The Night ATX Wrestling Scene Changed

Jerry Lynn, Rachel Summerlyn, and Scot Summers together for one final time

The Austin independent wrestling scene still vibing with soon to be four feds running along the wrestling school in the area. It remains one of hot beds in indy wrestling scene as talent from in and outside the state coming in to work one of the shows. How did they get there? Let's go back to 10 years ago on January 20, 2013 when the scene took its major shift.

Anarchy Championship Wrestling held their flagship ship Guilty by Association 7. A sold out crowd crammed The Mohawk to watch one of final matches of retiring Jerry Lynn who is in his final leg of his retirement tour. He took on "Showtime" Scot Summers in a rematch from Guilty by Association 2 as well previous shows before GBA2. The show highlighted with, in my opinion, the greatest ACW match in history between ACW hardcore champion Matthew Palmer and ACH which I've dubbed the hardcore mat classic. J.T. LaMotta announced after his match against Jason Silver this will be his final year wrestling full time and set his sights against Jimmy Jacobs as his final opponent (note: it didn't end well). ACW TV title match between the late Shawn Vexx and Davey Vega fighting for current ROH women champion Athena affection only for Athena to cash in her no.1 contenders title shot and beat both of them at same to show both of them she's not property and is her own person while becoming TV champion. The schedule match between ACW heavyweight champion Rachel Summerlyn and Darin Childs never happened as former champion Jaykus Plisken jumped Childs before the match and insert himself in the match. Summerlyn would dispatch Plisken. Then the main event between Lynn and Summers as they gave the crowd a finale with Lynn winning. Just when fans think they're getting a happy ending, Evan Gelistico and Gary Jay of Submission Squad ambushed Lynn and Summers with Lynn getting handcuffed to the rope leaving the crowd shocked. Gelistico called out Rachel Summerlyn to put the ACW heavyweight title up immediately or he will kill Lynn. Summerlyn did and within minutes Gelistico pinned Summerlyn to become ACW heavyweight champion in front of a shocked and angry crowd. Gelistco and Jay had fight their way through the crowd on the way to back as fans would sneak in punches to their body. When all is cleared this shot I took turned out be iconic. It's the final time The Godfathers and Godmother of Anarchy appeared together in the ring as they gave their speeches.

Behind scenes was reportedly chaotic before and during show with so many variations tossed around. At the end Rachel Summerlyn left ACW. She would wrestle few more matches before leaving wrestling altogether. Another person to leave ACW after the show is Justin Bissonette citing burn out. I remember watching the DVD of this show after Gelistico won the belt, J.T. LaMotta doing commentary for the match mention the lines of changing landscape in wrestling. He predicted it.

What changed? ACW went another route. The all-out wild brawls still there but they had a different emphasis as certain talent got pushed up as well newer wrestlers popping up. Then came the ACH and Jeff Gant match few months later. The crowd hated it despite being a good match. Many of the local fans pointed to this match on why Inspire Pro (now renamed Inspire AD) formed involving Max Meehan and Justin Bissonette who reluctantly return to wrestling but gave it another go. Inspire ran their first show in July of that year building upon the fed using top talent around the state as well occasional fly-ins. It renew Bissonette interest in wrestling as he always have an eye on talent and been there since. In 2017 Wrestling Circus started up booking big indy wrestling names. Despite the success of their shows it was also their undoing as well having trouble finding a building to run a show. They would shut down then restart before shutting down permanently in 2019. As of this day, Inspire AD and ACW (under new management) still running having to survive the 2020 pandemic year. Also running around Austin is the upstart Infamous Wrestling (run by former ACW referee Donnie Davis) which debut last year. Soon to be starting Borracho Pro (run by a crew of five) with their debut show coming up on February 4.

Change is good and it helped out Austin indy wrestling scene in the long run. During those 10 years in between there are four wrestlers that end up making a mark in the area. Look for it next month.

The Loss of Stew

Wrestling fans are a different breed especially in the independents scene. For few hours on a certain day of a weekend we go and meet each other at a show exchanging pleasantries asking how's life and talking about what's going to happen on tonight show to WWE or AEW to wrestling rumors and news. It's like a strange family of misfits. Even though I no longer live in Austin area I still keep in contact with some down there along with San Antonio crew. Sadly yesterday I received a message that we lost one of best fans few weeks ago. His name is Stewart Buckingham or Stew as many called him. Despite wheelchair bound he got a zest for life. You felt it when you talk to him the very first time and it continues on every time when we meet. His zest was shown at the Anarchy Championship Wrestling and Inspire A.D. shows where he would up and front. He would cheer for the good guys and boo the bad guys tossing in few expletives. His enthusiasm felt all over the building that wrestlers would let him be part of the show and get in the action. They would hold their opponent up in front of him so Stew can punch him. That would get cheers from the crowd. Stew would be super into it that he will be yelling, "LET ME AT HIM!" when wrestlers get close to him. At every show he's been at in Austin he's at he having exciting time of his life. I'm going to miss Stew and he's not the only one missing him. Everyone he met from fellow fans, wrestlers, UT athletes and staff were touched by his exuberant happiness on life. I offer my condolences to his family for the loss. RIP Stew. You will forever be missed.

Appreciation of a Megastar Known as Angel Blue

For one independent wrestler it was not suppose to end this way. The self-proclaimed "Megastar" Angel Blue forced to call it a career two years after her final match. 

For over a decade she been down the roads and rings of Texas indy wrestling scene especially Austin-based Anarchy Championship Wrestling. She relished on being hated by the crowd. With a smug self-absorbed over-confident look, she would get in fan's faces claiming to be the greatest and hurl insults. Before getting in the ring she swept her feet back on the apron in direction of the fans. Fans responded to her with loud boos, arguing back with her, and on occasion tossing rolls of toilet paper when she gets introduced in the ring. She continues to antagonize the crowd with insults and singing "We are the champions!" off key. She worked the fans way too well having the fans boo her for everything she did in the ring. Fans wanted her get beat only for her to win in sneaky and nefarious ways.

She shows up at ACW ready to work and get involved. She even popped up not long after being in a bad car accident to talk on the mic giving a passionate speech on showing up despite not able to work because she loved this. She's a two-time ACW Joshi champion, a TV champion, a tag team champion with Jojo Bravo (now known as Jay Serious) and 2013 Queen of Queens tournament winner. Her tag team with Jojo Bravo will always be underrated and underappreciated. The chemistry between the two as reluctant tag partners who try to screw over each other only to get a miraculous victory at the end. She wrestled in Sabotage when it started up and feuded with current AEW wrestler Leva Bates. One of her victories over her was locking Bates inside trunk of a car. It lead to Last Woman Standing match between the two. In 2018 she made her Inspire A.D. debut being surprise tag team partner of Steve O'Reno and became Inspire A.D. Twin Dragons champions with him. Things were going good for her....

Til one Inspire show in Jan 2019. She was in a match against Jenna Lynn and current NXT wrestler Shotzi Blackheart when she took one spot. It was a spot I seen done many times, but this one caused a herniated disc in her neck. Everything she worked for comes crashing to a halt for an unfortunate injury. She had surgery to repair and endure hell trying to make it back. Despite bouncing back and working hard she couldn't able to be cleared for a comeback. Not the way she wants to go out.

Angel Blue is a textbook case on being a heel from going face-to-face with fans to finding hundreds of devious ways to break the rules and win a match. She always been a solid hand in the ring. Part of me want her in the middle of the ring to say goodbye only to go "Sike! I lied! I'm back!" to chorus of boos. It would be the most perfect thing for her. A fan can only dream. Thank you Angel Blue for putting everything in the ring. When I hear Queen - I Want It All I immediately think of you coming out to the ring. You are truly a Megastar.

Some matches of Angel Blue to view:

(Rare moment of Angel Blue working as a face)

In Memory of the Infamous One

I was out of town spending few days in Fort Worth. It was late Saturday night when I logged on and heard the news I didn't want to hear. Shontez Montgomery known to Texas indy wrestling fans as Shawn Vexx passed Saturday morning. His passing left wrestling colleagues and fans in deep sadness. Next few days fellow wrestlers and fans talked about their memories of him. From the stories he would believe in wrestlers giving out advice to be a good soul all around along with funny stories.

I have so many memories of shooting photos and watching him go out and wrestle in the ring. When I started going to Anarchy Championship Wrestling shows I would buy DVDs of their past shows to catch up the storyline on how they get to point A to point B. Few months before December 2011 show (my first ever ACW show) Vexx, while as a face, would cut promo foreshadowing his heel turn which he completed at Lone Star Classic becoming leader of The Children of Pain 2.0 with Jason Silver, Sky de LaCrimosa, Jeff Gant, and Killah Kash (now known as Remedy). My first match I saw of him was opening card match of Dec 2011 show when he beat Gregory James (now known as Isiah/Izzy James). Later in the show he would take out Donnie Davis with a vicious chair shot. He spent 2012 feuding with A.C.H. and Davey Vega. It's this feud with Vega I got invested in booing at him for making moves and seeking affection of Athena (now known as WWE wrestler Ember Moon). It was "You homewrecker!" type wrestling storyline. He would win TV title from Vega at Beyond Good and Evil. The feud came with end at Guilty by Association 7 with both fighting for affections of Athena. Athena joined the match and beat both to win to show she's not property to anyone and is her own person. I love good wrestling storytelling. After spending a year getting booed he would hear cheer from the fans completing a face turn when he chose to fight Evan Gelistico for ACW Heavyweight title instead being given to him. This would lead to a match at Guilty by Association 8 which he would beat Gelistico for ACW Heavyweight title inside steel cage. He would hold it for six months before losing it to Masada and call it career after the match. He would return back to the ring four more times with his final known match against Jeff Gant in a last man standing match.

Thank you Shontez for the many memories and moments I witness throughout the years. You killed it in the ring every time.

Shontez Montgomery is a fighter battling adversary in and outside the ring. He survived and bounced back from it. He's a kind person willing lend a helping hand to everyone around him. He will be missed by everyone.

In honor of him his wrestling theme

RIP Shontez Montgomery. 2/17/79-5/1/21

2018 Traveling Texas Indy Wrestling Highlights - Part 1

2018 was wild year for me in Texas wrestling travels. I gone through the land of Anarchy in a world of Inspire driving down the Old and New Texas roads like a Branded Outlaw into the Metroplex all the way to the Heavy Metal dose of Reality with no act of Sabotage for Squared Circle action. Those travels to the shows are well worth with plenty of highlights to be seen and told. You have to be there.

I want to thank the wrestlers, referees, and the crew at Inspire Pro, Sabotage, Anarchy Championship Wrestling, Branded Outlaw Wrestling, MPX, Heavy Metal Wrestling, Reality of Wrestling, Old School Wrestling, Squared Circle Pro, New Texas Pro, Heel/Face Wrestling, and the weekend friends and fans I met along the way for the shows and fun moments.

This going be split up in multiple parts. Enjoy part 1!

Len-X and Davidson in a Ruthless Cage Match - Jordan Len-X and Ryan Davidson battled each other in Inspire Pro to hate fueled battles ending with no winner. Inspire Pro management put these two inside a steel cage to settle a winner. Both battered each other all over the cage that one side almost collapsed when Davidson rammed Len-X into the cage. Davidson introduce a chain to use only to backfire. Len-X wraps the chain around his knee and drops Davidson face onto his chain-wrapped knee for the win.

Matthew Palmer In-sensitivity Part I - things have not gone well between Matthew Palmer and Roxy Castillo since he won the right of her services. It's mainly due to his antics despite Castillo attempts to make him curb it. Palmer kept pushing those buttons that night as he revealed his limited edition t-shirt calling himself King of the Black Women. After taking a loss against J. Serious things got much worse as Massive came in and attacked him. It was over him disrespecting lucha libre history when he was the masked Void and ripping it off revealing himself from five years ago.

Inspire Pro Announces Return to AFS - The former Marchessa Hall was home for Inspire Pro from its debut til it was sold and renamed AFS Cinema. The management wouldn't allow wrestling leaving Inspire Pro hosting shows first at ball room at Norcross Mall for few shows then Austin Sports Center. Late 2017 AFS management let them run a show. It was a success that they decide let Inspire Pro run remaining 2018 shows at the building.

MJF Makes a Statement - Michael Jacob Friedman made his Inspire Pro debut taking on Kody Lane making him tap out in victory and kicking him in the groin afterwards. He made his presence known again attacking Andy Dalton with a kendo stick and joining The New Movement alongside Ashton Jacobs and T-Ray Watford.

ACH Guts Out Performance - 24 hours before facing Shane Strickland ACH checked in ER clinic. He checked out and made it to the show. Despite looking worse for wear and in pain, ACH pulled out gutsy performance in a victory over Strickland.

Sabotage War of Genders 2 - Sabotage put bragging rights on the line between men and women wrestlers with lineup of wrestlers (Thunder Rosa, Barbi Hayden, B-Boy, Joey Ryan, Human Tornado, Rocket Boy Wilson, Baby D, Phoebe, Andy Dalton, Angel Blue, Erica Torres, Hyan, Leva Bates, Sammy Guevara, Fuego del Sol, Heather Monroe, Kylie Rae, GPA, J. Serious, Rey Ortiz, Jordan Len-X, Double D, Ivory Robin, and Nikki Knight) within the various states. Pressure to win caused some to do whatever it takes to win for their genders from weapon shots, low blows, and holding on the ropes or grabbing the tights during a pin.

Creation of Fun N Sexy - with half of Sabotage tag champion, Skyler Slice, out of action, Phoebe spent the show searching for her replacement. After Baby D sent Human Tornado a crushing defeat Phoebe joined in the ring (and get suplexed on top of Human Tornado) picking Baby D as her new partner and holder of 1/2 of Sabotage tag team titles. Since then it was dancing and grooving fun with hula hoops all over the state afterwards.

Going be very sexy partnership

The Night Angel Blue and Andy Dalton Made Texas Wrestling Hell Froze - when Sabotage announced 8 person intergender tag fans were shocked the captains of the teams were Andy Dalton (men) and Angel Blue (women). So shocking that one fan yelled, "This shouldn't be happening at all!" at the show. Both teased fighting each other at the start but Angel decide let her tag partners handle it first. Then came the moment as every member of the team abandon the match leaving Angel and Andy in the ring together. Angel teased only to deceive with a low blow to Andy giving her advantage. Andy fought back hitting her with a running licked boot and a brainbuster. Angel low blows Andy again to the win the match for her team. It wasn't end up of it as Dallas Championship Wrestling booked singles match between the two. With call backs to the match at Sabotage Andy got his revenge beating Angel at DCW. It was awkward but like Vince McMahon said it is best for business.

Very Awkward

PSYCHE!

 The Art of Sabotage - GM Donovan Troi conniving and corrupt ways in the past shows including barring former Sabotage champion Delilah Doom from the show. Sabotage board of directors gave him one night to makes things right at the show or will be fired. Later in the night Fuego del Sol took on Sabotage champion Heather Monroe for the title and won. It was short-lived celebration as Queen Erica Torres came along with members of Latinos Taking Over attacked him and immediately demand a match for Sabotage title. GM Troi said if both parties agreed it will go on. Fuego del Sol agreed and both fought with Torres getting the victory to become new Sabotage champion. Troi went from sympathetic to cracking a maniacal laughter as it was a ruse. In case Monroe lost the title, Troi put use of his backup plan on getting it back with Erica Torres as champion under Latinos Taking Over faction....and it worked.

Champ for 15 minutes

Queen Erica Takes It

Joey Ryan Calls Mia Khalifa Out - Mia Khalifa drew the ire of wrestlers and fans blasting wrestling. Thunder Rosa and Sabotage invited her to the show. One of wrestlers she blasted, Joey Ryan, called her out to the ring after his match. After confirming she meant what she said he want her touch his dick which her bodyguard put him in fireman's carry. Ryan slipped out then stuck his trademark blow pop in Mia's mouth and dickflipped her bodyguard. Mia would take a training lesson with Thunder Rosa and Chris Marvel at Hybrid School of Wrestling realizing its not easy as it looks.

Battle of Gender Supremacy Main Event - the main event saw Thunder Rosa and Sammy Guevara in battle of genders as both sexes tied at 4-4 going into the match. Thunder Rosa kicked Guevara can all over the ring after being disrespect prick towards her. Guevara turned the tide toward his favor with both matching each other in the match. Thunder Rosa would hook anklelock on Guevara making him tap but the match must end in a pinball. The match would end on a time limit draw leaving the gender wars battle at 4-4-1. Soon this followed......

War of Genders Aftermath - after the match Latinos Taking Over came in the ring attacking Thunder Rosa with Queen Erica Torres giving her Sky High. Just as LTO approach Sammy Guevara on joining he attacked them only to get overwhelmed by the numbers game. Leva Bates, Baby D, Phoebe, and Jordan Len-X came in the ring to chase LTO out. Sabotage officials immediately fire Donovan Troi from his GM spot for continual abuse of power. His replacement was former WWE wrestler and manager Ricardo Rodriguez.

Mr. B Ends Johnny Axxle Career - For six years Mr. B and Johnny Axxle been on opposite sides of the corner, teamed together, won ACW tag team titles, split up, and fighting each other with no clear winner. The former Holes decide ACW is no longer big enough of them they decide to end this feud in I Quit Loser Must Retire match. Both brutalized each other fighting up the balcony and on stage then back in the ring as neither one would give up. Mr. B used the chairs to his advantage hitting Windy City Drop and Killswitch on Axxle right onto the chairs. Mr. B would about to behead Johnny Axxle after sticking his head on the seat and going up the top rope when Axxle said "I quit" ending the match and his career.

ACH Gives Marcus Rose a Beatdown - two years in the making. Back track to ACW Lone Star Classic 2015 as ACH had his final match before heading to ROH. After the show in comes Marcus Rose billing himself as "Better Than ACH."  Cue to Childish Days of Our Delusions 2016 as ACH made his return after a year in ROH roasting Rose. Rose went straight for few shows before reverting back to his asshole self. At Childish Days of Our Delusions 2017 he laid out the challenge to ACH in disrespectful way setting the stage toward showdown at Guilty by Association. Marcus Rose went for sneak attack before the bell, but ACH quickly turned the tide taking him to Beatdown City knocking the disrespect and arrogance out of him much to delight of the crowd. ACH finished Rose off leaving him with a busted lip. ACH and Rose went for post match handshake only for Rose to kick him in the balls continuing his dastardly ways.

Showtime and Architect Go At It - Scot Summers became second wrestler to be inducted in ACW Anarchy Elite. Not only he thanked the fans, but in a huge surprise wanted to fight Darin Childs who last wrestled his last match eleven months ago. Childs accepted as he and Summers brawled all over in and out The Mohawk in impromptu match. Childs would be victorious in a bloody fight.

Taylor Brothers Battle on Ladder of Superiority - Back at Evolution of the Revolution 2017 Zac turned on his brother DG after a loss. Since striking out solo Zac would win ACW U-30 championship at Childish Days of Our Illusions after pinning his brother DG with Taylor Driver in six-men elimination match. Now both brothers go at it one-on-one in a ladder match for ACW U-30 title. They channel all the past hidden resentments using ladders and chairs on each other. DG would drives knee onto Zac's chin off ladder and was within reach when Zac bash him from the chair. He would drop DG with fireman carry slam on to the chairs and it was enough time for him to climb and grab ACW U-30 title retaining it.

Steve-O Exorcise His Demons Against DeMarco - for months another Steve been in been on thorn of Steve O'Reno side as in Steve DeMarco. Like a large shadow looming over him he's been costing O'Reno matches superkicking, insulting, and tormenting him claiming to be the best Steve. DeMarco tries to get in O'Reno head before the match which he responded with a superkick of his own. DeMarco tried to put him down, but O'Reno fought back and pinned him conquering and exorcising his demons against him.

Jason Silver Takes ACW Big Prize - main event of ACW Guilty by Association was a double jeopardy match between ACW heavyweight champion J. Serious vs Sky de LaCrimosa and Jason Silver vs Gregory James at same time with winners of their match facing each other for the title. They went at each other all over the ring with the trio taking aim at J. Serious in unseating him as champion. Ricky Starks would interfere in behalf of J. Serious trying take out Sky, James, and Silver. He gets dropkicked out and trio took out J. Serious with Sky pinning him. Silver and James fought it out and often double team on Sky to soften him up. Silver pinned James leaving the former Lost Boys to battle for heavyweight title. Both battle in and outside the ring with use of a ladder and chairs. Silver plants Sky on the chair with a cutter and hitting 450 splash to win ACW heavyweight title.

Lost Boy don't cry. He became champion

Unholy War Against Silver - after the match Gregory James enter the celebrate with Jason Silver only to attack him. It started 11 months war between the two with James vowing be the only one to unseat Silver for ACW heavyweight title and take out any comers at all costs that gets in the way of the unholy prize.

Branded Birthday Show - while 95% of my birthdays were bad, this was the 5% that were good. Branded Outlaw Wrestling had a show on my birthday and I made the drive to Live Oak for it. I had fun time watching the in-ring actions and cheering/booing with the crowd along getting birthday wishes from Scotty Santiago, Ethan Price, and Mike Dell after the show. BOW champion Massive took on Brent McKenzie in the main and retain with help of The Horde. Birthdays are best spent watching live wrestling.

ACH and Kody Lane Takes ACW Tag Team Titles From 2 Bad Motherfuckers - for almost two years Masada and Killah Kash held ACW tag team titles taking on all-comers in vicious body beating and mutilating matches. ACH and Kody Lane, a wrestler ACH taken under his wing, were the next challengers. Both teams mat wrestled and stayed level til Masada and Kash overpowered them with the younger Lane getting most of the punishment from both veterans. ACH and Lane battle back with Lane using one of ACH signature moves, a ropeflip cutter, on Kash and pinned him ending the match. 2 Bad Motherfuckers tag team title reign was over and in comes Team Super Academia ruling ACW tag team scene.

The Immortal Takes Round One Against the Unholy - Jason Silver defends newly won ACW heavyweight title against Gregory James. James sneak attacked him just as he was coming to the ring and suffered a cut from it. They brawled in and out the ring using chairs and attempt to toss each other over the balcony. Former J. Serious got in the act heckling both of them from balcony as they fought in the ring. James was about put a stake into Silver til Silver's former partner and frienemy Sky de LaCrimosa speared him. Silver victory rolled James into a win retaining his title. The war wasn't over between these two. It was the beginning.

Princess Zombie Anarchy Redemption - last time Jimmy Jacobs was in ACW (2013) he was KO'd in his match against JT LaMotta and couldn't finish. After years away include working behind the scenes for WWE he made his return taking on ACW TV champion Ricky Starks. Both matched each other move for move to even kicking out of each other specialty moves. After trading each other with spears Starks would hit a tombstone on Jacobs to win the match. Despite the loss Jacobs proud to end the match on a good note instead leaving the ring knocked out.

Matthew Palmer In-Sensitivity Part II - Massive got a bone to pick with Matthew Palmer after he disrespected his culture. Palmer's manager Roxy Castillo assure Massive there be no trouble. Then Palmer comes out to La-Coo-Ca-Racha theme throwing tortillas to the crowd making Roxy pissed off and storming out of the ring. Gino attacked Palmer in the match joining forces with Massive over his disrespect.

Pinfall Wizard and Bad Bad Boy Goes to War - Steve O'Reno and Joey Janela went on 20 minute ring tearing war. They started out with technical mat wrestling (Steve's forte) going into hardcore wrestling (Joey's forte). Both of these men hitting moves and planting each other onto chairs. Joey took one too many risks landing on to a chair and Steve finished him off with blue thunder onto the chair for the victory. Both men shook hands after hard fought battle and the fans never forgot it. They voted this the best Inspire Pro match of 2018.

Part 2 coming soon

5 Years of ATX Wrestling Viewing Moments - Part 1

December 12, 2011 was the date as I went to my first ever indy wrestling show in Austin, TX. Since then it became wild five years of going to shows in the area. I witness plenty of moments ranging from shocking, thrilling, and excitement. I compiled a long list of moments I witness throughout those five years I attended. This features moments from first show I attended (Dec 2011) to January 2014. It started with....

The First ATX Show I Attended - ACW Childish Days of Our Illusions became the first show I ever attended in Austin. I have no idea what to expect other than remembering Awesome Andy telling me he worked there years before I moved down here. I drove down after work to get there. The first show I witness 10 bell salute for Spiro, six women joshi ladder match, Christmas Deathmatch, Shawn Vexx destroying Donnie Davis with a chair, JT LaMotta gets beat up for his cockiness and show offs, and El Generico, who would become Sami Zayn in WWE, taking on Robert Evans in the main. It started the crazy five years going to shows around ATX wrestling scene photographing and making weekend friends.

Barry Breeze Loses Career But Victors at the End - after losing title vs hair vs career match Breeze dumped his manager Chris Trew and popped the question to his now wife.

Robert Evans vs Portia Perez: Love Turns to Hate - It was bad night for Evans and Perez at Guilty by Association 5 as they lost their matches and titles. After the show Evans confessed his love to Perez who responded with a superkick. It led to year long build to this match at GBA6. When Evans came out he wasn't in his cherry self. He was seething and loathing that I can feel the hate he has for Perez. Both tore down the house going all over the place in attempt to break each other. After near 30 minute battle Evans broke Perez down with a sharpshooter for the win.

Son of Anarchy and Ultraviolent Beast Takes It High Above From the Ring - the first time I witness Matthew Palmer wrestle as he goes after ACW hardcore champion Masada who have held the belt for over two years in a scaffold match. The match started on top the scaffold battling back down to the ring then back up the scaffold which Masada used his trademark skewers on Palmer then tossing him off. Palmer fought back tossing Masada off the scaffold right on the chairs. He removed his pants he wore in the match revealing his Centerfold gear before hitting Centerfold Splash for the win and taking ACW hardcore title. It was amazing introduction to me on Matthew Palmer who would become the longest reigning ACW hardcore champion and one of the best in the state.

Chingo Wins And Vacates the Belt - One of those "Did this really happen?" moments. Chingo del Santo defeated JC Bravo for U-30 title then vented his frustrations and immediately vacates the title he just won

Matthew Palmer and Rachel Summerlyn Flies Off the Balcony - When ACW returned to The Mohawk the venue made big upgrade adding new stairs and a balcony. Palmer and Summerlyn made use of the balcony during their match. Both fought up there with Palmer getting tossed over and back into the ring. Centerfold got back up climbing up the balcony and in Son of Anarchy way threw himself and Summerlyn back in the ring from there. The balcony would become a staple and playground through the years since.

Prom Date Match - the wrestling prom feature Matthew Palmer and his date Su Yung taking on Davey Vega and his date Athena (who wanted The Rock). They started out to a dance til Athena dress fell off and all four would have fun match with Palmer and Yung taking it. Palmer and Vega would go on to team few months later. Athena and Su Yung would collide big time years later.

Robert Evans Gets Creepy - months after big fight between each other, Robert Evans wants to make up with former partner Portia Perez so he can get with her sister much to chagrin of Perez.

Revolution in the Rain - a big storm hit during the day in Austin. Since the show is outdoors I have no idea its going to run. I decide find out showing up at The Mohawk after work and turns out the show is still on. Everyone on the show put on performance on the slick wet ring braving the elements. I knew it something special when I saw silhouette shining around Robert Evans on the squeegeed mat before his match against Jerry Lynn. First time ever I watched a show in the rain and not the last one.

Jordan Out; Angel In - At Evolution of Revolution saw Jojo Bravo and Jordan Jensen winning ACW tag team titles. After the show it was announced Jordan Jensen barred from ACW. Who Chris Trew replaced him with? It was former Joshi champion Angel Blue taking his spot. She and Jojo formed one of fun tag team combinations into next year. After rough start Chris Trew and The Business rise started at Beyond, Good, and Evil.

Rebel Gets in the Ring With A.C.H. - this out of the blue moment I'm glad to be part of. I was in fursuit when A.C.H. came out. He saw me and signal me to come in the ring with him. I got in the ring thanks to him where he set up a match with Matthew Palmer. I will never forget that.

Warriors vs Vampires Dog Collar Style - Former Children of Pain members collide as Darin Childs and Khris Wolfe took on Jason Silver and Sky de LaCrimosa in a dog collar match. They brutalized each other using the chains in various way to incapacitate their opponent. At one point Childs hung Silver from the balcony with it. Dream Warriors were victorious after hard fought bloody battle against The Lost Boys.

A.C.H. and Palmer II Goes to No Contest Again - second battle between hardcore champion Matthew Palmer and A.C.H. would turn into another wild in-ring affair matching each other in the match. The end came when A.CH. and Palmer went crashing on stack of chairs that was setup outside the ring. With both not able to answer match ruled a no contest. I would lead to the classic encounter at Guilty by Association.

Rachel Summerlyn Takes the Classic - Rachel Summerlyn wasn't in Lone Star Classic when it began as she just had a match with Jessica James and Joshi champion Barbi Hayden. Jerry Lynn moved on to semifinals, but suffer an injury in his match. Lynn gave his spot to Summerlyn who defeated A.C.H. to move on the finals taking on Evan Gelistico who won heavyweight title from Darin Childs in the semifinals. Both fought with use of the ladder on each other as symbolism of their climb. Gelistico attempt to make Summerlyn tap to St. Louis Stretch but she refused to quit battling back. She hooked Texas Cloverleaf on Evan making him tap but it was after he put referee Donnie Davis out with a mandible claw. Gelistico said the bell didn't ring goes back fighting against Rachel using Lynn's patented cradle piledriver on her then attempted another one on to a TV screen. Rachel battle out and gory bombed him onto the TV to win Lone Star Classic and ACW heavyweight title celebrating with Jerry Lynn.

Joshi Christmas Deathmatch - heavyweight champion Rachel Summerlyn defended the title against Jessica James, Athena, Angel Blue, Portia Perez, and Christina Von Eerie at same time in a Christmas deathmatch. Lots of plunder used in the match including cookies, rolls of wrapping paper, Chyna standup, and candy canes in the match. Through the mess littered with broken ornaments, tinsels, and thumbtacks Summerlyn manage to retains the belt.

Shawn Vexx Infamously Owns Tommy - 11 months of the making when fan Tommy brought a sign calling Vexx a bitch ass nigga at ACW show in San Antonio. Cue to GBA7 where he is TV champion defending it against Davey Vega when he came out with a sign "Tommy is a Bitch Ass Nigga" which Tommy got in his face much to amusement and laughs from the crowd.

Athena Triumphs Over Vexx and Vega (and Lovely Ending) - this love triangle started when Shawn Vexx made moves on Athena back in August show. TV champion Davey Vega defended her only to lose the belt to Vexx at Beyond Good and Evil. These two battle in a rematch not only for the belt, but also for Athena's honor. While these two beat each other up (and knocking out two refs) Athena, didn't like she was property to them, cashed in her title shot she won at Lone Star Classic during the match. She held her own taking no shit and kicking Vexx and Vega ass showing she's her own person. Despite Vega pleas Athena overcame giving Vexx the O-Face and Vega a breakdrop before hitting a senton of both men and pinning them both to win TV title. After the match Vega gave Athena his reason confessing his love to her. Athena responded planting Vega a kiss.

Matthew Palmer and ACH: Hardcore Mat Classic - third battle between the two after their last battles ended in no contests. With Palmer's hardcore title in the line both decide to have a straight up wrestling match. Both men evenly matched traded move-by-move on see who's the best as they delivered one of best matches in ACW. Palmer came out on top while fans spoke up and delivered "Best in Texas" chant to both of these wrestlers.

Killah Kash Bounces Out a Drunk Fan - before Jerry Lynn final speech a drunk woman attempted to get in the ring. Thankfully Killah Kash got her tossed out of the venue.

An Era Ends; New One Begins (and Crazy Aftermath That Followed) - the ending of the show that left me in shock for a week. I'm not kidding on it. The main event of Guilty by Association 7 feature final in ring performance in Texas of Jerry Lynn, on final leg of his retirement tour, taking on Scot Summers in a rematch of GBA2. After crazy battle Lynn won against Summers. What was expected of happy ending got turned into confusion and shock as Evan Gelistico, Gary Jay, and Amanda Fox attacked both Lynn and Summers then proceeds to fight off entire locker room. Gelistico calls out ACW Heavyweight champion Rachel Summerlyn for impromptu match and won the belt after a beatdown and giving her two tombstones. Submission Squad taking away the ending left everyone in shocked with Lynn, Summers, and Summerlyn in the ring together for final time. Then came the aftermath the next day with Summerlyn leaving along with commentator Justin Bissonette. It signaled end of that era in Anarchy and new one began that night in name of war.

Forefathers and Forewoman of Anarchy together for one final time

ATX Next Generation - as new era begin, newer wrestlers made its way in and some would become regulars. Ricky Starks lead the charge with Kyle Hawk. Then Steve O'Reno appeared along with Scotty Santiago, Dylan Dunbar, Donny Brookes, and Johnny Swole. They became vital around I-35 corridor scene within next few years.

Ace of Anarchy Takes Jimmy Jacobs to the Limit - In the main Ace of Anarchy Davey Vega took on Jimmy Jacobs who got jumped by JT LaMotta before the match. These two proceed tear the house with Vega showing Jacobs he's worthy opponent to him taking him to the limit before Jacobs put Vega away in victory in one of best matches in ACW.

Davey Vega Slow Turn to the Other Side - the first time I saw Davey Vega he has this charismatic charm that makes him very likeable. After being dubbed Ace of Anarchy he turned into a diva complaining about 3-counts, rope breaks, and rules. Then he gets frustrated in the ring that resort to cheap tactics especially low blows in his matches. Despite apologies, he kept doing it til he reunite with his fellow companions Evan Gelistico, Gary Jay, and Pierre Abernathy completing his turn to the other side.

Vexx Answers Evan's Insult - ACW heavyweight champion Evan Gelsitico disrespected the belt ever since he won it. He called Shawn Vexx out and wanting to give him the title. Vexx felt insulted and decide to fight him for it. It started the build to Guilty by Associaton 8.

Kevin Douglas Knows the Rules - Kevin Douglas made his ACW debut and brought three others (Maninal, Jamie Holley, and Seph Anunnaki) with him. He asked the confirm the rules of the match (which there is none) he sic his crew to beat up Thomas Shire. Gotta hand it to him to being well-prepare for a match.

Anarchy Breaking Point - It took 3 shows of the new era for the fans reach its breaking point. The one that broke straw was ACH taking on Jeff Gant much to crowd disapproval. Both would have a good match (I enjoyed it), but most of the crowd wasn't having any of it because they felt Gant isn't on ACH "level."  It got where ACH went off on a fan after the match. The tense moment deflated the show as things went heatless afterward. In interview ACH wanted the match to make Gant. It was one of those uneasy moments I witness in wrestling.

Hello Leva Bates - 2013 ACW Queen of Queens feature many first time appearances, but no one made huge impact than Leva Bates. While well known slogan here is Keep Austin Weird she kept up when she appeared in cosplay as Queen Padme Amidala in her first round and semifinals matches. She would appear around ATX wrestling scene from time to time with fanfare. Years later she would on big stage at NXT being known as Blue Pants.

Barbi Hayden and Athena Semfinals Battle - in semifinals ACW Queen of Queens TV champion Athena took on Barbi Hayden with the title on the line. After feeling out period both kicked it high gear in a physical battle matching each other. Barbi knocked Athena off the top and followed it up with DDT to win the match and ACW TV title as she goes on to the finals of Queen  of Queens.

Evan Gelistico Pays For Stealing a Kid's Drink - during his match with Ricky Starks he took a drink from a kid and drank it. Starks held Gelistico up for the kid to chop him.

Kyle Hawk Battles On - Kyle Hawk got called into duty and billed as his potential final wrestling match taking on Davey Vega. Vega gave a young Hawk a battle with Hawk soldering on and fought back with no quit. Vega hooked a submission chokehold making Hawk pass out to take the victory. After the match in tears Hawk gave a teary farewell before going on his tour of duty. In unexpected twist a fan started singing National Anthem which the crowd joined in honoring the men and women who fought for this country.

Queen Angel Blue - in the finals of Queen of Queens newly crowned TV champion Barbi Hayden faced off against Angel Blue in the finals. Just as Barbi go on her way to win the finals she met with interference from fellow Business member Jojo Bravo which she dispatched with DDT. Angel Blue took advantage hitting necktie pedigree on to the chairs to take the tournament along TV title.

Let the Bodies Hit the Boards - ACW hardcore champion Matthew Palmer defended the title against Shawn Vexx in a ring with nothing but ropes and ring boards. With no mats their bodies took punishment as the boards gives no support. These two battle in and out of the ring with Vexx belly to belly Palmer on to the chairs. Palmer went under ring the ring pushing and removing the boards to pull and crotch Vexx right in between. The chairs would factor again and Palmer removed bottom rope to use on Vexx. Vexx returns the favor targeting Palmer's back which been weaken. Palmer hits Vexx with snap mare driver on to the boards to retain hard fought hardcore title.

The Prodigy Tops ACH - one of top young wrestlers in Texas Barrett Brown enters the ring as The Prodigy for his quick learning around the ring with his speed and skills. He faced one of state best as in ACH who has wowed crowds for his charismatic high flying skilled charm. ACH used his arrogance and cockiness pushing Brown around the ring. Brown responded with flurry of strikes showing when comes to shove he will fight back. ACH made a mistake with Brown capitalizing on it to get the victory.

Scot Summers and Gary Jay Bloody Dog Collar Fight - with dog collars around their neck and chain separating them, both fought in a brutal bout using the chain to their advantage bloodying each other up. Summers hits rolling brainbusters with the last one on the chair to end the match.

Flash Mob - a flash mob happen when a band marched around the ringside then up the balcony.

Angel Blue Turns Crimson Red - Jack Jameson continues his war with The Business especially ACW TV champion Angel Blue whom he took on at Beyond Good and Evil. A pair of scissors came into play with Jameson using it on Angel Blue cutting her forehead up. Another interference from Chris Trew allowed very bloody Angel Blue to win, but hardly looks like one.

Paul London Returns and Win Tag Belts With Jack Jameson - Jack Jameson spent the year getting beat up by The Business even his former friend Ricky Romida defected to them. He tried to fight them all but the numbers been too much for him. Same thing with match as it was handicap match with Jojo Bravo, Angel Blue, and Chris Trew attacking Jameson despite putting up a fight. Then all of sudden music played and out came Paul London joining along side with Jameson turning to tag team match. London hits shooting star press on Jojo taking the tag ream belts along side with Jack Jameson

Jimmy Jacobs Gets KO'D - In JT LaMotta final ACW match (at the time) he took on his long-time nemesis Jimmy Jacobs for the rubber match between the two. Both went for belly-to-back suplex from top turnbuckle spot only for Jacobs to get knocked out when both landed the mat. Harsh reminder to fans that accidents can happen in the ring and the wrestlers risk their body to put on a show.

Welcome to World of Inspire - Inspire Pro, run by Maximilian Mehan and Justin Bissonette, made its debut in June of 2013. It was their third show, The Quick and the Dead, I attended featuring wrestlers of Mike Dell, Ray Rowe, Andy Dalton, The Great Depression as well first look of Cherry Ramons and Erik Shadows, few ACW regulars such as Jojo Bravo, Carson, Barrett Brown, JC Bravo (as Morbidus) and Jeff Gant (as Blasphemer) as well ex-ACW regular at the time such as Gregory James who reinvented himself the last time I saw him.

Dirty One Finishes Mind of Wrestling and Graduates - JT LaMotta wants one last go in his career and took on "Dirty" Andy Dalton. After a huge brawl between the two Dalton finished him off with a classic piledriver. They would form a partnership together in Inspire Pro which Dalton took heavyweight gold later on. LaMotta would get back in the ring a year later for a few times.

Robert Evans Returns to Austin - I got in the game late for Robert Evans. When I first saw him he was a charismatic simpleton dork who played his character to its fullest at over 1000%. By that time he was full time in the east coast with Chikara and ROH and like The Rock concede he's not going be back. Then this happen at Inspire Pro when Ricky Starks questioned Mike Dell. Just before Dell could speak a familiar music played. Journey - Anyway You Want It played and could it be? Is he back? Then BAM! he popped through the curtains and its Robert Evans. Just like The Rock return I went crazy in his return. In classic form during his match against Jojo Bravo he faked an injury to trick Bravo gaining advantage. Jojo Bravo would fight back and get the victory. The sight of Evans returning back in Austin wrestling in some form is one of my favorite wrestling return moments.

Submission Squad Unite As One Unit - despite being together as a group they been on opposite sides of the spectrum for years. Evan Gelistico and Ricky Starks faced each other in pick your partner tag team match. Evan chose his stable mate and friend Davey Vega completing his turn to the other side and standing side-by-side with him. Starks chose Submission Squad member Pierre Abernathy who was on the other end of the group. Pierre turned on Starks during the match as the group finally unite Submission Squad as one unit with one common cause: to destroy Anarchy in their war against them.

"Hi my name is J.C. Bravo and I'm an Addict" - PSA on "Just say no to drugs" wrestling style. J.C. Bravo party hard with his tag team partner Stan Summers. He got title shot for ACW heavyweight title against Evan Gelistico, but lost. He took his loss so hard he turned to drugs "shooting up" during matches and "snorting" on the apron causing him to lose matches. Stan Summers tried intervention,  but no avail cumulating to Toy Box deathmatch at From Innocence to Insanity where loser goes to rehab. Bravo lost and got sent to rehab. He returned clean and sober since despite rumors he prowled around while he was at rehab. It's dark way get the message drugs are bad, but its better than putting Jake Roberts on a poster with the words "Just Say No to Drugs."

Su Yung Takes the Joshi Title and Joins The Business - four women joshi match featuring champion Jessica James taking on Miss Dislexia, Barbi Hayden, and Su Yung. Miss Dislexia first to be eliminated follow by Jessica James thus making winner of the next fall a champion. Chris Trew came out telling Barbi to catch the paperweight only to be intercepted by Su Yung as she used on her to win the match and Joshi title. Thought to be a mistake only turn out to be a ruse with Yung joining The Business

Anarchy Brawl of 2013 - the "I get it!" moment. Evan Gelistico and Gary Jay running roughshod over Jessica James, Bolt Brady, and Ricky Starks in their war against anarchy. He took on ACW hardcore champion Matthew Palmer who tried to save ACW from clutches of Submission Squad. At the end of the match Gelistico tried to behead unconscious Palmer with a chair but Darin Childs put a stop to it running him out of the ring. Palmer awoke and thought Childs cost him not only the match, but heavyweight title as well. Both fought in the ring kickstarting a huge brawl which entire locker room emptied out. After the brawl stopped Palmer cried out he was trying to save the company and said fuck this before leaving the ring. Evan Gelistico plan to get saviors of ACW on opposite sides worked. It made it much better when I saw the DVD and Gelistico does commentary laughing at the puppet strings he pulled. I left the show with a huge smile on my face because sinister storytelling behind it.

"I Can't Do a Fucking Moonsault!" - for years Pierre Abernathy have said he's going do a moonsault going on to the top then climbs back down to splash his opponent. In his match against JC Bravo and pre-Steve O'Reno he goes up for moonsault attempt which Steve asked if he's going to do it. Pierre climbs back down and admittingly said he's can't do a moonsault. This match feature one of my favorite verbal exchanges between the wrestlers themselves AND the fans.

Ace of Anarchy Takes the Classic - Davey Vega and Shawn Vexx survive the field of 12 wrestlers to make it to the Lone Star Classic finals. Vega, while being top man in the company, trying destroy it along side with Evan Gelistico. Vexx coming back from serious illness trying to win it all as well climb up the ladder to the top. He also dealt with getting a beatdown and his ribs injured from Submission Squad a hour before the match. The match started and Vega immediately targeted Vexx's injured ribs and make him quit. Vexx fought back in the match despite the injury and music interruption. It was too much as Vega would put Vexx away to win the Lone Star Classic.

The Business Shaves Jack Jameson Beard Off - Jack Jameson known for his trademark beard. After successful victory along with JC Bravo and Stan Summers over The Business they attacked him after the match with Angel Blue shaving off his beard. ACW previews have them putting censor bar over the shaving.

Bring On the Cage - Evan Gelistico gave Shawn Vexx ultimatum that if he wants a shot at ACW heavyweight title he must put up his career. Vexx agreed to the stipulation and added his of fighting inside a steel cage setting the stage for first ever cage match in ACW history.

Mr. B Gets "I Am the Table!" Treatment - Mr. B and Johnny Axxle took on Lil' Tony and Chavez Tuco in a Christmas deathmatch. End of match came when Lil' Tony powerbombs Mr. B from the top to the table except the table didn't break at all.

Submission Squad United and Victorious - as Darin Childs confronted Matthew Palmer, Submission Squad took him out as well his spot in the main event. Jason Silver would replace Childs' spot joining Jessica James, Bolt Brady, and Ricky Starks who had troubles with the Squad the entire year. Submission Squad used every trick in the book to ahead of Team Anarchy. Team Anarchy fought back but united front of The Submission Squad was too much as they were victorious at the end.

Death Rowe Takes Out Hero - a battle of strong-style between Ray Rowe and Chris Hero at Inspire Pro. They started out on the mat for minutes before laying on each other with strikes and throw downs on the mat. Rowe tried to hit his patented full nelson knee strike but Hero counters it nailing him rolling elbow strike. A back and forth fight continue til Rowe countered Hero's swinging neckreaker into full nelson knee strike for the win in one of Inpsire Pro best matches.

One Man Become First Ever Inspire Pro Heavyweight Champion - Inspire Pro crown the first ever heavyweight champion on this show with three-way match between Mike Dell, Davey Vega, and Jordan Jensen. For Jensen he got stipulation if his partner Andy Dalton made appearance in the match he will be DQ'd and fired. With help of Ricky Starks dropping Andy Dalton body off at the ringside Jensen got DQ'd and carried out of the building not without dropping n-bomb at Starks resulting in sensitivity classes for his troubles. It left the match between Dell and Vega with Vega getting advantage out of Dell. Dell's in-ring veteranship proved valuable as he outlasted Vega and finished him off with flying elbow for the win and becoming first ever Inspire Pro heavyweight champion. He added another accomplishment in his career as one of the best in Texas indies.

The Centerfold Goes After One Man - Mike Dell celebration was short-lived when the masked Void attacked him after the match. He unmasks revealing to be Matthew Palmer. Franco D'Angelo and James Claxton got in the ring only for D'Angelo turn on Claxton. Palmer and D'Angelo unite as one unit as they go after Inspire Pro heavyweight title.

Matthew Palmer and Darin Childs Take It All Over the Mohawk Block - shades of Simpsons episode of Homer fighting Bart's Big Brother all over the city. Darin Childs wanted bring Son of Anarchy out of Matthew Palmer. The match started before show opened when Palmer jumped Childs just as he was cutting a promo brawling to other side of the building. On DVD both would fight at various places around The Mohawk. They would make another appearance during Miss Dislexia and Johnny Axxle match factoring in the finish while they continue their fight. They would make their final appearance inside the building as they battle at the intermission and right into the ring bringing in the plunder. Palmer would end it hitting centerfold splash from the ladder on to Childs who was laying on ladder.

Barbi Hayden Fights Off The Business and Takes TV Title - Barbi Hayden feuded with TV champion Angel Blue in 2013 ending in losses thanks to interferences of The Business. As usual The Business got involved in this match but backfired when Chris Trew inadvertently collided with Angel Blue. It allowed Barbi take advantage getting the win and TV title.

Ricky Starks Get Revenge Over Davey Vega - Ricky Starks started 2013 lowly and rise on up through the year. Davey Vega was the one kicking sand on his face with his low blows and telling Starks he has no heart. The fiery Starks fought back in the match with him finally getting his revenge and pinning Vega for the victory.

Athena Gives Vega the Boot - Davey Vega licking his wounds after getting beat Athena made her return after being out with an injury. He wanted her comfort she gave him the boot telling its over between them. It wasn't a good night for him.

Infamous One Takes the Title in First Ever ACW Cage Match - never before ACW have ever had a cage match til this match when Shawn Vexx puts his career on the line for a title shot against heavyweight champion Evan Gelistico. Both had grand entrance before locking up inside the cage. Gelistico tried to leave but can't. Vexx gets upper hand with him slamming Gelistico from top of the cage. Submission Squad tried to interfere but The Business stopped them. Vexx made Gelistico tap to save his career and win heavyweight title. It's still to this day the only cage match in ACW.

Part 2 coming up soon.....