LRW Wrestling's "Triple F" vs. UCW Wrestling's "Hollywood" Shane Saunders: New World Order?

You poisoned my sweet water.
You cut down my green trees.
The food you fed my children
Was the cause of their disease.
My world is slowly falling down
And the air's not good to breathe.
And those of us who care enough,
We have to do something...

[Chorus:]
Oh... Oh What you gonna do about me?
Oh... Oh What you gonna do about me?

Your newspapers,
They just put you on.
They never tell you
The whole story.
They just play the
Real issues down.
I was wondering -- could this be the end
Of our pride and glory?

I work in your factory.
I study in your schools.
I was in the penitentiary.
And the military too.
And I feel the future trembling,
As the word gets passed around.
"If you stand up for what you do believe,
Be prepared to be shot down. "

And I feel like a stranger
In the land where I was born
And I live like an outlaw.
And I'm always on the run...
And they keep on trying to bust me
But I always take a stand...
I believe the revolution
Must be mighty close at hand...

I smoke marijuana
But I can't get behind your wars.
And most of what I do believe
Is against most of your laws
I'm a fugitive from injustice
But I'm going to be free.
'Cause your rules and regulations
They don't do a damn thing for me

And I feel like a stranger
In the land where I was born
And I run like an outlaw.
And I'm always on the run.
And although they may be stronger now, 

Our time will come around.
They're just adding to our numbers,
Every time they shoot our people down.

     Up top we have a video of "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan betraying Ted Turner's WCW Wrestling federation (an upstart outfit that briefly challenged the dominance of Vince McMahon's WWE) by turning "heel" and joining the New World Order (aka "The NWO"). At the time, no one could believe that the sanctimonious "say your prayers and take your vitamins" role model would agree to such a radical transformation of his public image. In the end, life would imitate art.

     Below that video clip is a live performance of Quicksilver Messenger Service at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco forty years ago. Old Freddie was a junior in high school then, and the revolution really did seem "mighty close at hand." In these heady days of a resurgent American Left (spearheaded by a certain Democratic Socialist from Vermont rising up to battle an American Fascist spawned by Reality TV), we can look forward to another long, hot summer and a replay of the 1968 Democratic Convention. History is cyclical. 

"Hollywood" Shane Saunders intro: "F*ck you, LRW fans. I'm here to take your belt and shut down your federation."

        Yes, the above screen cap features the same Shane Saunders upon whom I showered effusive praise during countless blog reviews of UCW videos, ever since the young man's debut match. Gone is the red, white and blue gear that Shane wore during our last production (Video #3), as well as his faux patriotic, Hulk Hogan themed, "I am a Real American" entrance music. In Video #4, "Hollywood" Shane is wearing star-studded trunks ("just as you'll see on the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame") and he enters to UCW Wrestling's theme music (flaunting his allegiance to our competitors). In sports-entertainment, history also repeats itself.
     Like Ted Turner vis-à-vis Vince McMahon during the Monday Night Wars, I am in a difficult position when it comes to my relationship with UCW Wrestling founder Michael Bodyslam. My business relationship with Shane -- and perhaps with UCW as well -- went sour when I challenged the hype concerning Shane's Los Angeles background. As a result, Shane doubled down on the semi-fiction (just maybe he actually did live in North Hollywood during a portion of his college career) and Bodyslam chastised me for "breaking kayfabe."
     Truthfully, I'm still uncertain whether Shane's promise to defend the LRW Wrestling Super-Star Championship belt solely in UCW videos was a petulant outburst of his own, or a defacto "hostile corporate takeover attempt" orchestrated by UCW owners Michael Bodyslam and/or Ethan Axel Andrews. (Neither UCW owner has commented, either publicly or privately, on the matter. I do know that Shane was in constant contact with Bodyslam via cellphone, from the moment that I picked him up at the airport, but what they were discussing is anyone's guess.)
     Shane's Video #3 opponent, Cameron Murphy, refereed the championship match in Video #4. Although a victory by Shane would put an effective end to LRW Wrestling, I instructed Cameron to officiate the bout with no bias whatsoever and the gentleman from the great state of New Hampshire promised me that he would. (Robbing Shane of the title in a rigged match would leave me with a championship belt as worthless as a Democratic nomination handed to Hillary by DNC superdelegates.)

Cameron: "Let me get this for you, sir." Shane: "What the hell? Why are you rubbing my corner with the Ryan Kidd rag?"

     That didn't mean that we were above screwing with Shane's mind. During the pre-fight publicity, we made it clear that our reigning LRW Champion, the fabulous Fratboy Francis Franklin (aka "Triple F") would be channeling the spirit of Ryan Kidd (an indy pro wrestler who we sponsor) for inspiration. We had Ryan Kidd memorabilia posted all over the mat room and, in the photo above, Cameron is using a Ryan Kidd rally towel to clean Shane's corner.

The psychological warfare seemed to be taking its toll on Shane before the match even began.

LRW Wrestling Super-Star Champion "Triple F"

     Shane's discomfort continued to grow as LRW Wrestling Super-Star Champion "Triple F" entered the mat area clad in Ryan Kidd ring-worn gear (which we won in the first-ever Ryan Kidd Fabric Free-For-All).
     Early in the match, Shane dominated (as expected, due to his wealth of wrestling know-how) but referee Cameron Murphy kept him in check when he attempted a maneuver that resembled a choke hold. Being used to grappling in UCW's no-rules style, Shane was clearly perturbed by the reprimand.

     Things were looking grim for LRW Wrestling as Triple F seemed incapable of countering Shane's leg scissors, which the UCW star applied frequently during the match's opening minutes.

     At the 3:47 mark, Shane applied a punishing armbar, but Triple F refused to submit to the brutal joint lock maneuver. (Triple F's stoicism was motivated by the Ryan Kidd vs. Tony Kozina "shoot" match which we discussed in an earlier blog entry.)

     At 4:39 minutes into the match, Shane caught Triple F in a Camel Clutch, the excruciating chin lock finisher which the Iron Sheik used to defeat Bob Backlund for the WWF Championship in 1983. Still, our LRW Wrestling Super-Star Champion refused to submit!

      At the 6:02 mark, an important verbal exchange occurs. Shane applies a bearhug and lifts Triple F off the mat. At that point, Shane threatens Triple F, "You don't know how f*cked you are right now. I'm going to throw you to the ground." Referee Cameron Murphy immediately speaks up: "Hey, watch it! If he gets slammed, you're disqualified." (This is in keeping with the LRW Wrestling rules: "As in high school wrestling, you are responsible for returning your opponent safely to the mat; no pro wrestling 'bodyslams' are allowed.") Shane grumbles, but honors the official's request.

     After the referee's warning, more grappling ensues, and Shane continues his dominance (to be honest, Triple F was able to launch very little -- if any -- offense during this match). Soon Shane has Triple F trapped in a vicious, over-the-knee backbreaker. However, once again, the LRW Wrestling Super-Star Champion demonstrates his intestinal fortitude by bravely enduring the sadistic maneuver.

     After the two grapplers circle each other with intensity burning in their eyes, Shane overpowers Triple F during a test of strength. An apparent choke hold once again draws the ire of the referee.

     "Shane, watch the hands!" referee Cameron Murphy warns. "Yeah, yeah -- shut the f*ck up," the insolent UCW star responds before acquiescing to the request and readjusting the hold.

     Soon thereafter (following a break in the action due to an out-of-bounds whistle), the climactic moment of the match occurs. Shane once again lifts Triple F off the mat while administering a bearhug. The "thinking man's champion" seizes the opportunity by shouting in Shane's ear, "UCW sucks!"

     Shane reacts exactly as Triple F expected him to -- instinctively throwing the champ to the mat in a fit of rage.

     Naturally, referee Cameron Murphy immediately shouts, "Illegal slam! Disqualified!" while blowing his whistle to signify the end of the match. "Hollywood" Shane pounds the mat in frustration, realizing that his attempt to establish a New World Order -- or at least a New Wrestling Order among underground feds on the east coast -- has failed miserably.
     In a David vs. Goliath (or perhaps a Bernie vs. Hillary) match-up, Triple F has once again successfully defended the LRW Wrestling Super-Star Championship title against a far more powerful foe, and the belt won't be going to Philadelphia after all!

"Triple F" rises from the mat looking both smug and relieved.

        In the end, Shane Saunders proved to be a counter-revolutionary (off the mat, he's a political conservative from a somewhat reactionary state) who was unable to subvert LRW Wrestling -- a truly revolutionary federation in the underground wrestling scene!

Our "Locker Room" page has been updated to reflect the won-lost records of these wrestlers following this match.

     Shane Saunders is the quintessential "company man" who could not maintain his composure when his corporate identity was blasphemed. Also exploring the link between politics and sports-entertainment, my good friend Blogger Joe said in a review of UCW video #271 (a match featuring the odious Quinn Harper, who abused Shane horribly in his UCW debut match* -- and may be a big part of the reason why the kid was such a prick by the time he came to work for me): "I have some reservations about the match, too. For one, I don't much care for the representation of the underclass as bullies, intent only on destroying what their vastly more capable and morally superior masters have built. It could be a bit of a swerve away from UCW's usual 'working-class' ethos, but this is the sort of thing likely to put off  only an old radical socialist like me. To be fair (and accurate), Quinn and Stay-C play upstart punks, not union organizers. Obviously, their class warfare is only a clamor for attention, not a liberation movement...I'm alarmed by how close this depiction approaches real life."
     Contract be damned, Shane wasn't about to stick around for any postmatch interview; he insisted -- well, strongly suggested -- that I pay for his hotel room before catching a flight home (not to L.A.) the next morning. Shane got what he wanted and vanished into the darkness.
     My interview with Triple F was like no conversation we ever had previously. I realized that, in the past, I had favored Triple F's opponents (Kyle O'Connor, Nathaniel Noel) and that hadn't been fair to him. Furthermore, I was awed by the bumps he had taken to defend my business -- at the hands of a renegade grappler who was used to battling without rules.

"Triple F -- you earned this, bro."

     Triple F informed me that he had, in fact, been inspired by Ryan Kidd's example as he wrestled this match. When I mentioned that Shane was totally loyal to UCW, Triple F gestured toward our championship belt and said, "Just as I'm loyal to this." I concluded the interview by telling Triple F that there was an entirely new understanding between us now -- and I meant that sincerely. We are embarking on a new era in the relationship between LRW Wrestling and our controversial titleholder.

"You're my champion, and I hope you stay my champion for a long time."

*Shane's actual UCW debut was against Quinn Harper, but his match against Eli Black (in which he was already sporting bruises from the Harper beating) was released first.

     At any rate...
     This video, our fourth presentation, is thirteen minutes and forty-three seconds long. That includes the wrestler introductions, the actual match, and a postmatch interview with the winner (the loser was unavailable for comment).
     To purchase the STANDARD DEFINITION, 268 MB, 1280 x 720 version of this video in the quickly and easily downloadable, hugely popular .mp4 format for a mere pittance of $9.95 -- utilize the BUY NOW button below...

Yeah, you guys in Philadelphia...it's a beautiful belt -- but go fabricate your own.

Motel Wrestler: LRW Wrestling: "Wrestlers with Photogenic Appeal"...

Check out this great review of LRW Wrestling written by AC Yates in the "Motel Wrestler" blog...

Motel Wrestler: LRW Wrestling: "Wrestlers with Photogenic Appeal"...: As I continue to explore the vast and diverse world of wrestling, here is a website for a group that is close kin to what I call "motel...

Video #4: Triple F vs. Shane Saunders (Available For Download)

Featuring special guest referee Cameron Murphy!!!

"Hollywood" Shane Saunders checks out the LRW mat room.

Triple F vs. Shane Saunders: LRW Wrestling Preview from LRW Wrestling on Vimeo.

     Here it is!!! LRW Wrestling Super-Star Champion Fratboy Francis Franklin (aka "Triple F") defends the federation from a hostile corporate takeover attempt by "Hollywood" Shane Saunders and Underground Championship Wrestling!!!
     The Living Room Wrestling site is decorated wall-to-wall with Ryan Kidd memorabilia (a blatant attempt to inspire Triple F and antagonize Hollywood Shane). The special guest referee is none other than Cameron Murphy -- Shane's most recent LRW opponent. The deck would seem to be stacked against the brash UCW star.
     However, Saunders possesses a wealth of underground wrestling experience. Will Triple F, our federation's controversial champion, be able to use psychological gamesmanship to match skills with the UCW interloper? If Shane is triumphant, he has promised to defend the LRW Wrestling Super-Star Championship belt exclusively in UCW Wrestling videos. The future of LRW Wrestling is at stake in this match!!!

Triple F, attired in Ryan Kidd's wrestling gear, is the master of mind games.

     This video, our fourth presentation, is thirteen minutes and forty-three seconds long. That includes the wrestler introductions, the actual match, and a post-match interview with the winner (the loser was unavailable for comment).
     To purchase the STANDARD DEFINITION, 268 MB, 1280 x 720 version of this video in the quickly and easily downloadable, hugely popular .mp4 format for a mere pittance of $9.95 -- utilize the BUY NOW button below...

(NOTE: This video is available only in the Standard Definition, .mp4 format.)

     Remember, if LRW's wily Fratboy cannot defeat the UCW stalwart, this could be the last video we'll ever produce!!! Don't delay -- download today!!!

LRW Wrestling Contract Signing: Triple F vs. Shane Saunders

LRW Wrestling Contract Signing from LRW Wrestling on Vimeo.

A Hostile Corporate Takeover By UCW Wrestling?

     Well, here it is, ladies and gentlemen -- the historic contract signing for the LRW Wrestling Super-Star Championship pitting the reigning champion, Fratboy Francis Franklin aka "Triple F" against the challenger, Shane Saunders.
     The most shocking portion of this video occurs at the 2:18 mark when Shane brags that, after winning the LRW title, he plans to defend the belt in Philadelphia, in UCW Wrestling videos, with all of the profits going to Ethan Axel Andrews (and, of course, UCW founder Michael Bodyslam).
     Shane then points to the star embroidered on his wrestling trunks and says, "This is just like a star on the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame," (or at least that's what we think he said -- Shane often speaks as though he has a mouthful of marbles -- maybe someone should give this kid elocution lessons) and then demands to henceforth be known as "Hollywood" Shane Saunders. (The LRW Locker Room page has been updated to reflect this egotistical metamorphosis.)
     Naturally, if Shane is victorious in the upcoming match, LRW Wrestling will cease to exist as we know it today. LRW Wrestling will become a mere subsidiary of UCW Wrestling (sort of like the WWE absorption of ECW in 2001). With the LRW Wrestling Super-Star Championship belt (the belt that I myself had fabricated at significant personal expense) becoming a secondary title featured in UCW Wrestling videos, then LRW would be left with only two choices: 1. Fabricate a new belt, change the name of the federation, and buy a new internet domain (i.e., start from scratch) or 2. Give up on the whole idea of creating wrestling videos (probably a more practical idea).
     Much to "Hollywood" Shane's chagrin, his last opponent, Cameron Murphy, has been tabbed to officiate this all-important event. Although a Shane Saunders victory could easily spell the end of LRW Wrestling, we have instructed Cameron to referee the match in an absolutely unbiased manner. (Otherwise, Axel and Bodyslam will forever be able to claim that one of their wrestlers is the rightful LRW Wrestling title holder, making our federation seem like an inferior product.)
     Like it or not, the very survival of LRW Wrestling is now in the hands of the erratic, flamboyant Fratboy Francis Franklin aka "Triple F." Lord help us all.
     

LRW Wrestling's Shane Saunders vs. Cameron Murphy: This Is The End Of The Innocence

     Standing there in his red-white-and-blue trunks, posing to the theme song of a discredited WWE legend, Shane Saunders seemed like a bizarre caricature of a pro wrestling "face." Of course, during Shane's LRW introductory interview, I was too star struck to note any disingenuous vibes emanating from the stereotypically wholesome college jock.

     Make no mistake about it, Shane Saunders is no longer the sweet, innocent kid who charmed me to smithereens when he made his official UCW debut in video #387. UCW's streetwise thug, Eli Black, immediately seized upon Shane's trusting nature and played the sheltered college frat boy for a fool in that match. 

     Of course, Shane entered that match bruised up, since he had already wrestled a match before his "official" UCW debut. I learned first-hand from Shane what UCW wrestler was responsible for the bruising -- and it came as no surprise -- but my intensely private fellow Cancerian made me promise not to speak about the matter publicly. Shane's initiation into the motley ranks of UCW prompted the classy youth to tell federation founder Michael Bodyslam that (like several other wrestlers in the company) he would never wrestle this particular individual again, and there was a discussion concerning the exact mat tactics which had made Shane uncomfortable.

     It was actually Shane who contacted me about wrestling for LRW, having read my blog and knowing that I was enamored of him. Upon his arrival, Shane admitted that he thought wrestling for LRW seemed "easy" (presumably, in comparison to what he had experienced elsewhere) and he did have quite a list of prohibitions concerning the video. 

     I acquiesced to all of Shane's requests, and tried my best to insure that his stay in Connecticut was a pleasant one. Shane, like every other wrestler who has worked for me, went all-out to produce a top-notch product. However, Shane's emotional baggage cast a pall of negativity on the shoot, affecting his co-star Cameron Murphy (another sensitive Cancerian) to such a degree that Cam may never again participate in another LRW video as a wrestler.

     For a while, I had so many conflicting emotions concerning my interaction with Shane, that I chose not to discuss the experience. I knew since childhood that bullied kids frequently turn into bullies themselves at the first opportunity, but I was still taken aback by what occurred in this video.

     I was expecting a "face vs. face" match, with the winner getting a shot at my "heel" champion. I envisioned Shane, with his wealth of experience, simply providing a wrestling clinic for his neophyte opponent. Instead, Shane improvised a "heel" persona that could make Triple F look like Mother Theresa by comparison (and Triple F's persona was originally devised to create a counterpoint to the naturally heroic Kyle O'Connor).

     During LRW shoots, we deliberately blur the line between theatrics and reality. We generally stay in character, even when the cameras aren't rolling. What occurs on camera is informed by our genuine feelings toward each other. Furthermore, what transpires off camera is influenced by the action in the matches and interviews. In LRW, art imitates life and life imitates art. Therefore, with three ultra sensitive, highly perceptive Cancers collaborating, the workplace environment was volatile.

     Generally speaking, I'm sad that Shane is no longer Shane (which prompted me to choose the melancholy Don Henley song, "This Is The End Of The Innocence," to set the tone for this blog entry), but I was wrong to ever take the matter personally. Although I never reviewed the video, I did purchase Shane's latest UCW release (#427) and it's unfortunate I hadn't observed that match before Shane arrived in Connecticut; Shane was as vilely aggressive in that production as he was in my home, attacking Tyson Hammer before the opening bell. (On a side note, Michael Bodyslam remarked that he considered match #427 to be "funny" -- most likely because Tyson blatantly violated several of Shane's rather prudish videotaping prohibitions, much to the conservative young man's obvious consternation.)

     Unaware of Shane's recent penchant for boorish behavior, I was very complimentary (practically fawning, actually) when I introduced him at the beginning of LRW Wrestling video #3...

...but I soon received a foreshadowing of what was to come, as Shane flipped off Cameron before the match began.

     As for Cameron, he was a total gentleman during mat intros (politeness seems to be a New Hampshire trait), enthusiastically bouncing around in his camo trunks and exclaiming, "I'm pumped!" as his theme song, "I Get Wet" by Andrew W.K., played in the background (an appropriate choice for Cam since, in addition to being a former competitive swimmer, he's also an ex-navy guy).

     As I mentioned in my last blog entry, refereeing this match proved to be a cumbersome burden. Early on, at the 2:25 mark, a legitimate headlock applied by Shane became a choke as soon as I was out of position. Shane denied it, and I believed him until I had a chance to review the video footage.

     Verbally, Shane sounded almost like Eli Black, describing the punishment he was inflicting on Cameron ("now we'll move on to the full nelson..."), gloating over his superior skill, mocking Cam at every opportunity. Shane seemed to be taking sadistic delight in hurting Cameron...

...even covering Cameron's mouth when it seemed as though the inexperienced grappler wanted to submit.

     At the 3:00 mark, Shane grabbed Cameron's wrists, forced Cameron's fists toward his own face, and ridiculed, "What's up bitch? Quit hitting yourself."  Cameron's well-mannered response: "You're a little bit stronger than I anticipated."
     Using typically vulgar language, Shane complained that he'd hurt himself (in a delicate area) while applying a leg scissors, prompting an edit in the tape at the 5:28 mark. Shane seemed to be retaliating for the miscue, so I called for a break in the action to check on Cameron. When the action resumed, Shane continued with the rougher-than-expected tactics.

     Warily scrutinizing Shane as he seemed to be breaking Cameron's neck, I was surprised when Cam cried out, "Ow! My arm!" during this maneuver:

     Then Shane began slapping and punching Cam's chest -- additional pain and humiliation for the outmatched but tenacious grappler. (Yes, a closed fist. I messed up. Not even a reprimand)

     Shane attempted a pin, got a two-count, and then commented to Cameron, "You're not getting off that easy. This is going to be drawn out."

     "I'll choke you with your own arm," Shane threatened Cameron, in blatant disregard for the LRW rules. (Shane must have thought he was wrestling in Philadelphia.)

     This time I did have the presence of mind to intervene, making it clear that choke holds aren't tolerated in LRW. Shane rolled his eyes in disgust as Cameron seemed to smile in relief.

     However, Cameron's punishment immediately resumed. I've previously noted that, in UCW, wrestlers made eye contact with the camera when their pain was becoming too intense. Such was the case in this match, when Shane trapped Cameron in a camel clutch.

     This time Cameron definitely did attempt to submit, but Shane once again hand gagged Cameron, breaking the hold in the process...

     ...only to reapply the torturous maneuver seconds later.

     "Here's a dirty move," Shane remarked, thrusting his heel into Cameron's groin and applying steady pressure. Technically, it wasn't an impact move, but it definitely fell into the category of "potentially dangerous holds, unsportsmanlike conduct, or unnecessary roughness." I made Shane break the hold, and gave Cameron all the time he needed to recover.
     After that outrage, Cameron managed a brief flurry of offense, but Shane soon countered with more severe punishment. At 11:17, Shane was able to apply another camel clutch, the move which had caused maximum pain to Cameron previously.
      At 12:00, Cameron elicited some revenge on his tormentor, trapping Shane in a well-executed body scissors / armbar combo. I was anxious to see Shane submit, and I was disappointed when he didn't.

     At 13:29, Shane caught Cameron with an elbow to the eye. Cameron gamely continued wrestling for a few more seconds, but deliberately threw Shane off the mat at 13:45 to force a break in the action. Shane seemed perturbed by such treatment, as Cam knelt on the mat holding his face, and I called for another edit. (The elbow was ruled inadvertent and, upon review of the footage, it was a good call.)

     In keeping with the general tone of this match, its conclusion was a total mess. Although the LRW rules clearly state, "each match will have a 15 minute time limit (including ring introductions)," I completely lost track of time due to all of the edits and general chaos (plus Cy Coco was on vacation). The match was still continuing when, at the 15:18 minute mark, a battered and fatigued Cameron managed to audibly state, "I give up."

     I made sure that Shane immediately broke the hold to prevent an injury to Cameron (and, of course, to cease Cam's pain). After that, I positioned myself between the two wrestlers to avoid any further conflicts. (All in all, the time factor was a moot point anyway. A match decided on points would still have seen the same outcome, although Cam would have been saved the embarrassment of a videotaped submission.)
     A further problem with this match's conclusion involved another stipulation in the LRW rules: "To submit to an opponent, a wrestler must say, 'I quit,' clearly and audibly, in that exact term. Tapping the mat or using any other phraseology will not be sufficient to stop the match." Well, Cam used the phrase, "I give up," but I decided to follow the spirit, not the letter, of the law. After all, Cam was hurting, and Shane had rendered his submissions inaudible on two previous occasions. Making Cameron search for the right words under those circumstances would have been heartless.
     After the match, I regretted having to conduct yet another interview with a disappointed competitor who would have been a fine representative of LRW.

     Although Cameron had quite a few misgivings about his initial LRW impressions, he always remained a class act. During the interview, Cam was much too generous and gentlemanly in his remarks, given Shane's tactics. I praised Cam for delivering what was probably the most technically proficient match LRW has produced thus far (despite his lack of wrestling experience) and promised him that he could have a role in Shane's upcoming title match against Triple F.

     During Shane's interview, he justified his behavior by saying that getting a shot at the LRW Super-Star Championship title meant a lot to him.

     When I pressed him on the matter, Shane responded with, "Shit happens," and continued making flippant remarks, seeming quite smug and proud of himself.

     The LRW Locker Room page has been updated to reflect the wrestlers' won-lost records following this match. For those who haven't yet seen this classic confrontation...
To purchase the HIGH DEFINITION, 1.87 GB, 1920 x 1080 version of this 22 minute video in the PC-friendly .wmv format (which includes the pre-match intros, the actual match, and the post-match interviews) for a mere $13.99 -- utilize the "BUY NOW" button below...

To purchase the STANDARD DEFINITION, 380 MB, 1280 x 720 version of this 22 minute video in the quickly and easily downloadable, hugely popular .mp4 format (which includes the pre-match intros, the actual match, and the post-match interviews) for a mere pittance of $9.95 -- utilize the "BUY NOW" button below...
Enjoy the match, people!!!


     (P.S. True to my word, Shane Saunders will receive a title shot against the reigning LRW Super-Star Champion, Fratboy Francis Franklin aka "Triple F." It will be frat boy vs. frat boy, heel vs. heel, for the honor of representing my company (sigh). Stay tuned, LRW fans.)

Video #3: Shane Saunders vs. Cameron Murphy (Available For Download)

Shane Saunders vs. Cameron Murphy: LRW Wrestling Preview from LRW Wrestling on Vimeo.
     This video taught me that refereeing was a tougher job than I imagined. After reviewing this match, it became obvious to me that I should have done certain things differently.
     However, hindsight is 20/20 and initially I hadn't taken into account the emotional nature of my two fellow Cancerians wrestling on the mat nor the testosterone levels of two young guys engaged in a hotly contested athletic endeavor.

     Specifically, I made three major mistakes.
     First off, there was a series of potentially dangerous maneuvers that were clear in the video, but which I completely missed while refereeing, due to the fact that I was out of position and the action was shielded from my view.

     Secondly, I lost track of the time. According to LRW rules, matches are supposed to end after 15 minutes, and that includes mat intros. However, I had to stop the match three times. Once because one of the wrestlers had started complaining about feeling pain after a botched maneuver and he seemed prone to retaliate on his opponent. Once due to an out-of-bounds whistle. Once due to an elbow in the face (which may have been the postponed retaliation). Thanks to all of these interruptions, timekeeping went awry.

     Thirdly, the match ended in a manner which was technically not in keeping with the LRW rules; however, with all of the chaos and anarchy in this match, I'm not sure that adherence to such a minute point would have been advisable anyway.
     The manner in which the action progressed during this match was totally unexpected. I often view myself as a father figure to the LRW wrestlers -- but an indulgent one, not a strict one -- and that didn't serve me well in my officiating role. Fortunately, there were no serious repercussions, and we seem to have created a fairly intense video.

To purchase the HIGH DEFINITION, 1.87 GB, 1920 x 1080 version of this 22 minute video in the PC-friendly .wmv format (which includes the pre-match intros, the actual match, and the post-match interviews) for a mere $13.99 -- utilize the "BUY NOW" button below...

To purchase the STANDARD DEFINITION, 380 MB, 1280 x 720 version of this 22 minute video in the quickly and easily downloadable, hugely popular .mp4 format (which includes the pre-match intros, the actual match, and the post-match interviews) for a mere pittance of $9.95 -- utilize the "BUY NOW" button below...
Enjoy the match, people!!!