Another year in the books. Pandemic still going on, but things opened up slowly at start of the year and by mid-year it got little bit back normal. Also back are local independent shows popping up once every month. I been to many shows around the state taking photos, and record matches fan-cam style. Of the thousands of shots I took there are ones I enjoy. I give you my 10 favorite shots from the shows I attended in order of the dates.
From January 16 New Texas Pro Show in Colorado City. This one is a favorite because you have NTPW Lonestar champion the hated Teflon John Bedlam getting booed and thumbs down from a fan in front of him. But behind him are the few fans still cheering for him. It shows even bad guys in wrestling will have a cult following.
From April 30 Global Wrestling Federation in Halthom City. After sea of masked Nasticos enter the ring to fight Scotty Master Blaster this one pinned him after hitting him with a loaded mask to win GWF Texas title. When this Nasitco unmasked it was revealed to be Ocho Camacho who faked being injured earlier on the show. The sinister laugh with Nastico holding GWF Texas over his head captured that moment as one of my favorites shots. I reminds me when Vince McMahon revealed to be the Higher Power and Jim Ross let out, "Aw son of a bitch!" in response.
From June 5 Adrenalina Lucha Libre show in Odessa. This is their first ever show with them featuring wrestlers from El Paso area. The main event is
Skybird and Sayrus vs Minotauro and Utopia in 2/3 falls lucha libre match. The four delivered a solid 20 minute performance. After the match fans in the building show their appreciation and respect to all four wrestlers tossing them money in a ring, a custom in lucha libre feds. This shot capture the moment of a well-deserved reward for their hard work.
From July 17 MPX wrestling show in Bedford. This is Dave Segan. For five years in MPX he found ways to reinvent himself for the weekly Saturday night shows first as The Solution and being a member of Impact Players. Then he became Emo Dave and leader of his group House Segan. He follow it up with Friendly Neighbor Dave and teaming up with Tatum Manning before turning on him and becoming this final MPX incarnation: Living Legend Dave. This his first night showing off this gimmick and its a freakin' hit that I loved it despite him being a heel. This shot showed how wrestling characters should be: larger than life.
From the same MPX show, the main event feature Dexter Hardaway retirement match. His opponent MPX Prospects champion Exodus Prime took Thank You Dexter sign and gave it the Pope treatment ripping it in half. Look at how serious he looks and his focus going into this match complete with shades.
Also from the same MPX show. This is Dexter Hardaway send off after his retirement match and a speech. After over a decade of being on the roads balancing between real-life and weekend warrior to end it on his own terms Big Dex deserves to celebrate in style. This moment captured it.
From August 14 ICW No Holds Barred show in San Antonio. New York-based ICW (run by Danny DeManto) made their tour down in Alamo City for the weekend of deathmatch style mayhem. One of matches feature San Antonio's own "King of the Underground" Scot Summers and Shlak. It was Summers first return to the ring in few years. It almost went bad when Summers got hurt during the match, but he still made it through. I took this shot after his match. It shows Scot Summer in deep thought and reflection after the bloody war he went through against Shlak. This shot is very deep and one of my favorites.
From ICW No Holds Barred show Orin Veidt and Dale Patricks simultaneously smashing light tubes on each other to a puff of smoke and hundreds of shards from the light tubes. It's another night in the deathmatch arena.
From November 20 Squared Circle Pro show in Lubbock. After a chase for the title which began from the first show of the year back in January, Reggie Lincoln achieved his goal defeating Jastin Taylor to win SCP title in their final event of the year. Here, you have half of the locker room coming out and lifting Reggie on their shoulders with promoter Rick Elsey pointing at him as he's the man of the hour in his fed. This captures the blowoff of a year long feud build and the final result is a happy storybook ending.
From December 18 Rampage Wrestling show in Abilene. The former Skip Terrific went on a gimmick change to this character: a 1920s noir-like wrestling detective named Phil Noir. This is my first time watching this gimmick in action. In this is gold momemt Phil Noir takes a drink before entering the ring. It's the over-the-top that sold me on this.
Hope you enjoy my shots from Texas independent wrestling scene. I wish you all a Happy New Year.
