STEELCHAIR Wrestling Magazine #18 by SteelChair Wrestling

TETSUYA NAITO: THE ESSENCE OF COOL //

WRESTLING GFW GAIL KIM RING OF HONOR JAY LETHAL

“It started with Punk and Bryan”

SteelChairMag.com

TOP

100 WRESTLERS

OF THE

YEAR

2017

SETH

ROLLINS October 2017

// ISSUE 18

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// ON THE BRAIN: A TRIBUTE TO BOBBY HEENAN //

WELCOME

Visit VultureHound.com for regular wrestling updates from the SteelChair team

WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

elcome to our 3rd Annual Wrestler of the Year issue. This year it has DOUBLED from 50 to 100!

This isn’t just a workrate list, we chose from most consistent matches, most entertaining and those who made the biggest impact. Our list is intergender and were picked from the day after SummerSlam 16 to SummerSlam 17.

EDITORIAL David Garlick Editor / Design david@vulturehound.com

Erin Dick + Mat Lindsay Features Editors

Bradley Tiernan + James Toal Review Editors

Lee Hazel Copy Editor

Tony Quant Online Editor

The list is the bulk of this issue but we also got to chat with some huge names including Seth Rollins, Jay Lethal and Gail Kim.

David Garlick @davidgarlick

JOIN US @STEELCHAIRMAG

HIGHLIGHTS

@SteelchairMag ‘StreelChairMag’

SteelchairMag

COVER PHOTO: WWE

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.

PAST MONTH MATCHES OF THE MONTH

TONI STORM VS. PIPER NIVEN TOURNAMENT

SETH ROLLINS/ DEAN AMBROSE VS. CESARO/SHEAMUS WWE NO MERCY

After an incredible match at SummerSlam, it was difficult to expect the same level a month later. But they did it. It was a crazy fast-paced match, Cesaro almost lost two teeth in the brawl. If the chemistry between Ambrose and Rollins is not yet to proven, Cesaro and Sheamus are now perfectly in line with each other. Even if in the end, Ambrose and Rollins were still the champions.

WRESTLER

OF THE MONTH

WWE MAE YOUNG CLASSIC

One of the best, if not the best, matches of the Tournament. A clash of two styles between the strong Scot Niven and the Australian PROGRESS Women’s Champion, Toni Storm. Shaking hands while looking at each other in the double bridge escape was brilliant and a show of good sportsmanship. Storm was able to kick out of The Piper Driver and earned a spot in semi-finals. Even if she didn’t win the tournament, Storm, like Niven, made a strong impression to the fans.

Visit VultureHound.com for regular wrestling updates from SteelChair Magazine

KENNY OMEGA VS. JUICE ROBINSON NJPW DESTRUCTION IN KOBE

BRAUN STROWMAN e all know Vince McMahon loves a big sweaty man to dominate his shows. But, when it comes to the monster among men, you must admit that he’s become one of the highlights of RAW. Go back to the main event of SummerSlam, Braun showed how much of an asset he is by manhandling Brock Lesnar with not one, not two, but three announce tables. He’s come a long way since the days of being a Bray Wyatt lackey. This month he was given the opportunity to fight for the Universal Title and the build-up for it was phenomenal. Braun was built up as someone that could not just defect Brock, but surpass him in every way imaginable. Say what you want about how it all ended at No Mercy, Braun now has shown he can take what he’s been given and run with it like no one else has.

WORDS: JAMES TOAL It was the first-ever title defence for Kenny Omega since he won the belt at G1 Special in the USA last July. A 5-star classic between the babyface Juice Robinson and a Champion still handicapped by a knee injury. And Robinson worked on that, attacking the knee, wrapping Omega’s legs around the ring post, hitting a nasty Diving Headbutt on the injured leg. But Omega survived Robinson’s punishment, hitting the One-Winged Angel from the top rope to retain the tile.

WORDS: STEPH FRANCHOMME

DAILY UPDATES AT STEELCHAIRMAG. COM

EVENT OF OF THE MONTH FIGHT CLUB PRO PROJECT MAYHEM VI OCTOBER 2017 STEELCHAIR 05

WRESTLERS

YEAR CHOSEN BY: DAVID GARLICK, TONY QUANT, CRAIG HERMIT, LEE HAZELL, MAT LINDSAY, ERIN DICK, JAMES TOAL, BRADLEY TIERNAN, TIM BIRKBECK, COURTNEY ROSE, JOZEF

PHOTO: GFW

he Underdog fought valiantly throughout 2016 and 2017. Placed in many compromising positions during his time on RAW, he used his passion to his advantage, and sought better opportunity on SmackDown Live. He participated in a brilliant Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder match, and picked up wins against Corbin and Bennett. Let’s hope the new year brings new prospects.

einvention is the key to any wrestler’s success and this year Spud has displayed this in style. Showcasing his talents as if it’s the year 2002, this reinvention has brought a fresh look to his character and matches. With highlights throughout the UK scene this year, including superb matches in Progress, let’s hope 2017 is the new 2002. [Words: Craig]

HIGHLIGHTS: VS THE MIZ/VS ROLLINS

HIGHLIGHTS: PINNED BY KING MAXELL

OF THE

ROCKSTAR SPUD

2016#8

100

SAMI ZAYN

TOP

PHOTO: WWE

STEELCHAIR TOP 100 2017

RACZKA, STEPH FRANCHOMME, LIAM

FOR A PLACE AT THE RUMBLE

tept was hisonly profile a matter high of timeinjured whilst until the with wrestling his much world praised started to take “Wrestling Friends” notice podcast, of Johnny then Gargano. returned Considered to competition one of the highlights later in the ofyear, the US slotting independent effortlessly scene,back Gargano into contention has developed in UKa indie true knack promotions for the being such the asmost PROGRESS likeableand guy on defeating any show.Damian WWE fans Dunne havefor already the ATTACK! taken toPro him,Wrestling but the best Heavyweight is yet Championship. to come for Johnny [Words: Wrestling. Mat] (Coire)

ropping his Japanese commitments, he made an impact in both the UK and the US in 2017. Defeated UK veteran Martin Stone on January 21st at an RPW:UK card. Unarguably topped this on June 6th at an ROH show, when he won a battle royale to claim the right to challenge then ROH World Champion Christopher Daniels for his title in a triple threat match. [Words: Mat]

HIGHLIGHT:

HIGHLIGHT: ATTACK! PRO WRESTLING

THE OTHER EXCEPTIONAL KIWI JOURNEYMAN SETTING THE WORLD ALIGHT

WCPW INTERNET CHAMPION 22 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

PHOTO: RING OF HONOR PATTY MCCARTHY

CODY

FLASH MORGAN WEBSTER

YOUNGEST WRESTLER EVER.

tarted 2017 on the back of the rebooted WOS special, but wasn’t tainted when it imploded a few short months later. Shone as a face and showed his talent for comedy after the implosion of The Origin in PROGRESS, teaming with Dave Mastiff to give them both a new lease of life. Continues to be the most consistent and hard-working talent in UK wrestling, bar none.

PHOTO: WORLD OF SPORT

PHOTO: DAVID JAMES WILSON

EL LIGERO

NICHOLAS GROOMS + ALAN BOON

JAY WHITE

O’ROURKE, DASHER HATFIELD, OLI SANDLER,

an acquired taste. [Words: Craig] HIGHLIGHTS: WWE Universal Champion, US Champ, JericKO

HIGHLIGHTS: WORLD OF SPORT CHAMPION

KIDCODY LYKOS

HIGHLIGHT: CZW TAG TEAM CHAMPION / DREAM TAG TEAM INVITATIONAL WINNER

teople was only wereaworried matter of that time the until WWEthe wouldn’t wrestling do much with worldStrong. started We weretoproven take notice wrong of once of Johnny Johnny we saw Gargano. Gargano. how they Considered Considered built up one this oneof lifelong of the thehighlights highlights fan who fought of of the thefor US UShis independent position independent and for scene, scene, a better Gargano Gargano life for hashis developed family. has developed Couple a true that a knack true with knack for wanting being for the justice being most the after likeable most some likeable guy disrespect on guy any on show. from WWE Bobby any show. fans Roode, have WWE and already fans youhave have taken already a to him, person takenbut to that the him, you’re best butisthe 100% yetbest toready come is yet to for get to come Johnny behind. for Wrestling. [Words: Johnny James] Wrestling. (Coire) (Coire)

PII

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE Universal Champion, US Champ, JericKO HIGHLIGHT: RIVALRY WITH BOBBY ROODE

PHOTO: DVID GARLICK

PHOTO: WWE

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE Universal Champion, US Champ, JericKO HIGHLIGHTS : SMACKDOWN WOMEN’S CHAMPION

RODERICK CODYSTRONG

PHOTO: WWE

TYLER BATE GRADO

PHOTO: WORLD OF SPORT

LIVERPOOL’S NO. 1

trom wasICW onlytoa Impact, matter of the industry has always time until the wrestling required comedy to world started to take contrast the seriousness notice of Johnny surrounding it at times. Gargano. Considered one of theif Step forward Grado, regardless highlights of brings the USthat independent you think he to the ring scene, hasdenying developed or not, Gargano there is no that a true knack within Scotland for at being least, thehemost has helped gain more interest from likeable guy on any show. WWE mainstream mediataken towards the but fans have already to him, profession. This year more so than the best is yet to come for Johnny others, Grado has demonstrated Wrestling. (Coire)and Pinapple he is much like Pizza

id Lykos has an amazing blend of acrobatics & athelteticsm that pairs nicely with his partner Chris Brookes, and has made them standouts across all of the British Wrestling scene. The pair have been Attack! Pro, Progress and CZW tag champions in 2017, and their skills and comedic timing are a perfect blend to keep them on the forefront for years to come.

HIGHLIGHTS: ICW ZERO-G CHAMPION,

12 92

thewas third-generation only a matter of time until has superstar the wrestling been world started making waves to ontake notice of Johnny SmackDown Live, Gargano.Naomi beating Considered to become one of thethe highlightschampion Women’s of the USfor independent the Blue scene, Gargano Brand, and has been has developed dominant a true ever since. knack You’ll for being love tothe hate most her likeable guy on self-centered nature, any show. even WWE as she fans have already interrupts Charlotte taken Flairtowhile him,she but the best talks about is yet hertosick come father. for Johnny Don’t Wrestling. ever call her (Coire) a crazy cat lady, you’ll regret it. [Words: Tony]

ontinued his presence in AAA and Lucha Underground whilst branching out on the European indie scene. Shone against eventual 2017 16 Carat Gold winner Ilja Dragunov in WXW on May 20th, and then featured strongly for UK upstarts WCPW in their World Cup of Wrestling in matches with the likes of Icarus, “Flash” Morgan Webster and Ricochet throughout August. [Mat]

AAA’S SOUTH AFRICAN STALWART MAKING A MARK IN EUROPE OCTOBER 2017 STEELHCHAIR 07

PHOTO: LUCHA UNDERGROUND

#steelchair50

ANGELICO

veryone hates Zack Gibson which in my eyes means he has perfected his character. Gibson doesn’t align himself to any particular promotion and is seen up and down the country week after week. He had a brief spell as ICW Zero-G Champion and is beginning to get the recognition he deserves as a top tier performer. [Words: Tony]

TYLER NATALYA BATE

12 94

2016#39

ZACK GIBSON

PHOTO: WORLD OF SPORT

Join the debate and include

2016#25

BAYLEY

FINN BALOR

2016#2

CWE WORLD GRAND PRIX

FIVE WAY

n the RAW after SummerSlam 2016, Bayley made her longanticipated move up to the main roster, to officially take her place at the forefront of RAW’s women’s division. It wouldn’t be long before she challenged Charlotte for the title, and left with her first main roster championship around her waist, in a feel-good moment of the year. [Words: Erin]

ts was a pioneer only aof matter Impact, of time Dutt hasuntil beenthe a huge wrestling part of the world X-Division’s started to history. Like take Low-Ki notice Dutt of Johnny came back Gargano. to GFW Considered last April asone a backstage of the highlights creativeofand theaUS competitor. independent Onscene, May 30 Gargano episode of Impact has developed taped in ahis true native knack India for inbeing front the of his most home likeable crowd, guyDutt on finally any show. won his WWE first-ever fans have X-Division already Championship taken to him, and but the has best successfully is yet defended to come it forever Johnny since. Wrestling. [Words: (Coire) Steph]

ddie Edwards spent a majority of the year with GFW feuding with former teammate Davey Richards and he also got to work in Japan for NOAH which was a great opportunity for him. The former GFW Champion is likely to be back in the Title picture soon and can easily be one of the front runners to take GFW forward. [Words: Tony]

HIGHLIGHT: WWE RAW WOMEN’S CHAMP

HIGHLIGHTS: TNA X-DIVISION CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHTS: GFW GLOBAL CHAMPION

PHOTO: WWE

HIGHLIGHTS:NO.1 CONTENDER’S FATAL

08 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

PHOTO: WWE

SEMI FINALIST, WRESTLEMANIA AXXESS

HIGHLIGHTS: LU TRIOS CHAMPIONSHIP,

EDDIE EDWARDS

HIGHLIGHTS: BABES WITH THE POWER

alor’s attitude, his gimmick and his wrestling style are fully responsible of his success. Since returning from injury at WrestleMania 33 Monday, he has clearly stated he wanted to regain what he never lost but failed to become the #1 contender for the Universal title at Great Balls of Fire. [Words: Steph]

PHOTO: GFW PHOTO: MIGUEL DISCART

there’s was only no one a matter quite of time like the high-flying until the wrestling known luchador world as Rey started toAfter Mysterio. take killing notice itofinJohnny Lucha Underground Gargano. Considered this year, he one proved of thethat highlights he can of stillthe give USit everything independent he’s scene, got and Gargano work to get hasthe developed best outaoftrue hisknack opponent. for Without being the a doubt, most likeable he’s stillguy oneonof the anymost show.iconic WWEwrestlers fans haveworking already today. taken [Words: to him, but Rey the Mysterio] best is yet to come for Johnny Wrestling. (Coire)

PHOTO: GFW

he Yaas Queen. The Primark Princess. The Fiercest Pair of Eyebrows in showbiz. If you find yourself being gazed down by Jinny close your eyes and pray you don’t turn to stone. The most defined character in British women’s wrestling, Jinny, is the talisman of our contribution to the Women’s Revolution. [Words: Lee]

REY CODY MYSTERIO

11 88

SONJAY CODYDUTT

JINNY COUTURE

PHOTO: JAMES MUSSELWHITE

STEELCHAIR TOP 100 2017

HIGHLIGHT: IMPACT GRAND CHAMPION

PHOTO: GFW

HIGHLIGHTS:KING OF CHAOS CHAMPION

thewas veteran only aUK matter of indie time darling until the ended wrestling 2016 withworld his TNA started contracttoexpiring take notice of and of Johnny Johnny almostGargano. Gargano. immediately Considered Considered bounced one back oneof of tothe the appear highlights highlights in theof WWE of the theUK US US independent Championship independentscene, scene, Tournament, Gargano Garganohas developed reaching has developed the a true semi-finals a knack true knack for before being for the succumbing being most thelikeable most to Pete likeable guyDunne. on guy anyFrom on show. WWE there, any show. fans wrestled have WWEon already fans both have taken NXT already +toa him, WWE takenbut tour to the him, of best the butUK, isthe yet all best to whilst come is yet for keeping to come Johnny his for Wrestling. hand Johnny in on Wrestling. (Coire) the British indies. (Coire)[Words: Mat]

PHOTO: WWE

MARKCODY ANDREWS

EDDIE DENNIS

ince announcing his retirement from his full time job to pursue his dream of wrestling full time, Eddie Dennis has been on fire. Taking on the likes of Pete Dunne, Martin Stone & TK Cooper, Dennis has put everything he can into improving as a wrestler and is a huge fan favourite. [Words: Tony]

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE Universal

Champion, US Champ, JericKO HIGHLIGHTS: WWE UK TOURNAMENT

SHA CODY SAMUELS

HIGHLIGHTS: PERFORMANCES FOR REV PRO, IPW, WCPW AND ICW

PHOTO: OLI SANDLER

HIGHLIGHTS: DUELLING ONEY LORCAN

he wrestling chant “EAST!” follows this man where ever he goes and it’s a term of endearment regardless if you like or despise him. Throughout the year, he has been a vital part in storylines within ICW, PCW, RevPro and WCPW. Also capping an excellent run by being involved in matches with NJPW and the RoH tour of the UK. [Words: Craig]

he TNA Original had a chip on his shoulder when he joined NXT full time in 2016. He would emerge in October of that year, as the leader of heel stable SAnitY, alongside Alexander Wolfe, Nikki Cross, and Sawyer Fulton (the latter being replaced by Killian Dain in January). The hype reels paid off, as NXT got behind SAnitY, who became tag team champions at TakeOver: Brooklyn III. [Erin]

HIGHLIGHTS: FRONTMAN OF SANITY / NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPION OCTOBER 2017 STEELCHAIR 09

PHOTO: WWE

oose debuted on Impact only a year ago but he has made a statement ever since. Less than 3 months after his arrival, he defeated Aron Rex to become IMPACT Grand Champion. After losing the belt to Drew Galloway, he successfully regained it last March. Even if Bruce Prichard and EC3 stripped him of it a few weeks later, this fan favourite is surely not going to stop there. [Words: Steph]

#steelchair50

ERIC YOUNG

ou’d be forgiven if you hadn’t known where Danny Burch had gotten to after his performance in the WWE UK Championship. Unless you have been watching NXT, where he has been working his arse off to deliver you brilliant fights. He’s headstrong, technical, and above all else ready to take on anyone that thinks they’re tough enough to beat him. [Words: James]

PHOTO: OLI SANDLER

MOOSE

PHOTO: GFW

MARTIN STONE

Join the debate and include

GAIL KIM

INTERVIEW: GAIL KIM WORDS: TONY QUANT

f you are a fan of women’s wrestling then chances are the name Gail Kim is a familiar one. Kim is often referred to as one of the very few to take the reins and drive forward just how important women in the industry are and not just by being able to show off more flesh than anyone else. Kim was as hard a worker as anyone in the industry and can certainly be credited for paving the way for the current women’s revolution which has taken the industry by storm.

Kim has been a pioneer of the TNA Knockout Division for the majority of its existence and her accolades include being a six-time Knockout Champion and also the first women to be inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016. But injuries sustained during her incredible near 17-year career have made her re-evaluate her options and make the hardest decision of her career, to call it a day at the end of 2017. Kim announced the news in July and will now see out the rest of the year before hanging up the boots for the final time. We were fortunate enough to speak to Gail Kim following her shock announcement and get her thoughts on delivering that speech, the current women’s’ revolution, who

10 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

she would like to work with during her remaining time with GFW and much more….

So let’s get right into it. Just how difficult was it delivering the speech in the Impact Zone that you would be retiring at the end of the year? I was nervous all day, even though I had known for a good year at the least. I kept having injuries and after every match was not able to walk so I had come to peace with it. But even then it was so difficult. I think when I had to say words out loud to fans then it became real. It’s sad and bittersweet.

So now that you have announced you will be stepping away at the end of 2017, what do you want to accomplish before the end of the year with GFW? If I was going to have dream career ending would be to win Knockout Title on my way out. But I will get personal satisfaction by giving some amazing matches to the fans and creating magic again.

You are lucky enough to be in a position to announce your retirement whereas we have

seen a number of wrestlers who have careers cut short due to injury. If you were to step away now do you feel as though you have done everything you initially set out to do in the business? I always said even probably before the Hall of Fame happened that if I had to walk away I would be satisfied. I never even dreamed of this career and I have been so fortunate to be able to walk away under my own terms and to be able to let the fans know at the very least.

Looking back over your 17 year career, what was your top memory? Performance wise the matches with Kong, getting that moment when we get the fans and feel the fans and suck them into that story and get the results at the end of the match. That definitely stands out. After Kong I never thought that magic would come again but it did. Aside from those matches being inducted into the Hall of Fame and winning the Knockout Title for the first time ranks very highly for me.

Women’s wrestling has really gained some traction

impact wrestling is now on spike uk fridays at 9pm in recent years and you have been lucky to have seen the shift in attitude towards women in the industry. What advice would you give to any women looking to get into the business today? In this generation I have noticed the mentality has changed. When I came in it was difficult to get a job and you needed experience. My advice would be that you should strive to be the best, look the best and work hard because that pays off. I see some people trying out not looking their best and I just don’t understand it. Stay true to yourself but be realistic with it.

You are often referred to as a pioneer for women’s wrestling. What do you make of the current women’s roster across the promotions and do you feel that Impact set a tone for women’s wrestling? I think so, in my opinion we did. When Jacqueline came in she was before her time and that girl was so bad ass and tough. She had the attitude of go all out. I feel proud of how Impact done it such a long time ago. I am so happy for girls in the WWE with what is happening and so many who are passionate getting great opportunities. I fell in love with the sport not the entertainment side of the business. I see girls coming up with same mentality and so much more opportunity and I am really happy for them. I feel proud of how Impact done it such a long time ago.

With your career coming to an end I have to ask whether or not there is a dream last opponent for you to go out against? There are a lot of girls I’d love to work. But it’s a really difficult question and I can’t pick an answer based on who is available right now. For me it’s more about reaching the goal of going out on top rather than who I face.

Have you given much thought as to what you will be doing after you hang up the boots? I have kind of already started coaching and I am very lucky to stay in the business after I retire. I am looking forward to this and it should be really fun, I will certainly miss getting in the ring but will continue to watch.

OCTOBER 2017 STEELCHAIR 11

CHUCK TAYLOR

tiper wasisonly a talent a matter in wrestling you should of time until the watch outworld for, making wrestling her mark throughout started to take notice ICW, WCPW, WOS, EVE of Johnny Gargano.the Considered and even capturing Artist of one of the highlights of USand STARDOM Title alongsidethe HZK independent scene, Gargano lo Shirai as part of Queens Quest. To has cap developed off an awesome a true knack year being for part of the Mae Young Classic. being the most likeable guy on If this was justfans the have beginning any year show. WWE already of Viper making her presence felt taken to him, but the best is yet on a global platform then 2018, to come will for Johnny Wrestling. everyone be talking about this (Coire) woman. [Words: Craig]

ne of the most underrated guys on the independent circuit, Chuck Taylor finally seems to be getting the recognition he’s always deserved. He has a perfect blend of comedy, style and technicality in his wrestling, and his rise in 2017, from debuting/ tagging with Best Friend Trent? In Ring of Honor to finally becoming the PWG Champion, has been a joy to watch. [Words: Courtney]

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE UNITED STATES

HIGHLIGHTS: MAE YOUNG QUARTER

HIGHLIGHTS: PRO WRESTLING

MINORU SUZUKI CODY

PHOTO: KAY MYS

GUERRILLA CHAMPION

icked up major upset wins in multi-man tags over Hirooki Goto and Tetsuya Naito in January and April. Came up short in his challenge for Naito’s IWGP Intercontinental Championship on April 29th at Wrestling Toyonokuni 2017. Competed in the 2017 G1 Climax Tournament, achieving a massive upset by beating 2016 G1 winner Kenny Omega in a block match. [Worlds: Liam]

trashed was only the aChaos matter of time until stable’s partythe on wrestling5th January world with started his own to Suzuki take notice Gun faction. of Johnny Unsuccessfully Gargano. Considered challenged Chaos one ofkingpin the highlights Okada for of the US IWGP World independent Heavyweight scene,Championship Gargano on has February developed 5thaattrue New knack Beginning for 2017 beinginthe Sapporo. most likeable Bounced guyback on by any relieving show. WWE Hirooki fans Goto haveofalready the NEVER taken to Openweight him, but the Championship best is yet on to April come27th for Johnny to claim Wrestling. his first ever NJPW (Coire)singles title. [Words: Mat]

ne of the best big guy wrestlers in the world, Walter has had a breakout year. He is the head trainer of the wXw wrestling school, leader of stable Ringkampf, has debuted this year for Evolve & Beyond wrestling, and was the Progress Wrestling Atlas Title holder, defeating Matt Riddle. With a PWG debut in BOLA on the horizon, 2017 may be the year of WALTER. [Words: Courtney]

HIGHLIGHT: BEATING KENNY OMEGA AT

BLISSFULLY BELLIGERENT AND DOMINATING AT 49 YEARS YOUNG

HIGHLIGHTS: PROGRESS ATLAS

THE G1 CLIMAX

12 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

CHAMPION/RINGKAMPF LEADER

PHOTO: COURTNEY ROSE

FINALIST, ARTIST OF STARDOM TITLE

WALTER

CHAMPION, HANDSOME RUSEV

JUICE ROBINSON

PHOTO: WWE

u-Ru reigned as US Champ for a total of 126 days, before dropping the title to Reigns. After an awkward encounter with Enzo Amore, Rusev disappeared from TV for a while, and was dearly missed. He appeared by satellite on SmackDown post-shake-up, demanding a WWE Championship opportunity. Fingers crossed WWE realise what they have in Handsome Rusev sooner than later.

PHOTO: © NJPW

11 76

VIPER CODY

PHOTO: WORLD OF SPORT

2016#46

RUSEV

STEELCHAIR TOP 100 2017

nce she stares at you with those beastlike eyes, and you know you’re in for a show. Ember has continued to develop in NXT, and with each match you could see her getting better. Whether it’s hitting you with in the corner or knocking you out with the Total Eclipse, Ember will grow and progress until she gets what she wants. [Words: James]

tropping was only outa of matter WWEof time until the wrestling developmental after world started several failed attempts to take notice to get over of Johnny on TV Gargano. could seriously Considered damage onea of career, the highlights but Sami Callihan of the US has independent spent the scene, last 18 Gargano months -has since developed the end of a true knack Solomon Crowe for in being NXTthe - carving most likeable out a reputation guy on any as one show. of WWE THE fanshands top have already on the indy takenscene. to him, Ohio but thefor is best killers is yet and tothis come Ohio for boy Johnny is Wrestling.it.(Coire) SLAYING [Words: Alan Boon]

HIGHLIGHT: FACING ASUKA FOR THE NXT

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE Universal Champion, US Champ, JericKO HIGHLIGHT :FIGHT CLUB: PRO

HIGHLIGHT: PWG TAG CHAMP

SETH ROLLINS

PHOTO: WWE

DEANCODY AMBROSE

2016#14

016 was the year of Joey Ryan but more importantly, the year of the penis-plex. So where could Ryan go from there? There’s only one answer to that and obviously it’s an ‘Anal Explosion Deathmatch’. Continuing to break boundaries and prove funny is money, The scariest thing about Ryan, you get the feeling that he’s only just getting started. [Words: Jozef]

tean wasAmbrose only a matter may of have time haduntil a slow the start wrestling to the year, world but things started hotted up to when take notice he of aligned of Johnny Johnny himself Gargano. Gargano. withConsidered Considered former Shield one partner oneof of the the Seth highlights highlights Rollins to of oftake the theUS on US independent the independent RAW Tag scene, Team scene,division. Gargano GarganoAhas developed win hasat developed SummerSlam a truea knack trueover knack forCesaro being for the & being Sheamus, most thelikeable most sawlikeable them guy on capture guy any on show. WWE the anyTitles show. fans and have WWE italready sets fans up have taken analready to him, exciting takenbut tofuture the him,best but for is both the yetbest men. to come is Also yet for held to come Johnny the WWE for Wrestling. Johnny Intercontinental Wrestling. (Coire) Championship. (Coire) [Words: Tony]

t’s sad to think 2017 almost saw Rollins sit out WrestleMania again due to injury, but luckily he didn’t, giving HHH his best match since WM30. Since then, Rollins has continued to improve as a babyface especially with his superlative recent storytelling with Dean Ambrose. At the rate he’s going, it won’t be long before Rollins has world title gold again. [Words: Jozef]

HIGHLIGHTS: VS DAISUKE SEKIMOTO /

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE Universal HIGHLIGHTS : WWE INTERCONTINENTAL Champion, US Champ, JericKO

HIGHLIGHTS: TAG TEAM CHAMPION/

ANAL EXPLOSION DEATHMATCH

DII

+ TAG TEAM CHAMPION

NO.1 CONTENDER’S FATAL FIVE WAY OCTOBER 2017 STEELCHAIR 13

PHOTO: OLI SANDLER

FENIX CODY

eparted from AAA on bad terms, which led to a series of name changes after his former employers childishly copyrighted both his former ringname and several others which, he subsequently used. Still toured the US and UK indies to great acclaim, teaming with (real life brother) Pentagon Jr, to overcome The Young Bucks and Matt Sydal and Ricochet for the PWG Tag Team Titles. [Words: Mat]

CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO: WWE

JOEY RYAN

WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP

#steelchair50

2016#23

PHOTO: WWE

SAMI CALLIHAN TYLER BATE

PHOTO: OLI SANDLER

EMBER MOON

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SETH ROLLINS

WORDS: TIM BIRBECK | PHOTO: WWE

INTERVIEW: SETH ROLLINS WORDS: TIM BIRKBECK | PHOTO: WWE ith wrestling’s biggest party of the summer now in the rear view mirror, one half of the current Raw Tag-Team Champions has added another significant moment to his SummerSlam highlight reel. Former two-time WWE heavyweight champion Seth Rollins, made his mark at the landmark event with his former Shield brother Dean Ambrose by capturing the tag-team gold, but this is just one of many SummerSlam moments that the Architect has enjoyed, including last year’s title match with Finn Balor to crown the inaugural WWE Universal Champion. “I’ve had some fantastic memories of SummerSlam, so I think this is going to be the biggest one,” Rollins told VultureHound when we caught up with him. “Over the past five years, I have had the opportunity to do some really wild things which I never thought possible,” he added. “When I was a kid growing up, all I ever imagined was wrestling in front of big crowds, but being part of it now, I have done things I never expected. “For example, I have been on the Today Show, I’ve had a feud with John Stewart, I just shot a movie; it has been amazing. I have made friends with my favourite bands. It’s just things you never envision.”

OCTOBER 2017 STEELCHAIR 15

SETH ROLLINS

“ALL I EVER IMAGINED WAS WRESTLING IN FRONT OF BIG CROWDS, BUT BEING PART OF IT NOW, I HAVE DONE THINGS I NEVER EXPECTED”. It has been a bit of an up-and-down year for Rollins, after nearly missing WrestleMania for the second year in a row, but slowly winning the crowd over after being in the pocket of The Authority for such a long time. However, now the 31-yearold believes that the natural progression in his character is starting to win fans over, which has led him to turning his biggest weakness (the famously injured knee) into his deadliest weapon with the ripcord knee finisher.

16 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

Rollins said it is thanks to rigorous rehabilitation that he has been able to do this, as it was again a knee injury that nearly kept him out of The Ultimate Thrill Ride. He added: “When Samoa Joe collapsed on my knee, I felt it pop and I was convinced I was missing WrestleMania. “It felt worse than it did the previous time and I thought, “That was it. I’m missing it.” It wasn’t even a question in my mind. “But when I saw the doctor, they

said my knee was structurally intact but I just needed some intense rehab to make sure I was ready for Mania. Obviously, there were some bumps on the road, but I did everything I could to get to where I needed to be so that I could be out there and soak up the atmosphere.” Since joining the WWE, Seth has been on a wave of momentum, being crowned the first ever NXT champion, being an integral part of one of the greatest factions of the modern era, arguably being involved in the greatest Money in the Bank cash in of all time, and now, being the face of the new WWE 2K18 game. With exclusive screenshots of Rollins released recently, on first impression, the game looks a lot sleeker than previous years, something even Rollins admits is amazing.

PHOTO: WWE

THE SCARED CIRCLE WRESTLING’S MOST HORRIFYING GIMMICKS BY DAVID BEDWELL

hen it comes to spooky business in the wrestling ring, it’s safe to say not all are as successful as The Undertaker. For every Phenom there’s a Mordecai or an ECW Zombie just destined to fade into obscurity. In fact, you could argue that seeing Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco in their evening gowns was scarier than any gimmick you could throw out there. Maybe The Undertaker is the exception to the rule, though. We’ve had guys like Kane, Bray Wyatt and even Abyss who have had far more successful careers than they had any right to, and someone like The Boogeyman who you can roll out for a laugh once in a while. Not everyone is made to become a champion – just ask Gangrel. With the success of IT right now, maybe it’s time to revisit an evil clown like Doink? I know I had a few sleepless nights because of Matt Borne clearly enjoying himself too much behind the paint. Or you get the more human guys like Abdullah the Butcher who was just scary because he was completely insane and loved stabbing people with forks. You just can’t reason with guys like that. Perhaps the best example though was early Mankind, as Mrs Foley’s baby boy tore his own hair out and proved to be a genuine rival for The Undertaker. For true nightmares though, search for Bastion Booger. You wouldn’t like him when he’s hangry. And do we dare mention The Shockmaster? Probably best not to.

“The screen shots I was very impressed with; the likeness of me is incredible right down to the hair on my chest,” added the Iowa native.

and FCW. We paved the way and changed the mindset and broke the mold in the terms of what the modern WWE superstar is going to look like.”

“It’s quite the honour to be on the front cover of the game; to be among the likes of Brock Lesnar, Steven Austin, John Cena and The Rock. It’s elite company to be alongside.”

With the likes of Roderick Strong and Kassius Ohno breaking through, they are people Rollins has his eyes on, but looking to the future, Rollins is hoping a certain Heartbreak Kid may come back for one last match.

With Rollins being on the cover of the new game, many fans believe this is a clear sign of the direction the WWE is looking to take, with more and more indie talents joining WWE’s ranks, this is something Rollins believes is a good sign. “I think it started with Punk and Daniel Bryan, and then you look at myself and Ambrose at NXT

“Based on the shape he was in at WrestleMania, I think Shawn Michaels has one more match in him,” Rollins hinted. “So if he ever wants to come out of retirement, I’d love to step into the ring with him.”

OCTOBER OCTOBER 2017 2017 STEELCHAIR STEELCHAIR 17 17

ince facing Cody Rhodes at SWA then Kurt Angle at the ICW last year, Coffey is proving why he is the “IronMan” of UK Wrestling. After capturing the ICW World Heavyweight Championship then aligning himself with Red Lightning, Coffey has been on a one man rampage demonstrating exactly why he is a must see name in wrestling. [Words: Craig]

HIGHLIGHTS: 4-TIME RAW WOMEN’S CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHT: NEVER OPENWEIGHT CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHT: ICW WORLD CHAMPION

JACK GALLAGHER

2016#26

he patriarch of The Wyatt Family has been in WWE’s main roster for 4 years. Impressive in the ring and on the mic, it seemed like the WWE titles were not meant to be his. Last December, he became SmackDown Tag Team Champion. And a few months later in the Chamber he finally became for the first time the WWE Championship. A well-deserved recognition.

taywas Lethal onlyhas a matter been ofpivotal a time until partthe of the wrestling ROH roster, world clashing started with theto likes takeofnotice Adam Cole, of Johnny Cody Gargano. & Silas Young. Considered He also played one of athe huge highlights part in the of the NJPW US US independent Title tournament, scene, Gargano making it to has thedeveloped semi-finala against true knack Kenny for Omega being the andmost proving likeable againguy that onhe isany always show.just WWE a match fans have or soalready away from takenwinning to him,abut World the Title. best is yet to come for Johnny Wrestling. (Coire) WITH JAY LETHAL ON PG 22 INTERVIEW

ack Gallagher has one of the most distinctive looks, and styles in the world of wrestling. Both hilarious and hard hitting, he has stretches for days and jokes for miles. His prop work is some of the best in the business and after the audience has had their fill of laughs he brings the strong style with some devastating strikes. [Words: Lee]

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE CHAMPION + SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHT: TEXAS BULLROPE MATCH WITH CODY AT SUPERCARD OF HONOR

GENTLEMAN JACK WAS A HGHLIGHT OF THE CRUISERS ON WWE 205 LIVE

18 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

PHOTO: WWE

JAYCODY LETHAL

2016#11

PHOTO: TONY QUANT

PHOTO: DAVID JAMES WILSON

JOE COFFEY

tpened was only the year a matter in fine of time form by until overcoming the wrestling world Katsuyori Shibata for started the NEVER to take Openweight notice Title of Johnny at Wrestle Gargano. Kingdom Considered 11. Defended one of thesuccessfully highlights of against the US Juice independent Robinson, scene, Martinez Gargano and ZSJ has between developed February a true knack and April. for Dropped being thethe most beltlikeable to Suzuki guyon on April any show. 27th, WWE but proved fans have himself already as a viable taken champion to him, butduring the best his is fouryet month to come reign. for Johnny [Words:Wrestling. Mat] (Coire)

BRAY WYATT

PHOTO: WWE

he Boss” spent the better part of 16/17 feuding with Charlotte Flair until the latter was finally drafted to SmackDown. Recently, she has managed to procure her 4th Raw Women’s Championship. The Banks’ Statement finisher also continues to look strong, even making Nia Jax tap on a few occasions. [Words: Bradley]

PHOTO: WWE

HIROOKI CODYGOTO

2015 WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

PHOTO: KAY MYS

2016#15

SASHA BANKS

STEELCHAIR TOP 100 2017

teith wasLee only has a matter had an of time until the incredible yearwrestling across world the globe started in front to take of notice the likes of of Johnny PWG, Gargano. Rev EVOLVE, Considered Pro & PROGRESS. one of the A highlights true fan favourite of the US andindependent a big man scene, who can Gargano move like hasa developed Cruiserweight, a true Lee has knack arguably for being only come the most up likeable short onguy thison listany due show. to him WWE not fans have being ablealready to capture taken a big to him, Titlebut the best this year.is[Words: yet to come Tony] for Johnny Wrestling. (Coire)

ttarring was only in 205 a matter Live, of time until the challenging Neville wrestling world for thestarted Cruiserweight to take notice of Johnny Championship in a Gargano. series thatConsidered included aone great of bout the at highlights of the WrestleMania andUS excelling independent in the scene, Gargano announce boothhas while developed out injured a true Aries earns knackhis forplace beingatthe #56. most likeablebig Expect guythings on any from show. Aries WWE when fans he returns have already to the independent taken to him, but the best circuit later is yet this toyear. come for Johnny Wrestling. [Words: Bradley] (Coire)

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE Universal HIGHLIGHTS : SERIES OF MATCHES Champion, US Champ, JericKOFOR CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE WITH NEVILLE

trookes was only is mostly a matter of known timefor until histhe time wrestling as part ofworld CCK with started Travis Banks to take and notice of Kid of Johnny Johnny Lykos. Gargano. However, Gargano.Considered he’s Considered had a one startling oneof of the the singles highlights highlights career of ofthat’s the theUS US independent shown independent a lot ofscene, scene, promise. Gargano Gargano At almost has developed six hasand developed a half a true feet a knack true tall,knack with for being an for the incredible being most thelikeable physique most likeable guy and on bad guy any on boy show. WWE good any show. looks. fans have WWEalready fans have taken already to him, takenbut to the him,best butisthe yetbest to come is yet for to come Johnnyfor Wrestling. Johnny Wrestling. (Coire) (Coire) HIGHLIGHTS : PROGRESS TAG TEAM HIGHLIGHTS : WWE Universal

BII

Champion, US Champ, CHAMPION, FIGHT CLUB PROJericKO DREAM TAG TEAM INVITATIONAL WINNER

PHOTO:: MIKE KALASNIK

PHOTO: HARRY THE THIRD

HIGHLIGHTS: PWR + WRESTLEMERICA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

CHRISCODY BROOKES

DONNOVAN CODYDIJAK

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE Universal Champion, US Champ, JericKO HIGHLIGHT : BOLA FINALIST PHOTO: OLI SANDLER

TYLER ARIES BATE AUSTIN

PHOTO: WWE

12 56

onovan Dijak is an independent star who has made a huge name for himself over the last year. Dijak left ROH to pursue the independent scene, a decision that has paid dividends for the 6ft 7 star who has used his incredible athleticism to wow crowds across the world. [Words: Tony]

HIGHLIGHTS: G1 CLIMAX DAY 1 VS NAITO

#steelchair50

JEFF COBB

bushi’s 2017 continued to be a march to his own drum-beat. He’s gone from a classic G1 run to dressing up as Tiger Mask W via setting himself on fire with a flare at his UK debut. You can’t compare what he does but why would you try? Whatever it is he does, no one could do it better. [Words: Jozef]

KEITH LEE TYLER BATE

KOTA IBUSHI

59 2016#27

PHOTO: KAY MYS

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r. Athletic Jeff Cobb had with Matt Riddle (who might be making an appearance further down the line), the best match to take place in Britain all year. Jeff Cobb may be the most refined suplex machine yet, his rolling gut-wrench suplexes are a thing of beauty and his feats of strength match any other heavyweight on this list. [Words: Courtney]

HIGHLIGHTS: BOLA FINALIST, LUCHA UNDERGROUND CHAMPION OCTOBER 2017 STEELCHAIR 19

HIGHLIGHTS: WCPW + ICW WOMEN’S CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHTS: GFW X-DIVISION CHAMPION

MICHAEL ELGIN

2016#35

HIGHLIGHTS: NJPW SAKURA GENESIS, VS TETSUYA NAITO PHOTO: WWE

MARK HASKIN CODY

PHOTO: TABERCIL

BOBBY LASHLEY

PHOTO: DAVID GARLICK

f this list were formed off wins and losses, it’s sad to say that Large Michael probably wouldn’t make the list as 2017 for him seems to have been plagued by ‘always the bridesmaid’ syndrome. Despite this, very few people could claim to have a better consistency of workrate, let’s hope 2018 is the year he becomes the bride. [Words: Jozef]

fter having all the titles around his waist, X-Division, World Heavyweight and King of the Mountain, Lashley spent the last few months of 2016 trying to have a chance to regain at least one of them. It finally happened last January when he defeated Edwards at Genesis to become a 3-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion. In this new GFW era, it seems like Lashley is still the man.

tn was terms only of apopularity, matter of time few menuntil on the the wrestling British wrestling world startedcompare scene to take notice to Mark of Johnny Haskins. Gargano. His blend Considered of skill, speed one ofand thegenuine highlights connection of the USwith the independent fans is unparalleled scene, Gargano and has brought has developed him fame a true not knack only infor the UK, being butthe also most to North likeable American guy on promotions any show. WWE suchfans as Evolve, have already SMASH, taken toand him,ofbut course, the best PWG, is yet where to come he for willJohnny be a participant Wrestling.in BOLA (Coire) 2017. [Words: Courtney]

hings seemed to be going well for Naomi, up until she had to relinquish her title due to an injury. That all changed at ‘Mania 33 where she managed to win back her title in her home town. Naomi has proven to be a great Women’s Champion, whether putting her belt on the line multiple times and or not taking any crap from detractors. [Words: James]

HIGHLIGHTS: TNA WORLD, X-DIVISION AND KING OF THE MOUNTAIN CHAMP

HIGHLIGHTS: PROGRESS + OTT CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE SMACKDOWN LIVE WOMENS CHAMPION

20 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

PHOTO: KAY MYS

te was was only a part a matter of the of time until first-ever X-Division the wrestling worldmatch Championship started in 2002.to15 take years notice later, of Johnny Low-KiGargano. chose toConsidered come back to one Impact of thetohighlights win a fifthofX-Division the US title. independent Since hisscene, returnGargano his matches are haselevating developed thea game true knack for the for whole being roster, the most likelikeable at Slammiversary guy on XV anywhere show.he WWE offered fansan have amazing already performance taken to him,inbut a 2-outthe best of 3 is yet falls to come match foragainst JohnnySonjay Wrestling. Dutt. [Words: (Coire) Steph]

NAOMI

aredevil, extreme, exciting & incredible are words used to describe Kay Lee Ray. Regardless of facing Man or Woman it makes no difference to her. In one year, she has travelled to STARDOM, Shimmer, Progress, became the Queen of Southside, the Women’s ICW and WCPW Champion and then concluding the year by being part of the Mae Young Classic. [Words: Craig]

PHOTO: MIKE KALASNIK

LOW CODYKI

PHOTO: GFW

KAY LEE RAY

STEELCHAIR TOP 100 2017

JOHN CENA

hile he’s not been as integral to Smackdown this year, Cena’s value has been evident in his absence. Attendance and TV ratings fell without him, and a spark of relevance was removed from the show. When he did appear, he had superb matches with AJ Styles at Summerslam and Royal Rumble, had arguably the best build to a Mania match alongside Nikki Bella against Miz and Maryse, and returned to Smackdown in a memorable match with Shinsuke Nakamura. Still a difference maker, though his days may be numbered. [Words: Liam]

2016#22

SHANE STRICKLAND

urrent CZW World Champion Shane Strickland has been a driving force in changing the direction of CZW over the last year. Not only that but he has also been extremely active in a number of main independent promotions including PWG, RevPro, PROGRESS & Defy to name but a few. Be it singles or tag matches, Strickland never fails to entertain. [Words: Tony]

HIGHLIGHTS: EQUALLING RIC FLAIR’S WORLD TITLE RECORD AT 16 PHOTO: WWE

BROCK LESNAR CODY

PHOTO: WWE

HIGHLIGHT: CZW WORLD CHAMPION

JIMMY HAVOC

PHOTO: CZW

PHOTO: MIKE KALASNIK

BILL GOLDBERG

#steelchair50

he first British wrestler to compete in Combat Zone Wrestling’s Tournament of Death, emerged victorious against Conor Claxton in the finals, to take out the whole tournament. He returned to PROGRESS after a year of absence from the promotion, at Chapter 36 during the main event. With his sights set on Scurll, he gained a title shot at Chapter 38. [Words: Erin]

tesnar was only has continued a matter of to be time involved until the in some wrestling of the very world best WWE started matchestooftake the notice year regardless of Johnny of Gargano. his lightConsidered schedule. The oneBeast of theIncarnate highlightshas of had the US outstanding independentfeuds scene, with Gargano Goldberg, Joe has&developed Strowmana which true knack has seen for him being produce the most some likeable of hisguy best on WWE any show. work.WWE Lesnar fans may have be already like marmite taken to to him, some butbut the you bestcannot is yet deny to come this for impressive Johnny Wrestling. 12 months. [Words: (Coire) Tony]

is run may have been sparse but he made such an impact that he well and truly belongs on this list. After squashing Lesnar twice he defeated Kevin Owens in 22 seconds to become Universal Champion before eventually falling to Lesnar at WrestleMania. Whilst he hasn’t been on TV since there is every chance that he may reappear down the road. [Words: Tony]

HIGHLIGHTS: WINNER OF TOURNAMENT OF DEATH 16

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPION

OCTOBER 2017 STEELCHAIR 21

PHOTO: WWE

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JAY LETHAL Be sure to head over to our YouTube page to check out the full video interview and make sure you subscribe to the channel.

INTERVIEW: JAY LETHAL WORDS + PHOTO: TONY QUANT

ay Lethal is one of the household names of the ROH roster and has been a pivotal part of the company since returning in early 2011. Lethal holds the record for longest reign as ROH Television Champion at 567 days and also held top honours for the promotion, defeating Jay Briscoe at Best In The World 2015. During a recent ROH UK tour, SteelChair Magazine were able to speak with Lethal about a number of topics including this thoughts on the UK scene, how he measures success in his career and having a supportive family.

As a wrestler from the States can you put into perspective just how big the UK scene is right now? Ok, so here is the thing I have been travelling and wrestling in UK for 7-8 years and every time I come over I have seen greatest wrestlers in the world. Everytime the UK scene is always amazing, and it wasn’t until

22 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

WWE had tournament over here that it made other people realise and start watching. To them its like “what is this new thing”, but no its not all of a sudden. For 8 years the UK independent scene has been tremendous. It pisses me off a little bit, cause its like its all of a sudden its amazing but its not.

from him.

On that point and having been around for so long, is there any UK guys you haven’t yet had the chance to share the ring with? Aside from Sabre Jr? It was Zack Gibson then I got to wrestle him for Future Shock. Right now I cant think of anyone I have seen.

You mention that you have seen some big stars when you have been coming over to the UK. Any in particular that stand Last time ROH were in London out? you fought Adam Cole in the I was a big fan of Party Marty now he main event. Obviously he has recently signed with NXT. What is a different Marty (Scurll). I came over a few years ago way before the do you make of that for him? WWE thing and I wrestled Tyle Bate and he was 18 years old and he blew my mind. I couldn’t believe he was as talented as he was. Toni Storm, I mean like there has been so many. I actually met Jody Fleisch in ROH way back when. Even the new guys too like Will Ospreay, eSabre Jr. I have never got to wrestle Sabre but hopefully we get to step in the ring soon, I have seen amazing things

I hope its just the beginning in that company for him and hopefully they see what I see in Adam Cole. I think he is amazing, one of the greatest in the world and hopefully the company he is working for now sees that. I wish him nothing but the best.

Moving onto your career you have achieved so much

watch roh on the fite app and won so many Titles. Sometimes they are a good way of indicating success but for you do you set yourself goals in the business? If so what ones? You know what I have never set a goal for myself. I feel like at this point if I set a goal for myself I will jinx myself. I never said I would be ROH Champ, never said I would wrestle Ric Flair. They just luckily have happened. Not only being in right place at right time but staying humble and just doing everything I need to do and living one day at a time has gotten me to where I have gotten to.

What has been the biggest highlight of your career for you so far? There have been two. Wrestling Flair live on PPV, knowing my family where at home in the sitting room where we used to watch Ric Flair on TV. That was the number one career highlight until I won the ROH World Championship. The reason that is on top is because my parents were there. They have seen me since the beginning, before I moved from New Jersey they would go to every show even if the drive was 16 hours. They have seen my very first appearance in ROH up until last or most recent. They have been there throughout the whole journey so to have them there when I won the World Title, winning the World Title means something different when you know the wrestling business. It’s the promotion saying you are the guy to hold the top honour.

It seems as though you have very supportive parents.

Was it always like that when you told them you wanted to be a full time professional wrestler? It has always been that way. My mum kind of wouldn’t say it was a problem she just didn’t want to see anyone beating up on her son. So she didn’t go to my first match but when I come back from that she went to them all. Then she would be upset if I decided to go to show by myself. Dad seemed to be all for it.

This is the second time you have been over in the UK with ROH in recent times, have you heard of any plans backstage to make this a more regular thing? I can only hope so. I am not 100% sure on that, hopefully after they see reaction after this show they will. Hopefully they try and make this a regular thing.

We are now nearing end of 2017, is there anything you want to achieve before the end of the year? Without jinxing myself I would love to become ROH World Champ again this year. My favourite wrestler Ric Flair was always in the title picture so I think subconsciously I always see myself in that world title picture. I love the pressure that comes along with being world champ in and out of ring. You have a duty to perform at your absolute best especially after match one, two and three are tearing down the house. I love that challenge so hopefully before year is out I become ROH World Champ again.

HOW TO BE A PROFESSIONAL, OR SO I THINK

BY DASHER HATFIELD

A Mirror- Being able to take a good long look at yourself in the mirror (both literally and figuratively) and honestly critiquing what you see could be the most beneficial skill a pro wrestler can possess. Figuratively, the point I am trying to make is that being your own worst critique will help you grow rapidly as a performer. Whether you are watching tapes, or mentally recalling your decision making knowing what works FOR YOU and what needs some work is a skill that needs to be harnessed and crafted. Many wrestlers love to focus on their positives. Being honest with one’s self and admitting your flaws is a much harsher reality. But once this reality is brought to light, and you set your sights on changing this negative into a positive the holes in your game start to fill up. The literal mirror can be a more terrifying opponent than the figurative one. I was once on a show in which a seminar, led by a worker whom I thought myself superior too, was conveniently being held. I snobbishly sat in on the seminar because I did not want to come off as rude. In my head I was thinking that I should be teaching the instructor instead of it being the other way around. Boy, was I wrong! I took with me a new method of self evaluation, the “Brutally Honest” method! The speaker that day urged each worker there to go home, look in the mirror, and find your flaws. Whether it be your physique, your facial expressions, your mic work, etc. And when you find it, he demanded that we relentlessly work on fixing these flaws. Then he ended with, “If that does not sound like something you can do, then please get the &#@% out of my business.

OCTOBER OCTOBER 2017 2017 STEELCHAIR STEELCHAIR 17 23

AKIRA TOZAWA

2016#45

PHOTO: WWE

TOMOHIRO CODYISHII

HIGHLIGHTS: G1 USA FINALS VS KENNY OMEGA

HIGHLIGHTS: CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION / JOINING THE TITUS BRAND

thewas lastonly twelve a matter months of time have been until a real the wrestling feather in world the cap of started to take KUSHIDA, risingnotice above at ofaJohnny time the Gargano. New Japan Considered Junior Heavyweight one of the highlights division isofstockpiled the US with independent incrediblescene, talent.Gargano After losing the hasIWGP developed Title at a true Wrestle knack Kingdom for and being a risky the most two-minute likeableloss guyinonhis rematch, any show.KUSHIDA WWE fans won have thealready BOSJ and taken regained to him,his buttitle, the best putting is yet on excellent to come matches for Johnny atWrestling. every turn. [Words: (Coire) Liam]

anity has taken over NXT by storm, but one member has broken out so well that it’s easy to see her go out on her own and absolutely dominate. The loose cannon of the anarchic stable made it her personal goal to take down Asuka, while she didn’t succeed, the aggression and pure emotional instability made her a highlight of any NXT episode. [Words: James]

ne of the youngest and most agile wrestlers on the independent scene, Lio Rush made a name for himself in East Coast promotions, most notably CZW, where he had a long standing feud with Joey Janela. A breakout star known for his aerial moveset, Lio Rush has finally finished up his goodbye tour and is soon to report to NXT. [Words: Courtney]

HIGHLIGHTS: ROH TV CHAMPION / BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS WINNER

HIGHLIGHTS: LAST WOMAN STANDING MATCH VS ASUKA

HIGHLIGHTS: CZW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

24 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

PHOTO: OLI SANDLER

PHOTO: WWE

KUSHIDA CODY

2016#36

PHOTO: KAY MYS

s soon as he turns up, the unforgettable battle cry urges you to join in. Something so simple as screaming one word can be enough to get the crowd on your side. An energetic and much needed charismatic life force for 205 live, not to mention how quick he can end you with one snap German Suplex. Ending Neville’s reign as Cruiserweight champion helps him to shoot up to #40. [Words: James]

HIGHLIGHTS: ROH WORLD SIX-MAN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

11 39

tn was 2017, only I don’t a matter think of timeput Ishii’s until on the a bad wrestling match, I don’t worldknow started if he ever to has. take At notice 41 years of Johnny of age, Gargano. The Stone Considered Pitbull shows one ofno the signs highlights of ageof puts themost US twenty-somethings independent scene,toGargano shame, creating has developed classicsa with true the knack likes forof Omega, being the Naito most and likeable Matt Riddle guy on for anyRev show. Pro.WWE Let’sfans hopehave 2018 already sees him taken gettothat him, big but gold, the ehh, best NJPW? is yet [Words: to comeJozef] for Johnny Wrestling. (Coire)

NIKKI CROSS

LIO RUSH

fter four years in ROH, Dalton Castle finally captured some gold with The Boys for the six-man tag titles. But where Dalton really finds his worth is in his gimmick, an androgynous and sexually ambiguous character that, for once in wrestling, isn’t used to get cheap heat, but has been a leading force in acceptance and tolerance in the sport. [Words: Lee]

41 2016#48

PHOTO: NJPW

DALTON CASTLE

PHOTO: JOEY DEFALCO JD3STUDIOS

STEELCHAIR TOP 100 2017

t’s not often that WWE go back to the well after a wrestler flies the coop, but Drew is such a talent, it’s easy to see why WWE made an exception to that rule. While away, Drew gave other companies such incredible matches and such fresh ideas for stories that it was clear to even the most notoriously stubborn company in sports entertainment history that he had so much more to offer than to just another full-time jobber. [Words: Lee]

tnewas of only the most a matter of time until and charming the wrestling world startedwrestlers charismatic to take notice on the of indies, Johnny Seven is Gargano. most well-known Considered for his onestable of thein highlights British Progress, of the US Strong independent Style, with scene,WWE fellow Gargano UK roster has developed members a trueBate Tyler knack and forPete being Dunne. the most likeable They have guy taken on any overshow. the British WWE fans have scene, andalready Seven’staken character to him, but the best and mic work is yet is tounrivaled come for in Johnny the Wrestling. (Coire) independents. Current Progress tag team champion with Bate.

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE Universal HIGHLIGHTS : PROGRESS TAG JericKO TEAM Champion, US Champ, CHAMPION / WWE UK TOURNAMENT

turing was a only difficult a matter yearof time his with until recent the wrestling bicep world started injury and the to years take notice of wearofand Johnny tear from Gargano. matches, headline Considered he’s one still of proving the highlights to be a master of the ofUS psychology independent scene,somewhat while Gargano has limited. developed Matches a true with Naito, knackIbushi, for being Sabre theJr, most Ishii likeable and Nagata guy have on any been show. electric, WWE fans his with haveselling already and taken storytelling to him, but the best is yet to demonstrating that come no matter for Johnny Wrestling. what, Hiroshi (Coire) Tanahashi is as consistent as gravity.

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE Universal Champion, US Champ, JericKO HIGHLIGHTS : IWGP INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION

32 2016#21

PHOTO: WWE

HIROSHI TYLERTANAHASHI BATE

PHOTO: KAY MYS

HIGHLIGHTS: NXT CHAMPION

12 33

enta is a sensation in Lucha Underground, a massive and destructive powerhouse that is about to become the #1 contender for the Lucha Underground title. On the independent circuit, he’s the current PWG Tag Team Champion and made it to the final of Fight Club Pro’s Dream Tag Team Invitational. [Words: Steph]

HIGHLIGHTS: AAA LATIN AMERICAN CHAMPION / PWG TAG CHAMP

ADAM COLE dam Cole spent the past year working nearly every promotion one could hope, all leading to rumors of a WWE signing. The former Ring of Honor World Champion left the company earlier in the year, but his appearances for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and New Japan Pro Wrestling have kept fans happy.

At NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III, Cole finally made his awaited NXT debut, jumping Drew McIntyre and creating the Undisputed stable with former Ring of Honor roster members Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly. [Words: Courtney]

HIGHLIGHTS: ROH WORLD CHAMPION / NXT DEBUT AT TAKEOVER:BROOKLYN OCTOBER 2017 STEELCHAIR 25

PHOTO: MIKE KALASNIK

#steelchair50

PENTAGÓN JR.

PHOTO: WWE

TRENT TYLERSEVEN BATE

12 35

DREW MCINTYRE

36 2016#30

PHOTO: WWE

Join the debate and include

BOBBY HEENAN

WORDS: LIAM O’ROURKE

ON THE BRAIN: A TRIBUTE TO BOBBY HEENAN ou’re going to read and hear a lot of the same things in the next little while with regards to the death of Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. The greatest manager in wrestling history. Comedic genius. Superb performer. Magic in the commentary booth.

It’s easy to romanticise ones talents or contributions in the wake of their passing. It’s rare when you can say, without any semblance of doubt, that it’s all completely accurate. This is one of those times. I don’t need to recite the memories. If you’re reading this, you all have them. If you don’t, I genuinely feel sorry for you that you missed them. To a generation of wrestling fans that grew up on late eighties WWF, Bobby Heenan was woven into the very fabric of the promotion. Whether managing the top heels, announcing pay-per-views with Gorilla Monsoon, hosting Coliseum videos in hokey skits with Gene Okerlund or making Prime Time Wrestling entertaining, he was everywhere. The reason for his overwhelming presence is obvious to viewers new and old - Bobby Heenan was the very essence of what made pro wrestling great. By the time he’d made it to the World Wrestling Federation, “The Brain” was the absolute perfect character for the business. He was clever and witty, but he was bumbling and incompetent. He could cut a fierce money-drawing promo next to Andre The Giant, but he was the ultimate chickenshit at the same

26 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

time. He dressed like a millionaire and acted like the big man in town, yet he was a shameless cheapskate and took shortcuts at every turn. He was diabolical, yet totally harmless. You could see him get his ultimate comeuppance in satisfying fashion, and rather than have it blow off his heat as it would with most, he’d come right on back and be as hot as ever. All it took was for one fan to chant “Weasel”, and with a simple turn of his head in recognition, the entire building would follow suit. Every time. It was an amazing persona, masterfully executed. Even before that, Heenan was as polished a manager as you’d maybe ever see upon his arrival in the AWA. Managing the top heel team and two best workers in the promotion, Ray Stevens and Nick Bockwinkel, Bobby could lend his unique magnetism to any act and enhance it. Case in point, when Bockwinkel took the AWA World Title from Verne Gagne, there wasn’t anybody in the world that needed to talk for Nick, he had a wonderfully eloquent, intelligent and despicable promo. But as a combination, the added undercurrent of arrogance to Bockwinkel’s confidence was pure magic, with Heenan serving as the catalyst for a dynamic main event heel act. It wasn’t even something that was developed. His understanding of the business came along, sure, but as a natural performer, Bobby Heenan was born with a very special gift. He was brought into this world with a sense of humour and delivery that allowed him to, when called upon,

completely steal any scene he was in. Like watching a Don Rickles appearance on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, where everybody else in the room is there in the supposed role of a “star”, but sit with their thumb up their ass in awe. Heenan could rattle off one-liners, see the comedy in any moment, and leave anybody in the dust. And he did, many times. The brilliance of Heenan, however, is that he wasn’t a one note joke, and when it wasn’t time for him to “be the show”, he was smart enough to know exactly what to do to let the appropriate parties shine. You’ll never watch a match or performance of Bobby Heenan in his prime and think he did the wrong thing at the wrong time. As an entertainer, he was completely unselfish, not caring if you laughed with him or at him. One of the things that makes the career of Bobby Heenan so fun to ruminate on is that, unlike so many others, you don’t see an unrecognised brilliance and lament the fact that he didn’t get his due. You don’t hear anybody say that he was ahead of his time or underappreciated. Bobby Heenan was the master of the time he was in. If he came along right as wrestling was first big on television, he’d be a forgotten historical figure who wouldn’t have had the chance to be the wildly entertaining personality he was. If he’d come along later he’d probably be scripted, made far less effective and possibly rendered useless. In the territorial days, he homesteaded Minneapolis and was

king of that hill during a time when managers were given an incredible responsibility. During a period of time when it truly mattered how big the next live gate was, Heenan and others of his breed were entrusted to deliver the goods. That Bobby was considered the best of his kind is no small feat, his position one of tremendous significance. In the WWF world of cartoon hoke and slapstick comedy he could play the goof better than anyone, but backed it up with material that would easily get an announcer fired from WWE today. Though he was walking some lines that would be frowned upon in the modern age, he often touched on sensitivities for laughter. During one episode of Prime Time with Monsoon, Heenan pointed to a stuffed Gorilla toy with a laugh, calling it the new Koko B. Ware action figure. During a match where Koko wore a single white glove (a la Michael Jackson), “The Brain” theorized that he wore it so that drivers could see him hitchhiking at night. Heenan would be similarly snide to Virgil. At SummerSlam ‘91, as Ted DiBiase put a beat down on his former bodyguard, Bobby broke through with, “I hope Virgil didn’t do something stupid like put a down payment on a boom box”. Nothing was off-limits. Women, ethnics, little people, characters. Despite this, it was all tempered, excused almost, by the fact that nobody was made to look as bad by Bobby Heenan as he made himself look by design. As a character, he made it so that nobody could possibly aspire to be him, the true mark of a heel. Conversely, “The Brain” was excellent at adding the right touches to enhance others. His WCW run was highlighted by his work in the early days of the New World Order angle, appropriately stating how big a threat the invading force really was. When it came to the money angles with Sting and Hogan, Bobby knew the points to hit and how to hit them. As Goldberg gathered momentum and it was obvious he was catching on like wildfire, Heenan was the first to drop the shtick, forget about his own agenda and focus on putting over Goldberg like he was a once-in-a-lifetime athlete. Bobby had some bad habits too, no doubt. His drinking accelerated in his WCW days as the product declined and going to work became a chore. While it was a story that went largely unreported, the decision to remove him from Nitro came not for a no-show as widely believed, but for being drunk during an afternoon production meeting before a show. He got to make a cameo at WrestleMania X-7 in his WWF

return, and to nobody’s surprise, stole the show in the Gimmick Battle Royal on commentary. It was the last major league role of note he ever had, his throat cancer incapacitating him shortly after. What followed was a slow, gradual decline that feels terribly inappropriate for a man who made people around the world smile so selflessly. His failing health became sadder and sadder, as the gifts he brought to the world were robbed from both him and us. Given the nature of the industry today, there’s no doubt he’d have been brought back for random TV appearances for years to come, maybe even hosting the Hall of Fame, if it weren’t for his ailments. But Heenan wasn’t one that appreciated mourning and misery, so it would be wrong to remember him with anything other than smiles and laughter. “The absurdity of life is very funny”, he once said, explaining the mentality that made him what he was. When I personally think of Bobby Heenan, my mind, like yours I’m sure, races to a litany of preposterous moments. Howling with angst during the 1992 Royal Rumble. Throwing his pencil in the air on Prime Time to try and catch it with style like Mr. Perfect, and failing miserably. Crippled with sadness as he reported the news that Jamison, the Bushwhackers’ annoying geeky manager that had choked on food, had tragically survived. One of the more poignant Heenan moments, one that captured the full scope of Bobby’s talents, is his farewell to the WWF. On an episode of Raw after Survivor Series 1993, after being a pain in the ass to Gorilla for all those years, Monsoon finally threw him out. Between his begging, cowardly comments, tripping all over the place, stolen toilet rolls falling out of his bags and screaming “My belongings!” as Gorilla tossed his stuff out, it’s a joy to watch him play the quintessential buffoon. Then, right at the end, he looks back one last time. He suddenly tears up and salutes goodbye after eight glorious years. As entertaining as he was and as much as you loved seeing him lose, it was still heartbreaking to see him go. Just as it is right now. Among the more enduring Heenan memories is seeing Bobby pay tribute to Monsoon after his passing on Nitro. Fighting back tears, Heenan said that the pearly gates would now be known as the Gorilla Position. It seems only fitting to end this piece by extending the same sentiment to the other half of one of wrestling’s most iconic duos. If there is such a thing as heaven, it just became the Bobby Heenan Show. So long, weasel.

OCTOBER 2017 STEELCHAIR 27

TONI STORM

tharlotte was only Flair a matter of time until continues to be theone wrestling of the best world wrestlers started on the WWE to take roster notice and of Johnny had another Gargano. phenomenal Considered year. Charlotte one of the became highlights the of first the woman US in independent WWE history scene, to compete Gargano in main has developed events for aRAW, true SmackDown knack for and being onthe PPV. most Shelikeable really has guybeen on aany driving show. force WWE infans the women’s have already division taken toand him, is but arguably the best oneisofyet the most to come talented for Johnny we have Wrestling. ever seen. [Words: (Coire) Bradley]

fter becoming the first ever PROGRESS Women’s Champion and participating in the WWE Mae Young classic you can see just why Toni Storm has taken the Wrestling world by storm (pardon the pun). With her work in Japan increasing her global footprint, Storm is picking up Titles across the Globe and proving that she is one of the very best wrestlers in the world. [Words:Tony]

HIGHLIGHT: ROH WORLD CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHT: RAW WOMEN’S CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHT:1ST EVER PROGRESS WOMEN’S CHAMPION

hris Jericho might well be the GOAT his pants say he is. 2017 might have been a coda to his 2016 but between his work with Kevin Owens and especially The Festival of Friendship, continuing to improve Talk is Jericho and when he went off to tour with Fozzy, still finding time to turn up for a US title match on Smackdown & provide NXT Takeover with one of its better themes in ‘Judas’

Jericho is proving that even at 47, he isn’t even close to done yet. [Words: Jozef]

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE US CHAMPION + THE FESTIVAL OF FRIENDSHIP, FEB.13 28 22 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

RICOCHET

CHRIS JERICHO

2016#38

2016#10

icochet has had another incredible year topped off perhaps by winning the NJPW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Titles alongside Ryusuke Taguchi. Ricochet has been very well received in Japan, having a great stint in BOSJ and has also been a pivotal figure at PWG this year. Ricochet continues to impress across the globe and I’m excited for this future. [Words: Tony]

HIGHLIGHTS: IWGP JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT TAG CHAMPION

PHOTO: KAY MYS

PHOTO: WWE

CHARLOTTE CODYFLAIR

2016#13

11 30

e did it. The goddamned, son-of-abitch finally did it. The greatest wrestler ever to not have a major heavyweight championship to his name, finally got the big one and old-school ROH fans around the world rejoiced. This was a fitting final accolade for one of the world’s finest and most underappreciated wrestlers ever. [Words: Lee]

PHOTO: WWE

CHRISTOPHER DANIELS

PHOTO: JOEY DEFALCO JD3STUDIOS

STEELCHAIR TOP 100 2017

ROMAN REIGNS CODY

2016#9

tith was theonly Broken a matter Universe, of time until Matt Hardythe created wrestling world one ofstarted the freshest to take notice of Johnny wrestling experiences Gargano. in decades. Considered His Broken one Brilliance of the highlights of2016’s dominated the US talk independent of TNA scene, and many Gargano see TNA’s has developed mishandling a true of Hardy’s knack contract for being as the onemost of likeable the worstguy mistakes on any of show. the WWE last 12 fans haveAlso, months. already Matttaken made toahim, return but theWWE to best this is yet WrestleMania to come for to Johnny a pop Wrestling. that could (Coire) be heard from space. [Words: Lee]

HIGHLIGHTS: DEBUTING AT NXT TAKEOVER ORLANDO

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE Universal Champion,: WWE, US Champ, HIGHLIGHTS ROH +JericKO TNA TAG TEAM CHAMPION / BEING BROKEN

HIGHLIGHTS: 'RETIRING' THE UNDERTAKER AT WRESTLEMANIA 33

PHOTO: WWE

TRAVIS BANKS

SHINSUKE NAKAMURA

2016#3

PHOTO: WWE

KATSUYORI SHIBATA

12 23

nother year with Reigns in the middle of a battle between McMahon and the fans saw “The Big Dog” add another Mania main event to his resume, but it was his feud with Braun Strowman that first lit a fire under Raw in 2017. Continues to be a top level performer. His first run with the Universal Title is inevitable. [Words: Liam]

hibata travelled the world, debuting for ROH at Death Before Dishonor XIV in August 2016, and RPW’s Global Wars UK in November, beating ZSJ for the British Heavyweight Championship. He held the NEVER Openweight Championship, and won the 2017 New Japan Cup. After Sakura Genesis, fears ran high for Shibata’s well-being, but he made a triumphant return at the G1 Finals.

s there a more charismatic figure in wrestling than the King of Strong Style? His entrance so good that Corbin got heat for depriving us of it at Money in the Bank. It helps the twotime NXT champion’s case that he’s also a phenomenal wrestler, capable of firing up an audience at a moment’s notice. But that entrance... [Words: James]

ne of the breakout stars of the year, Banks has become a rising star thanks to his excellent tag team wrestling with the likes of TK Cooper and Chris Brookes/Kid Lykos in CCK. Over the past year he’s been the Rev Pro tag Champion, Fight Club Pro Champion and won Progress’ 2017 Super Strong Style Tournament, beating Tyler Bate in the final. [Words: Courtney]

HIGHLIGHTS: REV PRO BRITISH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHTS: NXT CHAMPION/MONEY IN THE BANK ‘17 LADDER MATCH

HIGHLIGHTS: SUPER STRONG STYLE WINNER / FIGHT CLUB PRO CHAMPION

OCTOBER 2017 STEELCHAIR 29

PHOTO: BEYOND GORILLA

PHOTO: WWE

TYLERHARDY BATE MATT

#steelchair50

alm, collected, and very dangerous. We first saw Aleister Black enter WWE back in the UK Tournament, and now he’s made a name for himself in NXT. Kicking down any competitor that stands in his way, it’s only a matter of time before we see him in a title match. Either way, Black is one step ahead of his opponent, so never turn your back on him, not for a second. [Words: James]

PHOTO: KAY MYS

12 25 2016#7

PHOTO: WWE

ALEISTER BLACK

26 2016#19

PHOTO: WWE

Join the debate and include

HIROMU TAKAHASHI

thewas Miz; only theabest matter heel of WWE in time until this year? the wrestling Think again. world Neville started has been toatake revelation notice since of Johnny reinventing Gargano. himself Considered as The King one of the highlights Cruiserweights. of the US 205 independent Live is thescene, Neville Gargano show and it’s hasallowed developed himatotrue finally knack shine, for without being the resorting most likeable to all his guy high on flying any show. and signature WWE fansRed have Arrow already which taken has to him, cemented but thehim best a is topyet heel. to come [Words: for Johnny David] Wrestling. (Coire)

orget that KUSHIDA won the trophy, this year Takahashi was the best Super Junior. Los Ingobernable’s Timebomb has had an incredible year since winning the Jr. Heavyweight title at Wrestle Kingdom, putting on great contests with the likes of Ricochet, Dragon Lee & Liger. Debatably though, his greatest gift to the world is his best friend, Daryl Takahashi. [Words: Jozef]

HIGHLIGHT: WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHT: WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHTS: TRILOGY WITH KUSHIDA (WK11, SAKURA GENESIS, DOMINION)

SAMOA JOE

t has been a “Glorious” year for Bobby Roode who after debuting and winning the NXT Title from Shinsuke Nakamura has recently been promoted to the main roster under the SmackDown brand. Roode has been wrestling since 1998 and its fair to say he really is coming into his stride on the biggest stage of them all. [Words: Tony]

tillwas Ospreay only aismatter changing of time until wrestling. 2016 themay wrestling have beenworld the year started that putto him take onnotice the of Johnny map butGargano. 2017 showed Considered he’s no one flash of the in the highlights pan. From of the his US matches independent with scene, KUSHIDA, Gargano Ricochet and has Jimmy developed Havoc a true through knack tofor his plan being tothe help most elevate likeable Australian guy on wrestling, any show.the WWE only fans thing have to already consider taken to about him, but Ospreay’s the best2017 is yetis how to come muchfor better Johnny his Wrestling. 2018 could be. (Coire) (Jozef)

oe took his time finding his place on the main roster, but once he found his zone, he couldn’t be held back. Being a brick wall for Rollins to try and climb over proved Joe to be a deadly obstacle. He hit his stride in the build up to his title match vs Lesnar. Relentless and unforgiving, he showed just how much damage he could do, even to a beast like The Conqueror. [Words: James]

HIGHLIGHTS: NXT CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHTS: ROH TV CHAMPION + PROGRESS 46 VS JIMMY HAVOC

HIGHLIGHTS: NXT CHAMPION / CHOKING OUT LESNAR + HEYMAN

30 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

PHOTO: WWE

PHOTO: DAVID GARLICK

2016#12

2016#6

WILL OSPREAY

PHOTO: OLI SANDLER

2016#42

BOBBY ROODE

PHOTO: WWE

he Awesome One is still the Intercontinental Champion and even went toe to toe on the mic with Paul Heyman in one of the greatest opening Raw segments this year. His impassioned promos are a thing of beauty and it’s fair to say this year that he’s been the most consistent heel the WWE have. Now with added bonus of The Miztourage (who didn’t make the list) [Words: Bradley]

PHOTO: WWE

19 11

NEVILLE CODY

PHOTO: WWE

2016#40

THE MIZ

STEELCHAIR TOP 100 2017

MARTY SCURLL

KEVIN OWENS rom the Festival of Friendship, to the New Face of America, KO has been a force to be reckoned with for the most part of this year. After becoming the second ever Universal Champion, with the assist from Triple H, Owens was positioned on a trajectory to stardom that many doubters thought they’d never see him achieve. It was a pivotal moment in the New Era. Kevin transitioned from the beloved pairing of Jeri-KO, to a mix of genuine heel heat and respect, like only a pro could.[Words: Erin]

2016#5

HIGHLIGHTS: JERIC-KO / WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPION + US CHAMPION

yler Bate is such a man that at 19 years old, his gimmick revolved around his facial hair. Think about that for a minute. In addition to his dapper follicles, Tyler was the breakout star of the first ever WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament, becoming the first ever UK champ. Best of British indeed. [Words: Lee]

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE UK CHAMPION / PROGRESS TAG TEAM CHAMPION

tid-2016, was onlyhea left matter the of WWE, timeand until a star the wrestling would be world reborn. The started American to Nightmare take notice went of Johnny on to make Gargano. one Considered hell of a statement, one of the joining highlights Bullet of the Club, US challenging independent Okada scene, atGargano the G1 in USA has developed Special, and a true capturing knack the for ROH being title theagainst most likeable Christopher guy on Daniels, any show. forWWE the first fanstime. have Ifalready this year taken proves to him, anything, but the Cody best is truly yetis the to come one that for got Johnny away. Wrestling. [Words: (Coire) Erin]

ince NXT TakeOver: Dallas, Asuka has been the undefeated NXT Women’s Champion. And no one, absolutely no one, was able to stop her. She broke every possible record this year. Her unique style, strong and intense, is really making her someone apart in this business. Her arrival to the main roster could change the game for all the women of WWE. [Words: Steph]

HIGHLIGHTS: RING OF HONOR WORLD CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHTS: UNDEFEATED NXT WOMEN’S CHAMPION

PHOTO: KAY MYS

PHOTO: WWE

ASUKA

TYLER BATE

CODY

HIGHLIGHTS: ROH TV CHAMPION

OCTOBER 2017 STEELCHAIR 31

PHOTO: WWE

he Villain” Marty Scurll has had an incredible year which featured winning the Ring of Honor TV Title and also joining the hottest faction in the Wrestling business, The Bullet Club. Scurll also made his NJPW debut and has been an integral part of the ROH roster since signing with them in November. [Words: Tony]

#steelchair50

2016#31

14 2016#18

PHOTO: KAY MYS

Join the debate and include

TETSUYA NAITO

WORDS: LIAM O’ROURKE | PHOTO: COPYRIGHT NJPW

TETSUYA NAITO: THE ESSENCE OF COOL s Tetsuya Naito executed the Destino on Kenny Omega on August 13th, capturing the three count to signify winning one of the best tournaments in wrestling history, G-1 Climax 27, it was impossible for the mind not to race back to four years earlier.

On August 11th, 2013, Tetsuya Naito beat Hiroshi Tanahashi in the final of G-1 Climax 23. The win, designed to launch Naito as the new babyface superstar of New Japan coming off major knee surgery, propelled him towards a showdown with IWGP World Champion Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 8. But as the show grew close, a twinge of resentment was bubbling underneath the surface with the passionate New Japan fanbase. Naito was too happy go lucky. He lacked edge. He didn’t look like a top guy. Simply put, Tetsuya Naito wasn’t cool. Despite being put over huge in the G-1 that year, people weren’t buying what the promotion was selling. In a public vote to determine what match should go on last in the Tokyo Dome, the World Championship match with Naito and Okada or the IWGP Intercontinental Title match with Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi, the fans spoke, and the IC Title was the main event. From that point, you would always hear the boos for Tetsuya Naito. As his fast-paced classic babyface style played out between the ropes, it was met with resistance outside of it.

32 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

The experiment was chalked up as a failure. In a company littered with incredible talent like Tomohiro Ishii, Katsuyori Shibata, Tomoaki Honma, Shinsuke Nakamura and Prince Devitt, all of whom had the people on side, the New Japan office’s vanilla choice just wouldn’t do. So here we are in 2017, and Naito has to have more than an inkling of deja vu. He lifts the G-1 Climax trophy again, and prepares to go into Wrestle Kingdom 12 to wrestle Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP World Title in the Tokyo Dome once more. Only this time, he’s the most popular wrestler in the company, and there is no question what the main event will be. What changed is an incredible lesson that every booker, owner, writer, creative team member, agent, producer, whatever, should take heed of. For years, wrestling in North America has missed the boat on the ability to create genuine top babyfaces. Refusing to acknowledge the need for an organic connection between the people and the star that needs to sell tickets, WWE backed John Cena and now Roman Reigns all the way, using them to reach out to the masses while the discontent of the audience served as inconvenient background noise. They’ve tried every trick. They attempted to manipulate. They played games. Every time, not only did it fall short, it actually seemed to make things worse. Eventually the WWE gave up, just pretending it

doesn’t matter what the live crowds do, as ratings continued to fall, payper-view buys would dwindle, and Network subscription growth came to a screeching halt. They sell a lot of t-shirts to one segment of the crowd, and the product has enough die-hard fans to keep things ticking, so why tamper with it if that’s good enough? Naito is the reason why. After failing as a top babyface, Tetsuya struggled to find the missing piece of the puzzle but was vigilant in his search. After a tour with CMLL in the middle of 2015, the light bulb went off. Becoming a new man, the G-1 Climax 25 saw the disinterested, unengaging, reserved Naito whip up a veritable frenzy of genuine heat. In a world where fighting spirit is king, where it means so much to the wrestlers to risk life and limb like nowhere else in the world, the man who doesn’t give a single fuck becomes the scourge of the planet. All of a sudden, by being something that nobody had seen before in New Japan, he had them in the palm of his hand. Over time, Naito became the leader of Los Ingobernables De Japon, leading his own crew of unruly outlaws. His distinctive antics, anticompany attitude and declaration of loyalty to his own followers turned the biggest whitewash into a true rebel, capturing the essence of cool he’d lacked before. The merchandise began flying off the shelves, quickly outselling the

Bullet Club domestically. Reactions were still split, but getting noticeably louder. After listening to the people and finding a new way to dictate the story to them in line with what they wanted, they started to come around. Within a few short months, it was very clear that Tetsuya Naito was viable once more. His popularity soon exploded, justifying the IWGP World Heavyweight Title win he was earmarked for years prior in 2016. In victory, Naito simply tossed the championship in the air, thoughtlessly disrespecting the belt he’d once longed to hold. The reign, a short-term stopgap to help with the departures of AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura, was a success, prompting the office to take note of the interest and momentum behind the dapper superstar. The boos were dissipating. Nobody could deny the magic. Everybody jumped on the bandwagon. And so, here we are. By taking the road less travelled, the one that steps outside the comfort zone and time-tested formulas of years past, Tetsuya Naito is finally where he was supposed to be four years ago. On the road to Wrestle Kingdom, finally ready to ascend to his throne as the new top star of the company. All thanks to an organic connection with the audience. It really does hit home what a sad the state of affairs it is with WWE to see things play out. Anybody with any measure of intelligence or ability to read the landscape of professional wrestling for the last twenty years knows the real “cycle” of the business. A character catches on, gets

some momentum based on having some merit, and gets pushed as a babyface. At a certain point, the fans resist, and don’t get with it any longer. So the character turns heel, shoving it back in the face of the audience. Eventually, if they’re talented, they’ll be so good as a heel that the people will be dying to cheer them. They go back babyface and have a great run. Eventually, it happens all over again. It’s not a mystery. It’s rare when one character truly sticks for the long-term because everything has a shelf-life. Wrestling moved so fast between 1996 and 2001, and now, with company’s clutching to anything that works in any respect, it’s slowed to a crawl. Hogan got cold after six years on top in the eighties. Austin cooled off by turning heel before the people were ready. The Rock was a supernova and went back and forth on a dime, based on the ebb and flow of the people. Wrestling is a fascinating game in WWE, the people in charge desperately dancing between a desire to succeed and an egotistical need to prove they know better than the audience. Had Roman Reigns turned heel when he was first rejected, odds are he’d be entering WrestleMania 34 as an enormous babyface, just as McMahon wants.

Who knows what the fate of WWE would have been had John Cena taken this step if the boos were acknowledged back when they were born from real emotion in 2005, rather than a novel part of the show to sing along with in 2017. Pro wrestling does best when the top stars are legitimately cool in the zeitgeist of their time. John Cena, good as he’s been, was never cool to a casual fan. Roman Reigns isn’t close, but could be with a different presentation. For over a decade, wrestling fans have clamored for their reactions to actually mean something. Funnily enough, after telling fans their opinions don’t matter, it’s finally blowing up in WWE’s faces, as the passionate crowd members just do whatever they want to have fun. Since the booking pays them no interest, they’re just returning the favour. Whether it be New Japan booker Gedo or Naito himself, they figured it out. They tell the story, but it’s the will of the people that dictates success or failure. Regardless of WWE’s rigid mentality to the contrary, it’s an undeniable truth. As New Japan Pro Wrestling grows throughout the world, looking to increase its presence in the States, it enters 2018 led by the personification of properly booked pro wrestling, Tetsuya Naito.

OCTOBER 2017 STEELCHAIR 33

ZACK SABRE JR.

2016#17

o say ZSJ has had a good 2017 would perhaps be an understatement. At one point this year holding the Rev Pro, PWG and EVOLVE Championships simultaneously, joining Suzuki Gun, signing with New Japan, competing in the G1 and managing to rock a Jeremy Corbyn T-Shirt at Korakuen Hall, yeah, 2017’s been alright for Zack. [Words: Jozef]

HIGHLIGHTS: FIRST SMACKDOWN AND RAW WOMEN’S CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHTS: SUMMERSLAM 4-WAY / AMBULANCES / SMASHING THINGS

HIGHLIGHTS: ZACKY THREE BELTS (REV PRO, PWG, EVOLVE)

AJ STYLES 2016 WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

txploding was onlyinapopularity matter of time this year,until the the leader wrestling of Los Ingobernables world started De Japon to had takean notice awesome of Johnnytrilogy Gargano. of matches Considered with Hiroshi one of Tanahashi the highlights starting of the atUS Wrestle independent Kingdom, scene, culminating Gargano with ahas Match developed of the Year a true contender knack for in being the Athe Block most finals likeable of the guyG-1 on Climax. any show. He WWE may have fans topped have already it two taken days to later, him, but taking the the bestentire is yet tournament, to come for Johnny with a sensational Wrestling. win over (Coire) Omega. [Words: Liam]

att Riddle has been wrestling for just two years and he’s already one of the fastest learners in the industry’s history with several match of the year contenders under his belt so soon. Some have called him this generation’s Kurt Angle. His MMA background gives his strikes a look of authenticity meaning every bout feels like life and death. [Words: Lee]

rom his outstanding match with Cena back at SummerSlam, AJ has proven to be the face of SmackDown Live, and is more than capable to be the face of the WWE when given the chance. Put him in the ring with Corbin, Ziggler, Owens, or even Chad Gable, you’ll be guaranteed an entertaining event with a hard working performance. [Words: James]

HIGHLIGHT: G-1 CLIMAX WINNER

HIGHLIGHTS:TWO-TIME PROGRESS ATLAS CHAMPION

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE CHAMPION + WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPION

34 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

PHOTO: KAY MYS

2016#1

MATT RIDDLE

PHOTO: OLI SANDLER

2016#16

11 06

PHOTO: WWE

tince wasthe only brand a matter split of time until Strowman has the been on wrestling a rampageworld for better started to take competition. Following notice an of incredible Johnny Gargano. match with Considered the Big Show one ofwhich the highlights saw the ring of the collapse, US he independent has become scene, a highlight Gargano of RAW. has developed Now firmlya in true theknack main for event beingpicture the most he likeable stole theguy show on at SummerSlam any show. WWE in fans the epic have4-way already for taken the to Universal him, butChampionship. the best is yet Strowman to come for is Johnny quickly Wrestling. becoming THE (Coire) MAN. [Words: Bradley]

TETSUYA CODYNAITO

PHOTO: WWE ~ WORDS: LEE HAZELL

ittle Miss Bliss is the best all round performer in WWE’s exceptional women’s division. The most confident on the mic, the most improved in the ring, and with her range of expressions and gestures, she could probably head up any San Francisco improv class. Finding out Raw’s only Goddess is going to be part of a card doubles … wait, no! Triples, anticipation for any Network Event.

PHOTO: © NJPW

11 08

BRAUNCODY STROWMAN

2016#41

ALEXA BLISS

STEELCHAIR TOP 100 2017

PHOTO: WWE

2016#47

PETE DUNNE

PHOTO: KAY MYS

2016#20

KAZUCHIKA OKADA

HIGHLIGHTS: WWE UK CHAMPION + PROGRESS CHAMPION

#steelchair50

ete Dunne is wrestling’s greatest future prospect according to Triple H, who is himself one of the most successful creative and business minds in the industry’s history, so who the hell are we to argue? Dunne is the total package. In his generation, his instinct for iconography is second only to Marty Scurll and as for storytelling, no one has him beat. He is the current world champion in Britain’s most recognised indie promotion, and Tyler Bate might have been the first-ever WWE United Kingdom Champion but Dunne stole all the headlines. And the belt, four months later. The two matches he had with Bate for the coveted strap didn’t have the flash of the Omega/ Okada efforts, but they had an earnest simplicity that meant they were psychologically miles ahead of their New Japan counterparts. [Words: Lee]

017 wasn’t just a year for Kazuchika Okada because Okada is not just a wrestler, he’s not even just an IWGP Heavyweight Champion, he is the IWGP Heavyweight Champion of our age, possibly in the process of having the greatest run with that belt of all time and the single most insane part of it is we don’t even know if he’s likely to lose it any time soon. Having put on classics with Kenny Omega, Minoru Suzuki, Bad Luck Fale, Katsuyori Shibata, the entire G1 Climax and even Cody, Okada has barely put a foot wrong all year, cementing his position in history. If you haven’t been watching Okada this year, you haven’t been watching wrestling. [Words: Jozef]

HIGHLIGHTS: IWGP HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION / OMEGA TRILOGY (WRESTLE KINGDOM 11, DOMINION 6.11, G1 CLIMAX) OCTOBER 2017 STEELCHAIR 35

PHOTO: WWE

Join the debate and include

STEELCHAIR TOP 100 2017 2016#4

Join the debate and include

#steelchair50

PHOTO: NJPW

KENNY OMEGA n a world where certain mainstream wrestling companies have poached talent from around the globe, only to mishandle their booking and see them die a death in the midcard, Kenny Omega has remained true to his spiritual home of New Japan, and it has paid them dividends. Not only is Kenny Omega bringing new and exciting experiences to wrestling audiences in Asia and beyond, he’s become so successful that he doesn’t even need them to make money. The trilogy of matches he has had with Okada in 2017 has broken all the ways we think about wrestling. The first from Wrestle Kingdom 11, which he came by from winning the 2016 G1 Climax, is an all-time classic that improved upon what we believed to the perfection of the legendary Okada/Tanahashi feud. Their second at Dominion is a 60-minute timelimit draw paced like a three minute cruiserweight match. The physicality was incredible. The last one at the G1 Climax hits the feud’s emotional peak that finally saw Omega pick up the win. It was an incredible way to cap off an epic 12 months of wrestling. That makes Kenny our pick for wrestler of the year. (Words: Lee)

WINNER

PHOTO: OLI SANDLER

AGREE OR DISAGREE TWEET US AT: @STEELCHAIRMAG

36 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

HIGHLIGHTS: G1 CLIMAX WINNER, FIRST EVER IWGP UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, SERIES OF MATCHES WITH OKADA

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GO-HOME

WORDS: ALAN BOON

GO-HOME SHOW .COM/WORKING-A-RESTHOLD UD LO DC UN SO AT T AS DC PO ’S LISTEN TO ALAN came to wrestling too late and too early to truly appreciate Bobby Heenan. When the sport first grabbed me, at the tender age of 19, all we got in the UK was Superstars every weekend and pay-per-views every three months (and even they were shown a few days later). Ironically, Superstars is now the kind of show I really dig but back then, to someone who wanted to see matches that mattered, it was nigh on unwatchable. I did get a Coliseum VHS of the best of the first half dozen episodes of Monday Night Raw, but other than that it was just those quarterly big events. So my exposure to Bobby Heenan was limited, and before long he departed for the mysterious WCW, and I stopped watching men in pants pretending to have sore legs. When I came back to wrestling, Heenan was on Monday Nitro, but we only got that on a four-delay, edited down to an hour, which didn’t leave much time for the subtle nuances of Heenan’s commentary work, and by the time everything was freely available he was gone from wrestling, pretty much for good. I think I realised how excellent he was, though, and subsequently re-watching his work as both an announcer and manager has revealed to me that, yes, he stood out as exceptional in a field which was mixed but often very, very good. It was only much later that I understood why. Heenan got wrestling. He knew what it was, what it could be, and – just as important – what it should never be. As a wrestler and manager (and even as an announcer) he knew when to show ass, and how much you could show without giving away all your heat, and his stint behind the commentary table was marked by subtle self-deprecation but overall a dedication to defending the heels but without taking anything away from the good guys, whom the people had shelled out their hard-earned to see. There have been plenty of successful people in our sport, at all levels and in all roles, that have been very successful despite never truly getting wrestling. Their success usually isn’t very long-lived, or comes in spurts when the stars align and their idea of what wrestling is comes near enough to the zeitgeist to pretend they’re relevant, but mostly the truly great stars, and those who have been successful for a long time really understand that business.

38 STEELCHAIR OCTOBER 2017

Even those who profess not to understand it – see Jim Cornette’s fury at modern wrestling – are often doing so with a wink and a nod, itself an arch form of “getting it.” The bigger successes, though, especially those in the independent scene, who have to be flexible and adaptable and resilient? They. Get. It. If you watch much British independent wrestling you’re witnessing a golden age. It’s a classic time for news-making promotions, for in-ring excellence, for visits from the best overseas stars (rather than those simply looking for one last payday), and for production values. But mostly it’s a scene that has people at the very top who get wrestling. One perfect example of this is WWE United Kingdom champion Pete Dunne (3rd in our Steelchair 100), who has seen his stock rise dramatically in the last eighteen months. Dunne is young, but not so young that he didn’t have to contend with the two previous generations of British wrestler, some of whom have very strong ideas of what a professional wrestler should be, how they should act, and – especially – what they shouldn’t do. Early in his career, Dunne - and Mark Andrews, with whom he started ATTACK! Pro-Wrestling - flew himself to the USA, spending his own money and sleeping on floors, wrestling for whoever would have him, but more importantly making contacts and learning. This was unacceptable to some, but has paid off in spades, and it’s hard to imagine that their subsequent success would have been possible without what both men experienced on that trip. This used to be a natural part of professional wrestling, the mixing of experiences and freedom to try new things. It was engendered by the territory system, by tours of Japan, by tournaments in Germany and Austria, and trips down to Mexico, but somewhere along the way it was lost. The best of today’s independent workers are now beginning to learn and develop in a way which few since the days of Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, and Eddy Guerrero have done. On the surface of it, there might be not appear to be too many similarities between Bobby Heenan and Pete Dunne, but you’d be wrong about that. Heenan got wrestling. Dunne gets it. He’s not alone, either. Get yourself down to your local independent show and there’ll be more like him, and there’s even a few who are managing to do it within the tight confines of WWE. Seek them out, and take them to your hearts.