Fresh Linen Scent: The Clean Sheet Volume 1, Issue 10
2021 Dynamic Dozen
Welcome to the wrestling “newsletter” with no rumors or dirt: only fun, “what-ifs?” and positives...The Clean Sheet! A rotating series of mini-features here will highlight all sorts of things in the world of pro wrestling: people making change in the sport, charity and fund-raising efforts, trail blazers of the present, the faces of the future, a bit of fantasy-booking and much more! So breathe deeply, relax and inhale the wonderful scent of fresh linen: this is The Clean Sheet!
This issue is filled with my picks for the future, the athletes in pro wrestling who I personally believe will have a big 2021. Some already have a good amount of momentum, others are just starting to pop up on the radar. Let’s not wait any longer, the future is now!
1) Lord Crewe
The “Bareknuckle Beserker” from Cincinnati has been showing up in many places (lately in Paradigm Pro, No Peace Underground, Unsanctioned Pro & IWA_MS) and bringing the fight to whomever he shares the ring with. Always ready for a throwdown, Crewe has jumped into the UWFi Contenders Series and had a great war with AJ Gray for NPU. A deadly striker with wicked suplexes in his arsenal as well, I hope we see even more of him this coming year.
2) Don’t Die Miles
A skilled aerialist with zero fear, zero quit and infinite lives, Miles is one of the best “underdog” wrestlers going. Easily dismissed by opponents for his size and youth, they soon realize that the work ethic and heart within this man are planet-sized, at least. His attitude and outlook are starting to get him a following that will only grow larger. See Miles do his thing in Paradigm Pro, OWA, New Wave Pro, Hoosier Wrestling Alliance and AWR, to name a few promotions.
3&4) The Mane Event (Jay Lyon & Midas Black)
The charismatic Ringleader and his trusty circus lion, the “Greatest Show on Earth” are one of the more entertaining teams I’ve see in a long time. Black and Lyon are easy to cheer for and have some truly unique tag offense. Who doesn’t enjoy watching the Lyon jump thru the hoop? Check them out in Pennsylvania Premiere Wrestling, Pizza Party Wrestling, Camp Leapfrog and hopefully House of Glory (we miss HOG!).
5) Darius Carter
The “All Father” is one of if not the best heel wrestler on the Indies and hopefully shows up everywhere in 2021. A veteran technician with a seemingly endless mean streak, watching him pick apart an opponent is a thing of evil beauty. He had many memorable matches in 2020 and I’m positive he’ll have many more this year. To witness the maestro’s work, look for him at Pro Wrestling Magic, Camp Leapfrog, Paris Is Bumping and Warriors of Wrestling.
6) Robert Martyr
Only 19 with 5 years of pro experience already, there’s good reason you’re starting to see more of the “Poisoned Youth”. My guess is work ethic and willingness to try just about any scenario whether standard matches in MLW, the no-ring madness of No Peace Underground or UWFi rules in Paradigm Pro. Another reason? He takes on huge challenges, regardless of odds and pours out everything in that moment he can. Martyr may not be picking up big wins yet but with drive like he has it’s only a matter of when.
7) Alec Price
Wrestling exclusively for Limitless since the spring of 2020, “The Prize” ruffled many a feather with his brash attitude and smack talk. The only problem? He can back all of it up with his incredibly unique offense and surprisingly strong striking. By the time this year’s Vacationland Cup came around, many considered him a favorite regardless of their thoughts on him personally. Being 22 years old and that skilled, Price will be a big player in Maine and elsewhere for a long, long time.
8) Alex Kane
The “Suplex Assassin” has been dropping folks on their domes all over the place: ACTION, Pro South, WWA4 and more. When the straps come down, it’s lights out for opponents as Alex has numerous devastating suplexes in his arsenal including the prettiest capture suplex I’ve seen in ages. Yoked, stoked and going for broke, look out for this hungry young man this year.
9) Juicy Finnau
In the second half of 2020 in the midst of this COVID-19 era Juicy decided to bet on himself. It’s paid off in spades and will continue to in 2021. “Big Toko” worked his way into GCW & Paradigm Pro over the Collective weekend and will surely be seen in many places to come. Stupid agile for a big man, big Juicy always puts on a big show and I fully expect for him to keep showing up & out.
10) Janai Kai
A black belt in Tae Kwon Do and experienced in Muay Thai and kickboxing, Janai is a fiery striker who is definitely on the rise (puns intended). She has fought in the rings of RISE, Paradigm Pro and Pro Wrestling 2.0. Kai’s recent performances against Jordan Blade and her tag match on Paradigm’s No Hook have brought many new eyes to witness what she can do. Hopefully many more promotions will be under that black belt soon.
11) Gnarls Garvin
BIG BEEF is a violent cyclone ready to blow through whatever promotion will have him. A lovely throwback to when 90’s All-Japan-style stiff hosses ran things, Gnarls throws hands and lariats like a young Hansen that can actually see. It’s a glorious, violent sight to behold. Garvin’s willingness to travel anywhere has helped him see action in places as diverse as IWA-MS, Limitless Wrestling, Zero-One USA and St. Louis Anarchy to name a few. Keep your eyes peeled for this bruiser, he’ll probably end up in your town too.
12) Dyln McKay
The young daredevil has shown repeatedly why he may be top student at Matt Tremont’s H2O Academy. Breathtaking aerial skills, amazing tag maneuvers with his fellow Kidz and a willingness to get pretty reckless…McKay is always a joy to watch. You never do know what he’ll try next but you can bet it’ll be spectacular. Catch Dyln on H20, GCW and hopefully many more places sooner than later.
Hey all you wonderful wrestler/promotions! If you have events/fundraisers that you would like to see highlighted in the Good Hands section or are an athlete/company who would like to take on the Forward Five mini-interview, please reach out to me at either @olskoololfool on Twitter or by e-mail, olskoololfool@gmail.com