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Welcome to another edition of CHIKARMY Insider! I’ve got the final updates for the Aniversario shows leading into next weekend’s big shows. Of course, my interview with Claudio Castagnoli is batting clean-up. Learn what friend of Claudio invented the Pop-up European Uppercut, how a pudgy wrestling fan should start getting into shape and if he believes he will win King of Trios…a question he answered after he won King of Trios. Pretty sneaky, Claudio. Next week, I’ll be collecting the results of both Chikara Anniversary shows for you and placing them here in a neat, discernible structure to be absorbed and digested. Yum. ONWARD!
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The team of Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw, Hallowicked and Frightmare is one of the most dynamic four-man lineups that Chikara could possibly put together. They were victorious back at Wit, Verve and a Bit o’ Nerve in an insane eight-man tag against UltraMantis Black, Crossbones, Icarus and Gran Akuma. This time around, Akuma is once again standing against them. He will be flanked by F.I.S.T. partner Chuck Taylor, who is making his first 2010 Chikara appearance on a non-King of Trios show, and UnStable members Vin Gerard and Colin Delaney. Quack, ‘Wicked and Frights, collectively known as Team Frightning, made a shocking early exit from King of Trios when they lost to Team BJW in the first round. However, The UnStable also lost in the first round, partially due to bickering between Gerard and Delaney. While both sides have their issues to overcome, the situation within the UnStable is as the group’s name implies. Advantage: Quack and Company.
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STIGMA has proved himself to be the most stable element of The UnStable this year. He has found his groove, relying on stiff elbows and hard kicks to shine in a group that, as stated above, seems to be slowly imploding. If this is the way things eventually shake out, Big STIG could find himself without the support of a trio behind him. He will find a true test of his toughness in Ophidian, winner of the 2010 Rey de Voladores tournament and opponent for STIGMA at Aniversario Zehn. Ophidian proved that he is a strong singles competitor by besting high-flyer Matt Cross in the high-pressure finals of the RDV tourney. While tag partner Amasis has a somewhat easier test against Green Ant on the same show, Ophidian proved that he can handle bigger matches, so he gets the stiff, salty veteran rather than the rookie. See what happens when you succeed, Ophidian? Aim low, I always say.
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Dasher Hatfield and Sugar Dunkerton, collectively known as The Throwbacks, have already had several memorable battles with Bruderschaft wrestlers. They have come up against current tag champions twice this season, and both times they came up short. Now, they will face a strange pair in BDK members Tursas and Daizee Haze. They are Chikara’s heaviest and lightest wrestlers respectively, so it should make it easy for Dash and Dunk to figure out which member to target. However, several male members of the Chikara roster have found it difficult to harm the petite Daizee, despite her propensity to club you from behind after pleading for leniency. But Hatfield and Dunkerton are old school dudes, so the political correctness that comes with a PG wrestling landscape may not apply to them. One thing’s for certain: Tursas outweighs both members of The Throwbacks by his lonesome, and would not be the right guy to try and wear down. Unless you hate your neck.
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Jimmy “Equinox” Olsen laid out a challenge to Lince Dorado and BDK for a tag match, and it was met quite swiftly. In fact, Lince responded before ‘Nox could get the video up! Jimmy will team with his partner in “The Future is Now” and former YLC Champ Helios to face off against Dorado and the reigning Young Lions Cup Champion Tim Donst. Equinox and Lince faced each other at “Wit, Verve and a Bit o’ Nerve” and beat the absolute crap out of each other, but it was Dorado who secured a victory over his former friend. The next night, Lince settled another personal score by beating Eddie Kingston while Jimmy fell to BDK member Pinkie Sanchez, making him 0 for 2 on the weekend in grudge matches. But at King of Trios, Tim Donst became the first BDK member to be pinned or submitted and Pink Ant himself is showing signs of strain as he “slips into madness” as many CHIKARMY members have stated on forums. The tides may be turning in this war…
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Aniversario Zehn ~ Saturday, May 22nd ~ Tyngsboro, MA
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7. Eight-Man Main Event: Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw, Hallowicked & Frightmare vs. Vin Gerard, Colin Delaney, Chuck Taylor & Gran Akuma
6. Grudge Match #3: Fire Ant vs. Pinkie Sanchez
5. Grudge Match #2: Equinox & Helios vs. Tim Donst & Lince Dorado
4. Grudge Match #1: Ares w/ ????????? vs. UltraMantis Black
3. The Throwbacks vs. Tursas & Daizee Haze
2. Ophidian vs. STIGMA
1. Green Ant vs. Amasis
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Soldier Ant has always somewhat been in the shadow of his partner, former Young Lions Cup champion Fire Ant. While Soldier has been a resilient warrior gaining the respect of the fans, Fire Ant has been a focal point in countless memorable wrestling matches in Chikara, becoming a fan-favorite. However, with Soldier Ant’s defeat of one of the company’s most hated bad dudes, he has been given a chance to join Fire Ant in the FYLCSS! This will not be Soldier’s first shot at the Young Lions Cup; he was defeated by Max Boyer back in early 2007 in, before now, his only shot. Boyer was a strong wrestler, a trait shared with current Cup holder Tim Donst., who has made two successful defenses in two very strong matches. Each time, however, it took a little more out of Donst to retain. Soldier Ant has grown in the three years since his last opportunity, and will absolutely have the crowd on his side in his quest to become Top Ant!
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Like his tag partner, Amasis is in a great position to challenge for the YLC title very soon. If he is able to get past the tough youngster Green Ant the night before, he, like Ophidian, will take on a former Cup holder and member of the UnStable. Vin Gerard held the Young Lions Cup for six months before losing it to Equinox in Chikara’s very fist Ladder Match. Vin’s behavior has been stranger than usual, and it all started with Amasis. After a fantastic little match between the two, Gerard rushed to the back to congratulate “The Funky Pharaoh”, an act not the least bit in Vin’s character. He’s a smelly jerk who fans love to boo, and after this random act of kindness, he went right back to being the same smelly jerk once again. Perhaps this was just some sort of “pay it forward” scenario, or perhaps there’s a better reason. If Gerard has one, you can bet he’ll give up the goods during this match, or at least hint towards his intentions.
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One of the things that sets Chikara apart from other wrestling companies is how they can come up with a couple of matches on each show that not only make you smile at the prospect but also say, “that could only happen in Chikara”. I really enjoy guys like Roderick Strong and Davey Richards, and they have had some amazing matches, but that match-up is not exactly a fresh one. I’ll still watch those two beat the tar out of each other any day, but there’s something about watching a match you’ll never see in any form, ever again, that makes it kinda special. I’m rambling, but this is my favorite on-paper match of this show. The newly minted 3.0 have one point, and they will put it on the line in an Elimination Tag Match that involves Helios & Equinox, who had two points during the Tag Gauntlet before getting pinned and losing them, F.I.S.T.’s Chuck Taylor & Gran Akuma, holders of two points dating back to 2008, and former Chikara tag champions Player Uno and Player Dos, collectively known as The Super Smash Brothers.
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When Lince Dorado turned on his stable, The Future is Now, and joined The Bruderschaft in dramatic fashion back at “A Touch of Class”, he would blame the Chikara fans for making him the way he is. Lince claimed that he killed himself for the Chikara fans and received nothing but heckling in return. Lince had dreams of being YLC champion, beloved by fans and to lead a trio of stars to the top of Chikara. Gee…sounds a little bit like Fire Ant. The leader of the Colony and former YLC champ is one of the most compelling wrestlers on the roster, and he carries a deep-seeded hatred for all things BDK. Regardless of the outcome of the match, it’s going to be a fast-paced, crazy contest.
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Mike Quackenbush and Jigsaw have been at war with The Bruderschaft since they first arrived in Chikara at the end of last season. However, the duo has not won a single confrontation against the BDK, a fact they’d like to change when they face them once again, this time teaming with The Throwbacks to face off against the mighty Tursas, psychotic Pinkie Sanchez and BDK’s dangerous ladies, Sara Del Rey and Daizee Haze. This will be the second time this weekend that Dasher Hatfield and Sugar Dunkerton will face Tursas and Haze; whether that holds an advantage for one team or another is debatable. One thing’s for certain and that is Tursas is the key to beating the BDK. Several times this year, Tursas has come in to save members of the Bruderschaft from certain defeat and dragged them to a victory. You cannot chop him down, punch him out or even lift him off the ground. Quack and Company must find some way to take him out of the picture if they want any chance at getting a big win over the BDK.
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Aniversario Elf ~ Sunday, May 23rd ~ Union City, NJ
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7. Main Event: Tommy Dreamer vs. Eddie Kingston
6. Campeonatos de Parejas: Claudio Castagnoli & Ares© vs. Hallowicked & Frightmare
5. Young Lions Cup: Tim Donst© vs. Soldier Ant
4. Eight-Man Tag: Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw & The Throwbacks vs. Tursas, Pinkie Sanchez, Sara Del Rey & Daizee Haze
3. Fire Ant vs. Lince Dorado
2. Elimination Tag: Super Smash Brothers vs. Equinox & Helios vs. 3.0 vs. Chuck Taylor & Gran Akuma
1. Amasis vs. Vin Gerard
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I very much appreciate Mr. Castagnoli taking time to answer my questions. I asked him a couple of pre-Trios questions and he didn’t have time to answer until after, so we missed out on some juicy Double C “European Pontification”. Shed a tear. For the final question, I can’t say whether he’ll actually follow up or not, but I can guarantee you that, if he does, I will totally follow through and create what he describes. I did it for the Grizzly Redwood interview when he claimed he consumed chicken and flapjack sandwiches. I even ate the damn thing myself. Yeah, I’m legit. Between Castagnoli writing me back and getting an Ares-signed DVD in the mail, I’ve never been more confused about who I should be rooting for in the Chikara vs. BDK Wars. Anyway, thanks again to Claudio for answering my little questions, and I hope you guys enjoy!
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1. What are your first memories of wrestling and when did you realize it was something you wanted to pursue further?
Claudio Castagnoli: My first memories of wrestling are the Steiner brothers, Papa Shango, and the Macho Man. It was always a dream of mine to become a pro wrestler but I never thought I’d come this far.
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2. How aware were you of puroresu’s height during the King’s Road All-Japan era and did you ever consider it a goal to work in Pro Wrestling NOAH with the likes of Akira Taue, Jun Akiyama & Mitsuharu Misawa?
Claudio: I was not aware of it at all… In Europe we only got to see WWE on TV. I caught a glimpse of New Japan with the Lightning Kid on Eurosport once or twice, but didn’t see any Japanese Wrestling again till I was 23 years old. After that it was a dream of mine. A dream I fulfilled.
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3. You have been on several tours with NOAH tagging with Chris Hero and other gaijin. Did you have any “only in Japan” moments where the culture just kind of shocked you?
Claudio: I’m sure there were many, but I enjoyed all of them. Like walking through the streets of Osaka and being the tallest person by far in a crowd of over 25000 people.
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4. Do you find it easier to connect to American or Japanese crowds? What do you find their differences to be?
Claudio: Both has their difficulties. I think I’m doing a pretty decent job on both. I had fewer chances in Japan but I hope that will change.
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5. On your most recent tour of NOAH, fans really seemed to respond to your incredible strength, most notably your ragdoll manhandling of Takeshi Morishima. Did you ever feel personal pressure to show off your power and big moves, even on larger opponents?
Claudio: No . It just kinda worked out. Giving the UFO to Morishima was a goal for me going to Japan.
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6. Having spent time in Pro Wrestling NOAH both before and after the death of patriarch Mitsuharu Misawa, how did your experiences differ?
Claudio: That’s a hard question. There seems to be a fresh wind in NOAH and they are trying new things. They have to. And I think it’s working.
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7. As mentioned, your physique and endurance are met with very positive responses from crowds. How do you recommend the average overweight wrestling fan start the process of getting fit? Joining a gym feels like an illogical first step.
Claudio: Start eating better. With that I mean cutting out processed foods. Eating healthy food, fruits vegetables. If you can’t pronounce the ingredient, don’t eat the product. That would be the first step.
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8. Are there any other companies in Japan that you’d really like to work for?
Claudio: No, I am very happy with NOAH.
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9. Do you feel you have to change your style when in Japan? If so, what are your personal pros and cons of working that way?
Claudio: No, I try to stay true to myself. There’s more focus on the sport in Japan though and I think that fits me.
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10. How’s the food in Japan? Not the greatest question ever…and it’s not really about puro…but I’m curious, as I don’t see many similarities between Japanese and Swiss cuisine!
Claudio: There is a lot more Seafood. And I’m not a big fan of seafood. But I still find good stuff to eat all the time. I really like the Sumo Food. I could attempt to spell it but I don’t want to make a fool of myself.
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11. How did you come to not only train at the Chikara Wrestle Factory but eventually become an instructor as well?
Claudio: The spot opened up and I took it. It was kind of the next logical step for me.
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12. You have had memorable contests utilizing a wide variety of techniques. Much like ROH tag partner Chris Hero, there doesn’t seem to be a style you can’t or aren’t willing to work. How much of this can you attribute to what is being taught at the Chikara Wrestle Factory and how much is your determination to seek out camps and become a veritable Swiss Army knife of wrestling styles?
Claudio: I think both. I try to train whenever possible in whatever style is possible. The Wrestle Factory does a great job bringing in different trainers and teaching a variety of styles.
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13. You are also known for being an innovator of wrestling moves, not only creating them but finding inspired and original ways of hitting your trademark strike, the Very European Uppercut. How do you go about creating something unique in a wrestling ring? Is it something planned or does it happen organically during training and teaching sessions?
Claudio: Sometimes it just happens. Sometimes I see something, modify it a little bit and it works, sometimes it doesn’t. And of course there are other people giving me ideas. The Pop up uppercut was Chris Hero’s idea for example.
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14. You and longtime tag partner Ares are the leaders of The Bruderschaft des Kreuzes. You have taken Chikara Pro by storm, with Ares and yourself holding the Campeonatos de Parejas, Tim Donst holding the Young Lions Cup, and Pinkie Sanchez as the reigning winner of Cibernetico. What characteristics must one possess be a true member of the BDK?
Claudio: We also just won the King of Trios Tournament. It must be your calling, your destiny.
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15. As I mentioned before, you recently won the Campeonatos de Parejas from The Colony is two straight falls, though it was not without controversy. The win was…we’ll call it a “team effort”. Nevertheless, you are the first two-time tag champion in Chikara history. How will this championship reign stack up with your previous one in the Kings of Wrestling?
Claudio: They are both different. But this one is going to be one for the ages I can feel it.
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16. You, Ares & Tursas must be considered the favorites in the upcoming King of Trios. I mean…you’re on the freaking billboard! However, a second BDK team consisting of Tim Donst, Lince Dorado & Pinkie Sanchez is also in the tourney. How will you handle it if you must face one another in the ring and do you think, when the dust settles, the Bruderschaft will be the 2010 King of Trios?
Claudio: Yes. Spoiler alert; we won.
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17. You and Eddie Kingston have had your problems for years now, and the hatred seems to be higher than ever. In your opinion, how did all of these issues begin and how do you feel they will end?
Claudio: It started with him being jealous of me and just kind of went from there. He always had the talent, but never the dedication. It will end with him telling me that he respects me.
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18. UltraMantis Black is another person who you and your BDK brethren have had issues with. With him losing the Eye of Tyr, tag partner Delirious and a chance at the Campeonatos de Parejas thanks to you and the BDK, do you feel you’ve exacted your revenge against him or can we expect more punishment to be inflicted upon the leader of the Neo Solar Temple?
Claudio: We have more in store for him. Just wait until Ares gets his hands on him.
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19. Do you have any dream opponents you’d like to face in Chikara before you completely take it over, sell it for parts and turn it into a Tibits?
Claudio: No. Every opponent who’s smart enough will not show up because we can’t be stopped.
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20. If the Bruderschaft des Kreuzes had a trademark sandwich containing eight ingredients that corresponded with the eight wrestling members of the BDK, what would those ingredients be? If you describe it, I will see it gets made.
Claudio Castagnoli: I will collaborate with my BDK Team members and get back to you on that! I want to see that BDK sandwich.
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– I wanna apologize to you guys for not having this column up last week. I spent hours and hours trying to fix a major issue that occurred between the Word version of the column and the posted version, but I could not solve it. I finally figured it out today and I am BEYOND embarrassed at how stupid the mistake was. My OCD prevents me from posting anything I don’t think is perfect, right down to the spacing. As for my hilarious speeling errers, well…I just don’t seem them. If I did, I’d fix’em. I’ve edited three month old entries to fix minor spelling issues, I’m that anal. Anyway, sorry once again and thanks as always for sticking with me!
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– Please leave any comments or questions you might have and I’ll do my best to respond with as much colloquial Irish gossip as I can conjure. I’d like to do a contest or something cool like that, but I’m not sure how much interest there’d be. Let you voice be heard! Also, let me know if there’s anything you’d like to see in the column, like fantasy booking, treasure hunts, wish-lists, secret handshakes, etc.
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