News (and some Opinions) from Rick Bassman
UPW has been more focused than ever on seeking out and procuring opportunities for its talent.
Here are some current UPW-booked, talent-related activities:
Nathan Jones has just wrapped production on Wolfgang Peterson’s $200 million+ epic “Troy.” Nathan has a BIG one-on-one fight scene with Brad Pitt.
We’ve seen HUGE improvements in many UPW wrestlers/Ultimate University students as of late, including Jordan “Ruckus” Chambers, Matt “Apocalypse” Tyler and Erica Porter.
UPW/Ultimate University happenings:
UPW’s next BIG show is Wednesday’s “Possession” event at The Galaxy. Roddy Piper will be there, as will the always-entertainment Riki Rachtman. I’m particularly looking forward to Lil Nate Vs Skulu as well as to the feature debut of the up and coming James Lukash and Kevin “Antonio Mestre” Zacaula.
The UPW DVDs have shipped. They are just now appearing on the shelves of retail establishments including Sam Goody’s, Wal-Mart, Target, Sun Coast and others.
Chris Bell, Todd Keneley, Murphy McDermott, Marty Rubalcaba, and Josh Waldrop continue to comprise the best Creative/Production team in independent wrestling today. Murph and Les Honig are equally as valuable to upw.com.
We are now actively in production on our all-new TLC (The Learning Channel) Special. Tom Howard and Hardkore Kidd are featured, along with myself and Brett “Big Schwag” Wagner.
We’re heading toward UPW’s 5th Anniversary Show at The Grove of Anaheim, December 17. Stay tuned to upw.com and come to “Possession” next Wednesday at The Galaxy for some HUGE announcements. The first match signed is will undoubtedly prove to be an amazing 6-Man Tag slugfest featuring The Outlaws Vs Pro Wrestling Iron’s Mike Modest, Donovan Morgan and Bison. Predator has challenged none other then “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” Ken Shamrock, and we hope to hear from Shamrock next Wednesday. See you there!
The Wire
By Todd Keneley
“POSSESSION” is less than a week away!
Everyone at Ultimate Pro Wrestling is gearing up to do a little “Trick or Beating” as UPW and Raw Dawg Sports Energy Drink present “POSSESSION” live at The Galaxy Theatre on October 22!
The event promises to be a wicked night of action featuring nine BIG matches featuring your favorite UPW Superstars.
With three UPW Titles on the line, who will possess the coveted gold once the fog clears next week? Make sure you are on hand to witness the mayhem as we celebrate Halloween UPW style in this wild “spooktacular!” (OK, so I’ve watched one too many episodes of Macabre Theatre lately!) Make sure to check out the bottom of The Wire for the complete match line up and ticket information. That being said, it is now time to take a look at some of the many happenings in UPW and the effect that they will have on “POSSESSION.”
The Legendary Rowdy Roddy Piper will make his third live UPW appearance at “POSSESSION” on October 22 at The Galaxy Theatre. Hot Rod will be in the house to host a live edition of “In The Pit With Piper.” As always, you can expect the unexpected from the outspoken Superstar; there is simply no telling what Piper will do or say. Given his recent history, the rowdy Scott is sure to be fired up to step back into the squared circle. One thing is certain, it promises to be an entertaining and historic appearance by one of pro wrestling’s all time greats. The rowdy one will also take time to meet with fans while signing copies of his highly successful tell all book, “In The Pit With Piper.”
Piper has also contributed to UPW’s new action packed DVD’s which recently hit the shelves of major retailers. He can be seen in four exclusive segments in which the icon shares insight and stories from his illustrious career while interacting with some of UPW’s hottest young Superstars. The six new UPW DVD’s will be available for purchase at “POSSESSION.” Don’t miss this opportunity to see a true legend of wrestling live and in person next week.
July 11, 2003 was a night which will forever live in infamy in UPW history. It was on that night that the supposedly fair and impartial Commissioner Pete Doyle showed his true colors while betraying everyone loyal to UPW. The shocking turn of events occurred at the premier of UPW’s summer time extravaganza, “Title Wave.”
The event came on the heels of Commissioner Doyle’s controversial decision to strip the longest reigning Heavyweight Champion in UPW history (Tom Howard) of his title. With Howard’s frequent trips to Japan to represent UPW while competing in Zero-One, Doyle claimed an insufficient number of title defenses in the U.S. as justification for the decision.
Commissioner Doyle created a tournament to crown the man who would succeed Howard as holder of the richest prize in UPW. UPW Owner Rick Bassman endorsed the tournament and handed decision making power over to Doyle after the Commissioner agreed that Tom Howard would be the #1 contender for the Heavyweight Championship should he return as a full time UPW competitor. The historic tournament was set to begin and everything seemed to be on the up and up. Unfortunately, this could not be further from the truth.
In the first round, “Super Freak” Chris Mordetzky who was on a role since winning The 22-man Battle Royal scored an upset victory over UPW veteran Keiji Sakoda securing a shot at the gold in the night’s main event tournament final.
Before the second first round match, it was discovered that “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce had acquired the services of the self proclaimed “Manager of Champions” Big Schwag. The plot was beginning to thicken as the newest member of The Schwag Army stole a victory over the popular Polynesian superstar Skulu with more than a little help from his new manager.
By hook or by crook (actually a little bit of both) Pearce would now face Mordetzky for the Heavyweight Title later that night. A seemingly disgusted Pete Doyle walked toward the ring with purpose. In a statement which would become quite ironic a bit later, the Commissioner claimed that he would not stand for such actions and that a black eye would not be placed on the championship that night. Although the referee’s decision was final and Pearce would advance, Doyle threatened Schwag and Pearce and assured the fans that no such shenanigans would be allowed in the final tournament match. He then proclaimed that he would be the referee for the match to ensure a just outcome.
As Adam Pearce and the “Super Freak” were engaged in a heated battle for the belt, Schwag attempted to stack the deck for his man by interfering on his behalf. Doyle seemed to be living up to his word as he ejected Schwag and his army from the ringside area. The match was now one on one, and Big Chris began to get the better of his crafty adversary. Just when it seemed that Mordetzky would capture lightning in a bottle and win the title, the unthinkable happened. A frustrated Pearce had gone to the outside and returned with a steel folding chair. He prepared to dim Chris’ lights when the “impartial” referee tore it from his grasp.
Doyle again seemed to be keeping order and integrity in this title match until, out of nowhere he turned and cracked Chris in the skull with the object. A stunned crowd at The Grove looked on as the crooked Commish urged Pearce to put away his challenger. He did just that with a sickening piledriver onto the chair which left Chris a quivering mess.
Doyle counted the fall; Pearce was the new UPW Heavyweight Champion. Big Schwag and the remainder of the Schwag Army made their way to the ring. Shockingly Doyle and Schwag embraced; an unholy alliance had been formed. Schwag now had both the UPW Heavyweight Champion and UPW Women’s Champion (Erica Porter) in his stable. The argument can be made that, thanks in part to Pete Doyle, he truly is “The Manager of Champions.”
The mayhem had just begun as a betrayed, confused, and angry Rick Bassman acting on pure emotion hit the ring, speared Doyle, and began to beat on him. The numbers game quickly took effect as the members of this newly formed faction took turns taking shots at the helpless UPW Owner.
Doyle put the exclamation point on the attack when he unleashed a devastating shot to Bassman’s head with metal clipboard. Rick had given Doyle the object as a symbolic gesture of turning over power to him. Obviously it came back to haunt him in a major way. The crowd erupted in outrage throwing anything they could get their hands on at the ring in protest.
This word has been thrown around in wrestling a hell of a lot over the years, but this was pandemonium if I’ve ever seen it! No one was safe, including yours truly. I was summoned to the ring by Doyle only to be crowned with a steel chair by the new Heavyweight Champion. I’ll never forget coming to as I lay drenched in beer and soda and surrounded with garbage, I looked up to see the true garbage as they walked from the ring holding their stolen prize, the UPW Heavyweight Title high for all to see.
There can be no doubt that Doyle, Schwag, and Pearce will attempt to pick things up where they left off. Bassman will be nowhere in sight as he is scheduled to be in Japan along side former UPW Heavyweight Champion Tom Howard. As it is said, while the cat is away, the mice will play. The fearsome faction plans to make UPW its personal playground at “POSSESSION.” They feel as if they are an unstoppable force. After what went down at “Title Wave,” who could argue?… I know of one man who could, “Super Freak” Chris Mordetzky !
As you just read, Chris Mordetzky was screwed at “Title Wave.” This has not slowed the momentum for this amazingly talented and powerful young competitor. “Super Freak” is on the verge of living his dream as a WWE Superstar.
Mordetzky was recently signed to a developmental contract with WWE. Before he heads off in pursuit of his dream, he has some unfinished business to take care of in UPW. Chris opted to push back his departure in order to compete at “POSSESSION” in a Heavyweight Title rematch with the Scrap Daddy.
Mordetzky has promised that at “POSSESSION,” he will right the wrongs of July 11 and will restore dignity to the title by winning it in the ring, and bringing it home where it belongs. Chris has also stated that after winning the championship, he plans on returning to UPW to defend it in a match with his mentor, Tom Howard. I would love to see that day come, but reigning UPW Heavyweight Champion, “Scrap Iron” intends to turn Chris’ dream into a nightmare. The following statement comes directly from the pen of the new champ.
“As we speak, I am the current UPW Champion. As a matter of fact, I am the greatest UPW Champion of ALL-TIME. Bassman, you made the ultimate mistake allowing my entry into the tournament. Are you really that stupid? Did you think in that shiny chrome dome of yours that I would not find a way to win your precious title. You are a fool! You tried to hold me down for years, putting me in tag matches, never giving me a shot.
Why?! I’ll tell you why; you were scared to face the truth! You’d rather drool over your muscle bound retards like Mordetzky than face reality and recognize true talent. Reality says this: I am YOUR Champion. I wear the title you hold so dear. Doyle, Schwag, and I are an unstoppable force, a true example of “Ultimate Power.” Face it, it eats you up and tears you apart inside. I find it hilarious that I will once again face “Super Freak” at The Galaxy. He represents everything you love and everything I hate.
If he has the guts to show up after what happened to him last time, he will make his trip to WWE in a body bag! He can’t hold my jock, even though I’m sure he’d enjoy trying. I hear you talk about how proud Tom Howard is of him, but I have to ask, what has Tom taught him…how to order supplements from the internet? How to talk about how strong and talented he is? You continue to fuel his ego and fill his head full of sh**. Mordetzky , don’t make the mistake of being a martyr for UPW. If you value your contract and your life, don’t show up at “POSSESSION.” Save yourself from being nothing more than a two-time loser courtesy of the Scrap Daddy!
The bell is ringing son. Old school is back in session. Time to take some notes!”
-Scrap Iron Adam Pearce
Reigning UPW Tag Team champions Hardkore Inc. (Hardkore Kidd and Al Katrazz) feel as if they have nothing left to prove. Since joining forces, these two thugs along with their devious manager El Jefe have spread destruction like butter while making life a living hell for other UPW Tag Teams. Their reign of terror started as they blatantly interfered in several title matches between The Ballard Brothers and the Thrillaz.
It culminated with a victory of The Ballards in a brutal table match at “Entertainment Overload.” Hardkore Inc. ended the eighth tag team title reign of the Ballards with the controversial win. At “Title Wave,” the champions narrowly escaped with a victory and their titles after defeating former champions Shannon and Shane Ballard and the Thrillaz in a triple threat match. The Ballard Brothers, who feel they are uncrowned champions, continue to lobby for another shot at the titles which they have held more time than any other team in UPW history.
Although it seems that the Ballards are certainly deserving, Hardkore Inc. and Commissioner Pete Doyle disagree. The champs and the Commissioner have come to the conclusion that The Ballards have had plenty of chances and have failed. They will have to prove themselves if they ever hope to return to the Tag Team Title picture. Doyle has booked Shannon and Shane in a match with monstrous Schwag Army members Ruckus and Apocalypse for “POSSESSION.” Hardkore Kidd had this to say regarding The Ballard Brothers.
“How many times do Al and I have to beat these 80’s glam rock wannabes?! The Ballards have gotten their asses pounded more time than Looney Lane! It has reached the point where it is just sad and isn’t even fun anymore. The time has come for The Hardkore Inc, World Tour to move on and visit some new victims.”
-Hardkore Kidd
As a result, Hardkore Inc. has issued a special “Hardkore Gauntlet” Challenge for “POSSESSION.” According to the Tag Team Champions, El Jefe has searched high and low to hand pick three young teams deserving of the right to step into the ring with Hardkore Inc. Being the “fighting champions” that they are, Hardkore Kidd and Al Katrazz will face the three teams in succession. Should any of the three up and coming teams score a victory over the champions, they will be granted a title shot at UPW’s HUGE 5th Anniversary Show on December 17 at The Grove of Anaheim.
Who will the teams be? Will any of them have what it takes to beat Hardkore Inc., or are the members of these teams simply lambs being lead to the slaughter? What is the true motivation for Hardkore Inc? Are they sincere about seeking fresh challengers for their titles, or are they doing everything in their power to avoid another showdown with the 8-time Tag Team Champions, The Ballard Brothers ? Make sure you are live at “POSSESSION” as these questions are answered.
Riki Rachtman, one of Southern California’s favorite radio and television personalities will be on hand to join in on the festivities at “POSSESSION.” Rachtman, who is still widely recognized by us metal heads as the true host of “Head Bangers Ball” is a big fan of professional wrestling.
He spent the better part of two years on the road with WCW as an on-air personality. Rachtman attended “Title Wave” and is excited to once again be involved with UPW. He will host our first ever Halloween costume contest live at “POSSESSION,” Here is where you the fans come in! If you get into the Halloween spirit a few days early, you may walk away with some cool prizes. Just come to “POSSESSION” dressed up as your favorite pro wrestling Superstar or personality and sign up to enter the contest. The audience will vote for their favorite. The winner of the contest will receive two tickets to an upcoming local WWE live event as well as a 6-pack of our new UPW DVD’s!
UPW is preparing to celebrate five years of brawls, babes, and body slams in grand fashion. The premier force in independent wrestling will hold a blockbuster event to commemorate this milestone on December 17 at The Grove of Anaheim.
The road to the 5th Anniversary show begins at “POSSESSION.” Rumor has it that many of the amazing matches which will take place on this historic night will be revealed to the live crowd at next weeks show. Last year’s “Season’s Beatings” 4th Anniversary show saw the UPW returns of John Cena who battled Frankie Kazarian and Victoria who wreaked havoc in the Vixens Rumble. Who will show up this year?!
Could it be that UPW will give its fans an early Christmas present by putting together some more dream matches? There can be no doubt that UPW will pull out all the stops to make this an event that fans will never forget. To wet you appetite, one match has already been signed for the spectacular.
The Outlaws (Mike Knox, Marshall Knox, and Derrick Neikirk) vs. Mike Modest, Donovan Morgan, and Bison
This looks to be an extremely physical 6-man tag team battle. This is just the tip of the ice burg. More huge matches for the UPW 5th Anniversary Show live at “POSSESSION.” I’ll be back early next week with all the late breaking UPW news. See you at The Galaxy next Wednesday night!
The full card for “POSSESSION” can be found at this URL.
