The Wire
By Todd Keneley
UPW set to unleash an “Overload” of action!
The clock is ticking as we get closer and closer to UPW’s 5th Anniversary Spectacular. I may be a journalist and play-by play commentator for Ultimate Pro Wrestling, but I am first and foremost a fan of this amazing business. I can remember getting goose bumps as a kid when I walked into the Los Angeles Sports Arena and witnessed the aura, energy, and excitement of a live professional wrestling event for the first time. It was magical! I was hooked and have been ever since. I have felt the same type of anticipation and excitement that I experienced in my youth welling up inside me whenever I think about heading to The Grove of Anaheim for on February 20. UPW has put together a night of action that looks to create many magical moments for long time wrestling fans and new ones alike. The spectacular which is aptly named “Overload” is without a doubt the biggest event in UPW history. On this night, we celebrate five years of brawls, babes, and body slams. We honor past UPW favorites who stand as the undisputed champions of their dream as we cheer on today’s fiery eyed and talented performers.. We also look back at the blood sweat and tears that enduring legends sacrificed to pave the road for the Superstars of today. Speaking of legends, it was announced last week that Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka will once again grace a UPW ring as he locks horns with a performer who is old school in his own right, “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce. It was also discovered that Frankie Kazarian will look to defy the odds as he defends his UPW Lightweight Title against “Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels, Jerry Lynn, and “Miracle” Mikey Henderson. If Kazarian is successful, he just might be “The coolest person in the world!” In yet another blockbuster announcement made last week, a UPW Women’s Championship match between current title holder Erica Porter and for WWE Womens Champion Ivory was signed. As I mentioned last week, we’re just getting warmed up. What follows is late breaking news that further proves that “Overload” will be Just 2 Sweeet!!!“The Outsiders” Hall and Nash invade UPW!
I’m taking a second to glance at my calendar, and nope, it’s not April 1st! This is not a mis-print, or some kind of prank. Just when you thought that “Overload” could not get any bigger…it did! That’s because two of the biggest and most infamous Superstars to ever step into the squared circle have once again joined forces. Scott Hall and Kevin Nash have chosen UPW as the launch pad for their next wave of domination. If history is any indication, UPW is in trouble! Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, collectively known as “The Outsiders” have made a habit out of conquering the wrestling world while taking out everyone in their way. Wrestling fans will never forget the chaos and carnage caused by this fearsome faction who spreads destruction like butter. Images of Nash throwing Rey Misterio like a lawn dart into a trailer and Hall using a cattle prod to aid Nash in handing Goldberg his first ever loss are forever etched in our minds. These moments merely scratch the surface of what these two men have accomplished. Let’s take a closer look at “The Outsiders” and their amazing impact on professional wrestling.
Scott Hall is without question one of the most recognized and decorated performers in wrestling history. Early in his career, Hall was a fixture in the AWA where he frequently teamed with the late great Curt Henning. In his first run with World Championship Wresting, he appeared as the “Diamond Stud”. Hall would later jump to WWE (WWF at the time) where his popularity would sky rocket. His character “Razor Ramon” was first introduced in a series of vignettes showing “The Bad Guy” on the mean streets of Miami (Damn I miss stuff like that!) In the years that followed Hall as Razor Ramon became one of WWE’s most popular Superstars. His “Razor’s Edge” became one of the most feared and devastating finishers. His legendary Wrestlemania X clash with Shawn Michaels is considered by many as one of the greatest matches of all time. The match inspired many fellow grapplers including the members of Hardkore Inc. and The Ballard Brothers who will face off in a brutal TLC Match at “Overload”. Hall earned the distinction of winning the WWE Intercontinental Title of four occasions.
On May 27, 1996, Scott Hall shocked the wrestling world when he appeared on the WWE rival WCW’s flagship program WCW Monday Nitro. At that time Hall proclaimed “You want a war, you got one!” The question is, was he talking to the WCW Locker room, or WWE? At Bash At The Beach on July 7, 1996 The New World Order was formed when Hall and Kevin Nash joined forces with Hulk Hogan. The turn of the events turned the wrestling world upside down. The nWo proved to be so popular, that it sparked a ratings war between WCW and WWE and allowed WCW to be in the top spot for two years. While in WCW, Scott Hall teamed with Kevin Nash to become one of the most dominant tag team combinations ever. They won the WCW Tag Team Titles on several occasions. Hall also added to his collection of championship gold by winning the WCW U.S. Championship. Over the years, despite his success, Hall faced many demons, and I’m not talking about a guy dressed up like Gene Simmons! This battle has been the toughest of Hall’s career and life. It is a battle that Hall is winning. He is back and better than ever. Scot Hall has something to prove to himself and his fans. He looks to do just that right here in UPW.
Scott Hall’s partner in crime is the 7′ tall 300 pound monster Kevin Nash. Like Hall, Nash toiled in his first run with laughable gimmicks including OZ (complete with old wizard manager and a monkey!) and Vinnie Vegas before being rising to stardom in WWE. Nash made his WWE debut as a body guard for Shawn Michaels. He was known simply as Diesel. He proved that he would not need to be relegated to his body guard status when he ironically defeated Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship. He would also team with HBK to gain WWE Tag Team Gold. Nash received a huge opportunity and capitalized on it when he defeated Bob Backlund in mere seconds to claim the WWE Heavyweight Championship. Big Daddy Cool rode a wave of popularity and success into Wrestlmania 11 where he defeated his former boss (Michaels) in the main event. Nash used a powerbomb which he named “The Jacknife” to lay waste to his opponents. Like Hall, Nash packed his bags for WCW. As mentioned earlier, he teamed with Hall to dominate the WCW Tag Team Division. “The Outsiders” won their first WCW Tag Team Championship at Halloween Havoc ’96 by defeating Harlem Heat. Nash once again became a World Heavyweight Champion when he defeated Goldberg at Starrcade ’98. The victory snapped Goldberg’s undefeated winning streak at 173. Nash recently ended a second run with WWE. He has taken time to continue a career in film. He will appear in the upcomming blockbuster adaptation of the comic book “The Punisher” It will be tough to top his stellar performance as “Super Shredder” in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 – The Secret Of The Ooze! In all seriousness, since departing WWE the wrestling world has been buzzing about what this monster will do next. The time for speculation is over as he is on his way to UPW!
Now that I have run down the history of Hall and Nash, what type of impact will they have in UPW. You can bet that they will be out to spoil the 5th Anniversary Celebration by attempting to lay waste to UPW much like they did in WCW. Out to make sure that such a thing does not happen is none other than UPW Heavyweight Champion Tom Howard. Howard is in a familiar position as he always defends the honor of UPW every time he steps into the ring. Tom is the heart and soul of UPW as he is not only the Champion, but the head instructor of Ultimate University as well. Howard has also acted as an ambassador for UPW as he represents the promotion with class, honor, and fighting spirit while competing in Japan for Zero-One. Hall and Nash have challenged Howard to select a partner of his choosing before waging war with the invading Outsiders at “Overload”. Who will Howard chose? Will it be a shoot fighter, or perhaps someone with a knowledge of and history with Hall and Nash. You can make your voice heard. Click here to weigh in with your opinion on who Howard should select as his partner for this epic battle.
The Wire returns next week with the full story on how UPW Owner Rick Bassman and UPW Comissioner Pete Doyle will battle for “Ultimate Power” at “Overload”!
“Overload” is a benefit for the Orangewood Children’s Foundation, and charitable donations will be gladly accepted. These donations will go towards sponsoring some of the over 4000 foster children in the Orange County area. In order to make a tax deductible donation, and help many deserving children throughout Orange County to enjoy a rare special occasion, please contact Tina Gibbs at the Orangewood Children’s Foundation at tgibbs@orangewoodfoundation.org or by calling 714-619-0204.
“Overload”
A benefit for The Orangewood Foundation
Friday, February 20 – 7pm; Doors open at 6pm
The Grove of Anaheim
Tickets available now – $25 General Admission, $50 Limited VIP
(VIP tickets include Pre-Show VIP Reception and after show VIP Party)
Tickets available at The Grove: 714-712-2700, Ticketmaster outlets, and www.ticketmaster.com
www.upw.com
