By Chris Vetter

Torch Indy Reporter Chris Vetter travels thousands of miles each year to see dozens of indy shows all over the Midwest. His reports covering the entire U.S. Indy Scene are usually published exclusively here at PWTorch.com every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

WEEKEND PREVIEW, NEWS & NOTES

The big news of the week is that Ring of Honor has announced that its sister promotion, FIP, will now follow ROH storylines. This is long overdue. It just has not worked well, in the DVDs I’ve watched, to have Delirious a face in ROH, and a heel in FIP, as an example. Everyone knows these are ‘sister promotions.’ They have the same announcers and same video editing style (although ROH uses backstage skits, which FIP never has done.) Point being, I think this is a good move for FIP.

To the weekend preview!

Ring of Honor is back in action with a double-header in New York. Tonight, in Deer Park, the lineup features Erick Stevens vs. Go Shiozaki, Roderick Strong & Davey Richards vs. Kevin Steen & El Generico, Bryan Danielson vs. Rocky Romero, Nigel McGuinness vs. Brent Albright. ROH then moves to Manhattan on Saturday, in the Manhattan Center, for the big rematch of Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson. Whenever those two meet in the ring, it always looks authentic and is always hard-hitting action. Should be a good weekend.

In another positive ROH note, Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley will return for two days only, on April 18 & 19. Hopefully this is a sign that more TNA guys could someday return to ROH. I’d love to see it happen, but I’m fairly doubtful. BUT, this is a good sign!

Jerry Lynn headlines a show on Saturday for New York Wrestling Connection, which also operates out of Deer Park, N.Y.

Pro Wrestling Guerilla returns on Sunday to La Habra Heights, Calif., with Austin Aries vs. Karl Anderson, Human Tornado vs. Necro Butcher. I’ve seen better-looking PWG lineups, but this should be solid. The full lineup is below. Learn more at www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com.

I’m headed to F1rst Wrestling in downtown Minneapolis on Sunday. While last month’s show had more star power (Twin Cities natives ODB and Khosrow Daivari were on the show), I think this will be a better show, from a workrate standpoint. Tyler Black makes his MN return, and the main event features four of the best ROH-style workers, as Arik Cannon & Cody O’Neill team up to face Ryan Cruz & Darin Corbin. I don’t hype a lot of local indy shows, but this is one to check out!

Former ECW tag partners will collide on Sunday, with Joey “Mercury” Matthews vs. Christian York, in Maryland Championship Wrestling in Dundalk, Md. This is an anniversary show for this promotion, and the updated lineup is below.

In other news…

El Generico defeated Kevin Steen last Saturday in Montreal, Quebec, to win the IWS heavyweight title. Results of the show are below.

Speaking of Generico, he and Chris Hero and Jimmy Jacobs will be headed to the United Kingdom for shows in mid-March, so none of those three wrestlers will be on the ROH shows that weekend.

And you can always reach me with your indy results at chrisjvetter@hotmail.com. I request that you remember to say date, location (including building, city & state!), and full name of the promotion.

WEEKEND RESULTS

IWS, Feb. 16, Montreal, Quebec: Max Boyer defeats Franky the Mobster, Player Uno & Stupefied defeat Dan Paysan & Jimmy Stone, ExesS defeats Santino, Kenny the Bastard defeats Damian, Jake Matthews & Sexxxy Eddy defeat Green Phantom & Kid Kamikaze, Samson defeats Shayne Hawke, El Generico defeats Kevin Steen to regain the IWS title.

X-Treme Intense Championship Wrestling, Feb. 16, Warren, Mich.: Johnny Dynamo defeats Tim Horner Jr., Randy Casey defeats Jerry Draven & Evan Epic in a handicap match, Skull Ganz & Devil Dawg won a tag team battle royal, Jeff Brooks defeats Jason Harris, Kid Hybrid defeats Kris Korvis, Hybrid defeats Big Vern, Buff Bagwell defeats Josh Abercrombie, Gavin Starr & Keith Crème defeat Drew Johnson & Poison Apollo, Mike McMahon was the sole survivor in a last man standing match, defeating Kamala Jr. and Jaimy Coxxx and DBD and Mo Dread and R.O.B. and DBA.

Pro Wrestling Phoenix, Feb: 16, Council Bluffs, Iowa: Darrien Sanders & Mark Sterling defeat Zac James & Tyler Pride, Leslie Ray defeats Preston Maxwell, Donnie Peppercricket defeats Stephen Saint, Joey Daniels defeats Jaysin Strife, Brett Young defeats Vic Victory, Hype Gotti defeats Matty Fitness, Tony Cortez defeats Jeremy Wyatt and Abu Colossus.

NWA Virginia, February 16, Saluda, Va., Janus and Brandon Day each won a battle royal, Day defeats Janus, Vulstag defeats Tiger Blue, Assault & Battery vs. River City Rogues was a draw, Grail defeats Chris Escobar in a loser leaves Virginia match, Geordie Bulldogs defeat the Old School Empire, Damien Wayne defeats Adam Pearce via DQ.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Ring of Honor, Feb. 22, Deer Park, N.Y., at the community center, with Erick Stevens vs. Go Shiozaki, Roderick Strong & Davey Richards vs. Kevin Steen & El Generico, Bryan Danielson vs. Rocky Romero, Nigel McGuinness vs. Brent Albright, Austin Aries vs. Joey Matthews, Tyler Black vs. Human Tornado, Jimmy Jacobs & Necro Butcher vs. Ruckus & Jigsaw.

Ring of Honor, Feb. 23, Manhattan, N.Y., at the Manhattan Center, with Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson, Human Tornado vs. Delirious, Erick Stevens vs. Roderick Strong vs. Necro Butcher, Austin Aries vs. Go Shiozaki, Kevin Steen vs. Joey Matthews, Davey Richards & Rocky Romero vs. Jigsaw & Ruckus, Sara Del Rey vs. Daizee Haze.

2CW, Feb. 23, Binghamton, N.Y., with Dizzie & Isys Ephex vs. Slyk Wagner Brown & Eddie Edwards, Nikki Roxx vs. Lexxus, Jason Axe & Gordy Wallace vs. the Killer Steves, John Walters vs. Brian Fury, All Money is Legal vs. the Wyld Stayllons, AJAX820 vs. Antonio Thomas.

Atomic Championship Wrestling, Feb. 23, Smokestown, Penn., with Glen Osbourne & Devon Moore vs. Kage & Patriot, Trixter vs. Alan Cross, Rockin Rebel & Kitt vs. Louis Rich & Niles Young, Twisted Tate vs. Joey Manson, Shatter & Rick Havoc vs. Frank the Tank & Pretty Fly.

NWA Upstate, Feb. 23, Henrietta, N.Y., with Eric Everlast & HC Loc vs. Triple X & Super Assassin, Cloudy vs. TBA, Dewey vs. the Dustytaker, Jimmy Olsen vs. Danny Doring, Cheech vs. Judas Young.

EWF, Feb. 23, Marion, Ind., with Drake Younger vs. Just Justin, Dark Lion vs. Bob, Hillbilly Jed & Joey Owens vs. Locked N’ Loaded.

AWF, Feb. 23, Elk River, Minn., at the high school, with Eugene Dinsmore, Lenny Lane, Arik Cannon, the O’Neill twins, Joey Envy, Big Daddy Hoofer, Black Stallion and Tony Denucci.

D1PW, Feb. 23, North Miami Beach, Fla., with Scott Commodity vs. the Falcon, Billy Fives vs. Kenny King, Vordell Walker vs. Bruce Santee, the Sheik vs. Torcher, the Heartbreak Express vs. the Dynamic Duo, Francisco Ciatso vs. Jon Davis.

New York Wrestling Connection, Feb. 23, Deer Park, N.Y., at the community center, 7 p.m., with Jerry Lynn vs. Rob Eckos, Alex Reynolds vs. Maverick, Joey Braggiol vs. Dan Barry, and a seven-team tag war!

F1rst Wrestling, Feb. 24, Minneapolis, Minn., at the First Avenue Night Club, with Arik Cannon & Cody O’Neill vs. Ryan Cruz & Darin Corbin, Jaysin Strife vs. Tyler Black, Thoruf Marius vs. Rasche Brown, Ben Sailer vs. Kamikaze Klecker.

Pro Wrestling Guerilla, Feb. 24, La Habra Heights, Calif., with Austin Aries vs. Karl Anderson, Human Tornado vs. Necro Butcher, Delirious & Hallowicked vs. Scott Lost & Joey Ryan, Ronin & Scorpio Sky vs. the Young Bucks, Candice LaRae vs. Daffney.

Maryland Championship Wrestling, Feb. 24, Dundalk, Md., with Joey “Mercury” Matthews vs. Christian York, the Ghetto Mafia vs. the winners of a #1 contenders match of Ryan McBride & Teddy Stigma vs. the Headliners, Josh Daniels vs. Devon Moore.

AIW, Feb. 24, Brookpark, Ohio, with a 30-man gauntlet for the gold, Necro Butcher vs. John Thorne, Dios Salvador vs. Sterling James Keenan.

IPW: UK, Feb. 24, at Orpington Hall, with Eddie Kingston in action, plus PAC.

Chikara Pro, Feb. 29, Philadelphia, Penn., New Alhambra Sports & Entertainment Center, “King of Trios 2008,” day one, with El Dorado vs. the Colony, Brodie Lee & the Olsen Twins vs. Cheech & Cloudy & m.c. KZ, Las Chivas vs. Shane Hagadorn & Alex Payne & Rhett Titus.

GOUGE, Feb. 29, Raleigh, N.C., with Willie Watts vs. Tennessee Nord, Dick Foley & Seymour Snott vs. the Super Mario Brothers, KC McKnight vs. Eskimo Joe, Otto Schwanz vs. Charlie Dreamer, Wallabee Joe vs. Prince Kofi Jabba.

Steel Domain Wrestling, March 1, Brookings, S.D., at the Rainbow Arena, with A.J. Styles vs. Christian Cage, James Storm vs. Jay Lethal, Abyss vs. Kip James.

Chikara Pro, March 1, Philadelphia, Penn., New Alhambra Sports & Entertainment Center,” King of Trios 2008,” day two, with Tank Toland & Bobby Dempsey & Sara Del Rey vs. Gran Akuma & Chuck Taylor & Icarus, El Generico & Player Uno & Stupefied vs. Arik Cannon & Ryan Cruz & Darin Corbin, Mitch Ryder & Larry Sweeney & Shayne Hawke vs. Tim Donst & Drew Gulak & Andy Sumner.

IWA Mid-South, March 1, Joliet, Ill., at the Hartman Rec Center, with Eddie Kingston vs. 2 Cold Scorpio, Roderick Strong vs. Drake Younger vs. Michael Elgin vs. Viking, Brain Damage & Deranged vs. Mickie Knuckles & LuFisto, Necro Butcher vs. Danny Havoc, Human Tornado vs. Ruckus vs. Ash vs. Devon Moore vs. Sexxxy Eddie vs. xOMGx vs. Brandon Thomaselli vs. Dustin Lee, Jimmy Jacobs vs. Jack Thriller, Davey Richards vs. Toby Klein, Iron Saints vs. Sabian & Joker.

ECWA, March 1, Newark, Del., at the Greater Newark Boys’ & Girls’ Club.

National Wrestling Superstars, March 1, Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., at the Elks Lodge, with Tony Atlas vs. Julio Dinero, plus Nicky Oceans defends the NWS title.

WPW, March 1, Black River Falls, Wis., at the high school, with Jerry Lynn vs. Ace Spade, Austin Aries vs. Zakk Neo, Lacey vs. Ann Brookstone.

Pro Wrestling Riot, March 1, Port Richey, Fla., at Regency Park Civic Center, with the Heartbreak Express, the Lifeguards, Bruce Santee, Kory Chavis, Ray Beez, Ron Niemi, Amy Vitale, Michael Shane.

Vanguard Championship Wrestling, March 1, Virginia Beach, Va., at the Pembroke Bingo Hall.

Chikara Pro, March 2, Philadelphia, Penn., New Alhambra Sports & Entertainment Center, “King of Trios 2008,” finals.

FunkdaFied Wrestling Federation, March 2, Middletown, Del., at the Everett Meredith Middle School, with Hate Breed, Nikki Oceans, Self Employed, the Gemini Trojans, the Dark Karnival, Fro Bro, Mad Dog and Ruff Rider.

Jersey All Pro, March 8, Jersey City, N.J., at the Golden Door Charter School, with Homicide & Hernandez vs. Teddy Hart & Samoa Joe, Archadia vs. Grim Reefer, Havoc & Monsta Mack vs. Slyk Wagner Brown & Eddie Kingston, and Delirious in action.

AAW, March 8, Berwyn, Ill., at the Eagles Club, with Jerry Lynn vs. Austin Aries vs. Josh Abercrombie vs. a mystery opponent, Zach Gowen & Krotch vs. Ryan Cruz & Darin Corbin, Ryan Boz vs. Dan Lawrence.

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, March 8.

Combat Zone Wrestling, March 8, Philadelphia, Penn., at the New Alhambra arena, with Vordell Walker vs. Joker, DJ Hyde vs. Whacks.

Devil Bhudakahn Memorial Show, March 8, Munhall, Penn., with the Beast vs. Powerhouse Hughes, Shirley Doe & partner vs. Super Hentai & partner, Sterling James Keenan vs. Mr. Wrestling III, Scottie Gash vs. Chris LeRusso vs. Bobby Shields, Jimmy DeMarco vs. Chris Taylor.

Pro Wrestling Ohio, March 8, Lakewood, Ohio, at the Masonic Temple.

NEPW, March 8, Paineville, Ohio, at the Hide Out Roller Rink, with J-Rocc vs. Shane Taylor, Lethal Impact vs. Tracy Smothers & Ray Rowe, Aaron Draven vs. Sami Callihan.

Whiplash Wrestling, March 8, Mayetta, Kan., at the Boys’ & Girls’ Club, with Chris & Kyle King vs. Dekin Cane & Enigma, JC Thunder vs. Justin Pain, Kid USA vs. Jaysin Strife.

American Championship Entertainment, March 8, Union City, N.J., with Jay Lethal vs. Mo Sexton, Robert Roode vs. Joe Hardway, A.J. Styles vs. Azrieal, Alexa Thatcher vs. Angelina Love.

EWF, March 15, Marion, Ind., with the debut of Ms. Traci Brooks.

Northeast Wrestling, March 15, Torrington, Conn.

IPW:UK, March 15, Broxbourne Civic Hall, with Chris Hero vs. Johnny Saint, plus Jimmy Jacobs and El Generico in action.

Ring of Honor, March 16, Philadelphia, Penn., at the armory.

X-Treme Intense Championship Wrestling, March 16, Pontiac, Mich., at the Eagle Theatre, with Buff Bagwell vs. Greg “the Hammer” Valentine, Mo Dread vs. The DBA, Gavin Starr & Keith Crème vs. Skull Ganz & Devil Dawg, Kid Hybrid vs. Joosh Abercrombie, Pat Tanaka vs. Kamala Jr.

APW, March 16, Martinsburg, W.Va., with Tammy “Sunny” Sytch making an appearance. Luke Hawx vs. the Cali Kid, Teddy Fine vs. Merek, JR840 vs. Silas Rayge, Jerkface vs. Marcus Smart, Solid Stud Jim vs. Mr. Huge, Killer Korbin vs. Prodigy.

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, March 21.

Full Impact Pro, March 22, Crystal River, Fla., with Roderick Strong, Nigel McGuinness, Delirious, Jay Briscoe, Tyler Black, Kenny King, Jason Blade, Sal Rinauro, Chasyn Rance, Seth Delay.

International Wrestling Cartel, March 22, Elizabeth, Penn., at Court Time Sports Center.

Pro Wrestling Syndicate, March 22, Yonkers, N.Y., with Sabu vs. Sandman, Tito Santana vs. Kamala, Angelina Love vs. Alexa Thatcher, and a 12-man tournament featuring Teddy Hart, Matt Cross, Jack Evans, Necro Butcher, Davey Richards, Ruckus, Kenny Omega, Devon Moore, Trent Acid and Kevin Matthews.

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