The road to that victory, which saw Carter systematically demolish Lockhart (who was the first person to bleed in the history of ASÉ), was an interesting one, primarily because Carter didn't even qualify.
The Intergalactic Soul and ASÉ mastermind Darius Lockhart talks everything from the one-year anniversary show on December 7—where they will be crowning the first ASÉ Men's Champion—and what he's learned over the last year to returning to the ring, the Darius Carter of it all, and some exclusive talk about what the future of ASÉ holds.
The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns for a healthy dose of rasslin'-flavored insight and entertainment! This week, Fam, Matth, DDm, and khal
return with a conversation with Darius Lockhartahead of ASÉ's one-year anniversary show on December 7, thoughts ahead of AEW Full Gear in Jersey this weekend, the conversation around having top Black talent on your wrestling show, B-Fab, and much more!
You know the routine: you can stream and download this week's episode via SoundCloud, and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify! We stream live every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on YouTube. We also encourage you to become a member of the BRPatreon,
where you can get even MORE exclusive content (and merch discounts)!
We'll catch you next week; tell a friend to tell their homies to LIKE,
rate, comment, subscribe, and
share!
The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns for a healthy dose of rasslin'-flavored insight and entertainment! This week, Fam, Matth, Mimi, DDm and khal talk ASÉ 4 with the Intergalactic Soul himself, Darius Lockhart. Later, the squad looks at Ricochet's situation with WWE, recaps NXT Battleground, previews WWE Clash at the Castle: Scotland, and much more!
You know the routine: you can stream and download this week's episode via SoundCloud, and subscribe via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. We also stream live every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on YouTube. We also encourage you to become a member of the BRPatreon,
where you can get even MORE exclusive content (and merch discounts)!
We'll catch you next week; tell a friend to tell their homies to LIKE,
rate, comment, subscribe, and
share!
ASÉ Wrestling's second show, ASÉ x BHM, was not just another night of intense wrestling, but also a star-studded affair filled with surprises and special guests. The evening's biggest wins were Gerard Bonner as your returning host of the night and Chris Lea's return to commentary, accompanied by the Emmy Award-winning co-host of The Ringer's Masked Man Show podcast, Kazeem Famuyide. The two were also joined by a special guest queen of the ring, Faye Jackson. The dynamic commentary added an extra layer of excitement to the already intense matches, providing insightful analysis and entertaining banter. Two WWE Hall of Famers, Ron Simmons and Teddy Long, the night's general manager, were in attendance. Their presence in the ring not only added prestige to the event, but also served as a reminder of the rich history and legacy of professional wrestling. However, the surprises didn't end there. A special musical guest, CYANCA, performed at ASÉ x BHM, elevating the atmosphere and adding a unique touch to the evening.
In addition to the fantastic add-ons, ASÉ x BHM proved to be an unforgettable night for wrestling fans, leaving them anticipating the next installment of ASÉ wrestling events, given the highly anticipated matches; let’s get into it:
Mia Friday vs. Jada Stone
A match early in the evening pitted the jovial-spirited Mia Friday against The Spark, Jada Stone. A cheering tug-of-war ensued between both women after their outstanding performances. She brought a mix of a Mercedes Moné, her favorite grappler, and a strong style of wrestling to the match. She executed powerful moves with skill and spark as she executed ferocious strikes. Jada Stone emerged victorious despite Mia Friday's valiant effort, displaying her dominance and leaving a lasting impression with her remarkable performance. The match showcased both athletes' talent and dedication, making them standouts at ASÉ.
Sonny Kiss (Image via Mimi aka #TheWrestlingChic)
Sonny Kiss vs. "The Gifted One" Yahya
Fans were treated to a long-anticipated match-up between Yahya and Sonny Kiss, marking one of Sonny's few in-ring returns since departing from AEW; she was recently on TNA Wrestling. As seasoned veterans in the industry, both Yahya and Sonny Kiss demonstrated their expertise and reminded everyone why they're admired for their in-ring abilities. Sonny Kiss' performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the incredible talent that has defined her career. Yahya, known for his impressive power and agility in the ring, proved to be a fierce opponent, matching Sonny's quick and savvy maneuvers with his own athleticism. Their presence and skill set impressed the audience, serving as a reminder of the impact they’ve made in the industry. In the end, Sonny emerged victorious, adding another highlight to her growing career.
The King Bees take on Joseline Navarro (and the debut of Raché Chanel)
It was “tag team action, playas!” with a match featuring The King Bees taking on Joseline Navarro and the debuting Raché Chanel. The character work displayed by both teams was nothing short of outstanding, making the audience root for them both and laugh all at once. Throughout the match, the combination of comedy and hard-hitting moves showcased the diversity and strength of women's wrestling. Each team brought its unique style to the ring, winning the crowd with power punches, comic relief, and mega maneuvers.
In the end, The King Bees emerged victorious, but not without facing a tough challenge from Joseline Navarro and Raché Chanel. Navarro's viciousness added an edge to the match, while Chanel—with her Canal Street Chanel bag—made a clear statement that she is a real force to be reckoned with in the world of wrestling despite being new to the scene. As a whole, the match served as a testament to the bright future of women's wrestling, with all four competitors leaving a lasting impression.
Suge D defends the Pan-Afrikan Championship against Caprice Coleman
Emotions ran high as the Pan-Afrikan World Diaspora Wrestling World Champion Suge D defeated Caprice Coleman in Coleman's return to the ring. The match was not just a display of wrestling showmanship; it was a tale of determination and heart by both men. A heartfelt journey marked Coleman's return to the ring showcased through promotional videos. Despite his role as a beloved Ring of Honor commentator, Coleman hadn't skipped a beat in the ring. His performance was a revelation, blending hard-hitting strikes with impressive high-flying maneuvers. The formidable Suge D reminded Coleman of the part of the intensity and passion of professional wrestling he’d been missing. Despite all efforts made, Suge D was victorious, showcasing why he is the champ.
Caprice Coleman and Suge D do battle (Image via Mimi aka #TheWrestlingChic)
Writer’s Note: This match wasn't just about the action in the ring; it was a poignant narrative that left the audience emotionally invested, Caprice Coleman still got it! The presence of WWE Hall of Famer and the first African American World Heavyweight Champion, Ron Simmons, added an extra layer of significance to the match, making it a truly special moment in ASÉ Wrestling history.
Darius Number One (Image via Mimi aka #TheWrestlingChic)
The Battle of the Dariuses: The Intergalactic Soul vs. The All Father
In a highly anticipated showdown dubbed "The Battle of the Dariuses," ASÉ Wrestling fans were treated to a match between two titans of the ring: the cunning and BEST heel in independent wrestling, the Dastardly All Father, #1Darius Carter and the returning veteran, The Intergalactic Soul, Darius Lockhart. In addition to pitting two formidable competitors against each other, this match marked Lockhart's triumphant return to professional wrestling. Both Dariuses were determined to assert dominance within the squared circle from the beginning. With his slow, methodical, and diabolical approach, Carter sought to outwit and outmaneuver his opponent at every turn. As for Lockhart, he returned with renewed energy, armed with a fresh perspective and a newfound strength that he had honed during his absence. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, as both competitors demonstrated their skills and resilience. A back-and-forth battle between Carter's calculated tactics and Lockhart's relentless determination had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Despite Carter's underhanded tactics, Lockhart remained steadfast, refusing to back down in the face of adversity, thereby winning the main event of the night.
In the end, with this triumph, Lockhart not only solidified his status as the rightful bearer of the Darius moniker, but also sent a powerful message to the entire ASÉ Wrestling community: that he had returned stronger and more determined than ever before. As Lockhart stood tall in the center of the ring, basking in the adulation of the crowd, he made it clear that he was back and ready to reclaim his rightful place among the elite of pro wrestling. With his sights set on even greater challenges in the future, there's no telling what heights the Intergalactic Darius Lockhart will reach as he continues his journey in creating the world of ASÉ Wrestling.
"where there's people, there's power" - Darius Lockhart (Image via Mimi aka #TheWrestlingChic)
The Legacy of ASÉ Wrestling
As the final bell rang and the dust settled on ASÉ x BHM, one thing became clear: this was a night we’d all remember. From the exhilarating matches to the unexpected twists, ASÉ Wrestling delivered for the Black wrestling community, it delivered the culture, leaving a lasting impression on the world of professional wrestling, and we all knew we had witnessed something extraordinary. As the sun set on Charlotte, North Carolina, home of The Intergalactic Soul Darius Lockhart, the echoes of cheers and applause faded into the night, and one thing was certain: the legacy of ASÉ Wrestling will endure for years to come, inspiring future generations of wrestlers and fans alike with its unparalleled blend of athleticism and sheer entertainment.
The Writer’s Personal Perspective on ASÉ Wrestling:
ASÉ Wrestling prides itself on fostering a warm and family-friendly environment that extends beyond the confines of the ring. From the moment spectators arrive, they are greeted by familiar faces, with aunties checking spectators in and Uncle running the concession stand. This personal touch creates a sense of community and belonging, making everyone feel like part of the ASÉ Wrestling family. Throughout the event, the atmosphere of love and support is palpable. Wrestlers mingle with fans, signing autographs and posing for photos, while their friends manage merchandise stands with enthusiasm and dedication. This hands-on approach not only enhances the fan experience, but also strengthens the bonds between wrestlers and their supporters.
One of the highlights of the evening is the interaction between the wrestlers and the audience, particularly the kids. Rather than being discouraged, heckling from young fans is met with good-natured banter from the wrestlers, showcasing their character developments and adding an extra layer of entertainment to the proceedings. Whether it's a hero receiving cheers or a villain provoking jeers, every interaction was met with laughter and applause, reinforcing the sense of camaraderie that defines the ASÉ Wrestling experience.
In summary, ASÉ Wrestling cultivates an environment of love, support, and inclusivity, where everyone—from wrestlers to spectators—is welcomed with open arms. It's a place where families can come together to enjoy the excitement of professional wrestling while building lasting memories and friendships.
Be sure to check out BRP's content on our website and our Black Rasslin' Podcast Patreon for exclusive pro wrestling content.
Mimi,
aka #TheWrestlingChic is a co-host of #TheBuckle aka #TurnbuckleTalk every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET and every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on The Black Rasslin' Podcast.
The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns for a healthy dose of rasslin'-flavored insight and entertainment! This week, Fam, Mimi, Matth, and khal kick off Black History Month 2024 proper! First up, Darius Lockhart joins the squad to talk his journey to ASÉ, the ASÉ x BHM show on February 24 (grab your tickets), and much more! Later, DDmjoins for a discussion on WWE Royal Rumble 2024 and its fallout, previewing WWE NXT Vengeance Day, and much more!
You know the routine: you can stream and download this week's episode via SoundCloud, and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify! We stream live every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on YouTube. We also encourage you to become a member of the BRPatreon,
where you can get even MORE exclusive content (and merch discounts)!
We'll catch you next week; tell a friend to tell their homies to LIKE,
rate, comment, subscribe, and
share!
The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns for the last pod of 2023! This week, Fam, Mimi, Matth, and khal talk ASÉ Wrestling announcing their February date, AEW Worlds End going down this Saturday, and more before giving their flowers the best way we know how: by each spending time highlighting their Black Rasslers of the YEAR!
You know the routine: you can stream and download this week's episode via SoundCloud, and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify! We stream live every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on YouTube. We also encourage you to become a member of the BRPatreon,
where you can get even MORE exclusive content (and merch discounts)!
We'll catch you next week; tell a friend to tell their homies to LIKE,
rate, comment, subscribe, and
share!
Last week, Darius Lockhart introduced the world to ASÉ Wrestling, featuring everyone from Aja Kong and Jonathan Gresham to Trish Adora, the Infantry, and Darius Carter. The crew (and the chat who were in attendance!) give their thoughts on the debut show, their favorite matches, seeing Jabot on screen, and much more!
The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns with healthy dose of rasslin'-flavored poddin'. This week, Mimi, Matth, and khal to discuss the debut ASÉ Wrestling show, Bryan Danielson, Jey Uso not being able to use YEET anymore, Wes Lee's injury, NXT Deadline, Christian Cage vs. Adam Copeland, and much more!
You know the routine: you can stream and download this week's episode via SoundCloud, and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify! We stream live every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on YouTube. We also encourage you to become a member of the BRPatreon,
where you can get even MORE exclusive content (and merch discounts)!
We'll catch you next week; tell a friend to tell their homies to LIKE,
rate, comment, subscribe, and
share!
The inaugural ASÉ Wrestling show took place at Charlotte, North Carolina's Grady Cole Center on Friday, December 1st. Unlike your typical wrestling event, this groundbreaking Black promotion featured a unique blend of Black music, culture, and combat sports entertainment, attracting more than 300+ fans in person (with more watching via livestream).
ASÉ is more than just a wrestling promotion; it celebrates Black excellence and creativity. ASÉ Wrestling is the curated vision of "The Revolutionary" Darius Lockhart, a pro wrestler whose motto is "where there is people, there is power." Lockhart wanted to provide a platform for Black wrestlers and performers to showcase their skills.
With support from some seasoned veterans in the industry, Lockhart delivered more than we expected. WWE Hall of Famer and Busted Open co-host Mark Henryprovided kind words that aired during the broadcast, which also featured the fantastic play-by-play commentary team of former WWE Legend and IMPACT Wrestling producer D'Lo Brown and WRAL-TV's anchor and reporter Chris Lea; while the incomparable and unstoppable Big Swole was the night’s host, showcasing her crowd-hyping charisma. With confidence and style, Nadiah Hunter announced each match and Gerard Bonner from BattleSlam and South Honor Wrestling conducted pre- and post-match interviews like a true pro. ASÉ1 not only featured some of the best Black indie talents; fans in attendance got a special live performance from the Grammy-nominated, platinum recording artist Lute, who is signed to Dreamville Records, a label founded by Charlotte's J. Cole.
The show featured six stellar matches; here are some highlights from the event.
Trish Adora vs. Aja Kong
One of the most anticipated matches of the night was Trish Adora vs. Aja Kong, a clash of generations between two phenomenal Black women main eventing at the Grady Cole Center for the first time. Former Pan-African Diaspora Champion Trish Adora has undoubtedly risen in the Black independent scene by making a name for herself with her skill sets. Aja Kong is a legend in the wrestling business who has been dominating opponents for over three decades, and also known for her brutal power moves and intimidating presence. She has won numerous championships in Japan and has faced some of the best wrestlers in history. This match was a test of skill, strength and will between two women who represent different eras and styles of wrestling.
Jonathan Gresham vs. Darius Carter
This bout was a battle of style and personalities between two of the greatest Black wrestlers today, "The Octopus" Jonathan Gresham vs. "The ALL FATHER" Darius Carter! Gresham has traveled the globe and honed his craft as one of the most skilled and versatile grapplers in pro wrestling. He's won accolades and championships, including the Ring of Honor World Championship, and was ranked No. 7 on the #BRP50 list in 2022. Currently ranked No. 15 on this year's #BRP50 list, Darius Carter has built up his name on the Black independent wrestling scene worldwide, becoming one of wrestling's most notoriously arrogant and ruthless heels, while blending the style and look of pro wrestling in 2023, with the foundational in-ring skill of many wrestlers from the '80s and '90s. Gresham faced a tough challenge in Carter, but Dastardly Darius claimed victory, proving he is worth more than any title or accolade in the industry. Overpower your opponent and outcheat; you can't hate 'em for it!
Kiera Hogan vs. Charity King
Another highlight of the night was Hogan vs. King, two Black women who did their thing that night. Kiera Hogan has made waves in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and IMPACT Wrestling as a former Knockouts Tag Team Champion. She showed King why she's one to watch in this business. She was ready for anything King threw at her. Charity King, a newcomer to the indie scene with only two years of experience, impressed everyone with her power and resilience. She gave Hogan a tough fight, but Hogan's speed and tenured skills were too much for her to handle.
The night included three more bouts: Jah-C faced Kevin Knight in a spectacular, high-flying opener, Infantry (Trish Adora’s homies Carlie Bravo and Sean Dean) took on TME (Gannon Jones, Jr. and Duke Davis) in a tag team match, and Team Georgia (Owen Knight, Trevor Aeon, Ashton Starr, and Suge D) battled Team North Carolina (Yahya, Movie Myk, Ian Maxwell, and Rehyan Inteus) in a four-on-four match that featured Darius Lockhart’s favorite moment of the entire evening. The event was also blessed with special appearances from Faye Jackson and Billy Dixon.
There was nothing short of impressive about this show. Undoubtedly, Darius Lockhart put a lot of thought and effort into crafting the art of ASÉ Wrestling. The product's branding, show rollout, production quality, and output style are outstanding. A person on the outside looking in cannot help but feel joy seeing the Black community unite and support this historic debut.
"The first ASÉ show may be one of my favorite first shows for a pro wrestling organization in some time. It being all-Black is a primary key, but it felt like TV. Business picked up when Darius Carter walked into the ring, but I must give it to TME. Gannon Jones, Jr.—who picked up IWC gold the following night—was really impressive. Need that ASÉ2 date confirmed ASAP!" — Khal, Disputed BRP Predictions Champion
If you didn't catch the live show, don't worry, you can still enjoy the thrilling action of ASÉ1 on their website. Check out all matches and the incredible talent of Black wrestlers. ASÉ Wrestling is the new sensation in the wrestling world; you don't want to miss it!
Mimi, aka #TheWrestlingChic, co-hosts #TurnbuckleTalk every Tuesday at 6:35 pm ET and contributes to the Black Rasslin' Podcast. Continue Reading
The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns with healthy dose of rasslin'-flavored poddin'. This week, Matth, Mimi, and khal are here to discuss Jade Cargill officially signing with WWE (along with all of the news and
talk from her first week), Matt Riddle's release, preview AEW's
WrestleDream show and NXT's No Mercy card, and much, much more!
You know the routine: you can stream and download this week's episode via SoundCloud, and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify! We stream live every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on YouTube. We also encourage you to become a member of our Patreon,
where you can get even MORE exclusive content (and merch discounts)!
We'll catch you next week; tell a friend to tell their homies to LIKE,
rate, comment, subscribe, and
share!
The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns with an extremely special guest. illfam79, MatthDamon and khal were joined this week by "The Revolutionary" Darius Lockhart, who finally got his hands on the LOCK HART merch we recently dropped. Not only does Darius tell us his journey from young pro wrestling fan to "Revolutionary," but he dives into some of his favorite matches (so far), some real talk about the world we're living in (and how that bleeds into the pro wrestling industry), as well as teasing his forthcoming project. It's a dope show that gets funny but is also very informative.
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