Post by daveprazak on Jan 25, 2009 4:44:24 GMT -6
We are just days away from the return of live action from SHIMMER - WOMEN ATHLETES in the Chicago area!
This Saturday & Sunday, May 2nd & 3rd, SHIMMER will film Volumes 23 through 26 of its DVD series at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL. Two full length DVD volumes will be filmed each day!
Bell time each day is 2pm. Doors open at 1pm. General admission tickets are $20 per day, and are available along the left column of the main page at www.SHIMMERwrestling.com right now. Tickets ordered online during the remaining days before the shows will be held under your name at the door. We recommend securing your tickets in advance if you wish to attend.
Eight of the matches which will take place on the first day of taping have been revealed. What happens during the course of the events on Saturday will determine the card for Sunday's taping. Here's a look at the matches signed thus far...
***SHIMMER Championship***
(Champion) MsCHIF vs. SERENA DEEB
It has been a bumpy road for Serena Deeb in SHIMMER, full of many roadblocks along the way. Serena made her way to the company in May of 2006, filling a last minute opening on the card for Volumes 5 & 6. Serena traded wins with Amber O'Neal in her first two outings, but was determined to make the necessary progress to work her way up the ladder in the SHIMMER ranks.
After a full year of active SHIMMER competition, Serena was selected as one of the sixteen women to be a part of the SHIMMER Title Tournament, during June of 2007. Regularly wrestling for and training at Ohio Valley Wrestling in Louisville, Serena made the solo drive up through the state of Indiana, headed for Berwyn, only to have bad luck strike. Though she did have the good fortune of not sustaining any injuries in the process, Serena's car was totaled in an auto accident, and she was unable to make it to the Eagles Club to participate in her scheduled first round contest. When Serena finally made it to the building during intermission, she announced on the mic that she would not let this setback stop her from achieving her goal of becoming SHIMMER Champion. Serena watched the tournament from the sidelines, as Sara Del Rey went on to defeat Lacey in the finals to become the inaugural SHIMMER titleholder.
Though Sara's reign came to an end before Serena could work her way into title contention, Serena got the chance to step in the ring against Death Rey on Volume 20. During the bout, Sara targeted the knee of Deeb, who tried her best to deal with all of the pain and continue to fight, but in the end, she just couldn't physically go on, and was forced to tap out.
Serena again would not let this setback stop her from trying to prove herself as worthy of being at the top of the card, and worthy of getting a championship opportunity. As Volume 21 kicked off, Serena called out Del Rey, demanding a rematch. The two fought once again, and for a second time, the power of Death Rey was just too much for Serena to overcome.
Trying to remain positive and focused, Serena declared that she would face anyone on the SHIMMER roster in an effort to prove her worth, even an intimidating force such as Amazing Kong. MsChif approached Serena and told her that she was impressed by Deeb's determination in her matches against Del Rey, the woman MsChif defeated to become the champion. Chif made it simple for Serena... if she can defeat Sara Del Rey, she will grant her a title shot. Serena thanked MsChif for the opportunity, and set her goal.
Volume 22 saw Del Rey attack MsChif immediately following a successful title defense against Ariel, and Serena seized the moment, not only coming to the aid of MsChif, but also bringing the fight to Del Rey once again. Senior official Bryce Remsburg signaled for the opening bell, and an unscheduled second main event was underway! Sara dominated Serena yet again during the course of the bout, but more determined than ever, Serena fought back every step of the way. Her heart paid off in the end, as Serena was able to catch Del Rey off guard coming off the ropes, and with all the momentum she could muster, Serena nailed Del Rey with the spear, hooked the leg, and scored the pin!
The Eagles Club erupted in celebration of Serena doing what many considered the unthinkable, defeating Sara Del Rey. As a result, MsChif will now grant Serena what she has wanted from the very beginning, the chance to be the #1 woman athlete on the SHIMMER roster.
On Saturday, May 2nd, at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Serena will get her title shot against MsChif. Will Serena's drive and sheer determination propel her to the top of the heap, earning her the SHIMMER Championship?
***SHIMMER Tag Team Championship/2 out of 3 Falls***
(Champions) ASHLEY LANE & NEVAEH vs. RAIN & JETTA
Ashley Lane made her way to SHIMMER during late 2007, as part of the Volumes 15 & 16 taping. Though she was unable to pull out a win in those intitial outings, Ashley was determined to find her niche in the SHIMMER ranks. She made the pitch to SHIMMER management during the winter break for her frequent tag team partner on the Ohio independent scene, Nevaeh, to be at her side when SHIMMER resumed its schedule in the spring of 2008. The two young competitors from Dayton, Ohio were given the chance to show what they were capable of as a tag team force on Volumes 17 & 18.
Though Ashley & Nevaeh fell to "The Experience" Lexie Fyfe & Malia Hosaka in their first tag team bout as a unit in SHIMMER, they remained focused on conquering the tag team division of the company, and make their mark as a duo. Two women who were a part of SHIMMER from the very beginning, the "Minnesota Home Wrecking Crew" of Rain & Lacey, stepped into the ring against them in tag action on Volume 18. What looked to perhaps be another easy victory for the Home Wreckers quickly turned into one of the most shocking upsets of the taping, as Ashley & Nevaeh were able to hit their double team STO/Yakuza Kick combo to score the victory! With that one pinfall against an established SHIMMER duo, Ashley & Nevaeh became a team to keep an eye on.
During the months that followed the Volumes 17 & 18 taping, it became apparent that those would be Lacey's final SHIMMER matches, as she disappeared from active participation in the pro wrestling industry. With Lacey suddenly absent, Rain continued her tag team ways alongside the woman who was the "cream" to the MNHWC's "Oreo," the UK's Jetta. The newly dubbed "International Home Wrecking Crew" had a score to settle against the Ohio girls for the upset loss on Volume 18, and faced them in a tag team bout on Volume 20. That contest saw the IHWC even the score, as Rain was able to pin Nevaeh while holding the tights.
As the tag team scene in SHIMMER heated up during the closing months of 2008, it became time to crown the first SHIMMER Tag Team Champions, via a six team gauntlet match on Volume 21. Though the order of entry for the gauntlet was chosen at random, Ashley & Nevaeh stood across the ring from the Home Wreckers once again, but this time the stakes were higher than ever. Only one of the two teams would be able to advance to the final pairing of the gauntlet and have the opportunity to become the initial SHIMMER Tag Team Champions. When all was said and done, the STO/Yakuza Kick combo did the trick yet again, and Ashley & Nevaeh were able to eliminate the IHWC from the gauntlet. Not only that, but they also went on to win the whole thing, and became the first SHIMMER Tag Team Champions!
Ashley & Nevaeh made a successful first title defense on Volume 22, and then went on to put the belts up for grabs on independent wrestling events in the midwest during SHIMMER's winter break. As fighting champions, Ashley & Nevaeh now head into the May 2nd & 3rd weekend with the difficult challenge of trying to remain title holders through two days worth of tapings.
Rain & Jetta have made it known that they intend to claim their "rightful spot" at the top of the SHIMMER tag division by capturing the belts on May 2nd. Due to the history between these two sides, and the exchange of wins and losses between them over the past year, there is only one way to determine which team is worthy of holding the titles.
On Saturday, May 2nd, at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Ashley Lane & Nevaeh will put the belts up for grabs against Rain & Jetta... in a Best 2 out of 3 Falls matchup! This will be the first time that a tag team bout in SHIMMER is held under such a format. Do Ashley & Nevaeh have what it takes to defeat the IHWC twice in one match and retain the titles, or do Rain & Jetta have enough tricks up their sleeves to pull out the victory and capture the belts?
***No Disqualification/Street Fight***
PORTIA PEREZ vs. ALLISON DANGER
When Portia Perez first arrived in SHIMMER back on Volume 5, both the fans as well as her fellow wrestlers immediately began to note her very youthful appearance. Before too long, it became standard practice to crack jokes in reference to Portia looking so young, particularly during commentary on the SHIMMER DVD series. Color commentator Allison Danger had perhaps the most fun of all at Portia's expense.
After Allison sustained a fractured collarbone during the main event of Volume 17, she made her return to the SHIMMER ring on Volume 19 against rising Canadian star "Girl Dynamite" Jennifer Blake. After a hard fought match, Danger praised Blake's efforts on the microphone and proclaimed that Jennifer is one of the best young Canadian athletes today.
Portia Perez and her "Canadian Ninjas" tag team partner Nicole Matthews quickly interrupted, stating that they took great offense to Danger's (who is 50% Canadian herself) evaluation of Canadian talent. Cookie in hand, Perez called Danger a "Diet Canadian," and the Ninjas challenged Danger and Blake to a tag team match on Volume 20.
The tag bout on Volume 20 saw a kick from Perez to Danger's collarbone re-aggrivate the previous injury. Immediately sensing Danger was in trouble, Perez locked in a Fujiwara Armbar and refused to let go as Danger furiously tapped out. Referees hit the ring to pull Portia away from doing further damage, but as Nicole took the attention of the officials, Portia once again grabbed hold of Danger, and caused further injury with a vicious Divorce Court. This put Allison back on the injured list for the remainder of the summer.
While recovering from the injury, Allison and her new husband made good use of the time off, as Danger revealed during an in-ring interview at the Volume 21 taping that she was now pregnant with her first child! Danger stated that after she had the baby and could return to active wrestling competition, she would be coming for revenge on Portia Perez.
Portia interrupted Danger's interview, saying that she was sick of Danger running her mouth, and "we can do this right now." Perez declared "I'm not just going to end your career, I'm going to end something else," and proceeded to hit the ropes to charge across the ring at her. Luckily, SHIMMER senior official Bryce Remsburg quickly tackled Portia before she could come anywhere near Allison to do any harm, and multiple referees dragged Perez back to the locker room, keeping the two women separated.
During SHIMMER's winter break, Allison gave birth to her daughter Kendall Grace. With her family safe from Portia Perez's threats, Danger immedately began to hit the gym and train to get in shape for a return to SHIMMER action in May, with only one goal in mind... to eliminate Portia Perez once and for all.
Portia stated in a recent audio interview with Mike Johnson of www.PWInsiderElite.com that if Danger wants to fight, they can do it on May 2nd in Berwyn. She also commented during the interview that she has been pigeonholed into not being taken seriously as a wrestler due to everyone constantly cracking jokes and having fun at her expense. With Portia's actions against Allison Danger over the past year, as well as the pure hatred both women have for one another, the battle between these two women will be no joking matter. It will be an all out war.
On Saturday, May 2nd at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Allison Danger and Portia Perez will collide, with the rulebook thrown out the window. This won't be an exchange of wrestling holds, it will be a fight. As a result, the match will be a No Disqualification Street Fight!
***The Rivalry Comes To America***
CHEERLEADER MELISSA vs. "The Croatian Panther" WESNA BUSIC
Cheerleader Melissa has been one of the most exciting performers in SHIMMER history. Melissa's battles against MsChif early in the SHIMMER DVD series have become legendary for their innovation and creativity. Later bouts between Melissa and the likes of Daizee Haze, Sara Del Rey, Amazing Kong, Sarah Stock, Mercedes Martinez, LuFisto, and many others have demonstrated to SHIMMER fans worldwide why Melissa is one of the very best in the industry.
"The Croatian Panther" Wesna Busic made her way to SHIMMER in early 2008, facing main event level competition from the very beginning. Wesna's physical encounters against Martinez and Kong, though losing efforts on her part, were perfect examples of the intensity that Wesna brings to the ring each and every time.
On Volume 21, Wesna gave SHIMMER's resident diva Amber O'Neal just a taste of what "The Croatian Panther" is all about, putting Amber away with the CB4 Driver, in a bout that also opened many fans' eyes to the ability of O'Neal hold her own in a fight.
Volume 22 saw perhaps Wesna's most hard-hitting, memorable SHIMMER encounter to date, as she went one-on-one in an International Dream Match against Canada's LuFisto! Many fans called that match the best of that day's taping, as neither woman held back one bit in a first time ever meeting, anywhere in the world.
As we approach SHIMMER weekend in just a matter of days, we must switch focus to the ChickFight promotion. It was in ChickFight rings on events the United Kingdom that Cheerleader Melissa and Wesna began something special in 2007... a rivalry that got wrestling fans across the globe talking.
It was at ChickFight IX on June 17, 2007 at Orpington Halls in Kent, England that Melissa and Wesna fought to a classic 45 minute draw, which left both women battered and bruised by the end. They met again at ChickFight X on May 4, 2008 at The Caribbean Centre in Ipswich, England to continue their memorable series of ChickFight encounters.
Cheerleader Melissa, despite her friendship with MsChif, would love nothing more than to get the opportunity to receive a title shot at the SHIMMER Championship in the future, something that has eluded her in #1 Contender's matches on several occasions already.
On the heels of the loss to LuFisto on Volume 22, Wesna must somehow get herself on the winning path in order to work her way into title contention. Wesna's true potential as a main eventer in SHIMMER has yet to be realized, and each and every match from this point forward is crucial to her chances of getting a title shot.
On Saturday, May 2nd at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, the rivalry which began in Europe will come to America for the first time! This weekend, SHIMMER presents Cheerleader Melissa vs. Wesna Busic!
Visit www.chickfight.tv/ for more on ChickFight!
Visit www.clickwrestle.com/ to download the previous Wesna vs. Melissa matches!
"The Latina Sensation" MERCEDES MARTINEZ vs. AMAZING KONG
Much of the early buzz for the SHIMMER DVD series was built around the rivalry between Sara Del Rey and "The Latina Sensation" Mercedes Martinez. The very physical Del Rey vs. Martinez bouts helped to establish both of them as two of the top female wrestlers in the United States, while also helping put SHIMMER as a company on the map.
It was the third match between Del Rey and Martinez (on Volume 8) which saw Martinez sustain a shoulder injury, later requiring surgery, and keeping "The Latina Sensation" on the sidelines for the entire year of 2007. During Martinez's recovery period, another imposing, and dominant star became a virtually unstoppable force on the SHIMMER roster... Amazing Kong.
As Kong fought in memorable battles against the likes of MsChif, Daizee Haze, Sara Del Rey, and Cheerleader Melissa, Mercedes was forced to sit back and wait for the chance to return to active SHIMMER competition, and return to the main event scene.
The first taping of 2008 saw Martinez return at 100% physically. She proceeded to rack up victory after victory, working her way to the top of the card once again, proving she had not lost a step.
It was Volume 21 which saw Martinez and Kong finally cross paths for the first time in a SHIMMER match, as part of a Four Corner Survival bout to determine #1 contendership to the SHIMMER Championship. Late in the contest, the brawl between Kong and Martinez spilled to the ringside floor, into the steel barricade, and both women wound up fighting all the way back to the locker room, leaving the other two wrestlers in the match inside the ring where the match came to a conclusion. Both Kong and Martinez effectively cost one another the chance to earn another shot at the title.
On Saturday, May 2nd, at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Mercedes Martinez and Amazing Kong will face off in a one-on-one contest to settle their differences!
MADISON EAGLES vs. SARA DEL REY
Two Australian competitors made their way to SHIMMER during late 2008 to participate in the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship Gauntlet. "The Pink Ladies" of Madison Eagles & Jessie McKay added themselves to the mix, alongside five teams comprised of wrestlers who had already been established with appearances on previous SHIMMER events.
Most of the SHIMMER roster, as well as a considerable portion of the SHIMMER fan base, were unfamiliar with just what "The Pink Ladies" would bring to the table as a tag team prior to their arrival on Volume 21. They were paired up against "The Canadian Ninjas" of Portia Perez & Nicole Matthews at the very beginning of the Gauntlet. Although the Ninjas were able to eliminate Eagles & McKay, both Australian athletes made a strong impression during that initial outing, displaying their exciting double team work as well as Madison's fantastic agility and quickness.
An eight year veteran of professional wrestling, Madison Eagles is perhaps the most skilled female performer to come out of Australia in recent years, and has handed down her knowledge of the mat wars to the younger talent on that side of the globe in the process.
After impressive tag team outings on Volumes 21 and 22, Madison Eagles will now be tested as a singles competitor against one of the very best wrestlers in SHIMMER history.
On Saturday, May 2nd at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Madison Eagles will go one-on-one against former SHIMMER Champion Sara Del Rey! Can Death Rey regain her focus after her loss on Volume 22, or will "The Punisher" display that she is a powerful force as a singles wrestler by pulling out the victory?
DAIZEE HAZE vs. NICOLE MATTHEWS
Nicole Matthews is one of the few wrestlers on the SHIMMER roster who actually got her start in professional wrestling after SHIMMER held its first live event in 2005. She made her debut with the company during October of 2007, forming a team (which would later come to be known as "The Canadian Ninjas") with Portia Perez on Volumes 15 & 16 of the DVD series. At the time of her arrival in SHIMMER, Matthews was still very new to the wrestling business, and was still in the initial growing stage of her career.
With Perez away on a tour of Newfoundland during the SHIMMER Volumes 17 & 18 taping, Nicole entered singles competition. During matches against Shark Girl and Lorelei Lee on those releases, Matthews displayed to the SHIMMER fans that she is more than just a tag team wrestler, and began to hit her stride as a wrestler with the additional ring time under her belt. She also developed a mean lariat.
Nicole's most notable SHIMMER singles bout came on Volume 19 when it was "Nikki vs. Nicole," as Matthews had the unenviable task of being the first opponent of Nikki Roxx upon Nikki's return to the promotion. Though Matthews was unable to pull out the win against Roxx, once again Nicole made a strong impression with her ability to hang with a veteran of SHIMMER competition.
As the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship came to be shortly thereafter, The Ninjas began to focus on tag team action once again. However, the heated rivalry between Portia Perez and Allison Danger has now taken on a life of its own, which puts the tag team focus of Perez & Matthews on the back burner for the time being.
Nicole Matthews, now with over three years of pro experience as a wrestler, enters the ring as a singles competitor once again next weekend in suburban Chicago. As much of a true test as Nikki Roxx was for Matthews about a year ago, Nicole will now take on one of the women who has main evented in SHIMMER since the very beginning, and one of the faces of the promotion.
On Saturday, May 2nd at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Nicole Matthews will square off against Daizee Haze in singles action! Will this be Matthews' night to shine by getting the better of SHIMMER's head trainer, and one of SHIMMER's measuring sticks, or will The Haze give Nicole a reminder of why she's one of the best women athletes out there today?
NIKKI ROXX vs. CAT POWER
Since Nikki Roxx returned to SHIMMER in mid-2008, she has, more often than not, taken on younger competitors who made their way to SHIMMER during Nikki's year away from the promotion.
As one of the original sixteen women who helped launch SHIMMER in 2005, Nikki is a wrestler who many of the newer stars on the roster have sought to build their reputation at the expense of. Though women such as Nicole Matthews and Danyah were unable to score a win against Roxx during 2008, the UK's Jetta was one SHIMMER competitor who succeeded accomplishing that task, but it was with the help of raking Nikki's eyes first.
Cat Power is another athlete who knows how to use her fingernails to her advantage. Despite earning a submission victory against Daffney on Volume 20 with the figure four leglock, Cat was unable to score subsequent wins in outings during our final 2008 taping, though she did put in strong efforts during both of those bouts. Will Cat be able to raise her stock in the SHIMMER ranks and claw her way to victory against an established SHIMMER star? We will find out in just a matter of days!
On Saturday, May 2nd at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Cat Power will test her skills against Nikki Roxx!
General admission tickets are still available along the left column of the main page of www.SHIMMERwrestling.com right now.
PLUS MORE WRESTLERS TO BE ADDED!!!
In addition to the wrestlers listed above, many more of the top female pro wrestlers from around the world will be a part of the festivities, over 25 in all! Among those also announced thus far are:
"Girl Dynamite" Jennifer Blake
Melanie Cruise
Daffney
Lexie Fyfe
Malia Hosaka
Jessie McKay
Amber O'Neal
Portuguese Princess Ariel
Tenille
Be sure to get to the venue prior to the official bell time each day to see the SPARKLE competitors compete in the SHIMMER ring on the pre-show. SPARKLE matches will begin at approximately 1:30pm each day.
SPARKLE pre-show competitors announced thus far are:
Rayna Fyre (1st Graduate of the SHIMMER Wrestling School)
Belle Von Black (Canada)
Kellie Skater (Australia)
Kimberly Kash (Illinois/Indiana)
Rachel Summerlyn (Texas)
Sassy Stephie (Ohio)
She's not scheduled to make a live appearance this weekend, but here's the rundown on this weekend in video form, courtesy of a personality from SHIMMER's past. Thanks to Nykk for editing this commercial together this afternoon.
Only 175 general admission seats will be available, due to venue restrictions. Less than 50 seats remain for each day of taping, so don't delay in securing your tickets if you wish to attend!
DIRECTIONS TO THE EAGLES CLUB & AFTERPARTY
The Berwyn Eagles Club is located at 6309 26th Street in Berwyn, IL 60402.
We recommend using www.mapquest.com/ to get specific directions to the venue from your address.
The venue is easily accessed off I-290, using either the Austin Blvd. or Harlem Ave. exits heading South. The intersection nearest the venue is 26th Street and Ridgeland Ave.
Here's a look at the map heading in from Chicago on I-290 and exiting at Austin Blvd...
The post-show afterparty both Saturday night and Sunday night will be at Michael Anthony's Restaurant & Bar, located at 6434 Ogden Ave. in Berwyn, IL 60402. It is located 1.06 miles from the Eagles Club.
Directions to Michael Anthony's from the Eagles Club are as follows...
1: Start out going WEST on 26TH ST toward CUYLER AVE. 0.1 mi
2: Turn LEFT onto RIDGELAND AVE. 0.9 mi
3: Turn RIGHT onto W OGDEN AVE. 0.1 mi
4: End at 6434 Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402
Be sure to join us after the shows at Michael Anthony's and party with the wrestlers! All ages are welcome.
In addition to SHIMMER this weekend, the AAW promotion, which runs regular monthly live events at the Berwyn Eagles Club, will be holding an event at the venue on Friday night, May 1st! If you are coming in from outside of the Chicago area, this is a great opportunity to catch three straight days of live wrestling! Visit www.aawrestling.com/ for more on AAW, or to get tickets ot the 5/1 event.
Mark your calendars, and make your plans to be in Berwyn on May 2nd and 3rd for the biggest SHIMMER weekend ever!
www.shimmerwrestling.com/
This Saturday & Sunday, May 2nd & 3rd, SHIMMER will film Volumes 23 through 26 of its DVD series at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL. Two full length DVD volumes will be filmed each day!
Bell time each day is 2pm. Doors open at 1pm. General admission tickets are $20 per day, and are available along the left column of the main page at www.SHIMMERwrestling.com right now. Tickets ordered online during the remaining days before the shows will be held under your name at the door. We recommend securing your tickets in advance if you wish to attend.
Eight of the matches which will take place on the first day of taping have been revealed. What happens during the course of the events on Saturday will determine the card for Sunday's taping. Here's a look at the matches signed thus far...
***SHIMMER Championship***
(Champion) MsCHIF vs. SERENA DEEB
It has been a bumpy road for Serena Deeb in SHIMMER, full of many roadblocks along the way. Serena made her way to the company in May of 2006, filling a last minute opening on the card for Volumes 5 & 6. Serena traded wins with Amber O'Neal in her first two outings, but was determined to make the necessary progress to work her way up the ladder in the SHIMMER ranks.
After a full year of active SHIMMER competition, Serena was selected as one of the sixteen women to be a part of the SHIMMER Title Tournament, during June of 2007. Regularly wrestling for and training at Ohio Valley Wrestling in Louisville, Serena made the solo drive up through the state of Indiana, headed for Berwyn, only to have bad luck strike. Though she did have the good fortune of not sustaining any injuries in the process, Serena's car was totaled in an auto accident, and she was unable to make it to the Eagles Club to participate in her scheduled first round contest. When Serena finally made it to the building during intermission, she announced on the mic that she would not let this setback stop her from achieving her goal of becoming SHIMMER Champion. Serena watched the tournament from the sidelines, as Sara Del Rey went on to defeat Lacey in the finals to become the inaugural SHIMMER titleholder.
Though Sara's reign came to an end before Serena could work her way into title contention, Serena got the chance to step in the ring against Death Rey on Volume 20. During the bout, Sara targeted the knee of Deeb, who tried her best to deal with all of the pain and continue to fight, but in the end, she just couldn't physically go on, and was forced to tap out.
Serena again would not let this setback stop her from trying to prove herself as worthy of being at the top of the card, and worthy of getting a championship opportunity. As Volume 21 kicked off, Serena called out Del Rey, demanding a rematch. The two fought once again, and for a second time, the power of Death Rey was just too much for Serena to overcome.
Trying to remain positive and focused, Serena declared that she would face anyone on the SHIMMER roster in an effort to prove her worth, even an intimidating force such as Amazing Kong. MsChif approached Serena and told her that she was impressed by Deeb's determination in her matches against Del Rey, the woman MsChif defeated to become the champion. Chif made it simple for Serena... if she can defeat Sara Del Rey, she will grant her a title shot. Serena thanked MsChif for the opportunity, and set her goal.
Volume 22 saw Del Rey attack MsChif immediately following a successful title defense against Ariel, and Serena seized the moment, not only coming to the aid of MsChif, but also bringing the fight to Del Rey once again. Senior official Bryce Remsburg signaled for the opening bell, and an unscheduled second main event was underway! Sara dominated Serena yet again during the course of the bout, but more determined than ever, Serena fought back every step of the way. Her heart paid off in the end, as Serena was able to catch Del Rey off guard coming off the ropes, and with all the momentum she could muster, Serena nailed Del Rey with the spear, hooked the leg, and scored the pin!
The Eagles Club erupted in celebration of Serena doing what many considered the unthinkable, defeating Sara Del Rey. As a result, MsChif will now grant Serena what she has wanted from the very beginning, the chance to be the #1 woman athlete on the SHIMMER roster.
On Saturday, May 2nd, at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Serena will get her title shot against MsChif. Will Serena's drive and sheer determination propel her to the top of the heap, earning her the SHIMMER Championship?
***SHIMMER Tag Team Championship/2 out of 3 Falls***
(Champions) ASHLEY LANE & NEVAEH vs. RAIN & JETTA
Ashley Lane made her way to SHIMMER during late 2007, as part of the Volumes 15 & 16 taping. Though she was unable to pull out a win in those intitial outings, Ashley was determined to find her niche in the SHIMMER ranks. She made the pitch to SHIMMER management during the winter break for her frequent tag team partner on the Ohio independent scene, Nevaeh, to be at her side when SHIMMER resumed its schedule in the spring of 2008. The two young competitors from Dayton, Ohio were given the chance to show what they were capable of as a tag team force on Volumes 17 & 18.
Though Ashley & Nevaeh fell to "The Experience" Lexie Fyfe & Malia Hosaka in their first tag team bout as a unit in SHIMMER, they remained focused on conquering the tag team division of the company, and make their mark as a duo. Two women who were a part of SHIMMER from the very beginning, the "Minnesota Home Wrecking Crew" of Rain & Lacey, stepped into the ring against them in tag action on Volume 18. What looked to perhaps be another easy victory for the Home Wreckers quickly turned into one of the most shocking upsets of the taping, as Ashley & Nevaeh were able to hit their double team STO/Yakuza Kick combo to score the victory! With that one pinfall against an established SHIMMER duo, Ashley & Nevaeh became a team to keep an eye on.
During the months that followed the Volumes 17 & 18 taping, it became apparent that those would be Lacey's final SHIMMER matches, as she disappeared from active participation in the pro wrestling industry. With Lacey suddenly absent, Rain continued her tag team ways alongside the woman who was the "cream" to the MNHWC's "Oreo," the UK's Jetta. The newly dubbed "International Home Wrecking Crew" had a score to settle against the Ohio girls for the upset loss on Volume 18, and faced them in a tag team bout on Volume 20. That contest saw the IHWC even the score, as Rain was able to pin Nevaeh while holding the tights.
As the tag team scene in SHIMMER heated up during the closing months of 2008, it became time to crown the first SHIMMER Tag Team Champions, via a six team gauntlet match on Volume 21. Though the order of entry for the gauntlet was chosen at random, Ashley & Nevaeh stood across the ring from the Home Wreckers once again, but this time the stakes were higher than ever. Only one of the two teams would be able to advance to the final pairing of the gauntlet and have the opportunity to become the initial SHIMMER Tag Team Champions. When all was said and done, the STO/Yakuza Kick combo did the trick yet again, and Ashley & Nevaeh were able to eliminate the IHWC from the gauntlet. Not only that, but they also went on to win the whole thing, and became the first SHIMMER Tag Team Champions!
Ashley & Nevaeh made a successful first title defense on Volume 22, and then went on to put the belts up for grabs on independent wrestling events in the midwest during SHIMMER's winter break. As fighting champions, Ashley & Nevaeh now head into the May 2nd & 3rd weekend with the difficult challenge of trying to remain title holders through two days worth of tapings.
Rain & Jetta have made it known that they intend to claim their "rightful spot" at the top of the SHIMMER tag division by capturing the belts on May 2nd. Due to the history between these two sides, and the exchange of wins and losses between them over the past year, there is only one way to determine which team is worthy of holding the titles.
On Saturday, May 2nd, at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Ashley Lane & Nevaeh will put the belts up for grabs against Rain & Jetta... in a Best 2 out of 3 Falls matchup! This will be the first time that a tag team bout in SHIMMER is held under such a format. Do Ashley & Nevaeh have what it takes to defeat the IHWC twice in one match and retain the titles, or do Rain & Jetta have enough tricks up their sleeves to pull out the victory and capture the belts?
***No Disqualification/Street Fight***
PORTIA PEREZ vs. ALLISON DANGER
When Portia Perez first arrived in SHIMMER back on Volume 5, both the fans as well as her fellow wrestlers immediately began to note her very youthful appearance. Before too long, it became standard practice to crack jokes in reference to Portia looking so young, particularly during commentary on the SHIMMER DVD series. Color commentator Allison Danger had perhaps the most fun of all at Portia's expense.
After Allison sustained a fractured collarbone during the main event of Volume 17, she made her return to the SHIMMER ring on Volume 19 against rising Canadian star "Girl Dynamite" Jennifer Blake. After a hard fought match, Danger praised Blake's efforts on the microphone and proclaimed that Jennifer is one of the best young Canadian athletes today.
Portia Perez and her "Canadian Ninjas" tag team partner Nicole Matthews quickly interrupted, stating that they took great offense to Danger's (who is 50% Canadian herself) evaluation of Canadian talent. Cookie in hand, Perez called Danger a "Diet Canadian," and the Ninjas challenged Danger and Blake to a tag team match on Volume 20.
The tag bout on Volume 20 saw a kick from Perez to Danger's collarbone re-aggrivate the previous injury. Immediately sensing Danger was in trouble, Perez locked in a Fujiwara Armbar and refused to let go as Danger furiously tapped out. Referees hit the ring to pull Portia away from doing further damage, but as Nicole took the attention of the officials, Portia once again grabbed hold of Danger, and caused further injury with a vicious Divorce Court. This put Allison back on the injured list for the remainder of the summer.
While recovering from the injury, Allison and her new husband made good use of the time off, as Danger revealed during an in-ring interview at the Volume 21 taping that she was now pregnant with her first child! Danger stated that after she had the baby and could return to active wrestling competition, she would be coming for revenge on Portia Perez.
Portia interrupted Danger's interview, saying that she was sick of Danger running her mouth, and "we can do this right now." Perez declared "I'm not just going to end your career, I'm going to end something else," and proceeded to hit the ropes to charge across the ring at her. Luckily, SHIMMER senior official Bryce Remsburg quickly tackled Portia before she could come anywhere near Allison to do any harm, and multiple referees dragged Perez back to the locker room, keeping the two women separated.
During SHIMMER's winter break, Allison gave birth to her daughter Kendall Grace. With her family safe from Portia Perez's threats, Danger immedately began to hit the gym and train to get in shape for a return to SHIMMER action in May, with only one goal in mind... to eliminate Portia Perez once and for all.
Portia stated in a recent audio interview with Mike Johnson of www.PWInsiderElite.com that if Danger wants to fight, they can do it on May 2nd in Berwyn. She also commented during the interview that she has been pigeonholed into not being taken seriously as a wrestler due to everyone constantly cracking jokes and having fun at her expense. With Portia's actions against Allison Danger over the past year, as well as the pure hatred both women have for one another, the battle between these two women will be no joking matter. It will be an all out war.
On Saturday, May 2nd at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Allison Danger and Portia Perez will collide, with the rulebook thrown out the window. This won't be an exchange of wrestling holds, it will be a fight. As a result, the match will be a No Disqualification Street Fight!
***The Rivalry Comes To America***
CHEERLEADER MELISSA vs. "The Croatian Panther" WESNA BUSIC
Cheerleader Melissa has been one of the most exciting performers in SHIMMER history. Melissa's battles against MsChif early in the SHIMMER DVD series have become legendary for their innovation and creativity. Later bouts between Melissa and the likes of Daizee Haze, Sara Del Rey, Amazing Kong, Sarah Stock, Mercedes Martinez, LuFisto, and many others have demonstrated to SHIMMER fans worldwide why Melissa is one of the very best in the industry.
"The Croatian Panther" Wesna Busic made her way to SHIMMER in early 2008, facing main event level competition from the very beginning. Wesna's physical encounters against Martinez and Kong, though losing efforts on her part, were perfect examples of the intensity that Wesna brings to the ring each and every time.
On Volume 21, Wesna gave SHIMMER's resident diva Amber O'Neal just a taste of what "The Croatian Panther" is all about, putting Amber away with the CB4 Driver, in a bout that also opened many fans' eyes to the ability of O'Neal hold her own in a fight.
Volume 22 saw perhaps Wesna's most hard-hitting, memorable SHIMMER encounter to date, as she went one-on-one in an International Dream Match against Canada's LuFisto! Many fans called that match the best of that day's taping, as neither woman held back one bit in a first time ever meeting, anywhere in the world.
As we approach SHIMMER weekend in just a matter of days, we must switch focus to the ChickFight promotion. It was in ChickFight rings on events the United Kingdom that Cheerleader Melissa and Wesna began something special in 2007... a rivalry that got wrestling fans across the globe talking.
It was at ChickFight IX on June 17, 2007 at Orpington Halls in Kent, England that Melissa and Wesna fought to a classic 45 minute draw, which left both women battered and bruised by the end. They met again at ChickFight X on May 4, 2008 at The Caribbean Centre in Ipswich, England to continue their memorable series of ChickFight encounters.
Cheerleader Melissa, despite her friendship with MsChif, would love nothing more than to get the opportunity to receive a title shot at the SHIMMER Championship in the future, something that has eluded her in #1 Contender's matches on several occasions already.
On the heels of the loss to LuFisto on Volume 22, Wesna must somehow get herself on the winning path in order to work her way into title contention. Wesna's true potential as a main eventer in SHIMMER has yet to be realized, and each and every match from this point forward is crucial to her chances of getting a title shot.
On Saturday, May 2nd at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, the rivalry which began in Europe will come to America for the first time! This weekend, SHIMMER presents Cheerleader Melissa vs. Wesna Busic!
Visit www.chickfight.tv/ for more on ChickFight!
Visit www.clickwrestle.com/ to download the previous Wesna vs. Melissa matches!
"The Latina Sensation" MERCEDES MARTINEZ vs. AMAZING KONG
Much of the early buzz for the SHIMMER DVD series was built around the rivalry between Sara Del Rey and "The Latina Sensation" Mercedes Martinez. The very physical Del Rey vs. Martinez bouts helped to establish both of them as two of the top female wrestlers in the United States, while also helping put SHIMMER as a company on the map.
It was the third match between Del Rey and Martinez (on Volume 8) which saw Martinez sustain a shoulder injury, later requiring surgery, and keeping "The Latina Sensation" on the sidelines for the entire year of 2007. During Martinez's recovery period, another imposing, and dominant star became a virtually unstoppable force on the SHIMMER roster... Amazing Kong.
As Kong fought in memorable battles against the likes of MsChif, Daizee Haze, Sara Del Rey, and Cheerleader Melissa, Mercedes was forced to sit back and wait for the chance to return to active SHIMMER competition, and return to the main event scene.
The first taping of 2008 saw Martinez return at 100% physically. She proceeded to rack up victory after victory, working her way to the top of the card once again, proving she had not lost a step.
It was Volume 21 which saw Martinez and Kong finally cross paths for the first time in a SHIMMER match, as part of a Four Corner Survival bout to determine #1 contendership to the SHIMMER Championship. Late in the contest, the brawl between Kong and Martinez spilled to the ringside floor, into the steel barricade, and both women wound up fighting all the way back to the locker room, leaving the other two wrestlers in the match inside the ring where the match came to a conclusion. Both Kong and Martinez effectively cost one another the chance to earn another shot at the title.
On Saturday, May 2nd, at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Mercedes Martinez and Amazing Kong will face off in a one-on-one contest to settle their differences!
MADISON EAGLES vs. SARA DEL REY
Two Australian competitors made their way to SHIMMER during late 2008 to participate in the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship Gauntlet. "The Pink Ladies" of Madison Eagles & Jessie McKay added themselves to the mix, alongside five teams comprised of wrestlers who had already been established with appearances on previous SHIMMER events.
Most of the SHIMMER roster, as well as a considerable portion of the SHIMMER fan base, were unfamiliar with just what "The Pink Ladies" would bring to the table as a tag team prior to their arrival on Volume 21. They were paired up against "The Canadian Ninjas" of Portia Perez & Nicole Matthews at the very beginning of the Gauntlet. Although the Ninjas were able to eliminate Eagles & McKay, both Australian athletes made a strong impression during that initial outing, displaying their exciting double team work as well as Madison's fantastic agility and quickness.
An eight year veteran of professional wrestling, Madison Eagles is perhaps the most skilled female performer to come out of Australia in recent years, and has handed down her knowledge of the mat wars to the younger talent on that side of the globe in the process.
After impressive tag team outings on Volumes 21 and 22, Madison Eagles will now be tested as a singles competitor against one of the very best wrestlers in SHIMMER history.
On Saturday, May 2nd at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Madison Eagles will go one-on-one against former SHIMMER Champion Sara Del Rey! Can Death Rey regain her focus after her loss on Volume 22, or will "The Punisher" display that she is a powerful force as a singles wrestler by pulling out the victory?
DAIZEE HAZE vs. NICOLE MATTHEWS
Nicole Matthews is one of the few wrestlers on the SHIMMER roster who actually got her start in professional wrestling after SHIMMER held its first live event in 2005. She made her debut with the company during October of 2007, forming a team (which would later come to be known as "The Canadian Ninjas") with Portia Perez on Volumes 15 & 16 of the DVD series. At the time of her arrival in SHIMMER, Matthews was still very new to the wrestling business, and was still in the initial growing stage of her career.
With Perez away on a tour of Newfoundland during the SHIMMER Volumes 17 & 18 taping, Nicole entered singles competition. During matches against Shark Girl and Lorelei Lee on those releases, Matthews displayed to the SHIMMER fans that she is more than just a tag team wrestler, and began to hit her stride as a wrestler with the additional ring time under her belt. She also developed a mean lariat.
Nicole's most notable SHIMMER singles bout came on Volume 19 when it was "Nikki vs. Nicole," as Matthews had the unenviable task of being the first opponent of Nikki Roxx upon Nikki's return to the promotion. Though Matthews was unable to pull out the win against Roxx, once again Nicole made a strong impression with her ability to hang with a veteran of SHIMMER competition.
As the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship came to be shortly thereafter, The Ninjas began to focus on tag team action once again. However, the heated rivalry between Portia Perez and Allison Danger has now taken on a life of its own, which puts the tag team focus of Perez & Matthews on the back burner for the time being.
Nicole Matthews, now with over three years of pro experience as a wrestler, enters the ring as a singles competitor once again next weekend in suburban Chicago. As much of a true test as Nikki Roxx was for Matthews about a year ago, Nicole will now take on one of the women who has main evented in SHIMMER since the very beginning, and one of the faces of the promotion.
On Saturday, May 2nd at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Nicole Matthews will square off against Daizee Haze in singles action! Will this be Matthews' night to shine by getting the better of SHIMMER's head trainer, and one of SHIMMER's measuring sticks, or will The Haze give Nicole a reminder of why she's one of the best women athletes out there today?
NIKKI ROXX vs. CAT POWER
Since Nikki Roxx returned to SHIMMER in mid-2008, she has, more often than not, taken on younger competitors who made their way to SHIMMER during Nikki's year away from the promotion.
As one of the original sixteen women who helped launch SHIMMER in 2005, Nikki is a wrestler who many of the newer stars on the roster have sought to build their reputation at the expense of. Though women such as Nicole Matthews and Danyah were unable to score a win against Roxx during 2008, the UK's Jetta was one SHIMMER competitor who succeeded accomplishing that task, but it was with the help of raking Nikki's eyes first.
Cat Power is another athlete who knows how to use her fingernails to her advantage. Despite earning a submission victory against Daffney on Volume 20 with the figure four leglock, Cat was unable to score subsequent wins in outings during our final 2008 taping, though she did put in strong efforts during both of those bouts. Will Cat be able to raise her stock in the SHIMMER ranks and claw her way to victory against an established SHIMMER star? We will find out in just a matter of days!
On Saturday, May 2nd at the Berwyn Eagles Club (6309 26th Street) in Berwyn, IL, Cat Power will test her skills against Nikki Roxx!
General admission tickets are still available along the left column of the main page of www.SHIMMERwrestling.com right now.
PLUS MORE WRESTLERS TO BE ADDED!!!
In addition to the wrestlers listed above, many more of the top female pro wrestlers from around the world will be a part of the festivities, over 25 in all! Among those also announced thus far are:
"Girl Dynamite" Jennifer Blake
Melanie Cruise
Daffney
Lexie Fyfe
Malia Hosaka
Jessie McKay
Amber O'Neal
Portuguese Princess Ariel
Tenille
Be sure to get to the venue prior to the official bell time each day to see the SPARKLE competitors compete in the SHIMMER ring on the pre-show. SPARKLE matches will begin at approximately 1:30pm each day.
SPARKLE pre-show competitors announced thus far are:
Rayna Fyre (1st Graduate of the SHIMMER Wrestling School)
Belle Von Black (Canada)
Kellie Skater (Australia)
Kimberly Kash (Illinois/Indiana)
Rachel Summerlyn (Texas)
Sassy Stephie (Ohio)
She's not scheduled to make a live appearance this weekend, but here's the rundown on this weekend in video form, courtesy of a personality from SHIMMER's past. Thanks to Nykk for editing this commercial together this afternoon.
Only 175 general admission seats will be available, due to venue restrictions. Less than 50 seats remain for each day of taping, so don't delay in securing your tickets if you wish to attend!
DIRECTIONS TO THE EAGLES CLUB & AFTERPARTY
The Berwyn Eagles Club is located at 6309 26th Street in Berwyn, IL 60402.
We recommend using www.mapquest.com/ to get specific directions to the venue from your address.
The venue is easily accessed off I-290, using either the Austin Blvd. or Harlem Ave. exits heading South. The intersection nearest the venue is 26th Street and Ridgeland Ave.
Here's a look at the map heading in from Chicago on I-290 and exiting at Austin Blvd...
The post-show afterparty both Saturday night and Sunday night will be at Michael Anthony's Restaurant & Bar, located at 6434 Ogden Ave. in Berwyn, IL 60402. It is located 1.06 miles from the Eagles Club.
Directions to Michael Anthony's from the Eagles Club are as follows...
1: Start out going WEST on 26TH ST toward CUYLER AVE. 0.1 mi
2: Turn LEFT onto RIDGELAND AVE. 0.9 mi
3: Turn RIGHT onto W OGDEN AVE. 0.1 mi
4: End at 6434 Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402
Be sure to join us after the shows at Michael Anthony's and party with the wrestlers! All ages are welcome.
In addition to SHIMMER this weekend, the AAW promotion, which runs regular monthly live events at the Berwyn Eagles Club, will be holding an event at the venue on Friday night, May 1st! If you are coming in from outside of the Chicago area, this is a great opportunity to catch three straight days of live wrestling! Visit www.aawrestling.com/ for more on AAW, or to get tickets ot the 5/1 event.
Mark your calendars, and make your plans to be in Berwyn on May 2nd and 3rd for the biggest SHIMMER weekend ever!
www.shimmerwrestling.com/
