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.
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| 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.
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| 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
