Opinion

Heather’s Review of St. Louis Anarchy: Circus Maximus 2019 (07/19/19)

Heather reviews the 2019 edition of St Louis Anarchy Circus Maximus!

Published

6 years ago

July 25, 2019

Heather Jeannine

Heather reviews the 2019 edition of St Louis Anarchy Circus Maximus!

Another Circus Maximus is in the books and holy hell it was a great show. From top to bottom, the show flowed well and was energetic. It’s weird how quickly time passes at these events.

The preparty which you cannot watch on the VOD was a bunch of fun, we had Everett Connors the psychic out and reading people’s fortunes with Raul the bear. It was as much of a Hijinx as you can guess it was. The preparty also featured an 8-man scrambled.

Sage Philips defeated Ezra Zealous, Sean Orleans, Slade Porter, Victor Analog, Deacon Cash, Brad Mercury, and Briar Mercury

This was fun. It was fast paced and if you blinked you missed it. I really liked the mix of talent. I got to see new faces in Ezra, Victor, and Deacon. Brad and Briar really seemed to step it up here. Anarchy got to see experience some of the madness that is the Private Eye Slade Porter (a revamped version of the prior tragedy Anarchy got to experience). Then there’s Sean Orleans, who had been out of wrestling since late 2017 and had had one match so far in 2019. The Anarchy faithful welcomed him back and it seemed like he was having a blast which made everything more fun. Finally, Sage Philips has long been a standout in every scene he’s a part of and I’m glad he picked up the win. Sage improves with every match he has and this was just a taste of what he can do.

Craig Mitchell defeated Larry D

This was a match. Larry D is known to be brutal. That isn’t a secret in any sense. Craig Mitchell has quickly become one of the go to guys if you want an amazing match against anyone. Both delivered here. I enjoyed this because both showed sides to themselves that we do not necessarily get to see in other matches.

Kody Lane defeated Jaden Newman

Disclaimer: I’ve been watching both of these guys for literal years now. I first saw Kody Lane in 2016 and the transformation he has made has not gone unnoticed. Jaden Newman is the uncrowned king of Chattanooga and the last year has seen him reached an untapped level of potential. This match was fast, lively, and honestly what you would expect from two guys trying to prove a point about who they are in wrestling. Jaden got a please come back chant which was heartwarming.

Thomas Shire, Jake Dirden, and Christian Rose defeated The Gym Nasty Boys (Timmy Lou Retton and White Mike) and Gnarls Garvin

Going into this show, this was the match I was most excited for. It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Shire, Dirden, and Rose. It might be a secret though that I am a huge fan of the Gym Nasty Boys as well. So, this match was as up my alley as it could’ve been. This was fun. The crowd didn’t know how to react to Shire after May but it’s not like Shire cared. He, Dirden, and Rose wanted to show that they are the most dominant team with Anarchy and this showing had them doing just that with the ever-helpful Greg Jovi. Jovi is not liked by the Anarchy crowd but he doesn’t care he’s out there to help his boys. Meanwhile, Garvin has quickly become a fan favorite within the Anarchy faithful and I really enjoyed him in this. The Gym Nasty Boys made their long-awaited debut and showed Anarchy what fun can look like. If there is anything on this show that I feel is completely worth going out of your way for, it’s this match.

Everett Connors (with Raul the bear) Isaias Velazquez

This was a last-minute match but I think it was a best-case scenario. It featured the debut of Isaias Velazquez who if you haven’t seen him before is probably the best kept secret within the Chicago scene. Meanwhile, Connors has quickly become one to watch within the walls of Spaulding. This match was fun and funny without ever being contrived. Velazquez even superkicked Raul which made everyone in the building get up in arms. Overall, this was enjoyable and I hope we get to see Velazquez again soon.

The Workhorsemen (James Drake and Anthony Henry) defeated The Besties in the World (Davey Vega and Mat Fitchett)

This was war. This wasn’t pretty. This wasn’t easy to watch. It was gritty. It was slightly horrifying (in the best way). Spaulding Hall did not know what to do when their favorite sons lost to the debuting Workhorsemen. This is hands down not only the best Besties match I’ve ever seen live but it is the best tag team wrestling match I’ve ever seen live. Drake and Henry didn’t let Vega and Fitchett have any time to breathe. It was a relentless attack and while the Besties tried they just couldn’t match it. Fitchett was a stand out in this though. Everything looked chaotic but he made things look so smooth and easy at the same time. You’ll want to watch this.

Kicks n Shit (Chip Day and Logan James) defeated The Diamond Dogs (Graham Bell and Luke Langley)

To start, The Diamond Dogs almost got blown up. Literally, the bazooka didn’t go off until Bell got hit. This was fun and lighthearted compared to the match before. Day though was in his element and seemed ready to take everyone’s head off. This is the most put together Kicks n Shit have looked since they started teaming.

Gary Jay defeated Jigsaw

This was spectacular. Jigsaw was quick to point to Anarchy’s rules and break them. The crowd was all in on this one (what else do you expect from a Gary match though?). This was fast paced but executed beautifully. This match had great moments like Jigsaw calling Gary “Barn Owl” and the fury of chops that Gary laid out. It’s one those matches were words will not do it any justice.

Evan Gelistico defeated Matt Kenway in a dog collar match

Evan Gelistico is back baby. He was merciless and cruel and unrelenting in this match and it was refreshing. Kenway has never left and really stepped it up here to show he isn’t afraid of anyone or anything. This was gross. It was enthralling. This match also had an amazing moment when Gelistico pulled out “The Rules”. You want to see what felt like an old school fight? This is the match.

Jeremy Wyatt defeated Jake Parnell to retain the Gateway Heritage Championship

Hoobooy. This had a lot of layers to it. Most people were certain this was going to be Parnell’s moment. In fact, if you haven’t been in Spaulding live to see Parnell’s entrance, the one on this show might not make a difference to you but in person, you could feel that everyone had their hopes on Parnell. Everyone stood up. Everyone was loud for him. Meanwhile, Wyatt has long been saying that he’s not giving up that belt and he held true to his word. We saw the sheer genius that is Jeremy Wyatt in this match. We saw the pure heart that is Jake Parnell in this. I don’t use the term often but this was a classic before it even started. Wyatt and Parnell were already solidified as some of the best in the Midwest but no one can deny after this.

Overall, Circus Maximus was a slam dunk. Every match delivered how it was supposed. The crowd was energetic and lively. We even broke a pizza record. When this drops on IWTV, everyone should watch it. Anarchy continues to provide some of the best wrestling in the world. Now, we wait till September 13, 2019 for the Battle of Spaulding.

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

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Classic POD is WAR

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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1