The Wire
By Todd Keneley
“OVERLOAD” is less than a month away!
Everyone at UPW is gearing up to throw a Fifth Anniversary Celebration that our fans will never forget. This will truly be a special night the magnitude of which has never been seen in UPW, and all of independent professional wrestling for that matter. As I mentioned in the previous edition of The Wire, historic matches taking place at The Grove will include the in ring return of the “World’s Most Dangerous Man” Ken Shamrock as he battles the first ever UPW Heavyweight Champion, Sylvester “The Predator” Terkay. The storied war over the coveted UPW Tag Team Titles between Hardkore Inc. and The Ballard Brothers will culminate on February 20 as the feuding factions take each other to the limit and beyond in a hellacious Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) Match. While these epic encounters would be worth the price of admission alone, this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg! Over the last two weeks, some amazing additions have been made to an already stellar card for “Overload”. I have been chomping at the bit to share the following late breaking news with you. . . Lynn debuts, Daniels returns:
UPW Lightweight Gold up for grabs in a Fatal 4-Way!
In what promises to be one of the most dynamic, Holy S*** moment filled matches in UPW history, Frankie “The Future” Kazarian’s reign as UPW Lightweight Champion will be tested like never before as he defends the title in a star studded Fatal 4-Way Elimination Match at “Overload”. His list of hungry challengers reads like a “Who’s Who” when it comes to the Lightweight division. Let’s take a closer look at the amazing competitors who will be primed to blow the roof of The Grove.
The reigning Lightweight Champion, Frankie Kazarian is one of the most decorated performers to ever step into a UPW ring. He and his former tag team partner Nova (Evolution) held the UPW Tag Team Titles for nearly an entire year. During that time, Frankie shined in high profile matches against some of wrestling’s greatest teams including 7-time WWE Tag Team Champions Edge and Christian, ECW Tag Team Champions Doring and Roadkill, and 8-time UPW Tag Team Champions The Ballard Brothers. Much like Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels, Frankie made a seamless transition to singles competition and has flourished. At “Shockwave” in August of 2002, Frankie pinned Spanky in a Triple Threat Match (which included B-Boy) to capture the UPW Lightweight Title. Kazarian has been on fire ever since. He is a high-flyer who uses his amazing agility, athleticism, and conditioning to get the edge over his opponents. This time however, the playing field could not be more level as his challengers share similar attributes and accolades.
“Miracle” Mikey Henderson has the UPW Lightweight Title in his cross-hairs. Henderson came within an eyelash of defeating Kazarian when the two last met at “Entertainment Overload”. It was an incredible back and forth struggle which earned the right to be honored as a Match Of The Year candidate. Mikey, much like Frankie, has an illustrious UPW history. He is a former UPW Heavyweight Champion. In fact, he was the individual who ended Samoa Joe’s dominant reign at the top of UPW. Henderson defied the odds in that encounter to walk away with the gold; can he do it again? Mikey is currently riding a wave of momentum and success. He has recently become an international superstar who proudly represents UPW while competing in the Zero-One promotion in Japan. Henderson would like nothing more than to Return to The Land Of The Rising Sun with the responsibility of not only defending UPW’s honor, but its Lightweight Title as well.
Jerry Lynn is widely recognized as one of the most talented performers in all of pro wrestling today. His ECW battles with Rob Van Dam are legendary. At that time, Lynn earned the nickname of “The New F’N Show”. Over the past several year’s, Jerry Lynn has been in the business of collecting championships, and business has been good! He is a former ECW Heavyweight Champion. Lynn has also recently held the NWA-TNA Tag Team Title and X-Division crown as well. Will he add to his impressive collection on February 20? If he can hook his opponents in his devastating cradle piledriver, Jerry Lynn just might walk out with the UPW Lightweight Title hooked around his waist!
Last but certainly not least, Southern California wrestling fan’s prayers have been answered! “The Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels will make his long awaited UPW return at “Overload” to spice up the Lightweight Title match and make it even hotter. I suppose that is appropriate since he often wrestles in Japan as the outrageous “Curry Man”. It is also fitting that Daniels will compete on UPW’s 5th Anniversary as “The Fallen Angel” was one of the Superstars who worked hard in and out of the ring to create the foundation which has allowed for UPW’s success. Daniels is a former two-time UPW Heavyweight Champion who’s skills are recognized and admired world wide. He considers himself to be “God’s gift to wrestling”. This may seem like a lofty claim, but Daniels backs it up every time he steps into the squared circle. His triple jump moonsault (The Unholy Trinity) is one of the most breathtaking moves in all of wrestling. Will “The Fallen Angel” give his opponents their last rites in route to winning the gold? One thing is for certain, it will be damn entertaining watching him try!
When you speak about the high- flying style that these four amazing competitors utilize, you have to talk about one of innovators of that style, the legendary Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka. It was announced some time ago, that the Hall Of Famer would grace UPW with his presence and take part in the festivities at “Overload”. Due to a challenge made just this week, Snuka won’t simply be on hand to sign autographs for his many loyal fans, he’ll be there to fight!
Pearce intends to turn Snuka into “Scrap Iron”
Everyone at UPW and our fans have expressed great excitement in having the honor of having an all time great like Jimmy Snuka at our 5th Anniversary as we not only celebrate our past, but the glorious history of this great business. Superfly is one of the most influential superstars in wrestling history. In fact, it is now common knowledge that his unforgettable leap off the top of a 15 ft. high steel cage at Madison Square Garden was one of the key factors that inspired Mick Foley to become a professional wrestler.
“Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce does not see it that way. The former Heavyweight Champion who along with his manager Big Schwag and crooked Commissioner Pete Doyle turned UPW upside down only months ago plans on continuing his destructive ways. He has been outraged ever since losing the Title (which he never earned) to Tom Howard. Pearce has not been granted a title shot, and most likely will not unless Pete Doyle defeats UPW Owner Rick Bassman in their grudge match to gain full control of UPW. The devious Pearce has created a plan to receive the attention he feels he deserves. The Scrap Daddy has challenged Jimmy Snuka to a match for “Overload”. Pearce has gone on record claiming that he is the true legend, and that there is no room for the Superfly. He is out to end Snuka’s illustrious career. Pearce had the following to say: “I will do what not even Roddy Piper or Magnificent Muraco could when I destroy Snuka. It’s time to put this old dog to sleep!”
Pearce better not come into this match over confident. Former scourge of UPW, Smelly made that mistake, only to find himself with a hell of a view of Snuka’s legendary Superfly Leap from the top rope. The beloved Superfly is not a legend in his own mind like Pearce; he is the real thing. Expect Snuka to defend his legacy with all that he has left in him. Will Pearce make good on his promise, or will the legend of the Superfly continue to soar to new heights? Don’t miss your chance to be at The Grove live to find out!
Erica Porter to face former WWE Womens Champion!
Erica Porter has proven herself to be a dominant champion ever since winning the title eight months ago. She has thwarted the challenges of talented female performers gunning for her gold including Savvy and Desire. Erica is hungry for a challenge. She’ll get all she can handle when she faces multi-time WWE Womens Champion Ivory at “Overload”. Ivory has proven herself to be an incredible competitor and is one of WWE’s most enduring Divas. It is special for all of us at UPW every time one of our own gets the opportunity to step into the ring with a WWE Superstar. Don’t expect Porter to be star struck. In fact, it may be Ivory who is left seeing stars if she is not careful. This exclusive match is just another reason why you just can’t afford to miss “Overload”.
The Wire returns next week with even more Huge announcements regarding our 5th Anniversary Spectacular. Don’t be an outsider, check it out!
