Little People Wrestlers are a very unique aspect of the pro-wrestling industry, as they engage fans with their charisma and displays of athleticism with high-flying maneuvers. With their own distinct style of wrestling, Little People Wrestlers stood out even more in 2000, when the Micro Wrestling Federation (MWF) was launched, which is the longest-running Little Person promotion. And as they correctly claim, the MWF is the original, "MICRO" professional wrestling organization.
Earlier this year, the wrestlers of the Micro Wrestling Federation became the subject of their own reality show "Big Little Brawlers", broadcast on Discovery, Discovery Plus, and Max.
The Micro Wrestling Federation also has its own PPVs, and their promo videos give the Micros the opportunity to show the comedy aspects of their characters.
Along with its homegrown roster, Micro Wrestling events have also included talent that has seen success in major promotions. In the late 2010s, the MWF roster was joined by Mascarita Dorada, who is a former AAA Mascota Tag Team Champion and was a WWE Superstar from 2013 to 2016 as, "El Torito".
Giving 100% every time they step in the ring both as wrestlers and entertainers, the wrestlers of the Micro Wrestling Federation present shows that can be enjoyed by wrestling superfans and casual fans alike. Don't miss the Micro Wrestling event tour when it comes to your area, to see talents such as Syko, Pinky, Ivar, and more!:
WWE will take over Cleveland Browns Stadium on August 3rd, when it presents SummerSlam in the city for the first time since August 1996. It's expected to be a big night full of excitement and surprises, and almost every match features a WWE championship on the line.
The one match that won't be about a championship will be about pride, when CM Punk and Drew McIntyre go head-to-head. Although this will be the first time these two former WWE Champions will have a singles match against each other, their feud has already reached its boiling point. And to make things even more interesting, Seth Rollins will serve as the Special Guest Referee for this match.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes will defend his championship against Solo Sikoa, who is determined to make his version of the Bloodline as dominant as the version that was led by Roman Reigns during his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship reign. Sikoa wants everyone to acknowledge him as the new Tribal Chief, and if Sikoa wins the championship, the fans, Cody Rhodes, and perhaps even Roman Reigns, will have no choice but to do so.
The WWE Intercontinental Championship will be on the line as Sami Zayn defends against No. 1 Contender Bron Breakker. After dominating in NXT as a two-time WWE NXT Champion, will a WWE Intercontinental Championship victory at SummerSlam be Breakker's first step to dominating on the main roster as well?
Damian Priest will defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Gunther, who was the longest reigning WWE Intercontinental Champion in WWE history. The Intercontinental Championship has often been seen as a stepping stone to the main event and the world championship, as many wrestlers have held the WWE Intercontinental Championship before going on to become world champions. After Gunther's very noteworthy reign, will he be the next former WWE Intercontinental Champion to become a world champion, or will Priest bring the fight to Gunther and continue his reign after SummerSlam?
Bayley will defend her WWE Women's Championship against Nia Jax. Both have claimed victories in the past, and Jax has held the championship that Bayley now holds, so both women are very confident that they will walk out of SummerSlam as WWE Women's Champion.
Liv Morgan will put her WWE Women's World Championship on the line against former champion Rhea Ripley, although this match is about more than the championship, as Dominik Mysterio is right in the middle of this Morgan-Ripley feud.
Logan Paul will look to retain his WWE United States Championship against LA Knight, who feels that winning a championship in WWE is past due and will come to SummerSlam ready to do battle.
With so much at stake, SummerSlam will be an unforgettable Premium Live Event, the fans in attendance will be ready for history to be made, and you can join them! Secure your spot now and experience the electrifying atmosphere LIVE!
Last week on WWE Speed, the #1 Contender's Tournament went into uncharted territory when Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes wrestled to a draw after the three-minute limit expired. This unexpected outcome hands former WWE United States Champion Baron Corbin a bye straight to the finals, which can be seen this Wednesday, July 24, 12 ET on the X platform!
Baron Corbin's luck has fluctuated over time, and this current situation can definitely be considered a lucky break for him, as Corbin now has a golden opportunity to challenge Andrade, the reigning WWE Speed Champion. And Corbin will present a tough challenge- while most Speed competitors are high-flyers or are lightning-quick, he aggressively uses his size and bruising power to overpower opponents during a match. With WWE Speed championship matches featuring the unique WWE Speed Division format of having a five-minute limit, will Corbin's recent stroke of luck help him quickly dominate and become champion? Or will Andrade, who recently had a successful championship defense against Xavier Woods, use his lucha libre background and technical skills to outmaneuver Corbin and keep him off his feet long enough to gain a three count and continue his reign? Don't miss this match!
Through my blog posts, the Gifu, Japan-based Yanagase Pro Wrestling has gained international exposure, with fans outside of Japan introduced to the opportunity to watch YPW events on TwitCasting, a livestreaming service based in Japan that has over 33 million registered users worldwide, in the comfort of their own homes. It's a convenient way to watch great YPW action, yet the dedicated fanbase in Gifu that attends the events regularly also have a unique, great experience.
Yanagase Pro Wrestling events usually take place at SPORTS BAR M's Cafe, and its compact size causes the action of the matches to be up-close and personal, making it easy for fans to become immersed in the atmosphere as they can hear the shouts of other fans and the thuds of strikes from competitors, making the fans feel the intensity of the action. Sometimes, the action spills out of the ring, and with no barricade to separate the fans from the wrestlers, it's not uncommon for that action to go into the crowd! Imagine being right next to your favorite wrestlers as they battle it out.
While watching Yanagase Pro Wrestling online offers a convenient way to watch the action, experiencing it live at SPORTS BAR M's Cafe is special as well. The atmosphere of enjoying the show with fellow fans, "feeling" the action, and the opportunity to meet the dedicated wrestlers who make YPW what it is – these are all elements that will combine to make the event an unforgettable night. So, if you're ever in the Gifu area, don't miss your chance to see Yanagase Pro Wrestling live and in person!
After a five-year hiatus, WWE will be making their long-awaited return to Japan this week, with three live shows!
Thursday, July 25th: Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan
Friday, July 26th & Saturday, July 27th: Back-to-back shows at Ryogoku Arena in Tokyo, Japan
Cody Rhodes' path to becoming Undisputed WWE Champion was a challenging one, and life as champion is filled with even bigger challenges, as the main event in Osaka will feature him putting his championship on the line against former WWE Champion AJ Styles and former WWE Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura in a, "Triple Threat" match"! If Rhodes or Styles leaves Edion Arena as Undisputed WWE Champion, their singles match against each other the next day in Tokyo will be for the championship.
Shinsuke Nakamura will face LA Knight on Friday at the Ryogoku Arena in Tokyo, and while there is no doubt that this will be a good match, the question must be asked- will Nakamura walk into this match as Undisputed WWE Champion after a championship victory the night before in Osaka? And if he does, will he walk out still champion, or will Knight be the one to leave with the championship?
In any case, no matter whether the Undisputed WWE Champion is Cody Rhodes, AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, or LA Knight, all four men will face each other in the main event in Tokyo on Saturday the 27th in a, "Fatal 4-Way" match for the championship!
The WWE World Heavyweight Championship will also be on the line during the WWE Supershow Summer Tour! Damian Priest will defend it on Thursday and Friday against Jey Uso, who has the charisma to get an entire arena of fans behind him, which may be enough support to help him dethrone Priest. But if he is able to get past Uso both days with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship still intact, Priest will then defend it on Saturday against former WWE Champion Rey Mysterio!
Women's wrestling has a long and rich history in Japan, so the fans are definitely looking forward to seeing WWE bring members of its women division to the land of the rising sun! At all three shows, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, and Japanese wrestling legend Meiko Satomura will face Damage CTRL members IYO SKY, Kairi Sane, and Dakota Kai (with Asuka at ringside)! It will be especially interesting to see what happens when Satomura is in the ring with SKY or Sane, as her singles matches with them in Japan were classics.
As exciting as these WWE Supershow Summer Tour cards already look, there will be much more! Other WWE Superstars making appearances will be:
- Former WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens
- WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn
- Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther
- WWE World Tag Team Champions Finn Balor & JD McDonagh
- WWE Women's Champion Bayley
- WWE Women's World Champion Liv Morgan
- The Bloodline
Currently, fans in Japan can watch WWE's Raw and SmackDown programs on ABEMA platforms in primetime with Japanese commentary, NXT on-demand via ABEMA Video, and WWE Premium Live Events live on ABEMA. But the WWE Supershow Summer Tour will be an opportunity for fans to see exciting WWE action LIVE!
Tickets are available at e +, Lawson Ticket, Ticket Pia, and Kyodo Tokyo.
Mari Manji has the technical skills to make her worth watching every time she has a match in Yanagase Pro Wrestling, but there is more to Manji than that- she has an infectious enthusiasm and fighting spirit that connects with fans and makes them smile when Manji enters the ring, and it's energy and spirit that she brings to every match.
The early years of Mari Manji's career were mainly spent as a member of the PURE-J roster, and she also appeared in other promotions such as in Ice Ribbon, Sendai Girls, and WAVE. Even back then, Manji's ring skills and fighting spirit made her stand out.
Mari Manji was with PURE-J from April 2018 to October 2020, and then left the company, becoming a freelancer. She appeared in many promotions including BJW, but it was when Manji came to Yanagase Pro Wrestling in early-2021, that she had found her new home. YPW events usually take place at SPORTS BAR M's Cafe, and its compact size combined with the fact that Manji was beginning to focus on a singles career (she was primarily a tag team wrestler previously) enabled Manji to connect with fans more easily, allowing her charisma to shine.
Playful with a vibrant and positive personality, Mari Manji is also a tough competitor when the bell rings, often being able to absorb punishment and then come back strong, pushing herself and her opponent to the limit. Whether Manji is engaging in a chop competition or trapping her opponent in a submission attempt, Manji competes with a fire that inspires both her fellow wrestlers and the fans.
Mari Manji became one of Yanagase Pro Wrestling's key lady wrestlers, along with Sae, and the two of them eventually began engaging in an annual series of matches, testing their skills and improving along the way, as they push their limits. Both talented wrestlers, Manji and Sae can wrestle each other 1,000 times and never have the same match twice.
Mari Manji is also a true test for wrestlers who are new to the Yanagase Pro Wrestling ring.
One of Mari Manji's best assets in her wrestling arsenal is the manjigatame, a submission known as the octopus hold in the US, which Manji applies better than anyone else in Japanese female wrestling.
During a match, Mari Manji feeds off the fans' cheers, as her ability to connect with them and get fans behind her transcends language barriers. And Manji's bond with them continues after the bell, because she as well as the other members of the Yanagase Pro Wrestling roster are known for their positive impact on the community of Gifu, the city where YPW is based. Manji is always willing to chat with fans at wrestling shows and share her passion for wrestling. Manji also hosts wrestling classes at SPORTS BAR M's Cafe, which makes many fans consider her a role model, and her dedication to the industry and the community is a source of inspiration.
Along with having fan support, Mari Manji is also a double champion on the independent scene. In September 2023, she formed a unit with Kenta Kosugi and Lowther in Yanagase Pro Wrestling named "Kosuken Pro Wrestling", and they produce their own events. The trio won the Wrestle Brain Cup at the first event in October 2023. Then, in March 2024, Manji won the WDW Women's Championship at a Doutonbori Pro Wrestling event in Osaka.
With Mari Manji's dynamic style, unwavering spirit, and dedication to the pro-wrestling industry and its fans, she is a star in the making on the independent Japanese wrestling scene, as Manji never disappoints when she makes an appearance.
This coming Wednesday, July 17th, 12 ET on the X platform, WWE Speed will feature a collision between former NXT Champions Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes in a #1 Contender's Tournament match! The winner will take a step closer to a potential shot at the coveted WWE Speed Championship currently held by Andrade! WWE Speed features a unique format of its matches having a three-minute limit as Superstars compete to decide who will advance to the next round.
There is history between both men that surely has not been forgotten- Ilja Dragunov became NXT Champion after he dethroned Carmello Hayes as the champion less than a year ago in a match that was rated a classic by fans. And now, with both of them on the main roster, they will meet again. Determined veterans, Dragunov will likely utilize his quick, brutal, and intense striking style, while Hayes is expected to counter it with his high-flying skills.
Don't miss this clash that promises to feature lightning-fast, hard-hitting action as Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes battle it out to go to the next round of the #1 Contender's Tournament!
Along with giving opportunities to wrestlers who are early in their careers, YPW also puts a focus on developing homegrown talent. This results in a wrestler who is loyal to the promotion and connects with its fans. Jack Kennedy became YPW's first homegrown talent in 2021, and along with continuing to wrestle on their shows, he has also appeared in DDT, BJW, and ZERO1. Now, YPW has developed another homegrown talent who may go down similar paths of success, and he is known as Macho Gallows.
Before becoming a professional wrestler, Macho Gallows expressed his passion for the industry through participating in the Aichi University Pro Wrestling Club, where Gallows was its champion and considered a prodigy by his supporters. Already a student of the game, Gallows usually wrestled a technical style, focusing on utilizing holds and submissions. In March 2023, he had the opportunity to wrestle at a DDT event.
After graduating from university that same year, Macho Gallows participated in a wrestling class that was hosted by ZERO1 star Yasu Kubota at SPORTS BAR M's Cafe, the home venue of Yanagase Pro Wrestling. Gallows became a trainee of YPW, and after wrestling in exhibition matches in 2024, he made his debut as a member of the YPW roster at its, "7th Anniversary Tournament" event in May.
With an obvious dedication to pro-wrestling, qualified training by Yanagase Pro Wrestling, and YPW being broadcast on TwitCasting, a livestreaming service based in Japan that has over 33 million registered users worldwide, the possibility of Macho Gallows having a bright future as a pro-wrestler is high. He represents the exciting potential of the Japanese independent wrestling scene and is someone to keep an eye on. By following Gallows' journey, you can witness the story of a potential future star firsthand, from his early beginnings.
On Sunday, July 21, 1:00 PM start time, Michinoku Pro makes its return to Yahaba Town Citizens General Gymnasium in Iwate for a very special event, featuring Fukumen World League tournament participation matches and more!
Fukumen World League Tournament Participation Match
Taro Nohashi
vs.
GAINA
(The first Tohoku, UWA World, Kyushu Pro Wrestling Triple Crown Tag Champions in pro-wrestling history)
Yoshitsune (Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Champion)
vs.
OSO11
The Great Sasuke (legend, former Chiba Six Man Tag Team Champion)
Yapper Man 1 (former Chiba Six Man Tag Team Champion)
Yapper Man 2 (former Chiba Six Man Tag Team Champion)
vs.
Jinsei Shinzaki (legend who has wrestled in many major companies worldwide)
Brahman Shu (former Chiba Six Man Tag Team Champion)
Brahman Kei (former Chiba Six Man Tag Team Champion)
This Friday, July 5, 12 ET on the X platform, Xavier Woods of New Day will receive the title shot that he's earned as a result of emerging victorious from the exciting No. 1 Contender's Tournament that took place, as he faces Andrade for the coveted WWE Speed Championship! This WWE Speed championship match will feature the unique WWE Speed Division format of having a five-minute limit, creating a fast-paced style.
Although no stranger to championship gold as a tag team specialist throughout Xavier Woods’ career, the WWE Speed Championship would be his first singles championship gold victory in WWE. In Woods' 20th year as a professional wrestler, will this Friday be the day that he accomplishes the championship goal that has eluded him thus far? Woods has successfully adjusted his high energy teamwork-oriented ring style to the solo, fast-paced singles match nature of the Speed Division, and when he steps into the ring with Andrade, Woods may be only five minutes or less away from claiming the WWE Speed Championship.
Meanwhile, Andrade stands at the top of the Speed Division with a lucha libre background that makes him a perfect fit for its non-stop action environment. And with his technical skills also an asset, Andrade doesn't plan on letting go of the WWE Speed Championship anytime soon. All of his championship successes in WWE have been as a singles wrestler, so adapting to the division was not an issue. Andrade intends on outmaneuvering and outwrestling Xavier Woods with ease.
This Friday, will Andrade's reign as WWE Speed Champion continue after successfully defending his championship against a hungry challenger? Or will Xavier Woods finally win singles championship gold and usher in a new era for the division?
Expect this to be an exhilarating championship match filled with strategy, high-flying action, and of course, SPEED, as Xavier Woods challenges Andrade with the WWE Speed Championship hanging in the balance!
Thunder Summers' journey in the wrestling world began in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood, and today he can often be found in Japan, wrestling in Michinoku Pro. However, this isn't the common story of an American wrestler going to Japan- Summers has trained extensively in both countries.
A part of the pro-wrestling industry for around 13 years, Thunder Summers received his first taste of the business setting up the rings when he was 15 years old. "My cousin had a good relationship with East Coast Pro Wrestling." Summers explained. "We went to a lot of their local shows in Brooklyn, NY and did it about 2 times a year just because I was still in school. 2013 when I got my first job is when I finally made the jump into training."
Although Thunder Summers' path to training wasn't straightforward, it was while doing his duty of setting up rings that he met the wrestler that gave Summers the connection he needed. "So while we were setting up rings for ECPW we met a wrestler named Talon." Summers explained. "Talon hooked us up with the S.A.T (Joel, Jose, and Will Maximo) at the time who had a school called the Ludus. So from 2013 to 2015 ish I was training under guys like Joel & Will Maximo, Angel Ortiz, Mike Santana, Manny & Benny Martinez, Talon just a plethora of talent came in and out of that place. Anybody who is anybody on the NY indie scene came in through there. Of course Joel had major connections as well. My first day Homicide, Colt Cabana was there."
Many wrestlers held seminars at Ludus, including former WWE Superstar Matt Striker, revered journeyman Chris Hero, and one of Thunder Summers' favorite wrestlers, Japanese wrestling legend and former holder of the J-Crown, Ultimo Dragon. "I went to as many as I could afford." Summers said. "I was making like $80 every two weeks at my first job, so it was just enough for me to pay for training."
Thunder Summers' wrestling style reflects his diverse training. "I use a lot of what I have learned in my 10 year journey and wrestle a hybrid style." Summers said. "I learned from some of the best in the business from Joe Malenko, to Yuko Miyato-san to my current trainers at the Fallout Shelter in NY, to the Michinoku Dojo. I am also the only wrestler who has been to 2 of the 3 New Japan Dojo systems New Zealand and LA and competed for both. I really like delving into 70’s wrestling and taking a lot from that time. Especially stuff from Japan.
Although Thunder Summers currently wrestles for Michinoku Pro when he's in Japan, it's an opportunity that did not come easy. "So I had reached out to Michinoku Pro for years." he explained. "I finally got a response sometime in September 2023. I was coming to Japan from the Fale Dojo and I took the offer to do their Dojo matches in November 2023. I wrestled Taro Nohashi-san and Ayumu Gunji.
Former Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Champion Taro Nohashi seemed to be pleased with Thunder Summers' performance. "I think Nohashi-san was impressed enough with me that he took me under his wing and it was a great experience to not only fight him, but win and then for him to ask me to teach him after." Summers said. "Word I got back to The Great Sasuke and since then he has been nothing short of his namesake. I met with Sasuke-san in February while I was working as staff for the JCW Jersey J-Cup. From there I knew I was going back to Japan so I reached out again to the international relations boss. I got the Okay to do the entire Golden Week tour plus the amazing Arabaki Rock Fest and a plethora of Dojo matches. I love those Dojo matches because it's the experience I needed from the get-go and really helped me find direction. Plus it was just a fun intimate setting for the locals where Iwate doesn’t get much wrestling and getting that time with those fans was great. The Michinoku fans are amazing.
Wrestlers who often go to Japan tend to have a home promotion- the one they usually wrestle in the most while in Japan. "I consider Michinoku Pro my current home." Thunder Summers stated. "I still have a lot to learn in my journey. And I would like to continue that with Michinoku Pro. Plus Tohoku is a beautiful region and the fans there are fantastic. Plus they gave me 2 jackets."
As for how Thunder Summers compares the American and Japanese pro-wrestling styles, he said that he loves working in Japan and working both styles. "But I grew up watching tapes from Japan." Summers added. "And experiencing the Japanese style first-hand there is nothing like it."
While it's clear that Thunder Summers is skilled in the ring, little else is known about him. "That's why I guess a lot of people call me The International Mystery Man." Summers said. "Back then mysterious guys wore masks and they were all one offs. But the mystery of me is I give people just enough to want more for next time. I kick ass and leave without saying a word. People don’t know what to expect from me. I keep them curious, I keep them wanting more. You can say I am unpredictable. I am hoping to put an end to the mystery soon enough. I will be getting ready for my 2nd tour of Japan soon. I am trying to prove to people that Big Thunder isn’t a one hit wonder."
Thunder Summers' attitude in the ring depends on who his opponent is. "I’m mean to the people that deserve it." Summers explained. "And kind to the people that deserve it. My job is to beat guys up so I can rise up through the ranks in this business. If the fans just so happen to like the other guy more oh well who wants to win more. The Japanese fans respect that. You see it often. So I give praise to them. Good and bad guys are for the people to decide and I don’t consider myself anything other than a man trying to make a name for myself."
Before becoming a pro-wrestler, Thunder Summers had a big interest in wrestling. "Like everybody these days I was a fan of it." he said. "I grew up watching WCW and I always remember the cruiserweights and the international talent WCW had was amazing. I thought I could replicate the same success for myself. I was a martial artist. I did a little acting as a kid. I thought it would be a great way to use my skills to make a living."
But what Thunder Summers likes the most about being in the wrestling business is traveling, experiencing new cultures, and meeting new people. At the time of this interview, he was in Korea, a place where Summers said he never imagined being. "Plus I have tons of friends that I wouldn’t have met today without wrestling." Summers added.
Thunder Summers names his best matches as one that took place in the Tokyo-based IMPACT Fighting Federation, which focuses on MMA. "Definitely holding my own against Takahiro Tababa for MMA IMPACT." he said. "We fought 2 or 3 times in the same night. He’s a tough SOB I’ll say but a lot of people tell me that is their favorite match. I pulled out a lot to try and win that one most definitely. Tababa is known for being a quick finish guy and I wrestled him plus 3 guys for almost an hour."
As for his favorite match, Thunder Summers picks the May 5th Michinoku Pro match in which he teamed with legends The Great Sasuke and Jinsei Shinzaki against Rui Hyugaji, OSO11, and Australian Wolf. Summers added that close second would be the May 2nd Michinoku Pro match in which he teamed with former Chiba Six Man Tag Team Champions Brahman Shu and Brahman Kei against Sasuke and Tohoku Tag Team Champions Ringo Yamaya and Rasse because, "I got to hit one half of the [Tohoku] Tag Team Champions with a bowling ball."
Looking ahead, there are many people Thunder Summers would like to wrestle but has not yet done so. "There is a laundry list of people." he said. "I am only about 45 matches into my career and have a few wins over former champions. But I really want to wrestle in some more UWF-style contests. I want to fight a lot of my mentors on the indies back home but I want to wrestle them in Japan. My old coach Mel Ramos has been calling me out. He fought in MSG for the ISKA cruiserweight title so there is a lot to prove there. I also wanna do him solid by giving him a match in Japan."
In regards to wrestling dream matches, Thunder Summers said he wanted to wrestle another one of his favorites, legend Keiji Muto, adding, "but seeing as he is retired now Ultimo Dragon since he is still going strong and Tetsuya Naito or Kaito Kiyomiya because they are the ones who are carrying Muto-san’s legacy now. Simply put I got a long way to go and a lot of people on the list will only help me climb that ladder."
Beyond the ring, Thunder Summers is a self-proclaimed nerd, boxing enthusiast, and vegan. "I play video games all day when I have nothing better to do. At the moment I am in Korea so I try to explore as much as I can. Always try to find new things to keep me busy. My buddies have some really great YouTube channels for gaming and I’ll tune into them every now and then. Game Complainers check em out my buddy Perry who is one of the big reasons I am even overseas right now huge wrestling fan and has a game store as well. Currently picking up boxing again. Fun fact I am a 8 year vegan so I have become like the biggest vegan food critic ever, always bouncing around between restaurants all day back home with my uncle or just powering up the Saturn to get in a little X-Men vs. Street Fighter. And of course watching wrestling."
As for his long-term goals in the wrestling business, Thunder Summers says, "Ultimately I want to wrestle for every company in Japan. New Japan is still on my radar but I’ve made 2 attempts to get there. I’m 28 years old. Yes I am young but when I first came to Japan I had the goal of signing with Wrestle-1. When Wrestle-1 went out I realized I spent all my time focusing on trying to get one promotion. I didn’t think about them going out. If I put my time in somewhere I want to know it's worthwhile and where I am from you can’t put all your eggs in one plastic bag. I would like to find my place in All Japan in the near future. But I want to wrestle for every promotion. At the end of the day I have fun doing this. I love making people happy and I love inspiring people through what we do as wrestlers. I got a long list of names to check off my list ultimately and I wanna live comfortably from wrestling. When I eventually retire from in-ring competition I’d love to become a referee and a trainer.
This Wednesday, July 3rd, 12 ET on the X platform, veteran strategist Xavier Woods and rising star Nathan Frazer will collide in a WWE Speed Semifinals showdown! WWE Speed features a unique format of its matches having a three-minute limit as Superstars compete to decide who will advance to the next round, with the Superstar who makes it to the final round claiming a shot at the coveted WWE Speed Championship, currently held by Andrade.
Xavier Woods, who although he is a tag team specialist as a member of New Day, brings a wealth of ring experience that will help Woods strategize in this singles match, making every move count in a match where every second counts- expect him to attempt wearing Nathan Frazer down and capitalize on any openings that could potentially gain Woods a quick pinfall. Meanwhile, Frazer, as the younger of the two, will be willing to utilize the time limit to his advantage, going for quick takedowns and using his agility to stun Woods with innovative high-risk moves.
This match will be a thrilling chess match between experience and youth. Will the seasoned veteran Xavier Woods counter Nathan Frazer's athleticism, or will his youthful energy and combination of technical and aerial offenses overpower Woods' ring knowledge? With both Superstars possessing similar styles but unique movesets, this match is difficult to predict. Woods will likely dictate the pace of the match early, but being a former WWE NXT Heritage Cup Champion, Frazer's experience in the ring should not be underestimated. The result of the match will ultimately come down to who can adapt quicker and capitalize on their opponent's weaknesses. Don't miss the WWE Speed Semifinals to see who advances to the championship match!
On Saturday, July 20, 6:00 PM, Michinoku Pro makes its return to Hills Hotel Michinoku Hall in Sendai for a very special event!
The card will be as follows:
Tohoku Tag Team Championship Rasse (Tohoku Tag Team Champion)
Ringo Yamaya (Tohoku Tag Team Champion)
vs.
Ken45 (former Tohoku & UWA World Tag Team Champion)
Taro Nohashi (the first Tohoku, UWA World, Kyushu Pro Wrestling Triple Crown Tag co-Champion in pro-wrestling history)
Yoshitsune (former Tohoku Tag Team Champion)
Yasutaka Oosera
vs.
Rui Hyugaji (former Tohoku & UWA World Tag Team Champion)
ARASHI
The Great Sasuke (legend, former Tohoku & UWA World Tag Team Champion)
Jinsei Shinzaki (legend, former Tohoku & UWA World Tag Team Champion)
vs.
GAINA (the first Tohoku, UWA World, Kyushu Pro Wrestling Triple Crown Tag co-Champion in pro-wrestling history)
OSO11
Yapper Man 1 (former Tohoku & UWA World Tag Team Champion)
Yapper Man 2 (former Tohoku & UWA World Tag Team Champion)
vs.
Brahman Shu (former Tohoku Tag Team Champion)
Brahman Kei (former Tohoku Tag Team Champion)
Founded in 2009, Beyond Wrestling is a promotion that helps give independent wrestlers across the United States more opportunities to showcase their talents. Fellow Worcester, Massachusetts-based Redemption Rock Brewing Company provides a welcoming environment where a variety of craft beers can be enjoyed. On Saturday, July 6th at Redemption Rock Brewing Company in Worcester with a 7:00PM bell time, Redemption Rock Brewery and Beyond will co-present, "Wrestling at the Rock".
The card will be as follows:
Megan Bayne (as seen in Stardom)
vs.
Marcus Mathers (as seen in BJW)
Waves And Curls
Jaylen Brandyn (as seen in AEW)
Traevon Jordan (as seen in AEW)
vs.
Midnight Heat
Ricky Gibson (as seen in AEW)
Eddie Pearl (as seen in AEW)
Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) presents, "INDEPENDENCE RAGE" this Saturday, June 29th, with the event starting at 7PM. INDEPENDENCE RAGE will be broadcast LIVE on PPV!
The OVW Women's Championship will be on the line as Leila Grey defends her title against NWA star and former OVW Women's Champion Tiffany Nieves.
A four-time champion, will Grey retain and continue what is her longest reign, or will Nieves leave INDEPENDENCE RAGE and return to the NWA as the new OVW Women's Champion?
There will be exciting tag team action as Tusk N Chains defend their OVW Southern Tag Team Championship against Jake Lawless & Dustin Jackson.
This championship defense will be a true test for Tusk N Chains, as Dustin Jackson is a five-time former OVW Southern Tag Team Champion, and while Jake Lawless has not held a tag team championship in OVW, he is a former OVW Kentucky Heavyweight Champion and is hungry to make his mark on OVW's tag team scene as well.
Kal Herro is the first-ever OVW Media Champion, and his successful defenses since becoming champion in February have included a win against Real1 last month. Herro will again put the OVW Media Championship on the line this Saturday at INDEPENDENCE RAGE, and this time it will be against Tony Gunn, who is a four-time former OVW Heavyweight Champion and will no doubt be one of Herro's toughest challenges yet. Will his reign continue, or will a new champion be crowned?
It will be a clash of tag team specialists when former OVW Southern Tag Team Champions Beaches N Cream go against former OVW Southern Tag Team Champion Shera and his tag team partner Super Z, who as the resident superhero of OVW, should never be underestimated.
INDEPENDENCE RAGE will be a night of explosive wrestling action that won't be forgotten! Will new reigns begin? Will current reigns continue? Witness the fireworks firsthand on PPV and find out!
Ohio Valley Wrestling is based in Louisville, Kentucky. It was founded in 1993 by Nightmare Danny Davis and first became a notable promotion by helping to develop wrestlers from 2000 to 2008 who became superstars, such as John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, and Batista. Today, OVW continues to be a source of the future stars of the industry.
