Prepare for “Meltdown” on July 20!
It’s good to be back! I’m not just saying that because the next outing in a rich six-year history of UPW live events is less than two weeks away, but it is simply nice to be back in Southern California. Our crew, myself included, recently returned from Northern California, specifically Susanville, where Diamond Mountain Casino hosted the first in a series of live Valor Fighting Professional Mixed Martial Arts events. When the dust had cleared (literally as it was held in an outdoor venue) 4 out of 5 Valor Fighters competing that night earned victories including 12-year veteran Vernon “Tiger” White who bested Canada’s Chris Peak in the main event. On July 16, Valor Fighting will strike again as it unleashes “Medford Mayhem” live at The Medford Armory (If that doesn’t sound like an old school pro wrestling show and venue, I don’t know what does!)Speaking of professional wrestling, on July 20, this company gets to go back to doing what brought it to the dance six years ago. In a summer of HUGE movies, UPW is set to deliver a summer blockbuster of its own with action hotter than “The Fantastic 4’s” Human Torch himself! It is fitting that Warner Bros. decided to show us how “Batman Begins”, because at Meltdown, UPW returns to its origin at The Galaxy Theatre. It will truly be a “Title Wave” as all active UPW Championships will be on the line in one historic night.
Luther “Horshu” Reigns demands Title shot!
I spoke about the silver screen earlier, but one man is out to prove that this summer is not about Show Time, but rather Shu Time; and that there is simply “No business like Shu Business!” That is because former WWE Smackdown! Superstar Luther “Horshu” Reigns has returned to UPW with only one goal in mind, to defeat longtime Champion Tom Howard for the UPW Heavyweight Title. He will have an opportunity to do just that when he faces Howard at Meltdown.
Despite wrestling on Smackdown! and on several WWE Pay Per View events, you may be wondering how Reigns can return to UPW and receive an automatic Title shot. The answer is, he is in fact long overdue! At “Home of The Brave” at the El Rey Theatre back in 2001, Luther was the last man standing in a very competitive Battle Royal in which the winner was granted a shot at the UPW Heavyweight Championship. Shortly thereafter Tom Howard, one of Reigns closest friends, won the Title. Rick Bassman assigned Horshu to ridding UPW of some of its scourges at the time including Smelly and members of The Schwag Army. Over time, Luther became bitter and jealous of Howard who was defending the Championship around the globe. Feeling that he may never receive his earned opportunity, Reigns stabbed Howard in the back at an event in Laughlin, Nevada and beat the Champ into a bloody pulp. The battle lines had been drawn, but before “Horshu” could capitalize on his treachery, or Howard would get a chance to exact his revenge, Reigns was called to WWE ranks. The bad blood has been simmering, and the score will finally be settled at Meltdown!
Aaron “Jesus”Aguilera and Sakoda return to action @ Meltdown!
Luther Reigns is not the only former Smackdown! Superstar returning to the UPW fold on July 20. That’s because two of UPW’s all-time greats Aaron “Jesus” Aguilera known in UPW as Hardkore Kidd and Ryan Sakoda will explode back onto the scene as well. Both brave warriors have battled back from serious injuries and are eager to return to the ring at The Galaxy.
Aguilera was recently cleared to return from a badly torn groin and a pinched nerve and compressed disc in his neck, which required surgery. Prior to having surgery, His injuries had worsened at Smackdown’s Armageddon Pay Per View in which “Hardkore” lived up to his name by gutting it out in a street fight with fellow UPW alum John Cena.An average person with Aguilera’s ailments would not have been able to get out of a chair, let alone get leveled by one! The performance was truly an inspirational testament to his willingness to sacrifice for what he loves. This undying passion also enabled him to face his greatest battle to date, the battle to return to the ring. Make sure you are on hand for the triumphant return of Aaron Aguilera as part of Meltdown.
Aguilera recently proved that he has recovered as he represented UPW in Japan while competing on a Zero-One tour. Ironically, during the tour with another tough competitor ready to make his Southern California return to the ring, Ryan Sakoda. As we speak, both Aguilera and Sakoda are on their way to Japan to compete on a HUSTLE tour, which will conclude on July 16. Sakoda teamed with Tajiri and Akio on Smackdown! before being released from WWE due a serious back injury, which like Aguilera’s, required surgery. After nearly completing rehab for his injury, Sakoda’s back once again gave out and a second surgery was needed. Not even a setback as big as that would keep down the dedicated “Japanese Assassin”! Sakoda once again battled back, and even found time to contribute as an instructor at UPW’s Ultimate University. Ryan’s back held up well in recent competition overseas, and it looks as though Sakoda will reprise his role as a member of “Team Emblem” along with Ohtani and Tanaka in the near future. Once again, you can’t afford to miss the inspiration return of one of Southern California’s brightest stars on July 20.
“The Masterpiece” Chris Masters joins the festivities @ Meltdown!
With Reigns, Aguilera, and Sakoda returning, it’s obvious that a lot of “Smackdown” will be laid down at The Galaxy, but things are gonna get a bit “Raw” as well! Former UPW standout, and current WWE Raw Superstar Chris Masters will be on hand for a special appearance at Meltdown. “The Masterpiece” has made a big impact on Raw in a short amount of time. In his TV debut, he made the leader of “The Blue World Order” a member of “The Black and Blue World Order” when he busted his face with a “Polish Hammer” that would make even Ivan Putski cringe. Since then, nobody has been able to escape his “Masterlock”. Perhaps he is coming to The Galaxy to find another victim, er contestant for his “Masterlock Challenge”.
Well, that does it for this week. The Wire returns Monday 7/18 with a final look at Meltdown including the story on how Lil Nate is out to prove that he is no flash in the pan, and that his reign as UPW Lightweight Champion is for real. The current card which will include a special musical performance by Tijuana Bullfight (one of the hottest new band out of Hollywood) can be found below. Secure your tickets to be part of UPW’s cure for the Summertime Bruise! (I hate myself)
TK
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Wednesday, July 20th, 2005 8:00 PM
All tickets only $15
Tickets on Sale now:
The Galaxy Box Office (714-957-0600), Ticketmaster
Outlets and ticketmaster.com
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Featuring appearances by:
“The Masterpiece” Chris Masters and Frankie Kazarian
Featuring in IN RING action:
“Hardkore Kidd” Jesus Aguilera and Sakoda
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UPW Heavyweight Champion
Tom Howard
-vs-
Luther “Horshu” Reigns
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Skulu
-vs-
Apocalypse
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“Old School” Oliver John
-vs-
Joey Ryan
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UPW Lightweight Champion
Lil’ Nate
-vs-
Davie Richards
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Scott Lost
-vs-
Antonio Mestre
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UPW Tag Team Champions
The Ballard Brothers
-vs-
The SouthSide G’s
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Triple Threat tag Team match
Tommy Wilson & Shawn Riddik
-VS-
The Good Guys
-VS-
Lionheart & The Human Tornado
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Also featuring in in-ring action:
The Predator, Ma’koa, Andrew Hellman, Marshall Knox
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card subject to change
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Featuring a live musical performance by:
Tijuana Bullfight
http://www.tijuanabullfight.com/
——————————————————————————–
Wednesday, July 20th, 2005
8:00 PM
All tickets only $15
Tickets on Sale now:
The Galaxy Box Office (714-957-0600), Ticketmaster Outlets and ticketmaster.com
