by Lawrence "LCQUEENZ" Carlos

Top 5 Things That Will Make 2006 Better Than 2005

 

By Lawrence “LCQUEENZ” Carlos

 

A new year always brings in new predictions of how 2006 can be better than 2005.  Almost every wrestling reporter and fan has their own predictions for 2006.  2005 can be seen as a mixed bag in indy wrestling as we saw some good and some bad occurrences over the year.  Here is my top 5 list of what can happen which will make 2006 a better year than 2005.

 

 

5. UXW running tighter shows and more frequently

 

The former USA Pro Wrestling was one of the top indy feds in 2003.  The mix of independent stars and former ECW/WCW/WWE stars on one event is unparalleled in the indies.  However, ever since losing the Elk’s Lodge as a main venue and having the owner and promoter of UXW moving down to Florida, the product has not been the same.  We always seem to repeat ourselves every year and saying how much potential UXW has, but it seems like every step forward UXW takes, it takes 2 steps back.  First off, as a major indy fed, running around 6 shows a year is inexcusable.   To me, I don’t see UXW as an indy fed anymore.  I just see it as a once every couple of months attraction.  It truly is like a carnival of independent wrestling.  To re-establish itself as one of the top indy feds in the nation, UXW has to run at least once a month. 

 

In addition, UXW has always been notorious for the marathon shows that they run.  To prevent this from happening, UXW has to decide who they want to feature on their roster and stick to it.  There have been too many changes in champions and last minute card changes due to the disloyalty and unprofessionalism of wrestlers who are booked.  Also, the number of untrained ticket sellers booked on the shows is ridiculous.  Ticket seller matches (Other than a New Jack promo) is the main cause of long length of UXW shows.  So hopefully in 2006, we will be seeing more of the likes of Homicide, Elix Skipper, Reefer, Rhino and The New Age Outlaws, and less of Candy, HSK and The New Dynamite Kid.

 

Indy feds such as ROH and JAPW used to be at the same level as the former USA Pro, but have definitely pulled away.  UXW definitely has to step it up in 2006 to have the same following and respect as those two feds currently have.  The increased competition to the indy scene that UXW can potentially bring will only help independent wrestling flourish.

 

 

4. More never before seen shoot interviews

 

2005 was definitely the year of the shoot interview.  There were so many shoot interviews conducted with practically every wrestler on the planet that it was ridiculous.  Not only were shoot interviews conducted with almost every wrestler, those interviews were done multiple times because of rival shoot interview producers.  Knowing that the standard shoot interview was getting stale, companies such as RF Video reinvented the shoot interview by conducting it in different ways.  This includes the Behind Closed Doors series, the In the Ring with series and my personal favorite, the On the Road with series.  These types of interviews let you see a different side of the interviewee that a standard shoot interview doesn’t give you.  Hopefully in 2006, more of these unique shoot interviews will be conducted with various other wrestlers that can give you a different perspective of the wrestling business.

 

In addition, although we have seen shoot interviews conducted with almost every legend or has been wrestler out there, there are still a couple of wrestlers we haven’t seen a shoot interview from.  Who will be the first to conduct interviews with Stone Cold Steve Austin, the Warrior, Hulk Hogan, Chris Jericho, Bill Goldberg or Brock Lesnar?  How about the recent wrestlers released by the WWE, such as Nidia, Rikishi, Billy Kidman, or Christy Hemme?  Or how about shoot interviews with indy stars such as Jay Lethal, Low Ki or Bryan Danielson?  How about shoots with Billy Firehawk, John Zandig or Rob Feinstein?  (I smell DOI Shoot Series).  There are still many shoot interviews to be conducted in 2006.

 

 

3. Fights between promoters/promotions coming to an end              

 

2005 saw many fights between promoters and promotions and even within the promotions themselves.  2005 saw PWU change guard because of differences between the Rockin’ Rebel and Johnny Kashmere.  We also saw 3PW come to an end because of Jasmin St. Claire.  Also, we cannot forget the numerous fights and differences between promoter Frank Goodman and Billy Firehawk.  And there still lies the differences and rivalry between UXW and NYWC and JAPW and ROH.  If promoters and promotions can put their petty differences aside and focus on putting on the best possible product, independent wrestling in the northeast will no doubt be thriving in 2006.  Imagine if these promotions can actually work together and develop healthy rivalries between promotions?  Imagine a Team ROH vs. a Team UXW?  How does Team JAPW vs. a Team ROH sound?  How about a Team CZW vs. a Team PWU?  It may never happen, but it would be an indy wrestling fan’s dream.

 

 

2.   More focus on the future and less of the past of wrestling

 

Indy wrestling in 2005 definitely focused a lot on the past of professional wrestling.  We saw the resurgence once again of ECW in the summer of 2005 with events such as One Night Stand and the Hardcore Homecoming.  We also saw numerous indy wrestling shows and conventions featuring all the great wrestlers of the past.  Although we should never forget those people that made the business what it is today, indy feds shouldn’t build their shows revolving around these wrestling legends.  I’ll admit that an indy show will draw me to it if I see one of the wrestlers I grew up watching.  But no matter how much we wish, these wrestlers just do not have the same ability as they once did in their prime.  More often than not, the most memorable match of the night is the one featuring the up and coming indy superstar and not the one featuring the wrestling legend.

 

Hopefully in 2006 we will see more of the Homicide’s, Jay Lethal’s, Austin Aries’, Jack Evans’, Azrieal’s, Sonjay Dutt’s, and even the E.C. Negro’s and less of the Vader’s, Jake the Snake’s, and Jimmy Snuka’s.  Independent wrestling promotions are there to showcase these talents that are not featured on national television.  This is where they home their skills and perfect it in order to take the next level.  There are so many diamonds in the rough out there that have gone unnoticed.  Current national wrestling stars such as Joey Mercury, Christopher Daniels, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe and John Cena have all at one time or another wrestled on the indy circuit.  Without the indies, they wouldn’t be where they are today.  The next Hogan, Stone Cold, Rock, HBK, Bret Hart and Ric Flair are out there.  They just need the platform to prove it.

 

 

1. No more deaths in professional wrestling

 

2005 was filled with tragedy as we lost too many wrestlers due to untimely deaths.  The more notable tragedies of 2005 include the deaths of Chris Candido, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Cash and Spider.  These wrestlers were special performers that gave entertainment and joy to people’s lives due to what they did in the ring.  Although tragedies like these are hard to prevent, 2006 will be a great year if somehow tragedies like these don’t happen.  That’s why everyone out there should be grateful and thankful as every day and year goes by that we are still living on this earth.  No matter how many stresses and difficulties we faced in 2005 in our personal lives, appreciate the fact that we are still here to see a 2006.  I always see the New Year as a fresh start in our lives.  Let’s all make 2006 our year and something to remember.  May 2006 will bring everyone health and happiness!!!!

Thanks for reading,

lcqueenz@declarationofindependents.net

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