AS I SEE IT
Bob Magee
Pro Wrestling: Between the Sheets
PWBTS.com
In the latest chapter of the long and winding road that is
the AEW/Warner Brothers Discovery saga, John Ourand of Puck
reported last week that AEW's new media deal with WBD "looks
like" it will be a 4-year deal with 3 years guaranteed with
a 1-year option. Ourand says $170 million per year "is
apparently in the ballpark."
Ourand says AEW will air on TNT, on TBS, and on TruTV twice
per week as part of a strategy to make TruTV more sports-
oriented. Ourand indicated that the announcement of the deal
"could come as soon as [this] week, barring any last-minute
changes." He says AEW is pitching an additional package to
broadcast networks, believed to be Shockwave. While the
report at one point refers to AEW as "second-tier
wrestling", though, Ourand writes that the deal "marks a
clear success for AEW".
In an addition to the report, Andrew Zarian indicates AEW
PPVs will be on MAX: "They will be on MAX in January. They
could do it sooner, but I do know that they are planning on
January. I do know that pay-per-views are going to be on
there. They don’t have an exclusivity on the pay-per-views,
so it will also be available in other places. It’s like WWE
is. You can still order those pay-per-views that are
available on Peacock.”
Andrew Zarian and Dave Meltzer both echoed the Ourand story,
with Meltzer reporting that from 2025 on, AEW should be the
second most profitable company in pro wrestling history.
Meanwhile, it's officially Fall. People are getting sweaters
out. Kids are whining about homework, and asking when the
first vacation is. Pumpkin spice pumpkin pie is being sold
somewhere. Mariah Carey is still defrosting.
As I have since 2017 in this AS I SEE IT blog, I report on
how the independent wrestling community reached out to those
in need.
Independent promotions throughout the United States and
Canada held events and gave back to their community;
collecting canned and non-perishable food and warm clothing,
doing fundraisers for homeless or domestic violence
shelters, animal welfare groups, and those with medical
needs.... and holding lots of Toys for Tots drives. They did
it through (obviously) wrestling shows, plus Comic-Cons,
bowling parties, chicken bar-BQ's and a dozen other means.
Wrestling indies are beginning the 2024 season of giving...
with 83 charity shows/events announced (or having taken
place) so far to help their communities for the Holidays,
collecting donations from fans like you. Many more will do
so over the next four months.
Independent wrestling promotions have at this early stage in
2024 raised $154,483 cash donations, 9,900 pounds
(that's just short of FIVE TONS) of canned and non-
perishable food, and 250 backpacks and "tons of school
supplies" as of September 18.
Here's the list so far.
* Reena Foundation tag-teamed with Magen Boys Entertainment
to bring back Reena Rumble, presented by Tribute
Communities, with the help of "Million Dollar Man” Ted
Dibiase, Matt Riddle, “The Mountie” Jacques Rougeau, Brandon
Cutler, and Colt Cabana, raised $90,000. Reena
provides housing, programs and employment services for
individuals with Autism and other developmental
disabilities, mental health challenges, and other diverse
health needs.
* All Pro Wrestling/Nevada presented Headlock on Hunger at
Reed High School, Sparks, NV raising $8,500 for the
Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
* Big Time Wrestling returned to Newark, CA on August 2,
school backpack drive benefiting Family Giving Tree
featuring an appearance by Rikishi and their second annual
Back-To-School Backpack Drive with Family Giving Tree, for
new, unused backpacks and school supplies for local kids in
need, grades K-12 at the show. The promotion was able to
donate a total of 250 backpacks and "tons of school
supplies" in support of their Back to School Drive.
* Capital City Championship Combat returned to Ottawa, ON at
the Preston Event Center on August 16 for Fighting Back:
Wrestling with Cancer with DIJAK vs. Speedball Mike Bailey,
Josh Alexander, and more. Initial totals indicate
$31,000 raised so far. EvilUno alone has raised over
$5,000 for this year's total donation!
* Showcase Pro Wrestling returned to Franklin, MA on August
17, raising $600 for a non-profit organization supporting
Veterans.
* Stomp Out Cancer 4: The Reboot occurred on Saturday,
August 17 in Uniontown, PA, raising $6,200 for the
American Cancer Society.
* Supreme Pro Wrestling teamed up once again with Alex's
Lemonade Stand Foundation to raise $1,003 for its
annual fundraiser against childhood cancer on August 18 in
Elk Grove, CA.
* Top of Texas Professional Wrestling presented “Burgers and
Bash” on August 24 in Amarillo, TX; and raised $7,000 for Andrea’s Project, a non-profit organization that was
created to help spread awareness about driving under the
influence of drugs and alcohol.
* Rock Solid Wrestling raised well over $2,000 on
August 28 for the Community Living Kirkland Lake in Kirkland
Lake, ON; which assists developmentally challenged adults.
* Wrestling 4 A Cause returned to Lafayette, GA on August 31
for a show benefitting Children’s Hospital, raising $500.
* Empire State Wrestling hosted a Chiavetta's Chicken BBQ
Party in conjunction with P.U.N.T. - a foundation associated
with Dawson Knox of the Buffalo Bills that supports families
coping with pediatric cancer on September 7, and raised
$2,200.
* United Wrestling Coalition held its second annual
Scholarship Fund Benefit Show at the New Egypt American
Legion, New Egypt, NJ on September 7 for the 2nd Annual
Scholarship Fund Benefit Event, raising $1,700.
* Great Canadian Wrestling came to Barrie, ON on September
7, collecting canned and non-perishables collected for the
local food bank
* Great Canadian Wrestling came to Belleville, ON on
September 8, collecting 300 pounds of canned and non-
perishables collected for the local food bank.
* Phantom Six Wrestling presented All In Together in
Bethlehem, PA, on September 8 to benefit for suicide
prevention via NAMI Lehigh Valley, raising $1,000.
* Great Canadian Wrestling came to Aurora, ON on September
14, collecting canned and non-perishables collected for the
local food bank. To date, Great Canadian Wrestling and Pop
Culture Canada have collected an astounding 9,900 pounds
of canned and non-perishables to date in 2024 as of
September 14.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling presented Home of the Brave on September
14 in Houston, DE to benefit Home of the Brave, raising
$2,780.
* Independent Pro Wrestling returned to Brantford, ON on
September 21; holding a canned goods collection for the
Brantford Food Bank, collecting a "decent sized box".
* IWF Media LLC and North Arlington Board of Education
presented: IWF Wrestling Unstoppable on September 21 in
North Arlington, NJ to benefit the Michael Robert Cammett
Jr. Memorial Foundation.
* Great Canadian Wrestling comes to Kingston, ON on
September 21, collecting canned and non-perishables
collected for the local food bank.
* Great Canadian Wrestling comes to Peterborough, ON on
September 22, collecting canned and non-perishables
collected for the local food bank.
* Journey Independent Championship Wrestling returned on
September 22 in Martinsville, IN for the Austin Fury
Memorial Tournament to benefit Suicide Awareness.
* Magnum Wrestling presents Over The Top at Granary Green,
7401 Main Street Space 2 Ralston, NE on September 28, with a
6:00 pm bell time. This will be a charity event benefiting
the Sammy Strong Foundation and the Pediatric Cancer Action
Network.
* Great Canadian Wrestling comes to Cobourg, ON on
September 28, collecting canned and non-perishables
collected for the local food bank.
* AML Wrestling presents All for The Glory and Eye For An
Eye...two shows for one ticket on Saturday, September 28
with afternoon show (doors open at 2pm/first match at 3pm)
and evening show (doors open at 6pm/first match at 7pm at
The Armory Event Center, 615 Henry Street, Eden, NC
featuring the Stars of AML Wrestling with special guests:
Donovan Dijak, "The Brickhouse" Kamille, Rhett Titus, Arn
Anderson and Brock Anderson. The doubleheader raises funds
for Friends of Eden Animal Rescue.
* Crossfire Wrestling returns to The Merritton Lions Club 7
Park Avenue St Catharines, ON on Sunday September 29, for
FIRED UP 2024 with 4pm bell time. Partial proceeds will go
to The Niagara Peninsula Foundation for Children.
* Great Canadian Wrestling will hold their fall and winter
series of shows and Comic-Cons, collecting food for the
local community food banks in each locality in which they
run events; collecting non-perishable and food items
including kids school snacks, juice (boxes and large),
canned veggies and fruit, canned pasta, cereal, toothpaste/
soap/toiletries, pet foods, diapers and baby supplies.
Future shows scheduled thus far are: Fenelon Falls,
ON/October 5, Ajax, ON October 6, Whitby, ON/October 20,
Batawa, ON/October 26, Bowmanville, ON/October 27,
Peterborough, ON/November 9, Lindsay, ON/November 10,
Belleville, ON/November 17, Aurora, ON/November 23. Angus,
ON November 24, Newmarket, ON/December 7, Port Perry,
ON/December 8 and Oshawa, ON/December 27 for Season's
Beatings.
* Amped Up Wrestling returns to Inglewood, CA on October 5
to benefit Ability First with the fifth annual JHAMC
@abilityfirstjham Wrestlefest with wrestling, food, music,
and more....a fundraiser for our community!!! join us!!!
* It's that time once again... as One Fall Entertainment and
Pink Heals in Sheboygan return to Seton Catholic School for
PINK HEALS 2024 on October 5 !! In the last 3 years, they
have already raised nearly $33,000 for those that have been
affected by cancer in the Sheboygan County area, and we are
looking to continue to kick things up a notch. This event
could NOT be possible without the help of our sponsors, our
fans, our roster including our special guests, and so many
more people!! Who knows which special guests will be here to
help us out this year? Who would you like to see? More
information to come in the near future. Don't miss out on
this EPIC event. Tickets available at
https://www.ticketsource.us/onefall?
fbclid=IwY2xjawEUoB1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHb8SljxnHEnKKfadcy_H61G
IQiSLCvczT3yUL2DsR-60-Rm-
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* Pure Pro Wrestling storms into Bay City, MI, on October 5,
to benefit the Historic Masonic Temple community arts and
movie facilities.
* Empire State Wrestling returns to Niagara Falls, NY on
October 5. AEW star Danhausen and TNA star "Speedball" Mike
Bailey are scheduled to return to action. We will hold a
food drive for The Little Free Pantry: North Tonawanda at
#ESWEvilEmpire. We encourage everyone attending to bring
non-perishable food items.
* Chaos4K9s returns to Guelph, ON on October 5; benefits
Tyson N Friends Animal Rescue at the Raging Bull Dart Lounge
and Banquet Hall, 84 Lewis Road Guelph, ON Canada. All
proceeds benefit the pet rescue and our Chaos4K9s
fundraising period proceeds will be donated directly to the
Pet Rescue following our hard-hitting MAIN at this
Incredible Event. Tickets are only $25. This is a night you
will not want to miss!!!!! Chaos4K9s and Off The Ropes
Studio are bringing it for the Pitties!
* Lehigh Valley Apparel Creations presented Steelstacks
Smackdown II at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, PA on October 5 as
a benefit to raise money for New Bethany. Money raised will
go toward supporting Southside Bethlehem-based New Bethany’s
mission to get resources and housing to local people
experiencing poverty, hunger and homelessness. Please bring
a non-perishable food item as well to help Bethany's work.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling presents Chokeslammin' Cancer on October
12 at the Houston Volunteer Fire Company, Houston, DE to
benefit the American Cancer Society.
* Pro Wrestling Alliance presents a memorial show on October
12 at the H20 Wrestling Center, Williamstown, NJ in memory
of well-known Philadelphia wrestling fan Kevin Hogan to
benefit NAMI (National Alliance Mental Illness).
* American States Wrestling Alliance returns to Mansfield,
OH on October 12; benefits Autism Awareness. Live Pro
Wrestling returns to Mansfield, OH as the ASWA presents
SHOCKTOBER SHOWDOWN 2024 at the Malabar School Gymnasium
(205 W. Cook Rd.)! Doors open at 6:00 PM with a 7:00 PM
bell-time!
* Wheelchairs are thrown to the side, walkers forgotten, and
abilities highlighted as each wrestler steals the spotlight
in an event that often brings laughs, tears, and a whole lot
of fun. The 23rd annual Timmy Takedown is a free, annual
event on Saturday, October 5th in Kirklin, Indiana. Cheer
local kids on as they show their abilities in the ring and
raise funds for the families and communities that Timmy
Global Health supports around the world.
* Appalachian Championship Wrestling returns to Winfield, WV
on Saturday October 19th for Barnyard Beatdown 4! Event
details, talent announcements and matchups coming soon! All
proceeds to benefit the WV Horse Network.
* Proving Ground presents the annual ElkMania. This year’s
event will take place on Saturday October 26th at the
Beverly/Peabody Elks Lodge, 39 Bow St Beverly, MA.
* Wrestling 4 A Cause returned to Dayton, TN on October 26.
for a show benefitting Children’s Hospital.
* Midwest All-Star Wrestling presents Women of Nations Grand
Slam 6 on Saturday October 26 bell time of 4:00 PM at North
St Paul Senior High, North St. Paul, MN for our biggest
event of the year! Last year's event raised $73,100. Help us
beat that goal this year! Tickets available now at
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/womenofnations/1255489?
fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2z2ynIIhX30K0W9g4NHclQkqqCS3E_fXA
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* Additionally, Midwest All-Star Wrestling will hold a
fundraising dinner with a RARE opportunity to have a dinner
and Q&A with Jushin "Thunder" Liger on Friday October 25 at
7pm St Bullvinos Churrascaria, 5121 W 98th St, Bloomington,
MN
* IWA Productions presents its 12th annual Wrestling for a
Cause show in Mount Vernon, IL on October 26, raising funds
for the mammogram department at Crossroads Hospital.
* 3CWE returns to Jeffersonville, IN on November 2 at the
infamous ArenA in Jeffersonville, IN. If you bring a can of
food, get $5 off your ticket,
* Independent Pro Wrestling presents Hammering Cancer 5 on
November 3 at 869 King St E, Hamilton, ON. Mark your
calendars now to join us for our annual event to raise money
and awareness for the Juravinski Cancer Centre with the goal
to raise $5000! Already confirmed to be part of this great
event: IPW Grand Champion Jon Jon Tavious, The Superstar of
David Tomer Shalom, Igor Sonovavich, The Asian Nightmare
Kwan Chang, KC Andrews, Matt Burns, Big X, IPW Openweight
Champion 1star Cayden Felix, and the Co-Host Toster! More
names to be announced soon!
* United Wrestling Coalition holds its Holiday Food Drive
show November 2 at the New Egypt American Legion, New Egypt,
NJ
* All Star Wrestling returned to Vancouver, BC on November
2 for a show with a charity drive to be announced.
* Tri States Wrestling partnered with Against All Odds
Animal Rescue for a show in St. Joseph, MO on November 2
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returns on November 9 at the Houston
Volunteer Fire Company, Houston, DE to benefit the Food Bank
of Delaware.
* UWE Pro Wrestling presents Headlock for Hunger on Saturday
November 9, in Cadillac, MI at the National Guard Armory.
* Brew City Wrestling returns to Waukesha, WI on November 16
with "Thanksgiving Throwdown", the promotion's annual Hunger
Task Force show.
* American Premier Wrestling returns to Odum City Gym, Odum,
GA on November 16 for Slamboree II: Toys for Tots
Fundraiser Show, to benefit Toys for Tots Foundation.
* Gulf State Wrestling returns on November 23 in Morgan
City, LA for its annual Toys for Tots fundraiser.
* Southern States Wrestling will collect canned food items,
clothing, and toys at its November 30 show at Kingsport,
TN's Armed Forces Center Armory making 31 straight non-
pandemic years the promotion has served its community. Kids
12 and under FREE with paid adult to general admission!
* Journey Independent Championship Wrestling returns on
November 30 to Martinsville, IN for its annual Toys for Tots
show.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returns on December 6 at the Houston
Volunteer Fire Company, Houston, DE for Toys for Joy.
* Wrestling With Purpose returns to the Pembroke Rescue
Squad on Friday December 6 for its annual toy drive event
Clash For The Kids.
* MCW Pro Wrestling presents MCW Break Through and Toys For
Tots on Saturday, December 7 in Joppa, MD with a 7:30 PM
belltime.
* Ascend Pro Wrestling holds its Secret Slamta on December 3
in Norwood, OH, collecting toys for kids in the Cincinnati
area. Free Admission with a new/unwrapped toy. Whoever
donates the most toys receives a free APW Season pass!
* KSWA Wrestling presents its annual Toy Drive/Fan Fest 2024
at 6:00pm on Saturday, December 7, at the American Legion
Langley Post 496, 2863 Chartiers Avenue, Pittsburgh PA
* United Wrestling Coalition holds its 29th annual Toys for
Tots Pro Wrestling Toy Drive show on December 7 at the New
Egypt American Legion, New Egypt, NJ
* New Breed Wrestling returns on December 16 to Eldon, MO
for a night of family fun and collecting toys for Toys for
Tots
* DCW Pro Wrestling presents their annual Jingle Bash on
December 14 in Felton, DE, their annual Toy Drive show.
* Delmarva Wrestling Digest presented: Over The Top For Toys
For Tots...and the tenth Annual Toys For Tots Toy Drive on
December 14, with location to be determined
* UWE Pro Wrestling presents Christmas Carnage on Saturday
December 14 in Cadillac, MI at the National Guard Armory to
collect toys and winter clothing.
* Honor Among Wrestling returns to Bettendorf, IA on
Saturday, December 14, at the Bettendorf Community Center,
2204 Grant St, Bettendorf, IA for the annual Toys for Tots
show
* American Premier Wrestling returned to Statesboro STEAM
Academy in East Statesboro, GA on December 16 for their 25th
Annual "Silver Anniversary" Toys for Tots All -U-Can Eat
Fundraiser Dinner Show". show and dinner benefit Toys for
Tots Foundation.
* Cojo Toy World holds its annual Toy Drive on December 17
(tentative location) at The Vault, 736 Purchase Street, New
Bedford, MA
* Revolt Ministries will hold its annual 12 day Stuff The
Bus Toy Drive at The Guardian's Legacy show in Florida this
December 8-18.
* Southern States Wrestling will collect canned food items,
clothing, and toys at its December 28 show at Kingsport,
TN's Armed Forces Center Armory making 31 straight non-
pandemic years the promotion has served its community. Kids
12 and under FREE with paid adult to general admission!
So it's time to ask if those reading this blog can send me
any information on holiday themed charity shows scheduled
from now through the New Year at my bobmagee1@hotmail.com
account or to message me through my Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/bob.magee.180 or direct message me
at https://twitter.com/BobMage70323520
