Rung by Rung by Jimmy Rivers!
June 10th, 2010

Ask anyone who has been to an ICW show. Anyone who has seen the highlight reels online. Anyone who has even heard of these two teams and one word comes to mind: Epic. The System face The TrademarX once again at ICW’s “No Boundaries” but this time they’ll be dealing with an X-factor.

Yet another first in ICW History; the United States Tag Team Titles will be on the line in a ladder match. The First Team to climb the ladder and remove the belts will win the match and be the undisputed tag champions. This match can only be described as dangerous, deadly, and disastrous. No one who’s ever entered a ladder match has left the same man that went in. What can we expect when you have a match like this with two teams who have literally given their blood, sweat and tears in pursuit of these belts?

It all started at “Battle Rumble” in January when the TrademarX would face the then champion System for the very first time. In a very impressive, although short-lived match, both teams put on a heck of a show. That match was thrown out due to outside interference. A month later the TrademarX surprised everyone when they beat the System in what some people are calling the match of the year. Since then The Two teams have faced each other for the tag titles in one form or another two more times. This will be their fifth battle and what better way, than a symbolic and literal rise to the top of the tag team world in an unforgiving Ladder Match?

This will not be easy on either team, but especially on the System. While some consider them to be the best tag team going today, rumblings around the locker room say that if the System doesn’t win this match and claim the titles, Max Stardom and Mykal Manix, just might go their separate ways. I for one would hate to see such a uniform tag team break up; especially in the wrestling business today where such good tag teams are few and far in between. Will this be the end of the System as a tag team? Will Manix and Stardom climb the ladder to success? Or will the TrademarX hold on to the belts they’ve worked so hard to obtain and retain? There’s only one way to find out. ICW’s “No Boundaries” Live from the Polish American Club in Miami, June 12th.

From Under the Black Hat,

Jimmy Rivers  

ICW’s “No Boundaries” is tied together by making almost every match have a stipulation. The Main Event between Joker and Beast will be No Disqualification; The U.S. Tag Title will be decided in a Ladder Match; Jordan Rayner and Q-ba Libre will fight it out for the number one contendership for the ICW Championship; and last of the scheduled matches so far is a Blindfold Match between the Youtube Champion TC Reid, and The Awesome-One Dash Maverick.

This will be yet another first to take place at “No Boundaries”. ICW has never had a blindfold match in the entirety of its existence. June 12th, TC Reid and Maverick will have to rely on their other four senses, as their sense of sight will be disabled. This can prove to be a very dangerous match. Without being able to see, one can fall through the ropes, hit a turnbuckle or any other of the numerous perils that can befall these competitors.

This war between TC and Dash started out a few months ago at “Tag Team Turmoil”. TC was supposed to tag with Beast, and Dash with former tag partner Mr. Vega. Upon his entrance TC got into a scuffle with Beast, prompting him to request a switch of partners. TC and Dash went on to win that match, but Director of Authority, Skorpio, nullified the switch of partners and proclaimed Reid and Beast the winners. Beast went on to win the rumble at the end of that show and gained the Number one contendership, which he’ll also claim at “No Boundaries”.

This event left a sour note in Dash Maverick. Perhaps he felt that because of TC’s switch of partners he was robbed of a shot for the title. After all, he would have had Beast’s spot and Beast went on to win. Dash attacked TC at “Body Count” and claimed that he’s not a worthy champion.

TC Reid and Dash Maverick will have to overcome the sight handicap to claim the Youtube Title. TC has already had successful defenses as champion, but Dash Maverick did beat TC already to earn a shot at the title. Will he do it again despite the blindness and earn his first title since his return to wrestling? Will TC Reid retain his title despite the perilous pitch-black provision of prodigious proportions? Find out at ICW’s “No Boundaries”.

From Under the Black Hat,

Jimmy Rivers

Big Daddy Gonzo has done it again. He aims to settle two feuds with one match. ICW’s “No Boundaries” will see the pairing up of Former Heavyweight Champion Shawn Prime, and Pure X Crown Champion E.R.A. III against the duo of J-Biggs and the ultimate underdog, Dude Hate.

J-Biggs and Shawn Prime have had a sorted history. They’ve gone back and forth more times than the Hatfield’s and the McCoy’s. No two people in ICW have ever hated each other more bitterly and powerfully than these two. Now they meet once again as opponents, but with an added bonus of a partner. Shawn Prime will be teamed with E.R.A. III, and J-Biggs will be on the side of Dude Hate.

E.R.A. III and Dude Hate are no strangers to each other either. At “Body Count”, Dude Hate received a shot at the E.R.A.’s Pure X Title, which he almost won. Hate, much to the crowd’s approval, used a pair of brass knucks to lay out E.R.A. and gain the pinfall. Sadly, the referee noticed the knucks, disqualified Dude Hate, and E.R.A. retained his belt. Dude Hate goes into this match with something to prove. He’s going to want that win over E.R.A. to show that he deserves a shot at that Pure X Title again. E.R.A. stands to prove that Hate’s victory at “Body Count” was a cheating fluke and that Hate doesn’t even belong in the same ring as the champ.

Biggs and Dude Hate have a lot to contend with in this match as they both face worthy opponents and two former champions. This match proves to be a nail-biter from bell to bell.

From Under the Black Hat,

Jimmy Rivers

The Beast Within by Jimmy Rivers!
June 10th, 2010

ICW’s “No Boundaries” will mark the first time that Beast (A.K.A. Brian “The Beast” Brody) sets foot in an ICW ring with the possibility of walking out of it with the ICW Heavyweight Title.

Saturday June 12th Beast gets the chance of a lifetime; the chance to face The Heavyweight Champion, Joker, for his recently earned title. Joker has faced a barrage of competitors both as champ, and on his way back to the title, but nothing near the likes of Beast. Joker won back the title from Shawn Prime at ICW’s “Body Count” when it was revealed that he was, in fact, the wrestler known as Outlaw. He’s been hiding under the guise of the scarlet-clad cowboy since his defeat at the hands of Prime at “Raging Controversy VIII” in December of ’09. Joker was promised that he would never get a shot at the title again. But he has prevailed, and once again holds the gold only to face this rage of a Beast only a month later.

Brian “The Beast” Brody has never held ICW Heavyweight gold in his tenure with ICW, nor has he even had a chance. Beast has a very unorthodox and animalistic style that’s hard to predict. He also has a back-and-forth repertoire with the fans; sometimes they cheer him, sometimes they boo him. It’s hard to tell if Joker will be the fan favorite in this match or not. Joker will definitely have his hands full with him come “No Boundaries”.
 
Can Joker retain the title he’s worked so hard to re-capture? Will he merely be a transitional champion as Beast pulls an upset, and carries the torch into the future of ICW? The only way to find out is to buy your tickets and be there Live.

From under the black hat,

Jimmy Rivers

ICW© BODY COUNT® by Eddie Tygon!
April 17th, 2010

What’s going to be the BODY COUNT on May 1st as ICW invades the Polish American Club for the second time? What are the fans in store for on May 1st?

Mr. Vega will go one on one against the 6’8” “Stalker” Jordan Rayner. Rayner was last seen in ICW at Lethal Lottery and has come back to ICW with one thing in mind, GOLD!

The ICW Women’s Champion Angel Rose has her work cut out for her as she battles former Champion Calypso and newcomer Jane Nitro in the first ever ICW Bombshells Triple Threat Match. While Angel Rose has defeated every Bombshell that has been put in her path, will she able to walk out with her belt when she has to take on two of them at the same time?

The ICW You Tube Championship will be on the line in a Fatal Four Way, but what makes this match more interesting is who will be competing for the Championship. You see TC Reid will defend the championship against a former ICW Champion and a perennial contender for the Championship J-Biggs. Also attempting to capture the Championship is K-Cling who was last seen at Summer Brawl (August 30th, 2009). The fourth man in this match hasn’t been seen in an ICW ring since Road to Ruin ’08 (September 14th, 2008) he is Mykal Manix’s first student, former ICW Latin American Champion, “The Wild Stallion” Ricky Turbo. This match could be the shocker of the night and it might be the match everyone goes home talking about.

One of ICW’s favorites VS one of ICW’s favorites or least favorites; depends on the venue really. Cuba’s favorite wrestler Q-ba Libre takes on a man who depending on where you see him people will either love him or loathe him, # 1 Contender Beast. At LUCHA*FEST Beast was one of the most hated wrestlers at the Polish American Club, but then at Tag Team Turmoil when he shocked everyone and eliminated ERA and Joker to be crowned # 1 Contender for the ICW Championship, the fans erupted. It will be interesting to see on May 1st how the crowd will react. Will Beast defeat the masked luchador, or will Q-ba Libre score the victory moving him up to the top of the rankings in ICW?

 Ernest R. Alexander III VS Dude Hate…really? No one would have expected this ever happening. The fans are talking about it, the wrestlers are in shock that it’s happening, but on May 1st Dude Hate, whose win/loss record holds no pinfall or submission victories whatsoever, receives a shot at one of ICW’s most coveted Championships. The question is “Will E.R.A.’s obsession/hatred toward ICW fan Felix B. (Ton) get in the way of this match? If it does we very well may see the upset of the century.

So The System loose the ICW United States Tag Team Championships after 10 months of holding them. Jason Trade and Adrian MarX, the TradeMarX, stole the show at LUCHA*FEST when they defeat Manix and Stardom, The System, how will they fair in a Triple Threat Match when they have to defend the belts against the Somebody’s Skull Mussolini, Le’ Apocalypse, & Vinny Ramaguchi and the former champs themselves? This is a true test for the rookie tag team. Will Manix and Stardom recapture their belts in the 1 year anniversary of the event in which they won them? Will the TradeMarX prove themselves once more by going home with the titles? Or will The System and the TradeMarX prove to be a bunch of nobodies and the 100% Non-Italian Italian faction prove to be a bunch of Somebodies?

For the last four months ICW has been appearing on a Spanish TV Show called “El Show de Fernando,” since the first appearance the host Fernando Hidalgo and ICW’s Director of Authority Skorpio have been going at it in one way or another. In February Skorpio challenged him to a match, the contract was signed on the TV Show and now on May 1st 7 Time ICW Champion Skorpio will be getting back in the ring to face Fernando Hidalgo in a match. Will Fernando Hidalgo fell a Rude Awakening?

In the main event Shawn Prime must defend the ICW Championship in a Triple Threat Match against Joker and Outlaw. Outlaw received his #1 Contendership match by defeated 29 other men in a the Battle Rumble this January, while Joker defeated Q-ba Libre in the Main Event of Lucha Fest to be crowned # 1 contender. Does Shawn Prime have what it takes to keep the Championship? Will Joker recapture the Championship even though ICW’s Director of Authority vowed back in December that Joker will never go for the Championship again? Or will American Outlaw surprise everyone and win the ICW Championship? The only way to find out is at the Polish American Club on May 1st.

Presale Tickets are available for only $7 on the IndyCW.com Shop page, purchasing from any of ICW’s Stars, or at the Polish American Club 1250 NW 22nd Ave. Miami, FL (call before heading over 305-635-2240).

From Under Jimmy River's Black Hat

Eddie Tygon

ICW© CALLE C8MEDY® by Skorpio
February 7th, 2010

BATTLE RUMBLE® kicked off the New Year for ICW© with a bang. The stars are aligning and it’s starting to look like LUCHA*FEST® will be the greatest event in ICW’s© history. The City of Miami have added ICW© to their Cultural Friday tradition and Free Admission seems to be the first of many ICW© shows at the World Famous Calle Ocho. But are two events enough for February, I don’t think so!!!!

Following in the footsteps of that promotion up North ICW© will begin branching out with other forms of entertainment. With performances on television, a documentary in the works, its only fitting for ICW© to enter the Comedy Improv world.

For those that have not had the chance to come to an ICW© event, you should know that the ICW© fans are some of the most involved and entertaining fans in wrestling. Specifically one “fan” and I put fan in quotations because this one fan is a former ICW© Champion. This fan is Felix B. (Ton)! After an injury sidelined the over 300 pound giant of a man Felix B from wrestling, Felix B. began to make a name for himself doing comedy all over South Florida.

As Director of Authority I could pretty much do as I please, and as much as you the fans dislike me, I do realize that if it weren’t for you ICW© would not be around. I would like to show appreciation to not only those stars that have previously laced their boots for ICW©, but for all the ICW© fans.  With that being said here we go:

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 will be the first ever CALLE C8MEDY® event presented by ICW© and La Casa De Tula. This event will be Free Admission and it will take place at “La Casa de Tula” located at 1513 SW 8th Street in Miami, FL. To show our gratitude to those fans that come out to see this Live Standup Comedy Show (Starring Felix B., Nate Stroud, Freddy Stebbins, David Bosakewich, Walter Mercado, and many more) we will from the time of 8:30 PM until 9:30 PM have a special Happy Hour with 2 for 1 House Drinks. The actual CALLE C8MEDY® event will begin at 9PM and for around 2 hours.

For more information stay tuned to www.IndyCW.com!

Bombshells® by Skorpio
February 3rd, 2010

Angel Rose!!!! I figured that would get your attention right from the start. What more can I say about Angel Rose, that you the fans have not already heard or seen? Angel Rose is the future of Women’s Wrestling enough said. Angel Rose and the “Caribbean Queen” Calypso carried ICW’s© rather lackluster Women’s Division on their shoulders since its inception in 2008. Between 2008 and 2009 women like Kimberly and Kellie made their way down the ICW© Entrance Ramp to attempt to capture the Women’s Championship from Angel Rose and Calypso but to no avail.

In 2010, the year of ICW’s© Evolution, ICW© has hired a few new Bombshells to join Angel Rose and Calypso. In 2010 I promise you, there will not be an Intergender Champion, 2010 will be the year of Women’s Wrestling for ICW©. With a Standout Men’s Division, and outstanding Tag Division, it was time to put all of our effort into finding more women to be a part of our Women’s Division. And Bombshells are coming a knocking. With the inception of valets like Allison Spade and Integra Von Hellsing, Ring Girl’s like Alis Grave Nil, and kick-ass Women Wrestlers like Jane Nitro. The addition of more women to ICW© is something the fans will go home happy with.

You know I have to spend a least a paragraph on my biggest acquisition since becoming Director of Authority. In 2008 at "On the Down Low", ICW© found a future star, but the ICW© Board of Directors more than dropped the ball on this one. In 2008 we found a 7 Foot Tall Amazon with hopes of bashing women's heads in. But no papers were signed, no contract was issued, ICW© lost an opportunity in gaining access to the Amazon that is ISIS. Early in the month of January I made up the contract, had our lawyers present as ISIS signed the dotted line and joined the battle for supremacy of ICW©.

In the next coming months women from all over the United States will be applying their trade inside the ICW© ring, all with one purpose: defeating Angel Rose and capturing the ICW© Women’s Championship.

On February 27th, 2010 the fans in attendance at the Polish American Club will be witness to the in-ring debut of the 7 FT Tall Amazon named ISIS. On February 27th, Angel Rose will be in for the biggest fight of her life.

At LUCHA*FEST® Angel Rose defends the ICW© Women’s Championship against ISIS, and YOU won’t want to miss this one, I promise you!!!!!

ICW© Director of Authority, Skorpio…

Tag Team Wrestling by Skorpio
February 1st, 2010

Professional Tag Team Wrestling is dead. The days of the The Hart Foundations, the Killer Bees, the Rockers, The Road Warriors, The Rock and Roll Express, The Fabulous Freebirds, have come and gone. The Hardy’s, Edge & Christian, and the Dudleys were the last remnants of Tag Wrestling in America, blah blah blah. How many of you have heard this?

In ICW© I believe that the fact is, actually, Tag Team Wrestling is very much alive and kicking. Since the BDG Enterprises Talent Initiative of 2008, ICW© has gathered some of the best Tag Teams in Wrestling. From the PWI Ranked Midnight Studs, to Dade County Collision, to the current ICW© United States Tag Team Champions The System, to the Future of Tag Team wrestling The TradeMarX and the Rude Awakening.

In 2009 Rusty Brooks brought the tag division to another level with The System taking on all comers from all over State of Florida. The System even ventured off to Pro Wrestling Fusion where they battled Ring of Honor’s Dark City Fight Club.

In 2010, I promise to bring even more excitement and change to the Tag Team Division of ICW©. At BATTLE RUMBLE® tempers flared and rookies made an impact. At LUCHA*FEST® the Wrestling World will witness the Top 3 Tag Teams of ICW© battle it out in a Three Way Dance, where the winner will not only capture the ICW© United States Tag Team Championships but for the Rude Awakening and the Trade MarX this means much more, this is their chance to be number one; their chance to finally make a name for themselves. While for The System this might be the biggest challenge they’ve ever faced since capturing the titles in April of last year. The System has never competed against multiple teams in one match.

For me, Skorpio, this means greatness for the fans of ICW©. This means the spot light is taken away from the Main Event even if only for those 10 to 12 minutes, where the fans will be amazed as 6 Men apply their craft inside an 18 by 18 foot squared shaped circle where punches won’t be pulled, where entertainment becomes reality, where one bitter feud will culminate. This also means change. Change in where the structure of the tag team division will be altered and where new tag teams will be formed. I want ICW© to be known not just for the Shawn Primes, the Jokers, the Dash Mavericks, not even for the Skorpios, but for those Some Bodies putting their lives on the line in tag team wrestling. For those like  Sean Phoenix and Evan Sky, for those like Jason Trade and Adrian MarX, and for grapplers like “The Merchandise’ Mykal Manix & “The 5 Star Superstar” Maxx Stardom.

ICW© Fans get ready for the Revolution of Tag, no no no, the EVOLUTION of Tag Team Wrestling, it all BEGINS at LUCHA*FEST® on February 27th!

ICW© Director of Authority, Skorpio…

ICW© LUCHA*FEST® by William Johnson
January 30th, 2010

ICW©'s February 27th show LUCHA*FEST® promises to be one of the biggest shows in the company's history, and for good reason given the events of Battle Rumble that people are still talking about.

For those of you who don't remember, at "RAGING CONTROVERSY VIII®" Shawn Prime shocked everyone by taking the title from Joker with help from the Rude Awakening. Skorpio, leader of the Rude Awakening and newly crowned ICW© Director of Authority told Joker he would never get a chance to win the title back.

...or will he?

At "BATTLE RUMBLE®" Joker was put against A-Poc and Skull Mussolini (The Somebodies) in a handicap match. However the beating was cut short when Q-ba Libre, a longtime friend of Joker, came out to put a stop to it. Skorpio was not amused at all, so he put the two of them against each other at Lucha Fest.

But, you may be asking, why would he let two friends have fun competing with each other?

That's the thing. The match is for a chance at the ICW© title, and is the only way Joker will ever get a shot at it. And Q-Ba Libre, while being a perennial fan favorite and former holder of the now-defunct ICW© Latin American title, has never had a chance to win the biggest title in South Florida wrestling.

How far will they go to get a chance at the championship? When Joker won the title nearly a year ago he had two brutal matches beforehand, and resorted to a vicious top rope Spine Buster to finish the match. Q-ba has always been known as a fun-loving character, but with the chance at the gold at stake will we see a darker side of him? Will they go to lengths that might end their friendship, or even each other's career?

There's only one way to find out, and that's to be at the Polish American Club at February 27th.

-Trenchcoat Guy

Who is your favorite? by Jules Verne
July 24th, 2009

When asking the question Who is your Favorite around ICW some fans may say Joker, Dirt Bike Kid or even Q-ba Libre but have you ever thought if those Superstars where asked that same question, What would they say?

When Dash Maverick was asked this was his responce...
"Shawn Michaels. When I started watching He was Everything I wanted to be when I grew up."

Johnny 2 Tyme says...
"Triple H. I Love the way He gets the crowd in the palm of his hand each and every time he is out there."

Joker's favorite is....
"The Rock. He is an awesome wrestler and an even better entertainer."

Mykal Manix says...
"Macho Man Randy Savage. He was before his time. The Attitude, The way he spoke and the clothes... A character such as himself should be on tv now, Oooh Yeeeeaah!"

Q-ba Libre quickly states...
"Rey Mysterio. He is the most successful masked wrestler."

Skorpio's Favorite is...
"Bret Hart. He simply is the Best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be."

Angel Rose really liked...
"Lita. She did awesome moves and she was tough as nails."

So... Who is your favorites wrestlers', favorite wrestler?

Steroids by Jimmy Rivers
June 26th, 2009

I really want to address an issue in Professional Wrestling that’s been talked about for ages. An issue that has made men Greek Gods and in some cases killed them… That’s right I want to talk about Steroids.

You may have heard that some Professional Wrestlers use anabolic steroids to gain size and strength. Maybe you've even seen a steroid user develop bigger muscles over time. But while anabolic steroids can make some people look stronger on the outside, they may create weaknesses on the inside. For example, anabolic steroids can weaken the immune system -- the body's defense against germs and diseases. They can also lead to liver damage or cancer, even in young people. They can also permanently stop bones from growing in teenagers. This means that a teenage steroid user may not grow to be his or her full adult height and will be shorter for life.

The question is, Have any of our very own ICW Superstars gone under the needle?

Can we go so far as to assume that this is going on right under ICW’s nose?

Steroids and wrestling are two things that go hand-in-hand, and for a long a point in time small men got "pumped up" and had major success in the ring. Such success had its virtues...and its sins...but the telling tale will forever echo in time in a place we call...the "Squared Circle"

From Under the Black Hat

Jimmy Rivers.

Dissention by Jimmy Rivers
June 19th, 2009

For those of you who are aware, The System, one of the greatest and most popular stables in sports entertainment recently dissipated. Mykal Manix and Maxx Stardom broke away from Angel Rose and Dash Maverick. In a separate interview, Maxx Stardom was quoted as stating that his reason for the betrayal was his jealousy of the friendship between Angel and Maverick. “She’s like a sister to me, and all of a sudden (Maverick) is escorting her to the ring, and pulling off her shirt. I don’t care if the crowd likes it, she owes her popularity to me.” Mykal Mannix however, could not be reached for comment.

This brings up a rather interesting point. Mykall Manix has always been a fan favorite. His relationship with all of The System members has grown visibly over the past year. Manixx also doesn’t seem to have a reason to dissolve the team he basically created. At the end of the last show, after having been defeated by Angel Rose, Manix stopped Stardom from following Maverick to the back and beating him sensless with a chair.

Is Mikal Manix the leader of this disconnection or is he simply following Stardom’s lead? Will Mykal Manix continue to backstab the fans, or will he come to his senses and split off from Maxx Stardom and his jealous endeavors? Only time will tell.

From Under the Black Hat

Jimmy Rivers.

Television by Jimmy Rivers
June 12th, 2009

June 8th marked the first time ever that ICW has been featured in a story on the news. As if that weren’t enough, ICW was the highlighted story, and split into two nights in order to encompass the whole story. Special thanks to Channel 41, Gina Santi, and Gina Romero, who made this feature possible.

The story was meant to capture both the fun side, and the hardships of the professional wrestling industry. Many of our roster members were interviewed and featured, including Mykal Manixx, The Joker, Skorpio, and Angel Rose amongst others.  The story centered around Mykal Manix and his balancing Wrestling and family, and also on Joker and his awe inspiring return from a career ending knee injury.

The story was heartfelt and true, and ICW is proud to have been able to aid in the creation of this feature. Thanks to this feature, next for ICW, is a full blown feature length documentary. Footage that was shot for this feature as well as additional footage that will be shot over the next couple of months will be put together to create a documentary to air at a local film festival. As if that weren’t enough, a few of our ICW performers will be actors in an up and coming independent film. Already rumored to begin filming their parts soon are Joker and Dash Maverick. We’ll keep you updated as we receive more info, as well as where to catch these features.

From under the Black Hat,

Jimmy Rivers.

An ERA Returns by Jimmy Rivers
May 15th, 2009

For whatever unknown reason, a few months ago Ernest R. Alexander III left I.C.W. There was no real reason released. All the public was made aware of was that E.R.A. and ICW had parted ways and that the company wished him the best in his endeavors. This is a phrase we in the Sports Entertainment industry are very used to. But now, E.R.A. is back, and his aggression towards the new Champion, Joker, seems to have grown. Simmered and fermented over his time on Hiatus.

In January’s “Brink of Insanity” show (a show many would agree is Jokers signature show) E.R.A. retained his title to the cheers of many fans at the Hialeah’s Masonic Temple. This would shortly be followed by E.R.A. turning his back on those same fans by delivering a devastating kick to fellow fan favorite, Joker. With the almost sonic boom caused by E.R.A.’s  boot connecting with Joker’s jaw, echoing throughout the courtyard, a message was sent. E.R.A. perhaps knew that his time as champion was numbered, and wanted to make it clear to Joker that he would not go down easily. With this single solitary kick, E.R.A. collected on Rusty Brook’s $20,000 bounty on Joker’s head, and started the gears turning in the heads of every ICW fan. The fans now knew that a match would follow the screaming kabura that landed on Joker’s chin.

This match, however, would not happen. E.R.A. would disappear soon afterwards. Not to be heard of since. The fans would not get the retribution they deserved. They would not get to see these two old friends, and long bitter rivals go at it, one more time, this time, for the highest prize in ICW. Instead Joker would win a tournament for the Title a month later at Total Meltdown, his first title reign. 

Now with the surprise of surprises, E.R.A. is back, back with a vengeance. Back for that which belonged to him, The ICW World Title. With no rhyme or reason, no excuse, no word why, E.R.A. left, forfeited his title and has now returned. Why was he gone? Why was the title stripped from him? Who really deserves the title? E.R.A. never lost it, but Joker won the 8 man tournament. The fans are in for a treat with this one. Sunday May 17 it all comes to a head at ICW’s Crucial Consequences.

From under the black hat,

JIMMY RIVER.

The Students by Jimmy Rivers
May 8th, 2009

Ten years ago, a child sat in front of his television set and witnessed men fly, bodies battered, and chairs dented. This child went on to witness greatness as The Rock, Steve Austin and Mick Foley rose to the level of superstardom. At 11:15 PM that same child would turn of WWF War Zone and went to bed, and dreamt. He dreamt of making an entrance, and the crowd roaring; walking down the ramp to the ring, stepping through those ropes, and climbing the corner to the applause of the fans. Ten years later, that child is Joker, or Dash Maverick, or even DBK. Ten years later, that child is a graduate of Rusty Brooks School of Hard Knocks, or an equally respected wrestling school and is officially a professional wrestler.

ICW went through a change of sorts after its sabbatical from July 2005 to July 2006. Most of the old talent was gone; moved on. Started families, moved away, or simply lost interest. Those who were left, people like Skorpio, DBK, and Dash Maverick (the only ICW originals still active) were left without a roster. In the coming months students were scouted all around Miami. Many came from all over and began training at the Miami Sports Academy. Others would join later and begin training at Manix’s Dojo in Coral Gables. Finally, everyone who shows an interest in wrestling now can train at the newly re-opened School of Hard Knocks.

Rusty has been wrestling for almost thirty years now including a run in WWE, and was trained by the great Boris Malenko, father of WWE star and agent Dean Malenko. Rusty is responsible for training such stars as MVP, Dave ‘Gangrel” Heath, Billy 5’s, J-dawg brooks, and the current D1PW Champion Tommy Vandal. Now, Rusty is looking to do the same for this new generations of up and coming performers. Thanks to Rusty Brooks, J-Dawg and any other former students that stop by to share their knowledge, that same child that sat in front of the TV ten years ago, can achieve their dreams of being a superstar.

From under the black hat,

JIMMY RIVERS

The Entrance by Jimmy Rivers
May 1st, 2009

The lights flash and the music blasts. Joker makes his entrance, Black lights illuminating his makeup as he makes his way up the back ramp, Joker pauses for a second to flex and pump his fists to hype up the crowd as the green lights strobe. He makes his way down the ramp and runs over to hi-five the fans that came here to see him. ICW’s explosive entrances are just one of the many reasons the ICW fans keep coming back.

When ICW originally started the entrance was nothing more than a door. The performers would commonly make their entrance and proceed to the ring. Eventually ICW added curtains, which proved to be quite a task with the wind as its enemy. At one point there was even an entrance way constructed from wood, which was a marvelous effort until a harsh hurricane like gust came through and destroyed the frame just minutes before show time. Now ICW has the monolith. A harsh, unforgiving, yet eye pleasing construct built of wood and metal, and chain link fence.

Former Director and now stage manager Billy Blade, and contract photographer Julio, created this structure in their own free time. In an effort to make ICW as good as it can be, they erected the stage for the first time at ICW’s bunnies and body slams. One look at the portal and even the casual ICW fan knew, that now, ICW meant business. Nothing like this had ever been seen in ICW before.

This first run was only a test run, as the stage had never actually been used prior to this event. A test run that, some might say was a great success. I know that we’ll definitely see much more of the monolith in the coming shows, but only time will tell what changes will be made to the construct. Signs? More lights? Who knows.

From under the black hat,

JIMMY RIVERS

Show Time by Jimmy Rivers
April 24th, 2009

The air cools, and a breeze blows. The murmur of the crowd is heard. The entrance curtain flutters in the wind like a newly born butterfly. Suddenly a warning is announced followed by a count down. The crowd roars to a deafening level and the crew appears. This is an ICW show.

For the next two to two and a half hours the crowd is treated to a spectacle the likes of which only ICW can supply. Insane characters, and technical maneuvers, storylines and action, all for a very affordable price. Since 2001 ICW has entertained those in the Miami area, and just recently made the jump to include Broward county.

ICW used to be a modest little company, usually attracting anywhere from 30 to 40 fans. Now, ICW is averaging 200 fans at each show. ICW has even recently procured a short-term deal with Coca Cola and Full Throttle, and were the first wrestling company in recent decades to perform at the Miami Beach Convention center.

Every show ICW grows leaps and bounds. New entranceways, new talent, better production value all add to ICW’s ever growing success. It’s even gotten to the point where we are attracting a following of repeat fanatics. Certain other wrestling companies have these fans such as, WWE’s Sign Guy and Tie Dye Guy, or ECW’s Hat Guy. Well, ICW now has Trench Coat guy (a fan that always shows up wearing a leather trench coat no matter how hot it is) and the Joker Chicks, among many others.

Now with the following that ICW is getting, and an increase in the number of fans, it’s up to the promoters, and talent to up the ante. This is no longer friends and family who will cheer for you no matter what, these are true wrestling fans. ICW has done a very good job of keeping and gaining fans these last couple of years, With the heightened production value and ICW’s commitment to “putting on more than JUST a wrestling event” if you ask this diligent fan of the business, all I would say is, “ICW is moving up”.

From under the black hat,

JIMMY RIVERS