New England Independent 8-man Tournament results/

[Guest Doyo]

July 28, 2003

Sanford, Maine

 

Round 1-

Slyk Wagner Brown d. Vince Vicallo

John Walters d. Dylan Cage

Maverick Wild d. Adam Booker

Luis Ortiz d. Dr. Heresy

 

Semifinals-

John Walters d. Slyk Wagner Brown

Maverick Wild d. Luis Ortiz

 

The Mighty Mini won the Young Lions Elimination Rumble over

Kid Mikazi, Kenn Phoenix, Chris Camero, Nick McKenna and

Blade.

 

Finals-

Maverick Wild d. John Walters

 

Notes- Best show I have ever seen live for pure wrestling action.

Out of the ten or so shows I have seen live I would probably only

rank an ECW one higher, mostly because of the ECW crowd

atmosphere.

 

Walters vs. Slyk Wagner Brown was a great 20+ minute match.

Brown looks like a total package (not Lex) - speed, power, high

flying, technical, stamina and charisma. Is he even in the DVD 500?

He and his valet April Hunter have good chemistry and they

could make it in WWE. Walters is the underground Benoit and

your new Indy Wrestling God. If Feinstein and friends are

reading this- please eventually have 20 minute matches with

Walters vs. American Dragon and Walters vs. Low Ki.

 

Luis Ortiz got the biggest crowd reaction of anyone when he first

came out. I don't think he has ever even wrestled in Maine, but it

seemed like a lot of Chaotic Wrestling fans had made the trip up

from Massachusetts. He wore a dog collar and has a green

tongue. He's only around 5'9" but has this "I'm going to kill you"

type of intensity and look on his face.

 

The Young Lions match was very fast paced and had a lot flying

moves. The Mighty Mini is about 5'5" 125 pnds.

 

Maverick Wild vs. Walters was good but they seemed to rush

the match towards the end. Then I noticed it was 11:00 pm

according to the clock in the gym and there was a guy walking

across the top bleachers shutting the windows. Very soon after

the match ended and I'm guessing they had the gym booked to

11:00 and had to wrap up the match. Crowd was kinda burnt

out by the time this match started and it was pretty humid in there.

 

All the wrestlers came out and congratulated Maverick and gave

him a trophy. Dr. Heresy got on the mic and said that the New

England feds had put aside their differences for this one night and

then he praised Maverick. Maverick then gave an emotional

interview and was on the verge of tears. He started by saying he

has never been a good interview, he has been doing this for 14

years and is at least 10 years older than the others, he has a wife

and kids, he probably won't make it to the WWE, and this was

the most respect he has ever been shown.

 

Maverick Wild was Mr. Intensity the whole night and is a very

solid worker. He probably took more big bumps than anyone

during the course of the show. Good to see the guy win something

like this after busting his ass in the business for so long.

 

Tape will be available from www.tctapes.net

[Guest Doyo]

Dr. Heresy comments on the show

from the nei.vze.com message board:

 

Posting on this board is in conflict with my belief that any participation on a board such as this, which is unfortunately utilized frequently by "anonymous" parties to forward their own agendas, would only help fuel the flames. However, after the New England Invitational last night, and the ensuing twelve hours it took for both the positive and negative posts to begin to flow, I would like to take the opportunity to weigh in with my two cents. So, let’s begin…

 

Back in November of 2001, Jose Perez organized the "Headlocks for Humanity," which signified the first time in the history of Pro Wrestling in New England that numerous promotions all came together, offered their top talent, and held one night of top notch wrestling. Although it did not draw as well as Jose had hoped, over 100 people came to a small banquet hall in Somerville, MA to witness something special. The was no competition, no egos, just everyone coming together for the good of the whole, and showing what New England had to offer in terms of Professional Wrestling.

 

Fast forward to 2003. Two admitted "marks" (it's funny that this has become somewhat of a derogatory term, when most of us would die for the chance to perform in front of a crowd full of J Gurus, J Wingers, Grey Ghosts, Mike Jas', etc, guys who still ENJOY wrestling, get emotionally involved in the context of a match, come out of their seats for the false finishes...maybe we could all learn a lesson from those who still remember what is so enjoyable about wrestling, rather than be consumed by the negativity and politics of it), who decided to throw up a web site in support of NE Wrestling after attending shows themselves nearly every weekend, decided to organize the New England Invitational, a tournament in the vein of the vaunted "Super 8" tournament, featuring who they believed were the top 8 singles wrestlers in New England at the time.

 

These guys didn't have much to gain up front. They were forewarned not to expect to make much, if any, money on this. They knew they would inevitably catch a lot of heat from various parties for it. However, in the interest of bringing New England together one more time, and getting some much-needed recognition for the area, which IS overlooked in the great scheme of things (although we should shoulder some of the blame for that, as too much time is spent in-fighting and burying, and not enough spent getting out and about, pushing ourselves as a region, making this area one that NEEDS to be recognized), they set out to host the first annual NEI.

 

They did not have an easy task ahead of them, but they went at it head-on, and did not relent until after midnight last night. The process of choosing the eight entrants alone was not an easy one; it's tough enough to select guys to book a run-of-the-mill card around, let alone an event of this magnitude. Some accepted the idea with open arms; others who were offered the opportunity to participate turned it down. In the end, and not without some controversy in their selections, they had their 8, as well as 5 "Young Guns" for the eigth match-up.

 

No event goes off without a hitch, and last night was no exception. Was the draw as much as they had hoped it would be? No, however they were warned not too expect too much of a house heading into it, running their first show in the relative sticks of Maine, and in 90+ degree weather. Did the music get messed up? Probably (I didn't notice), but really, that happens in most Indy shows, including at the EWA show the night before. You know what else happened? Thirteen workers, three valets, two ring announcers, a top-notch video crew, and two color men all came together to put on what more than one person has already called the best show they ever attended. This event will hopefully live on well past June 28, as the videotapes will get circulated, the word will carry on, and New England as a region will receive a boost in attention as a result. Personally, it was an honor to have been selected, and to be a part of an event like last night. Events like that, and the Headlocks for Humanity show two years prior really make it all seem worthwhile. While I have no WWF/WWE experience personally, I have worked in front of 1000+ person crowds on more than one occasion, and I would still have not wanted to be anywhere but Sanford, ME last night.

 

As for the show itself, there was a lot more I wanted to say then I did in person last night, but it was a pretty emotional scene in the ring. I was lucky enough to be able to catch a lot of the show, and here are my thoughts on the participants and matches:

 

Vince Vicallo: Showed everyone last night why he deserved to be there. Far more athletically gifted, well conditioned, and consistently entertaining than anyone who has consumed the amount of beer that he has, has any right to be. Always brings something special to the table.

 

Slyk Wagner Brown: He and April take a lot of heat from people, on this board especially. No one can question his determination and success at getting his name out there and associated with New England wrestling more than anyone else has. While this event will hopefully bring more focus to our area, Wagner on his own has done a tremendous job doing that in the past. His athleticism is undeniable (even at 230lbs., that guy can land on his feet off of ANYTHING, I swear), he went all out with Vicallo and then Walters, never dogged it, and he and April have an incredible presence.

 

John Walters: A machine. The most accomplished technical worker in New England. A near sure bet to make it. Once again beat me in our ongoing vital signs contest last night (although we were both beat by someone else, more on that later). Simply incredible, in so many ways. Performed at peak level in three matches last night, in close to 100-degree heat. With his recent work in ROH, ECWA, PWF, and others, is sure to help New England get more recognition in the future. A class act.

 

Dylan Kage: One of the most fluid workers I've ever seen in action Likely not as well-known in Maine as the others before the show last night, but that will change after his incredible match with Walters in the first round. Meshes with almost anyone, from what I've seen. Throws some of the nastiest kicks around. Did Assault Championship Wrestling proud last night.

 

Luis Ortiz: Someone I had spoken less than fifty words with before last night. Incredible presence. In the words of one of the commentators, he got "chills down his spine" when Ortiz came out. Fantastic athlete. It was an honor to be in the ring with him last night. He then went out thirty minutes later and tore it up with Maverick Wild. Amazing.

 

Adam Booker: Along with his valet, Miss Kristy, two people I'm proud to cal two of my best friends not just in this business, but in my life. Booker is the most agile performer for his size that I have ever seen. At 21 years old, he is as close to money as there is in terms of "making it." Went out there and showed that in addition to being able to run and gun with the best of them, he could technically hold his own as well. Miss Kristy is one of the best valets I have ever seen, always full of energy, never a distraction. Two of my favorite people in the world, and favorite performers.

 

All the Young Guns: Five young guys who made the most of their position last night. At close to breakneck speed, they went out, presented a match that gave the crowd a nice change from the tournament matches, and thrilled with their athleticism. Mini, Camero, Mikazi, Flash and Blade all had a lot to be proud of last night.

 

The crowd: Kudos to the near-150 who came out despite the heat (and lack of climate-controlled facilities) to enjoy possibly the best New England Independent show to date last night. They were hot from beginning-to-end last night, and appreciated the near-4 hour extravaganza that unfolded before them. Thank you all for turning out, and showing your support (special thanks to the Chaotic, PWF Northeast, and EWA contingencies here).

 

And finally, Maverick Wild: Anyone who thinks he was not the best choice to win this tournament, I'd just like to point out a few things- in fourteen years, he's gone toe to toe with everyone from Doug Williams to Bob Evans to Scott Taylor to John Walters. NO ONE I have ever spoken with who has wrestled him has ever had a negative thing to say about Maverick. Do you know what a rarity that is? I can't think of anyone else I know ANYWHERE I could say the same thing about. The man is a fountain of knowledge, and can go with anyone. He was the best-conditioned athlete there last night, despite him being the oldest. Don't believe me? There's a friendly competition between the Machine (Walters) and I whenever we're in Maine, as the commission requires an EMT to take our resting vital signs (BP and pulse) before every show. The lower the pulse and BP (within reason, i.e. not clinically low BP or pulse), the better cardiovascular condition you're in, generally. After tying in BP, the Machine had a resting heart rate 2bpm below mine (68 vs. 70). While he gloated, the oldest performer there, Maverick, had his vitals taken. And had a resting heart rate of 64. At 33, Maverick showed up last night in better cardiovascular shape than all of us, a testament to his dedication to, as he said last night, performing like he should have been in the WWF/E, even if he never made it there. Beyond all this, his amazing performances last night, his training ahead of time, and everything else he brought to the ring last night, Maverick is one of the highest quality people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. With nothing to gain personally, he offers his knowledge and advice to anyone who wants help, and has nary a negative thing to say about anyone behind their back. He's become something of a mentor to me personally, since we were first booked together as a tag team in Maine late last year, and more recently as he helps me improve as a performer in weekly practices. He truly is one of a kind, and there was NO ONE more deserving of the respect that comes with winning a tournament like last nights' then Maverick. I was proud to be involved last night, and more proud than anything that I was able to be a part of an event that paid Maverick some much-overdue respect. Please don't tarnish the special ness of last night by alleging that Maverick had anything to do with the booking. That is simply untrue. If you want to knock somebody in response to this post or in regards to last night, knock me. Maverick's track record as booker shows that if that were the case he would have been knocked out in the first round. He won the tournament and the respect that should come with it because two "marks" were able to see exactly what an incredible person and performer Maverick is. If you want to knock somebody in response to this post or in regards to last night, knock me. I can take it. But Maverick deserved the spotlight last night, and my hat (and everyone else who was there, who all decided to surprise him by coming to the ring to congratulate him) is off to him.

 

In closing, if you're still with me at the conclusion of this novel, I want to thank everyone who came last night, as well as Dylan, Vince, Slyk, April, Talia, Miss Kristy, Walters, Booker, Ortiz, Heartbreaker and Cruise (who's commentary I am very much looking forward to hearing), Rich, Mike, Tonya (for making a record of this event to remember for years to come), Mikazi, Camero, Blade, Flash, Mini, and above all else J-Guru, J-Winger, and Mav, for putting on a very special event that inspired me to write this thesis. It was a great experience and I hope it continues, with more and more support from everyone as the years go by. Thanks to everyone, and support New England wrestling!

 

Dr. H

[Guest ShooterJay]

No matter what this guy says, John Walters should have won. Maverick has always disappointed everytime I've seen him. Not only that, Walters is the one who is the rising star, and who turned in that great performance at ROH (something that Maverick COULDN'T do.) Maverick is basically a joke in NE at this point.

 

I'm glad Luis Ortiz got some exposure, the guy is a great raw talent. I saw him at a Chaotic show where he won the tag titles with James Maritato/Nunzio, definitely a ***+ match.

[Guest kingkamala]

No matter what this guy says, John Walters should have won. Maverick has always disappointed everytime I've seen him. Not only that, Walters is the one who is the rising star, and who turned in that great performance at ROH (something that Maverick COULDN'T do.) Maverick is basically a joke in NE at this point.

I concur, Walters is the real deal and should have won the NEI. I believe they booked Maverick to win to have a "feel good" moment to end the show.

[Betty Houle]

Maverick has always disappointed everytime I've seen him.

Maverick is basically a joke in NE at this point.

Maverick Wild is one of the best-conditioned, most well-repected wrestlers in all of New England. He always puts on a solid performance and knows more about wrestling than the other 7 guys combined. And I'm not even insulting those 7 guys!

[Guest Doyo]

Haha, now what I see as a joke is calling Maverick a joke. I can understand

if someone doesn't like his style or think he is flashy enough or whatever.

But a joke, no. His main strength is understanding the basic structure of a

match; which is something often overlooked by the guys doing moonsaults

off of ladders or whatever is the highspot of the month.

 

Walters was the best worker there and I wouldn't have a problem if he won.

But you can think of this as his and the others way of paying respect to the

veteran. This is common in Japan and even the most talented guys over there

get few wins until they are 5 years or so into their careers. Maverick has paid plenty

of dues and it was time he got rewarded. Plus it is not like he is some over the hill bum.

He is only 33 and was arguably the most in shape guy in the building.

 

Walters has ROH and possibly WWE and Japan to look forward to. If he had won

this probably wouldn't have ended up being the biggest thing in his career. For

Maverick this probably will end up being his big achievement. Most of the younger

guys bust their ass in hopes of making it to the WWE. Maverick runs a business

during the week, realizes he is probably not going to make it to the WWE, and yet

still stays in better shape and works as hard as the younger guys.