COLUMN: Striker Takes A Look At What Got Us To 100

Greetings once again fellow space travelers, to another great addition of Pillar to Post. Do you like how I just validate my own column by calling it “great?” I have no real criteria to say it’s great, I just run with it. I guess you can decide for yourself when this journey is over. Before we depart, have you noticed that Facebook, Twitter, and CLASHWRESTLING.COM are going supernova with activity about 100? No? Are you living in a cave? Are you Tyler Elkins? Wake up people, 100 is approaching like a meteor!

I firmly believe this will be the greatest and biggest show in CLASH Wrestling history! I also believe there’s no better way to grow anticipation for the biggest event ever than by looking back at the events that got us to this point. So return your chairs to their upright and locked position, put away your tray tables, and turn off all electronic devises (except for the one you are using to read this) because today we’re looking at the top events in CLASH history as we go Pillar to Post.

#4: 3rd Annual Triple Crown Cup (March 28, 2010)
Like 100, Triple Crown Cup was a night of shock and surprises. It also has the distinction of featuring the first ever womens match in CLASH Wrestling history. The show had some great matches on it and the Triple Crown Cup has been a respected and distinguished honor in CLASH.

Then: Truth Martini belittled Mena Libra’s victory and said that women had no place in CLASH Wrestling.
Now: At 100, Truth Martini will be giving a “State of CLASH” address. What he has to say is anyone’s guess, but I’m sure it will be a major shake-up.

#3: The Future is Unwritten (October 23, 2010)
The Future is Unwritten is a great example of what CLASH wrestling is: entertainment from start to end. There were many great matches, engaging moments like the “rebirth” of William J. O’Malley and even a CLASH Wrestling costume contest that I should have won!

Then: Tommy Treznik defeated Dave Manzo. Despite the loss, the match was a turning point for the “Swagg Starr” and pushed him to new levels of success.
Then: Hakeem Zane picked up a tag win for his team, before being attacked by Ded Vaughn.
Now: At 100, both men are looking for a better night, but only one can walk out victorious as Zane takes on Manzo.

Then: Will Vendetta retired and William J. O’Malley was introduced.
Then: “The Elder Statesman” Gideon Malice came up short against Cameron Skyy.
Now: At 100, O’Malley and Malice (Sons Of Sanity) will be teaming with a mystery partner to take on the CLASH Wrestling Super Squad of the Power Rangers and Marvelocity.

#2: NPCI 2008 Tournament (June 14, 2008)
The 2008 NPCI sent a message about CLASH wrestling. It said, loudly and clearly, that CLASH wrestling will feature the best tag team action in the midwest. Interestingly, this show featured a taste of things to come as it saw Tyler Elkins take on Cameron Skyy in an effort to become CLASH Champion. This event also marked the formation of The H3RD.

Then: Skyy Defeated Elkins to retain the CLASH Championship.
Now: Skyy and Elkins both look to get back into the title picture. Skyy can do so by defeating Shark Boy while Elkins has to go through the Man-Beast Rhyno.

Then: The H3RD was formed.
Now: The current H3RD, Tommy Treznik and Ded Vaughn defend their titles against Too Sweet. Former H3RD members will also be featured, with Austin Manix taking on Jimmy Jacobs and the Painkillers squaring off against “Amazing” N8 and Mena Libra.

#1: Seize The Day I (January 5, 2008)
The event that started it all. How can you look at an event to be the show that will change everything without looking at the show that already did change everything? Seize The Day put CLASH on the map and made it an overnight hit. When fans poured into the Taylor Town Trade Center for Seize the Day I, two things were instantly clear: first, that CLASH Wrestling provided high quality entertainment, solid matches, and a great value, and second that there were fans in Taylor and all over downriver Michigan that had a desire to see some great professional wrestling.

Then: “Ace High” Cameron Skyy defeated Gavin Quinn, Tommy Treznik, and J. Miller to become the first ever CLASH Champion.
Now: Quinn looks to defend that very same title. As CLASH Champion, he’ll take on Petey Williams in a rematch that promises to be a true classic.

Looking back I can’t help but be excited. All the history, all the lessons learned, every moment leads us to one conclusion: 100 cannot be missed. I hope you’ve all enjoyed the history lesson, I’ll see you on August 6th. In the meantime, remember to check back often because you never know when John Striker will take you Pillar to Post!

COLUMN: John Striker’s Seize The Day IV Predictions!

Hello fans and welcome once again to the greatest thing to happen to CLASH Wrestling since the wrestling, Pillar to Post! As always, I am your venerable wordsmith, your stupefying luminary of belletristic erudition (Look it up kids, it’ll do you some good!), John Striker. Today’s Pillar to Post will, like the last star-studded edition, lack the familiar feel of a traditional Pillar to Post. Expand your minds and embrace the change.

This week, I’ll be predicting the winners to CLASH’s biggest event, Seize the Day IV. It’s worth repeating that I’m the only person this side of the Mason-Dixon line to correctly predict that Tyler Elkins would capture the CLASH Championship at last year’s Seize The Day. I also am the foremost expert on “The Curse of the CLASH Championship” having first discovered the evil pattern and having researched it extensively. The bottom line: when I predict things, you’d better listen to what I have to say! Let’s take a look at the scheduled matches:

#1 Contenders Fatal Four Way: The H3RD vs. Sons of Sanity vs. Wreckingforce vs. Victorious Secret
This is a very tough match to call. The H3RD have the mastermind Tommy Treznik behind them. Sons Of Sanity (Malice & O’Malley) are looking to establish themselves as a tag team and stepping up at Seize the Day would really put them on the map. Wreckingforce was a great tag team in the past, and have the biggest two guys in CLASH Wrestling. Victorious Secret have been in the thick of the tag team division for some time now, and is a well established tag team in their own right. It’s a tough call, but I have to go with the team that has the most chance of “outside” assistance.
Pick: The H3RD via pinfall.

CLASH Tag Team Championship: Too Sweet vs. Bump N’ Uglies
The Bump N’ Uglies have shown that they’re willing to do whatever it takes to win back those titles. They’ve turned their backs on the fans, their friends, and possibly even Mama Ugly. That being said, the Tag Team Champions are beyond red hot right now, and I don’t think they’re able to be extinguished yet.
Pick: Too Sweet retains via pinfall.

Antidote Ladder Match: Tommy Treznik vs. Dave Manzo
I’m not entirely sure how this match will work, but I don’t think that any amount of superhero strength will prevent Treznik from winning this one. Don’t get me wrong, I think Manzo is certainly capable of beating Treznik any night of the week, but just as in the tag team number one contender’s match, the H3RD will be in Treznik’s corner, ready to overcome anything Manzo can throw at them, including super strength.
Pick: Tommy Treznik via forcing Manzo to drink the antidote.

Grudge Match: Tyler Elkins vs. Cameron Skyy
This is the match I am personally most looking forward to seeing. These two have a rich and storied history. Friends, competitors, enemies, and it’s finally all coming to a head. Tyler Elkins has always been in Skyy’s shadow, an afterthought. It’s always been Cameron Skyy and HIS friend, Tyler Elkins, not Elkin’s friend Skyy. As great a competitor as Skyy is, he’s also more likely to show compassion for Elkins, a sympathy for the situation that their divergent paths have caused. Elkins will be fierce and determined. I’m picking the victory of the shadow over the man.
Pick: “Caveman” Tyler Elkins via submission.

1 Year in the Making: Mena Libra vs. Truth Martini
This match is going to be a huge disappointment to so many fans in CLASH Wrestling. That’s not to say that it won’t be entertaining, even competitive maybe, but people actually think that Mena Libra has a chance of defeating CLASH CEO Truth Martini. Sorry people, but reality, the truth, is going to set in at Seize the Day. While Mena has been an entertaining wrestler, and holds victories over several independent women wrestlers, she has only once stepped into the ring with someone as talented as Truth Martini. That match ended in GQ defeating her. Truth Martini is a world class athlete and a great wrestler. End of story.
Pick: Truth Martini via pinfall.

CLASH Championship: X-Pac vs. Gavin Quinn
Everyone’s psyched to see X-Pac at Seize the Day and I’m certainly looking forward to seeing the unique style and offense he brings with him. X-Pac has been everywhere and done it all. What he’s not going to be able to do, however, is defeat GQ. I know, you’re skeptical, but Quinn is CLASH Champion for a reason. He is on top of his game, and on top of the wrestling world. There’s no way I can imagine him letting himself lose that belt, yet alone to an “outsider”. Gavin Quinn is far too stubborn, and far too strong willed to let himself lose that belt. I am tempted to pick X-Pac via DQ or Count-Out, but I’m going to put my faith in our champion instead.
Pick: Gavin Quinn via Pinfall.

So there you have it, it’s practically in stone. I’m never wrong, so why start now? If you think I’m wrong on any of these matches, you’ll have your chance to prove me wrong on Saturday! See you at Seize the Day IV!
John Striker

COLUMN: John Striker Presents His 2010 CLASH Awards!

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen to a star studded evening of extraordinary literary proportions. This is a very special addition of Pillar to Post. Of course, every edition of Pillar to Post is very special, but this one somehow rises above. Now if you’re privileged enough to be my friend on Facebook, or smart enough to be a fan of “Clash Pro” then you should’ve seen my poll asking for the fans input on the best of the best of 2010. If not, shame on you, but you can vote anyway if you want your voice to be heard. So, let’s get into it the 2010 John Striker CLASH Wrestling Awards. I will give the top few fan picks as well as the percent of overall votes that person received, followed by my choice and why you fans either got it right or wrong.

Favorite CLASH Employee
This category was designed to give the respect due to those of us who ply our craft outside of the squared circle. I took myself and CLASH Radio off the list, because, above all else I’m a fair and honorable person.

Fans Pick: Merch Girls 45%
B 10%
Martin 10%
Corky Robinson 10%

John Stiker’s Pick: B
The fans clearly wanted the merch girls and, while they are good at what they do, and look and smell much better than B, I have to give my props and respect to the man. He has a lot of information to memorize, an important job in relating information to you, the fans, and at one point even managed to weasel his way in as CEO of CLASH Wrestling. What’s not to love?

Most Overlooked
This goes to the guy or guys who are very good at what they do and might not get the opportunity they deserve to be on top.

Fans Pick: The Pain Killers 33%
Wreckingball 28%
William J O’Malley 10%

John Striker’s Pick: William J. O’Malley
The Pain Killers are very good but with Tommy Treznik and The H3RD they will have plenty of opportunity to make an impact. Wreckingball has also had plenty of moments to shine, including opportunities to win the CLASH Championship. O’Malley hasn’t, and that’s why he wins this award.

Next Big Thing
This goes to the wrestler or wrestlers who we think will have the best 2011. Plain and simple, and a close contest.

Fans Pick: Too Sweet 20%
Wreckingball 18%
Mena Libra 8%

John Striker’s Pick: Too Sweet
The fans were very unsure on this category. They seem to be very optimistic about a lot of people. In fact, 33% of the votes went to someone other than the top 5 vote getters. That being said, I agree with the most popular pick, Too Sweet. They’re the new CLASH Tag Team Champions and they’ve got all the momentum heading into 2011.

Rookie of the Year
While the last award was who you are expecting great things from, the rookie of the year award honors the wrestler or team who broke out in 2010 and is now engrained in the hearts of all the CLASH fans.

Fans Pick: Mena Libra 30%
Too Sweet 18%
Austin Manix 13%
Bump N’ Uglies 13%

John Striker’s Pick: Mena Libra
Mena’s rise has been meteoric, largely due to her year long feud with CLASH CEO Truth Martini. Things are coming to a head at Seize The Day, so make sure you attend!

Best Feud
What two or more wrestlers had the most interesting interactions in 2010?

Fans Pick: Mena Libra & Truth Martini 38%
Cameron Skyy & Tyler Elkins 18%
Gavin Quinn and Rave Killbourn 6%

John Stiker’s Pick: Mena Libra & Truth Martini
The fans got it right again. It’s been a great year for Mena Libra and it’s great to see her rise from camera operator to CLASH competitor. I think everyone relates to her struggle, and that’s made her a “must see” addition to CLASH Wrestling.

Best Tag Team
Very simply, who has been the best tag team of 2010?

Fans Pick: Too Sweet 45%

John Striker’s Pick: Too Sweet
The fans have it right. Too Sweet have been more than red hot since debuting in CLASH Wrestling. They captured the Tag Team Championship and haven’t looked back. They bring so much energy to the fans that there was no contest, Too Sweet swept the category.

Best CLASH Champion
There were quite a few champions in CLASH in 2010. Five, to be exact. This award honors the best of those five.

Fans Pick: “Ace High” Cameron Skyy 28%
J. Miller 15%
Gavin Quinn 15%
Tommy Treznik 8%
Tyler Elkins 8%

John Striker’s Pick: J. Miller
The fans picked Cameron Skyy, but I, John Striker like to look at the facts. Let’s count the successful CLASH Championship defenses of 2010 shall we? Tyler Elkins 0, Cameron Skyy 0, Tommy Treznik 0 (The “Mad Scientist” held the gold for 18 minutes), Gavin Quinn 0 (to his defense Quinn won the title in November), and finally J. Miller 1. So the most highly contested title in all of CLASH was only defended sucessfully ONE TIME in 2010, by the currently injured J. Miller. For this reason alone, the “Murderous Monk” gets my vote for Best CLASH Champion of 2010.

Best in CLASH
The crown jewels of this article, the best wrestling in CLASH Wrestling.

Fans Pick: “Ace High” Cameron Skyy 25%
GQ Gavin Quinn 15%
Tommy Treznik 15%

John Striker’s Pick: GQ Gavin Quinn
The fans again went with Cameron Skyy, a good choice. But it’s not by accident that GQ is CLASH Champion. He is the best in CLASH Wrestling today. He’s looking to prove that he is more than just the best in CLASH Wrestling though, because at Seize The Day 4 on January 29th, GQ will go one on one with multi-time champion X-Pac. Make sure you check out CLASHWRESTLING.COM for information on ordering tickets at a discount because you won’t want to miss this match. As great a wrestler X-Pac is, my money’s on Quinn, that’s why I picked him as Best in CLASH.

Thanks for joining me, you didn’t even have to wear your suits. Be sure to check out Seize the Day, I’ll see you there!
John Striker

Read This Column! Striker Offers His Latest Pillar To Post

Hello all you loyal and dedicated CLASH Wrestling fans, welcome to another thrillin’ spillin’ edition of Pillar to Post. As always, Pillar to Post is penned by the most brilliant and inspirational commentator, analyst, journalist, editorialist, and interviewer in CLASH history: John Striker.

Usually I take you, the reader, on a specific journey from Pillar to Post. This week, there’s so much going on we’re going to hop around all the hot spots and you’re going to get my unique perspective on a variety of issues in CLASH Wrestling. So, without further ado, ladies and gents; Pillar to Post.

CLASH RADIO NO MORE?
Breaking news, you heard it here first: CLASH Radio is on a hiatus. You probably think that CLASH Radio would be ‘put on hold’ because I can no longer stand to be near Adam Summers, or because I was sick and tired of dealing with the rude wrestlers and their condescending attitudes… but you’d be wrong. I am sorry to report that CLASH Radio’s future is in question because someone thought they’d provide me a ‘trick’ this Halloween and STOLE all of our equipment from the back seat of my Impala. Sometime between The Future is Unwritten and Wednesday, the culprit snuck into my car and made off with the whole box of equipment. All I can say to that person is: you don’t have to come and confess, we’re looking for you. We’re gonna find you. You can run and tell THAT, homeboy.

Fear not fans, John Striker has connections and I’m currently looking into replacement costs, homeowner’s insurance rate adjustments, and the like. Some microphones, a sound mix board, and about seventy dollar store pens and CLASH Radio will be up and running again!

I TOLD YOU SO
Saying ‘I told you so” doesn’t really seem appropriate, giving the horrific nature of the injury sustained by FORMER CLASH Heavyweight Champion, J. Miller… but I can’t resist: I told you so!

You would think after I did such a fine and proper job detailing the ‘Curse’ that wrestler’s would heed my wisdom and play it safe. Instead, Miller decides to flip around and OUT of the ring. That’s usually asking for trouble anyway, but when you’ve got the dreaded curse out to get you, it only confusticates the situation.

I spoke to J. Miller on Sunday and he wasn’t looking too good. His cast was huge and totally immobilizing, and he seemed to be in a lot of pain. Worse yet, I would say he was only in ‘fair’ spirits. This is a MAJOR setback for the Murderous One, and I wish him well, but fear the worse.

TO STOP A DRAGON
Man, I don’t know what’s going on with Dragon Kreed lately, but it sure seems like some steam has left his ship, so to speak. I don’t know if it’s the lack of one Jeremy Jones making his decisions but Dragon Kreed seems to be without direction lately, in my eyes at least.

I believe that Dragon Kreed is at his best when hew has a goal, a target. He seeks and destroys. What does Dragon Kreed get out of his personal battle with the H3RD? My answer, nothing. He should have been focused on winning the gold in the All out War match, not eliminating each and every member of the H3RD. But, it is what it is, and Kreed put a bulls eye on his back. H3RD and the dastardly doer of dubious deeds concocted an elixir that was administered to Kreed at The Future is Unwritten. Does this have to do with Treznik’s stated goal of recruiting Kreed into the H3RD? If so, I say “good for Kreed”. My column about not trusting Treznik not withstanding, I think Kreed could certainly use a little direction.

LUCKY BREAK FOR CAMERON SKYY
Apparently J. Miller doesn’t know that when someone says ‘break a leg’ they are actually wishing you well and a strong performance. “Ace High” certainly knows that he caught a lucky break in Miller’s broken leg, as he will be wrestling for the CLASH Heavyweight championship at Divided We Fall.

It’s a tough break for Gavin Quinn, who had to struggle through a hellicious battle royal to earn his spot in the match. Quinn told me he was spending ridiculous amounts of time studying everything that Miller does and learning his foe inside and out. Turns out that preparation was in vain, though, as Quinn will now have to change strategies to battle Skyy. I’m sure Quinn’s not complaining, he’s just happy to have the shot but one does have to wonder why Skyy is the lucky recipient of the ‘free pass’… I know there was an emergency board meeting to discuss what to do with the Title match, but I’m not sure who’s pulling so hard for Skyy. My first guess would be CEO Truth Martini, but I’m unsure where the agenda lies.

Maybe I’m just paranoid and reading way too much into this. Maybe the BOD just decided that Skyy has the best track record, what being multi-time champion and all. Maybe they just considered that Skyy Vs. Quinn represented the very best of CLASH Wrestling. Either way, Skyy hit the lottery and now needs to cash in his ticket to win the jackpot – the CLASH Heavyweight Title.

All right folks, that’s enough rambling for one day. Today you went down the rabbit hole, and came out a little wiser for it. Thanks for reading and make sure to come back and check out each and every of Pillar to Post.
John Striker

Read John Striker’s Latest Column: “Elixir of Friendship”

CLASH’s Mad Scientist of Maneuvers, Tommy Treznik has been burning the midnight oil in his laboratory concocting his precious elixirs. One elixir I don’t expect him to craft, however, is the fabled “Elixir of Friendship”. In fact, I aim to make a case for why you, Austin Manix, the Pain Killers, or anyone else should not trust Tommy Treznik.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not taking anything away from the guy. I don’t care if he’s trustworthy or not, I’m just putting the warning out there to save others from the frustration and disappointment that comes with Tommy Treznik’s lack of friendship.

So turn off your Bunsen Burners and gather round to hear the tale of the Mad Scientist who could only love himself. Gather round and prepare to go Pillar to Post.

Don’t Follow the Leader
The colorful Confetti, who paired his ridiculous name with a tidied shirt was a CLASH rookie who believed in and followed the guidance of Tommy Treznik. How’s that working out for Confetti now? Last I heard he was a valet parking attendant, barely scraping by. From his point of view, Treznik promised to guide and help him reach the top in CLASH but abruptly changed his mind and petitioned the CLASH Executive Board to fire Confetti. I don’t know what his argument was, but it must’ve worked, as Confetti is barely a memory in most CLASH fans’ minds.

What are Friends For?
Back in January 2009, Wreckingball committed one of the most brutal attacks in CLASH History. In a rage, Wreckingball placed J Miller’s head between two chairs and squashed him like a bug, putting the current Champ out of action for months. Treznik, who was teaming with Miller at the time, was suffering from an intense fear of the Wreckingball and found himself unable to save his partner and ‘best friend’ from a potentially career ending injury. Some best friend that is, right? Wreckingball and Miller would continue to have problems for the better part of the last year. Treznik moved on, forming another partnership…

From Prominence to Obscurity
Treznik combined the best of his last two act of selfishness outlined above and not only mentored Mike Daniels, but also teamed with him. The pairing worked and the duo captured the Tag Team Championships. Their short reign saw Treznik utilize Jeremy Jones to cheat his way into keeping the title. By the 2009 Triple Crown Cup, Treznik had a different agenda in capturing the CLASH Heavyweight Title. Treznik called out his partner and, after berating him in front of the CLASH fans, PGD’d him into retirement. What else is a tag team partner to do?

False Reconciliation
Somehow, someway, J Miller entertained the idea of a reconciliation with Tommy Treznik. Treznik ‘manned up’ and admitted his failings as a partner and friend and, while Miller was skeptical, he slowly accepted Tommy back as his friend and tag partner. It didn’t take long, however, for Treznik’s selfish streak to make itself known. While Miller refused to take advantage of an injured Cameron Skyy, Treznik jumped at the opportunity, defeating Skyy to become the CLASH Heavyweight Champion.

Now Treznik has reformed the H3RD. He is now the mentor / partner of Austin Manix and has somehow employed the Donnie & Jacob Hollows to do his bidding. Will history repeat itself? Will Treznik abandon or betray his partners? Only time will tell. If I were Manix or the Pain Killers I would certainly remember the adage “keep your friends close and your enemies closer” because you never know when Tommy Treznik will change from friend to foe.

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