Often times as a journalist you are forced to tow that line between being a fan and a reporter. Being a professional while also being a self-proclaimed “mark” is something I try very hard to balance anytime I review an event. So you can imagine my complete surprise when I would actually become a part of the Titan Championship Wrestling team when CEO of the promotion, Billy Fetzke, invited me into the commentary booth as a special guest commentator for their Goddesses of War brand’s Hallowed Ground event.
To say that I was humbled by the experience would be an understatement. As somewhat of an over-preparer I reached out to more than half of the roster to inquire about move-sets, stats, and most importantly, move names. I can’t tell you how amazing each and every single one of these ladies is. I would receive messages with lists and often times paragraphs of information. I took their enthusiasm with such positivity and channeled it into my own excitement for the event. The cherry on top would be the girls showing their genuine excitement for me getting the opportunity. Congrats from the likes of Adena Steele and Riley Shephard absolutely meant the world to me.
After days of preparing a notebook of info and really really bad puns, I put on the suit jacket and got to Hallowed Grounds in Ocean Gate, New Jersey well ahead of show time. I shook everyone’s hand — information passed on to me from the late great Road Warrior Animal — and asked for advice where I could. (Yes, I sanitized thoroughly after each shake to protect all involved). Huge shout out to the “Poison Angel” The Notorious Mimi for coming up to me and wishing me good luck which made me feel like the locker room had my back. Not to say in anyway the night was about me, but more so about me being accepted into the family. A family I am honored to be a part of. No nonsense. No egos. Just support.
Even when I asked Benjamin King (the head of the TCW Goddesses division) for some pre-show advice, ref Nick Shin and WWE Cruiserweight Classic competitor Anthony Bennet chimed in as well. It was so rad to get advice from a performer, official and manager’s perspective. One of the lead commentators Marlon Dinkins would also give me some good advice before I joined him at the desk.
Without pulling the curtain back too far, I just want to highlight the sense of community here, especially in these trying times. I am so incredibly thankful to the wrestling community for everything this past year and I truly want to give it all right back. I tried to do my very best to that through the microphone.
As expected the ladies would be on a stellar show full of storytelling, acrobatics, and even a casket match. Although I didn’t get to use my “STRAIGHT OUTTA COFIN” line, the puns were coming full force and even got some chuckles from the booth which I think was a good sign. More importantly I’m hoping the ladies will appreciate not only the puns, but moreso the research I did throughout the week.
Again, these stellar Goddesses made it easy with show stealing matches like Lady Frost vs. Riley Shephard in a NO HOLDS BARRED match.Frost would again hit the move of the night with a running “Snowball Fight” (Running Cannonball ) into a seated Shephard on the outside. Frost would even go as far as pouring an ICE BUKET over her opponents head, which prompted me to shout, “WHAT”S COOLER THAN BEING COOL!? Lead Commentator Risa Pappas would exclaim “ICE COLD!” which made me feel like there was certainly a good report there.
Surprise moments again were very genuine as we saw Former Champ and Locker Room Leader The Notorious Mimi go for a complete heel turn after a frustrating loss earlier in the night. “Why Mimi WHy?” Wrestling’s Angel would join up with the faction known as the Division which is an absolutely brilliant move. Shout to my guy John Kiernan as you’ll notice some slight similarities in the entrance music of both Mimi and The Division. I love little subtleties like that.
I also really enjoyed calling all the different match types including a super impressive clinic between Ray Lyn and Dani Mo. Both of these ladies really impressed me and I’m excited to see more. This was a fun one to call because there were definitely some deep cuts in their respective move sets. Match of the night contender right here.
As I said earlier, storytelling is a HUGE part of the Goddesses Brand so calling the match between besties Gabby Ortiz (challenger) and The Goddess Champion, The Vivacious Vicious Vicki was a real treat. I’ve interviewed both ladies and I can’t say enough amazing things about both. Pre-match the competitors would hug and Vicki would even kiss her friend on the forehead. After that it was all business.
Opportunities come and go, and I was so very happy to make the most of this one. A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart to the goddesses, management, and a big shout to Announcer/ Commentator David Adams to going to bat for me on multiple occasions. It does not go unnoticed and I will always give it right back regardless of where I’m sitting or what hat I’m wearing.
Make sure you come support TCW at their next event Mt. Olympus!! Tickets are available now at: https://www.titan-championshipwrestling.com/
