The Sterling Report [1-23-2012]

[DramaShark]

The Sterling Report



Rod Sterling was a former FWA referee before becoming a road agent and talent scout. Rod Sterling took a less demanding position back in 2009 when he became the head writer of FWA magazine, putting his Associates degree in Journalism to good use. Sterling can now be read on FWA.Com with his weekly blog, "The Sterling Report"


Hello all,

Rod Sterling here. Thanks for reading the first Sterling Report of the new year, hot on the heels of one of the most intense PPVs since Back In Business. What a night it was, as every single championship in the FWA changed hands. We saw Thomas Princeton's World Title reign come to a halt at the hands of Wolf, but we have a feeling Princeton isn't going to let him get away with it. Princeton has proven to be one of the hungriest competitors on Fight Night lately and we are sure he will be back on top before he has even put his wallet back into his pocket. Thomas Princeton will win gold again in 2012, guaranteed. The match between Wolf and Princeton was easily the match of the night. Wolf begins his 2nd FWA title reign with a lot of momentum, we are all eager to see if he can keep it up.
Chris Kennedy captured the FWA Championship in what was story-book moment for Kennedy, who has worked hard to get his spot, and seems hell bent on keeping it. Kennedy has said on Twitter that he plans on being one of the greatest to ever carry the belt and will defend it with honor and wear it with pride. Duke Drazin was a great champ and did a great job as the face of Fight Night for several months, but the win by Kennedy ushers in a whole new era in the FWA, The Astonishing Era! FWA is the kind of star the FWA needs in the title picture, with the last year losing main eventers like Rocky Creed, Nemesis, Bullseye Johnson, and most recently Gabrielle. Darnell Porter is now mid-card at best, and Devin Golden hasn't been in the world title picture in a while, unfortunately. Devin Golden is like the AJ Styles on the FWA. Probably the best the roster has to offer and his talent has been wasted putting over the likes of XXX and Carmine Reaper.

Aut Pax Aut Bellum are the tag team champions once again. While something tells me this reign will not be as long as their 2+ year reign, I think it's still safe to say that this is still the premier tag team in the FWA. The Cuban Connection and Over The Edge faired well in the tag team turmoil match, perhaps one of these teams is the first to challenge APAB. Then we have Comedy and Tragedy and Stu St.Clair and Darnell Porter. The tag team division is starting to really come alive. One has to wonder, can Stu St.Clair and Darnell Porter really coexist? Porter cost them the tag team turmoil match after Stu was on fire in the match. Does Stu harbor any ill feelings or can they patch things up, work out the kinks and dominate the tag team division? If anyone can beat APAB, it's Stu St. Clair. APAB sets records, St. Clair smashes them.
Little birdie told me APAB have already begun using their pull, talking FWA General Manager and Great Siege stablemate Gabrielle into removing her new team of JoJI and Veronique from the tag team division. One has to wonder, why the smartest, most well put together women in the FWA would ever take that kind of shit. Some see it as APAB using all the resources they have to keep their edge, but others fell it is a blatant manipulation of power. Take it for what you will.

So a few weeks ago I interviewed Dinorah Redgrave for Maxim magazine. Now, word is that she has a severe elbow injury and may be out of the ring for a few months. I personally hope it's sooner than later, because Dinorah is one of the sweetest, nicest girls I have ever met, yet she has a kick-ass attitude and doesn't take shit from anybody. Her Womans Championship feud with Sarah Wolf last 5 months resulting in 3 epic PPV bouts, Dinorah coming out the winner each and every time. It was that feud that revitalized the Women's division and we would hate to lose her for good. If I know Alana Allure as well as I think I do, then she is agonizing how the match ended, which is a shame because she should be celebrating. Alana Allure beat both Madison Lea West AND Dinorah Redgrave in the same night to earn the FWA Women's title. Alana will make a great Women's champion, that much is sure, but with Jennifer Sky and Nolee LaCroix climbing up the ranks, time will tow how long she holds the belt. Personally, I think Alana is about to light a fire under the asses of the FWA fans.

Eyensane and Killemall getting some TV time, which I like. 2012 looks to be the year of Over The Edge. The Cuban Connection have also impressed many lately, as both men went into Trial By Fire, both as champions, Juan Lopez with the X-Division title and Joey Ortiz with the TV title. Juan Lopez lost the belt to Ryan Rondo in a match that showcased both Lopez and Rondo as the future of the business. Ryan Rondo looks to be unstoppable. Tommy Tripper seems to be on the upswing after not being used on tv for a while, if Tripper can perform more consistently then he may finally hold gold in the FWA.

Keep an eye out for Mac Michaud. The kid has ruthless aggression and isn't afraid to show it. Would love to see the guy develop more, progress in the FWA and I see big things out of him. A Mac Michaud/Juan Lopez feud would be an excellent feud for two young guys in development can play off of each other. Mike Mundane was on a roll, and then out of the clear blue vanished, posting a strange video on Youtube of himself in the trunk of a car. Yeah, I didn't understand it either.
Looks like the feud between Joey Ortiz and Alexx is heating up and it's pnly just begun! At Trial By Fire, after Alexx's quick defeat over Zaire Wyoming, The Cuban Connection (Joey Ortiz and Juan Lopez) attacked Alexx, with Ortiz telling Alexx he wasn't getting a title shot. Alexx responded by spitting his blood into the face of Ortiz. Of but it didn't stop there, as later in the night Alexx cost The Cuban Connection the Tag Team Turmoil match. It's been eye for an eye so far, and I'm pretty excited to see where this feud is going.

And now it's time for my Big 10 countdown, where I countdown my 10 favorite wrestlers/teams of the week.

10. Alexx

9. Over The Edge (Eyensane and Killemall)

8. The Cuban Connection: Joey Ortiz (TV Champion) and Juan Lopez

7. Alana Allure (Over The Edge, FWA Womens Champion)

6. Ryan Rondo (X-Division Champion)

5. Thomas Princeton

4. Duke Drazin

3. APAB (Tag Team Champions)

2. Wolf (World Heavyweight Champion)

1. Chris Kennedy (FWA Champion)


The FWA landscape is certainly going through an interesting change. I end this weeks Sterling Report with a bit of news, actually. The FWA has been asking me for years to take an on-screen role as a manager. I have decided that this award winning smile of mine wouldn't look too bad on Fight Night at all. So, if there are any young up in coming FWA stars, or even veterans in search of a career rejuvenation, looking for a bit of guidance, then I am your man. If you need a manager who will help you develop as a performer, coaching you along the way and being your mouthpiece on Fight Night during on-air segments, then look no further. I used to be an FWA Road Agent, I know the business inside out and can help get any curtain jerking jobber make it to the top, or my name isn't Rodger Sampson Sterling the 3rd, esquire.
Please tune into my XM Radio Show, Sterling Squared Circle, tomorrow night where I have special guest Joey Ortiz in the studio and we will count down the 10 best heels in the history of the FWA. Drew Carey also stops by to plug his stand-up comedy tour. Going to be a great show. I leave you with a picture of me from recent FWA Awards show red carpet. Enjoy!

The 3rd Generation 2Live Jew,
Rodger Sampson Sterling The 3rd, Esquire



Rod Sterling at the 2011 FWA Awards Ceremony

[The Mac]

very cool thanks for the mention

[iMatt]

Rod Sterling is the man!

[Engaged To Ouellet]

I didnt realise that every Championship changed hands at TBF, wowsas. Great write up JD...though I see that Rod dyed his hair and had a facelift

[DramaShark]

LOL yeah, wanted to revamp the character. New year, new Rod. Goldblum FTW!

[Engaged To Ouellet]

Goldblum is pretty kewl.