Pro Wrestling Illustrated May 2022

THESE DAYS, WE’RE in the habit of issuing corrections via social media, rather than cluttering your coveted magazine space. But please allow me this one. In the print edition of our April 2022 “Awards” issue, we neglected to include Brian R. Solomon’s byline for his wonderful write-up about Terry Funk’s Stanley Weston Award. Brian pushed hard for “The Funker’s” recognition and was instrumental in making sure that Terry’s plaque reached him safely. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank him here and once again send my apologies. By the way, I’ve heard nothing but good things about Mr. Solomon’s forthcoming biography of The Sheik, which is reviewed by Mike Bessler in this month’s “Before The Bell” section. You’ve likely noticed this month’s edition of PWI sports a decidedly international flair. As…

WOODY FARMER’S BAY AREA WRESTLING There’s a particular joy that wrestling fans experience when discovering (or perhaps rediscovering) an under-appreciated gem of yesteryear. Maybe it’s because productions that chronicle the former glory of local and regional wrestling endeavors offer the opportunity to appreciate a new frontier of unique characters, contests, and story arcs. Woody Farmer’s Bay Area Wrestling, produced by Indy Handshake, offers just such an opportunity to fans looking for a new adventure in old-school wrestling. Bay Area Wrestling existed from 1989 to 1993 in Northern California, but its televised product reached six states. At the heart of it all was NWA Big Time Wrestling alumnus Woody Farmer, a man so tough he once carried an upright piano on his back all the way up San Francisco’s famed Lombard Street; a…

JON MOXLEY MADE a triumphant return to AEW Dynamite on January 19, delivering fire and passion in one of the most memorable promos we’ve seen. Moxley, one of the most decorated wrestlers of all-time, had checked himself into an inpatient rehabilitation center last November to be treated for alcoholism. “Mox” received an outpouring of support from peers and fans alike for his bold decision to face a problem that had been plaguing him for some time.. The tremendous ovation for Moxley at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., was no surprise. His “Wild Thing” entrance theme started Dynamite’s first hour, and he entered through the crowd, Shieldstyle, amid chants of “Mox-ley!” and “Wel-come Back!” Mid-ring and microphone in hand, Moxley immediately yelled an expletive at a heckler. Following that shock…

ACADEMY AWARD SEASON is here again. And, if you can’t get excited about a bunch of celebrities playing make-believe in order to win some gold, how can you call yourself a wrestling fan? Roll out the red carpet for my annual Oscar-themed edition of “Quick Count.” The envelope, please… BELFAST The last time the Royal Rumble was in St. Louis (10 years ago), WWE fans were a little surprised to see Sheamus win the prestigious 30-man elimination bout and stake his claim on a world title match at WrestleMania. Sure, Sheamus was talented, but did this odd-looking Irishman really have what it took to be a top guy? Far removed from early clashes with John Cena and “Belfast Bruiser” Fit Finlay, Sheamus is now a grizzled vet—and he’s giving the rub to another hard-hitter…

WHEN PAUL HEYMAN opens his mouth, people listen. That’s because he’s one of the most compelling speakers in the business, including those who do their work both inside and outside the ring. Although these days he’s fond of calling himself an “advocate,” his job description bears a striking resemblance to what we all really know it to be: manager. And, for much of the past 35 years, Paul E. (Heyman or Dangerously) has been one of the very best—talking us into the seats (whether at the arena or in our living rooms), adding to the aura and mystique of his clients, and being a perfect conduit for nuclear crowd heat. To be sure, there are others. MVP has blossomed, dare I say it, as an even more effective manager than he…

THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST leads our culture in so many ways: High-tech industries, athletic wear, cold-brew coffee, juice bars, fresh seafood, arts and culture, and food trucks. But what happened to professional wrestling? Other than signs of life in British Columbia, which most consider part of the Pacific Northwest, the wrestling scene went dormant in the late-1990s and early-2000s. Now, something special is happening in the PNW… and not even William Quintana can be sure what caused it. He’s the owner of Prestige Wrestling, based in Portland, Oregon. Quintana promoted a show at the historic Roseland Theater in Portland back in September 2019, with a few strong selling points: “Filthy” Tom Lawlor vs. Chris Dickinson for the Prestige championship, plus Rhino and The Rock ’n’ Roll Express made appearances. Only 250 fans…