Pro Wrestling Syndicate—the premier promotion for independent wrestling—rocked the northeast this weekend with a series of events featuring household names and up-and-coming talents. In addition to the sold-out show I attended on Saturday Night in Rahway New Jersey, PWS also ran an afternoon event at the Knights of Columbus in Union. The men and women of Pro Wrestling Syndicate were on hand before each of the events, signing autographs and shooting the breeze with fans of all ages. This was the first PWS event I attended without alcohol—so there was that. But the concession stand—which I believe was a third party enterprise—had some of the best homemade cookies you could ever hope to find at a sporting event. I feel like I always have a fun men’s room anecdote when I go to PWS; I ran into Balls Mahoney in a Brooklyn bathroom and the Tough Enough competitors the next month in Union. This time I was finishing my business and washing my hands when out the corner of my eye I spotted—New Jack! The regular wrestling celebrities were all on hand including the Amazing Red—who had an AMAZING match—and Kayfabe Commentaries’ Sean Oliver. I definitely mark-out more for Sean than I do for any of the boys; I’m never going to be a pro wrestler—but I could do lots of great work for KC. On the cheap. Hint, hint.
#1 Contender to Dan Maff’s Title
Habib From The Car Wash vs. Matt Macintosh
The first bout on the card was a number one contender’s match to Dan Maff’s PWS Championship. Habib From the Carwash and Matt Macintosh have been at odds since I first sunk my teeth into Pro Wrestling Syndicate, and tonight’s all-too-important match was positioned to be their most incredible encounter yet. My money was on Matt Macintosh; I figured with a babyface in possession of the belt, Macintosh was the clear favorite to move ahead into the main event. The crowd was fully behind Habib From the Carwash, and chanted his name with vigor as they sought to see their favorite underdog in contention for the heavyweight title. Neither man wasted time in setting the pace for the rest of the night. Habib conquered his first challenge, much to the chagrin of the “Bad Apple,” thus earning his chance to challenge for Maff’s belt.
Winner: Habib
Star Rating: 2 1/2
Mario Bokara vs. Sandy Mann
Sandy Mann is a 1960s style crooner, cut from the same cloth as Sammy Davis Junior. Sandy makes his way toward the ring dressed like Hugh Hefner to a lounge-lizard cover of “Enter Sandman” by Metallica. His opponent is the returning “Croatian Sensation” Mario Bokara. Mario was in the opening match against Davey Richards on the first PWS card I ever saw live, and has therefore earned a nostalgic place in my heart. Bokara defeated Sandy in record time, and proceeded to cut a promo on the lack of competition in Pro Wrestling Syndicate. He said that while he is in fact the Croatian Sensation, he is in the United States and is therefore among the greatest wrestlers in America. He issued an open challenge to anybody who might want to try their luck against his crippling in-ring ability. The lights dimmed and the videotron flashed a response: “Kenny Omega Accepts. December 2015.”
Winner: Bokara
Star Rating: 1
The Reynolds Brothers vs. The Untouchables
I wasn’t too familiar with the Reynolds Brothers, but was happy to see them in action against a team I’ve come to know very well. The Untouchables are a heel tandem comprised of Anthony Bowens and Bobby Wayward. It would seem that Wayward is far and away the more diabolical of the two, being that he’s constantly under attack from the live audience. Bowens is a proven singles’ competitor whose natural charm can’t be lost on even his most fervent detractors. The Untouchables seemed almost destined to achieve a simple pinfall over a team that hasn’t been featured on a PWS show since April. But that’s when the internal politics of the team started to shine through and affect their workmanship. The Reynolds Brothers got the upset over the Untouchables—specifically Anthony Bowens—with a neckbreaker/Samoan drop combination from the top rope. After the bell, Wayward began dressing down his partner—blaming him for the loss they’d just suffered. After an unprovoked shove by Wayward, Bowens lost his cool and hammered away at his now-former partner with an array of powerful left and right-handed strikes.
Winner: Reynolds Brothers
Star Rating: 2
Brian Myers vs. “Big Deal” Craig Steele w/ Jemma & Gino Gotz
I’m a huge fan of the “Big Deal” Craig Steele; his already-astounding gimmick is enhanced to an unprecedented degree by the involvement of his “Lead Hoe” Jemma and his head of security Gino Gotz. “Whatever the Big Deal needs—Gino Gotz.” His opponent is the self-proclaimed “Prince of Queens”—King of Queens was taken—Brian Myers. Myers is always among the most valuable players on any PWS show; last month he and Colt Cabana put together the match of the night in Union New Jersey. Brian spent a little less time on the canvas tonight after interrupting the Big Deal’s quintessential catch phrase: “My gear, my gear—” Myers hit Steele with a double axe handle, but the Big Deal came back and finished his sentence: “Costs more than you make in a year!” Despite the momentary comeback, Steele ultimately fell victim to a loss at the hands of the former Curt Hawkins.
Winner: Brian Myers
Star Rating: 3/4
PJ Black vs. Amazing Red
The headlining attraction on this show was the first-ever encounter between Rob Van Dam and John “Morrison” Hennigan. Despite a wide array of promotion for the main event, this card also featured the first-ever meeting of PJ Black AKA Justin Gabriel and the one and only Amazing Red. This was undoubtedly the match of the night. All of the PWS wrestlers appeared dead-set on stealing the show in an effort to sell the undercard for the main event, and this bout was no different. The action kicked off right away with a high flying Lucha style that made audience members’ heads spin. Black was less than 24 hours removed from being crowned the inaugural GFW Nex*Gen Champion in Las Vegas, but appeared just as focused as ever coming off of the grueling tournament. Amazing Red took to the skies and proved to an audience otherwise unaware why he was a defining force in the early days of the X-Division. Black returned the offense with an innovative approach, including a very impressive powerslam/diamond cutter combination. The war waged between the two as neither individual was willing to give an inch in terms of momentum to his opponent. Amazing Red finally vanquished the former 3-time WWE Tag Team Champion in a three and one quarter star matchup that will not easily be upstaged.
Winner: Amazing Red
Star Rating: 3 1/4
Fans Bring the Weapons Match
Reality Check, Handicapped Heroes & Hush vs. The Jackson Family w/ “Shining” Edward Jackson
The biggest billed bout on the card—other than RVD vs. John Hennigan—was the “Fans Bring the Weapons” multi-man tornado tag. Reality Check’s Kevin Matthews and Craven Varro teamed with the PWS tag team champions, the “Handicapped Heroes,” and Hush to take on “Shining” Edward Jackson’s family of five. Jackson’s team consisted of family mainstays such as the Heavenly Bodies, Fallah Bahh, and the recently defected Devon Moore. In addition to a regular cavalcade of intense weaponry, the Rahway fans also introduced a number of gimmick props, such as a “Woody” doll—from Toy Story, an oversized plastic back-scratcher, and a TNA action figure. I believe the figure in question was a Dixie Carter toy. Which begs the question—why did TNA make that in the first place? Kevin Matthews and Craven Varro were undoubtedly the MVP’s of carnage during this contest; Varro paced around the ring looking for toys—literal toys—to inflict pain on his opponents, while Matthews went full throttle like a man possessed. The high spot of the match was a lightsaber duel between Hush and Edward Jackson, complete with the “Imperial March” piping through the speakers. “Shining” Edward Jackson’s Five won the match, and added insult to injury by placing the aforementioned TNA Action Figure—presumable Dixie Carter—over the lifeless body of Craven Varro.
Winner: The Jackson Family
Star Rating: 1 1/2
Tri-Force Tag Team Match
Team España vs. CPA & Balls Mahoney vs. Brian XL & Delroy w/ New Jack
This was perhaps the match I was least looking forward to, though I was eventually proven wrong on my initial assertion. Balls Mahoney and CPA entered into a pact last month, when Balls promised to teach CPA how to fight in exchange for accounting lessons. Tonight the duo is set to compete against the soccer players from Spain—Team España—and a team managed by New Jack! Brian XL and Delroy are collectively known as NJN—which leads me to wonder if that stands for New Jack’s—uh—Ninjas? The story of this bout was the evolving dichotomy between CPA and Balls; while New Jack was certainly a sight to see, he didn’t play too far into the action sans a spot opposite Balls Mahoney at the end. The New Jersey fans chanted “Lucha, Lucha” in support of Team España. I’d like to make an observation in reference to that: Lucha Libre isn’t a Spanish export. It’s from Mexico. Hard to believe a gymnasium full of white people dressed as Jeff Hardy wouldn’t know that. I hit the bathroom during this match—as it was the only chance I had to avoid New Jack—and according to my colleague Gary Mastriano, Brian XL and Delroy won. After the match CPA was stranded inside the squared circle when suddenly eerie calliope music began blaring through the speakers. As members of Monster Island began descending from the stage, the distinct smell of gasoline started to fill the cheap seats. It was Giant Leather! The former number one contender to Dan Maff’s championship entered the arena as always—through the back door. His chainsaw ripped a proverbial hole in the crowd as fans parted like the Red Sea so that Giant Leather could enter the ring. Once the members of Monster Island assembled opposite CPA, it was only a matter of time before their leader appeared—it’s Raven! Raven ordered his monstrous lackeys to deal with CPA; Doctor Acula spit blood in CPA’s face, blinding him to the oncoming onslaught by Giant Leather and Sprinkles.
Winner: Brian XL & Delroy
Star Rating: 1 1/4
PWS Television Championship
Chris Payne (c) vs. Bonesaw
According to Chris Payne’s Twitter profile—he’s a cop. The direct description reads: “NYPD during the day, PRO WRESTLER by night!” That’s a pretty intimidating police officer. Tonight Payne is defending his television championship against Bonesaw. Before the match could begin, Pat Buck—co-owner of Pro Wrestling Syndicate—entered the ring holding a white bag. He said that the original PWS Television Title was stolen from the locker room. He went on to tell the audience that they originally thought it was a rib, but the belt has yet to be returned. Buck said that it’s a huge hit for PWS, because the titles can cost up to several thousand dollars apiece. He unveiled the new championship; Chris Payne and Bonesaw were eager to be the first man in possession of the fresh title belt. They went to war, but Payne would ultimately come out on top and still in possession of the championship—sort of. Brian Myers hit the ring with the missing championship belt. He attacked the wrestlers involved in the action, and held both titles high above his head. Here’s a legit question that only Pat Buck, Eric Pleska, or Bonesaw can answer: is Bonesaw supposed to be an homage to the Macho Man character in the original Sam Rami Spiderman movie? Just curious.
Winner: Chris Payne
Star Rating: 1 1/2
PWS Suicidal Six Way Championship
Starman (c) vs. The Drunken Swashbuckler vs. Beefcake Charlie vs. Damian Gibbs vs. Zema Ion vs. The Lifeguard w/Dylan Stiffwood
The penultimate title match on the card was for the Suicidal Six Way Championship—currently held by the digital defender himself, Starman. Starman was initially scheduled to defend his title against a litany of suicidal superstars, one of whom was the RIDICULOUSLY-dressed Nikos Rikos. Rikos decided to sell his spot to Jay Enterprise. Jay was already representing Beefcake Charlie, and doubled his odds of managing the champion by inserting the phenomenally talented Damian Gibbs. These suicidal six ways tend to feature a lot of blurred movement; they’re the Transformers Movie of wrestling matches. I thought this was an extremely well booked match, and featured each of the combatants in a clear and readily accessible manner. In addition to the regular roster members such as the Drunken Swashbuckler, this championship six way also included the former TNA X-Division Champion Zema Ion. Ion received a lot of unnecessary heat from a crowd of smarks who were only interested in putting their dirt sheet knowledge to the test against other basement dwelling suburbanites. I actually overhead someone say: “You know Vince McMahon is in the process of buying TNA, right?” Toward the end of the bout, Jay Enterprise handed his cell phone to Beefcake Charlie. Beefcake accepted the call, and waved toward some unknown person in the rear of the building. A pizza delivery man entered the ring and handed Charlie his “mid-match snack.” Charlie refused to tip—or even pay for the pizza—and threw the delivery man to the outside of the ring. He choked down one of the coldest-looking slices of pizza I’ve ever seen, perhaps to gain greater strength? Alas, his plan failed; Starman won the match and celebrated his successful title defense with the pizza delivery guy.
Winner: Starman
Star Rating: 1 3/4
Rob Van Dam vs. John Hennigan
The top-billed matchup on the card was the dream match between former WWE/ECW Champion Rob Van Dam and the resident-Caucasian of Lucha Underground John Hennigan. The fans came unglued for this match with a bevy of support clearly positioned behind Mr. Pay Per-View. This match took quite some time to get started; neither man wanted to come out on the losing end of the initial tie-up, but RVD proved more powerful in such a situation. Back and forth the two battled until the action spilled onto the arena floor. John Hennigan had his way with RVD once the technical side of things devolved into fisticuffs, and the two jockeyed for an edge on the outside of the ring. Rob Van Dam hit Hennigan with “Rolling Thunder” to a raucous ovation and chants of “ECW” and “Whole F’N Show.” It would appear Rob Van Dam was well within reach of victory, when Hennigan caught him off guard and positioned him in the direct trajectory of “Starship Pain.” The former Johnny Nitro hit his signature finishing move and won the match in definitive fashion. Hennigan and RVD shook hands after the match, and Hennigan lead the audience in another “RVD” chant.
Winner: John Hennigan
Star Rating: 2 1/4
PWS Championship
Dan Maff (c) vs. Habib From The Carwash
As the “dream match” between RVD and Hennigan concluded, dozens of fans started to pour out of the Rahway Rec Center—perhaps under the erroneous impression that they had seen the final conflict of the night. However the PWS Championship was still up for grabs, and Dan Maff was ready to defend his coveted ivory prize against the greatest long-shot in Pro Wrestling Syndicate. Habib sold the injuries sustained in the opening bout, and was unable to gain any sort of offense against the monstrous Maff. For a guy billed at just 5 foot 7 inches tall, the 280 pound Maff moves with the grace and fluidity of a Luchador—yet hits with the ferocity of a superheavyweight. There were quite a few “Holy Sh*t” moments scattered throughout the match; Dan threw Habib from corner to corner with ease, and deadlifted the challenger an astounding ELEVEN times before dropping him to the canvas. Habib was on spaghetti legs by this point, and victory seemed all but a pipedream for the 26-year old Car-washer. That’s when “Bad Apple” Matt Macintosh showed up. It would appear that Macintosh was out to cost Habib his chance at the championship, but instead struck the title holder Dan Maff. Habib hit the top turnbuckle and dove toward the champion with his knees extended. Upon impact, the referee counted one, two—AND THREE! Habib From the Carwash is the NEW Pro Wrestling Syndicate Champion! As Habib celebrated in the squared circle, Maff chased Macintosh out into the venue promenade with a steel chair in tow. While I’m happy for Habib, I’ll most certainly miss seeing the belt over the shoulder of the hard-hitting Newark native, Dan Maff. Congratulations to Habib and everyone at Pro Wrestling Syndicate on an incredible night of wrestling action.
Winner: Habib
Star Rating: 2 1/2
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