We're Still Standing

So many things to be said and not sure where to begin. 

Post show I've been trying to write some recap blogs about the specific matches, put over those who've been making big strides and just generally trying to share to love and positivity that I've frankly re-Found for Pro Wrestling.

On more than a few occasions I've thought I was out. Out of interest. Not wanting to make the effort. Deal with the prima donnas in the "locker rooms". The money launderers, the sex pests, the ego cases ... I mean, yeah, you find those in pretty much any industry. But well, wrestling comes from carny lifestyle so ... by and large that ain't going to completely go away.

But what Billy, and Tony and Diamond (and their very supportive partners of course) have put together with Blaze Pro Wrestling is a truly Family Environment. 

Sure, we got some cussing, bad language and more. Every event features some kind of hardcore match of "questionable family friendly rating." 

But every event, training session and basically every time we get together - you can feel everyone pulling together as a TEAM.

Friday Aug 29th - the last Long Weekend of a beautiful Manitoba Summer we packed over 300 people into the Franco Manitoban Cultural Centre in Winnipeg. Those people came out to see the stars of Blaze Pro Wrestling and no one else. No import talent charging a fortune to tiptoe through matches. No "indy darling" of questionable reputation who was going to dictate the terms for who they'd work and how. No local media group helping us get the word out.

Just One Team of hard working, dedicated people who've busted ass all year, put on consistent, quality events to the enjoyment of our fanbase.

This is how Wrestling Unites people.

The smiles. The kids screaming. The sweat, the effort and more. 

This is Pro Wrestling.

And the best part, we're just getting started.

We all see areas for improvement and we're going to do just that. As the Provincial Champion (excuse me, the Best God Damned Heavyweight Champion in all of Canada) I have the privilege and burden to deliver against top flight opponents. Next up (currently) Mr Manitoba himself, breaking out on his own is "The Beast" Brenden Blake. 275lb of pure athlete. The visual alone of us facing off was enough to get the crowd excited.

This whole roster deserves a standing ovation. And I could go on endlessly.

But for now I just want to say "Thank you" and finally "Now we go to work!"

AK

LINKTREE

The Champ Is Here - Now The Real Work Begins

This past Friday (June 27th) I had the pleasure of testing my mettle in the Main Event of Blaze Pro Wrestling's "Never Give Up" event here in Winnipeg against someone whom I've trained with, competed against, taken intercontinental flights with, shared laughs and inside jokes with - the hardest working luchadore in Canada, MENTALLO. 

On a sweltering night, in a venue where the A/C had conked out (no shade to the St Louis Centre, they did everything they could to keep things cool) my old frenemy and I locked horns one more time in competition for the BPW Provincial Title.

MENTALLO

It was a stark reminder for me just how easy it is to rest upon one's laurels, even when you think that you've been "putting in the work." 

You've seen it if you've been reading. Posting about my workouts. Commenting on my the ring training down at the centre. Trying to watch what I eat.

Overall, for an ogre-ish almost 50-year old grappler - I believe that I'm in fairly decent condition, all things considered.

But facing off against a man who still rides the roads every week, competing at the highest levels with some of the best up and coming athletes in the country?

Yeah. That was a rude awakening.

I've been saying it for months now. I refuse to be one of those "Smoke and Mirrors" guys who just kinda gets by in the final matches of his career. Relying on gimmicks and plunder and other shenanigans.

For 30 years I've prided myself on being able to hang with the BEST, no matter their specialty or weight class.

Mentallo is one of the very, very best.

And I was able to hang with him one more time.

Barely.

So I sit here today, victorious. The New BPW Provincial Champion. Or, as I arrogantly claimed after the match "The Best Damned Heavyweight in Canada". I have laid down a challenge, inviting anyone from anywhere across this great nation to bring their best.

Which means I also have to be at my best.

Being on top of the division is impressive. 

Staying there? Being able to Deliver as Champion? To draw crowds to your Main Events? To make the People want to spend their hard earned money to watch someone try to beat me for my title?

Hell. This is where the real hard work begins. 

And I love it.

Thank you, Mentallo. Kampai and Ganbatte! We had a Strong Game, worthy of the JCB Hall in Shinjuku. With luck, we can fight again.

But now ... It's Open Season.

Are you holding a title for your regional promotion? Do you actually dare to call yourself a champion? Well then, lets put that money where your mouth is. Coast to Coast and Pillar to Post, The Outlaw is on his Last Ride. So show me what you've got. BC to the Maritimes, it's open season. Prove to me that I'm not the True Canadian Heavyweight Champion. 

Now the Work Begins

Winnipeg is the New Wrestling Capital of the World. Has been for a while.

Come and knock the chip off my shoulder.

I dare you.

AK

LINKTREE
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