AS I SEE IT
Bob Magee
Pro Wrestling Between the Sheets
PWBTS.com
Following a viral moment in which a fan asked WWE head Nick
Khan about the insane price hikes of WWE tickets, and in a
moment that nearly babyfaced Vince McMahon, TKO chief
operating officer Mark Shapiro said the following at a
conference last week:
"We know we have a lot of room there because Vince
McMahon was primarily pricing tickets for families and
wasn’t totally focused on maxing the opportunity there. Now
that we’ve seen what we can do with UFC, we’re replicating
that in terms of ticket yield and holding back and advance
sales when it comes to OnLocation on the WWE side and it’s
working out really well."
In English, TKO said to fans: you ain't seen nothing yet,
then just shot you the bird to boot. I seem to remember the
fictional Gordon Gecko saying "Greed, for wanting of a
better word, is good". I just never thought I'd see his
living embodiment.
Dave Meltzer reported on Monday about the story about Gunnar
Wiedenfels, the head of the future Discovery Global branch
of the future WBD split (the branch that will own TNT and
TBS), and a possible new sports app for everything defined
as TNT Sports. AEW isn't affected, given their contract with
HBO Max through the end of 2027. In addition, while AEW is
listed as sports on HBO Max, it is in fact not considered
part of TNT Sports, but TNT Drama. Tony Khan has made clear
he's dealt with both David Zaslav and Wiedenfels and is on
good terms with both.
In one of the nicest sounding, but pointed criticisms of
WWE's constant counter-programming and efforts to keep AEW
from existing, Bryan Danielson, while on the Grand Slam
Australia press tour came out and said says "certain people
in WWE clearly don't want AEW to exist".
Danielson said specifically on The Ned and John Podcast:
“I think of it and I wonder, right? Like, I’m just
curious what the people who are making these decisions, what
they’re thinking. In the sense of this, ‘Oh, okay. This AEW
thing, it’s real dangerous to our billion-dollar business.’
That can’t be it. The one thing I think is that AEW existing
and being this challenger brand, and being as successful as
we’ve been, has changed the landscape for wrestling for the
wrestlers themselves… but we’re still the challenger brand,
catching up on however many years WWE has had.
But it’s interesting, because we’re not at the point of
being a threat. It’s one of the things where people who
really crave power and a lot of money play these weird games
that I don’t understand. It’s like, okay, we’re going to run
all the competitors that might be competitive with us out of
this business. Why? It’s good for the wrestlers both in AEW
and WWE. It’s been good for them like—okay, if AEW wouldn’t
have started, would Cody Rhodes be where he is right now?
No. They have a megastar because AEW exists. Would CM Punk
ever have come back? Probably not, — The people in WWE, a
lot of the people I know, are great people. So I’d be
interested to know what’s the decision-making process in
this?
“It almost seems like they would like us to go out of
business. We can only do on AEW's end what we can do, and
they're going to do what they do. I was in WWE for 12 years.
This is the way they've operated since 1984. There's nothing
AEW can do to stop WWE from making over a billion dollars a
year. Most wrestlers in WWE want AEW to keep existing
because it's good for them. But certain people there
obviously don't want us to exist.”
As of today, Xfinity, Cox, and YouTube subscribers STILL
can't see John Cena this Saturday...unless they want to pay
$29.99 per month and separately download the app onto smart
TVs or other devices. The Wrestlepalooza PLE (unless there's
a major change in the next 5 days) will only be available to
those who have Charter, Hulu & Live TV, Fubo and Verizon
Fios. Those will get it free. Those with DirecTV streaming,
will get it as well...but with $10 increase in their monthly
bill. Xfinity customer service forums show upset customers
who want to see the event, and are demanding ESPN and
Xfinity come to an agreement. Cox's and YouTube TV's are
likely the same.
It's fall here in South Jersey. The NCAA and the NFL are in
full swing, pumpkin spice everything is here, Spirit
Halloween has opened, and Mariah Carey is starting to
defrost (she appeared at the VMAs recently). That means that
wrestling indies need to start thinking about the season of
giving...NOW.
Over the fall and Holiday season of 2024, AS I SEE IT
reported on how the independent wrestling community reached
out to those in need.
Independent promotions throughout the United States and
Canada held events to help their communities during the
Holiday season through wrestling shows, Comic-Cons, playing
video games,10-day marathons sitting on top of a trailer,
bowling parties, online trivia contests, chicken BBQ's,
portrait sittings, Twitch streams, and a dozen other means.
In all those events, they asked fans to do one small thing.
Just "one small thing". But that "one small thing" meant the
world to someone you will never meet.
One can of soup meant that someone was fed for a meal. One
box of rice meant that a family was fed for a week or more.
One warm coat meant an older person won't shiver
uncontrollably when they walk to the market or to a doctor's
appointment.
One toy meant that a child is allowed a moment of innocence
and joy, often the same child who has gone through fear and
deprivation for far too long.
One "small thing" that was anything but small.
Just take a look at the faces of the thousands of children
given toys in southern Florida by Stuff The Bus in Florida,
or in South Jersey by United Wrestling Coalition in New
Jersey, or Major Wrestling Figure Podcast and Ringside
Collectibles, or ask the survivors of domestic violence
helped with sanctuary and counseling by Women of Nations
Eagles Nest Shelter because Midwest All Star Wrestling
presented the annual Women of Nations Grand Slam, or the
1,000 families fed by an effort of Southern California
indies, or thousands of other families provided toys, winter
jacket, or cans of food through Detroit Warm, Detroit
Goodfellows, and Covenant House from a Juggalo Championship
Wrestling show
Given the current regime in Washington, far, far more help
will be needed from every private source possible to help
the hungry, the sick, the cold, the homeless, LGBT people,
sexual/domestic violence victims, animal welfare, and too
many more causes. Indies, it's time to start planning what
you can do NOW.
Fans, if your local indie hasn't scheduled or announced an
event or events for the Holiday season, ask them why not.
Better yet, offer to help them organize one. It might be you
that needs help tomorrow.
56 indie promotions have scheduled a total of
91 shows and events through the end of the Holiday
Season.
Total contributions as of September 9 are 100 toys,
92 backpacks/sets of school supplies, 13,500
pounds (over 6 tons) of canned/non-perishable food, and
$327,135.20 US in cash donations
* Big Time Wrestling returned to Newark, CA on August 8 for
Family Giving Tree, and the third annual Back-To-School
Backpack Drive collecting 62 backpacks for local kids in
need, grades K-12.
* EPW Wrestling came to Philadelphia, MS on August 9 for the
annual Headlocks for Toys Toy Drive, with WWE/WCW/nWo star
Buff Bagwell, collecting over 100 toys.
* Ottawa/Gatineau, ON independent Mystery Wrestling ran a
24-hour livestream wrestling match on August 11/12 raising
$36,900 CDN ($26,802.50 US) for the 14th annual Fighting
Back: Wrestling with Cancer effort.
* Capital City Championship Wrestling returned to Ottawa, ON
on August 15, raising a collective total for the Canadian
Cancer Society of $132,000 CDN/$95,517.20 US at the 14th
annual Fighting Back: Wrestling with Cancer.
* Supreme Pro Wrestling teamed up with Alex's Lemonade Stand
Foundation to raise money for its annual fundraiser against
childhood cancer on August 17 in Elk Grove, CA raising
$3,790.
* Mall Mania, a wrestling event and fan expo with Tommy
Dreamer and Arn Anderson, came to the Four Seasons Town
Centre in Greensboro, NC on August 17 and raised $300 for
Blue Hearts for Autism.
* Pro Wrestling King, in cooperation with Fishers BBQ and
Chips' Annual School Supplies Drive, held a Pack a Back Pack
show on August 17 in South Bend, IN, collecting 30 full back
packs with school supplies, and shoes.
* Love Wrestling Canada did their August 19 Quizplex monthly
online fundraiser, raising $150 for Dallas Hope Charities.
* Prestige Wrestling ran its most unique show ever on August
23 in Hillsboro, OR for FJR raising $4,500 for RAINN-
the nation's largest sexual abuse charity.
* No Fold Pro Wrestling returned to Murphysboro, TN on
August 24 and raised $48 for Special Olympics.
* Memphis Wrestling came to Tupelo, MS at the Tupelo
Furniture Market on August 22 to raise money for St. Jude
Children's Research Hospital with Rikishi appearing, raising
at least $25,000 at this event.
* Rock Solid Wrestling returned to Kirkland Lake, ON this
August 23 to benefit the Community Living Kirkland Lake in
Kirkland Lake, ON; which assists developmentally challenged
adults, raising at least $3,000.
* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Barrie, ON this
September 6; collecting 300 pounds of canned food for the
local food bank.
* EMERGE Professional Wrestling returned to Columbus, IN on
September 6, with a food pantry collection for Love Chapel,
filling a truck with around 50 pounds of canned/non-
perishable food
* Smash Master Wrasslin/Phantom Six Wrestling/5XW presented
Smash Family Picnic in Bethlehem, PA on September 7; raising
$700 for cancer research.
*GCW Charity Wrestling will also hold its fall and winter
series of wrestling shows and Comic-Cons, collecting food
for the local community food banks in each town in which
they run events; collecting non-perishable and food items
including kids school snacks, juice (boxes and large),
canned veggies/fruit, canned pasta, cereal,
toothpaste/soap/toiletries, pet foods, diapers and baby
supplies.
As of September 12, they have collected 12,000 pounds (6
tons) so far this year and season.
Future shows scheduled thus far are: Peterborough,
ON/September 26, Kingston, ON/September 27, Fenelon Falls,
ON/September 28, Cobourg, ON/October 4, Aurora, ON/October 5
, Collingwood, ON/October 18, Bolton, ON/October 20, Great
Canadian Wrestling Expo/Oshawa, ON October 31-November 2,
Lindsay, ON/November 8, Meaford, ON/November 15, Orillia,
ON/November 16, Owen Sound, ON/November 22, Smith's Falls
ON/November 29, Brockville, ON/November 30, Newmarket,
ON/December 6, Oshawa, ON/December 27, Peterborough,
ON/January 3
* Insane Wrestling Revolution held a drive to bring back
to school items, backpacks, or snacks for school kids at
their September 11 show in Monroe, MI.
* Show-Me State Wrestling presented Freedom Bash 2025 on
September 12 to benefit the Jefferson City Salvation Army,
helping work with the homeless, food pantry, and more.
* Cottage Hills Wrestling Alliance appeared at the Alton, IL
Alton Pride event on September 13 with multiple shows
throughout the day.
* Indiana Powerhouse Wrestling returned to Muncie, IN on
September 13, in a suicide awareness show
* Arkansas Wrestling Association presents Slamming For A
Cure in Blytheville, AR on September 13
* Brew City Wrestling comes to Waukesha, WI on September 13
for A Night For Barbara, raising $1,760 for funeral
costs
* 1CW Pro Wrestling presented Lines Cross on September 13 in
Houston, DE to raising $2,176 for Autism Awareness.
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on September
13, distributing 700 pounds of food, including meats,
canned goods, non-perishables, and assorted foodstuffs.
* NEOPro Wrestling returns to Niagara Falls, ON this
September 13, collecting food for Project Share.
* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Belleville, ON this
September 13; canned food collection for local food bank
* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Whitby, ON this
September 14; canned food collection for local food bank
* Cannonball Fest takes place on September 14 in New
Providence, NJ, raising over $40,000 to benefit Jeff
Cannonball in his fight against ALS.
The GoFundMe for Jeff Cannonball has seen an additional
$150,242 contributed through the evening of September
14.
---------------------------------------------
* 4Ever Pro Wrestling comes to Scottsburg, IN on September
19 for Going Gold for a childhood cancer awareness
fundraiser with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Bree's
Blessings.
* Ruthless Pro Wrestling takes part in Bleed for The Cause:
Tables, Ladders, And Charity on September 20 at 1720 Venue
in Los Angeles with a pre-party taking place the night
before on the 19th at Knucklehead in Hollywood. A night of
ultra-violent wrestling and death metal for a good cause.
All profits will be donated directly to the LA Children's
hospital cancer ward. If you purchase a ticket for the main
event on the September 20 show ,that ticket will get you
into the pre-party on the 19th! There will be vendors as
well as charity raffles to win merch and other prizes.
* Limitless Wrestling returns to Westbrook, ME on September
20 to collect food for Locker Project Maine
* No Fold Pro Wrestling returned to Murphysboro, IL on
September 21 to raise funds for Special Olympics.
* Journey Independent Championship Wrestling returned on
September 27 in Martinsville, IN for the Austin Fury
Memorial Tournament, raising money to benefit Suicide
Awareness.
* AML Wrestling returns to Winston-Salem, NC on September
27, benefits Bustin’ For Autism.
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on September
27.
* Crossfire Wrestling returned to The Merritton Lions Club,
St Catharines, ON this September 28, for FIRED UP 2025.
Partial proceeds will go to The Niagara Peninsula Foundation
for Children.
* Insane Wrestling Revolution will be holding a
toy/food/clothing drive at their October show (date to be
announced in September)
* Magnum Wrestling presents Over The Top at Granary Green,
Ralston, NE on October 3 to raise funds for All proceeds
from this event will go to Little Leaf Learning Center.
* Wrestling With Purpose presents A Night For Marcus on
October 3 in Pembroke, NC to benefit an area cancer victim.
* IWF returns to North Arlington, NJ on October 4th and
limited seats remain! World-class athletes compete for the
Heavyweight, American, Tag Team and Women's Championships -
all to benefit the Michael Robert Cammett Jr. Memorial
Foundation.
* Imperial Wrestling Entertainment returns to Houghton Lake,
MI on October 4, collecting new and gently used costumes to
donate to needy families
* Timmy Global Health presents the 24th annual Timmy
Takedown on Saturday, October 11 in Kirklin, IN. Timmy
Global Health works to connect people to primary healthcare,
and supports community leadership and engage global health
advocates in a community-oriented primary care mode. It
engages students and volunteers to impact both our
international partner’s work and their local home
communities.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on October 11 in Houston, DE to
benefit the American Cancer Society.
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on September
27.
* Dropkick Depression presents It's Fun to Play on October
11 at the YMCA of Piscataway, NJ. Come see some family
friendly, action-packed professional wrestling as we raise
money for a good cause. Proceeds from this event will
benefit ALS United, an organization helping those who have
been diagnosed with ALS live a long, comfortable life with
medical care, resources, programs, and support.
* Appalachian Championship Wrestling returns to Winfield, WV
on October 18 for Barnyard Beatdown 5, benefits West
Virginia Horse Network, Inc.
* Pure Wrestling Association/ACPW returns to York, PA on
October 18 for Headlock on Hunger
* Interspecies Wrestling presents the Canadian version of
Cannonbrawl on October 18, in Chateauguay, QU, Canada as
ISW and friends honor and fundraise for one of their own.
Jeff Cannonball, who has been diagnosed with ALS. We want to
help lighten that load a little - for Jeff, Sam, and little
Milo. This event will feature wrestlers from all over Canada
and the United States,100% of the proceeds from this event,
and all things associated with it (streams, auctions,
raffles) will go directly to Jeff and his family to help
with the costs associated with his care
* 365 Pro Wrestling returns to Goderich, ON at Goderich
Memorial Arena on October 18 for a benefit wrestling show
and BBQ to benefit the Hunter Costello Memorial Fun-dation,
which works to build an accessible playground in Goderich,
and to provide financial relief to families with ill or
injured children in the local community.
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on October
25.
* Amped Up Wrestling returns to Inglewood, CA on October 26
to benefit Ability First Center JHAM Center.
* Get ready to throw down at Reena Rumble on October 27.
This family-friendly wrestling extravaganza is bringing some
of the biggest names in the ring – Matt Hardy, Carlito, and
the world’s tiniest wrestler, Microman! Prepare for jaw-
dropping moves, hilarious moments, and memories that’ll last
a lifetime. And don’t miss your chance to meet the wrestlers
up close and personal! It’s not just a match – it’s
Toronto’s #1 wrestling charity event, supporting a great
cause! Mark your calendars and get ready for the most
electrifying event of the year!
* Midwest All-Star Wrestling will hold its annual
fundraising dinner and Q&A with Great Muta on October 31 in
Bloomington, MN; then the annual Women of Nations Grand Slam
7 on November 1 in North St. Paul, MN, raising funds for the
Women of Nations shelter that works with survivors of
domestic violence/sexual abuse.
* Stunt Cat & Friends Save Christmas comes to Scranton, PA
on November 8, to benefit United Cerebral Palsy Angel Tree
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on November 8
* Independent Pro Wrestling presented Hammering Cancer 6 on
November 9 in Hamilton, ON to raise money and awareness for
the Juravinski Cancer Centre.
* United Pro Wrestling debuts in Scottsville, KY on November
14th at the James E. Bazzell Middle School. This event will
be a Toys for Tots toy drive event.
* Love Wrestling Canada's Big Bad Boris will do a 40 hour
Exstream on November 14 to benefit the Canadian Mental
Health Association.
* Total Wrestling Federation presents Wreck the Halls on
November 15, at the Colonial Theatre, 3522 Stockton Blvd,
Sacramento, CA in its annual Shriners Hospital toy drive
show.
* Supreme Pro Wrestling held its annual food drive show,
Still Hungry, on November 16 in Elk Grove, CA, collecting
canned and non-perishables for the Elk Grove Food Bank
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on November 22 to Harrington,
DE for a Boys and Girls Club benefit
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on November
22.
* UWC Pro Wrestling returns for its annual Toys for Tots
Show on November 29 at 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt, NJ.
Admission is FREE with a $20 suggested value new toy
donation, or $20 at the door (all ages). This event happens
conveniently after all those wonderful Black Friday
sales!!!!
* MCW Pro Wrestling returns in December for its annual Toys
for Tots Show.
* Wrestling With Purpose presents December 5 in Pembroke, NC
for the Clash 4 The Kids Toys for Tots show
* KSWA has scheduled its annual FanFest and Holiday Toy
Drive for Saturday, December 6, in Pittsburgh, PA
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on December 6 in Houston, DE
for the annual Toys for Tots show.
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on December
13
* Revolt Ministries will hold its annual 12-day Stuff The
Bus Toy Drive at The Guardian's Legacy show in Florida this
December 7-17.
* New Breed Wrestling returns to Eldon, MO on December 13
for its annual Toys for Tots Show.
* Mall Mania presents the Christmas Chaos Wrestling & Gaming
Expo on December 14 in Greensboro, NC
* Winter Wonderslam returns in Pahrump, NV on December 21 at
the Mccullough Arena, distributing toys in southern Nevada.
* Wrestling Figure Podcast will be involved in another Toy
Drive this Holiday season. Details to come.
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on December
27
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