Forward

Welcome to the first issue of Red’s Ramblings. I’d love to say that there will be
many issues. I’d love to say that it will be enjoyed by the few that take the time
to read the ones I produce. Alas, I try not to deal in guarantees. In fact, let’s be
honest and admit upfront that my life ensures that at most there will be a new
issue once every two months or so, at best. To the second non-committal, I am
making these mainly for myself. You see, I enjoy writing. I especially enjoy it
when it involves subjects that I enjoy. My tastes may not align with your own, but
I do hope that some entertainment is found within these digital pages ahead for
all those who choose to read.
If you are interested in writing something for a future issue, have feedback, or
just want to converse on topics discussed ahead, you can find me here:
Email me @: PWDmediaUSA@Gmail.com

Tweet me @: PWDmedia

Join my wrestling related Facebook group @:

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ISSUE CONTENTS
1.Of Notes February 2018: top things to keep an eye out next month
2.PWD Pro Wrestling Awards 2017: the best of the best in wrestling
3.Red’s Top Fives 2017: take a look at some of my favorite things from last year
4.The Review: my ratings of a variety of subjects
5.Watching Wrestling Weekly: an in depth look at different wrestling shows
 Of Note: February 2018
February has a lot of promise no matter your fandom. Here are my top picks for things to
read, watch, etc. throughout the month.

February 1st Impractical Jokers Season 7

The Tenderloins return for a new season of their hidden camera show.

February 2nd Altered Carbon Season 1

This new Netflix series, based off of a fantastic novel from 2002, could be one of the year’s best shows.

February 7th Aquaman by Peter David Book 1

This is must read material for anyone who thinks Aquaman isn’t worthwhile.

February 9th 2018 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

I’m a die hard hockey fan, and I’m really excited for the games to begin once again.

February 10th New Japan Pro Wrestling New Beginning in Osaka

This show looks pretty stacked. Kitamura continues his trial series against Nagata in what should be a nice, short
open, Ospreay defends his Junior Heavyweight Championship against Hiromu in what promises to be insane,
Goto defends his NEVER Openweight belt against EVIL, and Okada faces SANADA in the main event.

February 11th PROGRESS Chapter 63: Take Me Underground

While no card has been announced, PROGRESS tends to be can’t miss programming more often than not.

February 13th Radiant Historia Perfect

One of the best games ever, remade and expanded. An early game of the year contender.

February 14th Kick-ass Dave Lizewski Years Vol.1-4

Valentine’s Day this year sees the anniversary release of the Kick-ass story in four kickass editions.

February 16th Black Panther

The solo Black Panther film looks to be another enjoyable addition to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. What’s the
over/under on post film clips?

February 17th CHIKARA National Pro Wrestling Day

CHIKARA’s annual free show. What’s better than free?

February 18th EVOLVE 100

EVOLVE has an interesting history, and this is sure to be an amazing addition.

February 20th Metal Gear Survive

I’m cautiously optimistic for the new, very different, addition to the MGS series. How will it fair without Kojima?
 PWD PRO WRESTLING AWARDS 2017
All winners were selected by the members of the Pro Wrestling Discussions
Facebook group. You can join @ Facebook.com/groups/PWDmedia.
BEST MALE WRESTLER-Kazuchika Okada
Let’s be honest and admit that there was very little chance Okada wasn’t going to get the nod here. This ace,
currently in his 4th run as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, surpassed the previous record and became the longest
reigning champion ever, while successfully defending against Omega (2x), Suzuki, Shibata, Fale, Cody, and EVIL.
He came in 1st on the PWI500, won the Tokyo Sports Best Bout Award (for his Omega WK11 clash), and had four
matches that hit five plus stars from WON (including three that broke the system).
Runner Up: Omega

BEST FEMALE WRESTLER-Io Shirai

Joshi ace, Io, takes this one home after an interesting year. She left STARDOM to join WWE and the Mae Young
Classic Tournament, yet a failed physical sent her back to Japan. She might have had some issues in 2017, but she
still proved to be a top-class talent.
Runner Up: Chihiro/Hiroyo (tied)

BEST TEAM-Los Ingobernables de Japon

Bullet Club may be the biggest faction in wrestling right now, but LIJ has won over the hearts of all die-hard
wrestling fans. Naito is obviously a big part of this, but every member of the group is excellent and can work.
Expect the group to remain a fan favorite as long as they continue on this path.
Runner Up: Oedo Tai

BEST PROMOTION-New Japan Pro Wrestling

While many promotions pumped out quality programming last year, no one did so at the rate of New Japan. If
you aren’t watching NJPW…well, why the hell not?
Runner Up: Dragon Gate/All Japan (tied)

BEST WEEKLY SERIES-Ring of Honor TV

Ring of Honor winning this one surprised me a bit, to be honest. It feels like forever ago that ROH was must-see
wrestling, but they’ve at least maintained a decent level of quality either way. My biggest issue with the
company last year was their over-reliance on partner promotions, a noticeable lack of direction, and a feeling
that they have become complacent.
Runner Up: Lucha Underground

BEST MATCH-Okada versus Omega, Wrestle Kingdom 11

The match that broke Meltzer. If ever there was a perfect match, this is it. Truly, this was a classic and one of my
top contests of all time. Go watch this if you missed it. Watch it again even if you have. Just play it on repeat and
enjoy.
Runner Up: Naito/Omega (G1), War Games (NXT), WALTER/Dragunov(wXw) (tied)
BEST SPECIAL EVENT-NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11
I personally gave this show a 90%, meaning it was pretty magical. I gave a rare 5 star review, and nearly had to
give two more. This show truly was amazing, and I am not surprised in the slightest that others felt the same way
that I did about it.
Runner Up: Dragon Gate Gate of Destiny

BEST TOURNAMENT-NJPW G1 Climax

Holy crap. This annual tournament is typically an elite experience, but this was just ridiculous. Too bad Naito’s
win didn’t lead to a championship win at WK12.
Runner Up: AJPW Champion Carnival

BEST TALKER-The Miz

While he’s never been a great in-ring worker, damn can the guy do a good promo. He actually made segments
watchable, and was one of the highlights of WWE in 2017.
Runner Up: Omega, Gibson (tied)

BEST ROOKIE-Yuma Aoyagi

This kid has a great road ahead of him, and his partnership with Nomura has been great. Expect this AJPW
youth to be a big part of the future of puro.
Runner Up: Kitamura

MOST UNDERRATED-Tomohiro Ishii

Ishii is the best active wrestler to never hold a top title. He spent the first few months of the year as a Tag Champ
with CHAOS ally, Toru Yano. He made it to the semi-finals of the New Japan Cup, made it to the finals of the
IWGP US Title Tournament, and had a few classic battles throughout the entire year (especially in the G1).
Runner Up: WALTER, Harper (tied)

MVP-Cody (Rhodes)
This award goes to Cody for a simple reason. Cody helped ROH have a noteworthy year and brought in tons of
casual fans to the product. He held the top title, was the focus of their programming, and arguably helped ROH
more than they helped him. That’s the true sign of an MVP.
Runner Up: Okada

Thanks to the members of PWD for voting

Pro Wrestling Discussions was started by me in attempt of creating a hub for mature wrestling fans, in contrast to
the majority of groups that exist online where most of the members have the IQ of an old potato. Not only will
you be able to converse with people in a respectful manner on the subject of wrestling, but you’ll also be able to
find some of the most knowledgeable people on the internet when it comes to the subject of wrestling. Please,
don’t just join. Add all of your friends that you know to help the workhorse group grow.
 Red’s Top Fives of 2017
Last year featured much more than just fantastic wrestling. Here are my top five things from a variety of
categories.

VIDEO GAMES
1.The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
One of the greatest games I’ve ever played. I cannot say enough about how much I loved this.

2.Persona 5
The latest game in one of my favorite series. Just plain fun.

3.Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Resident Evil returns to form, finally, with this PT style game that delivered in every way.

4.Torment: Tides of Numenera

Planescape was one of the best games of all time in my opinion, and this is a fantastic spiritual sequel.

5.Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon

I still find pleasure in the series, and the latest editions are worthwhile additions, enhancing an already enjoyable
experience.
Honorary mention: Guardians of the Galaxy: Telltale Series

MOVIES
1.Logan
Beautifully done film exceeded my high expectations. Just like The Dark Knight, expect this to be used as target-
to-hit for future contemporaries attempting to succeed at being not just good, but great.

2.Wonder Woman
The best movie in DC’s current universe. Entertaining throughout.

3.Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2

While not as good as the original, I really had fun watching this one.

4.Alient:Covenant
Screw the haters. This was my favorite film in the franchise since Aliens.

5.Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

Checks off the required SW requirements nicely, despite some personal complaints. Still, a good film.
Honorary mention: Get Out
TV SHOWS
1.Stranger Things 2
Better than the first season, somehow. Too short, but I loved every minute.

2.Black Mirror Season 4

The Star Trek themed episode alone made this season great, but I just loved the whole (very short) season as a
whole.

3.Star Trek Discovery Season 1

I love seeing Star Trek go back to their roots while adding to it. While The Orville has been enjoyable, the REAL
Star Trek has been better.

4.Rick and Morty Season 3

Like most listed here, it was far too short. Even so, it was amazing in a way that only Rick and Morty can be.

5.Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return

Not only did they bring back one of the best shows of all time, they did so with Day and Oswalt!!! I was torn
between putting GLOW here instead, but I can’t leave MST3K off of this.
Honorary mention(s):GLOW/Twin Peaks

COMICS
1.Amory Wars (Boom!)
Coheed has been my favorite band for over ten years, and the comic series based on the concept has been can’t
miss.

2.Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Boom!)

Did you like the new film due to it being aimed more at a slightly more mature base? Check this series out. It has
been putting out arcs that are great and leave me wanting the next issue asap.

3.Dark Nights: Metal (DC)

Events have made comics a chore for years, sadly. This is an exception.

4.Mister Miracle (DC)

A true creative masterpiece, and a treat to read.

5.The Mighty Thor (Marvel)

Marvel’s, arguably, best current series. Good writing, good art, good work.
Honorary mention: Black Bolt (Marvel)
ALBUMS
1.Converge-The Dusk In Us
The kings of metalcore reclaim their throne with this powerful release.

2.Archspire-Relentless Mutation
A rare album that is technical enough to listen deeply and heavy enough to just jam. Another great cd from one
of the best bands today.

3.The Faceless-In Becoming a Ghost

The ever-evolving band finally put this out, and it was something I had a hard time putting down.

4.The Contortionist-Clairvoyant
They finally perfected the sound they’ve been working towards with this masterpiece, and I am beyond thrilled to
see what they do next.

5.Godspeed You! Black Emperor-Luciferian Towers

These post-rock titans always impress me, and this was really my favorite Efrim related release since Horses in the
Sky.
Honorary mention(s): Circa Survive-The Amulet/Manchester Orchestra-A Black Mile to the Surface

STANDUP COMEDY SPECIALS

1.Patton Oswalt-Annihilation
Somehow Oswalt made me like him even more here, and rarely have comedy specials made me feel this many
emotions.

2.Jim Gaffigan-Cinco
His work may seem repetitive at times, but when it’s as entertaining as his is I have a hard time complaining too
much.

3. Mike Birbiglia-Thank God for Jokes

Birbiglia has a way of making you feel like you just spent dinner talking with an old friend when you finish one of
his shows, and I love that.

4.Chris Gethard-Career Suicide

Hilarious, yet deep. Gethard is far better than he gets credit for.

5.Sarah Silverman-A Speck of Dusk

I’ve never been a huge fan of Silverman, but she seems to be getting better lately despite being so far into her
career. I didn’t watch a lot of specials or else she’d likely not be here, though, if I am being honest.
Honorary mention: None (didn’t see any others I liked from 2017, sadly.)
 The Review
To close out the first issue, I wanted to review a few things I had entertained myself with this month. Pro wrestling
reviews will remain a PWD group exclusive, but here I will feature movies, seasons of shows, and more.

The Mist Season 1

Stephen King, the legend himself, is well known for his horror masterpieces. Among them sits The Mist, one of my
personal favorites, and a story that has ben influential in the creation of the amazing Silent Hill franchise, a
fantastic Fallout 4 dlc, and more. Seven years ago, a film with Thomas Jane came out, but Jane’s acting
admittedly took away much of the impact in my opinion. So, when I noticed a tv series based on the novella was
on Netflix, I jumped at the chance to check it out. It takes little time before the mist begins to roll into the small
New England town, a smart move considering the small ten-episode season. Character development is handled
decently, though I can’t help but mention that one of the biggest plot twists of the season was far too easy to see
coming (the truth of who raped the protagonist’s daughter). That said, I didn’t see all of the twists coming, and
instead appreciated the times when I was surprised even more. In fact, every time I felt comfortable with the
show, it threw a slow curve ball. If you come into the show without expectation, and enjoy B-style flair, this may
be something you end up loving. My real issue is simply that, like so many shows before it, that The Mist was
cancelled after this single season, and ends on a cliffhanger. Check it out if you have a chance, but give it a few
episodes before deciding to back off completely.
Rating: ***1/4

Pallbearer-Heartless
With most music genres, great bands are rare and a majority are mediocre at best. Pallbearer are one of the
former, when it comes to doom metal. Heartless, their third full length album, came out last year on my birthday.
I somehow missed the release, only noticing it a few weeks ago. Better late than never, though. This time around,
Pallbearer added a nice extra taste of prog to the flavor, making a beauty and the beast style tone exist
throughout its’ hour-long. There is a true depth here rarely seen, and Pallbearer have truly perfected their style
with this adventurous outing. I am sure I will be returning to this one.
Rating: ****

Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone

I found my collection of DBZ films recently and decided to rewatch them, starting from the beginning. Dead Zone
was never one of my favorites, and truly is a movie I barely remembered when I put it on. I expected, as a result,
to forget it again shortly after, but there was more here this time around than I had remembered. Due to it’s
short run time, it does feel like a long episode instead of a full feature. This creates a fast pace, but it loses
something as a result. The good news is that the villains, Garlic Jr and his companions, are decent threats and the
fight scenes are actually very well done. Seeing Garlic suffer the fait of Niobe was a good call based on what
character development they actually did have time for. This movie actually takes place prior to the first season of
Dragon Ball Z, despite a few consistency issues, so if you choose to go back and watch the classic series again, you
could consider starting here. Despite the good things the film has going for it, there just isn’t enough here to really
make it required viewing. Next issue I will review the second film.
Rating: ***
 Watching Wrestling Weekly
I wanted to end the issue with this, and I hope it is the most beneficial addition for most who are reading this. I understand how easy it is for
wrestling fans to remain within a locked Titan Tower shaped room, ignoring other companies due to various reasons. I also understand that
doing so is a great disservice. One of the most persistent reasons, though, that I hear when talking to someone who has never really branched
out is that they don’t know where to look. Well, here you go. Below is a look at a few wrestling programs that air weekly, a little bit of info on
them, and how to watch them, organized by the day they air. Obviously, I won’t be listing WWE shows. I’ll also add more in future issues, but
here’s a quick list to get you started.

MONDAY
Ring of Honor TV: ROH’s weekly show, which tends to be one of the best ways for people to branch out, airs several different places including
watchcharge, the fight network, stadium, a few local networks, and their own site (which is mainly where I watch it). Most seem to, instead,
view it on Fite TV, where it airs at 7 pm (ET).

CMLL Puebla: One of CMLL’s lesser shows, the Puebla events still provide an alternative to those looking to check out something different.
This airs on YouTube each week around 10 pm (ET).

TUESDAY
CMLL Mexico: Like the Puebla event on Monday, this too tends to be a throwaway edition of CMLL. That said, there are some gems to be
found for those who persist. It airs at 8:30 pm (ET) on YouTube.

WEDNESDAY
Lucha Underground: While the show does have long gaps between seasons, when it does air (on El Rey) it is one of the best sources of
wrestling in the world, blending top shelf lucha libre talent with Wrestling Society X and B-movie plots blended perfectly together.

CWF Mid-Atlantic Worldwide: A hidden gem of wrestling, CWF Mid-Atlantic has a nice cult following. Trevor Lee, who many may know from
Impact or his nice collection of PWG matches, holds the show on his back while carrying the top belt, but you’ll quickly find more talent to fall
in love with. Check it out weekly on YouTube.

Women of Honor: ROH’s weekly YouTube special, featuring the ladies of the company. Though short, each only featuring a single match that
rarely lasts longer than ten minutes, I still suggest checking it out as the company adds more emphasis on the division.

THURSDAY
Impact Wrestling: I know, they get a lot of hate. More than half of it is deserved. That said, they still have a very talented lineup of workers,
and they’re one of the easiest ways for sports entertainment fans to branch out. If you are interested in checking them out, watch them on
Pop at 8 pm (ET).

FRIDAY
New Japan on AXS: Want to watch the best wrestling in the world, but really want English commentary? NJPW airs on delay at 8 pm (ET) on
AXS for you.

CMLL Viernes: This is CMLL’s big show each week, airing on Claro at 9:30 pm (ET) and then added to YouTube shortly after. If you really
want to check out the kings of lucha libre, this is the show to watch.

Defiant Wrestling: The former WCPW, Defiant has built an interesting name for itself. If you would like to check out some hot talent, consider
checking out this WWE style UK series on YouTube each Friday.

SATURDAY
AAA Worldwide: Miss the attitude era? Interested in lucha libre? If those two questions pertain to you, consider checking out AAA on
YouTube. They tend to add new episodes each Saturday.

Innovate Wrestling: Formerly known as NWA Smoky Mountain, this workhorse company is well known as being one of the best indie feds in
the United States. They add new episodes their YouTube, and I would recommend watching at least one to see what you think.

Championship Wrestling From Hollywood: NWA buddy, CWFH, is a fun experience with a show that strives to bring you back for more. Check
local listings or just watch them Sunday on Fitetv.

SUNDAY
Reality of Wrestling: Booker T’s Texas based company adds their show to YouTube each week, and also airs locally on the CW in some areas,
and on FiteTV as well.
 The End
2018 is going to be another interesting year. I, personally, will get to watch my kids grow older. I, personally, will
be moving into a new house. I, personally, will continue to watch politicians make asses of themselves while
spreading their lobbyist’s opinions to their base of sponges. I will watch Netflix and Amazon Prime, seeking shows
to help me stay awake when my kids decide that sleep is for suckers. I will watch hours of wrestling looking for
amazing matches and will once again be rewarded for my dedication, yet also suffer through equal or greater
amounts of average clashes. I will try to find time on the side to play videogames, record music, and write future
issues of this ezine, yet struggle to do so. Truly, this will be another year where I have a large to-read list of novels
yet most of the books will remain on a book shelf to collect dust. I will try to play DnD and other tabletop games
with friends but fail to do so at a consistent rate. I look forward to seeing what happens this year, and I hope
everyone reading this enjoys as much of it as possible. Remember, the struggle is worth it more often than not.
Thank you for reading.