Happy new year everyone. I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season. This past year was great for indy wrestling fans, and I expect 2004 to be even better. Today, I'd like to give my opinions on who I think the "breakout" stars of 2004 are going to be. When I say breakout, I don’t mean I expect them to be signed by WWE in a few months, but rather I expect to see a lot more of them on the indy scene in the upcoming year doing great things. They are in no particular order. So without further ado...

Mana The Polynesian Warrior--Mana can be seen at nearly every WXW and MLW event. For a guy his size, he can move with the best of them, and he is over in such a way with WXW fans that it is rather scary. His matches get better each time he's in the ring, and his arsenal of moves have been unique over the past couple of months. Expect to see a lot more of Mana in 2004.

Eddie Guapo--Guapo is probably known most for his work with fellow Los Lunatic members Low Ryda and Boogalou. The former WXW Tag Team Champion and 1/3 of the current Trios champions in USAPRO has recently broke into singles competition in WXW. His interviews and promos are entertaining when appropriate, and serious when needed. Look for Guapo to tear up the Tag Team and Singles scenes all over the Northeast in 2004.

Alere Little Feather--Alere has only been wrestling for 9 months, and already she has worked for major companies such as JAPW, JCW, WXW, and her home of IWA Reading. She has put on entertaining matches with experienced competitors such as Simply Luscious, Luscious Lily, and Psycho over the course of the past few months. Look for Alere to become one of the top women stars of 2003.

Damian Adams--Already, Damian is one of the indy's most used talent. I don't expect this to change during 2004. His ring work has dazzled the fans of SSCW, 3PW, and various other promotions during 2003. 2004 should be no different.

CJ North--Also known as CJ O'Doyle to the fans of 3PW. CJ has been showing up in various promotions during the latter part of 2003 and showing everyone what he is capable of. 2004 should be the year that promoters take notice to this young up and comer.

Sonjay Dutt--2003 has been Sonjay's year, as he truly tore the indy scene wide open. The fans of CZW were no strangers to his work, and in 2004 the same will be able to be said about the fans of indy wrestling in general. The Solution--Papa Don and Havok have made quite a name for themselves in 2003. 2004 should be the year where more and more promotions are giving The Solution more and more gold. Already having worked for companies such as IWA, WXW, ROH, and NWA: TNA, The Solution is scheduled to debut with Pro Wrestling World 1 in February. Look for more and more companies to pick up this duo over the course of the next 12 months.

Striker--Striker has been seen in companies such as USAPro, MLW, and 3PW. His match in MLW has been one of the most talked about matches in the company for the sick splash delivered to him by Ekmo of the Samoan Island Tribe. His impersonations in 3PW of past legends have been dead on and earned him a match with Jimmy Snuka at the last 3PW show. Look for him to earn even bigger matches in 2004.

Tommy Suede--This home grown WXW star has been putting crowds in awe for the past couple of years. His abilities recently earned him a WWE dark match. Putting him in matches with other competitors such as Sonjay Dutt, Christopher Daniels, AJ Styles, and other high fliers could produce matches that would blow the minds of fans. This could be the year of Suede.

Gene Snisky--The best big man in the sport today, period. Snisky has also gotten himself a dark with WWE towards the end of 2003. The former WXW Tag Team Champion, and current WXW Heavyweight Champion could make an impact on the indy scene this year like never before seen.

In addition to these stars making an impact, I also expect to the following 4 companies make an impact in 2004 (again in no order):

Ring of Honor: It's impossible to ignore the fact that this company had a great year in 2003. They have opened many doors and should continue to do so in 2004.

World Xtreme Wrestling: WXW has been called PA's best kept secret. This should be the year when the secret's let out of the bag. Look for big things from this company in 2004.

Stars and Stripes Championship Wrestling: Each show keeps getting bigger and better. Since DOI founding father Sean McCaffrey has taken over booking responsibilities, things have taken off. 2004 could be the year that SSCW takes over New Jersey.

Pro Wrestling World 1: The United States counter part of Japan's Zero One. World 1 should give fans something to talk about over the next 12 months.

That's all for now. Here's hoping 2004 is good to all of us, and is a year where peace can finally be achieved on all levels. All thoughts, opinions, and random thoughts can be sent to doc@trashtalkingradio.com. Take care.

Doc Daniels

doc@trashtalkingradio.com