Welcome to my newest contribution to Pro Wrestling Ponderings, “Wrestling Through the Ages.”  As a part of my love for wrestling, I subscribe to WWE’s Classics on Demand service.  For the most part, this column will review some of the things they present to us On Demand.  While the WWE’s current programming is not as great as it used to be, the greatest thing about Classics on Demand is their vast library of vintage (thank you Michael Cole) wrestling footage.  Their library includes the WWE’s past (obviously), WCW, ECW, AWA (American Wrestling Association), Jim Crocket Promotions, Smokey Mountain Wrestling, Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF), Stampede Wrestling (CSW) based out of Calgary, and World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW).  Each Wednesday they present new programming for the enjoyment of those of us who love professional wrestling.  There is always a wide variety of shows to choose from each month, ranging from classic and current (usually about 4 months beyond) PPVs, Raw’s and Nitro’s from the beginning and the heart of the Monday Night War, a spotlight on the career of a different Hall of Famer each month, and many original programming exclusive to the On Demand service.  I am planning on reviewing some of the programming (be it original or classic) once or twice a month.  Here is the first of these reviews; I hope you enjoy it, as I think it’s an excellent place to start. Read the rest of this entry

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Defending Doi

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.     . Naruki Doi, the supposed ace, or top wrestler, of the Dragon Gate wrestling promotion, doesn’t get the respect he deserves. In 2006, he made a name for himself in the US due to his involvement in the now legendary original Dragon Gate six-man tag at ROH’s Supercard of Honor event. He was the leader of his own faction, the Muscle Outlawz, and one of the premiere wrestlers in the company. While respected as a strong competitor, Naruki Doi seemed like a guy who might always be trapped within the Speed Muscle tag team with heterosexual life partner and the fastest wrestler alive, Masato Yoshino. Read the rest of this entry

Jerome and Kevin are joined by Kory Chavis of numerous wrestling companies. They discuss Chavis’ start in the business as well as the origin of the Rainman nickname. Chavis also talks about the improvement of The Artist Formerly Known As Antonio Banks and how he came to be tag team partners with Jon Davis. Find out how correct a prediction by Kurt Angle was and Chavis’ favorite match in Ring of Honor to this point. It’s our first phone interview with a pro wrestler, so be sure to ignore the buzzing and enjoy the interview.

Brad and Kevin are in the house to talk about some of the current goings on in Dragon Gate and Dragon USA. Brad discusses why he enjoys Brian Kendrick and why he thinks Yamato could be gaining some weight in gold. The overratedness of Davey Richards is brought up (and shot down). They end the show by discussing some of the best matches of 2009. A fun show that you should all listen to. Yeah, I’m talking to you.

“Screwed”
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Chikara DVD Review:

Never Kneel at the Altar of Conformity

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We enter Friday night this week with just 2 days remaining before the Royal Rumble.  Tonight, DX is in the house with the Straight Edge Society looking to claim the Unified Tag Team Championship match they earned a couple weeks ago in the advertised main event.  Will this come to fruition?  What will become of Rey and the Undertaker as they prepare to do battle once more this Sunday?  And will the Dead Man have something to say to Shawn Michaels, who has been fighting for a chance to face Taker once more on the Grandest Stage of them All?  Well, we’ll seek out the answers right now! Read the rest of this entry