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August 23, 2005
Boy,
it sure is difficult being an official in the International Wrestling
Cartel.
When approached about writing a column for this fine website, I must admit, I felt a little overwhelmed at first. I mean, what could I possibly have to right about? Granted, me, I've been a few places... mostly here and there once or twice.
Still, the question lingered. Suddenly, Saturday night August 19th in Uniontown, it hit me.
Literally.
Having the perspective of the "third man in the ring" was exclusive that night to only myself and CJ Sensation. These eyes see a lot of things over the course of a show, so I?d now like to share with you the things I saw at Showdown in Utown 3.
Lou Marconi v Deviant saw the return of a Pittsburgh legend, and the IWC debut of a man with limitless potential. It was an honor to share a ring with "Beef Stew", as he was the first wrestler I took notice of when I discovered the Pittsburgh indy scene all those years ago. And how about that Hellfire clothesline that he used to defeat Deviant?
The IWC tag title defense of champs Sebastian Dark and HENTAI against Dunn and Marcos, the Ring Crew Express was next for me. A lot of people criticized the call of RCE getting the title shot, saying that they aren't the number one contenders because they haven't been in IWC in quite some time. Well, here's the thing about that. Dark and HENTAI are owed a receipt from IWC's head honcho Norm Connors, and this was simply his next attempt at ending the reign of terror. I call it smart business, as the more variety of opponents thrown at the champs, the better chance of them falling, and at the very least they are being worn down more and more, little by little each time.
Having to call for the bell was a tough decision, but I refused to allow the champs to flagrantly break the rules the way they did. A tough call, but the right one.
The next chapter in the war between Mickey and Marshall, the Gambinos, and the Ohio Players of J-Rocc and Troy Lords took place in a fans bring the weapons match. Brutal is all I can say, and that doesn't even come close to doing this fight justice. Seeing as how I have become the unofficial referee for this blood feud, words can't describe the hatred you can see between the two teams. Will it come to an end in two weeks in McKeesport, or will that simply be more fuel on the fire?
At this point, I was approached by Dark and HENTAI at the curtain, who demanded that I get them a pitcher of beer. I was reluctant, seeing as how they are pretty nasty individuals while sober. Give them some alcohol, and watch out. However, after the threat of bodily harm, I complied. When I asked for a few dollars to cover the cost, I was chased out of the locker room area, while Sebastian told me that he'd be sure to give me what he owed me.
Well, I never received any money from those guys, but I did receive something...
While dealing with the nervousness of being a short time away from being involved in my first IWC main event, I was grabbed by the Ring Crew Express and shoved through the curtain. I had no clue what was happening as I was forced into the ring. It was then that the impromptu tag title rematch was made.
I feel bad now, as I was informed after the match that Dark and HENTAI had indeed cheated again when I wasn't looking to retain their titles. All decisions are final, however, so I am powerless as I type this. This was a bad match for me, as Dark grabbed me by the throat during the match, and I should have taken the initiative and called the match right there and awarded the belts to RCE. Hindsight, though...
When the match was over, Dark grabbed me by the throat again, forcing me into the ring steps. HENTAI followed this up with a slap that knocked the glasses right off my face. As I felt a combination of pain and anger, I knew I had a topic for my column.
I would try to take all of you into the ring with me, and to see what I see through those same glasses that were smacked off my face. It's an interesting perspective to say the least, and I will do my best to share it with you. Now back to the show.
Finally, we came to the main event.
Although Shiima Xion may have come up just a little short in his quest to dethrone World champion Shirley Doe, I guarantee he earned the respect of everyone who will ever see that match. I was the referee for Shiima's first match, and I believe this was his first IWC main event as well, so it felt sort of special. He has come a long way, and this is only the very beginning.
Enough with the sappy crap.
Again, I supposedly got in the way of the competitors, and took a hit that sent me crashing to the mat. All I remember was being awakened, and counting as Doe was being pinned. He kicked out that time, and went on to retain the gold. An incredible performance by both men, indeed.
Well, I have rambled on here long enough. I hope you enjoyed things from my perspective, and I also hope to be back next week with more pearls of wisdom.
Support the vision impaired!!!
-Steven Colter
When approached about writing a column for this fine website, I must admit, I felt a little overwhelmed at first. I mean, what could I possibly have to right about? Granted, me, I've been a few places... mostly here and there once or twice.
Still, the question lingered. Suddenly, Saturday night August 19th in Uniontown, it hit me.
Literally.
Having the perspective of the "third man in the ring" was exclusive that night to only myself and CJ Sensation. These eyes see a lot of things over the course of a show, so I?d now like to share with you the things I saw at Showdown in Utown 3.
Lou Marconi v Deviant saw the return of a Pittsburgh legend, and the IWC debut of a man with limitless potential. It was an honor to share a ring with "Beef Stew", as he was the first wrestler I took notice of when I discovered the Pittsburgh indy scene all those years ago. And how about that Hellfire clothesline that he used to defeat Deviant?
The IWC tag title defense of champs Sebastian Dark and HENTAI against Dunn and Marcos, the Ring Crew Express was next for me. A lot of people criticized the call of RCE getting the title shot, saying that they aren't the number one contenders because they haven't been in IWC in quite some time. Well, here's the thing about that. Dark and HENTAI are owed a receipt from IWC's head honcho Norm Connors, and this was simply his next attempt at ending the reign of terror. I call it smart business, as the more variety of opponents thrown at the champs, the better chance of them falling, and at the very least they are being worn down more and more, little by little each time.
Having to call for the bell was a tough decision, but I refused to allow the champs to flagrantly break the rules the way they did. A tough call, but the right one.
The next chapter in the war between Mickey and Marshall, the Gambinos, and the Ohio Players of J-Rocc and Troy Lords took place in a fans bring the weapons match. Brutal is all I can say, and that doesn't even come close to doing this fight justice. Seeing as how I have become the unofficial referee for this blood feud, words can't describe the hatred you can see between the two teams. Will it come to an end in two weeks in McKeesport, or will that simply be more fuel on the fire?
At this point, I was approached by Dark and HENTAI at the curtain, who demanded that I get them a pitcher of beer. I was reluctant, seeing as how they are pretty nasty individuals while sober. Give them some alcohol, and watch out. However, after the threat of bodily harm, I complied. When I asked for a few dollars to cover the cost, I was chased out of the locker room area, while Sebastian told me that he'd be sure to give me what he owed me.
Well, I never received any money from those guys, but I did receive something...
While dealing with the nervousness of being a short time away from being involved in my first IWC main event, I was grabbed by the Ring Crew Express and shoved through the curtain. I had no clue what was happening as I was forced into the ring. It was then that the impromptu tag title rematch was made.
I feel bad now, as I was informed after the match that Dark and HENTAI had indeed cheated again when I wasn't looking to retain their titles. All decisions are final, however, so I am powerless as I type this. This was a bad match for me, as Dark grabbed me by the throat during the match, and I should have taken the initiative and called the match right there and awarded the belts to RCE. Hindsight, though...
When the match was over, Dark grabbed me by the throat again, forcing me into the ring steps. HENTAI followed this up with a slap that knocked the glasses right off my face. As I felt a combination of pain and anger, I knew I had a topic for my column.
I would try to take all of you into the ring with me, and to see what I see through those same glasses that were smacked off my face. It's an interesting perspective to say the least, and I will do my best to share it with you. Now back to the show.
Finally, we came to the main event.
Although Shiima Xion may have come up just a little short in his quest to dethrone World champion Shirley Doe, I guarantee he earned the respect of everyone who will ever see that match. I was the referee for Shiima's first match, and I believe this was his first IWC main event as well, so it felt sort of special. He has come a long way, and this is only the very beginning.
Enough with the sappy crap.
Again, I supposedly got in the way of the competitors, and took a hit that sent me crashing to the mat. All I remember was being awakened, and counting as Doe was being pinned. He kicked out that time, and went on to retain the gold. An incredible performance by both men, indeed.
Well, I have rambled on here long enough. I hope you enjoyed things from my perspective, and I also hope to be back next week with more pearls of wisdom.
Support the vision impaired!!!
-Steven Colter
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