STEELCHAIR Wrestling Magazine #14

JOSH MATHEWS: “I TRULY BELIEVE THAT I’M THE GREATEST”

WRESTLING JEFF JARRETT

CODY: 9 MONTHS LATER SteelChairMag.com

“IF THEY DON’T WANT TO BE THERE, YOU DON’T WANT THEM THERE”

JOHNNY MUNDO

ROH WORLD CHAMPION

CHRISTOPHER

DANIELS WORLD OF SPORT RETURNS! March 2017

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WELCOME

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WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

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fter all these years, Christopher Daniels has finally made the cover of SteelChair. I joke. We are honoured to have chatted with the current ROH Champion and are thrilled to feature him on the front cover of our mag.

EDITORIAL David Garlick Editor / Design david@vulturehound.com

Craig Hermit VultureHound Wrestling Editor craig.hermit@vulturehound.com

Lee Hazel Copy Editor lee@vulturehound.com

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We also have the return of two former cover stars with IMPACT and now World Of Sport’s Jeff Jarrett and also Lucha Underground star Johnny Mundo.

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NXT and Sanity’s Alexander Wolfe also told us about his first WrestleMania experiences and the benefits of the Performance Centre.

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There’s so much more, and even more between issues at SteelChairMag.com David Garlick @davidgarlick

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COVER PHOTO: OLI SANDERS

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Copyright 2017 SteelChair Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of SteelChair Magazine. Requests for permission should be directed to: info@steelchairmag.com.

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PAST MONTH MATCHES OF THE MONTH

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NEVILLE VS. JACK GALLAGHER WWE FASTLANE

With the majority of WWE’s latest instalment of “Fastlane” being relatively forgettable, Neville and Gallagher provided a bright moment for the cruiserweight division and “205 Live”. In a match that elevated Gallagher’s stock and set Neville up for a high profile “WrestleMania” bout with Austin Aries, it looks as if the once lost cruiserweight division is finally finding its footing.

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CHRISTOPHER DANIELS VS. ADAM COLE ROH 15TH ANNIVERSARY

15 years after competing in the main event of the very first ROH pay per view, Christopher Daniels took advantage of an assist from his long time friend and partner Kazarian en route to claiming his first reign as Ring of Honor champion, unseating Cole, a three time ROH champion and a heavy favorite coming into the bout. If this one doesn’t en vogue your “feel good” nature or make you remember why you are a pro-wrestling fan, you may need to check your pulse and make sure you are still alive.

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BRUISER & HELL CATS VS. THE WINNER’S CIRCLE MCW MAT MADNESS 2017

On paper, this match wasn’t high profile or anything to write home about, but before the bout, Lita was announced as an addition to the matchup, joining Bruiser and Hell Cats in action. The crowd went crazy as Lita finally tagged into the match, taking bumps and delivering a “twist of fate” to send her team home as the winners. Lita has been absent from the ring for a while and when she makes an appearance, she rarely gets too physical, giving this one off appearance more meaning than previously imagined. Oh, nostalgia...how I adore you.

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Visit VultureHound.com for regular wrestling updates from SteelChair Magazine

WRESTLER

OF THE MONTH

ver the last few weeks, Cody has wrestled in England, Germany, Canada, Japan, and the USA. He’s successfully defended the WCPW Internet Title against Liam Slater and Matt Riddle, he’s appeared in Oberhausen for the wXw 16 Carat Gold tournament, earned a chance at the Shotgun belt and teamed with his wife Brandi for a Prairie Wrestling Alliance event in Calgary.

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In the US, he has appeared in Pro Wrestling Guerilla, All Pro Wrestling, Blitzkrieg! Pro, IMPACT Wrestling and Chaotic Wrestling. He wrestled Kurt Angle in a steel cage match for his last indie appearance at a NorthEast Wrestling event, and then won the NEW Heavyweight Title at March Mayhem event.

As a member of the Bullet Club, he made an IMPACT at the Ring of Honor/NJPW joint event, Honor Rising Japan Supershow.

In Tokyo’s legendary Korakuen Hall, he teamed with Hangman Page, Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks. Back in USA, he joined forces with Frankie Kazarian and Hangman Page at the absolutely epic ROH Manhattan Mayhem VI pay-per-view. Kurt Angle noted after their match, Cody really can do it all.

At only 31, he understands he has the world in his hands. And it’s just a beginning.

EVENT OF OF THE MONTH ROH 15TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

MARCH 2017 STEELCHAIR 05

Matt Riddle is fast proving himself to be one of the best mma style fighters in professional wrestling today, and winning the Ambition Shoot Style tournament on day two of wXw made that status certain.

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WXW 16 CARAT GOLD WORDS/PHOTOS: OLI SANDLER

Xw 16 Carat Gold is a legendary weekend tournament, world famous and considered amongst the ‘big 3’ to win: PWG Battle of Los Angeles, NJPW G1 / BOSJ and 16 Carat. Past winners read like a who’s who of the wrestling elite, include Chris Hero (twice), El Generico, Tommy End (twice) and, last years winner, Zack Sabre Jr.

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This year a less famous, but equally deserving, winner was crowned in Ilja Dragonov. Having been kept under control from Adam Polak in Cerberus for the longest time, this was his chance at redemption.

Blasting through former teammate Avalanche in the first round, Ringkampf member Timothy Thatcher in the semis and top heel Walter in the finals he cemented an incredible, well deserved victory.

With chants of ‘unbesiegbar’ (indestructible) ringing around the room from the wXw fan base and gold confetti falling from the rafters, wXw crowned their 2017 16 Carat Gold champion to one of the loudest ovations I have ever heard.

Available now on-demand at wxwnow.de

>

MARCH 2017 STEELCHAIR 07

WORDS: TIM BIRKBECK

JEFF JARRETT

Jarrett at the World Of Sport TV taping reveal ack in the company he founded, Jeff Jarrett has a clear focus on what he wants for IMPACT Wrestling, and that is to make it great again. With rumours spinning on potential TV deals and joining with companies across the globe to widen the reach of IMPACT the wheels are very much in motion.

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We caught up with the former WCW guitar wielding superstar just before the WOS announcement, looking the River Thames along with Anthem President Ed Norton to discuss IMPACT’s future, the relationship the company has with the UK and entering one of the most exciting times in his wrestling career. (Jeff unless stated)

Jeff how has it been since your return to IMPACT Wrestling has it been like putting on a old pair of slippers?

INTERVIEW: JEFF JARRETT+ ANTHEM PRESIDENT ED NORTON

You said an old pair of slippers which is very British, in the states we would say it’s like riding a bike. I feel blessed and very thankful to be back, but it has been surreal. If you were to ask me 60 days ago if I were to be here sitting in the Park Plaza Riverbank hotel talking to SteelChair Magazine about IMPACT Wrestling I would have thought you would have lost your mind. But that is the wonderful world of professional wrestling. It has been a whirlwind 60 days or so since the beginning of the > year and I am really excited about Anthem seizing the opportunity and it is a huge opportunity for everyone.

You never know exactly how things are going to go in our industry but the

> MARCH 2017 STEELCHAIR 09

JEFF JARRETT develop that, put more content on it, streamline it and just get better and better with it really. But the purpose of the trip is step one of reenergising IMPACT Wrestling in the United Kingdom.

You said about re-energising the brand, and when you first started IMPACT part of that was there was a strong relationship with the British scene. Is it that you have just always had an eye for UK talent or did you see a gap in the market for a UK audience?

"IF THEY DON’T WANT TO BE THERE YOU DON’T WANT THEM THERE. NO MATTER WHO IT IS." things we have on the horizon and we are over here in the UK with Ed Norton the president of Anthem talking IMPACT Wrestling, talking Global Force and we are ready to get the ball rolling in this exciting time.

You mentioned yourself and Ed are in the UK can you tell us a 10 STEELCHAIR MARCH 2017

little more about the purpose of your visit?

It is the obvious. We are talking to promoters, to broadcasters, to digital groups. We launched the Total Access App, which was done on Anthem’s digital side. We are in the process of continuing to

We were forward thinkers weren’t we. I have been coming to the UK since 1993 and I have always been very aware of the respect of the UK fanbase and I always come over here to show a presence in the early days of IMPACT and TNA. And for us there has always been an objective whether it’s Doug Williams or Magnus or just recognising the scene or getting the show on Challenge TV it has always been at the forefront and we always toured over here for seven, eight, nine years so it has always been a priority in my mind. Now it is at the very top of myself and Anthem’s list to make the UK a priority period.

I’m going to back pedal a little bit, when TNA / IMPACT wrestling first came about there was a buzz about it and it was something a bit different, and for various reasons it seemed to fall by the wayside. From your perspective was it a bit of a kick in the nuts to see things

go the route they did and to some extent see fans turn their back on the product?

It is no secret that December 2013 I resigned from an organisation that I founded, and it was very unfortunate but I knew at the time it was time to close that chapter. But history tells the story, and here we are now and we have a real opportunity to get some wind in our sails and as you say maybe remove that shot to the nuts and take this company higher than it has ever been. The last 36 hours have been very fruitful and I am very excited. I mean I am more excited now than I was back when we had the Challenge deal or when we were going doing the shows in Wembley, Glasgow, Birmingham etc.

We’ve really got an opportunity and there are great things on the horizon for all of us involved in 2017.

As mentioned when IMPACT started it was different and unique, so are there plans to reinvent the brand within the story telling or any new concepts fans can look forward to going forward?

I don’t want to say concepts, but at the core of it we want to make IMPACT great again. There are different opinions of what people thought made it great in the first place. But our goal is to strive to be the very best wrestling promotion we can be. Obviously there is the TV, there is the live events and we sell merch, but at the end of the day we are a wrestling promotion.

We want to be the very best we can, and the plans are in place. We are going out to India in May to explore that avenue, we are talking to

"OUR GOAL IS TO STRIVE TO BE THE VERY BEST WRESTLING PROMOTION WE CAN BE." international tours and we are just getting started.

And Ed, the early signs from Anthem’s involvement appear to be positive so is that what you want to do is make IMPACT the best wrestling promotion available to fans?

Ed Nordholm: I would say we want to make it the envy of the professional world. Either way Anthem’s interest was to insure that we had good content for the Fight Network. But we also need to make sure what we are putting out is world class content so that is why we are now having this push to get IMPACT fresh and exciting once again.

Your other venture Jeff is obviously Global Force Wrestling, with you now being back with IMPACT how are you splitting your time? And is there a plan to merge the two companies into one?

Jeff: Carefully, but there is a lot of involvement from both sides. The big picture is a long way away from dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s. But from day one with Global

Force we made a statement, we want work arm in arm with as many promotions as we could. Whether it was AAA in Mexico or NJPW, I mean we broadcast Wrestle Kingdom 9, there are a couple of companies in South Africa and Australia. So working with them has been great and it has matched what our mission statement was from the beginning.

Now this opportunity, which I would never have dreamt of, when we did the story in 2015 with IMPACT. But I would never have thought in my life thought that I would be sitting here today in partnership for lack of a better word with IMPACT. So in the next three, six months we have some really cool stuff coming up.

You mentioned the storyline with Global Force and IMPACT, how was that idea pitched to you?

When I got the phone call it was the last thing I ever expected. I remember sitting at the airport and getting a text saying call me. It was one of the staff there had reached out initially and I was like “you want to do what?”. It turned out it was a win win for both of us. It was extra exposure for Global Force all over the world, they got the storyline they wanted. Everyone was happy with

MARCH 2017 STEELCHAIR 11

how it went, but when it was over, my wife Karen likes to say it was final closure. In so many ways it really was. Not just in front of the camera but with everything else behind the scenes. Now this situation has happened, so one day this will be one hell of a chapter in the book.

Going a bit more into the IMPACT product, something that has brought a lot of eyes back to the company has been the evolution of Broken Matt Hardy. Is there a worry that top talent like the Hardy’s, Spud etc could seek elsewhere?

Again my family has been in the business 70 years and there is one thing that my grandmother taught me and that is something very hard to teach. I am a firm believe that no matter how good the talent is, if they don’t want to be there you don’t want them there. No matter who it is. You need to invest in the organisation and you need to go the extra mile to make sure everything is running smoothly. Everyone has to pull their weight and that is what makes a winning formula.

I know it wasn’t while you were at the company, but seeing AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode being utilised

by WWE, is there a sense of pride they have reached that level or is there a sense of damn we missed out?

Not at all, because I wasn’t

12 STEELCHAIR MARCH 2017

around for any of their departures. I had zero decisions when it came to that. I couldn’t be happier for them. I saw AJ a couple of weeks ago in Nashville and Bobby to this day is a dear friend. I think Karen text Joe a huge congratulations when he debuted. I am nothing but proud and pleased for them. Those guys deserve everything that they get.

You mentioned looked for the new talent, and for a while some people viewed TNA as a dirty word and there was a stigma to the talent that wrestled there.

One name jumps to mind is Trevor Lee at BOLA last year was announced as “TNA Superstar Trevor Lee” to get heel heat.

Is it now your job to make sure that IMPACT is no longer a dirty word to bring in new talent?

I will say this without questions.

At the end of the day no matter what promotion you are involved in the litmus test is what happens bell-to-bell. All the effort and dedication that is put in between those ropes speaks for itself. Over the last 36 months or so unfortunately there was a lot of negative issues, which a lot of talent got swept into that vacuum and that was from my point of view unfair. I totally understand from the fans perspective I do, but in reality the talent showed up and tried to wrestle their ass off every time. But business decisions were unfortunately not made correctly. I believe that Anthem are business men and we want to give the people a platform so the fans can decide whether to boo or cheer them.

WORDS: TYLER FUDGE

JEFF JARRETT

THE RETURN OF

JEFF JARRETT hen you think of IMPACT and its inner workings, what are a few words that pop into your head?

A treasure trove of negatives come to mind, including a name that rhymes with Pixie Tarter; but that was then, this is now. Under the Anthem umbrella, we have seen a return of many faces plus an influx of new bodies to freshen up IMPACT’s air quality and that is a marvelous start to another new era in today’s wrestling world.

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One name really jumps out at you when you see these changes, Jeff Jarrett; a man who has been combing through the American independents looking for the best young talent available while scouting for GFW. Not to mention the return of LAX and Konnan’s promo skills which are tied to the fact IMPACT now has a developing relationship with The Crash in Mexico and in the same sense their relationship with NOAH in Japan which could end up with us seeing Marufuji on IMPACT television.

Bring it on, I’m ready for more.

But for the love of all that is holy, keep Russo out of it.

@TheJRad

_jzdesigns_

JZDesignsND

JZDesignsND@Gmail.com

WORDS: MAT LINDSAY

NOAH

BIRDS OF A FEATHER: IMPACT & NOAH CONTINUE A PRO WRESTLING TRADITION t seemed only a few moments after the new management of TNA had been announced and the company’s name officially changed to IMPACT Wresting that Moose, a member of their current roster, dropped a cryptic tweet mentioning the possibility of his being involved in matches with talent signed to Japanese company Pro Wrestling Noah.

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Soon afterwards, the rumours were confirmed when Noah company president Masayuki Uchida announced, on February 7th, that there was a business relationship in existence between the two companies and cross-promotional matches and events were therefore very much on the horizon for their respective rosters.

Far from being based on the curious coincidence that both promotions feature a bird in their logos, the practice of establishing strong ties between US and Japanese promotions has a long and often momentous history, one which stretches back to the very first beginnings of professional wrestling in the latter country.

In this article, we take a brief look back at the origins of Japanese wrestling, its ties to the North American industry throughout the twentieth century and the ways in which the connections between the two have simultaneously endured and matured into the first two decades of the twenty-first century.

An American Import The first connection between Japan and the world of US wrestling came in 1883, when Sorakichi Matsuda arrived in North America to train as a professional wrestler. But it was his countryman Shokichi Hamada who made the return journey in 1887, bringing in tow a troupe of twenty American wrestlers for a tour of his native land, kicking off in Tokyo. Unfortunately no records of their names remain, denying them the rightful honour of being the predecessors of all subsequent gaijin talent in Japan.

After this, nothing truly took root or gained a mass following until the post-war years, when the beleaguered nation found a hero in the Sumo turned professional wrestler known as Rikidozan.

Debuting in the early 1950s, Rikidozan hid his true Korean roots behind the persona of a patriotic champion, who defeated villainous Americans with his legendary Karate Chop finisher. These matches were facilitated by the National Wrestling Alliance, with the roles of hero and villain reversed when Rikidozan in turn wrestled in North America.

Rikidozan went on to form the Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance (JWA), which of course became a member of the NWA, setting a precedent for its spiritual successors, AJPW and NJPW, set up by his star pupils Shohei “Giant” Baba and Antonio Inoki respectively. Both were at various times a member of the NWA in their own right and, even

when absent from the organisation, still maintained a relationship with Western wrestling in one way or another.

All Japan and the NWA Of all the Japanese promotions to have a relationship with and be influenced by US promotions with whom they worked, none were more shaped and defined by that closeness than All Japan in the seventies and eighties.

A stalwart member of the NWA for most of those two decades, Baba’s company benefitted massively from the ability to bring in gaijin of considerable talent thanks to that connection, almost seamlessly continuing Rikidozan’s formula of native faces defeating foreign heels.

In the eighties this evolved to the point where breakout gaijin such as Terry and Dory Funk Jnr, Bruiser Brody and Stan Hansen began to gain traction with Japanese fans, inspiring the notoriously conservative Baba to actually turn them face and reap the benefits.

But with the rise of the WWF as the eighties wore on and the subsequent failure of the NWA, this model fell apart and Baba was denied his steady supply of gaijin, and more surprisingly, it was NJPW that was able to forge a relationship with the company which rose from a portion of the ashes and became WCW. Since those former glory days in the seventies, eighties and nineties, All Japan was repeatedly weakened

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NOAH by internal politics, subsequent exoduses by top talent and their forming new companies in direct competition, and so perhaps as a result of these troubles making the once mighty AJPW a shadow of its former self, there have been no relationships of any note in the twenty-first century.

New Japan, the WWWF and WCW Perhaps NJPW’s most bizarre and memorable angle, the encounter between Antonio Inoki and boxing icon Mohammed Ali is fixed in the minds of most wrestling fans. But less well known is the fact that much of the wrangling and negotiating that went into getting the match signed involved the help of the then WWWF in the US. In 1976 the infamous match was presaged by a worked shoot between Ali and lifelong WWWF stalwart Gorilla Monsoon, when the former jumped into a Philadelphia wrestling ring at the end of the latter’s match. Ali ripped off his shirt, Monsoon treated him to a first-hand experience of the aeroplane spin, and the rest is history.

Of course the most iconic period of New Japan’s interaction with the West came much later, in the late eighties and through the nineties, as they enjoyed a talent-sharing arrangement with WCW that came into existence as the territory system which had existed under the NWA disappeared.

American names such as The Steiners and Sting worked for New Japan, and in return, WCW was treated to frequent appearances from the likes of Jushin “Thunder” Liger, Big Van Vader and The Great Muta, three names that are still of iconic proportions to Western fans even today.

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But maybe the greatest crossover between NJPW and WCW came when Eric Bischoff took notice of a brash new faction known as the New World Order, and decided to create his own version back in the US, thus ushering in the single most influential and defining period in professional wrestling post the rise of the WWF and Hulkamania in the 1980s.

Currently enjoying a domestic and worldwide resurgence in popularity, New Japan maintains a healthy relationship with promotions all over the world, such as CMLL in Mexico, Revolution Pro in the UK, smaller US companies the likes of Ring of Honour and even a positive rapport with the WWE (as evidenced by the appearance of NJPW legend Jushin “Thunder” Liger on an NXT pay per view in 2015).

Elsewhere the radically new style of so-called “garbage” wrestling, that was being sold as an exciting and rebellious alternative to more traditional styles of pro wrestling had made Atushi Onita and his Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling (FMW) promotion something of an underground sensation, spawning copycats and imitators of wildly differing success and noteworthiness.

FMW was the natural cousin of ECW, and for a brief time the two companies swapped talent so that the likes of Mike Awesome and Masato Tanaka were able to gleefully exchange blows from ludicrous weapons and bleed copiously alongside Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman and other mainstays of the now legendary hardcore and deliberately underdog company.

New Blood in the 1990s

Former & Present Japanese flirtations

While WCW reaped the benefits of its healthy relationship with NJPW in the nineties, the WWF looked to former AJPW star Genichiro Tenryu for a new partner in the same period, teaming up with his shortlived SWS (Super World of Sports) promotion to put on joint shows in Japan, and then later, when it had folded, actually bringing him to the US to work for them.

This new relationship with All Japan is hardly the first time that the company formerly know as TNA has pursued a partnership with a Japanese counterpart, indeed the agreement is more notable in terms of the fact that it marks a move away from the previous arrangements that TNA undertook in the past and also that the new partner is, arguably, a step down in terms of the potential it represents at the current time.

Tenryu teamed with Koji Kitao at Wrestlemania VII to defeat Demolition, and was an entrant in both the ‘93 and ‘94 Royal Rumble.

In the latter match, he lasted into the last five, having been brought in alongside fellow AJPW alumni The Great Kabuki as mercenaries in the pay of Mr Fuji, determined to do away with Lex Luger and prevent his winning the right to challenge then WWF Champion, Yokozuna.

NJPW, who still believe in the policy of sending talent for whom great things are predicted to different countries in order to expose them to contrasting styles and season them as performers, notably did so between 2006 and 2011 by sending current headliners Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito and more to TNA for just such a

reason.

By the time 2014 came around, TNA had moved on from this relationship to the point where they were able to put on a joint show at the famous Ryougoku Sumo Hall in partnership with Keiji “Great Muta” Mutoh’s Wrestle-1 promotion.

Titled “One Night Only: Global IMPACT Japan”, the card saw TNA talent pitted against the mixed-bag of talent possessed by Wrestle-1 at the time, including highlights such as Koji Kanemoto and Minoru Tanaka, as well as those long past their prime, in the form of a broken down Yoshihiro Takayama and Mutoh himself in full Muta regalia.

The loss of the relationship with New Japan is most likely more to do with the fact that at the same time as NJPW has begun to gain such impressive momentum, with it’s global profile becoming so high that Wrestle Kingdom is now an almost compulsory requirement for a serious wrestling fan in the West, TNA has suffered repeated setbacks and public embarrassments in terms of management and residency on ever smaller and less significant networks in various parts of the world.

While it would be tempting to make a connection between NJPW’s healthy and mutually beneficial relationship at the same time with both Ring of Honour and WWE and TNA’s exclusion from the fold, the unpredictable future of the company and potential damage to New Japan by association is far more of a credible explanation than any trans-pacific conspiracy theory that could be concocted to fit the facts.

By contrast, it is far more likely that the end of TNA’s relationship with a smaller Japanese company

the likes of Wrestle-1 is actually rooted, at least a little, in a potential conflict with the interests of the WWE. This supposition stems from the fact that Wrestle-1 trainer Yoshihiro Tajiri has returned to his former US haunt to compete in both the Cruiserweight Classic tournament and 205 Live to great success and acclaim, and that Mutoh’s company stands to gain far more from even so small an association with WWE than it could hope to from working with the ailing TNA/IMPACT Wrestling.

The Pro Wrestling Noah of 2017 is, like IMPACT itself, a mere shadow of its former self. In recent years the company founded by the legendary Mitsuharu Misawa after his departure from AJPW, had been propped up by NJPW, booked by Jedo and supplemented greatly by New Japan talent on loan. But a corporate buyout and management changes eerily similar to those of TNA lead to NJPW severing all ties with Noah at the end of 2016, the former party suggesting that relations between the two had become “extremely sour”.

It would be easy to dismiss this new alliance with IMPACT as a desperate act on the part of two failing promotions to arrest an inevitable, and perhaps terminal, decline in business. But professional wrestling occasionally defies conventional wisdom, allowing something that seems doomed to failure from the outset to blossom into an unexpected success. And this writer for one hopes that from the mismatched and beleaguered ranks of both IMPACT and Noah, there could be achieved something unique that manages to reinvigorate the fortunes of these once far mightier companies.

HOW TO BE A PROFESSIONAL, OR SO I THINK WORDS: DASHER HATFIELD

espect- To survive in the world of Professional Wrestling it is necessary to have the respect of your peers. I am not saying that you have to be liked, but you must be respected. How then, you may ask, does one earn respect in such a sensitive atmosphere?

WORK ETHIC! Nothing will gain the respect of a fellow wrestler faster than them taking notice of your hard work. When you are working hard at your craft it will undoubtedly shine through.

Improvements in your physique, mic skills, or in-ring work will only come from hours of effort. I take a great liking to those individuals whom I feel are putting the same time and care into their craft that I am. It shows that you are proud of what you do, and that you are giving your maximum effort to be the best that you can possibly be. When you work hard you will improve, when you improve people will take notice, and when they notice they will respect you for it.

R

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COVER STAR

PHOTOS: JOEY DEFALCO JD3STUDIOS

INTERVIEW: CHRISTOPHER DANIELS WORDS: NICHOLAS GROOMS t was fifteen years ago when a young Christopher Daniels headlined Ring of Honor’s very first pay per view, in a triple threat match featuring Low Ki and Bryan Danielson, better known to the fans as WWE’s “Daniel Bryan”.

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Fast forward to March 10, 2017. In a moment that was met with tears of joy and applause from wrestling fans all over the globe, Christopher Daniels shocked the world and captured the Ring of Honor Championship, a title that had eluded him in his previous nine attempts that included a draw against the ultra popular CM Punk and a nail biter against a game, Eddie Edwards. It seems like fate that the 46 year old Champion, known respectfully as “The King of the Indies” to his peers, knocked off Adam Cole to cement his legacy as both a “founding father” and Champion under the Ring of Honor banner, a company of which he has spent a good majority of his career competing in. Despite his big win, Daniels remains one the most humble and down to earth superstars in the world of wrestling and was kind enough to sit down with Steelchair Magazine and talk about his big win > and what the future holds for him in the squared circle.

I'm sure you have answered this question countless times in the last few days, but I have to hear it from you personally. How 18 STEELCHAIR MARCH 2017

"The best guy to never win a world championship, it's sort of nice to shed that moniker�

MARCH 2017 STEELCHAIR 19

COVER STAR does it feel to finally be ROH Champion?

It feels great. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

For the longest time, a lot of guys would hit me with the tag that I was the best guy to never win a world championship and it’s sort of nice to shed that moniker and put that behind me.

You’ve done three runs in Ring of Honor in which you have done everything else except win the championship.

What do you think was different this time around?

I am more dedicated and focused with the idea of becoming champion…and sort of realizing that if I didn’t do it now, I wasn’t going to do it. I have always gone into every championship match I have had with the goal of being champion. Specifically, this time, I felt I went in with a good chance to win and this time the cards fell my way as opposed to all of the other times.

Having done so much in the sport of professional wrestling already, do you have anything left on the bucket list?

Just to put together a championship reign worthy of a Ring of Honor champion.

"I'm not sure if WWE is looking for any 46-year-old first timers.”

We know that you are close friends with AJ Styles, have you given any thought to going to the WWE or at the very least being part of NXT before you call it a career?

No, I think at this point I am very happy with where I am at Ring of Honor and I’m not sure the WWE is looking for any 46 year old first timers in there with their company. I think the time for me to be in WWE or NXT…that time has passed. At the time I could have possibly been there, I was under contract other places so the timing was just never right. I am happy where I am at, I am glad to have done the things I have done and I am not disappointed in any way with the way things have turned out.

You and Kazarian have had quite the chemistry as a tag team over the years, dating back to your TNA days. Can you tell us a bit about your bond and how you guys can stay so in sync with one another?

Honestly, our time as a tag team has been small compared to the amount of time we have been friends. We’ve known each other since the late 90’s and we traveled together a lot officially working for TNA back in the day. When the time came that we decided we wanted to team up full time, we had already sort of realised that we were of like mind and had good chemistry as friends and that translated rather quickly into the ring.

How did that friendship blossom into a comic book?

The comic book came around because Frankie [Kazarian] and I are huge comic fans, we happened to meet Art Baltazar and Franco [Auerliani] at comic-con one year

20 STEELCHAIR MARCH 2017

and a year after that, they did a Kickstarter for the “Aw Yeah” comic imprint, which I helped sort of support and once I read about the characters they created, I came with an idea to tell the story of Frankie [Kazarian] and I interacting with “Action Cat”, “Adventure Bug” and “Awesome Bear” and luckily Art and Franco were on board to make the comic book a reality. Just recently, in February we released the next issue of that which is “Aw Yeah Comics Team Up #1” and those are available at ROH.com, AwYeahComics.com and we also sell them at live events at ROH events that we have around the U.S.

We all know that you are an extremely big comic book fan.

Are you the type of diehard fan that is so into the books that you immediately hate the translation of them onto the big screen?

I actually enjoy the movies and don’t mind that they are a little different from the books. It’s very interesting to see where the screenwriters take the characters and put them in different directions, with different movements and different histories. To me, the majority of them stay true to a lot of the stuff [the books] and the changes I have seen them make haven’t been so drastic that it’s taken me out of the movies.

Do you have any dream opponents that you have yet to face? Is there anyone you know you could have a five star match with and haven’t yet had the opportunity?

I think the one guy I didn’t get a chance to work with that I wish I had was Chris Jericho. I’ve always been a huge fan of his work. I have always thought he was the perfect blend of athlete and entertainer in terms of professional wrestling and I have tried to emulate a lot of his characteristics, especially his ability to reinvent himself and keep himself relevant in the wrestling scene.

Wrestlers seem to always pay you compliments on your willingness to teach; from local guys on the independent scene all the way up to WWE’s top guy John Cena; who has stated that the first good match he ever worked was courtesy of you. What does it mean to you have that reputation?

It’s cool to know that guys respect

my opinion enough to want to solicit it… If I have helped guys out, that is sort of the name of the game. I certainly didn’t figure wrestling out all by myself, I had people along the way who helped me and that pushed me, and if it wasn’t for the input of those guys, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So if I can help guys out, I am happy to do it, I am thrilled and in the end the people that I work with, in my mind, are all on the same team, so if I can help raise them up, it helps raise the product up overall.

Is there someone in ROH right now primed to be the next big “breakout” star?

I think the guys in Ring of Honor are already sort of breaking out…

You look at someone like Jay White, Marty Scrull or Will Ospreay, those are three names that come to mind right away. Jay came out of the New Japan Dojo system, Marty and Will came out of the UK independent

MARCH 2017 STEELCHAIR 21

COVER STAR

"Breakout star? Jay White, Marty Scurll, Will Ospreay” scene, and they are already making an IMPACT on the Ring of Honor landscape. Those are three guys I would definitely point my finger at.

Can you share your best “Curry Man” story?

Oh god, (laughs) you are putting me on the spot. I don’t really have a funny “Curry Man” story, as I think “Curry Man” in itself is its own funny story. I think that people were always impressed by the fact that even when “Curry Man” is wrestling matches, his accent stays the same. It’s incredible how dedicated to the accent “he” is. When “he” does personal appearance and the mask is on, the accent is on and I think that surprises people.

You have had many good years in TNA/IMPACT Wrestling. Do you have a favourite stand out moment?

It’s hard say “favourite”. I had a lot of great moments there. Getting to

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work with AJ [Styles] and [Samoa] Joe as often as I did…I had great experiences working with guys like Jerry Lynn and Chris Sabin…and all of the “Ultimate X” matches I did… that period of time, I look back on it fondly.

You currently work in Ring of Honor but called TNA home for years…TNA/IMPACT Wrestling has been ever changing the last couple of years and most recently both companies have seen “Broken” Matt and Jeff Hardy appear. With the Hardy’s leaving IMPACT Wrestling, they are facing legal issues with “IMPACT” in using the “broken” characters. I would just like to get your thoughts on this matter as you have been a strong ambassador for both companies. Who will it hurt more? Does it hurt IMPACT’s stock?

I think people look poorly on it. I think people are aware that Matt is the mind behind that character.

I don’t know the 100% specifics of why IMPACT thinks they own or what they think they are owed, but I feel like if IMPACT couldn’t come to terms with Matt and Jeff over their stuff…and are holding onto the characters after Matt and Jeff, themselves are gone…I don’t necessarily agree with that. I feel like if you don’t have a use for them yourself or you can’t come to terms yourself, let them go and do what they’re going to do. If the character is that valuable to you, make sure you keep it. It’s worth keeping. If it’s worth trying to sue over, then it’s worth keeping. I think the better thing would have been to try and keep them where they were.

Any parting words?

Thank you to the readers for the support; I wouldn’t be where I am without the fan base that has supported me along the way.

ROH TOP PROSPECT

WORDS: NICHOLAS GROOMS | PHOTO: HARRY AARON

TOURNAMENT COMPETITIORS CURT STALLION AND BRIAN MILONAS TALK

ROH TOP PROSPECT TOURNAMENT R

ing of Honor has built its reputation on highlighting the best and the brightest; nurturing young stars in their infancy and giving them an ideal setting to grow and prosper their skills deep beyond the in-ring manoeuvres and into the realm of creating larger than life characters and personalities they are able to grow for the duration of their professional wrestling careers. From a young man they once called “American Dragon” (Daniel Bryan) all the way down to the highly skilled Bobby Fish, Ring of Honor has played a major

role in the careers of many highly recognisable competitors, churning out years full of action and storytelling unparalleled by any promotion on this planet.

In 2011, Ring of Honor began offering an opportunity unlike any other; a tournament featuring the top talent deserving of both exposure and coverage, all brought together under one banner in an effort to crown the very best of Ring of Honor’s “Top Prospects”, giving birth to the very first “Top Prospect Tournament”.

The tournament has featured such stars as Matt Taven, Dalton Castle, Kyle O’Reilly and last year’s tournament winner, the highly regarded Lio Rush who defeated Brian Fury to become the 2016 ROH Top Prospect Tournament Champion. When it comes to talent, this year’s crop of competitors may be some of the best yet, featuring stars that range in size, style and background, which has made for some interesting match ups and situations.

Of all of the competitors involved, “The Lone Star” Curt Stallion and “Kingpin” Brian Milonas were two of my favorite participants, both of which are held in high regard on the independent circuit. Though their career goals and aspirations are similar, the two couldn’t be any more different. Stallion is a 26 year old Texas

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native, who has prided himself on being the independent circuit’s cream of the cruiserweight crop; seemingly built of equal parts flight and feats of strength in a skill set honed by his trainer; current Ring of Honor star Michael Elgin. Across the country in New Hampshire, super heavyweight Brian Milonas has been working just as hard, building a reputation as one of the independent circuit’s hardest workers, working with opponents ranging from Matt Taven all the way down to former WWE superstar Tatanka, showing he can be a game competitor in any given situation, with any opponent put in front of him.

With this year’s “Top Prospect Tournament” coming to a close, two of the brightest stars competing in the tournament sat down with Steelchair Magazine and talked Ring of Honor, the independent scene and even give some advice to those of you looking to become professional wrestlers. Take a moment and get to know Brian Milonas and Curt Stallion, as I can all but guarantee you will be hearing more and more about them in the very near future.

What does it mean to each of you to be included in this year’s Ring of Honor “Top Prospect Tournament”?

Curt: Since the first day I’d ever stepped foot in a ring, my goal was to compete for Ring of Honor; I’d even went as far as making my goal for 2016 to be included in the 2017 Ring of Honor “Top Prospect Tournament”...So, naturally, when I

was notified of being an entrant, the rush of feelings and emotions felt were beyond words. Needless to say, I was truly happy. All my hard work, the miles, sacrifices…it all paid off.

Brian: For me it’s what I’ve worked 15 years for; The opportunity to show the world who I am and what I’m capable of. I want to show everyone that I belong in the conversation for best Super Heavyweight in the World.

Curt, you have the fortune of being trained by one of the most decorated superstars on the Ring of Honor roster; Michael Elgin. Can you tell us a bit about training with him and how it has IMPACTed you as a wrestler?

Curt: I did a week-long camp with Elgin in July 2014.

In that camp [in one week] I’d learned more than I had my entire time training beforehand with a far less reputable school in West Texas. That prompted me to drop everything and move to St Louis to gain even more knowledge on the “graps” from him. His training methods are some of the best I’ve ever witnessed, firsthand. He’s a mad scientist of professional wrestling. I wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t learned from him.

Brian, can you discuss the MARCH 2017 STEELCHAIR 25

ROH TOP PROSPECT similarities and differences between competing in ROH and on the independent circuit?

Brian: ROH is a whole different level.

Look at the guys competing there…

They’re the best professional wrestlers in the world. I’m lucky to compete in some very good independent promotions and against [and with] some great talent. But when you’re talking Ring of Honor you’re talking about an elite level of talent [from] top to bottom.

Curt, many people online have compared you to ROH alumni like current WWE stars Bryan and Rollins; How does it feel to be placed on that pedestal?

Curt: Humbling, to say the least. Those guys are men I’ve watched come up exactly how I’m trying to. They are the men who truly paved the path for myself and others like me. I only hope I can do them justice as I travel along said path.

Brian, many people don’t realise this but you were part

of one of the most amazing moments in the history of independent wrestling back in 2007 involving both Cena and Vince McMahon appearing at a Chaotic wrestling event; Something many of us had never seen and will probably never see again. Can you tell us a little bit about that and give us a back story to how this all unfolded?

Brian: Yeah man, it was nuts! Back story is John Cena’s dad worked for Chaotic at the time. John’s brother is a police officer for a town in Massachusetts and was in a bad accident. This was a benefit that WWE let John do for the Police Association.

The video is on my YouTube account [that a fan shot]. All of us in the match are down and someone gets in the ring.

I turn around before fully getting up and see that it’s Vince McMahon [in the ring]. It honestly felt like a dream. A lot of people still don’t believe it until they see the video. Long story short, he raises my hand before slapping Cena and then we both took an Attitude

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Adjuster. ..Pretty amazing moment.

Curt, Do you have advice or words of wisdom for anyone reading who may want to give pro-wrestling a serious try?

Curt: If you’re a young guy reading this who is trying to get into wrestling, don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t or [you] won’t. There WILL be restless nights, wasted money, long hours, sore body parts, cuts, bumps, bruises, tears and much more sh**y stuff. Just know that if you really want this, your heart will shine through and your career will persevere. You just have a make it do so.

I can’t stress how important finding a reputable school is in the progression of one’s career. Don’t settle for anything less than what you want for yourself and your career. Lastly, don’t cross the boys, lie or back-stab. Good people are generally the ones who make it. Sh*t heads get tossed out.

Will you have any involvement with ROH going forward?

Brian: I sure hope so. My goal from day one of this run was to become a full time member of the Ring of Honor roster. The opportunities they’ve already provided me have been amazing and I believe I’ve been able to capitalize and show them and the fans of ROH that I’m worthy. I want to be recognized as one of the best professional wrestlers in the world.

ROH is where you prove that. The field this year was incredible. Being exposed to and being able to watch guys like Curt [Stallion], John Skyler and Josh Woods has been awesome. Looking at the history of this tournament guys who compete in it do come back and have huge success in ROH. I think you’ll see several of us on your TV for years to come. I feel very fortunate but my journey is far from over. It’s just beginning.

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE WOS WRESTLING REBOOT WORDS: ELLIOT DYSON e were lucky enough to attend a press conference for ITV’s revived WOS Wrestling brand and now, we at SteelChair are the keepers of all available knowledge on the subject. AMA! Okay, I’ll just tell you.

The show’s executive producers and the majority of its talent were in attendance, as was Magnus (Nick Aldis), the first British TNA World Heavyweight Champion, who was announced as a surprise addition to the roster.

Speaking of the roster, it was stated that there’ll be no restrictions on the talent working for other promotions, aside from televised ones. One exception to that rule is that IMPACT and WOS stars are likely to crossover from time to time.

Executive producer (and IMPACT CCO) Jeff Jarrett did clear up that WOS will be a fullyfledged wrestling promotion, rather than just a 10-episode series, meaning they’ll tour and flog merch etc. He added, “the show is already being shipped internationally,” so watch out, Portugal!

When asked about the creation of other championships, E.P. for ITV, Tom McLennan said, “We’re definitely gonna bring in other titles,” though the panel remained tightlipped as to whether we should expect a tag team, cruiserweight or women’s championship.

Unfortunately, promo segments rarely go according to plan in the world of wrestling, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a brawl broke out, cutting proceedings short and leaving this journalist with so many more unanswered questions. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

W

>

Watch history being made as WOS Wrestling is taped live at Preston Guildhall on 25th and 26th May. Tickets go on sale on Friday 7th April at 9am from http://gigst.rs/WOS

MARCH 2017 STEELCHAIR 27

WRESTLEMANIA

COMPLIED BY: ERIN DICK | PHOTO: WWE VIDEO

OUR TOP ‘MANIA MOMENTS oments are what make WrestleMania.

Be them good, great, bad, or downright ugly.

With WrestleMania 33 looming, the SteelChair team share our favourite WrestleMania moments of all time.

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WM 19 - Shawn Michaels vs Chris Jericho (Jay Sichler) With a stacked WrestleMania card from top to bottom, this match definitely stole the show in 2003’s Mania event. Jericho and Michaels put on a clinic and for 25 minutes kept fans on the edge of their seats, certifying their status as two of the best in the game. After escaping the Walls of Jericho, Michaels would roll up Jericho for the win, showing that after being gone for a couple of years, the Heartbreak Kid could still hang with the best of ‘em. This was Shawn Michaels’ first WrestleMania in five years (since WrestleMania 14) and this match would see the beginnings of a trend of Michaels’ best matches at WrestleMania for the next 8 years. He’s not “Mr. WrestleMania” for nothing!

WM 21 - Triple H vs. Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship (Steph Franchomme) WrestleMania often sees the underdog prevail. Batista was never your usual underdog. Big, strong,

28 STEELCHAIR MARCH 2017

powerful, he was the enforcer of Evolution. Yet beside Triple H, at Wrestlemania 21, he fit the bill.

Evolution had been one of the most reckonable forces in WWE since their founding in 2003. After Randy Orton’s “betrayal” at SummerSlam 2004, Batista won the 2005 Royal Rumble and chose to turn his back on his pals Ric Flair and Triple H. For the first time, Batista walked to the ring alone.

The 20-minute match was a demonstration of strength from both men. They pushed each other to their limits, Batista showing he had taken on the teachings of the Game. Triple H struggled, as Batista continued to boast confidence.

“Thumbs up, thumbs down”. The Game was over. A strong Batista Bomb stripped Triple H of his belt and his Kingdom. Evolution was no more. The King was dethroned. The underdog prevailed.

That night, Jim Ross called, “The Beast has been unleashed,” and there was nothing from here that could stop Batista.

WM 14 – The Undertaker vs Kane (Alan Kay) This was the first PPV I ever stayed up and watched live. I had watched every moment of the build up to this rivalry, from Kane burning the casket at the 1998 Royal Rumble, to The Undertakers return on RAW as he stated he “would walk straight through the fires of hell to face

Kane”. The Undertaker never wanted to face his brother, but Kane had forced his hand. I remember Kane walking the ring on the show, after being introduced by Pete Rose (who he would later Tombstone) and thinking, “He’s massive, there’s no chance Undertaker can win here.”

A purple tint filled the arena. Taker stepped in the ring and squared off his Brother. Even at 9 years old I sat there knowing this was a big deal. One part always sticks out in my head - as Taker kicked Kane off the apron to the outside and hit the ropes for his over the top rope dive, Kane side stepped and directed him to the Spanish announce table, as Taker went crashing through.

This was the first time my Dad ever heard me swear: “fuck!” I thought that was it. But he would go on to kick out of a Tombstone, and Kane likewise! It took three Tombstones to keep Kane down. This was a fantastic match that had me hooked on both characters for the next 20 years, and I will always regard as not only one of the greatest matches in WrestleMania history but one of the greatest matches in all of wrestling history.

WM X8 – The Rock vs Hollywood Hulk Hogan (Mat Lindsay) The nWo was a one-shot thing, something that worked in one time and place, but could never be replicated again. But in the middle

of realising that Scott Hall and Kevin Nash were washed up, it became strikingly apparent that Hulk Hogan was still more than capable of recapturing the old magic he’d created in the WWF during the 80’s and early 90’s.

While Hogan was originally booked as heel to The Rock’s babyface, I wondered at the time and still do if there was a plan B discussed beforehand, an alternate match laid out just in case the fans, as they ended up doing on the night in question, began to relive the nostalgia of Hulkamania as the two went at it. Watching the veteran Hogan feed off of the youth and superior athleticism of The Rock in a subtle manner that allowed him to draw sympathy from the crowd, rather than simply be seen as a broken-down relic, was a masterclass in wrestling psychology and a perfect demonstration of what veterans mean when they appeal to the current crop of talent to do less and yet achieve more.

And while I say that, don’t think that I was sitting there, dissecting the match at the time – I was utterly enthralled, channelling my inner child as I chanted “Rocky Sucks!” and popped massively for the admonishing finger and the inevitable leg drop.

WM 20 - Eddie Guerrero vs Kurt Angle (James Toal) In 2004, Eddie Guerrero was your WWE champ. However, one competitor challenged the honour of Guerrero. Kurt Angle discredited Eddie by calling him out on his former drug habits, his tendancies to lie, cheat and steal, and all around demeanour was ill-fitting for the calibre of the WWE title.

Eddie himself was proud to be the people’s champion (no, not The Rock) and decided to defend

his title on the grandest stage of them of all, Wrestlemania 20. The storyline going into this match was not only memorable, but the performance that these two legends put on was truly engaging. With strong technical moves, no restraint on vicious strikes, and ultimately Eddie stealing his way to victory by slipping out of the Ankle lock, thanks to an unlaced shoe. This was a thoroughly exciting and captivating match that I could rewatch over and over.

WM 24 – Shawn Michaels vs Ric Flair (Erin Dick) So, every time I write one of these things for SteelChair, I always make a mention of something that brought me to tears. Outside of heart-wrenching wrestling moments, I’m pretty cold.

Nevertheless, I was a blubbering mess at the conclusion of Ric Flair’s retirement match against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 24. I was 10 years old at the time, so anyone reading this who knows me would understand that I was anxious to see my boy Cena on centre stage. Yet my pledge to the Cenation came second best, to the emotional send-off bestowed upon the undeniable greatest of all time.

Flair was struggling to stand, and it was in everyone’s best interest that his friend Shawn put him out of his misery. With the mouthed words ’I’m sorry, I love you’, and a slowmotion Sweet Chin Music that saw time stand still, Old Yeller was out for the count. The moments postmatch were surreal, as Shawn held his dear friend’s head in his arms and quickly departed the spotlight.

I can guarantee that there was not a dry eye in the house that night, as Flair waved his legacy in the WWE a solemn, yet triumphant ‘goodbye’, as only the Nature Boy could.

WRESTLEMANIA CLANGERS WORDS: LIAM O’ROURKE

fter the landmark first WrestleMania, the second was a disaster of a production, highlighted by awful commentary from Jesse Ventura with Elvira, and Vince McMahon with the vapid Susan St. James...Rockin’ Robin and the DX Band take the awards for worst rendition of America the Beautiful at 5 and 14 respectively...Run DMC’s “WrestleMania Rap” at 5 wasn’t a hit with the high rollers at Trump Plaza. As Gorilla Monsoon said, “A little bit of that went a long way for me”...Piper’s Pit with Morton Downey Jr. at 5 was interminable...Triple H doesn’t have the best record for great Mania main events. His efforts at 2000, 18, 25 and 32 were all utterly forgettable...The technical glitches and empty seats at 11 epitomised the business in 1995…Bret Hart and Vince McMahon went from dream feud to fever dream before our eyes in 2010…Vince moderating a ten minute debate on whether the WWF should institute instant replay at 7 was simply abhorrent.

The Bushwhackers got involved…

Kid Rock didn’t set the world afire with his concert at 25…The first Lesnar Vs. Goldberg bombed at 20. The disastrous match whitewashed from history to the fact that the build was actually the best one for that show…

A

MARCH MARCH2017 2017STEELCHAIR STEELCHAIR 21 29

JOHNNY MUNDO

INTERVIEW: JOHNNY MUNDO WORDS: TONY QUANT | PHOTO: LUCHA UNDERGROUND ohnny Mundo may be more famously known for his time with the WWE under various guises, most famously as John Morrison, but the Californian born star is currently spearheading the Lucha Underground promotion on their rise to dominance.

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Mundo left the WWE in 2011 in the search of taking more control over his time and character and following a stint on the indy scene, joined Lucha Underground in 2014.

Since then he has been a pivotal part in driving the promotion’s global footprint and appealing to a wider audience outside the typical Luchador fans. Tony Quant caught up with Mundo to chat about the news regarding Lucha Underground’s new deal with Netflix, how he can surpass his incredible 2016 and much more.

Lucha Underground is coming to Netflix in the States. Can you talk us through just how big of a deal that is for the US market?

This is a first time ever. Vince McMahon likes to always book first time ever. This is bigger than any wrestling promotion has ever gotten and no other promotion>has ever been on Netflix. It has over 100 million subscribers and given the high quality product that Lucha Underground is, this is potentially going to be an equaliser. Prior to Neflix the product was on El Ray but most importantly fans from around the World have

30 STEELCHAIR MARCH 2017

always found ways to watch it.

So does the additional exposure bring more pressure to the talent to perform?

There is no such thing as a small show.

In wrestling its all the same whether its a bingo hall in Arkansa or if you are walking out at Madison Square Gardens. The pressure is already on myself and I am very proud of the work from season 1 and 2. I feel like I work best under pressure, pressure motivates me.

Do you think the deal will attract more talent to potentially join Lucha Underground?

I think Lucha Underground already has a healthy roster and everyone where everyone has a purpose. It doesn’t feel good working for a promotion where you feel a part of it.

The Netflix deal will absolute attract new talent, taking Lucha Underground from small to mid size and potentially huge.

Focusing on you now and lets just reflect on 2016. You became the first ever non Mexican to win the AAA Title, debuted with PWG. How do you top such a great year personally?

First of all I call this year Mundo17. I feel like its been couple of years in the making.

I am working on upgrading all my in ring moves for Mundo17 and because of Lucha Underground schedule I am able to spend more time training and my wrestling has continued to improve. Everything has continued to evolve and because of how hard I train incorporating martial arts, being exposed to the Luchador’s and Indy Wrestlers has just helped me evolve.

Wrestling is similar to medicine, its a practice. You are never perfect. If I was

"I have been to Japan 10 times with the WWE and wrestled, but never wrestled for New Japan so that would be cool.” a doctor, 2017 is the year Mundo cures cancer.

If we are to look long term at your aspirations in the squared circle what are they and what is your longer term plan?

One of the great things about wrestling is being in control of your time and that has enabled me to write, produce and star in a movie which is coming out May 9th. But wrestling has no linear path from A to B. I am the Lucha Underground Champion and I want to remain the Champion. I want to continue to wrestle over the world. I am very happy with how my career has been going and I will continue to achieve and improve.

Are there any opponents who you haven’t yet had the chance to wrestle who you would like to share the squared circle with?

I have never had chance to wrestle Kenny Omega and I am a big fan of his 6* match.

I am legit a big fan of that match. I have been to Japan 10 times with the WWE and wrestled, but never wrestled for New Japan so that would be cool.

Lucha Underground is now available on Netflix

MARCH 2017 STEELCHAIR 31

SMACKDOWN

WORDS: BRADLEY TIERNAN | PHOTOS: WWE

SMACKDOWN W

elcome to the most must-see review in history; welcome to… The SmackDown Review.

Remember the Rumble?’ – It was when SmackDown had us on the edge of our seats and until recently it was doing just that. Then Shane McMahon announced himself as AJ Style’s WrestleMania opponent.

So, Shane McMahon, who promised us a new era, less about GMs and Commissioners, and more about the talent on the roster, has just inserted himself in a Marquee WrestleMania match. Not even a year on and we find that, just like his Dad, Shane O’Mac wants to be a hands on manager in ironically ensuring this is HIS ‘New Era’.

Where does that leave AJ Styles?

Well, if you believe strongly in kayfabe you’ll find his recent actions leaves him without a job. Attacking Shane in the parking lot got Styles “fired” by GM, Bryan - a man that got legitimately fired for kayfabe strangling someone too hard with

32 STEELCHAIR MARCH 2017

a tie. Considering Orton, despite burning down Wyatt’s compound and facing no charges from the Authority and the authorities (oh we’ll get to that) had his WrestleMania title shot glad-handed to him, I think Styles is justified in his actions. So, is he really the heel in this feud?

SmackDown would have you believe so as ignoring this hypocritical stance Styles is still set to face McMahon Jr at the Showcase of the Immortals.

Speaking of misguided heels and babyfaces, the best action recently lies between Wyatt and Orton for the WWE Championship.

As mentioned Orton burnt down Wyatt’s compound which sparked a fit of insane despair from the Champion. Wyatt’s response? He bathed himself in the rubble of his dilapidated compound and the ashes of Sister Abigail. Naturally. Could this be the beginning of Wyatt’s transcendence into the footsteps of The Undertaker? I bloody hope so!

Our worst fears were confirmed when Bryan made the WrestleMania

match between Cena with his girlfriend, Nikki Bella, against The Miz and Maryse an official MixGender Tag Match. The build up to this has been fantastic with Miz delivering passionate promos every week and the Total Bellas couple getting more wound up as a result.

We all know the match itself might not be the best but lets just enjoy the promos while they last.

In other news: - Ambrose is still the IC Champion and is quickly shaping it to be more like a rehash of the Hardcore title as he was crushed by a forklift truck at the hands of Baron Corbin.

- The Women’s division looks as though the title will be contested for by “every available woman on the roster”. So if that means a return for Naomi or maybe even Eva Marie it could just about save this clusterf*ck of a match.

All that has become clear in SmackDown’s Road to WrestleMania is that their respective feuds aren’t clear in the slightest. With Styles and the Miz speaking such home truths they’re fast becoming fan favourites and are doing well to increase the level of smark culture amongst the WWE Universe. On top of this, Orton and Wyatt are raising the insanity levels to near biblical proportions. I guess when WrestleMania does arrive we will just have to sit and enjoy it all as a neutral – just like your Dad does when he watches me plow your Mum.

read weekly reviews at steelchairmag.com

RAW envy you. I envy your happy wife and in turn, happy life. I envy your well-behaved pet. I envy your will to live.

HEY, maybe I let that thought get away with me. But what I really do envy is your ability to not have the burden of watching Raw for months, yet still be able to catch up on it in time for WrestleMania, in about 5 minutes. I envy that.

WORDS: ELLIOT DYSON

RAW

The battle between raw and smackdown, and bradley and elliot continues

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The Universal Championship scene is troublesome, at the moment.

At Fastlane, Owens lost the title to Goldberg in a match short enough to be represented in GIF form, though Owens doesn’t look set to get a rematch any time soon. In the run up to Fastlane, Goldberg agreed to a WrestleMania bout with Lesnar which now sees the Universal title on the line, despite Lesnar not winning a televised match since SummerSlam.

We can all agree that’s completely fair and justified booking.

Now that the part-timers are geared up and appearing on TV every once in a while, the former main eventers have fallen victim to a slip down the card. The best friend act of Owens and Jericho has been the most entertaining element of Raw over the past 6 months, so the WrestleMania showdown between the two has been long expected. The pair broke up during Jericho’s “Festival of Friendship,” a segment in which they recapped their career as a pair and reached peak ridiculousness, making the abrupt left turn into apronpowerbombing and TV-smashing all

the more effective. The former best friends will fight it out over Y2J’s United States Title at WrestleMania, though they’re currently treading water on the flooded road to the event along with a couple of other fan favourites.

Samoa Joe and Zayn have found themselves embroiled in a bit of a filler-feud since Joe’s debut in which he injured Seth Rollins. Joe and Zayn are currently dicking around with Jericho and Owens in the classic, feud-building SmackDown-style tag match, accomplishing very little.

Speaking of The Game, his feud with Seth Rollins heated up in a big way, recently. Rollins’ aforementioned injury may have been somewhat exaggerated for dramatic effect and Haitch has reverted into full-on oppressive authority, beat-everyonehalf-to-death mode. He recently dressed-down GM Foley in the middle of the ring, culminating in the returns of Mr. Socko and Seth “New Merchandise Available Now” Rollins’ “knee injury”.

Bayley broke Charlotte’s PPV streak at Fastlane, retaining the Women’s title she won a few weeks

prior on a between-PPVs edition of Raw. Sasha Banks rolled up Nia Jax and for some reason is now challenging for the Women’s title at Wrestlemania in a Triple Threat with the aforementioned competitors.

Neville retained his Cruiserweight title in a spotlight-stealing match at Fastlane with Jack Gallagher.

The following night, he knocked off Rich Swann in his forgotten title rematch, which was merely a match thrown together to set up Austin Aries officially joining the division.

Aries will challenge for the title at Mania after winning a Fatal 5-Way #1 contender match (the default way of determining a CW title contender, apparently).

When it’s all summed up for you in such a way, you may get the impression that Raw has been a little underwhelming recently, but don’t be glum, sugar plumb! Finn Balor is back in action! That’s something to smile about... although he’s currently only on live shows because it’s probably too late to integrate him into Wrestlemania.

Oh, I almost forgot! Rusev has cut his hair. BYE!

MARCH 2017 STEELCHAIR 33

ALEXANDER WOLFE

watch nxt on wwe network

INTERVIEW: ALEXANDER WOLFE WORDS: LEE HAZELL | PHOTOS: WWE Alexander Wolfe Interview Alexander Wolfe is perhaps the best German wrestler in the world. A former wXw Champion (Germany’s hottest wrestling promotion) Wolfe wrestled in his native Germany under the name Axel Tischer. He won their most prestigious belt from NXT Alumni Sami Zayn (then going by the name El Generico) and subsequently lost it to another of WWE’s European acquisitions, Tommy End, now known as Aleister Black.

Alexander Wolfe joins their ranks in the WWE as part of NXT’s anarchist faction, SAni†Y.

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He talks to us about the rigours of training for the biggest wrestling promotion in the world and his excitement about attending the WrestleMania weekend.

This will be your second WrestleMania week in WWE as part of the NXT roster. What’s the WrestleMania weekend experience like?

The WrestleMania weekend his huge.

Personally, for me, it’s Christmas because WrestleMania is only once a year. Last year was a crazy experience because you have the chance to see everybody you see on the television, but most importantly, you have all of the attractions. You have WrestleMania Axxess, you have the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, you have NXT Takeover: Orlando and, of

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ALEXANDER WOLFE course, you have WrestleMania 33.

To be a part of that and attending Axxess to see all of the fans worldwide is amazing.

Any favourite WrestleMania moments from history that inspired you?

Oh yeah, of course. I’m a huge Steve Austin fan. He’s my favourite of all time and I remember the moments he had on WrestleMania very, very clearly. But the one specific moment for me personally?

The first WrestleMania I watched was WrestleMania 9, 1993 in Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas. It was an open air show like always and I remember The Undertaker vs Giant González, the main event of Bret Hart vs Yokozuna where Mr Fuji throws salt into Bret’s eyes then Hulk Hogan came down to save the day. This was my first WrestleMania, so it’s the one I love to watch over and over on the WWE Network and is one of my favourite WrestleMania memories.

Can you describe the experience of training in the performance centre?

The performance centre is a very, very, very, large facility and it’s heaven for a wrestler. You have a chance to train for that which you love. You have seven rings, you have an amazing gym, you have facilities to train your body, to take care of your physique and to perfect your techniques. If you are a wrestler and you train hard enough, you become successful, but if you are a wrestler and train at the performance centre you become a Superstar. For me, working her on a weekly basis isn’t work. Every

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day, I’m excited to be here at the performance centre because you can become the best version of yourself. It’s not just practising in the ring, sitting in a room we have a big TV screen where we have socalled Skull Sessions in which we can study our work, study what we did in the ring, and study what we did in live events and TV events.

This makes the whole process even faster and better.

"I don’t care how long I’ve known Tommy End. If we meet up in the ring, there’s one winner and there’s one loser.”

Have any of the trainers in the performance centre been mentors to you or taught you any particularly valuable lessons?

Every one of the coaches so far are just giving everything to everybody.

Right now, my current coach is Scotty 2 Hotty who was successful in the Attitude Era. He has a huge knowledge about how to get over.

Even Matt Bloom, who is the head

coach shares a lot of wisdom. A big influence, as well, was Terry Taylor because he’s been in the business so long. He’s wrestled, he’s produced, he’s mentored, and especially when you watch your match back with him you learn so much. He was on both sides of the Monday Night Wars, he was first in WCW and then he was in WWE and he can tell you a lot of secrets, a lot of tricks on how you will become a better performer in general.

It’s hard to only say a couple of names. All around here you have so much experience. Robbie Brookside was an awesome, awesome wrestler. He’s a wizard in the ring.

Coach Norman Smiley was a great performer and will tell you of his many great experiences. For our women’s division, Coach Amado.

You see the women’s revolution right now? Coach Amado is where it came from. Steve Carino is just starting his coaching career right now and he’s an awesome talent.

He was a part of ECW, a big part of Ring of Honor and he had a long career in Japan, so his knowledge goes overseas as well. We also have great guest coaches. At the moment it’s Johnny Saint. Johnny Saint, in his high age, is still active in the ring, he can still stretch out everybody. Mr Regal comes over sometimes to share his expertise, especially before TV tapings. I hope I haven’t left anybody out.

Do you think being alongside Eric Young in NXT is an opportunity for you?

Eric Young a very, very, experienced guy. He is our veteran. He has so much experience with live events and he’s performed for a very long time in other promotions. He knows

how to do things and he knows how to do things the right way. He’s a great guy to be around, he’s a great mentor and since I’m with him, the future is going to be amazing. It will lead to more opportunities to step up the ladder and prove myself that I am material for NXT and WWE.

What would you say the mission statement of SAni†Y is to new fans?

The mission statement of SAni†Y is quite simple. We don’t believe in anything. We’re just here for violence. This is what you get when you see SAni†Y. We are all totally different to each other and to anyone else in WWE and especially in NXT. If there is something we cannot stand it is rules. If you follow rules you can do it on your own. We are the anarchists of NXT. We’re not here to ask for things, we simply take what we want.

SAni†Y has four nationalities.

You have Germany, Canada, Scotland and Northern Ireland. What have you learned from such a diverse group of people?

What have I learned from them?

A lot. Let me explain it like this.

Since I have moved here to the United States of America I got more educated in a lot of things and I think this is what you get when you move from Germany to here. Even here in the Performance Centre you have so many international talents and even in SAni†Y you have four different national talents. You learn a lot from different cultures, different languages, even from listening to Scottish and Irish because they are a totally different way of speaking English. Eric Young is a very experienced guy, he’s from Canada, I bring knowledge from Germany as well so you grow together you get more educated together and that makes us stronger and smarter.

What does Nikki Cross bring to SAni†Y? She is a very important figure in SAni†Y. She is our fourth guy, so to speak, and she will always be there for us and she will always be so unpredictable. We need to hold her back because if not and we aren’t around her, she is like a dog off the leash. She’s a very good competitor, she’s a very good athlete but what most is good for the crew is that she is very crazy.

Killian Dain is the newest member of SAni†Y. What would you say to fans who are unacquainted with him?

Oh, Killian Dain is a big advantage for SAni†Y and he is a big threat to everybody else. You should not mess with Killian Dain at all. If it’s possible and you survive me? You probably will stop on Killian Dain. I can promise that. Killian Dain is a

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ALEXANDER WOLFE great athlete, he’s a big guy, he’s a very strong guy as well and he’s very intimidating. If he goes crazy, nobody can stop him.

How is Sawyer Fulton, and what is your opinion of him as a performer?

Fulton is doing well. He’s here in the performance centre doing medical therapy. I’ve seen him a couple of times and hopefully, he will come back soon, with or without SAni†Y. I think he’s a great guy and an excellent performer.

Now that Tommy End is in NXT as Aleister Black any plans to get him back for taking the wXw title from you?

Good question. Who knows? Maybe, we’ll see. Ha ha. I mean, the past is in the past, right? The future is now, but if our paths cross you never know what will happen. If there is a challenge there, I will probably take it to get my redemption.

Aleister Black was always a great professional and a great athlete.

He has a unique style of working inside the squared circle. His kicks are lethal and his technique is pretty sharp. In a lot of things, he is very dangerous. It will be very interesting if we meet up again in the squared circle because we’ve known each other for years, we’ve toured together in Japan and have spent quite a lot of time with each other, but in the ring? It’s all business. I don’t care how long I’ve known him. If we meet up in the ring, there’s one winner and there’s one loser.

Where did it all start for you?

My first training started in 2000 and my first match was in 2001. I

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decided to drive two times a week from Dresden, my hometown in Germany, a town two hours away.

2006 I started to train in Berlin and since then I’ve just been training hard, preparing, watching wrestling travelling to different countries in Europe, wrestling more and more on a weekly basis, I recently competed in Japan and England and then I got the call. I did well in my WWE try-out, then found out they wish to sign me for NXT so, of course, I signed that, moved over to Orlando, Florida and now I’m just happy to continue my wrestling career here in NXT.

knowledge. Eleven years plus on the indies was a great experience and I learned a lot from so many talented people, but here it’s a different way of learning and it’s a different way of adapting. You have so many people who are very talented here, they have a great look, they have charisma, they are all potential superstars but they’re still here over a couple of years and you have people who come here and they are over the same day. It’s amazing what you can learn here but you have to be patient and this was one of my biggest challenges here in the performance centre.

After wrestling for almost 11 years on the independent circuit, what were the biggest challenges learning the NXT/ WWE style?

Don’t miss WrestleMania 33 live on the award-winning WWE Network on Sunday, 2nd April. For more information on WWE Network and to sign-up for your first month free, visit http://www.wwe.com/ wwenetwork

The biggest challenge for me is patience. I don’t like to be patient, but you have to be patient here. You have to adapt, you have to restart and you have to, empty your cup of knowledge and refill it with new

Catch Alexander Wolfe this June when NXT Live! returns to the UK! Tickets go on-sale Friday 17th March at 10 am on LiveNation. co.uk

SAKURA GENESIS 2017 SUN. APRIL. 9. 2017 David Finlay, Jushin Thunder Liger and Manabu Nakanishi vs. Hirai Kawato, Katsuya Kitamura and Tomoyuki Oka

WORDS: COURTNEY ROSE

he New Japan Cup tournament has concluded for 2017 and it was another classic in breaking everyone’s assumptions for the future of New Japan. For those unaware of what the New Japan Cup consists of, there are 16 entrants pitted against one another in a single elimination tournament. The overall winner of the tournament can then challenge for whatever NJPW title he desires: IWGP Heavyweight Championship, IWGP Intercontinental Championship or the NEVER Openweight title, a match which we now know will take place next month during the Sakura Genesis show in April.

T

This year’s New Japan Cup had all the makings of a great March Madness style tournament. There were plenty of incredible matches and surprise upsets, such as the first round elimination of Kenny Omega by Tomohio Ishii, as well as a win streak given to younger talent such as SANADA and EVIL, the latter who managed to overcome Hiroshi Tanahashi in the first round. The borderline surprises kept coming when not only did Katsuyori Shibata defeat Minoru Suzuki, he made his way all the way to the tournament

finals. Bad Luck Fale, who hasn’t had much direction in terms of story lately in New Japan, came out victorious in his bracket, setting the stage for our final round.

Bullet Club (Hangman Page, Tama Tonga, Tanga Roa and Yujiro Takahashi) vs. Tiger Mask, Tiger Mask W, Togi Makabe and Yuji Nagata Chaos (Beretta, Rocky Romero and Yoshi-Hashi) vs. Suzuki-gun (El Desperado, Minoru Suzuki and Taka Michinoku)

The final match of the New Japan cup involved Bad Luck Fale taking the advantage straight away, dragging Shibata into the crowd, attempting to choke him with a fan’s towel and tossing metal guardrails his way to wear him out. The first portion of this match was incredibly skewered toward Fale and his size advantage, tossing Shibata in and out of the ring in the hopes of wearing him down. Shibata was able to retaliate, using Fale’s own pervious tactics against him, and eventually locking in a sleeper hold to deplete him of energy. One PK later and Katsuyori Shibata is your 2017 New Japan Cup winner!

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Suzuki-gun (Taichi and Yoshinobu Kanemaru) vs. Jado & Gedo (CHAOS)

Post-match celebration, Shibata took the microphone to call out Okada and cash in his title match, so we now have a card listing for Sakura Genesis and it looks pretty amazing. Almost all the titles are on the line, and we will also be seeing Zack Sabre Jr’s first shot at a title in New Japan as he challenges NEVER Openweight title holder, Hirooki Goto!

NEVER Openweight Championship: Hirooki Goto vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

Bullet Club (Bad Luck Fale and Kenny Omega) vs. Chaos (Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano) Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, EVIL, SANADA and Tetsuya Naito) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, Ricochet and Ryusuke Taguchi IWGP Tag Team Championship: Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima vs. War Machine (Hanson and Raymond Rowe)

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi vs. KUSHIDA IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada vs. Katsuyori Shibata

MARCH 2017 STEELCHAIR 39

CODY

WORDS: NICHOLAS GROOMS | PHOTO: @MRDAVIDJWILSON

personality the centre of everything he does, and to put it mildly, it is getting more than the desired results.

CODY RHODES: NINE MONTHS LATER hether it is based on sheer miles traveled or the ability to constantly compete at a high level, Cody Rhodes is primed to continue towards having one of the best years of his career as he approaches the nine month mark of his illustrious run as an independent wrestler.

Free from the Stardust gimmick and the up-and-down climate of WWE’s mid card, Rhodes has strung together an independent run like no other, quickly becoming a must see attraction and the star we always knew he could be as he continues to amass highlight after brilliant highlight, with no signs of halting his roaring momentum.

W

In December 2016, upon signing with Ring of Honor and working with New Japan Pro Wrestling, he became an instant attraction when he joined pro wrestling’s most popular group, “The Bullet Club” using the art of

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cutting a great promo in a vignette where he dubbed himself “The Star That Left Them in the Dust”, an obvious poke at his previous moniker as Cody ceremoniously looked towards his future with a beacon of hope.

Much like his famous father, Cody is traveling every road to compete in every promotion imaginable.

His opponents have ranged from ultra popular veterans, all the way down to young upstarts looking for an opportunity against someone of Rhodes’ pedigree; making for memorable match ups and even more interesting moments before and after the bell has rung. From a Youtube clip of Cody crowd surfing to the ring all the way down to an occasion where a heckling fan shouts “Stardust” and receives a “cartwheel into a middle finger” in return, Cody has not only utilised the in ring skills he has been blessed with, but has made his candid

In what could only be described as a pro-wrestling “soul search”, Cody Rhodes has once again found a passion many fans felt he had lost somewhere between the death of his beloved father and dealing with the daily rigors of performing as a character his heart just wasn’t in to. For many, leaving the guaranteed paycheck and security provided by the WWE is a scary thing to do, but for Rhodes, it was the breath of fresh air he so badly needed.

Nine months later, as Cody Rhodes plays heel in his Ring of Honor storyline, he ironically seems to have more people cheering him on than ever. Through this entire experience, Rhodes has never once abandoned the fans or kept them out of the loop. He has cried with us over social media, lamenting his bad days and moments where his grief was absolutely unbearable.

He has also, in turn, laughed and smiled with us, sharing hilarious gif images and jokes as he travels the world, absorbing all of the splendors that made him love pro-wrestling in the first place. Instead of walking a path directly in the footprints of his iconic father, he simply applied the Rhodes family work ethic, forging a trail that is all his own and though some days are more tumultuous than others, we are finally seeing Cody Rhodes in a way that we were never previously able to; as a wrestling superstar, the centrepiece of the show and a future world champion.

Don’t believe me? Just look at what his father accomplished while wearing polka dots and tell me I am wrong.

MARCH 2017 STEELCHAIR 27

JOSH MATHEWS

INTERVIEW: JOSH MATHEWS WORDS: TONY QUANT osh Mathews is the lead commentator for IMPACT Wrestling and self declared GOAT when it comes to wrestling commentary. Mathews has been with IMPACT Wrestling since 2014, having previously worked for the WWE for twelve years. Josh took time out to chat with Tony Quant about the changes he has witnessed personally during his time at IMPACT, what talent he feels can drive the brand forward in 2017 and much more…..

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So Josh what got you into wrestling and what was your earlier memory of it?

I started watching when it was WrestleMania 2 or 3. I was a WWE kid until my teenage years and then I stopped watching it at that point.

It wasn’t until ECW that I started watching again. ECW was raw and I was a teenager at this point. WWE was geared towards kids more so and I was drawn to the athleticism of the likes of RVD, Sabu, Shane Douglas. I remember watching Barely Legal 97 and that made me feel like I wanted to do this for a living.

You competed as a wrestler in Tough Enough in early 2001. Is there any regret that you didn’t become a full> time wrestler?

Nope absolutely no regrets, I am super happy with the decision I made. After Tough Enough I toured the indy scene for a bit but I really just didn’t like the independents. It was too isolated and you spent so much time alone

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"I truly believe that I am the greatest and I don’t think that there is anyone out there putting in as much work as I am".

and I didn’t care for that. Then the opportunity came about to work for the WWE, a company I had always wanted to work for and that was it.

Fast forwarding through your career, obviously you spent a large amount of time with the WWE and are now part of IMPACT Wrestling. What would you say is the biggest comparison between the two?

There is just more man power in the WWE. For every ten people we have they have a thousand. You also have to stay in line there and do what you are told. You feel like a cog in the wheel in the WWE, here you feel that you are really making a real difference and I am excited to just keep helping to grow the IMPACT brand.

A lot has changed at IMPACT recently, most importantly with Anthem Sports taking over. What is the culture like at IMPACT now?

The change has been really great and the culture has changed for the better. It is a real work, nose to the grind mentality that everyone buys into. We are going to get through any challenges thats what it feels like. There are so many amazing things happening from the Total Access app in the UK, to things happening with India, and I have just seen the new dates for Orlando.

Touching on the Total Access app, what do you make of it?

Well I helped launch it. I really

think it’s great, for the fans and for just £4.99 a month the amount of exclusive stuff you get on it pays for itself. Obviously we are going to be coming to Spike in the UK from April 21st but I recommend in the meantime fans check out the app which allows them to see stuff on the go.

We have seen a number of talent depart in recent weeks but equally a number of fresh new faces appear. Who are you expecting to see big things from this year?

I feel like Bobby Lashley has hit the tip of iceberg. EC3 is just getting started. Eddie Edwards is one of my favourites. I really like what The Reno Scum are doing. I feel like the current roster is strong and has a lot of main event calibre talent. I feel like there really is the opportunity now for people to step up.

Now let's turn the focus to you and your role in IMPACT. There seemed to be an online uproar when you declared yourself the greatest commentator of all time. What do you make of the feedback you have attracted?

I truly believe that I am the greatest and I don’t think that there is anyone out there putting in as much work as I am. One of the best things that IMPACT allows me to do is to be myself. I’m just being me. I have been given the green light and opportunity to be myself and if the fans don’t like it then so be it.

The last time you were given the free running on WWE television things didn’t work out so well. Why will this be different?

Oh god, people got upset about that. It got all the way back to Vince and he backed down on it. But like I said I have been given the green light to be myself and that is what will happen.

One thing that is often overlooked is just how much you guys do aside of your role. What else are you doing at IMPACT? The commentary has become least of what I do to be honest.

I work in every department from the marketing, to social media and helping at the live events. So much so that the new President described me as jack of all trades.

Looking forward for the company what do you think 2017 holds for IMPACT Wrestling?

2017 will be the year of opportunity for IMPACT. It is exciting to be part of a new culture and I was here during the former times so I got to feel what it truly was like back then.

Things feel completely different now and I am excited to be part of that journey.

Get the Total Access app which costs just £4.99 a month from IMPACTwrestling.com/UK

MARCH 2017 STEELCHAIR 43

LOOK BACK

WORDS: LEE HAZELL

LOOK BACK: BATTLE OF THE BILLIONAIRES It was the match that launched a thousand memes. Donald J. Trump, upon becoming a credible, no wait … a genuine … no that doesn’t sound right either … a more than improbable candidate to become the President of the United States of America, the internet scrambled for the images and gifs that would aptly summarise our sense of disbelief that America chose a Reality TV host for the highest seat of office in their land. And if you’re looking for modern, American surrealism, WrestleMania has always got your back. Strap yourselves in, guys.

On the January 8, 2007 edition of RAW, WWE gave Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump the chance to finish their feud inside the squared circle.

Rosie and Donald didn’t take them up on the offer, so WWE hired local talent to give us an approximation of what that match would look like.

It’s a moment of wrestling fluff, the kind of thing that is, thank God, out of fashion these days, but it gave us moments like Donald Trump’s Flying Hair-butt and JR telling us that Rosie O’Donnell has a face full of fudge. After getting hit with a cake, of course. Still doesn’t make that sentence any less traumatic to write, but still.

This prompted ‘The Donald’ (and god bless Jim Ross for saying this unironically for three months without ever once having a psychotic episode) to appear on RAW on January the 29th and interrupt Vince McMahon’s Fan Appreciation night, where Vinny Mac gives back to the fans. What he

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was giving back was a portrait sized print of the cover he did for Muscle and Fitness to a local Dallas girl, who looks like she had been pick out by a silicone seeking missile. Trump gave them what everybody actually wanted.

Money. He made it rain in Dallas.

Humiliated, McMahon challenged Trump to a Hair vs Hair match at WrestleMania, each man picking someone to represent them on the Grandest Stage of Them All. McMahon chose Umaga and Trump chose the ECW World Champion, Bobby Lashley. Pandering to a reality TV audience is apparently more important than defending a world title on your tent pole show. On March 5th, The Rattlesnake himself, Stone Cold Steve Austin, was chosen to be the special guest referee by WWE’s board of directors. What a smart bunch they turned out to be.

The next week was the contract signing for the match and the first event in which all of these combustible elements would share the stage for the first time. Trump is escorted to the ring with one enthusiastic looking woman on each arm. Please allow me a moment to let the bile settle down at the back of my throat. The WWE crowd cheers Trump in what would now be called a chilling vision of the future. His first line in front of a WWE crowd is telling McMahon that his grapefruits are no match for Trump’s Towers. Oh God, there’s that bile again.

The segment is not without a hint of tension to it. It is a well-produced fifteen minutes that plays well on the crowd’s hatred of McMahon. But it needs something extra. It needs

something to really make it sing and Stone Cold is the best Soprano in town. The energy he adds is astonishing. The way his head moves as he talks, the genuine aggression in his choice of words, the way beer flings and sprays out of shaken up cans, it all cumulates into a fierce kinetic energy that drives the crowd crazy.

He not only lets McMahon know what he feels about him, he also gets in Trump’s face too. It’s not the massive admonishment many of us in 2017 would like it to be, but it is calm reminder of the rules and who Trump is in relation to Stone Cold, that being the side attraction. I wonder how they communicated to Trump that Stone Cold would have to speak to him in this way? That Stone Cold was the man people were paying to see and that Trump was more of a sauce rather than a steak. You can see on Trump’s expression that he is amused and a little disgusted that a real showman is reading him the riot act.

The bout at WrestleMania itself is predictably not as enjoyable as the segments surrounding it. This is a slice of pure Sports Entertainment that comes from a time when WWE thought in terms of moments, not matches.

JR spends what seems like an eternity contemplating which adjective to use to describe Trump’s hair, you can feel him swish different words around his mouth until he settles on ones like ‘phenomenon’. Sometimes he goes for neutral truisms like, “Perhaps the most recognised head of hair on the globe, belongs to Donald Trump.”

Well played Mr. Ross. Well played.

King just tells it like it is, albeit by distancing himself from his comments by putting them in the mouths of other people in the most passive aggressive game of ‘He Said, She Said’ ever. Trump would later study this technique and use it on his campaign trail.

The crowd are agnostic after the money settles down until Stone Cold’s music hits. Then the crowd suddenly gets invested. Thus all the players are in place and begins an overly rehearsed, stagy match with too many moving pieces relying on too many undertrained performers. There are two things of note.

The first is that Stone Cold is surprisingly neutral and a stickler for the rules. He ensures both wrestlers adhere to the five count when using the ropes and that shenanigans are too be punished, even getting physical with the combatants if he deems necessary. You would think that someone with such a blatant disregard for the rules would have just decided to let the guys go at it and fight in whichever way they deemed fit, but what he said at the contract signing he meant, I guess. Although, he does stop the match from ending in a double count out, which makes the two wrestlers actually participating in the match seem really weak which is a bit of shit thing to do just to remind people how badass Stone Cold is.

Secondly, Trump’s involvement with the match itself. These are the moves that you saw video after video for during the Republican Primaries, the Election and the Inauguration of Donald J. Trump, as he became 45th President of the United States of America. The only

President to date to attempt a Lou Thesz Press (please forgive me Mr. Thesz for invoking your legendary name in such a way, sir) on Vincent Kennedy McMahon. That is, if you ignore the rumours about Bush Snr. Yes, despite JR insisting that this is not Trump’s world, he attacks McMahon and throws punches at him like a man trying to stick a fork into a cremated roast.

Muhammed Ali would look at those punches and think what was taking the Grim Reaper so long to get him.

Due to various shenanigans, ref bumps, ref switches, outside interference and one weaponised dye job, Lashley gets the pin on Umaga and Trump finally gets to shave the head of Vince, much to the delight and adulation of the crowd. McMahon is distraught and makes an obvious attempt to flee. Lashley drags him back and Vince, still angry, does a nice spot of foreshadowing as he backs into an unimpressed Stone Cold and feels for his bald head in some attempt at recognition. The crowd screams while Vince is held down

by Austin as Lashley and Trump take clippers and razorblades to his head while ‘Bald Headed Blues’ plays on.

Stone Cold celebrates by giving all the guys in the ring left standing a beer, including the teetotal Donald Trump. This may be the reason why Stone Cold stuns him, ten years ago this WrestleMania, a thing that, let’s face it, we’d have sold our infirmed grandmothers to see happen on January 20th, 2017 so much so that we haven’t stopped sharing it since.

ROYAL RUMBLE 2016 WORDS: JAMES TOAL

here were many highlights of this Royal Rumble that I truly enjoyed.

Kevin Owens VS Roman Reigns? Brilliant, Bayley vs Charlotte? A little messy but entertaining. AJ Styles vs John Cena? Just as good as their Summer Slam match. Neville even looked amazing in the match against Rich Swan. This PPV had the makings of becoming one of the best in years. Sadly, there were some caveats to this thanks to the main event itself, the Royal Rumble match.

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One major flaw came with the Tag Team titles being defended on the pre-show, which doesn’t weaken the prestige of the titles in the slightest. Then we had the Rumble, which to be fair went well until Roman Reigns showed up and eliminated the Undertaker.

He didn’t win but it screamed of “Please like me, please!”, which understandably soured the show for some.

The special features are pretty standard. The Royal Rumble Kickoff Show matches with Becky Lynch, Nikki Bella, & Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss, Mickie James, & Natalya, the RAW Tag Team Championship Match and Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax

MARCH 2017 STEELCHAIR 45

GO-HOME

ALAN BOON’S

GO-HOME SHOW restleMania is the biggest party of the year, wrestling-wise. Even if you’re just a WWE fan, there’s the event itself, clocking in at a massive six hours these days, as well as a plethora of side attractions - from an NXT Takeover (which usually blows away the main show, even if this year’s doesn’t look up to the usual standard) and the Hall of Fame ceremony, to the goings on at Axxess and the Raw, SmackDown, and NXT TV tapings that follow on from Sunday’s big event.

W

Added to even that considerable haul lately, though, there has been a cottage industry of piggy-backing events onto the yearly extravaganza, which this year has reached well into double figures and beyond, hopeful of capitalising on the enormous amount of hardcore wrestling fans traveling to the host city.

Regular offenders include Ring of Honor (who will this year present a Supershow Of Honor from nearby Lakeland, headlined by the Hardys versus the Young Bucks for the ROH Tag-Team titles, and this month’s cover star Christopher Daniels defending his ROH title) and the WWN brand (most notably EVOLVE 80 & 81, featuring the debut of former Steelchair columnist Donovan Dijak, and a Shimmer iPPV). The WrestleCon event, which was born as a way for fans to meet the heroes of their wrestling past, has also added shows to its schedule, and there will also be shows from UK promotions, with PROGRESS, RevPro & WCPW getting in on the act.

Stealing the “that looks incredible!” award from a stacked CZW Best Of The Best show, though, is an event ostensibly promoted under the banner of John Zandig’s Game Changer Wrestling, but almost wholly curated

by Joey Janela. Spring Break, shown live on FloSlam at midnight local time (5am in the UK!), promises a bit of everything, from Matt Riddle versus Dan Severn in a

46 STEELCHAIR MARCH 2017

battle of former UFC fighters from different generations, deathmatch action from Matt Tremont & Eddie Kingston, a tag-team match featuring the bass player from the band Every Time I Die, and appearances from Glacier, Dink (yes, the midget clown), and Marty Janetty (who will face Janela in the main event). He’s even booked Earl Hebner to do a run-in and make a 3-count when the regular referee gets downed.

Janela rose to fame last year when he challenged the recently unretired Zandig to a match, which was accepted and resulted in the pair of them falling off a building into the back of a pick-up truck, filled with light tubes and barbed wire and other sharp, dangerous objects. Zandig suffered a mildly (!) broken back, while Janela almost severed a thumb, and the whole thing is captured in the brilliant Kenny Johnson documentary, Please Don’t Die, which can be seen for free on YouTube.

Understanding social media like few before him, Janela has created a brand that can be relied upon for stupid, equally death-defying & whacky shenanigans, and few others could command the attention of the world at such a late hour. Whether you stay up or get up, it’s not to be missed.

However you choose to spend the weekend - whether attending live in Orlando, watching at home on the WWE Network (and FloSlam and iPPV and...), or even out at a number of shows being organised in the UK with screenings tacked on as an added attraction, it’s sure to be a carnival of graps. Yes, the actual WrestleMania show itself might look weird and bloated but dive in, brothers, and gorge on it all. We are truly blessed to live in an age when such a diverse and interesting array of wrestling action is so available, even if the world outside the wrestling bubble burns as we approach the final days. At least we’ll have a tan, right?

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