Photo of the Week: The Real American Heroes Explode

The Real American Heroes Explode

Former NWA World Jr. Champion in Honda Civic Comercial.

Former National Wrestling Alliance Junior Heavyweight Champion Rocky Romero has transcended the ring albeit in a Lucha Libre Mask. Romero who has held championship belts in Ring of Honor, Ultimate Pro Wrestling, CMLL Supra Ligra Championship and New Japan's IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship. Romero's wrestling career has led him to working for CMLL and AAA in Mexico, Ring of Honor and TNA in the United States, and in Japan with New Japan and Inoki Genome Federation. Romero participated at the first set of television taping for NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood.  Rocky Romero will be at Mach-1 Wrestling's Hall of Fame Cup Tournament where he'll be facing off against Ryan Taylor in the first round of the tournament.

National Wrestling Alliance Year In Review 2010

Three months into the 2010, the wily veteran "Scrap Iron" Adam Pearce would finally have the opportunity to face Blue Demon Jr. for the NWA Worlds Championship. Pearce never received a rematch for the title in the controversial finish from Mexico, back in 2008.  Pearce patiently waited out Blue Demon who finally granted the rematch in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, Pearce wouldn't face the son of a Lucha Legend one on one. For successfully defending the NWA National Championship against Pearce, "The Universal Soldier" Phil Shatter would get his first opportunity to win the legendary 10 Pounds of Gold. For the NWA New Beginnings, Adam Pearce outlasted both Champions to with the crown for a third time. In 2010, Pearce would introduce the title to new fans across the country defended the title in and out of the NWA.  "Scrap Iron" would go on to defend the NWA Title twenty-six times, walking away each time still the NWA Worlds Champion. Pearce average nearly 3 (2.88) title defenses per month from April through the end of 2010. In the modern NWA, that's a feat.  Pearce had 4 defenses in the span of 14 days in August, 4 in the span of 16 days in October, and 4 in the staggering span of 8 days in December.  Adam Pearce would face, and in most cases, defeat such notable professional wrestlers as Charlie Haas, WWE United States Champion Daniel Bryan, Phil Shatter, WFX's Wavell Star, ROH Champion Roderick Strong, and X-Pac. Pearce would have regular defenses on NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood defending against Scorpio Sky, "Hollywood's Own" Joey Ryan, Willie Mack and Colt "Boom-Boom" Cabana. The NWA Worlds Champion will continue his reign in 2011 with several defenses line up, including the NWA Worlds Title return to West Virgina for NWA Mountain State.

Lights, Camera, Action! Hollywood the home of celebrity and fame also became the home of the National Wrestling Alliance. September 17th would mark the first broadcast from NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood on KDOC-TV. The show was a look back at the National Wrestling Alliance in preparation for the all new wrestling show. This would mark the first time a locally produced wrestling program would appear on Los Angeles Television, the second biggest media market in the country. This would also be the first time in a long time that the NWA Worlds Champion would become a regular fixture on a pro-wrestling program, since the . Local talent would take center stage with some of the biggest named free-agents in the world. Debuting on the program would be Willie Mack, the RockNES Monsters, Natural Selection, "Pretty" Peter Avalon, and returning names to the NWA like Joey Ryan, Joey Kaos, Colt Cabana, and of course the NWA Worlds Champion Adam Pearce. The NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood would feature amazing free agents like Claudio Castagnoli, Rocky Romero, TJ Perkins, and Austin Aries who has become a regular for the show.

August 13th would be a sad day for the National Wrestling Alliance. "The passing of Lance Cade caught us all by surprise," said Ken Taylor. Taylor would go on to say "He was booked and an airline ticket bought to get a shot at the Texas Heavyweight Title versus Chad Thomas in Amarillo less than a month before his death. Lance wanted very much, as a native Texan, to be NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship. He was totally re-committed to making a name for himself in the NWA working around Japan tours. He was easy to work with, great in the locker room, and very professional. He left a big hole at NWA Southwest that will take awhile to recover as we had huge plans for him in our region. There is no doubt in my mind he would have made the commitment deserving of the NWA World Championship." I was fortunate enough to speak with Cade shortly after his release for the WWE on Alliance Radio. "The Texas Roughneck" pulled no punches and spoke candidly about his time in the WWE and his rejoice with closing that chapter of his life. He had spoke very passionately about his future which he was clearing focusing on winning the NWA Texas Championship and using that as a catalyst for a showdown with the Worlds Champion. “Lance was a credit to the first incarnation of ‘Championship Wrestling from Hollywood’ and (along with Trevor Murdoch) was a big part of many NWA Pro arena shows in 2007-08," shared Adam Pearce. The Worlds Champion would go on to say "I was looking forward to being around him and working with him and I was and still am very saddened by his passing.”

The NWA World Tag Team Championships, which have laid dormant for much of 2010, changed hands in November, at a Pro Wrestling Krush event in Wisconsin. The Skull Krushers, Rasche Brown and Keith Walker who dominated tag teams across the United States looked for greater fame in 2010. Walker worked dates in Canada with WFX and in Japan with NOAH and Brown began working regularly with Ring of Honor. With the increased conflicting schedules for Walker and Brown, the titles became more difficult to set up defenses. The Tag Team Division of the National Wrestling Alliance grew hungry. After months of inactivity, it was revealed that the Dark City Fight Club would be given a shot at Brown and Walker. The Dark City Fight Club would become the most dominant tag team in Florida winning the NWA Florida Tag Team Titles, competing in FIP and ROH. Many had hoped for the end of the reign of the Skull Krushers and that is exactly what they got. Rasche Brown can be seen weekly on NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood. Walker has headed back to Japan. The Dark City Fight Club walked away Wisconsin as the new tag team champions of the world. The Dark City Fight Club have already successfully defended the World Tag Titles in Florida. The renewed interest in Tag Team Wrestling in the National Wrestling Alliance, should take shape in 2011.

November Coming Fire's iPPV was a very interesting concept that came to life through Pro Wrestling Fusion. Internet Pay Per Views are not new in concept, but for NWA Florida to attempt such a feat will be something that can lead to bigger and better things in 2011. The power packed line up was highlighted by two of the biggest names in the NWA, National Champion Phil Shatter and North American Champion the Sheik. The match was one of the most brutal matches in recent history. This iPPV would also showcase a lot of the top talent in Florida including Craig Classic winning the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship and the new NWA World Tag Team Champions the Dark City Fight Club. The Pay Per View can still be order by clicking here.

Much like the NWA World Tag Team Titles, the NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship had fallen dormant. When Quackenbush won the championship by defeating New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Tiger Mask IV, for the Clover-leafed title, many had hoped that the title would become active. And Quackenbush started off defending the Junior Crown often. However in recent months the title was essentially inactive. Quackenbush's commitments to non-NWA promotions kept the title from being defended. Quackenbush still maintains his status in Chikara, EVOLVE, and Dragon Gate USA, but fortunately for the NWA, Craig Classic was able to not only get a shot at the title, but win the championship. Classic trained in Japan and cut his teeth with Big Japan Pro Wrestling had become the NWA Florida Jr. Heavyweight Champion earlier in the year. Classic and Quackenbush faced of on the NWA Pro Wrestling Fusion's November Coming Fire.

2010 also saw the end of one of the NWA biggest members affiliation with the historic Alliance. New Japan Pro Wrestling who have on and off been the face of the National Wrestling Alliance in Japan was stripped of its membership. Much like the ending of the affiliation with TNA Wrestling. It seems the partnership had taken a turn when the Inoki Family was no longer associated with the NWA. During a brief time in 2005, the NWA would farm talent to New Japan with the Inoki Dojo. During this time Christopher Daniels and WWE's Daniel Bryan would hold the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Titles, Puma and the Havana Pitbulls would regularly appear in New Japan. On the flip side; Minoru Tanaka, Shinsuke Nakamura, Togi Makabe, and Toru Yano, would come to the United States to take part in the Inoki Dojo shows that were partnered with NWA Pro Wrestling in Hollywood. After the Inoki Family left New Japan, the talent trade would come to a stop, but only after Fergal Devit a former NWA British Commonwealth Champion, now reigning IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion and Karl Anderson, former NWA World Tag Team Champion, now reigning IWGP Tag Team Champion would both sign contracts with New Japan. A few years later Mike Quackenbush would win the NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship from Tiger Mask IV. That would mark the last time a New Japan talent would compete for the NWA. New Japan would no longer promote the NWA name in Japan and chose to affiliate with TNA in the United States. The partnership was no longer beneficial to the NWA or to New Japan. Discussions are currently taking place to find new NWA representation in Japan. And although it hasn't been confirmed by the NWA Front Office, rumors have Zero One being the front runners to fill this position.

We reported back on December 6th that NWA Pro Wrestling Australia and Zero One came to an agreement and would be reactivating the NWA United National Championship. The title had previously been worn by such notable Japanese Wrestlers as Masato Tanaka and Takao Omori, I recently had an opportunity to ask an official from NWA Pro Wrestling Australia what all of this does mean for the NWA? "NWA Pro Australia is set to work close with Zero One this year. With the introduction of the new title, a tournament will take place to crown a new champion," said the representative. He would continue to say "At this stage the NWA UN Title will be seeded higher than the NWA Australian National Championship. Being the UN Champion witl give you more international exposure and benefits. The NWA Australian Championship will still be active and defended regularly across Australia." However he couldn't state for sure if the National Title would return to Explosive Pro Wrestling for defenses, although he did say with regard to the Z1 relationship that they are also working on having the winner of the tournament being seceded in the Zero One Fire Festival Tournament, of course that is also still in the works.

Synergy would bring the NWA in the South East closer than ever before. Talents from NWA Anarchy would begin to compete for NWA in Charlotte, NWA Main Event, Ultimate NWA and NWA Chattanooga. Bill Behrens would also return to Tennessee to become the executive producer for NWA Main Event. The South East wouldn't be the only ones to practice this kind of Synergy. The Garden State would have three new affiliates join the NWA this year. NWA Force One, NWA Dawg, and NWA Vintage Pro. NWA Dawg Pound would crown a new champion in 2010 in former National Champion, Chance Prophet. Prophet's NWA Dawg title win would too create synergy amongst some of the NWA promotions across the East Coast. NWA Dawg Pound would send Chance Prophet to Columbus as part of the NWA Pro Wrestling event at the Ohio State Fair, to Mountain State for West Virgina, to Charlotte for NWA Legends Fan Fest, and with up-coming dates planned for Virgina, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

The NWA Hall of Fame grew in 2010 to include Ed Chuman, "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers, Danny Hodge Dan Severn, Shinya Hashimoto, Jack Brisco, Nick Gulas, The "Original" Sheik--Ed Farhat, The Minnesota Wrecking Crew.  So much has already been said about the group that included Multiple World Champions.  The men who paved the way for the NWA and the Wrestlers of today.  Thank you for your efforts.

Lastly I would be remiss if I didn't give credit where credit is due to all of the contributors to Alliance-Wrestling.com.  First thanking Eric Sax, Tez Himself, Bill, owawiseman, and Bull of the Woods for their contributions to this site.  I'd also like to thank all of the guests who've appeared on our podcast through out the year.  I was so fortunate to have some of the absolute best guests this past year.  Thank you to all that have appeared.  I also would like to thank each and everyone of you that make the Alliance, your destination for all things NWA.  Our site is growing and we're looking forward to some very big things in 2011 from both the NWA and Alliance-Wrestling, but none of it would be possible without the loyal fan base that supports it.  Now obviously I'm a few days behind, but I would like to wish each and everyone of you a prosperous, safe, and happy new year.

Huge Rumor regarding New Japan's future in the National Wrestling Alliance

The storied relationship between New Japan Pro Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance has been a long and complicated one.  Originally it was Japan Wrestling Association who represented the NWA in the Far East.  After the death of Rikidozan, the father of Puroresu, the NWA membership spent time between the promotions of Rikidozan's two most famous students.  Giant Baba's All Japan Pro Wrestling and Antonio Inoki's New Japan.  But the NWA would be without a representation in Japan from 1985 to 1992.  New Japan would rejoin the NWA before allowing the membership to again lay dormant until Inoki allowed his status to be represented by Shinya Hashimoto's Zero One, in 2001.  The reemergence of the NWA would be short lived in Z1 when New Japan would reaffirm its membership in 2004.  However confusion would continue in 2005 when the Inoki Genome Federation opened.  Both promotions were claiming ownership of the membership, which would eventually lead to New Japan solidifying the relationship with the NWA. 

That is until recently.  With a lot of talk going around New Japan's decision to run co-promoted events with Jersey All Pro Wrestling, it seems more and more that the decision to remove New Japan from the NWA is inevitable.  Nothing official has been announced, but it appears that the lack of running NWA Branded Shows in Japan seems to be the biggest reason why the relationship will be dissolved.  Discussions are currently taking place to find new NWA representation in Japan.  And although it hasn't been confirmed by the NWA Front Office, rumors have Zero One being the front runners to fill this position.  More news when it breaks.

09/03/10 New Japan Results

NJPW “KOTETSU YAMAMOTO MEMORIAL SHOW”, 9/3/10 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall
1,950 Fans - Super No Vacancy

0. Kyosuke Mikami beat Hiromu Takahashi (7:10) with a crab hold.

1. Manabu Nakanishi, Tama Tonga & King Fale beat Riki Choshu, Taichi & Mitsuhide Hirasawa (8:27) when Tonga used a Jackhammer on Taichi.

2. Jado Return Match: Davey Richards, Jado & Gedo beat Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi (12:50) when Richards used a powerbomb on Kanemoto.

3. Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson beat Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii (12:50) when Anderson used the Gun Stun on Ishii.

4. Satoshi Kojima beat Tomoaki Honma (10:27) with a lariat.

5. Special Tag Match: Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue beat Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito (15:03) when Nagata used a backdrop hold on Takahashi.

6. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Masato Tanaka (ZERO1) beat Togi Makabe, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto (15:39) when Nakamura used the Boma Ye on Goto.

7. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) beat Kenny Omega Dramatic Dream Team (17:29) with the Bloody Sunday (2nd defense).

* Tributes were held for the late Kotetsu Yamamoto, who this show was dedicated to.

* Devitt continues to down outsiders, DDT’s Kenny Omega the latest in a long chain of junior stars to fall to New Japan’s young junior ace in recent months after Marufuji, Liger, Ibushi, Ishimori, Aoki, and Davey Richards. This was said to have been a fantastic match and Devitt’s second successful defense of his IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title.

* TAJIRI intruded after the sixth match, green misting Yano and suggesting their feud isn’t over after Yano beat TAJIRI in July.

* Nagata & Wataru scored a big victory over NO LIMIT and were attacked by IWGP Tag Team Champions, Bad Intentions (Bernard & Anderson), after the match. This could lead to an IWGP Tag Team Title match between the two duos at Kobe World Hall later this month.

* Jado returned after many months absent due to injury, the famous brother tandem of Jado & Gedo back together and possibly soon in the hunt for the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title that they have held four times in the past but that they have been without since May ‘07.

Courtesy of www.puroresufan.com

09/04/10 New Japan Results

NJPW, 9/4/10
Nishio City Gymnasium
3,200 Fans - No Vacancy

1. Kyosuke Mikami beat Hiromu Takahashi (8:21) with a crab hold.

2. Davey Richards, Jado & Gedo beat Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & Taichi (12:19) when Richards used a Sharpshooter on Taichi.

3. Takashi Iizuka beat King Fale (7:20) by pinfall.

4. Manabu Nakanishi, Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask beat Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & Mitsuhide Hirasawa (13:33) when Nakanishi used an Argentine backbreaker on Hirasawa.

5. Toru Yano, Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito beat Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tomoaki Honma (14:07) when Yano used the Akakiri on Honma.

6. Satoshi Kojima beat Tama Tonga (11:16) with a lariat.

7. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Togi Makabe, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto beat Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka (ZERO1) & Tomohiro Ishii (13:36) when Makabe used a King Kong kneedrop on Ishii.

Courtesy of www.puroresufan.com

09/05/10 New Japan Results

NJPW, 9/5/10
Twin Messe Shizuoka South Pavilion A
1,100 Fans - No Vacancy

1. Kyosuke Mikami beat Hiromu Takahashi (7:14) with a crab hold.

2. Davey Richards, Jado & Gedo beat Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask & Taichi (13:21) when Richards used a Sharpshooter on Taichi.

3. Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito beat Manabu Nakanishi & King Fale (15:04) when Takahashi pinned Fale after the Limitless Explosion.

4. Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii beat Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi (10:17) when Yano used the Akakiri on Taguchi.

5. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga beat Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & Mitsuhide Hirasawa (12:24) when Anderson used the Gun Stun on Hirasawa.

6. Satoshi Kojima beat Tomoaki Honma (10:22) with a lariat.

7. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Togi Makabe, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto beat Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka (ZERO1) & Takashi Iizuka (16:43) when Makabe used a King Kong kneedrop on Iizuka.

Courtesy of www.puroresufan.com

One thing Adam Pearce needs to do

Adam Pearce has been one of the most dominating NWA World Heavyweight Champions in recent memory. Within a three year period he has already won the biggest prize in this sport three times and has defended the title all over the world and has fought the best wrestlers that have been put in front of him. By hook or by crook he has been able to hold on to the title by any means necessary. However, for Mr. Pearce to be considered one of the all time greatest NWA World Heavyweight Champions he needs to do one thing, defend the NWA World Heavyweight title in Japan.

Make no mistake about it, Pearce has gone to a lot of territories in the NWA not only here in the US, but also to Mexico and Europe. But to be remembered as one of the best ever he needs to take that plane ride over the Pacific Ocean and take on the best that New Japan has to offer. While we don't bring this up a lot, New Japan is a member of the NWA but probably doesn't get mentioned a lot because nobody from New Japan has won an NWA title since Tiger Mask IV. With the rich history that the NWA and the world title has in Japan it might be now the time for our World Heavyweight Champion to start making appearances in New Japan and defend the 10 lbs. of gold. So who would be some of the top challengers to his world title if he decides to go to Japan? Well let me give you a list of a couple of people and tell you why.

Togi Makabe. He is the current IWGP Heavyweight Champion and a wrestler no doubt Bruiser Brody would have been proud of if he was still alive today. While Pearce might be a little bit taller and outweigh Makabe by a couple of pounds he would bring a very raw kind of offense to the champion that he has yet to see. Makabe has that style of wrestling that sometimes is too hard to describe and preparing for a match against Makabe one on one can be hard because you never know what he will bring to the table.

Hiroshi Tanahashi. This man has traveled all over the world to Mexico wrestling for CMLL and in the US for TNA, Tanahashi is one of if not the most popular wrestler in Japan today. Tanahashi has also been successful in his career with championships. A former four time holder of the IWGP Heavyweight title he could bring his quickness and wrestling ability to Pearce that could bring some serious trouble to our champion. If Tanahashi is given the chance, he will do literally whatever it takes to win the title.

Shinsuke Nakamura. One of the most dominating champions in recent history, Nakamura has no trouble what so ever taking a title away from whoever the champion maybe. However, he is coming back from an injury and that may slow him down on his quest towards a shot at Adam Pearce. Nakamura and his biggest rival, Tanahashi, are currently the main faces of New Japan and could be carrying the company into the next decade. But for Nakamura to help lead this company through the decade he must get his shot at Pearce and the title. No doubt he will have tricks up his sleeve if given the opportunity at the world title.

Giant Bernard. Now I'm sure this one might surprise some people reading this however this man has just about everything you would want in a wrestler to be champion. A couple of years ago he made it to the finals of a tournament to crown a new IWGP Heavyweight Champion before losing the match. He is currently one half of the IWGP Tag Team Champions along with Karl Anderson, but Bernard is great in whatever situation you put him in. If it's tag team or singles, Bernard is a major threat to any championship and is certainly a major threat to Adam Pearce and the NWA World Heavyweight title. So will Bernard get his chance? Who knows, it remains to be seen.

Yuji Nagata. Of all the people who could give Adam Pearce a run for there money it is more then likely Nagata. A veteran of the ring he has been to just about every promotion in Japan and has won a title in Japan. But without a doubt his best work has been in New Japan. With a combination of MMA and wrestling skills, Nagata could be the wild card for the chase for the NWA World Heavyweight title. While Pearce may have less experience then Nagata there is no doubt about it that if these two men ever met one on one, you can throw experience out the window and just let them wrestle. The interesting thing about Nagata is that he can either pin you or make you submit which is a lethal combination which would mean that Pearce would have to look out for whatever Nagata brings because if he made one wrong move, it's all over.

So there are my thoughts on the men who I feel could give Adam Pearce a scare if he decided to go to New Japan with the title. Hopefully one day soon we can see the NWA World Heavyweight Champion make title defenses in a great country in Japan. The question is though, if Adam Pearce did go to New Japan and defend the title, would he make it out with the gold?

Trailblazer - Mikey Nicholls Interview

Mikey Nicholls has been wrestling throughout the world for near on nine years, and is one of the most successful wrestlers to come from the local scene having wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling in Tokyo and dark matches for Ring ofHonor. WPW’s Tez got the opportunity to speak to Mikey about his career not long after Team Murder Death Kill lost the EPW Tag Team Championships in a Tables Match at Hell or Highwater.

WPW: You made your debut at the first ever Explosive Coastal Wrestling show Awakening in November 2001 at quite a young age. What was it like making your debut on what has become somewhat of an significant step in WA wrestling and did it feel like something special at the time?

MIKEY: I was like 16 years old back then and man did it ever feel like something special. Dreams and aspirations were so much simpler back then, it was almost like I was getting everything I had always wanted. I of course have not watched that show back since then, lol, but no matter how awful the wrestling may have been, it was, what it was and like you said a pretty significant step in WA wrestling

WPW: You were part of the very first ECW Championship match, a Four Way Match with

Davis Storm, Jimmy Payne and FN Carnage at Redemption in January 2002, where things went a little wrong. Was there ever any thought of you giving wrestling away at that point and what did you think of the publicity it got it in the major papers like The West Australian?

MIKEY: Nah, there was never a thought of giving wrestling away. I guess its like they say, no publicity is bad publicity right.

WPW: The following show, the first ever Evolution in May 2002, you made an appearance and cut a promo, which unfortunately there were some technical issues with the mic. Even with that the first ever sold out ECW crowd gave you one awesome ovation. Were you surprised with the support the crowd gave you before you made the heel turn?

MIKEY: I’m so amazed that you can remember that far back. Yeah was pretty surprising, I mean we had only done a few shows so it wasn't like we had build up a huge audience or anything yet. The thing I remember most is the nerves, man i was a such a buildup of nerves, I had such an awesome promo planned out but then of course the microphone doesn't work. In hindsight was probably a good thing the mic didn't work (Laughs).

WPW: Mid 2002 saw you join up with the faction known as The Uprising, which pretty much ran riot through ECW/EPW until the classic street fight with Team EPW at Re-Awakening II in 2003. Along the way having some top matches including the Last Man Standing Match with Jimmy Payne. Do you have fond memories of your time in the Uprising?

MIKEY: The stuff we did with The Uprising was some of the most fun times of my entire

wrestling, dare I say, career. It was so much fun turning up to shows and essentially just hanging out with your friends and doing whatever you wanted. In that time as well I think I grew as not only a wrestler but as a character and my confidence of being out in front of people really grew.

The last man standing match with Jimmy was a whole heap of fun, and as far as the Street fight goes, that was one of the most emotional and most fun nights of my life. I think anyone in attendance that night would agree with me when I say that the emotion and drama was off the charts that night.

WPW: You were part of the NWA Australia promotion in Adelaide, which drew 1000+ fans to the Thebarton Theatre for its debut show Turning Over Tradition. Unfortunately, the crowds plummeted to less than 100 within three shows and the company folded. What was the experience like wrestling in front of such a big crowd for the first time and being part of a national promotion?

MIKEY: It was great honour initially just to be asked to be apart of the show, made me feel like I was getting somewhere in Australia. It was also great to wrestle in front of that many people, to meet a lot of the guys from other states and seeing guys that I definitely looked up to within Australia.

WPW: 2004 was quite a big year for you. Feuding with Azazal (Drake Wallace) after the Uprising break up, culminating with a Match of the Year Chain Match, taking on Davis Storm in a couple of number one contender’s matches, finally winning the EPW Championship in a triple threat match with then champion, Davis Storm and FN Carnage. What was it like winning the title for the very first time at Re-Awakening III?

MIKEY: 2004-05 was such a rollercoaster time for me both in and out of wrestling and I think a lot of that showed in the way that I wrestled and the matches that I had. I’m so proud of my chain match with Azazal and was so happy when it was voted match of the year. Then it all kinda came together in the triple threat match at RA when I won the belt for the first time. I like to think that I had a great first run without the belt and had some pretty memorable matches.

WPW: You held the title until Evolution 2005 before Richter cashed in his title shot after you had a hard fought Fatal Four Way with Jimmy Payne, Havok and Jag. You got your rematch at Dirty Deeds, which was the first ever show at the Alma Venville Centre, which was a Street Fight. You climbed up a wall and did a dive off the balcony which was an awesome thing to see. Was that a spur of the moment thing or had you had that idea in mind as soon as you saw the building?

MIKEY: (Laughs) That was most definitely the first thing I thought of when I saw that building. It was the first show we had done in a new venue so I figured I was in a situation to make it as memorable as possible.

WPW: You made your first overseas trip in late 2005 to SoCal training and wrestling out of the Inoki Dojo with “Jag” Hartley Jackson and Davis Storm. What was the first overseas experience like for you training with guys like Fergal Devitt and Karl Anderson?

MIKEY: It was always a dream of mine to train at the Inoki Dojo and it really just sorta happened out of nowhere. I look back on that time now as the most fun and also the most intense time in my life. I made some great friends out of it and we were all kinda going through the same thing together you know, so it made it even better. The first overseas experience was definitely an eye opener for me to how the rest of the wrestling world works. Made me realise we have it pretty good here in Perth.

WPW: Returning to Perth in February 2006, you dropped the EPW Championship to Havok at Stand & Deliver in March, before returning to the States. Your second tour succeeding your first as you along with Karl Anderson challenged Alex Koslov for the NWA Heritage Championship and Rocky Romero for the CMLL Championship in a Two out of Three Falls Match. Was the push you received during this tour where you felt like you could make a name for yourself on the SoCal Indy scene?

MIKEY: It wasn't so much that I thought I could make a name for myself it was more the fact that I was so shocked and excited to be in the same ring as those guys. The triple threat match was a whole lot of fun and it was such an honour to be selected to wrestle someone who I have the utmost respect for and definitely someone I look up to in Rocky. I also think that the 2 out of 3 falls match took me to a whole new level with wrestling.

It was like I had to bring myself up tohis level, which I still maintain is the best way to better yourself as a wrestler. Train and wrestle with people who are better than you and you will always be forced to come up to their level. Because if they are any good they sure as hell wont get dragged down to yours!

WPW: In what is an awesome achievement, yourself along with Hartley Jackson were the first ever Australians to compete for New Japan Pro Wrestling, taking part in a Tag Match against Minoru & Hirooki Goto in Tokyo Korakuen Hall. Did it get overwhelming or did you feel like it was just another step forward in the career of Mikey Nicholls and would you like to go back?

MIKEY: Man was it ever overwhelming. I don't think I have ever been so nervous in my entire life. Trying to get everything together in a different country, with people who don't speak the same language man it was a trip. At the time it was a huge step forward for me and it kinda disappoints me a little that I didn't capitalise on it more, but cant dwell in the past. I would give anything to go back.

WPW: September 7, 2007 at EWF’s Gold Standard, you became the first ever Western

Australian wrestler to win a title in the United States when you defeated then champion Karl Anderson and Ryan Taylor in a 30 Minute Triple Threat Ironman match to become the new EWF American Champion.

MIKEY: It felt real good to hold some gold in the states. Definitely made me feel like I was on the right track. I also think I had a couple really good matches while I was the champ, made me a lot more confident with my wrestling.

WPW: 2009 saw you make a change of scenery moving from the SoCal scene to Ohio to wrestle for the Northern Wrestling Federation and during the nine month stay you got to make your debut for Ring of Honor in a few Dark Matches. What was that experience like?

MIKEY: It was a real surreal experience. For the longest time I had, like most people, had been watching ROH stuff and wishing I was there, well all of a sudden here it was right in front of me. The whole atmosphere was great, I met some great guys and also had some real solid matches.

WPW: Returning to EPW in late 2009, you were voted by the fans as the partner for Shane Haste to take on Slex and Carlo Cannon for the EPW Tag Team Championships at Re-Awakening 8. You won the titles in a brutal Ladder Match and defended them in some great matches before losing them just recently in a Tables Match. What is your next goal in EPW?

MIKEY: I’m not sure yet. I was having a whole lot of fun doing the tag stuff with Shane and I think that we had a pretty memorable run. Its been a while since I held the EPW title, maybe I will have a go and try my luck at that. I think there is still a lot of fire left inside Mikey Nicholls.

WPW: Do you have plans to return to the States in 2010-2011 and where would you like to go, back to SoCal or Ohio?

MIKEY: I don't know man, I’m never one to make definite plans, I prefer to just take it as it comes and see what happens. I will go back to the states for sure, not sure how or when, but it will happen.

WPW: What does Mikey Nicholls hope to do in the wrestling business before he retires?

MIKEY: I guess just keep having fun and keep bettering myself. Once that enjoyment goes its kinda hard to keep motivated and also becomes hard to keep justifying to yourself why you do it you know. But I guess as long as I’m moving forward and having fun, I cant complain too much.

WPW: Thank you for speaking to Westside Pro Wrestling Mikey.

New Japan G1 Climax Tournament Round 1 Devitt vs. Strongman

New Japan has been running the G1 Climax this month.  The 20th anniversary of the tournament featuring a lot of NWA regulars from the past few years.  Here is a video of former NWA British Common Wealth Champion Fergal Devitt taping on Pro Wrestling Revolution's 'Strongman' Jon Andersen.  Also during the G1, 'The Machine Gun' Karl Anderson upset former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tanahashi.  And last night, Devitt defeated past rival Anderson. 

For all the results of the G1 Glimax check out Strong Style Spirit.

Complex forging of [NWA Worlds Champion] Adam Pearce

On the surface, that might make “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce sound like something of a walking paradox. But as you peel away the layers, you understand it's more a matter of Pearce not fitting any one category.


“I was voted ‘Class Non-Conformist’ my senior year because I kind of did things as I wanted, and authority was the one thing I seemed to always have issues with. I guess some things never change,” Pearce told SLAM! Wrestling.

Canoe--Slam is one of the best websites dedicated to wrestling. And although its a Canadian website, they've got pro-wrestling in the US covered. Although the article talks heavily about his duties in ROH, it gives a great recap of the career of Adam Pearce and a lead into the next title defense at the NWA Legends Fan Fest against Bryan Danielson. If Pearce is successful in his defense this Saturday he will be defending against the winner of the Legends Cup the following night.  It should be also noted that the World Champion is scheduled to appear at NWA Southwest, a mere week away from Saturday.  I also found it interesting to read about Pearce's early days, getting opportunities to work in Europe, his time at the Power Plant, and his rise in the NWA.  I almost forgot that Adam Pearce appeared in the NWA Sanctioned New Japan Pro Wrestling.    

Alliance Radio joins the Revolucion with Pro Wrestling Revolution Promoter Gabe Ramirez

Pro Wrestling Revolution Promoter Gabriel Ramirez joins Alliance-Radio June 15th 7PM EDT 4PM PDT

Gabe Ramirez has made it his priority to re-introduce the world of wrestling to traditional Lucha Libre, one Pro Wrestling Revolution show at a time.  If you haven't heard of the Revolution, you will soon enough.  In its brief existence, Pro Wrestling Revolution has had tours in Portugal, its Women Championship defended all over Mexico, its wrestlers heavily featured on the NWA Showcase, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, and Total Non-Stop Action.  Pro Wrestling Revolution was recently designated a Lucha Libre Talent Scout for World Wrestling Entertainment.  But that isn't all, Pro Wrestling Revolution recently has partnered with Mask Republic on their Viva La Lucha Pay Per View Series and to top that, recently announced a new web series entitled Uprising.

But this Tuesday, Alliance Radio joins the Revolucion as we welcome Gabe Ramirez to the show.  Gabe will be talking about the beginnings of Pro Wrestling Revolution, the controversy of El Hijo De Rey Misterio, Putting on a Show with the San Francisco Giants, Becoming the Official Lucha Libre Talent Scouts for the WWE, the Viva La Lucha Pay Per View, and Uprising the new web series.  Plus, we'll be taking your calls. 

Come listen to the show at:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/alliance-wrestling

Call in Info (646) 478-3019

About: www.alliance-wrestling.com, founded in 2007, Alliance-Wrestling.com has become the premier  source of information about the National Wrestling Alliance.  Alliance-Wrestling  reports on the entirety of the NWA in the United States, Canada, Australia, France, Scotland, Mexico, Japan, and Korea.  The  Alliance-Wrestling reports news, rumors, live event results, up-coming event information, interviews, and videos. Alliance Radio is  the official podcast of Alliance-Wrestling.com that features interviews of those in the know of the NWA.  Past guests include; NWA Worlds Champion Adam Pearce, NWA National Champion Phil Shatter, NWA Executive Director Bob Trobich, former WWE Superstar Lance Cade, and. Former NWA North American Champion Tommy Cairo.

You can stay social with Alliance Wrestling on Facebook and Twitter

New Japan wrestler heads to NWA Florida

NWA Florida is proud to announce the March 6th debut of Kazuchika Okada as part of the Wrestling For A Cause/NWA Pro Wrestling FUSION show in Tampa, FL. We are very excited to have Mr. Okada involved in this huge charity event and welcome him to our roster.

A very special thanks to New Japan Pro Wrestling's Tiger Hattori who feels as though FUSION'S competitive atmosphere and great fighting spirit are both very healthy for the cultivation of this 22 year old athlete. We at NWA FL are humbled to be apart of the growth process of this young lion and we are looking forward to watching Okada wrestle the best competition that Florida has to offer before making his return to Japan.

See Kazuchika Okada Live in NWA Pro Wrestling FUSION

March 6 in Tampa, FL

April 3 in Tampa, FL

April 10 in Ft. Pierce, FL

April 16 in Sanford, FL

May 1 in MArianna, FL

May 15 in Ft. Pierce, FL

NWA Pro Wrestling FUSION
Twitter @ PWFusion

Iizuka attacks Makabe after 11/01/09 Show

Courtesy of www.puroresufan.com

The escalating war between Togi Makabe and Takashi Iizuka reached boiling point after today’s Korakuen Hall show. Makabe was about to leave Korakuen in President Sugabayashi’s car when Iizuka arrived with a baseball bat and put it through the window closest to Makabe! Iizuka then pulled Makabe out of the car (after dealing with Honma) and beat him to a bloody pulp. Only after some nearby female fans screamed was anyone alerted with AKIRA noticing what was happening, arriving to run Iizuka off. President Sugabayashi, in the driver’s seat, got some glass stuck in his eye and the terrorist attack of Iizuka forced Makabe, Honma, and the president to need medical assistance.

Bryan Danielson signs deal with WWE!!!

I was pleased and a little sadden to hear the announcement regarding Bryan Danielson and his free agency. Now that the American Dragon is an exclusive WWE wrestler he'll join the likes of CM Punk and Matt Sydal as wrestlers who joined the WWE after working in Ring of Honor. Danielson had held the short-lived Pure Wrestling title and the ROH World title.

Danielson's in-ring work is amazing. And with a list of trainers that include William Regal, NWA Hall of Famer Bobby Eaton, WWE Legend Shawn Michaels, Masato Tanaka, and Tracy Smothers there is no doubt that his style is a lot different from the typical WWE style.

I have followed Bryan Danielson career fairly closely. I was in attendance the night Bryan Danielson defeated APW Internet Heavyweight Champion Super Dragon. I was also in attendance the night that Bryan Danielson was so close to defeating NJPW Jr. Heavyweight Champion HEAT for his title. Dragon has always put on great matches whether he was in the main event or opening the show. With a plethora of opponents.

The American Dragon started his career with the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy. Danielson started at that school with other notable names as former WWE stars Brian Kendrick, Paul London, and Lance Cade, TNA wrestler Shawn Hernandez and former TNA wrestler Matt Bentley. Danielson made his first appearance in Japan teaming with Lance Cade for FMW. Danielson spent a lot of time in the WWE farm system originally in Memphis Championship Wrestling. It was after the MCW experience that Bryan Danielson began working Independent Dates across the United States and Canada. Danielson appeared for APW's King of the Indies and work in many promotions from All Pro Wrestling to EPIC, NWA ECCW, Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, NJPW/USA, New Japan Pro Wrestling, NOAH, FIP, and far too many to mention. While wining championships across the World, Danielson established his name as one of the greatest of our era. Unfortunately Danielson was booked in 2 Matches that I always wanted to see, but they were never meant to be. Bryan Danielson, who at the time was more commonly referred to as American Dragon was team take on Ultimo Dragon and Southern California Indy sensation Super Dragon in a battle of the Dragons. The match never happened due to complications with the wrestling promoter. Dragon was also supposed to battle Brent Albright for the NWA World Title. Unfortunately that match never happened either. Danielson was injured the week before in a ROH World Title match and forfeited his spot to would be champion, Adam Pearce. So although its great to see Danielson head to the WWE, I will miss his action in the NWA, PWG, and ROH. Here's hoping to the best for the American Dragon! Cheers.

Pro Wres Expo -- NWA International Stars Shine

The massive "Pro Wres EXPO 2008" was held over two days and encompassing three shows from October 24th to the 25th. The show was broken into three chapters: Part 1 - Green Chapter, Part 2 - White Chapter and Part 3 - Blue Chapter. The shows were held in Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, and saw a mixture of wrestlers from all around the world come together for the event. The main fixture of the 3 days was the "Continent Confrontation Tournament" a tag team tournament. Not only did many wrestlers from all over the world appear, several Japanese and US companies were represented including New Japan, ZERO1, Big Japan and TNA and NWA Ireland and NWA Australia. Almost the entire ZERO1 roster took part in the three shows:

The first show of the Pro Wres Expo which took place in Tokyo featured many international talent. Former NWA British Common Wealth Heavyweight Champion Paul Tracey competed in match. And current NWA Australian National Champion Hartley Jackson lost to Zero One's Ikuto Hidaka (who has made a few appearances on the NWA Showcase). The following night Jackson competed in another match. This time Tracey tag teamed with Heddi Karaoui in a lossing effort to Kohei Sato and Ryouji Sai, when Sai pinned Karaoui. And on the final day Jackson teaming with the Himalayan Tiger and Kikutaro defeating the team of Tengu Kaiser and Tengu Baron when Jackson used a piledriver on Tengu Baron.

I for one thing its great to see memebers of the Alliance wrestling Internationally. I was kind of disapointed to notice that none of the North American NWA wrestlers were competing.

NWA Star Jumps Ship...

Former NWA Jr. Heavyweight Champion has jumped ship. Rocky Romero who until recently was competing in Mexico has Grey Shadow has left CMLL to join AAA. Romero who had been a keystone in the Junior Weight Division in the NWA has competed in some of the largest wrestling promotions in the world. Romreo captured the CMLL World Super Lightweight Championship and under the guise of Black Tiger Mask IV, Romero had won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship. Making him champion in 3 different promotions, in 3 different countries. Romero who recently rejoined New Japan's ranks makes the jump to AAA as the curent reigning CMLL World Super Lightweight Champion. It is also being reported that Romero will join fellow NWA regular Sean Waltman in the new AAA stable called Degeneration MEX.

Straight from Japan; Interview with Karl Anderson

Its no surprise that the NWA is stacked with talent. Karl "The Machine Gun" Anderson is definitely one of those workers who has been able to compete at a higher level globally. In the last year Anderson has competed in multiple countries for the NWA. All over the United States, Ireland, Spain, Australia, Mexico, and now he's officially made his way to Japan. I recently had a chance to share words with the Machine Gun and in this interview, we touch base on Anderson's new career in the land of the rising son.

Jay Cal: Karl, first let me thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me. Your introduction to the New Japan fan base was on March 9th when you faced Koji Kanemoto in the New Japan Cup. Anyone who knows Kanemoto knows of his skill and technique. You battled Koji at the Aichi Perfectural Gymnasium in front of 7,500 fans. What was it like to do battle with one of New Japan’s Finest in front of that large crowd?

Machine Gun: Kanemoto is not just one of New Japan's finest but one of the finest, WORLDWIDE, hands down. There is really no way to explain the honor that it was to debut for NJPW, let alone have my debut match be vs. Koji Kanemoto. To finally be in Japan, after all the hard work and all of the BULLSHIT that I had to go through to finally have this opportunity feels surreal. To perform in front of that kind of crowd vs. Kanemoto was a dream come true. I am living a dream right now, and I plan on the living this dream for a LONG TIME

Jay Cal: With one of the greatest World Wide in front of one of your largest crowds, was the experience over whelming?

Machine Gun: I wouldn't say OVERWHELMING, but like I said, the experience was a bit surreal. To go from training my ASS off at the LA dojo for a year, and then leaving the LA dojo a year ago with my dreams crushed thinking I would never have the opportunity to go work for New Japan Pro Wrestling. And it all happened so fast. NJPW asked me if I was available, I said yes, and next thing I know, I have a contract in the mail and the travel agent is calling me about my flight! The experience was NOT at all overwhelming, it was FUCKING AMAZING!!!!

Jay Cal: Two days later you faced your long-time rival Prince Devitt and his RISE partners; Hirooki Goto and the former WWE star Giant Bernard. It was nearly 2 years to the day you defeated Devitt for his NWA British Commonwealth Championship, how was it stepping into the ring with Devitt?

Machine Gun: I am not gonna beat around the bush here, Devitt is one of my best friends in the World. And to be able to step in the ring with one of my best buddies on one of the BIGGEST STAGES of ALL, now that is fucking awesome.... 2 years to the day huh? Wow, 2 years to the day I BEAT that peice of crap Prince Devitt in a CLASSIC match in front of 8 fucking people at the dojo, and did it for FREE!! ha, how things have changed, no more FREEBIES, like JAY Z says, "You betta cut the check" ha!

Jay Cal: Going a different direction, your experiences as NWA World Tag Team Champion afforded you lots of opportunities to perfect the style of tag team wrestling. But it wasn’t Joey Ryan or Adam Pearce on either side of you, but Nakanishi and Naito. Was it easy for you to adapt in the ring with them and was their a language barrier?

Machine Gun: There is definitely a language barrier. But the awesome part is that Nakanishi has been around for so long that he speaks great English. Honestly, I haven't had any problems with communication

Jay Cal: How did it feel to stand toe to toe with the Giant, Bernard?

Machine Gun: Standing Toe to toe with Bernard was amazing. I watched Bernard on WWE TV when I was just a Freshman in college. Who knew I would be facing off with him 9 years later. The guy is amazing, and standing next to him made me realize how small I really am, he is HUGE

Jay Cal: The next night you faced Goto and Bernard again with Nakanishi. Were you able to parlay your tag team expertise with your experience from the night before in teaming with Nakanishi?

Machine Gun: Nakanishi has been great for me here in Japan. He has helped me a lot. It is a tradition to warm up and workout before the shows in New Japan with all of the boys. So, before the shows Nakanishi is always showing me and teaching me new things. His intensity and his emotion he shows in the ring is amazing

Jay Cal: Do you have any further plans to team with Nakanishi in the future?

Machine Gun: I have HUGE plans in New Japan, stay tuned, I promise to NOT disappoint!

Jay Cal: I look forward to hearing hat news. At the Yonago Convention Center, you faced your partner from the night before in Hirasawa with a crab hold. This is was your one on one win in Japan. How did the fans react to your victory?

Machine Gun: The fans have taken to me well in Japan, I think they are gonna really get into my character soon, I will be a JAPANESE IDOL!!!!

Machine Gun: What did it mean for you to walk away with your first victory in Japan?

Machine Gun: It was great, it is always good to get wins, cause that means there is plans for me here.... And that is the most important thing

Machine Gun: All the chemistry you built with Nakanishi, you faced him the next night. How was that to face a man you’ve been working with so closely?

Machine Gun: I was THIS close to beating Nakanishi! It was great to get in the ring with someone as famous as him, the people were behind him, and it allowed me to be the BAD GUY that I love being

Jay Cal: Anyone who’s seen you on the NWA Showcase would call you the MVP of the NWA. You recently debuted for New Japan on Samurai TV facing TNA Superstar Rhino. How was it to face the former NWA World Champion?

Machine Gun: I would call myself the MVP as well! Machine Gun MOST VALUABLE PLAYER BABY!!!! It was great to wrestle Rhino, he is an intense individual.... For anybody that see that match, know these facts; I worked that match after having SEVERE INTENSE DIARRHEA for 4 straight days! I hadn't eaten ANYTHING for 3 days except ONE banana. ha, so my debut match on Samuri TV Machine Gun is about 10 pounds lighter than I normally am. I was sick as a dog

All in all man, Japan is amazing, and good things have happened. And I have great news, and when I am able to release it, you will be one of the first to know!

Jay Cal: Well I think I can speak for the NWA Family is saying that everyone here is proud of you and we can't wait to see what is in store for the Machine Gun! Thanks for your time.

If you haven't checked out Anderson's 1st Interview, read it here.

Update on Karl Anderson to New Japan

As reported by Strong Style Spirit, Karl Anderson is going to be competing in the New Japan Cup. Anderson will be replacing the injured Nagata and facing Koji Kanemoto in the first round. Kanemoto who once competed at Tiger Mask III, is a very accomplished wrestler and had made a name for himself in New Japan's Jr. Division, and is currently the AWF Tag Team Champion with Choi Tesan, which I believe to be a Korean Wrestling promotion. Anderson recently lost the NWA World Tag Team Titles but held the titles for 7 months.

Anderson will have a tough match a head of him and in replacing Yuji Nagata has some huge shoes to fill. However, as more or less the Dark Horse of the Tournament, Anderson could surprise many people. Good luck Machine Gun!

Machine Gun to Japan

The United States are sending arms to Japan and Oliver North has nothing to do with it. Karl 'The Machine Gun' Anderson is heading to Japan to make his debut for New Japan Pro Wrestling. New Japan recently re-joined the NWA after a brief departure of the Alliance last year.

From Machine Gun's Blog:

So yea, I changed my little status update on my page saying that I was goin to the FAR EAST soon.... And I have gotten a lot of emails asking the meaning of that.... So here it is: I have an announcement about my career but I want the people to figure it out on their own.... If you are a wrestling fan, it wont take you long. Read the internet and search around and you will find me.... My family members and close friends know where I am heading.... SO, that is that. Man, I can't wait to see my friends Shinsuke Nakamura and Prince Devitt soon.... Much love to everybody.... March 6, the journey begins.... Until then my Myspace friends.... Holla

Karl Anderson spent his early tenure with the NWA Pro training at the former Inoki L.A. Dojo with the likes of Fergal 'Prince' Devitt and current Undisputed IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura. Anderson had a banner year in 2007 winning the NWA Midwest Heartland States Championship and later winning the NWA Pro/EWF American Heavyweight Championship. Holding both titles simutaneously, before winning the NWA World Tag Team Championships with Joey 'Magnum' Ryan. Our loss is definitely New Japan's gain. I wish Karl all the luck in the world.

You can read the interview I did with Karl Anderson.