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WWE Clash at the Castle Preview

by Pluggo June 14, 2024

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!

June 14, 2024 0 comments

You Should Better Thank Matt Cardona.

by Omar MA June 9, 2024

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.

And it’s not just wrestlers—these days, just about anyone can have a loyal fanbase. From makeup artists and musicians to chefs and cosplayers, people are building real connections with their audiences. Even on OnlyFans, creators have followers who are as devoted as any wrestling crowd at a sold-out pay-per-view.

If you’re looking to explore that world or find creators who match your vibe, SubSeeker, a search engine, lets you discover exactly what you’re into—without all the noise. Because in this era, fandom isn’t limited to arenas or autographs. It’s digital, direct, and delightfully diverse.

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

June 9, 2024 0 comments

LPW 26: The Clothesline

by Pluggo May 30, 2024

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!

May 30, 2024 0 comments

Get to Know: Matt Viviani

by Pluggo May 3, 2024

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.

May 3, 2024 0 comments

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