Dory Funk Jr. on wrestling on Christmas night, IWF results, + WORLD-1
On Monday, December 18, 2006 at 4:31 PM EST Dory Funk Jr. sent this in:
Funk's Corner - Texas Blizzards
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Happy Chanukah!
>From the Funking Conservatory.
In the, Glory days of the National Wrestling Alliance when there were thirty territories and every town in America with a population of over 25,000 people had regularly scheduled wrestling matches, Christmas Night was one of the two best nights for professional wrestling, the other being Thanksgiving night.
When I was booking for the Mid Atlantic Territory, (Jim Crockett Promotions) the Territory would close the week before Christmas and open with a Super Spectacular on Christmas Night and continue with the biggest shows of the year between Christmas and New Year's Eve.
I remember a Christmas Night Show in Amarillo, Texas back in the 70's. The weather can be rough in Amarillo, Texas. They used to say the only thing between Amarillo and the North Pole was a barbed wire fence.
Well this was one of those nights. My wrestling friend, Larry Lane was over at my house and there was a blizzard outside. It was 30 degrees, there was eight inches of snow on the ground with 40 mile an hour winds and more of the same in the forecast.
Larry and I knew for sure that the show would be cancelled but we were going to show that we were reliable and could always be depended on. We would risk our lives to show up for wrestling.
It was ten miles to the Amarillo Sports Arena. We threw our wrestling bags into my pickup truck with four wheel drive and headed for town. The blizzard was so bad you couldn't see fifty feet in front of the windshield and we slid off the road several times on the way.
It took us an hour and a half to make the ten mile trip and we were sure that all we were going to do was show up and that the show would be cancelled. We would brag to Amarillo wrestling promoter, Jerry Kozak that Dory Funk Jr. and Larry Lane were dedicated wrestlers and could always be depended on to make the show and then return home.
When we got to the Amarillo Sports Arena we were surprised beyond belief to see that 2500 wrestling fans wanted to see their wrestling on Christmas night just as bad as we wanted to show that a blizzard could not keep us from professional wrestling.
>From Marti and I, Our thanks to all our wrestling fans for their support of professional wrestling thoughout the years.
Have a great Holiday Season.
Dory Funk Jr.
If you would like to become a professional wrestler and appear on !BANG! TV, Call - 352-895-4658 or visit our website at www.dory-funk.com.
Independent Wrestling Federation sent this in:
Independent Wrestling Federation
http://www.wrestlingiwf.com
http://myspace.com/wrestlingiwf
http://www.MySpace.com/WrestlingIWF
RESULTS:
IWF 7th Annual Tournament of Champions Weekend Day 1:
Friday, December 15, 2006 @ IWF Centre, West Paterson, NJ
1. First-Round: Travis Blake w/ Rich Ross def. Jana to advance.
2. First-Round: IWF Champion Tony Torres w/ Eloy Fiesta def. Burnin' Mike Durnin to advance.
3. First-Round: Justin Corino def. Frank Scoleri to advance.
4. First-Round: Franciz w/ Rich Ross def. Shawn Donavan to advance.
5. First-Round: Aaron Stride w/ Shane O’Brien def. Dangerous Dan McGuire to advance.
6. First-Round: Steve Camacho def. Tommy Trouble to advance.
7. First-Round: Antonio Rivera def. IWF Junior Champion Nick Sabre to win the title and advance.
8. First-Round: Kevin Knight def. Outlaw Shane O’Brien w/ Rich Ross to advance.
IWF 7th Annual Tournament of Champions Weekend Day 2:
Saturday, December 16, 2006 @ IWF Centre, West Paterson, NJ
1. Non-Tournament: Shawn Donavan def. Frank Scoleri.
2. Quarterfinal: Justin Corino def. Franciz by disqualification to advance to Semifinals.
3. Quarterfinal: Travis Blake def. Steve Camacho to advance to Semifinals.
4. Quarterfinal: Kevin Knight def. Aaron Stride to advance to Semifinals.
5. Non-Tournament: Burnin' Mike Durnin & Jana def. Rey Calitri & Dan Marques.
6. Quarterfinal: IWF Champion Tony Torres w/ Eloy Fiesta def. Junior Champion Antonio Rivera to advance to Semifinals.
7. Non-Tournament: Masked BoneCrusher w/ Dan McGuire def. Outlaw Shane O'Brien w/ Rich Ross
IWF 7th Annual Tournament of Champions Weekend Day 3:
Sunday, December 17, 2006 @ IWF Centre, West Paterson, NJ
1. Semifinal: IWF Champion Tony Torres w/ Eloy Fiesta wrestled Justin Corino to a double countout, eliminating both men.
2. Non-Tournament: Franciz w/ Travis Blake def. Shawn Donavan.
3. Non-Tournament: Jana w/ Mike Durnin def. Aaron Stride w/ Rich Ross.
4. Non-Tournament: IWF Junior Champion Antonio Rivera w/ Eloy Fiesta def. Rey Calitri.
5. Non-Tournament: Outlaw Shane O'Brien w/ Rich Ross def. Steve Camacho w/ Mike Durnin.
6. Non-Tournament: Masked BoneCrusher & Dangerous Dan McGuire def. Frank Scoleri & Steve Off & Dan Marques.
7. Non-Tournament: Shane O'Brien & Aaron Stride def. Masked BoneCrusher & Dan McGuire.
8. Tournament Final: Travis Blake w/ Rich Ross def. Kevin Knight via submission to win the 7th Annual Tournament of Champions.
==========LATEST NEWS:
IWF Wrestling School Begins Eighth Year in West Paterson, NJ: Discounted Tuition Rates Offered to All Visitors Now thru 12/31/06
(WEST PATERSON, NJ)- The Independent Wrestling Federation Training School kicks off it's eighth year by offering 10-percent off all tuition plans now through December 31, 2006, at IWF Centre, 32 Willow Way, West Paterson, NJ.
Established in 1999, IWF Wrestling School has trained hundreds of wrestlers from 15 states and four countries that now compete in bouts around the globe, including World Wrestling Entertainment.
Trainer Kevin Knight leads classes that cover basic holds, high-flying moves and character development. Knight is an 11-year ring pro with WWE experience, and 14-years experience in the entertainment business, including starring in the recent Burger King Buckin' Chicken TV spot.
"Students continue to excel in our program because of our first-class training regimen coupled with our friendly and safe environment," said Knight. "During the open house, visitors get an up-close look inside the training methods of a wrestler."
IWF Centre includes a wrestling ring, fully equipped weight-room, video classroom, and it also hosts monthly exhibitions where trainees display their skills for family and friends.
Top IWF graduates including Damian Adams, BoneCrusher Fred Sampson and Shawn Donavan recently worked with WWE.
"You never know when one of our wrestlers will be scouted and become the next Hulk Hogan or Undertaker," added Knight. "So far 15 of our graduates made WWE television appearances."
Open House Tours are hosted Tuesdays and Wednesdays anytime between 6:30-10 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays between 12-4 pm. Visits are free and visitors can tour the facility, meet wrestlers and staff, and watch an in-ring exhibition. For information visit WrestlingIWF.com. (No tours December 24 and 31).
IWF Wrestling School is recognized as the premiere training facility in the Northeast by countless media outlets. Independent Wrestling Federation produces family-friendly live events, hosts Birthday Parties, and conducts Field Trips for youth and recreation organizations.
IWF Youth Winter Wrestling Clinic December 26-28 in West Paterson:
6th Annual Program for Kids Ages 12-17 at IWF Wrestling Centre
(WEST PATERSON, NJ)- Independent Wrestling Federation hosts the sixth annual Youth Winter Wrestling Clinic on Tuesday, December 26; Wednesday, December 27; and Thursday, December 28, 2006; with an evening session time from 6-10 pm. The three-day clinic is open to boys and girls ages 12-17 at IWF Centre, 32 Willow Way, West Paterson, NJ.
Kids learn basic moves and techniques in a friendly and safe environment under the direction of recent World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) performer Kevin Knight, an 11-year ring veteran and IWF head trainer.
"This amazing program gives kids a taste of what it's like to be a wrestler and gain an insight into the dynamic world of sports-entertainment," said Knight. "It's a chance to get active during the winter break from school and have some fun!"
All participants receive an IWF shirt and free event tickets, and meet top IWF stars. On the final session night, kids perform in a live exhibition for their families and friends.
"Our kids will have a blast as they trade bodyslams under complete supervision in our padded ring…its great exercise and an experience they will never forget," Knight added.
This past summer, 20 youngsters from four states, including as far away as Tennessee, hit the mat during the summer version of the popular clinic.
For information or to receive an application, visit WrestlingIWF.com. Pre-registration is required and enrollment deadline is December 23.
Pro-Wrestling WORLD-1 sent this in:
Pro-Wrestling WORLD-1 Wire
16 December 2006
With less then three weeks to go before Pro-Wrestling WORLD-1's Rebirth Or Destruction many fans are voicing their opinions on just who is going to win the King and Queen Cup. One man that has not be in the finals of any fans poll is young, upstart Justin Riggi. And that is not a knock on Riggi, most fans think he has a great future but he is in a tournament with seven more experienced pro-wrestlers. We caught up with the young 21-year-old rookie and got his side.
"I knew going into the King’s Cup tournament that me even getting to the semi-final round would be something that no one would expect but that is my motivation. There are seven other guys in there with the pressure to win. Being a rookie I just want to learn and if I do get a win or two or heck even the whole tournament the fans will be shocked. Pro-Wrestling is my life now and I want the WORLD-1 fans to know that even if I don’t win, I am going to improve every match." Its good to see that some members of the next generation have an attitude the way Justin Riggi does. But a guy that has an attitude the other way is the Dark Horse Greg Spitz. With more then seven years of experience under him, he still swears that every promotion that he fights for is keeping him down. WORLD1Wrestling.com asked Spitz about Riggi’s comments and the ever-bitter Spitz wasn’t at a loss for words.
"I had to read Riggi’s comments twice because I actually threw up reading them the first time. Oh I know how it feels to be the young rookie and given a chance to shine. No, strike that, I don’t know how it feels because I was never handed that chance. These idiot fans of WORLD-1 don’t even realize that I have been around this awful company since it was the PWF. I am the one that had to lose to the skanky, stinky Simply Luscious for like six months. I did it because no one else would give me a chance. And what did I get out of it? Nothing. (Curse word) (Curse word) nothing. I won the W-1 and PWF tag team titles after I said (Curse word) you to the fans and office and signed with Rob Dimension. Now Rob seems to be boot licking the fans again. Tell Riggi to stay at home and play PlayStation while a real man not only wins the tournament, takes the ZERO1-MAX United States title in February, and then challenges either that tattooed weirdo Sterling James Keenan or the (curse word) Landell for the WORLD-1 heavyweight champion. Maybe then I will get the respect I deserve and make some darn money."
Speaking of Rob Dimension, the former owner of the Premier Wrestling Federation and W-1 trouble maker, is now happily retired after making his piece with Pro-Wrestling WORLD-1 in May. Rob now runs a store in Ambler, PA called Dimension Collectibles, which you can find on the Internet at www.DimensionCollectables.com. Dimension may be in attendance at Rebirth Or Destruction on January 7 to sign autographs and thank people for six years of pro-wrestling in Pottstown.
Another former owner of the PWF and Voice Of WORLD-1 "B-Real" Bryan Reigel is a newlywed. Bryan and his beautiful fiancee Sophie were married in November at the Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. Rumor has it that Phillies Phatic even showed up for the fun We wish Bryan and Sophie a wonderful life together.
WORLD-1 heavyweight champion Ricky Landell will be making his APW (All Pro Wrestling) debut in Bakersfield, CA on January 20. If the "New Generation Ace" survives his V6 defense of the WORLD-1 title against Sterling James Keenan on January 7 in Pottstown, PA this will be a title defense, marking the first time the WORLD-1 championship has been defended in California. Since 2004 the WORLD-1 championship has been defended in Japan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Michigan. WORLD-1 is hoping to get title defenses in the United Kingdom, Germany, and possibly Australia in 2007!
Tickets are going fast for the W-1Joshi and LadySports.com Queen’s Cup tournament at Rebirth Or Destruction. Eight highly competitive women fighters are in this tournament with the goal of not only being the first Queen’s Cup champion but also their shot at Pro-Wrestling SUN in Japan in March to not only challenge for one title but two! Both WORLD-1 champion Amazing Kong and AWA Japan women’s champion Nanae Takahashi will be challenged by our Queen’s Cup winner. Its hard to predict a winner of these great eight fighters.
Allison Danger is a former W-1 champion, has been to Pro-Wrestling SUN, and has a great knowledge of Kong (who she lost the title to in May) and Takahashi. She has to be considered a favorite.
But then you have the PGWA champion Nikki Roxx, who is looking to win the tournament and travel to land of the Rising Sun to capture two more titles to make it a Women’s Triple Crown!
But then there is Cindy Rogers, who as of lately has shown a mean streak and a willingness to do anything to win.
And what about the young Alere Little Feather? Her never say die attitude and ability to pull out upsets may help her out huge in the Queen’s Cup tournament.
Then there is the Chick Fight 5 winner Cheerleader Melissa, who has been on a roll recently and looks unbeatable. Melissa, like Allison, has Japanese experience and has the confidence to go all the way.
You can’t count out Amber O’Neal either. The former Team Blondage member has taken the road back to singles action with a flurry. O’Neal is not only to make herself known in Pro-Wrestling WORLD-1 but also make a true impact.
And Sara Del Ray’s skills might be unmatched in the tournament. She has been known to train with ROH World champion Brian Danielson, who is considered one of the best wrestlers on earth. You can only get better with a trainer like that.
But the dark horse (no pun to Greg Spitz) might be rookie Melissa Stripes. Like Justin Riggi in the King’s Cup tournament, Stripes isn’t looked to be the winner and it may work to her advantage.
Its so hard to pick a winner in either tournament but the excitement for Pro-Wresting WORLD-1 and LadySports.com’s Queen’s Cup tournament is huge! Get your tickets now at WORLD1Wrestling.com or by calling 484-938-7045. A few front row ringside are still left and you don’t want to be shut out.
And finally in this edition the Pro-Wrestling WORLD-1 store is now open. Brand new t-shirts are in stock and official Pro-Wrestling WORLD-1 and Pro-Wrestling ZERO1-MAX DVDs are ready to ship. If you order by December 22 we can guarantee delivery before Christmas!!!