a ride filled with ups and downs. The moves are simply a device used to tell the story. Less is more! 

If you weren’t in the wrestling business what would you be doing?

Wishing I was in the wrestling business. But who knows, maybe pursuing competitive gaming?

What is your favorite video game right now and what is your all time favorite? 

Right now I’d have to say the Mass Effect trilogy. All time it would be a tie between Ghost of Tsushima and GTA V.

You are the self proclaimed King of Mario Kart, who’s your favorite racer and track to run on?

Favorite character would be Bowser Jr. Although I have been using Kamek pretty frequently since his addition to the game. Favorite course would have to be Waluigi Pinball.

What are your goals for 2024? 

To keep up the momentum I’ve gained since winning the IWS Canadian championship. After going to Philly for Wrestlemania weekend and competing in several matches, I’d definitely like to head out to the US a little more this year. 

When it’s time to hang them up, what do you hope people will say about your wrestling career? 

That I was memorable and entertaining and that they want to buy up all my merchandise.

Where can the fans see you perform next? 

You can see me perform on May 4th for IWS Freedom to Fight as I defend my Canadian championship against “Flying” Frank Milano

For people who have never caught an IWS show what are they in-store for on May 4th at Freedom to Fight on Thriller+? 

They are in store for just about anything and everything. There are no rules in the IWS, so matches tend to get pretty wild. Every championship will be on the line on May 4th. We have indy legends like Sexxxy Eddy and the Green Phantom on the card to name a few. We’ve got wrestlers of multiple ethnicities on our roster, including members of the LGBT community. Everyone who attends this show live will be a part of the upcoming IWS documentary by Generation Iron which will be on Netflix and Prime video. Be sure not to miss this night full of action which will include an intergender match, a 4 way tag team match, a heavyweight main event, and much much more!

What can the fans expect when they come out and see you live in person? 

They can expect me to do literally anything I can to beat my opponent and for me to heckle them into buying my merch. 

Where can fans go to follow you on Social Media? 

You can find me on all socials at: @MattViviani91

This Message was brought to you and approved by The People for Matt Viviani. I can’t thank Matt enough for his time. Make sure you follow him on all his socials and catch him live in the ring when he comes to a town near you! As always keep it lock here for your Latest Get To Knows featuring your favorite independent wrestlers from across the globe.

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Professional wrestling rules. Here’s why.

by Omar MA
written by Omar MA

Think about the greatest arcs in the history of fiction. 

Jesse Pinkman being freed from the Jack Welker’s gang thanks to Walter White at the end of Breaking Bad, Zuko’s series long redemption arc in Avatar Last Airbender and of course, a great science fiction movie that explores freedom, resilience and overcoming great odds. 

I’m of course talking about the 2000 classic, Battlefield: Earth. 

Fortunately, professional wrestling has some of that freedom, resilience and overcoming great odds. It’s basically the entire arc of a racist man named Terry. 

Lucky for me, I don’t have to do that but I will describe two of the best wrestling arcs that had a profound impact on where I was in life. 

Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker. Wrestlemania 26. Streak vs Career. 

You’re probably asking yourself, “why not the original match aka Royal Rumble 1998 in a casket match?” 

Well, it’s definitely because you thought that I was going to talk about a match that led to a retirement for Shawn Michaels only to wrestle again several years later which involves Triple H. Just saying. 

Their encounter at Wrestlemania 25 ruled harder than the Achaemenid empire but what made the next match even better was Shawn Michaels’ relentless pursue into thinking that he can defeat The Undertaker because Mr Hickenbottom 

was this close in putting an end to Taker’s streak. 

That relentless purse is what I relate to. Several months ago I auditioned to be a host in a competition I’ve alway wanted to host in and risked everything to get to where I was. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it and to be quite honest with you, I wasn’t happy for a while.

Watching this match in hindsight taught me that sometimes the risks you’ll take will not pay off but that doesn’t mean your life is over. 

I mean look, 14 years later, Shawn is out here being head booker of the year by embracing black excellence and making sure that the NXT parking lot is the most dangerous place on Earth. 

Anything is possible when you realize yourself, “I am him”. 

Daniel Bryan against The Authority. Summerslam 2013 Till Wrestlemania 30. 

Look, I know that “authority” and Bryan Danielson is no longer an oxymoron and yes, Bryan winning the titles at Wrestlemania 30 was a response to the constant loud crowd reactions of him despite what some people would tell you that it was “designed all along” by WWE (yes, I’m supposed to believe that the same people that told Roman Reigns to say, “sniveling little suck-up sellout full of sufferin’ succotash” came up with a 8 month long compelling story). 

But, it was a great happy accident though. 

Wrestling works well when you improvise in the moment no matter how they’ve tried to make a match between a current world champion and a Hollywood actor work,  screwing their biggest babyface in the process only to blow it in their faces and make the right decision in the end. 

Surely, that would never happen again in 2024, right? 

Wit aside, this entire storyline is great mainly because it’s a good old fashioned underdog story. Seeing someone who isn’t the typical WWE mole succeed on that level is always a great feeling whether it’s Mick Foley’s in 1999 or 15 years later, Daniel Bryan. 

The main reason why it’s a great feeling is because it tells me that with determination and the belief in ourselves, we can achieve our goals. To quote the man himself, “fight for your dreams and if you fight for your dream, your dreams will fight for you”. 

On and all, I will never forget how this medium has transformed the power of storytelling inside the squared circle, where every twist and turns shapes not only the characters but as well as the hearts and minds of those who bear witness. 

Within these stories, I find echoes in my own trials and tribulations so much so that it connects with me as a fan in a deep level. 

In other words, I love pro wrestling and there’s no shame in that. 

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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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Kofi Kingston. Greatest of all time.

by Omar MA
written by Omar MA

“S.O.S. I hear them shoutin’
S.O.S. I hear them cryin’
S.O.S. I hear them callin”

The reason why I’m quoting the lyrics to Kofi’s old but gold theme song is that people either don’t know the lyrics or are still butchering the lyrics by saying something like “sos I hear them Shelton, sos I hear them Bryan” instead.

Like most people, I discovered Kofi Kingston through a series of vignettes which ends with the line in his Jamaican accent “there’s always trouble in paradise”. My man basically described the plot of Far Cry 3.

Usually, WWE would see a character outside of America and say, “Turn them heel right now” but throughout the pre-accent drop, Kofi was a babyface which is quite rare. It’s almost as rare as hearing “here’s your winner, Solo Sikoa”.

You gotta give him credit, he made me as a wee little lad convinced that he was as Jamaican as Adele.

He was exciting, defining, amazing and most importantly, unique that separates from the pack.

That last part is important as Kofi debuted in an era where you saw a lot of debuts that were forgettable.

So forgettable in fact that Wrestling With Wregret did a 3 part video documenting forgotten wrestlers (and you know it’s bad when your lasting legacy as a WWE wrestler from 2002 till 2008 is appearing on a YouTube video).

You know what wasn’t forgettable? The way he dropped his Jamaican accent on an episode of RAW leading to Bragging Rights. One of the rare moments where unpredictability in wrestling actually worked.

Unfortunately, what didn’t work was his big push in late 2009 (thanks Randall Keith) as he was stuck in midcard purgatory for years.

He did pop off again thanks to him being one of three members of the greatest faction of all time, The New Day (yea, I said it. The. Greatest. Faction. Of. All. Time).

February 12, 2019. Remember this date because it was the “lighting caught in a bottle” moment. That date was on an episode of Smackdown where Kingston participated in a gauntlet match to determine the last entrant in the Elimination Chamber match.

For context, due to an injury, Mustafa Ali was out of the Elimination Chamber match for the WWE title and was replaced by Mr 24/7 himself (Poor Ali. That dude was also going to grab the Money In The Bank briefcase until brook laser showed up and took it).

After eliminating the man formerly known as Daniel Bryan, Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe (aka 3 AEW guys), AJ Styles (the second last person in the gauntlet match) saw a beat up, exhausted Kofi and said to him, “You don’t have to do this, just stop, just stop, it’s all right.”

Kofi with a bit of fire and passion left in his body responded, “I’ve waited so long. Fight me!”

That line is what every single professional wrestler fights for. An opportunity. An opportunity where they can showcase themselves even if they’re a bit banged up because that chance ain’t never coming back and Kofi waited a decade to finally be in a WWE title picture.

I know the words “Corey Graves” and “best” don’t usually go well but he said it best, “There is no shame whatsoever in what Kofi Kingston just did.”

Kingston did eventually tap out to the Calf crusher but that entire performance was just the beginning for the Ghanaian native. The beginning of a movement where his name is inserted after the word mania aka Kofi-mania (no shit, Benoit Blanc).

That entire arc led to him winning the WWE championship at Wrestlemania 35 (in a very good match) in the best moment of the year and the way he lost the championship to Brock Lesnar several months later was the worst moment. Who would’ve thought the worst and best moment of 2019 both involved Kofi Kingston because creative, am I right?

I wish Kofi would go back to being a main event level act soon but a man can only dream.

Overall, Kofi Kingston is in the conversation of the greatest to ever do it mainly due to his 15 year long success in the world of professional wrestling showcasing his high-flying athleticism, exciting matches, charisma and most importantly, mastery in Tekken.

Let’s finish his old theme song lyrics shall we? “You woke up with a Batman, Rhea and Cena.

pharmacy

You run for day, cog nina way, I bring bullies that are so bad at English, shove a mega punch into my face, Little boy. It’s a Shane, what the Shane, you lose ya life. You want more more time. Tasneem is mine. Yerp bawling.”

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