wrestling / Columns
The 2008 Independent Wrestling Draft: Rounds 6-12
Introduction
Welcome to Part Two the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft! Picking up where we left off a few weeks ago, this week will include the conclusion of the draft, comprising rounds 6 through 12, and then take a look at a few notable comparisons between this year’s draft and the 2007 edition. To review the rules and for a comprehensive look at the first five rounds, please check out Part 1 of the draft. Also, great Independent wrestling coverage can always be found over at The Cool Kids’ Table.
ROUND SIX
With the 46th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Universal Wrestling Federation selects Sean Waltman out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Larry Csonka: While Waltman has had some personal issues as of late, he has recently found new life as a Muslim and is apparently clean and rededicated to being a professional wrestler. He will be a great addition to the UWF Lightweight Division.
With the 47th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla selects Chuck Taylor out of Raccoon City.
Bayani Domingo: To be honest I have never seen Chuck Taylor live, nor have I seen any of his matches in their entirety. I do know however that he is a very popular wrestler and a colorful personality so I can’t see how including him in the mix at PWG could be wrong. Plus, he makes little kids cry…we’ve been missing that ever since Bosh retired.
With the 48th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Ring of Honor selects Gran Akuma out of Afar.
Samuel Berman: Gran Akuma is just the first in what should be a series of picks to solidify the ROH tag team scene. If you remember last year’s draft, you’ll recall the tactic I used then.
With the 49th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Jersey All-Pro Wrestling selects Scott Taylor out of Westbrook, Maine.
Jeremy Thomas: Joining his long-time tag team partner Brian Lawler is none other then the former Scotty 2 Hotty, Scott Taylor. Taylor is a multiple champion, much like Lawler, and will be adding some of his well-known, exciting elements to JAPW. Will we see Too Cool teaming up in JAPW? Only time will only tell, but if they do, the Backseat Boyz may not have the lock on the tag titles that they thought they did.
With the 50th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Ohio Valley Wrestling selects The Sandman out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Mathew Sforcina: Ohio Valley Wrestling is proud to welcome the Hardcore Icon, The Personification of Extreme, The Sandman to it’s ranks. With a special sponsorship arrangement with Great Lakes Brewing Company, The Sandman is now exclusive to OVW.
With the 51st pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Combat Zone Wrestling selects Sterling James Keenan out of The Iron City, Pennsylvania.
Jarrod Westerfeld: An impressive resume that sees that Sterling James Keenan is not only amazing as an athlete, but can handle his own with his words. With success on an international scale, Keenan helps reaffirm the idea that this company is going to be serious about actual wrestling.
With the 52nd pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, CHIKARA selects Ultimo Dragon out of Japan.
Stuart James: Ultimo Dragon is amongst the greatest high-fliers to ever grace a wrestling ring. Along with being a fun character, perfectly suited for the CHIKARA style, he is still even to this day, twenty one years after his debut, one of Japan’s finest exports. What will happen as he is brought to the same company as former student, Dragon Kid? CHIKARA is honored to have a legend such as himself grace their ring, and know that he will put on the best matches possible for the fans.
With the 53rd pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Full Impact Pro selects Adam Pearce out of San Diego, California.
Michael Bauer: Adam Pearce is always overlooked and we are very happy he fell as far as he did here. Pearce gives us another tough son of a gun to tango with Necro, Stevens, and Steen in hard hitting brawl after hard hitting brawl. Last year was for the high flyers, this year we go slobber-knocking.
With the 54th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, IWA Mid-South selects Tiger Mask IV out of Japan.
Ari Berenstein: If you’re wondering how a Japanese Puro superstar such as Tiger Mask IV qualifies for this draft, you should remember that he appeared on several episodes of TNA Impact in 2007, but did so without a TNA contract. He also fought Mike Quackenbush for the NWA Junior Heavyweight Title on the independents. Now, Tiger Mask IV brings with him not only talent, prestige and class, but he brings the hopes and dreams of every New Japan Pro Wrestling fan. These fans will most surely be watching (and hopefully ordering massive quantities of our DVD product) Tiger Mask IV in action on American soil through the IWA Mid-South wrestling promotion.
ROUND SEVEN
With the 55th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, IWA Mid-South selects Doug Williams out of Reading, England.
Ari Berenstein: A lot of Dragon Gate and other wrestlers are being selected right now, but don’t forget about one of the finest exports from England’s wrestling scene. Williams is still an intimidating competitor with great grapples and suplexes. He has found much success on the American pro circuit and he will represent his home country with pride, especially given the format of the show I have planned.
With the 56th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Full Impact Pro selects Lacey out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Michael Bauer: Well, this surely is an interesting pick for us with The Age of Fall also in toe. Lacey can choose to do what she wants, but you better believe that we made sure to retain the hottest woman in wrestling today.
With the 57th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, CHIKARA selects Hallowicked out of Sleepy Hollow.
Stuart James: Hallowicked was chosen for one reason. He is everything CHIKARA is about, and is a CHIKARA original. His fun-filled style and crazy gimmick will give the fans entertainment they can’t see anywhere else.
With the 58th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Combat Zone Wrestling selects Matt Cross out of Cleveland, Ohio.
Jarrod Westerfeld: Matt Cross grew up from a gymnastic background which dazzles the crowd in the ring, but much like PAC, Cross has the gift to grapple and strike with the best of them.
With the 59th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Ohio Valley Wrestling selects Rob Conway out of Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Mathew Sforcina: OVW is proud to officially retain the services of Rob Conway. One half of the OVW Tag Champions, Conway is a veteran, seasoned wrestler who is part of the core of OVW, and is a man always one shot away from once again being great. After all, just look at him!
With the 60th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Jersey All-Pro Wrestling selects Kenny Omega out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Jeremy Thomas: That Kenny Omega made it to the seventh round before being picked is a shocker to those of us at JAPW, and we’re thrilled that the current JAPW Heavyweight Champion is staying right where he belongs. An unbelievably agile wrestler who’s also technically quite proficient, Omega belongs here in Jersey, where he beat Low-Ki for the Heavyweight Title in January. Omega will have his hands full with the number of challengers that are going to be gunning for him, but he’s reportedly nothing but confident in his ability to hold them off.
With the 61st pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Ring of Honor selects Icarus out of Parts Unknown.
Samuel Berman: And here’s the second-half of last round’s pick. Having Icarus & Gran Akuma on the same roster keeps one of the most dangerous teams on the Independent scene together. F.I.S.T. will surely make an impact in the Ring of Honor.
With the 62nd pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla selects Teddy Hart out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Bayani Domingo: I’m guilty of drafting Teddy two years in a row and simply because I think the guy truly is one of the most innovative and talented workers around and the fact that he really does love wrestling and is great with the fans. I’ve met the guy 3 times and each time he’s been a really nice guy, the kind of guy who will let you borrow his shiny pink fluffy vest and split a joint with you. If that’s not PWG I don’t know what is.
With the 63rd pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Universal Wrestling Federation selects CW Anderson out of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Larry Csonka: The former enforcer of the EXTREME Horsemen had a great run in the old UWF, but hard times fell on him after Tremendous Tom Lawrence left him for dead in a tag title defense. Anderson is out to prove that he can make it on his own.
ROUND EIGHT
With the 64th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Universal Wrestling Federation selects Shiima Xion out of Manila, Philippines.
Larry Csonka: The Virgin Slayer Shiima Zion returns to the UWF and is set to battle the likes of Sean Waltman to prove himself. He will be a great addition to the UWF Lightweight Division.
With the 65th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla selects Ryo Saito out of Japan.
Bayani Domingo: My master plan is to reunite Saito with Susumu Yokosuka to reform RyoSuka, but since my plan can possibly be foiled I think he’ll be just as useful as a singles wrestler or teaming up with another DG guy.
With the 66th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Ring of Honor selects Susumu Yokosuka out of Japan.
Samuel Berman: Yet another import talent, Yokosuka is another can’t-miss talent who will shore up both the singles and tag team ranks in Ring of Honor. The potential matchups with his fellow Dragon Gate brethren alone merits this selections.
With the 67th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Jersey All-Pro Wrestling selects Kid Kash out of Johnson City, Tennessee.
Jeremy Thomas: Here comes trouble. As infamous for his attitude as he is for his wrestling skill, Kid Kash brings an enormous X-factor to JAPW…and luckily, I’m not talking about Sean Waltman and Justin Credible (who we wish the greatest of success for in UWF, by the way!). Kash will add the kind of high-flying excitement and in-your-face attitude that JAPW audiences remember from a former JAPW Heavyweight Champion, Teddy Hart. Kash is said to have set his sights on the New Jersey State Championship, and he certainly has the skills to take him right to that gold.
With the 68th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Ohio Valley Wrestling selects Jigsaw out of The Bronx, New York.
Mathew Sforcina: At the request of Delirious (although it might have been a request for pizza or something) OVW is happy to welcome Jigsaw into our close family. An important piece of the puzzle, Jigsaw’s unique style is sure to wow our fans.
With the 69th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Combat Zone Wrestling selects TJ Perkins out of St. Louis, Missouri.
Jarrod Westerfeld: Having grown so much as an athlete internationally, TJ Perkins fits in well with the goal of building up true credibility within CZW as we look to grow. TJ, a man of many faces and names, is a quick paced athlete who can grapple well and soften up his opponents with submission holds to set up high impact maneuvers.
With the 70th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, CHIKARA selects Dragon Dragon out of Parts Unknown.
Stuart James: CHIKARA chooses Dragon Dragon next because he is living proof that there is fun to have in the crazy world of professional wrestling. He is a fan favorite, and CHIKARA is sure their risk of choosing him will pay off.
With the 71st pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Full Impact Pro selects Kota Ibushi out of Japan.
Michael Bauer: Seeing Ibushi at the end of the eighth round is freaking golden. Ibushi has done nothing but impress in the United States and pairing him with Marufuji will bring matches that nobody will ever forget.
With the 72nd pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, IWA Mid-South selects Sara Del Rey out of Martinez, California.
Ari Berenstein: I’ll let the readers in on a behind closed doors secret—I didn’t have any plans to draft either of my next two picks until right before the draft, when I decided that if IWA Mid-South was going to do a show of international proportions, I could use a women’s match to help add to the card. Not only that, but I needed two of the best to represent women’s wrestling AND their respective country with pride, honor and quality. Sara Del Rey is Bryan Danielson’s protégé and has been dubbed the “American Angel”. Her patriotism will be on display on my show as will her awesome wrestling ability. Death Rey is coming!
ROUND NINE
With the 73rd pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, IWA Mid-South selects Sarah Stock out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Ari Berenstein: The yang to Del Rey’s yin, Sarah Stock has been tearing it up in CMLL and right here in America via the SHIMMER promotion. Now Stock, who represents both Canda and Mexico, brings her incredible submission and lucha moves to the IWA Mid South ring. Del Rey and Stock are no strangers to each other and match up very well in a fight. This will be the next chapter in their recent and developing series. It’s a different sort of Battle of Los Angeles as “American Angel” will take on the “Dark Angel” of professional wrestling, this time with international implications!
With the 74th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Full Impact Pro selects Ruckus out of Chocolate City.
Michael Bauer: And Full Impact Pro will be ballin’! Ruckus on board gives us some high flying to balance out the roster. Unlike last year when half the roster was his style, Ruckus can highlight himself against anyone.
With the 75th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, CHIKARA selects Amazing Red out of Brooklyn, New York.
Stuart James: Amazing Red is one of the most athletic high-fliers on the indy scene today, and can pull off moves that others can only dream of. With lots of experience outside CHIKARA, he will be a vital asset to the company.
With the 76th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Combat Zone Wrestling selects Scorpio Sky out of The City of Angels.
Jarrod Westerfeld: Known mostly for his high flying and deadly accurate precision in the sky, Scorpio Sky isn’t nearly as regarded for his charisma and speaking ability, as well as his striking and grappling ability, which makes him more than a perfect candidate for the new CZW.
With the 77th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Ohio Valley Wrestling selects Daniel Puder out of Cupertino, California.
Mathew Sforcina: Via his new agent, Mr. Puder is pleased to announce he has signed with OVW, and looks forward to proving himself as the first and only dual champion in both the Squared Circle and the Iron Ring.
With the 78th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Jersey All-Pro Wrestling selects BJ Whitmer out of Owensboro, Kentucky.
Jeremy Thomas: Another talented acquisition for JAPW to highlight it’s new, cutting-edge product is the former 4-time ROH Tag Team Champion, BJ Whitmer. Whitmer’s accomplishments around the independent scene are well-documented, and he’ll be sure to bring the exact kind of high-impact offense and incredible talent that JAPW fans will want to see. Much like Kash, Whitmer is said to have his sights set on the New Jersey State Championship, which will make for an interesting match-up.
With the 79th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Ring of Honor selects Arik Cannon out of Chicago, Illinois.
Samuel Berman: Though slowed by injuries in recent years, “The Anarchist” Arik Cannon remains one of the most overall talented performers in Independent wrestling. Ring of Honor believes he can regain his form from his landmark 2004 and 2005 campaigns to become a major player going forward for ROH.
With the 80th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla selects Lince Dorado out of Juarez, Mexico.
Bayani Domingo: Never seen Lince live, but he seems like a fun wrestler and he keeps in line with my hope to make PWG more international. Lucha Libre is still alive and well in SoCal and it would be great to appeal more to the Lucha fans in the process.
With the 81st pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Universal Wrestling Federation selects Ricky Banderas out of Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
Larry Csonka: With his TNA contract ending, Ricky Banderas was a late entrant into the draft. The former WSX champion is dangerous and is looking to cause mass destruction upon his arrival.
ROUND TEN
With the 82nd pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Universal Wrestling Federation selects Tom Lawrence out of (The City of Champions) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Larry Csonka: If you think the Sweeney negotiations were rough, you’re wrong. Tremendous Tom Lawrence is the current UWF champion, retiring Steve Corino, and made insane demands to all promotions interested in him. The UWF may have broke the bank with this signing.
With the 83rd pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla selects YAMATO out of Japan.
Bayani Domingo: Wasn’t my first choice in remaining Puro guys, but he’ll do. He’s fairly solid and a decent sized wrestler, plus his experience in tag teaming with be valuable in that division.
With the 84th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Ring of Honor selects Josh Prohibition out of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Samuel Berman: An underrated heel talent, Prohibition will bring controversy and consistency to Ring of Honor. Definitely a sleeper pick here, but one worth taking a flyer on this late in the draft.
With the 85th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Jersey All-Pro Wrestling selects Allison Danger out of The City of Angels.
Jeremy Thomas: The first lady to join the JAPW roster is the amazingly talented Allison Danger. Danger’s association to several of the new members to the JAPW roster are well-documented, from her brother Steve Corino to being the manager of BJ Whitmer. Allison’s spent the last three years heavily involved in the running of SHIMMER, where she’s had notable feuds with Rebecca Knox and Cindy Rogers. The question now is: will she make a return to managing, or will she compete with the men–something that’s not totally unknown for her? Time will tell.
With the 86th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Ohio Valley Wrestling selects 2 Cold Scorpio out of Denver, Colorado.
Mathew Sforcina: Another legend, 2 Cold Scorpio has wrestled all over the world, wowing audiences, winning titles, and being an important, influential talent in the sport. We here in OVW are pleased to announce 2 Cold’s signing, and now offer a unique trilogy of trainees in our school. Look for Dinsmore/Delirious/Scorpio trained wrestlers to take over the wrestling world in a few years.
With the 87th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Combat Zone Wrestling selects Chad Collyer out of Liberty, Indiana.
Jarrod Westerfeld: Chad Collyer is a tremendous talent that is so highly regarded by his peers that he was dubbed, during his Japan runs, as Chad Malenko. Holding a style very reminiscent of the Malenkos, Chad adds further to the ground based submission and grappling that has made the Malenkos world famous and fits in so well with the new direction we wish to take.
With the 88th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, CHIKARA selects Gillberg out of Baltimore, Maryland.
Stuart James: Gillberg is a unique choice, but his spoof gimmick and his fun-loving attitude to wrestling is exactly what CHIKARA represents. CHIKARA, like with Dragon Dragon, hopes their risk will pay off with Gillberg.
With the 89th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Full Impact Pro selects Bobby Dempsey out of Finderne, New Jersey.
Michael Bauer: He is the most over man in Ring of Honor history… ok, you can stop laughing now. Seriously though, have you heard the chants Manhattan gives Bobby during a dark match? Nobody gets that type of reception and we are bringing his popularity to FIP.
With the 90th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, IWA Mid-South selects Tim Donst out of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
Ari Berenstein: Tim Donst …IS AMERICA! Though only a rookie, Donst has been building up quite a reputation through his wrestling matches and great performances in CHIKARA. Now the amateur and collegiate wrestler brings his technical acumen to IWA Mid-South…and we could use a few good men like Donst to represent America at this show! Don’t over look Donst’s inexperience—the young man has a ton of heart, willpower by the truckload and a belief in the American Dream! Look out for the “Gator Roll” cradle or Donstamania will end up running wild all over you!
ROUND ELEVEN
With the 91st pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, IWA Mid-South selects Brodie Lee out of Lincoln, Nebraska.
Ari Berenstein: I took a risk in pushing back my selection of these two picks and luckily I did not get burned as they are both still here. Brodie Lee is the tall, rough and ready brawling madman who has been getting a ton of notice as of late in CHIKARA. Well, his mauling of several wrestlers and especially international talent Passion Hasegawa perked up the eyes and ears of those of us here at IWA Mid-South. We knew the six foot seven inch big rig battalion would do well here and even though he is a man of feud words, I know that he is damned ready to get some wrecking done for us!
With the 92nd pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Full Impact Pro selects El Pantera out of Arena Naucalpan, Mexico.
Michael Bauer: El Pantera has always been someone Full Impact Pro wanted to scope out and now we have locked him into the plans to go hand and hand with Ruckus.
With the 93rd pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, CHIKARA selects Jagged out of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
Stuart James: Much like Hallowicked, Jagged is the epitome of CHIKARA, being a loyal follower of the company for many years. His high-flying, never-say-die attitude is just what the company loves to see, and CHIKARA is sure that’s just what the fans want to see.
With the 94th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Combat Zone Wrestling selects Christian York out of Fairfax, Virginia.
Jarrod Westerfeld: Formerly regarded in ECW, along with tag team partner Joey Matthews, as being the new Hardy Boys, York has matured and showcased that he is as strong on the ground as he was in the air. Becoming a singles superstar and champion in the indy scene, York holds the seasoning and abilities to hold his own in this new environment.
With the 95th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Ohio Valley Wrestling selects Alkatrazz out of San Diego, California.
Mathew Sforcina: OVW is proud to be an employer willing to offer second chances, OVW does not judge past acts, if the talent is clearly trying to make amends. Thus, we welcome Alkatrazz to our roster, and hope that he has gotten his life back on track.
With the 96th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Jersey All-Pro Wrestling selects Shawn Daivari out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Jeremy Thomas: The former WWE cruiserweight Shawn Daivari makes a great fit for JAPW. He was largely wasted in Stamford, where his skills were forced to be toned down by the “WWE Style,” and was never given the chance to get out from under the stigma of being associated with Muhammed Hassan. Clearly, this won’t be the case in JAPW. Daivari is more then ready to show the fans of New Jersey exactly what he can do, and the prospects of matches with Kash, Whitmer, Omega, and Evans are all ones that could be intensely exciting. It’s a shame that Shawn lasted this long in the draft–but a boon to us at Jersey All-Pro.
With the 97th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Ring of Honor selects Cheech out of the 6th Boro of New York.
Samuel Berman: Remember the move that was made with F.I.S.T.? Well guess what’s happening now?
With the 98th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla selects Bryce Remsburg out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Bayani Domingo: I just wanted to piss off the CZW and CHIKARA guys by taking the best damn referee on the East Coast. Now I have the best on the West (Rick Knox) and the East. Plus the guy is just tons of fun and Hero’s traveling buddy.
With the 99th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Universal Wrestling Federation selects Buff Bagwell out of Marietta, Georgia.
Larry Csonka: Buff Bagwell is a decorated champion from his WCW days and is looking to get his career back on track in the UWF. The first time didn’t work out too well for him.
ROUND TWELVE
With the 100th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Universal Wrestling Federation selects Loca Vida out of Mexico, New York.
Larry Csonka: Loca Vida is a relative unknown to most fans, but has been tearing up the New York Independent scene for some time. He will be a great addition to the UWF Lightweight Division.
With the 101st pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla selects Rebecca Knox out of Dublin, Ireland.
Bayani Domingo: What can I say, I
With the 102nd pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Ring of Honor selects Cloudy out of New York, New York.
Samuel Berman: Though slightly worried that Pro Wrestling Guerrilla would select “The One Hit Wonder” just to screw with me, I’m pleased to introduce Up in Smoke as the newest members of the ROH tag team scene. The impending rivalry with F.I.S.T. is written on the wall for two of the Independent scene’s most overachieving performers.
With the 103rd pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Jersey All-Pro Wrestling selects Daizee Haze out of Forrest Park, Illinois.
Jeremy Thomas: Jersey All-Pro’s last pick brings in none other then Daizee Haze. Much like Allison Danger, Haze has a strong association with some of the JAPW talent, including BJ Whitmer and Jack Evans. Danger and Haze are no stranger to each other either, of course, considering their feud in ROH and some matches in CHIKARA. It will be interesting to see where both these women go in JAPW from here.
With the 104th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Ohio Valley Wrestling selects Dave Prazak out of Chicago, Illinois.
Mathew Sforcina: OVW is proud to announce perhaps the most controversial pick of this draft. For several years now, Dave Prazak has been the voice of Independent Wrestling in America. His commentary has appeared in as many companies as he has managed in. But now, thanks to his exclusive contract with OVW, OVW TV is now the only place you will hear his insightful, entertaining commentary, and will be the focus of DP Enterprises. He also brings a unique bond between OVW and Shimmer, a relationship we hope to strengthen in the coming months.
With the 105th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Combat Zone Wrestling selects Bobby Fish out of Albany, New York.
Jarrod Westerfeld: Coming onto the scene as the tag team partner of Matt Cross, Bobby Fish has demonstrated that he’s the perfect ground and pound partner that any high flyer would love to have as he sets up a high flying offensive. Fish holds the essential tools to grapple and ground his opponents, slowing his opponent to a crawl before ending the action with a huge victory.
With the 106th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, CHIKARA selects Scott Hall out of Miami, Florida.
Stuart James: Scott Hall is the most controversial of all picks. He was chosen as CHIKARA hopes that he can restore his career back to his glory days where he was renowned as one of the best wrestlers in the world.
With the 107th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, Full Impact Pro selects Tank Toland out of Margate, New Jersey.
Michael Bauer: There were other places to go with this pick, but we decided to make sure Tank would be around to guide young Bobby and be the veteran presence he needs. I mean, Bobby has no one else to turn to, right?
With the 108th pick in the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft, IWA Mid-South selects The Iron Sheik out of Tehran, Iran.
Ari Berenstein: Well, it’s come down to this, the final pick…and WHAT a pick it is… I am SHOCKED that a man with so much internet acclaim such as The Iron Sheik has been passed over by the other owners. The last pick of the draft is a coup for IWA Mid-South as we bring the Sheik-y spirit to our own company. What is he going to do? Who is he mad at now? Who will he threaten to suplex and then “f*** their a**”? You’re going to have to wait and see to find out. Just keep in mind… IWA Mid South now has THREE of the most uncontrollable, unpredictable and flat our certifiable maniacs of the sport of professional wrestling, in Sabu, Ultimate Warrior and The Iron Sheik! This 411Mania draft has now been HA-HUMBLED!
Final Draft Results
The rosters at the end of the twelve rounds go as follows:
IWA Mid-South – Ari Berenstein
Keeper: Sabu
1. “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson
2. Takeshi Morishima
3. Claudio Castagnoli
4. Los Ice Creams of Ice Cream, Jr. & El Hijo de Ice Cream (TEAM)
5. Ultimate Warrior
6. Tiger Mask IV
7. “The Anarchist” Doug Williams
8. Sara Del Rey
9. Sarah Stock
10. Tim Donst
11. Brodie Lee
12. The Iron Sheik
Full Impact Pro – Michael Bauer
Keeper: “Mr. Wrestling” Kevin Steen
1. The Age of the Fall of Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black (TEAM)
2. Naomichi Marufuji
3. Necro Butcher
4. Erick Stevens
5. Human Tornado
6. “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce
7. Lacey
8. Kota Ibushi
9. Ruckus
10. Bobby Dempsey
11. El Pantera
12. Tank Toland
CHIKARA – Stuart James
1. Jay & Mark Briscoe (TEAM)
2. Super Dragon
3. Dragon Kid
4. Raven
5. Joey Matthews
6. Ultimo Dragon
7. Hallowicked
8. Dragon Dragon
9. Amazing Red
10. Gillberg
11. Jagged
12. Scott Hall
Combat Zone Wrestling – Jarrod Westerfeld
1. Austin Aries
2. The No Remorse Corps of Davey Richards & Rocky Romero (TEAM)
3. Brent Albright
4. PAC
5. Matt Bentley
6. Sterling James Keenan
7. Matt Cross
8. TJ Perkins
9. Scorpio Sky
10. Chad Collyer
11. Christian York
12. Bobby Fish
Ohio Valley Wrestling – Mathew Sforcina
1. Nigel McGuinness
2. Delirious
3. Nick Dinsmore
4. Go Shiozaki
5. The YRR of Kenny King & Jason Blade (TEAM)
6. The Sandman
7. Rob Conway
8. Jigsaw
9. Daniel Puder
10. 2 Cold Scorpio
11. Alkatrazz
12. Dave Prazak
Jersey All-Pro Wrestling – Jeremy Thomas
1. Roderick Strong
2. Jack Evans
3. Steve Corino
4. The Backseat Boyz of Trent Acid & Johnny Kashmere (TEAM)
5. Brian Lawler
6. Scott Taylor
7. Kenny Omega
8. Kid Kash
9. BJ Whitmer
10. Allison Danger
11. Shawn Daivari
12. Daizee Haze
Ring of Honor – Samuel Berman
Keeper: Shingo
1. KENTA
2. “Lightning” Mike Quackenbush
3. Speed Muscle of Naruki Doi & Masato Yoshino (TEAM)
4. Josh Abercrombie
5. “The Last of a Dying Breed” Eddie Kingston
6. Gran Akuma
7. Icarus
8. Susumu Yokosuka
9. Arik Cannon
10. Josh Prohibition
11. Cheech
12. Cloudy
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla – Bayani Domingo
Keeper: “The Generic Luchador” El Generico
1. Chris Hero
2. Low Ki
3. CIMA
4. BxB Hulk
5. The Dynasty of Joey Ryan & Scott Lost (TEAM)
6. Chuck Taylor
7. Teddy Hart
8. Ryo Saito
9. Lince Dorado
10. YAMATO
11. Bryce Remsburg
12. Rebecca Knox
Universal Wrestling Federation – Larry Csonka
Keeper: “Sweet ‘n Sour” Larry Sweeney
1. Larry Zbyszko
2. Chase Stevens & Andy Douglas (TEAM)
3. Sid Vicious
4. “Super Chico” Bryan Alvarez
5. Justin Credible
6. Sean Waltman
7. “The Enforcer” CW Anderson
8. Shiima Xion
9. Ricky Banderas
10. “Tremendous” Tom Lawrence
11. Buff Bagwell
12. Loca Vida
A few brief notes and statistics on this year’s draft:
-The biggest jump by a wrestler would be Shingo moving from 48th to being a keeper selection.
-The wrestler selected highest in 2007 that was went undrafted in 2008 was Ricky Reyes, who was selected as a part of the Havana Pitbulls with the 14th pick in 2007. The singles wrestler selected highest in 2007 that went undrafted in 2008 was Lance Storm who was selected 17th in 2007 but was ineligible this year.
-The only 2007 first round selection to not be drafted in the first round this year was Claudio Castagnoli (drafted 6th as a part of The Kings of Wrestling tag team in 2007). Castagnoli fell all the way to 19th in 2008.
-The wrestler who went undrafted in 2007 but was drafted the highest in 2008 was Larry Zbyszko, drafted 9th overall.
Please be sure to join us next week for Part 3 of the 2008 411Mania Independent Wrestling Draft. Included in that edition will be hype for each company’s first show, as well as a trade update! That’s right, the various owners have been working the phones and we will have trades to announce!
