Savage Words: The Wrestlefudge Interview of The Savage Wolves

Several days ago, IYFWrestling.com announced that they would grant the request of IYFW Referee Dan Roberts and GIVE him a match against The Savage Wolves; in this case a singles contest against CJ Scott. When I sat down with the Wolves and entered that hostile environment BEFORE that announcement, their Christmas Special had just aired and their confidence was at an all time high.

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WF: Well... Two of the most divisive figures in In Your Face Wrestling. The Savage Wolves. Allow me to begin by reiterating that I am in no way affiliated with IYFW, LLC, their advertisers, holdings, and affiliates. I'm just a fan with an iPad, covering and promoting all things IYF. So... Please don't hurt me.

DR: We make no such promises.

WF: Thanks for taking the time out of your normally busy schedule of roughing people up and stealing their personal effects to share your views with other IYFW fans and readers of the blog. Obviously, I'm going to eventually ask you guys about your current dealings with IYFW management and it's talent, but first... Let's go back a bit. What got you guys into the business?

CJ: Well as with most guys you ask this question of, my answer is that I was a lifelong fan. I watched WWF, WCW, the occasional ECW when I could. And then one day a former friend of mine introduced me to IWS in Montreal. Upon going up there I quickly became involved with working the ring crew, moved up to timekeeping duties. It was there that I met Cloudy, who hooked me up with the man who would be my trainer. J.P. Black. I trained with him for a year before having my first match and haven’t looked back since.

DR: As for me, it’s more of the same, really. I was just 15 when CJ introduced me into the IWS. I began going to the shows as well. Watching their style made me want more than just the basic wrestling you’d see on the mainstream television. I feel the urge to perform differently than most people see when they see a wrestling show because of that.

WF: Now I need to ask... What road led you both to IYFW?

CJ: Well, in my case I was with IYFW from the very first show they ran. I was just a kid with a few matches under my belt when the company started up and JP brought me along with him.

DR: When In Your Face Wrestling was created, I was not trained to be the killer I am today. I simply went to the shows with my brother, recorded matches for them, and occasionally refereed for them. But since it’s culmination, I’ve seen the corruption and the destruction they really cause. The tower they’ve created on burned bridges and poor souls they’ve fired is higher than the eye can see.

WF: Well... That was nearly profound. CJ, you clearly have a history with Maxx Burton. It's personal between you two. Explain to me what went wrong? You, as recently as April's "Defy the Odds" event, appeared to be a contracted wrestler in good standing. How did things go south so quickly?

CJ: You should maybe do a little research before asking stupid questions there, Paul.

WF: ...always open to suggestion...

CJ: You obviously have an internet connection. Go back through the history of this company and see if you can figure out what went wrong. No, we don’t have time for that, so let me spell it out for you. You’re obviously referring to the debacle of my tag match with Vigo. It may have seemed like I was in “good standing”, but I can assure you it was anything but. It just so happens that was the night where I’d finally had enough of the bullshit.
My whole career in this company I’ve been handed crap and had to make the best of it. People forget that I’m the first winner of the Coronation Cup. Y’know that little tournament that won Vigo the IYFW Championship. I got my title match against Fronz Roddy in the Main Event of IYFW’s first show in the state of New York and almost won. Next show, curtain jerking against Good Lord Willing. Y’see I was never supposed to win that first round match in the tournament, and certainly not supposed to go all the way. So once I was given my title opportunity, back down to the dregs I went.
I was the first person in the history of the company to challenge for all three championships. Nobody remembers that.
And then there’s my tag team title reign. The Grindhouse. “The Wolf” C.J. Scott and Maxx “The Axe” Burton. You wonder why I have such a deep seated hatred for him and he for I? Well, truth be told, we both know that our team only survived as long as it did based on my ability to carry him around for 5 months. Don’t believe me, when was the last time he won a match? The answer would be our Penultimate title defense. I let him take the spotlight the entire time we were together, even when he was not the legal man and took the pin at the end for the glory.
Two shows later he’s interim commissioner for the night and when I show up at the building to wrestle I’m told that my services are not required that evening. It was at that point that I truly lost faith in IYFW management and their commitment to integrity.
The “official” reason for my termination is that I was in breach of contract for not being there for Coronation Cup 2011. But I can read between the lines. Touch’ole was on his way out, the office knew they had already tapped Maxx as his successor and I was just his first unofficial act?

WF: Do you have proof of ANY of this?

CJ: I don’t need proof, it’s all obvious.

WF: Hmmm... So you feel Burton squeezed you out. Then what led to you both competing in August's IN YOUR FACE RUMBLE, seemingly without a contract?

DR: A silly oversight on the part of the office, and it was just the oversight we needed.

CJ: They sent out an open invitation for the annual IYFW Rumble and we saw it as a perfect opportunity to come back and cause trouble.

DR: You’ll notice that we were both put in the first group sent to the ring. They did that to attempt to make sure we didn’t make it through to the end.

WF: Yes,Damon, you were one of the first entrants in that match. How'd it feel stepping into an IYFW ring for the first time?

DR: Get your story straight sunshine! That was not my first time in an IYFW ring, not by a longshot! They’ve had me perform before under a mask with the pseudonym “Syanide”. Syanide was in the 2009 Halloween themed Rumble, wearing a giant Whoopee Cushion costume. Needless to say, I could have thought of a better outfit, because it made me a target. Nevermind that though, The following month I was scheduled in a bout against Timmy Aiight on short notice. I was not prepared to wrestle, and thusly lost my match. That is when In Your Face decided to flush me down the toilet, as after that I heard nothing. Not a single email, not a single call, not a single text. Do you know what something like that can do to a man? I deserved better than that. I deserved at least one more shot, so I decided to make my own opportunity when the time came.

WF: Maybe I should have done some research... And, of course, CJ lasted to nearly the bitter end. How sweet would it have been to capture that victory? And how do you think things would have panned out had Drake Evans not eliminated you by your beard?

CJ: Winning the Rumble would have validated everything that I have tried to accomplish in that company that I have been denied. I’m about to do something that you don’t see anywhere these days, reference another company. I’m not some slouch in the ring, and certainly not someone to be overlooked. In my entire career I hold victories over every current IYFW Champion. Check the record books and you will see that I have pinned Adam Badger, Michael Monroe, and Fronz Roddy. And while nobody has pinned or submitted Vachon, he was one of my first round opponents in the inaugural Coronation Cup tournament. A tournament that I won by defeating a former 3 time IYFW tag Team Champion The Northern Studd. I have the chops on any given night to defeat anyone on the IYFW roster , but instead of being given the proper opportunities to shine I’m given throwaway matches against Superbeast and Rocco Pirelli with a “partner” who couldn’t care less about whether or not we win. Everyone in IYFW is a selfish prick. Only out for themselves, which is why I chose to bring in family, because Damon will always have my back.

WF: I mentioned your beard, CJ. And how can I not? It's so majestic. Like Samson, is that the secret to your power?

CJ: That’s quite possibly the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.

WF: Why, Thank you.

CJ: While it is a nice a beard and I do actually have people stop me on the street to comment on it Magnificence, the secret of my power is that I will do anything it takes to achieve my goals. And that for some reason everybody else thinks I’m someone to be ignored.

WF: ...back on topic... You then made a hostile appearance at "Cauldron of Hate", where you attacked Ian Daniels after a four way match. Tell me how it felt standing in the crowd, under masks, knowing you were about to turn the event on its head, and WHY Ian Daniels?

DR: The rush of knowing you are about to make a serious impact is like none other. Ian Daniels is quite a target, I hear nothing but cheers for him, but he doesn’t deserve to be your hero. I do. What makes him worthy of the fans cheers? I’m explosive. The closest he gets to explosive is he throws an imaginary grenade like it’s an angry bird.

CJ: Why did we choose Ian Daniels? Y’know, I’m kind of surprised that you didn’t ask him about it during your interview with him, because in all actuality he knows damn well why I picked him. Let me show you something. This is a picture taken after an IWS event in 2004. That’s me with hair and no beard. Now I want you to look carefully at the person standing next to me…

…That’s right, none other than Ian Daniels himself. He’s the aforementioned former friend. Another person who turned his back on me for his own personal gain. He and I have locked horns a few times since we’ve worked for the same promotions, but after the fiasco with the front office and my termination I always knew that he would be the one who would feel our wrath first.

WF: Following the kick-off of Season 5, IYFW Management, independent of Minister Maxx Burton, attempted to appease you both by offering you a tag match at November's "Brass Ring". In my opinion, a foolish gesture, but hey... What do *I* know? You took on Ian Daniels and Ricky "Don't Call Me Rickity" Rockett in a fun contest that eventually broke down and ended in the two of you assaulting IYFW Referee Dan Roberts, leaving he and your opponents laying, and leaving with some of their personal property. Since, Roberts has spoken out and challenged the two of you to a match. Now... Mediocre promo aside, how do you respond to Roberts, or Sgt. Fury, and his challenge? Will you agree to such a contest?

CJ: Such a contest, as you put it, was always the plan from the second I slapped his whining mouth. I knew from the moment he was assigned our ref that the fix was in. And it was just blatant after we planted Daniels with our finisher and Sgt. Referee stopped the count claiming Daniels was in the ropes, when I looked and he clearly wasn’t. Fury has chosen to try and fight on the side of “good” in assuming that IYFW wrestling gives a damn about him, when it’s clear that they have a handful of talent that they give the world to on a silver platter while guys like me who were the real “heart and soul” of the company continue to get shit on.

DR: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Dan Roberts is a fool for thinking he can toy with The Savage Wolves. I’ve kicked his head in once, and if In Your Face Management wants everyone to be happy, the only logical thing to do is to schedule this match. I know I can beat him with all limbs tied. If he was such a worthy wrestler, then why, oh why would they have him refereeing? You can argue that IYF had me referee for a long time, but that would only go to show they’re doing the same thing to him they did to me and sooner or later you could see Sgt. Fury as a member of The Wolves. Who knows?

WF: On January 14th, IYFW returns to Ballston Spa for "Seize the Moment", the spiritual evolution to "Brass Ring". I'm going to prognosticate like a pimp and say that I'm GUESSING we will see you there... Apart from your feelings on Dan Roberts, what can the fans expect from The Savage Wolves in a few weeks... And also, what can IYFW itself expect?

DR: Who knows what we’ll be doing, but if we’re scheduled or not, I can assure you that you will see destruction and misery, because that’s what I’m good at!

CJ: The fans can expect that the Savage Wolves don’t give a damn what they expect. I’m not here for the fans. I’m here for the money and the Championships. It’s only a matter of time before the next phase of our plan goes into action, so keep your eyes peeled and stay the hell out of our way.

WF: Finally, some word association.

Maxx Burton
CJ: The head of the snake.
DR: Target.

Vigo
CJ: Beat him. And he deserved it.
DR: Target.

Fronz Roddy
CJ: Beat him.
DR: Good guy.

Adam Badger
CJ: Beat him.
DR: Target.

Adam Brunton
CJ: Beat him up.
DR: Target.

Roman Dominguez
CJ: Interesting you bring him up. Since we lost our last match, does that mean we’re automatically in the title picture, too?
DR: Target.

Superbeast
CJ: His time is coming.
DR: Target.

Good Lord Willing
CJ: Touch hole.
DR: American hero.

Pierre Vachon
CJ: Victory over him. Gonna be a tough man to topple.
DR: Undefeated.

Ricky Rockett
CJ: Beat him within an inch of his life. Needs to find a better group of friends.
DR: My favorite playtoy.

Jamar Justice
CJ: Does he still work for IYFW? If so how many matches before he’s out injured again. I swear he’s got a case of Batistaitis.
DR: Target.

Ricky Williams
CJ: Beat him.
DR: Target.

Michael Monroe
CJ: Beat him.
DR. Target.

Ian Daniels
CJ: Beat him.
DR: Who?

Shiloh Robinson
CJ: Beat him.
DR: Target.

WF: Again, gentlemen... Thank you both for your time.

IYFW 2011 Year End Awards

Ahhh, and here we are. The end of a year and on the cusp of another. 2011 saw In Your Face Wrestling enjoy a hiatus in it's first quarter and then a blistering resurgence in the last three .While they only held 5 shows, they were undoubtedly action packed and each with a strong focus and purpose.

This year saw the establishment of the Ballston Area Community Center as their venue of choice, the addition of new fans (that's ME!), and a renewed push into social media. It saw the crowning of new champions and the introduction of new performers. A total of 36 wrestlers appeared at In Your Face Wrestling events in 2011 (not including the IN YOUR FACE RUMBLE match, because only God knows who some of those guys were)...

Before we get to both the pomp and circumstance of the Year-End Awards ( Dare I call them The Fudgy's?)... Let's first take a glance at the who, the what, and the win/loss records in regards to singles, tag, and multi-man matches (excluding that Rumble). We shall start from with the dudes who worked just one match in 2011 and work our way up to the Mainstays:

The One-Timers
Winners:
- Good Lord Willing (1-0)
- Hoss (1-0)
- Vile (1-0)
- Etanna (1-0)
Not a ton to say about these four. Hoss and Vile were what they were, but I see a fun future ahead of the recently returned Shabazz Warrior under the tutelage of Good Lord Willing. Willing, of course, had a fun run pulling double duty as short-lived (and ill-conceived?) Management Representative, Harold Touch'ole.

Losers:
- Kyller Jones (0-1)
- Vyper (0-1)
- Justin Foxx (0-1)
- Punisher Van Slyck (0-1)
- Real Coleman (0-1)
- Foxx Vinyer (0-1)
- Bert Williams (0-1)
- Damon Ravage (0-1)
Out of this mix, I see the most potential and energy coming from the former Capital Punishment (Coleman and Vinyer). I think there's money in these two feudingnagainstneachother, with Cinyer playing the babyface. Williams is just getting back into the swing of things after a 2-plus year hiatus and could bounce back to a strong 2012. Time will tell. Ravage is another case entirely. He clearly has youth going for him, as well as his brother, CJ Scott, in his corner and at his side. It's going to be an interesting year!

Middle of the Pack
- SuperBeast (1-2)
- Rocco Perelli (1-1)
- CJ Scott (0-2)
- Ricky Rockett (1-2)
- Jamar Justice (1-1)
- Bobby Ocean (1-1)
- The Northern Studd (1-2)
- Michael McKinger (1-2)
- Guillaume de Sade (0-2)
- Nocturne (2-0)
- The Killer Steves (2-0)
Okay... A lot going on here, some of which I will cover in the AWARDS section of the column. Firstly, the Steve's rule. More of them would be welcome. Bobby Ocean is another fan favorite, yet he seems fairly busy in the Connecticut/Massachusetts Indy scene. Justice's sole victory of the year followed a months-long injury lay-off and one of the most grueling elimination matches I have witnessed live. Mad props. De Sade deserves more than what he's got and CJ Scott is primed for a vicious 2012. May I move on, because we're getting closer to the REALLY good stuff? Why, thank you.

The Mainstays
(in no particular order)
- Shiloh Robinson (2-3) -- Looking back at this blog since its inception... I realize I haven't given this kid NEARLY enough credit. He spent the first half of this "season" embroiled in an all out war with Roman Dominguez and somehow made it out alive. The second half was all about backing up the Uprising, which paid off in spades at "The Brass Ring". What will 2012 bring for Robinson? Looks like his fight for Fronz Roddy's New Breed title has only just begun.

- Ian Daniels (1-4) -- I am going to be truthful. I was not fully "sold" on The Anarchist the first time I saw him in action at April's "Defy the Odds". He was the third man in a 3-way match along with Vyper and "The Millennium Millionnaire" Scott Scarsdale which saw Scarsdale pick up the win. I haven't asked him, but I think he might admit it wasn't his best performance. I wasn't fully "bought-in" on this guy until SUMMERTIME BRUISE, where he was his own star of the Rumble.

- WAR (1-3) -- The Submission Slayer had a trying year. I would say that more than one of his matches was detrimentally effected by his business relationship with IYFW's personal money-man, Scott Scarsdale. Will 2012 be any different?

- "Loverboy" Ricky Williams (1-3) -- Man. Rough year for the lover of boys. No, but really. I have not skimped on the "praising-of-Ricky's-work" department this year. Williams is one of the most consistently impressive performers on the roster and I see a run with the tag straps in this young man's near future. I really enjoyed celebrating his teams victory in November and look forward to doing some more of that.

- The ENEMY: Adam Badger and Michael Monroe (3-2 ea.) -- They dethroned the International EgoTrip and have maintained a virtual stranglehold on the IYFW Tag Team Championship belts ever since. They have dominated their competition and used every means at their disposal to win. For all the times I've noted Adam Badger's performance and ability, I HOPE I haven't downplayed the impact and flair that Michael Monroe adds to a match. Very fun team to watch, still very young.

- Fronz Roddy (2-3) -- A year of evolution for the Mighty One. He shed the dead weight (I keed, I keed) of The Northern Studd, weathered an Irish storm, and overcame one of the most dominant IYFW title holders in history to make a little bit of history himself. Will this be the year that Fronz Roddy reclaims his place at the very top of In Your Face Wrestling? I like to think so... and so does he.

- "The Pillar" Roman Dominguez (2-3) -- The High King of Facekicking had a good year, solidifying himself as THE hardest hitting and hardest working wrestler on the roster. Yup. I said it (that's easy for me to say, sitting at ringside, see?). Dominguez had a string of memorable bouts against Shiloh Robinson and a few solid tag matches teaming with Vachon - not to mention a brilliant appearance in August's RUMBLE. He may have dropped his IYFW New Breed title to Fronz Roddy, but I have to believe he is on his way to bigger, higher profile things.

- Drake Evans (2-3) -- The heart and soul of IYFW didn't have the easiest year. Facing opposition from foes like Guillaume de Sade's underhanded tactics, Scott Scarsdale's deep pockets, and Pierre Vachon's sausage fingers ... It's been one struggle after another. However, Drake Evans was able to maintain his focus, his poise, and his determination to fight his way back into the IYFW Championship hunt. He will BEGIN 2012 as the number one contender. Will he END IT as our Champion?

- Liam McFerrin (3-2) -- His placement in this echelon may surprise some, but his stats do not lie. Absolutely amazing year for Big Irish, with pin falls over Fronz Roddy, WAR, and Scarsdale. I don't think there is any question that 2012 will be a big year for him.

- Scott Scarsdale (3-3) -- 2011 showed us that money can buy a lot of things, but it can't buy the IYFW Championship. Scarsdale was all over the Main Event scene throughout the summer - much to the chagrin of many BACC fans - but couldn't seal the proverbial deal. Scarsdale's very real position of power in the company assures it's fans that we will be seeing more of him next year, but a large part of me hopes it won't be too close to the promotions top title.

- Vigo (3-3) -- IYFW's Favorite Fat Kid made the grade this summer, capturing the IYFW Championship for the very first time. His journey to the title, and his reign itself, was pure hell. Fighting through the gauntlet and winning the 2011 Coronation Cup tournament, battling against the odds and against the financial majesty of Scott Scarsdale, his holdings and assets... Big Vigo fought through it all only to run headlong into his greatest and most dangerous adversary. And a blazing fireball to the grill. Vigo will be back.

- Pierre "The Beast" Vachon (2*-2) -- note the asterix; while I haven't attributed the record of the RUMBLE in anyone else's win/loss record, I can't ignore the fact that Vachon competed in it and WON it. His victory there is reflected in that w/l record. His entrance in this match at the behest of Maxx Burton is critical to where things stand today and heading into the new year. Vachon is a fun performer to watch and I genuinely enjoy his act. His upcoming match against Drake Evans in January has hefty implications as to the direction things are headed. Should be interesting.


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Champion of the Year
"The Pillar" Roman Dominguez
Does this really need to be explained? Dominguez's worth as champion was tested early by Shiloh Robinson. He overcame youth with his own experience and came out of that feud stronger and more focused than ever. He tangled with, and held his own against, the top tier of IYF talent in 2011 and certainly improved the standing of the IYFW New Breed Championship before his heartbreaking, breathtaking loss to Fronz Roddy. The question now becomes... Can Dominguez earn this award in 2012?

Tag Team of the Year
The Enemy - Adam Badger and Michael Monroe
The most consistent tag team in the promotion and one of the best I have seen on the independent level. Always a blast to see in action. With Badger requiring surgery in mid-January I am intrigued by just what will become of Monroe. Pair him up with someone else, or go temporarily back in the singles direction. We here at wrestlefudge wish Mr.Badger a speedy recovery and best wishes. I'm going to miss that mask, bro.

Flop of the Year
Justin Foxx as Ring Announcer
I'm sorry, man. I really am. I'm actually interested in seeing this guy in a singles match. He attempts to have a personality. Let's see what he can do when he can be front and center in a match.
(honorable mention: Harold Touch'ole's YouTube promo)

The "Love to Hate" Award
Fronz Roddy
Did you expect anyone else? Fronz Roddy is a guy that effortlessly owns the room. I'm a fan.
(honorable mention: Pierre Vachon, The Savage Wolves)

Breakout Star of the Year
Shiloh Robinson
Robinson and Dominguez stole the show in mid 2011 and his performances alongside Shiloh Robinson and Ricky Rockett did NOT disappoint. Seems as though he is back in the mix for the IYFW New Breed Championship, but Fronz Roddy is playing hard to get. Should be an exceptionally interesting first half of 2012 seeing how things play out there.
(honorable mention: Liam McFerrin, Ricky Rockett)

Mouthpiece of the Year
Maxx Burton
Burton wasn't so much a mouthpiece for any particular wrestler, or even a mouthpiece for IYFW. He was basically a mouthpiece for himself and his own vision of the company. I think since his August return, he has added a lot in his role as obligatory authority figure. Loved his "Ask the Minister" type YouTube promo and would very much enjoy seeing more of those. I can't acknowledge Burton for his "on-screen" role without tipping my figurative hat in the general direction of play-by-play and Voice of the INTERFACE, Joey LaRoque. Holy Christmas, do I appreciate his talent.

Most Likely to be Turned
WAR
Ok, maybe he isn't "likely" but I think that could be interesting. Play upon his relationship with Scarsdale, have that go south with WAR getting fed up with it and finally focusing his wrath towards the Millennium Millionaire. Has it been done to death? Absolutely. And it will forever be a staple of the business. I think these two performers are specially suited for the task and the angle and that a WAR with the crowd behind him could be fun to see.

Ballston Spa's Choice
Ian Daniels
The most unique performer in In Your Face Wrestling boasts some of THE most loyal and vocal fans in the region. Everyone at the BACC knows his name, they all "get" his act, they all accept him and embrace him in a way that can't help but make you smile. Yeah, there's certainly that contingent of fans at the BACC shows that aren't past LEAVING the show after Ian Daniels has performed - "Why stick around," they must wonder, "when we just SAW the show?"
(honorable mention: Vigo)

The "More Please" Award
Superbeast
Nothing else need be said.
(honorable mention: Rocco Perelli, Nocturne)

Match of the Year
In Your Face RUMBLE - August 13, 2011 - Ballston Spa, New York

I've always had a place of reference in my heart for Battle Royals of all kinds. IYFW has one of the most unique incarnations I have encountered but is pleasing nonetheless. This summers royale was action packed and fun filled. Between Ian Daniels' 4 appearances in the match, CJ Scott getting eliminated by his beard, the IYFW debut of Ricky Fucking Rockett, and me offering Roman Dominguez a chair... This match was a whirlwind blast. So awesome.

Show of the Year
"Summertime Bruise" - August 13, 2011 - Ballston Spa, New York
Despite a somewhat bland opening, this event saw a fun tag match between Ocean/Evans and Vachon/Dominguez, the Ballston Spa Screwjob, the Killer Steves coming fatefully close to the IYFW Tag Championship, and the RUMBLE bout I hyped previously. Great show, despite the loss suffered by Fronz Roddy.

Wrestler of the Year
Drake Evans
I had mentioned in a previous blog post that I felt that this years silent story was all about Drake Evans quest to regain the IYFW Championship. It began at "Defy the Odds", where he was basically robbed out of a true opportunity at winning the strap due to then-Champion Guillaume de Sade's ultra underhanded tactics. At the Coronation Cup, Scott Scarsdale employed WAR in the act of handcuffing Evans outside the ring to the ring post, this eliminating him from the title tournament. He fought valiantly in the RUMBLE, finally being eliminated second to last by Pierre Vachon - THAT close to winning another title shot. Finally, named the Number One Contender at "The Brass Ring", Drake Evans finds himself ending the year right where he began it. Just a hair from greatness once more. Can he "Seize the Moment"? The momentum is most certainly working in his favor. I have a feeling 2012 may be his year.
(honorable mention: Vigo, Roman Dominguez)
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Thanks for reading! Watching the views climb keeps me updating. Spread the word, yo. Don't have a Facebook page associated with the blog (yet), but you can always follow my updates and such on twitter -- @wrestlefudge

And THANK YOU to In Your Face Wrestling and it's performers. You jerks put on a great show. Can't wait to see what you have up your collective sleeves for 2012!

Coming Soon...

Here's what's in the pipeline here on these pages...

- Hard at work on an "IYFW Year In Review/2011 Year End Awards" style column where I take a look at the performances of all 36 performers who competed in an IYFW ring (taking the Rumble bout of of the mix) this year and hand out some accolades such as: Champion of the Year, Tag Team of the Year, Mouthpiece of the Year, Breakout Star of 2011, Flop of the Year, Most Likely to Be Repackaged, and the coveted Wrestler of the Year Award. And maybe more! Should be fun. For me.

- I know I've been hyping a Superstar Spotlight column for probably the last 6 months and I know I even promoted Adam Badger as the first to bask in its imaginary glow... I'd like to say it'll happen, but every time I sit down to put it together I either lose my writing mojo or something more pressing presents itself in a can't-be-ignored fashion. So... Yeah. We will see. The draft has been sitting there for forever. Will it ever see the light of day? Will it become a recurring feature? Stay the F tuned.

- Yes, the WRESTLEFUDGE BLOGCAST is also on the way and I'm happy to say I've already lined up the first call-in guest. But that will be announced as the date approaches! I am honored by the interest this news has generated. S'gonna be fun!

- the Savage Wolves Interview is also in the works and I know that it will NOT disappoint. Get excited about this one, folks! Not to be missed.

And much more! If there's any other features you'd like to see be sure to leave a comment or reach me on twitter, @wrestlefudge! Thanks for reading!

Momentous Announcement: WRESTLEFUDGE BLOGCAST Coming 2012

I'm very excited to announce the addition of an additional media format to the wrestlefudge blog. That's right. Going to be starting a podcast dedicated to In Your Face Wrestling, it's wrestlers, and the happenings thereabouts. I'm able to offer this in large thanks to my friends at 68 Caroline, who will be providing a quality studio and soundboard for the taping of the broadcast and, quite likely, a qualified co-host - yet those particulars will be addressed another day. The guys involved in this are top notch and I think those who choose to listen to it will be surprised at the quality and content we put out. I've always had the face for radio.

I've got big plans and ideas regarding the format (and will need your help!) and I'm pretty excited about it.

The current plan is to do an AUDIO review and recap for the January 14 show at the BACC, in addition to the text version. So, you can likely look for the first edition of the WRESTLEFUDGE BLOGCAST sometime in late January 2012.

You could naturally expect that you'll hear more about this in the coming weeks and months. Right? Of course.

What's also cool is that they have some decent video equipment, green screen,etc... along with the audio set up. Might we one day see WRESTLEFUDGE TV? I'm not ruling out a damn thing. Obviously, we're no where near announcing anything to that effect but you never know.

As I mentioned earlier, still much more to announce on this, including distribution service.

In summation: be on the look out for more on this! I'm pumped.

Note on Commenting

Just a quick note, here... A few days ago I made the decision to restrict all comments made on my posts to those made by people with a google-related account. I'd been toying with the idea for a while and finally just went ahead and did it for a few reasons.

We've had a few instances where "anonymous" posters claiming to be IYFW performers have taken shots at other talent and while I encourage intelligent and informed discussion on independent wrestling and CERTAINLY am open to the opinions of others, instances such as this create a lot of doubt and, sadly, don't add to the (admittedly little) legitimacy this blog has.

I understand that this may unintentionally hinder the participation of some, and I hope that's not the case. If anything, I'm hoping it will foster more accountability, legitimacy, and such.

Thanks again.

While I'm at it, be sure to follow my renewed and rejuvenated dedicated twitter feed for the page. And while you're at it, feel free to follow my personal twitter as well!

Thanks, all. Any questions, you know where to find me!

Inside the Mind of the Mighty

I reached out to friend of the 'fudge and current In Your Face Wrestling New Breed Champion,"The Mighty" Fronz Roddy, regarding his status for IYFW's return to the BACC for "Seize the Moment".

See... Shiloh Robinson earned a shot at the New Breed title back at November's "Brass Ring" event and when the January show was first announced, a Roddy/Robinson encounter was initially advertised. However, in the latest edition of IYFWrestling.com's INTERFACE, it's been brought into question whether the match would take place, with reference go the fact that Roddy had not yet signed a contract. Fronz had this to say:

"Let's just say that I know my contract with IYFW and I know my contract for defending the New Breed Championship very well. Fronz Roddy will face who he wants, where he wants and when he wants to. And maybe, just maybe, Shiloh Robinson hasn't quite earned a shot yet, at least in my opinion. And my opinion matters."

You know what? I love the slow burn. Do yo' thang, boys. More on this soon!

First IYFW Event of 2012 Announced

In Your Face Wrestling issued a release to those on their mailing list today, announcing their next show: a return to the BACC in Ballston Spa, NY on January 14th of next year!

The mailer also provided a link to get an early ticket pre-order in before tickets go on sale to the general public (read: fools!) which I just took advantage of. To get in on future special pre-release ticket opportunities, quit being a fool and sign up for their mailing list. In addition to ticket and event news, you'll get site updates and such as well.

Announced for the show:
- Drake Evans challenges Pierre Vachon for the IYFW Championship
- The Enemy defend their IYFW Tag Titles against The Uprising
- Shiloh Robinson tries to dethrone IYFW New Breed Champion, Fronz Roddy

I am officially excited.

More news as it comes.

Breaking News: IYFW Title Holder Needs Surgery

One half of the IYFW Tag Team Champions, and the man most recently ranked #7 in my Official Unofficial Top Ten, is scheduled to undergo what sounds like pretty serious shoulder surgery on January 18th which will have him on the shelf for a minimum of four months.

Adam Badger dislocated his shoulder two years ago and the constant wear and tear on it has apparently taken it's toll -- and it's finally caught up to him. This is a huge downer for a slew of reasons. First and foremost; anytime that any athlete, especially one of his calibre, suffers an injury it's, to put it simply, Not Cool.

In addition, this leaves quite a void on the roster. Badger appeared on every IYFW event in 2011 and was involved in some of the years best matches. Pulling him from active competition is a real blow to the promotions depth of talent. On top of that, he was JUST about to dig back in to his feud with Jamar "Magic" Justice who, himself, was out of action for nearly 7 months following an ankle injury. Will the score between these two men EVER be settled?

The next IYFW show has yet to be officially announced. Will be interesting to see if he and partner, Michael Monroe, will have an opportunity to drop the belts before his surgery in January. Justice and "Loverboy" Ricky Williams are currently recognized as the titles number one contenders and a match between the two teams was expected for the company's next event.

More updates as they come.

(credit: the bastion of journalistic integrity that is Facebook.)