Author: Evan Ginzburg

The Wrestling and Hip-Hop Connection with Imperial World Wrestling (IWW): Present One Division Rumble Imperial World Wrestling (IWW) is a sports brand owned by the Imanii Labels Network. Based out of Queens, New York, they have a unique mix of wrestling, fashion, Hip-Hop, dance, and more for a youth-oriented, appreciative urban crowd. Imperial World Wrestling has officially purchased One Division Pro. Both companies will still be featured on one brand. On June 12th 1DP/IWW presented the One Division Rumble live from Queens, NY. Rapper David Sincere backed by a full dance crew in-ring, warmed up the crowd on the card.…

My friend, Melissa Coates was a champion bodybuilder gracing the covers of innumerable fitness mags around the world, a professional wrestler (and later valet as Sabu’s “Super Genie”) who appeared on a WWE PPV, acted in a variety of independent films, and was a dear friend of mine who was at my wedding. I am devastated to learn of her death this past Wednesday, June 23rd. I was chatting with her via Instant Messenger just the other day and while I never could have imagined it would be our very last discussion, the words are so much more meaningful and…

When It Was – My Life On Both Sides of the Camera By Scott Romer & John Cosper Scott Romer is that Damon Runyonesque character deserving of a book. Describing himself as a world-renowned photographer, he has shot wrestlers, boxers, hall of fame athletes, dignitaries, and world leaders for nearly 50 years. He has also been a wrestler, announcer, manager, boxer, and so much more. The man wasn’t cut out to be a 9 to 5er. In short and sweet anecdotes by Romer and his equally colorful colleagues, he opens the door for you to enter into worlds where boxing…

Jeanne Basone is a professional wrestler, actress, model, artisan soapmaker, and stuntwoman. She is best known by her ring name Hollywood in the women’s wrestling syndicated television show, G.L.O.W., Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Basone was the first G.L.O.W. girl hired and the only one to appear in all episodes of the show from the pilot through the final season. She and her costars were recently honored by the Cauliflower Alley Club, a fraternal professional wrestling organization, for their achievements in helping break the glass ceiling in the sport. On Wrestling & Everything Coast to Coast, Jeanne Basone discusses wrestling, television,…

Carlos came from a family of professional wrestlers and entertainers. His father and uncle were masked Luchadors called The Silver Angels, Carlos (Los) Espada. His mother was also a Luchadora called the Black Widow. She would fill in for the female wrestlers that wouldn’t show up for events. Carlos learned two very important things from his father: “The more you know, the more you earn” & “never do things halfway.”  To this day, those inspirational words are the fuel that pushes Los to take on every task with passion and intensity. Losing himself in the creative flow of any project…

I have done radio, TV, and film for over 30 years and few folks I’ve encountered have as eclectic a resume as Joey Cassata. This is just a brief overview of this multi-talented individual who has a lifelong passion for professional wrestling. _________________ Joey Cassata is a drummer/actor/writer/producer. After touring the country with his original band, ZO2, with such acts as Kiss, Alice Cooper, Scorpions, Dream Theater, Stone Temple Pilots & Twisted Sister, Joey starred, Co-Wrote & Co-produced the hit IFC comedy series Z Rock. The premise: “Rock Band by Night, Kids Band by Day.” The cast and guest stars…

When you attend live wrestling events for 37 years and literally around the world, there’s not a whole lot of firsts. And it’s hard to impress this jaded old-schooler. Well, this was my first live Dragon Gate show. And I was, shockingly, more than impressed. In the opening spotfest, current indie darling Sami Callihan reigned supreme. This was Caleb Konley vs. Flip Kendrick vs. Jon Davis vs. Louis Lyndon vs. Pinkie Sanchez vs. Rich Swann vs. Sami Callihan vs. Scott Reed, wherein they exhibited a barrage of impressively insane moves. This was Dragon Gate USA Uprising 2011 and my perspective…

A- 3,000 Approx MCU Park Brooklyn, NY 7/21/12 Mr. Anderson W. Robbie E. 2* More comedy shtick than actual wrestling. Entertaining but instantly forgettable Rosita W Gail Kim 1 ½* Over before you blinked and didn’t much matter. RVD W Kazarian 2* Big pop for RVD. Match nothing one will ever remember. AJ Styles W Jeff Hardy 2 ½* Eight-minute matches shouldn’t have lengthy rest holds. Felt Rushed. Disappointing. Sting W Bully Ray No DQ Falls Count Anywhere 3* Sting by far biggest fan reaction of the night. Exciting 12-minute brawl throughout stadium into stands. This was a TNA IMPACT…

New Japan Pro Wrestling presents pro wrestling as “The King of Sports.” No silicone-enhanced Divas. No lowbrow angles, no bad comedy. No stilted dialogue or obnoxious announcers made part of the show. Just athletes coming out and giving you their heart and soul. Imagine that in 2011. This was my NJPW Live NYC review from 5/14/11. https://youtu.be/slPV_yqsLr4 This review was day two of a three day East Coast tour, and the only show I attended. In short, I was glad I did. Kenny Omega vs. Josh Daniels was a fine opener emphasizing wrestling and great highspots. I probably won’t remember…

I finally sat down and watched Ted DiBiase’s 2017 documentary, The Price of Fame. As a huge fan of  Dibiase from his earliest days as a face in WWWF where he and Pat Patterson would have some of the greatest live matches I’d ever seen for the then “North American Title” to his later reincarnation as “The Million Dollar Man” where he was as tremendous a heel as ever set foot in the ring, I always had a deep respect for him as one of the all-time best. I’d also met him a few times over the years, starting with…