Bleacher Report - Articles by Alex Veley

Lightning Mike Quackenbush: Indie Wrestling Interviews, Episode Two

Alex Veley — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:31:50 -0400

Mike Quackenbush is the cream of the crop of the indies.

The owner of Chikara Pro, debuting in 1994, he has seen it all.

And now I am pleased to present an interview with him!

Was it hard getting into wrestling since you are a smaller guy and did
anyone ever refuse to train you?

When I first started working the indy circuit, I was always the smallest guy on the show. In contrast, there are times nowadays where I'm among the biggest guys on the show, so times have changed. I've never had anyone that I asked for help refuse to share their knowledge with me or anything like that.

Obviously the Lucha Libre and Puroresu Junior style has really
influenced your wrestling. Who were some of the people that stood out
to you and made you really say, I want to wrestle like that.

Jushin Liger, first and foremost. Later, Tiger Mask Satoru Sayama, Great Sasuke, guys like that.

What is your opinion on the death-match style that has taken over the
indies that seems to put a lot of less-talented people over more
technical wrestlers like yourself?

A lot of death-match wrestlers really aren't wrestlers at all. Granted, some of them actually can wrestle, but for many, it's an inroad to a business they otherwise aren't talented enough to be part of.

Obviously, there's an audience for it, when you look at some promotions that haven't been relevant in years that hang on thanks only to the revenue of blood-thirsty fans that will pay to witness the sideshow.

You can justify, or apply whatever weak rhetoric to it you want. Bleeding isn't a skill. Really getting hurt requires no talent or grace. A stunt show isn't wrestling. Masochism isn't a sport.

When you founded CHIKARA as a place for your students to wrestle the
resemblance between Osaka Pro and Chikara is pretty obvious. Was that
on purpose or just coincidental?

We are heavily influenced by the likes of Osaka Pro, T2P and Michinoku Pro, obviously.

What's your favorite Lucha Promotion currently?

CMLL by miles. AAA is like the WWE—when you're done watching an hour of it, you think to yourself, where was the wrestling? You can sift through two or three hours of the weekly AAA show and see maybe one match—or only a few minutes of a match—that is entertaining.

The rest is flashy garbage. Entrances and pyro to distract you from the fact that there's barely anything resembling wrestling going on. CMLL is really the opposite of that; even their lowest-rung talents can really go.

What is your favorite Lucha Promotion ever?

I really like the CMLL stuff during Mistico's rise. I think I've seen every Arena Mexico show from 2005 and 2006 (well, what was televised, anyway.) I have pretty complete collections of CMLL from the years 2001 and 2002, and a lot of that seems dreadful compared to the 2005 and 2006 stuff. Beware Las Dinamitas!

What is your favorite promotion in Japan currently?
I don't follow any Japanese groups from month to month anymore, I just don't have the time. I like to watch Dragon Gate, or Michinoku stuff if I have the time, and the one-off New Japan match if it catches my eye.

What is your favorite Promotion in Japan ever? (Name era and promotion
if necessary or different from the question above)

Michinoku Pro in 1995 and 1996. Awesome stuff. Wish I had all my VHS stuff from that era on DVD so I could still watch it all now. Never get tired of it. The 10-man tag from "These Days" (10/10/96) is my favorite match of all time, I've probably watched all 35 minutes of it at least 100 times over the last 13 years.

Dragon Gate wrestles a very fast paced style and I find it interesting
with their affinity to Gaijin workers that you haven't worked there.
With your active CHIKARA schedule is a tour with Dragon Gate out of
the realm of possibilities or has it just not been thought of yet?

Dragon Gate and CHIKARA are basically family, when you factor in the influence of Jorge Rivera in the training of us all. Especially since becoming NWA World Junior champ about two years ago, there has been a lot of demand for me to visit Japan semi-frequently, but scheduling is a big hurdle.

I have a lot of stateside obligations that cannot be ignored just so I can enjoy myself for a five-week tour in Japan. CHIKARA isn't the kind of operation that can be run on auto-pilot.

What is your current opinion of the product that the WWE has right
now? Their workers seem to be better then ever but the angles are
still the same. Do you watch it?

Until two weeks ago, I could not have answered this honestly. But, for the last two weeks, I have sat/suffered through two full episodes of Monday Night Raw. If you think their workers are better than ever, of course you are entitled to your opinion. To me, the work is unremarkable, as are the workers themselves.

Simply put, the WWE is boring. The biggest crime of entertainment—even "sports entertainment"—is to be boring, and that is exactly what the WWE is. It feels like the same uninteresting players in the same go-nowhere angles with conflict you don't care about, twists and turns that don't heighten the dramatic tension, and closure that is either unsatisfying or is simply erased at the next PPV or TV episode.

Stylistically, with the possible exception of what Evan Bourne/Matt Sydal brings to the table, the WWE is stuck in 1998. They haven't evolved.

And maybe they don't feel they have to. They are very profitable, even now. They are the top dog in the most important commercial market on Earth—the United States.

For the last 25 years, we've all been subjected to the Vince McMahon model of pro wrestling, his "sports entertainment." TNA is just a watered-down, mixed-up version of that same crap. The time is really ripe for a new company to come along and change the game, to re-invent the genre for a new audience.

I'm sure, like me, there are plenty of people out there that only pay attention to the WWE because it's their weekly habit, or because there's simply nothing else to watch.

What about TNA?

I watched an episode of Impact last week. Most of it. I couldn't sit through all of it. But it's the most TNA I've watched in a few years.

Dear TNA, give me something that makes me want to suspend my disbelief. Give me something to care about, and leave it on the screen long enough for me to care about it. Understand that "pushing the envelope" doesn't have to mean being tasteless, unpredictable, low-brow or stupid.

As a wrestler, apart from the security of a regular paycheck, I can't imagine what's attractive about accepting an offer to work at TNA. As a writer, I would want to go screaming as fast as my feet could carry me in any direction that leads away from the TNA writer's room.

As a viewer, I thank the gods of Panasonic for a quick-responding remote control.

You worked a short stint in Michinoku Pro. What was it like? Were you
disappointed that there wasn't more to it?

I was really pleased with how things went. I was there just under a week, and only one of my matches was even taped during my stay, but all things considered, it was great.

On the third day, I got a real kick out of seeing the Great Sasuke arrive in his personal car, and step out in his mask wearing a CHIKARA t-shirt. It had a lot of fun, little moments like that.

Well, in closing...for all the people who watch WWE or TNA but don't know
much about CHIKARA—why should they check you guys out?

CHIKARA is as far removed from what's happening in the big leagues today. If you need a change of pace, a change of style, something fun, colorful and new in your wrestling diet, check out our free, weekly video podcast.

Search for it on YouTube or in the iTunes store (free download!) under CHIKARA Podcast-A-Go-Go. We have a style and sense of humor all our own, and it won't insult your intelligence. Wrestling can be fun, really. We'll prove it to you.

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Thank you once again Mr Quackenbush. If you'd like to know anymore about this man you can check out the weekly Chikara podcast. You can also see a little bit of Mr Quackenbush in this YouTube video.

Any questions you can email me at punch999(At)gmail.com or MSN me at Alex.veley@celebration.fl.us

Indie Wrestling Interviews, Episode One: Mr. Canadian Crazy Horse Michael Elgin

Alex Veley — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:55:30 -0400

Well, first for the people who have never heard of you, who trained you, when did you debut and what would you consider your style for those who have never seen you?

Well I was trained by Rob Feugo out of the Squared Circle Training Gym. He had many people in there to help out which was a good experience.

He had Tyson Dux, Joe Legend, and Sinn (WWE's Kizarny) in the school regularly to help out with training so it was a great school and I would encourage anyone aspiring to train to go to Squared Circle.

I don’t know about Style I really don't know how to classify it. I try to be versatile so I can really do my best against any opponent. I enjoy a more technical high impact style to be honest. More striking and high impact moves.

You are considered by many people to be one of workers in Ontario that probably has the biggest future ahead of you. Is there a level of pressure that comes from that?

Pressure? I wouldn’t go that far. I mean I put a lot of pressure on myself to try and perform at a level that is above average. But do I always prevail? Maybe not but feel I do and will continue to try and push myself.

The most pressure I feel is what I put on myself to be better each time I step in the ring.

What would you consider your biggest match?

I am not sure, I think biggest is not the question, maybe most important to me for learning would kind of put it. As I thing working with Johnny Devine, Trevor Murdock, Tyson Dux, and Scorpio were my favorites to date because not only did I get to do what I loved but I also learned a lot.

Zakk Atticus (Another Indie worker from Ontario) told me that you play quite a few ribs on him. Do you have any good stories?

I like to play ribs as much as I can. Truthfully my favorite rib was not on him...and the rib never truly worked because Mason blew the spot...On a road trip to ICP's Gathering, he bought this ridiculously priced Lobster sub and when he went to the bathroom I ate it and stuffed it with garbage to make it look like it was still there.

But Mason never even tries to touch the sub because he was not feeling well. So the rib was ruined.

He also said you work too stiff. Do you have a Comment on that?

Maybe he feels that way...Do I lay stuff in, yes. But I have never went out there and tried to nail someone. Truthfully the hardest I’ve ever had to hit in a ring was with Trevor Murdock and Scorpio because they love to trade and trade hard.

I didn't mind it both men have been to the WWE and all over the world so I was willing to trade with them

But with Atticus or anyone else I never would even dream of laying it in to that degree of stiffness. I wouldn’t say that I work stiff but people are allowed to voice their opinions.

Where do you hope to take your career? Have any aspirations on going to Japan or the WWE?

Well I would love to tour Japan, Mexico, and Europe. This is looking like a possibility...but further than that, I think I want what everyone does, and that is a WrestleMania Moment.

And last but not least. For fans that have never heard of you. Where can they see you?

Well I work for IWA-Mid South primarily...I have cut down my Ontario bookings and as right now will be exclusive in the GTA-Hamilton to PWA and working with PWX which you can see in St Thomas or Tilsonburg.

IWA runs out of Joliet and Bellevue, IL and you can get their DVDs from smartmarkvideo.com

Thank you very much to Mr. Elgin and much luck to him. As usual you can contact me at punch999(at)gmail.com or MSN me at alex.veley@celebration.fl.us

More of these interviews to come and also more Bleacher Gate!

Rey Mysterio Jr.: Greatest High Flyer of Our Time or an Overated Old Man?

Alex Veley — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:46:26 -0400

I think I am going to step away from my Bleacher Gate articles that I usually write and today look at, in my opinion, one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, Rey Mysterio Jr.

Rey Mysterio is a classic example of what makes a great High-Flying wrestler. Amazing selling, good charisma, and most of all, a move-set that would make Ric Flair blush. But before I get on that, let's look at Rey Mysterio's career.

Rey Mysterio was born Oscar Gutierrez in San Diego, CA in 1974. And started wrestling when he was young; he debuted illegally at the ripe age of 14. When he turned 18, his uncle and Mexican wrestling legend Rey Misterio allowed him to take his name and wrestle as Rey Misterio Jr.

Over the years, his career has allowed him to wrestle in most American wrestling promotions and has wrestled in AAA and CMLL in Mexico, along with taking him to Japan in Wrestle Association R (WAR) in Japan.

And everywhere he went, he showed himself to be one of the most original and innovative high flyers ever. Inventing more moves than could be counted on a daily basis, and his career was still only just beginning.

Now in WWE and at the old age of 34, Rey Mysterio is more popular then ever. Unfortunately WWE has caught up to him as he now uses steroids. But has steroids,injuries and the rough life of a WWE Superstar slowed him down?

Some say yes and some including myself say no.

I hear a lot of "OMG WWE SUX, WATCH (Insert promotion in here)." So much elitism running through these teenage brains as they sit on YouTube thinking you must be a skinny white male who does two back-flips off the top rope through lightubes to be a good wrestler.

This not only is a complete misconception about what makes a good wrestler but it also devalues the impressive amount of skill Rey Mysterio has in his small body. Sure, Rey Mysterio doesn't go through 10 tables or jump off 20-story buildings.

But he is one of most charismatic juniors ever and has been able to withstand the test of time where in Wrestling if you are over 30 you are a old man. His move-set hasn't shrunk either.

He still does many of the same moves he did ten years ago and has even added a few more to his repertoire. It's obvious Rey Mysterio is the greatest Junior in the world and deserves even more praise then he gets.

So thank you for reading. Before you call me a WWE mark I must clarify I watch more indy and Japanese wrestling then you do. Secondly, if you wish to talk to me, I'd love to hear from you.

My MSN is Alex.veley@celebration.fl.us, my AIM is Navigatorschool5 and my email is punch999(at)gmail.com. Until next time keep watching wrestling and read my articles. Remember to spread the Pro-wres love.

I reply to all comments also.

Bleacher Report, Episode 3 : An introduction to KAMIKAZE

Alex Veley — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:18:56 -0400

I've told you about some of the history of Toryumon and Dragon Gate. I've introduced you too it. And since nobody seems to want to get me DG infinity 123 right now. I am going to introduce you (That's right you) to the Dragon Gate Roster. First up we are going to cover KAMIKAZE. I will attempt to slowly cover every faction in DG currently. (This is up to date as of March 17 2009 since DG wrestlers change factions quite often I can't promise long lasting accuracy.) As usual any questions MSN me at Alex.Veley@celebration.fl.us (Don't email me at that address as I don't read it. Or feel free to email me at punch999@gmail.com

Begin Slideshow

BLEACHER GATE: Episode 2 (History of Toryumon X)

Alex Veley — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:28:54 -0400

Toryumon X was never a full time promotion. Nor was it ever meant to be. Toryumon X was simply a offshoot of the Toryumon promotion (Which later became Dragon Gate).

What was Toryumon X? Toryumon X was in a sense the feeder league for Toryumon. But unfortunately due to Toryumon X being sold, most of the wrestlers trained by Toryumon X were lost and essentially left in eternal purgatory.

Their training was never completed and the new owners of Dragon Gate had no control over them as Ultimo Dragon ended Toryumon X right before the selling and had no plans for them.

But enough with the history, what made Toryumon X notable? It only lasted from 2003 to late 2004 and there were only five classes.

In reality, Toryumon X had very little effect on Dragon Gate itself, but it had a huge effect on training some of the best young talent in the world today.

One of the most obvious choices is Takuya Sugi. Sugi debuted as Mini CIMA being a parody of Dragon Gate’s Ace at the time. His small stature and his seeming ability to be able to improvise new moves in the ring at the drop of a hat made him a success.

He was never successful in Dragon Gate itself (which is odd considering he was the most successful in Toryumon X) he was able to gain a name for himself under many different monikers around the Japanese circuit.

His work ethic and open usage of marijuana has spelt the death of his career.

This example sounds like the story of the life of almost every Toryumon X member. Lost in a series of circumstances so small and mistakes that was in reality the bookers fault as much as the wrestler.

Much talent was lost that would have made Dragon Gate much better today. One obvious example of booking flaw was the second Toryumon X class, which had the debut of rising NOAH sensation Taiji Ishimori.

Ishimori was chosen to be the face ace of Toryumon X and part of a stable with Kei and Shu Sato (Identical Twins) whom are most famous for their work on the Japanese indies currently as a pair of KKK Zombies amongst other odd gimmicks. But what made Toryumon X unsuccessful and eventually was its downfall was how it started.

Toryumon has always been very faction based. And I am sure it always will. Toryumon X was fundamentally no different. It started off with two factions and the face faction was a male pop band made up of Taiji Ishimori and Kei and Shu Sato.

While all three men are great wrestlers in their own right the pressure of being the aces of a promotion that drew hundreds and sometimes even thousands is too much for any young wrestler.

Even though the Sailor Boys were good at their gimmick and even released a musical CD, they couldn’t keep up with the pressure of having a bad gimmick and being the face of a promotion.

This bad booking and the fact that their enemies were a Mariachi band screwed the pooch when it came to Toryumon X.

In closing, no one has ever become a full time member of Dragon Gate from Toryumon X, but it has put some of the best indie wrestlers in Japan out into the spotlight.

Unfortunately, Ultimo Dragon's poor booking and circumstance ruined it for everyone.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions email me at punch999(at)gmail.com and i'll get back at you immediately.

Bleacher Gate, Episode 1: Introduction

Alex Veley — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:34:32 -0400

Hi! My name is Alex Veley, and this is "Bleacher Gate".

This new (hopefully successful) series of articles will give you the news, results and my thoughts on the Dragon Gate promotion.

I don't like to stall too much, so let's get down to it.

A lot of you may wonder, "What is Dragon Gate?"

Well, Dragon Gate is a lot of things. I guess it could be easily summed up as a small-ish Japanese independent wrestling promotion, but it is more than that.

Dragon Gate was founded by the legendary Japanese luchador Ultimo Dragon, then called "Toryumon Wrestling". Ultimo thought there was an audience for very small wrestlers who were more like gymnasts than wrestlers.

So, he started Toryumon as a training promotion for many guys who never before really had a chance to wrestle. Some of the first people who came out of Toryumon were Dragon Kid and CIMA (Who, if you follow PWG or ROH, you undoubtedly know).

In 2004, Ultimo decided he didn't need to run Toryumon anymore and sold the company to pursue other interests of his. Immediately after being sold, the company changed names to "Dragon Gate".

But what is Dragon Gate? It is simply the fastest and most exciting wrestling you will ever see. It doesn't follow the norm of Japanese wrestling.

The Face-Heel dynamic is highly prevalent, and almost everyone in the company is in other factions (Like the NWO and DX from WWE and WCW). It has a weekly television show called "Infinity", which is a one-hour program that has clips of matches and full matches from their events.

They also run PPV's periodically.

If you'd like to get into Dragon Gate, go to DGusa.puroresufan.com. And if you want to watch the Infinitys or PPVs that's a bit harder.

puroresufan.com/bbs has links to the Infinitys that are updated periodically, and YouTube is another great way to see the previous shows and events, too.

If you have any questions, e-mail me at punch999@gmail.com. I'd be happy to answer them!