13 Questions with Samuray Del Sol!

Samuray Del Sol made his 2012 debut for Dragon Gate USA/EVOLVE in March.  He was signed and introduced as the "Mystery Luchador" during the big WrestleMania Weekend events.  Not only did he live up to the billing that weekend, he has quickly made himself a player in each promotion to be taken seriously.  He returns to action this weekend with EVOLVE 12 and EVOLVE 13 from North Carolina and those shows can be purchased here: http://www.wwnlive.com/signup.php?id=219

1. What are your early memories of wrestling growing and how did you get into pro wrestling?

I remember being in Mexico City , watching Lucha Libre on the television and my idol back then was Tinieblas. I then moved to the States and started watching WWE. I just became mesmerized by wrestlers; their physique and abilities were astonishing. I was always a very athletic child and I was very involved in sports. I was also involved in martial arts and gymnastics. I was so flexible I could do the splits on two chairs!

It wasn’t until my teenage years that I became more in love with wrestling. I remember speaking to my Mother while watching WWE on the TV and telling her "One day I’m gonna be a wrestler." Of course no one believed me.

I started training amateur wrestling when I was a freshman in high school and I became very good actually wrestling bigger guys that outweighed me by at least 30-50 lbs. I've always loved pushing myself to the fullest. I became so good that I started winning so many gold medals and competed at state level tournaments. During my senior year I was awarded a Gatorade Award for wrestling, as well as MVP. Once I graduated from High School I still wanted to be involved with wrestling and so then I decided to take it to the next level, I enrolled myself in a professional wrestling academy.

2. What was your training like leading to your debut in 2005?

I’m not gonna lie, training was difficult the first day and maybe the next, but after the third day I adapted more. My motivation to become a professional wrestler was so great that I learned so quickly and debuted on the American Indies after just two weeks, just that short training period. I was very limited to what I was learning because I had to stay with my class but I decided to take on Lucha Libre training at the same time. I wanted to keep my Mexican culture and wanted to be the superhero that I always dreamed of being as a child. I quickly learned that Lucha Libre was more of my style even though I loved the discipline being taught with American wrestling. I learned both at the same time, I was able to show my discipline and coordination with American wrestling and show my athletic and agile side with Lucha Libre. All these qualities combined created "Samuray Del Sol" at the beginning of 2006 and I debuted with my first ever Samuray mask.

3. With 7 years of experience on your resume, what are 2 or 3 highlights in your young career so far?

There has been many but I would say the best highlight of my life was being able to work small shots for WWE. Another great highlight was being able to work for AAA in Mexico . The worst would be my accident in April 2011 that caused me major post concussion syndrome but even that I was able to overcome and be back in the ring within two months.

4. You toured with AAA in Mexico beginning in July 2011. How did that tour come about and what was it like to perform and get the positive feedback you received?

That was a very great learning experience for me. I traveled all the way to Veracruz for a tournament that was taking place and was chosen as the best contender for the night. I received positive feedback from all the judges. They said "In this man, we see a lot of talent not only for AAA but to be a superstar in general, he can do anything he sets his mind to."

I then started doing some shows for them because they wanted to see more of my work. I was also training with all of the AAA roster and that was probably the best training I have received. I was able to learn so much in a couple short months. The training down there is amazing! In December, I was able to compete in the finals for the tournament and in result they announced that I have an open invitation to sign with the company at any time. Receiving that type of positive criticism just motivated me to keep training harder so that I can be the best I can be.

5. Your original opportunity with Dragon Gate USA came in September 2010 but it has been reported, while DG USA officials saw a lot of potential then, they wanted you to get more “seasoned” before returning. How did that feedback serve as a motivator for you?

With that feedback I was able to actually get more seasoned and stay in Mexico for a couple months. If it weren't for that I would not be where I am today. It motivated me because I knew I had the opportunity to reach the next level but I wanted my training and ability to be crisp and clean. I didn't just want to satisfied and be considered a "good worker." I wanted to come back from Mexico and “WOW” the American market. I received that appraisal and reaction after my debut match against AR Fox in CZW.

6. Fast-forward almost 20 months later and it is announced that a “Mystery Luchador” has been signed for the Miami events, which turns out to be yourself. Did you feel pressure coming in like that, knowing that fans can often set expectations very high? Add to that, you debuted against Dragon Gate vet Masato Yoshino and got a HUGE win – how did you process all of that?

To be honest, I did feel a bit pressured but that's exactly the kind of pressure that keeps me wanting to continue. If things weren't challenging I would not set higher goals. The pressure helped me reach another level and realized that I am capable of competing against anyone on the DG USA roster. After having such a big win, I knew that DG USA was a place where I can reach my maximum potential.

7. Coming off of the strong showing that weekend, you were scheduled to face Chuck Taylor (who has been outspoken against luchadores) and the match became a Three-Way Match, involving Johnny Gargano. You had a strong showing before Taylor eliminated you. How much do want to get back in the ring with Taylor?

I think Taylor is a great in the ring. I would jump in a heart beat for a one on one match with Chuck Taylor and the chance to even the score.

8. You get that chance in Charlotte for EVOLVE 12 on May 11th, as you team with Johnny Gargano vs. Chuck Taylor & Silas Young. How are you preparing for that match?

All of these contenders have been my opponents before and I know that my alliance with Gargano for this match will lead us to victory. I am preparing by doing what I do best: that's examining my opponents and using their weaknesses to my advantage.

9. The next night at EVOLVE 13 on May 12th, you are part of a Four-Way Match featuring Taylor again, AR Fox and Jigsaw. The winner gets a shot that same night against Open the Freedom Gate Champion Johnny Gargano. How do you physically and mentally prepare for the opportunity for two high-profile matches in one night? Do you feel like the issue brewing between yourself and Chuck Taylor could be resolved here as well?

Chuck Taylor and AR Fox are my some of my best opponents. As for Jigsaw, that's one opponent I will be examining more before I step inside that ring this weekend. We will see the outcome between myself and Taylor, I hope there is a fair fight.

10. No matter the outcome of EVOLVE 12 and 13, what comes next for Samuray Del Sol in Dragon Gate USA/EVOLVE? Is there anyone specifically on your radar?

The next opponent on my radar is Sami Callihan. He's one of the top guys on the indies right now. I'm always looking for the next challenge.

11. Who are some of your “Dream” opponents and matches you would be very excited to have?

I would like to have a one on one with Dragon Kid.

Outside of Dragon Gate USA, one of my dream matches is actually going to happen next month where I meet one on one with WWE Hall of Famer Mil Mascaras (June 1st, PWS)!

12. What are your goals for the next 1 year, 3 years and 5 years?

In the next year I hope to become a familiar star worldwide. I hope to be in WWE within the next three years and within 5 become the next best masked luchador. #luchaluchalucha

13. How can fans keep up with your schedule outside of Dragon Gate USA and EVOLVE or buy merchandise?

Check out www.samuraydelsol.com for schedule and merchandise, follow me om Twitter @samuraydelsol and connect with me on Facebook: Samuray Del Sol

Thanks to Samuray Del Sol and Dragon Gate USA/EVOLVE for the opportunity to feature him.  Don't forget to check DGUSA.tv for more information and order the shows this weekend at WWNLive.com or via the link above.

13 Questions with Davey Richards!

Davey Richards is seen by many people as the best wrestler in the world today.  He has held the Ring of Honor World Title since winning it from his friend, and former tag team partner Eddie Edwards at Best in the World, back in June 2011.  This Saturday night, at the Border Wards iPPV in Toronto, Richards faces his biggest test yet, as he faces Kevin Steen one on one for the ROH World Title, and the Package Piledriver is legal for Steen to use in this match.  ROH has announced that this is the only title shot Steen will get!  Richards joined us for 13 Questions as he heads into the biggest ROH Title Match in recent memory! 

1. Just before this interview you were scheduled to travel to Japan for New Japan Pro Wrestling but were unable to travel due to being in an auto accident.  Can you update fans on what occurred and your health in terms of being able to get back in the ring?

Richards: Tony Kozina was taking me to the airport in Saint Louis and a guy behind us was texting and rear ended us. I’m ok, little whiplash but I’ll be ok. Sucks though as I had to miss my flight. I’ll miss no ring time.

2. How do you maintain the international travel schedule between Ring of Honor and New Japan, with balancing your training, diet and personal life?

Richards: Dedication. I’ve stepped off 13 hour flights to Japan into the gym; find BJJ schools wherever we are, gone to train at 4am before 7am flights, tons of hotel room workouts. Personal life has been tough, after a lot of trial and error I’ve realized I cannot have a personal life and maintain my schedule.

3. Do you have a “cheat day” and what does it look like?

Richards: Debauchery and gluttony LOL

4. You are approaching your 6th anniversary of your ROH debut.  You’ve done so much in that time from The No Remorse Corps to your Roderick Strong feud(s) to Sweet ‘n’ Sour Inc. to The American Wolves and feuds with Kevin Steen & El Generico & The Briscoes to finally winning the ROH World Title.  Do you have a favorite or outstanding memory or two from your run so far?

Richards: American Wolves by far. I’m more proud of that than anything else I ever have or will do.

5. What did it mean to finally capture the ROH World Title in June 2011 at “Best in the World” in Manhattan?  Did the fact that you defeated long-time partner Eddie Edwards add to the feeling?

Richards: It was closure, a lot of personal closure. It was a turning point in my life that I’m glad I got to share with Eddie and my close friends.

6. Past ROH World Championship reigns have been marked or footnoted by specific things (Samoa Joe making the belt a recognized World Title, Bryan Danielson & Nigel McGuinness having upwards of 35+ successful defenses during their reigns) – As you approach 1 year as champion and currently have 11 successful defenses to date, do you have a desire to challenge for either of those “records” or do you have other aspirations to have your title reign be remembered by?

Richards: More than anything else I just want to be remembered as a good person. Someone who gave it their all and led by example.

7. Your match with Michael Elgin in Ft. Lauderdale at “Showdown in the Sun” is being praised and heralded as an early Match of the Year candidate.  What does that mean to you and what were your thoughts after that grueling match?

Richards: All praise to Michael Elgin for that match, he was the star. I was merely part of it.

8. Do you have “Dream Matches” that you would like to see happen or are there title defenses you hope to see get scheduled in ROH?

Richards: Kevin Steen.

9. Your road to the ROH World Title had a very important step when you battled Tyler Black in Toronto in June 2010.  What memories do you have of that match and how do feel about returning to Toronto as defending champion now?

Richards: Returning to Toronto as champion is great as Toronto is a very special place for me because it’s where this journey to the World Title began. But that’s the only thing that really will be different. Still go out hands up chin down and fight.

10. Davey Richards vs. Kevin Steen for the ROH World Title is a match that has seemingly been brewing from the minute you won the title.  How have you prepared for this match being on Steen’s “turf” in Toronto and with the Package Piledriver being made legal?

Richards: I asked for it to be legal. I don’t fear it, nor do I fear him. I’ve been hit with his piledriver before. Steen is on my turf, he’s in a ROH ring. He’s in the lions den.


11. Kevin Steen has been very outspoken about your training in Jiu Jitsu and more outside of pro wrestling as well as you being a “teacher’s pet” of sort of Jim Cornette. Are you defending Jim Cornette and ROH from the wrath of Steen as much as the ROH World Title?  Does that strike a personal chord with you and is it more than just psychological warfare from Steen?

Richards: I can guarantee Steen talks to Cornette more than I do. I don’t involve myself with any office personal, hell I barely do interviews. I’m a private person who would rather let his actions speak for themselves. I do train and love BJJ. I feel I do not have to justify my actions to anyone, especially since the reality of the situation is I was a better wrestler at 10 years old than Steen will ever be. I was winning state titles when Steen was learning how to drive a car. I’ve spent more time on a wrestling mat than Steen has in a donut shop, which is saying something.

12. Following “Border Wars” on May 12, where does Davey Richards stand in the ROH landscape?

Richards: A fighter, as I’ve always been. Love me or hate me. I will fight all those who oppose me.

13.  How can fans follow you outside of Ring of Honor, keep up with your schedule or buy merchandise?

Richards:  Well, I don’t do Twitter anymore.  I do have a Facebook.  Also if any wrestlers want to train and travel with us, we have an apartment here where they can do that.  Some come and stay a couple of days, some a month and others move here.  They can e-mail me at wrichards83@gmail.com for more information.

Two Spot Monkeys would like to thank Ring of Honor and Davey Richards for the chance to do this interview!  Be sure to catch Ring of Honor’s Border Wars iPPV this Saturday night, May 12^th, available at ROHWrestling.com! 

3 Things About...ROH & Chikara: "Synergy"!

We thought we’d try a new feature here at Two Spot Monkeys.  We’re going to call this one “3 Things About…”  Whenever one of us (or both of us) attends a live wrestling show, we’ll post “3 Things About…” for that show.  Three thoughts we are taking away from the show.  This isn’t a match by match rundown of the show, you can find those all over the ‘net.  This is just what we thought of the show, well, at least 3 things we thought of the show.  So, without further adieu, here are my 3 Things About Chikara: Hot Off The Griddle, and both Tom and I share our 3 Things About ROH: Unity!

Jim’s 3 Things About Chikara: Hot Off The Griddle

1. Mixed Martial Archie

~Mixed Martial Archie may be the best comedy act going right now in wrestling.  He was absolutely hysterical in his matchup with Kobald.  And the crowd was right there with him.  The “Better Than Brock” chants were awesome, and he played it up perfectly.  When he pulled Gavin Loudspeaker into the ring for a “post-match interview” before the match ended (since he’d presumably “knocked out” Kobald, but didn’t pin him), it was just priceless.  Will he ever be Grand Champion of Chikara?  Not likely.  But, as a mid-card comedy act in a company that embraces comedy characters, he fits perfectly!  Check him out if you want to enjoy yourself! 

2. Kingston/Steen just getting started!

~When they had Eddie Kingston vs. Kevin Steen go on with 2 matches still to come, I was wondering what was up.  And when they did the DQ finish, at first, I was really ticked off, as this was a match that I was really looking forward to on the show.  However, I thought about it some more, and Kingston/Steen isn’t a feud that you do one match with and then you’re done.  My guess is that we get a rematch at the Chikasauras Rex iPPV on June 2^nd, and I for one would be a huge, huge fan of that idea.  Kingston and Steen had a great start to a feud on Saturday afternoon, but it has just gotten started, I look forward to “Round 2” whenever that happens!

3. Del Rey vs. Generico – MOTY candidate?

~As mentioned in my preview for this event, I was very much looking forward to this matchup between two of the best in the world today.  I wasn’t sure how it would end up, but I was very interested.  Well, if I hadn’t seen Davey Richards vs. Michael Elgin a month ago, I would likely be singing the praises of this match as the Match of the Year.  I definitely think it needs to be in the discussion.  They had a GREAT back and forth match, and Generico didn’t take it easy on Del Rey at all.  Her chest was beet red from the chops he was laying in, and you could tell she was just loving it.  I absolutely think this is a match that you should pick up the DVD to check out, it was that good.  Best match on either show on Saturday in Chicago, by a mile. 

Tom’s 3 Things From ROH “Unity”

My first ROH show in just under one year. The roster has changed. No more Kings of Wrestling, no more Christopher Daniels, no more Colt Cabana and no more Homicide. Core names that fans could connect with are gone and in most cases having greater success. ROH is still finding its identity as a TV and iPPV product that runs house shows taped for DVD. Here are three things I take away from last Saturday night.

1. Is the Magic Gone?

~ROH was often can’t miss live. You absolutely knew you had to be there live because something awesome was going to happen. I am not sure that the same can be said anymore in all circumstances. Just a month ago, Davey Richards vs. Michael Elgin captured everything that is and ever was awesome about ROH. It enthralled fans. It was dramatic. It left fans wanting more. With the sale of ROH last may to Sinclair Broadcast Group, it changed the identity and presentation of this great company. Don’t get me wrong, it is still great. It is a different and more selective great.

On a personal level, it is a lot like peanut butter & honey sandwiches. I love PB & H. Unfortunately, not every PB & H I make is the most satisfying. Sometimes it is the bread, sometimes it Is not enough honey, but I still eat it. That is how I felt Saturday. I was happy to be at ROH live and in the front row, but it was more of a miss than a hit and it left me wondering if, indeed, the magic was gone?

I will never stop being a Ring of Honor fan. I’ve been here since day one and will be until the final day. Change always happens – good, bad, in between – and I hope as ROH continues to change they have more good than bad and in between. I just didn’t feel that way on Saturday.

2. Hop on the Bravado Bandwagon!

~Home in the United States and North Carolina from their tour of Pro Wrestling NOAH and training in the NOAH Dojo, Harlem and Lancelot Bravado returned to ROH last weekend. When their match with The Young Bucks was announced, I was excited because I had the belief it would be a good match. I was wrong. It was a very good match! The Bravado duo was given a lot of opportunity during 2011 and to a lot of fans probably felt shoved down their throats. Remember, unless you are an established name, ROH fans have had a hard time accepting you in the ring over the years. The Bravados faced that, if not more because they came from the ROH Wrestling Academy. Other than Rhett Titus, the Academy has not produced an active wrestler who is a “star” or puts on “four star plus matches.” I even read a comment recently when the Bravados returned that people abhorred the thought that they had come back and no NOAH talents came along for a shot or tour with ROH.

Well, if you saw them in the ring with the Bucks on Saturday, you would sing a different tune. Despite Lancelot getting chants of “Justin Bieber” or Harlem getting “Vote for Pedro” chants and dated Napoleon Dynamite references, The Bravados were very crisp and polished in the ring. And before you counter argue “well, they were in the ring with Matt & Nick Jackson!,” I would still say that they are a new team, with the tour benefiting them greatly and hopefully they can infuse some freshness into the ROH tag division.


3. Battling the Chikarmy

~The “rivalry” with Chikara began in January and came to the end of it’s first chapter in Chicago, with the Synergy doubleheader. Jim had the great opportunity to attend both and I am excited for his feedback here. This is a good opportunity to cross promote each promotion and give wrestlers the chance the opportunity to get more booking opportunities. So far in ROH, we’ve seen Jigsaw & Hallowicked & The Colony in the ring. Chikara got the opportunity to book Eddie Kingston vs. Kevin Steen and will have a Ring of Honor team appearing at their June iPPV.

For ROH, this past Saturday, their trio of Jay Lethal, Adam Cole and TJ Perkins fell to The Colony, with TJ taking the fall. By design or not, TJ Perkins has been at the center of the in-ring goings on with Chikara. I don’t think things ended on Saturday. I certainly hope I am right. I would love for Eddie Kingston, Ultramantis Black and more to make their way into ROH rings. The opportunity for fresh matches and a real sense of “rivalry” to be reborn in ROH exists. I hope that those who are creatively in charge have the vision to make that continue and come to life.

Jim’s 3 Things from ROH “Unity”

1. Hire BJ Whitmer – NOW! 

~If there was any doubt that BJ Whitmer deserves a full time slot in ROH again, he erased that on Saturday night with his performance in the No DQ tag with Generico against Steen and Jacobs.  He was absolutely on point, and took a beating, while dealing one out as well.  His T-bone suplex through the table with Jacobs was a thing of beauty, and it was cool to see him get the pinfall for the victory.  Whitmer can fill a role of a grizzled veteran who can absolutely hang in the ring with the top stars today, and can also be called on for a crazy brawl when need be.  Whitmer impressed me greatly on Saturday night, I was glad to see that they announced in Tuesday’s newswire that he’ll be on more shows going forward, he more than deserves it. 

2. Chikara and ROH should allow talent to work both

~Chikara has a number of guys (Jigsaw, Hallowicked, Kingston, The Colony – both in tags and singles, and Sara Del Rey) who easily can fit in the ROH world, and they should work to allow those stars some more bookings by working for both companies.  Both companies have great fan bases, and who doesn’t love to see fresh matchups?  This would allow both companies to have fresh matchups for their cards.  Plus, seeing the Briscoes in Chikara as the guys who just want to kick ass, and not get into all that “comic book crap” would be incredible as well.  Briscoes for CDP if you ask me!!!

3. WGTT needs some time off

~I have been feeling very “eh” about World’s Greatest Tag Team for quite some time.  I just don’t feel like anything they are doing is that special anymore.  While they are heels, and they shouldn’t be wowing me with their work to a point that I start liking them…they just bore the hell out of me anymore.  I think it’s time for ROH to cycle them out for a bit, and keep the matchups fresh.  Honestly, after the Fight Without Honor, they shouldn’t face The Briscoes again for ANY reason for at least 12-18 months.  We’ve seen them face each other what seems like a million times, and honestly, it’s gotten way old.  So, if they do stick around, no more Briscoe matches.  But honestly, it’s time for them to take some time off and see if they can freshen things up when they come back down the line. 

So, that’s what Tom and I are thinking about after the ROH and Chikara shows this past weekend.  Join us again on Thursday for our React column looking at Extreme Rules!  Also, we hope to have a very special interview posted next week as well!  Lots going on here at Two Spot Monkeys! 

Head 2 Head: WWE Extreme Rules

Here we go again with another edition of Head 2 Head here at Two Spot Monkeys!  Tom has pulled ahead after Wrestlemania, 12-8 to 11-9 over Jim.  Will the standings change after Extreme Rules?  We shall see!  Jim will be live in Chicago for Extreme Rules, so look for a live report to be posted here on Monday! 

US Title Match – Pre-show

Santino Marella (C) vs. The Miz

JIM:  Wow, how far the mighty have fallen.  The Miz wins the main event of Wrestlemania 27, then wins the 12 man tag at Wrestlemania 28, which gives John Lauranitis control of both Raw and Smackdown, and his thank you gift at the next PPV is a pre-show match against Santino Marella for the US Title.  Ugh.  I have heard he is a bit in the dog house, and it seems fairly certain here.  On top of that, I see no chance of him winning here, Marella goes over for sure. 

TOM:  I have to admit, when I caught RAW last Monday and this was advertised, I wondered “Why?”  Santino was pretty over and I believe remains over with the fans.  Miz, well, Jim summed his drop pretty well.  Could WWE book a title change to make their pre-show or YouTube shows mean more?  Possibly, but I don’t think they care enough…yet.  Santino gets the win.

Intercontinental Title Match – Stipulation To Be Determined

The Big Show (C) vs. Cody Rhodes

JIM:  This is the biggest pick’em on the show for me, as I can make a good case either way.  Show has only had the title since ‘Mania, so, to take it off him so soon might seem strange.  But, the story was about Show getting a “Wrestlemania Moment”.  He’s done that…so what’s left for him?  Unless Cody Rhodes is headed to the main event (and it doesn’t seem like he is yet), I think you put the IC belt back on him and let him have another good run with it.  Cody Rhodes by shenanigans is my pick!

TOM:  I’m somewhat surprised this isn’t Show vs. Alberto Del Rio.  That is the way I though things were building, yet I am glad Cody get his title shot.  With the stip not being announced until Sunday, it really does make this a pick’em of sorts, as Jim alludes to.  Show has been booked like crap since winning the title, but Cody hasn’t been a world beater either…  I guess it comes down to would Cody re-gaining the title or Show dropping it to someone else mean more?  I go with the latter and thus, Big Show is my pick.

Falls Count Anywhere

Randy Orton vs. Kane

JIM:  As most of you know, I just haven’t been into anything Kane has done since he’s been back.  I really expected Orton to win at Mania and end the feud, but this HAS to be the end of the feud.  I hate Falls Count Anywhere matches when I’m at a WWE show live, as invariably we’ll end up watching the screen for a good part of it while they are backstage…but oh well.  Orton has to win here right?  I mean…right?  Yeah, I’ll go with him. 

TOM:  I am more apathetic to this feud than Jim...and that says something because he dislikes Kane and this matter something fierce.  Randy Orton, final answer.

World Heavyweight Title Match – 2 out of 3 Falls

Sheamus (C) vs. Daniel Bryan

JIM:  I really want to pick Bryan here, I really do.  But, it’s only because he’s on of my favorites going right now (and has been moving up my list of all time favorites for years as well).  So, selfishly, I want Bryan as World Champ, because he’s just awesome.  But, let’s be honest here, Sheamus is obviously a guy who WWE is behind in a big way.  Honestly, if he has any chance to get over as champ, they need to get him away from Bryan for now as quickly as they can, as the crowds are going to turn on him even more as time goes on if he stays programmed with Bryan.  My guess is Sheamus goes down 0-1 to start the match, and then has to play catch up, and wins 2-1, and moves on to Alberto Del Rio next. 

TOM:  No this is where business should pick up.  I am just giddy that there were be more than one fall in this match, so even if something cheap (like ‘Mania) goes down, there will be more to the body of the match.  One thing that is strongly on my mind is that Alberto Del Rio already has an earned title match in waiting and he seems likely to challenge at “Over The Limit” in May.  Sheamus wins here, but Daniel Bryan hopefully remains strong YES! YES! YES!

WWE Title – Chicago Street Fight

CM Punk (C) vs. Chris Jericho

JIM:  I really expected Jericho to win at Wrestlemania to set up Punk winning here in his home town.  But, with Jericho apparently getting ready to head back out with Fozzy before long here, I think Punk gets his vindication here and destroys Jericho in a hell of a Street Fight.  Part of me wouldn’t be shocked at a Jericho win, but in my heart of hearts, I gotta go with CM Punk in this one!

TOM:  I was ready to pick Jericho here, but Jim’s note about Fozzy gives me second thoughts.  This has been really weird, because for the strength of Jericho’s psychological games he has played on Punk, you’d think he’d be more in his head going into this match.  Punk turned the tide on that last Monday and does seal this feud and moves on from Jericho with a big win in his hometown of Chicago.

Extreme Rules Match

John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar

JIM:  I am so, so pumped to see this live!  Lesnar’s return to a WWE ring, and in an Extreme Rules match, so it should hide any ring rust he’s got in a wrestling ring.  You don’t bring Lesnar back to have him job to Super Cena one month later, you’ve got to build up Lesnar as the unstoppable monster, so Lesnar absolutely has to win here, and probably goes to Raw to make even more demands of Johnny Ace.  Brock Lesnar is the winner here, and it should be a hell of a lot of fun getting there!

TOM:  I gotta say, I am going to be less than 30 minutes from the venue and the live PPV Sunday with my family, but after a day at the Aquarium and ROH the night before, I just can’t pull this show off.  And to add to it, it is FREAKIN’ Cena-Lesnar!!!  A twist was thrown in with Brock on Monday as he made high demands on John Laurinaitis and they were met.  I am intrigued if WWE allows faux-MMA to make up this contest, as Brock uses that as an asset versus the weaponry employed by Cena.  In the end, Brock has to win.  You don’t bring him back without big-time plans and you begin to get to those plans with a significant win over the face of WWE.

There you have it.  Jim and Tom differ by 1 pick yet again.  Will it even the score or will Tom’s lead increase?  Check back for our live reaction to the weekend and REACT as well early next week!

Preview: ROH “Unity” 4/28 Chicago , IL

To say I am excited would be an understatement.

 This Saturday night, I get the chance to experience live professional wrestling for the first time in almost 1 year! The last event I had the opportunity to attend was ROH Revolution: USA in May 2011 from Dearborn , Michigan . Since that time, family, work and the birth of my son in August have rightfully taken priority in my life.

 My fellow contributor Jim will also be in Chicago and truly gets his “pro wrestling holiday” as he will take in the CHIKARA event in the afternoon on Saturday (preview posted), then ROH and finally WWE’s Extreme Rules (Head 2 Head to come) with Brock Lesnar’s WWE in-ring return against John Cena!

 I decided to take a look at the ROH “Unity” show as part of the doubleheader of the day and Synergy with CHIKARA. Let’s get right to it! Ring of Honor’s approach to focus on the theme of “Unity” and an all-tag match format is interesting. Each match is going to need to offer something unique and interesting to keep the crowd engaged and not burned out on Saturday. I am excited for all of the matches, so more so than others.


ROH World Tag Team Title Match The Briscoe Brothers (C) vs. Jigsaw & Hallowicked

This match is a result of the CHIKARA duo winning their “Proving Ground” Match in January at “The Homecoming” event.  

The Briscoes are calling out to the ROH Locker Room and wondering if they will have their backs in Chicago . I expect this to be a great match, which I think Jay & Mark retain. I don’t believe the ROH-CHIKARA partnership or connect ends this weekend, but with the upcoming feud ending bouts with WGTT of Haas & Benjamin, The Briscoes being the champs in those bouts adds more to their meaning.

Davey Richards & Kyle O'Reilly vs. Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin

This is an interesting match up on paper. Haas & Benjamin have certainly changed their tune in ROH and are more aggressive than ever before. Davey & Kyle are still early on in their teaming, but have the deep background as training partners as part of Team Ambition. O’Reilly, as well, has shown signs of not caring about the fans or their cheers. This has the chance to be the most athletic match on the card. A win over Davey by Haas or Benjamin could lead to a ROH World Title shot. This is also a case where I am not sure the direction for either team really in the aftermath of this bout. I will go with WGTT as the pick, to increase/create tension between Davey & Kyle.

All Night Express vs. Roderick Strong & Michael Elgin

By this point, many people that I know and discuss wrestling with fully expected the cracks in foundation of Strong & Elgin as the House of Truth to be on the verge of finally breaking. Nothing could be further from the truth. While Strong & Elgin’s teaming is still somewhat infrequent, they are unified by Truth Martini and both are experiencing greatness; Strong winning the ROH World TV Title and becoming the 2nd ever ROH Triple Crown wrestler, Elgin being a part of many people’s current top Match of the Year candidate with Davey Richards less than one month ago in Ft. Lauderdale as he was SO close to winning the ROH World Title. Their opponents, Kenny King & Rhett Titus, are looking to recapture the momentum that they had before Rhett Titus suffered a knee injury in late 2011. They are getting back into the groove as a team and they have their sights set on becoming ROH World Tag Team Champions, with a title shot from a previous “Proving Ground” match in their back pockets. I expect a good match and that the ANX (as they are on the path towards their eventual title match) get the win.

ROH vs. CHIKARA Trios Action Jay Lethal, Adam Cole & TJ Perkins vs. The Colony of Fire Ant, Soldier Ant & Green Ant

This match is going to be fun! While the ROH trio is kinda thrown together, The Colony have tremendous experience in this type of match. TJP and Fire Ant did battle in Ft. Lauderdale , with TJP getting the win. I just plan to sit back and get “lost” in the action. Again, depending on where the ROH-CHIKARA relationship goes from here, either team could win. I am going to go with The Colony to get the W on ROH turf.

Kevin Steen & Jimmy Jacobs vs. El Generico & BJ Whitmer

This is probably the match I am most interested in. Kevin Steen is the most interesting and engaging thing going in ROH (and likely all of wrestling) today. He has “infected” Jimmy Jacobs and they continue to battle with rival El Generico and the returning BJ Whitmer. Any ROH fan worth his or her salt knows the history between Jacobs & Whitmer, so that adds a great element to this grudge battle. I expect this the match to be violent and possibly bloody. Steen & Jacobs will get the win.

The Young Bucks vs. The Bravado Brothers

The Bravado Bandwagon rolls back into ROH!!! Harlem & Lancelot return from their tour of Pro Wrestling NOAH and to ROH rings here. While not successful in the ring much during 2011, they did make their mark with fans. Has their in-ring work improved from their time in Japan ? I hope so and cannot wait to see! They will battle Matt & Nick Jackson, The Young Bucks. These teams have a little history as well, with The Bucks previously being dominant over the boys from North Carolina . My honest opinion is that each team is going in different directions. The Bucks are almost done with their feud with ANX and The Bravados have a clean slate to build-on. I think they begin here and get a surprise, impressive win here.

Chikara: Hot Off The Griddle Preview!

On Saturday afternoon, Chikara returns to Chicago, IL for “Hot off the Griddle” at the Frontier Fieldhouse as part of “Synergy” with Ring of Honor.  This will be my first live Chikara experience, and I’m really looking forward to the show!  Let’s take a look at the card! 

Archibald Peck vs. Kobald

Peck is now doing a “Mixed Martial Archie” character.  He’s a great fit here in Chikara and is a great comedy character.  Kobald is a “goblin” who does a lot of screaming, so this will be pure comedy, and probably will be a ton of fun.  Peck has been played as a patsy for the most part, so I’m thinking Kobald gets the win, unless they want to get behind the new character. 

Arik Cannon & Darin Corbin vs. The Young Bucks

A match between two teams that aren’t usual members of the roster.  Cannon of course is best known as one of the D.U.F. in DGUSA and Evolve, and Corbin is a Midwest based guy who formerly formed The Northwest Express with Cannon and Ryan Cruz.  They should make a decent team.  However, I just don’t see any way they get a win here, unless they’ll be in more regularly, which I don’t expect, so I think More Bang For Your Buck leads to the win for the Bucks here. 

3.0 & The Spectral Envoy vs. The Bravado Brothers, Tim Donst & Jakob Hammermeier

I am VERY excited to see the Bravados on both this card and the ROH card, as it will be very interesting to see what they learned at the NOAH dojo over the last 3 months.  3.0 reigning as the Campeonatos de Parejas seems to give them the edge here, along with the fact that Hallowicked and Ultramantis Black are higher on the card than the former BDK members Donst & Hammermeier.  Donst has been screaming to get a one on one match with Hallowicked, so the interaction here will be interesting to watch.  One of two things happens, either 3.0 gets the win for their team, or Donst chokes out Hallowicked to try and get him to give him that one on one match, I would assume at the next iPPV. 

The Throwbacks vs. The Batiri

Both teams are looking to get their first point towards a future shot at the Campeonatos de Parejas.  The Throwbacks seem to have some dissension in their ranks as the uber good guy Dasher Hatfield seems to be taking exception with Mr. Touchdown’s hyper competitiveness.  The Batiri on the other hand are as united as ever as they continue a feud with Sara Del Rey.  I think we’ll see some miscommunication between The Throwbacks, leading to The Batiri picking up their first point to start to head back towards another title shot. 

Sara Del Rey vs. El Generico

Easily the match (not involving Kevin Steen) that I am most excited for on this double header.  It’s going to be really fun to watch these two work together, as they are both among the best in the world at what they do.  Not much more I can say except that it will likely be worth the cost of the DVD to check this match out when it’s over!  I see Del Rey getting the win since Generico isn’t a regular here. 

Handicap Match

Gran Akuma vs. Icarus, Johnny Gargano & Chuck Taylor

Akuma has been in a trial series that somehow Icarus got him put in where if he loses, he’s gone from Chikara.  So, this is another way of Icarus trying to get Akuma gone from Chikara, this time in a 3 vs. 1 handicap match with all three members of F.I.S.T.  I really don’t see how Akuma wins this one, but I also don’t see him leaving Chikara, so perhaps Gregory Iron will come down and help Akuma (since Iron has said he’ll be in Chicago I believe).  I’ll go with Akuma in a big upset here!

The Colony & Jigsaw vs. The Swarm & The Shard

The Swarm, The Shard, and 17 have been tormenting The Colony, Jigsaw and Mike Quackenbush.  There are a ton of theories out there about who the members of Gekido are, and whether they are “alternate versions” of the original Chikara roster members, or exactly what is going on.  I am very excited to see this as most of the matches between the factions so far have been wars, and this should be no different.  I think you keep giving The Swarm and The Shard wins since once they are defeated, what does that mean for the rest of the story? 

Chikara Grand Championship

Eddie Kingston (C) vs. Kevin Steen

Steen is RED HOT right now, and frankly this will just be awesome.  Kingston and Steen will beat the hell out of each other and we will all enjoy them doing it!  Part of me thinks Steen winning the Chikara title would be a huge swerve and lead to all sorts of craziness, but at this point, I just can’t see Chikara putting a ROH guy over their top guy, so I see Kingston winning this one, maybe after some interference from someone like El Generico or something.  Either way, this will be a war!

I am really excited to be headed to Chicago for both parts of Synergy, as well as Extreme Rules on Sunday.  Look for some sort of recap/live show thoughts to be posted on Monday as I look back at the weekend! 

WrestleMania XXVIII REACT!

WrestleMania XXVIII is in the books, and we have a new leader in the Head 2 Head competition here at Two Spot Monkeys! Tom went 5-3, while Jim went 4-4 in his picks, so Tom takes the lead, 12-8 to 11-9. Let’s see how we do in Extreme Rules later this month (which Jim will be attending live!). Let’s take a look at our reaction to Wrestlemania (and sorry for the delayed REACTion)!

JIM’S TAKE

All in all Wrestlemania was a good show to me, it had three really strong matches, and some ok work underneath. What kept it from being a “great” show was the first match.

I absolutely HATED the Daniel Bryan/Sheamus “match”. 18 seconds? Really? This isn’t Kane and Chavo Guerrero. This is supposedly your top title on the Smackdown side of things. This is a guy who’s had the title since December and been defying the odds against your Royal Rumble winner. I could have dealt with a Sheamus win, and thought about picking that way, but let Bryan lead Sheamus to have a Wrestlemania Moment with a great match on the biggest show of the year, and instead, we got that crap. Just awful, short sighted booking. We’ll see where they go from here with Bryan, but it already appears he’s out of the title picture as it appears we’re going to Sheamus/Del Rio. UGH.

Kane/Orton was what I expected, until the finish. Kane goes over clean on Orton? Really? Wow, I sent a text to Tom after this match and asked “who’s booking this show?” I mean, it just made zero sense for Kane to go over clean here. He has bored the hell out of me since his return, and unfortunately it seems we get to continue this feud going forward into Extreme Rules. Snore.

Cody/Big Show was pretty ok, and while I’d love to have had Cody Rhodes get the big win, it was set up for Big Show to get the win no doubt. I did dig the new entrance gear for Rhodes, thought that was a great look for him. I hope Rhodes gets to move on to a bigger feud here next…I’d really like to see a Rhodes/Orton feud once Orton is done with Kane, I think that could be a fun feud and a good way to bring Rhodes along up the ladder.

The Divas tag was what it was. I was shocked they had an injured non-wrestler pin your Divas Champion in the middle of the ring. I get that the celeb has to win…but seriously, let her pin Eve after Kelly Kelly hits her finisher or something….come on. Again, short sighted booking. Why do I think Phoenix can beat anyone when an injured non-wrestler pinned her?

Then the show really, really picked up! Undertaker vs. Triple H was a great follow up to last year. Not sure that the cage was really needed, as they did very little with it, but I guess you really can’t just do No DQ again or anything. But, that’s a minor complaint really….the match had a ton of drama, and the ending was perfect, including the hugs between all three guys after.

The 12 Man Tag was placed here so that we had a break between big matches, which made sense, and it was what I expected. Johnny Ace looked totally like Brother Love in that crazy suit! As expected, Ace wins, and we get to see him every show now…awesome. Or not. Oh well, at least the guys got a payday!

Punk/Jericho told a really good story and built over time. You could tell they were going long when they started slow, but I was good with that. In the end, they had a great finish, and I loved Punk changing his angle on the Anaconda Vice so that Jericho couldn’t kick him anymore, made so much sense, and worked really well. I liked this match a lot, and had it ranked as the 2nd best match of the night after ‘Taker/HHH.

Brodus…well, he got a payday, that was nice.

Cena/Rock was a CRAZY atmosphere! I could have completely done without the concert pieces before the introductions though. Really, we had to have that? Cut that and at least give Bryan/Sheamus 5-6 minutes. I mean, they were terrible. Added NOTHING to the show, but then once the guys came out, the crowd reacted just as I figured they would. Super hot for Rock, and LOUD boos for Cena. All in all the match was fine for what it was, but no one should have expected a Flair/Steamboat classic here. It was about the atmosphere, which was off the charts. Really surprised that The Rock won, but in the end, I see where it made some sense…Cena kept calling him out, and Rock got to one up him.

I know it sounds like I didn’t like the show, but all in all I did. The three good matches out ranked the not so good, though the Bryan/Sheamus debacle (which may have killed this title run for Sheamus, we shall see) kept it from being great.

TOM’S TAKE

I had the opportunity to watch WrestleMania with a big (12 people) group this year. Much different from being in the Georgia Dome last year, but very fun nonetheless. Watching the show with people who have varying levels of interest and engagement in the product is always interesting and as long as they are there to enjoy themselves (they all were) versus crap on it, then I am game!

Show gets a definite thumbs up from me. I won’t go match by match like Jim, but I’d rate the top 3 matches as follows: Punk-Jericho, Rock-Cena and Taker-Triple H. They all were really, really good. To be honest, the endings with Punk retaining and Cena losing actually caught me by surprise. I felt, as I wrote before, that Jericho not winning the title was a bad move. That title and the moniker of “Best in the World” was his driving force since returning in January and then he could not win on the biggest stage. Would it have been feel good to the paying customer? No. Would it have likely made more sense to have it happen, even if dirty and set up Punk to challenge in a re-match for the belt in his hometown in Chicago at Extreme Rules? Very likely. But it did not go that route and I felt that both men looked fantastic. I look forward to the next chapter in this feud.

Rock-Cena was an epic match and lived up to its billing. Like Jim, I could have done without all of the musical entrances (and I am a big fan of the unique Cena entrances each year), but understand their place in the “WrestleMania Landscape.” Both guys just proved to be absolutely incredible at what they do and made magic in the ring. I had some serious doubts on if Rock could “Bring It” and he did. Rock getting the win does not make sense at all to me, especially if he is less of the WWE’s future than Cena, but I have to hold on to hope that it all transpired that way for a reason and it will make sense at some point.

Since the WWE has taught us to “never say never,” I hope that they actually hold to it with “The End of the Era” Match. It was a fitting ending to the story that has played out beginning at WrestleMania 25 and wrapping up here. Three true “Icons” in this sport got to have an incredible display and leave the fans with a memory that will linger on always. I had watched the original match between Taker and Triple H earlier in the day and felt that this really topped their previous effort. Sure, they mimicked much of the big moves from the first bout early, but it was done in a fantastic way that built everything and added such tremendous drama as it all unfolded. One very unique thing to me was the use of the cage (or lack thereof) and the amount of brutal chair shots delivered (and the physical toll that was taken). WWE does that so infrequently that when it does occur, it really means something big and fans then know that they are seeing something much different as part of the “WWE Universe.”

I will end my reactions there. The three biggest matches and memories that I take away from the show. I am eager to re-watch them again when the Blu-Ray DVD comes out in about a month.