Use the links to the right to roam the site.

Welcome to yet another edition of Beyond The Grave, it’s been a while. I apologize for the inconsistency of the column, it just gets put off and never gets done. Nomad reminded me to do one this weekend, so here we go!

Well, Dark Carnival came off as a bit of let down. It didn’t really live up to the hype, and that says something. The blame can’t really be placed on anyone’s shoulders, we just need to regroup and move on. I think we started off well with a strong, returning Civil Action.

I’m really intrigued by the mystery man involved in Mick’s storyline. There have been many names presented, Dave Harley being most notable. While I’d really love to see that, I still believe he hasn’t contacted Mick since they last spoke, which is a big disappointment. If it does turn out to be Dave, it was a very well played out secret. But of course, I have my own suspicions, and mine would be Abel Lucifer. There were rumblings of his return a while back, and Mick has been known to speak of returning to the dark side. This could be a way to do it.

Another good point on Civil was the debut of Twisted Sanity. Although I think he should have a better name, he certainly is living up to the one he has now. He’s also very enthusiastic around the arena, and it’s refreshing to see new faces. He says he’s enjoying it, so hopefully he can recruit some friends.

Another person re-introduced himself, that being Dez Burnett. It’s been a good while since we’ve seen him, and he’s certainly welcome back with open arms. He made a surprise return in the Loopster/Shamrock match, and fans are looking forward to the possibility of a Loopster/Burnett feud. It could also switch up and have Burnett/Shamrock though. Anything is possible right now. It’s also good to see the return of the 24/7 rule. It’s sure to spice up the division.

I’d like to see Banging make his eventual return. He seems to be considering it, but I could be wrong. If nothing else, it was good seeing him return for MMAF.

Another edition of the Kumite has been announced but this one will follow a different format. Not much is known, but new information regarding it is being highly anticipated. All which is basically known is that it’s basis is from points, and that there are two separate teams. After the first match things should become much more clear.

On another note regarding MMAF, I’d kind of like to see a handshake before each bout, in written results for the finals, like they do in Japan and have adapted in Ring of Honor. I enjoy the aspect of respect being shown, even if you don’t like them. Hell, my plea finally got through about removing pins from the match, so who knows.

Speaking of MMAF, I had my best outing to date, making it all the way to the finals. I would have won the tournament too, if things had gone as Nomad and I had planned. We had agreed before the bout to strive for a submission victory, so that one of us would get the several extra points. Just as I had Nomad in my clutches, or so I thought, I ended up getting KO’d. Kind of anti-climatic, but the feud seems to have carried over in to the ICWW world, something I couldn’t be happier about.

I’m finally making my way back into the spotlight of the main event at Kingdome Come against Nomad for the International title. It should be a great bout, with a great build up. Nomad and I have always had great chemistry, both in and away from the squared circle. While I would have seen my partner Violent J get a shot before me, it seems he’s in a de-push, but I’m sure it’s all setting up for a long run in the spotlight soon. I don’t think he should be concerned, people ride the roller coaster of success in I-Wrestling, he’s simply in a valley right now. It can only go up from here.

On to the subject of IWA.. I think we did alright for our first try at an I-fed. I thought our results were decent, although that could be argued. A few amateur mistakes, but that’s to be expected. If nothing else, I feel we put in the effort, and it’s look upon as a breath of fresh air in ICWW, something which is of the highest in compliments.

I feel as though one of the things which was created in IWA is dying however, that namely being the Dark Lotus stable. Things didn’t pan out, people kind of vanished. It seemed like a good idea at the time, something which was agreed upon by all parties. We’ve been discussing ways to put the idea to rest, but perhaps it can still be worked out. We’ll have to play it by ear I suppose.

Well, with that concludes another inside look with Beyond The Grave. Check out the Team Extreme posters, you may just want to pick up a copy! Great work by Mick on that. The moolah system is working out great, people are taking a liking to it. In closing, fear the Low Ki-esque Springboard Kick. You’ll soon come to understand.

Fate can be a cruel mistress,

- Marz

Everything © 2003 Matt Peters. Don't touch.