For the first time in my life, I can honestly say I wish I was going to Pittsburgh.
On Feb. 8, Extreme Rising returns to action. This time, it’s headed to the Irish Centre for “Black, Gold, and Extreme,” and there are a lot of reasons to be excited about this card.
Reason No. 1 is what happened in Philly on Dec. 28. That night was a great night of professional wrestling, and many questions were asked that night. Feb. 8 could answer some of those questions.
But the major reason the Pittsburgh show could be great is because it will be headlined by Stevie Richards defending the heavyweight championship against Sabu. Both of these guys have so much to prove in this match and it has the makings for a classic.
Richards has proven to be an outstanding wrestler and a great story. After being a star in WWE and TNA, he has come back to his roots and is the man of Extreme Rising.
He’s been the face of the company, the guy who stood tall after the promotion’s opening tournament and was the only man standing after the Dec. 28 show when he took out the top stars of the promotion, Matt Hardy, Luke Hawx and Homicide.
But when you mention extreme wrestling, Sabu is the top guy.
He was arguably the biggest star in the original ECW.
He was a former ECW champion.
He was known as the human highlight reel.
And, while this might not be popular among hardcore fans, he headlined a WWE pay per view with John Cena.
Back when Sabu was the star of ECW, Stevie was known as a lackey, albeit a very entertaining one.
On Feb. 8, Stevie will do his best to keep his hot streak rolling, while Sabu will try to turn back the clock and becoming the top dog again.
While this isn’t the first time these guys met (I remember a great match back in the original ECW in Philadelphia), it’s a match that hasn’t taken place in years, and could be very fun. It’s a complete contrast in styles, but many times that’s fun.
I’m predicting Stevie retains, but would it shock anyone if Sabu walked away with the title?
The other match I’m looking forward to on Feb. 8 is Luke Hawx against Rich Ortiz. These guys are guys who like to fight. And they both can fight.
I’m guessing Hawx will be the good guy in this one and he’s the guy the fans will support.
Ortiz is a guy the promotion outright said they love (when I say promotion, I mean booker Steve O’Neill), and in Philly, he had a fantastic match against Homicide, where he made the veteran tap out.
Don’t expect a lot of sportsmanship in this match, but expect an old school brawl. I’m going with Hawx winning, but I also predict a lot of bruises.
Also slated for Feb. 8:
Jay Bradley against Papadon. I’m going with Papadon.
Crowbar against Rhino in a falls count anywhere match. I think Rhino gets revenge.
Façade against Matt Cross. I was very impressed with Façade and I think he gets the win.
BLK OUT against Da Hit Squad. BLK OUT, who I love, will take this one.
More things will be announced as the time goes on, but as of now, this looks like another fun night of wrestling.
If you’re able to make it to Pittsburgh, visit
www.extremerising.com for tickets. And if you’re unable to make it, check the site for a possible internet pay per view capabilities.
