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   <title>The Steel Cage</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/" />
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   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling/248</id>
   <updated>2008-07-23T20:37:10Z</updated>
   <subtitle>Newsday tag team champs Alfonso Castillo and Seth Mates slam you with pro wrestling news and insights.</subtitle>
   <generator uri="http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/">Movable Type 3.36</generator>

<entry>
   <title>Victory Pro Wrestling On LI Saturday</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/victory_pro_wrestling_on_li_sa.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115836</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-23T20:27:38Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-23T20:37:10Z</updated>
   
   <summary> Victory Pro Wrestling debuts in Deer Park this Saturday, July 26, with a special fund raiser for the Deer Park Community Center, where the event is being held. Doors open 6:30pm with an approximate 7:00pm bell time. Advance tickets...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Alfonso Castillo</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/">
      <![CDATA[<img alt="vpw.jpeg" src="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/vpw.jpeg" width="187" height="158" /align=right>
Victory Pro Wrestling debuts in Deer Park this Saturday, July 26, with a special fund raiser for the Deer Park Community Center, where the event is being held. 

Doors open 6:30pm with an approximate 7:00pm bell time. Advance tickets are available at the center, at 41 Homer Avenue. For more information, email info@victoryprowrestling.com, call 631-667-6665 or visit <a href="http://www.victoryprowrestling.com">VPW's official web site.</a>

For more info on the card, click here to read VPW's press release on the event.]]>
      As always, most, if not all, of the VPW roster will be available for autographs during intermission. Come on down to watch a great night of action and meet all of your favorites.

The VPW event on July 26, 2008 will not be your regular VPW event.  This will be a special fundraiser event for the Deer Park Community Center.  This charity show will see all proceeds going directly to a cause in need.  For those that don’t know, the DPCC hosts tons of events all year long for the community.  Events include everyone from young children to senior citizens.  The DPCC offers everyone a safe and friendly environment for activities such as sports and games.  This is truly a fundraiser where the money will be put to use and end up in the hands of people who will use it to help the community as a whole.  The DPCC needs your help, so make sure that you come out to support the cause.

Already confirmed to appear:

“Best Body In The Business…So The Ladies Say” Jason Static, “Masculine Marvel” Sabotage, “Ultra Sexy” Joe So Delicious, “The Miracle” Javi-Air, Richie Tyler, “The Resurrection of Tag Team Wrestling” Eclipse (Jay Delta &amp; Xandar Page), Suburban Swat Team (&quot;Suburban Bad Boy&quot; Joey Everlast &amp; “Prince of Suburbia” Johnny Suburban), Livewired (JMS &amp; VSK), Nightmare, Vinny the Guido, Justin Toxic, Scotty Rio, Funky Fresh Boyz (K-Funk &amp; K-Fresh), “Smooth Operator” Mike Gallagher, Mikey Old School, Johnny “Muscles” Marinara, “The Answer” Pete Simmons, Ms. Terri, Jerry Fitzwater and Jerry Fitzwater’s Personal Security Guard Mikey!!! 
Scheduled Matches:

VPW Championship Match

“Best Body In The Business…So The Ladies Say” Jason vs. Richie Tyler

After the events that unfolded on July 11th, Jason Static was set to defend the VPW Championship against number one contender Mack Daddy Flexx.  Unfortunately Flexx will be unable to compete this Saturday.  Flexx will still face the winner of what is now Jason Static vs. Richie Tyler.  Tyler was chosen as a replacement due to his past history with Static.  For a large part of 2007, Static decided to bully Tyler, just as he has many others in VPW.  Static did everything from crack Tyler in the head with a crutch to cheat his way to victory in the first round of the VPW Championship Tournament.  Now on July 26th, Richie Tyler will not only have a chance at revenge, but also his first shot at the VPW Championship.  Jason Static treasures the VPW Championship more than anything and he’s proven in the past that he will do absolutely anything to retain it.  Will July 26th finally be the end of the road for Jason Static?

VPW Tag Team Championship Match

“The Resurrection of Tag Team Wrestling” Eclipse (Jay Delta &amp; Xandar Page) vs. Suburban Swat Team (&quot;Suburban Bad Boy&quot; Joey Everlast &amp; “Prince of Suburbia” Johnny Suburban) w/ Mikey Old School)

The history between these two teams does not need to be recounted.  Throughout VPW’s history, these four men have been both the best friends and the worst of enemies.  After several battles that were purely personal, things have now been taken to the next level in a fight for the VPW Tag Team Championship.  Eclipse recently became the first ever VPW Tag Team Champions and ever since that moment every team in VPW has been gunning for them.  At the top of that list has been the Suburban SWAT Team.  The SWAT team has made it known that while they are all for having a good time, they plan on making Eclipse’s lives miserable until the gold is theirs.  Will there be new tag team champions this Saturday night in Deer Park?

Cruiserweight Match

“Masculine Marvel” Sabotage vs. “The Miracle” Javi-Air

Sabotage and Javi-Air are no strangers to each other and July 26th will see these two go at it one more time.  Both men have been with VPW since day one and have proven to be two of VPW’s finest.  Javi-Air is looking to get another crack at the VPW Championship and getting past one of Jason Static’s goons is certainly a step in the right direction.  On the other hand, Sabotage is always looking for a chance to fuel his ego and win any match he could.  Javi-Air needs to be wary of this crafty schemer at all times during the match.  This could be the show-stealer, so don’t dare miss out!!

Manager Must Leave VPW Tag Team Match

VTG Enterprises (Scotty Rio &amp; Johnny “Muscles” Marinara) w/ Vinny the Guido vs. Funky Fresh Boyz w/ Ms. Terri

VTG Enterprises has had its ups and downs as of late and are looking for a big win to get closer to earning a shot at the VPW Tag Team Championship.  Their manager Vinny the Guido has been making promises to his crew from day one, but rarely delivers.  Back in May, Vinny caused all of them to get smashed by Greg “The Hammer” Valentine.  Then on July 11th, Vinny’s team was the first team eliminated in a big match.  Vinny the Guido swears that this recent misfortune is going to fuel his team to victory.  Their opponents are the Funky Fresh Boyz.  K-Funk and K-Fresh are still fairly new to VPW and have yet to secure a win.  They are looking for that first win to catapult them to the top of VPW’s tag team division.  As of late, Ms. Terri has been managing and partying hard with the Funky Fresh Boyz.  She’s promised that she is the missing ingredient to the Funky Fresh Boyz success.  Now here is where things get really interesting.  Aside from the obvious tag team ranking implications, there is an extra stipulation added to the match where the losing team’s manager must leave VPW.  Fans, you’ve all asked for it and this may be your chance to see dreams come true.  If the Funky Fresh Boyz win the match, Vinny the Guido is gone from VPW.  However if Rio and Muscles are victorious, the lovely Ms. Terri is gone.  Fans are encouraged to support the Funky Fresh Boyz more than ever.  This could be VPW’s only chance to get rid of Vinny the Guido.  Could the end of Vinny the Guido come on July 26th??

Special Challenge Match

Nick Noshus vs. VSK

The undefeated Nick Noshus had put out an open challenge to anyone on the VPW roster for a singles match on July 26th.  Noshus said that he thought he beat everyone already, but wanted to see just in case there were still nay wrestlers left.  Quick to answer that challenge was VSK of Livewired.  VSK has been tagging with his regular partner JMS for months, but wanted to see if he could hang with the undefeated Noshus.  VSK has been growing more confident lately and could be looking to do his own thing.  When asked, VSK assured VPW officials that Livewired will be back on track to earning another tag title shot soon, but in the meantime, he had something to prove to himself.  Noshus was unimpressed with VSK answering the challenge and seems to think that this will be an easy night.  Noshus could certainly be in for a big surprise if he things he’s getting off that easily.

Grudge Match

Justin Toxic vs. JMS

With VSK competing in a singles match on July 26th, his partner, JMS, wanted to give it a chance as well.  His opponent is someone just as comfortable in tag team wrestling, one half of Pretty Poison, Justin Toxic.  Livewired and Pretty Poison have been feuding on and off all year and this will surely be another exciting chapter.  Both men will not have their partner ready to tag in if things get too tough.  In a match different from what they are used to, this could be an interesting encounter.

Singles Action

“Ultra Sexy” Joe So Delicious vs. “Smooth Operator” Mike Gallagher

Joe Delicious is certainly one of VPW’s monsters.  This Best Bodies, Inc. member has put plenty of people out of action.  However, his opponent on July 26th is no slouch and is looking to get to the top of VPW.  Mike Gallagher is technically sound and perhaps as tough as Joe Delicious.  Gallagher has made it known that he wants a shot at Jason Static, but if he doesn’t survive Static’s enforcer, that shot doesn’t seem too likely.  Will “Ultra Sexy” put another opponent down for the count??  Or will the “Smooth Operator” seize this opportunity??

Singles Action

“The Answer” Pete Simmons vs. Nightmare

Nightmare is hot off a huge upset win over Dr. Lamar Braxton Porter.  While Nightmare was victorious, the beating he sustained following the match may have done some damage to his mind and body.  His opponent, Pete Simmons, is making his VPW debut against Nightmare.  Once again, Nightmare is facing someone bigger than himself.  Will Nightmare be able to overcome the odds?? Or will Pete Simmons have a most impressive debut??

-Card Subject To Change-

VPW Wrestling School 

For those looking to enter the wrestling business as a wrestler, manager or referee, look no further than the VPW Wrestling School. The school is conveniently located at the Deer Park Community Center in Long Island. Sessions are held every Sunday from 4pm until 10pm. The Deer Park Community Center is located at 41 Homer Avenue in Deer Park, New York.

Call 631-357-1810 or email info@victoryprowrestling.com for complete details.
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>WWE Goes PG</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/wwe_goes_pg.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115835</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-23T20:06:20Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-23T20:45:20Z</updated>
   
   <summary>There are some reports circulating throughout the Internet that WWE is changing all its ratings for its television programs to TV-PG from the previous TV-14 to help attract a younger demo. Indeed, that change appears to be effective immediately, as...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Alfonso Castillo</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/">
      <![CDATA[There are some reports circulating throughout the Internet that WWE is changing all its ratings for its television programs to TV-PG from the previous TV-14 to help attract a younger demo. 

Indeed, that change appears to be effective immediately, as WWE posted the following on <a href="http://www.WWEParents.com">WWEParents.com</a>:

<blockquote>All WWE television programs are rated PG in recognition of the growing appeal of our programs to all ages and as intergenerational family viewing.  If parents make the decision to allow their children to watch our programming, we encourage those parents to watch with their children. We urge parents who allow younger children to watch our programming to explain that what our Superstars do on television should not be emulated or attempted in real life.</blockquote>

I, for one, say kudos. While I am far from a prude, I think WWE only stands to gain by toning down some of its content to appeal to a broader fan base. Really, what do we stand to lose? Fifth grade toilet humor? Our umpteenth Diva thong contest? Over the top violence, such as setting a car on fire with a wrestler inside?

The only thing I would potentially miss - and I'm not sure if it would be affected by the change - would be the occasional bloodletting in matches. Some wrestling promotions have relied too heavily on blading over the years, but there's no question that, when done right and reserved for special occasions, some juicing can go a long way toward telling an intensely dramatic story in a match. Just watch the Chris Jericho - Shawn Michaels match from last Sunday from proof.

When I was watching the WWF as a kid, it was a very child-oriented product - complete with a Saturday morning cartoon. Obviously, that was going a bit too far in one direction, but as an expectant father, I certainly want to be able to watch wrestling with my kid and not have to question if I'm being a lousy parent by doing so. 

There's a middleground between overly cartoonish kid stuff and smut, and I hope WWE is moving in that direction. Stars like Rey Mysterio, John Cena and the Undertaker are perfect examples of characters that can appeal to all ages.

Another option that I would like to see WWE make better use of is a separate WWE kids show, perhaps airing on a Saturday morning, that recaps the week's programming in a cleaned-up, family-friendly fashion, and also offers features that would appeal to children. With WWE recently creating a separate WWE Magazine for kids, this idea may not be far behind.

In fact, the little-watched "A.M. Raw" was originally intended as just such a program, but it was moved to the ridiculous 2 a.m. Saturday night slot. Even I'm not up that late on most nights. 

As for encouraging children not to "try this at home" - Good luck. I would venture to guess that just about every male wrestling fan over the age of 6 with a brother, a bed mattress - or at least a carpeted floor - occasionally plays make-believe Monday Night Raw at home. 

I can still remember the day when I upset my big brother for the Rosedale Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Championship in my parents' basement.]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>Video: The Ultimate Warrior</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/video_the_ultimate_warrior.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115369</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-23T00:48:44Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-23T18:58:21Z</updated>
   
   <summary>As corny as it may sound, I&apos;d be lying if I said it wasn&apos;t a pretty big thrill for me to sit down with the Ultimate Warrior last week. As I told him, it was my fascination with pro wrestling...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Mark La Monica</name>
      
   </author>
         <category term="Interviews" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
         <category term="Videos" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/">
      <![CDATA[As corny as it may sound, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a pretty big thrill for me to sit down with the Ultimate Warrior last week. As I told him, it was my fascination with pro wrestling that led me to pursue a career in journalism. And, although I was a wrestling fan as far back as the early 1980s, it was the Warrior's "Ultimate Challenge" victory over Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI that converted my interest in wrestling into a passion. 

So in some ways, a lot of who I am today, I owe to the Warrior. I told him that, and his response to me was something to the effect of, "Don't hold me responsible for that."

Touché, Mr. Warrior. But seriously, in recent years, the majority of the Warrior's press has been negative, due to his somewhat curious antics. But truth be told, he couldn't have been more gracious to me or the many fans who turned out to see him Sunday.

This is only a small portion of our interview. I hope to have the transcript up of the entire thing in the coming days.

I have to thank Jared Gladtstone at PSI Marketing for setting this up. You can visit his site at <a href="http://www.psimarketinggroup.com">psimarketinggroup.com</a>

<center><iframe id="flashvideoplayer" width="300" height="294" topmargin="0" leftmargin="0" marginwidth="0" border="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowtransparency="true" src="http://video.newsday.com/global/video/flash/flashvideoplayer.asp?playerName=miniplayer.swf&clipId=2715614&autoStart=false&continuousPlay=false&mute=false"></iframe></center>]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>More On Bash&apos;s Accused Chair Bandits</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/more_on_bashs_accused_chair_ba.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115486</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-22T15:04:27Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-22T15:23:20Z</updated>
   
   <summary> I reported a story in today&apos;s Newsday about the two fans accused of stealing commemorative chairs from Sunday&apos;s Great American Bash at the Nassau Coliseum. Here&apos;s a few things I found out about the alleged heist: . That&apos;s a...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Alfonso Castillo</name>
      
   </author>
         <category term="News" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/">
      <![CDATA[<img alt="bashchair.JPG" src="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/bashchair.JPG" width="198" height="279" /align=right>
I reported a story in today's Newsday about the two fans accused of stealing commemorative chairs from Sunday's Great American Bash at the Nassau Coliseum.

Here's a few things I found out about the alleged heist:

. That's a police evidence photo of the commemorative chairs given away to ringside fans at the Bash. 

. Police said the defendants, Timothy Vandewater and Keith Powell, had upper level seats to the show, but snuck down to the lower level. From there, they admired the ringside chairs.

. The chairs the two men are accused of stealing actually weren't from the Bash. WWE officials say Vandewater and Powell snuck into a trailer and made off with chairs from another pay per view event.

. WWE officials said one of the men also tried to steal some sort of lighting equipment case.

. The roadie who stopped the two men was an independent contractor and refused medical treatment at a local hospital because he didn't want to risk his job by possibly missing WWE's next tour stop last night at the Mohegan Sun. He said he'd go to a hospital in the next city, police said.

. As of yesterday, the two young men still hadn't been arraigned, meaning they have already spent two nights behind bars over the alleged stunt.

. Police said the roadie was a pretty big guy and showed a lot of restraint in how he handled the two young men.

. After all the trouble that the two defendants and the roadie went through, in the chaos of the chase, the men dropped the items the chairs they were trying to steal, and another fan made off with them, WWE officials and police said.

. A WWE spokesman said the incident would not put a damper on WWE's future plans to return to the Coliseum.

You can read my story <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/local/crime/ny-liwwe225772727jul22,0,5075050.story">here</a>.]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>The Great American Smash!</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/the_great_american_smash.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115383</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-22T00:05:04Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-22T00:07:18Z</updated>
   
   <summary>From the AP wire: Wrestler arrested in restaurant in NYC suburb YONKERS, N.Y. (AP) — A gathering for professional wrestlers at a Westchester County restaurant ended with the arrest of a wrestler known as “The Sandman” after he was accused...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Seth Mates</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/">
      From the AP wire:

Wrestler arrested in restaurant in NYC suburb

    YONKERS, N.Y. (AP) — A gathering for professional wrestlers
at a Westchester County restaurant ended with the arrest of a
wrestler known as “The Sandman” after he was accused of throwing
glasses at employees.
    Yonkers police say they were called to La Lanterna restaurant
last Sunday night. When officers arrived they said 45-year-old
James “The Sandman” Fullington was flinging glasses from a tray
at employees.
    A police spokeswoman says the 6-foot-4-inch, 280-pound
Fullington also threw several glasses at police, injuring two
officers.
    Charges against Fullington include felony second-degree
assault. The Wayne, Pa. resident has been ordered to undergo a
psychiatric evaluation.
    There was no phone listing available for either Fullington or
his wife, Lori Fullington.
      
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>Video: Fans at the WWE&apos;s Great American Bash</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/video_fans_at_the_wwes_great_a.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115368</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-21T22:50:41Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-22T16:13:23Z</updated>
   
   <summary>Here&apos;s some video I shot outside the Nassau Coliseum before Sunday&apos;s Great American Bash. Fans arrived several hours early and tailgated in the parking lot, even in the sweltering heat. It was a pretty cool atmosphere, and I hope WWE...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Mark La Monica</name>
      
   </author>
         <category term="Videos" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
         <category term="WWE" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/">
      <![CDATA[Here's some video I shot outside the Nassau Coliseum before Sunday's Great American Bash. Fans arrived several hours early and tailgated in the parking lot, even in the sweltering heat. It was a pretty cool atmosphere, and I hope WWE brings pay per view back to Long Island before too long. - Alfonso

<center><iframe id="flashvideoplayer" width="300" height="294" topmargin="0" leftmargin="0" marginwidth="0" border="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowtransparency="true" src="http://video.newsday.com/global/video/flash/flashvideoplayer.asp?playerName=miniplayer.swf&clipId=2715561&autoStart=false&continuousPlay=false&mute=false"></iframe></center>]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>Backstage brawl at the Great American Bash -- for real</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/backstage_brawl_at_the_great_a.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115282</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-21T18:40:28Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-21T18:41:26Z</updated>
   
   <summary>Just when you thought LI fans couldn&apos;t get any more unpredictable ......</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Seth Mates</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/">
      <![CDATA[<a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/local/nassau/ny-liwwe0722,0,3718307.story" target=blank>Just when you thought LI fans couldn't get any more unpredictable ... </a>]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>Kevin Nash Charity Dinner Auction</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/kevin_nash_charity_dinner_auct.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115270</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-21T17:49:41Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-21T18:17:43Z</updated>
   
   <summary> My buddy Ross over at TNA asked me to help get word out on an upcoming Kevin Nash charity dinner auction in Chicago on July 30. The dinner auction is in conjunction with his appearance at the 29th National...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Alfonso Castillo</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/">
      <![CDATA[<img alt="nash1.jpeg" src="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/nash1.jpeg" width="200" height="300" /align=right>
My buddy Ross over at TNA asked me to help get word out on an upcoming Kevin Nash charity dinner auction in Chicago on July 30.

The dinner auction is in conjunction with his appearance at the 29th National Sports Collectors Convention, being held July 30-August 3, 2008, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. The dinner will be at Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse (5464 North River Road, located about 5 minutes from O'Hare International Airport), starting at 8 p.m. CT. 

The winning bidder can bring three guests to the dinner and will receive Nash photos and trading cards that he will sign, and includes complimentary dinner at one of Chicago's finest steakhouses.

100% of the proceeds from this auction will be donated to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

For more information, contact Mandy Fuerst at Tristar Productions. She can be reached at: 713-488-1108.

I had the chance to chat with Kevin during my recent trip to Orlando over WrestleMania weekend. You can find that video <a href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/04/video_interview_with_tnas_kevi.html">here</a>. Say what you will about Nash, but he is one of the true students of wrestling, and remains a big fan of the sport. A chat with him over dinner would probably include some pretty incredible stories.

(Photo credit: TNAWrestling.com)
]]>
      
   </content>
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<entry>
   <title>The Warrior and I</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/the_warrior_and_i.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115237</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-21T16:11:16Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-21T16:16:20Z</updated>
   
   <summary> With all the live posts from the Great American Bash that we put up yesterday, some of you may have missed my report from the Uniondale Marriott, where the Ultimate Warrior was signing autographs for fans. You can read...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Alfonso Castillo</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
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      <![CDATA[<img alt="warrior1.jpeg" src="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/warrior1.jpeg" width="213" height="238" /align=right>
With all the live posts from the Great American Bash that we put up yesterday, some of you may have missed my report from the Uniondale Marriott, where the Ultimate Warrior was signing autographs for fans. You can read it <a href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/alfonso_live_from_the_great_am.html">here</a>.

I've admitted here in the blog many times to having been a gigantic Warrior mark as a kid, so it was a pretty big thrill to meet him. I hope to be posting some video up here soon of an interview I conducted with him yesterday.]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>The 2008 PWI 500</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/the_2008_pwi_500.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115235</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-21T15:46:57Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-21T16:08:18Z</updated>
   
   <summary> The 2008 edition of Pro Wrestling Illustrated&apos;s annual PWI 500 will hit newstands next month, and as revealed recently on PWI&apos;s official web site, coming in at the number one this year is none other than &quot;The Legend Killer&quot;...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Alfonso Castillo</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
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      <![CDATA[<img alt="pwp9008S.jpeg" src="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/pwp9008S.jpeg" width="216" height="300" /align=right>
The 2008 edition of Pro Wrestling Illustrated's annual PWI 500 will hit newstands next month, and as revealed recently on <a href="http://www.pwi-online.com">PWI's official web site</a>, coming in at the number one this year is none other than "The Legend Killer" Randy Orton.

I was let in on the discussion to place Orton in the top spot in the 18th annual PWI 500, which ranks and includes bios of the 500 best wrestlers in the industry. Figuring out the rankings, compiling biographical information, and writing 500 entries is an arduous task each year for the small staff at PWI, but the issue is always a fun and informative read.

I won't disclose the rest of the 500 other than to say this: There are just two TNA stars in the top 10, one from ROH, and one international star. TNA and ROH have the same number of wrestlers ranked in the Top 20, and ROH achieved its highest ranking ever in the annual list.

So what of the choice to make Randy Orton number one? Fans should know than the ranking period is roughly between July of 2007 and July of 2008. And while Orton may have missed several weeks at the end of that period with his injury, for 11 months he was WWE's MVP - conistently putting forth great main event matches, delivering money promos, and giving WWE's top babyfaces a great heel to work off of. He absolutely deserved the top spot.
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</entry>
<entry>
   <title>Alfonso live at the Great American Bash: Update #14</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/alfonso_live_at_the_great_amer_3.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115130</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-21T02:30:21Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-21T02:52:01Z</updated>
   
   <summary>Jerry Lawler was cracking up Michael Cole at ringside during the Triple H - Edge match. Meanwhile, Tazz and Mike Adamle sat in silence. Triple H won with a Pedigree. The match was nothing special, but I enjoyed the antics...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Seth Mates</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/">
      Jerry Lawler was cracking up Michael Cole at ringside during the Triple H - Edge match. Meanwhile, Tazz and Mike Adamle sat in silence. 

Triple H won with a Pedigree. The match was nothing special, but I enjoyed the antics with the women and Edge &quot;accidentally&quot; spearing Vickie. Triple H&apos;s so-called main event wrestling style too often = do almost nothing for the first third-to-half of the match. 

Chavo glared at Edge as he walked to the back. Then Chavo and the ref carried Vickie out of the ring.

All in all, the Great American Bash was a solid and newsworthy pay per view that featured three title changes and kept the fickle Long Island fans entertained for most of three hours. 

I hope you&apos;ve enjoyed my live blogging here in the Steel Cage. Now if you&apos;ll excuse me, I&apos;ve got to go fight my way onto the Meadowbrook. 

-- Alfonso
      
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>Alfonso live at the Great American Bash: Update #13</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/alfonso_live_at_the_great_amer_2.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115125</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-21T02:14:59Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-21T02:30:06Z</updated>
   
   <summary>I liked the &quot;Summer blockbuster&quot; promo for SummerSlam. The forklift just took out the crushed car. We don&apos;t talk about Smackdown that often here in the Cage, but I have to say I&apos;ve really enjoyed the Edge-Vickie Guerrero storyline, and...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Seth Mates</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/">
      I liked the &quot;Summer blockbuster&quot; promo for SummerSlam. 

The forklift just took out the crushed car. 

We don&apos;t talk about Smackdown that often here in the Cage, but I have to say I&apos;ve really enjoyed the Edge-Vickie Guerrero storyline, and got a big kick out of all the wedding hijinx on Friday. My favorite part was Edge, in his tux, refereeing a match involving his groomsmen in their suits. I didn&apos;t need Triple H stealing everyone&apos;s thunder with his lame comedy. 

Why would any one in WWE choose to get married on television? It never ends well. 

Every time I see Edge come through the curtain I half expect for him to be carrying the Money in the Bank briefcase. It should be a permanent part of his ring gear. 

Mick Foley is highly animated behind the announce table in his first shot at doing color commentary in his hometown. 

Here&apos;s the WWE champion, and we&apos;re ready for tonight&apos;s main event. 

-- Alfonso
      
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>Alfonso live at the Great American Bash: Update #12</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/alfonso_live_at_the_great_amer_1.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115119</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-21T01:58:34Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-21T02:14:55Z</updated>
   
   <summary>Wow, does this &quot;parking lot brawl&quot; stink. It included Cena connecting JBL&apos;s testicles to a car battery, Cena throwing a heavy oil drum at JBL&apos;s face and JBL torching a car with Cena inside. How many times will these two...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Seth Mates</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/">
      Wow, does this &quot;parking lot brawl&quot; stink. It included Cena connecting JBL&apos;s testicles to a car battery, Cena throwing a heavy oil drum at JBL&apos;s face and JBL torching a car with Cena inside.   How many times will these two commit attempted murder before the police intervene? I guess if this was taped last night, it&apos;s too late to call 911. 

The fans are trading &quot;Cena sucks&quot; and &quot;Let&apos;s go Cena&quot; chants. I&apos;m trying to start a &quot;We want realism&quot; chant.

Jeff Hardy just popped his head out to wave to some chanting fans. He&apos;s not scheduled to wrestle. Might he get involved in the world heavyweight title match later tonight?

Cena and JBL are in the arena now after Cena carried a car containing JBL in on a forklift. The make up people did a good job making them look just like they did last night - compelete with JBL having a sweaty shirt. 

JBL wins after throwing Cena off the ramp into a car windshield. Kind of anti-climactic after so many tries at homicide. 

-- Alfonso
      
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>Alfonso live at the Great American Bash: Update #11</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/alfonso_live_at_the_great_amer.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115116</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-21T01:39:31Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-21T01:58:07Z</updated>
   
   <summary>Batista beat Punk by DQ when Kane ran in and attacked Batista. I really enjoyed the match, my favorite of the night. It told a great David and Goliath story, with Punk dismantling the much larger Batista with his kicks....</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Seth Mates</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/">
      Batista beat Punk by DQ when Kane ran in and attacked Batista. I really enjoyed the match, my favorite of the night. It told a great David and Goliath story, with Punk dismantling the much larger Batista with his kicks. I would have liked to see Punk get a clean win, but I don&apos;t have a big problem with the DQ finish - especially since it helped build Punk as a sympathetic underdog with a lot of heart. Even while getting destroyed by both Kane and Batista after the bell, Punk came off as a star, and kept his title. 

But still, these fans don&apos;t seem to like him. 

The Nassau County Parking Lot Brawl is up next, which means I&apos;ll be watching it on TV just like viewers at home. At least I&apos;ll have a bigger screen than you. 

That means the world heavyweight title match goes on last. Isn&apos;t it funny how a Smackdown match has closed out a pay per view two months in a row since Triple H was drafted to the brand?

Observations from my wife while watching a recap of the JBL and Cena murder angle on Raw last week: &quot;He&apos;s going to try to run him over. This is horrible.&quot;

The WWE camera man next to us just told us this match was taped last night. 

-- Alfonso
      
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>A quick thought going into the two world title matches</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2008/07/a_quick_thought_going_into_the.html" />
   <id>tag:weblogs.newsday.com,2008:/sports/specialevent/wrestling//248.115110</id>
   
   <published>2008-07-21T01:34:21Z</published>
   <updated>2008-07-21T01:41:25Z</updated>
   
   <summary>Three title changes early in the show usually means none of the big titles are changing hands ... when a world title changes hands they usually like to spotlight it, and other title changes might take attention away from it...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Seth Mates</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/">
      Three title changes early in the show usually means none of the big titles are changing hands ... when a world title changes hands they usually like to spotlight it, and other title changes might take attention away from it ... just a thought ...

Back to work now ...

-- Seth
      
   </content>
</entry>

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