This Saturday, Ryse returns to its home base at the Uniontown Mall in Uniontown, PA to kickoff what should be a very compelling month for the organization, as its also scheduled to return to Baldwin in a few weeks as well. After so many challenges during the pandemic, 2022 looked to be a fresh start for the promotion, and many look to use a new chapter to make their mark on the Pittsburgh scene. Something that I've seen, particularly from my perspective as a broadcast journalist, is that every event has the potential to change the landscape of the entire organization.
As you'd expect, the card is stacked with talent that want to prove themselves and matches that will deliver quality action. I'm scheduled to be on the call for this broadcast and I'm looking forward to seeing this action from the desk, based on the potential of this event. It gives me a searing pain in the middle of my sternum, but "The Gavel" David Lawless is also scheduled to return to Ryse. As much as his presence gives me indigestion, there's no denying that Lawless is a top notch pro wrestler. For my money, "The Gavel" is as solid as anyone in Pittsburgh in terms of his ability inside the ring ropes, and despite all that his has accomplished inside and outside of Ryse, I think that only scratches the surface of what he's capable of in his career. The Gavel will square off against Cowpoke Paul, and it's great to see such an enthusiastic youngster grow each time he steps into the ring. That being said, the novelty of his debut and first victory in the sport were only relevant in the moment. If and how Paul expands upon that will determine is he's the future of the sport in Pittsburgh or simply a flash in the pan. While, his victory over Noir last month gives an indication that Cowpoke has the tenacity to establish himself as one of the stars of Ryse, I think it's fair to say that the returning Lawless with be the toughest test of Paul's career.
Layna Lennox, a young lady that was in the conversation of prospects to watch prior to the pandemic shutdown, will step into the ring against Laura Loveless. I had the chance to call one of Layna's matches in the formative stages of her path in the sport, and you could see the potential was there. Has she had enough experience and seasoning to combat the crafty Loveless? The evolving story between Laura Loveless and her new stablemate Scarlett is something to watch. I've said it since I first saw Scarlett compete a few years ago, it was just a matter of time before she translates to money in the wrestling business. As we know, Laura competed in Ryse early in her career before she ventured elsewhere for valuable experience. Perhaps, the most dangerous aspect of this new team is that we could be seeing the best version of both Laura and Scarlett at the same time. However, you have to wonder, what is the goal for them?
Tony Johnson vs. Colby Redd is a match on paper that might fly under the radar because of the depth of the card, but this one could be a potential show stealer after the final bell. Obviously, it goes without saying that The Iceman is a top-tier Ryse athlete, his previous run with the Grand Championship solidified that. Truth be told, if it wasn't for the previously mentioned pandemic, Johnson would've put himself in the conversation for the best champion in the history of the company. He couldn't wrestle the title away from PB Smooth in March, but one of the many reasons that Johnson is always in the championship discussion is because he keeps himself as a contender with victories against solid competition. On the other end of the spectrum is Colby Redd, someone that just needs the right opportunity to take his game to the next level. Colby is a guy with all the physical tools to be successful so his path is more of an issue of timing and guidance. Maybe his title shot in February was a little before he was truly ready for it, but the fact that he was competitive with someone the caliber of PB Smooth says a lot about his potential. We know that BC Steele provided insightful feedback for Coldy to make adjustments for the future. The result of this bout could determine the path of each of these athletes going forward in the organization.
Usually, I'm not a fan of politicians, but I'm even less of a fan of BC Steele, this conman makes Nixon sound credible. Granted, the mayor has zero in-ring experience so I have no idea what to expect from this six man tag match with Brandon K and Tad Jarvis against The Runway, but here's to hoping that someone gives BC Steele a knuckle sandwich.
Dr. Carl Martin made his shocking debut in Ryse last month and unleashed Geddy Cahoon onto the scene. We still don't know why Dr. Carl chose Matt Conard, but with a mind like Martin, and a monster like Cahoon, we could see a drastic shift in the status of the organization if Dr. Carl continues this madness. Tyler Vox is a very good in-ring competitor, but I don't know how anyone could prepare for Geddy Cahoon.
Primal Fear had a successful debut in the promotion last month, and happenings like this are make each event "can't miss" since this trio added a fresh dynamic. They are three talented athletes that are looking to make their mark in Pittsburgh, and with the influx of talent in recent months, Ryse is the place to do that. On the flip side, The Great Success, for as obnoxious as they might be, have emerged as key talent among the Ryse landscape. I've said it before and I will say it again, Joey Sunseri will be the next national breakout star in Pittsburgh. In a few years, we will be talking about Sunseri the way that we talk about Lee Moriarty now. Along the same lines, you might not know it yet, but a look at the recent bouts of Alexander and Jordan Styles will show you that they are collectively and individually as good as anyone in the ring. The question is, will these loud-mouthed athletes prove those traits when they are put to the test against such stellar talent as Primal Fear?
The main event is one that I'm really looking forward to, as PB Smooth defends against Victor Benjamin. We've seen and know the ability of the Ryse Grand Champion. Ironically, while Benjamin started in the Pittsburgh area several years ago, it was outside of the region that he really hit his stride as a competitor, wrestling for the National Wrestling Alliance in a featured bout against Matt Cardona more recently. It's not often that someone gets a title shot based off of their reputation, but it's justify in Benjamin's case because he's that level of athlete. If Benjamin claims the title this weekend, he's a more than a qualified champion for Ryse Wrestling. Plus, if he can derail the reign of PB Smooth, it changes the trajectory of the entire company. If PB retains, is there another champion in Pittsburgh that has established this level of dominance? You have two top-tier athletes in the prime of their careers ready to square off for a championship, which is what makes this such a compelling main event.
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