MLW Backstage Report: MLW Expands, New additions, Update on Taiyo Kea
    Submitted by Calvin Martin on Friday, April 25, 2003 at 1:45 PM EST

    By Andy Vineberg
    andy.vineberg@mlw.com

    Welcome back MLW fans to the Backstage Report.

    I first want to kick the column off with my excitement for the Fox Sports Digital Net Atlantic deal. Now, more wrestling fans than ever can check out hybrid wrestling in its purest form on a weekly basis. In addition to clearance on Florida cable TV, DirecTV and the Dish Network, MLW can now be seen in several markets on various cable systems, including the Los Angeles, Massachusetts, San Antonio, DC, Las Vegas, San Diego, etc. markets.

    I've been getting thousands of emails from the fans asking me what time the show airs and on what channel in their neck of the woods. Be sure to check out www.TVGuide.com to get an accurate listing of when Underground TVplays/replays in your area so you don't miss a minute of the action. MLW is really growing and we are so glad to have you all on board!

    However, if you still cannot get MLW Underground TV in your area, now you can... via a monthly video subscription! I highly encourage you to check this out - MLW has a special offer to fans through out the U.S. who want their Underground TV with a subscription plan which will allow fans to purchase 6, 12 and 18 month plans. Get in on the Underground and start from episode 1 so you can have the complete MLW TV episode. Visit:http://www.mlw.com/view/v.php?v101 for more details.

    I want to mention how lucky we here at MLW are to have one of the most experienced, well respected, and legitimately toughest grapplers/shooters as our locker room leader in Samu. Samu has been involved in some capacity in the wrestling business for most of his life. He surely will set the right tone in the locker room, which is always a positive.

    Only two weeks until La Parka-Sabu II is underway. I get goose bumps thinking about it. Orlando, is so lucky to be able to witness what is going to be mark my words a "5 star" match. You can quote me on that. Knowing both of these men and how much heart, soul, and blood they put into their craft, this match will deliver the goods. Not to mention some chairs, tables, and whatever else is not stuck to the ground. I just wish it were May 9th already.

    Tickets are still available for the May 9th MLW event at Tabu Night Club in Orlando, FL. Tickets are only $20 and can be purchased at: http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/864566. Be sure to get yours today!

    To update fans on my cryptic comments about MLW being in negotiations with a talented second generation star last week, MLW has come to terms with this talented individual. We'll have more on this talent in the coming weeks of Underground TV. Stay tuned for this one.

    Steve Corino has taken his Terry Funk hate campaign to Japan where he is currently touring with the critically acclaimed Zero-One promotion. According to Corino himself, the "King of Old School" shot his mouth off to the Japanese press about his upcoming first tango with Funk making some comments that caught the attention of many in the Orient and even in stateside. Let me just say that Terry Funk truly dislikes those who talk trash. The Funker does his talking in the squared circle and I can't wait to watch the house the mouse built turn upside down when these two men do battle on May 9th in Orlando. We'll see then who is really a "true legend" in this business.. I'll give my pick next week.

    MLW released the preview for this coming Monday's episode of Underground TV (airing on The Sunshine Network on Monday at 11:00 PM EST). Matches on tap include: Sabu vs. Taiyo Kea (an awesome match that was one of Kea's last matches before his December injury), La Parka vs. Shocker, and Fuego Guerrero vs. Super Crazy. There really is an international feel to next weeks show. Your feedback after watching Kojima defending his belt from last weeks show was surely appreciated by you all and we're glad you liked it.

    Speaking of Japan, MLW has received a massive response from the media, including Gong Magazine, Baseball Sha, Weekly Fights, etc. about the upcoming May 9th event and successful Underground TV show. Several members of the Japanese and U.S. press will be on hand to cover the May 9th event as it has become a "can't miss event" for the wrestling world. Nationally and Internationally, MLW is becoming a promotion everyone enjoys and wants to be successful.

    MLW has come to terms with a former CMLL World Heavyweight Champion. More info on this will be released within the next week or two on Underground TV.

    Taiyo Kea is undergoing a comprehensive rehab program. He's hoping to beat the doctor's estimates for a return. Expect him back at the earliest in the late Autumn. The master of the H5O is a young prospect who is dying to test the waters and finally return and enter the Underground.

    Expect the May 9th MLW show to have a greatly enhanced feel to it from a production point of view.

    The locker room and office are highly anticipating the first confrontation between Raven and Vampiro. Will old friends unite or collide?

    I also want to mention Vampiro's dedication to MLW and his passion. His heart and soul bleeds MLW and its fans. Vamp certainly is a one of a kind individual. Though he's dark, dreary, and mysterious, he lives for MLW and his wrestling profession. I've worked with may wrestlers during my time and he certainly just wants to give the fans what they want no matter how much it may hurt him, as long as he's appreciated, he'll continue to give his all.

    Good reviews for the first three weeks of MLW Underground, but we encourage fans to fire us off constructive criticism as well so MLW can produce an even stronger product. Please send these emails tofeedback@mlw.com.

    Nosawa and Masada will not be appearing at the May 9th event due to conflict in their schedule outside the country. They will return down the road for sure.

    That's all from Backstage this week!

    Andy Vineberg
    andy.vineberg@mlw.com




    *NEW GALLERY* Vince & Stephanie McMahon Playing with the NEW BABY!!

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