THE 2009 DOI YEAR END AWARDS

State of 2009

Another year has come and gone, as we approach the year 2010. It is hard to believe that this is now our 8th Annual edition of these awards. When we first did these awards in 2002, all winners were NY based. As technology grows and the world gets smaller, wrestling fans are now exposed to more wrestling than ever before.

The advent of sites such as YouTube, MySpace and Facebook have allowed wrestlers and wrestling promotions to showcase themselves to a wider audience. Wrestling fans in the northeast are more inclined these days to be fans of promotions not in this area, such as PWG, FIP, AAW, etc. While the northeast was always a hotbed for indy wrestling, fans from different areas can make a case for the midwest, Florida or SoCal.

2009 was a bad year for many financially. Wrestling, especially independent wrestling, is a business that soley thrives on its customers (fans) disposable income. With the country in a recession, many indy companies didn't run as frequent or flat out just shut-down. Wrestlers aren't working as much as they have in previous years.

Ring of Honor was in its infancy when these awards first started. As time passed, we considered ROH a "Big Three" company, and tried to focus our attention on groups that didn't have TV or PPV exposure. However, the wrestling world is WWE #1, TNA a way distant #2, and ROH an even more distant #3. Like I said last year, "There is no war for number 1. You have WWE that blows out TNA by far. You have TNA that blows out ROH by far. You have ROH that blows out every indy by far. Then you have a sea of crabs all fighting for the number 4 spot, and really - who wants crabs?"

It is difficult to compile these awards when TNA and ROH wrestlers are on indy shows. The purpose of these awards were to always showcase the up and comer indy wrestlers, but you can now make a case that ROH is more indy than it ever was before.

The rise of MMA must also be discussed. People who may have become indpendent wrestlers, are now going into MMA. Several indy wrestlers have already tried converting their careers, such as the case of former ROH World Champion Xavier. UFC has dominated PPV dollars. Is MMA a fad, or will it last? That is a question that remains to be seen. UFC is already having trouble with injuries, as the MMA world has never been hit with such an injury bug like it was in 2009. With the rise of MMA, we are not only seeing potential wrestlers going into MMA, we are seeing wrestling fans who are fed up with the crap on TV, becoming big MMA fans. I am too guilty of this. I was always into UFC, but my interest in MMA peaked this year, where I found myself seeking other MMA non- UFC shows, such as Strikeforce. I know many other wrestling fans went through the same thing as I did.

This was a bad year for indy wrestling. Long time promoters, Frank Goodman & Ian Rotten announced they were closing up shop for good, only to come back to draw crowds of 50 people. In the case of Frank Goodman, it was a humbling experience. For Ian Rotten and his IWA MS group, it was somewhat the norm.

Johnny Kashmere, and his PWU group, also announced they were shutting down/coming back, where it became so common place you don't know where they stand. However, Kashmere is promising a very golden 2010 for his company, and perhaps it will happen for the fans of the Philadelphia area.

The northeast, which was once dominated by JAPW, saw JAPW show quality decrease immensely. For the last two years, we stated in these awards how JAPW was top dog here, just because there was no other competition, that they won promotion of the year by default. (Check out our previous year-end awards for those write-ups) However, JAPW was so bad all year long, is it right to just give them the promotion of the year award just because they are one of the few companies not to shut down? I mean they canceled more events than other promotions in the area, the booking was shoddy all year, and crowds were down. Sure some of it is because the bookers/management changed, but some of it is also because of the recession. Then again, you know it's bad when you have a morbidly obese virgin photographer helping to call the shots. JAPW went from having a solid staff of guys like Ray Sager & Cannon to turning paying fans into staff members. Not a good way to put money in the old wallet.

In the northeast, there are many student-promotions. A place like NYWC has always produced, but fall under the radar because they are more locally based and not worried about the smart mark dollar. However, they have produced more WWE contracted wrestlers than any other group in this area.

Mike Morgan's ACE promotion has seen business and show quality increase. What once was a student/"real" wrestler show, turned back into being an all student show. However, in 2009, ACE decided to find their identity by giving smart mark shows one Saturday and student shows the next. It has been a great move for the company. Many strong matches occured at ACE this year, with name and break-out talent.

Groups like NWS and ECPW are still around in the northeast, doing their thing year in, year out. It amazes me how many young promoters and wrestlers will burn these companies or get into fights, verbal or physical, with these groups. Joe Panzarino, Gino Moore & Gino Caruso are like cockroaches, and I mean that as a compliment, because they will always be around. These are business men not looking to run a show for their friends, but to run their promotions as a business. However, once you've seen one NWS or ECPW show, you've seen them all. Those are promotions with the sole goal of making money off their gate, and not worrying about smart mark footage dollars.

Many independent groups rely on footage to profit or to just break even. With torrent sites, fans are depriving companies of making the most money possible on their footage. Some fans may say, "I wouldn't buy it anyway", but the fact is that it is so easy to download or stream shows and it is taking money out of the promoters pockets. If the promoters aren't making money, how are the wrestlers supposed to make money? This is why you see ticket sellers and pay-to-play guys, as it is a way for promoters to keep their head above water. In a better economy, perhaps the fans would purchase the DVDs, but everyone is hurting. It is great that the fans care to take time out to watch the shows illegally, but at the same time, it hurts the goals of promotions when the money isn't coming in.

There were many big stories as a result of the recession this year. As talked about earlier, both Frank Goodman & Ian Rotten announced they were done, only to come back and bomb later. John Zandig, who bled the yellow and black for CZW for so many years, sold his company to DJ Hyde. With men shows not drawing and making money, we saw the rise of many women wrestling promotions, as the women wrestling footage market is larger than the male wrestling market, although the draw at the door isn't comparable.

It wasn't all bad in 2009. Gabe Sapolsky, the former bookerman of Ring of Honor, had a wrestling rebirth of sorts in 2009, announcing the debut of two companies. DragonGate USA might be the biggest indy company at this time next year. Since DGUSA didn't run many shows this year and started in July this year, they were not considered for promotion of the year in these awards. However, next year, who knows? Maybe Gabe's other company, EVOLVE, will have that spot next year.

While TNA shows are fucking horrendous, the one good thing as a result of the Hogan deal is that TNA is trying to focus on getting bigger. More indy wrestlers are getting looked at and in the case of several, like the Young Bucks, getting deals. Wrestling can grow. If you believe in the cyclic nature of wrestling, then we are definitely in a down period. Perhaps if TNA can get bigger, it opens up the job market which creates more opportunities for the wrestlers. The business is always best when there is national competition. Think of it this way - if the stuff on TV sucks, what is going to make casual fans go seek wrestling to pay for? That is the main reason why shows in Florida only draw 50-100 people, because TNA is there for free with a myriad of stars, who the fuck wants to go pay to see guys in T-shirts roll around?

The wrestling business peaked this decade in 2001. The Invasion angle was a major flop and from there, wrestling went downhill financially. Maybe a growing TNA can help wrestling get into another boom period. The only thing with TNA is that they have never had anyone working there that knew what they were doing. Fans see Mick Foley, Kevin Nash, Sting, etc at conventions and ask them "When will you be on TV again?" Who knows, maybe the Hogan deal can at least make the TNA name brand known.

One trend that is continuing in this business is the silver spoon deal. More wrestlers are getting signed by their last name rather than what they can offer. For every 2nd generation Von Erich, Snuka and even Steamboat getting signed, how many hard-working people are getting shafted/looked over? I guess the wrestling business will always be who you know, and for some, who you blow.

As 2009 comes to a close, and this decade becomes completed, we all must realize why we are reading this, or in my case, why I'm taking the time to write this - to help support indy wrestling. The indy wrestling world is a world like none other. If you love the DOI or hate the DOI, we hope to make your time on this site entertaining and to give you that laugh when you boot up your computer at work. We don't claim to know it all, but try to have fun and promote indy wrestling. We are always looking for new writers/contributers, so if you feel that we are slighting our coverage somewhere, feel free to write in. The indies will only grow if we are all united and work together. Of course that is not always possible in this land of a million city-states. But in the end, the DOI will be here to cover all the news, press releases & shenanigans. Enjoy the 2009 DOI Year End Awards.

NOTE: PLEASE READ THE INTRO BEFORE BITCHING ABOUT WHO WON WHAT!

Welcome to the DOI 8th Annual Year End Awards. This year, the DOI has seen more wrestlers and more promotions than ever before, and while our awards will be based on accomplishments in the northeast region, outside of the northeast accomplishments will be looked at. With the world getting smaller with sites like YouTube, FaceBook, MySpace, there is more access to wrestling footage than ever before. We took into consideration the accomplishments of top promotions across the United States.

To make things clear, we consider promotions/wrestlers from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Delaware as the Northeast. We do give consideration to Connecticut & Massachusetts as well, although we consider them more "New England" than Northeast.

Like last year, we are not listing runner-ups. These are my reasons:

1. Everything has been so watered down and the business sucked in 2009. There is no reason just to list names, to name names. The people who were runner-ups in previous year-end awards earned it. I feel by naming some people as runner-ups would just be a way to fill spots and they'd essentially be placeholders. I want the winners to mean something. It is bad enough I felt some awards weren't "earned" but just a given because there was nothing else.

2. I feel that it would devalue whatever value these awards may have. It was tough to come up with runner-ups in years past because of all the exciting competition, this year it would be well why not put this guy here, who gives a shit?

3. I didn't even feel confident in some of the winners of these awards. Some awards were a given just because there was no competition. A winner should be because he/she really stood out among the best.

4. Less work for me during this busy time of the year!

With not a strong field like years past, there were so many candidates/nominees for awards. Awards are all based on my opinions and you could literally make a case for any wrestler in any award category this year, as not too many people had a clear-cut killer year. In some cases, I just settled tie-breakers in my head based on how they were booked in a company.

Please realize that these awards are my opinion only and are being done to recoginize the accomplishments of the hardest working men & women in indy wrestling today. If you think these awards suck ass, feel free to write in and say so. If you think you can do better, go for it as more talk about indy wrestling the better it is for the business.

These awards were compiled by myself, but I also had several people in the wrestling business interject opinion with these awards. Everything typed in this column was typed and put together by yours truly. Hopefully Mike Zevon, as he only can, will bring the "Unofficial" DOI Year-End Awards like years previous.

With that said, enjoy these awards!!!!

2009 WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: DAVEY RICHARDS

PREVIOUS WINNERS
2002 - Low Ki
2003 - Homicide
2004 - Jay Lethal
2005 - Homicide
2006 - Rhino
2007 - Low Ki
2008 - Kenny Omega

I mean really, who else could've won this award? I don't think anyone had a better year from January 1st, 2009-December 31st, 2009 like Davey Richards. Richards dominated every promotion he was in and has been given the title the best independent wrestler in the world today. Was one of ROH's top wrestlers all year, but as the year came to a close, it looks like he is being faded out of Ring of Honor due to his alliance/friendship with Gabe Sapolsky. Won the 2009 JPC Tournament. Seems to be the focus of the new Evolve promotion. A force in DragonGate. It seems that if you're friends with Richards, it will lead to Gabe Sapolsky bookings as well, which in turn leads to exposure. Is the reason Kenny Omega got his ROH job. Hasn't had a bad match all year and has become a legit indy wrestling draw.

This may shock a lot of people, as I personally am not a fan of Chikara wrestling or the style of wrestling that they do. However, I couldn't give the award to WSU, could I? (Just kidding, although several fans did write-in/vote for WSU). I can not ignore Chikara's accomplishments and status on the independent wrestling scene. This has always been an award dominated by JAPW, where I would say their first 3 wins were because they were that great and dominant. However, the last two years, they won the award because there was nothing else (as you can see in the previous Year End write-ups.)

However, Chikara wrestling has had their strongest year in their short history. Had a working relationship with ROH. Had a working relationship with CZW. Currently has a working relationship with DragonGate USA. Their King of Trios tournament drew more fans in a weekend than many indy promotions drew all year.

While I am not a fan of the style, as I am one of the haters who will say it's Mortal Kombat come to life, one thing I am a fan of is their booking. Mike Quackenbush does a great job with his storylines and making people care about blow-off matches in the promotion. Quack also has a luxury of having all his guys available to him more often than a regular indy promotion, due to being the trainer of most of the wrestlers in the promotion. If you're a fan of new school wrestling and looking to move past the times, Chikara is for you. One thing that can not be denied, whether you're a Chikara fan or not - Chikara delivers exciting shows with well thought booking behind it.

The Young Bucks become the third tag team of brothers to win this award. One thing when looking at previous winners, there has never ever been a repeat winner of this award, which shows you the longeavity of tag teams on the independent scene. Da Hit Squad are a thing of the past, although teased from time to time, although Dan Maff tells people he just wants to be a singles wrestler. The DRS are no more. The Solution are no more. In fact Mack & Havok are now a tag team and have found success. The SAT's come in and out of wrestling all the time. The KOW have just re-united. LAX were broken up in TNA, something neither man wanted. And the Briscoe Brothers perhaps might have the most success out of any of these teams, as they seem WWE bound in 2010.

But enough about the past. The Young Bucks earned this award with their fast and exciting style and ability. The Young Bucks, originally from California, have become a national tag team with their work through Ring of Honor. Were involved in many top matches in Dragon Gate USA. As these awards were being compiled, the Bucks signed with TNA Wrestling, where a feud with the MCMG seems to be inevitable. It is hard to stay together as an indy tag team, for many reasons, but together now in TNA, could become the next version of the Hardy Boyz, a common comparison, whether fair or not.

Mercedes Martinez joins April Hunter as a three time winner of this award. However, I think 2009 was the best year for womens wrestling this decade, making this win a huge win for "The Latina Sensation".

With many women groups, as women groups seem to be coming out of the woodwork due to the success of WSU & Shimmer, Mercedes Martinez is usually at the top of all of them. Of course, we consider the WSU World Title the most important female championship on the indy scene because it is defended more than any other womens title. Martinez has carried the WSU World Championship since March 7th of this year.

Martinez also had many firsts this year. Was involved in the first womens steel cage match in the northeast. Won the first ever female bullrope match. Won a 70 minute IronWoman match. Away from dominating WSU, where she also won tag gold, Martinez dominated in Shimmer and is a perennial contender there. Defended the WSU championship in other promotions and kept a busier schedule than many of her male counterparts.

Martinez was also very valuable outside of the ring, and has become a mentor for many new girls. Wrestles a style that is more realistic than many men matches. It's only a matter of time before TNA and WWE wake up on her.

Looking at the previous winners, Bandido Jr. has been in matches with everyone on this list. In the past, Bandido was used/booked to be the guy to put the above guys over. In 2009, Bandido became his own man and is now someone companies build around. During the year both JAPW & ACE put their version of a secondary title on him. Started tagging with Azrieal in CZW. Where Bandido was once known as a skinny flippy guy, he has fleshed out his character and can now cut believable promos. Can wrestle from either the heel or face side, but is probably more comfortable as a face. Obviously, he's always over in front of Puerto Rican crowds. Involved in several "blood" feuds in his father's promotion, the UWA.

Bandido is one of those guys who did not quit and stuck with wrestling when things weren't going good. Perhaps he can be an inspiration for guys like Chris Dickinson, as Bandido has endured and preservered when things didn't go his way. Now Bandido is in demand and booked seemingly every weekend.

Rick Cataldo becomes the first winner of this award not to have his name start with the letter "J". I'm sure that fact will be on Jeopardy one day.

This was a tough award this year. Previous winners of this award, John Shane & J-Train, didn't manage at all this year. Even perennial goofs like Johnny Diamond & Mr. Big were silent all year. Jonny D. seems to be more about stealing heat than getting talent over this year. Most other managers on the indy scene are pay-to-play guys, like the Tom Cusati's of the world. Larry Sweeney, another manager/wrestler, like Rick, took a sabbatical this year.

Instead of talking about how everything else was weak, it's time to start talking about why Rick won this award. Rick, who plays a homosexual character, has done a good job of getting over babyfaces that work against him and getting heels over by being associated with him. Rick has taken over an old-school Bobby Heenan or Lou Albano role, where he still gets in the ring from time-to-time, allowing the babyface to get their heat back. Worked primarily in WSU, NWS & WUW this year. Currently doing a "Jeffries" gimmick with Brittney Savage.

One thing is sure, the second Rick comes out, the crowd can't wait to see him get beat up, which is good heat and why he won this award.

Pay attention to the name Bruno Marciano - this NYWC graduate should have a bright future ahead of him. I was up in the air about this award until the fall of this year when I saw Bruno Marciano & Dan Maff have a brutal battle at ACE. The way Davey Richards and Kenny Omega broke out in this area, I think it's only a matter of time before Bruno does the same.

With a strong training background, Bruno spent most of his time in his home fed of NYWC but unlike many previous NYWC guys either too scared to branch out or just too comfortable, has tested the NJ waters. Passed the test against Dan Maff in an ACE title match. The second the match got buzz, JAPW quickly booked him but dropped the ball (What else is new?) on the booking. With Sammartino's first name and Rocky's last name, this brawler can also grapple and put on entertaining bouts. Keep an eye on this rising star.

2009 HARDCORE WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: NECRO BUTCHER

PREVIOUS WINNERS
2002 - None
2003 - Low Life Louie Ramos
2004 - New Jack
2005 - Corporal Robinson
2006 - Necro Butcher
2007 - Brain Damage
2008 - Necro Butcher

Necro Butcher becomes a three-time winner of this award, in arguably his most profitable year in wrestling, and a year that gave him the most exposure due to the movie "The Wrestler". A family man away from the ring, when the bell rings, Necro Butcher turns it on. Unlike other pots & pans brawlers, Necro has upped his game where not only is he a draw, but also has matches that make sense. Has become a regular in ROH. Still works for ICP's JCW & IWA Mid-South. With the success of the Wrestler movie, Necro has become a high in demand wrestler. With recent studies about concussions, one most wonder how long his style can last before he makes drastic alterations.

Dan Maff, since coming back, has been a force in NJ, and slowly has branched out. While he has come back, I wouldn't call it "full blown" yet, as he has not reached the level or success that he did in his first go around on the scene.

However, since returning, he held the JAPW & ACE Heavyweight Titles for most of 2009, where he was booked as the top babyface. Can still go and still can cut fiery promos. Would seem a perfect fit for Ring of Honor these days. Also returned to CZW. "The Hired Assassin" and former Prophecy member has dominated NJ in less than a year, and it's only a matter of time before crowds elsewhere are cheering for him.

Callihan has carved out a nice little niche for himself in Philadelphia, where he is one of CZW's top heels and quickly becoming booked more often than not to take on top babyfaces in other promotions. Had a sick match at this years Cage of Death, in a well put together feud with of course, the ultimate blowoff. Has seemingly taken over the Niles Young spot in CZW, but has taken that spot and elevated it to a whole brand new and unchartered level.

PREVIOUS WINNERS
2002 - None
2003 - CM Punk
2004 - Dan Maff
2005 - Steve Corino
2006 - Steve Corino
2007 - Eddie Kingston
2008 - Eddie Kingston

Perhaps, things never change, as Steve Corino becomes a three time winner of this award. "The King of Old School" while not dominately booked in any major indy promotion, continues to ply his trade up and down the country and in Japan. Won the ACE Heavyweight title this year, but was subsequently stripped of the championship after no-showing/not appearing the next ACE event. Continues to be one of the best heels on the indies when he wants to be. Recently returned to Ring of Honor. Corino is one of the few wrestlers who can still talk fans into buying tickets to see him get his ass kicked.

Like Homicide & Teddy Hart, Angel Orsini & Mercedes Martinez go back-to-back years in this award. This was a tough award to determine this year because there weren't many top feuds that lasted over any substantial period of time. In fact, I would say Martinez/Orsini had a stronger 2008 feud, but their 2009 matches were the culmination of all the hard work that took place in 2008.

In 2009, Orsini & Martinez battled in a bloody steel cage match. After chasing the WSU World Title for over a year, Martinez finally conquered Orsini in March in a Bullrope match. On 6/6, Orsini/Martinez wrote the record books with a 70 minute IronWoman match. For most of the summer, the two battled in and out of WSU, NWS & ACE, before finally ending their war, after having a common enemy in Rain.

I know it is tough to put WSU winners in these awards because of my affiliation, but if you saw the Orsini vs Martinez feud and the matches they had, I think most would be in agreement. Nothing else really stood out, and for fans who say "It's just womens wrestling", once you see these two girls go, you forget about penises and vaginas and get encaptured by the action in the ring.

2009 COMEBACK WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: ALICIA

PREVIOUS WINNERS
2002 - None
2003 - None
2004 - None
2005 - Backseat Boyz (Trent Acid & Johnny Kashmere)
2006 - Slyck Wagner Brown
2007 - Tie (Crowbar & Becky Bayless)
2008 - Tie (Dan Maff & B-Boy)

Alicia, who dominated the NJ indy scene as the top Queen of the Ring for so long, "retired" in 2007. In reality, Alicia took a break from wrestling to focus on her college and real life responsibilities. In 2009, 18 months after retiring, Alicia returned to the ring, replacing the recently WWE-signed Miss April, and teaming with Brittney Savage to win the WSU Tag Team Titles. From there, Alicia has had strong matches and has engrossed herself back in the mix of WSU. It could be only a matter of time before Alicia ascends to the top of WSU & all of NJ, and perhaps win the Womens Wrestler of the Year award in 2010.

Terry Funk probably isn't a name you'd imagine in an indy award list, but Funk has spent plenty of time on the indies. Funk who did several spots for NWS this year, was honored with a roast by KayfabeCommenataries.com. The DVD was a hilarious and emotional DVD. There is a story that Dennis Stamp tells, about how Funk works with little sick & dying kids in the Texas area. You really need to see the DVD to capture the human emotion of this story, as I can not do it justice in black and white print.

Away from working with charitable causes, Funk continues to mentor on the indy scene. At an NWS show this year, where many of the legends are either "medicating" or just worried about what they have, Funk watched every match and gave advice to every up - and - comer there. Wrestling is in Funk's blood and he is a true inspiration to us all.

2009 MOST IMPROVED WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Mike Donovan

PREVIOUS WINNERS
2002 - Deranged
2003 - Dan Maff
2004 - Jay Lethal
2005 - Kevin Matthews
2006 - Eddie Kingston
2007 - Jason Static
2008 - None

Mike Donovan, a long time wrestler for Mike Morgan's ACE promotion, struggled for most of 2005-2008. While he was always "ok" at ACE, he found himself on JAPW jobber duty show in, show out. After a tag team venture with Rob Vegas that didn't really work out, Donovan decided to train harder and more often. Donovan started coming into his own at ACE in 2009, and as a result was booked more frequently. Donovan had a great series of matches with Jay Lethal, B-Boy and many others during the year. Donovan hasn't really had a chance to develop a full character with serious promo time, but surely, that will come with time. Working at ACE thru 2009 has helped Mike as he was given the opportunity to work with alot of talented guys, which in turn, rubbed off on him. Perhaps this time next year, guys will be getting a rub from him, and I mean that in a non-homosexual way, so relax Cary.

2009 STORY OF THE YEAR
WINNER: FORMATION OF DRAGON GATE USA

PREVIOUS WINNERS
2002 - None
2003 - None
2004 - Feinstein-Gate
2005 - Chris Candido's Tragic Passing
2006 - Kurt Angle Signs with TNA
2007 - Benoit Murders/Suicide
2008 - Gabe Sapolsky Fired From ROH

There were many stories up for consideration here. I was leaning towards Shane McMahon leaving WWE, Hulk Hogan to TNA or Bret Hart's return, but in the end, I went with the story that most affects the independent wrestling scene.

When Gabe Sapolsky was fired from ROH in October of last year, ROH as many knew it, was effectively dead. Gabe, who worked through the ranks at RFVideo and ECW, found his love and perhaps his calling, through his work in ROH. When he was fired last year, surely it was only a matter of time before Gabe would resurface.

Gabe made his comeback to the wrestling world with DragonGate USA. Arguably, DragonGate became ROH's number 1 competitor. We've already seen an unheard talent war, which culminates during Wrestlemania weekend of next year. DragonGate also is a company dedicated into bettering the indy scene, as the company has launched many working relationships with various companies. Falling under the Dragongate umbrella, Gabe went on to launch Evolve, which debuts in Jan 2010 and helped work with the Jeff Peterson Memorial Tournament.

Dragongate becomes a rare indy to bring in international talent on a regular basis. Many have stated that the best ROH shows in the post Joe/Punk/Homicide era were the Dragongate Wrestlemania shows. Now fans have these shows on a regular basis.

2009 SHOW OF THE YEAR
DRAGON GATE USA "OPEN THE HISTORIC GATE" 7/25/09 from PHILADELPHIA

PREVIOUS WINNERS
2002 - None
2003 - None
2004 - Jersey All Pro Wrestling- Rahway, NJ, 9/18 “7th Anniversary Show”
2005 - Hardcore Homecoming, 6/10, in Philadelphia, PA
2006 - Cage of Death, ROH vs CZW, 7/16 in Philadelphia, PA
2007 - Jersey All Pro Wrestling- Rahway, NJ 10/17 "10th Anniversary Show"
2008 - HighSpots.com Spot Show w/Hogan & Flair, Charlotte, North Carolina (12/6)

There were many different shows to choose from when coming up for this award. Every year, I dread having to do the "Show of the Year" & "Match of the Year" awards. Obviously, this is an award given out based on my opinion. There are a million opinions out there and there is never a clear cut answer or winner when it comes to these two categories because there's so much greatness happening on the indy scene.

For me, I elected to give the award to Dragon Gate's debut show. As I type this, I did not see Dragon Gate's November show in Philadelphia. However, I guess I am giving this award to the 7/25 show because it was the birth of Dragon Gate. It was also better attended than any other DragonGate show. On 7/25, fans came out to support this new promotion and to give it life. Dragon Gate now has the ball rolling with many different domestic and international deals, plus deals with local indy companies. While the style of the promotion is not for everyone, it is something that many enjoy and the more companies that there are making money, the better it is for indy fans and indy wrestlers.

As I stated above, I hate doing this award every year because it is opinion based and there is no clear cut winner. I know I will get crucified for putting a WSU match in this place, but I'm going by what I enjoyed the most and thought was the best. When we asked for feedback before we did these awards, we got about 80 emails voting for this match, so at least I am not alone in putting this match in the top place.

Many matches were considered, such as matches from DragonGate, ROH, PWG, etc. I watched the Indy Tour De Force DVD, which was a compilation of great matches. I watched alot of Davey Richards matches (to make sure he was going to be named wrestler of the year.) However, at the end of it, I decided to go with the match that blew off a two year feud and was historic/monumental for womens wrestling - Martinez & Orsini battling for 70 minutes in an IronWoman match.

The match was like no other womens wrestling match you've seen before. Of course I am biased towards WSU, due to my affiliation with it, but if you haven't seen this match, I urge you to check it out, and if you don't think it's one of the best women wrestling matches of all time, then I guess womens wrestling will never be for you. As I stated, I watched alot of matches, but many of the matches had the same spots over and over, and nothing had the blow off like this did. Other matches felt "Big-time" but at sometimes, a bit choreographed.

This match featured it all. 15 minutes of excellent in-ring wrestling. 15 minutes of brawling outside in the streets. 15 minutes of more in-ring wrestling, followed up with 15 minutes of insane chair/table/ladder spots. Eventually, Martinez would win the match at the 70 minute mark after a brainbuster on a ladder. This wound up being the longest womens wrestling match in history to date.

Of course many wrestlers had a better body of matches over the year, but for one night, Orsini/Martinez did something special.

When deciding the DOI Lifetime Achievement Award this year, I had many candidates. Perhaps candidates that will win this award in the future. However, as I was talking about this award with other people, two names kept coming up, and they were Carmine Sabia & Mr. Puerto Rico Ralph Soto. However, despite that, I settled on Gino Moore & Tom Brandi instead. (Yes that was a joke.)

For the first time ever, we are giving two people this award this year. I felt strongly that both men deserved it.

In the case of the "legendary" Gino Moore, has there ever been a promoter as "indy" as Gino? As Joe Panzarino writes below, Gino Moore is pro wrestling and pro wrestling is Gino. Gino Moore, for everything about him, whether it be the sometimes outlandish stories, is genuinely a guy who will give you the shirt off his back. Sure the shirt will be looser than a hookers asshole on you, but still, it's the thought that counts.

Gino Moore has been involved in the wrestling business since the 70's, where he started off as prelim wrestler. From there, he would hook up with Dennis Coralluzzo and the NWA. After having a falling out with Dennis (and probably still suing him to this day), Gino created the NWS with Joe Panzarino. For the last 15+ years, as a promoter and as part of office, Gino has opened doors for many talents. Gino has become a father figure to many and if you're on his good side, you have a friend for life.

To this day, Gino continues to work for the NWS both on-camera and off-camera. Gino can cut a promo with the best of them and continues to put over baby faces and heels on a weekly basis. Gino was made for pro wrestling and we are honored to give him this award.

Oh, and I think Gino also made some sort of video with a purple thing, but I forget the details...

Tom Brandi, now known most famously as The Patriot, is one of the funniest and nicest guys on the indy scene today. He is also one of the most realistic and always willing to help out the up and comers of the indy wrestling world.

Brandi, who grew up a huge Bruno Sammartino fan, would rise through the ranks under the tutelage of King Kaluha and Tom Cusati's wallet. As a young Italian man, Brandi was booked to be Johnny Gunn in WCW. When it was time for a change of scenery, Brandi was signed to the WWF and pegged immediately as one of the DOOMED 5 (Freddie Joe Floyd, Alex the Pug, Duke Droese & Aldo Montoya, if I recall correctly.) Brandi was pegged this because he was given a gimmick that was going to be mainly a gimmick to put over other people. However, Tom would wind up outlasting everyone else, earning himself a push against Mark Mero over Sable.

Tom would eventually leave the WWF, with the Sal Sincere name in his pocket. For the next ten years, Brandi is probably the most profitable man in indy wrestling today, as his gimmick table makes more money on a Saturday night than Wall Street. Using the Sal Sincere, Tom Brandi & Patriot (Didn't you hear, Del Wilkes fell overboard off a boat in Alaska) gimmicks, Tom has a license to print money on the weekends.

Tom will continue to ply his craft as time goes on. He is one of the few that truly gets it, and indy wrestling is better with him in it.

TOM BRANDI

Tom, in his porn star days

It's good to be an All-American

Sal Sincere, still going strong

TOM BRANDI
AKA: Sal Sincere, Johnny Gunn & The Patriot

People in the business talk Tom Brandi:

" Its amazing in a business that takes a toll on ones body and mind that anyone can look as good as Tom Brandi for so many years and if you ask Tom yourself he will tell you over 20 of them around a cutthroat business like no other. But Tom will never tell you the truth about his often dark past but I will proceed to out him for what he is.

Tom Brandi is a modern day vampire who sucks the lifeblood out of any promotion that he works for. Oh no...don't be fooled by his movie star looks as Tom will befriend anyone in the business as long as it feeds his fiendish desire to be on every wrestling show ever promoted and if he's not on these events, they would have drawn and done way better with him there. Don't ask me. He'll be glad to remind you of it any chance he gets.

But Tom's secret goes way back to 1928 cause it was Tom who prompted the Kleenex Paper Company to invent the pop up tissue box cause nobody but nobody has done more crying about not being on (at least NWS shows) than Tom The Patriot Brandi. In fact Tom does so much crying that the Scotties and Marcal Paper Companies soon followed suit just to keep up with the demands of Tom's tear ducts.

But he is a survivor (aren't most Vampires?). After all, when one thinks of it, never a hair out of place, never sweats when wearing the Patriot mask. Come to think of it, I have never seen him near a locker room mirror (no reflection). Why Bela LuGosi couldn't tie his wresting boots cause he's that good.

Who says having modern day vampires around is not good for the economy? After all, it's Tom and Tom alone that keeps a small Mexican Village on the Baja Peninsula alive with constant orders of $10 (or is it $15) gimmick masks as he probably outsells Rey Mysterio in his gimmick sales. In fact, we here at the NWS just heard from the small contingent of sweat shop operators thanking Tom once again for his next shipment as now they can pay off those underage lepers working the sewing machines with a meal of chimichungas and toilet paper. AHHHH How generous this convent of evil mythical masked luchador inspired devils they be.

How else can you explain that whether it be Tom Brandi or the venom spewing Sal Sincere or from Every Town USA, The Patriot that he carries each and every bout now matter what home town crop of the local pros that promoters put him with whether it as a partner or opponent that the bout is always 100% better off because of his entry. How else can one explain when on cards where he does double duty as heel and face that the fans totally suspend belief and go along with it, why in fact, here in the NWS where this multi character fit as a fiddle athlete from beyond does much of his work, he casts a spell over all with his whit and devilish laugh. Come to think of it, the only place where its more obvious than here in the NWS that he always gets away with a double dip and so obvious would be the old Superman TV series where a pair of glasses on Clark Kent's face fooled all. You always scratched your head and suspended belief and enjoyed like Clark/Superman the many hours of enjoyment this character, all 3 of him have delivered show after show after show.

I at this time will expose another reason for Brandi's longevity in the business seemingly without a scratch, cause as all vampire lovers know that great vampires of lore all had their Rhencliffs, the bug and feces idiot that obeys the masters command no matter what. Tom too has one of these idiots and he's called the Penguin Royce Profit aka Tom Casati who does all his master's bidding, asks nothing in return except for public humiliation at wrestling shows that includes de-pantsings, spankings, airborne condiments hurled his way and only seeks out mighty amounts of hot water to cleans his retched soul.

So we wish this pro wrestling legend well. A loving father of two wonderful boys and a gracious and understanding wife and I can guarantee you this that if I'm still here doing this at times moronic crap 12 years from now when I am 70, Tom will still look the same and carry the next batch of could have be's, wanna be's, been there's, and all other form of stars in the eyes performers until eternity.

As all good wrestling vampires never die, they just go on and on and on. Congratulations on your award."
- Joe Panzarino

"Just wanted to send out a congratulations to Tom. From when I first started out at age 17 until now Tom has always been a class guy and one of the guys I can say I genuinely lreally really look forward to seeing at shows and "pop for" when I find out we're booked on the same show.

Even as a newcomer at age 17, Tom always treated me well and went out of his way to guide me and help me out and in this business those people are very rare. Tom Brandi's unique sense of humor is on in a million. Whether he is in front of a "family" crowd of young kids or a more "hardcore crowd" (I know that word is played out but I couldn't think of another) Tom is a versatile guy that can work as easy or as hard as he needs to. I actually worked with Tom a few years ago and don't let him BS you - when he has to Tom can still go!. His merchandising empire rivals that of Yogurt from Space Balls and I truly and genuinely look forward to seeing him around and discussing the ridiculousness around the indys that the most creative hollywood writer couldn't come up with even if he tried.

Congrats to the guy who never looks like a "Hammy" and Thanks for everything you've done for me Tom."
- Crowbar/Devon Storm

" Congratulations Tom. Nobody works harder at trying to get booked than you brother. If The Patriot, Sal Sincere, Johnny Gunn aren't on an NWS show, how could it be successful? After all, James can't sell all the gimmicks at an event. They need you to bring in the new merchandise.

By the way, congratulations on your new endorsement. I heard that WaWa is now the official sponsor for the Patriot when he works for NWS (or is it when he doesn't work for the NWS) because all you hear from Tom is Wa Wa.
Congratulations again"
- Kenny Edwards

"A Sincere congratulations to my America's Hero, Tom Brandi. :) I have had the honor and pleasure of knowing Tom for almost my entire tenure with NWS, and I am proud to call him a friend. The "Lifetime Achievement" award is appropriate for Tom, as has made his wrestling career, and his appeal to the fans, seemingly last a lifetime, well beyond the end of his WCW and WWE days which would see the decline of less savvy people. Whether as the wisecracking evil Salvatore Sincere, whose insult trades with fellow honoree Gino Moore alone merit an award, or the mega-face America's Hero The Patriot, when Tom is on the roster, you know it's going to be that much more special of a show.

Tom busts my chops on a regular basis, both behind the scenes and at ringside when in his Sal Sincere avatar, but he has always been encouraging to the entire NWS cadre, and at the rate he's going, I have no doubt he'll still be entertaining the fans when my son is old enough to take wrestling pictures."
- Mark Engel

EUGENE MOORE

Gino, on a good hair day

Gino, in all his glory

HEIL GINO!

EUGENE MOORE
AKA: Gino, Heavy G, The Commish, The Kahuna, Master of the Iron Skillet, WHERE THE HELL IS DOC, Purple Bomber Delight, & Big Daddy

People in the business talk Eugene Moore:

You know when I received this award last year, the only thing I could think of was the late great Groucho Marx’s line which went something like this…any club that would have me as a member I want no part of , but I kept my big mouth shut until this year and now the shit has hit the fan. Can you imagine giving Gino Moore an award for just being around (and boy is he A Round…credit Tom Brandi for this one), but folks I ask you, I beg you, if getting an award for huffing and puffing your way like some old train going up a hill and almost running out of steam gets you an award, then so be it.

If telling tales as long as the intestines of Andre the Giant who I think Gino wrestled once in the Tokyo Dome (wait, that was the Giant Baba), gets you an award these days, then so be it.

And if some rotting carcasses of deer’s and bears found on some rural backwoods road in God knows where New Jersey is the stimulus for awards these days, then oh well.

After all, in what other industry other than pro wrestling can a larger than life character (and boy do we mean larger) other than the beloved Commissioner Gino Moore have a reputation (some good and some bad) that has become a part of pro wrestling lore/legend (just see the Al Snow interview on www.nwswrestling.com).

After all, most folks consider wrestling people the castoffs of society and I put myself in that ilk except at least somewhat honest when it comes to our sponsors. Have you ever heard the term stay away from circus/carnival folk…those aforementioned folk are a Washington DC think tank compared to some of this industry’s loony’s, liars and deceptive and dishonest lot that is considered the norm,. So when we can say anything positive about an industry icon it may take others by shock, but Gino on the positive side has always been there for me and many others through thick and thin (and its hard to belive the word Thin and Gino in the same sentence). But I’ve always been amazed, over the past 15 years or so, how much time Gino devotes to his friends in needs, which invokes loyalty beyond compare for those in his inner circle and am always amazed and angry at the selfish scumbags who have turned on him, all in attempt to better themselves. I can tell you this, not one of these pricks from either gender, have gotten to a better place in this business by turning on him, and in fact lost whatever status they ever had. Sadly, some are in the ground (come to think of it, sadly should be replaced by thankfully) as Gino can be a relentless type at times.

When in better health he can be a stand up guy and have your back and some day he might just be that guy again, that’s up to him and his sweet tooth. But the one thing I have joked about on many occasion, somehow, some way, even with all the health problems in the way, this likeable lad will probably outlive us all .HOW CAN THAT BE?

In the long run, if you're Gino’s friend, he becomes more of a brother and not in the wrestling sense and I am sure to others an advisor, a mentor and even a father figure even to some of the shit in this business who at least I have washed my hands of.

Gino calls me his partner as not to pull any punches, most folks know I do the majority of the work but nobody but nobody can carry that bag of Philly Pretzels into a show with dark and deli mustard than my friend Gino Moore. And on a serious note, nobody but nobody can handle the legends and mid-carders like Gino who has the patience of a saint and is a good listener and has a way with people that should be bottled and sold at the local 7-11’s. He is pro wrestling and pro wrestling is him…like it or not.
- Joe Panzarino

" For Gino I might as well repeat my all time favorite story.........

Years ago when all of the local guys worked for Dennis Caroluzzo, Gino was often assigned the responsibility of getting directions to the guys. On one occasion he gave all the guys directions that weren't even close to being right. ALL of the guys barely got to the show on time. ALL of the guys were extremely PISSED! So many of the guys hypothesized what went through Gino Moores head and we all came to the conclusion that it went something like this......

"OH SH#@, the guys are really going to be pissed and I need to divert the heat from myself, generate sympathy ...something ...anything to save my ass. So Gino thought and pondered...

I got it I'll tell everyone I hit a DEER on the way here and barely survived the wreck

Nah...too cliche thought Gino, so he thought a little more.....

I got it I HIT A BEAR...Yes now that would work, no one could possible make THAT up they would have to believe me .......

But then a light bulb went off ion Gino's mind, the mouse on the wheel started running double time,...triple time......The gears were going really going

It was at that time our buddy Gino had a revelation. A revelation of the greatest tale one could think of a tale that nobody would dare refute...

"I HIT A DEER......AND A BEAR" (I can't make this up)

Then....verbatim this was Gino's explanation....."I was driving my Car on the NJ Turnpike and a deer jumped in front of my car followed right behind by a bear. A lady who lived near by had a bear as a pet and it got loose. A bear IS a carnivorous animal, it was hungry and it chased the deer right on to the highway.

To this very day, this story continues to be legendary and in spite of many MANY ridiculous things said in the world of indy wrestling this story continue to hold the award as the most ridiculous lie ever told to try to divert or get out of heat

Thanks for the story Gino "
- Crowbar/Devon Storm

"Gino is being honored by DOI. I was quite surprised when The Mic sent me an email asking to say something nice about Gino. Guess he finally got to the bottom of the list and got to me.

When asked When asked why the DOI chose to pay tribute to Gino, Sean was heard in between beers saying , “I don’t know. A few other people turned it down

I have known Gino for over ten years and will never forget the night in Perth Amboy, NJ when he told everyone to leave the locker room and then demanded that Heavy Metal Maniac leave the building. Has anyone heard from him since?

I cannot say anything bad about Gino (I am sure enough people will). Gino for all his faults and everything else has never done anything to hurt me or my family and wish him the best and congratulate him on winning the DOI award."
- Kenny Edwards

"The Commissioner... The Big Kahuna... My boss... and most importantly, my friend. Congratulations Gino, on an award long overdue. I could say so much, but it can be summed up in one thought... the only thing bigger than Gino's size is his heart and his love of the business. With his partner Joe Panzarino, whom I was proud to write words about a year ago when he won this award, they have made family-friendly "PG" pro wrestling appealing again. When the business was pushing the hardcore and edgy envelope years ago, Gino and Joe insisted on staying true to their (old) school. Like Frank Sinatra said... the record shows, they took the blows, and did it their way. And the 60+ shows a year that NWS runs, and the venues and fundraising organizations that hound NWS to come back over and over, even in these trying economic times, shows that they did it the right way.

What makes Gino extra special as a promoter is not just that he is business-savvy about wrestling, but that he cares about what wrestling was, is, and should be, and that is why he has earned my eternal respect and admiration.

But perhaps my favorite times with Gino were away from the ring, at the countless post-show diner meals. As well as being able to eat heartily, Gino can tell stories better than anyone else I know, and his years in the business have certainly given him an endless supply of material; were we not bound by "Vegas Rules", I could easily write a bestselling compilation of all the humorous and hair-raising things I got to hear about. Whether it was the diner at the bottom of I-295 after the FWF shows, the Six Brothers diner in Clifton, or any of the other places we frequented, in retrospect, I probably have learned more about the history and personalities of the wrestling business in the diners than I ever could from my photography.

Gino, I look forward to many more happy times at the NWS shows, and at the diners afterwards. Congratulations again."
- Mark Engel

Comments About Both Men

" Well what can we say about these guys.......lets start with Tom Brandi..... I met this guy years ago and have actually become friends over the time. I have worked with him many times as a tag team (SIncerely Smooth) baby....I have also worked him a few times and damn those chops hurt. I have gone "toe2toe" with him and obviously I won.

But anyway he is fun to have in the lockerroom,always has a story to tell and will be there if you need him. His talent, personality and business knowledge make him truly 1 of a Kind.

Now onto Gino "Big Kahuna" Moore, the only thing big about him is the wave he makes when he gets in the pool,(Dapper drains 500 gallons from his pool right before the annual NWS BBQ) Gino has to remember to not go under because the glue will wearoff...lol...Gino always has some stories to tell about all kinds of different people...some that are exxagerated as we all know and listen...but we still love him...

Onto the lil bit of good...... I have been working for these guys(Gino and Joe Panzarino) for 7 yrs now and made my way up the ladder to be the best "Entertainer" on the roster. Alot of people can say bad things about them behind their back but truth is...NWS Wrestling and Funkdafied Entertainment are 1 of the most successful organizations at this level and Gino is a part of that and that is because of the way biz iz done.....except for my cruiseweight title rematch. (Smooth Up in Ya!)"
- JD Smooth

"Just a quick note about Tom Brandi and Gino Moore receiving the Lifetime achievement awards from the DOI. I want to state that I cannot think of two more deserving recipients. I met both Tom and Gino the same night in Yonkers, NY working for Paul Ciracelli. Gino as usual was working the sound and Tom was running the back and booking parts of the show for the promoter. Since that time I can honestly say that I consider them to be two of my closest and dearest friends.

Tom who has taken great pleasure in humilating me whether I was managing him as Sal Sincere, or against him as the Patriot, always finds a way to get the crowd into whatever we are doing out there.

Gino, who always seems to be telling a story of his glory days, or which top name he made in this business is still trying to avoiud hitting a Bear and Deer to get to a show.

I want to thank both of you for allowing me to be a small part of your success.

Congratulations."
- Matthew Kaufman, Esq.
A/K/A King Idu Stinq
The Rainmaker
Lance Profit

The DOI congratulates all our award winners this year. See you in 2010!!!

Any feedback, questions or comments can be sent to:

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com

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