Route 69: A Post Mortem

Wow, so Route 69 is published. I actually finished the series back in January of 2014 (yes, 2014!), but obviously it only counts when it's posted. When I started, I didn't really think I would make it to the end, but after the sixth or seventh story, I started to feel like I had to complete it. It became a bit of an obsession.

Yes, I became obsessed ...

With finishing their story, that is!

Review: Mikey Hanlon vs. Aron Stokes (Movimus)

In a time where there are so many producers doing exactly the same thing, I admire how Movimus successfully offers a really unique product. The look, tone and feel is totally their own. Show me any clip of one of their matches and there's no doubt that I'll know it's them.

If you're like me, that uniqueness might actually make it intimidating to make your first purchase. My advice? I started with the talent. Several of the guys are recognizable, even though here you're really seeing them in a different way. I thought, 'I'd like to see more of that guy' and took the plunge.

If I was summing them up, I'd say that Movimus does a great job of showcasing the best of the submission wrestling experience. It's the most 'real' of the wrestling videos I buy. In Movimus, the guys let their bodies do the talking. The gear choice is usually perfection, enabling the viewer to really immerse himself in the strain and struggle.

Route 69 S309: Zanesville OH (Jeff)

When I come into my hotel room, I overhear a conversation in my buddy Ben's room next door. The connectin’ door is open, so it's not like I'm snoopin’. But it sounds kinda interestin’.

"Shit, Ben, I gotta wrestle. I can make it quick. Not like you put up much of a fight anyway."

My buddy Ben goes, "Funny. I've won a few falls when we've met. Not enough, but a few. Trust me, Beau, I'd love to, but I have to hit the road. If I don't, I could lose this potential client. Once Jeff gets back, we're heading right out."

I think, "Beau?" Ben's told me ‘bout this guy. Hm.

Beau tells Ben, kinda jokin’, "How about I make you wrestle me?"

I don't even give Ben time to answer. I jump in, "How ‘bout you wrestle me, instead, dude?"

Review: Marcus Ares vs. Eli Black (UCW)

"Mr. Simpson, this is the most blatant case of fraudulent advertising since my suit against the film 'The Neverending Story'." 

-- Lionel Hutz, attorney at law

Today is my fifth and final review of the Marcus Ares UCW matches available. It was the one I was least interested in, but it turned out to by one of my two favorites.

So why did Marcus Ares vs. Eli Black turn out to be so much better than I thought it would be?

Eli "flipped" my expectations for this match
(see what I did there ... clever, huh?)

Review: Marcus Ares vs. Michael Hannigan (UCW)

I've blogged about Marcus "The Spartan" Ares of UCW before. I raved about him in my reviews of the three videos that I'd seen (against Quinn Harper, Aron and Axel). And I noted that with apparently no new Ares content coming, I'd probably buy the remaining two, in spite of some reservations that lowered my interest. Well, I did break down and buy the two remaining matches, so I'll be reviewing them today and tomorrow.

First up is Ares' match against UCW staple Michael Hannigan.

I usually sum up at the end, but today, I think I'll do it at the start, instead. I want to make my bias clear, so folks who I think might like this won't be put off.

The Cast: Who's Who (September - Part 2)

Here's the casting used for May's stories, plus a few before-after images:

Encounters

AoP: Sean - Arron Mount (model)

Route 69 S308: Zanesville OH (Ben)

I love this feeling.

The feeling of meeting a new wrestling opponent. The anticipation. The mystery. The butterflies. Pulling on gear. No matter how many times I do this, I still feel the same anxious excitement. I just turned 26 three days ago, so it's not like I have decades of experience, but my wrestling card has been pretty full for a few years. And yet, I still love every minute of it like it was my first time.

I'm adjusting my tight, low-cut white singlet over my 6'/200-lbs of muscles. It's so thin and sheer that I'm amazed it can hold my cock, which will be in a persistent state of semi-hardness until the stakes portion of my match where, win or lose, it can finally be unleashed.

I stare at myself in the hotel bathroom mirror, making sure everything's in place. I have to say, and I hope this doesn't sound immodest, but I love the way the white fabric pops against my olive skin and dark features. Yes, things are good.

Review: Alex Waters vs. Bruce Ballard (RHW)

When I started this blog, I didn't really plan on doing a ton of reviews, but here we are and reviews have become my go-to filler for the two-week gaps between stories.

As I do this, I'm trying to mix up the companies, showcasing action from the main ones I buy from. Since my last Rock Hard Wrestling review, I've done one BGE, two Thunder's and one Movimus. I have two UCW reviews coming next week, so I figured I'd do another RHW match. I've covered several Dash matches, but barely talked about Alex Waters. A gross oversight on my part.

How have I not had an Alex-specific post?

After my lukewarm review for KOTR 4, I wanted something more positive. RHW remains my favorite and my inspiration for The Cave. Only one new match has come out, but I don't really plan to buy it. So instead, I looked back at a few matches on my iPad that I never got around to watching.

Route 69 S307: Youngstown OH

Route 69: Youngstown OH

"Move it, George.” Dude towers over me, straddlin’over my head. “Hey, you deaf? MOVE!"

 I’m like, "UNH! My name’s Jeff. UNH! You fuckin’ know that, Gunn. UNH! I got five more. UNH!"

"I SAID, MOVE IT."

Dude puts his hands on the barbell and pushes it down on me. Guess I'm not gettin’ my set done. He's a big dude, 6’6”/270-lbs. I’m not small, 6’2”/220-lbs, but I can't power the barbell up. I gotta shift the barbell so it's over my chest, not my throat. The big man lets up so I rack the weight. I get to my feet fast. I'm pissed and ready to knock this asshole out.

"What the fuck, dude?" He pushes me away and tries to lie down to do his own reps. Fuck that. I grab his shirt and pull him up. He shoves me back and we get into a staredown.

BotWS: RHW vs. UCW: Round 3

The Score So Far ...

RHW King of the Ring Dash Decker vs. UCW Champion Quinn Harper

Best 2 out of 3 Falls

BotWS: RHW vs. UCW: Round 2

The Score So Far ...

RHW Ring

So we leave the UCW Garage all tied up after two upset wins. Now, it's time to see what happens in the Rock Hard Wrestling ring.

Now RHW wouldn't allow most of the UCW guys into their ring. Their primary criteria would be who best fits their aesthetic – well-built and good looking in a frat boy kind of way. After a lot of debate, they opt for Max Ryder and settle for the swarthy Marcus Ares aka The Spartan.

Match 3: Josh Steel vs. Max Ryder

Battle of the Wrestling Stars: RHW vs. UCW Round 1

When I was a kid, there was a show called Battle of the Network Stars. It pitted the actors and actresses of ABC, CBS and NBC against each other in fun events. It was also a great excuse to put the hottest actors of the time in speedos. There was someone for everybody, with young drama actors, mature hunks and everything in between. It was the kind of fun that would probably never happen today.

Swimming + dunk tank gave two chances to strip down

The Cave Undercard 5: Nuke Man vs. Mr. Riddle

To the camera, Nuke Man asks in his thick Texas drawl, "What, did The Cave here run outta heroes willing to face me, so y'all gotta send a pussy, poser, villain-wannabe like him? Against this?" For emphasis, he flexes, showing off his huge massive physique.

Review: Guido vs. Chet (BGEast)

This video is an example of why I struggle to explain what I like. Often when I talk to other guys, they'll have very specific things they're into and not into. They can be so precise on body types, race, age, gear, moves, body hair, etc.

I'm just not wired like that. My tastes are varied and usually situational. I can hate something in principle, but then like it in context. I can think something is so hot, but then not like it when I see or do it.

In theory, BGEast's Fan Fantasy 3 should not appeal to me. And yet here I am left thinking about Homer Simpson saying, "Marge, I agree with you, in theory. In theory, communism works. In theory." So throw 'in theory' out the window, because I loved it.

Guido: "That right there is a sex god!"

Yes, I loved it. In spite of the two big strikes against it ... one for buying and the other for liking.

Encounters: Abuse of Power 1

As soon as the clock strikes 5:00pm, I'm on the radio, signing off my shift and pulling into my driveway. I tell dispatch that I’m on early shift tomorrow and I'll just be keeping my squad car at home tonight. That second part's not true, but I'm sure as hell not telling them where the car will really be. Fifteen minutes later, I'm coming out of my house, changed and ready to kick some fucking punk's ass.

"Hey Officer Sean!" I hear Rick, my pervy next door neighbor, calling out to me from his front stoop. He says, "Wow, um, looking good. I can't believe how you just keep getting bigger."

Inspiration: Favorites (1)

When I wrote a Chris Hemsworth vs. Liam Hemsworth story for Bard's Producer's Ring group (which will be posted on The Cave on 7/2), one of his comments to me was that it fit so well with the existing stories, he thought he'd written it.

I do recognize and acknowledge that my stories are inspired by other stories out there. From simple things, like the generous use of sound effects to big things like the themes, my stories are a product of what I've seen, read and liked.

The Cast: Who's Who (September - Part 1)

Here are the stars of April's stories and some before/after images:

Route 69

Ben - Adam Ayash (model)

Review: Nero Angelo vs. Dave Markus (Movimus)

Full Disclosure: This match was sent to me as a promotional video.

Even before I saw this Movimus match, I was excited to Nero Angelo in action. He actually caught my eye at UCW first. Why? He's masculine and strong, like a mini-Marcus "Spartan" Ares. I always appreciate his type of physique - solid, nicely-proportioned, with a nice dusting of hair. Add to that his dark hair, goatee and Roman features and Nero Angelo is perfectly named.

Dave Markus is back, as handsome and ripped as ever, in the skimpiest of gear. He seems thinner, but it might be the way he's stretched out. His stomach virtually disappears when he's folded over a couple of times.

Nero Angelo vs. Dave Markus is very much like two matches in one and fortunately, I enjoyed both halves.

Route 69 S306: Xenia OH

Route 69: Xenia OH

"Jeff, here's your card. Ben, here's yours. Welcome to the Xenia X-Gym, guys."

Jeff and I snatch our cards. We thank the clerk, even though it took forever for a pretty simple deal. It's now almost closing time, so I ask, "So, can we still get a workout in tonight or are you closing up?"

The clerk must sense my frustration, because he says, "Yeah, sorry again that it took me so long, but I've never done a temporary membership before. Well, I never sold any membership before and no one else is here."

Review: Kai vs. Frey (Thunder's Arena)

Following up on yesterday's review of Jersey vs. Kai, I thought I'd post another one on this mini-match (11 minutes), too. As I mentioned, you get the start of it teased (about 90 seconds, leaving 10 minutes of new material), so it only seemed natural to talk about it, but it was too much for one post.

Cocky Kai

Muscled-up Frey

Review: Jersey vs. Kai (Thunder's Arena)

Brother vs. brother is a pro wrestling staple. Whether it's real brothers or fake brothers, there is a long history of tag teams, factions and feuds all based on the familial connection between male siblings.

Tag teams trade off the natural connection brothers have. If you can't rely on your brother, who can you rely on? But guys getting along is boring. There's no tension. So, we crave rivalry. Competition. And a little deep-seeded resentment doesn't hurt the storyline, either.

Route 69 S305: Washington DC

Route 69: Washington DC

"So, how're you doing, buddy? Uh, Ben? Ben? You okay?"

I'm staring out from the locker room into the gym area, lost in thought. I vaguely hear a familiar voice ask if I'm okay again and I'm shaken out of my thoughts.

I turn to see Terrence, my friend and co-worker in the Championship League of American Wrestling. I immediately smile, happy to see him. Terrence is a pro wrestler in the federation, while I handle marketing, as well as help with operations when I'm in town. After a rocky start, Terrence and I have become good friends.

Review: Max Ryder vs. Quinn Harper (UCW)

One of the many things I really miss from Joe's former Ringside blog is his extensive UCW coverage. I'm sure if he was around, I would've learned about Max Ryder a lot sooner.

Max Ryder flexes

Now, I have bought 10 matches from UCW over the years. The value is unbeatable on an action per dollar basis ... $14.99 for matches that go 30+ minutes. And they have regular $5 specials, which is really cool. Still somehow, they just never rise to the top of my mind. I just kind of forget about them. Oops.

Review: The Best of RHW

Way back in March, I was asked for a reco on the best match on my Rock Hard Wrestling casting post. I kind of gave an answer, but I thought I'd expand on it here.

It's probably pretty clear that I'm a huge fan of Rock Hard Wrestling. I have bought many matches from them and plan to buy more. So here is my review, to help you decide if you'd be a fan. I know that just because I like them, it doesn't mean you will.

Strengths (Subjective)

These are strengths for me, but I list them like this because they're very much personal tastes.

Talent: It all starts with the wrestlers. In terms of appearance, the guys are top notch, if you like the young, white fitness model type. Handsome, ripped and charismatic all describe most of the talent. While I obviously have an appreciation for a lot of different guys, based on my story casting and my reviews of Guido Genatto matches, I do like the roster of RHW guys a lot.

Josh Steel holds Dash Decker

Review: Tomsen vs. Zander (BGEast)

Today, I'm reviewing Tyrell Tomsen vs. Jobe "The Centerpiece" Zander. It's from Florida Fights 5 from the new catalogue 109.3.

I find it interesting, this new model they're doing where they're releasing smaller catalogs more frequently(although it doesn't feel that frequent, really). I wonder if this is BGE responding to the fact that pretty much everyone else puts out one match at a time, which gives them a feeling of more content on a more regular basis.

But I digress. This isn't an analysis of the pros and cons of distribution models.

Route 69 S304: Virginia Beach VA

Route 69: Virginia Beach VA

"Ooh, look, Mr. Big Shot is back slumming with the rest of us losers in CLAW, eh?"

"Fuck off, Steele."

Steele goes, "Don't cry, Jeffer. I heard you've been doing enough of that since you blew it with Ring of Wrestling."

The Cast: Who's Who (August - Part 2)

Here's the next list, including a few before/after images to showcase how the images have been altered to make the characters, with environment, clothing and body size changes.

Route 69

Ben/Ninja - Adam Ayash (model)