Tag: #independentwrestling

A New Decade of Anarchy: A Gateway to Anarchy Preview

The Arch in St. Louis is known as the “Gateway to the West”, in honor of St. Louis’s part in the westward expansion of the United States. A few miles north of St. Louis, Spaulding Hall in Alton, Illinois serves as the Gateway To Anarchy. The wrestling event of the same name on January 10 marks Saint Louis Anarchy’s first show of the new decade and year. The once near-monthly Anarchy is becoming a monthly fixture in 2020, and the events of Friday’s Gateway to Anarchy show will likely set the table for the year in Anarchy to come. 

Gateway Heritage Championship Match: (c) “The Monarch” Jeremy Wyatt vs. Nick Gage

The matchup that’s been months in the making, the ultraviolent Nick Gage demanded a shot at Jeremy Wyatt for “the fuckin’ strap” and on Friday he gets it. The Gateway Heritage Champion for 458 days as of this writing, “The Monarch” Jeremy Wyatt has ruled Saint Louis Anarchy and every promotion in which he has defended his Gateway Heritage Championship in. In twenty-five defenses of the GHC belt, Wyatt has gone an improbable 24-0-1, the one blemish coming recently, in an arduous 60-minute time limit draw with Gary Jay in December at Journey Pro Wrestling in Kansas City. 

Wyatt, a mat-based wrestler who’s in his true element when he can slow things down in the ring and keep less technically sound wrestlers guessing, usually defends the Gateway Heritage Championship under the stipulation of “pure wrestling rules”. Those rules state that each combatant has three rope breaks to escape submissions or pin attempts, and that using a rope break or breaking a rule (such as using a closed fist or weapon) costs you a rope break. 

This stipulation has come into play in several title matches and is partially a reason Wyatt is still the champion. However, for this encounter with Nick Gage, Wyatt waived the rules, claiming the Gage is “too stupid” for the rules, and would just disqualify himself. 

Calling Gage stupid is a bold move, to say the least. Nick Gage is, in this humble writer’s opinion, the fiercest and most dangerous competitor wrestling today. He piledrove Warhorse through a flaming skull! He bashed Gary Jay across the face with a fluorescent light tube! He’s done much more to many other wrestlers and essentially left a pile of beaten and bloody wrestlers in his wake since his return to pro wrestling. 

Whenever Nick Gage enters a room to fight, the energy changes, it’s something you can feel as soon as his Metallica entrance music hits. Gage recently lost his GCW crown, per se, losing the GCW World title to AJ Gray (who then lost it to Rickey Shane Page) last month. Gage will be hungry to snatch the Gateway Heritage Championship and put some gold back around his waist. 

Warhorse vs. Fred Yehi

Once just a viking named Jake, in 2019 Warhorse evolved to a full-fledged Ruler of Ass, headbanging his way across independent wrestling and claiming the Independent Wrestling TV Title in the process. He’ll kick and stomp a hole through anyone and headbang in the ring afterwards. One of the Four Pillars of St. Louis Wrestling, Warhorse is a beloved figure in Anarchy and frankly anywhere he pops up for a match. Which, as of last weekend, includes a record store without a wrestling ring in North Dakota.

When I saw the Saint Louis Anarchy Twitter account tweet that Fred Yehi was going to be a big part of the Anarchy roster in 2020, I was immediately giddy with excitement. I first heard of Yehi a handful of years ago when a friend showed me this backyard wrestling match Fred Yehi had ages ago in front of dozens of kids in lawnchairs. A young Yehi was doing moves I’d only seldom seen in any wrestling ring, let alone someone’s backyard. 

Fred Yehi is a unique talent, not many in the world of wrestling possess his combination of technical skill and physical prowess. Yehi matches up well with anyone of any size, with a number of matches in EVOLVE against current and former WWE or Impact Wrestling stars, including WALTER, TJ Perkins, Jordynne Grace, and Brian Cage. He unsuccessfully challenged Jeremy Wyatt for the Gateway Heritage Championship in Journey Pro in August 2019, but will be gunning for that title in 2020.

The Besties In The World vs. Larry D & “Big Beef” Gnarls Garvin

To dust off an old chestnut here, Anarchy wouldn’t be Anarchy without the Besties. They are the half of the Four Pillars of St. Louis Wrestling and truly the heart of wrestling in the St. Louis area and beyond. The Besties are beloved worldwide, and by the nature of the wrestling business, has put a target on their back wherever they go. They’re champions in multiple time zones, and many believe they’re the best tag team in independent wrestling.

Aiming at the target on the back of the Besties will be Larry D and “Big Beef” Gnarls Garvin. Garvin will be eager to make an impression with the Anarchy faithful and those watching at home on Independent Wrestling TV, tweeting that he was excited to have this match against what he called the best tag team in America today. Larry D has made his impression already, primarily with his fists, which the Besties will want to avoid if they want to leave Spaulding Hall victorious. 

Gary Jay vs. Curt Stallion

As of now, the man who has come closest to dethroning “The Monarch” Jeremy Wyatt is the “Stiff Robo Ginger” Gary Jay. As noted earlier in this preview, Jay and Wyatt’s match at Journey Pro Wrestling’s “Die Hard Is A Christmas Movie” event ended as a 60-minute time limit draw, with Wyatt retaining the belt. 

Gary Jay has made his wrestling home at Spaulding Hall, the official headquarters of the Gary Jay Movement. The crowd erupts for the man when he arrives, when he leaves, and mostly, when he wins. One of the Four Pillars of St. Louis wrestling, Jay is an embodiment of the great wrestling in the area, but that title has put him directly in the crosshairs of Curt Stallion. 

When “Lonestar” Curt Stallion returned to Anarchy he told the Spaulding Hall crowd that he was what made St. Louis Wrestling great, not Jay, Warhorse, or either Bestie. After losing to Warhorse and failing to capture the Independent Wrestling TV title, he faces one of the few men who fights with a calculated recklessness like he does in Gary Jay. This match has “show stealer” written all over it.

Chip Day vs. Anthony “Sharkbait” Gutierrez

Two of the meanest kicks in the business square off at Gateway to Anarchy in Chip Day and Sharkbait. An incredibly successful MMA fighter with a 29-6 record across professional and amateur mixed martial arts, Gutierrez soaks in Finding Nemo-esque “Sharkbait ooh ah ah” chants at Spaulding Hall as he delivers clubbing, harsh kicks to anyone in his path. 

In what feels like a perfect matchup, the only man in Anarchy who can go kick-for-kick with Sharkbait is Chip Day. Day is coming off a great match with ACH at an Atlanta Wrestling Entertainment show less than two weeks ago, a nearly thirty minute brawl which saw him lose his GWC belt to the man who vacated it when he originally signed a WWE contract. With a win, Day could prove that he deserves to be in the conversation for the Gateway Heritage Title. 

Aaron Williams vs. Thomas Shire

Aaron Williams just had a fierce bout with Impact Wrestling’s Sami Callihan at Rockstar Pro Wrestling. Two days after that squared off with Gary Jay at an IWA-Mid South show that left both combatants bruised and battle torn, and Thomas Shire knows exactly what that feels like, having lost a tough tussle with Jay at the last Anarchy show, No Church In The Wild.

Thomas Shire’s mixture of technical talent and very non-technical toughness makes him an interesting package in the ring and a tough match for anyone. “The King Of Hoss Island”, Shire trained in Japan, an All-Japan, Funking, and Funaki dojo student, and that expertise comes out in his matches. He even does a Baba special takedown. What’s not to like?

The Kenway vs. Cole Radrick

Two young competitors attempting to climb the Anarchy ladder from different sides, The Kenway and Cole Radrick are as similar as they are different. The Kenway, a brash, over-confident yet talented wrestler who added a “The” to his name, versus Radrick, the IFHY representative who has won the hearts and minds of the Anarchy fans through hard work in the ring. Both men look for a win to start 2020 on the right track.

Seishin & Kenny Alfonso vs. Ace Perry & Deacon Cash

Deacon Cash, who I apologize for believing was named “Ethan Cash” and writing as such on the previous show, looks to make a name for himself alongside Ace Perry, who snagged a win with the Reigel Twins at No Church In The Wild. Their opponents, Seishin and Kenny Alfonso, are rising stars, both with big futures in wrestling based on what they’ve done already. Seishin is a black belt who’s become a staple of the STL wrestling scene, and Alfonso is looking to make more waves in Anarchy after facing the Besties In The World at Journey Pro in December. 

Christian Rose, Angelus Layne, & Jake Dirden vs. Evan Gelistico, Everett Connors, & Billie Starkz

Greg Jovi’s treachery has infiltrated Anarchy, much to the chagrin of the Anarchy Faithful. Luckily for those faithful, their “Space Jesus”, Billie Starkz, is teaming up again with Everett Connors and Evan Gelistico to go toe-to-toe with the villainous stable. Everett Connors originally enlisted Billie Starkz to teach Raul The Bear how to be a good bear, which, so far, has worked. 

The Gateway to Anarchy opens Friday, January 10. For those outside of the St. Louis metro area, the show will be streaming live on Independent Wrestling TV. 

For those in the area, Spaulding Hall opens its doors at 6:15 pm for the pre-event party, with regular doors opening at 7. The event proper starts at 7:30. 

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No Church In The Wild: A Saint Louis Anarchy Preview

Alton wouldn’t be Alton without Anarchy. Friday, November 8 marks the return of the near-monthly Saint Louis Anarchy to Spaulding Hall in Alton. The event, dubbed “No Church In The Wild”, is sure to add yet another chapter to the lore of Anarchy in St. Louis and throughout the wide world of independent professional wrestling. Each match offers excitement. 

Gateway Heritage Championship Match: Jeremy Wyatt (c) vs. Mikey

Like it or not, Anarchy in 2019 starts and ends with The Monarch, Jeremy Wyatt. Wyatt has ascended to a new level since he claimed the Gateway Heritage Championship last May, and hasn’t slowed down one bit. One of the best wrestlers on the mat you’ll find anywhere in the sport of pro wrestling, Wyatt has often implemented “pure wrestling rules” in his title defenses. 

Pure wrestling rules dictate that each combatant has three rope breaks to use to escape submissions/pin attempts. If one uses a rope break they lose it, and if one breaks a rule they lose a rope break as well. Notably, this came into play when Wyatt defended the title against Larry D, who’s meaty fists are his primary weapons in the ring. Without being able to use a closed fist, Larry D had to improvise, but ultimately stuck with his guns in a loss.

One of my favorite St. Louis area wrestling matches of all-time is Wyatt’s Gateway Heritage Championship title defense against Jonathan Gresham, a mat-based counter expert who nearly bested Wyatt at his own game. Wyatt’s critics, ones you’ll hear boo him as he makes his way out to the ring at Spaulding Hall, might say he doesn’t wrestle in a way that “wows” them. He’ll tell you he doesn’t give a damn what those critics say, and his lengthy title defense suggests he’s in the right.

Of course, there’s always a challenger who believes they can usurp The Monarch. Enter Mikey, previously of Roscoe Eat Lisa fame. At the last Anarchy event, Battle of Spaulding, Mikey was one of two wrestlers to make a challenge for Wyatt’s GHC belt, and by way of asking first, is first in line to get his opportunity. 

At Battle of Spaulding, Mikey talked about how he was cleared from injury, and was making a name for himself as a top competitor in Saint Louis Anarchy prior to being hurt. Mikey is a fan favorite, and the crowd largely agreed that it was his turn to take a shot at Jeremy Wyatt. 

Independent Wrestling TV Championship Match: Warhorse (c) vs. Curt Stallion

Few wrestlers around the globe have become the online sensation like Warhorse. As you might have seen on your Twitter feed, Warhorse rules ass, and it’s not just because of his in-your-face ALL CAPS TWEETING or his metal-as-hell promos. In the ring, and in the rows of seats around it for that matter, Warhorse is a commanding presence, whether he’s throwing himself into a crowd of people or suplexing someone through a pile of chairs. 

At September’s Battle of Spaulding, Warhorse survived a war with deathmatch icon Nick Gage, that nearly tore down Spaulding Hall as we know it. The ring was destroyed, chairs were thrown everywhere, there was even a flaming skull for good measure. Since he captured the IWTV title, Warhorse has become a true force to be reckoned with in any ring he steps in. 

Warhorse’s challenger at this edition of Anarchy is the Lonestar, Curt Stallion, who might be getting more recognition lately for his appearances on EVOLVE, but has consistently been a star of independent wrestling for at least the past two years now. Where Warhorse is a headbanger, Stallion is more a headbutter. Stallion’s forehead is potentially his most lethal weapon, and his matches often come to an abrupt halt when he hits one and knocks his opponent’s lights out. Stallion was a late add to September’s Battle of Spaulding card, and reintroduced himself to the Anarchy faithful as he defeated Chip Day in a slobberknocker.

After the contest Stallion demanded a match against one of the Four Pillars of St. Louis Wrestling. He drew the Warhorse, but the other three pillars, Gary Jay, Davey Vega, and Mat Fitchett, are also on alert with the Lonestar’s return to the Anarchy fold.

The Besties In The World vs. The Workhorsemen

After defeating Jake Dirden and Christian Rose last Anarchy, the usually talkative Besties In The World had one simple message: “Fuck The Workhorsemen”. Saying such a thing in the wrestling business means you gotta have a rematch, those are just the rules. The Workhorsemen beat the Besties at Anarchy’s Circus Maximus event, and have since held a bit of bragging rights over the Anarchy favorites. 

As I’ve written before, it’s not Anarchy without the Besties. Davey Vega and Mat Fitchett have become part of the heart of independent wrestling. As stated above, they are two of the Four Pillars of St. Louis Wrestling, a title given to them to honor what they are to the area’s wrestling scene. No longer a secret kept in the midwest however, the Besties are global, but so are the Workhorsemen, who were vying their trade in Germany’s highly regarded WXW promotion less than a month ago. 

Thomas Shire vs. Gary Jay

A rematch of a bout held in Atlanta’s ACTION Wrestling last month, Thomas Shire looks to avenge his October defeat to Gary Jay at No Church In The Wild. Shire might not be the favorite face of the over 200 in attendance at Anarchy, but his grueling fight with Gateway Heritage Champion Jeremy Wyatt at the Battle of Spaulding might have won him some new fans in Alton. While Shire couldn’t dethrone the Monarch, he fought like hell trying to, and I personally always respect a wrestler who pulls the shoulder straps of their singlet down to signify that they mean business. 

Gary Fuckin’ Jay, the Stiff Robo Ginger, the leader of the Gary Jay Movement, is more than at home at Anarchy. He’s spoken in the past about how much Anarchy means to him, and he’s potentially the true fan favorite in Spaulding Hall. Jay’s willingness to put his body on the line keeps the fans chanting his name, showing the Stiff Robo Ginger their respect for his balls-to-the-wall style of professional wrestling. His last Anarchy match might be considered a signature win for the Gary Jay Movement, as he beat Chris Dickinson with a thunderous shot and pinned Dickinson to secure the W.

The Kenway vs. Anthony “Sharkbait” Gutierrez

The now known as “The” Kenway is looking for retribution, even if the crowd doesn’t really want him to. After losing to Everett Connors, who had a little help from his bear, The Kenway needs a statement win in Anarchy to answer his detractors. A victory over Anthony “Sharkbait” Gutierrez would be that statement win. The affectionately nicknamed Sharkbait has become not just an Anarchy regular, but also an EVOLVE regular for much of 2019. Gutierrez, who sports a 12-3 pro mixed martial arts record as well as an impressive wrestling record, is a fierce opponent in any ring. 

Chip Day vs. Aaron WIlliams

Last at Anarchy in a losing bout against the returning Curt Stallion, Chip Day can whack with the best of them. That night, Day took exception to the Anarchy crowd’s seeming disapproval of him, and might have developed a negative attitude towards the Spaulding Hall faithful. Aaron Williams last competed in Anarchy in a losing effort against War Horse at this past May’s Hog Wild event, but is coming off a big win in a three-way battle against Michael Elgin and Jason Kincaid. 

Cole Radrick vs. Jake Dirden

With the previously scheduled Craig Mitchell now missing No Church In The Wild, Cole Radrick steps into singles competition with Jake Dirden. After impressing in a multi-man match at the previous edition of Anarchy, Radrick, repping indie faction IFHY, will look to impress and climb the Anarchy ladder. Dirden comes off a tag team loss to the Besties, but stood strike for strike with the victors and then some. 

Reigel Twins and Ace Perry vs. Evan Gelistico, “Big Beef” Gnarls Garvin and ???

The Reigel Twins are quick, precise, and a bit dastardly. Victorious over the Diamond Dogs at Battle of Spaulding, the twin tag team adds Ace Perry, who’s looking for revenge facing Evan Gelistico, who won the Battle of Spaulding four-way match he was also a part of. Joining Evan Gelistico is “Big Beef” Gnarls Garvin, who’s all beef and knows how to use it. According to Evan Gelistico on Twitter, Everett Connors will not be joining the team, so the two are looking for a third to level the playing field. 

Larry D vs. Christian Rose

Last but certainly not least, the current and three-time IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Champion Larry D comes back to Anarchy to showcase his fist-oriented brand of wrestling to the Anarchy faithful. In his previous Anarchy appearance, at Circus Maximus, Larry D lost to Craig Mitchell, and looks to rebound. Christian Rose joined Jake Dirden in a losing effort against the Besties In The World, and is in a similar position. Both competitors will be hungry for an Anarchy victory at No Church In The Wild.

All of this exciting grappling action invades Alton’s Spaulding Hall on Friday, November 8. For those outside of the St. Louis area, the event will be live on Independent Wrestling TV.

For those in the area, tickets are available here. 
Spaulding Hall opens its doors at 6:15 pm for the pre-event party, with regular doors opening at 7. The event proper kicks off at 7:30.

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Anarchy in Alton: Battle of Spaulding Hall Preview

Anarchy’s back in a big way. The near-monthly celebration of professional wrestling returns to 405 East 4th Street in Alton for the Battle of Spaulding on Friday, September 13. The card is packed, top to bottom, and looks to be one of the wildest nights Spaulding Hall has ever seen. So much so, in fact, that the proprietors of Spaulding Hall had to double check with those in charge at Anarchy to make sure the night wouldn’t get too out of hand.

War Horse vs. Nick Gage: I’ll start this preview with the match that is likely the reason the owners of the hall are concerned: Nick (expletive removed) Gage faces the War Horse, Jake Parnell in what could be the most violent match in the storied history of Saint Louis Anarchy. Nick Gage might be the hottest name in professional wrestling anywhere right now. He leaves a trail of carnage and blood in his wake. Gage is very familiar with Anarchy, having beaten down crowd favorite Gary Jay at the Anarchy vs. Everybody event in March of this year. I personally have a chunk of the ceiling title Gage used to bash Gary Jay over the head, complete with some of Gary Jay’s own blood, as both a souvenir and as proof of the chaos Nick Gage can bring to the ring.

War Horse has also made quite a name for himself in the wrestling world. His hard-hitting, tactically reckless style has made him a key fixture for many promotions across the country. To that end, he and the previously mentioned Gary Jay just had a match for Game Changer Wrestling, the de facto home of Nick Gage, at their Two Cups Stuffed event in Chicago on August 30. With that in mind, Gage is aware of what War Horse brings to the table. War Horse, being a fan-favorite at Anarchy, has the home-ring advantage, but there will be plenty of fans in attendance loyal to Gage, meaning this main event will have a big fight feel like no other.

Billie Starkz vs. Rahne Victoria: Circling back, Friday’s festivities start with “Space Jesus” Billie Starkz facing Rahne Victoria in a match during the pre-party of the event, before the 7:30pm bell time. Both women here are taking the St. Louis wrestling scene by storm. Billie Starkz has developed a passionate following at Anarchy, and Rahne Victoria has already been known to make kids cry at St. Louis area wrestling shows. Neither like each other. Billie has vowed to make Rahne Victoria smile, which is the last thing she wants to be told to do. Just because this is during the pre-party doesn’t mean it’s skippable, as these two should put on quite the show.

Anthony “Sharkbait” Gutierrez vs. “Big Beef” Gnarls Garvin: When Michael Strider vs. “Big Beef” Gnarls Garvin was first booked for this Anarchy show, people were expecting a hard-hitting encounter from two wrestlers who take pride in their meaty whacks, two wrestlers who send chills through the spine of those in attendance with the sound of their strikes. Unfortunately, Strider has to miss Anarchy, but in his stead enters Anthony “Sharkbait” Gutierrez. Sharkbait has become an affectional nickname for Gutierrez, and despite his slight stature, his striking offense is starting to make waves in midwestern wrestling. Friday night will see which great nickname comes out victorious in Spaulding Hall.

Kody Lane vs. Cole Radrick vs. Ace Perry vs. Evan Gelistico: Due to Sharkbait filling in for Michael Strider in the match just mentioned, that meant his spot in the four-way battle against Kody Lane, Cole Radrick, and Ace Perry was filled by Evan Gelistico, a man who’s always up for a fight. According to his Twitter account, Gelistico has even had some new ring gear designed for his latest Anarchy appearance. This four-way match has the potential to get out of control and almost promises to. 

Kenway vs. Everett Connors: Those familiar with Saint Louis Anarchy know that Kenway and Everett Connors could steal the show. Kenway hasn’t necessarily made friends in Anarchy, and the crowd lets him know it. He made a real name for himself in a Dog Collar match at the last Anarchy event, Circus Maximus, in a wild match with Evan Gelistico. Connors has been around Anarchy since 2015, and has charmed the Spaulding Hall audience with his work both in the ring and on the mic, even featuring in a rap battle at Anarchy against Mat Fitchett. These two don’t see eye to eye, and Anarchy faithful know both can pull great things out of their locker.

Besties In The World (Mat Fitchett & Davey Vega) vs. Christian Rose and Jake Dirden: It wouldn’t be Anarchy without the Besties. St. Louis’s most dynamic duo have become crowd favorites all over the globe, and they’re appearing on some of North America’s and the UK’s biggest independent wrestling events. Whenever “Truly Madly Deeply” hits at Spaulding Hall, the place erupts for the Besties as fans emulate Vega and Fitchett in the ring. Rose and Dirden have their hands full, and won’t have the majority of the crowd on their side, but that’s never stopped them from throwing their weight around the ring. 

Chris Dickinson vs. Gary Jay: Gary Jay seems to find himself in some of Anarchy’s and the indepedent wrestling scene’s most intense matches. Whether it be his legendary battle with Kylie Rae at Anarchy’s Ladies Night this past April, his gruesome affair with Nick Gage a month prior, or more recently his Casket Match with War Horse for Zero 1 USA in central Illinois, Jay has a flair for the extreme, and is willing to put it all on the line like few others in professional wrestling today. At Battle of Spaulding, he faces what some consider a living legend in Chris Dickinson. Dickinson’s training in mixed martial arts, and propensity for leveling his opponents with vicious strikes. Trained by greats including the late St. Louis wrestling legend Harley Race, not only does Dickinson strike fear in his opponents through his impact, his demeanor in the ring has won him supporters of all types over his near twenty-year career. 

Gateway Heritage Championship Match: Champion Jeremy Wyatt vs. Thomas Shire: To this date, Jeremy Wyatt has defended the GHC belt for over 300 days. Through his unique style, a charisma all his own, and a ruthless yet effective mat-based offense, Wyatt has ruled Anarchy to the dismay of its loyal fanbase. One of my favorite St. Louis area wrestling matches of all-time is Wyatt’s title defense against Jonathan Gresham, a mat-based counter expert who nearly bested Wyatt at his own game. At Circus Maximus, Wyatt beat War Horse, proving he could counter a heavier hitter. In Thomas Shire, he might be facing one of the heaviest hitters in midwestern wrestling. Shire, trained by wrestling legend Dory Funk, has a unique feel in the ring. An imposing 6’3” brick house who walks with confidence and swagger in the ring. A swagger he will need to end Jeremy Wyatt’s long reign over Spaulding Hall. 

Saint Louis Anarchy’s Battle of Spaulding event starts at 6:15pm with the pre-party, with general admission doors at 7, and the rest of the show kicking off at 7:30pm. You can get tickets here. For those not able to attend, the show will be live on Independent Wrestling TV.

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