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!
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