Black Rasslin' Podcast
Showing posts with label NWA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NWA. Show all posts

June 21, 2024

THE KING BEES: BUZZING THROUGH THE INDIE CIRCUIT

11:59 AM  


Words: Mimi aka #TheWrestlingChic 

When you think of dynamic duos in professional wrestling, the independent scene is buzzing with talent. In addition to currently holding both the Mission Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship and NWA World Women's Tag Team Championship, Danni Bee and Charity King have gained quite the following, both inside and outside the ring. These two have stung their competition across various promotions, leaving a lasting impression on fans (like myself) and opponents alike. Let's take a look at their journey, tracing their steps through some of the top independent wrestling promotions.

Danni Bee: The Big Buzz

Danni Bee, #31 on this year’s #BRP50, one-half of the powerful tag team The King Bees, is a standout talent in the world of professional wrestling. Originating from Oklahoma, she moved to Texas to start her wrestling career. Danni's journey is marked by strength, technical skill, and an unyielding determination that has captivated audiences across the independent circuit. Danni Bee's wrestling career began with a passion for the sport that quickly led her to two-time WWE Hall of Famer Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling. Her agility and ability to connect with the crowd set her apart early on, setting a path for success that has included being the current New Texas Pro Women’s Champion and previously holding the Hurricane Pro Women's title. Danni's matches are characterized by her fearless approach, taking big risks, and executing hard-hitting moves that leave you in awe.

Charity King: The Queen Bee of the Ring

Charity King, No. 40 on this year’s #BRP50 and the other half of this dynamic tag team, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of women’s professional wrestling. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Charity's journey into wrestling began with fierce determination and an undeniable talent, quickly setting herself apart from the competition. Charity King also started her wrestling career at Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, where she rapidly made a name for herself. The combination of her big power moves and maneuvers brings an in-ring presence that captures the attention of fans and promoters alike. With each match, she hones her skills, developing a reputation as a relentless competitor who could take on any challenge.

The Formation of The King Bees

We all know the independent circuit is known for its commitment to showcasing amazing emerging talent, and the circuit has become a pivotal platform for The King Bees. With all tag teams, chemistry is the foundation of their success. Danni Bee and Charity King forged their partnership in the heat of battle and the camaraderie of shared dreams, quickly evolving into one of the most cohesive units on the independent scene. While they first wrestled as a team in 2022, they had their most impressive run as a tag team during this last year, closing out the BRP50 2024 period holding two tag team titles. They bring a unique blend of athleticism and character everywhere they go, quickly becoming “the bee's knees” of the locker rooms they hit. Their matches are hard-hitting battles and spectacles of storytelling. Feuds with tag teams like Pretty Empowered, who they beat for the NWA World Women’s Tag Team Championship, or their current beef with Fire N Flav’s Kiera Hogan, the King Bees created moments and highlights of their successes. They’ve consistently received significant attention over the past year, setting the stage for their inevitable rise. Their matches are brutal and breathtaking, pushing any opponent to their limits and allowing them (and their respective performers) to grow while honing their craft.

The Future of The King Bees

With their reputation firmly established, The King Bees are poised to continue their ascent in the world of women’s professional wrestling. Their journey through these various promotions has honed their skills while earning a loyal following. We can only expect more thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments from Danni Bee and Charity King as we look toward the future.

The King Bees are a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the unbreakable bond of a tag team. Their trajectory through the independent wrestling scene is a buzzing tale of success, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Keep your eyes on The King Bees, because they're just getting started, and the best is yet to come.

The Writer’s Note

I've had the privilege of witnessing countless matches, but few have left an impression quite like the first time I saw The King Bees in action. It was February 2024 at ASÉxBHM, and the energy in the gym was incredible. When Danni Bee and Charity King stepped into the ring in a bout against Joseline Navarro and Raché Chanel, I knew I was about to witness something special. From the moment the bell rang, these four amazing Black women captivated the audience with their blend of old-school wrestling style infused with a modern twist. Their in-ring chemistry was on brand; the character work, consistent; I enjoyed every minute of them. Every move, every glance, every tag was executed with a seamless precision that only comes from a deep understanding and mutual respect.

What struck me most was their ability to pay homage to the greats of wrestling's past while innovating for the future. Their matches were a perfect mix of technical skill and storytelling that drew you in and kept you on the edge of your seat. The way Danni Bee's agility complemented Charity King's power is nothing short of Black Girl Magic. Watching The King Bees chase their dreams and achieve greatness as NWA World Women’s Tag Team Champions while staying true to themselves and each other fills me with pride. Their journey is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the unbreakable bond they share.

The King Bees are not just tag team partners; they are a symbol of resilience, unity, and Black excellence in women's wrestling. Seeing them live at ASÉ Wrestling was a moment. It was an honor to witness their incredible talent (as well as many others) and to be part of the crowd that cheered them on. The King Bees are taking women's tag team wrestling to new heights and I can't wait to see where their journey takes them next.

Be sure to explore more #BRP50 2024 content by visiting our website and joining the Black Rasslin' Podcast Patreon for exclusive pro wrestling insights.

Catch Mimi, also known as #TheWrestlingChic, co-hosting #TheBuckle, or #TurnbuckleTalk, every Tuesday at 6:35 PM ET and Thursday at 8:35 PM ET on The Black Rasslin' Podcast.

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February 23, 2024

The King Bees talk ASÉ x BHM, facing Pretty Empowered and Dream World, tag team wrestling, and more!

1:00 PM  

In our final ASÉ Conversation ahead of ASÉ x BHM on Saturday, February 24, 2024, Charity King and Danni Bee (aka THE KING BEES) join the Black Rasslin' Podcast to give us a peak into them developing into one of the hottest names in the tag team scene. They give thoughts on their upcoming title matches against Pretty Empowered (for NWA) and Dream World (for Mission Pro), where folks should be eating in Houston, and more!


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The Black Rasslin' Podcast: PERF (f/ The King Bees)

9:17 AM  


The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns for a healthy dose of rasslin'-flavored insight and entertainment! This week, Fam, Mimi, Matth, and khal have a dope conversation with Charity King and Danni Bee—aka The King Bees—to talk ASÉ, tag team wrestling, NWA, and more! Later, DDm joins the squad to talk everything from The Rock joining Roman Reigns and The Bloodline to Jimmy Uso attacking his brother Jey, to giving a full preview of WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth 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 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!

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June 22, 2023

RISE OF THE INDIES: Darius Carter's Debonair Dominance

8:53 AM  

 
When you look at the vanglorious image Jedi Jack Yeti cooked up for the fifth annual #BRP50, there’s one wrestler in particular that feels most “khal-like.” His name is Darius Carter (#15 on the 2023 #BRP50 list), and he's spent almost 15 years bridging the gap. No, I’m not speaking about the gap between Black wrestlers who deserve to get shine and the rest of the world, but the gap between the era that influenced Carter and the era he actually performs in. Carter, the current four-time Warriors of Wrestling Heavyweight Champion, oozes sophistication. For a performer who is so connected with the National Wrestling Alliance of the 1970s, it should be no surprise that Carter prefers to handle business.

“When you get Darius Carter, you get everything,” the All Father told Joel Pearl & SP3 during a recent appearance on In The Weeds. “You get the look, the mic work, the ring work. In and out of the ring, you're getting somebody that you want to put a championship on.”

During the 12 months in the #BRP50 calendar year (May 2022 through May 2023), one of my favorite wrestlers was Bryan Danielson. Danielson, a man close to my age, has been in god mode. Actually, let me stop. The key to Danielson’s performance since joining AEW has been that he’s a true “seasoned veteran.” The vignettes of Danielson with William Regal—someone who Darius Carter mentioned on In The Weeds as an influence—training with the motley crew known as the Blackpool Combat Club inspired me. I don't know about you, but I could see Carter fitting in perfectly with that tough-as-nails squad, both as a performer and as an individual. And while pro wrestling isn’t just about the technical aspects, I love seeing Darius Carter step into the squared circle (rocking what I imagine legends like Regal would wear to the ring in 2023) and get busy with whoever is unlucky enough to have to face him on that night. And sure, he may be remembered as the guy who rocked a gray three-piece during Faye Jackson’s Gray Sweatpants Battle Royal, but that next time you saw him on a card, facing anyone from Savannah Evans to Billy Dixon to O’Shay Edwards to Rev. Ron Hunt, you know you’re going to get the finest in Carter’s style of close-quarters combat.


Serious question: does Darius Carter own a pair of sunglasses? To totally jack a line from this random ‘80s jam, Carter’s future’s looking bright; it may be time to invest in some Cartier shades. Think about it: one of the biggest stories coming out of Bad Bunny bringing WWE back to Puerto Rico was the appearance of Carlito as a part of the LWO. This is the same Carlito who will be a part of a four-way bout for Darius Carter’s aforementioned WOW Heavyweight strap at Ultimate Survival 2023 in July. Carter, who is in his “legend run,” says he’s gunning for Carlito with the title on the line. “This is the type of person I am,” Carter told In The Weeds. “I have a job to do.” That job isn’t just “defend the most esteemed title in WOW,” though. Carter has set his sights on the 10 Pounds of Gold that Tyrus currently holds in the NWA.

Carter, who quickly shouts out the NWA style in regards to what he emulates as a performer, isn’t feeling the current situation in Billy Corgan’s NWA when it comes to the “open challenges” that are given out, openly saying that they don’t feel authentic. “It doesn’t feel, to me, that you’re really giving all the opportunities that you can to the most deserving talent and challengers out there.” Carter explained. Carter also asked if the press that Tyrus gets by showing up on cable TV with the NWA title is positive, which…thank you, Darius. There’s a beauty in being able to say what you mean to say without having to spell it out. And truth be told, Corgan’s NWA would only benefit from Darius Carter holding the top prize. “Give me the mic, give me the ring, you can give me three minutes,” Carter boasts. “You don’t need to give me the world because I can make the world out of a city.”

That’s what attracted me to Carter initially; any time I saw next-day timeline hype about a hot indie event, I’d eventually see photos of Darius Carter looking like the Sophisticated Menace I appreciate. There’s a reason why WWE Hall of Famers like Sean Waltman (a.k.a. X-Pac) felt obligated to post now-deleted tweets celebrating the “f*** ton of star potential” that Carter possesses. He feels like the real deal; throw on a Darius Carter promo and tell me you aren’t ready to see this man take over the NWA, Battle Club Pro, and the world. Hell, many of us saw him in Jersey All-Pro, cutting a scathing interview after his first appearance in the fed.

Let me dial it back a bit. One of the beautiful things about being a part of BRP is our diligence in keeping up with the cutting edge of Black pro wrestlers. It’s a simple aim, especially with the breadth of talent that graces our annual #BRP50 list. It’s a slippery slope though, right? You still have to be dope, and the thing with a performer like Darius Carter is that he’s not just “dope.” He’s the total package (sorry, Luger). Carter’s the most khal-friendly pro wrestler on the #BRP50 because he not only talks like Ric Flair from the early ‘80s, but he wrestles like Regal from the ‘90s with a knowledge of what’s going on in the modern era. . He isn’t just a jack of all trades; Darius Carter is a master of all. 

“This isn't just a job or an on and off thing for me,” Carter told In The Weeds. “This is who I am and who I represent, to show people that a persona like this can exist in 2023.” I don’t want to say that the “persona” he’s referring to is “a talented Black man who can catch-as-catch-can with the best of them,” but have you seen him in the ring? That’s the M.O. of a performer who feels they represent “something that is very real and is missing in wrestling. I don't think we have someone who is going back to the tradition and bringing it fully into the modern times,” Carter said. “You have people that are more traditional, but I'm mixing 2023 with the style and look, with a 1970s and ‘80s wrestling approach.”

Does that make Darius is the Greg Nice of pro wrestling? If you want to take one facet out of him out of context, sure. To fully understand what makes a Darius Carter tick, you have to remember that his base of pro wrestling influence starts in the ‘70s. For Darius Carter, pro wrestling is traveling to whatever dump would have you and putting on the best show you could that night. But don’t worry, if this is your first time hearing about the greatness that is Darius Carter, he’s fine with it. Hell, the All Father relishes in those moments.

“That's the feeling I want promoters to have when they book me for the first time,” Carter explained. “'Where has he been? Why didn't I do this sooner?' I'm not saying this to be braggadocious, I'm saying this because I put time and effort and energy, every moment of the day, into who Darius Carter is.” And what is Darius Carter? Let him tell it, he’s the Alpha and Omega, a stellar combination of classic pro wrestling fundamentals with a keen awareness of today. For myself, and many pro wrestling fans like me, Darius Carter is another shining example of Black Excellence and the broad spectrum of what being a “Black professional wrestler” is. All praise due to the All Father.

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June 19, 2023

The Rise Of The Black Indies

10:20 AM  
Image via Jedi Jack Yeti

Words: Andreas Hale

Image: Jedi Jack Yeti

Although social media can be criticized for many things—with Wrestling Twitter having its own special place of toxicity and tribalism—it has been an excellent tool for discovering and finding your tribe of people who share your interests. Perhaps no place is this truer in pro wrestling than the boon of African Americans in the industry. At one time, Black wrestlers and their fans were little more than a novelty that was often met with a raised eyebrow when discussed out in the wild. But the past decade has seen exponential growth in both fans and talent across multiple promotions. And with that growth has come an era today where Black champions are almost normalized.

Thanks to acts like The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E), Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Mercedes Moné (FKA Sasha Banks), Keith Lee, Bobby Lashley, Carmelo Hayes, Jay Lethal and others, the idea of a Black champion in professional wrestling is no longer a foreign concept. 

The mold of what a Black wrestler is supposed to be no longer exists and the archetype that toggled somewhere between mindless brute and smiling Sambo for the better part of 40 years has been shattered. The idea of no longer being hamstrung by stereotypes has opened the door for African Americans to be true to themselves both in and out of the ring.

Why did it take so long?

For starters, the biggest wrestling promotion in the world was run through the eyes of a conservative white man who built the entirety of his company on stereotypes. Foreigners and minorities were often typecast into roles that the All-American white man had to conquer. Mexicans rode lawnmowers, Asians never spoke English, gay wrestlers were treated as jokes, and Black wrestlers were thugs or overly happy and way too eager to entertain the masses. None were ever viewed as champions unless they had white friends or stripped themselves of their culture on their way to the top. 

Somehow, pro wrestling is one of the last forms of entertainment to reflect society. Think about this: there was a Black president before there was an African-born WWE champion.
    
With Black talent holding prominent positions in major wrestling promotions, it’s only right that we’ve seen a significant rise of African Americans in the indie ranks over the past decade. And as we’ve seen for the past decade, the independent scene is ripe with talent that will eventually feed into the major promotions as they seek new stars. 



There was a time that you couldn’t find 50 Black pro wrestlers to fill up a list. But there is an abundance of talent to deliberate over that stretches across the globe. From the brilliant stylings of British talent Michael Oku to the physically imposing—but stunningly agile—Calvin Tankman to the technically superior Jonathan Gresham and the inexplicably talented Bianca Belair, there’s something for everyone and no two Black wrestlers are the same. 

What makes this era truly special is the community that supports Black talent and, in turn, is responsible for them being pushed to the top of the card. The idea that the straight white male/female is the prototype for a wrestling promotion’s idea of a superstar is antiquated and, as a result, pro wrestling fans of all genders and races simply want their wrestling to reflect a society that is wrestling with diversity every single day. It may not be perfect, but it’s something that we can truly feel that we are a part of.

There are promotions that dedicate themselves to Black talent like Atlanta’s BattleSlam, shows that spotlight the Black indie scene like GCW’s For The Culture and events that bring the community together simply to celebrate one another, like WaleMania. We are no longer spectators yearning for scraps. We are a big chunk of the community that promoters are now forced to pay attention to. Our desires as wrestling fans won’t be ignored. And if they are, we’ll be sure to make a lot of noise.

Ask Black Wrestling Twitter. 

While the casual wrestling fan is surely cognizant of the Bianca Belairs, Willow Nightingales, Ricochets, Powerhouse Hobbs and Ricky Starks of the industry because they grace our television screens on a weekly basis, there is a burgeoning community of Black independent talent that is truly tearing up the scene and absolutely necessary to be placed on your radar. The art of discovery is still significant and nobody wants to be late to the party when identifying something special within our community. 



Not all of them will make it to the major leagues, and that’s okay. Not all of our favorite rappers end up being signed to a major label, either. And, oftentimes, it’s better that way because it doesn’t water them down. Some are sadistically hyper-violent (Billy Dixon), others are far too in touch with the dark side (Holidead) and then there are the absurdly athletic innovators of offense (Kevin Knight). They are globetrotters who make a living traversing across state lines and getting their passports stamped to showcase their ability. Eventually, some will make their way to the major promotions and (hopefully) continue to display just how uniquely diverse Black wrestlers are.

Remember, before he showed up in NXT, nobody had ever seen a big man move quite like Keith Lee did in the indies. Or, a woman who Vince McMahon would have ridiculed for her overly joyful persona and body type that isn’t rail thin but can absolutely go in the ring like Willow Nightingale. Or, a wrestler who defied gravity to the point that his ariel offense was considered a unique artform like Ricochet.

Black wrestlers continue to innovate and eventually become game-changers.   

With that, it’s only right that we spotlight a few so you can make sure you catch them when they pay your city a visit.

***

Andreas Hale is the Senior Combat Sports Writer at The Sporting News. He’s also the co-host of “The Corner Podcast” with ESPN Ringside’s Kel Dansby, an on-air talent on Sirius XM’s Fight Nation and co host of “Fighting Words.” Before covering boxing, MMA and pro wrestling, Andreas held senior positions at HipHopDX, BET and Jay-Z’s Life+Times. He’s also the co-creator of the upcoming animated series “Our Heroes Rock” with Ettore “Big E” Ewen and Jonathan Davenport.

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August 6, 2022

Ric Flair's Last Match (and the History of the Big Gold Belt) | Black Rasslin' Podcast

10:35 AM  


Mimi, Zell, and khal discuss (what we were told would be) Ric Flair's Last Match. Mimi also wasn't up on how the WCW World Heavyweight Championship worked in regards to champions putting a $25,000(!!!) deposit on the title during their reign.


 

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October 30, 2020

The Black Rasslin' Podcast: You Shut Up, Ellen

10:49 AM  

The Black Rasslin' Podcast went LIVE for the first time on YouTube (SUBSCRIBE!) this week, and it was a dope one. illfam79, MatthDamon, khal and Drip are all on hand to not only recap Hell In a Cell, Rich Swann's big Impact win, as well as get real about Chris Jericho and Booker T. We even take Davis (and Royal) to BRP Court over this Christopher Daniels moonsault conversation.

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 are even on YouTube. Keep it locked to our Big Cartel page as well! We'll catch you next week; tell a friend to rate, comment, and share!

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September 12, 2019

#TBT: Butch Reed vs. Junkyard Dog

8:00 AM  

While we don't promote black-on-black crime, it is dope to see organizations like the NWA dropping whole matches featuring two classic black rasslers. Check out this bout between Butch Reed and Junkyard Dog from NWA Houston Wrestling.




As an added bonus, here's Reed talking about JYD during a shoot interview about their "historical" feud. It's some dope insight on their thought process regarding angles like this during that era.



Years later, Butch Reed (with Slick) fought Junkyard Dog in the WWF. Check out this match from Prime Time Wrestling, circa 1988.

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October 11, 2012

Steiner Brothers vs. Doom (NWA Halloween Havoc 1989)

10:02 AM  
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