Bucket List Opponents #ShootingMyShot

So now that we sit here in Mid August of 2021 I am (for the first time in a year and a half) beginning to examine the potential for wrestling shows once again. Actual ones in front of real live people. While travel in Canada is a bit less difficult now than it was before and our vaccination numbers are rising every day I am personally feeling much more comfortable about heading out into the world without as much fear of bringing the virus back to my loved ones.

As such, the question must be asked: at my age and level of wear and tear, how much tread is left on these old tires? Can my body handle the rigors of in ring activity? Will the travel (should I choose to make trips of course) be manageable on my joints?

We all have a “Bump Card” and I’ve tried to be more selective in the last few years of my run about where I spend those precious impacts. Because while I could easily modify my in ring approach to be a bit less physical, rely more on posturing and promos and request a smaller opponent base to work with and likely extend my in ring career for a number of years… that just wouldn’t feel honest to me. I’ve never wanted to be one of “Those Lazy Old Fucks” who just coasts on tricks and gimmicks to get by. If I truly can’t deliver a match up to a level that I’m happy with, then I refuse to subject my efforts to a paying audience. They deserve the best for their dollar.

So with that said, this got me thinking about whom I WOULD like to face if I had my druthers. As such I’ve put together a little list. Not a fantasy booking kinda list, just a realistic compilation of fellas whom I believe I have a realistic chance to step into a ring with were things to line up.

These gents are in no particular order:

Shaun Moore is a mainstay on the Canadian Indy scene at the moment. Well travelled across several provinces and based out of Saskatchewan. It’s been my privilege to have shared a locker room with him on a few occasions though our paths haven’t yet crossed within a ring as of yet. I want to rectify that and test my mettle against his skill and technique. Plus I think our discrepancy in size would lead to some fun dynamics and storytelling opportunities.

Alex Hammerstone is a freak of nature. I first met #YBH during an overstuffed battle royal taking place at the Cauliflower Alley Club Convention back in 2016 or 2017 (?) and had a laugh. Since then he’s gone on to be a major player for Major League Wrestling in the USA as well as enjoying success with Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan. A powerhouse wrestler with an amazing dropkick and excellent in ring presence. Definitely someone I’d love to lock horns with.

My buddy Arik Cannon has done a masterful job with FIRST Wrestling based out of Minneapolis for many years now and has been a staple of the MidWest Indies for almost 2 decades. We originally crossed paths for a spot show in Fergus Falls, MN in front of legitimately 11 people. One of those “The locker room was more packed than the house” scenarios. Since then we’ve had laughs and moments along the way in the Dakotas but have never had the chance to tie up. Maybe I’m nuts, but I think that “The Outlaw vs The Anarchist” makes for a hell of a log line.

This one might take some travelling, however since the United Kingdom is on my separate “Places to Wrestle Before I Retire” list this seems like an easier two-for.  All the preamble to say just how desperately I want to hit the mat with British Heavyweight Legend Doug Williams. After flirting with retirement himself a few years ago he is back with a vengeance and appears to be in incredible condition. A phenomenal catch style grappler with amazing strikes… man, the things I could learn just by locking up. Mr. Williams, it would be an honour.

A few years ago while he was on his international excursion from the DDT promotion in Japan I ended up nose to nose in a battle royal with “The Japanese Beast” Shigehiro Irie. I’m not even sure we ended up getting to trade any blows before the parade of jabrones swarmed us. Regardless, this Winnie the Pooh loving athlete is so well respected and incredibly talented. I have no doubt that he and I would be able to tear into each other and bring crowds to their feets.

I lied about no particular order as I’ve certainly saved these athletes for last.

The current reigning and defending NWA World Champion Nick Aldis has been carrying the banner of the revitalized National Wrestling Alliance for a number of years now with dignity and aplomb. The success of their quarterly Pay Per View events on the FITE app as well as their flagship show NWA POWERRR have been an excellent alternative to other pro wrestling you can find on TV today. A throwback to the glory days of in studio wrestling, Mr. Aldis has been a shining example as champion and in unquestionably someone whom I would love to face. So let’s get Billy on the horn, share another beer and make this deal happen.

The last name on my list today is the only Pipe Dream that I am throwing out there. It’s also a cheat since a few years back I actually had the chance to team up with this man for a Trios Bout right here in Winnipeg. But if by some chance I was able to get in the ring to face Scott “Flash” Norton one on one… man, this is a battle I would LOVE to have. A legend in Japan. An arm wrestling Champion. Yes, a part of the NWO. Championships all over the world. A powerlifting badass like few others. And a gentleman through and through. Mr. Norton, if you’re still taking bookings my schedule can be very easily cleared.

Please follow the links I’ve provided to check out the work and merchandise pages for all of the gentlemen I’ve mentioned above. While there are of course many other wrestlers I’d be honoured to face these are the ones front of mind for me today. If you’ve got anyone you’d like to see me face, feel free to tag em on Twitter, hit up your favourite indy promotions and put a bug in their ears, or just RT and SHARE The heck outta this post.

Thanks for Reading. I’m looking forward to getting back to more Wrestling soon.

AK

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