As I See It: Hardy's Latest Arrest, The Holidays, The Indy Wrestling Scene & More

This Thursday is Thanksgiving. As I ask each year, please e-mail any announcements about scheduled Holiday charitable-themed (fund-raisers for clothes, food pantries or Toys for Toys) wrestling or MMA events to bobmagee1@hotmail.com or bobmagee856@gmail.com.

More on that in a moment...

First up, wrestling fans watched Matt Hardy continue his self-destructive behavior last week, as he was taken to jail, and is being held in the Moore County Detention Center on $1,000,000 bail after he was kicked out of a WWE-sponsored rehab facility as the result of failing a Breathalyzer test.

This was just another in the series of chapters in the endless lunatic newsreel that Hardy's addictive behavior has caused, including an August 2011 DWI arrest, and subsequent release by TNA. Four days later, Hardy was rushed to an emergency room, after "falling down in his home" Just days later, on August 30, Hardy posted a video on YouTube with the following: "Goodbye, World... My time here is almost complete... I only have a few hours and minutes... I loved you all... Regardless of how you felt about me... I'll miss you all... September 23, 1974 – August 31, 2011." After police were called to his house by people fearing the worst, Hardy later claimed it was an "attention-grabbing stunt and was never intended as a suicide note.

Two weeks later, Hardy was arrested on another DWI charge. He was then was arrested again on September 14, when his girlfriend called 911, claiming that he was "strung out on pills and needed help" (but later denied she made such a call). Steroids, Ecstasy, drug paraphernalia were found and Hardy was charged of possession with intent to sell or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, maintaining a drug dwelling and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On September 19, Hardy announced that he was going to check himself into a WWE-sponsored rehabilitation center for the next three months (which he had to do as a condition of release from custody). He remains in jail as of this writing. His girlfriend Reby Sky has publicly refused to bail him out.

At this point, nothing less than time in jail and a mandatory drug treatment program while inside is going to stop Hardy from this self-destructive behavior. Hardy clearly is unable and unwilling to control his addictions, and he has far too many people in his life who are willing to enable him to do so.

There was a very sadly ironic event that occurred the same day Hardy tested positive. As part of my job, I occasionally assist Admissions staff with on-campus and off-campus events. Last week, I went to a local youth facility operated by the Philadelphia Prison System for a Career Day. Almost at the same time that Hardy was testing positive, I watched as a young woman, probably no older than 16 walked up toward my school's table with clear evidence on her arm of having shot up... and fairly recently at that. Hopefully, she is young to learn, is within a system that will force her to at least get lessons on her addiction, and won't have the same enablers in her life as Matt Hardy has in his.

Now, to something far more positive...the holidays and independent wrestling's observations of the holiday spirit.

The Des Moines, IA based 3XWrestling proudly presents its annual November supershow, November Knockout 3: Black Friday, on November 25 at the Barratta's@Forte Grand Ballroom in downtown Des Moines. The stacked card of Midwest all-stars includes two major championship matches and two massive multi-man elimination tag team matches, a November tradition in 3XWrestling.

3XW's October event, Halloween Horror 4, saw the introduction of dramatic live production changes, including an enhanced sound system, specialized lighting displays and the use of video projection equipment throughout the event. Look for even more exciting additions to the live event experience at November Knockout 3: Black Friday! 3XW is also assisting the annual U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation campaign. If able, 3XW asks that fans bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event to donate and help a child in need over the winter holidays.

The first independent or mainstream wrestling promotion in the Delaware Valley to do Toys for Tots collections was United Wrestling Coalition, which has been performing family style independent professional wrestling events for 15 years. They have become known for their annual Toys for Tots Pro Wrestling Toy Drive, held annually at Burlington County College. In fact, December 3rd will feature their 15th annual event! The December 3rd Toys for Tots event is FREE, when fans bring and donate a new unwrapped toy. For more information, contact Lois Thomas at 609-792-9328

W.A.R. WRESTLING presents?"FANSGIVING" on Saturday, November 26th, at the UAW Hall 1440 Bellefontaine Ave. in Lima, OH. Doors open at 6 pm, Bell time at 7 pm. $5 Donation for General Admission /$10 Donation for Reserved Front Row Seating

W.A.R. Wrestling has teamed up with Unleashed Youth Ministries, the West Ohio Food Bank, and its fans for aFOOD DRIVE & FUNDRAISING event to benefit the West Ohio Food Bank.

A $10 donation will score you reserved ringside seating and a $5 donation will get you general admission seating for this amazing event. You can also attend this event for 3 canned goods donation. Advance Tickets at Rigali's Pizza Village and Groamy's CD's & Tapes in Lima, OH starting on Sunday November 6th. Canned goods WILL NOT be accepted at advance ticket outlets, they will ONLY be accepted at the door.

W.A.R. Wrestling is also looking for local sponsors for this event to help maximize the donation to the food bank. Anyone wanting more information on how to support this amazing event and cause to fight hunger in the Lima, Ohio area please contact us at facebook.com/WARWrestling.

The food bank supplies 170 soup kitchens in an 11 county area in the state of Ohio. In the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the food bank served close to 5 million meals!!! A $5 donation to the food bank buys 125lbs worth of food and can feed 2 families of 4 for 3 days!!! W.A.R. Wrestling knows the needs, especially during the holiday season, and wants to help end hunger in the area.

Already signed for this huge and historic event?

Steel Cage Match for the W.A.R. Wrestling Championship:
W.A.R. Wrestling Champion – "Poison" Appollo Starr defends against Kaden Assad

W.A.R. Wrestling Tag Team Title Tournament Semi-Finals & Finals:
6 teams will face off in the semi-finals in 2 Triple-Threat Tag Team Matches.
The Scarbonis vs. The Painkillers vs.. Team VD
Badd Company vs. Old School Empire vs. The Dillingers
Winners will face each other in the finals to crown the new W.A.R. Wrestling Tag Team Champions!

Also featuring?Chance Prophet, "Bad Attitude" Brian Beech, Gutter, Ryan Edmonds, Joe Brooks, Cody Hawk, "Astonishing" Aaron Williams, Juice Jennings, Jeff Cannon, Mr. Main Event, Ripper Blackhart, Ernie Ballz, Vinny From Jersey

Sponsored in part by: Monster Energy Drinks, Howard Johnson of Lima, Groamy's CD's & Tapes, Rigali's Pizza Village, Bright Ideas, Special K DJ & Karaoke, D & J Toys, Wingate By Wyndham-Lima.

Visit our website for more information on this great event at www.WARWrestling.com or visit us on Facebook.

Across the Atlantic, the UK's Power Trip Wrestling presents "Keep The Faith" on Wednesday, November 30 at the Stopsley Working Men's Club, Luton, LU2 8HG in a A fundraising show for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Doors open 7pm, Show starts 7.30pm Tickets are just £5 each. Reserve tickets now by ringing 07594 304455.

Matches Announced :

The Main Event will see: PTW World Champion Tommy Martins has clearly upset the management, and now has to face three opponents of P.T. Player's choicein a gauntlet match – and only the PTW World Title is on the line! First Tommy Martins will have to face off against his close friend 'Essex Boi' Danny Jonez, then a mystery opponent, and then 'South African Superstar' Zizou Middoux! Will Tommy Martins be able to defy the odds against him in this gauntlet match, devised by the evil 'Inked Up Icon' P.T. Player?!

* PTW World Champion 'South African Superstar' Zizou Middoux w/P.T. Player vs. 'High Stakes' Tommy Martins vs vs mystery opponent vs 'Essex Boi' Danny Jonez

* Triple Threat 'Cruiserweight Chaos' Match :
Lewy 'Ripper' Paradise vs. Steve Omega vs. Alex Young

* Tag Team Match :
'The Business' – Anton Green & Gabriel Myers vs. Arashi & Stevie James

* Singles Match :
Wolf vs. Psycho Steve!

* A 10 man 'over the top rope' Battle Royal, featuring Luton based PTW wrestlers CJ Gunner, and Steven Devine!

* More matches to be announced, with appearances from PTW stars such as 'Teetotal' Thomas Stevens, Mason Storm, Jordan E, Big Daddy Dom, and more!

Power Trip Wrestling – "Because it's sport.....AND entertainment!"

South Philadelphia will be busy this year, with two more Toys for Tots events at The Arena in Philadelphia. Arena management, as they have for the last seven years, has offered to have the collections done at more events during the Holiday season than in the past.

Collections will be features at the CHIKARA Joshi Mania show on December 2, featuring Joshi legends Aja Kong and Manami Toyota, as well as talent from Japanese women's promotions Osaka Women's Pro, JWP, Sendai Girls, WAVE and Union Pro.

Then, just hours later, on Saturday, December 3, not only will CZW host its biggest event this year, "Cage of Death 13" at the Asylum Arena in Philadelphia, but it will be a double header with Japanese promotions K-Dojo, DDT, Freedoms, and BJW! The Indie Wrestling Summit kicking off the day at 1PM.

Here's the current card...

*BJW's Jaki Numazawa & FREEDOM's Jun Kasai vs. BJW's Ryuji Ito & CZW's Danny Havoc
*Dick Togo vs. Kudo
*FREEDOMS' Kamui & CZW's Devon Moore vs. CZW's Philly's Most Wanted
*DDT's Danshoku Dieno vs. CZW owner DJ Hyde
*Sami Callihan vs. Yoshihito Sasaki
*FREEDOMS' Takashi Sasaki & K-Dojo's Kengo Mashimo vs. Drake Younger & MASADA

Then at 7:30 pm, it's Cage of Death 13 with the following matches scheduled:

CZW World Heavyweight Championship – Cage of Death 13
'NOTORIOUS' DEVON MOORE (c) vs. MASADA vs. SCOTTY VORTEKZ vs. 'THE EGO' ROBERT ANTHONY

CZW World Jr. Heavyweight Championship
'DEATH MACHINE' SAMI CALLIHAN (c) vs. A.R. FOX

Challenge Answered
PHILLY'S MOST WANTED (JOKER & BLK JEEZ) vs. 'NOTORIOUS 187' HOMICIDE & EDDIE KINGSTON

The Trial Continues...
'DEATHMATCH DRUNKARD' DANNY HAVOC vs 'THE BULLDOZER' MATT TREMONT

GE picks the stip!
D.J. HYDE vs. GREG EXCELLENT

Brother vs Brother
CZW Wired TV Champion JAKE CRIST vs. DAVE CRIST

Wrestling Bus Trips will present their annual pilgrimage to CZW's big day, picking up at the following times and locations:

10:00 AM White Castle parking lot (89-03 57th Avenue) in Elmhurst, NY – one block walk from Queens Center Mall.
...
10:30 AM The Hammerstein Ballroom (311 West 34th Street and 8th Avenue) in Manhattan, NY – one block walk from Madison Square Garden/Penn Station; one subway stop from Times Square.

11:15 AM The Rahway Recreation Center (275 East Milton Avenue) in Rahway, NJ

The price of the trip will be $130, which includes tickets to both events, round trip transportation, a tip for driver, a special exclusive event in between shows and more to be announced. The cost increase is due to the amount of hours needed for the bus due to the early bell time of the first event and its pre-show meet and greet.

For more details, email WrestlingBusTrip@gmail.com

For attending the events organized this year, we ask that you please bring an unwrapped toy to the Asylum Arena; and donate it to the Toys or Tots program, who will have collection bins at the entrance of the Arena. The mission and goal of the Toys for Tots program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. Though a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope is delivered to less fortunate children that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

Delaware's Dynamite Championship Wrestling presents "Tables, Ladders, and Toys for Tots" on December 3 at the Farmington Fire House, in Farmington, DE; sponsored by Harro Athletics and Farmington Fire Department with a 6:00 pm belltime. The show wil lfeature 2 ladder matches and 2 tables matches. Tickets arev on sale now $10 advance/$15 at the door with a toy donation. Local toy drop off locations will be announced. Call 302-331-5408 for your advance tickets today. For more information, visit DCW online at dcwprowrestling.com.

On December 4, NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood will be teaming with the United States Marine Corps and their Toys for Tots program. The mission of the Toys for Tots program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during the months leading up to Christmas and distribute those toys as gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. "We're happy to be working with the Marines this year on the Toys for Tots program. Our fans have never let us down when we've asked them for help and we anticipate hundreds of new, unwrapped toys to be collected at the Glendale Studios on the 4th," said NWA Producer Rod Dovlin. Coinciding with the Toys for Tots drive is the monthly NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood/KDOC-TV taping. This event has a 3:00PM bell time and will be open to the public absolutely free! A full card will be released in the coming days. Tickets will be available at the door and guests will be seated on a "first-come, first-served" basis. The Glendale Studios is located at 1239 South Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA.

Chicago's Chicago Style Wrestling will do its Toys for Tots show on December 9th at the Pyramid Club, 236 West Lake Street, Addison, IL (doors open 7:00pm/8:00 pm belltime). Admission is one unwrapped toy.

Zero1 Pro Wrestling USA Brew City returns on Friday, December 9 with "Headlock For Hunger" at the Knights of Columbus, 1800 S. 92 St. in West Allis, WI. Bell time is 7:30pm, doors open at 6:30pm and tickets are $15. There will be baskets at the front door for Food For Families with St. Aloysius Parish in West Allis. This is the time of year where unfortunate families are in need through these struggling times. See it in your heart to help them. Please bring a non-perishable food item for those in need for the Holidays. Featured match is a Zero1 Pro Wrestling USA Midwest Championship match with "King of Old School" Steve Corino (C) vs.- Cadillac" Nick Colucci. Go to https://brewcitywrestling1.com for more information.

Delaware's Power Pro Wrestling, who presents Over The Top For Toys for Tots on Saturday, December 10 at the Ellendale Fire Department Hall in Ellendale, DE with a 7:00 pm belltime, featuring Shane Douglas and the Briscoe Brothers.

North American Wrestling will hold NAW Season”s Beatings in Fresno, CA at the Fresno Super Mall, 1050 W. Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA Saturday, on December 17 (3:00 pm belltime). For information, go to North American Wrestling's Facebook page.

Until next time...