More news

Yes, we have two posts in as many days. No, I don't believe it either and I'm writing the bloody thing!

Before we get to my interview with Ultramantis Black, I have some news to report regarding the AWL's contribution to Nation Pro Wrestling Day on Feb 7th. As reported yesterday, the AWL will present 3 matches including an AWL Light Heavyweight Title Match. I spoke to the AWL Commissioner himself this morning and can now pass on to you the full card.

1. MAIN EVENT: AWL Light Heavyweight Championship Match.

Shin Tora (C) vs. American Beetle!

Winner will be crowned the AWL World Light Heavyweight Champion!!

2. Ganba vs. THUGLIFE Tanaka Kenichi

3. HAKAISHA vs. Matt Classic

For a three match card, it looks pretty impressive. A title match featuring American Beetle (fitting for the AWL's only annual show in the US), an ultimate clash of styles with Ganba and Tanaka, and new school takes on old school with HAKAISHA (Coming off his first loss at AWL 80) fighting Matt Classic.

National Pro Wrestling Day is Feb 7th in Easton PA, USA and all proceeds from the real life show go to support the very real and very important Against Malaria Foundation which provides insecticide treated nets to children in parts of Africa where 3,000 children A DAY die from this disease. You can donate at againstmalaria.com or nationalprowrestlingday.com. Together, wrestling can change the world.

Now back to the fun part. Yesterday evening I conducted an interview with AWL World Heavyweight Champion Ultramantis Black via Skype from his home in Parts Unknown. After exchanging the necessary pleasantries, I got down to business.

Ryu Sensei: Ultramantis Black, how does feel not only to be the first Chikara wrestler to become an AWL champion, but to have been the man who ended the second 364 day title reign of Wonder Kid?

Ultramantis Black: What a ridiculous question! The AWL World Heavyweight Championship is one of the few titles in the realm of professional wrestling that is worthy of the Great and Devious Ultramantis Black. Wonder Kid may have the body of a latter day titan, but even with that trollop Yarina by his side, his mind and heart pale before my own. Wonder Kid does not have the heart of a true champion and therefore he shall always fail in his quest to be a 1 year champion. Now, let us speak no more of the former and fallen champion.

Ryu Sensei: As you wish, but I have one more question about your title win. Under the guise of Black Tiger King, you won the 2013 New Year's Tournament and became the Bearer of the Prophecy. Then you became AWL World Heavyweight Champion at the last show of your calendar year. We are slightly over a week away from AWL 81, which will feature the 2014 Tournament. Are you concerned about the next tournament winner coming for your title?

Ultramantis Black: Allow me to make one thing perfectly clear little dragon master, prophecies, curses, fate, and fortune, these things do NOT control Ultramantis Black, I control them. In fact, this (At this point in the interview, he held the AWL World Heavyweight Championship Belt in front of the webcam) is only the beginning! I am taking measures to ensure that the Prophecy is no longer a concern. I, the Great and Devious Ultramantis Black have shall be entering the 2014 お正月大会 myself and when I am victorious the Prophecy shall be nullified!

Ryu Sensei: Wait a minute! You're going to enter the tournament yourself? That's never happened before, how did the AWL Commissioner ever agree to that?

Ultramantis Black: Well, I had to agree to a few provisos, for example if any man is lucky enough to defeat me in the tournament, they shall automatically become #1 contender. But since that's not going to happen, I am not concerned.

Ryu Sensei: OK, your funeral (That part was under my breath, if UMB heard me he didn't say anything). Last thing I'd like to talk about sir is Chikara. As those who have been following the ashes videos know, you recently had a conversation with Icarus about helping him fight to save Chikara and Wrestling is. You rejected his offer. Why?

Ultramantis Black: That is a private matter and none of your business. While Chikara still holds a special place in my heart, it is the height of foolishness to wage a war you know you can not win. That is all I have to say to you. This interview has concluded.

(Ultramantis Black then ended the Skype call.)

So we now know that Ultramantis Black will be the first AWL World Heavyweight Champion to enter the New Year's Tournament. Stay tuned for our next news post which will include the full list of competitors in the 2014 お正月大会, the New Year's Tournament.

Ryu Sensei

PS: Yes, I am fully aware that the first week of February is a little late to be doing anything "New Year's" related, but A. It's an AWL tradition and B. I didn't plan on taking anywhere near this long between seasons.