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

We Are What They Grow Beyond

Parental Pride is an ongoing, ever surprising thing to me.

Not surprising in that I don't expect to be proud of my little girl, but simply put: when she achieves things that she has worked so hard for - seeing her acknowledged by her teachers and peers, well ... I might be a big, scary man in some walks of life. But when it comes to that precious little girl; I cry ALL the damned time.

Without getting too personal (because this isn't her page,) I just wanna say: Papa is Very Proud of his Little Girl today, tomorrow and the day after that. 

I love you, kiddo.

***

Of course, this got me thinking - as emotional life moments often do - about how this is kinda what the purpose of  educating and raising people IS. At some point in our own lives and journey, we should be able to pass on the knowledge and sum totals of our experiences to those in our orbit looking to advance or challenge themselves.

Sure, sometimes that leads to frustration as well. How many times in your life have you offered counsel to a friend or loved one, cautioning them in regards to a decision / action you've personally experienced - only to see them run headlong into the situation and meet their fate.

Irritating right? 

But that's where things get interesting. Because all of the people in our lives have different experiences even when faced with similar challenges. The purpose of our counsel, or our experience is to warn them of potential pitfalls and errors that are possible to make. To give them knowledge and the ability to know they can overcome said challenges when they're met. 

Sometimes, these forewarned individuals rush headlong in and meet a similar fate.

Other times, they take this information and blaze a new way forward. Meeting said challenges and surpassing them. Or even better, finding new ways to resolve them that We ourselves could never have foreseen. Because that was Their Challenge to face, and only They could've done so.

In either case, the point I'm working my way towards making is that all we can ever do with those in our care, is to offer the best advice and support that is possible for them before releasing them into the wild to fend for themselves. 

It's scary. For them and Us. 

But it's the only way forward, and the only way for them to become the People THEY Are meant to be outside of us.

We Are What They Grow Beyond.

And I want them all to be better than I ever was or could've been. 

So, to everyone who is patient enough to want to sit under MY learning tree; whether that's Wednesdays at the Blaze Pro Academy, the number of you who regularly ask me for advice on writing, gym stuff, how to deal with conflicts in your life and more ... I guess I just wanna say, I'm Proud of You All Too.

Take that for what it's worth to you.

It's worth a lot to me.

With respect and humility,

AK

LINKTREE

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

Recap and Refocus

Been a few days without writing. Sorry about that for all 12-25 of you who regularly check this out. Didn't mean to check out on you. Between work and life and KEYCON and figuring out a house move its been a bit of a whirlwind. So much so that my "war on Dad Blog" posts have taken a bit of a slide - just at perfect time as well, since I'm trying to up my conditioning for a big match at the end of June.

Life. It'll getcha when you least expect it to.

Anyways, I hit a work out tonight. I feel better in all the ways that only endorphins can handle. I'll post the recap at the end just for posterity and then we'll move forward.

Quick Hits of thoughts from the past week.

- KEYCON 41 was a very fun experience. The local literary sci-fi convention was (hopefully) a big success for the volunteers and organizers of the event. Having the chance to reconnect with people i know and haven't seen in ages from all parts of the creative and frankly Nerdy Community was awesome. I want to thank Chris for inviting me to speak and host the panels I was able to be a part of, most certainly the "Page to Screen: A discussion with Jim Butcher and Tanya Huff" panel on Saturday.

It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I am a BIG fan of Mr. Butcher's "Dresden Files" series, so having the opportunity to meet, discuss some things about his process as well as thank him for his work while he generously signed a copy of his book "Changes" for me was honestly super cool.

What's also Super Cool? Being remembered by Ms. Tanya Huff from the ONE time we met a decade before - also at KEYCON - and finding out once again what an amazing and engaging soul she is. A true pleasure and a gift to the Canadian Literary community.

And to all of the other creatives I met over the weekend, thank you for sharing your ideas, your work and your passion with the world. At the end of the day, we all create worlds and stories to explore those parts of ourselves that we see reflected in others. And it's always awesome talking process and ideas and struggles and more with you all. Plus, so many people wanted copies of my books which - man , just lets a Big fella know that his work is being appreciated. So thank you all.

It's Official!

- So, since I was inspired by all of the creativity this past weekend, I locked in a "Must Publish date" for the 4th Book in my OVERDRIVE series. I know, it's been a few years since Book 3 and I'm sorry for that. Getting my head together has been a struggle. However, I can officially say, that "POWER PLAY: Book 4 of OVERDRIVE" will be available to purchase on January 31st, 2026. So, keep hassling me y'all. I'm gonna need the pokes to keep me on task to hit my deadline.

- Just briefly, so much love to my Winnipeg Jets for an amazing season. Even in defeat - during some heartbreaking events and news - our Jets played their asses off and were only one shot away from forcing another Game 7. Absolutely no quit in that team, and some excellent Leadership and Class shown by everyone involved. God damn I love hockey.

- Finally, the wrestling portion. I return to the Blaze Pro Wrestling training centre Wednesday evening.

Practice, practice, practice

Rookies, consider yourself forewarned. Not sure exactly what I'm gonna be working with you all on, but I'm bringing my boots and the old man wants to work some aches and pains out of his system. Come in with ideas and things you want to try from your "tape study" for when we open up the freestyle portion of the class.

As promised, here was tonight's workout. Nothing to set the world on fire, but since it was my first lift in 4 days, it was past time.

BACK w/Biceps
Seated Cable Row - 2 Warm up sets, 220 x 8,8,8,8
Meadows Row - 2 plates (90lbs ish) x 10, 10, 10
EZ Bar Curl - 90lbs x 12, 12, 12, 12
Lat Pulldown - 175 x 12, 12, 12
DB Curl - 40lb x 12, 12, 12, 15

Like I said, just a get back into it session. I'll be pushing a bit more this week, no question.

Thanks to you all. Please check the LINKTREE. Be back soon.

AK

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

Interesting Opportunities, Trainees Progressing, War on Dad Blog Continues

Here's where I'm not sure what to say that doesn't sound like a "look at me, I have news and can't tell

#VaguePosting

you yet" kind of thing. But , well... Fingers crossed that the email exchange I've been having the last week or so with an event coordinator will be giving me more opportunity to plug the "Reading" aspect of this blog's title. I've always tried to be the kind of person to under promise and over deliver and keep potential opportunities close to the vest to avoid disappointments, however: I feel pretty good about this one.

Regardless, when it becomes official, I'll be sure to hashtag-humble-brag all about it. And in the event that it falls through, I'll talk about it anyways and why I was excited.

Still, could be very cool. Plus, it's even more incentive to get more diligent with my book-writing stuff (not that this blog isn't cool et all.)

*** 

Get Up Drills

Last night at the Blaze Pro Wrestling Centre we had a very good session. I've not been able to attend as many recently as I've been able to in the recent past, which sucks because I very much like getting in the ring, sharing knowledge and pushing myself - as I may have stated a time or 12 in previous blog posts. 

This session was interesting for a number of reasons. A good number of our trainees are really coming into their own which is honestly, super gratifying to see. While we had a group last night of members at varying levels of proficiency - every one of them has shown marked improvement in the past few weeks alone. 

It really is amazing to see the light bulb beginning to go off behind their eyes as what once seemed a completely foreign idea is now just becoming another tool in the toolbox.

Sure. More work to do. For me too - this old man ain't exactly in fighting shape these days. However, for any one of the BPW crew reading this - I meant every word last night. You're doing great, and you're only going to get better if you keep working as hard as you are.

***

And speaking of hard work. No gym last night since I was in ring coaching the "kids" instead. And while I didn't get as physical as I normally do, that's probably a good thing. The change up I've made to my resistance training has been very effective and I've been feeling the difference in my muscles - even if it looks no different from the outside. As such, making sure I've got adequate rest between lifts really is a good thing. these old joints ain't getting any more flexible sadly.

April 8, 2025
Shoulders w/Chest and Triceps

Mach OHP - 60 x 10, 80 x 10, 100 x 10, 120 x 10, 130 x 10, 140 x 10, 150(rack) x 7,6 (a big achievement for me - I've been avoiding OHP for years due to joint pain)
Smith Low Incline Press - 205 x 6, 8, 7, 5, 5 (prev exercise wore me out, next time start lower)
DB Upright Row - 40lb x 15, 15, 15
DB Side Lat Raise - 30lb x 15, 15, 15
Rev Grip Tricep Ext - 50 x 15, 60 x 15, 70 x 15
Tricep Extension - 70 x 15, 15, 15
Peck Fly - 160 x 15, 15, 15

Terrific pump after this. A bit lower volume on the chest on purpose. I really want to try and bring my shoulders back into focus as I feel like they've been neglected a lot recently. So, this so far feels like it's working pretty great.

While I didn't do any focused cardio after that session I justified it with all of the personal item sorting, box moving and home prepping I've been doing lately. Yay real Estate game. Worth it, but still... 

If anyone cares I have a few other items for sale up on Marketplace. I'll understand if said items are too geeky for you and you want to shame me for even having these items. But they've given me so much enjoyment over the years and I'm happy to pass them along to new folks should they desire.

More to come when I have more to say.

AK

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