AS I SEE IT
Bob Magee
Pro Wrestling: Between the Sheets
PWBTS.com
MCW Pro Wrestling announced Saturday morning the passing of
their longtime timekeeper Jeff Amdur. Jeff was a beloved
figure in the Mid-Atlantic indie wrestling scene, noted for
his detailed show reports during the first days of the
internet introducing many to indie wrestling.
Jeff was a regular in the early days of the ECW Arena, with
one of my best memories being the night Paul Heyman brought
Rey Misterio, Jr. and Psicosis in, with Jeff (a Spanish
teacher in real life) bringing in a songsheet of sorts for
the Bleacher Bums with various chants lucha fans yelled at
talent in Mexico. The luchadores were shocked to hear an ECW
Arena crowd chanting like it was Arena Mexico.
May Jeff's memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved
him.
In the never-ending story, part 2....in an appearance this
past week on WFAN Daily with Sam Licata, AEW President Tony
Khan said that he’s "100% confident that AEW television will
remain on Warner Bros. Discovery properties TNT and TBS for
the foreseeable future." It’s the second time that Khan made
that statement, suggesting again that the AEW-Warner
Brothers Discovery deal has been concluded, with the only
thing remaining the formal announcement,
In a move foreshadowed by a mention on Dynamite, Khan said
that since WBD is sunsetting Bleacher Report, AEW will have
their PPVs available on other apps as well (read
Triller/FITE, PPV.com, YouTube, and others)
“You can get the pay-per-views other places for now but
we’re working on some exciting announcements on where to get
those and what’s to come with MAX but I’ve said it before,
and I’ll say it again, I can promise you, I’m 100% confident
that you’re going to have AEW on TBS and TNT for a long time
to come,” Khan said. He also indicated that PPVs are not the
only thing that he's eyeing on MAX, but again stopped short
of what else they're considering until the official
announcement. Logic suggests WBD will also simulcast
Dynamite and Collision (and for that matter...TBS and TNT
overall, as they do all other Warner Brothers Discovery
stations).
Meanwhile, it's Fall. People are out in jeans and sweaters
out. Kids are still whining about homework, and asking when
the first vacation is. Pumpkin spice everything is being
sold. Mariah Carey is nearly thawed.
As I have since 2017 in this AS I SEE IT blog, I report on
how the independent wrestling community reached out to those
in need.
Independent promotions throughout the United States and
Canada held events and gave back to their community;
collecting canned and non-perishable food and warm clothing,
doing fundraisers for homeless or domestic violence
shelters, animal welfare groups, and those with medical
needs.... and holding lots of Toys for Tots drives. They did
it through (obviously) wrestling shows, plus Comic-Cons,
bowling parties, online trivia contests, chicken BBQ's and a
dozen other means.
Wrestling indies are in the 2024 season of giving... with
97fCrss charity shows/events announced (or having taken
place) so far to help their communities for the Holidays,
collecting donations from fans like you. Many more will do
so over the next four months. Independent wrestling
promotions have at this early stage in 2024 raised
$160,083 cash donations, 10,510 pounds (that's
over FIVE TONS) of canned and non-perishable food, and
250 backpacks and "tons of school supplies" as of September
29.
Here's the list so far.
* Reena Foundation tag-teamed with Magen Boys Entertainment
to bring back Reena Rumble, presented by Tribute
Communities, with the help of "Million Dollar Man” Ted
Dibiase, Matt Riddle, “The Mountie” Jacques Rougeau, Brandon
Cutler, and Colt Cabana, raised $90,000. Reena
provides housing, programs and employment services for
individuals with Autism and other developmental
disabilities, mental health challenges, and other diverse
health needs.
* All Pro Wrestling/Nevada presented Headlock on Hunger at
Reed High School, Sparks, NV raising $8,500 for the
Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
* Big Time Wrestling returned to Newark, CA on August 2,
school backpack drive benefiting Family Giving Tree
featuring an appearance by Rikishi and their second annual
Back-To-School Backpack Drive with Family Giving Tree, for
new, unused backpacks and school supplies for local kids in
need, grades K-12 at the show. The promotion was able to
donate a total of 250 backpacks and "tons of school
supplies" in support of their Back to School Drive.
* Capital City Championship Combat returned to Ottawa, ON at
the Preston Event Center on August 16 for Fighting Back:
Wrestling with Cancer with DIJAK vs. Speedball Mike Bailey,
Josh Alexander, and more. Initial totals indicate
$31,000 raised so far. EvilUno alone has raised over
$5,000 for this year's total donation!
* Showcase Pro Wrestling returned to Franklin, MA on August
17, raising $600 for a non-profit organization supporting
Veterans.
* Stomp Out Cancer 4: The Reboot occurred on Saturday,
August 17 in Uniontown, PA, raising $6,200 for the
American Cancer Society.
* Supreme Pro Wrestling teamed up once again with Alex's
Lemonade Stand Foundation to raise $1,003 for its
annual fundraiser against childhood cancer on August 18 in
Elk Grove, CA.
* Top of Texas Professional Wrestling presented “Burgers and
Bash” on August 24 in Amarillo, TX; and raised $7,000
for Andrea’s Project, a non-profit organization that was
created to help spread awareness about driving under the
influence of drugs and alcohol.
* Love Wrestling Canada held Quizplex on YouTube on August
24 with Donovan Dijak, Miles Blackwell, and Ben Bishop Vinny
Pacifico, and Katrina Creed, raising $600 for The Trevor
Project.
* Rock Solid Wrestling raised well over $2,000 on
August 28 for the Community Living Kirkland Lake in Kirkland
Lake, ON; which assists developmentally challenged adults.
* Wrestling 4 A Cause returned to Lafayette, GA on August 31
for a show benefitting Children’s Hospital, raising $500.
* Empire State Wrestling hosted a Chiavetta's Chicken BBQ
Party in conjunction with P.U.N.T. - a foundation associated
with Dawson Knox of the Buffalo Bills that supports families
coping with pediatric cancer on September 7, and raised
$2,200.
* United Wrestling Coalition held its second annual
Scholarship Fund Benefit Show at the New Egypt American
Legion, New Egypt, NJ on September 7 for the 2nd Annual
Scholarship Fund Benefit Event, raising $1,700.
* Great Canadian Wrestling came to Barrie, ON on September
7, collecting canned and non-perishables collected for the
local food bank
* Great Canadian Wrestling came to Belleville, ON on
September 8, collecting 300 pounds of canned and non-
perishables collected for the local food bank.
* Phantom Six Wrestling presented All In Together in
Bethlehem, PA, on September 8 to benefit for suicide
prevention via NAMI Lehigh Valley, raising $1,000.
* Great Canadian Wrestling came to Aurora, ON on September
14, collecting canned and non-perishables collected for the
local food bank. To date, Great Canadian Wrestling and Pop
Culture Canada have collected an astounding 9,900 pounds
of canned and non-perishables to date in 2024 as of
September 14.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling presented Home of the Brave on September
14 in Houston, DE to benefit Home of the Brave, raising
$2,780.
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on September
14, distributing around 160 pounds of non-perishable food
for their ministry to feed the hungry in the Tulsa area.
* Independent Pro Wrestling returned to Brantford, ON on
September 21; holding a canned goods collection for the
Brantford Food Bank, collecting a "decent sized box".
* IWF Media LLC and North Arlington Board of Education
presented: Unstoppable on September 21 in North Arlington,
NJ raising $3,000 to benefit the Michael Robert
Cammett Jr. Memorial Foundation. Additionally, the show
hired stage crew from Nutley’s Rise Beyond Program, an
initiative to provide meaningful employment to adults with
disabilities.
* Great Canadian Wrestling came to Kingston, ON on September
21, collecting canned and non-perishables collected for the
local food bank.
* Great Canadian Wrestling came to Peterborough, ON on
September 22, collecting canned and non-perishables
collected for the local food bank. 250 pounds were collected
over the weekend.
* Journey Independent Championship Wrestling returned on
September 22 in Martinsville, IN for the Austin Fury
Memorial Tournament, raising $300 to benefit Suicide
Awareness.
* Love Wrestling Canada held Quizplex on YouTube on
September 24 with Donovan Dijak, Vinny Pacifico, and Katrina
Creed, raising $200 for the Alzheimer's Association of
Canada.
* Magnum Wrestling presented Over The Top at Granary
Green, Ralston, NE on September 28, benefiting the Sammy
Strong Foundation and the Pediatric Cancer Action Network.
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on September
28, distributing around 200 pounds of non-perishable food
for their ministry to feed the hungry in the Tulsa area.
* Great Canadian Wrestling comes to Cobourg, ON on September
28, collecting canned and non-perishables collected for the
local food bank.
* AML Wrestling presented All for The Glory and Eye For An
Eye on September 28 in Eden, NC, featuring the stars of AML
Wrestling with special guests: Donovan Dijak, "The
Brickhouse" Kamille, Rhett Titus, Arn Anderson and Brock
Anderson; raising $1,500 for Friends of Eden Animal
Rescue.
* Crossfire Wrestling returned to The Merritton Lions Club 7
Park Avenue St Catharines, ON on September 29, for FIRED UP
2024. Partial proceeds will go to The Niagara Peninsula
Foundation for Children.
--------------------------------------------------
* Great Canadian Wrestling will hold their fall and winter
series of shows and Comic-Cons, collecting food for the
local community food banks in each locality in which they
run events; collecting non-perishable and food items
including kids school snacks, juice (boxes and large),
canned veggies and fruit, canned pasta, cereal,
toothpaste/soap/toiletries, pet foods, diapers and baby
supplies. Additional future shows scheduled thus far are:
Whitby, ON/October 20, Batawa, ON/October 26, Bowmanville,
ON/October 27, Peterborough, ON/November 9, Lindsay,
ON/November 10, Belleville, ON/November 17, Aurora,
ON/November 23, Angus, ON November 24, Newmarket,
ON/December 7, Port Perry, ON/December 8 and Oshawa,
ON/December 27 for Season's Beatings.
* Amped Up Wrestling returns to Inglewood, CA on October 5
to benefit Ability First with the fifth annual JHAMC
@abilityfirstjham Wrestlefest with wrestling, food, music,
and more....a fundraiser for our community!!! join us!!!
* It's that time once again... as One Fall Entertainment and
Pink Heals return to Seton Catholic School in Sheboygan, WI
for PINK HEALS 2024 on October 5 !!
In the last 3 years, they have already raised nearly $35,000
for those that have been affected by cancer in the Sheboygan
County area, and we are looking to continue to kick things
up a notch. This event could NOT be possible without the
help of our sponsors, our fans, our roster including our
special guests, and so many more people!! Who knows which
special guests will be here to help us out this year? Who
would you like to see? Don't miss out on this EPIC event.
Tickets available at https://www.ticketsource.us/onefall?
fbclid=IwY2xjawEUoB1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHb8SljxnHEnKKfadcy_H61G
IQiSLCvczT3yUL2DsR-60-Rm-
EtNqBL0Iiw_aem_jUJT7S36ghI6H4c8yxXvHw
* Pure Pro Wrestling storms into Bay City, MI, on October 5,
to benefit the Historic Masonic Temple community arts and
movie facilities.
* Empire State Wrestling returns to Niagara Falls, NY on
October 5. AEW star Danhausen and TNA star "Speedball" Mike
Bailey are scheduled to return to action. We will hold a
food drive for The Little Free Pantry: North Tonawanda at
#ESWEvilEmpire. We encourage everyone attending to bring
non-perishable food items.
* Chaos4K9s returns to Guelph, ON on October 5; benefits
Tyson N Friends Animal Rescue at the Raging Bull Dart Lounge
and Banquet Hall, 84 Lewis Road Guelph, ON Canada. All
proceeds benefit the pet rescue and our Chaos4K9s
fundraising period proceeds will be donated directly to the
Pet Rescue following our hard-hitting MAIN at this
Incredible Event. Tickets are only $25. This is a night you
will not want to miss!!!!! Chaos4K9s and Off The Ropes
Studio are bringing it for the Pitties!
* Lehigh Valley Apparel Creations presents Steelstacks
Smackdown II at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, PA on October 5 as
a benefit to raise money for New Bethany. Money raised will
go toward supporting Southside Bethlehem-based New Bethany’s
mission to get resources and housing to local people
experiencing poverty, hunger and homelessness. Please bring
a non-perishable food item as well to help Bethany's work.
* Wheelchairs are thrown to the side, walkers forgotten, and
abilities highlighted as each wrestler steals the spotlight
in an event that often brings laughs, tears, and a whole lot
of fun. The 23rd annual Timmy Takedown is a free, annual
event on Saturday, October 5th in Kirklin, Indiana. Cheer
local kids on as they show their abilities in the ring and
raise funds for the families and communities that Timmy
Global Health supports around the world.
* Great Canadian Wrestling comes to Fenelon Falls, ON on
October 5,lcollecting canned and non-perishables collected
for the local food bank.
* Pop Culture Canada comes to Ajax, ON ComicCon on October
6; collecting canned and non-perishables collected for the
local food bank.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling presents Chokeslammin' Cancer on October
12 at the Houston Volunteer Fire Company, Houston, DE to
benefit the American Cancer Society.
* Pro Wrestling Alliance presents a memorial show on October
12 at the H20 Wrestling Center, Williamstown, NJ in memory
of well-known Philadelphia wrestling fan Kevin Hogan to
benefit NAMI (National Alliance Mental Illness).
* American States Wrestling Alliance returns to Mansfield,
OH on October 12; benefits Autism Awareness. Live Pro
Wrestling returns to Mansfield, OH as the ASWA presents
SHOCKTOBER SHOWDOWN 2024 at the Malabar School Gymnasium
(205 W. Cook Rd.)! Doors open at 6:00 PM with a 7:00 PM
bell-time!
* Appalachian Championship Wrestling returns to Winfield, WV
on Saturday October 19th for Barnyard Beatdown 4! Event
details, talent announcements and matchups coming soon! All
proceeds to benefit the WV Horse Network.
* Indiana Powerhouse Wrestling returns to Muncie, IN on
October 19, benefitting Little Red Door Cancer Agency
* Proving Ground presents the annual ElkMania. This year’s
event will take place on Saturday October 26th at the
Beverly/Peabody Elks Lodge, 39 Bow St Beverly, MA.
* Wrestling 4 A Cause returned to Dayton, TN on October 26.
for a show benefitting Children’s Hospital.
* Midwest All-Star Wrestling presents Women of Nations Grand
Slam 6 on Saturday October 26 bell time of 4:00 PM at North
St Paul Senior High, North St. Paul, MN for our biggest
event of the year! Last year's event raised $73,100. Help us
beat that goal this year! Tickets available now at
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/womenofnations/1255489?
fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2z2ynIIhX30K0W9g4NHclQkqqCS3E_fXA
agHqfby8SN4HK7X0adp2CmdY_aem_GlQDN8VFk1912sQE0QlPVw
* Love Wrestling Canada holds Quizplex on YouTube on October
29 with Donovan Dijak, Vinny Pacifico, and Katrina Creed,
raising funds for the Alzheimer's Association of Canada
(current champion's charity).
* Additionally, Midwest All-Star Wrestling will hold a
fundraising dinner with a RARE opportunity to have a dinner
and Q&A with Jushin "Thunder" Liger on Friday October 25 at
7pm St Bullvinos Churrascaria, 5121 W 98th St, Bloomington,
MN
* IWA Productions presents its 12th annual Wrestling for a
Cause show in Mount Vernon, IL on October 26, raising funds
for the mammogram department at Crossroads Hospital.
* 3CWE returns to Jeffersonville, IN on November 2 at the
infamous ArenA in Jeffersonville, IN. If you bring a can of
food, get $5 off your ticket,
* Independent Pro Wrestling presents Hammering Cancer 5 on
November 3 at 869 King St E, Hamilton, ON. Mark your
calendars now to join us for our annual event to raise money
and awareness for the Juravinski Cancer Centre with the goal
to raise $5000! Already confirmed to be part of this great
event: IPW Grand Champion Jon Jon Tavious, The Superstar of
David Tomer Shalom, Igor Sonovavich, The Asian Nightmare
Kwan Chang, KC Andrews, Matt Burns, Big X, IPW Openweight
Champion 1star Cayden Felix, and the Co-Host Toster! More
names to be announced soon!
* United Wrestling Coalition holds its Holiday Food Drive
show November 2 at the New Egypt American Legion, New Egypt,
NJ
* All Star Wrestling returned to Vancouver, BC on November
2 for a show with a charity drive to be announced.
* Tri States Wrestling partnered with Against All Odds
Animal Rescue for a show in St. Joseph, MO on November 2
* Extreme Global Championship Wrestling will host a Pro
Wrestling Toy Drive from The Center at Deltona, 1640 Dr
Martin Luther King Blvd, Deltona, FL on November 9 .Come on
out and bring a brand new unopened toy for our youth. By
donating a toy you will recieve $5 off each live event
ticket for Extreme Wrestle Fest IV with a maximum of 2 toys.
Come on out and enjoy some of your favorite EGCW Superstars
as we celebrate this Holiday season.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returns on November 9 at the Houston
Volunteer Fire Company, Houston, DE to benefit the Food Bank
of Delaware.
* UWE Pro Wrestling presents Headlock for Hunger on Saturday
November 9, in Cadillac, MI at the National Guard Armory.
* Brew City Wrestling returns to Waukesha, WI on November 16
with "Thanksgiving Throwdown", the promotion's annual Hunger
Task Force show.
* Supreme Pro Wrestling holds its annual food drive show on
November 17 at Soccer World in Elk Grove, CA
* American Premier Wrestling returns to Odum City Gym, Odum,
GA on November 16 for Slamboree II: Toys for Tots
Fundraiser Show, to benefit Toys for Tots Foundation.
* Gulf State Wrestling returns on November 23 in Morgan
City, LA for its annual Toys for Tots fundraiser.
* Love Wrestling Canada holds Quizplex on YouTube on
November 26 with Donovan Dijak, Vinny Pacifico, and Katrina
Creed, raising funds for the Alzheimer's Association of
Canada (current champion's charity).
* Southern States Wrestling will collect canned food items,
clothing, and toys at its November 30 show at Kingsport,
TN's Armed Forces Center Armory making 31 straight non-
pandemic years the promotion has served its community. Kids
12 and under FREE with paid adult to general admission!
* Journey Independent Championship Wrestling returns on
November 30 to Martinsville, IN for its annual Toys for Tots
show.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returns on December 6 at the Houston
Volunteer Fire Company, Houston, DE for Toys for Joy.
* Wrestling With Purpose returns to the Pembroke Rescue
Squad on Friday December 6 for its annual toy drive event
Clash For The Kids.
* MCW Pro Wrestling presents MCW Break Through and Toys For
Tots on Saturday, December 7 in Joppa, MD with a 7:30 PM
belltime.
* Ascend Pro Wrestling holds its Secret Slamta on December 3
in Norwood, OH, collecting toys for kids in the Cincinnati
area. Free Admission with a new/unwrapped toy. Whoever
donates the most toys receives a free APW Season pass!
* KSWA Wrestling presents its annual Toy Drive/Fan Fest 2024
at 6:00pm on Saturday, December 7, at the American Legion
Langley Post 496, 2863 Chartiers Avenue, Pittsburgh PA
* United Wrestling Coalition holds its 29th annual Toys for
Tots Pro Wrestling Toy Drive show on December 7 at the New
Egypt American Legion, New Egypt, NJ.
* Crossfire Wrestling returned to The Merritton Lions Club 7
Park Avenue St Catharines, ON on December 7, for Jingle Bell
Brawl XIII. Partial proceeds will go to The Niagara
Peninsula Foundation for Children. <
* New Breed Wrestling returns on December 16 to Eldon, MO
for a night of family fun and collecting toys for Toys for
Tots
* DCW Pro Wrestling presents their annual Jingle Bash on
December 14 in Felton, DE, their annual Toy Drive show.
* Delmarva Wrestling Digest presented: Over The Top For Toys
For Tots...and the tenth Annual Toys For Tots Toy Drive on
December 14, with location to be determined
* UWE Pro Wrestling presents Christmas Carnage on Saturday
December 14 in Cadillac, MI at the National Guard Armory to
collect toys and winter clothing.
* Honor Among Wrestling returns to Bettendorf, IA on
Saturday, December 14, at the Bettendorf Community Center,
2204 Grant St, Bettendorf, IA for the annual Toys for Tots
show
* Supreme Pro Wrestling holds its annual toy drive show on
December 15 at Soccer World in Elk Grove, CA
* American Premier Wrestling returned to Statesboro STEAM
Academy in East Statesboro, GA on December 16 for their 25th
Annual "Silver Anniversary" Toys for Tots All -U-Can Eat
Fundraiser Dinner Show". show and dinner benefit Toys for
Tots Foundation.
* Cojo Toy World holds its annual Toy Drive on December 17
(tentative location) at The Vault, 736 Purchase Street, New
Bedford, MA/
* Love Wrestling Canada holds Quizplex on YouTube on
December 17 with Donovan Dijak, Vinny Pacifico, and Katrina
Creed, raising funds for the Alzheimer's Association of
Canada (current champion's charity).
* Revolt Ministries will hold its annual 12 day Stuff The
Bus Toy Drive at The Guardian's Legacy show in Florida this
December 8-18.
* Southern States Wrestling will collect canned food items,
clothing, and toys at its December 28 show at Kingsport,
TN's Armed Forces Center Armory making 31 straight non-
pandemic years the promotion has served its community. Kids
12 and under FREE with paid adult to general admission!
So it's time to ask if those reading this blog can send me
any information on holiday themed charity shows scheduled
from now through the New Year at my bobmagee1@hotmail.com
account or to message me through my Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/bob.magee.180 or direct message me
at https://twitter.com/BobMage70323520
Until next time...
