There's nothing quite like a good, hot meal to satisfy your stomach and pick up your morale. After our match in Kobe last night we spotted a Dominos Pizza! God might as well could of opened up the gates of heaven and invited us in to dine with him at a long, golden table. We ordered a large pepperoni and cheese pizza for take out and the next thing we saw was an empty pizza box, stained with grease marks with not even a single piece of crust left behind. It was our finest meal ever.
In case you haven't heard yet.. That "big news" that I was hinting at in the previous blog has been announced. The Young Bucks will be making their debut for Ring of Honor in Philadelphia, PA at The Arena on May 29th and 30th for the HDNET television tapings. We have also been added to the Virgina and New York City shows on June 12th and 13th. We are very psyched to finally work for Ring of Honor. Right now is a very exciting time for us, as we'll again be returning to The Arena in Philly for the DGUSA debut show this summer on July 25th! That show is shaping up to being something special. We are very blessed to have so many opportunities.
We will be defending the PWG belts on May 3rd and will be wrestling on our very first pay per view titled, "Dead or Alive" in Nagoya on May 5th. They are estimating at least 8,000 people to come watch Akebono and Doi go at it in the main event. My personal main event will be on the following day, May 6th, when I get to come home to MY Dana. =D
As great as my wrestling career is right now, I am saddened by news that someone I love is near the end of her long, prosperous, youthful, fun, loving life. I am some 5,000 miles away and a full day ahead of all of my loved ones. I feel hopeless and depressed that I cannot be there physically but am there in spirit. EVERYONE is on my mind and in my prayers. She was there for the birth of my wife, and now my wife is there for her passing. This has to be truly a moving experience - something that I can't even grasp, as I don't feel I've ever lost someone I was close to. My wife sent me the lyrics to a song which I later youtubed to hear for my self. She said, one night after she was done visting, this song came on and blew her away.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Disciple - "Things Left Unsaid"
It's just a matter of
time a few days ago
I saw you, you were fine
Remembering what you said
About the book you read
The one I got you
The Beginning of the End
Oh how we'd talk
For hours upon end
What I would give
Just to do it again
But you're lying there
In this hospital bed
Won't you open you eyes
And let's talk once again
[Chorus:]
If you fly away tonight
I want to tell you
that I love you
I hope that you can hear me
I hope that you can feel me
If you fly away tonight
I want to tell you
that I'm sorry
That I never told you
When we were face to face
Well I've been here all night
And I'm watching you
Breathe in and breathe out
Is it really you
Or just a machine
That's giving you life
And making it seem
That there could be hope
I could say to your face
If it were not for you
That there would be no grace
That has covered my life
You took the time
To speak into my mind
And my heart
Words of life
________________________________________________________________________________________
John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
Grandma Dana believes.
We love you.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Akebono, magz, danas voice
We've done a few more shows since I last blogged. Last night was fun, as we got to meet the famous Japanese Sumo wrestler Akebono who is truly one of the few real life giants that still walks the earth. He's huge by all means, but especially in Japan where the average citizen is no more than 5'5. He was a very pleasant guy who has star appeal written all over him. We watched in amazement along with 1,500 other fans as he dropped elbows, and effortlessly press slammed members of World-1. The fans LOVED him.
We picked up this weeks wrestling magazine and were happy to see a couple of photos of us delivering offensive manuevers to members of the Dragon Gate roster. We did the ultimate "mark-out" moment as we showed the clerk who was running the cash register at the Lawson station the page in which we were featured. The clerk looked down at the magazine that we were about to purchase along with some very unhealthy goodies and said, "Oooh!" And then stuck his hand out, so he could shake both of ours. We had a laugh and realized how much more fun people are in Japan. If we did this back at home the dude working the register would of told me to get lost. People are so friendly and easily amused out here, as oppossed to us Americans who have seen and done everything. We're so spoiled!
We got to talk to the parents and Malachi today. Nick had his usual argument with every member of the family, and I got to catch up with everyone. They'll all be enjoying Disneyland tomorrow and to say that I am envious would be an understatement. After talking to my wife following the prior conversation with them, I realized that I am EXTREMELY ready to get home. I miss her so much, its unbelievable. The other night I left my computer on with the Skype program running in case she needed to get ahold of me while I slept. Early in the morning I was woken up to the sound of my gorgeous wifes voice, "Matt, Matt, Matt, baby, wake up!" I was in such a deep sleep and was startled to say the least. I quickly rolled over to my right side in anticipation to see my wife who was probably waking me up for work or from a nap. I was dissapointed to see my laptop, and quickly realized she was calling me from Skype. It was still great to hear her voice, but for a second I thought I was back at home in sunny California! As of now, I only have 4 shows left and six full days in the land of the rising sun.
This ones going to be short and sweet as I got to sleep last night/early this morning at 5:00 am and need to get ready for another show. Our ride will be here in 20 minutes.
Also, expect big things considering the Young Bucks in the coming days. You'll know what I mean when the news hits.
God bless!
Matt
We picked up this weeks wrestling magazine and were happy to see a couple of photos of us delivering offensive manuevers to members of the Dragon Gate roster. We did the ultimate "mark-out" moment as we showed the clerk who was running the cash register at the Lawson station the page in which we were featured. The clerk looked down at the magazine that we were about to purchase along with some very unhealthy goodies and said, "Oooh!" And then stuck his hand out, so he could shake both of ours. We had a laugh and realized how much more fun people are in Japan. If we did this back at home the dude working the register would of told me to get lost. People are so friendly and easily amused out here, as oppossed to us Americans who have seen and done everything. We're so spoiled!
We got to talk to the parents and Malachi today. Nick had his usual argument with every member of the family, and I got to catch up with everyone. They'll all be enjoying Disneyland tomorrow and to say that I am envious would be an understatement. After talking to my wife following the prior conversation with them, I realized that I am EXTREMELY ready to get home. I miss her so much, its unbelievable. The other night I left my computer on with the Skype program running in case she needed to get ahold of me while I slept. Early in the morning I was woken up to the sound of my gorgeous wifes voice, "Matt, Matt, Matt, baby, wake up!" I was in such a deep sleep and was startled to say the least. I quickly rolled over to my right side in anticipation to see my wife who was probably waking me up for work or from a nap. I was dissapointed to see my laptop, and quickly realized she was calling me from Skype. It was still great to hear her voice, but for a second I thought I was back at home in sunny California! As of now, I only have 4 shows left and six full days in the land of the rising sun.
This ones going to be short and sweet as I got to sleep last night/early this morning at 5:00 am and need to get ready for another show. Our ride will be here in 20 minutes.
Also, expect big things considering the Young Bucks in the coming days. You'll know what I mean when the news hits.
God bless!
Matt
Sunday, April 26, 2009
bad internet, museums, dream matches, small updates.
Not really sure when exactly this blog will end up being posted as Nick and I were cursed with a hotel that has terrible internet connection. We'll be staying here for the next couple of days which is pretty lame considering the fact that Skyping with Dana is my highlight. It literally took me 45 minutes to leave a comment on a myspace page which shows either my dedication to Toms famous social networking website or stupidiy on my behalf for spending 45 minutes on leaving a comment.
Yesterday, after we completed setting up the carnival, Shingo (as he promised) along with Tazawa decided to take us to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, along with the very area the actual bomb was dropped. An original brick building with a dome looking top still stands as a landmark, so people can see what Hiroshima truly looked like after the bomb. The brick and ceramics on the building are burnt to a crisp, broken rock and brick are propped around the building and the squares that used to hold windows are completely empty. You examine this one building the way that it is and then visualize the rest of the city when it was in ruins, and it just blows you away. Shingo and Tazawa demonstrated a prayer that Japanese people do at this famous site. The prayer is suppossed to keep peace and prevent war. I went along with my two friends. I bowed my head, clapped my hands together two times, put my hands together against my heart and said a quick prayer. It was something that I'll never forget. The actual museum was unreal. It contained pictures of Hiroshima before and after the bomb. There were items on display such as junior highschool kids burnt clothing, destroyed yen, and old glass soda bottles that were completely melted. Playing on video screens were testimonials from some of the survivors. It was just a really interesting place that Nick and I really enjoyed visiting. They said that Hiroshima would not be able to grow a single plant for at least 40 years from the damage and radiation, but the city proved the skeptics wrong and is now completely restored again.
We walked back to the venue which was literally across the street from ground zero and realized that if we were wrestling back in 1947 on the very day that the worlds first atomic bomb dropped, we'd SO be dead. We wrestled in a personal dream match of mine that night which consisted of The Young Bucks and Cima vs Doi, Yoshino and BxB Hulk. We had a simple match, but fun nonetheless. I believe that NO ONE can compare to Doi and Yoshino as a team... They're the best duel in the world. Speaking of dream matches, I felt like I was having another one today as I entered the ring tired and groggy. Sleeping for only 3 hours the night before made it seem like a complete dream. The 1,500 fans packed on the second floor of the Star Lanes bowling alley helped wake me up fast, like a shot in the arm of pure adrenaline. Nick and I were wrestling Doi and Tanisaki in the opening match of a big tv taping. Genki warned us earlier that, "theez crowd is cray-ze!" Boy, he wasn't kidding. We rocked the house and had our best match of the tour. I'm still actually kind of on a high, which explains my blogging and NOT sleeping.
My knee is pretty banged up from everything, and I had to walk with a limp for the first time in a couple of weeks as we crossed the street to AMPM to grab our favorite dinner before the Dragon Gate tour bus headed back to the hotel. Somehow, I'm going to find a little time to just heal. I don't know when. But, sometime.
We've sold out of shirts completely and are on our way to do the same thing with our photos. We're more than half way through this tour now, and I'm extremely anxious to get home to my wife. She is going through heck right now, and unfortunately I am in another country. I'm so proud of her for being so strong. She really is the toughest person that I know... and she wouldn't give her self the credit if you told her so.
Someone asked if Nick and I will be putting up another YBTV episode from this tour and unfortunately the answer is no. We don't have any plans for the show right now because of our hectic lives... But maybe someday it will make a return! Tomorrow is an off day and then we'll be back at it for the next several days. Also, were excited for the big PWG DDT4 tournament coming up late in May. Furthermore, look for updates as we defend the PWG titles in the coming week here in Japan. Sorry for the blog being extra long this time.... I had a lot to say!
Night.
Yesterday, after we completed setting up the carnival, Shingo (as he promised) along with Tazawa decided to take us to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, along with the very area the actual bomb was dropped. An original brick building with a dome looking top still stands as a landmark, so people can see what Hiroshima truly looked like after the bomb. The brick and ceramics on the building are burnt to a crisp, broken rock and brick are propped around the building and the squares that used to hold windows are completely empty. You examine this one building the way that it is and then visualize the rest of the city when it was in ruins, and it just blows you away. Shingo and Tazawa demonstrated a prayer that Japanese people do at this famous site. The prayer is suppossed to keep peace and prevent war. I went along with my two friends. I bowed my head, clapped my hands together two times, put my hands together against my heart and said a quick prayer. It was something that I'll never forget. The actual museum was unreal. It contained pictures of Hiroshima before and after the bomb. There were items on display such as junior highschool kids burnt clothing, destroyed yen, and old glass soda bottles that were completely melted. Playing on video screens were testimonials from some of the survivors. It was just a really interesting place that Nick and I really enjoyed visiting. They said that Hiroshima would not be able to grow a single plant for at least 40 years from the damage and radiation, but the city proved the skeptics wrong and is now completely restored again.
We walked back to the venue which was literally across the street from ground zero and realized that if we were wrestling back in 1947 on the very day that the worlds first atomic bomb dropped, we'd SO be dead. We wrestled in a personal dream match of mine that night which consisted of The Young Bucks and Cima vs Doi, Yoshino and BxB Hulk. We had a simple match, but fun nonetheless. I believe that NO ONE can compare to Doi and Yoshino as a team... They're the best duel in the world. Speaking of dream matches, I felt like I was having another one today as I entered the ring tired and groggy. Sleeping for only 3 hours the night before made it seem like a complete dream. The 1,500 fans packed on the second floor of the Star Lanes bowling alley helped wake me up fast, like a shot in the arm of pure adrenaline. Nick and I were wrestling Doi and Tanisaki in the opening match of a big tv taping. Genki warned us earlier that, "theez crowd is cray-ze!" Boy, he wasn't kidding. We rocked the house and had our best match of the tour. I'm still actually kind of on a high, which explains my blogging and NOT sleeping.
My knee is pretty banged up from everything, and I had to walk with a limp for the first time in a couple of weeks as we crossed the street to AMPM to grab our favorite dinner before the Dragon Gate tour bus headed back to the hotel. Somehow, I'm going to find a little time to just heal. I don't know when. But, sometime.
We've sold out of shirts completely and are on our way to do the same thing with our photos. We're more than half way through this tour now, and I'm extremely anxious to get home to my wife. She is going through heck right now, and unfortunately I am in another country. I'm so proud of her for being so strong. She really is the toughest person that I know... and she wouldn't give her self the credit if you told her so.
Someone asked if Nick and I will be putting up another YBTV episode from this tour and unfortunately the answer is no. We don't have any plans for the show right now because of our hectic lives... But maybe someday it will make a return! Tomorrow is an off day and then we'll be back at it for the next several days. Also, were excited for the big PWG DDT4 tournament coming up late in May. Furthermore, look for updates as we defend the PWG titles in the coming week here in Japan. Sorry for the blog being extra long this time.... I had a lot to say!
Night.
Friday, April 24, 2009
dg NEX, Mcdonalds, marking out for our selves, Hiroshima.
You know what's fun? Wrestling in your living room. Well, that's actually what it kinda felt like today at least. We put our tights, tassles and boots on in our quiet bedrooms and walked down two flights of stairs, stepped through a curtain to be exposed to an over sized closet, packed with 90-100 screaming fans that stood surrounding a 14 x 14 wrestling ring. We were about to main event a Dragon Gate NEX show which is a showcase event for their students. "Wow, this is weird," I thought out loud. "These guys can run a random show in a tiny building, with a tiny ring and still out draw most SoCal shows," I said to Nicks agreement. (At least lately thats the way it seems). We had a fun little six man tag team match that seemed very easy compared to most matches we've had while out here which was a nice change of pace.
After the match, we took quick showers and headed out to grab some Mickey D's. We then finished signing some autographs outside of the building on these big cardboard frames, shook a couple dozen hands, and were soon on our way. I made sure to make a quick stop at the 7 and holdings (7/11 convenience store) to purchase a telephone card. Nick, myself and the rest of the Dragon Gate crew will be on the road for the next several days and I need to be certain I have a way of getting ahold of Dana if our hotels don't have wireless internet. After a horrible performance by me of my best 'Broken English' and small amount of Japanese that I have picked up, I could now rest a little easier knowing that I now possessed a 1,000 yen NTT Docomo telephone card. As I picked up my Pacari Sweat (Japans version of Gatorade) out of one of the 9 vending machines available in front of me, I heard someone come up to Nick with excitement in his voice. "Neek!" I turned toward the stranger and started twisting the cap off of my bottle of goodness. "Matto!" He along with a friend of his came up to us and began bowing repeatedly and speaking very fast. Turns out, they just saw us wrestle last week in Kyota on night 2 of the tag team tournament and were huge fans of the Young Bucks. We stood and talked to these nice fellows for several minutes and found out that they will be attending the May 5th PPV in Nagoya that we will be participating in. I don't know who was more excited. Them for seeing two wrestlers that they enjoy watching? Or Nick and I for marking out for our selves about getting spotted on the street? I'd go with the latter.
About seven minutes later I looked down at my McDonalds tray that had three bunched up hamburger wrappers and an empty apple pie cover that once held Americas favorite pastry. I glanced over to Nicks equally impressive display of slobness and realized that McDonalds is simply amazing. But hey, Nick and I have been doing better as of late. We found a Yoshinoya that totally rocks our socks. The beef bowl is to die for. I've even tried a little bit of fish at a couple of the sponsored dinners we've been on..... to no avail. I still can't handle it. The other day, Nick and I even force fed our selves a certain type of stew, which only close friends and family know of its contents. We're trying our hardest to be respectful of the culture and to be open minded, but when there is a MacDonald-do walking distance, it must be visited and conquered.
Man, I am reading through some of this blog... I'm totally rambling. Oh well, I look down at my counter and it reads "50"... So, I'm obviously only boring 7 of you. The other 43 hits are from me refreshing the page to see if I got any more hits.
Tomorrow, we will be wrestling in Hiroshima. Shingo promised us that he will take us to the ground zero sight where the atomic bomb was dropped so we can take photos. This is something that I've always wanted to do since I studied about it in high school. A funny note: recently during our matches, Cima accompanies us down ringside and has been starting U.S.A chants during our matches and it has gotten over quite well with the audience. For some reason, I don't think that particular chant is going to be as successful tomorrow night.
Alrighty. I'm going to start packing the bags. Tomorrows a heavy day of travel and the start of a sprint. We've got 8 shows in the next 11 days.
Good morning to American and good night to Japan!
Matt
p.s. Okay. Of the small amount of people that read this, one of them is my mom and the other is my beautiful wife.. my two favorite girls on the planet. I love you guys and miss you. Dana, I can't wait for England. =D
After the match, we took quick showers and headed out to grab some Mickey D's. We then finished signing some autographs outside of the building on these big cardboard frames, shook a couple dozen hands, and were soon on our way. I made sure to make a quick stop at the 7 and holdings (7/11 convenience store) to purchase a telephone card. Nick, myself and the rest of the Dragon Gate crew will be on the road for the next several days and I need to be certain I have a way of getting ahold of Dana if our hotels don't have wireless internet. After a horrible performance by me of my best 'Broken English' and small amount of Japanese that I have picked up, I could now rest a little easier knowing that I now possessed a 1,000 yen NTT Docomo telephone card. As I picked up my Pacari Sweat (Japans version of Gatorade) out of one of the 9 vending machines available in front of me, I heard someone come up to Nick with excitement in his voice. "Neek!" I turned toward the stranger and started twisting the cap off of my bottle of goodness. "Matto!" He along with a friend of his came up to us and began bowing repeatedly and speaking very fast. Turns out, they just saw us wrestle last week in Kyota on night 2 of the tag team tournament and were huge fans of the Young Bucks. We stood and talked to these nice fellows for several minutes and found out that they will be attending the May 5th PPV in Nagoya that we will be participating in. I don't know who was more excited. Them for seeing two wrestlers that they enjoy watching? Or Nick and I for marking out for our selves about getting spotted on the street? I'd go with the latter.
About seven minutes later I looked down at my McDonalds tray that had three bunched up hamburger wrappers and an empty apple pie cover that once held Americas favorite pastry. I glanced over to Nicks equally impressive display of slobness and realized that McDonalds is simply amazing. But hey, Nick and I have been doing better as of late. We found a Yoshinoya that totally rocks our socks. The beef bowl is to die for. I've even tried a little bit of fish at a couple of the sponsored dinners we've been on..... to no avail. I still can't handle it. The other day, Nick and I even force fed our selves a certain type of stew, which only close friends and family know of its contents. We're trying our hardest to be respectful of the culture and to be open minded, but when there is a MacDonald-do walking distance, it must be visited and conquered.
Man, I am reading through some of this blog... I'm totally rambling. Oh well, I look down at my counter and it reads "50"... So, I'm obviously only boring 7 of you. The other 43 hits are from me refreshing the page to see if I got any more hits.
Tomorrow, we will be wrestling in Hiroshima. Shingo promised us that he will take us to the ground zero sight where the atomic bomb was dropped so we can take photos. This is something that I've always wanted to do since I studied about it in high school. A funny note: recently during our matches, Cima accompanies us down ringside and has been starting U.S.A chants during our matches and it has gotten over quite well with the audience. For some reason, I don't think that particular chant is going to be as successful tomorrow night.
Alrighty. I'm going to start packing the bags. Tomorrows a heavy day of travel and the start of a sprint. We've got 8 shows in the next 11 days.
Good morning to American and good night to Japan!
Matt
p.s. Okay. Of the small amount of people that read this, one of them is my mom and the other is my beautiful wife.. my two favorite girls on the planet. I love you guys and miss you. Dana, I can't wait for England. =D
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
wrestling magz, gma dana, my buff wife
I am a spoiled brat. I just refused to buy a wrestling magazine because the pictures of the Young Bucks were so small that I felt it wasn't even worth purchasing. Obviously, after I am done being a diva and putting up this little fight, a wrestling magazine will later rest on my night stand, waiting to be opened. Besides, it's not every day that you have the opportunity to mark out for your self in a major foreign publication.
There really is no right way to transition into this next bit, so bare with me..
As I grew up, I've never felt like I'd had grandparents. This is in no way to be taken as a shot at my real grandparents or my parents. I don't want to offend anyone. I just have never had a close bond or relationship with my real grandparents - a bond that all of my friends seemed to have with their own. These friends would always share stories about legendary dishes that their grandmas cooked, special places their grandpas took them, etc. It's actually quite unfortunate that things are this way. Anyhow, after being with Dana for as long as we've been together, I kind of got that opportunity to feel what it is like to have a grandma. "Grandma Dana," the very person my wife is so proudly named after is such a wonderful, and caring human being. It seems like in the six years that I've known her, she's always been cheerful and happy to see me. A huge smile followed by a big hug and a kiss right on the cheek is always waiting for me, every time I see her. "So Matt, how's your wrestling doing?" She always asks despite the fact that she probably thinks what I do for a living is silly. Of course my eyes light up in excitement because I was given the invitation to talk about one of my passions in life. I am always mesmerized about how youthful and full of life she is. I NEVER believed Dana when she told me her true age and NEVER will. She will always be in her early 30's in my eyes. Grandma Dana gave (and continues to give) me the opportunity to feel like one of my friends from the past, as I now find myself bragging to friends and family about a wonderful dish that she has passed down to the very person that her name was passed down to. We love you, and are praying for you.
I am currently watching Dana play "Wii Fit" via Skype. She looks so adorable doing her little yoga moves and strecthing in place. I told her that I'm going to come home to a wife that is more tone that I am! Zeek is lying right next to her feet, with a confused but curious look on his face. I love my little family. LOL.
That's it for now. God bless.
p.s I just added a counter to the page.
Matt
There really is no right way to transition into this next bit, so bare with me..
As I grew up, I've never felt like I'd had grandparents. This is in no way to be taken as a shot at my real grandparents or my parents. I don't want to offend anyone. I just have never had a close bond or relationship with my real grandparents - a bond that all of my friends seemed to have with their own. These friends would always share stories about legendary dishes that their grandmas cooked, special places their grandpas took them, etc. It's actually quite unfortunate that things are this way. Anyhow, after being with Dana for as long as we've been together, I kind of got that opportunity to feel what it is like to have a grandma. "Grandma Dana," the very person my wife is so proudly named after is such a wonderful, and caring human being. It seems like in the six years that I've known her, she's always been cheerful and happy to see me. A huge smile followed by a big hug and a kiss right on the cheek is always waiting for me, every time I see her. "So Matt, how's your wrestling doing?" She always asks despite the fact that she probably thinks what I do for a living is silly. Of course my eyes light up in excitement because I was given the invitation to talk about one of my passions in life. I am always mesmerized about how youthful and full of life she is. I NEVER believed Dana when she told me her true age and NEVER will. She will always be in her early 30's in my eyes. Grandma Dana gave (and continues to give) me the opportunity to feel like one of my friends from the past, as I now find myself bragging to friends and family about a wonderful dish that she has passed down to the very person that her name was passed down to. We love you, and are praying for you.
I am currently watching Dana play "Wii Fit" via Skype. She looks so adorable doing her little yoga moves and strecthing in place. I told her that I'm going to come home to a wife that is more tone that I am! Zeek is lying right next to her feet, with a confused but curious look on his face. I love my little family. LOL.
That's it for now. God bless.
p.s I just added a counter to the page.
Matt
Monday, April 20, 2009
the tour, precious moments, sight seeing
Nick and I have been going non stop as we completed our 5th show of the tour last night in Kyota. We wrestled a hard hitting, intense match against Yoshino and BxB Hulk that was probably the best of the five matches we've had thus far. Yoshino can be intimidating to be in the ring with at times because of his quickness, but our styles mesh so well with him. And Hulk has such an impressive offensive arsenal, it would be difficult to have a bad match against him.
We tried to catch up on sleep as we've only been averaging 4-5 hours a night because of the crazy schedule that Dragon Gate has. We've said it once, and we'll say it again, we don't know how these guys condition them selves to have such a demanding life style. We get the honor of stepping into their shoes and kind of living their lives for only a few weeks and the burn out comes quick, trust me.
Today, we just tried to relax, eat some good food and be tourist. People talk about taking time to acknowledge those precious times in life. "Enjoy the little moments," is something your often told by people that are older and wiser than you. That is exactly what I found my self doing for at least a few minutes today. On top of the roof, I lyed down with my shirt off, and head phones in my ears listening to the new Blue October album "Approaching Normal." I was trying to absorb as much sun-light as possible considering the fact that my wife just told me that it is in the 90's back at home. As I lay there, listening to both the sounds of my favorite band in the world mixed with the sounds of a noisy train and busy streets in Kobe, I stopped and thought of just how good I had it. "I'm young, healthy, have a great family, married to the girl I love and currently wrestling in Japan, and getting paid for it," I thought to my self. With my eyes tightly shut because of the bright sun beating down at me, I felt my face tighten. I was smiling from ear to ear. Every wrestler in the world dreams about wrestling where my younger brother and I are at right now. We're so blessed to have this opportunity.
Later in the day we did a bunch of walking/sight seeing. We ate at one of our favorite fast food joints that Pac introduced us to which is called "Lotteria." We scarfed down 7 burgers between the two of us in a hurry and soon found our selves walking through Harbor Land which is an area in Kobe where the capital stands along with a mall, movie theatre and amusement park. It's like THE place to be if your in Kobe.
Anyhow, Nick keeps pacing back and forth because he's hungry and antsy. I sure know how to drive him nuts sometimes. I'm waiting on a load of laundry that I just threw into the washing machine. Fingers crossed that I pressed the right bottons! Off to AMPM we go for some Pizza-Pasta.
'till next time...
Matt
p.s Two hours until I get to call and wake up my wife! Yay!
We tried to catch up on sleep as we've only been averaging 4-5 hours a night because of the crazy schedule that Dragon Gate has. We've said it once, and we'll say it again, we don't know how these guys condition them selves to have such a demanding life style. We get the honor of stepping into their shoes and kind of living their lives for only a few weeks and the burn out comes quick, trust me.
Today, we just tried to relax, eat some good food and be tourist. People talk about taking time to acknowledge those precious times in life. "Enjoy the little moments," is something your often told by people that are older and wiser than you. That is exactly what I found my self doing for at least a few minutes today. On top of the roof, I lyed down with my shirt off, and head phones in my ears listening to the new Blue October album "Approaching Normal." I was trying to absorb as much sun-light as possible considering the fact that my wife just told me that it is in the 90's back at home. As I lay there, listening to both the sounds of my favorite band in the world mixed with the sounds of a noisy train and busy streets in Kobe, I stopped and thought of just how good I had it. "I'm young, healthy, have a great family, married to the girl I love and currently wrestling in Japan, and getting paid for it," I thought to my self. With my eyes tightly shut because of the bright sun beating down at me, I felt my face tighten. I was smiling from ear to ear. Every wrestler in the world dreams about wrestling where my younger brother and I are at right now. We're so blessed to have this opportunity.
Later in the day we did a bunch of walking/sight seeing. We ate at one of our favorite fast food joints that Pac introduced us to which is called "Lotteria." We scarfed down 7 burgers between the two of us in a hurry and soon found our selves walking through Harbor Land which is an area in Kobe where the capital stands along with a mall, movie theatre and amusement park. It's like THE place to be if your in Kobe.
Anyhow, Nick keeps pacing back and forth because he's hungry and antsy. I sure know how to drive him nuts sometimes. I'm waiting on a load of laundry that I just threw into the washing machine. Fingers crossed that I pressed the right bottons! Off to AMPM we go for some Pizza-Pasta.
'till next time...
Matt
p.s Two hours until I get to call and wake up my wife! Yay!
Friday, April 17, 2009
b-fast, kobe, warriors-5, dana.
I just had an unbelievable breakfast. Now, this combination of food might sound a bit weird to those back home, however it is completely acceptable considering our situation. So, what is this hearty meal that I've learned to enjoy in replacement of a more traditional breakfast? AMPM pasta, apple yogurt and a bottled caffe latte. Ahhh, what a delight.
Nick and I are going on 4 hours of sleep, as we had over 8 hrs of travel yesterday so we are a bit groggy. Speaking of Nick, he is busy watching "Botchamania" on youtube, so every time I finish punching in a key, I hear a loud chuckle. Unfortunately for him, I forced him to sleep on the top bunk because of my knee injury that I suffered a month back at the NWA Showcase tapings. We are currently staying in Kobe at a building that is dubbed the "Sanctuary." Why is it called this? I have no clue. It is a 4 story building where an upstairs padded room is located at the very top, one of the Dragon Gate offices are located on the second floor, the third floor is the apartment/living space (where we stay) and the first floor is the NEX arena. The NEX arena is a very tiny room with a 14 x 14 ring where Dragon Gate holds student showcase events.
A few nights ago we had the honor of teaming up with Gamma and Cima in an 8 man tag against their rivals "Real Hazard." Last tour, we were aligned with Doi and Yoshino and learned soooo much in terms of spots and false finishes. This time, I can tell, we are going to learn more about ring psychology. Gamma and Cima are two of the best. Cima knows how to tell a story with simple body language and facial expressions while Gamma has almost perfect timing in terms of crowd interaction.
I just got to Skype with my beautiful wife, Dana. In this business, people talk about how difficult it is to have an understanding wife that is willing to put up with this particular life style. People also talk about how being away from your loved ones is the most difficult part of being a wrestler. Boy, were they right - about both things. I couldn't of asked for a more supportive partner in life, than my unbelievable wife. I had a little problem with my laptop yesterday and began throwing a temper tantrum - totally acting like a diva. Dana calmed me down in a matter of seconds. She is the one with A LOT more on her plate right now back at home, but here I am acting like an immature child. I really am puzzled how some workers can leave town without having a supporting cast back at home.
In other news, my youngest brother Malachi got his license which is a very big deal. He's growing up so fast! The Cutlers had their breakout performance at PWG last Sunday against us. Nick and I are so very proud of them. They have the potential of being something big. My niece Rebecca just celebrated her 2nd birthday the other day! Happy b-day Beck!
Anyhow, I've got an 11 am call time, so I've gotta get my bags packed. Talk to you soon!
Matt
Nick and I are going on 4 hours of sleep, as we had over 8 hrs of travel yesterday so we are a bit groggy. Speaking of Nick, he is busy watching "Botchamania" on youtube, so every time I finish punching in a key, I hear a loud chuckle. Unfortunately for him, I forced him to sleep on the top bunk because of my knee injury that I suffered a month back at the NWA Showcase tapings. We are currently staying in Kobe at a building that is dubbed the "Sanctuary." Why is it called this? I have no clue. It is a 4 story building where an upstairs padded room is located at the very top, one of the Dragon Gate offices are located on the second floor, the third floor is the apartment/living space (where we stay) and the first floor is the NEX arena. The NEX arena is a very tiny room with a 14 x 14 ring where Dragon Gate holds student showcase events.
A few nights ago we had the honor of teaming up with Gamma and Cima in an 8 man tag against their rivals "Real Hazard." Last tour, we were aligned with Doi and Yoshino and learned soooo much in terms of spots and false finishes. This time, I can tell, we are going to learn more about ring psychology. Gamma and Cima are two of the best. Cima knows how to tell a story with simple body language and facial expressions while Gamma has almost perfect timing in terms of crowd interaction.
I just got to Skype with my beautiful wife, Dana. In this business, people talk about how difficult it is to have an understanding wife that is willing to put up with this particular life style. People also talk about how being away from your loved ones is the most difficult part of being a wrestler. Boy, were they right - about both things. I couldn't of asked for a more supportive partner in life, than my unbelievable wife. I had a little problem with my laptop yesterday and began throwing a temper tantrum - totally acting like a diva. Dana calmed me down in a matter of seconds. She is the one with A LOT more on her plate right now back at home, but here I am acting like an immature child. I really am puzzled how some workers can leave town without having a supporting cast back at home.
In other news, my youngest brother Malachi got his license which is a very big deal. He's growing up so fast! The Cutlers had their breakout performance at PWG last Sunday against us. Nick and I are so very proud of them. They have the potential of being something big. My niece Rebecca just celebrated her 2nd birthday the other day! Happy b-day Beck!
Anyhow, I've got an 11 am call time, so I've gotta get my bags packed. Talk to you soon!
Matt
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Mickie D's, K-Hall, my wife and cat, DGUSA!
Greetings!
I just got done chowing down on my McDonalds breakfast which included 2 sausage muffins, 1 hot apple pie and a cup of coffee which I just had to refill downstairs in the lobby because the size of this thing is so ridiculously small. We've been here three days and we've already tallied up three trips to the golden arches! Along with breakfast, I am Skyping with my wife who just got off work. She just put my cat Zeek on the webcam which makes me miss home! =/Every time I shower back at home, the little guy WILL NOT leave me alone. He attempts to get into the tub multiple times because of this weird fascination he has with water. He claws the curtain and walks alongside the tub every time I am in there, so it was kind of sad last night when I was showering here at the room and opened the curtain looking for my favorite pet but shortly realized after that I was in a different country then my aqua-kitty!
Anyhow, last night was the first match of a 14 show tour. We arrived at the Korakuen Hall around 3:00 pm, set up the ring and got ready for the show. Words can not describe how it feels to be in this building. This is a wrestling building that has such a rich history. The history is literally written on the wall. Every time Nick and I work the Korakuen Hall (and I believe this was our 5th time) we take a few minutes to read all of the signatures of wrestlers that have wrestled in this building that signed the wall. Alongside some of the greats lies a big bold black signature that reads, "THE YOUNG BUCKS - MATT JACKSON NICK JACKSON 5/14/08." That was the very first time we wrestled not only at the Korakuen Hall, but in Japan. It seems sooo long ago, but it was only 11 months ago! We just feel like we've learned so much since then, and are virtually completely different wrestlers both in and out of the ring. Wrestling in Japan is simply the best teaching lesson that you can have as a professional wrestler. Now back to the show.. .We start the show with the new group Warriors-5 coming down to ringside stating that they have two new members of their unit. It turns out to be two guys known as The Young Bucks! We were well received and are now apart of the biggest group in Dragon Gate which is headed by Cima. Later on in the night, Gamma and Cima accompained us ringside in long haired wigs! It was a sight to see, watching two of Japans best, smiling from ear to ear and clapping to the beat of MMMBOP. I'll never forget it. We had a really good match against Doi and McKz in front of at least 2,500 people.
Tonight, we will be wrestling in our very first main event at a Dragon Gate show as we team with Cima and Gamma. To say that we are psyched would be an understatement. Also, word has finally came out about Dragon Gate USA. Dragon Gate is fastly becoming a world wide phenomenon and we're just happy to be on board! Look for details very soon!
Until next time!
Matt
I just got done chowing down on my McDonalds breakfast which included 2 sausage muffins, 1 hot apple pie and a cup of coffee which I just had to refill downstairs in the lobby because the size of this thing is so ridiculously small. We've been here three days and we've already tallied up three trips to the golden arches! Along with breakfast, I am Skyping with my wife who just got off work. She just put my cat Zeek on the webcam which makes me miss home! =/Every time I shower back at home, the little guy WILL NOT leave me alone. He attempts to get into the tub multiple times because of this weird fascination he has with water. He claws the curtain and walks alongside the tub every time I am in there, so it was kind of sad last night when I was showering here at the room and opened the curtain looking for my favorite pet but shortly realized after that I was in a different country then my aqua-kitty!
Anyhow, last night was the first match of a 14 show tour. We arrived at the Korakuen Hall around 3:00 pm, set up the ring and got ready for the show. Words can not describe how it feels to be in this building. This is a wrestling building that has such a rich history. The history is literally written on the wall. Every time Nick and I work the Korakuen Hall (and I believe this was our 5th time) we take a few minutes to read all of the signatures of wrestlers that have wrestled in this building that signed the wall. Alongside some of the greats lies a big bold black signature that reads, "THE YOUNG BUCKS - MATT JACKSON NICK JACKSON 5/14/08." That was the very first time we wrestled not only at the Korakuen Hall, but in Japan. It seems sooo long ago, but it was only 11 months ago! We just feel like we've learned so much since then, and are virtually completely different wrestlers both in and out of the ring. Wrestling in Japan is simply the best teaching lesson that you can have as a professional wrestler. Now back to the show.. .We start the show with the new group Warriors-5 coming down to ringside stating that they have two new members of their unit. It turns out to be two guys known as The Young Bucks! We were well received and are now apart of the biggest group in Dragon Gate which is headed by Cima. Later on in the night, Gamma and Cima accompained us ringside in long haired wigs! It was a sight to see, watching two of Japans best, smiling from ear to ear and clapping to the beat of MMMBOP. I'll never forget it. We had a really good match against Doi and McKz in front of at least 2,500 people.
Tonight, we will be wrestling in our very first main event at a Dragon Gate show as we team with Cima and Gamma. To say that we are psyched would be an understatement. Also, word has finally came out about Dragon Gate USA. Dragon Gate is fastly becoming a world wide phenomenon and we're just happy to be on board! Look for details very soon!
Until next time!
Matt
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Back to Japan!
Wow. Yesterday was a long day of travel. We were scheduled for a 12 hour flight from LAX to Narita, but then our plane had maintenace issues. We waited on board for 2 hours and 15 minutes before the plane even left the floor! So, our 12 hour flight was now a 14 hour and 15 minute flight. We then ran straight through immigration, baggage claim and customs and found our good friend Tanisaki waiting with a smile. Dragon Gate wrestlers are just too polite. After another 90 minutes of driving from Narita to Tokyo we finally arrived at the New Star Hotel.
Of course before any of this travel began, we had to say goodbye to our loved ones. Saying goodbye is easily the worse thing in the world, or at least in the top three. I thought that this particular time would be the easiest because I've done this rodeo a couple of times before. However, this time was easily the toughest - especially with my wife Dana.. Maybe because Dana and I haven't been apart for more than 4 days since we got married in November? We wake up together, drink coffee together, commute together, work together, live together and sleep together. We truly are living the great life. =) These next several weeks are going to be rough, but I know we will get through them. These Dragon Gate tours are mine and Nicks bread and butter and the reason we've gotten so much notoriety this past year.
Our first match is tonight at the legendary Korakuen Hall against Doi and McKz - two guys that we've wrested many times in the past. It should be a very fun, athletic match to say the least. After tonights show, we've got four straight shows in three different cities. Feel free to check out which cities we'll be hitting on our MySpace page schedule.
Anyhow, I'm going to try to update this regularly so you can follow us on our tour. I think this can be fun and interesting! Hit me up with questions, comments, etc and I'll try to answer them on here.
Be safe, and God bless!
Matt
Of course before any of this travel began, we had to say goodbye to our loved ones. Saying goodbye is easily the worse thing in the world, or at least in the top three. I thought that this particular time would be the easiest because I've done this rodeo a couple of times before. However, this time was easily the toughest - especially with my wife Dana.. Maybe because Dana and I haven't been apart for more than 4 days since we got married in November? We wake up together, drink coffee together, commute together, work together, live together and sleep together. We truly are living the great life. =) These next several weeks are going to be rough, but I know we will get through them. These Dragon Gate tours are mine and Nicks bread and butter and the reason we've gotten so much notoriety this past year.
Our first match is tonight at the legendary Korakuen Hall against Doi and McKz - two guys that we've wrested many times in the past. It should be a very fun, athletic match to say the least. After tonights show, we've got four straight shows in three different cities. Feel free to check out which cities we'll be hitting on our MySpace page schedule.
Anyhow, I'm going to try to update this regularly so you can follow us on our tour. I think this can be fun and interesting! Hit me up with questions, comments, etc and I'll try to answer them on here.
Be safe, and God bless!
Matt
Sunday, April 5, 2009
1st Post
I'm starting this blog so I can write about my career as a professional wrestler. More to come later!
-Matt
-Matt
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