Getting Back on Track

Been a bit since I've done a "War on Dad Blog" post. In fairness, it's been a fairly busy 10 days. Lots of travel, a lovely family event, and the arduous process of moving homes. So it's not like I've been an inactive slob (ish) but time away from the gym does funny things to my brain and sense of self worth. I'd had every intention of staying on pace with the weight room - I'd been on a hell of a streak throughout July.

However. Life gets in the way.

That said, I did learn a few things.

That plan I wrote to reincorporate some heavy basic lifts? The one with some powerlifting / mobility days? 

Abject failures. Not the mobility parts, those have been very useful and stuff I now do before every workout for a bit to thoroughly warm up. 

But the heavier stuff?

Yeah, dude. You're old. None of that shit is good for your joints no matter how careful or smart you think you're being.

So, instead the more hypertrophic lifts and extra core and cardio focus has been very helpful. even on days without lifting, the active rest of hitting a treadmill for an incline walk for 45 minutes has been good. That and the in ring cardio has been good.

Plus, I actually managed to get some proper sleep this last week. So, while I want to kick myself for a lack of "effort" the truth is, I needed a de-load / rest week.

But that's done now. I've got 2 matches this month to defend the BPW Provincial Champion, and as the "True Canadian Heavyweight Champ" I need to focus on being ready.

As such:

Aug 10
Back and Biceps
Warm Up
Hammer Grip PullDown - 200 x 8, 8, 7, 6, 6
TBar Row - 3plt x 10, 8, 6, 6
Bentover Row - 205lb x 8, 8, 8, 8
Complete Barbell Curl - 65lb x 12, 12, 12, 12, 12
DB Curl / Lat PressDown - 30lb / 50 x 15, 15, 15
Hyperextension - BW x 15, 15

Not gonna lie, after that my entire back feels tight as a drum right now. But that's okay. I needed that reset lift to get my system back online. Tried to keep a good pace between sets, shorter rest breaks and really focused on the negatives. Took the weights down a bit lower than I had 2 weeks ago for safety and left a bit in the tank just in case.

Overall. A Good session.

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
BOOK THE OUTLAW

BPW: Never Give Up June 27th

For Immediate Release

This Friday - June 27th in Winnipeg the stars of Blaze Pro Wrestling will kick off the summer with another exciting evening of Pro Wrestling Action. All of the BPW titles will be on the line starting 7PM at the St Louis Centre 440 Tissot St.

Here's what you can expect!

Mustachio vs Johnny Malibu

Fan Favorite Mustachio will be back in action, returning from his injuries to take on "Limited Edition" Johnny Malibu. The wily veteran is always a threat to any opponent, one to use scientific grappling and tactical strikes to wear his foes down. However, expect the wily Mustachio to bring the fists and fire and rile up the crowd on the path to victory.

Kandy Khaos vs Zamil

This rematch from "Anarchy in April" features the rookie sensation Kandy Khaos against the disturbed creature Zamil and his "inanimate sidekick" Timmy. Last show, Zamil ruined Kandy's coming out party. This time however, she has promised to Sugar Rush all over the hooded fiend and rain treats upon the crowd.

BPW Tag Team Title
HiViz (c) vs Big Cliff / Masked Menace (with DJ Disspare)

In the main event of Anarchy in April the undersized, high energy team of HI-VIZ (El Diablo Blanco and the Steel Studd) upset their much larger opponents to become the Inaugural BPW Tag Team Champions. This time around, the 400 pound Big Cliff (along with his partner the Masked Menace and the giant DJ Disspare)  has vowed to show the inexperienced team the true meaning of pain and become the new champions. Expect some high flying, hard hitting action!

BPW Hardcore Title Match
Billy Blaze (c) vs Cory Diamond

Batten down the hatches on this one folks, because this one is gonna get nasty. Both men broke into the wrestling business together over 20 years ago. Both men have fought each other repeatedly over that time. On June 27th, The BPW Hardcore Title will be on the line under "Bar Room Brawl" stipulations. No count Outs. No Disqualifications. Falls count anywhere in the St Louis Centre! Brace yourselves, fans - because the "Saginaw Warrior" Cory Diamond has been on a mission since rejoining "The Company" and has his sights set on capturing championship gold from  Billy Blaze.


Main Event

BPW Provincial Championship
Mentallo (c) vs Adam Knight

These men are no strangers to each other. Beginning their careers in the late 90s, travelling the same roads and competing for the same companies in Canada, the US and Japan. Respected, talented veterans who've locked horns over 50 times for multiple championships. The champion, Mentallo remains at the very top of his game, constantly touring and testing himself against the best competition around North America. The challenger has faced criticism for taking a step back, focusing more on training the next generation at the BPW Academy among other pursuits instead of his in ring activities. But those criticisms have not gone unnoticed by the "Outlaw" Adam Knight.

While both competitors have different styles and are built completely differently, their previous encounters have always been dynamic, exciting and hard-hitting. No matter who comes out the Main Event of "BPW's NEVER GIVE UP" there will be no doubt that person will been definitively a champion.

Blaze Pro Wrestling presents
NEVER GIVE UP
Friday June 27th 
Doors open 630, 7pm Bell Time
440 Tissot Ave, Winnipeg, MB
Advance Tickets Available at www.BlazeProWrestling.com or at "THAT's COOL" in St Vital Centre.

-30-

Win. Lose or Draw.

Somewhere along the way as I began the push to June 27th (Yes, the Blaze Pro Wrestling: Never Give Up event) I found my energy and motivation beginning to flag. 

BPW Presents !

Not because I don't wanna have the higher profile match, but simply because ... well crap, pick your reason.

Old. Tired. Working nights. Daddy duties. Literary convention. Plotting my next novel. Living arrangement issues. Regular aches and pains.

You know.

Life.

Let me tell you, no motivational "What are you willing to give up? What are you willing to Sacrifice?" speech or video you see being shouted in your face by those really swell people online who look super happy and fit  is gonna be able to wipe away LIFE and how it can drag you down.

Don't misunderstand. I'm in a very good place, there are so many things and people I am grateful for ...  I am truly happy.

That don't make shit any easier though.

Getting to ring training before work was more of a slog than it should've been. Props to the crew that showed up to work hard. I'd come in with every intention to push my pace; get us running, doing footwork and grappling drills, working on more complicated sequences.

Lotsa Grey Here

Not to say what we worked on wasn't good. I remain incredibly proud of this group and the progress I see them making every damned week. They all worked super hard and added to their collective toolboxes. 

I just expect more of myself.

Somewhere my therapist is probably making space on the couch for my return. Wanting to have another in depth discussion about how "everyone has limits" and how "No one expects me to be more than who I am."

The thing is though, is that I always expect more of me. 

I'm told that every athlete goes through this feeling (and yes, I am referring to myself as an athlete - suck it all my haters and their masturbatory podcasts). Where no matter how much one still has to offer to their chosen sport, the realization that they'll never be as good as they used to be is tough to swallow. Hell, its the reason why high level athletes often get cut and traded well before they think they're ready to hang it up.

Sometimes they prove people wrong and lead teams to greatness. Others blow out their Achilles on the

Fuck This Guy

first sequence and prove their haters right. 

I guess that's what's bugging me going into this match. Mentallo is out there on the road right now, still working at the top of his game. A top level athlete making the towns, having 50-plus matches a year (at minimum) still paying the price and giving crowds main event quality matches.

And I'm struggling to get through 45 minutes on the cross-trainer 4-times a week.

Look, as I write this it's 3AM. My body clock is an absolute mess and I'm trying to ignore some aches and pains that Advil isn't managing.

So, most of this feeling is just internal self-doubt.

And fear.

Man, that's hard to write. 

True though.

I'm afraid that I'm gonna metaphorically (I hope) blow out my Achilles on June 27th.

The version of me that was able to keep up with and go hold for hold, step for step with the top flight wrestlers who were often half my damned size is long gone. I've adapted and adjusted to remain competitive and relevant for a long time.

The ability to do that has always come through hard work. Battling my "War of Dad Blog", spending time in the gym, trying not to eat terribly and just... just putting in the effort.

Half Assed Effort Gets Half Assed Results.

I try to do everything with my Whole Ass.

Uh... You know what I mean.

Look, if you made it this far into my rambling please take this thought away.

In two weeks I plan to be the best version of myself possible. It will not be the version of myself I'd like to show you all, that man is about a decade behind me. However, I believe I've got more to give. The BPW office, crew and trainees have shown me more support and encouragement than I've received in wrestling - probably ever. And THEY Believe I've got more to give.

In a tough, carny industry where there's so much back-talking and politicking I want to repay their kindness and love by bringing my Best Effort to the Ring.

Win. Lose or Draw. 

*****

I'll post more gym updates in a day or so for anyone interested. I also wrote out some gym fundamentals the other day for a beginner, so I can make a version of those available to anyone who might be interested.

Back to work.

AK

LINKS

Re-Jiggered War on Dad Blog - Again

Not out of boredom, I swear. I've just been finding with my current schedule (or lack thereof) that maintaining the kind of consistency I was looking for on my previous plan was simply inadequate for what I was trying to achieve. Namely, adequate hypertrophy for maintaining /  adding some lean muscle mass to my frame and increasing my mobility / accelerating fat loss.

As such, now that I am one month away from Main Eventing for Blaze Pro Wrestling vs Mentallo, I feel kinda under the gun to get things going a bit more expediently.

Changes I've made?

For starters. Lets eye ball the nutrition. While I haven't been eating like a 13 year old per se, there isn't a single person in my life who would be able to say they haven't seen me crushing a cookie or two more than I should be. So, lets tighten up the belt and tape the pie hole shut for a bit, hmmm? Or at least, track my macros a bit more diligently for the month of June. 

Only lifting every other day, while focusing on the whole upper body. The specific exercises will vary depending on equipment available at the time, but a day where I hit Back, Chest, Shoulders and Arms all for 5 sets of 10-15 will give me enough of boost to carry over to my next lifting day. Sure, not a ton of volume on any given day, but over the course of a week, that evens out to a minimum of 15 sets per muscle group which is more than enough.

Non Lifting days will be focused on Mobility, Core and Cardio. Nothing too extreme, but I really want to expand the flexibility in my hips and knees if possible. Plus adding some core stability and sweat equity on the treadmill or cross trainer is always a good thing for my heart and in-ring wind. Though, nothing is quite the same as getting int the ring and working - this is the next best thing.

So yeah, nothing too crazy. Last 2 workouts have looked like this:

May 25, 2025
Warm Ups
Hammer Grip Pull Down - 190 x 12, 12, 10, 7, 8 (fail)
Flat Barbell Bench Press - 135lb x 12, 155lb x 12, 175lb x 12, 195lb x 12, 215lb x 6 (rebuilding stamina and joint strength here - great pump)
DB Side Lat Raise - 30lb x 15, 15, 15, 15, 15
Rev Grip Tricep Extension - 70 x 15, 15, 15, 15, 15
DB Bicep Curls - 30lb x 15, 15, 15, 15, 15
Treadmill - 35 Mins, 3% 2.6 mph

So, at the end of this session I know I can push the final exercises a bit more going forward. I'd underestimated how much endurance I'd have at that point. Now I have a better idea.

May 26, 2025
Stretching
Low Back Hyperextension - BW 3 x 15
Mach Crunch - stack, 3 x 20
KB Around the World - 35lb 3 x 20
Treadmill - 60 Mins, 3%, 2.7mph

Not the most intense cardio, but that's not the point. Just getting on there and working myself out is the goal for a bit as I know I've been neglecting the sweat more than I care to admit. Gonna try to get on the x-trainers more, better for my knees.

Like I said, 1 Month Away from the next Blaze Pro Event. If you missed our last one, you can now check out the Entire Show IN FULL at the Link. So please, Like / Subscribe and More.

AK

LINKTREE

Thank You

I've tried a few times to be clever and verbose with this like I'm prone to doing a few times already. And as much as I'd like to blame fatigue, the trauma of concussions past, or some early onset dementia ... the fact remains is that I don't have any witty words, here.

So, thank you.

Last Friday - prior to the start of the Blaze Pro Wrestling: Anarchy in April event - I was "lovingly ambushed" by the entire crew and roster, called to the ring and presented with a very classy plaque, celebrating my goofy self for surviving 30 Years in the Wrestling Industry.

To say I was moved would be an understatement.

I'm sure that there is / will be video footage of the moment. So brace yourself to see a giant man struggling to keep it together for a good minute or so.

It was a lovely surprise - and this is from a guy who famously hates being surprised.

Anyways. 

To Billy. To Diamond. To Tony.

To everyone who works with BPW. To every one of the trainees and veterans who show up to training every week and works their butts off to get better - inspiring Me to Stay Better. 

To everyone who's ever shared a ring with me- yeah, even those of you who think I'm a jerk, a Liberal Leftie, or just the shits in general - you know who you are, enjoy your podcasts.

To the people in attendance last Friday, hell to everyone who's ever bought a ticket either to explicitly see me (or begrudgingly stayed once they saw I was on the card).

To my family. To my loved ones. To my little girl.

Thank you.

I'm not done yet. The long, winding road is getting closer to it's destination. But that final stop isn't here yet.

Looking forward to getting my boots back on and doing this all again.

That said, let's make it official with an actual plug:

June 27th, 2025
BLAZE PRO WRESTLING

Winnipeg, MB
440 Tissot St

MAIN EVENT for the PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
"The Zombie Hunter" MENTALLO vs "The Outlaw" ADAM KNIGHT

Mentallo and I have trained together, travelled the roads together, flown to foreign countries together,  battled on two different continents dozens of times over the past quarter-century. Mentallo remains one of the greatest athletes and wrestlers I know and one of my favorite opponents.

The truest lesson I've learned in thirty years? Nobody deserves anything in the wrestling business. 

So, I have two months to make damned sure I've earned this opportunity to shine at Mentallo's level once again.

Stay Tuned.

AK

LINKTREE 

BPW Anarchy in April: This Friday!

 

THIS FRIDAY !!!

Blaze Pro Wrestling presents "ANARCHY IN APRIL" LIVE from the St Louis Centre at 445 Tissot St in Winnipeg MB. Doors open at 630 bell time 7PM. Get there early because this show is SOLD OUT so seating will be very, very limited.

It's going to be an exciting night of action. An evening of debuts. And most importantly an evening of New Champions being crowned.

In the main event of the evening the inaugural Blaze Pro Wrestling TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS will be decided as 4 teams battle in a single elimination, Round Robin Tournament to determine who will be taking home the gold.

Rookie sensations EL DIABLO BLANCO and THE STEEL STUDD will be teaming up to test their mettle again veteran brawler REGGIE GALLAGHER and the always dangerous CORY DIAMOND. Back at BPW: NO REGRETS in February, Diamond let his frustrations get the better of him in his battle against fan favorite MUSTACHIO, accepting the help from his old friend Gallagher. Together, the reformed Teammates laid a tremendous beating on the man from the Mushroom Kingdom until Studd and Blanco arrived to save the day.

As such, the BPW Office is giving both these teams the chance to settle their differences in the Opening Round of the Tag Title Tournament. Will the young upstarts have the wherewithal to counterbalance the weight of THE COMPANY.

In other First Round Action, the war between BIG CLIFF and ADAM KNIGHT seems to have reached its breaking point. These two super heavyweights have been battling across Manitoba since the summer of 2024 at every BPW Event. After Cliff enrolled the assistance of his MASKED MENACE to upset the balance, BILLY BLAZE came forward to team with the 30 year veteran Knight. Back at NO REGRETS these two teams engaged in a wild brawl, culminating in an unfortunate disqualification after Knight lost his temper and laid hands upon the referee.

Whether its the ending of a Grudge Match or the prospect of becoming Champions motivating these four men, one thing is for certain - this match will be a difficult one to keep inside of the ring..

SWEET DEBUT

Also in action, making her official in-ring debut will be BPW trainee KANDY KHAOS as she takes on the mysterious ZAMIL. These two had a brief encounter at NO REGRETS leading to the signing of this match. 

KHAOS will be a perpetual underdog every time she steps into the ring, often facing larger opponents. But her trainers are excited for her to show the world just how hard she's been working and even more importantly, how hard she's gonna hit when she get her chance.


PROVINCIAL TITLE ON THE LINE

The reigning and defending BPW Provincial Champion MENTALLO continues his wrestling adventures This Friday in Winnipeg after many matches on the road. The world travelling Lucha-Resu specialist will be taking on the Massive, 375lb "BOSTON BRUISER" KEVIN O'DOYLE . These two men are no strangers to each other, having battled across the provinces in recent years. But it's always a spectacle to see the Massive O'Doyle step into the ring against the high tempo offence of The Champion, Mentallo.

All of this and More - This FRIDAY in Winnipeg!


****


Sometimes I like to dust off my promotion writing skills, you know. Do a bit of the Hard Sell. Feel free to use this to plug and push the event anywhere and everywhere you like.  It's gonna be a lot of fun. If you've got a ticket, fantastic. If you know someone who has them, do you best to buy one off of them.  This is going to be a special show.

Recap to follow next week. 

AK

ALL MY LINKS

WrestleMania Weekend, The Winnipeg WhiteOut and War On Dad Blog Updates

Suck it Haters

Busy time the past few days. Good times, but busy. The Blaze Pro trainees have been working extra hard to be ready for THIS FRIDAY at the St Louis Centre in Winnipeg. Big fight fever has swept over the PegCity in a significant way. Not only are the Jets flying high in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but the BPW Office announced just the other day that we are officially SOLD OUT of advance tickets for the event on April 25th! Huge news for an upstart company that has the usual shit-talkers doing their usual shit-talking. 

Keep talking fools. Wrestling is for Everyone. And we're just getting started.

Speaking of wrestling, it is officially WrestleMania weekend. As I write this Night One in Vegas is officially behind us. It's going to take me a few days to get caught up on all the major happenings that took place in Las Vegas. So far I've heard interesting things came out of the Bloodsport event, I've seen reports of some Canadian Talents getting opportunities on some of the bolstered Indy Events piggybacking off of Mania - which is always great to see. I know that AEW had a very strong Dynamite and Collision taping earlier in the week to avoid competing with this massive juggernaut weekend.

So far all I've had the chance to watch (and even that only partially) was the NXT Stand and Deliver event. Unsurprisingly the Ladies Fatal Four Way and the Men's triple Threat Main events were terrific. Stephanie Vacquer remains an absolute presence and wonderkin for the ladies' division and I'm not gonna get tired of watching Oba Femi just BE Oba Femi anytime soon.

That said. Hank and Tank. New NXT Tag Champs. I don't get that booking getting them TO the title match. But hot damn did they have a strong bout with Fraxiom. 

Tomorrow is Mania Night Two. Obviously the Cena Vs Rhodes match is the biggest story in wrestling

Big Money Matchup Here

right now. I'm not sure when I'm gonna get the chance to sit down and get caught up on it. But I will admit, it's captured this jaded old grapplers' interest in a way that I wasn't sure was possible anymore.

More to come.

*****
Obviously. The biggest story of the weekend outside of the ring has to be that the President's trophy

#GoJetsGo

Winners, the #1 Team in the NHL and the leaders of the WhiteOut my Winnipeg Jets pulled out the victory in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the red-hot St Louis Blues.

To the surprise of no one, the Blues came out strong. Punched my Jets in the mouth a few times and rattled the reigning Vezina trophy winner Conner Hellebuyck with a few Power Play surprises.

However, seeing my Jets regain their composure half way through the 2nd Period and regain their defensive dominance was something to behold. Allowing the Blues a mere 2 shots in the final Period while keeping the pressure on to score 3 straight goals was amazing to watch.

And let's face it. With all due respect to Montreal and Toronto, the crowds inside and out of the Canada Life Centre add so much life and energy to the players on the ice. The marketing says it all. WE ARE WINNIPEG. And hot damn I love playoff hockey.

Go Jets Go.

*****

And now just to bore the few people here who don't give a damn, my War on Dad Blog Updates:

Look, I had 4 full weight lifting sessions since my last post. An in ring session with the Blaze Pro Wrestling crew and a LOT of dog walks. Yes I recorded them all and will post them here, but if nobody cares going forward I'll just do the most recent one and carry on.

April 12
Biceps w/Back
Close Grip Pulldown - 160 x 12, 12, 12, 12
TBar Row - 3 Plt x 10, 10, 10
Weighted Hyperextension - 90lb x 10, 10, 10
EZBar Curl - 70lb x 10, 90lb x 10, 10, 10, 10
DB Curl - 35lb x 12, 12, 14(!)
This wasn't a "balls out session," but it was the one my body needed this day

April 15
Shoulders, Chest and Triceps
Warm Up / Rear Delt Fly - 3 x 15
Mach OHP - 2 warm Ups, 120 x 10, 10, 10, 10 (huge Pump)
Low Incline DB Press - 75lb x 10, 10, 10, 10 (first time doing these in months, might go back to this for a bit)
DB Upright Row - 45lb x 10, 10, 12, 15(?) (Felt good, kept going)
DB Lat raise - 30lb x 12, 12, 12, 12 (delts just full by end of set 3)
Peck Fly - 175 x 15, 15, 11 + 3 partials (was fatiguing hard)
Rev Grip Triceps - 70 x 12, 12, 12
Triceps Extension - 70 x 12, 12, 12
Treadmill 3% incline, 2.6mph, 45 minutes

#WarOnDadBlog

April 17
Legs and Arms
Hip Abductors - 200 x 20, 20, 20
Adductors - 160 x 20, 20, 20 (forced stretch btw sets)
Leg Press Machine - 310 x 12, 12, 12, 12 (shouldve gone up, but knees iffy)
Seated leg Curl - 145 x 15, 15, 15, 15 (HARD)
Quad Extension - 80 x 20, 20 (just 2 sets, knee not happy)
EzBar Curl/Rev Grip Ext SS - 70lb/50 x 15/20, 15/20, 15 /20
Rope Extensions - 50 x 12, 12, 12 (slow eccentric)
DB Hammer Curl - 45lb x 12, 12, 12
Mach Crunches - Rack x 15, 15

April 19
Back and BiCeps
Warm Ups
Hammer Pulldowns - 160 x 8, 200 x 8, 240 x 5, 5, 5
Close Grip Pulldown - 180 x 12, 10, 9
Bentover Smith Row - 225 x 8, 8, 10, 9, 10 (felt good, stayed here to failure)
Cable pressdown - 50 x 15, 15, 15
DB Curl - 30lb x 10, 35lb x 10, 40lb x 10, 45lb x 10
Mach Preacher Curl - 140 x 10, 10, 10 (control eccentric)
Hyperextension - BW x 15, 15
AbCoaster - 15, 15

Bottom line, I'm doing better and trying to be more consistent in the gym again. I'm also trying to focus on how my body feels given the day and where my energy levels are at. Yes, there's a lot more arm work in here than before. Well, frankly I feel like they're not getting worked hard enough and I'd like to see them develop a bit more as I try to lean out. Life is making this challenging, but let's be honest. It's always challenging for everyone. No Unique Snowflakes here. Other people manage to be consistent while working nights, managing family, relationships, pets and more. So... suck it up Big Fella. You're not alone.

Thanks for reading as always. I'm behind schedule on recording some podcast samples and for that I have no one to blame but myself. Maybe I'll get through the next few days and just Ringside Ramble in more detail about WrestleMania. Maybe I'll even find someone who wants to talk about it with me.

Feel free to send volunteers. Preferably ones with significant followers.

Kidding.

Kinda.

Big week ahead. Looking forward to announcing some fun writing news. Also, Big Show this Friday! Again, Sold Out, but never fear. There will be pictures and videos and fallout. 

What can I say? I might be a bit excited. 

I hope you are too.

AK

EVENTS
LINKTREE

Pro Wrestling: The Purest Form of Storytelling

As I was working with the trainees at the Blaze Pro Wrestling academy yesterday we got into the discussion of motivations. Of personal and character development. Focusing on the WHYs of action and intention as opposed to "just the moves." 

For sure. The moves are cool. Even essential. That's the sizzle to season the steak, if you'll permit an oft overused metaphor. 

However, without the WHY in that ring nothing else matters.

Again, not a new opinion. Speak to any respected veteran with a podcast and they'll tell you much the same thing.

Here's where I can draw those parallels to movie making and books and other forms of entertainment and get the same point across. Why is the John Wick franchise so captivating in comparison to one of any dozen direct-to-streaming action franchises that also have terrific action? It's because of the WHY. Of the drive and dedication of the performers and craftspeople involved to bring you a multilayered story that also delivers some of the greatest action seen in cinema history.

Side note, for a deeper dive into the layered storytelling and themes of John Wick, please check out the amazing video essays done by Mikey Neuman of "FilmJoy" Fame:

But getting back to my thesis statement, Why do I think Pro Wrestling is the Purest Form of Storytelling?

In Pro Wrestling we as performers - athletes - clowns - bookers - competitors have the broadest canvas possible with which to tell and re-tell some of the greatest stories possible to a wide audience. An audience that ranges from little wee children all the way up to those grandparents in the front row trying to smack the "Bad Guys" with her cane (RIP Gracie, you were amazing).

When we first start out training wrestlers, the emphasis is so heavily focused on the action. About being safe and protecting yourself, which is absolutely how it should be. In process of doing that, we also "protect the business" as it were, ensuring that the performers we put in front of a crowd will be able to lend their creativity and efforts in a way to illicit the response from the paying customer who's more often than not only a few feet away from the action. This is admittedly a longer process for most than you'd think since the best way learn is often times by diving feet first into the ring and making mistakes live in front of said audience.

But the benefit of this is where we can begin to tell the simplest of stories with these wrestlers. In my mind I equate them to the "Little Golden Books" of matches, where a viewer of any age can watch and without to much effort get a grasp of what's going on.

For example: Young up-and-comer is nervous but excited to compete and prove themselves against the wily veteran who knows the craft better and isn't afraid to take advantage of the newbies' inexperience. Will the newcomer have the fortitude to stand strong? Will they be true to themselves? Will the veteran resort to chicanery and foul play? Will they welcome the new wrestler warmly and have a purely competitive bout?

And most importantly, who is going to win?

Every match - exactly like every book, movie, TV show etc - has so many variations on the same theme. Will The Protagonist face the challenge before them and show grit , perseverance and moxie even when The Antagonist lays roadblocks and obstacles in their path to challenge and defeat their ambition.

These stories - these matches - only get more complex and nuanced as time goes on. As performers get enough reps in, if they have the privilege to travel and see the world - to see how other countries and cultures perform their wrestling - they will learn how to layer in so many different variations on this theme. They will learn how to show conflicts within themselves. To show regret for their actions. Show righteous indignation and validations for wrongs done to them that are then repaid onto the dastardly bastards who've earned them.

Saying "Pro Wrestling is like a Morality Play" is obviously accurate. But I don't think it goes far enough to describe the nuances that are possible within different matches on the same card.

I don't think there are any other mediums (especially not LIVE mediums) where during one 2 Hour Event, you can literally have multiple stories that will appeal to all ages. From the "Little Golden Book" style Little Good Guy vs Bad Bully encounters all the way up to a John Wick-Style violent exhibition of a wronged individual fighting for revenge where no quarter will be asked or given. 

Pro wrestling can contain love stories. Stories of individuals overcoming personal adversities. Tales of friendship and betrayal and horror and comedy ... oh God, so much comedy.

But through it all, when done right - Pro Wrestling is Pure.

Because it can be anything, for anyone at any time. 

And that is kinda magical.

Thanks for reading. Please check the links. 

AK

BOOKS

SHIRTS

EVENTS

Big Wrestling Weekend

Turns out to have been / is continuing to be a pretty impressive weekend of wrestling. Here locally in Winnipeg, off over in Toronto where the WWE has been selling out the Rogers Centre for a Huge Event and all over.

... Finally ...

Always nice to see and hear reports of independent shows across the world benefitting from the success of the Wrestling Industry. Groups around the Big Smoke capitalizing on the presence of the WWE drawing big houses. Groups in Saskatchewan and Alberta doing the same. Reports from the PNW tell the story with DEFY and BOOM Pro just crushing it right now. Wrestling is worldwide and fun for the general population again - and it's awesome to watch the excitement.

I was honored enough to participate in a bit of excitement locally the other night. And I'll recap it in just a moment. First things first, I have to log my War on Dad Blog report:

Feb 28th
Back and Biceps
Hammer Grip PullDown - 200 x 10, 10, 10, 8
Smith Mach Bentover Row - 205 x 12, 12, 9, 8 (really focused on bottom stretch)
Seated Mach Row - 190 x 12, 12, 12 (energy was starting to dip here)
EZ Bar Curl - 80lb x 15, 15, 13 (again, low energy)
DB Curl - 30lb x 15, 15, 17 (good finish at least)
No cardio today, was already feeling lightheaded and I had to wrestle that night. Time to refuel and rest

Goodlife Garden City

March 1st
Chest and Shoulders w/Triceps
OHP Mach - 80 x 12, 12, 12 (switched up order due to availability, stayed here, left shoulder cranky)
Peck Deck - 175 x 12, 12, 12, 12 + 2 partials (great pump)
Smith Incline Press - 205 x 10, 10, 8, 7, 7 (felt stronger today so added a 5th set and cheesed out on it - dumb)
DB Side Lat raise - 30lb x 15, 15, 15, 15 (must go up to 35lb)
Cable Side Lat - 15 x 9, 9, 9 (these didnt feel as good today, weird)
Rev Grip Tricep Extension - 50 x 15, 15, 15, 15 (just a burnout)
Treadmill 30 mins 4% 2.7mph - slowly starting to increase incline starting next workout
doing this one in a funky order was interesting. Not sure I'd do it that way every time, but it was effective. Energy was tanking bad by the end of my treadmill time but that's okay.

Okay. Back to wrestling talk.

Last Friday Blaze Pro Wrestling packed the St Louis Centre to the rafters. We were literally finding chairs from the basement of the facility to get seating for everyone, and we failed. People were standing in the back and - thankfully - having a great time. Parents and their kids came in swaths, regular fans and new ones were made that night. Every match from top to bottom provided something different for the crowd in attendance. It was truly a special night and one that I was thrilled to be a part of.

I mean, I wasn't thrilled with the outcome of my match naturally. After months of trying to put BIG CLIFF in the rearview I'd hope to finally have done so with BILLY BLAZE's help. Unfortunately I let my emotions get the better of me and well ... Yeah. Disqualifications happen. So. One Final Time - BLAZE and KNIGHT vs BIG CLIFF and the MASKED MENACE April 25th in Winnipeg. The winner advances to the Inaugural Blaze Pro Tag Team Title Match in the Main Event!

Limited Editions

Had the pleasure to catch up with some old friends in the locker room as well. JOHNNY MALIBU seems to be taking liberties with his "Limited Edition" moniker as he continues his comeback run and engaging in a very fun 3 Way Match on the card. My blood and iron brother DARREN DALTON was having a blast assisting with the crew and events in his usual boisterous way. I was thrilled to see my old riding buddy and regular mismatched opponent "THE BIG O" Owen Johnson make a return to action - but in a referee's capacity. 

Had a blast watching 2 of our trainees making debuts at the event as well. The "STEEL STUDD" put on a great effort in front of friends and family, showing grit, determination and finally earning a victory in his first ever match over the always creepy ZAMIL. 

Apparently a glutton for punishment, ZAMIL tried to interrupt the debuting KANDY KHAOS as she was introducing herself to the crowd. However, the Blaze pro trainee showed the people in attendance that she knows how to bring the hurt as well as the sweet treats.

Also, props to the Main event. MENTALLO defeated a very game "TANGO" TYLER ROSE who frankly put on the best showing of his career (from what I've seen.) A very competitive back and forth bout that went the way of the champion, but it was a true test of mettle. One that the crowd was very receptive and appreciative of.

Truly, the Blaze Pro Locker Room has a great vibe and is special. I mean that. Hold onto this feeling people and carry it with you.

Okay, its 430am and I need coffee.

Oh, and thank you to everyone who picked up a copy of my Book and purchased some Shirts. That means a lot. Get Yours Via my LINKTREE .

Later

AK

Where Do We Go From Here?

More than just a poppy tune from the classic episode of a cult TV show, the title of this blog asks an important question of myself.

One that I've pondered many times over the last decade or so.

When I broke into wrestling in 1995 the thought of still lacing up my boots and getting into the ring in my late 40s seemed preposterous. Hell, as I turned the corner on 30 I'd started to refer to myself as the "Old Man" of the Central Canadian circuit.

Oh hubris … you cruel bitch.

The fact is that I've had many milestones and life events where I figured - this is it. This is the time to quit. Now, in this moment.

And somehow - for some reason - I persist.

I have nothing left to prove. I have few challenges left to conquer. I have a decent reputation amongst my peers across the industry for those familiar with my work. Moreover, I have no illusions that one of the major wrestling companies will suddenly pluck me from the indies and offer me a lucrative deal to perform on the road (Though, if anyone from WWE / AEW / TNA are wondering - yes, I would consider an offer.)

During 2 years of COVID Lockdown I - like many - put everything on hold, obviously including grappling in close quarters with other people in front of crowds. In many ways I thought for sure, this is the end. What would I come back to?

And for a time, I thought that was the case. I was wrestling, but not particularly enjoying the process. In fairness, I wasn't enjoying many things in my life at that time. Wrestling amongst them.

But now?

Man … I'm having fun again.

What Billy Blaze and his partners have done with @BlazeProWrestling has been so encouraging. Investing in presentation, product and most importantly - a legitimate facility to have regular training sessions has been a game changer. Having the privilege to lace up my boots and work with some hungry up and comers, polish the rough corners of some more experienced types, and just work on myself and my game has been so rewarding. 

Yeah. It's harder at my age. Yeah. I'm beat up and heavier than I was in my youth.

Turns out though, I'm having more fun in the ring now than I've had in maybe a decade or more.

So. Where do we go from here?

First stop; "Blaze Pro Wrestling's: No Regrets " Feb 28th, 480 Tissot St in Winnipeg. The BPW

The BPW Founder, my recent rival but better friend Billy Blaze and I will be taking on Big Cliff and The Masked Menace in what should be a violent, final encounter. Big Cliff has been a thorn in my side for months now, so... it's time to end this. 

Other standouts on the card? BPW Provincial Champion MENTALLO will defend his title! El Blanco Diablo will face veteran Bobby Collins. Plus, Cory Diamond, fan-favorite Mustachio and more will be in action!

At the event you'll have the chance to get your hands on print copies of my debut novel COWBOY ENDING that I'll be happy to sign and personalize for the CanLit Urban Fantasy reader in your family.

Also, the anticipated OUTLAW 30TH Anniversary Shirt will be available in Limited Sizes - thanks to Cory and the crew at Floodway Print Co for their continued quality work and service. 

After that?

Well, I've been enjoying dusting out the brain cobwebs by working on my blogs (this one and of course the War on Dad Blog). While it's nice to have these going again, the purpose is to get the ball rolling forward on the 4th Book in my Overdrive series. For those who've been waiting? I'm sorry. For those who haven't been, hey - I also write books!!

Finally - because Gods Hate a Coward - I think I'm actually gonna pull the trigger on launching a podcast. For the longest time I've hesitated thinking it was too hard, I don't have anything to say, there are too many podcasts … All of that is nonsense. I like to talk about the things I like, I know many people who'd like to talk about them with me on occasion.

So screw it.

Keep an eye out for "Ringside Ramblings with Adam Knight" where I'll talk about the creative process, people on a fitness journey, and of course what's happening in the world of pro wrestling. The goal is to launch Episode Zero by the end of March. So please, be sure to give it a Like / Follow / Subscribe and all that other online stuff.

So yeah. That's where we go from here. The "Back 9" of my in ring time continues so long as I keep having fun.

And I'm having fun.

AK