Just in case the wrestling fans in Providence, RI were concerned that they would be without Beyond Wrestling for too long, after Beyond’s final show at Fete Music in December, Drew Cordeiro has reassured everyone their presence in Providence is alive and well. This Sunday, February 28th, Beyond Wrestling returns to Providence, RI at Aurora Providence, and when the show was originally announced, it sold out so quickly, a second show was demanded by the Beyond faithful, and Beyond Wrestling obliged. Therefore, a day’s worth of wrestling takes place this coming Sunday, beginning with the matinee show “By Popular Demand”, and followed by “State Of The Art” later that night. Donovan Dijak, Sami Callihan, Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, JT Dunn, and so many more will be in action over both shows. Let’s preview each match taking place on Sunday, including predictions for each contest.
By Popular Demand
*New England Pro Wrestling Academy Showcase*
Anthony Greene vs. Brick Mastone vs. Christian Casanova vs. Cam Zagami
Personally, I’m looking forward to this one quite a bit, as Beyond Wrestling has a reputation for showcasing young talent, and more often than not, they seize that opportunity and put on a great show. This match should be no different. Greene and Zagami have spent much of their time in Beyond as a team, but each will go it alone on this day, competing against the hard-hitting Brick Mastone, and the charismatic Christian Casanova, who I’ll be particularly interested in seeing, as it’s my first time seeing him live. Hard to pick a winner in this one with so many unknowns, but one thing is for sure; this one will be exciting.
Prediction: When unsure, pick the scariest looking one. Brick Mastone for the win.
By Popular Demand
*First Time Ever*
Lio Rush vs. John Silver
Lio Rush is rapidly becoming one of the most talked about names in all of independent wrestling, recently becoming the 2016 Ring of Honor Top Prospect Tournament winner, and the “Angry Beaver” John Silver will be looking to capitalize on that recognition with a victory over the high flying Rush. Silver’s strength is something Rush has likely never had to deal with from a man Silver’s size, and Rush would do well to make sure he doesn’t take Silver lightly. Silver has taken David Starr to the limit recently in Beyond, and will undoubtedly be ready to try and knock Rush down a couple pegs. By all accounts, however, Lio Rush is ready and able to rise to any challenge put in front of him, and is looking to continue his huge momentum.
Prediction: Lio Rush wins this first time match-up of clashing styles.
By Popular Demand
*Teacher vs. Student*
Drew Gulak vs. Conor Claxton
While Beyond fans may not be completely familiar with Conor “Wrench” Claxton, Drew Gulak is certainly very familiar with the man he trained at the CZW Training Academy, and will certainly need to be at his best on Sunday. What types of tricks will Claxton bring to try and throw Gulak off his game, and will he be able to avoid being grounded by the submission specialist? It seems Claxton will need to bring something Gulak’s never seen from “Wrench” before in order to score what would be considered by most as an upset victory, but make no mistake, Claxton will do everything within his power to get the job done.
Prediction: Tough to go against experience in this one. Gulak scores the win.
By Popular Demand
*Let’s Get Weird*
Massage NV (Dorian Graves & VSK) vs. Milk Chocolate (Randy Summers & Brandon Watts)
Safe to say this will be the strangest match of the night, but if reports are to be believed, it may also steal the show. Massage NV has captivated the Beyond Wrestling audience after only a couple of appearances with their odd blend of relentlessness and relaxation, and have seemingly begun a bit of a rivalry with Milk Chocolate over the past few weeks across the country. Now, they’ll add another chapter to their story in Providence, RI, and with the talent of these four, this match has the potential the be match of the night.
Prediction: Massage NV comes away with the win. Rose pedals and oil for all.
By Popular Demand
“Grudge Match*
Dave Cole & Anthony Stone vs. Da Hoodz (Davey Cash & Kris Pyro)
It’s been over nine months since Beyond Wrestling original Dave Cole has been inside the ring, and while many of us have enjoyed chatting withhim about his amazing artwork and custom pop vinyls, the Beyond audience has been highly anticipating his return. This Sunday, Cole stands beside Anthony Stone to take on Da Hoodz, who have shown a bit of a darker side over the past few months. This all stems back to a six-man tag match on a Beyond Wrestling secret show where Da Hoodz thought Anthony Stone wasn’t ruthless enough in trying to win, and Stone’s taken exception to the new attitude of Kris Pyro and Davey Cash, leading to this battle to settle the score. Emotion in Providence will be high for Dave Cole’s return, but will that be enough to silence Da Hoodz?
Prediction: The feel-good moment falls a bit short, and Da Hoodz defeat Stone & Cole.
By Popular Demand
*Mismatch*
Candice LeRae vs. Ryan Galeone with Veda Scott
Make no mistake, based on size, this certainly is a mismatch. However, everyone knows that Candice LeRae won’t back down from anyone, even the rising star, Ryan “Rush” Galeone. Galeone is coming off of an extremely impressive victory over Jonathan Gresham last month in Somerville, and seems to be flourishing ever since his breakout performance at Tournament For Tomorrow 4 back in November. Now, with the guidance of Veda Scott, Galeone seems poised to move to greater heights in Beyond Wrestling than ever before, however he’ll need to make sure not to take LeRae lightly, as LeRae will be prepared to capitalize on any opportunity to derail the momentum “Rush” has built.
Prediction: This will be more closely contested than most are probably expecting, but Galeone continues his trek upwards with a victory.
By Popular Demand
*The F*cking Tag Team Match*
Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa vs. EYFBO (Mike Draztik & Angel Ortiz)
With Beyond Wrestling christening a new home in Providence, RI, and potentially drawing in a new crowd, there’s a chance that some may be unfamiliar with just how great EYFBO is. Certainly, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa have done just about all there is to do, including becoming regulars on NXT, but make no mistake, this isn’t simply a showcase for two international superstars. EYFBO are the real deal, perhaps the best-kept secret in New England, and Angel Ortiz and Mike Dratzik will be ready for anything Gargano and Ciampa have to offer. Also, while Gargano and Ciampa have teamed together sparingly on NXT and elsewhere, EYFBO is a consistent tag team with a chemistry that’s second to none, and that may be the crucial advantage in this matchup. Make no mistake; this match will be a worthy main event, and will stand up against any other match on Sunday.
Prediction: EYFBO puts their name on the map in a definitive way with a victory over the NXT stars Gargano and Ciampa.
State Of The Art
*All Ego vs. All Negro*
Ethan Page vs. Suge D
Sugar D has been on a mission to prove himself for many months at Beyond Wrestling, and we haven’t seen him since an ultra-violent “Fans Bring The Weapons” match with Matt Tremont. This month, he takes on Beyond newcomer Ethan Page after quite a bit of social media sparring, and Page will certainly be looking to make a name for himself in front of the Beyond faithful against a familiar face. Sugar D’s toughness can never be questioned again, but will he be able to gain a much needed victory this Sunday at Aurora Providence?
Prediction: After gaining a number of “moral” victories, Sugar D gets himself a true victory over Ethan Page.
State Of The Art
*Evil vs. Eviler*
Evil Uno vs. Pinkie Sanchez
It’s a strange time for Team Pazuzu, and it’s led to a rare situation where Pinkie Sanchez goes it alone against Evil Uno this Sunday in Providence. Pinkie’s not to be underestimated, however, as the cagey veteran is as talented as he is eccentric, and will be looking to establish himself as a singles star in Beyond Wrestling against Uno. Uno has sent time in Ring of Honor, CHIKARA, PWG and elsewhere, and will bring a wealth of experience to his Beyond debut.
Prediction: Evil Uno impresses in his Beyond debut with a victory over the “Sexual Spider Monkey”, Pinkie Sanchez.
State Of The Art
*Alpha-1 Wrestling Showcase*
Kobe Durst vs. Space Monkey
I’ll admit, I’m not very familiar with either of these competitors, and for that reason alone am looking forward to this contest on Sunday. Beyond has showcased WWA4 in the past, and now will give Alpha-1 Wrestling a chance to shine in front of the Beyond Wrestling audience. Both men will certainly be looking to make a name for themselves in front of a new audience, with a multitude of opportunities on the line.
Prediction: How do you vote against a Space Monkey? Monkey for the win.
State Of The Art
*Open Challenge*
Matthew Riddle vs. ???
Matt Riddle may not be winning himself many fans in Beyond Wrestling, but he has been winning every match he’s been involved in, which ultimately is the name of the game. However, with much of his experience being against other grapplers, and such a diverse locker room in Beyond Wrestling, an open challenge may present Riddle with a bit more than he can chew. This will certainly be a massive opportunity to step into the ring with the formed UFC fighter and current Evolve star, and it’s merely a question of who wants the chance to shut the smug competitors mouth.
State Of The Art
*TFT3 Winners vs. TFT4 Winners*
Team TREMENDOUS (Dan Barry & Bill Carr) vs. Da Hit Squad (Danny “Mafia” Maff & Steve “Monsta” Mack)
At first glimpse, this match seems to be a contest between extreme opposites, and while the differences in ring attire are certainly obvious, the Beyond crowd has seen both of these teams absolutely tear the house down on more than one occasion. Mack & Maff, Da Hit Squad are still riding the momentum from their TFT4 victory, while Team Tremendous will be looking to avenge a loss to the Crusade For Change in their last Beyond appearance. We’ve come to expect nothing but five star performances from both of these teams, and it’s not hard to imagine this one meeting and exceeding those expectations.
Prediction: Da Hit Squad are at the top of their game right now, and they continue their wave of success with another victory.
State Of The Art
*First Time Ever*
Chris Hero vs. Jonathan Gresham
A main event on most other shows, Jonathan Gresham takes on Chris Hero at a time where both men have been killing it on a monthly basis. One difference, however, has been the results, where Hero has been victorious month after month in Beyond Wrestling, while Gresham has been putting in great performances, but not finding the success in terms of wins he’s been looking for. While the tale of the tape benefits the larger Hero, Gresham’s no stranger to fighting larger opponents, and may be able to learn from his match against Ryan Galeone last month and apply that knowledge to this match. This should be a technical masterpiece, but the question is when, not if, everything breaks down, can Gresham avoid death by elbow?
Prediction: In what most would consider an upset, Davis slays Goliath, and Jonathan Gresham walks out of State Of The Art victorious.
State Of The Art
*Best In New England*
Eddie Edwards vs. Brian Fury
After an injury to Davey Richards, many immediately began to clamor for the New England dream match between “Firebrand” Brian Fury and Eddie Edwards, and Beyond Wrestling was more than happy to oblige. Eddie Edwards hasn’t been seen in Beyond Wrestling since Biff Busick’s final night in Beyond Wrestling, falling in the finals of the Greatest Rivals Round Robin, and while Brian Fury was victorious in TFT4, he’s coming off of a loss in a technical gem against Zack Sabre Jr., so both men are looking to redeem themselves.
Prediction: Brian Fury returns to his winning ways and gets back on track with a victory over Edwards.
State Of The Art
*Main Event*
Sami Callihan vs. Donovan Dijak
In 2015, there was nobody in Beyond Wrestling who was more successful than Donovan Dijak. Undefeated, with victories over Eddie Edwards, Biff Busick, Tommaso Ciampa and more. That was why it was so shocking to see the United States Death Machine get the upper hand on Dijak at Fete Finale last December, and why so many Beyond fans have been anticipating Dijak’s return to Beyond. With Chris Dickinson in Europe, Dijak sets his sights on Sami Callihan, whose looking to be the first to defeat Dijak in Beyond Wrestling, and who certainly has the talent and the tools to get the job done. However, with seemingly no backup in the building, how will Callihan be able to overcome the awesomeness of Dijak?
Prediction: Dijak’s simply unstoppable, and he exacts his revenge on Sami Callihan this Sunday.
While State Of The Art is sold out, limited tickets still remain for By Popular Demand at the link below! Join us this Sunday in Providence!
http://lookmanofans.com/store/live-event-tickets/by-popular-demand/
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